The Law Of Sowing And Reaping

 

TEXT: Galatians 6:6-18   M/V: Gal. 6:7,8

MEANING OF THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING. Gal.6:6,7; Gen.8:22; Luke 6:36; Job 4:8; Prov. 22:8; Hos.8:7; Rom. 2:4-6; 1Cor. 3:13-15.

From creation, God set to govern life on earth and regulate the choices and actions of men. Sowing and reaping are called a law or principle God established from the beginning. His covenant with Adam and all creation is: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” ( Gen.8:22). This law works for sinners and saints alike. 

Sowing conjures a picture of a farmer planting seeds of crops he intends to harvest in the future. The businessman calls it an investment. Relating to the scripture, it is written that “…to him, that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward” (Prov. 11:18). Therefore, every man is a sower who will reap his harvest.

The implication of this law is that there are consequences of choices and actions. Many tend to make choices without, one, considering the consequences. Two, live their lives as if there are no consequences. Three, the deception is in thinking that there are no consequences when in fact they are just delayed. It is not until later years that the truth becomes clear and we discovered just how true they are.

The law hooks us today because One, we dwell too much on the present. Two, we have no regard for the future. Three, we have forgotten the fact that there is a price to pay for all choices and actions. Four, we don’t remember that God cannot be mocked. This lesson grants us insight into the future by enabling us to consider what kind of consequences we can expect from our actions. This is expected to be a matter of faith to believe God for what He has promised.

The law of sowing and reaping is universal and applies in both spiritual and physical realms. Everything in nature reproduces its kind. Life is like an echo, you get what you give out. Harvest follows sowing; effect follows cause; so every man will reap what he sowed. Those who sow to the flesh (those who indulge their flesh in all forms of sensuality livings) will reap corruption, sorrow, pain, and damnation, while those who deny their flesh and cultivate the spirit in obedience to divine demands will reap peace and eternal life. 

As the seed is sown, so shall the harvest or reward be to the sower in the present and the next world. Any labour directed to please the flesh shall come to corruption and perdition, while labour in the spirit and fear of God will of necessity produce a harvest that will last forever with God. This principle is unchanging.

The biblical pattern of praying and fasting

TEXT: LUKE 11:1-13; Esther 4:1-17; James 5:13-18  M/V: Matt. 17:21

The subject of prayer and fasting is very vital for successful Christian living and services.  As no individual can continue living without breathing, so no Christian can remain spiritually alive without praying or without making use of the benefits of fasting.  Fasting accomplishes a good number of things in the life of the believer. These include, one, chastening and humbling of the soul before God (Psa. 35:13; 69:10), two, Crucifying the appetite to give time to seek the Lord (2Sam. 12: 16-23), Three, Focusing one’s attention on God to the exclusion of all else (1Cor. 7:5). Four, it aids in temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). Five, Helps in exercising power over demons (Matt. 17:14-21). Six, Make prayer powerful and effective.

Reasons why it is necessary to pray and how often should we pray. Psa. 42:1, 2; Exo. 22:23; Matt. 7:7-11; 6:16; 17:21; Isa. 55:6, 7.

From the Bible references, prayer means communing with God. It is the soul’s desire for God (Psa.42:1, 2), a cry or supplication (Exo.22:23), an appeal from child to the father (Matt. 6:6), an instinct that must have utterance (Luk. 18:7, 13), beseeching or calling on the Lord (Exo. 32:11; Acts 7:59), lifting up or pouring out the heart and seeking the face of the Lord (Psa. 27:8; 62:8).  

We should note that though, prayer is supposed to be the most natural thing for men, the flesh is often most unwilling to pray. Hence, God’s various instructions in the Scripture. We are commanded to seek the Lord and the wicked is enjoined to forsake his ways in prayer of repentance (Isa. 55:6, 7). We are enjoined as believers to ask, seek and knock (1Chro. 16:11; Matt 7:7-11). We are commanded to pray without ceasing (1Thess. 5:17).

Biblical pattern of praying and fasting. (1Tim. 2:8; Psa. 5:3, 8; 55:17; Luk. 6:12; 4:2; 2:36, 37; Acts 13:2; Dan. 6:10; Exo. 34:28)

The Scripture makes it clear that we can pray everywhere and every time. (1 Tim.2:8). We have examples and pointers to the appropriateness of praying daily- morning (Psa.5:3). Night and day (Psa.88:1; Luk. 6:12 ;), thrice daily (Psalm. 55:17; Dan. 6:10), without ceasing (1Thess. 5:17). God expects every believer to be constant in prayer as this is the magnet that will attract His power upon our lives when exercised in faith and righteousness. Prayer becomes more effective when combined with fasting. 

Benefits In Praising God At Midnight

 

 Text: Act 16:20-26

KJV: And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

21

KJV:vAnd teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

22

KJV: And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

23

KJV :And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

24

KJV: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

25

KJV: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26

KJV: And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Verse 25 is the main subject of the matter. 

Actually, Paul and Silas were partners in ministry, they have beforehand preached the gospel and perform miracles. 

Through them:- 

  Lydia was converted

  The damsel possessed with devils as been delivered.

The magistrate took them up, jailed them, and instead of them wearing sadness and sorrow, they were fully happy to be counted worthy of suffering. In the course of the suffering, they praise God and they were appreciative. Hmmmmmmmm, to a mortal man.

How can that be? Praising God while in distress, is it even possible ??? Though seems to be impossible and difficult, but Paul and Silas did. 

As believers, we must know that when prayers are been made, when fasting has been made and vigils have surfaced. Yet, you discover the problem persists. The next charge to adopt is praises

 Looking through the experience of Paul and Silas in the prison, You will discover that  Paul and Silas were:- 

1. Despised but yet praising

2. Humiliated and yet praising 

3. Hated and yet praising

4. Troubled and yet praising God. Most people will look and think life will always bring the better side, but obviously, it won't. Because to as many who will live godly,

They will have to suffer persecution. Or do we think Paul and Silas were praising God because they were happy?? 

That midnight, they were in the prison to suffer for what doesn't worth it. Paul could have faced Silas and say, we shouldn't have preached to that extent, Silas could have faced Paul and tell him, he's the cause of the problem, They could have stood against each other and neglect appreciation. But they didn't.

For Paul and Silas, that midnight of praise was a night of:- 

1. Suffering

2. Hatefulness 

3. Dragging 

4. Trouble 

5. Agony

6. Despising

7. Jailing

8. Sorrow 

9. Floggings, of course, they were beaten 

10. Scourging 

11. Underrating, of course, they were brought low 

12. Commotion 

13. Wound, they were wounded 

14. Insult 

15. War. 

And like many bad things we can quantify with it. Looking through these 15 corresponding names to give that night, We will discover, that indeed it was a night of suffering. It's a lesson to us as believers, that whatsoever we are passing through as a child of God, we should learn how to praise God. Through praises, healing will come, help will come, deliverance will emerge and great shall be our experiences.

It's more blessed to be a praise giver,

There are numerous benefits whenever we praise God.

Part of the benefits embedded are:- 

1. Heart are melted

2. Souls are convicted 

3. Decisions are inspired 

4. Hope are made alive 

5. Battles are won 6. Captives are delivered 

7. Chains are broken 

8. Doors are opened 

9. Sinners are converted. 

Let us be reminded, that the jailor got converted through the great manifestation of God's power through the praises of Paul and Silas Act 16:26-30

KJV: And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

27

KJV: And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28

KJV: But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

29

KJV: Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30

KJV: And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? We are facing a lot of challenges today which in one way or the other is stressful to our living. 

The question comes to you, How long can you praise God? 

To what extent can you praise God in the face of 

trials, 

temptation, 

persecution, 

failure, 

agony, 

depression and the likes?  

May the Lord help us in Jesus name

How To Know False Knowledge In Christianity

 

Text: Colossians 2:1-8

Introduction

Paul the Apostle warns us to be on guard against all philosophies, religions, and traditions that emphasize humans functioning independently from God and His written revelation.

Today, one of the greats philosophical threats to Christianity is "secular humanism". 

What does the philosophy of humanism teach?

 1. It teaches that humanity, the universe, and all that exist consist only of matter and energy shaped into their present form by impersonal chance.

 2. It teaches that humans have not been created by a personal God, but are the product of a chance process of evolution.

 3. It rejects belief in a personal, infinite God and denies the Bible as God's inspired revelation to the human race and many more.

The philosophy of humanism began with Satan and is an expression of satan's deception that humanists as those who have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped and served created things rather than the creator ( Romans 1:25)

Moreover, we must also be careful of wrong doctrines in Christendom today. It is worthy to note that many magicians, soothsayer, and devil incarnates are masquerading as 'angels of light' ( Matthew 24: 1-3, Luke 21:8)

However, the only way we can be fully on alert is to have the knowledge of Christ himself - which we can only get through constant studying of the word of God and through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The devil will appear as the angel of light to deceive many. (2corinthians 2:11), empty deceit and principles of this world, hence, we must stand firm in the truth which is Jesus Christ.

Food For Thought

Beware of false knowledge, the only through knowledge is in Christ Jesus. Seek it.

What have you learned personally from this lesson?

What Is Knowledge Of Christ

 

Text: Ephesians 1:15-23

Introduction

The knowledge of Christ can only be gotten through the revelation of the word which is sponsored and activated by the Spirit of Wisdom who is the Holy Spirit. 

Apostle Paul's prayer for the Ephesians reflected God's highest desire for every believer in Christ. He prays that the Spirit might work in them in greater measure.

The reason for this increased measure of the Spirit's impartation is that believers may receive more wisdom, a revelation in gaining knowledge concerning God's redemptive purposes for present and future salvation, and experience a more abundant power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

It is essential to note that the 'natural' man cannot know Him because this knowledge can only be discerned by someone who is spiritually active. (1corinthians 2:14)

To have this knowledge of Christ, we must believe in Him read ( Hebrew 11:6)

Moreover, for us to know Christ, we must be humble as He is, gentle and lowly in heart. Matthew 11:29. We must therefore be ready to learn from Him, putting aside what or who we are or think we are to gain this knowledge. Philadelphians 3:8. Without His knowledge, we are completely ready to be cheated by the devil 

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit makes us lives and Spiritually active in order to gain the knowledge of Christ each day. He demands that we tune to Him every day for a continuous revelation of the Knowledge of Christ

Food For Thought 

Seek God's knowledge every day. It's worth seeking.

What have you learned personally from this lesson?

Can All Christians Be A New Man In Christ

 The new man

Text: Colossians 3: 1-10

Introduction

The new man is the new provision made by God after the old man was contaminated (defiled). Romans 5:12- "therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world and death through sin, thus death spread to all men because all sinned".

All men have these characteristics(old man) in them; hence there is a need for transformation from this state, nature, thoughts, being, and way of life into the new provision of God; which is the New Man.

The new man is the nature of Christ, it is Christ Himself we are expected to put on. This is the true virtue of Christianity.

The nature of Christ is holiness and godliness should therefore be reflected in us.

Everyone born into the world has the old man, (I.e carnality) by default. Hence, there is a need to put off the old nature and put on the new man renewed according to the knowledge of Christ in holiness and godliness

Food for thought

You cannot have the new you until you put the new man

Contemporary Social Vices: The Christian View

 

TEXT: ROMANS 1:18-27; PHILLIPIANS 4:8,9; 1PETER 1:6-11

Since the fall, Adam and all generations after him have become easily influenced by evil imaginations and actions. Through the ages past, mankind has shown evil traits in many different ways. Man himself has a sin-generating mind. He can generate or create sin and sinful entertainment. Sin, in itself, is inexhaustible. Man’s craving for evil and vices are insatiable. He ever craves for innovation of sin. Therefore, the contemporary believers – all categories, ages, educations, and illiterates restricted and free – have some newly devised set of evils. 

WHAT are CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL VICES?

Contemporary social vices are present-day evil practices in our society. (Gen.6:5) Since the flood, the heart of man has always been evil. God saw the whole imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart, every day, every year, every moment. He hardly does that which good. Such is the orientation and profile of mankind. Such were men before God brought the flood upon the earth. Strangely, the Scriptures do not give us a reason to think otherwise of believers today. 

The mind of the modern-day believers is sin – generating machine. An increase in technology means an increase in evil. With the advent of TV, Video, mobile phone, the computer, and the internet their potential for conveying thoughts in picture, color, or language motion is accompanied by increased engagement in sinful entertainments and pleasures. The TV, for instance, impresses some vices on the mind of believers and makes light of violence, hooliganism, murder, moral perversion, and assault. Therefore, to live a victorious Christian life today, we must seek the Lord daily for His grace and strength.

COMMON SOCIAL VICES THAT A CHRISTIAN SHOULD GUARD AGAINST 

ROM.1:29.30; Micha 2:1-3; James 4:4; 1JOHN 2:15-27; DET.22:5; GEN.1:1-6. 

Misuse of drug or addiction to it, a practice found among teenagers and students in schools is a vice that ranks very high in contemporary times. Some freely say that scripture does not say anything about drugs. Yes, but it does warn us against defiling or, in modern usage, destroying the temple of the Holy host which we have in us. 1Cor. 6:19,20.

The uses of drugs affect the life of its users heavily. Hard drugs inflame the mind, sedate the heart, and make the soul feel “high”. Its end is more dangerous and deadly than the beginning. It leaves its victim a wretch and a danger to others. 

Cultism. This is prevailing among students generally today. Cults, these days, pretend to be a social club but when its activities are closely examined, it is revealed as the breeding ground of all contemporary vices – wildlife, drug addiction, and immorality. In recent times, weapons like ammunition, machetes, spears, and arrows are found among members of cults in our schools and they possess a great danger to lives and properties.

Betting and Pools-staking. The bottom line and motive is covetousness. An attitude of getting – rich – quick and laziness is the driving spirit behind this practice. It is sad to see this creep into the midst of some believers having claimed to be converted.

Examination malpractices. This has reached some level because students and some parents are desperate to excel without corresponding input of labor and diligence. It looks as if this vice has come to stay and has become a burden to the constituted authority who has fear of God. Its permanency therefore does not make it right and it remains essentially evil and vicious.

Pornography. The evil sight that stirs up the base nature of man through pornography has a demonic hold on youths and believers. Illegal sensual pleasure is basically sinful. 

Lesbianism and homosexuality. These are rampant among students in boarding schools and higher institutions. Some of them are found in the religious circle particularly among believers in Christ.

Sensational music. This in the past was exclusive to sinners in brothels and pleasure – madhouses but has now been brought to the church. The most church has lost the solemnity, inspiration, freshness, and refreshing that comes with God-glorifying music in the Bible. From old, music has always been a spiritually and edifying medium. Col.3:16. David’s songs and playing on the harp had a great spiritual and soothing impact on Saul. Elisha called for a minstrel under whose ministration he received inspiration.2kings 3:15. Indeed, hymn – singing is a great inspiration to those who preach; just as good singing and music precede most of our preaching today. Believers are besieged by rock and roll, noisy music, drumming, and tunes which are very much akin to those that obtain in heathen shrines. Secular music has a strong appeal which makes the mind stray away from the kingdom. We must reject it outrightly. 

The use of Slang and gutter language. Col.4:6. Christian language, like salt, should do five things. First, it should sweeten, edify the heart, and the mind of the hearers. Second, it should purify, not defile or offend. Third, It should preserve the hearers from decay and spiritual decomposition. Fourth, it should be pervasive in its influence, no matter how few the words are, just as a pinch of salt would pervade a whole meal. Fifth, it should be known for its characteristics. Eccl.5:3. The Christian’s use of slangs sourced from brothels, drug addicts, “heroes” in boxing, sports, and theaters cannot make him minister to sinners. Matt.15:14.

Divine Journey – The Correct Approach

TEXT: MATT.25:14-30; LUKE 19:11-26; 

Introduction

It is of great importance to review our past labor in the kingdom journey and to examine the expectations of the master. This is very important as we await the return of our Saviour that may come any time from now. We should not also forget that our Lord Jesus Christ is coming for a glorious, unblemished, and people without blame. And also worthy of note is the fact that we shall give an account of our journey when our master comes back. As our text had highlighted, He is on a long journey and to come back one day to ask us to answer questions about how faithful we are in what He had committed to us.

Just like the story in our text, Jesus was on a long journey and called as many as made themselves available. Those that answer His call were given money or talents to trade with. He gave the talents in proportion to their ability. A great number of them invested that is the work with what the master gave them but one of them did not. When the master came He asked them to give account. Those that labor correctly was rewarded well while others were condemned.

We shall embark upon the study under the following headings.

The divine Journey – the correct approach

The calling of the servants to walk into divine destination’

The lifestyle of the servants for the divine place

The Expectations of the master about the assignment given to them.

The Assessment of the mater towards the servants.

The judgment of the master on the labourers.

The divine Journey. 

Journey means a gradual passing from one state to another regarded as more advanced. E.g. from innocence to mature awareness. It is the act of traveling from one place to another, especially in a vehicle.  It may be long or short. One may be familiar with the destination or not.  The divine journey is a godlike type of trip that we ought to embark upon to get to where He dwells. His desire is for us to be where He is and so the reason why Jesus was sent to be an example for us in all areas of life. 

To embark upon the journey to meet our savior let us take note of the following:

Think about the journey you want to embark upon. Think about where you are, why you need to embark upon the divine journey, and always think about where you are going. The Bible says as a man thinketh in his heart so he is.

Prepare for the Journey. We shall discuss it later.

 Noah was to embark upon a divine work for Him. He prepared adequately for the journey and the preparation was according to the instructions given to him by God. Gen.6:9-22. At times when you are embarking on a journey, you need light, enough clothing depending on the distance. Watch and prepare well.

Follow the exact road to the destination – heaven. There are several similar roads but not all are correct. There is a counterfeit way, so also you are likely to face intentionally and devilish manipulated way. 

Observes the rules of the journey. Obey all the instructions, rules, and regulations guiding your eternity journey. E.gIsam. 15. &17

Endure the pains of the way. Paul charges to timothy in 11Timothy 2:1-14.  Heb.11:1-39

Do not overuse the comfort, peace, and joy along the line. Moses in Heb.11:24-27, Daniel 1:3-8; Samson in Judges 13 -16

Remain focus by avoiding distractions. Do not be carried away by what is happening along the way. Peter walking on water and was distracted by the wind in Matt. 15: 22-33, Gehazi in 11kings 5, The three Hebrew youths in Daniel 3, Elisha in 11kings 2

Patiently pass through the ups and downs. Paul and Jesus.2Cor. 6:3-12 & Jesus in Heb.12:1-12

Put on the right garment. Remove the old and put on new.  David 1Sam. 17; Col.3:5-11; Phil.3:17-21

The Identity Of A Good Christian

 

TEXT: HEB. 11:8-12; ROM. 4:13-21; LUKE 16:10-12

Introduction

A Christian is a person that is born again. John 3:1-7. A person that acknowledges the fact that he is a sinner, that he needs somebody to rescue him and accept the provisions for deliverance walking therein. 1Cor. 2:13-15; Mat.11:28; Titus 3:5. They are also called the true follower of Christ walking according to His instruction. They are known by their marks just as retails are known by their logos or brand name. A Christian’s mark is a reflection of Christ’s love through the relationship he has with Him. When believers live and practice the traits of Christ, their life will reveal their identity. Our mark is His mark. Our identity is blended with His. 1Cor. 6:17.

In this study, we shall look at the character traits of God’s stewards that make up their brand name. One, the traits inspire us to look for Jesus return and two, to do the work entrusted to us as faithful stewards of His truth.

 The following are the identity we shall study. 

1Faithfulness

2. Loyalty 

3. A clear conscience 

4.Obedience

5. Trustworthy 

6. Honesty

7. Individual accountability.

Each of the above characteristics describes a deepening relationship we can have with the one who came to seek and save the lost. The more these qualities are studied, accepted, and used, the deeper they will be rooted in our lives. God’s character of love, in all its dynamics, will become our identity and have an influence on every aspect of our lives, today, and eternally.

FAITHFULNESS

The word faithfulness comes from two words, faith and full. Faith means “strong and firm belief in something for which there is no proof”. Heb.11:1. Full means “as much as possible or completely”. In Hebrew, faithful means to trust. Therefore, 

1. Faithfulness is a firm strong belief in something for which there is no as much as possible. 

2. True to the facts, to a standard, or an original.

3. Keeping your promises or doing what you are supposed to do. 

4. Faithfulness means we have been tested and tried and have remained firmly committed to God’s plan.

Faithful is what God is and what we are to become through Him working in us. It is staying true to what we know is right, especially in the heat of spiritual battles. Spiritual conflicts between right and wrong, good and evil, will surely come. They are part of the fight of faith. The decision that marks believers in every situation is the choice to be faithful. 

If you love wealth, be sure to remain faithful to God and what He says about the dangers of the love of money.

If you crave fame, remain faithful to what the word of God says about humility.

If you struggle with lustful thoughts, remain faithful to the promises of holiness.

If you want power, remain faithful to what God says about being a servant of all.

The choice to be faithful or unfaithful is often made in a split second, even if the consequences can be eternal. Example of faithful people in the Scripture

God – Deut. 7:9; 9:5; 1King 8:56; Psalm 89:1; 1Cor. 1:9; Heb.6:18; 1Pet. 4:19.

Christ – 1Thessa. 5:24; 2Thess. 3:3; 2Tim. 2:13; Heb.2:17; 10:23; Rev. 1:5; 19:11 and others;

Daniel – Dan. 6:4; Nehemiah’s treasurers – Neh.13:13; Moses – Heb. 3:5; Workmen under Hilkiah – 2Chro. 34:11-12; Workmen under Jehoiada – 2Kings 12:15; Joseph – Gen. 39:6.

Reward of faithfulness. Mt. 24:45; Luke 19:17; Rev. 2:10; 20:4; Psalm 132:12; 103:17-18; Ex. 19:5; 

Warning of unfaithfulness. Song. 1:6; Isaiah. 5:7; Heb.10:1; Mat. 21:43; 25:24; 25:25; Luke 16:12.