1. Discuss the gifts of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:8–10 lists the gifts as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
2. Do you have any of these gifts? Have you ever given it much thought?
3. Some are more miraculous gifts like healing and speaking in tongues. But discerning of spirits may be the least well known. Do you know anyone with this gift? Do you have it yourself? Why is this gift so under discussed?
4. Do you believe in demon possession?
5. The fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22–23 is love, joy, peace, forbearance, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Compare the two lists.
6. Paul, the mission pastor, struggled with sin, especially anger. Have you ever struggled with sin in your life and then realized you were supposed to feel some things that seemed wrong to you?
7. Have you ever known a very young person with a spiritual gift that they, in their innocence, maybe didn’t use wisely—like Keren telling a classmate she was possessed by a demon?
8. Keren discerns spirits, and she is clear that she not only discerns evil but also good spirits. Discuss the good spirits in people.
9. Keren has made the decision to never marry because she feels called by God to police work and can’t see that calling working well with being a wife and mother. Discuss the tension between a woman needing or wanting to work and needing or wanting to be a stay-at-home mom.
10. Have you ever known anyone who was possessed by a demon?
11. In literature and movies, demon possession is often used in madly graphic ways. Is Satan ever this blatant in real life, or is he far more subtle?
12. Discuss the subtle evil that can creep into your life.
13. Discuss Paul’s out-front faith compared to O’Shea’s more privately held faith.
14. So often policemen are seen as terribly cynical because they see so much of the worst side of life. Do you know any policemen? Is this true or is it a cliché?