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Total Freedom

Text: JOHN 8:2 5-36
Memory Verse: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32Introduction: This year (2004) has been proclaimed under God by our
leader as the year of Total Freedom. We thank God for the reality of this in the
life of some of us already but in the fast majority, the word is yet to have a
real foothold in their lives. The question is, why are we not enjoying the
reality of this word? Is God not ready to give us as he promised? Or is anything
wrong with us? In this study we shall examine some points that will result into
the essential knowledge of the truth that make free. No freedom can come and
stay with us if we lack the essential knowledge of the things we need to know.
Remember Hosea 4:6 and reject destruction.
(1) THE NEED FOR FREEDOM: Gen 1:26-29, 2:8-15, 15:19-20, 3:9-11, 16-19
In order to see the need for freedom we may have to look back to see how we
started and when things began to go wrong. God in His wisdom created Adam and
Eve in the Garden of Eden. He made them to have dominion over everything He had
earlier created. Infact it was Adam that gave names to all other creatures. He
was very wise and full of authority. He could walk on land and water. He was
only a little lower than the angels full of glory and honour (Ps. 8:4-8).
Man was enjoying all these privileges and blessings until sin came to his life.
From that day the history of mankind changed. His glory was taken away because
he fell short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). All the dominion he used to have
became history. He began to be fearful and infact he was driven out of the
presence of God without any opportunity for personal effort to return. (Gen.
3:22-24). From that moment man has been in perpetual bondage that unless
something is done by God himself there was no hope for man to survive the
predicament. Also from that point men became problem to one another, enemy of
one another. Terrible things began to be experienced by man. Sickness, disease,
lack, pain, poverty, failure, affliction, boundage etc became the lot of man. If
man will therefore need to enjoy what God had planned for him from creation, it
is very necessary for him to gain freedom from all the powers that are against
him (Eph 6:12). Despite all that Christ has done, why are many Christian not
enjoying total freedom today?
(2) THE ENEMY OF FREEDOM: 1 Peter 5:8; Eph 6:11-12. The principal enemy of the
life of freedom is the devil. He is the brain behind every bondage. Be it
sickness, disease, failure, poverty, or any other difficulties in life, devil is
the one at work. He however uses situations, demons and even other human beings
to achieve his purpose. No wonder Jesus said "a man's foes shall be they of his
own household" Matt 10:36; Micah 7:5-6; Remember, it was Midian (also a
descendant of Abraham) that stood against the children of Israel in Judges
6:1-6. Jesus delivered a daughter of Abraham whom the devil put in bondage for
good 18 years (Luke 13:15-17). Another enemy of our freedom and our soul is this
world, the world system James 4:4; Any act of enmity against God put us in
bondage. The most terrible enemy of our freedom however is flesh which work all
form of sins. (Gal 5:19-21) for he do not only enslave in this world but he
causes man to end up in hell fire. Identify these enemies of freedom and discuss
how we can handle them.
(3) THE WAY OF FREEDOM: Gen 3:15 Though we have been long in bondage yet it must
be realized that God, right from the beginning when man fell had provided a way
out for him. His promise- Gen 3:15 was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He did this,
that is, the work of deliverance by all he suffered for us (Isaiah 53:1-10). And
no matter how long you have been a prey in the hand of the mighty, the freedom
of God will be yours (Isaiah 49:24-26). To enjoy this that has been wrought for
you, the memory verse must be a reality in your life (John 8:32). Some of the
truths you need to know include the following:
(i) You died with Christ and died to the power of sin's rule over your life (Rom
6:1-6)
(ii) You are free from condemnation (Rom 8:1)
(iii) You are free from sicknesses and diseases because of his stripes (1 Peter
2:24;
3 John 2)
(iv) You are delivered from poverty (2 Cor 8:9)
(v) Freedom from bareness (Ex 23:26; Gal 4:27)
(vi) You are not under any curse of law (Gal 3:13) what about deliverance and
freedom from failure, joblessness etc? Discuss these and others with the
relevant promises in the Bible. For how long should we wait to receive our
freedom?
(4) THE MAINTENANCE OF FREEDOM:
Our continuity in the blessings of freedom is based on how long we remain in the
Lord and the truth. As long as we remain or abide in the Lord and keep the
knowledge of His word not just in mental recitation or mere confession but in
believing in our hearts all He did for us, we are bound to continue to enjoy his
freedom. The issue of knowing the truth is a continuous one. Any time we forget
the truth or we deliberately ignore it, the devil will have upper hand (Ex
17:14). Remember that the Galatians had terrible experiences because they did
not maintain their understanding in the Lord (Gal 4:8-17). No wonder Jesus said
"if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed". This also holds
for freedom for it is only His disciples that are free indeed. What are other
things that make a person maintain his/her freedom?
CONCLUSION: All that God needed to do has been done, the matter of your freedom
lie largely in your hand. You must be determined to see the reality of your
freedom in the Lord. Let us read these promises of God together Isa. 62:1-5.
HOUSE-TO-HOUSE PRAYER MINISTRIES INC.,
P. O. BOX 1438, OGBOMOSO, NIGERIA. TEL. 038 720689
E-mail: ppraise@skannet.com
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BIBLE TEACHING SERVICE
PAUL - THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES
(HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY)
Text: Acts 26:1-22
Memory Verse: For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the Apostleship of the
circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentile. Gal. 2:8
Introduction: Among men of old not many lives of people have a lot of challenges
to offer us, (the present day believers) as the life of Paul did. He is worthy
of following and emulation. His life and ministry can be copied without missing
God's focus. In this study we like to survey the life and ministry of this
Apostle of the Lord - Paul.
(1) BACKGROUND AND EARLY MINISTRY: There is little or no information about
Paul's life before his appearing in Jerusalem as a persecutor of Christians.
However, he was a Pharisee (Phil. 3:5), born in Tarsus, a center of learning, he
was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-29) who studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem
(Acts 22:3). He was a young man (Acts 7:58) and a violent opponent of
Christianity (Gal. 1:13-14,23). He had official authority as a director of
anti-Christian campaign. The Bible suggests he did not have any impressive
personal appearance 2 Cor. 10:10; He was however, full of grace. After his
conversion, he was in the desert of Arabia and then spent the 3 years that
followed preaching in Damascus (Gal. 1:17-18; Acts 9:19-22). He became a teacher
of the gospel along with Barnabas at Antioch church (Acts 13:1). What is your
Background? Is your life now different from former life before you believed?
Compare your past with your present. Is there any difference? Are you masking
mere religion with true Christianity indeed? Why is it that the life of some
Christians today are not different from their past lives? Let's discuss.
(2) MISSIONARY JOURNEYS:About 46 A.D. Paul and Barnabas were commissioned by the
church in Antioch to undertake an evangelistic mission which took them through
Cyprus and South Galatia. They started by preaching in synagogues, but when the
majority of Jews rejected them they turned their attention to the Gentiles (Acts
13:46-49); establishing churches.
Paul took Silas on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40 - 18:22). Staying
briefly in Antioch after this second journey; he prepared for his third journey
and shifted his base to Ephesus. A.D. 53-58, (Acts 18:23 - 20:38) appeared in
many ways his most important period. During the period he wrote Romans, the
Corinthians, and possibly one or more of Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. He spent all his time after conversion in
the services of his Master. What are you using your time for? Discuss what is
hindering believers today in using their time for the Lord.
(3) HIS TEACHING: Paul's theology is concerned with redemption. Jesus, by his
death and resurrection, defeated for all time the power of this age - Sin, Death
and Demonic Forces Eph. 6:12; Col. 2:15. His teaching revealed that Christians
enter the "resurrection age" through conversion (Rom. 6) by which they are
united with Christ in his death, resurrection and glorification (Gal. 2:20; Eph.
2:5-7). In this present life this means they are transformed through the
indwelling Holy Spirit, who gives them a foretaste of the resurrection life
(Rom.8:23; 2 Cor. 5:5). Their behaviour is thus changed (Col. 3) and so is their
whole world-view (Rom. 12:1-2).
Despite this renewal however, Christians remain mortal beings subject to the
limitation of their age. Although no longer "in Adam", and now "in Christ" yet
they have their share of suffering (2 Cor. 1:5); they must still die, but do so
hopeful of resurrection "in Jesus" (1 Thess. 4:14; 2Tim. 4:6-8). Then shall they
be fully conformed to the likeness of Jesus (Rom. 8:29) and the damage caused by
sin shall be finally repaired. Paul interpreted Jesus' death as an end of the
world event, bringing God's Kingdom and resurrection to all the elect. What are
you teaching others about Jesus by your life and your word? Discuss the cause
and effect of strange teachings in the church today.
(4) HIS FOCUS: Paul was a man with the right focus. His aim was not merely to
preach the gospel or make converts, but to bring people into a relationship with
Jesus Christ that would change their lives. The life of Christ was to be
reproduced in the lives of Christ's people (Eph. 4:17-24; Col. 2:6-7). And that
he himself will eventually make heaven.
Paul had made up his mind that:
- It is compulsory for him to preach to sinners - Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 4:1-2
- He would not allow anything in this world to hinder him from making heaven - 1
Cor. 9:24-27
- He must reproduce others to continue with the work after his departure - 2
Tim. 2:4
- He would live for Christ only - Phil. 2:20-21
- He would finish his course, that is to make it unto the end - 1 Tim. 1:18-19;
2 Tim. 4:6-8
- Mention others
There is need for us to ask ourselves again, what is my/your focus in life? What
are you truly living for? Paul has come and gone, what will the coming
generation say/read about your life, what will the heaven say about you? Why is
it that many Christians today are not heavenly conscious?
(5) HIS IMPRISONMENT AND DEATH:
He was falsely accused of violating temple rituals, and was arrested. For him
not to be mishandled he was removed by the Romans to Caesarea, where he was
imprisoned for 2 years (A.D. 58-60) Acts 23-26. Paul exercising his Roman
citizenship appealed to Caesar, this was not so much however for his own safety
but for the interest of the gospel. He probably had hope of winning recognition
for Christianity as a religion in its own right. He actually reached Rome though
after shipwreck (Acts 27) and then spent the next 2 years in Rome under house
arrest teaching about Jesus (Acts 28). He may have been released in A.D. 63
before his re-arrest and death at the hand of Nero in A.D. 67. He suffered,
imprisoned and was killed for the Lord's sake (2 Cor. 11:22-33). What have you
suffered for
the sake of Christ? Discuss why Christians are not ready to suffer today.
Conclusion: Paul after conversion spent all of his energy, resources, talents,
gifts and even his entire life for the Lord. He counted all that were gains to
him loss for the sake of Christ (Phil. 3:7-8). What about you? You need to cry
to God for help if you have the hope of getting to the heaven thatpeople like
Paul went to. God bless you. Let us pray.
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P. O. BOX 1438, OGBOMOSO, NIGERIA. TEL. 038 720689
E-mail: ppraise@skannet.com
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BIBLE TEACHING SERVICE
TITHING, OFFERING AND GIVING: GATEWAY TO BLESSINGS
TEXT: Gen. 28:20-22; Lev. 27:30-34; Mal. 3:8-10; Lk. 11:42; Lk. 6:38Memory
Verse: Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse.if I will not open you the
windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room
enough to receive it. Mal. 3:10CENTRAL TRUTH: Our problem is not a lack of
Bibles; it is a lack of people who carefully handle the Word of God, both
privately and publicly. We should not simply be students of scriptures - sound
in our theology - but we must also be careful in our interpretation of the
scriptures 2 Tim. 3:14-16. We must be doers - James 1:22.
INTRODUCTION: God is the giver of life and the ultimate provider of all that is
necessary to maintain and enjoy life. This includes money and other material
possessions (Job 1:21; Eccl. 5:19; 12:7; Matt. 6:26-30). Because God is the
ultimate owner of all things, people should know that whatever they possess,
they hold IN TRUST FOR Him. They are answerable for the way they use these
things and in fact by giving a portion back to God they express their thanks and
worship. The giving must be sacrificial to the offerer if it is going to be a
genuine expression of devotion Gen. 4:3-4; 28:20-22; 2 Sam. 24:24; Mal. 1:8.
Hence tithing, offering and giving are Bible based principles that do not need
any argument for any heavenly-minded person. In fact God requires that we give
our all. However, the first thing God want us to give is our lives 2 Cor. 8:1-5.
Have you given your life to Him completely? Let us open our heart to God as we
study at His feet.
A. YOU ARE A STEWARD: 1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Cor. 4:2
Every believer is a steward of everything he possesses including his life.
However, it must be emphasized that God own everything. So, we are going to give
account to God how we faithfully use them. Mention other things that we are
stewards of.
A steward is one who manages, administers and takes care of that which belongs
to someone else. Since God is the one who gives every blessing, we acknowledge
His ownership (1 Chro. 29:14; James 1:17). How faithful are you in handling
things God has committed unto your hand? How then can we be good steward of
God's possessions in our care? Can we use our possessions the way we like, after
all we worked hard to acquire them? Remember always that God owns everything Ps.
50:10-12; Ps. 95:3-8; Isa. 66:1-2; Hag. 2:8.
B. GOD ASKS US TO TITHE: Lev. 27:30; Deut. 14:22; Lk. 11:42
(i) Tithing before the Law: Tithing seems to have been a custom from very early
times (i.e. 10% or a tenth). By giving a tenth of their income, they acknowledge
God as the supreme controller of life's events and the sole giver of life's
blessing. This time the custom existed as a voluntary act of devotion before it
became compulsory practice under the Law of Moses. Example: Abraham in Gen.
14:17-24; Jacob Gen. 28:20-22.
(ii) Tithing under the Law of Moses: The Israelites had to give to God one tenth
of all crop, fruit, flocks and herds. The tenth must be an honest sample of the
thing to give. (Lev. 27:30, 32-33). Money could be given instead Lev. 27:31,
they presented their tithe and offering to the central place of worship and they
paid it with joy not grudgingly Deut. 12:5-7, 17-19; Mal. 3:10.
(iii) Tithing in New Testament times: Matt. 23:23; Lk. 11:42; Matt. 5:17-18;
22:36-40 In the New Testament time, much emphasis was not placed on tithe but
that does not mean we must not pay it. Tithing is the beginning of stewardship
and it is a privilege. The fact is that God require our all in this dispensation
of grace. (We should allow the Holy Spirit to truly guide and speak to us when
God want us to give more than our tithe).
Jesus Christ at a time rebuked the Jewish teacher not because they asked people
to give their tithe but because they did not teach them the more important
matters of faith (in God), love, mercy and justice and because they themselves
are not doing it (Matt. 23:4, 23). Jesus said we should not leave it undone.
Again don't borrow your tithe. If you don't pay your tithe, it is like eating
pile with meat and there could be negative consequences on someone who rob God
(i.e. refuse to pay tithe) Mal. 3:8-9. Tithe should be paid to your local church
where you are receiving spiritual nourishment. It should not be shared! Mention
other things that we need to tithe.
C. OFFERING: Right from Genesis, people expressed their devotion to God by
presenting to Him sacrificial offerings Gen. 4:2-5,8. However, the most
important thing to God is the heart of attitude of the giver, for example Cain
and Abel in Heb. 11:4; 1 Jn. 3:12.
The Bible teaches us that we are to give, sincerely, willingly, cheerfully and
from a spirit of generosity with heart of praise. Exo. 25:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; 1
Chro. 29:9-13 Generous giving is a proof of our love, faith and maturity 2 Cor.
9:6-13; 2 Cor. 8:2. The giving must be as unto the Lord. It must not be given to
impress any man Gal. 1:10. The Christian is to do all things to the glory of God
1 Cor. 10:31. The tithe is different from our offering; offering should be given
to God's work according to how God has prospered the giver Ex. 25:2. He should
give regularly, generously, and as he has determined not grudgingly, not under
compulsion 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7; Lev. 22:21; Neh. 7:70-72. How should we give
our offering? Matt. 6:2-4; Matt 5:23-24.
How shall the tithe and offering be used? Since it is God's money, it should be
used wisely. It should be handled with care. It should be devoted to the support
of the extension of the Kingdom of God. It should be used for church workers
(full time Pastors, Administrators, Secretary/Typists, and Janitor etc. It
should be used for the upkeep of the church; church projects such as buildings,
rates, utilities, electricity, evangelism and crusades, training etc. It should
be used to support the poor and needy. Everything must be done to the glory of
God.
Challenge: God gave His only begotten Son - Jesus to save the world Jn. 3:16.
Jesus gave His life (all) for your salvation and became poor for you to be rich
towards God. Jn. 15:13; 2 Cor. 8:9
The disciples gave their all to follow the Master. Mat. 4:19-22
The widow gave her all Lk. 21:1-4.
You and I must be ready to give our all for the expansion of the Kingdom of God.
OTHER GIVINGS: This has to do with giving of our money and other possessions to
the poor, the needy and in fact as many as God will lay in our heart to bless
especially those in the household of faith Prov. 19:17; Gal. 6:10. Believers are
to support financially those who carry out Christian service for them 1
Cor.9:13-14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18. The motive must be right Col. 3:23-24.
All must be done to the glory of God. Giving is a grace all Christian should
exercise. Again giving is an expression of stewardship. Jesus taught us to give
Matt. 19:21; Lk. 6:38. Are you a giver? When should we give and how should we
give?
CONCLUSION: It is difficult to give faithfully and acceptably to God if you have
not surrendered your life
to Jesus Christ. However, all of us should learn from Jesus our perfect example
that gave His all, became poor in order to bless us. To refuse to be a faithful
steward by giving your tithe offering and sacrificial giving is an act of
robbery and rebellion toward God Mal. 8:3, 8-12. But to yield to His purpose in
giving is to receive an open Heaven, abundant blessing, protection from wants
and famine and laying up your treasures in heaven Mat. 6:19-21.
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P. O. BOX 1438, OGBOMOSO, NIGERIA. TEL. 038 720689
E-mail: ppraise@skannet.com
http.//www.Answers2prayer.org.insight
BIBLE TEACHING SERVICE
DIVINE SECURITY
Text: Psa. 91; Job 11:14-20
Memory Verse: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build
it: except the Lord keep the city, the watch man waketh but in vain. Psa. 127:1
INTRODUCTION: As the end of the world is fast approaching, many people in the
world today are gripped with fear and many are feeling insecured. The most
pathetic part of it is that some believers too are feeling insecured whereas our
security is in Christ Jesus Heb. 6:18-20. It must be noted that our security is
in the hands of God alone and we can do nothing of our own to possess it. What
we can do is to put our absolute trust in the Lord.
A. GOD'S PROMISE OF DIVINE PROTECTION: One of those additional blessings
promised us is our security in every sphere of life Matt. 6:31-34. The Lord is
our cover; He is our shield and buckler by his truth. Even though we walk in the
valley of the shadow of death we shall fear no evil for He is with us as we pass
through this year with certainty in our heart because we have God who can hold
and secure us in his hands Psa. 23:1-6.
The faithfulness of God makes Him to maintain His divine protection upon those
that trust in Him Psa. 115:9-13; Lk. 12:4-7; Psa. 91:10-16; Lam. 3:22-26.
The extent of God's divine protections are limitless, it covers every area of
life: spiritual and physical: material, financial, marital, family life, health
life, emotional etc. Let's mention other areas of God's divine protection. If we
believe in God, we must be assured that our life is secured in Him and we should
know that His greatness is beyond searching out Isa. 40:28; Psa. 23:1; Nahum
1:7; 2 Tim. 1:12; Eph. 3:20.
B. AREAS OF SECURITY
(i) Spiritual Security: Heb. 9:11-15, 24-28; Lk. 12:32; Jude 24
If there is anything God will want, it is how we will remain steadfast in Him so
that devil will not be able to pull us down. Jesus fought for our security and
right now, he is praying for us at the right hand of the Father Heb. 7:25. We
should be at rest in the hands of the Lord that He is more than able to keep us
till the end Rom. 8:37. Do not fear, fear is of the devil, but have faith in God
Mark 4:36-41; Lk. 12:32.
It should be noted that the doctrine of eternal security is of the devil. There
is nothing like "saved once, saved forever". Whosoever gives in to the devil in
committing sin is heading for eternal doom Eze. 33:13; 1 Sam. 2:30. It is the
over-comers that will reign with Christ Rev. 3:5. However, as we keep watching
over our life, God is able to keep us from falling hence He has given us the
Holy Spirit to guide us. Joh. 14:16-17; Joh. 16:7-13
(ii) Physical Security: Dan. 3:8-30; Dan. 6:4-24.
Our God is not only interested in our spiritual life; He is equally concerned
with our physical protection Psa. 91:7-11.
Daniel with all the plans of the wicked one was physically protected from the
mouth of the lion. God shut the mouth of lions and they could not hurt him but
when his adversaries were thrown into the den, they were tore into pieces before
they reach the bottom of the pit. Likewise the three Hebrew children were kept
from the flame of fire which could not harm them. Let it be known to you that
your life, your family, marital life, your house is secured and even your future
is secured in God's hand. As you travel this year you are secured - Pas. 121:8;
Psa. 68:6; Psa. 127:1; 3 John 2; Gen. 2:18.
In this world there is bound to be trials, tribulations, confrontations and
attack but we have an anchor and one who is able to protect us from every
calamity Joh. 16:33; Heb.6:19. When you are passing through fire or water (of
life) be assured of security of the Lord on you Isa. 43:2. Know that perfect
health is for you 3 Joh. 2 and peradventure you fall sick, the Lord is your
healer and He is ready to do it all the times. Ex. 15:26
CAUTION: No man should think he could protect himself; God is the only one who
protects. For instance, Abraham: Gen. 12:10-20, Isaac: Gen. 26:6-11, even Uzzah
who tried to protect the ark of God from falling 2 Sam. 6:1-7. What was the
result of their efforts? Your security is in God!
(C) NO UNCONDITIONAL SECURITY: 2 Cor. 13:5. As said earlier, unconditional
security has no place in the word of God. How helpful it will be if we can
always remember the following: Priest Eli {1 Sam. 2:22-25; 29-31}; King Saul
{1Sam 15: 19-23} Judges and Nazarites like Samson Judges 16:15-20; Prophet
Balaam {Rev 2:14; Jude 11; Num. 23: 18- 24, 24:2-4, 31:8} Disciples like Judas
{Mark 3: 14 - 18; Luke 10: 1 - 8 ; Acts 1: 15-20} Couple like Ananias and
Saphira {Acts 5: 1-10} Churches like Ephesus and Laodacia {Rev. 2:1-5, 3:14-17.}
What do we say of the meekest man on earth {Num. 12:3} who was hindered from
entering Canaan because of little anger and disobedience {Num. 20:7-12}? Let's
mention others who lost their security or salvation.
(D) HOW CAN WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY GOD' SECURITY
We shall consider the followings:
(i) Abide In Christ: Psa 91:1; John 15: 4-7; Col. 3:3. Constant and meaningful
study of the word of God will help us to abide in the Lord. All who should help
Job rose against him Job 19:13-27 but if we abide in Christ, we are secured
forever for He cannot leave us as He did not leave Job Matt. 28:20
(ii) Watch And Pray: Matt. 26:41; LK 21:36; Col 4:2 1 Thess. 5:5-6; 1Pet. 5:7-9.
Watchfulness, prayerfulness, soberness, carefulness, quietness and confidence in
God are tools for maintaining our security in God Isa. 30:15. Do not do like
Samson and remember that if you will not pray you cannot keep the blessing. What
are those things in the life of Samson that we should run away from?
(iii) Beware Of Little Compromise: Songs 2:15; 1 Cor. 5:6 Acts 5:1-10. The devil
knows that he may not be able to catch us by so called "big sins" (Remember,
there is no big or small sin, sin is sin) but he uses little things. Beware!
Remember and beware of little anger: Moses{Exo. 32:19}. Covetousness: Ananiah
and Saphira Acts 5:1-10. Little disobedience: Saul {1 Sam. 15:1-3, 7-9, 22-23}.
Therefore, run away from sin Job 11:14-15. Mention other areas of compromise.
(iv) Let The Fear Of God Be In Your Heart: Psa. 31:19, 34:9, Eccl. 12:13.
Remember Joseph, despite all the troubles he encountered. The fear of God was in
him, hence God was with him always. God fought for him, promoted him and gave
him victory in every area of his life and his vision came to pass. Gen. 39: 2,
21, 42:18.
(v) Give No Place To The Devil: Eph. 4:27. Devil is always interested in
removing the hedge that God has put around every of His children. And he can
only do that through personal sin, which is usually due to our evil desires.
Jam. 1:14; Job 1:10; Isa. 5:5. So take heed!
(vi) Have Faith In God: Mk 11:22-24 Know for sure that what God says He will do,
He is able to do more than what He has promised Eph. 3:20. Many believers today
are afraid of their future, hence there are a lot of compromises, ungodliness,
unfaithfulness and cheating. Let's mention others. There are three enemies of
faith that must be conquered for one's faith in God to be unshaken even in the
face of trouble - these are: unbelief, doubt and fear.
CONCLUSION: Going out of the hands of God is to endanger our lives. In God we
have safety and outside God we have the snare of fowlers, pestilence and
destructions. But he that dwell in the secret place of the most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty.
Have you wander away from the protection and security of the Almighty, and you
are insecured outside? Here is the master's calling: Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matt.11: 28. The only way
to continue to abide in the security of the Lord is to lay your life on the
altar and leave it there.
Rev Debo Adeyemo

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