BIBLICAL VIEW | ABILITIES (3)

1. Definition of abilities

a) Power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially.
 
b)Competence based on natural skill, training, or other qualification.

c) Gifts, talents; special skills or aptitudes

2. Within each ability lies a seed of rebellion...
 
a) We must be very careful not to use gifts or talents for self-promotion, or selfish ends - they will become a powerful force for evil and destroy the GOD given talent.

3. What is the safety net here?

a) Attitude. Humility. Realize constantly where the talent and gifting comes from. Never forget it.

2 Chronicles 20:12 New International Version (NIV)

¹² Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

b) Total dependency on GOD, the Holy Spirit of GOD and being honest before the Lord that we do not have the answer - only He does, and we are totally dependent on His guidance, wisdom and strength.

c) We are no match against the power and strategies of our enemies. GOD alone opens the way for success.

d) Total dependence on His power only becomes possible when we have an accurate reading of how weak we are, and unable to do anything in our own strength.

Zechariah 4:6 New International Version (NIV)

⁶ So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

e) Do not forget where our abilities, gifts and talents come from!