Testing Your Spiritual Gifts:

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

No, I'm not saying 'be afraid of being used by God'. The entire concept of 'using your spiritual gifts' however is an unbiblical emphasis that opens the door for all sorts of deceptions.

I believe that it can be overemphasized. However, I believe that after 22 years in the Pentecostal ranks every gift but speaking in tongues and interpretation is under-emphasized. Most are afraid to operate with Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discernment of Spirits, and even Prophesy. We should equip and train believers on how to properly use the gifts that the Spirit has given them.

The 'gifts' are operations of the Spirit, as HE decides, when and where. We are to earnestly desire to be used by God, but especially to prophesy, but still keeping in mind these are operations of the Spirit. The gifts operate when we are in the Holy Ghost. Too many people have tried to reduce the gifts of the Spirit of God to a set of formulas that can be 'taught', or even go so far as to think they can be used 'at will'.

I believe that the Spirit gives them as He desires. However, I don’t see any example in the Bible wherein someone refused to cast out a devil because it was the wrong time or place. Same with healing. I’ve read examples of how a lack of faith caused one with spiritual power and authority not to move. I look at it like a weapon. If God gives the gift, it is our responsibility to learn how to properly hone that gift and use that gift with wisdom and responsibility.

The best chance of being used is to be in the Holy Ghost, and that requires prayer, and dedication. A lot of people unfortunately take the lead from charismatic 'word of faith' techings which stem from E. W. Kenyon... which is repackaged witchcraft, plain and simple.

I believe that a lack of prayer and dedication can stifle one’s gift. However, I believe that if one is “prayed up” and dedicated to the Lord they can “tap into” the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and deploy the power as necessary.

It is interesting the Bible does not contain any 'study guides' or 'preferred techniques for finding and using your spiritual gifts', is it not?

The Bible may not provide a study guide, yet it is full of examples wherein men of prayer and fasting experienced visions, fell into trances, communicated the things of the Spirit, and cast out devils. Some things must be gained through experience and spiritual insight. And this takes time, desire, and opportunity to develop one’s gifts. I do read about a school of the prophets in the OT. I see Jesus counseling the disciples with regards to spiritual warfare and clear spiritual vision in several places.

Just be careful.

Amen. I intend to be.

I recommend 'The Spiritual Man' by Watchman Nee as a good primer on the subject. Although I disagree with many of his theories, he does have some very good things to say about the psychology of being hoodwinked by false and lying spirits.

I greatly respect the writings of Watchman Nee. However, I’m tired of the repeated “read this man’s book” mantra that I’ve gotten down through the years. What about YOUR experience in Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits, Healings, Faith, Miracles, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues? Why aren’t we personally testifying to the power of the Spirit through the operation of the gifts? We can’t quite tell the Devil to get back to us after reading Nee’s book. Lol

Since delving into these realms, I’ve seen supernatural manifestations of evil spirits. I’ve seen people oppressed demonstrating mood swings and personality shifts. I’ve encountered people suffering from oppression coming out of it a week later and apologizing truly stating that they didn’t know what was wrong. It was like they knew what they were doing and saying was wrong, but they felt compelled by an inner force to follow through with the tirade or action. I’ve learned how to allow myself to get “into the Spirit” and to stir up spiritual forces to validate their presence or prove that nothing is present. I’ve anointed houses and people with oil in prayer and watched as the home settle into peace once again. I’ve been able to “read” a person with snap shot images passing through my soul about what they must address in their spiritual or personal lives. I’ve interpreted tongues, something I found absolutely astounding because I had only done it once prior and my understanding of it as greatly broadened. I’ve had visions while driving, hanging out with friends, and while in prayer. I’ve learned the difference between what I call “inner vision”, “open heavens vision”, and “visions while in spiritual translation”. To God be the glory I’ve even been able to pick up on the “spirit” (or vibe) of a place and determine some of what has transpired there. I’ve actually learned how the dynamic of prayer and fasting works in combination and even why it is often necessary. God has opened my eyes to angelic realities and the presence of the Hosts of Heaven and how they empower, assist, and encourage us in spiritual warfare. All of this within the past 6 months or so. God has been amazingly good to me.
But I had to get the courage to step out and… surrender myself to these inner promptings that come so subtle, they are easily dismissed as imagination or wishful thinking.

Now, am I anything? NO. I’m not. Definitely not. I have my struggles, carnality, attitude, and humanity to contend with. I’m not different than the next guy. So I KNOW any born again child of God can delve into the deeper realities of the Spirit.

Avoid passivity.

Within the past 6 months, I’ve experienced everything but passivity. In fact, it’s been a miraculous and blessed adventure.