Have you ever thought about what makes you unique? Maybe it’s your sense of humor, your talent in sports, or the way you’re a good listener when your friends need you. Those things help shape who you are, but did you know that God has given each of us special spiritual gifts to not just bless us, but to build up His community?
Understanding spiritual gifts isn’t just for grown-ups in the church. It’s for YOU. Teenagers have a role to play in God’s kingdom right now. 1 Corinthians 12 shows us that the Holy Spirit works in and through us to help us serve others, glorify God, and discover our purpose. Today, we’re going to talk about these gifts, why they’re important, and how you can start recognizing yours.
Bible Reading and Teaching
1. Understanding Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-6)
“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
Key Points to Discuss
- Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit—not skill you practice or talent you’re born with. They’re God’s empowering tools for serving others.
- They don’t all look the same. Some might involve teaching, some might involve helping others or encouraging, but ALL come from the same Spirit and are needed in the body of Christ.
- God distributes these gifts for His glory and purposes.
- What you’ve been given is meant to work with the gifts of others.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Paul says, “I do not want you to be uninformed” about spiritual gifts?
- What makes a spiritual gift different from a natural talent?
- Why do you think God designed us to have different gifts rather than everyone having the same abilities?
2. Examples of Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 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.”
Key Points to Discuss
- Each person is given a spiritual gift for the “common good”—to bless the church, reach the world, and build up God’s kingdom.
- Some gifts seem “big” and others seem more subtle, but they are ALL valuable.
- Examples of gifts listed here include wisdom, knowledge, healing, miracles, prophecy, and more.
- The Holy Spirit decides which gift each person receives. Remember, you don’t “earn” a gift—you receive it.
Discussion Questions:
- Which of the gifts listed in this passage seems the most interesting or surprising to you? Why?
- Why do you think the Bible emphasizes that these gifts are for the “common good”?
- How do you think spiritual gifts can impact your life as a teenager?
3. The Source of All Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11)
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
Key Points to Discuss
- Only the Holy Spirit determines what gift you are given. It’s His choice, perfectly tailored to the role God has for you.
- Your gift is part of something much bigger—God’s amazing plan for His church to work as one body (we see this analogy later in the chapter).
- Spiritual gifts are meant to point people to God’s goodness and work in their lives.
- No gift is “better” than another. Whether it’s speaking, serving, or leading behind-the-scenes, all are vital to God’s mission.
Discussion Questions:
- How does it make you feel to know that the Holy Spirit personally gives each person a gift?
- What might hold you back from using your spiritual gift? How could you overcome those challenges?
- How do you think your gift could make an impact in your youth group, school, or family?
Youth Group Game Idea: “Gift Unwrapping Relay”
How It Works:
- Wrap several small boxes or envelopes, each containing a card with one of the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 written on it (e.g., wisdom, healing, prophecy, etc.).
- Have the students divide into teams. Set up a relay course where each team member must complete a small task before opening a box (e.g., dribbling a ball, solving a puzzle, etc.).
- Once the box is opened, the student must read the spiritual gift on the card aloud and explain how it could be used in the church. If they’re stuck, other team members can help.
- Keep going until all the boxes are opened!
Debrief:
Talk about how this activity relates to real life—each person worked together to accomplish the goal, and every spiritual gift plays a part in building up the church.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve given us through Your Spirit. Thank You for reminding us that we each have a purpose in Your kingdom, no matter how young or inexperienced we are. Help us to discover our spiritual gifts and use them to encourage others and glorify You. Teach us to step out in faith, knowing You’ve equipped us for what You’ve called us to do. Thank You for loving us and including us in Your amazing plan. We love You, Lord. Amen.”
Wrap-Up
Before you dismiss the group, challenge them to pray this week about their spiritual gifts and ask God how they can use them to serve in their community. Consider handing out a list of spiritual gifts with short definitions so they can explore them further.
Leave them with this encouragement: God created you on purpose, for a purpose. You may not feel qualified or even know what your gift is yet, but the Holy Spirit moves in you. Trust Him to lead you, and get ready to step into the incredible things He has planned for your life.