Gifting by Brother Curtis Hansen

         This morning, we are going to go to the book 2 Corinthians. We will be reading out of the 2nd chapter and verse 17.

        17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

        There are gifts in the world and there are gifts in the spirit. We talk often about callings but how do we define gifts? We are all called but few are chosen. Look for what your gifts are this morning. What are your strengths in life? Gifts are what things come naturally to you without much effort.

        "For we are not as many," we aren't like so many others. We are different and peculiar. "Sincerity" it needs to come from this place in your actions and words. Many of us has lost empathy and need to retrain to regain it.

        You misuse your gift when you apply it to outside things from the faith. You use it for personal gain, applause, monetary gain, and pleasure. 

        We are going to look at examples in the bible of giftings being misused for personal gain. These stories are for you and I to read and use caution with what we have been gifted. 

        Let's look at Samson the judge. His strength came from God but not consecrate his life before God. He lived his life to his pleasures. Look at Judges 16:20

        20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.

        He didn't know God had left. The mistake was using power without purity. Samson hadn't lost his power in battle but in bed.

        Our 2nd example is Esau. His gift was a covenant birthright given away for his appetite. We can go to Genesis 25: 29-34. Esau traded destiny for desire. He didn't value his gift nor his calling. People with a bad reputation know what things are worth. What is the source of power? If it isn't plugged into God, you are doing it for yourself.

        Simon the sorcerer in Acts is my 3rd example. His story is in Acts 8: 18-23. Simon's gift was spiritual authority, but he wanted to capitalize on it for money. Simon was trying to purchase the power. Have the authority without the submission. The gospel has 2 things to work and that is faith and repentance. Faith and repentance a lead to obedience. Simon saw a business opportunity. It was power without sincerity. 

        The 4th example is Baalam. He had a prophetic gift which was hired by greed. His story can be found in Numbers chapters 22 and 23. Baalam had a connection to the king, heard from God and prophetic insight. His story is with the donkey he rode on who stopped and spoke to Baalam. A gift was for direction and was misused. Gifts aren't lost uf you move away from God. Let's look at James 1:17.

        17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

        Our 5th example is Judas. This example is access without affection. For your reading, check out Matthew 26:14-16. Judas wanted control of every aspect, the agent tied to the source but was not to be submitted. You can be close to Jesus and not love him the most. What you love the most will eventually come for payment.

        Our last example this morning is Saul. Anointing protected by image. Was he chosen? Yes, he was chosen. Saul had the anointing at first and began as a servant. He had authority and abused it. Saul cared more about his reputation of others than God. Saul never had true repentance. Do we care more about our reputation or obedience for our authority?

        Our closing scripture is from Romans 11:29.

        29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

        God will leave the gift and takes the sources of power. If your gift is for sale, your altar is for rent.