Giving Thanks for Spiritual Gifts

Let’s learn more about “Expressing Our Joy Godward” Turn again to 1Corinthians 1:4-9.

1. Write out 1 Corinthians 1:7 in your own words.


Those who are followers of Jesus, the Holy One of God, do not lack any spiritual gift as we eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come back. In other words, we are supplied with all we need to live out our lives on this earth as we anticipate the Lord’s return. He didn’t just leave us stranded, but supplies us with everything we need.

Each follower of Christ has been given spiritual gifts to lift up or edify other believers and to draw the unbeliever, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to Jesus. We must be willing and obedient to use these gifts. Do not let your gifts sit idle or be timid about using them. The Lord intends for us to use our gifts that He gave us.

2. Read Matthew 25:14-30. What do you think this parable means?

We are all given certain gifts and we must be obedient to God and use them. By using your spiritual gifts, you are expressing your joy Godward. You thank Him through your actions, not just in words.

3. Read 2 Timothy 1: 6-7. What are we to do with the gift(s) given to us?

What did God NOT give us? 

What DID He give us?

If you are timid, this timidity is not from God. It is not one of His gifts. It stands in direct contrast to what the Holy Spirit does give us which is power, love and self-discipline. We express our joy Godward by renouncing timidity as a lie of the evil one and by accepting the gifts that God gives us.

4. Read 1 Timothy 4:14. What are we not to neglect? Why?

Have you ever given a gift to someone and they received it with a lot less enthusiasm than you wanted them to have? It hurt you, didn’t it? I know that I feel a great deal of deflation when this happens. For me, I know how much thought I put into the gift and to see the gift pushed to the side with the recipient looking at me with a look of, “Is this all you have?” or “I wanted what you gave her!” This makes me sad. It hurts me. I am disappointed. The same is true with the Holy Spirit. We grieve Him when we push our gifts aside, the ones He tailor made for us.

5. Read the following passages and fill in the blanks: 
1 Thessalonians 5:19. (NIV) “Do not _________ _________ the Spirit’s ______________...”

Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) “And do not _________________ the Holy Spirit of God, with who you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

We grieve the Holy Spirit and put out His fire in our lives when we do not use our spiritual gifts and are not thankful for them. When we succumb to lies of the evil one like, “You’re not good enough.” or, “Do you really have that gift or do you just think you have that gift?” Or, “It will look like you think that you are better that everyone if you use your gift.” or, how about this one, “Don’t draw attention to myself.” When we say these things we grieve the Holy Spirit and His fire inside us is dimmed.

6. What does Jesus say about the light given to us in Matthew 5:14 –16? 

The light we shine when we use the gifts and talents from God draw others to Him. Maybe you aren’t sure what your gifts are. Let me assure you that your do have gifts. If you ask God He will reveal what gifts He has placed within you. In fact, He is excited to do it. Isn't it time you asked Him?

Prayer Time
Go to your Prayer Journal and express your joy Godward for the gifts that He has given you. Confess any unbelief, neglect or ungratefulness you have for your spiritual gift(s).

Discussion Questions
1. As believers in Jesus, the Holy One of God, we do not lack any spiritual gift. Do you believe that you have been given any spiritual gifts? Why or why not? Do you know what they are?

2. If you are timid, this timidity is not from God. It is not one of His gifts Are you timid? How is it affecting your life? 

3. The evil one wants for us to believe his lies about who we are and what we have been given by God. Have you or are you believing those lies? Explain.