3 Dangers Surrounding Spiritual Gifts (2)
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Introduction
Introduction
Last week we began our conversation from God’s Word about Spiritual Gifts. We spent considerable time understanding a spiritual gift versus a natural gift. Let’s review for just a few minutes, and then we will pick up where we left off, talking about 3 potential dangers surrounding spiritual gifts.
What is a Spiritual Gift?
What is a Spiritual Gift?
A quick word study reveals the following. The word “spiritual” is anything related to or given by the Holy Spirit. He is a Spirit, and thus anything related to Him is spiritual. Yeah, I know that was really deep. But, hey, I am a deep, kinda guy. A “gift” is just what you think it is. It is freely given or, as in this case, endowed upon someone.
The Holy Spirit at salvation gives or provides each believer with a special gift.
Now, for a second, let me give you this thought.
Spiritual gifts are not natural gifts.
In other words, when we are born, we are not born already spiritually gifted. Spiritual gifts are not something we develop over time from birth. Some people are mathematically gifted. I am not one of those. However, a mathematically minded person is someone who, over time, developed a love for math and learned on their own the importance of numbers. A mathematically gifted person has a NATURAL gift. Natural gifts are different than spiritual gifts. Yes, natural gifts should be used for the Lord, and it would be a waste not to use them for Him. My point is this.
Spiritual gifts are only given to believers at the time of salvation and are provided by the Holy Spirit.
Several passages speak to this thought.
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Pay attention to the spiritual gifts mentioned. There is the gift of prophecy, ministry, exhortation, and ruling. The passage in Ephesians said apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. All of these are characterized as spiritual. It is not natural for a person to desire the office of a pastor. It is a desire and a gift that comes only through the spiritual endowment of God’s Spirit.
Now, look again at verse 1 and note something further.
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
The Holy Spirit says, “I would not have you ignorant.” In other words, there are some things that you need to know. Unfortunately, too many believers do not take the time to learn what the Holy Spirit wants them to know about their spiritual gifts. We often ignore or refuse to learn what He teaches for several reasons. One of the main reasons is this. We feel guilty if we know what we are required to do and don’t do it. So, in our minds, we convince ourselves that if we just ignore it, we don’t have to deal with it. So, we do our best to ignore what God says until the pastor stands and preaches on it. So, here I am preaching and teaching what God wants you to know about your spiritual gift.
There are three ways believers are often ignorant about spiritual gifts.
The believer often does not know that the Holy Spirit has endowed them with a spiritual gift because they fail to read and study His Word.
A believer may know that the Holy Spirit gifts His people but may not know what specific gifts the Holy Spirit gave them.
Many believers know the Holy Spirit gives gifts and may even know his/her specific gift but may not know how to properly use their gift(s).
Here is a question for you to consider. It is a rhetorical question. What is the solution to ignorance? The answer is knowledge. When you know about something, you are no longer ignorant about it. Here is another rhetorical question. For the believer, what is the source of spiritual knowledge? The answer is simple. It is the Word of God, the Bible. If God requires us not to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts, He expects us to study His world so that we are not uninformed. If you, as a believer, claim ignorance, you are admitting that you do not effectively study God’s Word as you should. Therein lies the problem.
The solution is to stop claiming ignorance and start studying God’s Word. By the way, when we get to Heaven and stand before Christ, our claim of ignorance will hold no weight with Him. He will simply say to you and I, “Did I not give you my Word in plain English, and did not I give my Spirit to guide you?” What can we say then in our defense? We can say nothing. Ultimately, we must admit our own laziness and, ultimately, our selfishness before Him.
There is no doubt that God’s Word teaches us everything we need to know about living for the Lord. The subject of spiritual gifts is no different. Through His word and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can learn about spiritual gifts, what they are, and how they can be used appropriately for Him.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Now, there are several dangers associated with spiritual gifts. In our text, the Holy Spirit warns about three genuine risks. I will give you one now, and we will return to the other two next Sunday.
Here is the first real danger.
The Danger of Falling Back into False Worship
The Danger of Falling Back into False Worship
Look again at our text and note verse 2.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Throughout our study of this remarkable book, we have often mentioned that the city of Corinth was a hotbed of worship to false gods. You may recall that many of the Corinthian believers were Gentiles. They were saved from the heathen religions of that day. Here the Holy Spirit reminds them of their past.
Yes, they HAD BEEN Gentiles. Now, however, they were Christians, followers of Christ.
Yes, they HAD BEEN worshippers of “dumb idols.” The false gods of the Roman and Greek empires were genuinely dumb. They had no voice and could not communicate and relate to anyone. However, now, these believers served the only true and LIVING God who communicates with His people and indwells them through His Spirit.
Yes, they HAD BEEN “led” by the wiles and ways of this world. However, now, things are different. God’s Spirit leads them and us.
Here is the point. The world offers meaningless and worthless gifts. The world’s religions are full of dumb stuff like spiritual meditation, spiritual attunement with one’s inner self and nature, and even stupid prophecies concerning man’s evolution. Today’s world constantly pushes us to worship mother nature and be at peace with our inner selves. The world accepts the mumbo jumbo of Asian religions.
Unfortunately, too many churches and so-called pastors attempt to merge the worship of false religions with the true worship of God. In doing so, they have led many believers into false worship.
This danger is prevalent in the area of spiritual gifts. Let me give a couple of examples.
The gift of prophecy is a gift that has many worshipping a false religion. The gift of prophecy centers NOT on telling the future but is solely about preaching God’s Word. Yet, many people claim they can tell the future or teach things outside God’s Word. By doing so, they set themselves as an authority outside God’s Word. They often lead people to follow them instead of God. People readily do so and end up worshipping a false prophet.
The gift of tongues is another misunderstood and misused gift today. Men have twisted it into something that no person can understand. What we see in many churches as the gift of tongues is nothing but gibberish designed to lead people away from the teaching of God’s Word. Where does it lead them? It leads them to worship something false.
Here is another danger the Holy Spirit alludes to in these opening verses.
The Danger of Giving a False Message
The Danger of Giving a False Message
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
The gift of tongues is the one spiritual gift most often misunderstood and misused. This is a topic that we will deal with in-depth in chapter 14. However, for now, note verse 3 addresses “speaking.” It would seem that some in the Corinthian church were misusing this spiritual gift. In doing so, they were causing others to doubt the authenticity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Note again what is written here.
“no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed”
We know that Paul, under the Holy Spirit’s influence, taught that Christ was “made a curse for us.”
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
The context of that verse is simply this. Christ chose the worst and most despicable form of death to redeem us from our curse. He, indeed, was “made a curse for us.” However, it does not teach, nor would the Holy Spirit ever teach, that Christ Himself is accursed or damned for doing so.
The point is clearly this.
Every believer MUST BE CAREFUL not to speak or proclaim a false message. We must speak God’s Word and nothing more.
The world needs truth. It doesn’t need more lies and untruths. There is plenty of that going around already. No, it requires the truth of God’s Word. Thus, it is imperative that our message is clear and that it comes directly from God’s Word. People need to know the gospel message. They need the Lord. He came to save the sinner and give them new spiritual life. For that reason, we must never, under any circumstance, misrepresent or confuse this life-altering message.
Here are two things we must carefully guard against when it comes to spiritual gifts and the truth of God’s Word.
First, we must guard against saying anything contrary to the truth of God’s Word.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Whose word are we to continue in? We are to continue in His Word, the Word of God. It is God’s Word that is truth.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
151 Thou art near, O Lord; And all thy commandments are truth.
152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old That thou hast founded them for ever.
Only God’s Word is pure, right, and accurate. Anything outside God’s Word is prone to lies, deception, and falsehoods. Therefore, we must know the truth of God’s Word and take great care to speak only its truth.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Second, we must guard against listening or learning from those who speak or teach anything contrary to God’s Word.
This is especially true with the advent of social media outlets. Everyone has a voice today through YouTube, Facebook, and other online video sources. How do we know if they are worthy of following? Compare their teaching with the Word of God. However, to do that, you must know the Word of God yourself. There are many self-proclaimed ministers, preachers, and teachers today. If they are not God-called, they are most likely not teaching the truth of God’s Word. Stay away from such men and women.
Listen to this warning from the Holy Spirit in 1 John 4:1-3
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
A telltale sign of any false teacher is their teaching about Christ. If they deny the deity of Christ (that He is God in the flesh), then stop right there. Don’t listen to them, and don’t follow them. They are false teachers.
Here is another good indicator mentioned in our text this morning. Look again at verse 3.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Many so-called preachers say they have a message given directly by the Holy Spirit to them. WOOOT! WOOT! Warning alarms should be going off everywhere in your head right then and there. Why?
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The only revelation from God necessary for salvation and godly living is the Word of God. Anyone claiming to have a new revelation from the Holy Spirit is a false teacher.
If a person goes beyond that to say that Christ is anything different than God Himself, they are a false teacher. The Holy Spirit never speaks against Christ, for both are God and complement each other. In fact, the Holy Spirit always lifts Christ up as God and glorifies Him as the Savior of the World. In fact, no person can acknowledge Christ as Lord without the Holy Spirit. Look again at verse 3.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
We live in dangerous times. Not only are we living in the last days when men are lovers of their own selves, but we live in times when many depart from the faith.
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Thus we must heed the warning of our text as well as 2 Peter 2:1
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
The Holy Spirit gave us two dangers surrounding spiritual gifts. Be on guard! Don’t allow lousy teaching and instruction concerning spiritual gifts to lead you into false worship or to speak a false message. Here is the third danger, and we will close.
The Danger of Making a False Profession
The Danger of Making a False Profession
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
In our Wednesday Bible Study, we are studying the names of God. We have not begun our study of the names of Christ. However, in this verse, we find Christ’s title. He is Lord. It is the reason why I often refer to Christ as the LORD Jesus Christ. The word “Lord” in Greek is the word “kurios.” It is a word that ties us back to the Old Testament and to His name, Jehovah. We are in the middle of studying the name “Jehovah.” As we do, we have learned that “Jehovah” is His name which emphasizes His love for righteousness and truth. When we apply the title “Lord” to Jesus Christ, we proclaim that He is Jehovah God. He is God Himself.
In our Soul Winning Club on Monday evenings, we are learning how to give the gospel to others. Part of what we are learning there is this. Many people do not want to talk about the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, we must engage them in conversation that intentionally turns to spiritual matters. One of the questions that we encourage believers to ask is this. “Who is Jesus Christ to you?” In my years of witnessing, few have answered, “Jesus is Lord.” Why is this? No one knows Him as Lord until they first know Him as Savior. A person only knows Him as Savior when they realize their sin, the penalty of their sin, and understand that Christ paid that penalty with His own life. Such information and understanding only come through the power of the Holy Spirit as He convicts people of their sin. Thus, at that moment, each individual ACKNOWLEDGES Jesus is Savior and comes to understand He is LORD. To know Him as Lord means that you have surrendered your heart to Him. He is now Lord and Master of your life. Such action takes more than just a mouth profession.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Many say they believe in Christ, but their life does not match their mouth. To truly know Him as Lord means that you have given yourself to Him with your whole heart.
Here is the point. People who make false professions often convince themselves they are okay. The question is, do you really know Him? Have you truly accepted Him as your Savior? I look around this auditorium today, knowing many of you. I know your names, your families, and even a bit about your life. I, however, am unable to see your heart. Only God sees the heart. He knows if you are playing a game or are genuinely saved. It is pretty easy to get involved in a church and act spiritual in front of others. You may be fooling others, but you are not fooling God. I would encourage you this morning to do a little self-evaluation. Have you truly surrendered your life to Him? Do you truly believe that He is the only way to Heaven? Is there a moment when you personally cried out to Him accepting Him into your life as Savior? If so, great, serve Him. Use your spiritual gift for Him. If not, then beware. Playing yourself religious is a dangerous road. It gives a false sense of security. Additionally, it may lead you down the same path as many who claim to know Christ but then teach that He is accursed. I pray that you settle salvation now and start living the life of a true believer.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Let me conclude by pointing out the obvious. Any spiritual gift not supported by God’s Word and does not promote the furtherance of the gospel is not a spiritual gift, for it does not come from the Holy Spirit. A proper understanding of spiritual gifts only comes from God’s Word. We must be careful. We must learn what is right and true from God, His Word, and through the proper guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must especially be careful when it comes to spiritual gifts. Ignorance is not bliss concerning spiritual gifts. One of the great dangers is that it leads people into false worship. This is just the first warning of three coming from the Holy Spirit. Next week, we will pick up the remaining two dangers.
What have we learned today? Each believer has at least one spiritual gift. It is a gift given freely by the Holy Spirit at salvation. We must not ignore or be ignorant of our gift. Instead, we must learn what they are and which ones we have and use them in our service to the Lord. However, there are dangers. The first is this. Improper use or understanding of spiritual gifts can lead us into false worship. For this reason, it is imperative to have a proper understanding that comes only from diligent study of God’s Word.