text:
Holy Ghost School {Series 3}
Text: Matt.20: 1-16
Knowing stewardship is vital to successful Christian living and service. It implies the followings:
- God Made All Things: The saying "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" declared God as the Creator of all things.
- God Owns All Things: It also implies that He who created has absolute rights of ownership over all that He created.
- Man as God's Manager: The doctrine of stewardship is best explained by two Greek words epitropos and oikonomos.
- Epitropos means manager, foreman, steward, governor' or 'procurator'.
- Oikonomos (often use in N.T) means steward, manager, administrator, stewardship, management, arrangement, administration, & order.
Note: We must fully accept & live by this truth. If we miss it here nothing else will ever be of true relevance in our relationship/service to the Lord.
Transformation Discourse:
What are the differences and similarities between Epitropos & Oikonomos?
Memory Verse: I Cort. 4:2
Prayer Points:
- Lord, prepare me for a glorious use in you vineyard.
- Father, teach me the way of true gospel service
Text: Luke 16: 1-13
- Christian Stewardship isn't God taking something from us. It is giving His richest gifts upon His people, making us custodian or guardian of His possessions {Gal. 4:1-2}
- It isn't a result of our own power or abilities. It is a product of that which comes from the Holy Spirit in us – otherwise, our labor is in vain. {Phil. 4: 13. I Cort. 15:10}
- It isn't bragging of our human success. It is obedient witness to Christ's sovereignty.
- It isn't being the lord of our own life or over others. It is serving others while expressing total submission to the Lordship of Christ.
- It isn't getting saved without fulfilling the great commission. It is being totally committed to the duty of gospel proclamation.
(I Cort. 9:17; Eph. 3: 2)
Transformation Discourse
Briefly define and describe the Christian stewardship
Memory Verse: Gal. 4:1-2
Prayer Points
- Lord, empty me of pride and bless me with humility.
- Anoint me with Holy Ghost and power for effective service.
Text: Luke 14: 25 -33
What does being stewards of Christ demands of us? What does the Lord expects from His Stewards?
- We must acknowledge that we are not our own but belong to Christ. He gave Himself for us to own us. We are His possession.
- We must identify God as Owner and man as manager.
- We must live and serve as God's co-worker. {I Cort. 3: 9}
- We must define our purpose in this world in the light of God's global redemptive mission. (Matt. 28: 19-20)
- We must submit to Lord the management of all in our care.{1 Pet. 4:9; 1 Cor. 4:1-2} Why?
- We've no right of control over ourselves & properties. God has.
- We are only managers of that which belongs to God.
- He requires godly administration of our finances & properties.
- He demands accurate payment of our tithes & offerings
- We should wisely manage time, health, family,& environment.
- We must propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ. His gospel should dominate our thought, words and actions. {Lk. 9: 1-2; Mk. 16:15-18}
- We must portray ourselves as a people constantly under God's authority in the way we live and administer our lives. {Lk 16: 1-13}
Transformation Discourse: How do we acknowledge ourselves as Christ's purchased possession and define life purpose by His redemptive mission?
Memory Verse: I Cort. 3: 9
Prayer Points:
- Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of your grace.
- Father, break me down and mould me again.
Text: Acts 6: 1-6
- You Must Be Saved – Acts 2:38
Salvation is the first requirement to serving God. You must be born again. {Jhn. 3: 3-7, 12-17; Acts 4:12}
- Keep Yourself Pure – Acts 6:3
A genuine encounter with Christ brings positive changes to your life. {2 Cor. 5; 17; 2 Tim. 2:19-21; Titus 2:14; Eph 4:22- 32}
- Be Baptized in Spirit – Acts 6:3, 5
Holy Ghost baptism is the Biblical experience you need to have, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. {Acts. 1: 4-5, 8; 2:1-4; 8:15-19; 10: 44-46; 19:1-6}
- Be Drunk In the Word! – Acts 6:4
You must passionately desire, read, study & meditate in the word to be well nourished. {1 Pet 2:2; Psm 42:1}
- Be a Praying Person – Acts 6:4
Pray & fast constantly to become a prevailing Christian servant.
- Work By Faith – Acts 6:5
Your success in Christ's kingdom is largely dependent on the quality of your faith. {Hebr. 11:2, 6}
Transformation Discourse:
Use Apostle Paul as case study to explain how the Christian can experience the six steps above.
Memory Verse: Acts 6:4
Prayer Points:
- Ask to be filled with the Spirit of purity and power.
- Holy Spirit, fill me and fire me up for Jesus Christ.
- Lord Jesus, fill my heart with faith to serve you better
Text: Rom 12: 1-8; 1 Pet. 4: 10 -11
It is really essential to serve the Lord heartily. But what is important in serving Him?
- Graceline Importance – Rom 12: 3-8
The only way to do this is to first change our priorities to accomplish God's will on earth. We do this by employing His give gifts and graces to:
- Serve Him heartily and effectively.
- Serve the brethren in the spirit of love and meekness.
- God-ward Glory Importance – 1 Pet 4:10-11; 1 Cor. 1:29-31
Bringing praise and glory to God on earth is to be the most important. Serving isn't about us getting glory but Him receiving the glory. How do we send due glory back to God?
- Through selflessness display of Christ's power in our lives. We must trade selfishness for selflessness in every manifestation.
- By refusing to accept hero worship from man. We must overcome the love of fame and refuse human worship.
- By speaking & serving others on behalf of God; impacting them with the life-changing virtues of Christ. Rm 12:1-2
Transformation Discourse: Give examples of how people serve God and brethren in the New Testament.
Memory Verse: Rom 12:6
Prayer Point: Father, teach me the way of true and humble service
Text: Phil. 2:1 – 19
Meekness is the grand path to true service, and those who travel on it should prepare for tears and trials. Let's briefly examine God's service pathway in the following lights:
- Lowliness – Phil. 2: 3-8
Serving the Lord must be with LOWLINESS. It is a prerequisite. Why?
- It takes lowliness to empty ourselves and take on the form a servant.
- It takes humbleness to surrender life & rights to Christ and relate to Him as clay in the Potter's hands.
- It takes lowliness to treat people with Christ-like graciousness.
- Tears – 2 Cor. 11: 22- 33
Serving the Lord often brings TEARS as we:
- Get involve in people's struggles for faith, holiness & hope.
- suffer from physical pain, loss, frustrations, etc. {vs. 31}
- Trials – 2 Cor. 11: 22- 33
Serving the Lord could also be with TRIALS because:
- Constant spiritual warfare with Satan & his hosts. {Acts 20: 29; 1 Cort. 15:32; Matt. 10:16}. But we are to "Count it all joy".
Transformation Discuss: How happy is it to serve the Lord with tears and trails?
Memory Vs: Phil 2:16
Prayer Points: Lord, increase my faith to stand in the evil day.
I Thess. 5:14
There are three Kinds of people to serve in the church, namely:
The Unruly People – vs. 14a
- This group includes idlers, dwarfs, and busybodies, gossips stubborn, rebellious, wild, disobedient and disorderly ones.
- We serve them by warning, admonishing and correction. By so doing we break their ranks and put them in order.
The Feeble Ones – vs. 14b
- This group includes the unintelligent, fainthearted, easily discouraged, and hopeless ones.
- We serve by giving them consolation, comfort, encouragement, and persuasion to faith.
The Weak – vs 14c
- "The weak" are a people without strength, being exhausted, run out, burned out, wrung out and worn out.
- We serve these morally, spiritually and physically sickly ones when we give helps and supports.
Transformation Discourse: Give a Biblical example for each of the above group
Mem. Vs: I Thess 5:14
Prayer Point: Lord, make me a noble instrument in your hand to minister to the needs of others
I Thess 5:14
Serving people demands patience. He who doesn't have this great virtue can't really know the joy of serving God and man. Why?
- The Christian life is a race that can only be when ran with patience. He who lacks patience loses the crown. {Heb. 12: 1, Jms 1:3}
- The call to Christian service is a call to being 'long-tempered'. We must be tough and durable under pressures. {Rom 2:7, Rom. 5:3}
- We need patience to bring forth fruit of righteousness– {Lk. 8:15; 1 Tim. 6:11}
- We serve God better when we learn to be patient with brethren and everyone. It takes spirit of patience not to lose our patience as we help others. {2 Tim. 2:24-26}
- With spirit of patience in us we will be slow to anger and slow to speak.
Transformation Talk: What then are the benefits of patience?
Mem. Vs: 2 Tim 2:5
Prayer Points: Holy Spirit, purge me by your fire of spirits of intolerance, anger and pride in Jesus name.
Text: Josh. 24: 14-24
Serving the Lord must involve all that we are and have. it include:
- Your Family – Josh 24:15
Your family should the first thing your offer in your spiritual service to God. You are to serve God with your family by:
- Leading each family member into a living relationship with Christ
- Serving all family members with hearty love.
- Supporting and helping each member of the family.
- Prioritizing your time, interest and funds to uplift the family.
- Your Possessions – Matt 25:34-36
God commands us to serve Him with our resources. Contributing financially to God's works is a great service to God. How to do it:
- Begin with obedience to paying tithes and giving offerings.
- Be a generous giver towards the furtherance of the gospel.
- Be involved in charity offers to widows, orphans and poor.
- Give welfare to ministers, missionaries, and volunteers.
- Your Talents & Gifts – Lk. 19: 12-27
Each of us has been given talents and gifts from the Lord. Don't bury yours. Trade with it and you will be rewarded by the Lord at His coming.
- Discover, develop and use your talents to serve God and others better.
- Help others with your skills, talents and spiritual gifts.
- Passionately serve God, and compassionately serve the brethren.
Transformation Discourse: What are obstacles to each of the three points above?
Mem. Vs: Josh. 24:15
Prayer Points: God, take my life and all and use it for your glory.
Texts: Matt 28: 19-20; Mk. 16: 15 – 18
We are called to serve God by serving in the church's calling and ministries. What exactly are these?
- It is the global evangelization. We saved to be witnesses of Christ. Every Christian is a witness. Are you? { Acts 1:8}
- It's Christian discipleship. When are to live as disciples who communicate their faith daily to others, living and sharing the principles of the gospel to others. Matt. 28:19-20
- It's telling the love of Christ. We are saved to tell others that Jesus loves them and He is ever mindful of their needs. {Mk. 16:15-18
- It's Christian stewardship. We must be faithful stewards of our talents, gifts and graces. Every potential or gift is given to us to bring profit to the Kingdom of God. 19: 12-27; 1 Cort. 4: 1-2, 12: 4-31
- It's catching them young for Christ. We also have the mandate to reach out to kids, students and youths. 'Catch them young for Christ' is still a great ministerial philosophy. How do we reach out to young ones?
- Launch out aggressive kids or students or youth ministry.
- Organize programs that will keep on attracting the young's. E.g. Fellowship, Summer Camp or Retreat, Love-Feast, Breakfast/dinner Meeting, Holiday Missions, Seminars & Workshops, Village Outreach, Bible Clubs, Coaching classes, & Vacation Bible School.
Reflection: What are your potentials? How you have been using them.
Mem. Vs: Rom 12:18
Prayer Points: Holy Spirit, help me to discover my given graces.
Text: Lk. 10: 1-9
Your Home
- Serving God with spouse and kids begins with lighting-up your home with divine presence. Disciple each of them for Christ and trained them to seek first the Kingdom of God.
Among Friends & Peers
- Serve God with your friends by forming Bible class, prayer meeting and evangelism group with them among others. Offer friendly support to others. This in turn will build a network of support for your life.
- You can serve God in your community by carrying out regular evangelism, intercession, and Bible class, donation of blood and of unused items, community developmental projects, and charity.
- You are to serve God with your job and in the place of work. Your labor is holy only when you serve the Lord Christ in it. { 3:23-24}
The Local Church
- Serve God by being active and faithful in a group or unit in your local Church. {Lk. 18:16}. Be a loving member who gives a smile, hug, prayer, and phone call to members.
Reflection: Many Christians selfishly live a life the bears no positive influence to those around them.
Mem. Verse: Lk. 10:3
Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, come; cure me of all spiritual lameness and dumbness, and make me hot for Christ.
TEXT: Rom. 8: 31 – 39
We all can become radicals for Jesus. It is the big step toward changing the world. But what does being a radical for Christ actually mean?
- It means following Jesus wherever He directs. Acts 4: 19-20
- It means multiplying the talents He has entrusted to us rather than burying them. 19: 12-27
- It means living, walking and operating by faith. (Hebr. 12: 2)
- It means rebelling against the idolatry kingdoms/background {1 KI. 17:1-2, 18: 17-18
- It is telling the testimony of His wonders in your life to others. 9: 13 – 34
- It means shining forth in righteousness and holiness on earth. 1 Pet. 1;13-19
- It means giving total obedience to the call of God upon our lives, like Elisha and Peter.
- It means standing up boldly for Christ even where others deny Him. We all can stand tall for Him like Elijah and Moses
- It means preaching Jesus boldly even when it is not convenient. Example of Paul.
- It means living as pilgrims on earth, preserving the eternal hope. {Rom. 13: 11 – 14}
Think-Out: Evaluate the life and ministry of one Jesus radical in the Bible.
Mem. Verse : Rom. 8: 37
Prayer Point: Holy Ghost, fill me and set me ablaze for Jesus.
TEXT: Rom. 8: 31 – 39
- Jesus radicals serve God by serving the gospel with unreserved commitment, even when misunderstood, maligned and ignored.
- Jesus radicals serve God in the Spirit. This they do by allowing the Holy Spirit to direct their moments and movements, even when His plans negate theirs.
- They serve Jesus by following"…the LORD my God wholeheartedly", and keep following in spite of hardship, wars, sufferings and seemingly unfulfilled promises. (Jos. 14: 8; Rom. 8: 28; Acts 16: 25-34)
- They serve God with burning passion. They are passionate about winning lost souls for the Christ, and about growing His gospel kingdom, about living holily; even when they have to invest their all. (Lk. 15:7; 14:7-8)
- Jesus radicals aren't afraid of answering the call of God upon their lives, even a call into full-time service.
- They are fully devoted to whatever is committed into their hands because they see God's service is the most important task on earth.
- Jesus radicals are not ashamed of identifying with Christ anywhere, anytime. {Mk. 8: 34 – 38
Transformation Discourse: What could be the secret to spiritual radicalism?
Mem Verse: 2 Tim. 1:8
Prayer Point: Give me this world to win for you, Lord Jesus
TEXT: Rom. 8: 31 – 39
As a servant leader, the lifestyle of a Jesus radical can best understood in the following lights:
- He is lowly, submissive, compliance and obedience.
- He lives for what profits the gospel and the church; not for self-esteem, riches, or comfort.
- He readily and willingly gives His all to "The Lord" of all authority, power, dominion and majesty.
- He devotes his life to the declaration of God's counsel, with a perseverance, faith and obedience. {Acts 20:27; Gal. 2:12; Hebr. 10:38}.
- He teaches not by what is popular or easily accepted but divine revelation. 1 Tim 3: 2; 2 Tim 1:13
- He boldly proclaims Jesus. II Tim 4: 2
- He shamelessly organizes open air campaign, village outreach, hospital &prison outing, hall meeting, house fellowship & school mission. (Acts 5:18, 16:37; 19:9) .
Transformation Talk – Examine how to cultivate this kind of a lifestyle, in brief.
Mem. Verse: 1 Tim. 6: 12
Prayer Point – Lord, kindle your pure flame in me, make me aggressive vessel of the gospel.
Text: HEBR 11: 1-40
We all have burning passion for success in life. Many of us passionately pray for good success in works, careers, business, education, etc. But how many truly desire to succeed in serving the Lord? Success in divine service is a possibility. We can succeed if we really love God and seek His face for the needed grace and unction. How do we go about our desire for successes in God's works?
1. We must be right with God. The Christian service will be successful if we dare to live for God, in obedience, purity and righteousness.
2. We must be fully consecrated. Consecration is a secret we all must discover. Why? God provided blessings are only available to those who can pay the price of consecration, commitment and sacrifice.
3. We must be anointed with the Holy Ghost. Succeeding in God's service is much connected to the anointing of the Spirit. Word, Graces and Gifts are usually set on fire by the Anointing. {Acts 1:8; 1 Cort. 2:4, 5; Rom. 1:16 -17}
4. We must be well grounded in the word of truth. Get clear understanding of the word. Don't just pick knowledge from media ministers. Study the Bible and understand its doctrines. The WORD is the ministry. {Matt 13:3-9, 18-23; 1 Pet 1:22, 23; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 17:30; Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:9, 10}
Transformation Discourse: How does a false teaching bear negative effects on our success?
Mem Verse: Josh 1:8
Prayer Point: Father, empower me for success in your vineyard.
Text: HEBR 11: 1-40
5. We must be victorious over every trial and temptation: God is able and faithful to give us victory if we dare to trust Him. But we must put on the whole armour of God. [Eph 6:10-18; 1 Jn 1:8,10; Jms 4:7; 2 Cor. 10:4,5; Jude 24; Rom 8:31-39; Heb. 11:34; I Cort 10:13]
6. We must come to the place of believing in His divine promises and supplies: God is able to supply all our needs. He promised He would and our faith must be alive, resting on His promises. We must come to the faith that:
- We can abound in good work. Yes, we can be good, kind, loving, holy and consecrated.
- We can triumph over barren, unfruitful spirit to live a prosperous life. [2 Cort 9:8-10.]
- We can accomplish much good for God. All we need doing is to we make use of His power and grace. {Rm. 15:14; 2 Thess. 1:11,12; 1 Pet 4:11; 2 Tim. 1:7,8; 2 Cor. 1:4}
- We can obtain God's diverse blessings. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. Eph 3:20, 21; Phil 4:13; 1 Pet 1:3-5; 2 Pet 1:3
Transformation Discourse: Mention two other keys to success
Mem Verse: Hebr. 11: 1-2
Prayer Point: Holy Spirit of power & prosperity, come upon me.
Why do some people failed in serving God? Why are so many casualties in the battle field of God's royal service? Let's examine a few major reasons here:
- Many failed because they are not well trained to fight the enemy. To become able soldiers of the Cross, we need be well trained for the war. Sons of Eli & Absalom
- Some other failed because they are not fully armed with God's provided armour. Only God's whole armour guarantees devil's defeat. Solomon & Samson, Nadab & Abihu
- Several failed because they wouldn't use the whole armor of God properly. To win the victory, we must follow the instruction in the Bible. King David & Elijah
- Countless people failed because they wouldn't fight with God's most powerful new covenant weaponry. We need greater anointing and stronger weapons to win the enemy who fights with sophisticated weapons. Ananias & Sapphira
- Numerous failed in the defense of faith because they aren't focused and diligent soldiers in the wartime. Samson & King Saul
- Failure comes when we fight with little spiritual power. You can't go to war with strength so little and return with trophy. Korah, Dathan & Abiram
- A lot of people failed because all they fought with yesterday's anointing. Garnering fresher anointing is vital to growing in God's power. King Saul versus Goliath
- Lots still fail because their hearts are clad with pride, and greed and avarice. Balaam, Gehazi & Judas
Prayer Points
Memory Verse
When we speak about New Covenant weapons, we need to know how they come to us and how we can draw the voltage into our individual life to serve and war as Christ's soldiers. We need be armed with each of the followings:
- Son-ship power – this 'power to become sons of God' comes to us when we got born again through faith in Christ – {Jhn. 1: 12}
- The gospel– The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation. We need to know and declare it to see it working as power. {Rom. 1: 16; 1 Cor. 1: 18}
- The Word: To rout devil's forces, we must be well armed with this offensive weapon. {Jos 1:7, 8 ; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18 ; Jam 1:21-25; Acts 18:27,28; 20:32; Rom. 15:4, 14; 2 Tim. 3:15-17.}
- The Blood of Jesus: This is a living and mighty new covenant force. {1 Cort 1:18, 23, 24; Hebr 7:25; 9:14; Acts 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9).
- The Holy Ghost: He is the power of the highest. We need the Anointing to love and work with demonstration of God's life and power to the world. {Jhn 7:37-39, Lk. 4: 18-19; Acts 1:8, 2: 1-4}
Others Include:
- Faith –
- Divine Fire – Acts 2:1-4
- The God's Love: Eph. 3:16, 17 – 21; 1 John 4:9, 19; 5:3; Jn 14:15.
- Prayer: 6:18; Psalms 138:3; James 5:16; 1 Peter 5:7, 8
- Hope of Eternal Life: 2 Pet 1:8-11; 1 Cor. 9:25; Matt. 6:24, 33; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 20:32; Jude 24]
Mem Verse: 2 Cort. 10: 3-4
Prayer Point: Jesus, teach me how to be fully armed.
Text: Isa. 61: 1-3
Ministry entails ministering the good news of Jesus Christ to save, heal, deliver and transform. Our discussion this morning is centered on how to minister to each of the following people/ situations?
- Sins and Sinners
- Oppressions, oppressors & oppressed
- New converts & disciples
- Backsliders & apostates
- Hurt, depression & grief
- Prostitution, drug addict, & drunk
- Sexual sins and sexually immoral
- Relationship, marriage & family life
- Parenting & parent-child breakdown
- Career, success, failure
- Childhood, peer pressure, adulthood
- Bitterness, un-forgiveness, conflicts
- Medical & health issues
- Spiritual battles and social-political challenges
- Church planting, evangelism, revival, missions
Reflection: Where do you belong in the above list? You probably need sure ministry now?
Mem. Verse: Col. 3: 16-17
Prayer Point: Make me a true New Covenant minister.
Text: Col. 3: 1-25
What suppose to be the values of Christian servants? Our cherished values should include the under listed. The list will be our discussion for today:
- Strong Praying Life
- Word Addiction
- Truth, purity, integrity
- Contentment
- Mental toughness
- Constructive spirit
- Sense of innovation & creativity
- Sharp spiritual sensitivity
- Excellence & Quality Driven-
- Thrill of facing challenges
- Long suffering & forbearance
- Faith, boldness, courage
- Servant leadership spirit
- The anointing
- Astuteness/shrewdness
Reflection: How much of Christ do you have in you?
Memory Verse: Col. 3: 1-2
Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, download the virtues of Christ into me.
Text: 5: 1-27
Namaan got both physical and spiritual healing and was on his way back to Syria. Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, having witnessed his master's refusal of the gifts from Naaman, chose to go the other way.{Read 2 Kg 5: 20 -23}.
- The Spirit of Gehazi
We need to note that Gehazi had been with the great prophet and had seen four amazing miracles done by God through Elisha, but remained yet a captive of the spirit of Gehazi, the spirit of lying, self-worship, and greed. {2 Kings 4}
- Gehazi lied against his master, and later to him – vs. 20-22, 25
- He took the talents against the wishes of his master – vs23
- He greedily went to hide them from his master. Vs 24
- Gehazi in the Churches
- Gehazi represents all who are in the ministry for the reward.
- He represents all who are close to truth, but not changed by it.
- He represents all who cannot trusted in the Lord for their supplies
- Gehazi represents those who are in the ministry for self-glory and applause of men.
- He represents who offer miracle for sale
- Gehazi represents all who lost their spiritual leadership at the altar of greed and rebellion. He ended his ministry with "the leprosy that was Naaman's" {2 kings 5: 27}. God cannot be mocked; we always reap what we sow.
Warning to You: Be warned that fake assurance of salvation is dangerous. Being a church member, worker or minster doesn't save us. Salvation comes only by the Gospel of Christ and His redemptive work on the Cross. {2 Cort. 13:5.}
Holy Ghost School, series 1
Text: Gen. 1:1-31
The rebellion of Satan was cut short by the Lord of host, and he and his rebel angels were subsequently cast down.{Ezek. 28:11-19; Isa. 14:12-15; Rev.
The casting down of the devil and his host would have brought woes to the earth that was then. The Earth that "was without form and void, with darkness upon the face of the deep" wouldn't have been God's original creation. {Gen. 1:1-2a}. With God's Spirit still active "over the face of waters" that were covering the earth, God set out to create a wonderful earth. {Gen. 1:2b; Psa. 33: 6; Isa 40; 13}
Let's see the wonders He gloriously created:
1. He commanded the light to be on the 1st day.– Gen. 1:1-5
2. On the 2ndday God decreed the formation of the firmament by which He separated the waters in to two- above and under. Gen. 1:6-8
3. The 3rdday, He ordered the appearance of the dry land [the Earth] and commanded it to yield trees and herbs. Gen. 1: 9-13
4. It was the creation and fixing [in the firmament] of the three great lights on the 4th day. He fixed the sun, the moon and the stars in the firmament and commanded each to rule. Gen. 1: 14-19.
5. On the 5th day, God commanded the waters be filled with abundant living creatures and that birds should fly in the air of the firmament. Gen. 1:20-23.
6. The sixth day saw the creation of two distinct wonders:
a. The Earth too was commanded to bring forth living creatures such as cattle and other beasts. Gen. 1:24-25
b. Man, the crown of His creation, was made in God's own image. God made man as the crown of His creation and handed dominion over to him. He later placed man in the Garden He had planted and made an help meet also for him. Gen. 1:26-31; 2:8-25.
Having created all these wonders, God excitedly rested from all His works on the 7th day. Then He blessed the 7th day. Gen. 2: 1-7
Text: GEN. 1:26-30
Man was created in God's image for the sole purpose of having dominion over God's creation. Dominion was our creation purpose. The believer in Christ has his original dominion restored in Christ. You are a dominion agent. Wake up to your responsibility. [Gen 1:26- 28]
To have dominion is to dominate, govern, reign, exercise authority over, or rule over.
1. Our Dominion Extent:[Gen 1:26 30;Lk 10:19; I Cor. 15:39; Phil 2:9 11, Eph 2:6.] The extents of our dominion include the following:
1) We are to govern the hosts in the heavenly e.g. fowls that flies; power's in the air, spiritual forces in high places, etc. (Eph 6:12)
2) We are to rule over the hosts on the earth e.g. both physical and spiritual forces of darkness.
3) The hosts in the seas/water e.g. swimming hot, such as mammy water, familiar spirit and their various kingdoms.
4) Our dominion also extend to over physical and spiritual hosts that are underneath the earth surface e.g. wicked hosts below and forces of hell.
2. Dominion Blessings: Gen. 1:28: Dentr.28, Levt. 26:9 -10; Jer. 31:11- 14:
We have fourfold dominion blessings commanded by God upon us.
1) Blessing of fruitfulness: As dominion agents, we have been divinely sentenced to fruitfulness and empowered with productive ability. Believers as fertile ground for uncommon fruit bearing are to bloom and to boom in life. Psalm 128:3, 6:1
2) Blessing of multiplication: God commanded us to add up to ourselves by reproduction. Multiplication is a grace given to every believer to increase.
3) Blessed to replenish: By this blessing comes the covenant power to fill again and stock the earth abundantly.
4) Blessed to Subdue: This blessing confers on us the power to control and bring subject and powers under our domains in the Name of Jesus.
Main Text: Isaiah 53:4-12
Christ Jesus came as God's ultimate sacrifice for man's redemption.
(1) When Man fell in the Garden of Eden, he died spiritually and lost fellowship with God. Gen. 2:16-17; 3:1-7; Rom. 3:23
(2) We became slaves of Sin, and by that the mystery of death reigns over all men. Rom. 5:12, 6:23; ICor. 15:21-22
(3) Man's original nature was corrupted with evil. Man's thus put on devil's characteristics. (This made man to be more than a sinner and tells why we must be born again.) Jhn 8:44; Matt 13:37-39; I Jhn 3: 38.
1. God instituted blood sacrifice as the means of atonement and restoration of man. Gen. 3:211; 4:4; Exd. 12:3-14; Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:19-22
2. This was the primary reason for the institution of various kinds of blood sacrifices and offerings in the Old Testament. Exd. 20:24 & Lev. 1:7
1. When God will manifest the very peak of His agape love, He gave us His Son as the Lamb for Sacrifice. I John 3:16-19; John1:29; Heb. 13:12; 2; 9 9-10, 10:1
2. As God's Ransom, Christ's atoning death is the ultimate and final sacrifice for man's redemption. Heb, 9:11-15; 10:12; .Job. 33:23-26,' Rom:. 3:24-26; I Tim. 2:56, Matt 20:28
3. This Ultimate Sacrifice ushers Man into the New Covenant dispensation of God, a dispensation of the Holy Spirit, grace and truth. Hebr. 10:9-19; John 1:15-17; Rom. 3: 24-26, 5: 20-21; 6: 14-18.
4. Having personal faith in Christ is the key of appropriating every benefit of Christ's redemptive Sacrifice. Entrance into the new covenant Kingdom is by faith in Christ- God's Ultimate Sacrifice. John 3 14-19 1-7 6:53-58; Acts 2:3 3:19 16 30-31; 17: 30 31 col. 1:13-14; 19-20
We all have the first birth already. But only by the second birth experience can we operate the supernatural realm of productive living. Let's examine the two births:
The natural or physical birth comes first. It always comes first. [I Cort. 15:46].
By the virtue of this birth, we become partakers of Adams fallen nature. But we can't please God in this fleshy nature I. Cor. 15:45, Ron:. 8:6-8,).
We also become living souls. This birth only empowers man to operate in the realm ordinary. (Gen. 2:7; 1 Cor. 2:11-14)
We become members of a human family. Since it involves the will of man, we only bear the image of the earthy (vs. 49; Gen. 5:3; John 1:3; Gal. 5:17).
If this is the only birth experience one has in life, he is a corruptible "flesh and blood "and cannot inherit God's kingdom. (Rom. 5:14; John 3:18; Gal. 5:21).
This is also called new birth, spiritual birth or born again. It should come next in every life.(I Cor. 15:45-50; (I Cor. 15:45-46; Jhn 3:8; II Cor. 5:17)
Jesus is the Source of the new birth; though the Father initiated our Redemption. (Jhn. 1:10-15; 14:6; 3:16-17)
To experience this supernatural birth, we must repent and believe the gospel. Rom. 6:23; An. 3:14-17; II Cor. 5:17, Acts. 3:19; 16:27-33; 17:30
This birth transforms us to becoming quickening spirit, making us thus to go beyond the realm natural to the supernatural. (I Car. 15:45; Ram. 6:11;Jhn 8:9-14; I Pet. 2:5,9; Heb. 3:14)
By the virtue of this birth we become member of Christ spiritual family. Heb. 2:10, Rom. 8:15-17, Gal. 14:4-7
Though salvation centres on Christ, the Holy Spirit is the One who operates on man's heart to convict, convince and draw him to the Saviour – Jhn. 3:13-15; 18,36, 16:7-10
Rejecting Jesus is the greatest sin anyone can commit. It bears eternal tragedy Jhn. 3:18; 5:39-47; Heb. 3:15-19; Lk 13:1-5. Receive Jesus Christ today!
Main Text: John. 3:14-21
Salvation from sin is the grand benefit of Christ's total redemption. Jesus came to save sinners (Matt 1:21 Act, 4:12) Now, a penitent sinner needs to take certain steps towards appropriating this grand benefit and become member of God's covenant family. Let's briefly examine some of these steps:
1. He must accept the truth that he is a sinner: Sin is Universal- "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". We were all in Adam when he fell and by him we all became sinners. Gen. 2:17, 3:6-7; Rom. 3:23; 5:12-17; I cor. 15:21-22.
2. He must accept God's judgment on Sin: God had passed the sentence of death on Man. We all have been condemned to die, for death is the penalty for sin. LK. 18:4-20 Rom, 6.23; Mk. 9: 43-48; An. 3:18.
3. He must realize his dire need for the Ransom: To pass from death to life, every man needs the ransom. You need someone to die in your place, since you cannot save yourself. More so, no mortal man can save you. Even, none of the angels can. Only JESUS saves. The Christ of God is God's given Ransom to save you. Job. 33: 23 – 26; Matt. 1: 21. ; Jhn. 1:29; 10:10; 14:6.
4. He must humbly surrender his life to Christ through repentance and faith: Jesus is God's solution for sin and death. Eternal Life becomes yours when you repent from Sin, and place faith in Christ, the atoning Sacrifice for sins. Lk. 24:47; Jhn. 3:1-8, 5:24 – 26; Acts. 3:19-20; 17:30; II cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 6:22-23.
(Heb. 5:1244, 6:1-3)
It takes pure and practical devotion to Christ to enhance spiritual growth. To grow consistently, you must constantly "work out your salvation. [Phil. 2:12] But how can a new believer successfully effect pure and practical devotion to Christ, working out his/her salvation? Here are helps that works:
1. Surrender totally to Christ; make Him your Lord and Captain. Let Him direct your heart and purpose.
2. Let your relationship with Christ and faith in Him bear positive influences on everything in your life, e.g. attitude, marriage, career, relationship etc. Col. 3:1-10, 4:5-6, Phil. 2:12-16.
3. Walk and live before God in a way that you will be a vessel unto honour in His hand.
4. Follow Christ's footstep and that of true seasoned Christian leaders. Phil. 2:1, 3:17-19, Heb. 6:12.
5. Seek for deeper fellowship with the Holy Spirit in prayer, fasting, study of the WORD. Fellowship also with true brethren. Phil. 3:10-11, Hebr. 6:1-3.
In Christ Jesus, we become a new covenant people. All who are born again are a new covenant people. And the word new should remind you of the word old. The old came first, then the new. Why the former covenant was replaced.
1. The old covenant was faulty, being external and physical. (Heb.8:7-12)
2. The old covenant decayed, waxed old, and got vanished away. Heb. 8:13
3. It was dis-annulled for its imperfection, weakness and non-profitability. Heb. 10:1; 7:18-19; 9
4. The New covenant had to be made because the Old were only its shadow; the means God intended to bring us to Christ.
5. It was the imperfect that has to go because the Perfect, Jesus, has come. [Jesus is the end of the law for righteousness…]. Gal. 3:19-25.
Jesus is the surety of a better covenant, the very image of reality.
• His death opened the door: Jesus came and offered Himself as the Mediator of the new covenant, a better covenant. Heb 7:22, 9:14, 17:28.
• His blood was the Seal: His blood was (and still is) the seal by which the new covenant was eternally sealed.
The Blood of Jesus Christ is powerful, and efficacious to do the followings:
1. To the purifying of the flesh and sanctifying of the soul.
2. To the purging of our conscience from dead works [that we may serve God in spirit and truth. [Heb. 9:14].
3. To speak love, mercies and forgiveness to our lives. His blood does not speak vengeance as the blood of Abel did. [I John 1:4, Rev. l5]
4. To offer redemption to the lost, dying souls.
5. In drawing us nigh to God and set us apart as special, peculiar people.
1 pet 3: 1-7-21; Titus 2:14]
6. To give us access to the throne of grace for spiritual fellowship/ communion. [Heb 10:19-22].
Distinctively, the believers in Christ are a new covenant people. The New Testament books clearly set us forth as the new Israelis of God – a new covenant people.
• Because we have repented and believed: The entrance into Christ covenant kingdom is by repentance and faith; repent of your sin and believe the gospel and you shall be saved.
• Because we are now heirs: We are "heirs of the common wealth of Israel, and the covenant of promise". [Eph. 2:12; Acts 13:6].
• Because we are now in Christ: In Christ, the old covenant faith becomes a new creation; Jesus being the fulfilment of the law and prophecy. (Matt. 5:17; Matt. 26:28; I Cor. 11:25; Rom. 10:4)
• Because all things are now new: We who possess the eternal Life in us now got all things new. (II Cor. 5:17)
1. A new Spirit – the Holy Spirit. Ezk.36:27.
2. A New Life- the everlasting Life. I John 5:11.
3. A New Nature- that of God- IICor. 5:17.
4. A New Heart/ new Mind – Ezk. 36:26; Eph. 4:23-24,1 Cor. 2:16.
5. A New Power –Joel 2:28-32; Acts 1:8; 2:14; Lk. 10:19.
6. A New name of Authority – Isa. 62:2; Acts 4:12, 11:26.
7. A New Glory- dazzling and blazing .Isa. 60:1-22, II Cor. 3:18.
8. A New Family- the spiritual family of Jesus Christ. John l: 12.
9. A New Destiny, glorious and free of all corruptions. I Pet. 2:9.
10. A New Destination – eternal, heavenly paradise. Rev. 21:22-27.
Live your life therefore by this understanding. Move out of the darkness of sins, evil dominion, oppressions, etc. You are a believer in the class of new creation order.
As a new covenant people, we are a kingdom of "Kings and Priests unto God…"; "a royal priesthood, a peculiar people, and a holy nation". Rev. 1:5-6; I Pet2:9.
1) As Kings, we share of Christ's royalty to reign in His name on earth. Redemption package robes us with royal glamour. Eph. 2:6.
2) We are armed with royal scepter for a glorious display of righteousness.
3) We are chosen to be anointed with the Holy Ghost and Power.
4) We are a new covenant people, programmed for honour, distinction and majesty.
5) We are God's exclusive treasure on earth. Our place in destiny is the top.
6) We gods to the Pharaohs of this world.
7) We are called into His temple to offer spiritual communion, praise and worship.
8) We should operate in the womb of His presence to receive the impartation we need to impact the world.
1 Divine Grace/Mercy. We all must know that our election, forgiveness, salvation, justification, restoration, calling, gifts and glory are products of the grace and mercy of God.
2 The Adoption (and His indwelling presence): We are adopted as children, ordained for kingship, never live as bastard or prodigal.
3 Christ's Righteousness: Being redeemed by His blood, we must not be found again with our own righteousness but that of Christ.
4 The Anointing: By the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we should enter the gate of God's supernatural power. The anointing is what we need to manifest our new covenant son-ship.
5 The Revelations (Great plainness of speech): Spiritual veiling gone with the old covenant. Calvary bought us into divine revelation. Clarity is the order.
6 The Authority: the name of Jesus is our given authority, to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy unhurt. Lk. 10:19.
7 The Blazing Glory: we should be changed into the image of Christ flaming presence, via the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We need it for transformation and explosion. II Cor. 3:17-18
We need three distinct understanding to manifest our newness in Christ as new covenant people.
1. Through understanding of its Scope: Unlike the old covenant whose scope was limited only to the Jews nation, the scope of our new covenant is universal. Winning souls for Jesus. Matt.28:19-20
2. We must understand His Establishment: Unlike the old covenant established by circumcision of the flesh and maintained by the Law; the new covenant is established in you when you have a redeeming encounter with the Cross, and maintained by a living relationship with God, through communion of the Holy Spirit.
3. We must understand its Finality: Unlike the old, which had to be replaced with the new, this new covenant is final in God's working of His purpose on earth.
Basically in the spiritual, there are three revolutionary agencies on earth. These are
The Holy Spirit, the Water (i.e. the Word) , the Blood (the Cross). As a believer in Christ, you need to establish solid relationship with each and all of these agencies, for radical revolutionary impact.
The Holy Spirit, the 3rd person of the God-Head, as a revolutionary agency came to do the followings, among others:
1. To create /recreate life, destiny, situation, .Psalm 33:6, Job 26:13
2. To resurrect the dead and the dying (John 6:63; 11:46, Rome 6:4, 8:11
3. To Convict and lead men to the Cross (John 16:7- 11). Redemption of human souls is the prime work of the Holy Spirit.
4. To indwell, transform and empower believers as to manifest through him. Romans 8:9, Ezek 36:26 -29, Joel 12:28 -32, Act 2:1.
5. To impart and glorify us with His flame (II Cor. 3:17 -18, Johnl7:1)
6. He delivers, heals and comforts men
The water depicts the saving and cleansing power of the word of God.Eph 5:26 -27; John 3:5; Titus 3:5 -7; Heb.10: 27; I John 5:5- 6. Let's see how revolutionary the living Word of God is:
1. The water of the Word is revolutionary in saving and cleansing sinners/ and transgressors from sins. (James 1:21- 25; Eph 5:26)
2. It is revolutionary in His power to heal, transform and strengthen. Ezk47:9, Matt. 8: 8; Heb 5:13 13; 1ST Tim 1:13.
3. The Word is revolutionary in the operation of His fire ministry. The Word sets men ablaze for God.Rev. 12:11, Jam 26:23, 29; Hos. 6:5 Act 7:22, Heb.4:12.
C. THE BLOOD ( Matt. 26:28; John 6:54- 56; Eph. 1:7; I John 5:8)
The Blood of Jesus is divine. It has revolutionized the world and stilt does. Christ revolutionary blood is powerful to do the followings, among others:
1) It redeems men from sin and Satan. (Saved) Rome 3:24- 25.
2) Cleanses from filthiness I John. 1:7; Rev.1:5 -6.
3) Protects from evils. Exod. 12:13.
4) Provides victory in battles. Rev 12:11.
5) Obtains God's mercies even for the unworthy.Heb 12:24.
6) Broke walls of partition between the Jews and Gentiles. 1 Cor. 1:20 22.
7) We are spiritually sealed unto glory by the blood. The Blood and the Fire are the two of the marks Paul speaks about in Gal. 6:17.
8) By the blood we are purchased to be glorified. Acts 20:28
Do you desire to follow Jesus and be a good disciple? Then, you must take heed to the following counsels:
(1) Count the Cost First. Never be too rash in decision making. Sit-down first and count the cost of following Christ. Lk 14:28- 33
(2) Let go of Certain Gains/Necessities. It is very sure that you will have to deny certain pleasures, necessities and goodies in life; even such as foxes and birds are not denied. (Vs 57) Phl. 4:7- 8)
(3) Don't Be a Disciple at a Loose End. Never be tempted to defer the kingdom duty to another time (Vs 59) Procrastination is a thief of time
(4) Don't Set Your Heart Upon Family Care. Never excuse yourself from duty because of family duty or secular/worldly concerns God and His kingdom must always be your first interest (Matt. 6:33, Luke 14:26-27).
(5) Do Not See the Kingdom Service as the pathway to Martyrdom. It might be of blessing and glory. And if it eventually brings death, even death in Christ is a glory. Rev. 2:10 176
(6) Never Drawback. Always bear it in mind that to look back is to be drawn back.(Luke 9:62).
As a way of self-examination, you ought to ask yourself the following questions:
1) Am I indeed prepared to follow Him who has nowhere to lay His head? (vs.58)
2) Am I ready to live the life of a pilgrim, toiling as shepherd in this jungle world?
3) Can I surrender the affairs of this life for the dead to handle? Can I follow Him, letting the dead burying their dead?
4) Am I prepared to deny myself of certain worldly glories and pleasure?
5) Have I got all it needs to preach the kingdom gospel with burning heart? (vs. 60).
6) Do I have the determination, the courage and the burdens to keep following and never to look back? (Vs. 61-62)
Until you find true answers to these questions, you can't be a good follower of Christ. Take a seat now and examine yourself.
TEXT: Eph. 6:10 -13
The reasons we are told to put on the whole armour of God include the followings:
1) That you might "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Vs. 10). It takes great commitment to God to get God's power.
2) That you might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Vs. 11). The craft and cleverness of Satan capture men without the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
3) That you may victoriously wrestle against 'flesh and blood'. Daily crucifixion of the flesh helps you win the war against carnality. (Eph.6: 12; II Cor. 10:4).
4) That you may be able to withstand in the evil day. It is a tragedy to turn your back in the day of battle. (Eph. 6: 13)
5) That, having done all, you may be able to stand (Vs. 13). Some great men fell even after they've done all. May we never fall!
Note As a believer you cannot afford to do without the whole armour of God.
TEXT: Eph. 6:10 -13
The six pieces of armour depict both the offensive and defensive elements made available to us when we are born again. Let's examine them, one after the other.
A. The Belt of Truth: (Eph 6:14, 4:15;John 14:16;Jhn.17:17)
1) This belt is our defense against Satan's weapon of deception: Jhn.8:44
2) It's a belt that leads to glorious recovery.
3) It helps us to cultivate good relationship with the Lord. I Jhn 1:2- 8; Jhn 1:14
4) It is a belt that liberates and helps us to live free in Christ. (Josh. 8:32, 36).
Note: Jesus is the truth; let's seek to know Him more and more. We are in Him to express the truth. Thus, we are to dismiss thought, words or imagination that are not in harmony with God's Word and learn to avoid opportunity that contradict His will.
B. Breast-Plate of Righteousness: (vs. 14: Rom 5:1, Phil 3:8-9;1 Cor. 1:30)
1) The breast plate of righteousness is our defense against the accusation of Satan. Rev. 12:10- 11; Zech.3:1-2
2) Christ is the righteousness we put as believers. Rom. 5:17; 10:3- 10
3) We are saved unto good works; perform deeds of righteousness, and walk as the light of the world. (IJohn1:6- 8; IICort.5:21).
C. The Shoes of the (the Gospel of) Peace
1) The shoes of peace are our defenses against the devices of the devil.
2) Every true believer is already united with the Prince of peace, at the point of salvation. As a result of this union:
3) We have the ministry of reconciliation. II Cort. 5:18-19
4) We have a heritage of peace, even in the chaotic universe. Jhn 14:27
5) We are to bring Christ people into unity and fellowship Eph. 4; 3.
6) We are on mission of making peace in the world. Matt. 5:9.
D. The Shield of Faith (vs 16).
1) God and His Word is the object of our faith and thus our shield. We grow in faith when we grow in God and in His Word. He becomes our hiding place.
2) The faith as our shield is our defense against Satan's fiery darts. The darts of devil includes his lies, temptation and accusation. We must learn to effectively use the Word of faith against every dart of the evil one (Matt 4: 1- 11.
E. The Helmet of Salvation (Eph. 6:17- 19)
1) Jesus is our Head; He is our saviour and, thus our Salvation.
2) Satan will come to tempt us to doubt our salvation in Christ. He will also try to lay claim on us in hour of storms and darkness. We must refuse to give in.
3) The grace that saves teaches us never to doubt our salvation (Rom. 8: 1- 2, 35)
4) If truly we have the Spirit of Christ in us, we truly belong to Him, no matter what the devil does or says. – Rom. 8:9.
5) Satan has no legal claim on us any longer. Col. 1:13; Rom. 8:16.
F. The Sword of the Spirit (6:17)
1) The Word is the only offensive weapon we have. The emphasis is the "RHEMA", the word alive, the power of God's spoken word. Rm. 10:10-17; Jms. 4:7.
2) We are to constantly use the Word by the Holy Ghost. Declaring faith in the word offensively. Matt. 4:1-11; I Sam. 17:4-7; Eph. 6:10-13
Text: Rom. 3:20-30
1) The way of redemption and liberty brings justification as the 1st benefit.
2) Any response of faith to redemption call brings forgiveness of sin, removal of guilt and right standing before God. Rom. 3:22; 28-30, 2 Cor. 5:21
3) Being robed with the righteousness of Christ, justification is our new position before God; God sees and relates to us as if we have never sin. Rom. 3:20-22, 28
4) We must hold justification by FAITH, not by work Rom. 4:1-5
5) With justification come its four-fold blessings, named in Rom. 5:1-2.
(a) We have peace with God 5:1; Eph. 2:13-15
(b) We have access to God. Rom. 5:2, Eph. 2:18; 3:12, Hebr. 10:19
(c) We stand in grace before God. I Cor. 15:1, Rom. 5:2
(d) We rejoice in the hope of His glory. Rom. 5:2; Her. 3:6
Text:Exd. 15:25-26; 23:25-26.
Adam and Eve enjoyed the blessing of divine health in the Eden garden. Divine health, the 2nd benefit of redemption covenant, was totally restored to man by Christ's atonement. Healing and divine health are a heritage for believers in Christ.
1) Sin and Sickness is mystery twins. Just as it was in Eden, sin and disobedience always attracts diseases and infirmities. Exd. 15:26
2) Sickness is a manifestation of the Law of death. It is a spiritual law that operates in man's body. Only the law of the Spirit of life can counter it. Rm. 8:1-2; 7:21-24; Gen. 2:17.
3) Sickness Operates against the Law of death. It is a curse of the law on the disobedient, not for believers who operate by the Spirit of life. Deut. 28:59-61.
4) Sickness is Satan's will and offer. It is not God's will for you to be sick as believer. It is devil's will to be rejected in the Name of Jesus. Exd. 23:25-26; Psm.91:16;Jhn. 10:10.
5) Divine health is God's will for the believer. It's a benefit of Christ redemptive acts. Believe it and claim it Isa 53:5; 4 Matt 8:16-17; II Cor. 5.21; 1 Peter 2:24.
6) Bodily health is linked to the prosperity of the soul. The State of your mind dictates the condition of your physical well-being. Let the peace of Christ reign in you in all situations. Psm. 91:1-16 III Jim. 2: Prov. 17:22.
7) Divine health is conditional. You must be an obedient eagle-believer, with active wings of faith to appropriate this covenant. Basic conditions for enjoying sound health in life are Obedience, Faith, Holy living and Spirit-filled life. Exo.15:26; Jhn. 7:17; Jhn. 3:22
CAUSES OF ILL-HEALTH-Luke 13:10-16
1) Sin & Disobedience: Sickness sometimes has its root in sin and disobedience. Sinning life must sooner or later befriend afflictions. So live holily! Lk 13:16; Acts 1038 Jhn 5:15 -16.
2) Satan & his demon host: Satan/demons attack human body with diseases and sickness. Lk, 13:11-16; 8:23-33; Acts 10:38
3) Doubt & Unbelief: A walk with God demands faith. While doubt insults God's power, unbelief hinders His glory. Pay the price of faith. Matt. 17:20, 21:21-22; Jhn. 11:40; Mk. 11:22-24; Lk. 17:5-6; Jm.1:6-8; Prov. 3:5-8.
4) Failure to discern the LORD'S body: A loosed carnal invasion on the Lord's Supper may cause sickness and even untimely death. I Cor. 11:29-30
5) Violation of healthcare principles: Lack of good rest, balance diet, exercise, hygienic environment, body care and peaceful mind-set will lead to ill health. Eccl. 5:18-20; 10:15-18; Phil 2:25-30.
Text: Deut. 28:1-13; Gal 3:13-14, III Jhn 2
Material and financial prosperity is the 3rd benefit of Christ redemptive works. The believer in Christ has been redeemed from poverty and failures.
1) Prosperity/success is God's will for your life as a believer. Josh. 1:8; Psm 1:1-3; Matt. 6:33; Philip 4:19; Rom 13:8; 11 Cor.8:9; 111Jhn2.
2) To enjoy success and prosperity, the believer must appropriate God's covenant of divine wealth by faith, through Christ redemptive works. Gal 3:9-14
3) Faith must go with cheerful works of giving and generous giving to produce affects. Deutr 15.7-11; Prov. 19:17; Mal. 3:8-12; Eccl. 11:1-6; Lk 6:38; 11 Cor.9:6-10; 11 Cort 9:6-10; Prov. 3:9-10; 11:24-26; 22:9; & 28:27
4) Poverty and impoverishing, if not rooted in disobedience, is often devil's assault on the believer. Always rebuke satanic attacks on your life, finances & blessings. Lk 10:19; Gal 1:13, 2: 13-15; Philip 2:10-11; I Jhn 4:4, 3:3-8; Heb. 1:11-14.
COVENANT OF DIVINE WEALTH- Isa. 61:6-9
How can man, the believer in particular enter God's covenant of prosperity, success and abundance? How can you make yourself truly qualified for it?
1) Be spiritually regenerated: Prosperity of the unsaved is outside God's covenant wealth. Such blessing adds up sorrow to it. Become member of God's covenant family through faith in Christ. Be born again. Job 24:7-21; Prov 10, 16-17; Eccl. 6; 2, Matt 6:33, 1 Tim 4:8; Psm, 73:3-19.
2) Be kingdom minded: The interest of the gospel kingdom must rate first in your priority. Desires for godly living, Spirit fullness and kingdom projects must be your heartbeat. Matt 6:30-33, 16, 24-26, Rom 1 1-3 Job 17:9, 1 Tim 4:7-16, Psm72:7.
3) Be obedient and willing: With high yieldedness and purity of motive, obey principles of God's economy and have willing heart of faith to possess your possession. They are principles of generous giving and whole tithing. Isa 1:19, Deuir28:1-2, Psm 1:1-3
4) Be thoroughly permeated with the WORD of faith: know the promises of God for your life and believe them. Meditate on the word and confess them. Josh 1:8, Psm 1:2, Rom 10:8, 11 Con 4:13, Phil. 4:18-19, Jhn15:7.
5) Obey the law of harvest: It is the law of sowing and reaping. Givers never lack. If you must reap, you must first plant the seed.Pay your tithes, offerings and do other givings. Mal. 3:10; Prov. 39; Eccl. 11:1-6; Lk 6:38; II Cor. 9:6-10; Isa 58:6-11; Act4:32-37.
6) Provoke the Anointing: through cheerful giving to anointed men of God, you can provoke the anointing on them to work for you. 1 Kings 17:8-16; I Tim 5:17-18; I Cort. 9:7-14; Gal 6:6-7; I Thess5:12-13.
7) Constantly rebuke the devil: Exercise your spiritual authority continuously to get the devil off your back. Also ask for the ministry of God's holy angels. Lk 10:19, I John 3:8.
TEXT:Heb. 4:1-11
Spiritual rest is the 4th redemption benefit.In Christ we have a heritage of peace and tranquility. Rest is ordained to be the sure end of God's covenant people.
The Scripture is littered with types and symbolism of the spiritual rest. It is promised by Christ for us.
1. God's rest on the 7th day: God rested on the 7th day from all His Works. Rest is ordained for you and me after labour Gen. 2:2-3
2. The Sabbath day: God instituted Sabbath day for His people as Symbol of spiritual rest. Exd. 20:8-11
3. The year of jubilee: God went further to institute the Jubilee year, as shadow of spiritual rest. Levt. 25:8-17.
4. The Garden of Eden and Canaan – both the Garden of Eden and promise land depict our spiritual rest and comfort in Christ, destiny and heaven. Isa.51:3; Exd.3:7-8; Dent. 1:25; Num. 24:5-9
5. Christ Millennium Reign & the heavenly paradise are to be our eras of ultimate Peace and rest.Isa. 65:25; 11:6-10; Rev. 22:1-5-6
B. THE PROMISE [Isa 62:1-12]
1. Right in the very midst of this storming life, Jesus promised to give us peace.
Matt. 11:28-30; Heb.4:9
2. The rest that Joshua could not give to Israelite; Jesus came to give us through His redemption covenant. Heb.4:4-11
1. We need faith to appropriate the benefit of our redemption. Heb. 4:6-11.
2. To have faith we must hear the Word and believe His rest. Heb.4:2.
3. We are to labour in the Word, prayers and covenant walk to enter into His rest. Heb.4:7-1 1, 14-16
Text: Matt 6:25-34
Definition: tension is the sense of prolong stress, the dismal feeling of inadequacy that set in up-tightness, high blood pressures and illness.
CAUSES OF TENSION: These include fear, worry, guilt, hate, frustration, spiritual forces and prolong ceaseless life battles.
EFFECTS OF TENSIONS: Tension is indeed painful. Its effects include the following, among others:
1) Trauma or unrest. Why? Tension hurts the mind.
2) Illness, blood pressure. How? It cripples the body.
3) Loss of vision: How? It limits the people and their vision.
4) Aggression. You become vengeful; transferring aggression to innocent people.
VICTORY OVER TENSION: Practice physical relaxation: rest is needed for prayer to be effectual.
i. Practice mind relaxation: see with your inner eyes the enveloping presence of God and His beauty.
ii. Undergo medical check-up, if need be. See your doctor for medical check-up.
iii. Practice spiritual refreshing: spend much time to read and meditate on relevant Bible passage. [Psm. 23, 90; John 14:1-6, Isa,60, 61, 32 &26]
iv. Pray in the Spirit (tongues): you will burst into over flowing praise, if you do.
v. Remove your eyes from your trouble and fix on Jesus Christ (Heb.12:2)
Text: MATT. 18:21 35
Definition: It is the opportunity giving to someone to try again, to do better and to be freed from the shackles of past mistakes.
1. That Satan takes no advantage of us.(II Cor. 2:10-11)
2. That we may be free from the emotional trauma and bitterness (i.e. for our own sake) Gen. 33:1- 15 and Col. 3:13
3. To proof that we are true, obedient children of God (He commands, we obey) Ephesians 4:31 -31; Mk. 11:25 26.
4. That our sacrifices and prayers may be acceptable before God. Matt. 5:21- 24
5. Forgiveness is an antidote for poisons that corrupt the mind and harm the body.
6. Because you needed protection for yourself. Unforgiving spirit deprives us of moral virtues, spiritual power and divine blessings
7. Because it's the most important lesson we can learn in life as Christians.
As believers we must do all we could to get rid of all barriers to forgiveness out of our way and freely forgive. These barriers will make it difficult for us to forgive.
1) A mind set to Avenge: If you've made up your mind to revenge, you can't forgive.
2) Inability to think out reconciliation possibility: You must think deep to think out possibility of forgiving that fellow.
3) Thinking God will have to help you to forgive: Forgiveness is a decision of your own will. So make your decision and choose to forgive. It's in your power to do it.
4) Waiting until the other person come to beg/ apologize: He or she may never come. Always be the first to take a step towards reconciliation.
5) Waiting until you feel like forgiving: It is not a matter of feeling. Simply obey the truth and get your freedom.
6) Holding on to anger, hatred and resentment: these are diseases of the mind. You need the spirit of forgiveness as a balm to heal them
7) Prayerlessness: Most prayer-less people lack needed grace and power to forgive others. Learn to be prayerful.
8) Ignorance: when you are ignorant of God's demands of forgiveness and of its paramount importance, you may live long in unforgiving attitude.
You can forgive. Yes, we all can, if truly we are born again and have the Spirit of God in us. To forgive whoever offends us we are to take the following steps:
1) Cease to be judgmental. (Matt 7:1)
2) Learn to be loving, understanding and compassionate (Cor. 3:12 13)
3) Go for Prayer of deliverance, if demons are involved.(Mark. 16:17
4) Strive to think deeply enough as to think out reconciliation possibilities.
5) Learn to give over vengeance to God. (Romans 12:19)
6) Choose, by a determined will and principle, to forgive people ever before they do offend us.Gen. 50:15 21
7) Kill ignorance by studying the Word of God, know God's will and commands.
8) Deal with the battles of mind e.g. anger, hatred, malice, bitterness and resentment.
Text: Matt. 23: 29-35
I. Persecution of the Prophets: Jesus gave strong lamentation on Jerusalem (Jews) who killed and stoned God's servants (Matt. 23:29 -37; 21:33 40). It began with the blood of Abel unto that of Zachariah.(Gen. 4:5:8, 1 Jhn 3:12, II Chr. 24:20- 26)
II. Persecution is promised: Jesus promised persecution to all who follow Him wholeheartedly. Why?
(a) We are sent and anointed to preach the gospel, persecution or no persecution. (Matt 23:34; 1 Thess. 3:3)
(b) It is difficult living as the light in this world without being persecuted.
(c) Persecution is a price every true disciple of Christ is to pay.
(Matt. 16:24- 25; Gal. l: 13).
III. Candidate for Persecution: these include the
a) The Righteous: if you dare to live a righteous life; to offer yourself as an acceptable sacrifice to God, you will face persecution. Gen. 4:4, Rom. 12:1.
b) Preacher of Righteousness: if you are a preacher of righteousness in this ungodly generation, you will be persecuted: (II Pet 2:5; Jude 7, Gen 6:8).
c) A Bold Challenger: all who dares to challenge idolatry/sinful practices of the kings of this age, like Elijah and John the Baptist, will face persecution. (I Ki.18:11- 46; 19:1- 3,10)
d) Jesus Ambassador: He, who dares to stand up for Christ in this age of gross compromise, will be persecuted. (Dan.3:1-30; 6:1-28, Jhn 15:20, Acts 22:4).
e) The Anointed of God: he, who is anointed to occupy the throne of the ex-anointed ones; as David was, will be persecuted.(I Sam 18; 31).
f) Bearers of Gospel Light: All who dare to take the gospel light to the darkened hearts and lands will face swords of persecution.(II Cor. 11: 23 -27)
Let's now study the saints that had suffered martyrdom in the Bible era:
1) Abel: murdered by his brother, Cain. [Gen 4:8, Matt 23:35, Jhn 3:12; Jude 11.
2) Elijah's fellow prophets: slaughtered by Jezebel. I King 18:13.
3) Jeremiah: going by Jewish tradition, he was stoned to death.
4) Ezekiel: Was dragged to death by the Babylonians Captives, till his brains dashed out (Jewish Tradition).
5) John the Baptist: beheaded by Herod, to satisfy a little Herodias daughter.(Matt. 14:8- 12).
6) Stephen: He was stoned to death (Acts. 7: 54- 60
7) James, the brother of John: was killed with sword by Herod (Acts 12:2)
8) Philip the Evangelist: who laboured in upper Asia was crucified in AD.54.
9) Matthew: who preached in Parthia and Ethiopian was speared in AD. 6O.
10) Bartholomew, who translated the book of Matthew into India, was crucified.
11) Andrew (a missionary to Asian Nations): was crucified transversely on a cross at Edesse.
12) Simon zealots: He preached in Britain & Mauritanian Africa, was crucified in AD.74.
13) Jude, the brother of James: was crucified in AD. 72.
14) Thomas, who preached in India and Persia, was thrust through with a spear to death.
15) Mathias, who replaced Judas: was stoned and beheaded.
16) Paul: was beheaded (under Nero)
17) Peter: was crucified upside-down (under Nero).
18) James, the Less: was beaten and stoned to death (at the age of 94) and his brains were dashed out with a rod.
19) Mark: he was dragged to pieces by the Alexandria people.
20) Luke: he was hanged on an olive tree by a Caerecian priest.
Note: Beyond the Bible saints, there have been thousands of people who suffer martyrdom for Christ sake. Yet, 'The Blood of Martyrs is the seed of the church'.
The more we are killed, the larger and greater the church become.
Since the ages gone, persecution has been the secret of the growth of the gospel church. Let's examine what blessings it has brought and will still bring to the church:
1. It has fueled the gospel flames and made it spread faster. (the book of Acts)
2. It has kindled the flame that brings love and unity to the body of Christ. (Acts 4:21-31, 12:1- 5).
3. It has kindled the flame that helps reshaped our vision and purpose as a church. (Acts 5:33 -42, 8:1- 5)
4. It has kindled the flames of revival, causing the rise of dedicated, holy and aggressive believers. Acts 8:5-12.
5. It strengthens our faith, refines our virtues and upgrades our values as citizens of God's covenant Kingdom. [ Gal. 5:22-26]
Christianity is what it is today because contemporary Christians are afraid of persecution:
– A greater numbers of God's servants and children are swimming in the deep ocean of compromise. Rev.3: 1-2, 15-18.
– We fear being persecuted because we love our lives. John 12:24-26
– Because we are not bold enough to standout and face the swords of persecution that would produce a glorious, dynamic Christianity
We are in the midnight watches, with many deeply asleep, and many lamps are burnt out already. Reigns of darkness are being felt. The folly of the foolish virgins is greatly manifesting. The Christianity of our days seems to have lost its savour. What are the signs of the night?
1. We're the light of the world, set on earth to salting it. But many born-again Christians are fast losing their worth as the light, being re-occupied with the earthly. (Lk14: 34-35; 21:34).
2. It is dark; so believers are missing their purpose for living. A greater percentage of Christians now glorify the pleasures and treasure of the world. (Matt. 6:22).
3. Spirit of complacency now thrives unhindered. We have mastered how to live and conform to the world without incurring her wrath. Thus, our loyalty to Christ is divided, our allegiance halfhearted, and our service hypocritical. (Rev.3:15-16)
4. Triumphalism, the description New Testament Christianity, I being now undermines. As intimacy with God drops each day, we present Christianity as merely militancy. Jhn.19:30.
5. Intercession for soul-winning missions is no longer part of our prayer life. One-on-one, hospital, prison and house to house evangelism are dead today. Just because, like the trembling army of King Saul, believers are becoming a fearful Army. (LK 9:24; 14:28-35; 2Tim. 42; Rev. 2:10).
6. Christianity today is becoming the pride of the sensual. Lusts for fame, wealth, position and diabolical powers now thrive unhindered. Everyone wants to be executive; at all cost. No wonder sons of Belia are loosed with greed, violence and sexual sin by the altar of the Lord. (I Sam 3&4).
7. At the expense of love for Christ; we prioritize our love for our loved ones. And so the discipline of Biblical discipleship ceases to be the Christian virtue. Discipleship tenet given by the Lord Jesus in Luke 14:26-27 is no longer taught as should.
8. Many seekers for the anointing now got it through shortcut route. Because they could not wait, they make covenant with the dark lords to operate satanic power to boost the kingdom of God.
9. Today's altar call is for those with casual, impulsive decision. No genuine repentance; no proofs of new resurrected life, yet they claim to be born again.
10. Itching ears congregations are cross carpeting churches every day, seeking for teachers who teach what they love to hear. (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Hun; like pastors, like congregation! When the message of the Cross and resurrection irritates your heart; you are certainly in a sad case.
11. It is good to give and givers never lack. Yet, let givers not forget that only a seed sow into fertile soil will win him lasting, bountiful harvests. To sow your seeds to fund projects that were answers to certain human ego, satisfy your leader's greed, or finance vision that bears no positive impacts on God's mission brings no rewards.
12. Mammon is the new god of this age Christianity. How sad and tragic it has captured both the laity and the pulpit. How horrible that materialism is now the message, and no longer Christ and His cross.
It takes the wisdom displayed by the five Biblical wise virgins to win in these perilous times. But what does it cost to be a wise a virgin?
1. Like the ten virgins, true believers are virgins betrothed to Christ the king. We are His royal bride-to-be. We must preserve our virginity, live as chaste virgins and keep our wedding garments white and pure.[II cor. 11:2; . (Matt. 22 11-13; Rev. 16:15).
2. Guard yourself well in these last days. Perils of this perilous time roar dangerously. Many believers are turning away from the faith. Foolish virgins are flirting around, playing gimmicks. But guard yourself.
3. Be wise to prepare early. It is folly to prepare lately. It takes supernatural wisdom to save you from last minute preparation. (Matt. 2510).
4. We need the Spirit fullness more than any ages in history. Our spiritual compositions ought to be as "burning coals of fire"… being aflame in the Spirit.(II Cort. 318; Exd. 2720 ; Rev. 3:15)
5. In view of winning the price, we must run the race according to the rules of the game.(2 Tim. 2:5; I Cort. 9:24).
6. Run the race with patience and lots of endurance. (Hebr. 12:1; Matt. 2413)
7. Lay aside every weight that could hinder smooth, successful racing and brace for a good night watch.(Matt. 25:13; 24:44).
8. To victoriously outlive this midnight watches, you will need to seek for the extra portions of His graces of love, kindness mercies, meekness, and so on. (Col. 3:12-14, 4:6; Matt. 5:41, 25:4).
9. Watching unto prayer, examine your relationship with God and with His word, daily and be sober (II Cort. 13:5; me Thess. 5:6; me Pet. 4:7).
10. In this midnight watches, satanic machinations are up against the fruitfulness of God's seed (the word). Even pastors and teachers are under heavy satanic bombardments. (2 Thess 3:1).
11. "Occupy till I come" was Christ's standing order for the disciples. Be occupied for the Lord. This universe needs the onward sweep of the gospel. Global harvest demands everything in you. Brace up! It is a debt you must pay. (Rom. 1:14-15;Prov. 11:30)
12. Be prepared for the most glorious morning that will soon be, when Jesus Christ, our bridegroom will appear in the air. (I Thess. 4:16).
Texts: Mk. 1l: 22-26; Matt 18:23-35;Lk 11:5-13
Prayer is one great task every believer in Christ is called to carry out, a responsibility we dare not fail to do constantly, a ministry we must carefully see to-do after the pattern of the Master.
What is really is prayer?
1. It is spiritual communion with the living God and we must maintain it with a blazing freshness every day.
2. Prayer is hard work, a great spiritual task that we must always carry out in the fervency of the Spirit.
3. Prayer is the spiritual lifeline. We all must keep it alive and aflame both as a ministry and relationship with our Living God.
4. Prayer is warfare, a fierce intercessory calling that is greatly rewarding when we are faithfully committed to it in faith and fervency of the spirit. Christ actually taught us the way of prevailing praying.
Mk. 1l: 22-26; Matt 18:23-35;Lk 11:5-13
Importance of Prayer
1. It ensures maintenance of fresh and living relationship with God. Matt 26:26-41.
2. It connects us to the unseen fountains of God and His blessings. Jhn 4:14.
3. It helps us to grow deep spiritual roots, even beneath the turmoil of this life.Isa37:31, Col. 2:7.
4. It connects us to the anointing, the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit. II Chr. 7:1 Acts 4:31.
5. It changes us that we may, through faith, change our life and situations. Matt. 13:31-32, 1Cort 12:1-11; Mk 11:22-24.
6. It launches us into higher spiritual realms, where we, by the ministry of the Spirit, clearly see into divine mysteries. Acts 12:5-11; Rev 1:9-20.
7. It gives us victory over spiritual foes, trials and temptations. Zech 3:2; Eph 6:12; 1 John 4:3-4; Matt. 26:41.
Mk. 1l: 22-26; Matt 18:23-35; Lk 11:5-13
Enemies of Prayer
To prevail and avail in prayer before God we must first deal with enemies of prayers. Spiritual obstacles and social barriers should be totally removed lest prayer becomes mere mirage and struggle. Major enemies of prayer are:
1. Sin: Deal with sin. Stop sinning. It hinders God from listening to voices of Men. Psm 66:18.
2. Flesh: Carnality will always be in conflict with spirit of prayer, and hinders you from being pleasing unto God. Get the flesh crucified. James 4:1-4.
3. Pride:A high, haughty heart leads to destruction. God demands meekness and humility of heart before Him. Prov. 8:13, 11:2, 16:18; Lk 18:9-14; .Jms 4:5-7, 10.
4. Unbelief: Lack of faith will offend the majesty of God. Learn to offer prayer of faith. Num. 14 22-223 Heb. 3:15-19, Matt 21:21, Mk ii 22-24 Lk 17:6.
5. Unforgiving spirit: Hatred, anger, enmity, malice and un-forgiving block prayers from ascending beyond your nose. Work upon yourself. Keep your heart free and pure of them. Matt 6:15, 78:23-35, Mk 11:25-26, Jms 3:14-18.
Mk. 1l: 22-26; Matt 18:23-35; Lk 11:5-13
God doesn't answer all prayers. For prayer to be answered, certain conditions have to be met. These conditions include:
1. Covenant relationship: Be sure you are truly born again. Relate with God on the basis of the blood of Christ's new covenant. Jhn 3:3-7; Ram 5:10.
2. Good relationship with man: Show love to all in the household of faith and love your neighbours as yourself. Matt 5:21-24; Gal 3:12-25; Jms 5:16.
3. Have no un-confessed sin in your life: un-confessed sin is dangerous to praying. Confess your sins daily and turn away from them. Jms 32:1-2, 5, 1 Jhn 5:14-15.
4. Pray the will of God: Do not pray outside the will of God. To do so is to pray amiss. Locate God's will for your life and pray it to birth. James 4:3, 1 Jhn,'14-15.
5. Let yours be prayer of faith: Only prayer that is pray in faith can avail and answer to miracles. Faith-less prayer is a wasted exercise. Mk 11:22-24, Jms 1:6-8; 5:13-18.
6. Be importunate, be persistent: importunity is a prerequisite in prayer. Never give up until you have your answers. Lk. 11:5-13, 18:1-8; Psm. 55:17.
I Chr. 6:12-.17, 7:1-3; Neh. 1:4-11; Acts 4:23-31
Developing strong prayer life demands practicing the various forms of prayer, we must consciously and practically be committed to the following art of praying.
A. Quiet-time/Personal Devotion
As believer who desire to grow and become strong in the Lord, you must take daily quiet time very serious. It is the bedrock of spiritual revival. The stronger your Quiet Time is, the healthier your spiritual life. How do we observe the Quiet Time?
1. Be Fully Prepared
• Get your heart fully prepared first. It is most important.
• Have your Bible, Bible commentary/concordance, jotter, pen, etc with you. Psm. 119:11; 130, 11 Tim 2:15.
2. Do it the Best Time
• The best time is the early morning. Psm46:4-5, 5:7-8, Prov.8:17, Mk 1; 3 5.
• But if for any cogent reason it couldn't be done in the morning, you can still arrange the night for it. Isa 26:9.
3. Patiently and Meditatively Observe it
• Begin with worship & praises. [Psm. 66:1-4].
• Proceed to reading, studying and meditating on the Bible. Pray on Bible passage before going to the next step. [Psm 1:2]
• Enter the realm of thanksgiving & spiritual warfare. Eph. 6;18
• Next are personal petition prayers. Col 4:2
• Go into intercession & round off with adoration galore. Eph 6:18-19; 1 Thess. 5:25.
B. The Family Altar
Every serious believer should be much involved in family prayer/ worship altar. It should be attended by all in the house.
• Timing: It may be held in the early morning, night or midnight.
• Essentials: It should include praises, worship, Bible reading and exhortation, prayer session, and also question & answer time.
• Co-ordination: It should be all inclusive in co- ordination.
• Goals: Its principal goal should be offer spiritual worship to God, obtain grace, impartation and blessing needed by members, and attend to pending issues spiritually. Never must we turn it to a routine program.
• Weekly: Every family ought to have a fasting day each week.
Don't forget for your family to stay together, it most prays together.
I Chr. 6:12-.17, 7:1-3; Neh. 1:4-11; Acts 4:23-31
C. All-night Prayer/ Vigil
Night prayer plays great triumphant roles in every life, home, church or nation. It is tedious, but surely a great necessity.
• The believer should learn to carry out personal night prayer, once or more every week. Sometimes with fasting.
• Be involved in family, group or congregation night prayer programs weekly.
• Make it a principle, habit, and commitment of faith. We must give it the required discipline.
D. The Prayer Retreat
Waiting on the Lord or prayer retreat should be our special arrangement as individual, group and church. It could be organized monthly or bi-monthly.
What is prayer retreat? Matt 26: 36-45; Acts 12:5-17.
• It's a time of total withdrawal unto a special location for spiritual renewal, fresh empowerment and miraculous encounter.
• Jesus had prayer retreat constantly in the wood, on the mountain, and by riverside. Matt 26:36-46, Luke 4:42. We also should follow His example.
• It should go with special fasting, prayer, marathon study/ meditation in the Word.
Further texts: Isa. 40:1;Psm 63:1-11, 104:34; Lk. 4:l-2; Acts 9:9, 13:1-3, 14:21-23;11 Cor. 6:5.
Every child of God needs to undergo primary deliverance ministration.
• Thereafter, learn and practice the art of self-deliverance.
• Carry out marathon night prayer/deliverance session, at least once every week, personally or corporately.
• Be involved in self-deliverance, family, group or congregation deliverance exercise. Make it a principled habit, with radical commitment and discipline.
Text: Eph 6:11-18
All prayers and the armour of God are distinct in nature. We all must come to the understanding that 'all prayers' aren't a part of the whole armour of God, but rather a lubricant.
The whole armour of God is of six parts. God instructs us to put them on. Let's first enumerate these six parts, as listed b Apostle Paul:
1. Belts of Truth. (vs. 14): this has to do with the Truth. Christ is the living, personified Truth, and so His words are yea and amen. The Truth is the strength we need for our spiritual loins.
2. Breastplate of Righteous. (vs. 14): Righteous living will fortify and protect our heart against the attacks of enemies.
3. Shoes of the Gospel of peace. (vs. 15): Commitment to soul winning and kingdom building is needed for steady walk of faith and manifestations.
4. Shield of Faith. (vs. 16): Faith quenches the fiery darts of the wicked, stills storms of life, abates floods of affliction and moves mountains of problems.
5. Helmet of salvation (vs. 17): This protects our spiritual crown/heads, secures our salvation-joy and hope of Christ coming, fills us with trusting, rejoicing heart, even in the face fiery furnace of life.
6. Sword of the Spirit.(vs. 17): The word of God is God's offensive weapon, given to us to wage offensive spiritual warfare.
Beloved, you cannot live victorious life without these parts of God's armour on you.
From what we learned last time, 'All prayer' is not a part of God's whole armour. What then is 'all prayer'? What is its relationship to the armour of God in the believer's life and ministry?
1. All prayer is the oil that lubricates the part of God's whole armour in the Christian life.
2. Each part of the amour must be empowered by all prayer, constantly, if it must function well.
3. Failure to oiling any of the parts of God's whole armour will make it rusted. And, any rusted over parts of the armour leaves you defenseless.
4. And, as soon as the believer is left defenseless, all kind of gloom and dooms will begin to appear as consequential tragedies.
Thus, we all must know that putting on the whole armour of God and praying all prayer should always go together.
Text: Matt 6: 5-15; Lk 11:1-4
Dynamics means "the science of the forces or power involved in movement." Simply put, "it is the ability and enthusiasm that produce change and effects"." It is the energy that makes new things happens".
When we enter into prayer, rightly clothed with spirit of prayers and intercession, the Spirit supplies to us needed spiritual energy that moves us through prayer progression (movement), and makes things happen. Acts 4:23-3 1; Jhn 17:1-26; Neh. 1:4-11.
1. Humble Confession: We are to begin prayer with humble, sincere confession of Sin. We need God's mercy and cleansing. Isa 6:5, 59:1-2, Dan 9:20, I Jhn. 1:9, Jms. 4:6-l0.
2. Spiritual Praise: Heartily, we move to thanksgiving, praise and worship. When in the Spirit, we'll be praising God in psalms, in Words, Hymns, spiritual songs and tongues, for all His wonderful works. Deu.4:29; Prov. 8:17-19; Eph. 5:19-20; Col 3:15, Psm.47: l-9, 100:1-5, Acts 2:11.
3. Spiritual Warfare: Spirit of prayer and warfare then move us against powers and forces of darkness. Zech 4:64, Dan 10:2, 10-13, Jer. 51:20-24, Matt 16:18-19; Eph 6:12; Psm. 149: 6-9.
4. Personal Petition: This is the realm where our personal needs, desires and projects are tabled before God for His miraculous intervention.Jhn 157 16:23-24; Lk 11: 13; Zech.10:1; Matt 21:2, 7:7- 11; I John 5:14-15.
5. Intercession (for others): This is the dynamic where we pray for others, standing in the gap for them. 'Others' here include your family members, friends, Christian brethren & church leader and sinners. It also comprise of sick ones, your country, National/political leaders, mission fields and missionaries, among others. Heb. 7:25, II Cor. 2:12-13, Col 4:3-4.
1. Pure Adoration: In this last dynamic we adore God for answering our prayer; lifting Him up in high worship, praise and adoration. He's worthy of all praises and glory. Psm 30:1-4, 34:1-8.
Text: Matt. 6:16
In the Scripture, fasting-was almost as common-place as prayer. It is a sacred duty for all believers. It should be our regular vocation.
Fast mean "abstinence from food (and drink) for a period of time". Matt. 4:2; Lk. 2:37; 4:2.
1. Total Fast: – This is when you go without water and food for a set period of time. No one is encouraged to go beyond 3 days in this kind of fasting.
2. Absolute Fast: – This is the kind of fasting we observe without food but with water. This could run for 40 days. You are not encouraged to go beyond forty day. .Exd. 24:18; 34:28; Deut. 9:9; IKi. 19:8; Lk. 4:2.
3. Partial Fast: – This is in two varieties:
• Daily Fast; when you fast till sun set each day for a set of time. (2 Sam,. 1:12, (Lk. 18:12; 2:3 7
• White Fast; when you fast and break at sunset with only fruit and such food and drink that has no oil, pepper and salt. (Dan. 10:2-3)
4. Therapeutic Fast: – This is a healing fast; observe for a long period. Here you drink water and eat fruit only, and observe much rest all through.
C. SELF-DISCIPLINE IN FASTING.(Isa. 58:1-7)
Fast is a discipline and without personal self-discipline, you can't have effective and consistent fasting life. To prevail in fasting life, put the followings into habit:
1. Consciously create a time/day for regular fast.
Strong determination will help you chose a day or two weekly of personal fast. It can be midweek or weekend. Learn to use vacation/festive season for special fast, and intensive and effective prayer. (Eccl. 3:1)
2. Arrange a Place Conducive for Prayer.
To avoid interruption, arrange conducive places such as church, prayer room, Christian camp, and mountain, wood, your inner room, etc. (Lk. 4:1; Mk. 1:35)
3. Ensure self-denial/sacrifice.
When you fast do away with hobbies, T.V, movies, newspaper, family and friends and be spiritually focused (Isa. 58:1-7, 2 Tim. 2:3-5)
4. Equip yourself with spiritual resources.
Study Bible, Christian Novels, Hymns and Gospel tapes. Use writing materials in your study and mediation process, writing down received revelation, inspiration and message. (Josh. 1:8; Psm. 1:1-3)
5. Prepare yourself emotionally and physically.
Strongly determine to triumph; humble yourself before God, desire real spiritual fellowship, worship and empowerment. Pray with fervency and faith that obtain needed miracle. (Dan. 1:8)
6. Finally, keep yourself fresh.
Anoint yourself constantly with oil, have regular bath and wash your face when necessary. And do not forget to keep your spirit man lively in God's presence. (Matt.6:16-17).
Tex: Isa. 58:6-14; Matt. 61:1-3
We would observe effective fasting with fervent prayer of faith for one or more of the following reasons:
1. To follow Christ's example and thus become a model Christian in our generation. Lk. 4:2; 1 Cop. 7:5; II Cor. 6:5; Matt. 6:17-18.
2. To present a special, sometimes urgent request before God for definite divine intervention. Esther 4:16, Neh. 1:1-11.
3. To establish deeper union and communion with the Holy Spirit. Matt. 9:14-17, Lk 2:37.
4. To resolve crisis of sins with God in repentance as a penitent. Joel 2:12-14; II Chr. 7:14.
5. To obtain clearer spiritual insight or revelation from God, over a particular issue. Dan 10:2-7, 1 Ki. 19:8-18, Lk. 2:25-30.
6. To be better prepared for the divine service.Matt. 4:1-2, 10:1, 8, 17:14-21.
7. To consecrate God's vessels for mission assignment. Acts. 13:3, 14:23.
8. To stand in the gap in intercession for somebody, people, organization or Nation. Ezk. 22:29-30; 13:4-5; Gen. 18:23-33; Deut. 9:17-20.
9. To give more time to studying and meditating on the word of God. Matt. 4:4; Jer. 36:6.
10. To seek for God's divine direction concerning a matter Ezra 8:21-23.
11. To strength the power of prayer and make it more effective and effectual. Matt. 6:1 7-18; Acts 10:9-10; 30-32.
12. To develop a self-discipline fasting life in our commitment to God and His kingdom. I Cor. 7:5; Isa. 58:6-14.
13. To break the yokes of captivity, oppression and set the captives free. Isa. 58:6-14; 61:1-3.
14. To worship, praise and fellowship with God in the Spirit.
Matt. 6:16-18
To have effective fasting and prayer life, prepare yourself for it every wise.
Let faith be an active factor throughout (Mk 11:22-26)
Make sure your health condition is O.K. for the type of fasting you chose to do.
Exercise every discipline stated in this book to get the best out of it.
1. After two or three days of a fast, hunger would disappear not appetite
2. Thereafter, the body begins to feed on reserves, note that this is the take-off of the fast mode.
3. In a long fasting, when the hunger re-appears, the starvation mode sets in.
4. As soon as hunger re-appears, it is a signal that it is time to stop (break) the fast. (Acts 10:9-10)
5. Failure to break the fast will lead to starvation, because the body, having exhausted body reserves will begin to feed on vital body organs.
6. While your body can do without food for 40 days, it can't do without water beyond three days.
Esther 4:16; 5:1-5; Esther 6:1-12; 7:1-10
1. Fasting intensifies prayer and solidifies spiritual power. Matt. 4:1-13; 1:14-21.
2. It prepares us for a fresh discovery of God's plan and purpose. Acts 10:9-20; 30-32, Acts 13:1-3; Dan. 9:3, 10:10-14.
3. It releases God's power against forces of evils, and gives key of victory to God's children. Esther 4:1-3; 16-17; Matt. 17:21.
4. It turns captivity to freedom and death to life. Isa. 58:6-14; Isa 38:1-6; Lk. 9:1-2
5. Promotes intimacy with God and aids spiritual maturity. Lk 2:25-27; 37.
6. It furthers spiritual insight and brightens understanding of God's Word. Dan. 2:19-23
7. It opens our heavens for the release of divine glory and blessings. Exd 33:18-23; 34:5-8; 29-35.
8. It is a catalyst that turns impossibility to possibility, the effective force that moves our mountains of troubles. Mark 11.-22-23, Matt. 1714-21; (Esther 6:1-12; 7:1-10)
9. It opens locked doors and unlocks rain of blessing and mercy.I Ki 18: 41-46; Psm. 24:7; Acts. 14:27; Rev. 3:8.
10. It aids spiritual consecration and cleansing. Ezra 8:21-23; 10:6-12
11. Fasting eliminates diseases and pains, controls and reduces weight; restores health and aids maintenance of good health; helps rejuvenating process and offers enjoyment of long life. During fasting, our bodies rejuvenate itself as toxic build up decreases and good cells reduces in size.
It takes a lot of patience and effort to build a solid team of people who will share and help you fulfill your vision, but the results will be well worth all you put into it. How can we translate our vision into definite actions people can identify with and get excited about? Let me suggest ten proven techniques for building a solid team:
1. Tie all interests to the ministry vision & giving objective. A better way is to structure all affections, efforts & resources around a mutually goal/plan.
2. Constantly ask for input and ideas. People are usually much more enthusiastic about supporting decisions and plans they help to make.
3. Constant public recognition for outstanding performance. The fact is that we all like to look good in the presence of our peers. It will make everybody feel like giving more of themselves to the team effort.
4. Promote people on the basis of abilities, not just because they've performed well or have been around a long time. Make sure that anyone you promote has the skills and knowledge they need to do well in the new position.
5. Assume that everyone needs to be trained for every new assignment. Most people need initial and ongoing training.
6. Constantly play the role of coach and mentor. Encourage people to keep growing and taking on new challenges. Guide their growth in ways that benefit the church/ministry. Deal with mistakes/problems quickly, tactfully, & forthrightly.
7. Practice good human relations. Make people feel valued and important by treating them with dignity and respect.
8. Give opportunities for people to grow personally, collectively & professionally.
9. Keep your personnel policies simple, clear, and fair – then firmly enforce them. Instill discipline.
10. Flush out poor performers before they spoil the whole team.
Texts: Matt.20: 1-16; Luke 16: 1-13; I Cort. 4:2
Discovering what the Bible says about stewardship, we start with Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". As the Creator, God has absolute rights of ownership over all things. It is through our ability to fully grasp this and imbed it in our hearts that the principle of stewardship is understood. If we miss it here nothing else will ever line up. Nothing else in the Bible will have any true relevance if we miss this doctrine of stewardship.
There are two Greek words epitropos and oikonomos embody the meaning of our English word stewardship:
Epitropos means "manager, foreman, or steward." From the standpoint of government, it means "governor or procurator."
Oikonomos(frequently use in N.T) means "steward, manager, or administrator". It is often translated "dispensation, stewardship, management, arrangement, administration, order."
In Paul's writings, the word oikonomos is given its fullest significance in his responsibility for gospel proclamation as a divine trust. (I Cort. 9:17; Eph. 3: 2)
What Christian Stewardship Implies
Starting with the above concept, let's now examine the Christian Stewardship to correctly view and value not only our possessions, but, more importantly, human life itself. In essence:
1. Christian Stewardship means that we fully acknowledge we are not our own but belong to Christ, the Lord, who gave Himself for us.
2. The Christian Stewardship defines a man's relationship to God. It identifies God as owner and man as manager. God makes man His co-worker in administering all aspects of our life. {I Cort. 3; 9}
3. Christian Stewardship defines our purpose in this world as assigned to us by God Himself. It is our divinely given opportunity to join with God in His global, eternal redemptive movement. (Matt. 28: 19-20)
4. Christian Stewardship defines our practical obedience in the administration of everything under our control, everything entrusted to us.
5. Christian Stewardship acknowledges in practice that we do not have the right of control over ourselves or our property—God has that control. It means as stewards of God we are managers of that which belongs to God, and we are under His constant authority as we administer His affairs.
6. Christian Stewardship has to do with how we manage our finances, with our faithfulness in paying God's tithes and offerings, with the management of our time, possessions, environment, or health.
7. Christian Stewardship involves proclaiming the gospel truth. It's what motivates the Christian to move into action, doing deeds that manifest his belief in Him.
What it is not
• Christian Stewardship is not God taking something from us; it is His method of bestowing His richest gifts upon His people. We are custodian or guardian of God's possessions {Gal. 4:1-2}
• The Christian stewardship that is required of us is not a result of our own power or abilities but that which come through the Holy Spirit in us; otherwise, our labor is in vain. Phil. 4: 13. I Cort. 15:10
• Stewardship is not bragging of our human achievements but our obedient witness to God's sovereignty. The ultimate question, then, is this: Am I the lord of my life, or is Christ the Lord of my life? In essence, stewardship expresses our total obedience to God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
THE CHRISTIAN LOVE (Holy Ghost School 3)
1. Love places seal of perfection on our gifts and actions. It is the glory that perfects all things.
2. Bearing the heart of perfect love begins with routing out strife, hatred, malice, resentment, envy, grudge, etc
3. Everything in Christ kingdom rests on the pillar of love.
4. Faith, gifts and ministries are supposed to operate by love.
5. God should be the Supreme Object of our love and fellow humans the secondary Object. (Mat. 22:37-39;Jhn. 4:12 )
Truth that Transforms
i. Spiritual gifts and ministries should work by love.
ii. What is done without love is lost.
iii. Only what we do in true love makes are rewarding.
iv. No one loves God who doesn't love his/her brethren.
1. The force of love is the force of life; unquenchable and more resilient than fire. (Songs of Sol. 8:7a)
2. The force of love confounds Satan and confuses his dark hosts.
3. It is a force that holds down men in burning affection, and with heart brightens emotion. (Jer. 31:13)
4. It is a force of tender feelings and charming force. Rm. 5:5
5. It conquers death and Hades, destroys evils to promote goodness, righteousness and beautification. (song of Sol.8:6)
6. It is a force that draws men to Christ; making men to embrace His higher life. (1Jhn.4:10)
Truth that Transforms
i. Love's force is the most vehement, irrepressible and inflammable thing in the world.
ii. The force of love defies all opposition and gloriously triumph
Now, how do we grow love? To grow true love as Christians, we must:
1. Understand that growth is a process and prepare to learn lessons thought at each process.
2. Cleanse our conscience of bad thoughts, imaginations and feelings that soil love and spoil relationship.
3. Start all relationships with God through; walking with and drawing closer to the Lord" to be closer to one another.
4. Employ principle of unwavering faith, "holding fast the profession of faith".
5. Obey the Word and serve others to persuade them to love.
6. We must "provoke one another unto love and good works" through consideration of one another.
Truth that Transforms
i. We must highly esteem others in love; giving high respect in meekness and lowliness of heart.
ii. We are to forbear with one another in love.
iii. We should provoke others to love & good works to provoke them to joy, love & mercy. {Eph. 4:2}
It is the magnetic force of attraction that pulls the one who loved to you, and at same time makes you feel for him or her. What is this force of attraction?
1. It is the mighty pull-power at work in every star, Sun, Moon, atom and molecule.
2. It is the magnet that attracts equal and opposite reaction; that brings back to us whatever we give out. (Ecch.11:1)
3. It is the power of appeal that that draws people together to found towns and nations, form groups and societies.
4. It is the drag of charming affection that pulls and effects sublime changes in lover's life and destiny.
5. It's the fragrance that stays in the hand that gives rose; the aroma that creates harmonious friendship & relationship.
Truth that Transforms
i. The love-lure holds hearts and people together.
ii. It takes the appeal of love to stay loyal, faithful & rejoicing in friendship.
iii. It is tragic to give anger, malice, hate, envy, pride, un-forgiveness, & selfishness to relationship.
iv. Life is much more a harvest than accident.
Love is passionate feeling, for the tenderness of love feeds on feelings. Why do we feel love for someone we love?
1. Because we are created to feel. Real men feel everything that worth feeling.
2. Because our mind is the bedrock of feeling. Thus an unbroken cord between feelings and the world around us.
3. Because feeling is a motivating force of life. It fuels our thoughts, imagination and words of affection.
4. Because love is the most wonderful thing to feel in life. It offers the strong warmth that rightly recreates life.
5. Because good feeling garners forces of love and attracts goodness to one's life.
6. Because good feelings attract a lovely people of blissful spirit to us.
Truth that Transforms
1. The power that produces purer feelings comes from meditation in GOD'S WORD.
2. The Spirit's presence empowers our heart to love
3. Pure feeling is the secret of greatness and success in life.
4. It takes purer feeling to better our lots and dish out joy.
5. It takes bad feeling to dish out hate, envy, bitterness, etc.
The feeling of love is true wealth. While true riches consist of feeling good, poverty consists of feeling poor. How?
1. No one is as bankrupt as he who is poor in feeling. He is poor who doesn't feel good when he has no money.
2. Feeling bad when you have no money on you comes from a wrong belief about wealth.
3. To love money, adore and worship it as god is an erroneous evil. It is idolatry. .
4. Rich feelings are a treasure that wins great love and wealth.
5. Giving more love to others brings much love to you.
6. Harvest of love is what truly makes men rich.
Truth that Transforms
i. Your feeling is your wealth.
ii. Money is good; a necessity for living. But it should be a servant, not master. Stop serving money.
iii. All believers ought to realize that there is nothing lacking in Christ.
Your destiny is in your hand. You must build up rich feelings for its fulfillment. How?
1. See life as a directory and destiny as a stock of choices.
2. Open the catalogue of life and chose what you want because you love them and abundance will follow you.
3. Use keys of right desire, prayer and diligence to actualize your vision.
4. Employ the power of meditation, imagination and feeling love to unlock doors of opportunities.
5. Change your attitude and your altitude will radically change.
6. Learn to rejoice with the prosperous, dance with the successful and sing with the triumphant.
7. Beware of those actions that negate love, for they can shut doors of riches against you.
Truth that Transforms
i. To change your fortunes, first change your heart.
ii. Inner wealth is the bedrock for good fortunes.
iii. Lack of love repels wealth and resists joy.
iv. It takes a good life to usher in good time.
Memory Verse: Prov. 11:27.
To put wealth and other riches ahead of love is a violation of the law of love. Love ought to come before wealth. Why?
1. Where love rules, God rules. "God is Love"!
2. Loving the wealthy for the lust for their fortune is greed,
not love.
3. You can only get love by first giving it, and the measure you give dictates the measure received.
4. Love is the living force of sound, healthy relationship.
5. In giving love, we begin to live and dine (Gal. 5:14)
6. Stop trading blames, nagging, fault-finding and bitter complaints and your relationship will work.
7. Showing love & appreciation changes difficult relationship.
8. Love liberates from oppressions, dictatorship, poverty,etc.
Truth that Transforms
i. Love is the key to true independence & development.
ii. Give more love to others & wealth will be the reward.
iii. Relationship is all about love, not monetary benefits
A person claiming to be born again without love lies. Why?
1. Loveless Christians dwell in the dark ocean of evils. From their heart grows all forms of evils and corruptions.
2. A loveless Christian lacks evidence of the Christ-life, being strange, fake and vague.
3. Loveless ones aren't Christ disciples. Love is the proof of true discipleship.
4. A loveless Christian is dangerous. No matter how gifted he or she is, he is simply a tragedy to the Christendom.
5. Loveless Christians are darkness. Hate is darkness and only love liberates from its prison.
6. They are the troops Satan uses to spoil fellowship & hinder works of the Holy Spirit in churches. (1Jhn.1:6, 2:11)
Truth that Transforms
i. A no-love 'Christian' is a real backslider; a lost, blind, wandering bird.
ii. Loveless ones are a grave. The earth is a tomb without love.
iii. The loveless ones are empty, nothing and unprofitable.
1. Hatred is spiritual chains. It binds whom you hate or refuse to forgive.
2. Hate blindfolds and makes men to go in spiritual blindness.
3. Hate provokes restlessness of mind & creates a non-miracle zone.
4. Hate turns the believer to "a stone of stumbling" upon whom others stumble and fall. (Rom.14:21)
5. Hatred as a spirit of witchcraft. It hardens the heart, blinds the eyes. (1 John 3:15)
6. Hate makes men grow in the dynamics of evils & wickedness.
Truth that Transforms
i. It's time to get rid of hatred, un-forgiveness, resentment, malice and strife among others.
ii. If you are not genuinely born again, you will need His redeeming Cross to get victory over hate and the likes.
At the heights of love, we come to understand martyrdom as the radical side of love. What then is the 'martyrdom in love'?
1. Martyrdom in love is the mystery of the sacrifice of love.
2. It is willingly parting away that which you have as offering of love, even your soul!
3. It is to cheerfully throw great banquet of love, with a large heart.
4. It is assuming the tragic height of death for the sake of love.
5. It is cultivating the Christ-like sacrifice for brethren. (1Jhn.3:16)
Truth that Transforms
i. With a spirit of agape in us, we all can die for our loved ones – Christ, partners, brethren.
ii. To dine with love we must first die for love.
iii. Marriages and relationship built on non-sacrificial love dwindle and die.
iv. No love is true and perfect until it reaches this blessed height of sacrifice.
Will you accept an invitation to the stake of love? Will you dare to die for love? Well, I think, we all can. How?
1. By giving up our most precious treasures & comfort for our loved ones.
2. By offering up our heart, energy, time and substance to them in times of needs.
3. By willingly giving up ourselves as sweet smelling savor.
4. By sacrificing our all to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. (This is major way to understanding the concept of death)
5. By standing in the gap for the brethren in intercessory prayer, faithfully engaging devil in spiritual warfare. Liberating the captives. (Isa. 58:
6. By courageously facing persecution, tribulation, torture, imprisonment, and even death in the defense of faith.
Truth that Transforms
i. The greed, the egocentric and the self-seeking cannot be martyrs for love.
ii. All who love this world and the things therein cannot die for love. (1Jhn.3:17-18)
1. ACKNOWLEDGE the truth that you are a sinner; lost, condemned and in dire need of the Savior Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38; Rom 3:23-25; 5:10-15; 6:23).
2. APPROACH the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, with a humble, repentant heart and confess your sins to Him. (Heb 9:12-14;Eph 1:7;Rom 5;9-10)
3. ACCEPT Jesus Christ as your personal LORD and savior, through personal saving faith in Him. Then begin to live your life as a pure, chaste Virgin.
4. ACCESS the life and power of His Holy Spirit through Holy Ghost baptism experience, bearing of the Spirit fruit and daily communion with God in the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4)
5. AFFIX your life, eyes to Jesus, both for continuous transformation and abiding experiences. (2Cort. 3:17-18)
6. AFFECT the world around you positively for Christ through witnessing and evangelism; touching the generation you belonged. (Haggai 2:79; Acts 8:7; 2Cort.6:16)
7. ATTAIN unto reputable spiritual state by separating yourself daily from end time moral vices and spiritual viruses. We can maintain high spiritual voltage and be at alert for the rapture and Christ second coming.
The word 'wisdom' is mentioned 222 times in the Bible. But how do we rightly define this gracious, omnipresent gift?
- A. Before we consider the scriptural position, let's first itemise a few popular definitions of conventional wisdom:
- 1. Aristotle, in his metaphysic defines "wisdom as the understanding of causes", i. e. knowing why things are in the way they are.
- Philosophers define "wisdom as making the best use of knowledge".
- Traditionalists linked wisdom to age and experience, believe superior reasoning belongs to older people.
- Positive psychologists defined "wisdom as the coordination of knowledge and experience and its deliberate use to improve well–being".
- Now, God's unconventional wisdom could be defined:
- 1. "As an excellent treasure of the Spirit of God in the heart of man; an inner value of inestimable insightful brilliance".
- "A way of higher life of reasoning, a pathway of super-ordinary intelligence, and a way of seeing and employing reality
Text: James 3: 13-18
- Conventional Wisdom
The conventional is the wisdom of this world. What wisdom is it?
a) This promulgates domestication of social- cultural values; it has its reality map built of words, language and systems of ordering.
b) This kind wisdom creates in men a sense of self pre-occupation about measuring up to socio- cultural standards, and the drive for self-worth, self-identity and self-esteem.
c) Conventional wisdom is a world of bondage to cultural values; it alienates men from meaning and reality. .
d) In sum, the world of conventional wisdom is a world of 'vexation of spirit, grief and sorrow'. Why? It is full of "envy, self centeredness, confusion and all evil things". (Eccl.1:18).
e) The best of worldly wisdom are damage control. James clearly states in his letter that it is "earthly, sensual, and demonic".
f) The wisdom of this world is rooted in demonic inspiration, and operates according to human laws and principles. (I cort. 3:19)
.2. Unconventional Wisdom
Now, on the higher plane is God's unconventional wisdom. This is the true wisdom, links only to God. The following should be noted:
a) Jesus is the wisdom incarnate, "the power and the wisdom of God", He is the living fountain of all wisdom, out of Him flows treasure of true wisdom.
b) This wisdom begins in the heart of man, with the fear of God, the godly fear that makes you to hate evil and do righteousness. (Prov.3:7,Prov. 16:6)
c) God gives His wisdom to all who diligently seek Him for it. King Solomon asked for and got it in full.
d) Diligence is needed while seeking for God's wisdom. Why? It takes conscious effort to be aware of this omnipresent gift.
e) Wisdom leads men to intimacy with God and make them friends of God..
f) It teaches you how to win the transforming presence of God.
g) It enables you to gain entrance into your God's given estate and have a flourishing reign therein.
MEMORY VERSE: I cort. 3:19
Now let' answer the question: of what benefits is Wisdom divine? Let's evaluate the 15 benefits of true wisdom in brief:
- 1. Wisdom is the principal thing: If you desire to dwell in the ivory glazed house must be filled with wisdom.
- 2. Wisdom furnishes your life with the good things of life: We have of the wise Lord God, who by wisdom made and furnished the heavens and the earth. (Prov.3:19)
- Wisdom enthrones your destiny for glory: This dazzling gift is for the head that would wear the crown. So as a child of destiny, you need wisdom to attain unto glory and maintain prosperity.
- Wisdom helps you to survive horrors of darkness: To escape the woes of this world one must be well armed with wisdom.
- A walk with wisdom is always a walk in the higher realm.
- Wisdom lightens the path she leads: it always lead men to the bosom of pure divine effluence, being the divine light we need for definite illumination.
- 7. Wisdom makes knowledge pleasant to the soul: Discretion and understanding become preservers of your destiny.
- 8. To be void of wisdom is to be full of folly: A man without wisdom will lack both discretion and direction in life. Folly is a tragedy that destroys.
- Wisdom is the virtue that procreates ideas: you need it to procreate ideas for your success, to recreate your future and resuscitate your dying worlds.
- It is disastrous to live without wisdom: He who lacks wisdom will be captured and ruptured by missiles of darkness.
- Where wisdom leads, fruits of righteousness and peace reign but where she is lost, all hope is lost.
- Wisdom is pivotal to your existence and function: you need it to win benefits of immortality, nobility, honour and unfailing wealth.
- Wisdom helps your discovery of your place on earth and makes you to reign.
- Wisdom is the best counselor to have in life: be it in adversity or prosperity..
- Wisdom is the grand spiritual key: you need it to unlock the beauty of spiritual worship and supernatural presence.
MEMORY VERSE: Prov. 2:10-11
LECTURE 4: THE PRINCIPAL THING – (prov. 4:7-9)
Let me give you just ten reasons why wisdom is the principal thing.
- Wisdom helps the discovery of God's will for one's life.
- It puts our actions and intentions to scrutiny or test. We need wisdom for faithful stewardship and accountability.
- Wisdom is a force that establishes integrity. You need it to learn uprightness and purity in life; to lead a life of integrity and fear God.
- It is a warranty of destiny preservation and immortality. You need it to cheat death and secure exaltation.
- It is your important key to royalty.
- She is the best beauty to win, the beauty that adds luxury and nobility to royalty.
- It is a treasure super ordinary; richer that all the riches of this world and stronger than all weapons of war put together.
- Wisdom is needed to lead a triumphant life. Truly, Jesus went to the cross, died and rose for us. It takes wisdom to apply this liberating truth.
- Wisdom ranks first among all virtues. It is the key that turns things a new and creates the new order – into trouble marriage, endanger business, etc.
- Finally, wisdom is the sun that makes the face to shine.
The wisdom of God is highly rewarding for all who possess her. She cries out to you because she wants to better your life and lots. (Prov. 3:13-14) Now these benefits of wisdom:
- 1. The Sun-like countenance: Wisdom blesses men with a bold, sun-like countenance and makes their face to shine. .(Eccl. 8:1)
- 2. Peace of mind: Wisdom produces peace of mind and makes you to be calm. (prov.3:1-2)
- 3. Wisdom offers immortality. She makes you a living legend, and to earn an undying memory for the incoming generations. (prov. 3:35, 10:7)
- 4. Heart of bravery: Wisdom produces the heart of bravery and makes you bold, valiant and brave on a battle field.
- 5. Wisdom makes you a royalty: You become a king among your own people as wisdom ushers you onto the royal throne. (Prov.8:15-16, 4:9)
- 6. Wealth and nobility: Wisdom brings riches, honour and nobility into your life. (Prov.8:18, 4:7-9).
- 7. Destiny preservation: Wisdom preserves destiny, protect and deliver you from evil hosts, immoral people, and wrong pathway. (Prov.2:11-13; 2:16, 3:23).
- 8. Wise counsels: Wisdom will become your counselor; she is the best counselor to have, both in hours of adversity and prosperity.(Prov. 8:14)
- 9. Enabling Force: Wisdom gives you the enabling force that makes you to seek for greater experience, deeper knowledge and maturity in the spiritual gifting. ( 1.cor. 2:6-7)
10. Divine Favour: Wisdom blesses men with favour, yes; it provokes both the favour of God and man. (Prov.8:35, 12:2).
- 11. Spiritual Fellowship: Wisdom leads you into deeper fellowship with God.(Eph.1:17)
- 12. Longevity: Another benefit of wisdom is longevity. (prov.9:10-11)
- 13. Spiritual Blessings: Wisdom will lead you to enduring spiritual wealth in the things of the Spirit; greatly enrich you with the treasures of the Spirit, in Christ Jesus. (Prov. 8:18)
- 14. King's Bride: Lastly, wisdom will enroll you among the wise virgins that will meet the coming Bridegroom at His coming. Fools will miss the rapture. It takes true wisdom for you as virgin to keep your lamp burning, after the midnight. (Matt. 23:1-13).
The journey to wisdom demands the followings:
- Place a high value on wisdom. You must place high value on wisdom, if you must get her. Value wisdom above any worldly treasures.
- Be hunger for wisdom. And it is the measure of your value for it that dictates the tempo of your desire for it.
- Supplicate for wisdom. The bible says: if any man lacks wisdom, let him ask God who freely gives. Ask for the Spirit of wisdom and excellent.
- Desire to learn wisdom. To be wise, you must be teachable. Teach-ability helps acquisition of knowledge and understanding.
- Communion with God. Intimacy with God will impart you with wisdom. Spiritual fellowship must be in place to inherit the house of wisdom.
- Carefully establish a working relationship with both the Spirit and the Word. Therefore, seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly read, study and meditate in the Word.
Let it be your determined goal to make your heart the seat of God's wisdom.
Mathew 5:3-12.
Wisdom is a good house builder, and her house is exceptionally beautiful. Now, wisdom house has seven pillars mentioned by Christ in the beatitudes. These pillars are:
- HUMILITY: This is the first pillar. True wise men are "poor in spirit".
- LOVE: This is the central pillar of the house of wisdom- the affectionate love that shares sorrows with the sorrowful and joy with he who rejoices.
- MEEKNESS: The third pillar is meekness. Wisdom enriches the wise with meek, mild disposition and makes him as harmless as dove.
- RIGHTEOUSNESS: The fourth pillar is righteousness. Like Enoch, Noah and Elijah, wise men are hungry seekers for righteousness.
- MERCY: The fifth pillar is mercy. Wisdom is compassionate, kind and merciful, especially to the poor, orphans, and widows.
- PURITY OF HEART: This is the sixth pillar. The heart must be free from inner corruptions. Holiness can't be without inner purity. Jms: 3:17).
- ARBITRATION: This is the seventh pillar. Wise men create atmosphere of peace and make peace.
Jesus short and witty stories are invitational. Jesus came inviting us to move upward to the unconventional (divine) wisdom. How?
- It was Christ unconventional wisdom that unveiled the mystery of spiritual birth. Jesus made it clear that it is the second birth that leads to abundant life.
- Christ wisdom also unveils the mystery of the Holy Spirit. Christ's experience of the Holy Spirit birthed in Him a distinct radical revolution of reality. It is in knowing the Holy Spirit differently that we actually begin to see differently.
- It is in Christ's wisdom that we begin to see differently. Thus in His teachings, He used aphorisms and parables to crystallize insight that provoked further insight.
- It is in Christ's treasured pavilion of wisdom that we are connected to His Word of grace and loving kindness E.g.
- Links us to the God's holy presence, even the worst of sinners
- Teaches that our worth as believers is priceless and infinite. {The conventional wisdom teaches that man's worth is determined by his social standards}. Our identity comes from our covenant relationship with God, not from traditions or social standard.
- His wisdom dismisses as folly the wisdom of man which teaches greed and self centeredness as the way to prosperity. Jesus wisdom taught that prosperity and blessing come by giving out what you have.
Friend, the wisdom divine is a diadem, a crown of royal power to all who possess it.
So, how do we really know the heart that wisdom rules? How do we measure God's wisdom in the heart or life of a man?
- The heart that wisdom rules possess sound knowledge and understanding of his/her self.
- Knows God and is submissive to His word. Only fools mock at sin.
- 3. He is honest and sincere in his/her dealing with other men.
- 4. Always seeks for the guidance and counsel of the Spirit. (Prov. 20:27).
- 5. Lives by the principles of divine integrity and consistency. His/her action is consistent with his/her words. (Prov.20:7)
- The heart that wisdom rules is calm and free from hatred, pride, arrogance, hypocrisy, etc. (prov. 16:19)
- He is trustworthy, reliable and known for internal consistency.
- Reigns by righteousness, faith and joy in the Holy Ghost.
- The heart that wisdom rules is violent in the use of the spiritual authority.
- Knows what should be done and he is wise to do it, timely and rightly.
- 11. The heart that wisdom rules will be very prudent. (prov.16:21, prov.22:3
- 12. Will come to know wealth and comfort." (prov. 19:10)
Wisdom is a way of seeing reality. Thus, revelation is central to wisdom. Christ revolutionary teachings are of the higher wisdom, which undermine conventional wisdom and subvert its social boundaries. How?
- 1. Upholds the eternal truth that God is the beginning of wisdom. He did all His creation work by wisdom (Prov.8:22)
- Accents wisdom as a major credential for a guaranteed future (Prov. 19:20-21)
- Establishes Scriptures as revelation of God's wisdom. Decoding His wisdom demands spiritual communion with God
- Wisdom gains entrance into the heart of man when the fear of God takes root in him. (Psm 111:10)
- True wisdom is married to prudence and discretion. (prov. 8:12).
- The truly wise among men are they who exercise themselves in thought, inspired ideas, scriptural reasoning and self-control; and are not brash, coarse, rude or vague.
- True wise men hate the seven pillars of folly. { Prov. 8:13-14; 6:16-19}
- Renames the conventional wisdom as blindness and folly. Jesus came to invite us into God's unconventional wisdom.
Teaching 11: THE SUCCESS WISDOM
There are two types of success wisdom: the secular and the divine. The followings should be noted about success wisdom
- While secular wisdom teaches struggles, hard-working, hoarding and selfishness, divine wisdom places emphasis on the Covenant, Covenant walk and Covenant obligation. {Jos. 1:8}.
- The success wisdom has to do with insight, discernment and sagacity. It gives deep understanding of people and realization of things, event and situations.
- It blesses you with the ability to rightly choose, act and inspire others towards better achievement.
- Divine success wisdom enlightens us to make a difference and bring value to the world, moving us from making a living to making a difference.
- 5. It provides with the ability to optimally, effectively and efficiently apply every Spirit given perception, idea and knowledge towards the production of your desired result.
But you must be careful to:
a) Comprehensively, obtain what is true and right from Him.
b) Radically, control your passion and emotion.
c) Practically, ensure you operate within the Word and the covenant.
Teaching 12: SUCCESS WISDOM KEYS
Let's study the success-wisdom keys:
- Be redeemed by God's precious blood and determine to keep His Covenant. It is the first key to extraordinary living.
- Abide in God's covenant and walk in His word that your life may speak wisdom to your generation.
- As a believer, strive to know the Word, to confess the Word, live by and walk in the Word that you may possess true prosperity/success.
- Live a Covenant-Word lifestyle and be wise by the responsibility for your future. Being responsible for one's future is true wisdom.
- Discovering your gifts and talents is wisdom. Then, develop it towards a glorious delivery to your generation.
- Discover your God's given purpose and have a clear vision of your purpose in life that you may attain the shore of glory.
- The treasure of God's success wisdom is in your heart, nourish your heart in the power of the Holy Spirit that divine inspiration and ideas may flow out of it. (Prov. 20:18)
- Seek to be divinely instructed to take right decisions and actions. Nothing transforms destiny like Spirit leading decisions and actions. The plan of the diligent lead surely to plenty…"
- Give diligence and practical commitment to the task at hand.
- Note that God often direct opportunities and favour to our way, but it always take spiritual sensitivity to recognize and employ such favour and grab them for advantages.
- Develop burning passion to serving the world with your God's given gift and talent, and thereby fulfill your mission on earth.
- Develop Bible based principles for living, such as pure devotion to God, high commitment to duty, faithfulness, integrity, accountability and prudence.
- Learn how to occupy the better place of meekness, humility and patience. You can't lack these virtues and have enduring success in life. (Prov. 20:21)
- Are you a true covenant child? Then refuse to walk in secular, sensual and demonic wisdom
Teaching 13: THE LEADERSHIP WISDOM
- 1. Leadership wisdom is God's everlasting light for anyone placed in leadership position. He who is called to lead must come to the understanding that nothing is of more value to him than wisdom. (prov. 16:15-16)
- It is the sun that makes the throne to shine, the flawless mirror of God's active authority.
- It is the very epitome of God's goodness in life; by it Kings conquer the world and order all things benignly.
- It is the virtue given to know and understand the mysteries of God and patiently wait to reap the wages of righteousness.
- 5. It is the gift of grace given to know the past, see the future and understand the present; to know subtleties, solve hard problems and unveil dark mysteries. (Prov.25:2)
- It is leadership enabling given to him to know God's will and plan for the people.
- Every leader must know that leadership authority comes from God.
- That leader is viceroy of God's royal power, and wisdom is the light that makes the throne to shine. He is the anchor of the people. (1ki.3:7-9)
- That it only pleases God when leader value wisdom above all , for only then He will subsequently give to him the all he doesn't ask.
- That having pure desire for wisdom comes first before knowing wisdom and becoming wise.
- 5. That it takes the radiance of true wisdom to have peace of mind, insight, clarity of course, prosperity and fame. (I king 10:4, 6-7).
- That it takes Godly fear for leader to add honour, nobility, success, longevity and immortality to his life and regime.
- That with wisdom comes the fruits and doctrines of wisdom, which include temperance, power, prudence, justice, equity, fortitude, faith, and patience, consistency of characters, immortality, dominion, honour, mercy and peace.
- That God judges those in high places, even all in leadership positions.
- The leader learns to always keep a holy life and a holy course.
- A leader fears God. This is a warranty of immortality and of divine presence. When the leader strays, trouble comes.
- The leader guides his steps by the word and Spirit of God; put his action to test and his intentions to scrutiny.
- He watches against wickedness and oppression. These are abomination to any leader.
- He watches against the arrogance that makes leaders to hate truth and to go after those who are bold to say it.
- 6. He guides against the wickedness of diabolism, human sacrifice, ritualism, assassination, witchcraft, cultism and idol worshiping. (Prov. 20:8, 20)
- 7. He is bold to expose evils of sins, wickedness, counterfeiting, hypocrisies and oppressions.
D. In summary, what can we say of a wise leader?
- He places solid faith and trust in God; loves Him, obeys Him, and would remain loyal matter what.
- He knows how to control his thought, words and action.
- He knows and understands time and mysteries, and can resolve riddles and break hard nuts without stress or pain.
- He knows how to strategically map out plans for his desire goal.
- He knows how to delegate duties and carry out effective supervision.
- He rules with humility, righteousness and love.
- He establishes his leadership throne by integrity and values.
- He knows how to handle both foes and friends.
- He welcomes constructive criticism and love constructive critics.
- He is of a free, calm and meek spirit.
- He knows how to deal with personal and corporate problems.
- A leader of wisdom is transparent, accountable and accessible.
- He knows how forgives men their offenses, even before he is offended.
- He will go through temptation, trials and troubles with faith, awaiting God's visitation.
- He does not worship mammon. He has no throne for materialism, money and riches in his heart but rather for the people.
- He knows that he will come out of the dark storms into a great light.
- He knows how to rightly administer his home/marriage without creation of conflict and friction. By Wisdom he/she builds his/her house.
- He values intimacy with God above any other thing.
- The wise leader is diligent, prudent and committed.
- He is a reservoir of divine inspiration, counsels and light.
- He is powerful and an epitome of splendour.
- Brethren, have you got it? Truly wisdom is the invisible magnet for enduring wealth, health and beauty. It is the virtue that makes the true crown.