Opening

• Today our lesson is about Spiritual Gifts. Spiritual Gifts are not the same as talents.
• A talent is a special ability God may begin in us when we are young, but we must work hard to develop it. Playing a musical instrument, painting pictures, and doing well at football are examples of talents.
• On the other hand, Spiritual Gifts are special abilities given to those who receive Christ in their hearts. These gifts flow from God and are for building up the Body of Christ: the church.

Bible Story

• Read the following passages (Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4- 11.) Several times as the children follow along in their Bibles.

• Then have the children name the different Spiritual Gifts that are mentioned as you write them on the board.

• Discuss each one briefly and ask the children if they know of someone who has each gift. Also, be prepared to help the children understand
  the difference between a talent and a spiritual gift.

• Romans 12:6-8 (Spiritual gifts)
  Gifts mentioned:
  1. Prophesying (preaching)
  2. Serving (ministry)
  3. Teaching
  4. Encouraging (exhortation)
  5. Contributing (giving)
  6. Leading (ruling or administration)
  7. Showing Mercy
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (Spiritual gifts)
  Gifts mentioned:
  1. Wisdom
  2. Knowledge
  3. Faith
  4. Healing
  5. Miraculous powers
  6. Prophecy (preaching)
  7. Discernment
  8. Speaking in other tongues (languages)
  9. Interpretation
• Today we have learnt that God gives special gifts to His people so they can serve others.
• When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are given a special gift. This gift is not a great talent or skill that we learn over time, instead, it is God working through us. People have many needs, and the church has many areas to serve. That is why all gifts are not the same, but all are important and helpful to minister to the body of Christ, that is the church.
• We must keep in mind, however, as great as these gifts are, there is one gift that is more special, more important, and more precious than any other. That is the gift of Jesus. God gave His only Son to die for us, so we could be saved from our sins, and have everlasting life. If God cared so much about us to give up His Son, should we not also use our gifts as often as we can to glorify Him.

Questions

1. Are all the gifts the same? (No.)
2. Who determines what Spiritual Gifts you will receive? (The Holy Spirit.)
3. What are these Spiritual Gifts for according to 1 Corinthians 12:7? (For the common good.)
4. What does “common good” mean? (It means for the building up the body of Christ, not for selfish reasons.)
5. How often should we use whatever gift we have? (Whenever we are aware of an opportunity to use them.)
6. Which gifts seem to be more common, and which ones seem to be more rare? Why? (Preaching, teaching, and leading are some examples of gifts that are more rare. Only a few people are called for these positions. They are the most visible, and they carry huge importance in helping with the spiritual growth of the church. Serving, helping, and contributing are some examples of gifts that are more common. These gifts are also important to meet all of the less visible needs of the church.)