The Bride Church

For The Common Good

For The Common Good

by | 11.3.26

For The Common Good

serve
November 1, 2026

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Scriptures

KEY POINTS

  • There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. The Spirit apportions to each one individually as He wills.
  • To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. The gift is not for you. It is for the body.
  • Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. It lines up with God’s Word and moves the church forward.
  • If anyone lacks wisdom, ask the Father and He will give it generously. A person with the gift of wisdom simply carries an extra measure of that.
  • A word of knowledge is understanding of truth that helps someone apply Scripture or be built up in the moment. It is not about being the smartest person in the room.
  • Prophecy builds up the church. Tongues build up the individual. Paul said he would rather speak five intelligible words than ten thousand in a tongue.
  • Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test everything and hold fast to what is good. All things should be done decently and in order.
  • Love is still the more excellent way. Every gift must be given in love or it becomes noise.
  • You will never know what you have been given until you place yourself next to someone who needs it.
  • The greatest gift is still salvation. Jesus employed every gift, and the greatest one was love displayed on the cross.

DISCUSSION

  • Pastor Bob said the Spirit gives the gift as He wills, not as we will. How does that keep you from chasing a gift or from writing one off?
  • James says wisdom from above is open to reason and full of mercy. Where have you seen that kind of wisdom at work, and where have you seen the opposite?
  • “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Who in the body is waiting on what has been given to you?
  • Paul said do not quench the Spirit and do not despise prophecies. Where might fear or past experience be quenching something good in you?
  • How is “show up next to a need” different from trying to name your gift first?
  • 1 Corinthians 14 says the one who prophesies builds up the church. Where do you sense the Lord wanting you to speak something that encourages, comforts, or corrects?
  • The Carters are one concrete need right now. What ordinary gift (helps, mercy, giving, transportation, a meal) could you offer this week?