What does it mean to be Spirit-filled? While there are many ways to unpack this idea biblically, Pastor Josh described being "Spirit-filled" as having a humble posture in our giftedness toward Jesus, using those gifts to join Jesus in his work, and appreciating giftedness in others like Jesus does. "Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another" (Romans 12:4-5, CSB)

Let's study more about this together.

Grow Together

Read this from the Bible together:‍

1 Corinthians 12:4-11‍

God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!

Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…

God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere. God doesn't give giftedness only to "special" people. He gives them to everyone. Have you ever been tempted to believe you aren't spiritually gifted? Or, have you ever been tempted to believe you have all the gifts? Why do you think it's tempting to interact with spiritual giftedness in this way (i.e. the "have" and "have nots")?

‍Giftedness originates in God's Spirit. Do you know what your spiritual giftings are? If so, in what ways do you see Jesus most reflected in you as a result? If not, ask your DNA or someone who knows you well what they think yours may be.

Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. God's goal for spiritual giftedness is unity not uniformity. Why do you think God designed his people to be working parts of a larger whole and not wholly dependent on any single gift or person?

Next Steps

"Your harmonious note in the gifting 'chord' helps elevate someone else." Do you agree with Pastor Josh that the gifts we have been given are to benefit those around us? Have you experienced this?

“Your gifts are for today, not some future 'holier' version of you." When we don't use our gifts to glorify Jesus—the church, our community and family's suffer. Have you ever slow played your giftings or ignored them altogether because you didn't feel worthy of them or didn't think it was the right time? How is this a misleading way to think about your gifts?

"Give love freely—its simple to understand, but hard to do." We are called to "fan the flame" of our gift into being so Jesus can be highlighted and love can be freely given. This involves personal responsibility and action. Do you have any gifts that are dormant in this season? What steps could you take towards fanning it into flame?