Better Because He Works Through Us, Part 1
RLC Home Group Handout | February 15th, 2026
“Better Because He Works Through Us” | 1 Corinthians 12:1-7
Recap
In John 16 and 1 Corinthians 12, we see that the Holy Spirit’s gifts are not about spiritual hype or personal platform, but about glorifying Jesus. We are reminded that the Spirit always points to Christ—never to personalities, emotional experiences, or sensational displays. The gifts He gives help us worship Jesus more deeply, build up the church as His body, and draw unbelievers to Him. Every believer has been gifted by the Spirit for the common good, and none of us is unnecessary in the mission of God. As we walk in obedience, whether in evangelism, service, faith, discernment, or encouragement, the Spirit works through us to magnify Christ and advance His redeeming work in the world.
References
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 & 28 — Spiritual gifts
Romans 12:6-8 — Spiritual gifts
Ephesians 4:11 — Spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 14 — The gift of tongues
Discussion Questions
Head
Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?
What are some common misconceptions about the Gifts of the Spirit? Do you have any confusion or lack of clarity surrounding any of the gifts?
What bucket does theology surrounding the Gifts of the Spirit belong in?
(1st Bucket: Essential/Die for, 2nd Bucket: Urgent/Divide over, 3rd Bucket: Important/no division but distinction, 4th Bucket: Matter/unity despite differences)
Heart
Do you carry any baggage or reaction, positive or negative, when it comes to spiritual gifts? Why?
Have you ever experienced a moment where the Spirit worked through you in a way that surprised you?
Do you know what ways God has gifted you to bring glory to Jesus and build up the church?
Is there a gift you quietly desire but have never asked God for?
When was the last time you felt prompted by the Spirit and obeyed?
Hands
How can you intentionally use your gifts in coming weeks to build up someone in the church?
Is there someone in your life the Spirit may be prompting you to share the Gospel with?
What step of obedience might God be calling you to take right now?
Understanding the Spiritual Gifts
The gifts of the Spirit are given to believers for the glory of Christ and the edification of the church. Scripture lists various spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; and Ephesians 4:11. As evidenced by the fact that these lists have overlap but also have differences we can conclude that the listed gifts in Scripture are not intended to be exhaustive. There are many other ways the Spirit of God can equip and empower you to serve his church and bring him glory. Below are brief explanations of the Biblically listed spiritual gifts.
Prophecy – the ability to receive and proclaim a word from God to challenge, exhort, or encourage the people of God. This gift is often exercised in the exposition of the Bible, and at all times must be submitted to the authority of Scripture.
Teaching – the ability to clearly exposit and effectively communicate the application of the truths of God’s word to other believers. This gift can be exercised in many contexts, from pulpit ministry to one on one discipleship and anywhere in between.
Leadership – the ability to discern God’s purpose for a group, set and communicate appropriate goals, and motivate others to work together to fulfill them in service to God.
Wisdom – the ability to apply the principles of the Word of God in a practical way to specific situations and to recommend the best course of action at the best time.
Knowledge – the ability to know and communicate a truth about something or at times someone through revelation of the Holy Spirit. This gift must always be used with humility, submitted to Scripture, acknowledging the possibility for human error. Another understanding of this gift is the ability to learn, know, and explain the truths of God’s Word.
Evangelism – the ability to be an unusually effective instrument in leading unbelievers to a saving knowledge of Christ.
Pastor – the ability to personally lead, nourish, protect, and care for the needs of a flock of believers.
Service – the ability to identify and care for the practical needs of the Body through a variety of means.
Giving – the ability to contribute material resources with generosity and cheerfulness for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Note: that ability & desire, is not limited by the amount of resources they may or may not have.
Mercy – the ability to deeply empathize and engage in compassionate acts on behalf of people who are suffering physical, mental, or emotional distress.
Faith – the ability to have a vision for what God wants to be done and to confidently believe that it will be accomplished in spite of circumstances and appearances to the contrary.
Distinguishing of Spirits – the ability to clearly discern the unseen spiritual reality or dynamics at play in a situation or a person's life and/or the ability to clearly distinguish between the truth of the Word and deceptive or false doctrines.
Helps – the ability to enhance the effectiveness of the ministry of other members of the Body.
Administration – the ability to organize, coordinate and execute plans to accomplish the God given vision and goals of the church..
Apostleship – the ability to be sent by the local church to pioneer in church planting or building up the church far and wide, often in cross cultural contexts. Note: the office of Apostle in the New Testament was reserved for those who had seen the resurrected Jesus and is different from the spiritual gift of apostleship.
Exhortation – the ability to come alongside someone with words of encouragement, comfort, consolation, and counsel to help them mature in Christ.
Miracles – the ability to serve as an instrument through whom God accomplishes acts that manifest supernatural power.
Healings – the ability to serve as a human instrument through whom God supernaturally cures illness and restores health. Or someone in a moment, receiving a healing personally from God.
Tongues – the ability to pray, worship, and/or glorify God in a language the recipient has never learned. This gift’s primary use is in private worship and prayer, but can be used in a public gathering when there is an interpretation, see 1 Corinthians 14.
Interpretation of Tongues – the ability to translate into the vernacular a message publicly uttered in a tongue.