MEMORY SCRIPTURE

For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

(Titus 1:10-11)

David’s godly character assisted him to get to the top and remain there. If character doesn’t moderate your giftedness, you aren’t safe!

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. Oct.28: Cornelius: A Man Of Good Reputation (Acts 10:22)
Tue. Oct. 29: Demetrius: A Man Of Good Reputation (3 Jn.12)
Wed. Oct.30: Good Name Or Great Riches? (Prov.22:1)
Thur. Oct.31: Good Name Or Fine Perfume? (Eccl.7:1)
Fri. Nov. 1: Good Reputation: A Must (Acts 6:3)
Sat. Nov. 2: Godly Reputation Of Timothy (Acts 16:2)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Gifting requires equal character for the gifted to succeed; God prioritises life and character.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 SAMUEL 18:5,12; 24:4,10-17: 26:9; PSALM 78:72; MARK 3:13-17; LUKE 2:41-51;4:14-20

Last week, we began the last Unit in this soul-refreshing teaching series, with the topic, PERILS OF THE GIFTED, and we Saw how Simon wanted to purchase the gift with money, and how Samson, though gifted, couldn’t sustain his Nazarite VoW because of carelessness. May God help usnotto be caught in their errors. Amen.

Having studied the various spiritual gifts thus far, it is important to emphasise that regardless of their strengths, there seems to be an area of weakness in the lives of the recipients in exercising their gifts, hence the need for moderation. Our generation loves charismatic leaders, but disappointment later sets in, when the true pictures of such leaders are discovered. So far, we have better understood ‘spiritual gift’ (Grk charisma) as an enablement, an endowment, or a blessing bestowed freely by God. Character, on the other hand, connotes the mental and moral qualities distinctive of an individual, i.e., the strength and originality in a person’s nature. It is a person’s good reputation. We need a deep understanding of how this affects the exercise of our spiritual gifts.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. THE EXAMPLE OF DAVID
2. THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF JESUS

LESSON EXPOSITION

THE EXAMPLE OF DAVID

(1 Sam. 18:5,12; 24:4,10-17; 26:9; Psa. 78:72)

And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him.

(1 Sam.  18:14)

a) David’s victory over Goliath suddenly brought him to the limelight. Yet, he exhibited some moderation we should learn from.

b) 1Sam. 18:5: He was Saul’s special assistant, and he always carried out his assignments successfully (TLB). is submissiveness despite knowing that Saul had been rejected, promoted and made him acceptable in the sight of all.

b) v. 12: Saul later turned envious and murderous (v. 6,8): banned him

c) from his presence and demoted him to the rank of captain (v. 13 TLB). Still, David behaved wisely in all his ways (v. 14).

d) 24:4,10-17: Character in_ action. Unlike many chancers, David wouldn’t take the law into his own hands, despite being a God-gifted sharpshooter. See his response to the cutting of Saul’s garment (cf.v. 5). Is your conscience alive or dead? 26:9: Again, he spared Saul’s life instead of taking the ‘golden’ but evil

e) opportunity to become the next King. Instead, he preferred to wait until the LORD himself will strike him…. (1 Sam. 26:11 NIV). Psa. 78:72 calls David a man of integrity. NLT says he had a true heart (upright heart ESV; a pure heart ERV). He had unselfish devotion (GNT). He was indeed a sound man who upheld high godly principles and professional standards.

THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF JESUS

(Lk. 2:41-51; 4:14-20; Mk. 3:13-17)

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept a ll these things in her heart.

(Lk. 2:51)

a) Lk. 2:46: The God-in-Man was found in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions—the character of humility (Php. 2:5).

b) v.51:He had stayed back for the 3 days for His Father’s business (v.49). He showed a great character by submitting to His earthly parents despite His combination of divinity and humanity.

c) v.51: AMP says He was habitually obedient to them (he lived obediently with them TBCL). He was totally obedient to His parents, despite the great grace upon Him. How subjected are you to the authorities God places over you, despite your gifts (cf. Rom. 13:2)?

d) Matt. 3:13-17: Before Jesus’ public ministry, He approached John to be baptised, but John refused, explicably (vv. 13,14). His character of humility brought v. 15. What is the result of this (vv. 16-17)?

e) Lk 4:14: Just after the 40-day fasting and prayer, He was still humble enough to return to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and attended synagogue meetings as He used to do (4:16), unlike many, who, after promotion, forget their sources.

f) 4:20: Jesus showed a godly character by sitting down after reading the scroll, unlike many musicians, Bible teachers, and ministers who never humbly sit for themselves to be ministered to.

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Charisma can be developed, but lack of character is detrimental.
2. If Jesus exhibited true character despite being God- -in- Man, whoever doesn’t allow godly character to moderate giftedness is doomed!

QUESTIONS

1. With practical and biblical illustrations, discuss how character can moderate charisma.
2. Compare and contrast Jesus’ life with yours in the following areas: being a child of God and, being a minister of God.