Your Divine Design, Session 2 Discussion Guide

Discussion Guide

Your Divine Design

Session 2: How to Discover Your Spiritual Gift(s)  

Spiritual Gifts Inventories/Assessments:  

You are invited to take one or both of the spiritual gifts inventories/assessments accessible through the links below.  

http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/spiritual-gifts-online-assessment   

Spiritual Gifts Quiz - CLICK HERE

Sermon Snapshot:

Spiritual gifts are significant to the body of Christ—each of us has been gifted and the gifts that are given should be used for great significance.  When we speak of spiritual gifts, particularly discovering our gift, we are talking about belonging.  We are not, though, referring to belonging in a general way to the body of Christ because whether or not we belong to the body of Christ is not the question for followers of Jesus—we belong.  Rather, “belonging” refers to the function we have as part of the body of Christ, which is largely dictated by our spiritual gift(s).  So, what is the role in which you belong?  It is of great importance to know what our spiritual gift(s) is/are.  So, how do we discover our spiritual gift(s)?    

1. Know what the spiritual gifts are.  One way to do this is simply read Scripture that discusses the spiritual gifts (see Scripture references below).     
2. Be intentionally reflective: 
1. Tell your story
2. Ask yourself questions:  
1. What do I find fulfilling?
2. What am I good at?       
3. What am I passionate about? 
3. Take spiritual gift inventory/inventories   

      3. Seek council from other sources:

         1.  Christian brother(s) and/or sister(s) 

                 2.  God through Scripture and prayer  

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 12:1-31

1 Corinthians 13:1-10    

Romans 12:3-8

Ephesians 4:11-13  

Discussion Questions: 

1. Have you ever thought much about spiritual gifts?  Why or why not?  
2. What can be the benefits of folks being able to identify their spiritual gift(s)?  What can be the disadvantages of folks not being able to identify their spiritual gift(s)?  
3. Can identifying one’s own spiritual gift(s) change the way they live?  Can knowing one’s own spiritual gift(s) change the lives of others around them?  Please explain?  
4. Please share your thoughts about the spiritual gifts inventory/inventories.  Did you learn anything?  Were you surprised at all?  
5. Will you use other method(s) to help you discover and hone in on your spiritual gift(s)?  If so, what method(s) will you use?  
6. If you have a good idea of what your spiritual gift(s) already, what can you do to use it/them in the next few days? 

Challenge:  

Over the next few days, put into action what you think/know your spiritual gift(s) might be/is.

Your Divine Design, Session 1 Discussion Guide

Your Divine Design - Session 1

"You're a Masterpiece in the Making"

Sermon summary:  As disciples of Jesus, we were created for good works.  God gives us spiritual gifts to equip us for the works He has prepared beforehand for us to do, and for the building up of the Body of Christ.  A spiritual gift is a God given ability to serve God and others in such a way that Christ is glorified and believers are edified.  Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift, no matter what his or her natural abilities.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Additional scriptures: Ephesians 4:7, 11-13

1 Peter 4:10-11

1.  Who is a person that you know who has been radically changed by Jesus Christ?  They had an extreme makeover.  What was the biggest change you saw in them?

2.  How is your life different because Jesus did a makeover in you?

3.  Ephesians 2:10 says that you are God's workmanship (His masterpiece).  You are a canvas on which God is painting a priceless piece of art.  What work is God doing now in your life?

4.  How familiar are you with spiritual gifts?  What do you hope to get out of this study?

SEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1.  Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents.

2.  Every Christian has one or more spiritual gifts, given as God determines.

3.  Many believers have receive more than one spiritual gift.

4.  Spiritual gifts are evidence of the Holy Spirit working through the believer.

5.  Spiritual gifts can be abused or neglected but they are not taken away.

6.  Spiritual gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit.

7.  Spiritual gifts are to equip believers for ministry (service) and edification of the Body of Christ.

Next week's sermon will be on discovering your spiritual gift.  1 Corinthians 12:1-11   You will be given

a Spiritual Gifts questionnaire that will help you identify and understand your unique God-given spiritual gift(s).