How are the gifts of the Holy Spirit misused in the church today?

1. People demand favors/payment for performing miracles
2. People claim to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit when they are not
3. There is too much emphasis on speaking in tongues a the expense of other gifts
4. Those who have the gifts of the Holy Spirit are proud/boastful/look down upon others
5. People misinterpret the Bible /confuse others while claiming to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. 
6. Individuals cause divisions/splinter groups in the church claiming that the Holy Spirit has inspired them to start new churches/ministries
7. Sometimes gifts of the Holy Spirit are expressed in a disorderly manner in the church
8. People use the gifts for self-glorification
9. People speak in tongues without an interpreter  hence creating misunderstanding 
10. People use the gifts to instill fear/intimidate others 

How is the Holy Spirit misused

The Holy Spirit, being a powerful and divine presence, can unfortunately be misused in various ways. Here are some ways in which the Holy Spirit is misused, according to the documents:

1. False interpretation of the Bible/prophecy: Some individuals may claim to have special insights or revelations from the Holy Spirit but twist the meaning of Scripture or make false prophecies. This can lead to confusion and misguidance among believers.
2. Pride and superiority complex: Some Christians who possess the gifts of the Holy Spirit may develop a sense of pride and superiority over others. Instead of using their gifts to serve and edify the church, they may use them to elevate themselves and look down upon others.
3. Exploitation of others: There are those who distinguish themselves as individuals with a special calling from the Holy Spirit, but their intentions are to exploit others. They may manipulate and deceive people for personal gain, using the guise of being led by the Holy Spirit.
4. Ecstasy and trance leading to injuries: Wrong use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit can sometimes lead to a state of ecstasy or trance, where individuals lose control of their bodies and may injure themselves or others. It is important to exercise caution and discernment when experiencing such manifestations.
5. Commercialization of the gifts: Unfortunately, some people have commercialized the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They may ask for payment or donations before praying for or healing individuals, turning the spiritual gifts into a money-making venture.

State five ways in which the gifts of the Holy Spirit have been abused in the church today

• Cheating that one has a certain gift of the Holy Spirit /pretence.
• Commercialization of the gifts/people are asked to pay money before being prayed for /healed.
• False interpretation of the bible/prophesy/predicting the future.
• Unscrupulous Christians may impart demoniac powers on innocent faithful.
• Some Christians who possess the gifts of the Holy Spirit develop pride/superiority complex.
• Wrong use of the gifts of the Holy spirit where faithful get into Ecstasy/trance which may lead t injuries.
• Distinguishing oneself as a person with a special call/preacher with an intention of exploiting others