These are my answers to the questions found in the study guide for the Superpower series. Join me – share your answers at the links provided below so I can consider them as I develop the sermons over the next five weeks.
What gifts does Paul specifically mention in these verses?
Paul mentions nine items, but does not call them “gifts.” In verse seven the word is “manifestation,” these are nine various manifestations of the Spirit, looking back to verses 4-6, they could be gifts, services or workings so they could be abilities or empowerments in a given moment.
What do you think?
Circle the word Spirit. What do you notice about the repetition of this word?
It is the Spirit who is the focus, not the gifts given by the Spirit.
What do you think?
How does Paul sum up his point in verse 11?
The Spirit is the source of our powers and he distributes them as he determines to each person, every believer has been given manifestations of the Spirit.
What do you think?
Why is it important for us to remember that ALL our gifts and talents ultimately come from God when we are thinking about “spiritual gifts”?
Pride is eliminated and humility inspired by the realization that all our abilities ultimately come from God. There is no room for boasting or comparison. And the gift from God implies a responsibility to manage the gift well, not bury it away.
What do you think?
Look back at the list of gifts. Describe a time when you’ve experienced one of these gifts — either because you employed it or because you were a recipient of it.
At times I have sensed the Spirit speaking wisdom through me in a way that felt more than human, a prophetic word for the other person or group in that moment. I’ve seen God heal people that I have prayed for in ways doctors could not explain and in ways that clearly used doctors. During difficult seasons with our kids, the Spirit of God gave faith to trust him with their lives.
What do you think?
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