Sermon by: Oladipo Oluwatosin
Text: 2 Timothy 1:6-7 – "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Introduction
Many people begin their spiritual journey with zeal and excitement, fully embracing their roles as workers and ministers. However, as time passes, some fall into the trap of becoming too familiar with their calling, leading to complacency, negligence, or even outright misuse of their divine gifts.
The gifts of God are not to be handled lightly. Every worker and minister has a divine assignment, and failing to take it seriously can lead to loss, spiritual dryness, or divine judgment.
In this sermon, we will explore the importance of valuing, nurturing, and faithfully using the gift of God in our lives. We will also look at biblical examples of those who honored their gifts and those who neglected them—and the consequences that followed.
1. Understanding the Gift of God in Your Life
A. What Is the Gift of God?
- The gift of God refers to the divine abilities, anointing, or calling placed upon an individual for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom.
- These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit and are meant for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
- Romans 11:29 – "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." This means God’s gifts are permanent, but they require responsible management.
B. Every Worker and Minister Has a Calling
- Ephesians 4:11-12 – "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
- Whether you are a pastor, usher, intercessor, choir member, administrator, or evangelist, you are called for a specific divine purpose.
- Your gift is not less important than another’s. Every worker is significant in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14-27).
C. The Gift Is Not for Personal Gain
- Acts 8:18-21 – Simon the Sorcerer tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit for selfish gain, but Peter rebuked him.
- Your gift is for service, not for self-exaltation, competition, or manipulation.
- Many today commercialize the anointing for money, fame, or power. This is a great error in the sight of God.
2. Dangers of Trivializing God’s Gift
A. Familiarity Breeds Contempt
- Uzzah’s Tragic Mistake (2 Samuel 6:6-7) – Uzzah touched the Ark of God carelessly and died instantly.
- He thought he was helping, but he had lost reverence for the holiness of God.
- Many ministers today handle the things of God with casualness, disrespect, and pride, forgetting that the anointing is sacred.
B. Negligence Leads to Loss
- Matthew 25:24-30 – The Parable of the Talents.
- The servant who buried his talent instead of using it was called wicked and lazy.
- If you neglect your gift, you may lose relevance in God’s kingdom, and He may replace you.
C. Pride and Self-Glory Are Dangerous
- King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22-23) – Saul disobeyed God’s instructions and prioritized personal interests over God’s command.
- His pride and lack of submission to God’s will led to his downfall.
- Pride makes a person unteachable and uncorrectable, which eventually leads to destruction.
D. Spiritual Dryness and Loss of Power
- Samson’s Fall (Judges 16:20) – Samson toyed with his anointing and assumed he could still function without God.
- Many ministers continue working in the flesh even after losing the presence of God.
- Anointing without consecration leads to spiritual bankruptcy.
3. How to Maintain and Stir Up Your Gift
A. Remain in the Place of Prayer
- Jude 1:20 – "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost."
- Prayer keeps the anointing fresh and strengthens your gift.
- If you neglect prayer, your spiritual fire will diminish.
B. Study and Meditate on the Word
- 2 Timothy 2:15 – "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
- Many ministers today operate on recycled sermons instead of fresh revelation.
- A strong knowledge of the Word keeps you grounded and sharpens your gift.
C. Stay Humble and Accountable
- Hebrews 13:17 – "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls."
- Many people fall because they refuse to submit to spiritual authority.
- A true servant of God remains humble and teachable.
D. Use Your Gift Consistently
- 1 Timothy 4:14-15 – "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."
- Your gift grows stronger when you use it regularly in service to God and others.
E. Walk in the Fear of God
- Proverbs 9:10 – "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
- Serving without reverence and holiness leads to spiritual decline.
- Always check your motives and ask: Am I using this gift for God’s glory or my personal gain?
4. Encouragement to Be Faithful Stewards
A. God Rewards Faithful Servants
- Matthew 25:21 – "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
- Every service done with sincerity will be rewarded.
B. The Kingdom Needs You
- 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 – Every believer has a unique role in the body of Christ.
- Don’t compare your gift with others; focus on fulfilling your own assignment.
C. Your Reward Is Eternal
- Colossians 3:23-24 – "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance."
- Seek God’s approval, not human applause.
Conclusion
- Your spiritual gift is a sacred responsibility.
- Do not become too familiar, careless, or negligent with your calling.
- Like Paul told Timothy, "Stir up the gift of God."
- Keep your fire burning, remain accountable, and serve with humility.
Prayer Points
- Lord, help me to value and use my spiritual gifts for Your glory.
- Father, deliver me from negligence and spiritual laziness.
- Holy Spirit, rekindle the fire of my calling and ministry.
- Lord, keep me humble and accountable in my service.
- Let me finish my race well and hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
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