MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches
(Jeremiah 9:23)
Samson was divinely exceptionally powerful; highly charismatic, but was finished by complacency, pride and carelessness. Lack of godly character finished him.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 21: Spiritual Endowments: Not For Sale (Acts 8:18-25)
Tue. 22: Selfish Gain Should Be_ Avoided (Psa. 119: 36)
Wed 23: Seek Humility Like Jesus (2 Cor. 8: 9)
Thur. 24: Seek The Good Of Others (1 Cor. 10:24)
Fri. 25: Seek God With. All Your Heart (Deut. 4:29-31)
Sat. 26: Seek Anointing For The Ministry (Acts 6 :3)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Beware of your attitude in relation to spiritual gifts. God is watching, and He rewards accordingly.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Judges 16:4ff; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 12:14-20; Acts 8:18-24; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; 4:7; Ephesians 2:8,9; 1 John 2:15
To God be the glory for another opportunity to learn of Him. What positive effects have the lessons so far in this series had on your life? Last week, we looked at the topic: THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF MARTYRDOM. The spiritual gift of martyrdom (1 Cor. 13:3) has to do with those enabled by the Holy Spirit to give over their lives to suffer, or be put to death for the course of Christ.
This week’s lesson is centred on : PERILS OF THE GIFTED. Simony has to do with the sin of Simon the Sorcerer in the Bible which has resulted in what is being used to describe the lifestyle, leadership and religion that make pride and godless profits out of scary things in the name of evangelism.
In November 1929, Prophet Babalola visited the Faith Tabernacle in Lagos and was baptised by Pastor Esinsinade at 51 Molony Bridge Street, Lagos What a demonstration of humility! Such a highly anointed man submitting to be baptised by someone else! The truly anointed avoid pride Henceforth, may we be more faithful in the use of our gifts, no more rebels in our duties, trespassing God’s law. Amen.
LESSON EXPOSITION
- SIMONY AND CARELESSNESS
- SELFISHNESS AND PRIDE
LESSON EXPOSITION
SIMONY AND CARELESSNESS (Jdg. 16:4ff; Acts 8:18-24; 1Jn.2:15)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him
(1 Jn, 2:15)
a) Simony is the sin of Simon the Sorcerer seeking God’s gift for personal gains -derived from Simon Magus who attempted to bribe the Apostles to getapostolic gift (Acts 8:18).
b) Acts 8:18-24: God (v.21) and was full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin (v. man like this whose heart was not right in the sight of 23 NLT) was obviously not baptised in the Holy Spirit Yet, he wanted God’s power and gift without aligning with God’s way and will. He wanted to cut corners.
c) vv.20-24: Peter upbraided him and declared God’ sverdict on him, ifhe wouldn’t repent. Some think they can bribe God with their donations for his gifts today. Some even use means to show’ so-called gifts. Disaster awaits those unrepentantly practising simony today (cf. Lev. 10:1-2). Repent.
d) Jdg. 16:4ff: Samson is an example of carelessness with the gift of God in one’s life. He stubbornly held to the nasty habit of drinking and womanising, relying complacently on his supernatural power.
e) He disdained his Nazirite vow (cf. Num. 6:1-21) and the Lord’s Law. What became of him? He lost practically everything in the end. That is what befalls the careless and complacent with spiritual gifts. Don’t love the world (1 Jn. 2:15-17)
SELFISHNESS AND PRIDE (Mk. 10:35-45; Lk. 12:14-20; 1 Cor. 3:1- 4;4:7; Eph. 2:8,9)
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all
(Mk. 10:43-44)
a) Eph. 2:8,9: You can’t take credit for a gift. Spiritual gifts proceed from the finished work of Christ, the Gift from God (NLT), by His Spirit (cf. Jas. 1:17). It is not of works, lest anyone should boast. What then is the basis of anyone being proud with spiritual gifts?
b) Mk. 10:35-45: These brothers’ request is an example of the selfish use of our gifts and opportunities. It almost divided the group (v. 41) but for Jesus’ quick intervention, warning that we must be sacrificial (not selfish) with our gifts (vv.42-45).
c) Lk. 12:14-20: One of the lessons we can learn from the Parable of the Rich Fool is that, when a man chooses to be self-centred and proud with God’s gift, he ends up hearing God’s rebuke, You fool! (v.,20 NLT). Only spiritual fools abuse God’s gifts!
d) 1 Cor. 3:1-4:These carnal and babyish Christians were using their gifts selfishly and proudly, and this caused strife and division among them, hence Paul’s harsh rebuke (cf. Jas. 4:1ff).
e) 4:7: From Paul’s retort to these self-centred Christians, we see that contradict God’s grace of humility and thankfulness. God opposes godless boasting shows vanity, stupidity, pride and egoism that such (cf.Jas. 4:6,10).
LESSONS DERIVED
- He who seeks God’s gift for godless gains, or uses the gift(s) carelessly cannotgo scot-free. Ask Simon the Sorcerer and Samson.
- Never be selfish, or proud with God’s gift(s). You can’t bear the consequences!
QUESTIONS
- Give some biblical and contemporary examples of the selfish, careless and proud exercise ofspiritual gifts.
- How is the sin of Simony being committed in the Church today? Any way out?
