Spiritual Gifts

What Does the Lord Want to do Through You?

August 16, 2026

Summary

This sermon from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 explores the topic of spiritual gifts and how the Holy Spirit desires to work through every believer for the common good of the church. The pastor connects the passage to the broader context of the Corinthian gathering, explaining that just as a host at a dinner party would distribute gifts and honor to guests, the Lord Himself is the true host of the church and distributes spiritual gifts to each member. The key emphasis is that these gifts are not earned or achieved through spiritual status, but are freely given by the Holy Spirit to equip every believer to serve others and honor Jesus.

JMT walks through the list of gifts in the passage, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues, offering practical working definitions for each. The overarching challenge to the congregation is to show up to every gathering expecting to meet with God at work, not just through the pastor or worship team, but through every person present. The sermon closes with a call to pray for the Holy Spirit to activate these gifts in the congregation and to begin stepping out in faith by serving others.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come together today as your family, gathered around your table and under your roof. We ask that you would open our hearts and minds to what you want to speak to each of us today. Holy Spirit, we invite you to move freely among us in this group. Help us to set aside our assumptions and our comfort zones, and give us the courage to ask the question: Lord, what do you want to do in me and through me? May this time together build us up, draw us closer to you, and equip us to serve one another well. In Jesus name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one talent or skill you have that you feel like you do not use nearly enough, and why do you think that is?

Key Verses

  • 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
  • 1 Corinthians 11:28
  • Joel 2:28-32

Questions

  • JMT described the Holy Spirit as the true host of the church gathering who distributes gifts to every believer.
    • How does thinking of the Holy Spirit as the host of your church experience change the way you approach Sunday mornings or small group meetings?

  • In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul says the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.
    • What do you think it means practically for a gift to be used for the common good rather than for personal recognition or status?

  • JMT pointed out that the word 'spiritual' in Corinthian culture had become a self-satisfied, aspirational term, and Paul redirected the conversation toward gifts that are freely given, not earned.
    • Have you ever felt like spiritual gifts were something only certain people had access to?
    • How does this passage challenge that idea?

  • The sermon mentioned that there are 17 references to divine giving in just 11 verses, suggesting the Holy Spirit is deeply interested in distributing gifts among believers.
    • Why do you think the church sometimes struggles to fully embrace or experience the gifts described in this passage?

  • JMT offered working definitions for several gifts, including prophecy as either interpreting what circumstances mean or calling people to take action.
    • Have you ever experienced someone speaking into your life in a way that felt like it came from God? What was that like?

  • The sermon suggested that a limiting factor in experiencing spiritual gifts might be our courage or our schedules.
    • Which of those two do you think is a bigger barrier for you personally, and what might it look like to address it?

  • JMT encouraged people to try serving even if they are unsure of their specific gift, and to look for results that build up the body.
    • What is one area of service you have been hesitant to step into, and what small step could you take this week to try it?

  • The sermon closed with a call to pray for the Holy Spirit to activate these gifts in the congregation.
    • What would it look like for your small group or church community to regularly pray together for the Holy Spirit to work through each person present?

Life Application

This week, set aside a few minutes each morning to ask God one simple question: 'Lord, what do you want to do through me today?' Then pay attention throughout the day for moments where you can offer wisdom, encouragement, prayer, or practical help to someone around you. At the end of the week, reflect on what happened when you showed up expecting God to work through you, and come ready to share what you noticed with your group.

Key Takeaways

  • The Holy Spirit is the true host of the church gathering, and He desires to distribute gifts to every believer, not just leaders or those with special status.
  • Spiritual gifts are freely given by God, not earned through spiritual achievement, and they are meant to serve the common good of the whole body rather than elevate any individual.
  • The full range of spiritual gifts described in Scripture is still available and desired by God for the church today, and the church should actively pray for and pursue their activation.
  • Prophecy and other gifts often work through ordinary people in ordinary moments, and discernment is needed to test whether what is spoken aligns with Scripture and builds up the body.
  • The key question every believer should regularly ask is: What does the Lord want to do in me and through me? Showing up with that expectation transforms how we engage with our church community.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for this time together and for the truth of your word that reminds us we are not spectators in your church but active participants, each gifted and called to serve. Holy Spirit, we ask you to activate your gifts among us. Give us the courage to step out in faith, the humility to serve others before ourselves, and the discernment to recognize when you are at work through the people around us. May our lives and our gatherings bring honor to Jesus, and may no one in our community go home without having encountered your presence. We trust you as our host, and we offer ourselves as your servants. In Jesus name, amen.