Abide - Part 17: "Operating in love"

Some of the Spiritual gifts are more comfortable than others to discuss and utilize, but God has things for us that are beyond what we can even comprehend. This week, we discuss speaking in tongues and prophesy, why they are important to the body, and how we can dive deeper in our walk with the Holy Spirit by praying to receive them. Key verses: 1 Corinthians 14:1-15, 18-19, 39-40, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, 1 John 4:1 (there are also a lot of verses in Jake’s notes this week for reference if you have need for more scripture in your discussion) 1. In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul says first “Pursue love,” why is it so important to pursue love first when discussing and using these Spiritual gifts? What can be some problems that would arise when these gifts are sought after without love? Have you experienced someone trying to use one of these gifts outside of love? What did it look like? How did impact you and the body of Christ? 2. What are some of the benefits of the private prayer language we discussed Sunday? Has this been something you have experienced? If so, what are some of the benefits you have experienced? In not, what has been a reason you haven’t? Are you interested in praying and asking for this gift? Why or why not? 3. Why do you think that in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 Paul says it is important to pray with the Spirit and the mind? What does that look like? Is that something you have experienced? Do you think it would (or does) enhance your prayer life? Why or why not? 4. What do you see now is the definition of prophesy? Why is it an important part of the Christian faith and the body of Christ? Why is it important to be discerning about prophesy even with someone you trust? (look back to 1 John 4:1, Acts 17:10-12) 5. What is the danger in speaking in tongues in a corporate setting? What do you think could be some benefits? What are some appropriate ways that tongues could be used in a corporate setting? Why is it so important to make sure they are used in an “orderly” way? 6. Why did Paul interject the chapter about love (1 Corinthians 13) in the middle of the chapters about Spiritual gifts? What verses stand out to you in this chapter as they relate to these gifts and why? 7. Do you still have any lingering questions about these or other gifts?