"Word Gifts Pt. 1" Discussion Guide

Recap

  1. Have you recently expressed your gratitude to someone who served you in a way that made God’s love feel real?

Main Thought

Some of the spiritual gifts can be called “word gifts.” The word gifts clarify the nature, actions, and purposes of God. These things help us draw nearer to God as we understand Him more. As we employ our own God-given word gifts, we’ll be able to draw others to God too. Here are some of these word gifts:

  • Leadership: The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea.

  • Evangelist: The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to help non-Christians take the necessary steps to becoming Christ followers.

  • Pastor: The gift of pastor/shepherd is the divine strength or ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues.

  • Teacher: The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and growth to other Christians.

There’s a difference between a spiritual gift and a “spiritual office.” Someone with a gift uses their gift personally. Those who are called to a spiritual office takes this a step further, and equip others to operate in that gift while using it themselves. For example, someone with the gift of evangelism engages those who don’t know Christ. Someone called to the office of an evangelist helps others use the gift of evangelism.

Main Passages

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ...”
- Ephesians‬ ‭4:11-12‬

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think you have any of the gifts lifted in the Main Thought? How do you use it to serve God and others?

  2. How has someone with one of the aforementioned gifts (or someone who holds the spiritual office) helped your walk with God?

Application

  1. Use your spiritual gifts as a blessing for someone who doesn’t know Christ this week.