#433 (8/9/21) - YOU LACK NO SPIRITUAL GIFT (1 COR. 1:7)

This week our devotions are based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.

WE LACK NOTHING

Paul makes this extraordinary statement that they ‘do not lack any spiritual gift’. The problem with any true church is our response to the Spirit rather than a lack of gifted people. Is it true that the Father gives us all that we need in order to accomplish all that He calls us to be and do? Surely the answer is yes!

WE CAN MISS IT

Now, some of the Corinthians were misusing God’s gifts and we can do that. Some of the Corinthians were in sin and so were grieving the Spirit and we can do that also. Some of the Corinthians were limiting the Spirit’s work by dividing and failing to love their church family and we can do that. Surely, if there is any problem with a lack of Spiritual gifts, His work, His power… the problem lies with us! Later, Paul will speak of the church as a body with all the various gifts that are required for its health. we read,

LET’S USE WHAT WE’VE GOT WHERE WE ARE

Let’s hear God’s assurance, promise and challenge today. You are a part of a local church in which you have gifts to use for its health. Let’s get involved, and as we do so, we will find pleasure in serving others with the gifts He’s given to us.

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God spoken to you from the Bible this week?

3. Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group

On Sunday we began a new series in 1 Corinthians entitled 'Becoming love'. A central idea in the book of 1 Corinthians is the importance of learning to live a life of love.

The title of Sunday's message was, 'GOD IS FAITHFUL TO FINISH WHAT HE BEGINS'.

Please read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.

Paul begins this challenging letter with an encouragement to remember God's grace and faithfulness. This is a rich text and here are few points from it:

i) He chose us in Christ - The term 'sanctified' means to be chosen by God as His treasured possession. Something that's key to remember and needs to be re-said all the time is that God chose us and saved us in Christ at our worst. We were 'dead in sin' but God saved us through the cross without any reference to our good works. It's all in Jesus who is mentioned at least 8 times in these 9 verses!

ii) He is transforming us - The term 'holy people' means to have a new way of living that is pleasing to God. God has given us His Spirit and is changing us. We read that 'in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.' God is transforming our way of speaking and thinking.

iii) He gives us all that we need - God promises that 'you do not lack any spiritual gift'. God is faithful to finish what He begins in us and the church by providing all of the spiritual gifts that we need for our edification.

iv) God is faithful - We are weak and faltering, but our Father is faithful to finish the work He began in us. A wonderful phrase is 'God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son.' 'Fellowship is an unbreakable parnership - like a perfect marriage. God will never give up on His people. Let's be encouraged to trust God to provide all that we need as we seek Him for growth.

Discussion questions

1. Did God speak to you, or what do you plan to do in response to Sunday's message?

2. Do you have any questions about this text?

3. Count up how many times Jesus is mentioned in these 9 verses. How can one be certain of being saved - loved, forgiven and certain of eternal life?

4. Giving thanks is an important application from this text. What are the sorts of things that it's important to give thanks for? (Particularly, take a look at 1:4).

4. How does knowing that we are 'sancified' -chosen by and for God - change us?

5. We are 'called to be His holy people'. What does the bible say about how we can grow in holiness?

5. SIV

Finally, it would be helpful to talk and pray about how we are doing in regard to Serve, Invest and Invite. Do you have any encouraging stories or any plans in this regard? How do you want to pray in regard to our mission?