Ignorance of The Spiritual Gifts
The Spiritual Gifts – Ignorance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:1-3 (KJV 1900)
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 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 the first verse Paul says “Now concerning spiritual gifts, I would not have you ignorant” there is a terrible danger that is facing all of us that being ignorance of the gifts of the Spirit!
There are many different reasons we might be ignorant and many different ways we may have this ignorance and we need to learn of these gifts and we must be willing to be filled!
1. Minds are closed
a. In God’s word it is written that God would send His Holy Spirit
Joel 2:28-29 (KJV 1900)
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids In those days will I pour out my spirit.
Yet to some that isn’t enough to believe
b. Jesus foretold it!
Mark 16:17-18 (KJV 1900)
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Acts 1:4-5 (KJV 1900)
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
c. Some churches have closed their minds as to anything concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit (I also had a closed mind) Some close their ears when anyone teaches about it (I did)
2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV 1900)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
It is like the old lady who was the first in her country to hook onto electric. Everyone thought something must be going on because she was very frugal a month later the meter reader came out and found the meter had barely made a turn he asked her if there was a problem she said no she only turned on her light at night so she could see to light her candles!
2. Fear – A person may be afraid of taking a step in ministry!
a. Some are afraid of the unknown – anything they haven’t tried out may be a reason to fear.
Matthew 25:14-18 (KJV 1900)
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
b. Fear is not a reason it is an excuse!
Matthew 25:25-26 (KJV 1900)
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
3. Many just don’t know because they haven’t taken the time to find out.
a. We must be willing to learn and grow
1 Peter 2:2 (KJV 1900)
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Don’t fear the gifts of the Holy Spirit it is the same God we all serve!
1 Corinthians 12:6-7 (KJV 1900)
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (KJV 1900)
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: