Groups Discussion Guide

Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.

Pastor Justin Jenkins

It’s Not for Nothing

Scripture

1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3 (NIV)

¹ If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Main Idea

In week two of the Charisma series, Pastor Justin reminds us that while every believer has been given a spiritual gift, those gifts are worthless without love at the center. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul doesn’t present love as optional, he shows it’s essential. Love is the litmus test, the proof that our gifts are truly operating through God’s Spirit. Just as a well-built structure needs a strong foundation, our gifts need love to have lasting impact. Whether you’ve experienced confusion, discomfort, or even hurt surrounding spiritual gifts, Pastor Justin's message invites you to lean in, develop what God has given you, and let love shape every step you take.

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The gift God gave you is not for nothing. But if you don’t use it with love, it will amount to nothing.

Discussion Questions

Have you ever used your talents or abilities for a good cause but realized later your heart wasn’t in the right place? What happened?

How would you describe the difference between operating in a gift with love versus without it?

What is one spiritual gift you feel God might have given you, but you’ve hesitated to develop? Why?

Summary

Without love, our gifts are meaningless.

Love is the foundation and the proof that our gifts are from the Spirit of God.

We don’t grow out of spiritual gifts, we grow into them through maturity, faith, and obedience.

Many people dismiss spiritual gifts because of misuse or bad experiences, but that doesn’t mean the gifts aren’t real or necessary.

Love is what powers, shapes, and sustains every spiritual gift we use.

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Take Action

Ask God to reveal a spiritual gift He’s given you. Then ask for wisdom and boldness to grow in it.

If you’ve been avoiding spiritual gifts because of past experiences, talk to a trusted friend or leader about it.

Take a next step by joining a Group. Visit http://vel.city/groupsguide.

Announcements

Summer Family Bash: Friday, July 25, 6:00–8:00 PM at Velocity. Join us for food trucks, games, inflatables, and family fun!

Serve Opportunity: Help clean and organize the Woodlawn Elementary Food Pantry on Saturday, July 26. Sign up at vel.city/citwoodlawn.

Popcorn & Movies Series kicks off in two weeks! Start inviting your friends now, we look forward to seeing you there!

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