GPS Seminar Session 1 Resources
*time stamps link to full video on youtube
Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual gifts are not just talents or skills, but God-given capacities that are meant to be used for the benefit of others and the building up of the church.They are distinct from our natural abilities and are distributed by the Holy Spirit to every believer, regardless of background or personality. Recognizing this helps us move from passive church attendance to active participation in God’s mission. [07:50]
2. The three categories of gifts—manifestation, ministry, and motivational—each serve a unique purpose in the body of Christ.Manifestation gifts are Spirit-empowered expressions for specific moments, ministry gifts are roles for equipping the church, and motivational gifts are the core drives that shape how we serve. Understanding these distinctions prevents confusion and helps us honor the diversity of God’s work among us. [15:53]
3. Our spiritual gifts are woven into our very being, present from birth, but they are transformed and empowered when surrendered to Christ.Even pre-Christian passions and abilities can be redirected for God’s glory, as seen in the life of Paul. This means our past, including our pain and failures, can be redeemed and used as part of our unique contribution to God’s kingdom. [30:27]
4. Using our gifts is not about self-fulfillment or personal achievement, but about blessing others and advancing God’s purposes.When we neglect or “shelve” our gifts, we not only miss out on joy and growth, but the church also suffers from what we withhold. God calls us to “fan into flame” the gifts He’s given, stepping out in faith even when it feels awkward or costly. [34:52]
5. Our gifts shape our perspective and can sometimes create blind spots or friction with others who are differently gifted.Recognizing this helps us appreciate the strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and others, fostering humility, patience, and teamwork. The diversity of gifts is by God’s design, so that together we reflect the fullness of Christ and accomplish more than we ever could alone. [36:52]
Bible Study Guide
Bible Reading
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) — > As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV) — > Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV) — > Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Observation Questions
According to 1 Peter 4:10, what is the purpose of the gifts God gives to each believer?
In Romans 12:6-8, what are the seven motivational gifts Paul lists, and how does he encourage believers to use them?
The sermon described three categories of spiritual gifts: manifestation, ministry, and motivational gifts. What is the main difference between these categories? ([07:50])
How does 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 describe the source and purpose of spiritual gifts in the church?
Interpretation Questions
The sermon emphasized that spiritual gifts are not just natural talents or skills. What does it mean that these gifts are “God-given capacities” and how does that change the way we view our abilities? ([07:50])
Why is it important to recognize that every believer has at least one spiritual gift, regardless of their background or personality? How might this truth affect someone who feels like they don’t have much to offer? ([06:01])
The speaker mentioned that our gifts are “woven into our DNA, present from birth, but they come alive in new ways when surrendered to Christ.” How does this idea help us understand the relationship between our past experiences and our spiritual gifts? ([30:27])
The sermon warned against comparing our gifts to others or using them for self-fulfillment. What are some dangers of comparison, and how can focusing on serving others help us avoid them? ([34:52])
Application Questions
The S.H.A.P.E. acronym includes Spiritual gifts, Heart (passion), Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. Which of these areas do you feel most confident in, and which do you find hardest to see God using? How might you invite God to use even your pain or quirks for His glory? ([04:12])
Think about the seven motivational gifts from Romans 12 (perceiver, server, teacher, encourager, giver, administrator, compassion). Which one do you most identify with, and how have you seen it show up in your life—even before you were a Christian, if applicable? ([20:51])
The sermon said that when we “shelve” or neglect our gifts, both we and the church miss out. Is there a gift or passion you’ve set aside or ignored? What is one step you could take this week to “fan into flame” that gift? ([34:52])
Our gifts can sometimes create blind spots or friction with others who are differently gifted. Can you think of a time when your gift clashed with someone else’s? How could understanding each other’s gifts help your relationships at church, at home, or at work? ([36:52])
The speaker shared that discovering your gift can be a “light bulb” or a “validation” moment. Are you hoping for a new discovery or for confirmation of what you already sense? How can you invite God to speak to you during this process? ([23:19])
The sermon encouraged us to move from passive church attendance to active participation in God’s mission. What is one way you could use your gift to serve others in the church or community this month? ([07:50])
The diversity of gifts is by God’s design so that together we reflect the fullness of Christ. How can you celebrate and encourage the gifts you see in others, especially those that are different from your own? ([36:52])
