Some Things to Avoid with Spiritual Gifts

I want to return to the subject of spiritual gifts. If you remember, we began a few weeks back speaking to you about spiritual gifts. if you remember we said to you that spiritual gifts are not natural abilities that we’re born with. Instead, they are extraordinary graces given to believers for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ. We even spent time identifying and examining some of these gifts. Today, I want to return to the subject and talk about a few things that can hinder the proper use and exercise of spiritual gifts.

I want to return to the subject of spiritual gifts. If you remember, we began a few weeks back speaking to you about spiritual gifts. if you remember we said to you that spiritual gifts are not natural abilities that we’re born with. Instead, they are extraordinary graces given to believers for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ. We spoke to you about these things. We even spent time identifying and examining some of these gifts that are listed for us in Scripture. Today, I want to return to the subject and talk to you about a few things to keep in mind concerning spiritual gifts, like...

Ignorance

One of the biggest things that will hinder the proper exercise of spiritual gifts is ignorance.

There is a great deal of ignorance surrounding of the operation of spiritual gifts. For example, most people do not realize that...

We must remain under control when operating spiritual gifts.

The phrase “carried away” means driven by impulse or some unseen force. When we operate in spiritual gifts we are not to come under the control of emotion OR the gift.

The phrase “carried away” means driven by impulse or some unseen force. When we operate in spiritual gifts we are not to come under the control of emotion OR the gift ().

Exercising spiritual gifts is like engaging in spiritual worship—we must do it, not according to what we feel, but what we know is true.

Exercising spiritual gifts is like engaging in spiritual worship—we must do it, not according to what we feel, but what we know is true ().

The aim of spiritual gifts is to bring honor to Christ.

Enthusiastic speech or behavior doesn’t prove that a spiritual gift is in operation. Spiritual gifts are to be judged how they bring glory to Christ.

Enthusiastic speech or behavior doesn’t prove that a spiritual gift is in operation. Spiritual gifts are to be judged how they bring glory to Christ (, ). They must be Christ-centered, and not emotion-centered or man-centered!

The exercise of spiritual gifts must be Christ-centered, and not emotion-centered or man-centered!

If we operate spiritual gifts in ignorance, that is purely out of emotion OR in a way that does not glorify Christ, we are going to err. Moreover, it is because there is so much error regarding spiritual gifts that many avoid them altogether!

Negligence

Negligence is another danger we must avoid when operating in spiritual gifts.

Negligence is another danger we must avoid when operating in spiritual gifts ().

Timothy was neglecting his gift by allowing it to lie unused. Apparently, Timothy was struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Timothy was a young (verse 12). It was rare for a man his age to be put in charge of an assembly.

Others neglect their gift because of a fear of failure.

, , ,

There is a personal responsibility associated with the operation of spiritual gifts. Gifts do not operate independently of the individual. The “gift” is represented as a “spark” in .

The Lord both “called” His servants AND He gave them “talents” or gifts. The gift makes ministry possible, while the calling makes those with the gift responsible. We must understand that there is a personal responsibility associated with the operation of spiritual gifts.

Here the “gift” is represented as a “spark” that must be kept kindled (ESV). It mustn’t be quenched ().

Indifference

We must pray for and maintain a strong desire for spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:31 KJV 1900

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

We are to have an expectant attitude towards spiritual gifts.

This means we are not take a wait and see approach to spiritual gifts.members coveting gifts AND ministers coveting offices.

A “bishop” is a ruling elder. The Bible makes a distinction between elders and “ruling elders”.

Ruling elders typically had more than one spiritual gift. Thus, multiple gifts often reveal a divine appointment of more responsibility.

Anyone interested in more responsibility shouldn’t just wait around and hope it will be given to them. They should seek for it through faithfulness and prayer.

We are to “strive,” not just for righteousness, but also for things that will edify, like spiritual gifts!

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