TALENTS AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS by Rev I.O Akano

 TALENTS AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS by Rev I.O Akano

Text: - Mathew 25:14-29, Luke 15:19  

Talent is a natural skill or ability God has given to every human being regardless of his belief-system. Spiritual gift on the latter hand is exclusive to born again Christians. Properly defined, spiritual gift is a divine endowment given to a Christian who has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour for the purpose of edification of the body of Christ - The Church.

      Read I Corinthians 12:7 and Romans 12:6

      Another significant difference between talent and spiritual gift is that, while talent is given for personal benefit and for profit, spiritual gifts are given for the purpose of winning souls for Christ.

-          God selectively gives out spiritual gift to disciples according to their ability and readiness, or maturity. We are therefore not given the same number or type. This difference however does and should not create rooms for envy and covetousness.

-          It is also important to know the same Spirit of God gives out all spiritual gifts disproportionately. Mathew 20:10, 1 Corinthians 12:13-14.

God expects each one of us to use our gift without excuse, just like Moses did when he argued with God on his physical weakness. Both talents and spiritual gifts are meant to serve and honour God; and we shall not lose our rewards when faithfully discharged. Acts 9:36-39. Remember Dorcas, who was revived from death because the testimony of her good works which were the product of her talents and gifts. 1 Timothy  4:14, 1 Corinthians 3:17

Warning

-          Do not misuse the gifts and talents

-          Lack of spiritual gift in the life of a Christian exposes him/her to spiritual attack when the enemy strikes.

-          Above all we must allow our behaviour and conduct preach Christ to those around us either in our place of work or place of abode-1Thessalonians 5:22

-          Avoid everything that is evil

Brethren are we all good stewards of the talents and spiritual gifts that God endowed us with? A day of reckoning will soon come on these various endowments, but make necessary amendments not to be found guilty.

As we approach the end of the revival programme on stewardship, join the servant of God, Dr. I. O. Akano as you read and pray through the last part of the message. God bless you as you do so.