RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 26 October 2025 Lesson 8 – Spiritual Gifts Versus Fruit
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RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 26 October 2025 TOPIC: Spiritual Gifts Versus Fruit
OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to distinguish between the workings of spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 26 October 2025 HYMN)
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should review the previous week’s lesson.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (KJV)
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
MEMORY VERSE: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” – Ephesians 5:9 (KJV)
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The distinction between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit is essential for understanding their roles in a believer’s life. Both come from the Holy Spirit but serve different purposes: one focuses on service and edification, while the other reflects character and spiritual maturity.
LESSON AIM: To teach the church, the distinction between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students are expected to:
a. Understand how spiritual gifts work.
b. Know what the fruit of the Spirit means.
c. Clearly distinguish between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit.
TEXT REVIEW: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
A. In the above scripture, the apostle Paul draws attention to the diversity of gifts given by the Holy Spirit. He also noted that there are differences in administration but the same Lord. He further stated that all these gifts were given for the benefit of all.
B. Kindly identify the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible text.
i. ………………………..
ii. ………………………..
iii. ………………………..
iv. ………………………..
v. ………………………..
vi. ………………………..
vii. ………………………..
viii. ………………………..
ix. ………………………..
LESSON OUTLINES:
- THE UNDERSTANDING
- KEY DIFFERENCES
LESSON OUTLINES 1: THE UNDERSTANDING
A. Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to equip believers for ministry, service in the body of Christ and glorify God (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26).
i. Each believer receives at least one gift.
ii. These gifts include prophecy, healing, teaching, serving, giving, and leadership, among others (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
iii. The Holy Spirit determines who receives each gift, ensuring the diversity and unity of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:11).
iv. While gifts are freely given, they require active use, growth, and stewardship through practice, prayer, and learning (1 Timothy 4:14).
B. The fruit of the Spirit represents the character traits and virtues that grow in believers as they walk closely with God (Galatians 5:25).
i. It reflects the personality of Christ, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, righteousness and truth (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9).
ii. The fruit is produced through abiding in Christ: a close relationship with Him enables believers to reflect His nature (John 15:4-5).
iii. The fruit of the Spirit is a sign of spiritual growth and maturity (2 Peter 3:18).
iv. A believer’s life is recognised by the presence of these virtues (Matthew 7:16-20).
v Growth in the fruit requires intentionality, including obedience to God’s word, prayer, and avoiding sinful influences (Psalm 1:1-3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Do you have any preference between the two? Why? (Teachers to balance students’ preferences by stressing the complementary effect of the fruit and gifts).
LESSON OUTLINES 2: KEY DIFFERENCES
- Both spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit are essential for a balanced Christian life.
- However, spiritual gifts empower believers for ministry, while the fruit of the Spirit shapes them into Christ-like individuals.
- Spiritual gifts focus on abilities for service while the fruit of the Spirit focuses on the character and maturity of the believer.
- Spiritual gifts are given to each believer uniquely whereas all the key components of the fruit are expected to be evident in every believer.
- A believer is given spiritual gifts to edify others but the fruit is produced to reflect Christ’s nature.
- Spiritual gifts are diverse and specific to roles given to each believer. However, the fruit of the Spirit are unified and holistic traits.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What will you do to develop the fruit of the Spirit in you?
CONCLUSION: Spiritual gifts help the believer to be effective in service while the fruit of the Spirit ensures the believer is rooted in godly character.
EVALUATION: Mention five fruits of the Holy Spirit.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, let me not just manifest gifts of the Spirit, let me also have fruit to show in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: State two (2) key differences between spiritual gifts and fruit (5×2=10 Marks).
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RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
