This sermon explores the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts within the local church, emphasizing that the church is the focal point of God's plan to display Christ's glory to the nations. The pastor addresses the Corinthian church's immaturity in using their spiritual gifts and calls the congregation to understand that gifts are not for self-glorification but for serving one another and glorifying Christ.

The message stresses that every believer is gifted by the Holy Spirit for the common good of the body, and that true biblical church membership is an office requiring commitment, service, and sacrifice. Rather than seeking to identify personal gifts through assessment, believers are encouraged to find needs within the church and step in to serve, allowing God to reveal and develop their gifts through active ministry. The sermon culminates with a call to have the mindset of Christ—one of humility, service, and sacrificial love for the church body.

Discipleship Questions

1. How does understanding spiritual gifts as tools for building God's kingdom rather than personal achievements change the way you approach serving in the church?
2. In what ways might you be functioning in 'ignorance' regarding your spiritual gifts, and how can you move toward maturity in using them for Christ's glory?
3. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's purpose is to glorify Jesus, not promote Himself. How does this principle challenge contemporary Christian culture's focus on spiritual experiences?
4. Paul connects spiritual gifts with the sacrifice of Christ in communion and the love described in 1 Corinthians 13. Why is this connection essential for proper use of spiritual gifts?
5. The pastor argues that biblical church membership is itself an office with purpose, qualification, calling, and gifting. How does this perspective challenge casual or consumer-oriented approaches to church involvement?
6. What needs do you see in your church body, and how might stepping into those needs reveal spiritual gifts you didn't know you had?
7. How does the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 address both pride in those with prominent gifts and discouragement in those with less visible gifts?
8. The early church in Acts 2 was devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, which resulted in daily conversions. What is the connection between internal church health and external gospel impact?
9. What would it look like practically for you to 'die to self-glorification' and adopt Christ's servant mindset in your use of spiritual gifts?
10. The sermon challenges us to stop asking 'What are my gifts?' and start asking 'Where is the need?' How might this shift in focus transform your involvement in ministry?