STEPS UNTO FOLLOWING JESUS (Part 3)

B. Unsetting the “Settings” of the Old Mind

The way our old mind is set is the basis of our action and behavior. Hence the need to examine the old natural mind in the light of God’s words in order to unset it.

i. Discuss the practical implications of a mind that is set (Rom. 8:5; Col. 3:1-3, 10-12, 15-16; Phil. 3:15-16; 1 Pet. 4:1-2) 

IF YOU MISSED PART 1 AND 2 FOLLOW UP HERE

Anything a man sets his mind upon is what he thinks about and what he aims at achieving. When you set your mind for example, on the belief that you cannot be influential unless you are rich, that is what will control your mind and that is what your mind will aim at achieving.

If forms the bedrock of your understanding and behavior in order to achieve that purpose. If you set your mind on pleasing the Lord at all cost, that is what you will keep thinking about and always aim at achieving. Your desire will be towards the things of the Lord and your behavior will be to please Him. Just as the radio or television programs you receive depends on the frequency you set your radio or television to receive, you cannot set or tune your mind on the things of the earth and receive the things of the Spirit. Before you can set your mind on things above, you have to undo the setting of your old mind. This is necessary before your mind can be renewed successfully with the word of God.

QUESTION

1. Name and explain the settings of the old man in your life and how it has affected your relationship with God?

2. Explain different ways to unset the old mind through God’s word?

3. What are the characteristics and practical implications of a mind that is set?

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STEPS UNTO FOLLOWING JESUS (PART 2)

A. Understanding His Mind (Prov. 23:7; Phil. 2:5)

i. Discuss the mind Jesus had that made Him to take the steps He took. Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 12:2-4; 1 Jh. 3:16; Rom. 5:7-8; Heb. 2:17; Lk. 23:34; 1 Cor. 1:27-29.
Look at His lowliness of mind in the following instances:

a) The way through which He came into the world. Lk. 1:26-27; Matt. 13:55; Lk. 2:5-20
He did not come through the family of the king or the high priest but through an ordinary virgin espoused to a carpenter. His birth was announced not to politicians or high class people but to shepherds. He identified with the lowly in His birth (Rom. 12:16).

b) His fore-runner, John the Baptist, was rugged and simple, Lk. 3:7-9; Mk. 1:6-8.
He did not choose orators or men of high taste. He was lowly in His choice.

c) He chose ordinary fishermen (Barbarians) as His disciples, not Pharisees or Scribes.
Are you lowly? Look at your friends, your choice of materials to use and people you work and walk with. Are you lowly?

ALSO READ STEPS UNTO FOLLOWING JESUS PART 1 HERE

ii. Discuss His life goal in order to understand His mind. Psa. 40:6-8; Heb. 10:6-9; John 4:32-34
He came with the attitude of obedience. His mind and His delight is to do the will of God, not to fulfill any selfish ambition. You cannot insist on satisfying your own pleasure and think you can follow Jesus. Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, the mind to always do the will of God even when it hurts.

iii. What understanding of His mind can you discover from His pattern of life leadership and service? Matt. 20:25-28; Jn. 13:4-5, 12-17; Phil. 2:7; Isa. 53:1-9. His life pattern is that of humility and no reputation. He would not make a big name for Himself. Contrary to the world principles, for Jesus, leadership means service and the way into Spiritual Leadership is to bend down and serve. He had a mind of servant-hood. There is need to cultivate the same.

iv. Jesus never depended on Himself or want independence though at His disposal; Jn. 5:19, 30-32; Jn. 8:28-29; Heb. 5:5-8.

He did not seek His own glory but God’s glory. He did nothing of Himself but whatever God wanted Him to do. He knew that in man, there is nothing good. This mind must also be in you if you must follow Jesus meaningfully.

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QUESTIONS

1. What is the significant of Christ identifying Himself to the lowly at His birth in the life of Christians today?

2. Explain the criteria God uses to choose His own/people? Is it education, money etc.

3. What goal did Christ had while on earth and how can it affect our own goal?

4. What is the significance of Jesus washing His disciples feet to us leaders and Christians today? Jn. 13:4-5, 12-17

5. What does it mean to serve or be a servant as a leader following the footsteps of Jesus?

6. Give examples of situations that show that many believers don’t follow the footsteps of God, rather follow men’s ideology. How can we take God’s glory?

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STEPS UNTO FOLLOWING JESUS (Part1)

A. Understanding His Mind (Prov. 23:7; Phil. 2:5)

This is the first step we must take in order to follow Jesus and walk in His steps. There is need for us to understand His mind, what is behind His action, what made Him to do what He did, how He looks at situations. Our steps in following Jesus will be arbitrary, meaningless and unnecessarily difficult unless we understand the thoughts behind His actions. This is necessary because as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

i. Discuss the mind Jesus had that made Him to take the steps He took. Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 12:2-4; 1 Jh. 3:16; Rom. 5:7-8; Heb. 2:17; Lk. 23:34; 1 Cor. 1:27-29.

"Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside His mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And He humbled Himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross."  Phil. 2:5-8.

What attitude do you discover in Christ here? It is that of humility, that of meekness. Even though he was God, he did not cling to His right as God. That is meekness. You can confirm this in Lk. 9:53-56; Jh. 18:10-11; Lk.23:35-39; Matt. 27:12-14. He never used His right as God to defend SELF. Even to come down to the earth in human form He had to put aside His rights as God. He willingly laid it aside and did not cling to His right as God even up to the time He was being crucified. You cannot continue to cling to your right and think you are following Jesus. You have rights….. But at every point and in every situation, you must be willing to release your rights in other for the will of God to be done. Men may cheat you and deny you your right. You will do well and be like Jesus by releasing and refusing to cling to your right.

ALSO SEE SALVATION BEFORE SERVICE

It was humility of heart that made Jesus to lay aside His glory and power and take upon Himself the form of a man. He bent down to serve man (even though He was God) and He went further in humility to allow ordinary human beings to crucify Him though He was without sin. He could have shown them His power and punish then in revenge, But He did not. God would have counted that as pride if He did. Could you be manifesting your authority and power to revenge and defend yourself in the face of provocation and still think that you are a follower of Jesus? How will God’s purpose for your life be fulfilled that way? That will render your salt tasteless and hinder you from being effective in serving God.

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It is necessary to understand and cultivate this mind, this attitude of meekness and humility and let it be rooted in us if we must follow Jesus effectively. You can also see an attitude of Love, longsuffering, forgiveness, mercy, faithfulness, loneliness of mind exhibited by the Lord Jesus. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” Then, following Jesus will be easy and His burden Light.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the things you must do to understand the mind of Jesus?

2. From our teaching, what is the reason behind the action of Jesus in going to the cross and in His sufferings by men (Heb. 12:2-4)

3. How can we apply Jesus actions to our lives as Christians?

4. How can we lay down our lives for our brethren? (1 Jh. 2:16-17)

5. What should be our reactions when we pass through difficulties and trials from the world (Lk. 23:34)

6. What is the level of humility necessary for Christians in authorities and leaders in diverse sphere of life (1 Cor. 1:27-29; Lk. 9:53-56; Jh. 18:10-11; Lk.23:35-39; Matt. 27:12-14)

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INVITATION

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH CONSCIOUSLY INVITE YOU TO HER ANNUAL YOUTH PROGRAMME,
TITLED: " A TRANSFORMED LIFE"
GOD HAS DECIDED TO TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF EVERY YOUTH THROUGH THIS PROGRAM BY ENCOUNTER.
THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR YOUTHS, SPINSTERS, BACHELORS, ETC.

FEEDING AND ACCOMMODATION ARE FREE.

DATE: THURSDAY 26th - SUNDAY 29th OCTOBER, 2017

TIME: THURSDAY 4:00 PM
           FRIDAY - SUNDAY 8:00 AM PROMPT

VENUE: CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH
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OUR FATHERS HAVE TOLD US

TEXT: PSALM 44:1-8
In the last days, so many Christians were living without testimony, many were living in fear and doubt, and many have lost confidence in God. Some have been discouraged while some now regretted while they serve or repent at all.

Many servant of God have astray, looking for help where there is no help. If you ask them; Is God good? They say; I hope so, I don’t think so due to ugly situations facing them but our case must be different because our God is alive. Malachi 3:6; Jer. 33:3; 6, 14, 20-21; 32:27.

In this message, we are going to survey many things our patriarch or forefathers told their Children.

This message is coming under three points;

1. Numerous things their father told them

2. Walking in God’s favour

3. Question; what shall we tell our Children and friends?

THINGS THEIR FATHER TOLD THEM

· How God drove out the heathen and planted them

· How God punish the heathen for their sake

· How God cast the heathen out

· How God gave Israel their possession

· How God saved Israel by His power and His covenant

· How God gave Abraham and Sarah Child when they are

· How God judged the gods of Egypt for His people’s sake

· How God divided the red sea and they crossed over.

· How God caused Pharaoh and his men to perish in the red sea.

· How God divided river Jordan and they crossed over

· How God used Joshua and he commanded the sun and moon to stand still till day break.

· How God made Nebuchadnezzar to become animal.

· How God delivered Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in a terrible situation.

· How God delivered Daniel from the lion’s den.

· How God did all these things because He favour with them.

WALKING IN GOD’S FAVOUR (PSALM 44:3)

Israelites experienced God, His presence, power and blessings of God because He had favour with them.

N/B: When a man or woman is favoured by God, he doesn’t struggle. God jumps protocols to bless him/her. He is selected from the crowd, open doors comes on his or her way, heavens open for him, God fight for him, God move the hearts of men towards him, he prospers where nobody else does, he builds where nobody else builds, he stands where nobody stands and where he/she goes, his perfume goes with him.

Examples of men and women who walked in the favour of God.

Israelites are highly favoured by God: Abraham highly favour by God,

David was highly favoured by God,

Solomon was highly favoured by God,

Many highly favoured by God – Cyrus was highly favoured by God Isa. 45:1 -

N/B: When a man or woman is favoured by God – He send helpers to you – and what every child of God, every minister of God should pray is – God give me your favour and anointing. When you have gotten this, men will look for you.

QUESTION; WHAT SHALL WE TELL OUR CHILDREN AND FRIENDS?

Shall we tell them that we serve God and die in poverty, die in sin, fallen and rising etc. Is it evil to serve God?

N/B: Gideon asked the Angel; Where are all those things our fathers told us concerning God, the Psalmist said in Psa. 88:9-11

Our response should be;

O God, show me your wonders and use me to do your wonders,

O Lord, give me your favour,

O Lord, anoint me with your fresh oil.

O Lord, give me destiny helpers.

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ADDRESSING THE ROOT OR ORIGIN OF YOUR PROBLEM

TEXT: 2 KINGS 2:19-21

MEMORY TRUTH: PSALM 108:9; 136:4

INTRODUCTION:

Nowadays some people may appear good, beautiful, handsome, fat but you may not know that they have problem. Some vehicle, cars, lorry, buildings even situations may appear good but inside these are troubles. Homes, states, country, villages, places may appear good and well, you don’t know that problem is abundant.

The men of the city called Elisha and say; this place is pleasant but water of the land is not good and the land was dry. In like manner, you may appear good but inside you are troubled because of some issues.

As we sing and dance, people may think that all is well but there are problems facing us? But God will find solutions to your problems in Jesus name, Amen. From now on, humble yourselves like the men of the city. Tell God your problem, tell your father in the Lord your problem, go for deliverance and counseling. Many of us bear good names but there are problem attach to us. We wear good cloths still we cover our problems. Let us call a spade a spade. Don’t hide anything from God.

Lessons to learn

1. God will handle only those things that you hand over to Him. God will never take over till you hand over. Examples; men of the city hand over to Elisha Ps. 12:1; 22:11; 44:26

2. Every trouble in your life has a root or origin Prov. 26:2; Job 5:6; (Any curse pronounced into you, I cancel it In Jesus name)

3. You cannot be free till your problem is address Jos. 7:10-26; 3:6, 26; 1 Kings 16:34; 2 Kings 2:17-22, Elisha cancelled the curse placed by Joshua.

4. Some are self made Prov. 11:29; Exo. 20:5 (Pray and say father don’t allow me to be enemy of myself). N/B: Any issue on the surface today will surface later, Mark. 2:1-12…(The root of the man’s problem was sin).

5. God can deliver you from all troubles if you disclose them to God Ps. 34:19; Job 5:19-22

6. Unforgiveness can hinder your healing, deliverance etc. Mk. 11:25-26; Matt. 18

7. Your trouble can come through known and unknown invitations, 1 Cor. 15:33

8. The root of your problem or trouble can come through a projection from agent of Satan.

9. Through unholy or ungodly marital affairs 2 Cor. 6:14

10. Through eating in the dream, eating any how or food cooked by agent of Satan or through a gift by satanic agent.

Shout hallelujah, shout praise God!!!

Prayer points

1. By revelation, I find out that there are problem inside you that are cripple. Pray O Lord! Every problem in my life that are cripple, develop legs and get out of my life, family and ministry. Turn them into prayer.

2. Every deaf and dumb spirit that are inside my life, family and ministry. Develop ear and mouth and come out of my life.

3. O Lord, every trouble that are in my life without invitation disappear in Jesus name – prayer Jos. 3:26

4. Every generational curse from my father’s house, catch fire In Jesus name – prayers.

5. Every foundational problem from my father’s house that are speaking against me, fall down flat In Jesus name.

6. Every strong hold holding my glory, every grave holding my glory, every land holding my glory, vomit them now – prayer.

7. All the voices speaking against me, every pronouncement against me, my family, my future and ministry, catch fire – prayer.

8. Every curse pronounced against me by my parents, friends, agents of Satan, catch fire now In Jesus name – prayer

9. Every covenant I entered known or unknown; break now

10. All those who vowed that I will not rise or have break through; die In Jesus name.

11. Every plant my heavenly father has not planted in my life, family; every chains on my hands, legs, chest etc; break and catch fire – In Jesus name, Amen

N/B: Begin to praise God here and there.

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SALVATION BEFORE SERVICE

TEXT:  ROMANS 12:1-2; 1 COR. 10:31; AMOS 3:3; JER. 48:10; 2 CHRON. 25:1-2.

This is a very important bible sharing. And by God grace, we are going to share three vital points that is affecting Christiandom today namely;

1. Salvation before service
2. Living for God
3. Working and walking with God

1. SALVATION BEFORE SERVICE; ROM. 12:1-2

People all over the world, men and women, boys and girls are getting involved in the work of the Lord, such as singing in the choir, participating in drama and organizing various church programmes, in an attempt to please the Lord. Very often, they forget that the Lord is more interest in the salvation of their souls. That is a welcome development. While the Lord does not despise your pious activities, it is to be noted that He is more interested in you than your religious activities.

Your one holy service is the presentation of your body as a holy temple to the Lord for His habitation. The Lord our God does not want you to use your bodies for anything unholy. If you serve Him in unrighteousness like Ananias and Sapphira, there will be no reward. You must ensure that your bodies are not messed up with immorality, alcohol and harmful drugs as this greatly displeases the Lord. Are you living holy for the Lord?

2. LIVING FOR THE LORD – 1 COR. 10:31-33;

The shortness and uncertainty of life make one wonders why youths wait for so long before the start living to please God. David Livingstone, though a medical doctor from England once prayed, “God send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to yours.” Now, the question is what are you dedicating this short life to achieving? The above scripture declares clearly that you should do all things to please the Lord.

In your thoughts, words and actions, you must deliberately think, speak or act to ensure that you do not grieve the heart of God. Avoid exam malpractices, immoral conduct, repulsive attitude, foolish dressing and foul language, for the do not please God. Also, avoid evil companions and ungodly assemblies. Spend ample time daily in meditating on God’s word and seeking more ways to please Him.

3. WORKING AND WALKING WITH GOD; - AMOS 3:3; JER. 48:10; 2 CHRON. 25:1-2; LK. 1:41-51
Everybody, including the youths, do you desire a fruitful and close walk with the Lord? This is a good desire and pleasing in the sight of God. However, it is worthy of note that God has a nature which you must be in agreement with before you can walk with Him. The Bible tells us that God is holy and all those that come close to Him must be willing to live holy (Lev. 19:2). Enoch, Noah and Abraham walked with God in righteousness all the days of their lives. You too can please God today.

Many people, including youths are scared by the word “holiness”, they see it as an unattainable lofty state. Holiness is not to be attained by sheer human efforts. There is a divine enablement available to everyone that makes up his mind to walk with God. Therefore, you need not to be scared of or see the call as too difficult to attain. All you need to do is to submit yourself to His gracious care and willingly follow all His instructions. He is willing and can make you holy and acceptable before Him.



QUESTIONS
1. What is salvation? Discuss.

2. Why salvation before service? Discuss.

3. What is the meaning of holy service? Discuss.

4. Living for the Lord, how do we live for the Lord, both in and out? Discuss.

5. What lessons do we learn from David Livingstone’s decision or vow? Discuss.

6. How do we work and walk with God? Discuss.

7. Can somebody work and not walking with God? Discuss.

8. Is it possible to do the work of God deceitfully? Discuss.

9. As children of God, do we do every work in the name of God? Discuss.

10. What lessons do we learn from 2 Chron. 25:1-2; Jer. 48:10? Discuss.

11. Why is the Lord interested in your soul than in your service?

LET US THINK AND REMEMBER – Matt. 7:19-23

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LIVING TO PLEASE GOD

 TEXT: 1 PETER 4:1-11 This message will be coming under four subheadings;

1. Woe unt you whom all men will speak well of.
2. The present day Christainity
3. It is not an easy road
4. Things to do in other to please God.

1. WOE UNTO YOU WHEN ALL MEN WILL SPEAK WELL OF YOU.

We are told to live to please God not to self, man, woman, husband, wife etc. woe when all men speak well of you, your dressing, prayer, worship, giving, way of life; matt. 5:10-12.

2. THE PRESENT DAY CHRISTIAN OR CHRISTIANITY; 1 Tim. 4:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:1-7.

The following are obtainable in the lives of present day Christians.

Lovers of themselves, I know it all, God told me, I am the best Christian, I work more than all, I repented 100years ago and I don’t need anybody to teach me, envy (1 Cor. 3:1-8), My father and mother were Christians so I am, I am born in a Christian family so I am a Christian, I have enough like Easu, murmuring, fault finding, fallen and rising, it doesn’t matter how I live my life, I will come to church when I like, I am still in the faith whether I come to church or not (Heb. 10:25), they are wasting our time too much but spent much time in watching films and football.

Christianity of respect for elders (Matt. 5:5-6; 1 Tim. 5:1-2). Christianity of cut hairs and dressing like but Satan in the heart, Christianity of talking too much and praying less, Christianity of not teachableness, ruleable, directable. Christianity of no humility, obedient, no corrections till I finish what I am saying, I cannot stop, no fear to their pastors and authority. No respect to husband and wife; (Eph. 5:21). 

Question: where are you? Christianity of believing vision, dreams, revelation, prophecy, ministration more than the word of God.

No steadfastness – Paul called “you foolish Galatians” Jesus (1 Cor. 13:8) called “Peter Satan”, Eli called Hannah “Drunkard” etc.

3. IT IS NOT AN EASY ROAD

Prepare to pay the price, choose to be different, they say no woman is reliable but choose to be and the Bible called you “weaker vessels” but choose to be strong (1 Pet. 5:4, 12- 16; 3:8-16; Psa. 34:19-22; Isa. 43:1- ; 41:10; 1 Pet. 5:10).
N/B: through much tribulation we shall be there, Heb. 6:10; Jru. 16:20, 32-33.

Finally, Paul boasted about his sufferings – Boast on your own (2 Cor. 11:16-33); it is not an easy road.

4. THINGS YOU WILL DO TO PLEASE GOD

1.  Presenting yourself as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1-2) 
2. Preaching the word and bringing souls to His kingdom on a regular basis 
3. Making room for His word - investing in His Vine yard 
4. Coming to fellowship early, avoid lateness or absenting yourself from fellowship (Heb. 10:25) 
5. Using your talents to work for Him 
6. Praising Him always – that is you (Psa. 119:164) 
7. Going to evangelism and follow up and inviting people to church. 
8. Avoiding too much talking and side talks that destroy the house of God. 
9. Thinking on what to do to expand the kingdom of God- no more (Psa. 14:4; 53:4) 
10. Living right and avoid compromise 
11. Reading, studying and praying in scriptures. 
12. Dealing with the forces of darkness. 
13. Sponsoring servants of God Paying your tithes, vows and seed faiths.

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HAVING THE MIND OF CHRIST

TEXT: PHILIPIANS 2:1-11 (12-16)

INTRODUCTION:

Philipians 2:1-16 : This study will be considered in three forms;
 The Eleven (11) steps to have the mind of Christ.
 The seven (7) rewards awaiting you when you have the mind of Christ
The ten (10) you must avoid to maintain the mind of Christ

THE ELEVEN (11) STEPS TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST

• Consecrated to humble Himself (Phil. 2:5)
• He laid aside His divine form or nature (Phil. 2:6).  
• Made Himself of no reputation (Phil. 2:7). 
• He took the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7). 
• He was made in the likeness of a man (Phil. 2:7). 
• He humbled Himself (Phil. 2:8). Christ humbled Himself from a divine form to human nature. 
• He became obedient unto death. (Phil 2:8). 
• Respect and submissive to elders and pastors (1 Peter 5:5-6; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 5:1-2; 1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:17). 
• Love and care for one another (Prov. 10:12; 17:9; Eph. 5:21; Col. 3:18-22; 1 Cor. 13:1).
• Honouring God with all you have (Prov. 3:6-10; Mal. 3:8). 
• Forgiving and care for another (Mark 11:25)

2. THE SEVEN (7) REWARDS AWAITING YOU WHEN YOU HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST.

• God highly exalted Him (Phil. 2:9-11).
• Giving Him a name above all (Phil. 2:9).
• At His name every knee must bow (Phil. 2:10).
• Everything in Heaven (Phil. 2:10).
• Everything in the earth (Phil. 2:10).
• Everything under the earth (Phil. 2:10).
• Every tongue shall confess His Lordship (Phil. 2:11).

3. THE TEN (10) THINGS YOU MUST AVOID TO MAINTAIN THE MIND OF CHRIST.

• Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory (e.g; Ekeaba market at Ebonyi State) 
• Do all things without murmurings and disputing. 
• Beware of dogs and evil workers (Anybody who comes to pollute your mind towards another person, avoid..). 
• Mark them who cause division among us and avoid them. 
• Never oppose each other by acting for personal gain or vanity. 
• Do not be selfish, glorying in your gifts and graces. Be just as interested in the blessings of others and rejoice to see them blessed. Esteem others better than yourself. 
• Avoid evil communication and corrupt speaking, negative confessions. 
• Avoid anybody you are following who cannot do something to edify you or avoid anybody his/her words cannot minister grace to you. 
• Don’t be wise in your own eyes, accept correction from little or big. Always examine yourself; when you are fallen, cry out. Avoid walking with greedy or selfish people or persons. 
• Don’t be friend a talkative and don’t become one yourself. Give yourself to reading and praying. It pays.

Let this “Mind” be in you all which was also in “Christ Jesus”.

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FOLLOWING IN HIS STEPS - Part 4

 His Sleeping Habit

i. Jesus slept whenever there was time and opportunity. Mk. 4:35-38; Mk. 1:35
He slept inside the boat while travelling across the sea; He slept after a hard day’s labour, having attended to everyone who came to Him for help. Sleep brings physical refreshing to the body; so He slept when He could.

But He gave no priority to sleep. To Him, sleep is secondary even in the face of tiredness, if there was something to be done for God. He was not controlled by sleep. He controlled His sleep MK. 1:32-35, Lk. 22:46; Prov. 20:13

When there is a burden to pray or a service to render to God, Jesus pushed off sleep.

Jesus recognized divine timing even for sleeping: a time to sleep and a time to wake up and work. Mk. 14:37-41; Mk. 1:35; 1 Thess. 5:7; Prov. 10:5

Anyone who desires to follow Jesus and fulfil God’s purpose for His life must recognize divine timing for him to sleep and the time to wake up and work. A man who sleeps at a time the heavens expect him to work will soon come to poverty and be put to shame. Peter slept when he was supposed to pray; no wonder he entered into temptation and fell, denying Jesus three times.

He rebuked His disciples for sleeping when they were supposed to pray Lk. 9:32-35; Matt. 26:40-41

So will He rebuke you if you sleep when He expects you to do something else? Sleep must not become an idol in your heart, taking priority of your time and attention.

Further Biblical instructions about sleep. Psa. 127:2; Eccl. 5:12; Prov. 24:30-34. What lessons can you learn from these?

It is the Lord that gives sleep. But He gives sleep only to His beloved. When you are a lover of God, you don’t struggle to sleep. He gives you sound mind and sound sleep. But when you are a lover of something else: a lover of money, riches, popularity, position etc, sleep becomes difficult to find.

Now look at the definite effect of lack of self control over the affairs of those who love excessive sleep. It brings shame and poverty. Their works is always undone or halfway done. They do incomplete jobs, which often spoil and bring them to physical or spiritual poverty. Self control is part of the fruit of the Spirit. There is need to insist on controlling your sleep and not allow sleep to control you.

Conclusion:

When Jesus said “…and follow me” It means putting your feet where He puts His own, treading the path He has trod. Even if you do not understand what Christian life is all about, if you simply pattern your life after His own and imitate His lifestyle, you will not be wrong at all. He himself is the way – the right way of life.

Examine yourself and your habits and lifestyle in the light of His own. How do you fair on this heavenly scale?

QUESTION

1. How can a believer deny himself from sleep for the work of God sake? Explain.

2. What are the consequences of sleeping in excess?

3. How can one become both spiritually and physically poor by too much sleep? Explain

4. Give various instances of how sleep can become your idol?

5. Differentiate from our study the kind of sleep obtainable in the life of a believer and an unbelievable?

Worship with us on 

Sundays by 8:00am - Sunday special service,

Tuesdays by 5:00pm - Revival Hour

Thursdays by 5:00pm - Bible study

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FOLLOWING IN HIS STEPS Part 3

His Eating Lifestyle (His attitude towards food)

i. Jesus knew the right use and value of food Mk. 6:31; Jn 21:9-13; 1 Cor. 6:13b

Food is important for the body and the Lord Jesus Christ arranged often times for His disciples to eat when there is time and opportunity, but not at the expense of fulfilling God’s call on His life.

o He used food but never allowed food to use Him. Not controlled by food. Jn. 4:31-34; Matt. 4:4; Rom. 14:17; Eccl. 10:17; Jn 6:27

 Though hungry and tired, He suspended food in order to save the Samaritan woman. When He was faced with a choice to choose between eating and ministering to a soul in need, He choose the later. To Him, food was secondary. Food must be eaten for strength and not for gluttony (pleasure). The kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost

 Questions to ponder over: What place do you give food in your life and your consideration? Are you addicted to any particular kind of food that you find difficult to stop? Do you eat for pleasure? Do you found yourself putting priority on food and your stomach when there is a work to do for God? Is food quietly becoming an idol in your heart?

o Here is a divine opportunity to change your attitude towards food and make your life right. And now is the time, as you stand before the mirror (God’s word)

ii. He knew and followed divine timing for eating Lk. 5:33-35

There is a time to eat and a time to fast. Jesus followed divine timing for eating. We must also follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in this regard.

iii. His eating does not always agree with tradition of men Matt. 12:1-7; 15:2,20

Where possible and when not contrary to God’s will, Jesus followed traditions in eating (Lk. 7:36). But they did not Him. He was not bound by the philosophies of men concerning food. When possible, He washed hands before eating but where not possible, he was not bound.

Norms and traditions are made for man; man is not made for them. Read Col. 2:8, 20-22

iv. He ate with different kinds of people: the rich, the poor, sinners and saints Lk. 7:36; Mk 2:15-16; Jn. 12:1-2
Are you class conscious in selecting the people you eat with? Some will not eat with the poor, dirty, village people, while others are too timid to eat with the rich. For Jesus, He could eat with anybody especially for the sake of the gospel. We must follow in His steps.

v. He had liberty to eat anything set before Him and taught us to do the same. Lk 10:7-8; Mk. 16:18; 1 Cor.10:25-29

Questions to ponder over: Discuss the implication of this in our lives as we seek to please the Lord and preach the gospel. Do you have exceptions concerning the kind of food or meat you eat? How will you not have conflicts in preaching the gospel if you continue that way? Will you not surrender your taste and appetite for the sake of following the Lord and for the sake of the gospel? After all even if you eat anything poisonous, it will not harm you. Christ left us an example that we should follow in His steps.

vi. He used invitations to eat as opportunities to preach. Lk. 7:34-37;, 40-43; Jn. 12:1-9; Mk. 2:15-17

What about you? Have you been wasting divine opportunities of preaching that comes to you in form of invitations for a meal?

vii. He used food to restore fellowship and foster relationships. Lk. 24:36-43; Jn. 12:1-2

Food must be eaten not for the sake of eating but for the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

viii. He never laboured to look for food to eat. He rather labored to fulfill His call and He did not lack food to eat. Lk. 10:7; Matt. 16:6-11; Jn. 6:27; Jn. 21:5, 9; Lk 12:23

Look at how Jesus handed the matter of food. He knew how valuable He is to God, and did not use His precious life to look for good. He knew God’s provision to meet our feeding needs. We must have this same mind which was in Christ Jesus. To labour in life in order to get food to eat is a misuse of our lives and a diversion of divine resources.

Jesus laid clear examples for us even in His eating habit. His life is clear enough for us to know how God wants us to handle food. It is your responsibility to walk in His footsteps.

QUESTIONS

1. As Christians, how can we be controlled by food as we have studied?

2. Discuss the life of Christ as regard to His eating habit?

3. Is it bad not to eat always? How can we take food as pleasure in our various lives?

4. What is Christ injunction towards our eating lifestyle as children of God?

5. What does it mean by following divine timing for eating?

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SEMINAR/WORKSHOP 08/07/17

HERE ARE THE IMAGES FROM OUR LAST SEMINAR/WORKSHOP HELD ON SATURDAY 8th JULY, 2017 WHICH IS PART OF OUR FREE SKILL ACQUISITIONS PROGRAM .

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YOUTH VISITATION 16/07/17

BELOW ARE PICTURES FROM THE YOUTH's VISITATION TO PASTOR IFEANYI.

Pastor&Mrs Ifeanyi, The youths and the new guest

Onuchukwu and the new guest

Bro. Onyekachi (Presido)

Onuchukwu, Chikwado and the new guest

Pastor&Mrs Ifeanyi, The youths and the new guest

The youths and the new guest

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KNOWING GOD PART 4

Necessity of Knowing God (Continuation)

1. MARY OF BETHANY:

Knowing God is the only needful thing for Christian service; Lk. 10:38-42; Mk. 3:13-15; Hos. 6:6.
It is the basis of effective and lasting service in the kingdom of God. Knowing God comes by revelation. It enables one to know what to do in serving God at any particular point in time as it happened to Mary of Bethany. Our Lord Jesus Christ rebuked Martha for placing service over and above this one thing that is needful, but commended Mary for choosing it. That later became the springboard of Mary’s spiritual breakthrough and her influence for all the years.

2. ELIJAH – 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15.

Elijah’s authority and power was a direct result of his intimate, functional relationship with the Lord. “As the Lord lives, before Whom I stand...” was always his declaration. Looking through the scriptures, Elisha and Micaiah took after his steps in this regard. (1 Kings 22:14).

They were men who always stood before the presence of the Lord. When you pursue the knowledge of God, you have access into God’s message for men. The knowledge of God brings authority into a man’s life and through him; it brings punishment upon backsliding people around. Boldness also comes through the knowledge of the Lord.

3. JOHN THE BAPTIST – Lk. 1:80; Lk. 3:1-2.

John lived thirty years and six months altogether on earth and He spent the first thirty out of those years seeking the Lord and waiting on Him.

The only six months he spent in public ministry turned his own generation upside right for the Lord. What a thing to consider as servants of God in these days of hustling and bustling with activities.

It is a man who knows God that God will use. Living a “desert life” as Moses and John did in pursuit of God will enhance our knowledge of God. The knowledge of God in turns brings revival in a short time. The need for revival in our lives and society should compel us to seek to know Him.

CONCLUSION 

Before conclusion, Read KNOWING GOD PART 1 HERE
                               Read KNOWING GOD PART 2 HERE
                               Read KNOWING GOD PART 3 HERE

We must seek the Lord first for our own lives. Knowing Him and becoming intimate with Him will give to us all we need to prosper in life and in the work of the ministry. The knowledge of God is the channel through which we receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. Peace of life, protection and divine favour (grace) also comes through this channel. In Christ is hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Knowing Him progressively and deeply will release all these things.

The worth of knowing God is simply unquantifiable. Paul discovered this and threw away all things that were gain to him in order to be empty and free enough to pursue the knowledge of the Lord. Our power and effectiveness in ministry depends solely on how much of God we know. The scripture assures us that “then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.” (Hos. 6:3). Our boast must not be in the Jebusites, the Amorites we pushed down in our ministries, the prosperity message that is working for us, or the great crowd that attend our meetings. The only true parameter of measuring any man’s life in his personal knowledge of the Lord (Jer. 9:23-24). May you not be found wanting in this one thing that is needful.

QUESTIONS 

1. What do you understand by the phrase “Knowing God comes by revelation” as it concerns our teaching?

2. What was the remarkable attitude Jesus commended Mary of Bethany in the spiritual sense against her sister Martha attitude. Relate this to our individual lives.

3. For one to possess authority and power from God, what are the essential things to be done with Elijah as an example?

4. Does being used by God depend on your activities in the church or ones consecration to God first as John the Baptist did? Answer yes or No and discuss your answer.

5. What are our lessons towards this teaching of knowing God from part 1 till part 4?

N/B: Teachers should endeavor to make sure that the people can explain all the understood in our previous classes on this topic.

WORSHIP WITH US AT #13 UKWANSI STREET ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE.

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KNOWING GOD PART 3

Necessity of Knowing God (Continuation) 
 
1. DAVID – Ps. 27:4-5; 42:1; 63:1-8

David declared his ultimate desire for the presence of God in his life as if all depended on it.

He did not even seek to be king but the only one thing that was his pursuit in life was to know God. He realized that knowing God has supreme advantages;

a) God would hide you in His pavilion in time of trouble. It is a proper insurance in time of trouble.

b) Knowing God would afford you the opportunity to enquire in His temple and to dwell there.

c) Knowing God is the only thing that satisfies the soul.

d) God shall set you upon a rock higher than all else when your singular pursuit in life is to know Him.

WAIT Read KNOWING GOD PART 1 HERE
           Read KNOWING GOD PART 2 HERE

2. SOLOMON – 1 Chr. 28:8; 1 Kings 3:5-12; Prov. 9:10.

Solomon sought this one thing at the commencement of his reign. He knew that this was the only thing that would answer every quest of his heart both for that time and eternity. David his father actually made that the first item on his final charge to him. Solomon disdained whatever knowledge he had of God before and asked for this one thing, to know God. That singular request pleased God. If you too will please God, that must be the only quest of your heart at all times. All other things shall be added unto you. However when Solomon stopped pressing to know God, he missed it. He lost all.

3. DANIEL

The pursuit of the knowledge of God is His answer for the end time pollution and backsliding.

Dan, 11:31-32; Hos. 4:6; 2 Cor. 2:13-15; Isa. 5:13-14.

Knowing God makes us to always triumph. You will do exploits even in time of trouble, despite all the corruption and pollution all around you if you know Him. It delivers from the languishing and perishing that comes as a result of lack of knowledge. It enhances one’s ability to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit.





WORSHIP WITH US AT #13 UKWANSI STREET ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE

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KNOWING GOD PART 2

Necessity of Knowing God (Continuation) 

1. PAUL - Phil. 3:7-11 (KJV, AMP) 1 Cor. 13:12

a) It is necessary to know God so that we may not be found having our own righteousness but that which is God.

It is as we know Him that His righteousness will not only be imparted to us but will also be our life experience from day to day.

b) Paul pursued the knowledge of God so that he might attain the resurrection that lifts him out from among the dead.

As we make progress in knowing God, the resurrection life and lifestyle will become our daily (not occasional) experience. This makes us stand out clearly from among the dead; it differentiates us from natural people.

Some things though advantageous to us may be a hindrance to our pursuit of the knowledge of God. If we must progressively know Him, we must let go of such things as Paul did. The reason why Paul endured suffering and loss of all things was to know God. He discovered the supreme advantage and the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. When you discover the surpassing worth and the supreme advantage of knowing Him, you would be willing to loose all things for the knowledge of the Lord.

NOTE: Read KNOWING GOD PART 1 HERE


It is important to note that whatever knowledge we have of the Lord now here on earth, it is just in part. Yet we must press on to know Him more and more so as to grow on in our salvation. Our spiritual growth depends on our knowledge of the Lord 2 Peter 3:18.

2. MOSES – Exo. 33:2-3, 12-17

Moses preferred a personal intimate knowledge of God in his life above the miracles of pushing out the Canaanites, Jebusites, Hivites and even above the miracle of getting into the land of plenty, the land flowing with milk and honey. He knew that all these will be useless and unfruitful without the presence of the Lord in his life. Miracles are good but they are just fall - outs from our knowledge of God. What to pursue is therefore not miracles but the knowledge of the Lord. Then miracles will become our daily experience.

Though Moses knew God before, his cry here was still to know Him. He knew God before as the “I AM” in Exo. 3, but he would not have known the meaning of that name if not for his desire to know God more (Vs. 19). Knowing God makes us to find grace (supernatural enablement) in His sight. Knowing God is however in stages. It does not come all at once and we cannot even know Him enough.

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KNOWING GOD PART 1

Necessity of Knowing God 
 
In this study, we shall look at what elders of God did in their pursuit of God and the premium early men of God placed on the knowledge of God above all their efforts in ministry.

A. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO KNOW GOD?

Jn 17:3, Phil. 3:10, 2 Pet. 1:2-3 (KJV, AMP)

Read each of these in other versions you may have, but study it in amplified version quoted hereunder:

“And this is eternal life; (it means) to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and (likewise) to know Him, Jesus (as the) Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), whom you have sent” (John 17:3 AMP).

“(For my determined purpose is) that I may know Him (that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly)”... (Phil. 3:10 AMP).

“May grace (God’s favour) and peace (which is perfect well being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in (the full, personal, precise, and correct) knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Pet. 12 AMP).

Discuss each of the words used in the amplified version to explain the essence of Knowing God. Knowing God means more than knowing about Him. It means a deep and intimate acquaintance with Him. It involves being able to perceive, recognize and understand the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly. Knowing God is not a “once and for all” issue. It must be progressive. This in essence is eternal life.

B. NECESSITY OF KNOWING GOD

We shall examine the lives of elders gone before us to discover the necessity they placed on the matter of knowing God.

1. Jesus Christ, our Lord

a) Knowing God is eternal life… Jn. 17:3, 2 Cor. 3:18, Jn. 8:55. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself declares that eternal life means knowing God and He confessed that He knows God. The matter of knowing God is of primary importance in walking with Him.
It is our first encounter with the Lord in knowing Him and what He did for us on the cross of Calvary that brings us into the experience of the new birth. That is what launches us into life, abundant and everlasting life in Christ Jesus. No one can be safe except by a definite knowledge of the saviour (1 Jn. 3:6). You may know about Him but if you don’t know Him, you will not have eternal life.

Everyone who experienced the new life must thereafter continue to know the Lord more and more 2 Pet. 3:18.

b) Knowing God is the way into abundance of grace and peace. 2 Pet. 1:2-4, (KJV, LB, AMP)

When you grow in your knowledge of God, grace and peace will be multiplied to you.

“Do you want more and more of God’s kindness and peace? Then learn to know Him better and better” 2 Pet. 1:2 LB.

In addition, all that pertains to life and godliness come to us through our knowledge of God. This knowledge must however be a two - way knowing: We knowing Him and He Knowing us. None of the two must be assumed, lest on the last day the Lord says to you, “I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity,” Matt. 7:23.

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HOW TO DEVELOP A GODLY CHARACTER

Having character is one thing BUT possessing a "GODLY CHARACTER" is another thing.

READ 1 PETER 3:1-7

TRANSFORM CHARACTER – MARK 5:1-13
 
1. Separate from people who will cause you to gossip, find fault.
2. Develop your character through the following.
3. By being teachable By being leadable.
4. By being directable By being humble .
5. By being obedient.
6. Be a friend or staying with people or somebody who will build you life for life. They will not give you chance to do contrary so that you can become strong.
7. Don’t follow somebody who has bad character. Nothing corrupt destiny like bad character. Keep friends who will rebuke you, criticize you, refuse you and who will not praise you always.

v  Character is develop when you have connection with God always by asking how do God feel about me in prayer, because the more you pray, the more humble you become.

v  Bible reading, how to talk and relating with people at home.

v  Character is developing when you easily admit your fault, mistake, error.

N/B: Beauty without character can only attract they eyes but cannot attract the heart.What involve God cannot fail. A man or woman of purpose cannot fail. God created you for a purpose that is to prosper.

WINSOME CHARACTER AND GRACIOUS CONDUCT IN THE FAMILY

1 Peter 3:1-7 reads “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conservation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear…But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a weak and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price… Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord …Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

You will notice that the focus of this passage is the family. From the very first sentence, the Spirit of God, through the author, directly and clearly addresses the wife. He tells her what she must do to win her husband to herself and to the Lord, if he is yet to surrender his life to Him. He then turns to the husband in the seventh verse, telling him also what he must do to win his wife over. The implication of this set of instructions issued to each of the couple is to make them work at making their union what God intends it to be – a representation of the unity that exists in the Godhead.

The Winsome Conduct of a Christian Wife.

A Christian wife is a woman who has turned away from sin, received Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour, and consequently lives a new life in Him (2 Cor. 5:17). The husband of a Christian wife may be a non-Christian or unbeliever, referred to by a writer as “a beloved unbeliever”. If this is the case, the question then is, how does the Christian wife win her non - Christian husband to the Lord? The beginning of 1 Peter 3 reveals several ways she can do this.

1.      Submit herself to her husband (Verse 1). Submission to your husband as a Christian wife is necessary because you are a child of God, He commands you to do so, and obeying Him is advantageous to you. Submission is winsome. If you desire your husband’s conversion, you must learn to submit to him.

2.      Have open conversation with her husband (Verse 1). Conversation in this context means the manner in which you speak to your husband. The way you talk to your husband can draw him closer to you and to God. If, however, you bully, nag or lord it over him, you will definitely repel him. By your conversation, you can win him to the Lord, or drive him far from Him.

3.      Honour and respect her husband (Verse 2). The word “fear” as used in this verse is not slavish fear, but honour and respect for your husband. To honour your husband is not necessarily bowing, genuflecting, or kneeling before him, whatever the sign of respect for the man may be in your culture, but your attitude, disposition, carriage, response, or reaction to what he says or does goes go a long way to show whether you honour and respect him or not. Your “chaste conversation coupled with fear” is definitely a way to win your husband.

4.      Dress neatly, decently and moderately before her husband (verse 3). You should not look slovenly or unkempt before your husband. What attracts a man to his wife is her neat, elegant and smart appearance aside her godly character.

5.      Be meek and humble to her husband (verse 4). The scripture affirms that this meek and quiet spirit of a godly wife is of great worth. In as much as the Word of God is true, this virtue effectively wins a man over.

6.      Trust God for her husband (verse 5). Don’t be worried or discuss your husband’s spiritual state with people, but rather pray and trust God for his conversion.

7.      Reverence and be good to her husband (verse 6). When you truly reverence your husband and do good to him, he will be attracted to you and of course to the Lord.

N/B: The only way you will win her heart to you and the Lord is to see her exactly the same way God sees her – a beloved woman, foe whose soul He sacrificed His only begotten son.

Let us rephrase all we have just said about the winsome conduct of a Christian wife. Salvation attracts, sin repels; submission attracts, stubbornness repels; softness attracts, sharpness repels; simplicity attracts, selfishness repels; spirituality attracts, sorcery repels; support attracts, self-centeredness repels; sanctification attracts, shabbiness repels.

Of all the winsome virtues of the Christian wife mentioned here, submission is the most potent. Apostle Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote to the Christian wives at Ephesus, and by extension those of us today,

 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22).

Many women today see submission to their husbands as a big deal, but a careful consideration of the subject matter will reveal that it is not as difficult as they think. You naturally and willingly submit to other authorities – your parents, boss, the government, a law enforcement agent, a doctor or an older sibling without any qualm. Yes, you may obey them because something is at stake. If your doctor instructs you to do something concerning your health, for instance, you will obey because your life is at stake. You will also obey the flight attendant when he instructs you to fasten your seat belt because your life is involved. But the bottom line is whether something is at stake or not, you naturally and willingly submit to these authorities without any difficulty. Therefore, if submission to these authorities is more or less something natural for you, why is submission to your husband a difficult thing? The truth is submission to your husband is advantageous to you in all ways-spiritually and otherwise. But if you don’t submit to him, you stand at a great disadvantage.

THE WISE CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER OF THE HUSBAND

 

Much has been said already about the conducts of the Christian wife that will win the husband’s heart and draw him to the Lord, so that their marriage will be blissful. But a happy marriage is not all the making of the wife. The husband also has a vital role to play in making the relationship work. Just as the wife, he needs to fulfill his responsibility in wining the wife to himself and to the Lord, if she is not yet a Christian. And how does a Christian husband win his non-Christian wife to the Lord? “Likewise, ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

Here is the counsel for the husband: he must live with his wife, no matter how cantankerous or evil she is. As a husband, you are not to divorce your wife or send her away from her matrimonial home. Rather, you should considerably live with her. Don’t be ashamed when she follows you to church in her makeup and worldly attires. Be proud of her. Though she’s not born again, she’s still part of you. Sooner, your love and tolerance will win her to the Lord.

Show your wife some understanding. As the scripture enjoins above, live with her “according to knowledge.” First, live with her according to the knowledge of God’s word. The bible commands the husband to love his wife unconditionally. Second, live with her according to the knowledge of her femininity. A woman is different from a man; hence, her needs are peculiar. You must understand this, and relate with her with the knowledge of those peculiar needs.

You must also “(give) honour unto the wife.” Deliberately honour and respect her. You know it is possible for a man to be neutral in this regard. He doesn’t ill-treat, insult, assault or humiliate his wife; yet, he doesn’t respect her views, decisions, judgments and concerns. He just chooses the middle ground; that is being neutral. Actually, In God’s economy, there is no middle ground. You must honour your wife deliberately and consistently. Let her know you really appreciate her.  Honour and respect her “as unto the weaker vessel.” She is feebler or weaker than you are. Know her weaknesses – physical, emotional, or spiritual weaknesses – and be considerate of her feelings and inabilities.

Moreover, relate with her as a person who is “heirs together of the grace of life” with you. No matter the depth of her sinful life, remember that the grace of salvation, sanctification, service to the Lord is available to her just as it is to you. You will never win her if you look down on her. The only way you will win her heart to you and the Lord is to see her exactly the same way God sees her – a beloved woman, for whose soul He sacrificed His only begotten son.

Now that you know that the conscious effort of both spouses to make their relationship work is the recipe for a blissful and blossoming marriage, begin to imbibe the winsome attitudes of a wife and a husband discussed above, so that you can enjoy a home that is heaven on earth, and the envy of many.

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