THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE PART 2[Tues. 24th August ‘09]
INTRODUCTION:
In our last study we consider one of the weapons of our warfare – prayer. In the last study we said because 2 Cor. 10:3-4 shows us that the way we are fighting is spiritual and not physical, we can only use spiritual weapon to fight it.Prayer as we studied cannot be stopped, seen, held or destroyed. Today we will consider the second weapon of our warfare which is faith.
1.THE NATURE OF FAITH
Faith can be described as a constant outlook of truth towards God, whereby human beings abandon all reliance on their own effort the full confidence in Him, His Word and His promises. Confidence in and commitment to God and Jesus Christ is what faith is all about. As the bible tells us, even though the objects of faith are unseen, this attitude (trust, confidence etc) to God and Christ must remain. True faith is seen in obedient action, love and continuing good works. Heb. 11:1, Jn. 14:1, Psalm 25:1-2, 1 Pet. 1:21, 2 Sam. 22:31, Ps. 18: 2-6, 27: 13-14.
2.THE WEAPON OF FAITH
Two of the greatest weapons of our enemy are doubt and unbelief. The devil uses these two weapons very well. Fortunately, faith is the weapon that will neutralise the two. Faith is what will please and as children of God we want to please Him. Faith is what we should live by because it deals with doubt and unbelief. Heb. 11:6, Rom 4:19-21, Heb. 10: 38-39, Rom 10:17, 14: 22-23, Eph 6:16, Matt 17:20.
3.FAITH AND BLESSINGS OF GOD
Confidence in the ability and willingness of God to act in supernatural power to advance His kingdom and commitment expressed by us in prayer and action brings God’s blessing to us. God’s power is released through faith, especially when He sees that we are praying in faith. At all times it is also important that we accompany our faith with patience. Matt 17:20, 21: 21-22, 9: 22-23, Heb. 11: 11-12, 32-34, Josh. 14: 6-14, 2 Chron. 32: 7-8, Luke 17: 6, Heb. 10:36, Titus 2: 2
THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE PART 1 [Tues. 18th August ‘09]
INTRODUCTION: The Bible says that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 It says: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds).” We are fighting a battle. Our enemy is Satan. We cannot see this enemy with the physical eyes. We cannot hold this enemy physically. So the weapons that we need to fight with are no weapons that we can see or hold either. May the Holy Spirit give us deep understanding as we study in Jesus Name Amen. Some of these weapons are: PRAYER, FAITH, HOLINESS, and THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. In this study, we will consider the various weapons starting today with PRAYER.
1.PRAYER: Prayer is invisible, unholdable, prayer is unstoppable. It is indestructible. It is extremely powerful, invincible, we can’t destroy it, and it is very powerful. So you can see that prayer is a wonderful weapon of warfare. And when you pray in tongues, the enemy cannot understand what you are saying. Prayer is fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, expressed in adoration, thanksgiving and intercession through which believers draw near to God and learn more of His will for their lives. Scripture stresses the vital role of the Holy Spirit in stimulating and guiding prayer. Rom 8:26; John 14:13-14; Philip 2:9-11; 1 Cori 7:5; Eph 6:18; Philip 4:6; James 5:15-16; 1 Pet 4:7; Rev 5:8; Rev 8:3-4
2.PRATE AND GOD’S WILL: Prayer is concerned not only with the well being of the one who prays. A vital aspect of its purpose is to allow the will of God to be done and to bring glory and honour to His name. Our true motive in prayer must be that God’s will be fulfilled. God will always answer prayers that accords with His will. The Holy Spirit helps believers to pray in God’s will. God’s response to prayers allows believers to discern His will. Mt 6:9-13; Ps 143:10; Gen 25:22-23; Rom 8:26-27; 2 Cor. 12:7-9; Job 19:7-8.
3.GOD’S PROMISES CONCERNING PRAYER God’s promises to hear and respond to the prayer of His people, when they pray in the name of His Son and according to His will. God wants His people to turn to Him in prayer, individually and corporately in times of need or crisis and to bring requests to Him as a Father. God promises to answer prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, and to respond to the prayer of His people in the times of need. It is however important that the people who pray and expect God to help should be patient obedient and be confident in God. Jn 14:13-14; Jn 15:7; Ps 91:14-16; 2 Chron. 7:14; 1 Jn 3:22; Mk 11:24; 1 Jn 5:14.
THE ARMY OF THE LORD- PART 4 [Tues. 11th August ‘09]
INTRODUCTION: We have spent some time learning about the ministry of the soldiers of the cross to their Captain. This is principally worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth. Now we want to consider the ministry of the soldiers’ one to another. A good passage that seems to say it all is Acts 2:41-47. May the Lord Himself teach us today in Jesus name.
1.THE RICHER MUST TAKE CARE OF THE POORER God demands from every soldier of the cross not only tithes but offerings also. God’s design, if every member of His army obey is that there will be enough to meet all the needs of the household of Faith. God knows that there will always be poor in the land and He wants them cared for in an organised manner so that the devil might not exploit the situation. It is not the wealthy alone He expects to support the poor. It is a case of the richer supporting the poorer. Mal 2:8-12; Deut 12:5-6; Num 18:21; Lev 27:3-33; Deut 15:11; Is 58:6-7; Ex 23;10-11; Lev 19:9-10; Deut 25:19-21; Luke 11:41; Pro 25:21-22; Pro 28:3
2.WHAT SHOULD OUR ATTITUDE BE TO THE NEEDY? It is a dangerous thing to harden your heart against the poor. We must remember that failure to help a wounded soldier implies your turn will come soon. Because God commands the strong to support the weak, not only in the physical sense but also spiritually, if you do not know how to be merciful, you will be well advised to learn it. Deut 15:7; Pro 21:13; Rom 15:1-2; Gal 6:1-2; Heb 13:3; James 1:27; Col 3:12-14; 1 Pet 3:8; Rom 12:15; Acts 20:35; Deut 26:12-15.
3.FELLOWSHIP AMONG BELIEVERS (THE ARMY OF THE LORD) The Fellowship that the soldiers of the Cross share as a result of their common union with God through Jesus Christ is expressed in life together. It is evident in worship together, in love for one another which reflects God’s own love and in a practical commitment to one another which is demonstrated in concern for the weak and readiness to share with the poor and needy. Every member of the army of the Lord must without discrimination share in the fellowship of God’s love. We should all also share in the fellowship of a common devotional life by worshipping together, praying together and breaking bread together. True fellowship means sharing with those in need, showing hospitality, giving financial and material assistance. It also means strengthening one another by putting the needs of others first, strengthening the weak and encouraging one another. Equal concern must be shown to every member of the army regardless of rank. 1 Jn 4:10-12; Acts 2:42; Ps 55:14; Acts 1:14; 1 Corin 10:16-17; Heb 13:16; Rom 12:13; Acts 2:44-45; Rom 15:2; Gal 6:1-2; Is 35:3-4; James 2:1-4.
THE ARMY OF THE LORD PART 3 [Tues. 4th August ‘09]
INTRODUCTION: We have been discussing the ministry of the Army of the Lord to their Captain, the Lord of Hosts. In particular we have studied why we must worship in Spirit and in Truth. Now, we want to look into the details of how to correctly worship God. May the Lord accept our worship today and always for evermore in Jesus name. Amen.
1.OUR SONGS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP MUST HAVE RELEVANCE Those who worship God genuinely always worship Him relevantly. The song they sing when they consider the mercies of God will be different from those they sing when considering His holiness, sovereignty or power. We can even prophesy during our worship. Ex. 4:31; Isa 62:5; 2 Sam 12:14-23; Josh 5:13-15; Isa 5:1-4; 1 Chr. 25:1-3; John 4:24; Eph 5:18-20.
2.WORSHIPPING GOD IS INCOMPLETE UNLESS YOUR BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT ARE INVOLVED It is not with our voices alone that we should worship God.We could lift up our hands or clap, we would dance, we could shout, etc. All these relevant ways of worshipping God and each has its own significance if done with all our heart. Ps 103:1; Rom 12:1; Ps 95:6; Matt 2:11; Ps 63:3-4; Ps 141:1; 1 Tim 2:8; Ps 47:1; 1 Cor. 3:9; Ps 150:4; Ps 95:1; 1 Chr 17:16-18; Ps 62:1,5.
3.THE ELEMENT OF WORSHIP Praise and thankfulness are important elements of worship, which also includes confession of sin, the reading of scripture and music.When we offer true worship to God, we must do so with awe. It must also include trust, praise and thanksgiving. We must also do it with Joy and it should include confession of our sins, reading of the Word and the confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. Deut 10:12; Lev 10:1-3; 2 Chr 7:3; Ps 4:5; Ps 37:7; Heb 11:6; Ps 22:22; Ps 107:32; Ps 100:4; Rev 11:16-17; Ps 95:1; Hos. 14:2; Heb 13:15; Col 3:16.
4.HINDERANCE TO WORSHIP True worship goes beyond mere form and can therefore be hindered by a wrong relationship to God or to others. A worship that is merely formal is unacceptable. 1 Sam 15:22; Is 1:13; Ezek 33:31; Hos. 6:6; Mt 6:5; Ps 66:18; Mt 15:7-9; Isa 29:13; Isa 59:2;Ps 32:5-6.
5.RESULTS OF TRUE WORSHIP Worship not only gives God what is due to Him, but also results in many benefits for His people. True worship brings the benefits of blessing, guidance, deliverance, joy, a sense of God’s presence, a deeper sense of Jesus Christ’s Lordship and the boldness to witness. Ex 23:25; Deut 11:13-15; Acts 13:2-3; Acts 16:25-26; 1 Chr 29:21-22; 2Chr 5:13-14; Philip 2:9-11; Acts 4:31; Ps 57:9; Acts 18:9-10; Lk 24:52-53.
THE ARMY OF THE LORD PART 2 [Tues. 27th July ‘09]
INTRODUCTION: In the first part of this series, we learnt that God does not work with volunteers but that He chooses the members of His army by Himself. The same is also true of the selection of officers and promotions in His army. We learnt that while expulsion is the only punishment for failures, there is royal treatment for those who succeed in His army.We also learnt that the army of the Lord is an unusual army. An army of sheep that can overcome wolves, with the ability to hear the voice of God and desire to obey Him totally. Army of priest that is also kings with a three- fold duty of (i) ministry to God (ii) ministry to one another and (iii) ministry of the world. In part two we want to look closely at the ministry of the army of the Lord to the Lord Himself. May the Holy Spirit quicken our understanding as we study in Jesus, Name. Amen.
1.WORSHIP IS MORE IMPORTANT TO GOD THAN WORK. Every King has a throne: the throne of God is built by the praises of His people. That is why the Father’s greatest desire is not for workers, but worshippers, because those who will ever succeed as His workers must first succeed as His worshippers. That is why activity without worship always produces little harvest because God has decreed that there will be no rain if there is no worship. Ps 22:3; John 4:23; James 4:8; Matt 22:37-38; Luke 10:38-42; Acts 13:1-2; Zech 14:17.
2.TRUE WORSHIP INVOLVES CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. Worship can be divided into two portions: (i) in spirit which is God’s part and (ii) in truth which is man’s part i.e. there must be participation by both God and man for worship to be complete. For example, David was the sweet psalmist of Israel because the spirit of God spoke by Him through Him. Our part in worship is not only to surrender our tongues to the Holy Spirit but also to make our hearts so pure that He can dwell there continually.John 4:19-23; 2 Sam 23:1-2; Isa 50:4; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph 5:18-19; Ps 24:4-5; Ps 66:18; Matt 15:7-9; James 5:16.
3.YOU CANNOT OBEY GOD FULLY EXCEPT YOU WORSHIP HIM CONSTANTLY. There are some commandments of God that can only be obeyed fully during worship time. These include: clapping our hands, shouting victoriously, making a joyful noise unto the Lord, Lifting our hands, waving our hands to Him in praise and dancing before Him. Ps 47:1; Ps 100:1-4; Ps 95:1-3; Ph 4:4; Lam 3:40-41: Ps 63:3-4; Lev 9:21; Ps 149:3; Ps 150:4; Ps 30:11.
THE ARMY OF THE LORD PART 1 [Tues. 21st July ‘09]
INTRODUCTION: Every Nation or Kingdom has an army of its own. And God, the King of all kings, has an army too. Just like Satan has an army of demons, witches and wizards, e.t.c. to God His own army Holy Spirit - filled men and women who can lay hands on sick for healing, who can cast out demons, e.t.c. and just as Satan is constantly recruiting more and more people into his army, so is the Army of the Lord constantly increasing in size and efficiency. May the Lord open our inner eyes to see the deep things of God as we study this series in Jesus name, Amen.
1.GOD HIMSLEF CHOOSES THE SOLDIERS IN HIS ARMY The Almighty God does not work with volunteers. He prefers to choose His soldiers by Himself. However, those whom He chooses invariably have certain things in common, namely: (i) absolute loyalty (ii) lack of fear and (iii) absolute holiness. In the same way, the questing of officers in His army is determined by His sovereign choice. John 15:16; 1 Pet 2:9; 1 Cor. 1:2, 9; 1 Cor. 1:26-29; Rev 2:10; Rev 12:11; Pro 28:1; 1 Cor. 12;John 20:11-18; 1 Tim 1; 15-16; 2 Cor. 12:11; Ps 113:5-8; Luke 1:52; 1 Pet 5:5. 2.THERE IS ONLY ONE PUNISHMENT FOR FAILURES IN THE ARMY OF GOD: EXPULSION A promotion in army of God is also at His supernatural discretion. However, He uses some guideline often. These include, (i) fruit-production, (ii) faithfulness in small things e.t.c. There is only one punishment for those who fail God: expulsion. However, for those who succeed in His army, the reward is truly royal. Ps.75:6-7; John 15:2; Matt 25:20-30; Luke 16:10; John 15:6; 2 Kings 2:11; 2 Tim 4:6-8; John 4:23.
3.THE ARMY OF THE LORD IS AN UNUSUAL ONE The army of the Lord is composed of unusual soldiers who are sheep and lambs. An army that does not use guns and bullets and yet are never afraid, even of death. An army of priests, who at the same time are kings, with an ability to hear God’s voice. Their main opponent is the devil who they are prepared to fight non-stop, even though he is invisible. 2 Cor. 10:4; John 10:27; John 10:14; Luke 10: 1-10; Ps 23:1-4; Ex 19:5-6; Rev 1:4-6; James 4:7; Eph 6:13; 1 Tim 6:12-14; 1 Pet 5:8-9.
4.THE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS HAVE A THREE FOLD ASSIGNMENT The three-fold assignment of the soldiers of the cross are (i) a ministry to God, through the sacrificing of praises to Him (ii) a ministry to one another, with the strong helping the weak and (iii) a ministry to the world, bringing them into salvation, deliverance and health. 1 Sam 15:22-28; 1 Pet 2:9; Heb. 13:15-19; Ps 9:11; Rom 15:1-3; 1 Thess. 5:14-15; John 15:9-13; Matt 16:15-18; Acts 1:8.
TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE- PART 7 [Tues. 14th July ‘09]
INTRODUCTION:
In the last part of this series we studied why God commanded us to give thanks in all things and why it is necessary for us to seek the kingdom of God first. We saw how it would be wrong for us to accuse God for any problems we may be having because God never does evil. In fact, He is the only one we can trust in the time of trouble to help out. In this final part of the series, we want to examine God’s commands in 1 Thess. 5:17 and Acts 1:8. May He teach us to be obedient to Him in all things in Jesus name. Amen.
1.You Can Turn Your House To God’s House By Constantly Praying There All flesh is included in the invitation to pray to the almighty God. Everyone, great and small, both genders and all races need to pray in order to obtain the strength needed for daily challenges.To the Christian, constant praying is as important as living holy or serving the Lord. God said, my house shall be called a house of prayer; so the best way to turn your house to a house of God is by constantly praying there. Isa. 56:7, Ps. 65:2, Col. 4:1-2, I Chron. 6:11, Lk. 18: 1-5, Lk. 11: 5-8, Rom. 12: 9-13, Rev. 5:8, Rev. 8:3
2.Pray, So That You Will Not Fall Into Temptation When we pray, we do so for ourselves and for our good and when we fail to do so, we risk our own life, joy and future. It is also true that the surest way to avoid falling into the traps the devil is constantly setting for us is to be full of prayer. God will deliver when we cry to Him. The case of the Jews in Egypt makes this clear. Until your joy is full and overflowing you still need to pray. Constant prayer will also guarantee our rapture and victory in every area of life. He has promised to answer those who pray, so it is up to you. Mt. 26:14, Jn.16:24, Lk.21: 34-35, James 5:13, 2 Chron. 18:31, 1 Sam. 7: 9-10, 1 Kings 18: 37-38, Ps. 91:15.
3.Are You Ready To Witness In His Defence? When people call Jesus names, He expects us to be a faithful witness in His defence. When people call Him a liar, we should say He is the Truth; when they say there is another way, we must rise up to say He is the only Way; when He is called a con man trying to steal from people, let them know He is the Provider. When they call Him a mere teacher like any other, we should witness that He is The Teacher, The Wisdom of God; when they accuse Him of being a fake healer, we should testify that He is Jehovah Raphi, the one who is the Healer and when they say He is like other prophets, we should testify and witness that He is the Son of God and the Saviour of the world who has the power to transform lives and forgive sins. John 14:6, Rom. 8: 1-2, Philip. 4:19, Mt. 15: 32-38, Mt. 17: 24-27, Lk. 8: 43-48, John 11: 25-26, 1 Pet. 2:24, 1 John 1:7, Mk. 16: 9-10
TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE- PART SIX [Tues. 7th July ‘09]
INTRODUCTION: In the last part of this series, we saw how it is disobedience to worry because God commanded us not to. Worrying is therefore a sin, a sign of distrust in God and a share waste of time anyway. We also in the last part considered why the Almighty in His Infinite wisdom saw it fit to command us not to be yoked together with an unbeliever, and we saw that if we disobey this command of God, we will be the loser for it.Today, we want to look at two other commands of God which we will do well to obey; they are Matt 6:33 which says: ‘But seek first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness...’ and Psalm 150 says ‘Let everything that has breathe praise the LORD’
1.THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS ABOUT POWER, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JOY. The kingdom of God is not of food and drinks. It is of righteousness, peace and joy. It is a powerful kingdom where each partaker is a king and priest with great authority. It is a Spiritual Kingdom that is why flesh and blood cannot inherit it. Upon being born again you become a member of this Spiritual Kingdom and it is expected that you must begin to thirst and hunger after power, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost and you attain this through God’s word and regular use (practice) through teaching and warfare. Starting and leading a house fellowship is a good practice ground.Rom 14:17; 1 Pet 2:9; 1 Cor. 4:20; Rev 1:6; Rev 5:10; Isa 55:5; Isa 60:5-22; Ps 145:12; Dan 7:27; Rev 11:15; 1 Cor. 15:50.
2.SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD INVOLVES VIOLENCE In any government, the few rule over the many, so also in the kingdom of God. Those who will rule will be few but mighty. To be part of them, you must seek the Kingdom (1) Diligently (2) whole heartedly (3) single heartedly (4) sacrificially (5) violently (6) early (7) Victoriously (8) by active involvement in winning souls. Mt 11:12; Lk. 9:62; Mt 10:37-38; Lk. 14:27; Ps 72:16; Ps 144:1-2; Rev 3:5,12; Rev 2:7; Pro. 8:17.
3.GOD HAS DECREED: WE MUST OBEY The King of kings and Lord of lords has decreed that everybody must praise Him. This includes people of every nation, young and old, men and women, and surely we are included. Even angels are not exempted. You have to praise the Almighty, unless you are an ingrate. Rev 19: 11-16; Ps 148:11-13; Mt 21:16; Ps 103:20; James 5:13; Ps 105:2; Eph 5:19; Ps 145:10; Ps 148:1; Ps 148:1; Ps 69:34; 1 Pet 2:9.
4.WHEN THINGS ARE NOT WELL, OFFER A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE When things are not alright, you are required to offer praises as a sacrifice. Remember that all things work together for good to them that love God enough to offer sacrifices to Him. Moreover, when problems come, do not blame God for it. He is not the source of your problems, in fact, He is the only friend you can count on in the day of trouble and He surely wishes you well.Heb 13:15; 1 Thess. 5:18; Rom 8:28; Ps 107:21-22; James 1:12-13; Ps 46:1; Ps 121:1-2; Ps 68:1; Ps 50:7; Ps 10:14; 1 Pet 4:12-16; 1 Pet 5:10-11; Jer. 29:11; Ps 118:29; Mt 6:
TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE- PART FIVE [Tues. 30th June ‘09]
INTRODUCTION:In the last part of this series, we saw that not laying treasures on earth does not mean that we must not be rich or hard working and that the best way to lay your treasures in heaven is not just by spending and being spent for souls. In this last part we shall look at two commands of God which are for us to obey. The first is in Philippians 4:6 and the second is in 2 Corinthians 6:14. May the lord grant us the grace to be fully obedient in Jesus name. Amen.
1.Worrying Is A Waste of Time: Stop It:some people are just worriers. They constantly worry about today, tomorrow and just about everything. But the truth is that worrying will not get you anywhere. It is just a share waste of time. If you are a Christian and you still worry rather than pray, it means that you do not trust God to care for you. Ps. 127:2, Ps. 39:6, Eccl. 2:25, Eccl. 4:6-8, Isa. 48:22, Mt. 13:7,22, Mt. 6:31-32, 1 Pet. 5:7, John 16:33, Acts 10:36, Ps 4:8
2.Peace Belongs To God’s Children, Not Worry: If you keep worrying after God has said to you not to do so, not only are you disobeying Him, you are also saying you are not His child!!! Peace belongs to God’s children. Worry swallows peace with time or at least weakens peace. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace who gives true, lasting peace. Therefore if Christ is in you, peace should be there too. If you love the laws of God and obey them, you will have great perfect peace. You do not need to worry even about heaven unless you are not occupying as He commanded. Ps. 29:11, Jn. 14:27, Isa 9:6, Rom 5:1, Col 1:20. Eph. 2:14, Col. 3:15, Ps 119:165, Isa. 26:3, Mt. 11:29, Jn. 14:1-3, LK.19: 12-27, Philip. 4:7
3.Only Birds of the Same Feathers Flock Together:The world says: show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. The word of God says that two people cannot walk together except they agreed. How can you be in agreement with someone who is ignorant of God, does not put God first and has no regard for godly biblical values? Amos 3:3, Jer. 17:9, Mk. 7:21-22, Prov.22:24, Eccl. 7:9, Prov. 12:10, Eph. 4:17-19, 1 Cor. 2:14, 1:18, Prov. 11:1, 20:23, 14:17, Rev. 21:8.
4.If You Team Up With An Unbeliever You Will Lose By It:An unbeliever is a dangerous person to team up with for several reasons. His conscience is dead and so he is carefree to do any evil, he is covetous and so could kill you for money, he is lustful and so when he says “I love you” he will say the same to a hundred others. For him; anything and everything goes, the end justifies the means and often times it is all about him and his or her fancies. If you love yourself, they are not the type to team up with and be involved intimately – it is too dangerous. Jesus said they are brood of vipers, whitewashed sepulchres. Many lives have been ruined as a result of disobedience of this simple godly counsel. 2 Cor. 4:3-4, Gal. 5:19, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Rom. 8:7-8, Eph. 2:1-3, Ps 1, Prov. 13:15, Mt. 12:33, Jer. 10:23, Ps. 10:23, Ps. 119:133, Ps. 37:23, Prov. 3:5, Gen. 19:30-38, Ezek. 16:44.
TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE PART4
INTRODUCTION: In the last part of this series, we saw that since man is a trinity of body, soul and spirit, to obey the command of God involves taking good care of our body, soul and spirit. It also involves being wise; that is, fearing God and winning souls. In this part of the series we are going to dwell on other ways that we can love ourselves. May the Lord Himself teach us today in Jesus Name. Amen. DO NOT BE A FOOL A fool despises wisdom and instruction because he is right in his own eyes. He makes a mockery of sin, hides hatred by lying and slandering and does mischief for the fun of it because he does not really believe there is God. The fool has a perverted mouth and utters his entire mind and he is ultimately ruined by his own lips. He walks in darkness because he trusts his own understanding. When he makes a vow, he does not pay it. Love yourself, do not be a fool. Prov. 1:7; Prov. 12:15; Prov. 14:9; Prov. 10:18; Prov. 10:23; Psalm 14:1; Luke 24:25; Prov. 19:1; Prov. 29:11; Eccl. 10:12; Eccl. 2:14; Eccl. 5:42.
GOD DOES NOT WANT YOU POOR OR LAZY Some people interpret not laying treasures on earth to mean not aspiring to be rich and not making any effort at all. God wants you to prosper through diligent work. Riches come from the Lord and in fact the earth is full of His riches. The Lord also knows that the riches rule over the poor and that you can be head always and never be the tail. Psalm 104:24; Isa. 61:6 Prov. 22:7; Prov. 10:4; Prov. 12: 24; Prov. 21:5; Prov. 22:29; Deut. 28:12-13.3.
THE BEST WAY TO LAY TREASURES IN HEAVEN IS TO GET YOUR CONVERTS THERE There are several reasons why the Lord counselled you not to lay your treasures on earth. Some of these are: * Earthly riches are not forever * Trusting in riches often bring disappointments * Riches cannot help you when God is angry with you * The life span of the rich man can be short that other will enjoy the fruits of his labour * Heavenly things are of eternal valuesTherefore the best way to lay treasures in heaven is not only to win souls but to ensure the souls get to heaven. Prov. 27:24; Prov. 23:5 Prov. 11:28; Prov. 11:4; Jer. 17:11; Psalm 62:11; Psalm 39:6; Eccl. 2:26; Prov. 23:23; Matt. 16:26; Matt. 19:21; Phil. 3:7-8; 2 Cor. 12:15.
TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE PART 3
INTRODUCTION:
So far in this series, we have learnt that disobedience is a compound sin because it is the fruit of doubt and unbelief; that half obedience is worse than disobedience and that God requires total obedience from us.
We have also learnt that you must love your neighbour as yourself and that is not a matter of choice; and that genuine love bears other peoples burdens.Today we want to look at two other areas of obedience, which are very important to God. The first is to look at Mark 12:31 and consider the Lord’s command that we should love our neighbour as our own self. The second is God’s command in John 15:16 for us to go and bear fruits and to see that our fruits remain. These two commands are closely related. God expects us to love Him with all our heart mind and strength; to love ourselves and our neighbour as ourselves. If indeed we love God, our self and our neighbour, we will take care of our spirit soul and body and bear fruits unto the Lord. May God quicken our understanding as the Holy Spirit teaches us in Jesus Name. Amen.
1.LOVE YOURSELF.
You are made up of body, soul and spirit, with the body as a vessel for the soul and spirit. Consequently, to love yourself includes taking care of your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, you must watch what you eat because any defilement of the body is a defilement of the Temple of the Holy Spirit and may bring disaster. In addition, if you love yourself, you will follow the instructions given by God on how to prosper materially.
1 Thess 5:23; 1 Cor 3:16-17; 1 Cor 6:13; Prov 23:20; Pro 24:13; Prov 25:27; 1 Thess 5:23; Lev 17:10-13; Prov 13:25; Lev 11; Luke 6:38; Mal 3:10-12; Matt 23:23.
2.TO STAND BEFORE THE KING OF KINGS YOU MUST BE DELIEGENT IN HIS WORKS.
Your soul and spirit are more important than your body. Therefore, if you love yourself, you will care for your soul and spirit. In fact, the prosperity of your body, physically and materially depend upon the prosperity of your soul. You must do those things that God calls wise; pursue the path of holiness in order to be welcome in God’s own house and be diligent in God’s works of soul winning and deliverance to be able to stand before the King of Kings.
Ecc 12:7; Matt 16:26; 2 John 2; Ps 34:10; Pro 11:30; Dan 12:3; Heb 12:14; Is 59:1-2; Pro. 22:29; John 15:6.
3.THERE CAN BE A LIVING CHURCH IN YOUR HOME: CHARTITY BEGINS FROM HOME
In the beginning of the church of Christ, there were many homes that housed living churches where prayers were answered. God spoke to people, people got saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, healings took place and many people who were baptized in water then got converted in home churches. Examples include the house of Cornelius, the Jailor, Priscilla and Aquilla, Lydia and Philemon. The same Head of the church then is still our head today.
Rom 16:3-5; Acts 10:25, 30, 44, 48; Acts 11:12-15; Acts 16:14-15; Acts 16:40; Rom 16:3-5; Philemon 1:2; Mark 2:1-4, 9-12; Luke 5:27-32; Acts 20:7-12; Acts 12:12-17; Acts 20:20; Luke 10:38-48; Acts 1:12-14.
TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE PART 2
INTRODUCTION In the first part of this study, we saw how disobedience is a compound sin since it is the outworking of doubt and unbelief. We also saw how every sin is actually disobedience to the commandments of God. Moreover, we saw that as far as God is concerned, half-obedience is worse than disobedience. In this study, we want to look at another area in which we either have been disobeying God out rightly or have been living in half-obedience. It is in connection with the great commandment in Mark 12:31. May God speak to our inner man tonight in Jesus name.
1.YOU HAVE NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER: YOU MUST LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR There are three groups of people you must love passionately: God; yourself and your neighbour in that order. It is a command from God that you must love Him, love yourself and then love your neighbour as much as you love yourself. There is no greater love that you can show to a neighbour than to bring him to Christ. Mark 12:30-31; Lev 19:18; Matt 9:19; Matt 22:39; Gal 5:14; James 2:8; John 15:12, 17; Rom 13:8; 1 Pet 1:22; 1 John 4:2.
2.GENUINE LOVE BEARS OTHER PEOPLE’S BURDEN It is your duty to look out for those in need and help them to meet their needs through Jesus Christ. Many people who are in Christ today are brought to Him by problems. One of the many things you can do for them is that you get them to your house-fellowship or church, it is your duty to keep close to them and care for them. You are not to love your relations only but strangers too. God will surely reward you with miracles.James 2:14-18; Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9; Heb 13:2; Rom 13:10; Rom 15:1-2; Lev 19:34; Deut 31:12; Pro. 22:2; 1 Kings 17:8-16, 17-23; 2 Kings 4:8-10, 18-20, 32-36; Acts 9:36-41; Luke 6:38; 1 Cor. 15:58
3.“LOVE COVERS ALL SINS” All Christians ought to know that we are to be our brother’s keepers without being told. In fact, there is only on proof that you know where you are going; and that is to be full of brotherly love, because this is the evidence that you love God at all. True brotherly love is the way to excellence and the statement that love covers all sins has a double meaning: (i) you will forgive all offences from someone you love and (ii) you will do all possible to bring a loved one to Christ whose blood cleanse from all sins.1 Thess 4:9; 1 John 4:20-21; 1 Pet 1:22; 1 Cor 12:31, 13: 1-3; Pro 10:12; Gal 5:13; Phi 1:9-11; 1 Pet 4:8; Pro 25:21; Matt 5:42.
TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE PART 1 [Tues. 2nd June 2009]
INTRODUCTION: Every sin is the working of disobedience. In fact, another word for sin is simply disobedience. For example, pride is a sin because God commanded us to be humble (James 4:10, 1Pet. 5:6). Adultery is a sin because God commanded us not to commit adultery (Ex.20:14). Failure to evangelize is a sin because God commanded us to evangelize (Matt. 28:19-20, Mark 16:15); May the LORD quicken our understanding as we meditate on this important topic of disobedience. Amen.
1.ALL SIN ARE AGAINST GOD All sins are actually against God. In particular, sin is deliberately doing things our own way instead of God’s way. Secondly, sin is showing off, that is putting us in the centre of the picture in place of God. Thirdly, since God is love, all sins are sin against love, a deliberate refusal to honour the loving invitation of God, to accept what God knows is best for us.PS. 51:4; Matt. 4:1-11; Matt. 15:1-9; Matt. 6:1-18; Matt. 23:1-1; Matt. 22:1-10; Matt. 11:20-22; Mark 3:22-30
2.DISOBEDIENCE IS A COMPOUND SIN Disobedience is not a simple sin; it is a compound one because it has the fruit of doubt and unbelief. The original sin in the Garden of Eden came because Eve doubted the word of God. That is why up to today the punishments for disobedience are very severe and involve God Himself in there executions. For example, these punishments include (i) curses from God (ii) Divine opposition (iii) Divine wrath (iv) Divine vengeance and (v) Terrible rewards from the Almighty.Gen. 3:1-6; Deut. 28:15; 1Sam. 12:15; 1Sam 28:18; 1King 13:21; Jer. 12:17; Eph. 5:6; 2Thes. 1:8; 1Tim. 1:9; Heb. 2:2-3
3.HALF OBEDIENCE IS WORSE THAN DISOBEDIENCE There is no half measure with God. You are totally either for him or totally against him. This is why He regards half obedience as being worse than disobedience. In fact, those who have suffered terribly after Adam and Eve are those who obeyed half-heartedly. They include among others, Abraham, King Saul, Ananias and Sapphira and the disciples.Mark 12:29-30; Rev. 3:16; Gen. 12:1-3; Gen. 12:1-5; Gen .12:9-10; Gen. 13:14-16; 1Sam. 15:7-9; 1Sam. 15:1-3; 1Sam. 15:10-11; 1Sam. 15:22-23; Acts 5:1-10; Mark 16:15; Acts 8:3; Acts 8:4-8
TAKE YOUR STAND PART 3 [Tues. 26th May 2009]
INTRODUCTION: In the second part of the series, we learnt that we may be called upon to suffer persecution of our faith. If this happens, we must stand firm because we will not be the first or the last to suffer for our faith. And that whatever happens, we must never lose our grip on eternal life. We only need to fear the Lord and there will be nothing else to fear. We also learnt that if you serve Jesus whole-heartedly, God will honour you. In this third part, we wish to learn more about what standing for Christ means. May the Lord open our spiritual eyes so that we could see those things that pertain to our peace in Jesus Name. Amen.
1. CHRIST IS NOT ASKING YOU TO SERVE HIM FOR FREE; HE WILL PAY EACH ACT OF SERVICE YOU RENDER TO HIM. As far as God is concerned, He requires total submission from you. He wants your heart and not mere lip service. In fact, it is by doing the will of God absolutely that you can claim to be truly related to Christ. Now, when you compare what Christ and other saints of old had done with what we are required to do today, you will know that we are given an easy task. Moreover, Christ is not asking us to serve Him for free, even though He has a right to do so. But He will still reward our efforts provided they are whole-heartedly done.Pro. 23:26; Matt. 12:50; Eph. 6:6; John. 4:34-38; Ps. 126:5-6; Ex. 23:25; Deut. 10:12; 1Cor. 15:58; 2Tim. 4:5; Phil. 2:12.
2. MAN IS A TRINITY:BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT. HE NEEDS MORE THAN BREAD TO TRULY SURVIVE. Let your goal both in your life and in death be how to please Christ. Do not let your search for daily bead obstruct your spiritual goal or dim your spiritual vision. Man needs more than bread to survive because he is a trinity and the one who truly lived is the one who survived after death. Death is once per person, but death is not the end of the story. It is just a new beginning. Sign a contract of total allegiance with God now and your survival here and yonder will be settled. Phil. 1:21; Deut. 8:3; Ecc. 8:8; Ps. 23:4; Heb. 9:27; Pr. 14:32; Col. 1:27; Heb. 11:13; Rev. 14:13; Ps. 116:15; Dan. 1:8.
3. TAKE YOUR STAND BECAUSE OUR GOD IS GOOD. The goodness of our God is for all the earth. Those who have tasted Him have found Him to be very good. He is not only good when all is well but He is good also in the time of trouble. He is a a good friend in the time of need. Our success in life depends on His goodness and mercy. We have a lot to thank God for. For our salvation, for the forgiveness of our sins, that we are still alive today, that He is a dependable Rock, perfect and true, and that His mercy endureth forever are just a few of the reasons why we should constantly praise him, and take a firm stand in Christ.Ps. 33:5; Ps. 34:8; Nah. 1:7; 1Tim. 1:12; 2Cor. 12:9; 2Tim. 2:1; Rom. 9:16; Tit. 3:5; Col. 1:12; Lam. 3:22-23; Ps. 108:4; Ps. 103:17.
TAKE YOUR STAND PART 2 [19th May 2009]
INTRODUCTION:In the first part of this series, we saw that a Christian who takes a firm stand for his Lord has authority to stop all the satanic traffic in his life. This is because the power behind us is greater than the enemy and satan knows this too.Also, the devil can only control those who are not standing firmly for Christ. In this second part, we want to learn more about standing firmly for Christ. May the Lord bless us as we study at His feet in Jesus Name. Amen.
1.A GOOD SOLDIER DOES NOT RUN FROM BATTLE: BE A GOOD SOLDIER OF THE CROSS. Once you have received Christ, remain rooted in Him and just keep on rejoicing and praising Him. You may be called upon to suffer for your faith; be a good soldier of the cross and remain firm. You will not be the first to suffer affliction for your faith’s sake and you will not be the last. Whatever happens, lay hold on eternal life and do not let it slip off your grip. Remember, you need the Name of the Lord to defeat the giants in your life. How can you use His Name if you are not for Him?Col 2:6-7; 2 Tim 2:1; Heb 10:32; 1 Tim. 6:12; 1 Sam 17:45; Rom 13:12-14; Eph 6:10; Pr 1:10; Pro 4:14; Rom 6:10; 2 Tim 2:4.
2.FEAR THE LORD AND YOU WILL HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO FEAR. The parting advice of a dying man is very important: heed that of King David. He went through a lot but ended up triumphant; make the Lord your helper and He will keep you day and night. Trust Him and Him only and you will stand firm as mount Zion. Fear the Lord and you will have nothing else to fear. 1 Kings 2:1-3; Ps 16:8; 2 Chr 15:1-2; Ps 121: 1-4; Ps 55:22; Ps 40:1-4.
3.IF YOU SERVE CHRIST WHOLE-HEARTEDLY, GOD WILL HONOUR YOU. If you are completely for Christ, you should be bold because through Christ you have access to God. And if you are bold enough to come into God’s presence, why must you be afraid of any man? Also, you do not need men’s honour because if you serve Christ whole-heartedly, God Himself will honour you if your entire love is focused on Christ, the following are part of your blessings: (I) deliverance (II) promotion (III) answered prayers ( IV) Divine presence in the day of trouble (V) honour (VI) long life and (VII) salvation. Eph 3:8-13; Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:19-23; John 12:26; Ps 91:14-16.
TAKE YOUR STAND- PART ONE [Tues. 12th May 09]
INTRODUCTION:
Consider the traffic police officer. His most strenuous personal effort cannot stop a fast moving car. Yet, he stands firmly in the middle of the road, raises his hand and the traffic stops. In a similar manner, a Christian who takes firm stand for his Lord has authority to stop all the satanic traffic in his life. Luke 10:19. May the Lord grant us all the grace to take our stand firmly for Him as we study this series in Jesus Name. Amen.
1.THE POWER BEHIND US IS GREATER THAN THAT OF THE ENEMY, AND HE KNOWS IT TOO.
All power belongs to Jesus Christ and He has delegated these powers to us. The devil knows this and he trembles each time he thinks about it. If you are truly joined to Christ, then whatever power Christ has belongs to you too. Wherever the Head is must be where the body is also unless that part of the body is paralyzed. Christ is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, and that is the centre of power of the whole universe. The reasons why some Christians still live a defeated life therefore are mainly (i) Lack of comprehension of this truth and (ii) shaky stand for God.
Matt 28:18; Eph 1:22; 1 John 4:4; James 2:19; Eph 1: 20-21; Phil 2:9-11; 1 Cor 12:27; 1 Cor 6:17; Heb 1:13; Eph 1:16-19; John 14:12; James 4:7; James 1:6-8.
2.THE DEVIL CAN CONTROL ONLY THOSE WHO ARE NOT STANDING FIRMLY FOR CHRIST.
Some people think the devil is in control of everything in this world, but they are wrong. He cannot control you if you are not of this world (although you are in this world) because he is the prince of this world and those in love with it. God has already destroyed the works of the devil in the lives of those who truly belong to Him. All we are required to do is stand firm in Christ and continue to reign in life with Christ. As for the devil, he is surely under our feet if we are truly for Christ.
John 15:19; John 14:30; 1 John 2:15-17; Col 1:12-13; Luke 10:19; Rom 5:17; 1 Pet. 5:8; Eph 4:27; Heb 1:13-14; Matt 18:18.
3.GOD PROMISES YOU BLESSINGS AND SONGS OF PRAISE, NOT SHAME.
If you take your stand absolutely for Christ, you will be a blessed person and have no cause to be ashamed. It is unbelievers who will find Christ a stumbling block. It is blessings and songs of praise that God promises His people not shame. If you suffer for Christ’s sake, that is an opportunity to praise God. In any case, you are not sure of internal life beyond doubts until you are willing to lose your life for Christ’s sake. And if you abide in Him totally, you will have no cause to be ashamed before Him when He comes again.
Ps 119:1-6; Rom 9:33; Joel 1:26; Isa 50:7-9; 1 Pet 4:15-16; Matt 15:25; 2 Tim 2:11; 1 John 2:28; Acts 5:29-41; 1 John 4:15-18.
KNOW WHO YOU BELIEVE PART TWO [Tues. 5th May 09]
INTRODUCTION
In the first part of this teachingwe learnt that to our God belongs greatness, power, victory, majesty, heaven, earth, kingdom, highest exaltation, riches, honour, might, ability to make great and strong, and the most glorious name. IChr. 29:10-13. In this lesson, we wish to know more about Him who we believe.
HIS ATTRIBUTES
Whenever we talk about the various attributes of God, the first thing that comes to mind is His holiness. He is also all powerful (omnipotent) that is, there is nothing too hard for Him to do. That should gladden our hearts because we have a God that can and will solve all or problems: all of them and not just one of them.
Isa. 6:3; Jer. 32:17.
He is also everywhere at all times (omnipresent) and this enables Him to see all things and know all things (omniscient). In the first place, this should gladden our hearts also, because we serve a God who can follow us to wherever we go and arrange for our adequate protection. However this should also caution us not to sin, not even in secret, since there is nothing hidden from Him.
Ps. 69:5; Mat. 10:26; Jer. 23:24; Prov. 15:3
Our God is also a faithful God who keeps his promises. That should gladden our hearts particularly if we are doing His will because all His promises of blessing shall then be ours. But merciful as He is, His faithfulness also compels Him to repay those who hate Him. (You may read the whole of Deu. 28 at home). This is why we must beware of sin.
Deu. 28:1-14; Deu. 7:9-10.
HIS LOVE
God’s love is just wonderful. It is not like the earthly love hat changes with time. His love is everlasting that there is nothing too great for His power and nothing too small for His love. His love is greater than death and even life too. What a loving Father we serve.
Jer, 31:3; Rom. 8:38-39.
HIS ATTITUDE
Because of His love and mercy, He willingly forgives any sinner who repents. Otherwise we would all have perished by now. He even invites us to come and receive forgiveness for any sins we might have committed, no matter how terrible. As if that is not wonderful enough, He promises that after true repentance on our part, immense blessings will follow. That is if we diligently seek Him, He will reward us accordingly.
Ps. 130:3-4; Isa. 1:18-19; Heb.11:6.
He is a righteous and impartial judge, even unto the poor. So that when earthly justice fails, you can rely on Him. He is a true refuge from the storm of life and a source of strength in times of strength and trouble. What a joy to serve such a mighty and loving God. Ps. 98:8-9; Ps, 46:1.
KNOW WHO YOU BELIEVE Pt. 1 [Tues. 28th April ‘09]
INTRODUCTION: What type of God are we serving? Who is He? Does He really want us to understand Him?
WHO IS HE?
To know who He is, the place to start from would be His name and description. Why? A man’s name says a lot about him. For example, Moses means, “drawn out of water”, a close study of his life reveals that water played a prominent role in his life. He turned water to blood, led the children of Israel through the Red sea, changed bitter water to sweet, drew water out of rocks and failed to reach the Promised Land because of water.
Consequently, the various names of our God are an indication of goodness, greatness, power and mercy. For example, He is called the Almighty, The Rock and The Redeemer, The King of Glory and Heavenly Father to mention just a few. Gen 17:1; Psalm 78:35; Psalm 24:7; Matt 6:32.
The other thing to note is that He is a King. In fact, He is the true living everlasting king. He is absolutely pure; as pure as light. In fact, He is light, light in the absolute sense since you can never find a trace of darkness in Him at all. Jer. 10:10; 1 Jn. 1:5. And unbelievable as it may sound, He expects you to be exactly as He is. Matt. 5:48. But how can this be? It is possible through Jesus Christ- Phil 4:13
HIS POWER, WISDOM AND ETERNAL EXISTENCEAll things except God have a beginning and an end. He has been before the beginning, that is why He can tell the history of everyone else, but no one can tell His own history. He needs nothing at all because He is absolutely complete in Himself; in fact, He is the one who gives to others whatsoever they need. That is why it is useless having any other God besides Him. Acts 17:24-25; Ex. 20:3.
He is the greatest most powerful and infinitely wise, that is why He invites you to come to Him, the true source for all your needs including wisdom.
Moreover, He changes not; never grow old, tired or broke, so that even if there are other gods, He surpasses them all in greatness and in might. He is no respecter of persons; rather He is to be feared by all because He can be terrible when offended. He is forever the same, cannot be seen by any mortal man and is to be honoured forever and ever.
Psalm 147:5; James 1:5; Mal 3:6; Deut 10:17; 1 Tim 1:17.
JESUS IS THE WAY PART 2 [Tues. 14th April ‘09]
INTRODUCTION:
In our last study, we establish that although there are various ways in the world, there is only one way to salvation and that Jesus is the way. In the way of salvation, these are Joy, Blessings, Health, and Peace among others. So to know the way (i.e. Jesus) is to have true joy, divine blessings, divine health and true peace. But He is much more than all these. Today, we want to see how Jesus is also the way to victory, the way to escape from God’s judgment and wrath and the way to glory.
THE WAY TO VICTORY:
To the sinner, life is one continuous battle. He is continuously at war with sin, sickness, satan, demons and all other powers of darkness. Worse still, he is continuously at war with himself. Even when he seems to prosper, the battle does not cease. Jesus is the way to victory over the powers of darkness because He is the light of the world. When Jesus moves into any man’s life, such a man becomes free from the bondage of satan and other powers of darkness. That is why those who have Christ with them are not afraid even of death. Jesus is also the way to victory over the world and all its woes.Let all the forces of darkness gather themselves together, let all the armies of the world and hell combine against Jesus Christ and His chosen ones, be assured that the result of the battle is a foregone conclusion because Jesus is always the victor and those with Him shall never be defeated.Job 15: 20-21, Isa. 9:2, Ps. 23:4, Lk. 10:19, Jn. 16:33, 1Jn. 5: 4-5, Rom. 8: 35-37, Rev. 17:14
THE WAY TO ESCAPE:
God is everywhere. He fills the heaven and the earth, everywhere the sun is seen and the breeze blows. He is these. That is why a sinner cannot escape from His wrath. You cannot also hide your thought from Him. He sees and knows all that we have ever done in secret. He knows all the terrible things you have done and no man can escape His judgment except and unless you take the only way of escape, which is Jesus. Jesus is the only one who has the antidote to the poison that sin brings into our lives; the antidote is the Blood of Jesus. Ps. 139: 7-12, Prov. 11:21, Amos 5: 18-19, Amos 9:2, Heb. 2:3, 1Jn. 1: 7-9.
THE WAY TO GLORY:
After washing in the blood of the Lamb, we escape from the wrath of God because God has promised that whenever He sees the blood, He will pass over us. Death, sorrow, hell will pass over us once they see the blood of Jesus. When we escape through Jesus, we escape into God’s glory. When we say glory, we do not mean the earthly human glory that is temporal and transient but eternal glory that does not perish. This glory is in the kingdom of our Father where we shall shine forever and ever. Ps. 73:24, Ps. 49:17, Col. 3:4, Rom. 8:17, Jn. 1:12, Mt. 13:43
JESUS IS THE WAY - PART ONE [Tues. 7th April 08]
INTRODUCTION: There are various ways in the world. There are narrow ways and broad ways, ways of life and ways of death, the way of salvation and the ways of hell. Matt. 7:13-14, Acts 16:17. But there is only one way to Heaven, only one way to God the Father, only one way to life eternal, and that one way is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way. In this series, we want to study about the Way, that is Jesus Christ, the way of joy, the way to blessings, the way to peace, the way to victory, the way of escape, the way to glory.
THE WAY TO JOY
Many people think they know what joy is. But no one can know true joy until he has come to Jesus, because Jesus is the way to joy. To have joy, you must pass through Jesus Christ. Why is this so? This is because the joy of a sinner is not the true joy because it has its sources in material things, in things that do not last, in things that are not of eternal values. It is merely a shadow of real joy.
Jn. 15:11. Job 20:5. Pr. 14:13.
True joy begins with salvation. It begins with the realization that one has missed hell and is going to heaven, that one is free from Satan, free from the bondage of sin, free from the bondage of the evil oppressor. Since He is the Savior, in other words to have true joy you must be saved, and to be saved you must come to Jesus, therefore, Jesus is the way to joy. Isa. 61:10, Jn. 4:42.
To have continuous joy you must stay with Jesus. Joy cannot be found elsewhere. If at any time you think you are not happy as you think you should be, do not go seeking for more joy in the pub or clubhouse, just ask Jesus for more joy. He has more than you need and He is eagerly waiting for you just to ask him. The moment you do so, he will give you abundantly. Ps 16:11, Jn. 16:24, 1 Peter 1:8
HE WAY TO BLESSINGS: How can anyone have true blessings? What is true blessings anyway? Is it a lot of money, clothes, houses or cars? No. True blessings are more long lasting than these are. Money has wings and can fly away, clothes will wear and tear, and cars can wreck. But true blessings, a peaceful life, a victorious life above sin, a healthy body gifts of the Holy Spirit are all more enduring and more satisfying. If you are seeking the way to blessing, then seek Jesus. Serve Jesus and he will bless you not only spiritually, but materially as well. Jesus is not opposed to material blessings. But you must seek Him first, since He is the Lord of blessings and the way to all blessings. Ps. 34:9-10. Ps. 64:19. Matt. 6:31-33. THE WAY TO HEALTH: There are many sick people in the world today. Some people are practically dead even though they still move about. Some people live almost all the time on tablets and injections. But for the doctors, many people would have gone to Christ-less graves by now. But thank God for Jesus Christ, there are some people who live from day to day a healthy vital life. Ps. 107:1-20, Jn. 1:1-14, Heb. 13:8, Isa. 53:3, 1Peter 2:24, Ex. 15:26. Jesus is the way to healing, not only for your body, but also for your soul. Jesus will also heal and bind the backslider that returns. Do you want to be vibrantly healthy? Then consume his words. They are life-giving tonic. Ps. 41:4, Jer. 3:22, Hosea 6:1, Proverbs 4:20-22.
THE WAY TO PEACE:Many people think that once there is no war there is peace. But they are wrong. A country may not be at war and yet may never know peace. The same is true of individuals. Anyone who does not know Christ, the Prince of peace, will never have true peace. How can a sinner have peace, when he does not know the way of peace? Jesus is the way to peace. He is the giver of peace. When He gives peace, it is not the shallow, un-enduring peace that the world calls peace but the type of peace that passes all understanding. And when He gives you peace, it is then you will realize that Divine peace is superior to worldly peace. Isa. 48:22. Isa. 58:9. Luke 1:78-79. Phil. 4:7. Jn. 14:2. Isa. 48:18.
HE IS COMING BACK AGAIN [Tue. 31st March 2008]
INTRODUCTION: In this series, we studied about the Rapture being the initial event in a series: we have also looked at what constitutes the great tribulation, why and when it will happen; who is the anti – Christ and when will he come. This series will be incomplete without considering the functions of the antichrist and how he will end in the war of Armageddon. May the Holy Spirit teach and bless us as we study in Jesus name. Amen.
FUNCTIONS OF THE ANTICHRIST:The antichrist exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped. He has an enormous diplomatic ability, well liked by people because of his false dedication to peace. 2 Thess. 2; 3-4, Rev. 6: 1-2. The antichrist will also present himself as a protector and benefactor of Israel only to break his covenant later during the later part of his rule. And during his rule, he will refuse buying and selling except by those who have obtained the mark of the beast. He will make war against the saints that did not go with the Rapture and prevail against them. Rev. 13: 16-18, Dan. 7:21, Rev. 13: 7-8.
THE END OF THE ANTICHRIST:One of the remarkable events of the second coming of Christ is the war of Armageddon. The Lord Jesus Christ at His Second coming during the war of Armageddon will deal with satan and the antichrist. Armageddon is the ancient hill and valley of Megiddo, West of Jordan in the plain of Jezreel between Samaria and Galilee. During this war, through the ministry of the three unclean frogs (spirits) the antichrist will marshal his armies from the four corners of the earth. Dan. 11: 40-45, Rev. 16: 13-16, Zech. 14: 1-5.
WHEN WILL THE WAR OF ARMAGEDDON TAKE PLACE:It will take place when the antichrist will gather his confederated armies from all nations to wipe out God’s earthly people (Israel) and with evil determination to destroy the mineral resources found in and around Israel. Dan. 11: 40-44, Joel 3: 2. This war will be at the second coming of Christ in order to deliver the Jews and Jerusalem from the armies of the anti-Christ after the marriage supper of the Lamb but just before the millennium. Isa. 63: 1-6, 2 Thess. 1: 6-10, Rev. 19: 1-21.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF THE WAR?The results of the war include the beast (anti-Christ) and the false prophet being cast alive into the lake of fire; the antichrist armies are put to death with the sword that issues from the mouth of Jesus while the devil is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for one thousand years. Rev. 19: 19-21, 2 Thess. 2: 8, Rev 20: 1-3. This victory proves that Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. The victory also heralds the millennial reign of Christ. Rev. 20: 4-6
HE IS COMING BACK AGAIN PART 2 CONTD. [Tues. 17th March. 09]
INTRODUCTION:
In our last study, we studied about the Rapture, which is the initial event in the series of the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we want to look at the Great Tribulations and the anti-Christ, a unique event and a personality in God’s end-time timetable. May the Holy Spirit our teacher, teach and bless us in Jesus Name. Amen.
1. WHAT CONSTITUTES THE GREAT TRIBULATION? : This is the period of God’s wrath, judgment and indignation. Zeph. 1: 14-18, 1 Thess. 1: 10, Rev. 6: 17, 14: 6-7, 16: 5, 7, Isa. 26: 20-21, 34: 1-3. The Great Tribulation is also the period of trials, trouble, darkness, destruction and punishment. The severity of the period shall be great. Rev. 3: 10, Jer. 30: 7, Joel 2: 1-2, Amos 5: 18, Zeph. 1: 14-15, Isa. 24: 1-4, 20-21
2. Why is THE GREAT TRIBULATION? : This period is intended to prepare the Nation of Israel for her Messiah. Jer. 30: 7, Deut. 4: 30-31, Ezek. 20: 37, Zech. 13: 8-9, Dan. 12: 1This period is also to pour out judgment on unbelieving men and nations. Rev. 3: 10, Isa. 26: 20-21, Jer. 25: 30-33, 2 Thess. 2: 8-12, Rev. 6: 12-17.
3. WHEN IS THE GREAT TRIBULATION? : The tribulation will cover the seventieth (70th) week of Daniel’s prophesy i.e. 7 years. A week in Daniel’s prophesy means 7 yrs. – Gen. 29: 27. The last half of these 7 yrs will be very severe because of the wrath of the Anti – Christ who will break His covenant with Israel in the midst of the week (7yrs). Dan. 9: 24-27, 2 Thess. 2: 1-12, Mt. 24: 15-22, Mk. 13: 14-20, Rev. 11: 2-3, Rev. 12: 6-14.
4. WHO IS THE ANTI - CHRIST: The Anti – Christ is the King of Babylon, vested with the Babylonian Spirit of pride, power, idolatry, confusion and iniquity. He is also described as the little horn, the man of sin, the son of perdition, the desolator and desecrator of all that belong to God and His Son, Jesus Christ. He is also called the beast and dragon. 1 Jn. 2: 22, Dan. 4: 30, Dan. 9: 26-27, 2 Thess. 2.3, Rev. 13: 1-4.
5. WHEN WILL HE COME: The Anti-Christ will be revealed at the onset of Daniel’s seventieth week, after the Church might have been raptured. He will have 7 horrible years of rule that have never been known. His first three and half years will be devoted towards making himself popular while the second three and half years will be a period during which the Anti – Christ will exercise his devilish power over the people of Israel and over all that call upon the Name of the Lord after the rapture.Dan. 9: 27, Dan. 7: 25, Rev. 12: 14, Dan. 12: 7
CONCLUSION: God’s plan is to rapture the true Church dead or living before the great period of God’s indignation on the Anti – Christ and unbelievers. The living Church has a choice in the matter. The Anti – Christ will certainly come because the scriptures cannot be broken and God cannot lie. But his rule will only be on those who have not gone with the rapture.
PRAYERS: Pray that you shall escape this terrible period. The Lord Jesus Christ by His Spirit can still help us today. Pray that God will help you to qualify for the rapture in Jesus Name. Amen
HE IS COMING BACK AGAIN PART 1 [Tues. 3rd March. 09]
INTRODUCTION:
The second coming of Christ is a sound Biblical fact prophesied by Daniel, and foretold by Paul, and the angels as well. Three Greek words were used to reveal it: Parousia meaning personal presence: Apokalupsis meaning revelation and Epiphanela meaning appearing. Christ will definitely return in a public, personal revelation of Himself to the world. This return will be in four phases: The Rapture; Christ pouring down His wrath during the great tribulation; Christ fights the Anti Christ at Armageddon and the Millennial Kingdom set by Christ Himself. May the Holy Spirit teach us and bless us as we begin to look at these in detail in Jesus Name. Amen.Dan.7:13, Acts.1:10-11, 1 Tim 6:13 -14
WHAT AND WHEN IS RAPTURE? : Rapture simply means to seize or caught up. It is a moment of time when true and faithful Christians, dead or alive will in the twinkling of an eye rise to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the air. 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:23, 51-58. Phil. 3:20-21, 1 John 3:1-3, Lk. 21:34-35.
The Rapture is also referred to as the translation of believers or transformation of believers. 1 Thess.4:16-17; 1Cor.15:51-58 as in the case of Enoch Gen. 5:22-24, Heb.11:15 and Elijah, 2 Kings 2:11.The believer at rapture is changed from mortality to immortality, from natural body to spiritual body.
1 Thess.4:13-18, 1 Cor.15:23, 51-58, Phil 3:20-21, Lk. 24:29, Zeph.3:15-16. The Rapture will precede the tribulation. 1 Thess.1:10, 2 Thess.2: 1-12.
Why is rapture?: Some of the reasons for rapture include the following: ·To resurrect the Just of all ages from among the dead so that they may fulfil the purpose for which God had saved them. Ps.50:1-6 ; 1 Thess 4:13-17 · To take the saint out of this world before the great tribulation. Lk 21:34-36; 2 Thess: 1: 7-8, 1 Thess 1:10, 5: 5-9. · That Jesus might present to Himself a church without spot or wrinkle. Eph 5:27, Jn 14:1-3. ·To change the bodies of all faithful saints from mortality to immortality. 1 Cor.15:21-23; 41-58. · To assemble the saints at the marriage supper of the lamb. Rev. 19:1-10 · To allow the revelation of the Antichrist. 2 Thess.2:1-8.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE RAPTURE? : Those who will qualify at rapture must be those who belong to Christ and earnestly desiring His appearing, those whose citizenship is Heaven.Those who will live holy even as He is holy because without holiness, no man shall see God. Gal.2:20; 2 Cor.5:17, Titus.2:13, Phil.3:20, Eph 2:16, 1Peter 1:16, Heb. 12:14; 1 John 3:1-3.Conclusion: The rapture, like all Biblical prophecies will be fulfilled. But the Lord Jesus Christ is coming for a church without spot or wrinkle getting herself ready. The Lord’s coming will be as a thief in the night. Are you ready? Pray to God today that you will be ready to meet with the Lord.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT PART 2 [Tue. 24th February 2009]
INTRODUCTION:The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such, there is no law. Galatians 5:22.”In Part 1 we looked at the first 3 fruit and considered how this helps us to have a right relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Today we will study the remaining fruit and see how they help us in our relationship with others and ourselves. God’s best for us is that we are not ignorant of the truths that are in His word. Hosea 4:6 How does the fruit of longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness help us in our relationship with others?
God created man to have fellowship with one another in a variety of relationships and covenants, that His name may be glorified in those relationships. In the area of marriage, parenthood, the church and the unchurched the believer is able to demonstrate the workings of the Holy Spirit, because of Christ’s mercy and grace in us through the fruit of longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness.
The fruit of longsuffering refers to an ability to be unmoveable and steadfast in our love for one another, despite all opposition. This is a patient fruit, and illustrates great love. Jacobs’s love for Rachel portrays this. The Father’s love towards the prodigal son depicts this. Christ love for the church is the greatest evidence of this, that whilst we were yet sinners he died for us. As we cultivate right relationships in our homes, churches, and communities we to can demonstrate effectively the fruit of longsuffering. Gen.29: 16-28, Luke 15:11-32, Colossians 3:18-4:18
Every believer is required to be as wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove. The fruit of gentleness is also referred to as meekness, and humility.In our relationship with our children we are to train and discipline them with a loving disposition. Husbands are to love their wives and wives are to submit to their husbands. All believers are to be kind to those of the household of faith, and every believer should cultivate a gentle spirit to win souls to Christ. This means we should allow the Holy Spirit to convict them of their sin, and we should take great care not to condemn them. Deut 6:4-7,Proverbs: 13-24, Proverbs: 22-6, Ps: 127-3,ps 127:6,Colossians 3:18-20,Eph 6:4, John: 3; 16,
The fruit of goodness is evident in all work of righteousness. Christ during his ministry went around doing all manner of good healing the sick, feeding the poor, setting the captives free.
We are to emulate Christ in this area and do even greater works in his name.Within our families, we are to bear one another burdens. Within our church family we are to be a blessing to those who may have a need. Within our communities we are to have a burden for the lost and try to win them at all cost. Matt 14:15-21, Matt 8: 2-4,Rom 15:1-3,Acts 4:34-35,
How do faith, meekness and temperance help the believer in their Christian walk?
As we use the word of God to sharpen our understanding of spiritual matters and we observe to do all the things the word instruct us to do, our Christian walk will prosper. Living a holy life, being totally submitted and yielded to God makes us candidates for him to use, and to bless others through us. Separating ourselves from the influences of the world, which are contrary to God’s ways, and allowing the mind that is in Christ be formed in us. Joshua1: 8, Ps 25:9, Romans 12:1-2. Eph 5:1-5, Colossians 4:2-4.The question for each of us now is by what fruit are we known? And what difference is the fruit in and through us, making in the lives our family, our church, our friends and our community? Go to God now and ask for Him to renew a right Spirit in us where we need to repair for significance.
UNDERSTANDING CHRISTIAN MATURITY PART 2[Tues. 10th February 09]
INTRODUCTION:Last week we commenced our two-part study of Christian maturity. In that study we considered the meaning of Christian maturity and considered some of the indicators that reveal immaturity. In that study, we concluded that maturity must be sought. As we continue our study today. I pray that the Lord will illuminate our hearts in Jesus name.
The Mature: Maturity does not mean that we are able to do everything by ourselves. We need the Lord with us each step of the way to guide us until we reach heaven. We must daily apply what we learn from God’s word. We will be 100% committed to the Lord’s service if we allow Him to walk with us 100% of our time. The mature remain strong no matter what storms come their way. Phil. 2:12-13; Mtt.7:24-25
Symptoms of MaturitySymptoms of maturity are easy to spot.a) Growth in our ability or desire to love other people and do work that is pleasing to God is an excellent sign that we are maturing in our faith. Heb.10:24b) Growth in understanding will come to the Christian that presses on to a deeper relationship with Christ. Understanding includes discernment and it is from the meat of God’s word that we learn discernment. Bible study, fellowship, discipleship and prayer will all lead to deeper understanding of the word and what God’spurpose for us is Heb. 5:14.c) Contentment will come to mature Christian. Mature Christians know and accept that God’s hands is in everything and that He has control of everything; such a mind brings about peace and contentment. Rom. 8:28; Heb13:5d) Being able to roll with the punches is a true mark of maturity-Phil.4:12-13.e) Another sign of Christian maturity is changed behaviour and a preparedness to be different for Christ even when it makes us unpopular or persecuted.-Rom.12:2; 1 Corin.3:1-3; Eph.4:22-23f) Mature Christians are always stable and are not easily moved or blown by situations or circumstances–Col. 4:12; Eph. 4:14; 2Pt. 3:17-18g) Mature Christians are often selfless: they care for the weaker brethren –Rom.15:1; Gal. 6:1-2.
The Process of Maturity: Those who seek understanding make their walk with God a top priority. Just like babies, Christians start out weak, learn to walk, then crawl, then walk and run.. Maturity should be our goal as we are more useful to God when we have grown in His teachings. God has set Jesus Christ as our model of maturity; perfection of Jesus is what we hope to attain.However true maturation takes time, learning and willingness while full maturity or perfection will never be attained on earth, our job is to get as far as we can in this life.Growing up is not something that we do alone. We all need parents in our spiritual life who will be able to counsel, reproof, correct, coach, guide and help us along the way.To mature, we also need to be equipped by the word of God and finally we must learn to persevere through trials. Phil.1:6, Gal.3:3, 2Tim.3:16-17; Rom.15:4; 1Pet.2:2; 1Jn.2:5; Rom.5:3-5; He.2:10
UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL MATURITY PART 1 [Tues. 3rd Feb. 09]
INTRODUCTION In common usage, maturity simply means the full development at the end of a process of growth by means of which a human being reaches adulthood. Spiritual maturity on the other hand means the development of Christ like character and behaviour in the Christian through a renewed mind and tested faith. Christian maturity is truly a lifelong journey. God’s word makes it clear that as we mature in our faith, we should crave spiritual meat and feed others. Heb.5:12-14; Heb 6:1; 1 Pet 2:2; 1 Cor. 3:1-3.1.
IMMATURE BELIEVERSImmature believes are those who have been Christians many years without any obvious signs that they have grown in the faith. Instead of growth, there is stagnation and backsliding. We may know all there is to know about the Bible and the Christian life, but that does not mean that we are spiritually mature. Spiritual knowledge must be applied before it can become a reality in our souls. It is God’s will that all His children grow strong in Christ and in faith, but the longer a believer remains immature, the harder it is to be confident in the Lord. There are perilous consequences in not progressing and moving towards maturity.Here are some indicators to reveal immaturity.
a)Inattentiveness and Disobedience: Repeatedly they are encouraged to listen and respond to the scripture, but they remain dull and lifeless when it comes to their spiritual life. They are content to be hearers and let others be doers. Heb 2:1; James 1:19-16
b)Spiritual Infants: they ought to have progressed from the basic teachings of Christian life, but unfortunately, some do not even understand them. They still need others to spoon feed them and explain over and over what it means to be saved and forgiven. Instead of growing, they appear to be moving backwards. Heb 5:12-13; 1 Cor. 14:20
c)Never Apply the Truth: they are slow to learn the truth and find it impossible to apply God’s word to their lives, yet the amazing thing is that they are never lifeless regarding worldly things. Their preoccupation with the world is the main reason for the shallowness, weakness and unreliability in their spiritual lives. They seek the advice of the mature regarding their dilemmas yet never make good use of the instruction offered. Luke 24:24-26; 2 Tim 3:7
d)No Discernment: the spiritually immature cannot spot fake preachers’ and their unscriptural doctrines. In addition, they are never able to distinguish between good and evil choices and lifestyle. Very often, they feel at ease amongst carnal believers. Heb 5:14; Gal 4:8-9; Eph 4:14.
e)Other Marks of Immaturityare: rejection of wise counsel; tactlessness; lack of respect; weakness of character; foolishness; lack of understanding; lack of self control; waste; divisiveness; instability and pride1 Kings 12:8-14; 1 Tim 3:6; Deut 21:18. 2.
MATURITY MUST BE SOUGHT:Maturity is to be the aim of the Christian. The immature Christian cannot be lifted out of his condition by others no matter how much counsel and prayer he receives. It has to come from his own personal decision to progress in Christ. It is not that they are unsaved, lack knowledge or have no potential, their problem is sheer spiritual laziness. They must be determined to advance towards maturity and not to allow anything or anyone to hinder their growth in Christ. This means that they must be preoccupied with the things of God, rather than self and the world. There must be a separation from all ungodliness and worthless things, that is, the old life must be set aside once and for all. Those who remain immature are heading for disaster and disappointment. Heb 6:1-3; Col 3:2; Heb 6:4-6; Mt 7:26-27; Phil 3:13-15; 1 Tim 6:11-16; 2 Cor. 7:1.
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