Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we explore the Word of God together.<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most confusing issues for many believers\u2014especially those new in the faith\u2014is how to discern genuine servants of God<\/strong> from false ones. This confusion often arises when someone appears to operate in spiritual power: they cast out demons, perform healings, prophesy accurately, and speak in tongues\u2014and yet, their character and lifestyle are ungodly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Can someone really be used by God while living in sin?<\/p>\n The simple yet shocking biblical answer is: Yes, they can.<\/strong> But that does not<\/strong> mean they are in right standing with God.<\/p>\n This message will examine what the Bible says about this difficult topic and how spiritual gifts are not proof of divine approval<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Bible draws a clear distinction between spiritual gifts<\/strong> (Greek: charismata<\/em>) and spiritual fruit<\/strong> (Greek: karpos<\/em>). Gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit for ministry (1 Corinthians 12), while fruit reflects the believer\u2019s internal transformation into Christlikeness (Galatians 5:22\u201323).<\/p>\n Galatians 5:22\u201323 (ESV):<\/strong> You can operate in gifts without bearing fruit<\/strong>, but you cannot<\/strong> please God without fruit, because fruit is the evidence of a sanctified life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n (1 Kings 13:1\u201324<\/strong>, summarized below \u2014 ESV)<\/p>\n In this story, a “man of God” from Judah delivers a prophecy to King Jeroboam, warning him of judgment. God gives him clear instructions: Do not eat, drink, or return by the same path.<\/strong> However, an older prophet<\/strong> deceives him, claiming an angel told him it was fine to eat and drink at his house.<\/p>\n The younger prophet disobeys\u2014and God pronounces judgment. Shockingly, the true prophetic word comes through the same old prophet who lied!<\/strong><\/p>\n 1 Kings 13:20\u201321 (ESV):<\/strong> This is not an isolated incident in Scripture.<\/p>\n Romans 11:29 (ESV):<\/strong> This principle means that once God gives a spiritual gift or calling, He doesn\u2019t automatically take it away\u2014even when someone sins. That person can continue to function in the gift for a time, even while spiritually disconnected<\/strong> from God.<\/p>\n This explains why some ministers or prophets who fall into sin still perform miracles or prophesy accurately. But this doesn\u2019t mean God endorses their behavior.<\/p>\n Matthew 7:21\u201323 (ESV):<\/strong> This is the same principle we see with the old prophet in 1 Kings 13.<\/p>\n Balaam was a prophet who genuinely heard from God. He even blessed Israel when asked to curse them<\/strong> (Numbers 22\u201324). But later, we find out that Balaam led Israel into sin for personal gain.<\/p>\n 2 Peter 2:15 (ESV):<\/strong> Revelation 2:14 (ESV):<\/strong> Even though Balaam spoke with God and gave true prophecies, he was later judged as a false prophet<\/strong> because of his unrighteous motivations.<\/p>\n Hebrews 12:14 (ESV):<\/strong> Holiness is not optional. No matter how gifted someone is, without holiness and obedience to God\u2019s Word, they will not see Him.<\/p>\n Gifts are for ministry<\/strong>. Holiness is for eternal life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Matthew 7:16 (ESV):<\/strong> We are not told to recognize true or false servants by their gifts\u2014but by their fruit<\/strong>, meaning their character, obedience, and lifestyle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Dear believer, don\u2019t rely on the presence of spiritual gifts\u2014yours or others’\u2014as evidence that someone is walking with God. Instead, ask:<\/p>\n You may sing beautifully, teach powerfully, speak in tongues, or receive prophetic visions\u2014but if your heart is far from God<\/strong>, none of that will save you.<\/p>\n Let your prayer be:<\/p>\n \u201cLord, make me holy. Let me not just be gifted, but righteous.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n If spiritual gifts are present in your life\u2014praise God<\/strong>! But seek holiness first<\/strong>, because only holiness<\/strong> guarantees fellowship with God both now and for eternity.<\/p>\n May the Lord bless you.<\/strong><\/p>\nIntroduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n1. Gifts vs. Fruit: The Biblical Distinction<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n2. Biblical Example: The Disobedient Prophet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n“And as they sat at the table, the word of the Lord came to the prophet who had brought him back. And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, ‘Thus says the Lord, Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord… your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.'”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nKey Insight:<\/h3>\n
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\n3. God\u2019s Gifts Are Irrevocable<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n4. Jesus\u2019 Warning: Gifts Without Relationship<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\u201cNot everyone who says to me, \u2018Lord, Lord,\u2019 will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, \u2018Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?\u2019
\nAnd then will I declare to them, \u2018I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nKey Insight:<\/h3>\n
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\n5. Old Testament Example: Balaam<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n“Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n“…Balaam… taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel…”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n6. What Truly Matters: Holiness<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n7. Don\u2019t Judge by Gifts\u2014Judge by Fruit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n“You will recognize them by their fruits.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
\nConclusion: Examine Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nFinal Encouragement<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nStay Connected<\/strong><\/h2>\n