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Session 2: Unwrapping My Spiritual Gifts

In our second session, we explored the "S" in SHAPE: Spiritual Gifts. We learned that every believer is given special abilities by the Holy Spirit at conversion. These gifts are not for our own benefit but are given to share God's love and strengthen the body of Christ.

 

A Deeper Dive into Our Discussion

 

1. Reflecting on Our Growth The session began with a time of reflection on how we change and mature over time. Pastor Bryce shared how his abilities have been refined over 20 years of ministry, and how our physical and spiritual lives are always in a state of growth. One member added, "I think I can see some progress in my growth, and I hope other people see that too." We acknowledged that our life experiences are a key part of this, continually shaping us and equipping us to help others on their journey.

2. What is a Spiritual Gift? The teaching video clarified that spiritual gifts are not the same as personality traits, natural talents, or the Fruit of the Spirit. They are unique abilities given by God for a specific purpose. A spiritual gift is defined as:

A God-given special ability given to every believer at conversion by the Holy Spirit to share His love and strengthen the body of Christ.

3. The Three Traps to Avoid The video warned of three common traps that keep us from effectively using our gifts:

  • Comparison: Valuing more "visible" gifts over "behind-the-scenes" gifts. We must remember that all parts of the body are necessary.

  • Projection: Expecting others to be good at the same things we are or to do things the same way we do them.

  • Rejection: Denying or refusing to use a gift God has given you. One member bravely shared a personal struggle with this, citing a "self-defeating attitude" and "not thinking I'm good enough."

4. The Essential Role of Love Pastor Bryce reminded us that 1 Corinthians 13, the "love chapter," is placed right between two chapters on spiritual gifts for a reason. Without love, our gifts are just noise. Love is the essential ingredient that makes our service effective and pleasing to God, ensuring we are not just operating in our own power but reflecting His character.

 

Pastor's Final Encouragement

 

Pastor Bryce closed the session with a practical charge: don't wait until you have everything figured out to start serving. Discovering your gifts is a process, and often, you find them as you minister to others. He encouraged everyone to not reject a gift God may be revealing and to ask someone who knows them well for their perspective, as they can often see gifts in us that we don't recognize in ourselves.

Watch the video for Session 2 here.

 

Engage Throughout the Week

 

The conversation doesn't have to end on Sunday night! Use the space below to reflect on this week's lesson, ask questions, and encourage one another.

 

Discussion Prompts:

 

  1. The group discussed three traps: Comparison, Projection, and Rejection. Which of these three do you find yourself most easily falling into when it comes to serving?

  2. The teaching explained that spiritual gifts are different from natural talents. What is a natural talent you have, and how do you think the Holy Spirit could empower that talent to be used as a spiritual service to the church?

  3. Why do you think love is the essential ingredient that makes our spiritual gifts effective?

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This Week's Assignment

 

Your assignment is to begin identifying your spiritual gifts.

  1. Review the list of spiritual gifts in your workbook on pages 16, 17, and 18.

  2. Prayerfully consider each one and try to identify the four or five that you think best match you.

  3. Bonus: Ask someone who knows you well to look at the list and tell you which gifts they see in you.

Be prepared to discuss your initial thoughts next week!