INTRODUCTION

Today we continue our study in the book of 2 Corinthians. Our focus today will be on two important duties of every New Testament believer- first is the proclamation and promotion of the ministry of reconciliation and not of condemnation and second is giving consistently and generously to God and one another. May the Lord bless you as we continue our study in Jesus name. Amen.

1. The Ministry of Reconciliation

We fear the Lord because we know that one day we shall have to appear before His judgement seat; this explains why the single greatest need of every man, woman and child is to be reconciled to God. And what is amazing is that God has committed to us- weak and ordinary ‘Jars of clay’, the tremendous task of proclaiming this message of reconciliation, of proclaiming to men and women that through faith in Christ, they too can be reconciled to God.

The message of reconciliation in brief, is that: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ. Through Christ, our sins are foreign and our punishment taken away.

Christ was the sacrificial lamb that takes away the sins of the world. The message of reconciliation is simply the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And God has committed to us His message; He has given us the responsibility of proclaiming this message to the world.

The Bible also describes us as Christ’s Ambassadors which means it is part of our job to implore men and women to be reconciled to God.

2 Cor. 5:11-21; 1 Pet 1:23; Rom 6:3-5, 8; Gal 2:20; Gal 5:24; Rom 5:24; Rom 5:6-10; Rom 13:4; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:22-24; 1 Corin 15:22-23; 2 Corin 4:16

Life Application Question: What have you, personally done with the message of reconciliation? Have you shared it with others, or have you kept it to yourself?

2. Generosity Encouraged

Among the Macedonian Churches, the two most well-known were the Philippian Church and the Thessalonian Church. The Thessalonians had become a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Even though the Philippians and Thessalonians were themselves poor and were experiencing trials, they were still filled with rich generosity toward other Christians in need. Generosity is not measured only by how much one gives; it is also measured by how much one keeps. A poor man can never give as much as a rich man; nevertheless, the poor man’s generosity may be much greater than that of the rich man as our Lord Jesus taught us in the story of the widow who gave her all. One thing we should remember when It comes to giving is that: if we are generous toward others, God will be generous towards us, and the more we give, the more we will receive. The Macedonian Christians gave not only their money, but they gave themselves as well. They are an example for us to follow, so let us not be stingy. More than our money, God wants us. If we belong to Christ, then our money belongs to Him also. That is why the Macedonian Christians were so generous. The one who owns the slave owns everything belonging to the slave. We must decide how much to give, not according to our wish or calculation, but according to His. Each time we want to give, we should ask how much the Owner would want us to dispense; one thing is sure, it cannot be less than a tenth.

2 Cor. 8:1-15; 1 Thess. 1:7; Mk 12:44-44; 2 Corin 9:6-7; Gal 6:7; Philip 4:19; Rom 12:1; 1 Jn 3:17-18; Philip 2:6-7; 1 Corin 16:2

INTRODUCTION

In the first instalment of our study in the book of 2 Corinthians we highlighted that the book was actually the third letter of Paul to the Corinthians; the second letter would appear to have got lost in some ways. In that first part we examined trials and comfort on the one hand and prayer and comfort on the other. Today we will consider in our study the issues of forgiveness for sinners, and the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Is any sin unforgivable and is forgiveness available to the unrepentant sinner? How powerful is the truth of the Gospel? God bless you as we continue our study.

1. FORGIVENESS FOR THE SINNER

Someone in the Corinthian Church had sinned greatly. This person had caused grief not only to Paul but to the whole church in Corinth. If one member brings dishonour upon himself or herself, the truth is that such brings dishonour upon the whole church – the body of Christ. While it is certain who this person was, Bible scholars believe it was the man who had committed adultery with his steep mother. It would appear that the man latter repented, although in the beginning he did not and the church had acquiesced.

Paul solicited that the man having been rebuked, the punishment was now sufficient. From this Paul gives an important principle for all Christians to follow: we must always be ready to forgive and comfort a repentant sinner, no matter how bad his or her sin has been. It is important that we reaffirm our love for such a one. When we do this, we are able to show the person that it was because of our love for him/her that we imposed the discipline; we show that it was not him/her but only his/her sin that we hated. As part of reaffirming our love for the sinner, we must bring such a person back again into the full fellowship of the church. This is the whole purpose of discipline. Discipline is not for driving sinners out of the church, but rather for drawing them back in and leading them to repentance.

2 Cor. 2:5-11; 1 Cor. 12:26; 1 Cor. 5: 1-5; 2 Cor. 2: 6-8; Gal. 6:1; Heb. 12:14.

Life Application Question: If one who has sinned refuses to repent must such remain separated from the church? What can or should the church do in such a case.

2. THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL

Paul in this book gives the description of a true apostle of Jesus. Paul did not follow the shameful ways of the false prophets who use deception and distort the word of God. On the contrary, people who are familiar with Paul know in their hearts and consciences that his word is sincere and true. The only ones who cannot see the light of the gospel and the truth of Paul’s teachings are those whose minds and hearts have been covered with the “veil” of unbelief and who the god of this age (Satan) has blinded their minds. We humans are like jars of clay; we are ordinary, weak breakable jars. But in our “jars” we have this treasure: namely, the gospel of the glory of Christ Jesus. In simple words, the treasure in our “jars” is the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

God desires to use weak “jars” like us, because when people see our own natural weakness they will know that the spiritual power within us comes from God and not from ourselves. If you are carrying God's true spiritual power, the devil and his demons will fight you as they fought Jesus our master, Paul, Peter, James, Joseph, Daniel etc. So do not be surprised when suffering and troubles come upon us; trouble and persecution will come upon all who follow Christ. We must fill ourselves with the truth of the Word of God so that in the day of trouble we will not fall. Many today run after miracles and in the day of trouble because they are short on the Word they fall.

INTRODUCTION

Because of the stern warnings and rebukes that Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians, the Corinthians did not receive the letter happily.  Many of them began to speak against Paul.  Therefore, Paul sent them another letter from Ephesus (2 Corinthians 2:3-4).  That second letter does not exist today because no one could trace its existence.  The effect of that second letter whatever its content would appear to have brought improvement to the Corinthian church.  When Paul heard the good news of the improvements, he then wrote a third letter to the Corinthians, which is the New Testament letter called 2 Corinthians.  This book is the most personal of all Paul’s New Testament letters; from this letter we can find out a great deal about what kind of man Paul was inwardly.  In this first part of our study, we will look at Paul’s trials and comfort.

1. TRIALS AND COMFORT

One of the most important teachings of the gospel of Christ, one that we want all the people of the world to hear, is that God is a God of compassion, a God of all comfort.  He comforts us in all our troubles-not sometimes but always.  Because of the comfort, we are able not only to endure our troubles but also to rejoice in them.  God comforts us for two reasons.  First, He comforts us because he loves us as a human father loves his children.  Second, God comforts us so that we might share His comfort with others who are in trouble.  Just as God gives us comfort and blessings, so we must give comfort and blessings to others.

Paul talks about the hardships he and others suffered in the province of Asia and he asked for the prayers of the brethren.  Paul states an important principle of the Christian life.  If we are distressed, it is for our comfort and salvation.  Through his sufferings, Paul learned to rely not on his self but on God who is able to deliver us from all our troubles.  That which is a disaster for a man is an opportunity for God to show His power.  When we are in despair, when we see no way out, when we can endure no more-then we can expect to see God do His greatest works.

Life Application Questions: If Paul was comforted in all his troubles, why do many believers get discouraged and depressed very easily today.

2. PRAYERS AND COMFORT

Paul requested the Corinthians to help him and his team by their prayers.  God usually works according to the prayers of believers.  All powers is with God, but we obtain that power mainly through prayer.  God can do all things, but He usually does only what we ask for.  Let us not limit God’s blessings by our small prayers.  Thus the Corinthians’ prayers on Paul’s behalf were extremely important.  It is possible that if the Corinthians had not prayed for Paul, he would not have been delivered from all his troubles.  Let us always remember that God desires to work according to the prayers of His people.  Therefore let us not neglect to pray for one another.  When we pray much, we receive much, we will have much to give thanks for.

2 Corinthians 1:9-11; 2 Peter 2:9; Romans 12:12; Romans 50:30; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 4:5; James 5:15.

INTRODUCTION

In our last study we examined the issue of divisions in the church. We showed that sometime the division is along personality lines e.g. one for Appolos another for Paul. We also saw that the division could be along the level of spiritual understanding or the degree of spiritual maturity. Today we will examine the twin issues of immorality in the church and marriage. The Lord bless you as we continue our study in Jesus name. Amen

1.      IMMORALITY IN THE CHURCH

The citizens of Corinth were known for their sexual immorality and this practice of immorality had come into Corinthian Church. Perhaps these new Corinthian Christians had supposed that having put faith in Christ and received salvation they could now behave in any way they pleased. If so, they would naturally begin to fall into their old wicked customs. One kind of sexual immorality that was among the Corinthian Christians was so bad that even the unbelieving citizens of Corinth did not do such. There was a man who called himself a Christian and was committing adultery with his own step mother. The worse thing in this situation was that until Paul condemned it, the other so called Christians were tolerating this immorality.

Another terrible thing about the Corinthian Christians was their arrogance. Their arrogance was so great that they had begun to take pride in their own sins.

1 Cor. 4; 5: 1-13; Deut. 22:30; 27:20; 1 Thess. 4:3; Rev. 21:8; 22:15; 1 Cor. 6:12-20; 8:9 and 1 Pet. 2:1-16

Life Application Question: Discuss the ways you think immorality in the Church today may be comparable to what obtained in the Corinthian Church.

2.      TEACHING CONCERNING MARRIAGE

Another very important issue addressed in this book is the institution of marriage. The Corinthian Christian had written to Paul asking some questions about marriage. Paul made it clear that it is good for believers to marry although he was not. He however also said that if you are able to stay unmarried that is the best because in the unmarried state a man has more time to serve the Lord. However in order to remain unmarried one needs from God a special gift of self control. Most men and women do not have this special gift, and therefore it is better that they marry.

One of the reasons that God established marriage was to prevent sexual immorality. All men and women have sexual desires and needs; if every person has his or her own spouse then there should be no one or reason to engage in immoral sexual acts. It is so important to understand that husband and wife have marital duty to each other. Marriage as ordained by God is for a lifetime and believers must do everything to fulfil this. Submission in marriage is in all matters including sexual matters.

1 Cor. 7:1-24; Eph. 5:21-31; Mk. 10 6-9; Mt. 5:32; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Pet. 3:1-7; Lev. 15:19, 24; Lev. 18:19.

Life Application Question: Bearing in mind that no matter what our situation in life is, the most important thing is to remain obedient to God, is it right for any Christian to divorce?

INTRODUCTION

As we continue our study in 1 Corinthians, we will be concentrating today on divisions in the Corinthian church. The fact of divisions as it was in the Corinthian church is also true of the church today. The divisions are along the following lines – divisions concerning message whereby some are preaching heresies and denying some doctrines; divisions concerning ministry whereby believers were lining up behind men e.g Paul, Appolos etc; and divisions concerning mature and immature believers.

1.)    Divisions in message and ministry

Paul’s prayer is that the Corinthian believers might be perfectly united in mind and thought. Does this mean that the Corinthians have to agree on every little matter? No, it doesn’t mean that. But it does mean that they must agree on all major and essential matters for example, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that the Bible is God’s Word which we must obey, that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

We must be united in faith, in love and in obedience to Christ. But in small matters, it is all right to have different opinions e.g. one man eats meat, and another not. We need not concentrate on these small matters. Even though we have different ideas and customs in small things, as long as we accept and respect each other, we will still be perfectly united in Christ. In effect what is essential is what are the beliefs of a denomination and if they are scriptural and not who is the leader or what denomination is it.

Oneness among Christians is like the “oneness” among leaves of a tree. From a distance, the leaves of a tree all look the same, but when you look closely, the leaves are all different. Just as leaves are united in a tree, so must we be united in Christ, but not uniform. The truth is that there is no denomination in Christ, the church which is the Bride is one. Paul was not the only one who prayed for unity among believers. Christ Himself prayed that those who believed in Him might all be one.

1 Corin.1:10-17; 1 Corin. 1:18-2; 16; 14:2-5; Rom.12:16; Rom.15:5-6; 2Corin.13:11; Philp.2:2; John.17:20-23.

Life Application Question: Paul was concerned that believers do not follow men but Christ, how you think that Christians today still reflect the concerns of Apostle Paul.

2.)    Division between mature and immature Christians

When Paul first ministered to the Corinthians he could not speak to the new Corinthian believers as he would to mature Christians; rather he spoke to them as spiritual infants. Even though they had believed Christ and had received His Holy Spirit, they were still worldly. We must understand the meaning of this word “worldly”. A “worldly” Christian is one who walks in the ways of the world and in flesh and carnality. Such a believer loves the things of the world more than he /she loves God. That Christian lives according to the sinful nature, that is, remains under the control of sinful thoughts and desires. Such a Christian is still a “natural human being or “human being without the Spirit.

1Corin. 3:1-9; Rom.6:11-12; 1 Corin.2:14; Rom.7:14; Rom.7:19-21; Gal.5:16-17; 2Corin.3:18; Eph.4:13-15.

INTRODUCTION

The Corinthian Church members were mostly of no social significance, although an influential minority appears to have been of high social status. The church was clearly flourishing in its gifts of knowledge, wisdom and speech, but seemed to Paul to be overconfident.

Paul is clearly concerned to correct unacceptable practices such as abuse of the Lord’s Supper and beliefs such as a denial of the resurrection and to deal with immorality.

1. THE CROSS

The cross was an instrument of execution used by the Roman authorities for putting criminals to death. The sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross, foreshadowed in the Old Testament are related in the New Testament gospel accounts. Scripture sees the death of Christ as central to the Christian Faith. Through the cross and resurrection of Christ, God achieved the redemption of believers.

The death of Christ fulfils Old Testament predictions and was clearly anticipated in His teachings; He predicted His own death on the cross.

Ps.22: 1-18; Isa. 52:12-13; Zech 12:10; 13:7; Mt. 16:21; Mk.8:31; Lk.9:22.

2. THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is central to the Christian faith. Through the cross and resurrection of Christ, sinners are reconciled to God and to their fellow human beings.

Paul summaries the gospel as “the message of the cross”. Through the faithful obedient death of Jesus Christ, God grants sinners forgiveness and eternal life. The doctrine of baptism and the Lord’s Supper focus upon the death of Jesus Christ. The message of the cross of Jesus Christ is the power of God that gives us access to everything we need for life and godliness.

1 Cor. 2: 1-4; 1 Cor. 1: 13-23; 1 Cor. 2: 8-9; 1 Cor. 11: 26.

3. THE RESURRECTION

The raising of Jesus Christ from the dead by God after His suffering on the cross is central to the Christian faith. Historical evidence for His resurrection includes the empty tomb and the appearance of the risen Christ to the disciples. The resurrection of Jesus affirms His divinity, marks the words and deeds of His ministry with God’s seal of approval and opens the way to the future resurrection of believers. Scripture speaks of a general resurrection of all people at the end of time, which will be followed by Judgement. The resurrection of believers is a future event of finally being raised to glory with Jesus Christ. Believers may be rest assured that on account of their faith, they will share in the resurrection and glory of Christ and be with Him forever.

INTRODUCTION

In the last part of our study in the book of Amos, we examined the God of the poor and God the righteous Judge. Prophet Amos condemned luxurious living and extravagant lifestyles especially when such is built on exploitation of the poor. In the first study, we indicated that the book of Amos prophesied the impending doom on those who sinned. The book prophesied impending judgements on Israel and other sinful nations. It also predicted the dispersion and restoration of Israel. Today, our study will focus firstly on judgement in the past and future and secondly on the comparison between Prophet Amos and our Lord Jesus Christ.

JUDGEMENT: PAST AND FUTURE:

The main purpose of Amos is to show how God deals with sin; He deals with sin by sending judgement upon all men. Amos carefully explains why judgement will come upon the various nations. In particular, he makes it clear that Israel even though they are chosen and blessed as God’s people, will not escape His judgement. He also points out the backsliding of Israel in details and states God’s case against them. In the same manner, believers although beloved of God will not escape His judgement when they backslide and remain in their sin.

One significant thing to take note of is that the Old Testament teaches that God ‘is the Judge of all the earth’, however the New Testament revelation is that ‘the Father judges no one but has entrusted all judgement to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as He honour the Father’ and that ‘We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ’.

Amos 2:4; Amos 5:24; Amos 6:12; Amos 9:10; Gen 18:25; John 5:22-23; 2 Cor 5:10; Matt 25:31-46.

Life Application Question: Have you ever tried to minimise the guilt of committing a sin with the attitude: ‘Of course I sinned, doesn’t everybody sin? What is the big deal? No one is a saint.’

AMOS AND JESUS CHRIST

The study of the book of Amos shows some interesting parallels between prophet Amos and Jesus Christ. First, by occupation they were both working men; secondly, they both came from lowly background and this testified of their humility; thirdly, the method of teaching of the two is full of illustrations, for example, Amos warned of the straining of God’s mercy by sinners which he compared to the overloading of a wagon, he also illustrated the pressure of duty upon the prophet of God who is God’s spokesman to His people to warn God’s people against sin and judgement by comparing the pressure of duty to the roaring of a lion in his ear. He compared the escape of a remnant of Israel to a shepherd recovering two legs or the piece of an ear from a lion- this tells of the severity of God’s judgement; and the scarcity of God’s word compared to a famine in the natural world.

Also like Jesus, the prophet Amos claims divine inspiration: ‘Thus saith the Lord’ occurs forty times in his prophecy. Again, like Jesus, he was charged with treason and like Jesus, he denounced the selfishness of the rich. The pressure of duty, which was also upon him like Jesus, was tremendous.

Amos 7:14-15; Amos 7:10; Jn 19:12; Amos 3:8; Jn 9:4; Amos 6:4-6; Lk 12: 15-21; Amos 2:13; Amos 3:8; Amos 3:12; Amos 8:11-12.

In the first part of our study in the book of Amos, we understood that Amos was an agriculturist who prophesied the impending judgements of God. In that study, we examined God as the judge of the nations and also studies how God acts and reacts. Today, we want to look closely at God’s concern for the poor and secondly the righteousness or justice of God. May the Holy Spirit teach us as we study in Jesus name. Amen.

1.      GOD OF THE POOR

God’s evident concern for the poor of Israel in the book of Amos and elsewhere in the Bible should raise many questions and challenges in the Church today. Today 60% of the world’s wealth belongs to 6% of its population and almost 1 billion people in the world are permanently hungry. In Britain today, some people spend more on their pets (dogs and cats) than the average worker in many of the world’s poorest countries earns in a year. Someone said that in the Old Testament there are three types of ‘poor’: the ‘indigent poor’, who are deprived of the basic necessities of life; the ‘oppressed poor’, who are powerless victims of human injustice and the ‘humble poor’ who acknowledge their helplessness and look to God for salvation. The lessons of the Bible are that God sees, understand and reacts to the plight of the poor: He succours the indigent poor, He champions the powerless poor and He exalts the humble poor. In the light of the realities today, many Christians must modify their lifestyles. It will be difficult to maintain the extravagant lifestyle and still have ‘a good conscience’ before God simultaneously. One or the other has to be sacrificed; either you keep your conscience and reduce your extravagance. We have to choose between God and mammon bearing in mind that the Bible counsels that we adopt a simple lifestyle.

Amos 2:6-8; Amos 5:11; Amos 8:6; Exodus 23:9; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 19:17; Galatians2:10.

Life Application Question: Identify ways and means that you think you can from TODAY begin to make a positive difference to the poor of the world.

2.      GOD THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE

The very clear message of the Book of Amos is that God judges impartially. This lesson runs through the Old and New Testaments. Just as the children of Israel had to learn about the impartiality of God under the old covenant, so also under the new covenant the believers and church leaders have to learn that our God is not a respecter of persons. One of the most frequently talked about attributes of God in the Bible is His ‘righteousness’ of ‘justice’. Often found in connection with this are such words are ‘jealousy’ and ‘wrath’. God’s righteousness means that God always acts in accordance with what is right and He is Himself the final standard of what is right. This means we must not bring to Scripture our own partial and often fashionable views of what is right and what is wrong but must get from God by revelation what is right or wrong. God always acts according to His own nature which is good. God is Holy and Just; sin is the most destructive and corrupt force in this universe. God’s jealousy simply means that He continually seeks to protect His own honour.

Amos 3:12-15; Amos 5:23-27; Genesis 18:25; Psalm 50:6; Psalm 96:14; Psalm 98:9; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 19:8; Isaiah 45:19; Romans 9:19-21.

INTRODUCTION:

This book is about the call and ministry of the prophet Amos. Amos is referred to as both a shepherd and tender of “sycamore-fig trees” and is said to be from the region of Tekoa in Judah. He was probably a wealthy agriculturist who found himself called to leave Judah and prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel in the days of Jeroboam. He apparently carried out most of his missions at the worship centre of Bethel.  Amos preached fearful words of impending doom. The book also stressed the moral ruin of God’s people and their mistaken assumption that since they were the elect nothing bad could happen to them. According to him, God’s people mistakenly presumed that as long as they kept up their external forms of worship, the Lord would not let them perish. At the close of the book however, there is a word of hope and salvation. God would not forget His promises to the house of David. He would send the promised Messiah after a time of judgement.

Amos 1:1; Amos 7:13-15; 2 Kings 14:23-29; Amos 2:6-8 Amos 3:9-10; Amos 5:14-15; Amos 3:2; Amos 9:7; Amos 5:4-6; Amos 5:21-23; Amos6:1; Amos 8:14; Amos 9:11-15.

Life Application Question: How will you compare the thinking of the Jews in the time of Amos to the attitude of some believers to sin today especially the doctrine of ‘once saved, always

saved’.

1.      GOD THE JUDGE OF THE NATIONS

Amos begins with a series of dramatic prophecies concerning the nation of Israel- North and South. The nations, sometimes identified by their capital cities, are all summoned, like criminals under arrest, to stand before the Judge of the whole earth. Each of them is indicted for crimes against humanity as well as against God and we are reminded that the writ of Yahweh runs through the whole earth and that it is only from His own people that He looks for Justice and fair treatment. The theological basis of these judgements is Gen 12:3.

The irony of Amos’ words however, is that Israel and Judah were themselves included among those who were to be judged. Amos’ intent was to show how far Israel and Judah had strayed from the covenant. They too will be treated like those outside the covenant.

Life Application Question: - Surveying the judgements pronounced on the nations, in your opinion are the judgements still valid regarding the nations of the 21^st century.

2.      THE GOD WHO ACTS AND REACTS

INTRODUCTION:

In the last part of this series, we will be examining the period of legislation and organisation. As stated in our earlier study, the book of Exodus covers four periods in the history of Israel- the period of bondage; the period of deliverance; the period of discipline and the period of legislation and organisation.  The truth is that, this four periods also represent the life of a believer. The first period represents the time we were in bondage to sin and a slave to Satan, the task master. The period of deliverance is marked by our salvation and maturity in the Lord. The next period for the believer is the period of discipline, when God will correct and punish our foolish actions and ways. The period of legislation and organisation can be likened to that stage in a believer’s life when he or she having matured begins to serve God as a priest of the Most High.

1.      ISRAEL AT THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD

The coming of God to His people at Sinai has been described as the most important event of Exodus and even of the Old Testament. The picture evoked here, is that of Israel, a fledging young and vulnerable nation, journeying into an unknown future, but the presence of God was the strong, protective force which had brought them thus far and which would lead to the Promised Land. Sometimes we feel vulnerable on our journey to God’s future: unprotected, inexperienced and wondering how we will cope. God Himself leads us to new stages of faith and new challenges in life. At Sinai, we find three significant terms by which God describes His people Israel: a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a Holy nation. That is exactly the way Peter describes believers in the New Testament; the church community today should be a working model of the kingdom of God i.e a community of faith and love reaching out into a world which is so often a world of suffering and alienation.

Exo 19:1-6; 1 Pet 2:9-10; Deut 33:10; Deut 33:26-29.

Life Application Question: Identify and discuss reasons why believers today do not recognise their kingdom responsibilities being a kingdom of priests and so they are unaware of their priestly identity and calling.

2.      THE GOD WHO SPEAKS

At Sinai, one of the first lessons the people of Israel are taught is that sin makes God dangerous even to His children. There are boundaries around the mountain and those boundaries are there for the protection of the people. Only those ignorant, foolish or contemptuous enough to cross the boundary are in danger. Somehow it seems a strange contradiction that the people were called to belong to God, yet were kept at a distance. God is dangerous because He is Holy and the people are unclean, and when the Holy comes in contact with the unclean there is a reaction which spells death to the sinner. Even today, when believer do what unbelievers will do without any punishment, such believers often find out that they experience instant serious punishment from God.

It has been said that when God wanted to tell people what he was like, he gave them the Ten Commandments. In other words, God describes Himself ethically rather than physically. However in the Ten Commandments, we have not a universal ethic, but a covenant code. The Ten Commandments are not a set of rules, for a secular society, but a summary for what is owed by the people of God to their Saviour and their Lord. We owe God Holiness through obedience, having saved us from slavery to sin. The Ten Commandments are actually primarily about a relationship with God. The life the Ten Commandments outline is a life lived in grateful and loving response to God’s election, salvation and authority over us. God not only wrote the Ten Commandments on the tablet, but He also spoke them by Himself as a Father speaks to his children.

Exodus 19:7-25; Exo 20; Deut 4:9-14; Exo 34:27.

Introduction:

In our last study, we considered the four periods covered by Exodus in the history of Israel – the period of bondage, the period of deliverance, the period of discipline and the period of legislation and organisation. We concentrated in that study on the second period – the period of deliverance; today we are concentrating on the third period which is the period of discipline.

1. The Sovereign God – God of Salvation and Judgement

A constantly recurring theme in the Book of Exodus is the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. Sometimes it is said that Pharaoh hardened his heart and sometimes it is said that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart. The double hardening (God’s and Pharaoh’s) is an indication that although God is sovereign, He does not act arbitrarily. Pharaoh was a wicked and powerful tyrant who was stubborn and with a hard heart and so that was enough sin to make God visit him with Judgement. Pharaoh was also a confident sovereign king whose satanic confidence challenged the Only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the only Supreme Sovereign and so pharaoh’s evil confidence and sovereignty had to be shattered. As we apply it to ourselves, we see that sometimes on some occasions or in some areas of our lives we might have asked like Pharaoh did directly or through our conduct: “ who is the Lord that I should obey Him?...”

The subsequent account of the wilderness wandering of Israel will show that there were Israelites, too, who hardened their hearts and who stand as a warning to the church that nominal religion is just another form of unbelief. We see in all this the reality of God’s wrath and sin’s hardening power. When God is kept out of a life, he can allow sin and forces beyond a man or woman’s power to take them further than they ever meant to go.

Exo. 7:13; 8:15-19; 8:32; 9:34; 4:21; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:8; 5:2; Ps. 95:8-11.

Life Application Question: In view of the fact that God is the Supreme Sovereign who does as He pleases, why does He not extend His mercy to all?

2. God As Kinsman –redeemer

When Moses was given his commission by God, he was told to say to Pharaoh, “Israel is my firstborn son... Let my son go, so that he may worship me: “In another place, God tells Moses to speak to the Israelites on His behalf saying: “I am the LORD and I will bring you out... and will redeem you...” The Hebrew word “redeem” used in this passage is “gaal” which involves redemption by one obligated through relational ties. The kinsman – redeemer in ancient Israel was a relation who had sold himself into slavery to pay off a debt or to survive poverty. The Books of Ruth and Jeremiah provide Old Testament examples and the Prophet Isaiah, in particular, frequently uses this term (24 times in all) to describe God’s redemption of His elect people. In Exodus, the deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt (as it applies to all believers today) was effected by the One who had bound Himself to them and regarded them as His people, His family, His “child”. As next of kin, he has the right to purchase the freedom of enslaved Israel as He does for you and I today.

Exo. 4: 22-23; 6:6; Lev. 25:28; 25:48; Ruth 2:20; 3:9; 4: 3-4; Jer. 32:7; Isa. 49:7; 54: 5-8; Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9: 12-14; Heb. 10: 4-14; Gal. 3:26, 4:7; Isa. 54:5.

INTRODUCTION

The book of Exodus like other books of Moses (the first 5 books of the Bible) cannot be studied outside the life of the one God gave the revelation to write- Moses. As stated in the first part of our studies, the central theme of Exodus is that of the exodus itself. In the last study, we saw how God met the central character in the book, Moses, and how sometimes our decisions and God’s ‘delays’ connect. We also considered what happens when God meets man. The book of Exodus can be broadly divided into four periods in the History of Israel-

i. The period of bondage

ii. The period of deliverance

iii. The period of discipline and

iv. The period of legislation and organisation

Today, we will examine the second period, which largely deals with the manifestation of the power of God through His faithfulness to His promises and His continuing love and concern for all His people.

THE GOD WHO ANSWERS PRAYER

God is all-powerful (that is omnipotent) and is able to do whatever He wills. His power is limited only by His character. This uniqueness of God’s power is that His names denote His power. He is the almighty. God keeps His promises. The promises of God reveal His particular and eternal purposes to which He is unchangingly committed and upon which His people can totally depend. God had foretold to Abraham the captivity of his descendants and that He will deliver them. God also assured Moses that He will make Him a god to pharaoh and that He will deliver the children of Israel, although to Moses it appeared an impossible task.

Our God is a faithful God; His faithfulness is an integral part of His nature. The love of God is perhaps the deepest possible expression of God character. Though God loves all people, He is especially committed to sacrificial, loyal relationships with His people. Abraham was a friend of God and had a covenant relationship with Him, which compelled God to show His faithfulness to the Children of Israel in Egypt. In the same way as we are heirs of the blessings of Abraham through Christ Jesus, we must be assured that in every Egypt experience, God hears when we call on Him.

Exo. 6:3; Gen. 28:3; Gen. 35:11; Exo. 13:9; Deut. 9:29; Exo. 3:7-10; Exo. 7:1; Gen. 15:12-16; Gen. 17:1-22; Gen. 26:3-4; Gen. 28:13-15; Exo. 24:1-8.

Life Application Question: Has it appeared to you amid an ever-worsening situation and ever increasing hardship that perhaps God had abandoned you or that He was deaf to your prayer?

THE GOD WHO DELIVERS

Before God rescues or delivers, He remembers. This means He never forgets; the question however is what does He remembers about you. God remembers His promises, covenant, our prayers, our offerings, good deeds, wicked and abominable acts etc. In short, God remembers the good and the bad and then makes His decision. What God will do is often linked to the holiness and consecration of the individual or people, which explains why He had to get the children of Israel to perform the Passover rites. We thank God that today we enjoy the righteousness of Jesus as He is our Passover Lamb. God always remembers His covenant, His promises and His people. If He remembered His covenant with His friend Abraham to assist the children of Israel in Egypt, surely He will much more remember the new covenant through His Son Jesus to help you and I. Like the nation of Israel, believers are called to be a Holy People, set apart for God. God not only required the consecration of all first-born males but of all priests, and we have been made to Him now a nation of Priests.

Exo 19:1-22; Exo 13:2; 1 Pet 2:9; Gal 3:22; 1 Chro 22:7; Exo 13:12-13; Exo 29:1; Isa 61:6; Ps 147:20.

INTRODUCTION:

The word Exodus literally means “leaving” or “way out” and refers to the great moment Moses led the children of Israel out of captivity in Egypt and began the long period of wondering in the wilderness which eventually led to the entry into the ‘Promised Land.’

The central theme of Exodus is that of the exodus itself; another theme in the book is the theme of the covenant between God and His people which is specifically linked to the ‘Ten Commandments.’ The Passover comes to be a major focus for the people of God, as they recall God’s great acts of deliverance in the past and take heart from His continuing presence among them. It is important to note that the Last Supper was a Passover Meal, inaugurating a new act of deliverance in which the true Passover Lamb would die in order that His people have deliverance from the capacity of sins.

LIFE APPLICATION QUESTION: Every born again child of God has a Passover experience in terms of salvation. What is your salvation experience and what types of captivity of sins were you delivered from.

1.      Our Decisions and God’s Delays

When God met Moses, it was at an unexpected time and in an altogether unexpected way. Moses who was once somebody raised in Pharaoh’s palace and educated in the most sophisticated civilization of the day had become a fugitive and a nobody. He had all the advantages and he determined to use them to champion the cause of his people but ended up a murderer.  Moses certainly acted before God’s appointed time.

When God’s work is not done in God’s way, it is likely to end in confusion and failure. Our greatest work and our greatest victory in life is to place our hearts and lives into the hands of God with each aspiration and achievement, and with each failure and disappointment also.

And like Moses, we may find that we are most useful to God when we feel our usefulness to Him and to everyone is at an end; when we come to the end of ourselves, we step on to the endless and limitless plan of God.

Exo 2:1-20; Exo 3:1-3; 2 Pet 3:9; Ps 69:3; Ps 119:82; Jn 11:6;21; Jam 5:7

LIFE APPLICATION QUESTION: Can you recall any situation of time in your life when you misjudged God’s timing or went ahead of Him in a particular assignment by taking a hurried decision because you thought God was delaying or not even speaking?

2.      When God Meets A Man

One a day like any other day while shepherding his father-in-law’s sheep, Moses on the mountain of Horeb also called Sinai met with God who spoke to him out of the bush that burned with strange fire. Confronted by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he is reminded that in the presence of the Holy One, there is danger as well as glory. When God tells Moses that the ground is holy, He means that it is so because He himself is there: it is really He who is holy and His presence makes that part of the desert a holy place.

God’s holiness has a moral character that brings sinners to their knees. Love called Moses by his name but holiness told him to be careful: “Do not come any closer” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is a holy ground”. We must never lose our sense of awe before the holy majesty of God.  We can be intimate with Him, but never casual; even His love must not be taken for granted.

Exo 3:4-6; Isa 6:2-5; Rev 1:17; Deut 25:9; Josh. 5:15.

INTRODUCTION:

In our last study in our series in the book of Job, we considered God’s reaction to suffering and what the Bible actually teaches about suffering. We also remarked that God will ultimately reward both good and evil. As we have found throughout our brief study of this book, in all our trials as children of God, God is there. We have also seen that even in our suffering, God is not being unjust or unloving, nor is He incapable of dealing with whatever problems may be confronting us. In this final part of this series, we will contrast the human approach to trials and secondly what happens when we learn what God is teaching us. May the Holy Spirit our Great Teacher teach us as we learn from Him in Jesus name. Amen.

1.      Human Reaction to Trials

Often times we are not only told that we must undergo many trials throughout this life, as indeed all humans must, but we are also given a pattern to follow in handling the trials of life and it is that you face the trail. Face it. It is hard enough to maintain a decent attitude when you are going through troubles that you know you brought on yourself; but what about things that are patently unfair- that you were not responsible for?

Humanly, we like everything to be neatly pigeonholed. We want the world and the events in it to make sense. But in trying to give an explanation for everything, we sometimes miss the point. This was the mistake made by Job’s friends as they wrongly accused him of some sins or the other. As humans, one of the difficult things for us to accept is that many of the sufferings we go through simply cannot be neatly categorised; all we must understand is that bad things do not only happen to bad people.

James 1:2-3; 1 Pet 2:19-23; James 5:9-10; 1 Pet 1:17; Job 4:7-8; Job 21:7-13.

Life Application Question: Can you recall any instance in your life when you think you have suffered for no reason or evil you did and how did you cope?

2.      We Emerge When We Learn What God Is Teaching

God is the Great Teacher who is preparing us for a role in His Kingdom and He insists that we learn our lessons properly. It was only when Job began coming to grips with the lessons that God wanted Him to learn that he began emerging from his period of great trial.

God wants us to become Like Him. Job was an exemplary man but he had a flaw. The scriptures say Job’s problem was that ‘he was righteous in his own eyes’ and that ‘he justified himself rather than God’. Ultimately Job emerged with a far deeper understanding of the Almighty as well as a deeper understanding of himself and his own human nature. Job told God ‘Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes’

A vital lesson that all of us must learn in order to please God and to begin emerging from a trial is that of mercy and forgiveness. Job’s friends were miserable comforters. Regardless of their motives, they were a great part of Job’s trial. Yet notice the turning point when Job began to emerge from his great adversity. ‘And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends’ 

Job came to really know God deeply, not simply to know Him. He became a far more humble and compassionate man as a result of what he went through. Learning these lessons was the key to his emerging out of the dark shadows of life and into the sunlight once again.

Job 31:1-2; Job 42:6-10.

Life Application Question: Our trials can make us bitter or they can make us better.

INTRODUCTION:

Today we want to consider God’s reaction to suffering and His ultimate reaction to good and evil.

1.      GODS REACTION TO SUFFERING

As humans, in the time of adversity, we often ask ourselves, why? Why did this happen? Why me? Why now? Why why why? Job knew he had no hidden scandal to engender the trial but still asked why why why? The truth is that bad things do not only happen to bad people, just like good things do not only happen to good people. Job even recognised that many times, the wicked live to old age and even appears to prosper.

Job 21:7-13; Heb 5:8; Ps 73;2 Kings 14:26; Ps 33:18-19; James 5:4; Ps 11:5; PPs 59:8; Eze 36:6-7; Hab 2:9,12. 

2.      REWARD BOTH GOOD AND EVIL

Job noticed that there were wicked men whose “houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon the, their bull breeds without failure; their cow calves without miscarriage” (21:9-10).

Ultimately, it is in the resurrection that God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked.

However, there are many times when even in this life, events can make a sudden shift. The conclusion of the book of Job reveals, “Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” (42:12). In the long run, there are blessings for obedience- entrance into the Kingdom of God is the greatest of all blessings- and curses for disobedience.

INTRODUCTION:

In our first study in the Book of Job, we examined the theme of why innocent people should suffer. We also learned that when a righteous man is suffering, God knows and allows it for His own reasons and purpose; we also studied that He sets the limits although we don’t know the extent of such limits. Today, we want to to examine what should be our reaction to suffering.

1.      TRUST IN THE FACE OF ANGUISH

Job was in despair. His whole life had been turned upside down. He had lost his wealth and his loved ones in a series of sudden calamities. Now his health was gone too. Why? Job was deeply frustrated; he could not make sense out of his trials. Yet in the depths of perplexity and despair he made one of the most profound declarations of faith recorded in the Bible “Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him”.

Job understood the truth of the resurrection. “If a man dies, shall he live again?” Job asked. He went to record the divinely inspired answer. “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come”. One of the things Satan never understood about Job was his motive. Satan thought Job only served God because it was to his advantage here and now. He was convinced that if God removed blessings and protection, Job would curse and revile Him. But that was not true. Job loved God and served Him out of sincere devotion. He trusted God even when he was feeling abandoned. This lesson of steadfast trust is one of the most important aspects of Character we can gain from any trial.

Job 13:15; Job 19:6-17; Job 4:14-15; Job 19:25-27; Dan 3:17; Gen 18:25; Ps 22-23

Life Application Question: When things are hard and difficult and all around you makes no sense to you, does your faith still stand and believe God is in charge? For example, terminal sickness; bareness etc. What can you do for people who backslide and withdraw their services including their money from God in the time of adversity?

2.      SEEK GROWTH, NOT VINDICATION

In the time of adversity, we must not seek vindication but reverent submission to God. Job wanted God to vindicate him in the eyes of his friends. Of course, people ridiculed him and that can be hard to take. God has His reasons for how He deals with us. And sometimes they are beyond our understanding. Job was so certain of his innocence and of the injustice of his affliction that for a long time he was unable to see beyond that. He tried to defend himself from the false conclusions of his friends and in doing so was unable to see areas of needed growth in his life. Again, God has reasons for allowing whatever happens- though we are often at a loss to fathom what they are.  

Job 1:21; Job 28:28; Job 30:1, 9: Job 32; Job 33:12-22; Lam 3:40, 49-50

Life Application Question: Has any problem in your life helped you to grow? Or do you know of someone whose problem helped to grow spiritually?

INTRODUCTION:

The book of Job generally centres on the suffering of Job and the explanations offered for this suffering by four speakers. The first three, usually known collectively as ‘Job’s comforters’ are Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Later in the book, a fourth speaker, Elihu, makes appearance.

The central question under debate is the suffering of the innocent and its explanation in terms of the purpose and character of God. Other themes in the book will be examined in the course of the series.

1. God Knows

One of the most overwhelming things about a severe trial can be the sense of isolation. As believers, in the time of trial, we fast and pray because we want to make sure that God knows because when He finds out, surely He’ll do something about it! In Job 1, we are given a behind-the-scenes look at events which Job was completely unaware.

In times of great troubles and storm, if you are a believer, you can be sure that God knows. This is vitally important to keep in mind to counteract the sense of isolation and loneliness that will often beset us at such times.

Though Job could not begin to understand why all these things were happening to Him, he knew God was aware of it. He did not react, by cursing God.

Job 1:6-12; Job 4:7; Job 2:9-10; Hab 1:13; Job 19:7; Job 24:1,12; Ps 59:3-4, Ezek 18:25.

Life Application Question: When struck by personal tragedy or crisis, what should be your thought as a believer about God and your relationship to Him?

2. God Limits the Trial

While God allowed Satan to afflict Job, He set limits beyond which the devil could not pass. From the start, we know there are limits to Job’s trial, and we know what those limits are. Initially, God restricts Satan from harming Job’s health. Later, He allowed Job to be personally stricken, but insisted that his life be spared. What we as Christians experience in life is not generally accidental or without God’s knowledge. The devil does not “sneak up” while God’s back is turned. God is involved in every test that we undergo and He has established preset limits beyond which Satan cannot go. Neither the duration, nor the intensity of the trial is completely open-ended. Ultimately, God is in charge.

Job 1:13-22; Job 2:1-10; Ps 74:1, 11: Ps 88:5, 14: Ps 9:12; Exo 2:25

INTRODUCTION:

In this last part of the series on the book of Acts of the Apostles. We shall be concentrating on the crucial theme of mission. The Book of Acts has provided a lot of inspiration for missionaries since the beginning of the church. It adequately documents the joys and travails of mission work which every church and believer should be involved in, in one way or another. Prominent and towering above all else in his missionary efforts is Apostle Paul. Through his missionary works and ministry the church advanced to the end of the earth.

A.)   The First Missionary Journey (13,14)

1.       The Holy Spirit Set Paul and Barnabas Apart (13:1-3)

2.       Cyprus and Proconsul (13:4-12)

3.       Pisidian Antioch: Paul’s Sermon & the Reaction (13:13-52)

4.       From Iconium to Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe (14:1-7)

5.       Lystra: A Lame man Healed and the Reaction (14:8-20a)

6.       The Return to and Stay at Antioch (14:20b-28)

B.)    The Jerusalem Council (15:1-35)

1.       The Problem: Those from Syrian Antioch (15:1-5)

2.       The Discussion: The Argument from James (15:6-18)

3.       The Conclusion and Application (15:19-35)

a.       The Consensus Among the Leadership (15:6-22)

b.      The Letter Written (15:23-29)

c.       The Letter Delivered to Antioch (15:30-34)

4.       Paul and Barnabas Stayed In Antioch to Teach (15:35)

C.)    The Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22)

1.       Paul and Barnabas Disagree on John Mark (15:36-40)

2.       Syria and Cilicia Revisited (15:41)

3.       Paul/timothy in S. Galatia To deliver council’s Decrees (16:1-5)

4.       From Galatia-Mysia to troas (16:6-10)

5.       The work in Philippi (16:11-40)

6.       The work at Thessalonica (17:1-9)

7.       The work in Berea (17:10-14)

8.       The work in Athens (17:15-34)

9.       The work in Corinth (18:1-17)

a.       Paul’s work in the Synagogue (1-6)

b.      Paul’s Work at the House Titus Justus (7-11)

c.       Paul charged by the Jews (12-17)

10.   Paul in Ephesus en route to Antioch of Syria (18:18-22)

D.)   The Third Missionary Journey (18:23-19:19)

1.       Paul in Galatia and Phrygia (18:23)

2.       Apollos goes from Ephesus to Corinth (18:24-28)

3.       Paul in Ephesus (19:1-41)

a.       The twelve men (1-7)

b.      In the Synagogue and school of Tyrannus (8-10)

c.       God confirming Paul’s message by miracles (11,12)

d.      Seven sons of the church in Asia (20)

e.      Mass repentance (18,19)

f.        A summary report of the church in Asia (20)

g.       Paul’s statement of his plans: Jerusalem and Rome (21,22)

h.      Demetrius and the riot in Ephesus (23-41)

4.       Three months in Greece (20:1-5)

5.       Paul’s Sermon & Healing at Troas (20:6-12)

6.       Paul’s words at Miletus with the Ephesian elders (20:13-38)

7.       Paul at Caesarea with Philip the Evangelist (21:1-14)

E.)    Paul in Jerusalem (21:15-23:22)

1.       Welcomed by brethren (21:15-26)

2.       Arrested by the Jews (21:27-40)

3.       Paul’s defense (22:1-21)

4.       The Response of the People (22:22-29)

5.       Paul before the Sanhedrin (23:1-10)

6.       The Plot against Paul (23:11-22)

F.)    Paul in Caesarea (23:23-26:32)

1.       Paul escorted to Caesarea (23:23-35)

2.       Paul before Felix (24:1-21)

3.       Paul Imprisoned (24:22-27)

4.       Paul before Festus (25)

5.       Paul before Agrippa (26)

G.)   Paul in Rome (27, 28)

1.       The shipwreck (27)

2.       Paul in Malta (28:1-15)

3.       Paul in Rome (28:16-31) 

Life application question:

What is your involvement in missionary works and how best do you think you can contribute to mission work.

Introduction:

In our last study in this series, we considered 3 very important themes in the book of Acts: Witnessing; Prayer; and Sharing (having things in common). As was stated in our first part, the book of Acts is the first part of what were originally 2 volumes of a single treatise. The importance of this second of Luke’s 2 volume works can hardly be overestimated, for without it we would have no record of events that took place during the formative years of the church. Therefore, as Acts furnishes for us selective records of events that took place during the formative years of the church, it provides us with the historical antecedents of our faith and how the faith came to be embraced from Jerusalem to all other parts of the world. It also provides helpful information of the facts surrounding many of the letters of the apostles, which in turn helps us to better understand when they said what they said and why they said it. And so today we would examine the struggle from within and without the early church which climaxed into the persecution and dispersal of the young church.

1.      STRUGGLE FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT

On the contrary however, leaders of the society, the Sanhedrin were jealous and indeed fearful of the apostles. They felt insecure and feared that the apostles may take over and so were opposed to the Church.

Acts 5:1-11; Acts 2:12-16; Acts 5:12-42; Acts 6:1-7.

Life Application Question:

(i)Why do you think some Christian’s desire position and power at all cost.

(ii) What should be the relationship between todays Church leaders and the political and civil society leaders.

2.      THE SCATTERING OF THE CHURCH

The fear and jealousy of the Sahedrin soon metamorphosed into persecution which in turn led to the dispersal of the early believers and the forceful fulfilment of the command of our Lord to go preach tp the nations. There were three pivotal people in the dispersal of the early church- Stephen, Phillip and Saul who became Paul. The Climax of the persecution in Jerusalem was the killing of Stephen. Before his death while he was brought before the Council, Stephen gave a moving testimony for Jesus. At his death, Saul, a militant Pharisee was supervising Stephens Stoning; Saul was later to experience conversion in a spectacular way when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus to persecute the Church. Saul’s name was later changed to Paul and became one of the greatest proclaimers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Philip, one of the 7 deacons chosen to supervise the distribution to the saints was one of those who escaped from Jerusalem to Samaria; in Samaria, he was bold to preach; he confronted and defeated powers of darkness. The Lord later sent him to the desert, to minister to a man; after finishing the Job, he returned to Caesarea still preaching. Philip without doubt was an addicted proclaimer of the word.

Acts 6:8-15;Acts 7:1-60;Acts 8:1-40.

Life Application Question:

(i)What is the most exciting contemporary conversion story you have heard

INTRODUCTION

Last week, we started a new series on lessons from the Book of Acts. In our first study, we among others examined the birth of the Church and the Accession of Jesus. In today’s study, we want to consider other fundamental Christian issues covered in the book of Acts particularly the issues of witnessing Jesus to others, praying and sharing things so that everyone will be happy within the Church. May the Lord bless us as we study in Jesus name.

 1.      WITNESSING

The disciples’ task is to witness Jesus as He commanded, from Jerusalem to the end of the earth. The mandate to witness Jesus is a major theme in the Book of Acts. The concept of “witness” is so prominent in Acts that everything else in the book should be seen as subsumed under it. By doing this, Luke revealed this to be his main interest in writing the book.

 Acts 1:8; Acts 1:22; Acts 2:32; Acts 3:15; Acts 5:32; Acts 7:58; Acts 10:39, 41; Acts 13:31; Acts 22:15, 22; Acts 26:16.

Life Application Question When last did you witness? What do you think is the heart of God for those who witness and those who do not? 

2.      PRAYER

The group of 120 in Galilee was said to be “joined together constantly in prayer”. Besides waiting for spiritual empowerment, the only other activity the disciples undertook until Pentecost came was to worship God. Luke often mentioned prayer in Acts. His point was that the people of God do not rush out in frantic human activity but they should look to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the way to secure His leadership is through prayer. Often, such prayer results in a powerful response from God. Prayer is a key to the forwards motion of God’s purpose.

Acts 1:14; Acts 1:24-26; Acts 4:31; Acts 9:40; Acts 10:19-31; Acts 12:5-12; Acts 22:10; Acts 27:23-25.

Life Application QuestionThink about (i) the things you pray about and judge yourself if you are selfish or selfless; thankful enough or not, (ii) How to improve you prayer life generally 

3.      ALL THINGS IN COMMON

The early Church as shown in the book of Acts was a Spirit filled, Spirit led caring community. They were remarkably united, loving, and generous. They operated a Communal purse which was regulated by the elders of the church. Members contributed voluntarily and joyfully. They were committed to each other’s welfare. Initially, the apostles supervised the distribution. However, they later delegated the details of distribution to others so they could devote time and energy to prayer and their public testimony.

Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:32-37; Acts 6:1-6; Acts 9:39; Acts 11:29

INTRODUCTION

The book of the Acts of the Holy Spirit and of the Apostles in confirming the Word of God, the spread of Christianity, and the ministry of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles is the sequel to Luke’s Gospel; both books are dedicated to “Theophilus”. Luke himself appears to have been  an eye witness to some of the events described in the second half of the work, because from Acts 16:10 onwards he occasionally uses the word “we”, also his  accurate knowledge of the different localities to which he refers and his vivid description of the storm in Chapter 27 confirm that the account we have from Dr. Luke is a first hand one.

Among the themes we will look at in the book of Acts is the birth of the church; mission and evangelism, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of believer starting from Pentecost. May the Holy Spirit teach us as we commence the study of the Acts. Acts 16:10-16; Acts 27.

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH

The first mention of the church throughout the Bible was in the book of Matthew when Jesus asked His disciples who do people say He was. When Peter gave the revelation, Jesus said, on that revelation will He build His church. The only other time Jesus mentioned the church is in the same book of Matthew when He was counselling on how conflicts should be resolved in the church. No other mention is made in the Bible until the church was indeed born in the book of Acts. Jesus had said in Matthew that “…. I will build my church”. The use of the “will” makes it clear that the church was indeed not yet in existence. The church was hidden from man and the devil but Jesus knew that secret which was between Him, The Father and The Spirit. That is why till today, since the church was born in Act 2, the Trinity has been active in the church and only the church has the revelation of the Trinity. From Acts2, a good study of the book will reveal that the church is often referred to. The church, which is the Body of Christ could only come into existence after the ascension of Jesus Christ.

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST

The book of Acts relates how the ministry of Jesus Christ after His resurrection reaches of climax through His ascension into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. The resurrection established that Jesus was the son of God. The ascension is described only in the writings of Luke (i.e. the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of Apostles) although there are clear hints of it elsewhere, especially in John’s Gospel. The ascension, in common with many other aspect of the ministry of Jesus Christ, fulfilled Old Testament prophesies. The ascension was also foretold during the ministry of Jesus Christ Himself, who spoke of returning to His Father. It is important that as a believers we understand the significance of the ascension. The purpose of the ascension include the sending of the Holy Spirit, the preparation of places for believers in heaven and the continuing exercise of the high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ especially in relation to His intercession for believers.

INTRODUCTION

In the last three parts of this brief series on Genesis, we have considered various themes and characters and tried to learn lessons as they apply to us today. In today’s study we will continue our study by considering the theme of blessing, the character of Joseph and a general overview of the illustration in the book. 

1.                  BLESSING:

Scripture affirms that believers may enjoy the favour of God through both spiritual and material benefits. At creation, God blessed humans with fertility and authority over the earth. God is the ultimate source of all blessings. God’s blessings may take different forms, with the blessings of peace, prosperity and fruitfulness being of special importance in Old Testament times. God’s blessings may thus take tangible forms; for example, Abraham is promised the blessings of descendants, land and nationhood. The people of Israel are promised the blessings of peace, prosperity, fruitfulness and victory over their enemies. However the promise of these blessings is conditional. God’s blessings depend upon the faith and obedience of His people; thus Adam and Eve forfeited God’s blessing on account of their disobedience, just as Israel suffers on account of her failure to remain obedient to God. The promises of blessing to Abraham were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. To bless God is to worship and adore Him.

Gen. 1: 28-30; 1 Chron. 29: 11-12; Ps. 89:11; Gen. 3: 16-19; Gen. 6: 5-7; Gen. 9: 1-3, 26; 8: 22; 14:20; 12: 2-3; 17: 1-8; 18:18; 3:16; 3:29; 3: 25-26; 9:5. 

2.                  JOSEPH

Joseph can very rightly be numbered among the great Patriarchs of our faith. He is the young man whose dreams of exaltation came true. His life can broadly be divided into two: his life at home with his father Jacob and his life in a foreign land. He was the son of Jacob and Rachel, the favourite child of his father and on account of this paternal partiality was hated by his brethren. He had dreams of exaltation which led to his being sold into Egypt by his own brothers. Against all odds, God brought into fulfilment the dream He gave Joseph. His Christ like spirit was shown in three major ways – first in forgiving his brothers’ sin; in his devotion to and honour of his father and in returning good for evil.

Gen. 30: 22-24; Gen. 37: 3-11; 37: 12-28; 45:15; 46: 29; 50: 19-21 

3.                   JOSEPH’S SEVEN STEPS TO HONOUR

(1.) Godly Influence – Gen. 39: 2-3;  (2.) Business fidelity – Gen. 39: 5-6; 

(3.) Resistance of temptation – Gen. 39: 7-9;       (4.) Divine favour – Gen. 39: 21; 

(5.) Providential Circumstances – Gen. 40: 5-8;              (6.) Honouring God – Gen. 41:16;

(7.) Divine Revelation – Gen. 41: 25-36 

4.                  TEN NOTABLE ILLUSTRATIONS IN GENESIS

1. Adam illustrates Human Nature.
2. Cain illustrates The Carnal Mind.
3. Abel illustrates The Spiritual mind.
4. Enoch illustrates The Communion.
5. Noah illustrates The Regeneration
6. Abraham illustrates Faith
7. Isaac illustrates Sonship
8. Esau illustrates The profane
9. Jacob illustrates Service and Worship
10. Joseph illustrates Suffering and glory.

INTRODUCTION

In our last study we started to examine some notable patriarchs and fathers of our faith in the book of Genesis. Having considered Noah and Abraham, we will today consider the theme of the Abrahamic covenant and the child and grandchild of Abraham – Isaac and Jacob respectively. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we study in Jesus name.

1.      GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM

Gen. 15: 4-18; Gen. 17: 4-19; Gal. 3:18; 22:18; Ps. 105:42; 2 Kings 13:23; Heb. 6:15.

2.      Isaac

Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. His name means laughter. His birth was seen as the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham, according to which Abraham would be the father of a great nation. Isaac can thus be seen as a confirmation of God’s faith fullness. Although Isaac was especially dear to Abrahamic being the child of promise born at his very old age, Abraham was prepared to offer his son to God as a sacrifice if this was required of him. This act of obedience and trust can be seen as anticipating and expressing God’s willingness to offer His own dearly loved Son in order to bring about the redemption of sinful humanity. Isaac like his father Abraham was a prayerful worshipper and a man of faith. He was submissive, meditative, affectionate and peaceable. Through his marriage to Rebecca, Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Isaac like Abraham is a model of Christian faith and trust in God. He however also imitated his father’s sin.

Gen. 17: 19-21; Gen. 21:12; Gen. 26:24; Rom. 9: 7-8; Gal. 4:28; Gen. 22: 6-9; Gen. 24: 63-67; Gen. 26:7; Gen. 26: 20-22; Gen. 26:25; Heb. 11:20.

3.      Jacob

Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and one of the two twin sons of Isaac. His name means “he grasps the heel” an allusion to the circumstances of his birth. As the first born son of Isaac, Esau was entitled to inherit all of Isaac’s property. However, he sold this to his brother Jacob to satisfy his immediate physical hunger. Through subsequent deception, Jacob was able to gain Isaac’s blessing, and inherit all that was rightly Esau’s. Despite such major faults, scripture regards Jacob as further confirmation of God’s promises to Abraham, and a model of faith and obedience. It is interesting to note that he was chosen by God despite his personal faults and shortcomings to be the recipient of the promises made to Abraham.While fleeing to Haran, he encountered God at Bethel. He later suffered deceit in the household of his uncle, Laban which led him to marry two wives. He was however blessed with twelve sons and accumulated wealth in Laban’s household. Like every man he had many low moments in life including the rape o his daughter, separation with his favourite son, Joseph and the defilement of his bed by his first son, Reuben. His high moment includes his encounter with God while returning to Canaan that led to his change of name.

Gen. 25: 21-34; Gen. 27:36; Gen. 28: 10-15; Gen. 27: 41-45; Gen. 28: 10-22; Gen. 29: 16-30; 32: 24-30; 34: 5-31; 37: 3-35; 46: 29-30  

INTRODUCTION

In our last study we did a general overview of the book of Genesis and the various themes covered in the book. We also considered in a modest detail the issue of creation vis-a-vis the proper and correct understanding of Genesis Chapter 1.

Other theme that we find in the book of Genesis includes the theme of God as Judge especially when we violate His instructions. Genesis also focuses on the lives of great men and the important issues of covenant. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph are among the significant people in this book whose faith and life provide continuing encouragement and guidance to believers today. We will continue our study of the book of Genesis by looking at these notable characters. May the Holy Spirit give us comprehension as we study in Jesus name.

1.      NOAH

Noah is described as a righteous man who walked with God. He was a figure of major importance with whom God established a covenant, the sign of which was the rainbow. The life of Noah (whose name means “rest” or “comfort”) demonstrates God’s ability to save the righteous and destroy the ungodly. Noah was obedient and reverent to God and he was a worshipper. The context of Noah’s life is important. Genesis makes it clear that Noah lived at a time of widespread human rebellion against God, when evil was gaining the upper hand. It seemed that God’s purposes in creating the world, and especially humanity, were being totally frustrated. So what could be done? Noah represents the idea of a “righteous man” or a “faithful remnant” through whom God is to begin restoring His creation or people to His original purposes. On account of his righteousness and obedience, Noah finds favour with God, who determines to deliver him from the purging of the sinful world through the coming flood and to establish a covenant with him. He was however also subject to human frailty. The famous account of Noah’s ark points to God delivering His people through the obedience of a faithful man, a theme which recurs in the biblical account of the death of Jesus Christ a later descendant of Noah. The last days are likened to the time of Noah.

Gen. 6: 8-9; Ezek. 14:14; 2 Pet. 2:5; Isa. 54: 7-10; Gen. 8: 20-22; Gen. 9: 21-27; Mt. 24: 37-39; Lk. 3: 23, 36.

2.      ABRAHAM

Abraham was the first and greatest of the Patriarchs and is of central importance in relation to the origins of Israel as the people of God. Initially known as Abram, his name was altered to Abraham as a consequence of his new relationship of faithfulness and obedience to God. God called him to leave his homeland in the Chaldean city of Ur and settle in Canaan. Although his wife, Sarah, was barren, God promised to make his descendants into a great nation. Abraham trusted in this promise of God and for this reason was counted righteous in God’s sight. The fulfilment of this promise, initially in the nation of Israel and subsequently in the Christian Church, is one of the most important themes to run throughout scripture. Abraham was not only a sacrificial giver but also a tither. Despite some shortcomings as a husband and father, Abraham’s obedience, faith, hospitality and effective intercession were exemplary. Such qualities led him through troubles. He exploited his wife in a cowardly way and fathered Ishmael as a result of wavering faith.

Abraham is significant to Christians in many ways – he was an ancestor of Jesus Christ; God’s promise to Abraham is fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is Abraham’s seed; Abraham is the father of those who are justified by faith and his obedience to God shows that faith must lead to good works.

Gen. 12 1-5; 17: 1-5; 15: 1-21; 12: 10-20; 20: 1-18; 16:1-4; 21: 1-7; Gen. 22: 1-19; Gen. 14:18-20; 21: 33; Rom. 4: 18-22; Heb. 6: 15; 11: 8-12; James 2: 20-24; Gen. 18: 16-33; Mt: 1:1; Gal. 3: 15-18; Gal. 4:21-31; Gal. 3: 6-9

INTRODUCTION

The word Genesis means “beginning”. In addition to being the first book of the Bible, Genesis takes its title from the fact that it documents the origins of creation, especially the human race, and the beginning of the sin that will play such a prominent role in the scriptural account of redemption through Jesus Christ. Genesis also contains a record of the origin of family life, corruption of society, the nations, the different languages etc.

PROOF OF AUTHORSHIP

It is generally agreed that Moses wrote Genesis and the other first four books of the Bible. The first five books of the Bible is referred to as the “Pentateuch”; the word “Pentateuch” means five. These first five books of the Bible is also called “The Law” by the Jews and they form the basis of the Hebrew theocracy.

A few proofs that Moses wrote the book of Genesis and the entire Pentateuch include the fact that God commanded Moses to write a book and Moses indeed write a book. Moses called his book “the book of the covenant”, “the book of this law” and “this book of the law” and God recognised the book of the law as being written by Moses and commanded it to be the rule of conduct for Joshua. It is also important to note that our Lord Christ ascribed the whole law, all five books of Pentateuch to Moses and the apostles similarly ascribed the books to Moses.

Exo.17:14; Exo.34:27; 24:5-7; Num. 33:2; Deut. 28:58,61; 30:10; Josh. 1:1-8; 8:30-35; Lk. 24:27; Mk. 12:26; 7:10; Acts 13:39; Acts 15:1.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS

God’s purpose of the book of Genesis are to reveal to man the origin of the heavens and the earth and all things therein; to declare God as the personal creator and show that nothing was evolved through billions of year; to reveal a pre-Adamic world and its destruction before Adam; to record the restoration of the earth to a second habitable state and give the facts concerning man and animals as we know them today; and to record the history of the fall of man and the sinful career of the earth and the introduction of the law.

Prov. 8: 22-31; Isa. 14:12-14; Job 38: 4-30.

UNDERSTNADING GENESIS CHAPTER 1

Gen. 1:1 tells us clearly that “in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”. The Hebrew word used for “in the beginning” actually translates “in the dateless past”. “Beginning” there simply marks the boundary between time and eternity. The beginning was not 6,000 years ago; and neither was the earth, light and darkness, clouds and water, dry and land, sun, moon and stars created 6,000years ago; they were all created in the beginning – that is in the dateless past.

In Gen. 1:1, the universe is bought into existence by God; in Gen. 1: 21 sea creatures are created and in Gen. 1:28 man is created. Thus “bara” Hebrew word meaning “to bring into being” or “create” is reserved for the introduction of the three great spheres of existence: the world of matter; natural life as in all living creatures; and spiritual life represented by man. It should however be noted that the book of Genesis does not say that birds, beast and man were first created in days 5 and 6 about 6,000 years ago. On the contrary, some were created for Lucifer’s kingdom but were destroyed by God after Lucifer rebelled against Him.

Jn. 1:1; Acts 15:18; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:18; Heb. 1:10; 1 Jn. 1:1; Rev. 1:6; 3:14, 4:1; 2 Pet. 3: 5-8; Jer. 4:23-26.

INTRODUCTION

In the second part of this series we found out that visions belong to the spiritual realm and God allows visions for various reasons and that visions are more frequent in times of crisis than in the time of peace. As indicated in the first part of this series, God can make His will known to us in many ways, each distinct and different. Now we want to look at other ways He makes His will known to us; may we be blessed as we learn in Jesus name. Amen.

HIS WORD

The Bible is God’s written word, and God uses it to speak to us as we read. The Bible remains our first and prime source which we may draw upon to ascertain God’s will for our lives. Of course the Bible does not, nor could it, lay down exact rules for every act of our lives. There are many things that we have to learn by other means, nevertheless the great principles governing Christian living are clearly established in God’s word and these principles can be applied to many decisions we have to make. It is therefore of great importance that every Christian who seeks to have his life conform to God’s will should regularly read and study the Bible.

Jn. 5:39; Dan.9:1-3: Deut.8:3; Ps.119:43; Lk.24:27; Jn.7:42; Jn.10:35; Acts 17:11; 2Tim.3:16.

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Another profound way to know the will of God is through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially the gifts of prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, tongues and interpretation of tongues. All these gifts will reveal the will of God to us, although it is erroneously thought that prophecy is the only gift that reveals the mind of God to man. Prophesying is not the same as giving a word of prophesy which is what the prophet does. You don’t have to occupy the prophetic office to prophesy. Paul indeed says we should prophesy than speak in tongues. Prophesying simply means speaking or declaring the word of God with faith and it is to edify i.e. build up in faith, exhort i.e. encourage to move forward and comfort i.e. reassure and calm. A prophetic word should confirm what you already know deep down in your heart. However, at all times, it must agree with scripture. A prophet on the other hand can tell things yet to happen or warn of impending judgement and declare God’s mind at a particular time regarding people or situations.

1Corin.12:4:11; 1Corin.14:3-5; 1Corin.13:9; Rom.12:6; Joel2:28; 1Pet.1:21: Rev.1:3; 1Tim.4:14; 2Pet.1:20.

CIRCUMSTANCES

Circumstances is another way God can make His will known to us. This is however tricky and should only be resorted to as a last resort because the devil finds it easy to manipulate. Some people go through life bouncing from one stumbling stone to another and blaming God if they make the wrong choice; this does not mean that God cannot choose to speak to us through that way. It must be emphasised that whether through this way or any other, everything God does is in response to our prayers. When we call to Him in prayers He may respond in any way He likes.

Gen.24:12-14; Judges 6:36-40; Acts.1:15-26.

INTRODUCTION

In the first of this series, we have found out that God, the Almighty is prepared to reveal His mind to human beings. He is willing to guide you even if you are not a pastor, apostle or prophet. We also discovered that God communicates in various ways, namely: the audible voice, vision, dreams, symbolic acts, parables, proverbs e.t.c. Now we want to look at visions in some details. May the Holy Spirit teach us Himself in Jesus name. Amen.

GOD ALLOWS VISIONS FOR VARIOUS REASONS

There are various reasons why God allows visions to happen. Some of these reasons are

(a)    Some people are too busy to hear the small, still voice of God.

(b)   Some need a concrete experience for future service, a sort of strong reference point.

(c)    Some need it to prepare them for an important ministry.

(d)   Some need it for guidance.

(e)    Visions could be used to announce God’s judgement. Etc.

God has promised that we shall see visions, so if you desire it, request for it, but do it earnestly.

Ex. 3: 1-4; Acts 9: 1-4; Josh. 5:13; Josh. 6:5; Jude 6: 11-21; Acts 9:10; Acts 16: 22-24; Lk. 1:26-38; Acts 10:9-20: Ex. 3: 7-10: Acts 10: 1-8; Acts 9: 10-15; Isa. 6: 1-5; Dan. 5: 1-5; Dan. 5: 25-30.

VISIONS ARE MORE FREQUENT IN TIMES OF CRISIS THAN IN THE TIME OF PEACE

In times of crisis, distress or great danger, God uses visions as a means of assuring His own

(1)   That He is near, (2) that all hopes are not lost, (3) that deliverance is on the way.

However, this is reserved for the pure in heart as a way of encouraging them and reassuring them of God’s love and support. The time of crisis is not the time to give up, but the time to fire up in prayer and fasting and asking God for unusual visitations.

Job 14:19; 2 Kings 6: 17; Gen. 15: 1; Gen. 17: 1-8; Gen. 21: 14-19; Ezek. 37: 1-14; Gen. 46: 1-4; Acts 27: 20-25; Mt. 5:8.

VISIONS BELONG TO THE SPIRITUAL REALM

In a vision, journeys could be undertaken in the spirit to a place you have been or never been before. It is also possible in the place of vision to see far into the future or even a glimpse of heaven. When we become born again, spiritual experiences like seeing visions should be one of our desires.

INTRODUCTION:

The Bible tells us that God guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way (Ps.25:9-14). We also discover that God confides in those who fear Him. This seems to make it clear that God will be willing to guide anyone who is humble and fears God. The question however remains: how does God guide?

WILL THE ALMIGHTY REVEAL HIS MIND TO HUMAN BEINGS?

It is true that God is immortal and human beings are more mortals. It is also true that God is a Spirit and we are flesh and blood. And so the question follows, will He reveal His mind to us? For example, will God let us know what He thinks about a particular case, issue or situation? The simple answer is Yes, He will. The real issue often times is not so much if He will reveal His mind, but that are we listening and understanding Him and even when we are, are we ready to accept what He says and prepared to obey?

If the Lord is your shepherd, He will guide you. So the question is, is He your shepherd? He promised to teach you the right turns along life’s road if only you are willing to follow. He is prepared to be your counsellor forever, if you so desire. The truth is that you do not need to be a pastor, a prophet or bishop to be guided by God.

Ps.23:1-3; Ps.32:8; Ps.48:14; Isa.42:16; Isa.48:17-19; Jn.10:4; Isa.55:8-9; Lk.1:79; Ps.18:30; Hab.3:6; Ps.73:24.

HOW WILL GOD COMMUNICATE WITH MAN?

God communicates in various ways with men and women who are His children or who He has chosen to reveal special things for whatever reasons as in the case of Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar.

As human beings have various ways of communicating, there are also various ways through which God can make His mind known to His own. It could be either by books, audible voice, dreams, symbolic acts, parables, proverbs or any other means of His divine choice. Examples include cases of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Joseph, Moses, Nathan, Solomon, Daniel, Zechariah, Mary, Peter, Paul and John, just to mention a few.

Whichever way God chooses to speak to you, will be such that you will understand. If it is by audible voice or writing, it will be such as you will understand as in the case of Jesus and Paul; or someone who would have been placed there to decode it such that the recipient will understand. God will often communicate in the language, using symbols and types that you will understand. An example is when He spoke to Peter and was preparing him for a visit to Cornelius a Gentile.

Isa.6:1-9; Jer.1:4-7; Amos 3:8; Gen.37:11; Exo.3:1-6; 2Sam.7:4-17; 1Kings3:5-15; Dan.2:19-23; Lk.1:11-17; Lk.1:26-28; Acts.10:19-20; Acts.10:9-10; Rev.1:10-20 

INTRODUCTION:

In our last study we considered the characteristics of an unsound mind and a sound mind and discussed about the mind being the battled ground of spiritual forces. We concluded in that study that it is our responsibility to ensure that we have a healthy mind. In this final study in this series we will consider the products of a sound mind i.e. the blessings of a sound mind and we will also examine the things we need to do to possess a sound mind. May we be blessed as we study at the feet of Jesus our Lord.

PRODUCTS OF SOUND MIND

As established in our previous studies, the mind of men is the pivot and compass of his destiny. A sound mind is recognised or known by its exploits and accomplishments. God created man to be able to fulfil certain mandates in life and there mandates will not be realised by man without a sound mind. A sound mind knows how to get out of any situation or challenges of life, no matter how hard or hopeless the situation may be, as those that confronted Daniel, Joseph, David etc. The way you know a sound mind is the nature of the results you get from the individual. Another way to know a sound mind is by the attitude of the person to the confrontations, challenges or problems of life. Only a sound mind can develop a willing attitude to withstand the storms of life.

Gen.10:8-10; Judges.16:1-3; Mk.5:25-29; Mt.9:21; Mt.14:24-29; Dan.5:11-12; Gen.128; Gen.11:1-9.

PATHWAYS TO SOUND MINDS

Having realised the great and vital potential that the mind has and could be put to, the important thing now will be to consider how to achieve its full potential. There are certain basic steps or conditions that must be fulfilled for this to happen. First, you need to be born again. i.e. born of the spirit of God. An unbeliever possesses a reprobate, dark and foolish mind. A believer who yields himself continually to sin, thereby polluting his mind may suffer similar fate. Secondly, you must be addicted to reading and studying the Bible.  It is the Word of God that transforms our mind and brings us to the level of the mind of Christ. Thirdly, you must be a man who loves to know more about God and develop into maturity. Your knowledge level and maturity will undoubtedly determine your height level. Fourthly you must keep a wise company. You must consciously avoid the association of unsound mind, other than when you need to help or minister to them. Finally you must be careful to live a disciplined life and be well organised. Be also mindful of your thinking pattern. Meditate on positive things and resist negative thoughts.

INTRODUCTION:

In our last study we considered the prosperity of the mind being one of the three parts of a human being. We also considered the three components of the mind which are the intellect, the will and the emotions and feeling. We finally remarked that the mind is the engine room of a man’s life as success is locked up in it in the form of ideas in the mind and that the difference between a normal man and one that is insane is that one has a sound mind the other has an unsound or sick mind. Today we want to consider the characteristics of a sound mind and an unsound mind. 

1.      CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOUND MIND:

A sound mind is a mind that is working well and alive to the things of God. A sound mind has a keen interest to develop; it craves for knowledge and seeks after useful information and puts them to use. A sound mind understands that knowledge is the gateway to wealth and total freedom and so engages in continuous learning. A sound mind stores up and apply relevant information that are relevant to the translation of destiny. A sound mind engages in productive reasoning (meditation) which is the only gateway to a great future. Creative ideas and imaginations are what a sound mind engages in. Ability to rationalise situations, analyse them and arrive at logical conclusions for meaningful action steps are characteristics of a sound mind. According to the Bible, God has given every one created a sound mind; it is our responsibility to maintain it; if we do, it manifests in joy, love, faith, boldness, gentleness etc.

2 Tim. 1:7; Hos. 4:6; Prov. 24:4; Jn. 8:32; Isa. 5:13-14; Col. 3:16; Mt. 12:34-35; Gen. 13: 14-15; Gal. 5:22 

2.      CHARACTERISTICS OF A WEAK OR UNSOUND MIND:

When we talk about an unsound mind, we are talking about a spiritually sick mind, a mind that is not functioning or working the way God made and designed it in the beginning. Some people are fearful, unstable, doubtful and undecided in all their ways; such cannot be described as a sound mind or the mind of Christ. Some minds constantly device evil ideas and imagine vain and immoral things, while some others are dominated and controlled by fear, doubt , hate, bitterness etc; such a mind is unsound and can be described as sick. A sick mind like a sick person needs healing and the only one that can repair, change or heal the sickness of the mind is the one who created it in the beginning. When you find people who, when faced with problems of life, begin to manifest tension, worry, anxiety, sleeplessness, regret, guilt, condemnation, remorse, sorrow and a feeling of defeat on a continuous basis, it is symptomatic of a spiritually unsound mind.

Prov. 1: 22; 1 Kings 19:4; Prov. 29:25; Ps. 127:2; Prov. 4:16; 4:8; Isa. 48:22; Rom. 1: 21-26; James 1:8; Deut. 1: 25-28 

3.     THE BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND:

It is important to know and understand that the greatest battles of life are fought in the mind ream. Any battle that is lost in that realm will be lost in real life and battle that is won in that realm will be won in the physical; and it is the condition of your mind (not your body) whether it is weak or strong that will determine the result, because it directs your attitude. It is not the magnitude of your problem that determines your defeat or victory, it is your attitude to problem; and attitude is a mental exercise. Faith is a thing of the mind like doubt and that is why Satan and his demons often plague and afflict the mind but once the Holy Spirit inhabits it and the Word of God directs it, victory is sure.

Num. 13: 27 -33; 2 Chron. 20:20; Josh. 1: 6-7; 2 Cor. 4: 3-4, Exo. 3: 11-17; Heb. 11:1; 1 Sam. 17: 45-47 

The focus of our discussion in this new series is the prosperity of the mind. It is generally agreed as 1 Thess. 5:23 shows us that man is made up of 3 parts- the body, the soul and the spirit. We have already seen in our last series, the place of the spirit in the accomplishment of man’s assignment on earth. The mind is often described to be a compartment of the soulish realm. No doubt, the soul, the heart and the mind are often used inter-changeably, but I believe they are different. If the answer of Jesus to the Scribe’s question on: “What is the first commandment of all?” in Mk. 12:28 and His answer in Verses 29-31 and the scribe’s comment in verses 32-33 are anything to go by. Jesus talked about loving God with your heart, soul, mind and strength while the scribe agreed and said we are to love God with our heart, understanding soul and strength. The scribe that asked the question substituted “understanding” for “mind.”

1. THE HUMAN MIND.

The human mind is very important and it is often talked about in the scriptures. Three significant parts that is generally said to make up the human mind are- the intellect, the will and the emotions or feelings. The intellect is where man takes in information, process it and determine actions to take. It is also called the brain. It is the seat of knowledge, reasoning or thinking, the house of ideas and creativity. Imaginations that sometime translate to visions and dreams reside here. The will on the other hand is the decision making centre. It is the place of determination- choices and actions are made here.  The emotions or feelings site in the mind houses our reactions, fears, doubts, weaknesses etc.  It directs or controls our happiness, sadness, joy, sorrow, love, hatred, courage, boldness, confidence and all like such. The human mind is extremely complex and one cannot explain it with all certainty. It is sufficient to know that it is vital enough that the Bible prescribes that we renew it every day.

Mk 12:28-33; Lk 12:29; Rom 7:25; Rom 8:27; Rom 11:34; 2 Cor 8:12; Dan 9:2; Hos 4:6.

2. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HUMAN MIND.

How significant or important you become in life is determined by your mind. In other words the mind is the engine room of man’s achievements and breakthroughs in life. How much you understand of life with your mind, determines how far you will go in it. Do you exercise your mind? Do you stretch your imaginations at all? God has prepared a great future and beautiful destiny for all, but it is all locked up in the mind and each person has to unlock his or hers. Your wealth, success, power, courage etc, that God has destined for you is locked up in form of ideas in your mind. It takes ardent study of the word of God, holiness, prayer and sometimes fasting and deliverance to unlock it as the story of the mad man of Gadara shows us. A mad man is considered worthless even when other senses except only the mind is working well. A blind, dumb, deaf, cripple etc can become great once the mind is working well. Therefore, until you have a working mind, you don’t have a working life. Sin, drugs etc destroy the mind.

In our last study, the pathway to spiritual prosperity, we emphasised the significance of spiritual prosperity and remarked that it is the key to access the store of heaven. We also considered the seven vital steps to spiritual prosperity. In today’s study, we want to consider on the one hand some of the things we stand to gain as we become spiritually prosperous and on the other hand, we want to know what is God’s expectation for His beloved.

1.      GAINS OF SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY: There are at least five vital things that we stand to gain as we prosper spiritually.

(a.)  The first thing we gain is a very good spiritual feeler. One of the ways you know your level of growth is how sensitive you are to divine signals. A spiritually prosperous person operates at a high spiritual frequency and is able to download information and receive revelations from the Holy Spirit.

1 Sam. 9:15, 1 Sam. 15:16, 1 Kings 14: 4-6, 2 Kings 1: 15-16

(b.)  Your decree becomes the decree of God: He will not allow your word to fall to the ground. Num. 16: 29-35, Josh. 10:12-14, 1 King 17: 22, 1 Sam. 3:19, 2 Kings 1:12, 16-17, 2 Kings 5: 25 -27, Deut. 29:29, Dan. 2:19, 22-23, 2Sam. 12:9

(c.)  You gain access into God’s secrets: God reveals things to you. Deut. 29:29, Dan. 2:19, 22-23, 2 Sam. 12:9.

(d.) You carry God’s presence: God’s presence brings joy, radiancy, glory, favour and repels demons and every kind of evil.  Gen. 39: 1-4, 20-23, Mk. 5: 6-7.

(e.)   Power enduement. People connected to the Holy Spirit we divine power carriers. Acts 5: 12-16, Acts 19: 11-12, Mk. 5: 30-34.

2.      GOD’S EXPECTATION:

God’s expectation for His beloved is daily ascent in their spiritual life. God wants us to have new and better experience on daily basis. God does not like stagnation and He wants us to continue to grow and be fresh morning by morning. The truth is that the instance growth stops in a man’s life, decay will set in almost immediately. Increasing spiritual prosperity is God’s expectation for His beloved. However for this to become a reality we must never be satisfied by where we are spiritually. It is okay to desire and covet a deeper walk with God. Our pursuits must be heavenly and not earthly. We must also prayerfully locate a spiritual mentor and develop a relationship through listening to or reading materials from such a person. Finally we must learn to face challenges or problems of life as they come and never allow them to discourage or mar our Christian life. Sometimes we must understand that we may have to do things differently to get the desired result and we must never blame God. Whether your problem get solved or not, God is still God so whatever happens learn to rejoice in Him.

INTRODUCTION:

In our last study, we explained the meaning and importance of spiritual prosperity. We also explained that the promise in 3 John 2 is for the beloved of the Lord and we examined those who are qualified to be so called. In that study, we also examined the forces that aid and those that can hinder our journey on the pathway to spiritual prosperity.Today we will be discussing the significance of spiritual prosperity. For those who are truly abundantly settled in the scripture by Jere.29:11. It is sin that thwarts God’s plan for man. However when you come back to God, you can then discover His glorious plan for your life. I pray that as we study at His feet today, we will be challenged to pursue His plan for our lives in Jesus name. 

1.      SIGNIFICANCE OF SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY

Spiritual prosperity is the master key to all other prosperity in a man’s life. This is evident in the account of Job’s life and others like Noah, Abraham etc. Each of these men excelled all others in their quest for God. Purity makes a man reflect the image and likeness of God.  Contact with God through holy living grants one access to treasures and blessings of God. The truth is that, when your life is out of God, your destiny will be out of order; you become like a plane without compass. Those who forsake the pathway of spiritual prosperity with God have no peace with Him; when you have no peace with God, all areas of your life will be fragmented and in pieces. Paying attention to other areas of life while neglecting our spiritual well being is like building a house without a foundation.

Job.1:1-3, 10; Gen.5:22, Gen.6:9; Exo.33:11, Rom.5:1, Lk.12:16-21; Ps.16:4; 2Chro.20:7; 2Pet.2:5; Ps.45:7; Heb.1:8-9. 2.     

SEVEN STEPS TO SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY

The Journey to spiritual prosperity will almost certainly incorporate the following vital steps –

(a)    Repentance and Salvation – The first and unavoidable wrong in the ladder of spiritual prosperity is repentance which leads automatically to salvation –Acts3:19.

(b)   Holy living – Holiness is imbibing the nature and lifestyle of God. It involves a deliberate refusal to yield to temptation; you cannot do this until you release you will power to God’s control. – 1Pet.1:15-16; Gen.39:7-12; Acts.24:16.

(c)    Daily devotional life – If you want to be spiritually prosperous, you must have an insatiable hunger and thirst for God.

(d)   Regular fellowship with The Holy Spirit – Not only must you recognise the person and presence of the Holy Spirit, but you must allow Him to teach and direct you in all things. You cannot have fellowship with Him until He resides in you. – Jn.14:26; Jn.16:13

(e)    Living A life of service unto God – You must understand that you are saved to serve. God is looking for active people and not passive people – Jn.15:2, 8, 16.

(f)    Regular fellowship with God’s children – God loves and encourages congregational meeting of His children – Ps.122:1; Heb.10:25; Rom.10:17.

(g)   Keeping Good and Godly Association – To be spiritually prosperous, you must identify sound and spiritually healthy believers to associate with. – Prov.13:20.