Summary
Pastor Ben delivered a message on spiritual gifts, specifically focusing on the ‘power gifts’ of faith and discernment. He shared how these gifts demonstrate God’s power, presence, and reality in the church. The sermon emphasized that the gift of faith enables believers to see what God wants to accomplish and maintain unwavering confidence that He will do it, while discernment helps distinguish whether something comes from God, humans, or demonic sources. Pastor Ben used examples like George Mueller’s orphan ministry and biblical figures Joshua and Caleb to illustrate faith in action. He stressed that these gifts work together with love and word gifts to build up the church body, and that people with different gifts should collaborate rather than view each other with suspicion. The message concluded with an invitation for people to receive prayer for these spiritual gifts.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us. As we gather together to study Your Word and discuss the spiritual gifts You’ve given to Your church, we ask that You would fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us to be receptive to Your voice and open to how You want to work in and through each of us. Remove any barriers of doubt, fear, or preconceived notions that might prevent us from fully embracing what You have planned for our time together. We surrender our own agendas and ask that Your will be done in our discussion today. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one thing you believed in as a child that required a lot of faith or trust, even if it seemed impossible to others around you?
Key Verses
- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
- Hebrews 11:6
Questions
- Pastor Ben mentioned that faith ‘moves mountains for love, not for show.’ What do you think is the difference between these two motivations, and how can we ensure our faith is motivated by love?
- Dale shared his testimony about being baptized with the Holy Spirit in Brazil. Have you ever experienced a moment when God called you to step out of your comfort zone? How did you respond?
- The sermon described people with the gift of faith as those who ‘breathe oxygen into a room and blow out the staleness of unbelief.’ Who in your life has been that kind of person for you?
- Pastor Ben warned that those with the gift of faith can struggle with criticism and may not want their visions questioned. How can we balance having strong faith with remaining humble and open to input from others?
- The gift of discernment was described as knowing whether something comes from God, humans, or demonic sources. How can we develop better discernment in our daily lives?
- George Mueller cared for 10,000 orphans without ever asking for money, trusting God to provide. What would it look like for us to live with that level of trust in God’s provision?
- The sermon emphasized that we need all the spiritual gifts working together as the body of Christ. How can our church better encourage and utilize the different gifts represented in our congregation?
- Pastor Ben shared about God canceling his debt as an example of answered prayer. How has God shown His faithfulness to you in unexpected ways?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you’ve been operating in unbelief or doubt about God’s promises. Choose to exercise faith in that area by praying specifically for God’s intervention and looking for ways He might be working. Additionally, pay attention to how you respond to others who express strong faith – practice encouraging rather than dismissing their God-given vision and trust.
Key Takeaways
- The gift of faith is a Spirit-given ability to see what God wants done and maintain unwavering confidence that He will accomplish it
- Power gifts demonstrate God’s power, presence, and reality, and they work together with love gifts and word gifts to build up the church
- People with the gift of faith ‘breathe oxygen into a room and blow out the staleness of unbelief’ and are essential for the church’s mission
- The gift of discernment helps distinguish whether something comes from God, humans, or demonic sources
- All spiritual gifts must be exercised in love and with humility, working together as the body of Christ rather than operating independently
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and learning about the gifts You’ve given to Your church. We pray that You would activate and strengthen the gifts of faith and discernment among us. Help us to be people who trust in Your promises with unwavering confidence, and give us wisdom to discern Your voice and Your will. May we work together as one body, each contributing our unique gifts for the building up of Your kingdom. As we go from this place, help us to live as people of faith who bring hope and encouragement to others. Continue to blow out any staleness of unbelief in our hearts and fill us fresh with Your Holy Spirit. We commit to seeking You and growing in the gifts You’ve given us. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.
5 Day Devotional
This daily devotional builds on the insights from last Sunday’s sermon, guiding us to deepen our faith and continue our spiritual journey.
Day 1: Opening Your Heart to God’s Movement
Devotional
Sometimes God calls us out of our comfort zones in ways we never expected. Many of us have analytical minds and prefer staying in the background, thinking we’re not the type for bold faith or expressive worship. But God has a way of breaking through our self-imposed limitations. When we make ourselves open to His Spirit, He can transform even the most reserved among us into vessels of His power. The journey begins with a simple willingness to let God work in ways that might feel unfamiliar. You don’t have to be naturally expressive or outgoing – you just need to be available. God specializes in using ordinary people who are willing to step beyond their perceived limitations. He sees potential in you that you might not even recognize in yourself.
Bible Verse
‘Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.’ – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Reflection Question
What self-imposed limitations might be preventing you from being fully available to God’s work in your life?
Quote
I believe if this could happen to me, it could also happen to all you folks, right? There’s nothing special about me other than you gotta make yourself open to it, right?
Prayer
Lord, help me to be open to Your Spirit working in my life, even in ways that feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Break down the walls I’ve built around myself and use me for Your purposes.
Day 2: Stepping Out of the Woodwork
Devotional
God has a way of calling us out of hiding when He has work for us to do. Sometimes we prefer to blend into the background, staying comfortable in familiar routines. But there are moments when God says, “I need you to be out there.” He sees people in our communities who need exactly what we have to offer – a word of encouragement, a lesson to teach, or simply our presence as a testimony of His goodness. When we step out of our comfort zones, we discover abilities we never knew we had. Teaching becomes more than reading from a curriculum; it becomes a dynamic exchange where we find new scriptures and ask better questions. We learn that we can raise our hands, move around, and express ourselves in ways we never thought possible. The key is recognizing that someone needs to see us – not because we’re perfect, but because God wants to use our unique story and gifts to touch their life.
Bible Verse
‘And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’ – Hebrews 11:6
Reflection Question
Who in your community might need to see you step out and share what God has given you?
Quote
And God said, you’re trying to hide in the woodwork and I need you to be out there.
Prayer
God, give me courage to step out of my comfort zone when You call me. Help me recognize the people You want me to reach with Your love and truth.
Day 3: Love Conquers Fear
Devotional
In a world filled with uncertainty and intensity, we need an anchor that holds firm. That anchor is found in the love of Jesus and our trust in Him. When we truly grasp the depth of Christ’s love for us, fear loses its grip on our hearts. This isn’t about denying that challenges exist or pretending everything is easy. It’s about recognizing that we have a God who stands with us through every storm. Whether we’re facing personal struggles, national tensions, or uncertain futures, His presence remains constant. The choice before us is simple yet profound: we can either stay where it feels safe and comfortable, or we can grab His hand and step into the unknown. Both choices require bravery, but only one leads to the blessings that await on the other side. When love and trust in Jesus fill our hearts, there’s no room for paralyzing fear to take root.
Bible Verse
‘If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.’ – 1 Corinthians 13:2
Reflection Question
What fears are you allowing to keep you from fully trusting God’s love and stepping into His plans for you?
Quote
And she says because where there’s love of Jesus and trust in Jesus, there is no fear.
Prayer
Lord, fill my heart with Your perfect love that casts out all fear. Help me trust You enough to step boldly into the future You have planned.
Day 4: The Gift of Unwavering Confidence
Devotional
Some believers possess a remarkable spiritual gift – the ability to see what God wants to accomplish and maintain unwavering confidence that He will do it. This gift of faith goes beyond ordinary belief; it’s a supernatural ability to accept God’s promises at face value, even when circumstances seem impossible. Think of George Mueller, who cared for thousands of orphans and spent millions of dollars while never asking anyone for money. He simply prayed and trusted God to provide. Those with this gift don’t just hope things will work out – they know God will intervene because they’ve seen Him do it repeatedly. They breathe life into rooms filled with doubt and unbelief. Their confidence isn’t based on their own abilities but on God’s character and promises. This gift reminds us all that our God is still in the miracle business, still moving mountains, and still providing for His children in extraordinary ways.
Bible Verse
‘Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.’ – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Reflection Question
How can you cultivate greater confidence in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem challenging?
Quote
The gift of faith is a spirit given ability to see something that God wants done and to sustain unwavering confidence that God will do it.
Prayer
God, increase my faith and help me trust Your promises completely. Show me how to be a person who breathes hope into situations filled with doubt.
Day 5: Building the Body Together
Devotional
God never intended for any of us to operate in isolation. The gift of faith, like all spiritual gifts, is meant to work alongside other gifts to build up the church body. Faith that moves mountains doesn’t do so for show – it moves them for love. Those with extraordinary faith need believers with discernment to help evaluate whether visions truly come from God. They need encouragers, teachers, servants, and leaders all working together. It takes every single person leaning into their spiritual gifts to create a force that can reach the community and bring others into God’s family. When we combine different gifts and perspectives, we form the complete body of Christ. The goal isn’t individual recognition but collective impact. Together, we can blow the staleness of unbelief out of rooms and demonstrate God’s love to a watching world. Your gift, whatever it may be, is essential to this beautiful tapestry of faith.
Bible Verse
‘If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.’ – 1 Corinthians 13:2
Reflection Question
How can you better use your spiritual gifts to work alongside others in building up your church community?
Quote
It’s going to take every single one of you leaning into those spiritual gifts to build up this church body right to be a force to go out into our community and bring others in.
Prayer
Lord, help me discover and use my spiritual gifts in harmony with others. Make our church a powerful force for Your kingdom in our community.
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