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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.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR 2017 YOUTHS WEEK, SEE DETAILS HERE

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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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?

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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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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.





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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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DEVOTION TO DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS RECAP

Introduction:

     The devotions of the disciples of the old have been quite a great a challenge. They devoted themselves to the Lord, to prayer and to God’s word. They were committed to fellowship and to the oneness of the Body of Christ. This brought them into so much intimacy with God and unity among them that they experienced a move of the Spirit of God that brought transformation to many lives and communities. Today God is speaking expressly that He is about to move in His power again. If God’ visitation will be sustained in our time and beyond it, we must also cultivate these devotions both as individuals and corporately as God’s people.

We shall press on today in these series by studying their devotion to the discipleship process. Our prayer is that the Lord will speak to you beyond the letter of the scriptures in Jesus name. Amen.

SECTION A

1.      It is important here again to recall the definition of the word ‘‘devotion’’.

a)      Looking at the scriptures below, what does it mean to be devoted to the Lord? Act.2:42-43, 6:3-4, Ruth. 1:16-18, Lk. 10:27-28.

To be devoted to the Lord means to have a constant, consistence and strong love for the Lord so much that you are loyal to Him no matter the cost. It involves spending a lot of time or energy on being with Him, learning of Him and obeying Him. The disciples left all other things and devoted themselves to the Lord and to His teachings, to prayer and fellowship. It was not as if they had nothing to do; but because of their strong love and devotion to the Lord, they were committed to Him and to everything that will enhance their relationship with God. Ruth also demonstrated devotion in her relationship with Naomi and her God. She left her nation, her people and indeed her all, in order to follow Naomi and her God. To be devoted to the Lord means to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. To be devoted to the Lord demands our all.

In order to further bring out the meaning of devotion, give examples of people and things secular or sacred, that people are usually devoted to.

 Worship with us on Sundays at Calvary Is Real Bible Church.

VENUE: #13 Ukwansi Street Abakaliki Off Water works Ai

TIME:  8:00 AM prompt.

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DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (Part 2)

DISCIPLESHIP TEACHING SERIES

DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (Part 2)

They devoted themselves to prayer.

Discuss the devotion of the disciples to prayer in the scriptures below.

Act.1:12-14; 2:1-4; Act.2:41-43; 4:23-24, 29-31; 6:1-4; Dan.6:10; Ex.33:11; Num.27:16-19.

You will notice that for these disciples, their devotion to the Lord was what made them to be devoted to prayer. For them, prayer was a means of walking closely to the Lord; it was not for material gain or miracles they needed. To you, what is prayer all about? Are you devoted to prayer?

i. Note that no special prayer committee or prayer contractors were employed. Instead, each of these, and indeed, all these continued in prayer in one accord. What were the results of this devotion as they walked closely with the Lord in prayers?

The Holy Ghost came down mightily upon the disciples of the old as a result of their selfless commitment to prayer. Disciples multiplied and God wrought great wanders among them. Even in the Old Testament, disciples like Mosses and Daniel devoted themselves to prayer and God manifested himself to each of them and through them. The truth is that if you desire to experience God as they did, your devotion to prayer cannot be less than theirs. You must also be selfless in your commitment to prayer.

ii. Discuss what our prayer lives must be like, if we must get the kind of result that the disciples of the old got.

b   Fasting (along with prayer) was a regular practice among them as well.

Act.13:1-3, 14:23, Note Matt.9:14-15.

They were willing to fore-go food in order to concentrate in the place of prayer. It is a further sign of their commitment to prayer in their walk with the Lord.

Looking at the above scriptures as well as Isa.58:6-7, Lk4:1-2, what are we to use prayer and fasting achieve?

It is clear that fasting has its place in the life of a disciple of Christ especially now that the Bridegroom (the Lord Jesus Christ) has been taken away from us. Fasting is a means to an end; it is not an end in itself. Even though we now have access to the father by the blood of Jesus, fasting is meant to help us downplay our appetite and put our body under. it help us to connect more easily with God so as to let the power of God flow through us to loose the bounds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, provide bread for the hungry and do other great works in the name of the Lord and to the glory of God.

In order to achieve result, note what the heathen also do in the area of fasting.Act.23:12,1Kg.21:9-13.

 It is clear that part of the devotion of the disciples of the old was prayer and fasting and God moved with them. Even evil men know the value of fasting to achieve their purpose. Are you so devoted to the Lord?

c     How did our Lord Jesus Christ handle their aspect of devotion in his life?

Matt.4:1-2; Matt.14:21-23, Mk.1:32-36, Lk11:1-2, 22:39-40, Matt.17:18-21.

What lessons can we learn from His devotion to prayer and fasting?

It is important to note that even our Lord Jesus Christ devoted Himself to prayer and sometimes with fasting. Even though He is God in every sense and does not need to fast, yet because He took upon Himself the human form, He subjected Himself to the discipline of fasting. He subjected Himself to fasting and prayers to show us how to live and walk with God as human beings. If The Lord Jesus Christ devoted Himself to these, we must do so much more. We should follow in His steps.

Worship with us on Sundays at Calvary Is Real Bible Church.
VENUE: #13 Ukwansi Street Abakaliki Off Water works Ai
TIME:  8:00 AM prompt.

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DISCIPLES DEVOTED TO THE LORD PART 1

DISCIPLESHIP TEACHING SERIES

DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (Part 1)

What does the word, ‘devotion’ means?

Act, 2:42-43, 6:3-4, Ruth. 1:16-18, Luke. 10:7-28

From the dictionary, the word, ‘Devotion’ means constant strong love for something or somebody; or loyalty and commitment to somebody or something. This lead to the action of spending a lot of time or energy on that thing or with that person. The scripture above shows us the devotion of the disciples of old and what they devoted themselves to, which made God to walk with them and work in their lives. Ruth was so devoted, committed and loyal to Naomi and her God that she left all to follow her. The early disciples were also devoted to the Lord so much that they left all and devoted themselves to the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. Their devotion to the Lord and therefore to this act made them to spend most of their time with the Lord and whatever He hold them to do. And God use the devotion of the early church to achieve much in their lives communities. What you spend your time, money and indeed your life upon, is a very crucial indication of what and who you are devoted to. Examine yourself on this. What and who are you devoted to?

We shall now examine what these disciples devoted themselves to, which so pleased the Lord as to show Himself mighty amidst them.

1.     

       The disciples devoted themselves unto the Lord.(Mk.10:28-31; Acts 4:19-20; 20:19-25, 21:13; Phil. 3:7-8; Dan. 3:14-18.

a)      Discuss what it means to devote one’s life to the Lord from the above scriptures.

b)      Analyze the implication of their devotion to the Lord on their lives from the scriptures above. What does it mean for us today if we also will be said to be devoted to the Lord?

From the above noted scriptures, their first devotion was unto the Lord. It was the Lord they responded to; it was the Lord they followed and with Him they spent their lives and time. It was as a result of their devotion or loyalty to the Lord that they went ahead to leave all in order to follow Him; Nothing was too dear to them to forgo in order to follow Him; even their lives were not o dear to them to lay down for the name of the Lord. As a result tot their devotion to the Lord, they were willing to do whatever He told them to do even if it will cost them their very lives. That was devotion indeed.

To devote oneself to the Lord therefore is not an ordinary mouth talk. It start from the heart; it involves personal valuation of the Lord as the treasure above all others as we see it demonstrated in these disciples of old. Whenever this kind of valuation happens to anyone, it will not be difficult to leave all and follow the Lord.

In the light of their devotion, can you truly say therefore that you are devoted to the Lord?

 Worship with us on Sundays at Calvary Is Real Bible Church.
VENUE: #13 Ukwansi Street Abakaliki Off Water works Ai
TIME:  8:00 AM prompt.

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DEVOTION OF THE DISCIPLES TO ONENESS AMONG THEM

DISCIPLESHIP TEACHING SERIES

Discuss the devotion of the disciples to oneness among them.

What did you discovered?

        Acts.1:12-14; 2:1-4, 42-47; 4:24,32-37; 5:12-16; 6:1-7; 12:1-11.

What was the effect of their oneness on their lives and on the work of God in their time?

  

  Note the repeated use of the phrases, ‘one accord’ in the above scriptures. They did not allow any disagreement into their hearts and into their midst. As they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers, they become one in their understanding of scriptures. They believed alike, understood alike and become one even in their material possessions and they devoted themselves unto keeping that unity.  Every trace of disunity that tried to creep in among them was promptly, scripturally and effectively handled. The result was that great grace was upon them all. The word of God increased, disciples multiplied and a great number of priest became obedient to the faith. God did great miracles among them and His work progressed rapidly among them. Indeed how blessed it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! For there, God commands His blessings. The scarcity of the word of God and abundance of errors in our time is an indication of disunity in the Body of Christ in our nation and in the nations. Genuine move of the Holy Spirit and His miraculous manifestation are very scarce. Disciples indeed are not many in our time and the Church and the Name of the Lord is being greatly reproached, all because of disunity in the Body of Christ. This house of God is fragmented; so the church is exposed to lot of hardship from the scorching heat of the sun, storms and the attacks of the enemy who takes advantages of the gaps in our midst. The serpent creeps in without any hindrance. If this situation will be reversed, for us to experience revival, we must get committed to the unity of the Body of Christ even in our locality and allow nothing and no man to divide us. As a person it is important for you to commit yourself to this as a devotion.

                          

Question:

1.      Examine again Phi. 2:1-5 quoted in the study from the message version, and look deeply within you, with whom should you agree quickly and become deep spirited friends in your locality or workplace or even in the Church or fellowship you attend? Act right away.

 Worship with us on Sundays at Calvary Is Real Bible Church.

VENUE: #13 Ukwansi Street Abakaliki Off Water works Ai

TIME:  8:00 AM prompt.

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DEVOTION TO THE ONENESS OF BODY OF CHRIST PART 2

DISCIPLESHIP TEACHING SERIES 

Devotion to the oneness of the body of Christ (Part 2)

Discuss the practical ways in which you can prove your devotion to the unity of the body of Christ on a constant basis.
 Rom.12:3-6; Jn.15:5-6; Eph.4:1-3; Pilh.2:1-9 

Col.3:11; 1Cor.3:1-7, 17; Jn.17:20-23.

None of us must be presumptuous as to think you can do everything that needs to be done in the Body of Christ. You are not the Body of Christ; you are only a part of it; and you have been given a measure of faith and grace. Whatever makes you to think you can separate yourself from the Body of Christ and stand aside even in your locality, will only make you wither as a branch that is cut off; it will also render the Body of Christ in that locality ineffective.

Therefore think soberly; humble yourself. Let the mind of Christ be in you. Be ready to serve esteeming the other person better than you.

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made difference in your life, if being in a community of the spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help other get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. Phil.2:1-5

Do not take part in dividing the Body of Christ. Rather pray for its oneness as Jesus did and be devoted to keep it united. Do not destroy it, for it is the Temple of God, Whosoever destroys the Temple of God, him shall God destroy.

Questions:

1.    

  What are your personal challenges in accepting the brethren even from other denominations as one with you and how has this study affected your perspective?

2.      How do you intend to respond to the lessons we learnt in this study in breaking denominational barriers, social status barriers and group barriers in deliberately pursuing the oneness of the body of Christ in your own locality?

 Worship with us on Sundays at Calvary Is Real Bible Church.

VENUE: #13 Ukwansi Street Abakaliki Off Water works Ai

TIME:  8:00 AM prompt.

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