For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this Anchor Group study with you.

⌘ Space to Belong | 5-10 minutes

Connect with one another with an ice-breaker.

🧊 Have you ever had to stick with something hard despite initial failure (like Paul’s CDL example)? What motivated you to try again?

⌘ Space to Believe | 10-15 minutes

Read and reflect on the scripture.

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 (NIV) 1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

What stands out to you? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?

Other Scriptures referenced in message: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, James 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 13

⌘ Space to Become | 10-15 minutes

A. Familiarize yourself with the sermon.

In this message, Paul emphasizes that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for today and are meant to actively bless and empower the Church. Too often, our theology about spiritual gifts is shaped by negative experiences or disappointments rather than the truth of Scripture. But as the Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 12-14, the Holy Spirit desires to equip believers with both purity (fruit) and **power (gifts)**for the benefit of others. Paul reminded us that spiritual gifts are a normal part of the Christian life, they require prayerful eagerness to receive, and they are always motivated by God’s love to help those around us.

(See the bottom of this note for a full sermon outline).

B. Discuss one or more of the following questions.

1. What stands out to you most about the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

• Paul invited us to base our understanding of the gifts on Scripture, not personal experience or doubts.
• Are there specific gifts that excite you? Are there any that make you feel hesitant or skeptical? Why?

1. What does “eagerly desiring the gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1) look like in your life?
   • Paul explained that "eagerly desire" (Greek: ζηλόω, zay-LOW-oh) means to passionately pursue the gifts, much like a child excitedly asking for Christmas gifts.
   • How can you intentionally pray, prepare, or position yourself to grow in spiritual gifts? Have you ever asked God for a specific gift?
2. How does knowing “we don’t lose control” impact your understanding of spiritual gifts?
   • Paul reminded us that spiritual gifts never override our free will. The Holy Spirit works in partnership with us, not as a force that takes over.
   • Can you think of a time when you said “No” to God’s prompting or “Yes” to stepping out in faith with a spiritual gift? What happened?
3. Why is it important to remember that spiritual gifts are not a “stamp of approval”?
   • Paul emphasized that gifts are not earned but are freely given by God's grace. Gifts don't indicate spiritual maturity—they are tools for serving others.
   • How does this truth encourage humility in how we view both ourselves and others in the body of Christ?