Ministry School (A). Lesson 4. Gifts and Character

Lesson 4. Gifts and Character. Ministry School (A) of Father’s Blessing Church, Kyiv, Ukraine.

School Table of Contents

Lesson objective: To understand why God gives people abilities and spiritual gifts, why it is important to use them, and how a gifted person can destroy themselves and their ministry.

Key Verse

1 Peter 4:10
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

God gives people gifts not so that they will feel special, but so that they can better serve others.

• Gifts give people additional opportunities.
  Character determines how they will use those opportunities.
• A gift can help a person rise quickly.
  Character helps them avoid falling.
• A gift can attract people's attention.
  Character helps them handle that attention properly.
• A gift can open opportunities for ministry.
  Character helps us not lose these opportunities through wrong decisions.

After some time, a lack of work on one’s character usually manifests itself as follows:

🔴 A person begins serving to be seen and noticed.
🔴 Success produces pride rather than gratitude.
🔴 A person compares their gift with someone else’s and loses their peace.
🔴 A gift is used for oneself rather than for people.
🔴 The danger of burnout increases.

Healthy, long-term ministry requires both gifts and character.

Abilities, skills, and gifts of the Spirit

These three concepts are related, but they are not the same. A person receives natural abilities at birth, develops skills through learning and practice, and receives gifts of the Holy Spirit from the Spirit for ministering to people and building up the Church.

1. Natural abilities

One person naturally sings well. Another communicates easily with people. A third knows how to organize work. A fourth learns quickly. A fifth knows how to listen, notice people’s needs, or find a solution to a difficult problem. Even natural abilities should not become a cause for pride.

James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

We did not choose:

• which family to be born into;
• what kind of voice to have;
• how quickly our minds work;
• who will teach us;
• what doors will open before us.

Therefore, even a natural ability is not solely our achievement. It is a resource entrusted to us.

2. Acquired Skills

Some abilities emerge and develop through learning and consistent practice.

For example:

• the ability to preach;
• playing a musical instrument;
• event organization;
• working with sound and video;
• team management;
• counseling people;
• working with children;
• leading a home group;
• managing finances;
• writing texts;
• conducting a prayer service.

3. Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1 Cor. 12:4–7
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord; and there are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

The gifts of the Spirit do not turn a person into a superhuman. It is God’s work that is supernatural, while the person remains dependent on the Holy Spirit.

Different biblical lists name different gifts and types of ministry. The main point remains the same: God gives abilities for the benefit of people and the building up of the Church.

The gifts of the Spirit do not make a person more valuable than others.

• They do not prove that a person is spiritually superior to others.
• They make it possible to accomplish a specific task.

A hammer is better than a screwdriver when you need to drive in a nail. A screwdriver is better than a hammer when you need to tighten a screw. But one tool does not become more important simply because it performs a different task.

The same is true in the Church: different people are needed for different tasks.

The Right Attitude Toward Gifts

A gift speaks not of a person's greatness, but of God's generosity.

1 Cor. 4:7
“What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”

This question protects a minister from pride.

• Your voice was given to you.
• The opportunity to learn was given to you.
• The doors to ministry were opened for you.
• The people who helped you were sent into your life.
• Even the strength to work and grow was given by God.

We must use our gifts responsibly, but we must not take all the glory for ourselves.

A mature minister does not think, “Look how gifted I am.”
He thinks, “How can I properly use what God has entrusted to me?”

WHAT IS CHARACTER

Character is not a mood or a personality type.

• A calm person does not necessarily have good character.
• A sociable person is not necessarily proud.
• A quiet person is not necessarily humble.

Character is revealed in the decisions a person consistently makes, especially under pressure.

A gift is a tool for ministry, while character determines how a person will use that tool.

The Bible calls the qualities of character, not abilities, the fruit of the Spirit:

Gal. 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

People’s gifts differ, but the fruit of the Spirit must grow in every believer’s life. You cannot say that you do not need gentleness because you have the gift of prophecy, or that you do not need patience because healings take place through you.

Gifts show what a person can do. The fruit of the Spirit shows what kind of person he is becoming.

God wants not only to work through us.
He wants to transform us.

FOUR BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

1. Bezalel

When the tabernacle was being built, prayers and good intentions alone were not enough.

People were needed who knew how to work with various materials, create objects, and carry out the assigned work precisely.

God said about Bezalel:

Exodus 31:3–5
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of craftsmanship, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut stones for setting, and to carve wood for every kind of work.”

The Spirit of God helped a person carry out practical work.

This shows that God can use:

• skill;
• creativity;
• accuracy;
• planning skills;
• working with one's hands;
• technical abilities.

Not all ministry takes place behind a pulpit.

A person who organizes a room well, works with sound, prepares materials, keeps records, or helps children is also using abilities given by God.

Conclusion from the example: Spiritual ministry does not eliminate practical skills. God can fill a person with the Holy Spirit while also teaching them to perform a specific task with excellence.

2. Samson

Samson received extraordinary physical strength from God. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, he did what was impossible for an ordinary person.

Judg. 14:6
“And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would tear apart a young goat.”

However, Samson did not learn to control his desires, make wise decisions, or guard what God had entrusted to him. Having strength did not mean that his character was mature.

As a result, Samson’s wrong decisions led to the loss of his freedom, eyesight, and strength, and ultimately his life.

Judges 16:20
“But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.”

For some time, a person may continue to minister even when serious problems have already emerged in their inner life. Therefore, the results of ministry cannot be considered proof that everything in a minister’s life is in order.

Conclusion from the example: A strong gift does not protect a person from the consequences of wrong decisions. If a minister does not work on their character, they may destroy themselves, their relationships, and their ministry.

3. Joseph

Joseph received dreams from God and the ability to interpret dreams. But years of testing passed between the first dreams and the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Joseph experienced:

• his brothers’ envy;
• betrayal;
• slavery;
• false accusation;
• prison;
• waiting;
• oblivion.

Later, he received tremendous authority in Egypt. The gift helped Joseph interpret Pharaoh’s dream.

His character helped him:

• endure years of waiting;
• maintain purity;
• avoid becoming bitter;
• use authority correctly;
• forgive those who had wronged him;
• govern the country during the famine.

Lesson from this example: There is often a period of time between receiving a gift and its full development. This time is not given in vain—in it, God forms the character that will later keep the gift from pride and vengeance.

4. Jesus Christ

Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, multiplied bread, and commanded the storm. But He did not use power for self-promotion.

Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

He noticed people who had been rejected. He did not humiliate the weak. He did not use miracles to prove His superiority.

When the disciples rejoiced that the spirits obeyed them, Jesus directed their attention not to authority, but to their relationship with God.

This is a very important lesson for gifted people.

Our greatest joy should not be that something happens through us. Our greatest joy is belonging to God and doing His will.

Conclusion from the example: True spiritual power does not make a person arrogant. The closer a person is to Jesus, the more love, purity, and humility there will be in their ministry.

Five Tests of a Minister’s Character

1. Success and Recognition

When a ministry grows, people begin to praise the person.

• They invite them.
• They listen to them.
• Their name becomes well known.

At this moment, a thought may arise: “This is happening because I am special.” This is how pride begins.

A humble minister remembers:

• the gift was received from God;
• God gave the result;
• other people also worked;
• success does not make him superior to others;
• tomorrow, he will still need God’s mercy.

Success reveals whether a person can receive praise without becoming dependent on it.

2. Failure and Criticism

Sometimes ministry does not produce the expected result.

At this moment, it becomes clear whether a person knows how to:

• acknowledge a mistake;
• accept correction;
• continue serving without resentment;
• not blame everyone around them;
• not quit ministry after failure.

Maturity is revealed not only in victories, but also in the right response to defeat.

3. Waiting

A person senses a calling, but is not yet entrusted with great responsibility.

• They see their gift, but others have not yet recognized it.
• They want to act, but the door does not open.

During the waiting period, the following may arise:

• irritation;
• comparison;
• envy;
• the desire to promote oneself;
• criticizing those who are already serving.

But waiting can become a time of preparation. Instead of demanding more, one should faithfully use what is small.

4. Power and Influence

When a person gains power, money, or influence, what is in their heart becomes evident.

Will they:

• listen to people;
• acknowledge their mistakes;
• defend the weak;
• respect boundaries;
• allow questions to be asked;
• remain accountable?

Or will they begin to:

• control;
• intimidate;
• humiliate;
• manipulate;
• demand special treatment;
• cover up their mistakes with spiritual language?

Authority does not create character overnight. It reveals what was already inside.

5. Someone Else’s Success

One of the most difficult tests is seeing God use someone else powerfully.

Especially if that person:

• younger than you;
• arrived later than you;
• received an opportunity you wanted;
• serves in a similar gift;
• receives more attention.

At this moment, envy may arise. Envy causes a person to look for flaws in someone whom God is blessing.

A mature minister knows how to rejoice in another person’s success. He understands that another person’s ministry does not diminish his own value.

In the Kingdom of God, we are not rivals. We are co-workers.

Habits That Strengthen Character

Major downfalls often begin with small wrong decisions. That is why character is built through simple daily habits.

1. Do What You Promised

• Do not make promises lightly.
• Arrive on time.
• Complete what you have been assigned.
• Let people know if you will not finish on time.
• Faithfulness in small things prepares a person for greater responsibility.

2. Learn to Accept Correction

• Do not make excuses immediately.
• Listen.
• Ask questions.
• Consider which part of what was said may be true.
• Even if the correction was not expressed perfectly, you can still benefit from it.

3. Watch Your Words

• Do not humiliate people.
• Do not spread gossip.
• Do not share other people’s stories without permission.
• Do not exaggerate the results of your ministry.
• Truthfulness is more important than making an impression.

4. Maintain purity

• Do not form secret relationships.
• Maintain clear and reasonable boundaries in communication.
• Do not hide addictions and sinful habits.
• What a person hides and does not correct eventually begins to control them.

5. Handle money properly

• Do not mix personal funds with ministry funds.
• Keep records.
• Do not pressure people to give you money.
• Do not measure God’s blessing solely by material success.
• Financial integrity is part of spiritual character.

6. Maintain prayer and Bible study

• You cannot live solely on past revelations.
• You cannot read the Bible only to prepare a sermon.
• A minister needs a personal relationship with God in which he is not a preacher or leader, but a disciple.

7. Rest and acknowledge your limitations

• A tired person becomes irritated more easily, makes hasty decisions, and loses attentiveness.
• You do not need to prove your spirituality through constant exhaustion.
• Knowing how to rest is not laziness.
• It is acknowledging that we are not God and cannot do everything.

MYTH-BUSTING

Myth 1. If a powerful gift operates through a person, then God approves all their decisions and actions.

Reality: God works through imperfect people, but the operation of a gift does not justify sin, pride, dishonesty, or an improper attitude toward others.

Myth 2. You must first become perfect, and only then begin serving

Reality: There are no perfect people. We grow in character as we serve. But we should begin with a small measure of responsibility, within a team and under mentoring.

Myth 3. Correction hinders the operation of a gift

Reality: Healthy correction does not destroy a gift; it protects a person from mistakes. The danger is not a mentor who asks questions, but pride that forbids questions from being asked.

Myth 4. Results justify improper methods

Reality: A good result does not make lies, pressure, manipulation, or impurity right. God's work cannot be built through methods that contradict God's character.

CONCLUSION

God gives people natural abilities, opportunities for training, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. All of this should be developed and used to minister to people.

But a powerful gift does not replace love, humility, purity, faithfulness, and self-control. The greater a person's influence, the more important their character and accountability become.

A gift helps a person carry out their work. Character determines how they will do it. A gift can expand one’s ministry, while character helps them stay on the right path.

Therefore, we do not need to choose between gifts and character. God wants us to develop our abilities, seek the work of the Holy Spirit, and at the same time allow Him to transform our lives.

Main takeaway

A gift helps you minister more effectively. Character helps you minister correctly, humbly, and for the long term.

KEY LESSON TAKEAWAYS

1. All good abilities are gifts entrusted to us.
2. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for the benefit of people and the building up of the Church.
3. Gifts must be used, developed, and stirred up.
4. The greater a minister’s influence, the more important accountability becomes.
5. A gift is God’s gift, so the glory belongs to God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What abilities has God already given you?
2. What danger particularly threatens a gifted person?
3. How can you develop a gift without becoming proud?
4. Why does accountability protect a minister?
5. In what area of character do you especially need to grow right now?

Practical Assignment for This Week

1. Write down three abilities or gifts you see in your life.
2. Ask two mature people what abilities they notice in you.
3. Choose one gift or skill that you will develop.
4. Ask a mature minister to give you honest feedback.
5. At the end of the week, write down what you learned about your gifts, motives, and character.

PRAYER

Lord, I thank You for the abilities, opportunities, and gifts You have given me.
Help me not to neglect them, but to develop and use them to minister to people.
Free my heart from pride, envy, rivalry, and the desire for human glory.
Teach me to remember that everything good I have, I received from You.
Help me navigate success, failure, waiting, and criticism properly.
Give me the ability to receive instruction and acknowledge my mistakes.
Send people into my life with whom I can be honest and accountable.
Help me serve with strength, but with humility.
For a long time and faithfully.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.