BASIC
DOCTRINES OF THE BIBLE:
ADOPTED
FROM THE BASIC: 101
THE SHEPHERD STAFF:
THE BIBLE:
The
Holy Bible is God’s special book. It is not like any other book but it is a
supernatural book. It is one of the oldest books in the world and the world’s
best seller.
It
provides answers to the basic questions of life i.e
· The
origin of man.
· The
purpose of life.
· The
final destiny of mankind.
THE CENTRAL THEME:
The
bible is made up of 66 books with one central theme: God’s plan of love to
redeem mankind from sin and evil. John 3:16.
· The
Old Testament tells us about God’s dealings with the covenant nature of Israel
before the advent of Jesus Christ through the mediation of law given by God to
Moses. 2Cr.
· The
New Testament tells us about our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ; His birth, his
life, his ministry, his death on a cross, and His ascension.
· It reveals
to us the continuation of the ministry of Jesus through the hands of His
Apostles.
· The
Epistles contain letters or inspired writings of eye witnesses of His
resurrection to help establish the believer in the faith.
THE PURPOSE OF THE WORD OF
GOD:
· For
salvation sinners 2 Tim. 3:15
· For
correct doctrine.
· For
rebuking.
· For
correction.
· For
instruction in righteousness.
· Divine
provision for the supernatural life 2 Peter 1:3-4.
CREATIVE ABILITY OF THE WORD:
Power in the word:
· The
word of God has immense creative ability as all things were created by the word
Ps. 33:6-9, Heb. 11:3.
· The
word has cleansing ability. It cleanses from every impurity of life.
Eph.5:25-27, John 15:3.
· It
preserves from impurities of sin. P. 119:11.
· God’s
word is light of life: The word of God is like a light shining on a dark world
of sin, evil. Only through the light of the word we can navigate through the rough
path of light. Pet. 2:19.
· It is
our only source of light and understanding in a world of darkness Ps. 19:8, Ps.
119:105, 180.
· It
is the spiritual food for the spiritual man. It is only by feeding regularly on
the word can we hope to sustain our spirit man. Mtt. 4:4.
· It
helps our spiritual man to grow. 1Cor.3:1, 2; 1Pet. 2:2; Eph. 4:12-15.
The word of God is the seed
of God:
· It
is through the seed of the word that supernatural manifestation of God is
produced.
· Everything
we receive from God first comes as a seed of the word. Lk. 8:14,15; 2Cor. 9:10.
· The
word of God is like a sword.
· As
the sword of the spirit we engage to fight the spiritual battle against all the
enemies of God and all that is good. Heb. 4:12, Eph. 6:17. Lk. 4:1-14.
· It
is the sole structure upon which we are to build a durable Christian life
experience.
Lesson 2:
The bible teaches about God:
The
ultimate of the bible is about its author, God. Everything we need to know
about God is revealed to us therein. Whatever that is not revealed in the bible
about God is not worth knowing.
What the bible reveals
about God:
a. He is
the creator of everything. Gen1:1; Neh. 9:6, Ps. 139:13
b.
God
is all powerful. Rom 9;19-21; 1 ch.29;11, eph.3;20
c.
God is all knowing. Heb.4;13,1 john
3;20,ps.139
d.
God is holy.1Sam.2:2.
e.
God is a spirit. John.4:24.
f.
God is a loving father. 1Sam.3:1.
AS CHILDREN OF GOD:
· We
are created by Him Ps. 139:14-16
· He
is our master and owner 1Cor. 6:19-20
· And
are called to worship him as one that is deserving of our praise Rev. 4:11
Lesson
3
The
fall of man:
From
evidence of the Bible, we understand that man was created as a creature of purpose.
God created human beings in his image and likeness. God’s reason is to have
beings that are exactly like him with whom he can share life. His origin to
create sons to share dominion and power over all things Gen. 1:26-28, Ps. 8:4-7.
Satan
corrupted the plan of God:
God’s
plan for man was derailed by Satan.
Lucifer
was one of the chief Angels in heaven who rebelled against God and was evicted
out of the presence of God.
Satan
through the serpent lured human being into sinning against God by eating of the
fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Gen 3:6.
Result
of man’s rebellion:
Through
the sin of disobedience to instructions and commands of God, mankind lost the
glory and the image of God, and the dominion over the creations.
Satan
usurped the throne vacated by Adam. Matt 1, Heb. 2:14-15; Rom. 5:12, Eph. 2:1-3
HEART OF THE FALLEN MAN:
1. Full
of idolatry Rom. 1:21-23
2. Immorality.
Rom 1:24-27
3. All
kinds of wickedness Rom.1:28-32
God
plans for man’s salvation
God
did not abandon mankind forever under the bondage of the slave master but has
already perfected a plan for the salvation of mankind even before the fall. His
plan is to rescue mankind from the plotters of Satan and to restore him to his
original plan of being sons and sharing his glory. This plan of salvation was
executed in Christ 1Cor. 15:22.
Core
teaching of the New Testament:
The
New Testament is the record of God’s redemption plan set in motion through the
life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ
Lesson
4: Jesus
1. Jesus
is the son of God who was naturally born by the Virgin Mary Lk..1:26-35. He was
God manifested in flesh. John 1:1, 145
2. Jesus
was sent by God for a special purpose.
a. To
rescue man from Satan’s power Lk. 19:10
b. To
give his life as a ransom to buy us back Matt. 20:28
c. To
destroy the works of Satan in our lives
3:8
d. To
give us new birth into God’s family. John 1:12, 1John 3:1,2
e. To
give us eternal life. John 5:11, 12;
3:16, 17
f. To
restore our fellowship with God the father. 1Jn 1:3
3. Jesus
came to reveal God to mankind. He revealed God’s love to us. 1John 4:9, 10, Rom
5:8. He revealed the power of God to us.
a. By
healing the sick. John9:1-7, Matt 7:24
b. By
casting out evil spirits. Mark 1:34, Mark 5:1-17
c. He
performed diverse miracles. Mark7:37-41, John 6:1-21
d. He exercised
power over death by raising the dead. John 11:43, 44.
4. Jesus
shared our suffering in life. Jesus was able to experience every trouble which
we face in this life and so understands how we feel. Heb.. 4:15, Matt. 8:17
5. He
died on the cross for us
Lesson 5:
CHRIST THE SAVIOR OF
MANKIND:
The
bible teaches that Jesus died for us at the cross to save us from sin and its consequences.
Mark15:16-39, 1Pet. 2:24, Isa 53:5,6
6. He
rose from the dead for us. Eph. 2:4-6, Rom. 6:4
7. He
opened the door of heaven for us. When he ended his work on earth, Jesus returned
to heaven to be with God and so opened to us the way unto God’s presence.
Lesson
6: The cross
God’s
eternal plan for man’s salvation was via through the cross. When Jesus died at
the cross, God provided answers to our needs.
Benefits
of the cross:
All
of sin was dealt with through the cross:
· It reveals
the power of God to save 1Cor. 1:18, Rom. 1:16
· God’s
love was revealed in the cross Rom 8:8
· God
removed our sorrows on the cross 1 53:4
· Jesus
took the punishment for our sins on the cross 1Sa 53:5,6
· We
entered into a new relationship through the cross
i.
We became acceptable to God through the
cross 2Cor. 5:21
ii.
We received forgiveness through the cross
1:13,14
iii.
Freedom from judgment Heb.. 9:26,27
iv.
Freedom from everlasting death. John 3:16,
1Jn 2:12
4. We
become members of God’s family through the cross Heb. 2:11, 112
5. Racial
barriers were broken at the cross Eph. 2:15-16
6. Freedom
from the cross:
i.
Freedom from Satan Col. 2:15, 1:13
ii.
Freedom from past sins Rom John 8:36, Col.
2:13
iii.
Freedom from present sins Rom 6:14
iv.
Freedom from sickness Matt. 8:17
v.
Freedom from curses Gal.3:13, Deut. 28:15-68
7. God’s
love and justice meet at the cross. God’s righteousness judgment demanded death
penalty for sin – the shedding of blood, His love met His own demands by
sending, his son to die Rom. 5:8-4.
About
the blood of Christ:
· The
shedding of the blood of Jesus opened to us the door of divine forgiveness. Heb..
9:22.
· The
life of Christ was in the blood Lev. 17:11
· By
shedding His blood, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins Rom. 6:23
· He
gave his blood to make atonement for us on the cross.
WHAT SIN DOES TO OUR LIVES:
1. Separates
us from God Isa 59:2
2. Make
us feel guilty Ps. 38:4
3. Allow
Satan to accuse us Rev. 12:10
4. Demands
penalty
C. The blood and God
i.
It fully satisfies God’s law which requires
penalty for breaking the law.
ii.
It restores our fellowship with God Rom.
8:8,9
iii.
We are redeemed Eph. 1:7
iv.
It cleanses from the guilt Heb.. 9:14
v.
The blood sanctifies us
vi.
The blood gives boldness to enter God’s presence
vii.
The blood perfects in the sight of God
The
blood and Devil
i.
The blood puts God on the man against the
Devil Rom8:31,33,34.
ii.
The blood dissolves all Satanic legal rights
of ownership Col. 1:14
More
benefits from the blood:
i.
Purity of heart 1John 1:7
ii.
Eternal life John 6:53, 54
iii.
Unhindered access to God Eph. 2:13
Lesson 7:
ABOUT THE RESURRECTION:
The
New Testament teaches that after His death on the cross and three days in the
grave, God raised His son Jesus from the dead. Matt 28, Rom 1:4
Facts
of the resurrection:
· God
raised us up together with Christ Eph. 2:1-6, Col. 3:1-3
· He
gave us new life 2Tim. 7:9, 10
· To
give us new birth 1Pet. 1:3
· To
give us a new beginning 2 Cor. 5:17
· To
give us victory over Satan Jn. 4:4. Jn5:5, 5. Col. 2:13-15
· Authority
over Satan. 1Pet 3:21-23. Lk. 10:17-19.
· Power
over Satan Eph. 1:18-23, Mark 16:15-18, Acts 1:6; 4:33.
· To make
us sons and heirs of the King. Rom. 8:15-17
The resurrection meets
every need of life:
· Deliverance
from the past Rom. 6:4-11, Eph. 2:1-7, Col. 2:12-15
· It
is power present life Rom. 8:31-39
· It
is our hope for the future. Col. 18, 1Cor. 15:17-23, 1Cor. 15:50-57, 1Thess
4:13-18.
Lesson
8: About Repentance:
Repentance
is the first beep we take to receive the salvation that God offers to us in the
Lord. Acts 2:36-38, see Acts. 17:30
What
repentance is:
i.
Being sorry to God for your sin Ps. 51:1-4,
Ps. 3:88it is being truthful about your sins. Prov. 28:13
ii.
Hating sin Heb.. 1:9, Ezek. 20:43-44
iii.
It may include restitution when possible. Lk..
19:8
Repentance
involves:
1. Turning
from your sins. Zech. 1:4, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 5:5.
2. Turning
from the world. 1Jn. 2:15, James 4:4
3. Turning
from yourself. 2Cor. 5:15, Lk.. 14:26.
4. Turning
from the devil. 26:18, Col. 1:13
5. Turning
to God. Zech 1:3.
6. Turning
to right-living Rom. 6:13.
Lesson 9:
About Faith:
The
New Testament teaches that the Christian is a life of total depence on God,
which is a life of faith.
Ø It
is faith that advances you beyond your five senses of seeing, hearing, tasting,
smelling and touching.
Ø It
releases you from your limited capacities.
Ø By
faith you move from inability to ability.
WHAT IS FAITH?
The
bible teaches that faith is obedient action in response to the word of God.
Faith is having trust, assurance or confidence in God. Heb.. 11:1. It is
abandoning our reliance on our limited knowledge for the limitless knowledge.
Basis
of faith:
1. The
Nature of God Heb.. 6:13
i. He
cannot change. Matt.3:6
ii. He
cannot ---- Job 42:2, 1Chron. 28:20
iii. He
cannot lie.
2. The redemptive work of the son of God. Heb..
12:3. 1Cor. 1:30. Rom. 5:1,2.
3. The
word of God Matt. 24:35, Isa. 40:8
How
faith works:
i.
God gives faith. Rom. 1:17, Heb.. 2:4, Eph.
ii.
Faith comes from hearing from God. Rom.
10:17, Gen. 15:3; 17:-21; Joshua 1:8.
iii.
Obedience to the word. James 2:17, James
1:22-25, Gen. 15:6, Matt. 7:24-27
4. Crisis
or trials of faith: 1Pet. 6:9, Rom. 4:16-21, Ps. 105:17-19.
5. The
result: the end is always victory for man of faith and the
glory of God. James 1:2-4, 12; Gen.2:17; 1-3; Ps. 105:19-22; Acts 3:16; Heb.
6:13-15. 1Jn. 5:4
Lesson
10: About grace: Grace is most commonly understood as God’s unmerited, as it is
writing while we are yet sinners, Christ died for us, and that through his
death, he might save us from the sin and the wrath of God. Eph. 2:8-9.
God’s
grace did not only purchase forgiveness of sin for us but was also readily
available as God’s enabling power. Eph. 1:4-6. It is through the enabling grace
of God that we are transformed and equipped for the new life in Christ Jesus.
2Cor. 5:17.
i.
It is through the grace of God that we can
maintain a constant waLk. with God.
ii.
It is also the grace that can help us to
grow and be strong in the Lord. Jhn. 2:1
iii.
Examples of Men of God’s grace in the bible:
Moses- Ex. 3:11-13; 4:1-13. Gideon- read Judges 6:1-24. Apostle Paul – Acts
15:40, 2Cor. 11:22-33, 2 Cor.12:9.
FUNCTIONS
OF GOD’S GRACE IN OUR LIVES AS BELIEVERS:
1. Bold
access onto the throne of grace. Heb..4:16
2. Equipped
for every good works. 2Cor. 9:8
LESSON 11: WATER BAPTISM:
To
be ‘baptized’ means to be totally immersed. It is one of the injunctions which
our Lord Jesus gave to the Church. Matt. 28:13-20, Mark. 16:15-18. when a person
repents of his or her sins and believes that Jesus died for him, he is to be
baptized in the water.
SYMBOLISM
OF BAPTISM:
1.
Identification with the death of Christ.
Rom. 6:6-7
2.
We are buried with him in baptism. Rom.
6:3-4.
3.
We were raised with him from the death, Rom.
6:4-5
WHAT WATER BAPTISM STANDS
FOR:
a.
It is the funeral of the old man.
b.
It is the resurrection unto New life
c.
It is a declaration of our transition from
the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. Col. 1:13, from the Adamic
race to the new creation of God’s Kingdom. 1Cor. 15:22, Rom. 5:12, Rom.5:6,
1Cor. 15:22; 15:45-49; 2Cor.5:7; Eph. 2:10
Lesson12:
HOLY
SPIRIT
Before His death and
resurrection, and power to his ascension, Jesus made a promise of sending
to his disciples the Holy Spirit (John. 14:16-18; 16:5-7, Acts 1:1-8) who
according to the scripture is the 3rd person of the Godhead.
Acts5:34, 1Cor. 3:17.
GOD’S GIFT TO MAN:
The Holy spirit is God’s
gift to every believer, and it is received when a person believes in Jesus and
receives the salvation that he offers. Acts 2:38,39.
Works of Holy Spirit in a
believer’s life:
a.
He testifies of our relationship with God.
Rom. 8:16
b.
He teaches. John 14:26
c.
He guides. Rom 8:14
d.
He helps us live a life pleasing to God.
Gal. 3:16.
e.
He helps us in our prayers. Rom. 8:26.
f.
He gives life to our bodies. Rom 8:11.
In the believer for
service:
·
He gives power and boldness to witness. Acts
1:8; acts 2:14-40.
·
He introduces the supernatural realm. 1Cor.
12:14, 8-10; Acts 2:4; 10:49; 79:6.
·
He test5ifies about Christ. Acts 5:30-32;
Acts 4:31-33.
·
He brings a fresh understanding of the word
of God. 1Cor.2:9-10; John16:13
·
He fills our spirit with true worship to GodEph.5:18;
19. John 4:24.
·
He glorifies Jesus, John 16:13-15; 15; 26.
How to baptize in the Holy
Spirit:
1. It
is a gift promised by God; you must ask for it. Lk..11:13.
2. Begin
to praise as you receive in faith Lk.. 24:52;53.
3. You
can speak with a supernatural language. Acts 19:6, Matt. 16:17; Acts 2:4;
10:45, 46.
Lesson
13: Temptation:
What is temptation? It is
enticement or persecution to …… temptation is not sin, but yielding to
temptation is sin. Satan attacks individual Christians mostly through
temptation. He focuses his attacks on two major areas.
1.
Desires of the world: He attempts to make the
believer to be absorbed into the world system.
a. To
make the material blessings the world offers a central desire.
b. To
make honour and recognition of the world an important goal and
c. To
make the comfort of being one with those our basis for security.
d. We
are admonished by the scripture not to love the world and all that is in it,
1Jhn 2:15; James 4:4; 2 Tim. 6:6-11.
THE
DESIRE OF THE FLESH: though we have been delivered from the
power and consequences of sin, but we are still living a physical world which
is subjected to natural appetite and desires. Satan will use these to try and
get a Christian to place greatest importance on them more than the prompting of
the Holy spirit within him (Rom 8:54, James 7:14; Eph. 2:3.
Victory won by Christ:
Christ has won the ultimate
victory Satan and His deliver my spirits and giving us a platform to overcome
them. Through His life Lk. 4:1-11; Heb. 4:15.
2.
Through His Death and resurrection. Rom.
8:9, Heb. 2:14; Rom. 8:3, 4.
Christian
Victory:
Based on the foundation of
this great victory which Christ has won forcus, the Christian through faith in
Christ can now defeat the attacks from enemy. 1 John 5:6; 5.
1. Know
the victory is already won
2. Walk
in step with the spirit Gal. 5:22-25
3. Recognize
temptation for what it is – temptation is not sin, yielding to temptation is sin James 1:15; Gal. 6:4; 7
4. Understand
there is a way of escape provided 1Cor. 10:13, James 4:7
5. Keep
the right in life Col. 3:1,2; Ph. 4:8; 1Tim. 6:11; 12; 2Pet. 3:11-13.
6. Keep
away from obvious areas of temptation. Ps. 101:3;
7. Beware
of Satan’s scheme. 2Cor. 2:11.
a. He
is a liar John 8:44
b. He
is a slander and accuser of brethren Rev. 12:10
c. He
is a deceiver. Rev. 12:9
d. He
is a tempter. Matt. 4:1-11
e. He
is an oppressor. Acts 10:38
f. He
is a hinderer. 1 Thess. 2:18
g. He
is like a roaring Lion 1Pt. 5:8
h. He can
transform himself into an angel of light. 2Cor. 11:14
We are called to live a
life of victory in Christ Jesus over the flesh Gal. 9:16, over the world. 1John
5:4; over the enemy Eph. 6:11; 13.
Lesson 14: Fellowship: what
is fellowship?
Fellowship is from the
Greek word “kononia”, which is interpreted variously as participation. It is a true
association of believers. Characteristics of a fellowship is shared group
believe and interests.
Purpose of Christian fellowship:
1. To
encourage, comfort and grow the believer in Christ. Rom. 1:11,12.
2. The
world will know that Jesus was sent of God John 17:22; 23.
3. To
give proof
Condition of fellowship:
1. A
basic commitment to one another Rom. 12:10. Without basic trust there
can be no fellowship. Depth of fellowship vary according to depth of commitment
2. Our
commitment must be based on “agape”. Agape is a one way love, which loves in
spite of not “because of” such a commitment therefore will not be affected by
the other persons inconsistent behaviour John 13:34.
3. True
fellowship is Christ-contented. 1John 1:3, Ph. 2:12.
4. WaLk.ing
in the lights: our fellowship embraces the need for openness, honesty and truth
fullness with one another.
a. Confessing
our sins to others, or lovingly covering another sin. 1 Jhn. 1:6, 7, Matt.
18:15
b. Obedience
to the light – general and specific commandments God has given.
c. Removal
of any mask of covering. 1 Pt. 1:22
5. Genuine
interest in the other’s wellbeing Ph. 2:3,4
6. A
willingness to lay down one’s life. John 15:12-13. Love involves more than
physical life. It includes our material possessions, our personal interest, and
preferences e.t.c. James 21:15-16.
Meaning
of fellowship in the Church:
a. Sharing
all things. Acts 2:44, 45.
b. Laying
down lives. Rom 16:3,4
c. Devoted
to serving the brethren 1Cor. 16:15
d. Sharing
in suffering. Ph. 4:14
e. Being
a channel of supply to others in need 2Cor. 8:14; 1Cor. 16:17
f. Sacrificial
giving 2 Cor. 8:9
g. Practicing
Hospitality
h. Building
up and encouraging one another 1Ths. 2:8; 2Tim. 3:10-14
Result
of fellowship:
a. Fear
of God. Acts 2:43
b. Joy.
Acts 2:46
c. Favour
with all people. Acts 2:47
d. Addition
of new believers. Acts 2:47
e. All
needs are supplied. Ph.14:19
f. Emergence
of leadership. 1 Cor. 16:15,16.
Lesson
15: Generosity:
Generosity is the quality
of being kind, understanding and not selfish. It is also defined as the
willingness to give money and other material things to others. It is one spiritual
laws set in motion by God to govern life. 2Cor. 9:6.believers as partners with
God (1Cor. 3:9) 2 Cor. 5:20; 6:10. As partners with God, it is important we
understand where responsibilities lie
1.
Ownership with God. Ps. 24:1; Ps. 89:11; Job
41:11; 1 Chron. 29:10-14
§ We
are not owners but stewards. All ownership is with God. Every single created
thing living or not, ultimately belongs to Him, including everything material
or immaterial that we may personally have in life; possession, carrier,
families.
§ He
gives us all things to enjoy. 1 Tim. 6:17, and when we realize that they still
belong to God, we can rest in the assurance that God also has ultimate
responsibility for them. Matt. 6:25-33
2.
Stewardship is with us.
§ We
are not owners but stewards. A steward manages and takes care of that which
belongs to someone else.
§ God
owns everything but as stewards, we man and take care of it for Him.
§ We
have an obligation to be faithful in this stewardship.
Areas
of stewardship:
a. Our
life. (acts 17:25, 1Cor 6:19, Gal. 2:20; Job 33:4
b. Our
time. Ps. 90:12; Eph. 5: 15; 16. Col. 4:5.
c. Our
Talents and abilities. 1 Pet. 4:10; 1Cor. 12:4-7, 11
d. Our
possessions. Matt. 6:19-21; Col.3:1,2
e. Our
finances. 1 Tim. 6:6-10; 17-19; Matt. 6:24.
f. The
message of the gospel. 1 Cor. 4:19, 16, 17; 1Tim. 6:20.
A living sacrifice: for a
believer to experience the full blessings of God stewardship – He or she must
be totally surrendered to God – unreserved submission of one’s entire life
possessions and plans to God’s will and purpose. It is only when we give ourselves
to God that we learn what it means to give some of the possessions (or money)
God has given us.
Giving
in the early church:
1.
They supported the needy. Acts 6:1-3.
2.
Churches gave sacrificially to one another.
2 Cor. 8:23 Cor. 8:1;2
3.
The church supported travelling ministries.
Acts 18:3. 2 Thess. 3:7-9. Ph. 4:18-18
4.
Christians worked to be able to give. Eph.
4:28.
5.
Giving was the proof of their love 2Cor.
8:14-24; 7-15, 1Cor. 16:1,2, 1John 3:11, 18.
Lesson
16: Kingdom Living:
A believer is one who is
delivered from Satan’s dominion (ruler ship or headship) we are now under a new
authority – that of Christ Jesus our Lord. As he grows in his life in the Lord,
the believer soon discovers that the only way to enjoy living in God’s Kingdom
is to live in right relationship with Jesus (Eph. 1:17; Ph. 3:10.
Understanding our
relationship with Christ:
1.
He is our savior. It is the primary
relationship which we have with him. Matt. 1:21. We cannot know God as father
or friend until we first have a revelation of Jesus as savior. John.
a. He
saved us from the judgment of God. 1 Ths.1:10; 5:9; Rom. 5:9.
b. Satan’s
power (Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13; Heb.. 2:14; 1 John 3:8.
c. He
saved us from ourselves. Th. 3:19, 2 Cor. 5:15,Titus 3:3-6, 1Pet.1:18, Heb..
5:8-9, Heb.. 2:10. 2Tim. 1:10
2.
He is the Lord of the redeemed. Knowing him
as savior brings us into God’s kingdom and as the king of the kingdom he
becomes our Lord. Col. 2:6, 1Cor. 12:3, John 13:13, Rom. 1:4, 1 Cor. 8:6, 1
Cor. 4:5. Being under the dominion of
Christ liberates us from the domineering influence of sin. Col. 2:9; 10, 1Cor.
8:6. Christ is the model citizen of the kingdom of God. His life is an example
of what the true citizen of the kingdom should be, who though he is the king of
the kingdom took the place of a servant. Ph. 2:5, John 13:13-15, Matt 20:26-28.
Lesson 17: Kingdom
citizens:
Ø As
a member of his kingdom, we enter a master servant relationship with him. Matt.
6:24
Ø As
Jesus was committed to do the will of God in all things (Heb..10:5-9)
Ø He
displayed the kingdom lifestyle to please God. Eph. 5:8-10.
Ø In
the spirit, we are expected to have this servant heart just as he is.
1.
Paradox of Christian Life:
In slavery, there is freedom. Rom.6:22, 16-23,
12:1, 1Cor. 7:22. 2Cor. 3:17, Eph.6:6, 7. 1Pet. 2:16
2.
In being a servant, there is greatness.
Matt. 23:11, 12; Matt. 20:26, 27; Mark 9:35; 10:34, John 12:26.
3.
In humility there is exaltation. Matt.
18:14; Prov. 29:23; James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:5,6 Matt.19:50.
4.
In submission, there is authority. Lk..
7:7-8; James 4:7. The lifestyle of the kingdom is a lifestyle of submission and
obedience to God. Matt. 12:50; Eph. 6:6; Heb.. 13:21 1John 2:17.
Reason for submission:
a. Because
of all he has done for us. Rom. 12:1; Eph. 4:1; Titus 3:4-7.
b. There
is fulfillment in submission. Ps. 40:18
c. Because
of love. John 14:15; 1Jhn. 5:3.
The fruit of the kingdom:
when we are in the kingdom God expects us as citizens to bring forth fruits of
the kingdom. Matt. 21:43; 1 Thess. 2:11, 12.
a. Love,
joy, peace. Gal. 5:22-23.
b. Goodness,
righteousness, truth. Eph. 5:9; James 3:13-17.
c. Righteousness,
peace and joy. Rom. 14:17; Heb. 12:11; 1 Pet. 2:11; Col. 1:10; 2:6, Eph. 4:1.
Lesson 18: Worship:
There are 3 main
understanding we desire of worship from the bible.
a. Blessing
God. Ps. 103:1. To bless is to speak good thing concerning someone or thing. We
bless God through our praise and worship of him. Ps. 34:1-3.
b. Praise:
another word which is implied in worship is ‘praise’; praise is an expression
of admiration and appreciation for God. Praise has to do with acknowledging
God’s character and power. Ps. 63:3-4.
Reasons for praise:
· Because
of whom he is. Ps. 47:6, 7
· Because
of what he does Ps. 103:1-5
Who can praise God?
a. Those
who seek God. Ps. 22:26.
b. Everything
that has breath. Ps. 150:6.
When do we praise God?
a. At
all times. Ps. 34:1.
b. In
every circumstance. 1 Thess. 5:16-18.
Where do we praise God:
a. The
congregation of His people. Heb.. 2:12.
b. Among
the nations. Ps.57:9.
c. On
our beds. Ps. 63:4-8
Worship: the 3rd
connotation of worship is the word worship itself. Worship is an expression of love
and adoration. It has to do with the love we have for Him. Deut. 6:4-5; Mark
12:33.
Genuine worship must be in
the spirit. John 4:23-24. True must proceed from inner man, in response to the
promptings of the spirit of God. Only believers can offer true worship to God
because only the spirit can stair it up in an individual. John 5:5-8; 1Cor.2
3.
Must be in truth: john 4:23-24. To worship
God in truth is to worship him as the bible says we should worship. Num. 3:4; 26:6
Expression of worship:
1.
With mouth.
a. Singing.
Ps. 9:2;11
b. Praising.
Ps.103:1
c. Shouting.
Ps. 47:1
2.
With hands:
a. Lifting
the hand. Ps. 63:4
b. Clapping
the hands. Ps. 47:1
c. Musical
instruments. Ps. 150.
3.
With the body:
a. Standing.
Ps. 134:1.
b. Kneeling,
bowing. Ps. 95:6.
c. Dancing
and leaping for joy. Ps.30:11.
The greatest thing we can
do in this life or eternity is to worship God. So determine today to be a true
worshipper and make it your supreme goal in life.
Lesson 19: Prayer: the
times we spend with God in prayer can release the most dynamic, history
changing power ever known in the world.
Divine invitation to pray: Matt. 6:6. We have
been invited by God himself to go into the secret place of prayer with him. Heb..
4:
To enter into the secret
place with him the following are required:
1. Right
motive. Matt. 6:5
2. A
right relationship with God. Lk.. 11:11-13.
3. Full
trust in God. Ps. 55:16-17.
4. A dispensing
of false fronts. Mark 7:6,7.
Five biblical commands in
regards to prayer:
1. Watch
and pray always. Lk.. 21:36 Mark 13:35-37.
2. Pray
lest you fall into temptation. Matt. 26:41
3. Pray
for workers. Lk.. 10:2
4. Pray
for those in authority. 1Tim. 2:1,2.
5. Pray
for your enemies. Lk.. 6:28
When to pray: while the
bible injunction is to pray always, many examples abound in the scriptures of
people who pray at regular intervals or times. 1Chr.4:10, Is. 55:16-17, Dan.
6:10.
Jesus’ example of clearly
pattern of regular, whole hearted prayer:
1. Early
in the morning. Mark 1:35.
2. Before
each meat. Mark 6:41.
3. All
night. Lk.. 6:12
What to pray for:
1. Ourselves.
1 Chr. 4:10.
2. One
another. James 5:16.
3. The
ministries in the body of Christ. 2 Thess. 3:1.
4. The
sick and draught. James 5:14-16.
5. Those
enslaved with sin. 1 John 5:16.
Role of the spirit in
prayer: one of the primary purposes of the spirit is to guide or help us in our
prayer. Rom. 8:27. We pray in the spirit when a special anointing of the spirit
rests on us to pray. Eph. 6:18, Jude 20. To help us pray effectively, the Holy Spirit
also provides the special gift of speaking in another tongue. 1 Cor. 12:47,
1Cor.14.
Prayer of agreement:
·
Two believers join together in prayer
provides a very big advantage. Matt. 18:19
·
Co-operate prayer. Acts 4:24.
Lesson 20: Heaven.
What is Heaven?
1. Heaven
is the dwelling place of God. Job 22:12; Deut. 26:15
2. Heaven
is the throne room of God. Ps. 103:19, Is. 66:1.
3. Heaven
is the place of God’s full glory. Dan. 7:9,10.
Nature of Heaven: heaven is
a place far beyond anything we can possibly imagine. 1Cor.2:9; 13:12. It is a
place of holiness, full glory, and without end.
Some scriptural revelations
of Heaven:
1. A
place of great glory. Mark 13:43
2. A
place of continual worship. Rev. 19:1-6; Rev. 5:11-12.
3. A
place that will never end. 2 Pet. 1:11; 1
4. A
place untainted by evil, rev. 21:27
-
No night. Rev. 22:5
-
No cause. Rev. 22:3
-
No cry, sorrow. Rev. 21:4
-
No death. Rev. 21:4
5. Heaven
is a place of the full manifestation of God, what God is like. Heaven is a
place of holiness, full of glory and without end.
Our connection with heaven:
believers, now live life in special relationship with Heaven.
1. We
belong there. Heb.. 12:22,23; Ph. 3:20. Our citizenship.
2. We
are enthroned there. Eph. 2:6
3. We
have our source of life there. Eph. 1:3.
4. We
have our name recorded there. Lk.. 10:20; Heb.. 12:23.
5. We
have been sent by God who lives in Heaven. We are heaven’s ambassadors. John
17:16; 18. 2Cor. 5:20.
6. We have our eyes fixed there 2 Cor. 4:17, 18. Heb..
11:9-16.
7. We have
eternal treasure in Heaven. 1 Pet. 1:3,4.
8. Heaven
is our final destination. Ph. 3:13, 4; Jn. 14:12.
Lesson 21: The second
coming:
A promise of the return:
The second coming of the Lord Jesus to the earth is one of the most important
subjects for Christians. It was referred to more than 300 times in the New
Testament.
1. Jesus
spoke about His Own Return. Matt.24:30; John 14:23.
2. Angels
foretold it. Acts 1:10,11.
3. The
early Christians encouraged one another with it. 1Thess. 4:16-18, Rev. 1:7
4. The
Holy Spirit bears witness of it. 2 Cor. 5:5; James 5:7,8. Heb.. 10:37.
Nature of His Return:
1. Unexpectedly.
1 Thess. 5:1-3; 4-11.
2. Like
the lightning. Matt. 24:27; Lk.. 17:24
3. The
same way that He left. Acts 1:10,11.
4. With
great power. Lk.. 21:27
5. In
view of all. Rev. 1:7
Dramatic events that will
occur at the second coming:
1. The
mystery of the age will be completed. Rev. 10:6,7; Rom. 16:25-26
2. God’s
people will enter their full glory
3. The
dead in Christ will be raised to life 2Cor. 4:14; John 6:40; 11:25
4. Those
believers still alive will be caught up to meet Him. Matt. 24:31
5. Creation
will be set free from its bondage. Rom. 8:19-21,22. Isa. 35:1-7
6. Every
enemy will be destroyed. 1 Cor. 15:24,25; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2-8.
7. Satan
will be bound. Rev. 20:1-,3; 7-10
8. Judgment
will be meted out. 2 Thess. 1:6-9.
9. A
kingdom will be set up that will never be destroyed. Jn.2:44; Rev. 19:15-16
Lesson 22: Call of God:
God has a wonderful plan
for the life of every individual believer in Christ. Not only does his call involve
a wonderful purpose for us through eternity, but we also have an expression of
that calling on earth. 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 8:17, 28-30.
A.
We are called of God:
1. From
the foundation of the world. Eph. 1:4,5; 2:10, Matt. 25:34.
2. To
be separated unto him. 1 Pet. 2:9; Rom. 9:23-26
3. To
fulfill His purpose. 2 Tim. 1,8,9. Rom 8:28; Ph. 3:14.
B.
Our calling on Earth:
1. The
general calling – A servant of Christ. 1 Cor. 7:22,23. 1Cor. 16.
2. Every
believer by the virtue of Jesus Christ becomes a bond man to serve him.
3. The
special calling – separated to be an Apostle. Just as Paul had a special
calling in his life, so does every believer. Paul was called to be an Apostle,
but there are many different callings in the body of Christ. Rom. 12:3-8; Eph.
4:7-16. God’s special calling is revealed to us as we earnestly seek his will.
4. The
particular calling – separated to the Gospel within each special calling there
is a particular calling. For example, Peter and Paul were both Apostles, but
one to the gentiles, and the other to the Jews. Rom. 11:13. We move into our
special and particular calling only as we prove ourselves as love-slaves. For
we must first love the authority of Christ before he can send us. Matt.
28:18,19.
Why does he call us?
1. Because
the world is in darkness. 1 Jn. 5:19; Eph. 6:12
2. Because
people are hungry and are in need. Matt. 8:36
3. To
prove His Wisdom. Eph. 3:10,11.
4. Time
is short. John 4:35.
What happens when he calls
us?
1. We
are made by him. Matt. 4:19. Jer. 18:1-10.
2. We
are taught by Him. John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 Jn. 2:27.
3. We
are sent by Him. John 17:18; Mark 16:15.
You must make a total
commitment to this plan of God for our lives and follow him all the way.
Lesson 23: Regeneration (Born of God):
Intro: regeneration that a
person receives a new Holy nature from God. We need this new nature to be part
of God’s Holy Kingdom.
Synonymous terms with
regeneration:
1. Being
Born of God:
i. Opposed
to earthly life. John 1:12,13
iii.
Those born of God do not continue to Sin.
iv.
Those born of God are characterized by love.
v.
Believe Jesus as the Christ.
2. Born
again: John 3:3-7.
3. Born
of Water and Spirit. John 3:5.
4. Born
of the Spirit as opposed to the flesh. John 3:5
5. New
creation. 2 Cor. 5:17
a. Created
to be like God. Eph. 4:24.
b. New
thinking producing righteousness and holiness. Eph. 4:22-24.
6. Washing
of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 1 Pet. 1:23; Titus 3:5.
How can a person be born
again?
a. Believe
the gospel. John3:14-16.
b. You
were dead in sin and alive in Christ. Eph. 2:1-7; Rom. 6:11.
c. It
is not by works. Eph. 2:8,9.
d. It
is a work of the Spirit. John 3:4.
Human being’s part of being
born again:
1. Believe
the gospel. Jn.3:14-16.
2. Separate
from sin. 1 Jn. 3:9, Rom. 6:12,13.
3. Renew
our mind. Rom.12:2.
a. We
should not allow the world to shape our thought and actions.
b. We
should know and obey God.
4. We
must put off the old man, which is corrupted by sin. Eph. 4:22.
a. Put
on the new nature. Eph. 4:24
b. Made
new in our thought. Eph. 4:23.
c. Purity
ourselves by obeying the truth.
d. Love
one another fervently. 1 Pet. 1:22.
Evidence of being born
again:
ü Freedom
from sin. 1 Jn.3:8-9.
ü Producing
good works. Eph. 2:10.
ü Producing
the fruit of the spirit. Gal. 5:22-25 as opposed to the deeds of the flesh.
ü Is
accomplished by the spirit not by fleshly act. Jn. 3:6.
ü Basic
requirement.
ü Death
of the flesh (sinful nature). Eph. 2:1-10.
Conclusion:
The New birth or
regeneration is a basic necessity into the kingdom. It is an experience that
generates a lifestyle. Christianity without experience is nothing but a hollow
religion. John 3:3.
Lesson
24: Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Introduction: the baptism
unto the Holy Spirit involves both the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ the
Baptizer. It is preceded by a life of total surrender and absolute commitment to
the Lord without which you cannot be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
WHAT
IS BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
It is supernatural
Empowerment for supernatural service. Acts 24:49, Acts 1:8, and Acts 2:1- 4.
WHO
CAN BE BAPTISED?
Anyone who has been born
again and sanctified can be baptized into the Holy Spirit, Joel 2:28, Acts 2:1-
4, 17 – 18, Acts 2:38 – 39.
NEED FOR
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
(a)Power
over sin Gal 5:16.
(b)
Power for service. Acts 1:8
(c) Power to deal with the forces of evil. Mark
16:17 – 18.
(d)
It produces a dramatic change of life. Acts
9:1 – 2, Acts 21:8, 11-13.
(e) It
is a command from God. Eph 5:18.
EVIDENCE
OF BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT:
1. Speaking
in tongues: Acts 2:1 – 4, 16-21; 10:44-48, 19:1-7.
2. Prophecy
Joel: 2:28-32.
3. Praising
God: Act 10:44-48.
4. Power
Availability: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8.
5. Boldness
to preach: Acts 2:1-4, 16-21.
6. Fruit
of the Spirit: Gal. 5:22.
7. Willingness
to die for Christ: Acts 1:8.
8. Ability
to minister in the Supernatural. Isa 61:1, 1cor. 12
BIBLICAL EXPERIENCE OR SPIRIT INFILLING OR
BAPTISM:
1. The
120 disciples of Jesus Christ at Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4. (Acts 4:31).
2. Timothy:
1 Tim. 1:6.
3. John
the Baptist Lk.. 1:15.
4. Our
Lord Jesus Christ: Lk.. 4:1.
5. Elisabeth:
Lk. 1:41.
6. Peter:
Acts 4:8.
7. Stephen:
Acts 7:55.
8. Paul:
Acts 13:9.
OLD
TESTAMENT CHARACTER WHO WERE FILLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT:
1.
The Seven Elders.
2.
Othniel: Judges 3:10.
3.
Samson: Judges 14:6.
4.
David: 1 Sam 16:13.
5.
Ezekiel: Eze. 2:1-2.
CONCLUSION
For
effective Christian love and service, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is sine qua
non. Every believer should continually seek for this experience.
Lesson
25
Hell
Introduction:
The doctrine of hell is the doctrine of the eternal
destination of the wicked. While many people deny the existence of an
everlasting hell, the bible was very clear.
The reality of hell: What is hell?
Hell is eternal banishment from the presence of God. 2
Thess. 1:9. It is the place of torment and everlasting punishment. Lk. 16:23
Rev 20:15, Isa. 33:19.
Nature of Hell
a. Place
of punishment
b. Place
of torment
c. Place
of eternal fire: Matt. 13:42, 50.
d. Place
of worms: Mark 9:44-46, 48.
e. Disconnection
from God: Lk. 16:27.
f. No
mercy: Lk. 16:24-27.
Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his
wicked angels. It is never originally prepared for human beings but by
insisting on rejection of God, by rejecting Jesus Christ, human beings have
made the conscious choice of following the devil into hell: Matt. 25:4.
Conclusion:
One gets to hell by rejecting Jesus as your sLord
and personal avior.
Future Glory and Christian Rewards
Introductions:
The bible speaks of monetary or light
affliction that is the lot of believers in the present world. But, we are made
to understand that the moment we cross to the other side of eternity, our
moment of affliction will be exchanged for an exceeding and eternal weight of
Glory.
FUTURE GLORY OF BELIEVERS:
1. To
be with Christ: Jn. 14:3.
2. To
behold his face: Ps. 17:15, 2 Cor. 4:6, Rev. 22:4.
3. To
behold the Glory of Christ: Jn. 17:24.
4. To
be glorified with Christ: Rom. 8:17, 18.
5. To
reign with Christ: 2 Tim. 2:12; Matt 25:20, 23, Lk. 19:12-19.
6. To
inherit all things: Rev. 21:7; Acts 26:18.
7. To
shine as stars Dan. 12:3.
CROWNS TO BE WON BY BELIEVERS:
1.
Crown for runners. 1 Cor. 9:24-25, Heb..
12:1.
2.
Crown for soul winners. 1 Cor.2:19.
3.
Crown for righteousness. 2 Tim 4:8.
4.
Crown of life for the faith. James 1:12,
Rev. 2:10.
5.
Crown of glory for shepherds and church
leaders. 1Pet 5:4
6.
Crown of gold for all the redeemers. Rev.
4:4.
Conclusion: God has
reserved many rewards for us as believers but to receive these rewards, we must
be faithful.
VISIBLE
AND INVISIBLE CHURCH:
Visible Church consist of
those whose names are on the Local Church rolls, all earthly denominations and
sects, good, bad and indifferent is part of the visible church.
The invisible church is
made up of those whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life. Rev.
21:27. This can be referred to as the true Church.
The
Church:
Introduction:
The Church is from the
Greek word “Eklessia” meaning, “called out ones”. It is made up of those who have
had their sins forgiven because of the blood of Jesus shed at the cross of Calvary.
The local Church:
The local Church is made up
of believers who gather in a particular locality to honour God. Matt. 18:20.
Universal Church: all
believers in Christ as Lord and Saviour irrespective of their denominations or
Local are a part of the universal Church. Matt. 16:18. Members of the universal
Church flow from the Local Assembly where one belongs. Biblical emphasis of the
Church is on the Local Assembly where each member can be nurtured and function
as part of the Church is executed at the Local Church setting. Rev. 2:3; Rom.
16:1-5; Acts 2:42; Heb.. 10:25.
Foundation
of the Church:
-
Christ is the head of the Church. Eph.
1:20-22; Matt. 16:18.
-
And it is founded on the rock which is
Christ the son of the living God. Matt.16:16-18. 1 Cor. 3:10.
-
Jesus Christ is not only the foundation; He
is the Chief corner stone of the Church. Eph. 2:20.
Everything in the Church
revolves around him. i.e His person, His life, His work, His death and
resurrection.
The apostles and Prophets
are the foundational and foundation laying ministries. Eph. 2:20.
The
commissioning of the Church:
The Church was officially
commissioned on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit of promise was
released upon the 120 believers gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. Acts
2:1-4.
Nomenclature
of individual believers in the bible:
-
Believers. Acts 4:32; 5:14.
-
Saints. Acts 9:13; 1 Cor. 1:2; Rev. 13:7.
-
Brethren. Acts 12:17; Rom. 1:13; Matt.
23:8-10
-
Christians. Acts 11:26 26:28.
-
Elect. Mk. 13:27; Rom. 8:33
Description
of the Church:
ü God’s
workmanship. Eph. 2:10.
ü Created
to do good works. Eph. 2:10.
ü Created
to be Holy. Eph. 4:24.
ü Citizens
of God’s Kingdom. Eph. 2:19.
ü Separated
unto God. 2 Cor. 6:16-17
ü Members
of the household of God. Eph. 2:19; 1 Tit. 3:15.
ü Children
of God. Eph. 1:5; 3:14-15; 5:8
ü Temple
of God. Eph. 2:20-22.
ü Indwelt
by the spirit of God. Eph. 2:22; 1 Cor. 3:16
ü To
be a holy priesthood. 1 Pet. 2:5.
ü Bride
of Christ. Eph. 5:25-32.
a. Loved
by Christ. Eph. 5:25
b. Gave
himself for it. Eph. 5:25.
c. Cleanse
the Church. Eph. 5:26.
d. Will
be united with Christ. Eph. 5:31-32.
e. Christ
is the bridegroom of the Church. John 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2.
f. Wedding
supper of the lamb. Rev. 19:9
g. A
great mystery. Eph. 5:24-32.
ü Body
of Christ. Eph 1:22, 4:15, 1 Cor 12:27; Col 1:24.
a.
Jesus lives in us. Gal 2:20.
b.
Christ as the Head. Eph 1:22, 4:15, Col 1:18, 2:19.
c.
Interconnected. Eph 4:11-16; 1 Cor 12:26, Gal 6:2.
7. Temple of the Holy Spirit. Eph 2:20-22; 1 Cor 3:16-17.
a. Members
are living stones. 1 Pet 2:5.
b. Jesus
is the corner stone. 1 Pet 2:6; Eph 2:20.
c. Apostles
and prophets are the foundation. Eph 2:20.
8. Family.
Eph. 2:19.
a. All
I have one father. Isaiah 63:16; 9:6, Hosea 11:1; Rom 8:15, John 1:12; Gal 4:5.
b. All
are brethren; Matt 12:30; 1 Timothy 5:2, James 2:15.
9. Flock.
Isa 40:11; Eze 34; Zech 9:16; John 10; Lk. 12:32; Act 20:29.
a. Jesus
is the Chief Shepherd. John 10; Matt 18:10-14.
b. We
are his Sheep. Ps 100; Isa 40:11, Lk. 12:32; John 10.
c. False
Shepherds are hirelings. John 10:13.
d. False
brethren are wolves. Matt 7:25; Act 20:29.
e. Satan
is the chief wolf. Lk. 10:3; John 10:12.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHURCH:
1. Repentance from sin.
Act 2:38.
2. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of
God, Saviour and Lord. Matt 16:16-18.
3. Water
Baptism. Acts 2:38; Matt 28:19; Acts 10:47; 48; Acts 22:16.
4. Continuance in the apostolic teachings and
doctrine. Acts 2:42.
ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH:
1. Baptism
Matt 28:19-20; Matt 16:16. Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:36-40; Acts 10:4.
2. The
Lord’s Supper. Acts 2:42-46; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:20-34.
The Purpose of the church
1. To
minister to God by worshiping and glorifying him on earth. Eph 1:4-6.
The
Mission of the church
I.
God’s commission to his people – Adam, Noah
– Be fruitful and multiply, Abraham: Through whom all the nations shall be
blessed. Gen 12:1-3, 18:18.
a. Repeated
to Isaac. Gen 26:4.
b. Repeated
to Jacob. Gen 28:14.
c. Repeated
to David. 1 Chr 16:15-24.
d. Revealed
to korah. Ps 47.
e. Revealed
to Isaiah. Isa 49:12; Isa 11:9-12.
Moses to raise a kingdom of
priests. Ex 19:6.
Jesus: The great
commission.
Spoken Matt 25, Mk 16, Lk.
24.
Paul to preach the gospel
to the gentiles.
Peter the gospel to all
people. Acts 10:9-48; 11:15-18, 1 pet 2:9.
GOD’S
LOVE FOR THE NATIONS
Many
heathen in the Old Testament believed in Jehovah to its people.
a) Melduzedek:
Gen 14:18-20.
b) Jethro:
Ex 18:9-12.
c) Nebuchadnezzar:
Dan 4:34-37.
d) Ruth:
Ruth 1:16-17.
e) Rehab:
Josh 6:25, Heb. 11:31.
f) Ninevites-
Jonah.
g) Woman
of Zarephath. 1 Kg 19:8.
h) Neman,
2 Kg 5:15
i) Job-Job.
j) God’s
people who testifies to him before nations.
k) Joseph-Egyptians.
l) Naomi-Moabites.
m) Moses-Midiahites.
n) Solomon-Arabians.
o) Elisha-Syrians.
p) David-philistines.
q) Elijah-phoenians.
r) Daniel-Babylonians.
s) Jonah-Assyrians.
t) People
or all nations will be in the kingdom.
u) God’s
Spirit will be upon all flesh. Joel 2:28.
v) Many
nations will desire the blessings of God. Isa 2:2; 3, 3; 55:5, 6. Isa 60:3;
Zech 8:23.
w) John’s great vision of all nations in the
kingdom. Rev 5:9; 10:7-9; 10.
JESUS
THE MESSAIAH FOR ALL PEOPLE
The
Four women in Jesus genealogy are gentiles. Matt 1, Tamar- Canaanites, Rehab-
Canaanites, Ruth- Moabites, BathsHeb.a-Hittite. Prophecies Concerning Jesus
Zachariah’s prophecy. Lk. 1:72-79.
a) Simeon’s
blessings Lk. 2:29-32.
b) Angel’s
announcement Lk. 2:10, 14.
c) John’s
testimonies Lk. 2:10, 14.
d) King’s
of east come to worship him. Matt 2:1-12.
e) Begins
ministry among gentiles. Matt 4:15-23.
f) Told
disciples to love their enemies. Matt 5:44.
g) Includes
all nations in his kingdom. Matt 8:11.
h) Prepares
disciples to testify to the gentiles. Matt 10:18.
i) Ministry
to the gentiles prophesied, Matt 12:18-21.
j) Kingdom
taken from Israel and given to gentiles. Matt 21:42-43.
k) Kingdoms
to be preached to all people before the end will come. Matt 24:14.
l) Disciples
to be made from all nations.
MISSION
AND THE BOOK OF ACTS
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Power to testify. Act 1:8,
4:7-10.
a)
Jerusalem- Locally.
b)
Judea- Regionally.
c)
Samaria- across cultural, racial barriers.
d)
To the uttermost parts of the earth- All
people.
e)
The outpouring on Pentecost gift of tongues
enable 72 nations to hear the truth, peter
has new power and boldness to testify. Act 2:14-40. The apostle begin to
perform signs and wonders. Act 2:43. The church experienced tremendous growth.
Act 2:41; 4:4, 6.
f)
Yet the Apostles were still unwilling to
testify to all nations.
g)
For 20 years did not take the gospel outside
or Jerusalem, God scattered them through persecution. Acts 8:1-4.
h)
Philip preached to foreigners. Acts 8:4-17.
i)
God confronted the unwillingness of peter
10.
j)
Peter was strongly opposed by the Jewish
brethren. Acts 11:1-18.
k)
It was only in Acts 15, that the church
leaders finally embrace mission. Acts 15.
l)
The church in Antioch was the first to send
mission. Acts 13:1-4; Acts 13-28.
THE MESSAGE OF THE CHURCH
THE GOSPEL
The Gospel or the goodness is that
Jesus has come, died on the cross for our sins to mend our broken relationship
with God.
Jesus is the Saviour who came to save
us from the penalty of sin (death) and the power of sin (bad habits and other
bondage through faith in him and the victory he won on his death, burial and
resurrection, We are reconciled to god. 1 Cor. 15:1-4, Heb. 2:14,15, Rom 3 :21-
26.
The Necessity of the Gospel:
1) The
fall of man; Gen 3, Gen 4, Rom 3:23.
2) Sin
in the world.
CONTENT OF THE GOSPEL:
·
Promised in the Old Testament: Gen 3:15-16;
Rom 1:2, 2 peter 1:18-21, Isa 29:18, 41:27, 52:7, 61:1-3.
·
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment. Rom 1:3-4.
·
We were freed from wrath through him. 2 Cor.
5:19.
·
Concerns Jesus Christ: Rom. 1:1-4.
·
Born of a virgin. Isa 7:14.
·
Truly flesh from king David’s life. Rom.
1:8-4, 2 Tim 2:8.
·
Truly the Son of God. Rom 1:4.
·
Lived a complete sinless life. Heb. 4:15.
·
Crucified on the Roman Cross. Acts 2:23.
·
Died for our sins. 1 Cor. 15:3.
·
His blood satisfied the demand of God. Act
20:28, Rom 5:9-14, Heb.. 9:14-15.
He was buried. 1 Cor 15:4.
Resurrected
from the dead. Rom. 1:3-4, 1 Cor. 15:4, Acts 2:24. Appeared to many. 1 Cor. 15:5-8.
Ascended into heaven glorified. Acts 1:9-11, 1
pet 1:21.
Will come again as Judge. 2
Thess. 1:7-8, Acts 7:9-11.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE GOSPEL:
-
It’s the power of God to save. Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18; 15:1-2.
-
Source of grace. Acts 14:13; 20:32.
-
Acceptance of the Gospel.
-
Repentance. Mk. 1:15.
-
Faith. Mk. 1:15; Heb. 4:2.
-
Brings peace. Eph. 6:15
-
Brings Hope. Col. 1:23; 1 Pet. 1:3.
-
It’s absolute and exclusive. Gal.1:8,9
The
Gospel in Romans:
A. Preconditions;
-
Was promised in the Old Testament.
-
Because of Adam, we all inherited death.
Rom. 5:12-14.
-
All are under the wrath of God, both
gentiles and Jews. Rom. 1:18-32; Rom. 2:1-29.
-
Jews and gentiles alike are under sin. Rom.
3:9.
-
All need to be saved because all have sinned.
-
Purpose of the law was to point out sin.
-
Gospel of power of God for salvation. Rom.
1:16.
COMPONENTS OF THE GOSPEL:
-
Cancers Jesus Christ, son of God. Rom.
1:3-4.
-
Truly flesh from king David’s line; 1:3-4
-
Truly the son of God (divine). Rom. 1:3-4.
-
Resurrected from the dead. Rom. 1:3-4.
-
Jesus Christ is our Lord. Rom. 1:3-4.
-
Important element is faith (believing). Rom.
1:5-8.
-
All are called to believe him. Rom. 1:5-6.
-
A righteousness from God by faith. Rom.
1:17.
-
A righteousness apart from the law. Rom.
3:21.
-
Righteousness by faith in Christ Jesus. Rom.
3:22
-
Redemption is by God’s grace. Rom. 3:24
-
We must anchor faith in His blood. Rom. 3:25
-
All by faith not by law. Rom. 3:27-31.
-
God will save us because of the blood of
Jesus Christ. Rom. 5:9-11.
-
Faith brings peace with God. Rom. 5:1-2.
-
It all depends on God’s mercy not our
efforts. Rom. 9:16.
-
Salvation is by grace not by works. Rom.
11:5-6.
CONTENT OF THE GOSPEL:
-
God’s love; while we are yet sinners, Christ
died for us. Rom. 5:18.
-
Our justification came by Christ Jesus. Rom.
3:24.
-
Christ died for us while we were powerless.
Rom. 5:6.
-
Christ rose from the dead. Rom. 14:9.
-
We must confess that Christ is Lord. Rom.
10:9.
-
We must believe God resurrected Him. Rom.
10:9.
-
We are to be baptized. Rom. 6:3-14.
-
God gives the Holy Spirit to us. Rom. 5:5.
-
We are to turn away from sin. Rom. 6:1-23.
-
Life in the Spirit and adoption. Rom.
8:1-17.
-
Prepared for the coming of the Lord Jesus.
Rom. 13:8-14.
-
We will all be judged by God. Rom. 14:10.
-
Judgment will be according to the Gospel. Rom.
2:16.
-
Future glorification. Rom. 8:18-39.
-
Likely to suffer for our faith. Rom. 5:3.
-
Suffering works character in us. Rom. 5:3-4.
-
Jews or gentiles all shall be saved.
-
Israel will be saved when the fullness of
the gentile have been saved. Rom. 11:25.
-
God’s intention is that all Nation believe.
Rom. 16:28
FALSE GOSPEL:
Church
has safeguards against false teachings:
-
Church ministry to protect believers. Eph.
4:11-16.
-
Fellowship of believers. Heb. 10:23-25.
-
Word of God (Bible) is truth. John 17:17.
-
God’s word is exalted even above his name.
Ps. 138:2.
-
Transgressors do not keep the word.
-
Holy Spirit Guides us. Isa. 30:21. Prov.
3:5-6. John 10:4; 16:12-13; 2 Pet. 3:17.
God’s judgment on false teachers:
-
Condemnation to those who teach falsely.
Gal. 1:8, 8.
False teachers:
-
Promise liberty but brings bondage. 2 Pet.
2:19; Gal. 2:4.
-
Falsehood does not satisfy. Isa. 32-6.
-
Teach damnable heresies. 2 Pet. 1:21-22.
-
And people love it. Jer. 3:31.
-
Have false visions and prophesies. Jer.
14:14-15; Jer. 23:25-32.
-
Have false dreams. Jer. 23:32; Zech. 10:2
-
Pretends to be Christians (Sheep). Matt.
7:15; Gal. 2:4; 2 Pet. 2:1-31.
-
Watch people live not only words. Matt.
7:16-20.
-
Can perform great miracle and signs. Matt.
24:24; Mk. 13:22.
Types of false Gospel:
-
Another Jesus
-
Another Spirit
-
Another Gospel
-
Some teach Christ less Gospel. 2 Pet. 2:1.
-
Fables and genealogies 1. Tim. 1:3-7. Heb..
13:9.
-
Human philosophy. Col. 2:8; Matt. 15:9. Mk.
7:7.
-
Material Science. Col. 2:8.
-
Some teach harsh treatment of the body. Col.
2:16-17.
-
Not eating some foods. Col. 2:16-17; 20-22.
-
Need for personal development:
By
Lungisiva Nyatyowa.
1.
Forces you out of your Comfort zone.
2.
It develops your strength.
3.
It boosts your confidence.
4. It
improves yourself awareness
We
despise the Cherub:
1.
When we engage in gratifying flesh appetite
of man and hold members. 1 Cor. 11:22.
2.
Unholy attitude in partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
Basic 200:
Fundamental of Christian Leadership:
201: Waiting upon the Lord:
Many
who are called by God into leadership position are hindered by a feeling of
inadequacies. They believe they are too weak to be strong leaders. This short
course is designed to enable us over our weaknesses, and inadequacies to enable
us fulfill our potentials in Christian leadership.
God uses the Weak:
-
God’s choice of leaders is not based on how
clever, talented, or educated he may be. 1 Cor. 1:19; 1 Cor. 1:25-28.
-
God reveals this wisdom through our
weaknesses, our faltering our shortcoming. Through our helplessness God
displays His power. His strength is made manifest through our weakness.
-
God’s original plan is to use the weak. Thug
of the tarsh to confounded.
The
wise: Ps. 8:2.
-
Example of people God uses.
-
Moses – A fugitive and stammer.
-
Gideon – fearful and weakling
-
Jephtah – Son of a Harlot.
-
David. The last son of Jesus.
-
Turning strength into weakness: Isa.
40:29:
God is the source of our
strength to do whatever task he has assigned us to do Ps. Ph. 4:13
-
We cannot do anything independently on our
own.
-
To generate power in the mist of weakness.
1. Depend more on God:
To
gain strength and overcome your perceived weakness we must develop a prayerful department
relationship with God;
God
strength is made perfect in our weakness the personal weakness which makes us
aware of our lack of ability or power to lead should cause us to turn our heart
to God in prayer and fasting
It
is in the place of prayer and fasting that dis love strength will strengthen
our Isa 40: 29
The
attitude of dependence upon God attracts his attention and draws him to us and
causes him to gloriously manifest his power through us.
Our
in adequacies are seen as blessing in disguise when the press us to depend in
Christ
2. Confess the word
Inferiority complex is a camel pre
–occupation with our selves. It can result in a view of us which says: ‘I am no
god; I am just a useless wash pot. God
cannot use me.
To overcome this low self esteem, our
attitude of confession of the word of God is important.
By affirming what the scripture says about
us, we are made over comers. Ph. 4:13; Lk. 10:19and inferiority complex with
the scriptural meek uess that it is not the same
3.
Draw
near in prayer.
The kind of weakness to where God responds
is that which produces a sense of dependence on him.
-
When we pray, God works on our behalf. We
become like David who prayed …… My soul longs for thee, oh God” (Ps. 63:1,
84:2)
-
This sense of need contributes to the development
of a healthy devotional and prayerful life.
-
Self Consciousness is a barrier that will
prevent God’s power from flowing through us.
We
must renounce carnality and recognize that God is the strength of our lines,
and we need not be afraid. Ps 27:1. He will should himself strong on behalf of
those who reverence, worship and depend on him. Exchange your strength for his
strength.
The bible says, ‘Even youth shall faint and be weary young men shall
utterly fail; but they that wait upon the lord shall 4renew their strength. Isa
40:30, 31’.
The key word in this verse is renew. As we wait upon the Lord, He will
take away our strength and replace it with his own.
It
is not a matter of combining our strength with His, but a complete removal of
our strength and put on His. When we depend on our strength God cannot use us.
ü What
to do to exchange your strength for His.
Acknowledge
your need. Ps 34:6, Ps 73:22.
Both
David and Asaph receive God’s Strength because they were willing to humbly
acknowledge their need and weakness.
God’s
promise to satisfy the desire of seeker who are hungry for more of his
strength. Isa 41:17, 20.
Paul
also discovers that if he acknowledges area of weakness in his life it will
result in the strength of God coming to him in more powerful measure. 1 Cor
12:7, 8, 9, 10.
This
is the principle or the gospel works, when we are weak and sense our great need
of God, this makes us completely dependent on Him.
1) LEARN
TO WAIT ON GOD Psalm 41:31
Two concepts of waiting.
a)
Waiting for God time – That is take no major
action until God show’s you it’s time to act. Eccl. 3:1-10.
b)
Waiting in prayer and fasting to spend time
in prayer in God’s presence in devotional exercise, sometimes involving fasting
and prayer.
ü Waiting
for the time of God.
ü We
should not be in a hurry to launch out into the ministry of leadership
responsibilities in the body or Christ. Having a calling is not equal to a
sending to execute the assignment
ü The
apostles were called to preach the gospel but were asked to learn to wait in
Jerusalem. Lk.. 24:49.
ü We
must realize that God does not work with our time but with his own time.
ü God’s
calling and sending are not the same.
ü Paul
was called in Acts chapter 9 but had to wait until chapter thirteen to be fully
sent by God. Acts 9:1-6, Acts 13:1-3.
Why
we need to wait.
a)
Because of our immaturity.
b)
Because we are going to face the strongest
for ie on Earth and need to confront them with divine energy and strength. Zech
4:6-7.
God
needs to train us and prepare us for the work. Mark 3:13-14.
We
gain experience through the years of waiting.
God
controls the time.
It
was in the fullness of time that God sent his son to die for mankind. Gal 4:4.
We
need want because he has time for all things.
So
we need to wait for Him until he reveals his time to us.
3. Waiting in Prayer and Fasting
If we are to exchange our limited
strength for His unlimited power, we must establish consistent daily devotional
habit. Disciplining oneself into a regular prayer (and fasting) is one of the
most difficult things for most church leaders to do.
Power of Daily Devotional Time
It is in the place or daily
devotions that we empty ourselves of human strength and abilities and have put
on divine strength and power.
It is only when the grace
of God has replaced our human weakness and fructifies that we will be ready to
live of life of exploit.
How to
Conduct Your Daily Devotional Time
1) Confession
of sins. 1 Jn. 1:9:10.
2) Spend
time to praise God. Ps 100.
3) Surrender
the day to God.
4) Pray
for Family, Church and all Believers.
5) Pray
for Leaders, Missionaries and Evangelism.
6) Pray
in other tongues. 1 Cor. 14:13, 14.
7) Write
down what the lord gives you and do it.
Hearing the Voice of God
It is possible to hear the voice of God
because God is still speaking, even today through the Holy Spirit just as he
did in the Bible times.
Many churches leaders believe and teach that
God only speaks to us how by what is written in the bible and nothing more.
Many will die to defend what god has said in
past centuries but refuse him that presently speaks from heaven. Heb 12:25.
God wants us to develop a listening ear so
we can hear him speak. Rev 2:7, 3, 23.
The Need to Hear
The bible told us that man does not live
alone by bread but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God.
“Proceeded” Speaks of a present continuing
function. It speaks of something that happened in the past, is happening in the
present, and will happen in the future.
God is continually speaking to his people
and has not gone dumb.
God speaking does not mean that the bible is
still being written and we need to add to it. No, the bible is a complete book
that needs not to be added onto.
The bible teaches that God wants a people
whom he will dwell in and walk. People who are living epistles known are read
of all men. 2 Cor. 6:16, 2 Cor. 3:2, 3.
We can only live the life God desires for us
by hearing His voice and receiving words that continually come out of his
mouth.
1. We Need to Hear the Word of
God to Know His Will.
One of the question we face as church
leaders is the question of what God wants us to do and where does my
responsibilities end and God’s begin?
God holds his servants responsible to know
his will, and to take action to do the will of God. Zach 4:6, Lk. 12:49.
God wants church leaders who know and do
their lord’s will. The will of God establishes the limit of responsibility. If
we do not know his will, we will be judgeless harshly, though we will still be
judged. To do the will of God we must know his will, to know the will of God,
you must hear his voice.
To know the will of God you must develop a
sensitive and a willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
You must develop a listening ear for God to
speak to you.
Hindrances to Hearing
1. Hearts
not perfect before God.
God
searches the heart he deals with us according to the condition and contents of our hearts. He is
interested in a heart that is perfected towards Him. 2 Chr. 16:1.
The
heart is according to the bible is the seat of:
1. Emotion
or affliction.
2. Motives.
3. Intentions
of the person. God is concerned with these things.
a) Worldly
affection: if our affections are set on things on earth rather than things in
heaven. God is offended. 1 Jn 2:15. The bible tells us to love God with all our
heart, soul, mind, strength (Matt 22:37).
b) Impure
motives: If our motives (or motivations) are impure like the prophet Ballam (Num
23) then God will severely Judge us. Ballam bartered God miraculous gifts for
money fame and prestige.
c) Wrong
intentions: Ananias and Saphirra (Acts 5) were pretending to give all their
money to the work of the lord, but were really keeping back much of it for
themselves. Because their intentions were wrong, God killed. We need to guide
our affections motives and intension to make sure they are pure. Pro 4:23, God
knows all we have in our hearts. 1 Sam 16:7. We can hide these thing from men
but from the lord. An imperfect heart before the lord will seriously hinder us
from hearing his voice. Hardness of hearth. The scripture says, “Today, if you
want to hear his voice, do not harden your heart”. (Heb 4:1).
Unforgiveness
stops God’s voice. When we fail to forgive someone who has offended or wronged
us, that failure to forgive causes a hardness of the heart that blocks us from
the voice of God, and can lead us into many health problems.
Forgiveness brings a return
of God’s voice
2
Chron. 7:14, A hard heart, a callous heart, an unbelieving and other unhealthy
heart condition can prevent us from hearing God’s word/voice.
An
unregenerated heart until a person experience the new birth in Christ, it will
be very difficult to hear the voice of God (John 3:3-6 1 Cor 2). It does not
matter how long one has been in faith or the title or position one occupies,
the new birth experience is imperative for hearing the voice of God. Rom 8:16,
1 John 5:16.
a)
Saving faith intellectual agreement. We must
distinguish between saving faith and intellectual agreement with the historical
facts recorded about Christ in the bible. Intellectual agreement does not save
a man but can make you a good religious or Christianized person. James 2:19.
b)
You can know you are saved. The bible says
that God’s spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
1 John.
When
Jesus comes into your heart he cleanses it and sweeps it from sin and darkness,
and takes away the hard heart and gives you a soft and tender heart of flesh so
that you can hear the voice of God. Ezekiel 36:25-27.
4) Disobedience stops God’s voice. When a
leader is in a habit of disobeying the voice of God, it will be difficult for
God to continually speak to the person. To hear God’s voice doesn’t mean just
to hear with your ears. It means to respond obediently what he said. Roms
10:17.
Pride prevents obedience. A
proud person is always what people will say or what will be the result of his
response to the voice of God. We are often afraid of what people will think
about us that we are held back from doing the word of God. Pro 29:25. In
obeying the voice of God we should we should not be careful about what people
will say or think about us for those inconsequential. Fear of man is the root
of disobedience to his voice.
We cannot be sure of the
truth of the word of God until we have proved it. 1 Thess 5:21. The only way
you can prove something is to try it. You may fail in the cause of trying but
then, risk is one of the elements of faith. Do not let fear paralyze you. Try
to do what you feel God wants you to do, though you may have some failure –
there will be some success too. You have to take the risk; step out in faith
and attempt great things for God.
b) Pre-conception hinders obedience.
The biblical story of Elisha and Naaman serves as an illustration on our
pre-conception can hinder obedience. Naaman had an incurable disease of
leprosy. His maid told him a prophet in Israel called Elisha who had power from
God to heal. When Naaman arrived at Elisha’s modest home, the prophet sent out
his servant to tell General Naaman what God said he must do vs. 10. Naaman was
angry and decided to walk away; he was thinking that the man would have the
courtesy to come out and out and see him. He thought he would have laid hands
on him and call upon the name of the lord and heal him so, before he came to
Elisha he already had a pre-conception on how God will heal him. 2 Kgs. 5.
It was only the
intervention of one of his servants that prevailed on him to do the instruction
of the man of God, by discarding his pre-conception. 2Kgs. 5.
Pre-conception is rooted in
pride. “I know everything; I can conceive things before they happen (a Deitic
quality) and when things fail to happen the way we conceive the will. It
undermines our deitic (pride-filled image of ourselves, and like Naaman, we
tend to walk away angry and resentful.
1.
God’s pattern for your life.
Our theology
(pre-conception about God) often comes into conflict with the spirits in our
life and when it does we are faced with the great danger of missing the will of
God.
We should be fixated with
the pattern of God that is revealed to other ministers of God, but to the
pattern revealed to ‘us’ Heb 8:5. God pattern for your life is to do what he
has asked you to do as he has asked you to do it. We should not just do things
because it is the way it has been done but because it is the way he asks us to
do it. John 5:19.
OBEY
GOD’S VOICE:
There are two Greek words
translated as words in the English Bibles “LOGOS” and Rhema Logos often refers
to the written or unscripted “word”
Example of the use of logos
and Rhema is matt 4:4; where logos is used for the word (written) and Rhema for
“word”.
1.
A Rhema from God. A Rhema is usually a
communication from God designed and empowered to apply to a specific situation.
When
we are reading the bible and a certain verse suddenly strike us with power, we
are receiving a Rhema (living word) for our personal need.
When
we are praying from God’s wisdom or God’s answer for an insoluble problem, and
suddenly God’s speaks the solution into our ear practical terms which solve the
problem that is Rhema.
When
we are in the most of some mission related activity and we have a sudden
impression to take some specific action, which results in great blessing that
is Rhema
Caution:
we should not assume every urge, impression or feeling is a Rhema. No Rhema
will ever be, contrary to the scripture (logos), Gods eternal word.
Rhema
produce faith. So then faith comes by hearth, and hearing the word of god.
(Rom. 10: 17)
When
god speaks to you comes alive in you if you will obediently respond to what God
said, miracles will take place for you just like they did in the bible acts 3:
1-2 Ezekiel 37: 1 – 10
Relationship not formula:
God’s
life giving word seldom comes in response to religious forms and formula Jesus
did not employ one formula in performing his miracles. He healed one blind man
by mixing dust, and spittle, forming mud, and applying it to the blind man’s
eye. The blind man was sent to the pool of Siloam to wash the mud out of his
eye and was healed. John 9.
God
did not establish a pattern or formula for the opening of the eyes of the blind
through these miracles. It can only work for you if you hear from God.
So,
it is not about forms and formula, it is about hearing from God and taking
obedient action in response to what God said (Matt 9:29; Mark 10:52). A proper
relationship with his heavenly father was the secret of Jesus ministry john
8:29. Because the state of Jesus heart was always right with God, he will
easily hear and obey his father’s voice.
Spending Time with God
To
hear the voice of God, we need to spend time with him. Although Jesus was an
authority in the word of God John 2, the secret of his ministry was his
sensitivity to the voice of God John 5:19.
In
other to hear the word of God, Jesus often times separate himself unto God in
prayer. His ministry began with forty days of prayer and fasting (matt 4:1-11)
even after that we see him spending some rights in prayer, and sometimes he
will withdraw himself from the multitude and going into the desert to pray.
Sensitivity
to the voice of God is produce out of a deep devotional life. The more time we
spend with him the more of his voice we hear. We need to develop a strong
relationship with God through the times we spend with him in prayer and
fasting.
Emphasis
should be placed on God’s word and spirit academic qualification, which only
tends to pride.
We
should pursue the voice of God, excellence in the exercise of the gift of the
spirit theological degree. We must recognize that God’s priority is the
preaching of the Gospel to all creatures and nations Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15.
We
must obey the biblical instruction of spreading the gospel, how men are brought
back to the lord Mark 16:20, Rom. 1:16, Rom. 15:20, 1 Cor. 1:23-24.
God
does not only guide us by the Rhema but by the written word.
How
to be guided by the written word
Familiarity
with the word – We get familiar with the word.
a) Constant
reading of the word.
b) Studying
of the word.
c) Memorizing
the word.
d) Believing
the word.
e) Obeying
specific instructions of the word.
f) Constant
application of the word to specific situation.
Patience Endurance
Life is in phases, each phase of a
man’s life is characterized by its own peculiar experience. Some may be tough
and some easy. One of the hall marks of a true believer is that ability to
stand when others has fallen. The grace of standing in the face of obstacle and
trial is what distinguish true believers from pretenders.
The scripture wants us to
expend every scriptures effort to stand in the face of adversity Eph 6:13-14,
pro.
To be standing when
everyone else has fallen requires patience endurance.
It is only those who through in their faith
patiently endure hardships and deprivation that wins divine approval and
recommendation Heb 11:35-38.
Tests and Trials
One of the ways through
which God prepares us for great responsibilities in his kingdom is by
permitting trials and tests to come our ways.
Sources of Trials and Tests
a)
God tries the righteous Ps 11:5.
b)
The devil is also sometimes involved in our
tests and trials.
c)
We can also face trials and tests through
our own misdeeds – David example in the case of Besheba, God permitted Jobs
sufferings.
From the scriptural account of the
sufferings of Job, we learnt that God permitted the devil to tests Job 1. And
never for one day blame the devil but God for his woes Job 19:21, 13:15, he
refuse to acknowledge Satan for his troubles, even when it was obvious that
Satan was the one behind his problems. While it is true that the devil can
buffet a child of God for a reason, we should rest on the confidence assurance
of his not been able to touch us unless it is permitted by God.
Why God Tests and Tries Us
1)
Pressure produces Enlargement Ps.4:1; God
can us chastisement
and sufferings to make us better Christians and leaders.
2)
Trial proves and humble us Deut 8:15; God
allow us sometimes to go through sufferings to do us good at the end. God wants
to discover whether we love him or whether we serve him for all the blessings
he gives.
3)
Trials help to mature the believer James.
Victorious Christian Life
Introduction:
The goal of the Christian life is to
be like Christ in all things. Christ live a holy life, a life of victory of sin
and the world. In this lesson we are going explore ways through which we can
live a victorious Christian life.
Possibility
of a Life of Victory in Christ
The scripture teaches that a child of God can
experientially live a life of victory over the sin, Satan and the world. 1 Jn.
5:4, 1 Jn. 4:4, Rom. 8:37-39, John7:31, 38, John 16:10, Rom 6:14, 2 Cor. 2:14, 1 Cor. 10:13.
Principles of
Victorious Christians Life
The
victorious life is a supernatural life lived by faith. It is a lifestyle which
is only possible by faith in the person or our lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
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