RELEASING LATENT GIFTS
To release implies something is incarcerated, imprisoned, locked up, and bound. Who locked your gifts up? The devil? Or you?
Latent means something is existing but not yet developed or manifest; or it's hidden or concealed.
Gifts include all your natural abilities or talents.
Matt 25: 15-30
15 Everyone given to his capacity. You can handle them all that's why God made you have them.
16-18 They all took action. The first two set put to work, the third chose his, to bury.
19 God is always patient.... He gave a long time to him to repent before His return.
20-23 They were rewarded 100% return on investment!
24 But the one with the wrong mindset, faced judgement!
We must realise the God takes our gifts serious. He is likely to punish waste of divine deposits.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT MAXIMISING ALL YOUR GIFTS
1, When you don't use them they waste and they diminish
2, When you don't use them they frustrate God's purpose.
3, When you don't use them they reduce your potentials.
The use of your gifts will determine the extent of your ministry and impact. In fact, your ministry and impact will shrink or expand to the extent you use your gifts.
Proverbs 18:16
WHAT THEN IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY?
2 Timothy 1:6 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.
Don't neglect! Paul admonished. I suspect that Paul noticed that somethings were not at work in Tim's life.
WHY GIFTS ARE SOMETIMES NEGLECTED.
I think Paul had a clue. His next comment could give answers.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1- Fear including selfdoubt and the tendenfy for people-pleasing
2- Selfishness (choosing that which brings personal honour and pride rather than God honour-- we won't do that if we love Him)
Note:
2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Love God enough to serve however He wants!
3- Lack of understanding eg. A gift perceived as inferior, unhealthy comparisons, misunderstanding purpose and negative mindsets.
WHAT TO DO?
2 Timothy 1:6 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.
Stir, fan to flame...
A. Thank God for your already discovered gifts
B. Desire more, Paul advised us to covet prophecy 1 Cor. 14:39
C. Exercise the ones you know. Faithful in little, more is given. Lk 19:17
D. Take a journey of self-discovery and yieldedness
E. Pray
Note to pastors:
Your members are gifts to you. Are you ignoring some?
May God help us be faithful!
