Forget Captain America, we’ve got Captain Discernment! Yes, these gifts include everything from miraculous healing to dropping truth bombs of wisdom so spicy they make Gordon Ramsay’s insults look tame. Quick question: Who wouldn’t want the ability to heal, work miracles, or speak in tongues at karaoke? Spoiler: you can’t pick your gift, but you’ll love what you get!
Section 1: Welcome and Announcements
Welcome to Our Service
Good morning, church family! It’s so wonderful to have each of you here with us today. Whether you’re joining us in person or online, I want you to know that you are part of something much bigger than yourself—God’s family. Here at [Your Church Name], we believe that God has given every single one of us a purpose, and I’m so excited to share what He’s put on my heart today. We’ll be diving into 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and exploring how God has uniquely gifted each of us to serve His kingdom. You’re not here by accident—God has something special for you today!
Church Announcements
Here are a few things happening in our community this week:
- Wednesday Night Bible Study (7 PM): Join us for an in-depth study on spiritual gifts. Let’s grow deeper together!
- Youth Ministry Event: This Friday at 6 PM, we’re hosting a pizza and movie night for our youth group! Bring a friend and come hungry!
- Community Outreach: Next Saturday, we’ll be serving at the local food bank. If you’d like to volunteer, please sign up at the welcome desk or on our website.
Let’s keep building each other up as a church family!
When you’re ready, let’s move to Section 2.
Section 2: Call to Worship
Focus on God Together
As we prepare our hearts for worship, let’s remember that we are here for one reason: to glorify God. Today’s Scripture reminds us that God’s Spirit is working in and through us in powerful ways. Let’s reflect on these words from Psalm 95:6:
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Responsive Reading
I’ll say: “The Spirit gives us different gifts, but all for one purpose.”
You respond: “To glorify God and build His kingdom.”
Let’s continue with a hymn or song of praise as we lift our hearts to the Lord.
Section 3: Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts this morning. Thank You for bringing us together as one body, united in Your love. Lord, we know that You’ve given each of us unique gifts, and we want to use them to serve You and others. Open our hearts and minds today to hear Your Word clearly. May Your Spirit guide us in truth and transform us into people who reflect Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4: Praise and Worship
Joyful Worship
Let’s now enter a time of praise and worship! Whether you’re singing along to a contemporary worship song or lifting your voice to a classic hymn, let’s remember this truth: worship is not about performance—it’s about our hearts connecting with God. Let’s sing with joy and gratitude for all that He has done.
Section 5: Scripture Reading
Introduction to 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
The apostle Paul wrote this passage to the church in Corinth to help them understand the purpose of spiritual gifts. They were struggling with division and comparison, and Paul reminded them that God’s gifts are not about competition but about contribution. These gifts are given to bless others and glorify God.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NIV)
1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Section 6: Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful diversity of gifts You’ve given us through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to see these gifts not as a reason to boast, but as tools to bless others and build Your kingdom. Lord, we pray for unity in our church and in Your global church. May we use what You’ve entrusted to us for the common good and for Your glory.
Congregational Prayer Response
Father, we declare that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” May we honor You by using our gifts well. Amen.
Section 7: Offering
Giving as Worship
Giving is an act of worship, an opportunity to trust God with our resources and give back a portion of what He’s given to us. It’s also a way we partner with God to spread His love in our community and beyond. Let’s give joyfully and with grateful hearts.
Prayer for the Offering
Lord, thank You for providing for our every need. As we bring these tithes and offerings, we pray that You would use them to further Your kingdom. May this act of worship be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 8: Special Music
Introduction to Special Music
Now let’s prepare our hearts for a special song. This song reminds us that our gifts come from God, and they are given to bring glory to Him and to bless others.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Would you like to dive deeper into today’s teaching? Access the full resources, including additional tools for spiritual growth, below:
