OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

SUNDAY SCHOOL
July 20, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12-22

++GOLDEN TEXT++
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13
**THE LESSON EXPLAINED**
A. GOD’S PROVISION TO ESCAPE TEMPTATION (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Paul did not relent in his effort in dealing with the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. He was prompted to give this exhortation because some of the brethren already though they were standing firm (v. 12). Thus, he recounted the history of the Israelites in the wilderness as a warning to them because the temptation that caused them to fall was similar to the temptation to the brethren in Corinth faced (vv. 1-6). So, the first admonition is against the attitude of overconfidence “… be careful that you do not fall” (v. 12), perhaps like their forefathers who continuously sinned against God as they journeyed through the wilderness. Well, as used in this passage, to be careful is to be cautious or watchful. Paul also stressed the universality of temptation as well as the faithfulness of God and His ability to provide a way of escape (v. 13).

Self-confidence has always been the problem of man, especially amongst seemingly mature believers. Paul, in these words of admonition, enjoined the Corinthians to have the right attitude to temptation if they will always overcome. There are two biblical implications in this passage, which are common to humankind.

First, God sometimes allow Christians to be tested in their spiritual journeys. However, these tests are not meant to cause them to fall into sin because God always provides a way of escape.

Second, God in His faithfulness limits the temptation that He allows according to each individual’s capability. Therefore we should know that no temptation is so powerful and insurmountable that we cannot bear it.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Share practical experience of how God provides escape route from temptation.

B. FLEE TEMPTATION (1 Corinthians 10:14-17)
It is obvious that Paul was passionate about the spiritual stability of the Corinthians since they had known the Lord. Therefore, he did not relent in his effort as he continued to warm and persuade them to avoid idolatrous practices. However, he was insistent in verse 14 when he said, “Therefore, my dear friends flee from idolatry.” “To flee” as used in this context is to run away as someone escaping a life-threatening situation or whatever thing, person or situation that may likely bring an enticement to do wrong. The only remedy is in wholly shunning (2 Corinthians 6:16-17). To further buttress his point, he gave an analogy saying, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?” The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? (v. 16). Consequently, he made a submission that even though we are many, we are unified in the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 17). The metaphors, body and bread, both signify that we are all partakers of the one bread who is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 6:35).

According to biblical history, Corinth was an idolatry city. However, in his view, Paul admonished the new converts to completely shun idolatry that they were probably involved in before they became saved. Based on verse 13, Paul maintained that idolatry could be avoided because God had given them a way of escape. Furthermore,, he spoke about the true fellowship believers have in Christ, which is not merely an outward gathering but an intimate fellowship with Christ. Notice that Paul uses the word “we” in both statements.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Let a member share an experience of hoe he/she was able to escape temptation recently

C. JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES (1 Corinthians 10:18-22)
Paul condemns the practice whereby some Jews participate in eating what is sacrificed to idols while also taking part in the service of God (Leviticus 7:6). Biblical history has it that when a sacrifice was made in ancient Israel, the one who offered the sacrifice and the priest who administered the sacrifice would have directly or indirectly partaken in the sacrifice. So such Jews were actually participating in idolatry. Paul thus charged the Corinthian church that Christians should not have anything to do with pagan sacrifices because all sacrifices are to Satan and not to God (v. 20).

A basic reason why Christians should avoid double allegiance is that, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons”. This kind of hypocrisy can provoke the Lord into jealousy (v. 22). This provocation is similar to that of the Israelites in the wilderness.

Participating in the Lord’s Table is not just taking part in the Lord’s Supper; it includes participating in all sorts of fellowship with God as well as their communion and fellowship with other brethren as they are bound together with Christ by His body and blood.

God hate double dealings. Just as participation in the Lord’s Supper identifies as worshippers of God, so does participation in pagan sacrifices to idols identify such participants (including believers who participate) as worshippers of those idols and by extension worshippers of the demons that are behind idols (v. 19).

This explanation has two implications:
* As long as one wishes to maintain fellowship with God, a believer should note that God is a jealous God and will not tolerate communion and fellowship with other gods. (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 32:21).
* Believers should continually walk in unity since they are already united with Christ through His body and blood which they share.

{==TAKE HOME==}>
> Christians can overcome temptations through the power of the Holy Spirit.
> The Lord’s Supper signifies the believer’s communion and fellowship with God.
> God detests idols.
> The Lord Jesus Christ bought us with His blood and we belong to Him. Therefore, we are not free to do just anything we choose or to believe just anything we want.
> We must never invent teachings that contradict the Scripture just because we want to satisfy the flesh.
> Idolatry can lead a person back into sin and then face the chastisement of God.
> Only the One True God, as revealed in the Scripture is worthy of our worship.
> Any food sacrificed to idols is also sacrificed to demons.
> Idols have no power.
> Any Christian who exposes himself/herself to an idolatrous act is exposing the entire Christian community to demonic powers.
> All believers are united in Christ.
> Satan has no authority over true Christians.

**…PRAYER POINTS…**
I. Lord, destroy every power of darkness that is setting destructive temptations against me.
II. Lord Almighty, give me strength to withstand and overcome every temptation.

++{==NEXT==}++
July 27, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: SEEK THE GOOD OF OTHERS
Lesson Scripture: 1Corinthians 14:13-26

THE MIND OF GOD ON ACCEPTABLE GIVING

THE MIND OF GOD ON ACCEPTABLE GIVING
Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
By Rev'd Dr. J. A. Aworinde

Our God is a giving God, He gives us life, He gives us Jesus Christ. He gives eternal life

Our God is the God characterised by His unfathomable attitude of giving

In God’s economy, there are several ways we can give

Acceptable giving presupposes that not all givings are acceptable to God

The core of Christian giving includes tithes, worship offerings, thanksgiving offering, pledges, donations etc

Tithes are not only specific they are also fixed on the other hands, offerings, pledges and donations are not fixed (Lev. 27:30-33, Malachi 3:6-12)

THE MIND OF GOD ON ACCEPTABLE GIVING
- It should be a response to the goodness and kindness of God to you (Genesis 14:18-20; Gen. 28:17-22; I Timothy 6:17)

You should give joyfully and generously to God as a sign of gratitude

What we have and what we are comes from God's mercy and it should not be taken for granted

- It should be in obedience to the revealed will of God

Giving as an act of obedience, failure to give is a sheer disobedience (Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:30; Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:6-12, Matt. 23:23)

- Giving reveals where your heart is (Matt. 6:24)

Where your treasure is, is where your heart will be

- Giving reveals who your King is (John 21:15)

If you love God, nothing will be too big to be offered unto Him

The reason why we find it to release our money to God is because we love our money more than God (I Timothy 6:9-11)

Instead of placing our faith in God, many place theirs in money and material things. At the end of it, they face disappointment

Your giving will reveal where your heart is

- Failure to give according to the revealed will of God is a robbery of God  (Malachi 3:8-9)

- Failure to give is to incure, provoke and invoke divine anger

Refusal to give to God makes one a victim of divine curse (Malachi 3:6-9; Haggai 1:2-6, 9-11)

- Acceptable giving invokes divine blessings (Malachi 3:10-12)

Giving is an acceptable way to curry God’s favour

If unbelievers do it profitably while not God’s own children?

Noah won divine favour through responsible giving (Genesis 8:20-22)
Abraham became a beneficiary of God’s supernatural favour as a result of meaningful giving (Genesis 22:11-12, 15-18)
A woman with an alabaster oil carved a good name for herself because of faithful giving (Mark 14:6-9)

- Acceptable giving should be characterized with:
* Humility (Matthew 6:1-4)
* Proportion or according to ability (I Corinthians 16:1-2)
* Sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 9:6; I Samuel 24 :24; Mark 10:28)
* Should be from our heart (2 Corinthians 8:5)
* Willingness (1 Chronicles 29:3-9)
* Cheerfulness (2 Corinthians 9:7; Deuteronomy 28:47)

- Acceptable giving is a worthwhile investment which yields eternal returns (Genesis 22:11-12, 15-18)

Do you know that you are here on transit on this planet earth? You are a sojourner

Have you brought yourself a purse that does not become old and sending your treasuries there to your eternal home through your giving tithes, worship, offering, thanksgiving & pledge?

Shalom!

LOVE BUILDS UP

SUNDAY SCHOOL

July 13, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: LOVE BUILDS UP
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8

++GOLDEN TEXT++
Take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
- 1 Corinthians 8:9

**THE LESSON EXPLAINED**
A. ONE GOD, THE FATHER (1 Corinthians 8:1-8)
In the previous chapters, Paul had addressed several issues in his response to the Corinthians questions. However, the question in Chapter 8 is about the liberty of Christians to eat food sacrificed to idols. Of course, the question became necessary because most of the meat sold in the markets had first been offered to idols. Therefore, some Christians believed that eating such meat would make them unclean. Furthermore, a clique among them had already claimed superiority of knowledge. Therefore, in his attempt to address the matter, Paul acknowledged the fact that we all possess knowledge (v.1), as he also compared knowledge that puffs up with pride and love that builds. He confirmed the non-existence of their so-called "gods" whether in heaven or on earth. Paul testified to the authenticity of the one true God, the Father and Lord, Jesus Christ through whom all things were created (John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-16). Unfortunately, not all the people understood this truth because some of them were already accustomed to idols. Paul, however, asserted that what ultimately matters not whether some foods are ritually clean or not because they have been sacrificed to the gods. Rather what matters is our relationship with God, who is the Creator of all things (v.8).

The message of Paul to the church of today is that one may well have freedom in Christ, but it must be used with discretion for sake of the weak. Christians are free to engage in social practices and customs not specifically forbidden by biblical commands, yet the Holy may prompt us to refrain from some legitimate practices just like Paul was kept from exercising his liberty for the sake of the weak in conscience.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Identify different areas of freedom that may constitute a challenge in the contemporary Christian community.
II. Discuss how best to rightly exercise such freedom.

B. EXERCISE YOUR FREEDOM RIGHTLY (1 Corinthians 8:9-12)
Paul begins this subdivision with a call to be watchful in exercising Christian freedom. Christians are no longer under the Law but should not assume that they are free to do anything just because the Scripture has not adjudged it wrong. Therefore, Paul cautions that our liberty in Christ does not one will be thoughtless of other believers who are weak in their conscience. He, therefore, maintained that what matters most is not whether eating of meat sacrificed to idols is right or wrong but its negative effect on fellow believers. There is no doubt that the people possessed great knowledge. Paul’s concern was that if anyone with a weak conscience sees them eat in the temple of idols, they may assume that there I no harm in eating things offered to idols (v. 10). Thus, such a brother whom Christ shed His blood for will be condemned. Invariably, their liberty should not be a means through which those who respect them for their superior knowledge are lured into partaking in things that are unwholesome.

Just as it was in Corinthian church, there are brethren among us who might not have the kind of knowledge with which we sometimes exercise our freedom. Therefore, when the weak among them eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols because other mature believers have approved of it, they might sin against God. The Bible says, “But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). As used in verse 7, conscience can be defined as “the internal court where our actions are judged and either approved or condemned” (Romans 2:14-15). However, our conscience becomes stronger as we increase in spiritual knowledge and act upon such knowledge.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. To what extent should we exercise our freedom as Christians?

C. EXERCISE YOUR FREEDOM IN LOVE (1 Corinthians 8:13)
Paul concluded his exhortation with an unyielding resolution saying “... if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again ...” (v. 13). In other words, rather than give room for a Christian to sin against his conscience and perish, I would not only abstain from all meats offered to idols, but I would also desist from eating meat again. Of course, his reason was that he would not cause his fellow brethren to stumble and thus fall into idolatry and ruin. The Bible says, “Everything is permissible -but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible -but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Therefore, a believer’s involvement in an activity is not only a question of whether it is right or wrong but also a question of what effect it would have on fellow believers.

According to J. Vernon McGee, “There is no point in arguing about whether something is right or wrong. It is a question of the effect upon the weak brother. It is a not a question of knowledge. All things are lawful for me. The LIBERTY OF A Christian is not pinned down by legality. He/she is not circumscribed by rules of conduct. His liberty is limited by love. His/her motivation should not be to offend hi9s/her fellow Christians but to be a blessing to him/her. That is how to determine Christian conduct. That is the motivation for Christian conduct. My knowledge can tell me that it is perfectly alright for me to do something, but my love for the weak brother will keep me from doing it.”

Paul’s resolution is a threefold admonition:
* Christians should not be stumbling blocks to the weak.
* Christians should be careful about other people’s conscience.
* Do away with anything that can cause other believers to fall, no matter its benefits.

Paul later admonished the Corinthians about their freedom to eat anything sold in market without asking any question because of their conscience. As the Scripture says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (1 Corinthians 10:25-26)

{==TAKE HOME==}>
> Knowledge is good but it must be expressed in love.
> Christians should know that the principle of love must take precedence over the principle of liberty.
> We should not be stumbling blocks to other brethren, especially the weak.
> We should put other Christians into consideration in whatever we do.
> We should exercise our freedom in Christ in a way that other believers would not be led into sin.
> We must be willing and ready to give up any action that is capable of causing young and immature believers to fall.
> Believers should work not only for their own good but for the good of others.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Evaluate various ways believers can show love to one another.
II. What is the place of conscience in determining what you need to abstain from eating? See 1 Corinthians 10:25-26.

**…PRAYER POINTS…**
I. Lord, help me to use my freedom responsibly.
II. Lord, help our church to practise responsible autonomy which will build up our Convention at all levels.
III. Lord, help me to be a builder and not a destroyer. Destroy every power that wants to engage or employ me as an agent of destruction.

++{==NEXT==}++
July 20, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
Lesson Scripture: 1Corinthians 10:12-22

WHAT YOU MUST DO FOR GOD TO BREAK PROTOCOL IN YOUR FAVOUR

WHAT YOU MUST DO FOR GOD TO BREAK PROTOCOL IN YOUR FAVOUR

LUKE 15:10-24

Revd. Dr. J. A. Aworinde

If a man does not decide to be discovered or rediscovered, he cannot be found

God often uses difficult circumstances in life to bring people to their senses

Do you sit down from time to time to examine your situation?

Appraise yourself objectively from time to time in order to enjoy God's favour

You must not sweep your sin under the carpet. Whosoever covers his sin shall not prosper. Proverbs 28:13

Key into God's mercy and no longer your right

Utilize the factor of humility and throw pride away for you to enjoy God's favour

Love was made to overcome social conventions

God is ever willing to receive anybody that admits his sin, repent of his sin and come to the saving knowledge of Christ

Robe is a symbol of distinction and acceptance
Ring symbolizes adoption, nobility, authority. Genesis 41:42
Shoe is a symbol of sonship

Key into divine grace for you to enjoy God workings of favour

You must come to your senses

Admit your mistakes

Be ready for a new way of life

HOW TO STAY HAPPY AND RADIANT THROUGH LIFE

HOW TO STAY HAPPY AND RADIANT THROUGH LIFE
Philippians 4:4-9
Revd. Dr. J. A. Aworinde

Happiness is a choice

Your choice determines your experience

Despite all negative circumstances and happenings, you can still be happy (John 16:33)

To be cheerful is a divine imperative

When it seems answer to your prayers are delayed, when it seems God is retreating over your life, when it seems things are working against you, be of good cheer

When God seems to be in retreat over your life, rejoice

Be positive despite negative circumstances surrounding you (Philippians 3:1, 4:4, 4:8)

Stop complaining, think, act and behave positively

Acknowledge, appreciate and accept God's provision for your life. Don't be burdened with what you don't have

Be conscious of the fact that God has been good to us

Change your thinking pattern (Philippians 4:8)

Reprogram your sense of thinking

Train your mind according to the pattern of Jesus

What you train your eyes to see, that's what it will see, what you train your ears to hear is what it will hear, whatever you train your mind to perceive is what you will know  (Exodus 2:2)

 What do you see in yourself, in others, in your environment? (Philippians 1:3, Heb 11:23)

Hope for the best

Expose your life to what will edify you

Utilize every opportunity to do good (Philippians 4:9 Psalm 126:6)

The greatest choice you can make in life to be happy is to choose JESUS

REMEMBER, HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

ATTAINING EXCELLENCE IN CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

(Psalm 8:1-8, Philippians 4:8)
By
Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

Our God is an excellent God

Seek to attain excellence

To maximize Kingdom impact, make effort to be what God want you to be

Make wise Choices

Be resolute

How much attention do you give to your Christian journey?

Be serious with your faith and Christian journey

Understand the nature and the purpose of your call - Live what you preach

Christians lacking in Characte

Face the necessity of learning and discipleship

Don't be a danger and nuisance to the community of faith & the society

See the word of God as your compass

Don't let the voice of the world be louder than the word of God in your life

No middle course; you either belong to God or satan

Seek to discover your gift and talents and make effort to develop them.

Be useful and available in the household of faith. Don't be passive! (I Cor. 14:12)

Function in the area of your giftedness

Use what you have for the growth of the Church and expansion of God's kingdom

Be mindful of the impact you make on the life of other people

Be sober & realistic  (Romans 12:3)

Recognize the fact that you are a steward

Think Excellence (Philippians 4:8)
Think Positively
Think constructively

Seek excellence

Carry your faith to every department of life. (Daniel 1:8, 6:3)

When you think excellence and seek excellence, you will have excellence

I Cor. 12:31

Think of heaven always
Pursue heaven with reckless abandon(Col.3:1-4)

No agenda should superceede the issue of heaven in your life

*As you go this week, live your with Heaven in view.

BUILDING A WITNESSING LIFE

(I Peter 2:9)
by
Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

God doesn't want us to be inactive.

The purpose of our existence is to bring lives to God.

God has chosen us to bear fruits and to draw lives to Him.

God has called us to serve as His worthy representatives wherever we find ourselves

You are expected to be exclusively Holy for God.

Live a God-centered life

God has invested heavily in your life and you will give account of how you live your life

Are you not misrepresenting Christ and misleading others? Don't be a disappointment to God.

Don't be a waster of God's resources

A Witnessing life requires constant fellowship with God's people (Heb. 10:25)

Feed constantly on the word of God

The devil is defeated when God's faithfulness is proclaimed

Proclaim the goodness of God to others

Are you daily offering yourself as a living sacrifice unto God? Is your lifestyle acceptable before God?

WHAT THEN SHALL BE YOUR REWARD?

(I Cor.3:10-15, II Cor.5:10)
By
Revd. Dr. J. A. Aworinde

-Your action in life will determine the type of crown you will wear in heaven
-Every work and action will be tested
-Crown that awaits those that live faithfully include (Rev.19:11-12):
1-The crown of soul winning (Phil.4:1, I Thess.2:19, Daniel 12:2-3)
It is your duty as a Christian to turn the heart of men to Christ
2-The crown of glory (I Peter 5:1-5)
3-The crown of life (James 1:12, Rev.2:10)
4-The crown of Righteousness (II Tim.4:6-8)
-The reward you will get depends on what you do and how you do it in the body of Christ
Gal.4:4
-Every work will be tested. Be mindful of what you are doing now.

SHOULD WE BE GRATEFUL?

(Psalm 103:1-5)
by
Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

-God deals with us in loving kindness even when we deserve to be punished

-When we consider the story of our salvation, we should be grateful

-Ingratitude is a serious spiritual sickness

-Gratitude is a divine imperative (I Thess 5:18)

-Gratitude ushers peace into your life

-Gratitude makes you to experience contentment

-Gratitude silence the devil

-Gratitude opens the door of limitless opportunities

-Gratitude heals your wound and cures you of your infirmities

-Gratitude makes you enjoy extraordinary success and favour unlimited

*Express your gratitude to God in Words, kind and dedication of life unto God

*A life not dedicated unto God isn't acceptable to God. Offer your life as a living sacrifice unto God. This marks the height of gratitude unto God.

A FOCUSED WORSHIP

(John 4:21-24)
By Pastor Augustus Eghe

-A focused worship is a worship that is completely centered on God.
-It is only a worship focused on God that can be acceptable
-There must be a recognition of the personality of God in your worship
-Understand that the God you worship is the God that is most powerful and all-knowing
-Understand that The God you worship has no equal
-A focused worship is a worship that recognizes the presence of God
-A focused worship is a worship that recognizes the precepts of God
-What is your attitude towards God?
When your worship is rightly focused,

*You can be sure that He will care for you
*He will create what needed to be created in your life
*He will carry you through

Always worship God in Spirit and in truth & be conscious of His Presence.

FROM THE MULTITUDES TO DISCIPLESHIP

By

(MATTHEW 5:1-3)

Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

It is the desire of God to elevate every one of us from multitude to disciple

The multitude:

- are people without purpose

-They don’t know why they are doing what they are doing

-They operates on imitation

-They always remain at the valley

-They are always at a drift

*Being rich is not synonymous to being a disciple of Jesus

The first requirement to be a disciple is to be born again (Titus 3:5, I Cor.2:13-15, John 3:6)

*A sinner can never develop by training to become a saint. You’ve got to have an encounter with Christ

If you are not born into the family of God, you cannot understand what God is telling you

You cannot enjoy and get the best from God by being in the crowd

A disciple is a learner, a follower and he yields his neck under the yoke of Christ

A yoke is a bounding bar on the neck between two animals. Biblically, it is bounding force or driving force that connects Jesus with His disciple

Are you ready to burn the past?

A disciple:

- is a learner

- is a follower

- does not rationalize God's Word

- is receptive to the Master's decision

- doesn't see the authority of the master as an oppression

- is obedient to his Master's commandment

Until you are ready to learn at the feet of Jesus, you cannot understand

A disciple loves his Master with passion

The hallmark of discipleship is obedience. Are you obedient?

The crowd has no room in heaven, only the disciples will make it to Heaven.

Are you a disciples or you are still among the crowd?

You’ve got to have singular focus to please Christ. Heaven must be you target.

Be distinct

Are you ready to burn your past, leave the company of the crowd and take up the challenge of being a disciple of Jesus?

WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR YOU

(John 8:31-36)
By
Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

-God has resolved to uplift you from the level of slavery to the level of freedom. From nonentity to celebrity

-Jesus is the only source of authentic freedom

-He liberates from fear

*When God is set apart, you operate in fear. Where is God in your life?

-Any life that does not reverence God will always live in fear (Rev. 6:15-16)

-You must place absolute trust in the one that holds the future (John 5:7)

-He liberates from loneliness

-He has come to offer you companionship

-He has come to liberate you from the tyranny of sin (Romans 7:18-25, I John 3:8, Gal.3:20)

-He has come to liberate you but you must be ready to accept His hand of liberty

-He does not impose liberty, you've got the responsibility to accept His liberty. The liberty is yours.

THE YEAR OF DIVINE UPLIFTMENT: BUILDING WITNESSING FAMILY

I Peter 2:4-12

by

Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

Spiritual upliftment is the bedrock of any success in life

God is interested in your success. He wants you to make it in life and in the world to come

You must be conscious of your past.

Being mindful of our past will help us to appreciate God better. It will spur us towards God's eternal purpose for our lives

But Don't dwell on your past eternally

What you must to do to enjoy Divine Upliftment

You must come to Jesus Christ
 (I Peter 2:4)

You've got to personally come unto Jesus because He is the foundation and bedrock of success in life

When you ignore the foundation, the house cannot stand

Jesus is the living foundation. Every other foundation is a dead one e.g. Culture, Philosophy, Tradition, Intellect etc

Wherever you are and whatever you are, you've got to humble yourself and submit all to Christ

Give it all to Christ

Your coming to Jesus will enable you to have the experience of Transformation (I Peter 2:9)

It brings about the blessings of Divine appointment into your life

It brings about the blessing of Divine attention

You will become God's own property

You will become member of God's family

You will become a man of honour and substance

You will be a holy Priesthood

You will become a force to be reckoned with

Lift up your hands unto God

You will become a representative of God

You will become object of God's love, favour and honour

You will be unique and peculiar for good and to His glory

You will earn the respect of heavenly host and even your fellow men

Your divine upliftment is for a purpose

The purpose is for you to begin to declare the glory of God

To declare the glory of God, you must see yourself as stranger

Abstain from sinful desire

Begin to live godly life. Don't live your life on the basis of public opinion. Christ must be pre-eminent

You must be agent of peace wherever you are located

You must be light and salt wherever you find yourself

You must submit all you are and have to Christ. You've got to surrender all to Him in order to enjoy Divine upliftment.

You must align yourself with Christ

WHEN MEN HEED THE WARNINGS OF GOD

Matthew 2:1-15
by
Revd. Dr. J. A. Aworinde

-The warnings of God are always purposeful. He doesn't issue empty warning

-The warnings of God are always redemptive. They are for our good

-The warnings of God are meant to change the direction of our lives

-Meeting with Jesus must bring about change of direction for good in our lives (vs12)

-The warnings of God are meant to deliver us from impending destruction

-The warnings of God are meant to direct our lives to be in tune with the word of God

-The warnings of God are meant to direct us to the actualization of our destiny and purpose in life

-Without heeding to the warnings of God, fulfilling life ambition becomes a mirage

-For every provision of God, there are always alternatives. It depends on how you handle them.

THE FEAR IN YOUR LIFE

(Luke 1:26-37)
by
Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

-Fear sets in when there are storms and whirlwind

-Fear sets in when the unexpected happens

-Fear sets in when interruption comes up in a carefully lived life

-Each time fear comes visiting, turn it unto God. Commit it into God's hand

-Allow the word of God to address your fear

-Take God for His word when fear set in

-Learn to yield to God totally and walk closely with Him

PRIDE: THE SIN THAT GOD SERIOUSLY WARNS US AGAINST

Proverb 6:16-23

Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

Pride is one of the banes of the modern age while humility is one of the greatest needs of the present age.  One of the sins the Bible constantly warns us against is the sin of pride.  In proverb 6:16-17.  Pride is the first in the series of things God hates.  In the Beatitudes, our Lord puts humility first.

Characteristics of a proud Person

1.         Haughty eyes

2.         Seen one self as the only wise and whose life is exclusively made for

3.         Deliberately ignoring and undermining what is good in others.

4.         Run down syndrome

5.         Over-confidence in oneself

6.         He would always wants to be first and seen

7.         He would always puffs up

8.         He exhibits peacock syndrome in the home, place of work and church

God does not take pride lightly

Is. 2:11-12:     The lofty looks of man shall be humbled and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.  For the day of the Lord shall be upon everyone  that is proud and lofty and everyone that is lifted up and he shall be brought low.

Is. 3:16:          The Lord say: Because the daughter of Zion are haughty and walks forth with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go.  The Lord will smite with a  scab the crown of the head.  He will expose their secrets parts  He  will take away the brabery.

PEOPLE ARE PROUD WHEN THEY MISTAKE ELITISM WITH WISDOM.  The fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Academic knowledge without the grace of being born into the family of God will only move a man away completely from God.

PEOPLE BECOME PROUD BECAUSE OF THE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY THEY HAVE     

-       Pride leads to the missing of both Divine and human blessing.

-       It blinds people eyes and minds to new idea.

-       Pride encourages oppression in our society.

-       Pride often leads to inglorious end

-       Many students have failed because of pride.

But humility

Leads to answered prayer ( II Chronicle 7:14, James 4:10) enables one to enjoy the favour of God.  Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10)

It enables one to gain victory over enemies (Psalm 149:4)

Humility helps one to enjoy the mercy of God (II Ch. 32:26)

*Without humility a man cannot learn, because the first step to learning is the realization of our own ignorance

Do you realize that you need the grace of humility and not pride.

1.     In order to enjoy the priviledge of answered prayer

2.     In order to enjoy the favour of God

3.     In order to enjoy the mercy of God

4.     In order to be pleasing unto God (Is. 57:15)

5.     In order to enjoy divine guidance in all your ways (Psalm 25:9)