Key Thought : The Holy Spirit has given us spiritual gifts to use in witnessing and ministry. He calls us to share these gifts.

[Teaching plan for “Spiritual Gifts for Evangelism & Witnessing” April 16, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:11-14.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What are some of the reasons for having spiritual gifts in the church? What does it mean to edify the body?
C. Personal Application: How have pastors, evangelists, teachers, or prophets helped you to be a better minister or perfect your character?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t need any organized church. Christ said we would all know Him from the least to the greatest. So I don’t need a preacher, evangelist, prophet, or teacher. I know the Bible for myself.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 12:28-31.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What is the difference between a spiritual gift and a natural ability? Do we ever need to improve upon our abilities or gifts to better serve God? Share.
C. Personal Application: What do you think your main spiritual gifts are? Why? (Alternative: Ask each class member to share what they believe each other’s spiritual gifts to be.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”Some people are more talented and gifted than others. It’s better to let them do the work than try to do something that you’re not as good at. Why preach if you have a good preacher? Why teach if you have a good teacher?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Romans 12:3-5.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How important is it for the church to develop and use the gifts of every member of the church? What happens when a person is not challenged or included in some church ministry? Are there some members of your church that need inclusion?
C. Personal Application: Have you ever felt that some people in the church who have had leadership positions may develop a self-esteem problem and misuse their authority? How does one help them not to think too highly of themselves? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I belong to a large church and whatever gifts I may have are lost in the size of the church. So they are unimportant and useless since the church doesn’t see them or use them. Will I be held accountable for not using my gifts if the church doesn’t use them?” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read John 16:13.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How does the Holy Spirit guide us into all truth?
1) Why do many Christians say the Spirit is guiding them, but it leads them away from Spiritual foundations?
(Note: See John 17:17; Isaiah 8:19,20)
C. Personal Application: Has the Holy Spirit come to you and shown you
Things to come, or do you think His coming to you with all truth is yet
future? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this
week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with
them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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