Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

John 5:1‭-‬11 NLT.

What a compelling illustration of true relationship!!!

A man had suffered and suffered for many years until he became a victim of his circumstance. He felt alone, dejected and isolated from the rest of the society. No more joy and excitement for life. He is mentally, emotionally and physically defeated with no one to help him.

Until the game changer, Jesus Christ, showed up in his life.

Do you desire wellness? Jesus Christ asked him. The same is being asked of you today, do you want to continue with life the way it’s or do you desire a change?

God did not create man to be suffering; Adam’s sin opened the door for poverty, diseases, and all kinds of evil to permeate the beautiful world God created. Satan is responsible for all the evil going on, that’s why his mission is to steal, kill and destroy but thanks, be to God who sent his son Jesus Christ to give us life in abundance (John 10:10).

 

Have you started enjoying the abundant life Jesus Christ made available for us? Or you are still at the mercy of satan? Is the terrible condition you may have found yourself making you think there is no hope anymore? The lame man suffered so long, having no man to help him, he lost hope and couldn’t even recognize that Jesus will heal him.

I don’t know if you can identify with such situation?

Are you lonely? Have you tried and tried and nothing seems to be working out for you?

Are you at the end of the road? Does it feel like the weight of the whole world is on your shoulder? Have you been disappointed by people you trusted to help you?

Don’t resign to fate, help is here!!! Jesus understands what you are going through (Hebrews 4:14-16). You can come to him to obtain help in time of need. He is truly a faithful friend who cares about you.

He loves you, ever willing to come to your aid and to make his abode in you. This will only be possible if you invite him into your life to be your saviour and Lord.

I urge you to say this prayer and believe it, for it will open the door for you to enter into a love relationship with Jesus Christ, then you will receive the right to call upon him and be answered (Acts 2:38-39, Psalm 50:15):

Dear Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead for me to be justified. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps by the power of the Holy Spirit, as I daily experience Your love. Thank you, Lord, for saving me and for answering my prayer, Amen.

PST. Mike

 

 

Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath,
John 5:3‭, ‬5‭-‬9 NLT.

Love made Jesus Christ show mercy on a man who has been sick for 38 years. Can you imagine, the man became sick even before Jesus was born into this world. He was abandoned beside the pool of Bethesda, nobody to help him until he encountered Jesus Christ who changed his life forever, hallelujah!

The same way Jesus healed and delivered the sick man, he can locate and take care of you, irrespective of what you may be passing through right now. He doesn’t need permission from any man for him to show us love.

There are many applicable insights or lessons to be drawn from this story:

1) No matter how long you may have been in bondage to sin, sickness and oppression, an encounter with Jesus Christ is enough to take care of it

2) Whether you have connection or you are abandoned and all alone, you only need Jesus, not any man.

3) The love of Jesus Christ for us will make him break all the protocols to come to our rescue. Jesus didn’t let the sabbath day deter him from healing the man.

4) The sick man thought he can only be healed if he is able to get into the pool of Bethesda, not knowing that Jesus answers our prayers through any means

5) Even though the man only had faith in the pool of Bethesda and not in Christ Jesus, his lack of faith did not stop Jesus from healing him. The love of God overlooks our inadequacies.

6) All we require in every situation we may find ourselves is the word of God. “He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.
Psalms 107:20 NKJV”

7) Jesus asked the man if he wants to be healed, showing us that it’s the will of God that we should be healed. “And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:2-3 NKJV.

8) God loves us, and knows what we are passing through, he can single us out from the crowd to reveal his love in us.

9) The sick man will probably be stinking, imagine been sick for that long without anybody caring for you, Jesus reached out to the man despite his terrible condition. So don’t ever think your situation is so horrible that it will repel the Lord Jesus Christ from reaching out to you.

Remember: same question Jesus Christ posed to the disabled man is being asked of you today.
“ Do you want to get well ?”
The power of God to save, deliver, heal and restore you is released when you open your heart to Jesus Christ. And invite Him to do in your life what only the Heavenly Father can do through Jesus Christ!!!
If that’s your desire, then pray this with me:

Dear Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps by the power of the Holy Spirit, as I daily experience Your love. Thank you, Lord, for saving me and for answering my prayer, Amen.

Pst. Mike for Pinnacle House Ministries.

Corporate Worship December 2021 Nnobi.

 

Click on the video below to watch.

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Our Need to Be Loved

One of the deepest needs of our hearts is to be loved by others. Not only do we want to be loved, but we want also for others to make that love known to us. We want to see a demonstration of their love. We want to hear others say something or do something that lets us know they love us. We need for others to be concerned about us, to act in our interest, and to surround us with understanding.

Many people recognize this need for love and readily give and accept love at its various levels. However, sometimes people despair of ever being loved. Moreover, they find it difficult to love others. You may be among the people who have this difficulty. Perhaps you have grown up in a loveless environment. Neither home nor community has shown you much love. As a result, you have lost hope. Your hopelessness may even lead you to deny that you need love.

Our Need for God’s Love

An even deeper need is to be loved by God and to see a demonstration of His love. People who believe in God usually will admit that they desire to experience His love. Even when people deny the existence of God, they need His love. They may not admit they have this need, but the need is still there. We must realize that even when others do not love us, God intensely loves us.

Evidence of God’s Love

When we think about it, we see many evidences of God’s love for us. We see the love of God in all aspects of life.

1. Nature

In the realm of nature, the mountains, the valleys, the oceans, the land masses, the rain, the rainbow, and the sunshine–all these demonstrate God’s love for us. Clearly God cares for His creation and provides beauty and sustenance for it.

1. Achievements

We see God’s love in the achievements of men. The automobiles, the airplanes, the means of communication, the libraries, and the homes are evidence of God’s abundant provision for us. Although men do these things, we believe that the mind of God inspires their creativity.

1. Actions

The love of God for us stands out in the actions of people who love us and the rest of God’s creation. Even though it is people who express that love, it is the love of God which is the ultimate source of the love. Every time we see love expressed by fellow men, we are reminded of the love of God.

1. Christ’s Exalted Love through His death.

We have already read that God demonstrated His love for us through the death of Christ. The scripture says that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Both the love of the Father and the love of Christ are demonstrated in Christ’s death for us. The love of God, through Christ, is an exalted love. It is higher than any other love for us. (Romans 5:7;  John 12:32-33; John 15:13)

Love is not self-love, but rather self-sacrificing love.  (1 John 3:16-18).

Love is generous, not selfish or greedy. (1 John 4:9-10; John 3:16).

Love is unending, not a temporary feeling, emotion, or attraction.  (Romans 8:38-39; 1 John 4:8)

Love is undeserving and often unreciprocated. (Matthew 5:43-44). (Romans 5:10).(Colossians 1:21-23) and  love is lavish. (1 John 3:1)

Love involves sacrifice. It involves putting someone else’s interests ahead of yourself. We know Jesus loves us because he gave up his life for us. Love is putting someone else in front of yourself.

Love is not merely an emotion, it is an exercise of the will to build up the other, even at the expense of yourself.

Love is the uniting principle (as the belt that holds together the garment, love is the ligament that holds together the body of Christ) of our character in Christ, Col 3:14 (10).

Character is complete as we love fervently with a pure heart, 1 Pet 1:22.

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:13 Why? Because “God is love”!

The Bible admonishes believers to Put on love. Col 3:14

The world has so abused and misdefined love that the very concept of loving someone, much less saying it, has become trite and empty, void of its true definition (cf. “love” – eroticism, sensualism, selfishness, greed and covetousness, etc.)

Love sums up the Christian’s responsibilities in the New Testament (Romans 13:9).

Love is the capstone, the crowning virtue, the consummation of all other virtues (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-7; Colossians 3:12-14).

Love is the goal of Paul’s instruction (1 Timothy 1:5)

Love is the distinguishing mark of the true Christian (John 13:35).

Without love, the value of spiritual gifts is greatly diminished (1 Corinthians 12:1-3).

Love is greater than any of the spiritual gifts and is even greater than faith and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Love endures suffering under persecution, and Christians will be persecuted (Matthew 24:10; 2 Timothy 3:12)

Love is easily lost, without one even being aware of it (Revelation 2:1-7).

Love is misunderstood and distorted by the unbelieving world.

Love is vitally important to Christians, for it should govern our relationships with other Christians, especially those with whom we strongly disagree.

Man-made religions have helped to misdefine love.

1. Love is not emotionally defined (mushy-gushy, warm and tingly).
2. Love is not always smiling and cheerful (2 Cor 2:4).

God is love; to know God we must love as He loves us, 1 Jn 4:8.

1. The whole Old Testament Law is summed up by the one word, “love” (see Leviticus 19:17-18; Matthew 19:19, Matt 22:36-40).
2. Characteristic of disciples, Jn 13:34-35.
3. Our obligation to all, Rom 13:8.
4. Love is motivational, 1 Cor 13:1-3; Gal 5:6. Love is an action word!

Many other things could be said about love. It is the enduring motive and defining attribute of the Christian, because “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8).

Love never fails (powerful and effective), 1 Cor. 13:8 (13)

DEFINITION OF LOVE

LOVE DEFINED

1. GREEKS HAD FOUR WORDS FOR LOVE.
2. eros – carnal, sexual love, properly reserved for marriage – cf. He 13:4
3. philia – the love of close friendship, such as brotherly love – cf. Jn 11:3
4. storge – the love of family relationships; affection
5. agape – that love which seeks the highest good of others; “Unconquerable benevolence, undefeatable goodwill”.)

— It is unfortunate that the English word “love” is not as clearly defined

1. DISTINCTION BETWEEN PHILIA AND AGAPE.
2. It is common to make the following distinction
3. agape – active good will, as that which is commanded
4. philia – fondness, heartfelt affection, as that which cannot

be forced

2. Yet the distinction between the two is not always clear cut
3. agape – can also be defined as “brotherly love, affection – Thayer, Strong
4. philia – often commanded in the Scriptures – cf. Ro 12:10;

1Co 16:22

WHAT LOVE IS

1. Keeping God’s commandments, 1 Jn 5:3; 2 Jn 6.
2. Doing good to enemies, Luke 6:35-36

As we wish to be treated (Lk 6:31).

3. Disciplining loved ones (children, brethren, ourselves), Heb 12:5-6; Prov 13:24; 1 Cor 5:5.
4. Forgiving brethren, 2 Cor 2:6-9.
5. Sacrificing ourselves for others, Jn 15:13.

That is to say that love gives itself to benefit others

6. Helping the needy, 1 Jn 3:14-18.

Love looks at its ability and helps relieve suffering.

7. Preaching the gospel, Phil 1:15-17 (Eph 4:15; 1 Cor 13:6). Without compromise or quarter, to save some (Gal 1:10; 1 Cor 9:22)
8. Contributing of money to do the work of the church, 2 Cor 8:24. Sign or evidence of love for the saints (and God)
9. Encouraging the saints, (Phil 2:1-4) Comfort, warn, urge; help be faithful to Christ
10. Sacrificing for your wife, Eph 5:23, 28-33. Love your wife as yourself.
11. Obeying your husband, Eph 5:22-24 (Titus 2:5).
12. Being courageous in faith, 2 Tim 1:7; 1 Jn 4:17-19. Maturity and boldness in the Day of Judgment and Persecution
13. Forbearing one another, Eph 4:2 (Col 3:13). Endure; “holding yourselves back from one another.”
14. Not offending weak in conscience with your liberty, (Rom 14:15; 1 Cor 8:9-13)
15. Greeting each other, 1 Pet 5:14
16. Regularly studying your Bible is a way to express our love, Psa 119:97. What we think on (fill our minds with) reveals what we love

Love is a way of doing everything, 1 Cor 16:14. Includes all our motives and attitudes plus our words and actions

True love has no motive but to love selflessly. Let me say that again, true love has no motive but to love selflessly.

Love is one of the most overused and least understood words in Bible.

The Bible paints a clear and undeniable picture of love as it reveals God to us (God is love, 1 Jn. 4:8).

7. We are compelled to love because He first loved us, 1 Jno. 4:19, 7.
8. The motives, character and duration of love (1 Cor. 13).

“Love, whether used of God or man, is an earnest and anxious desire for and an active and beneficent interest in the well-being of the one loved.”

Love is a devotion and action of the will; not merely an emotion or feeling.

By this we know love: The nature of love, 1 Jn 3:16.

1. LOVE DEMANDED
2. TO LOVE GOD AND JESUS.
3. We are commanded to love (agape) God heart, soul, mind, and

strength – Mk 12:30

2. We are commanded to love (philia) Jesus, more than family – 1Co. 16:22; Mt 10:37

— The greatest command of the Law, reinforced in the Gospel

1. TO LOVE OUR BRETHREN.
2. We are to love (agape) one another as Christ loved us – Jn 13:34-35
3. We are to be kindly affectionate (philostorgos, love of family) to one another with brotherly love (philadelphia, fraternal affection) – Ro 12:10

— With brotherly love that is affectionate and demonstrative to

others

1. TO LOVE OUR FAMILIES…
2. Husbands are to love

(agape) their wives (which includes to

cherish) – Ep 5:25,28-29

2. Wives are to love (philandros, to love as a friend) their husbands – Tit 2:4
3. Mothers are to love their children (philoteknos, to be fond of one’s children) – Tit 2:4

— With heartfelt affection that should only be natural in

families

1. TO LOVE NEIGHBORS AND ENEMIES.
2. We are commanded to love (agape) our neighbor – Mk 12:31
3. We are commanded to love (agape) our enemies – Mt 5:44

— With active good will that allows no distinction between friend

and foe

III. LOVE DEVELOPED*

1. TAUGHT BY GOD.
2. Concerning brotherly love (philadelphia) to love one another

(agape) – 1Th 4:9

2. By way of example (how He sent His Son) – 1Jn 4:9-10; Ro 5:8

— God teaches us how to love one another

1. TAUGHT BY JESUS.
2. By way of example (how He was willing to die for us) – 1Jn 3:16
3. How He loved (philia and agape) His disciples – Jn 11:3,5

(Lazarus, Mary, Martha); Jn 13:1,34 (the disciples); Jn 13:23;  20:2 (John)

— Jesus teaches us how to love one another

1. TAUGHT BY PAUL.
2. Who taught Christians how to walk in love – Ep 5:1-2
3. Who taught husbands how to love their wives – Ep 5:25-33
4. Who practiced brotherly love (agapetos, beloved, dear) – cf.

Php 4:1

— Paul teaches us how to love in word and example

1. TAUGHT BY PETER.
2. Who taught us to love one another (philia and agape) fervently

– 1Pe 1:22; 4:8

2. Who taught us to love (agape) the brotherhood, as brethren

(philadelphos) – 1Pe 2:17; 3:8

3. Who practiced brotherly love (agapetos, beloved, dear) – cf.

2Pe 3:15

— Peter teaches us how to love in word and example

1. TAUGHT BY OTHER CHRISTIANS.
2. Older women should be capable of teaching the younger women

– Tit 2:3-4

2. Even young Christians can set an example of how to love – 1Ti. 4:12; 2Th 1:3

— Brethren (young and old) can teach us to love one another

2. DEVELOPING HEARTFELT AFFECTION.
3. We can enhance philia love by adding agape love to it – cf. 2 Pe 1:7
4. Display agape (active good will), and philia (heartfelt affection) will follow – cf. 1Th 4:9 — The key to having heartfelt affection towards others is to be kind to them!
5. LOVE DEMONSTRATED
6. EXEMPLIFIED BY GOD AND JESUS.
7. God’s love was manifested by sending His Son to die for our

sins – Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10

2. Jesus’ love was demonstrated by dying for us – Jn 15:13; 1Jn

3:16

— True love is sacrificial

1. EXPLAINED BY JOHN.
2. Demonstrated in deed and in truth – 1Jn 3:17-18
3. Demonstrated by obeying the commands of God – 1Jn 5:2-3

— True love is demonstrative and exemplary

1. EXPOUNDED BY PAUL.
2. Love suffers long and is kind
3. Love does not envy
4. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up
5. Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked,

thinks no evil

5. Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth
6. Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

endures all things

7. Love never fails – 1Co 13:4-8

— True love is everlastingly kind, patient, humble, polite, and

assumes the best in others

CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE

1. LOVE IS PATIENT
2. Patient means to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish

a      Patient with those who need to grow

1. Patient with the imperfections of others
2. Patient when mistakes are made.
3. LOVE IS KIND
4. Kindness means Carrying out acts that demonstrate loving kindness. (1 John 3:18; Prov. 31:20)

True love has a gentle, caring and compassionate heart. It feels your sorrow; it feels your joy.

She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

1. Love seeks ways to demonstrate itself.
2. Love goes beyond what is “expected”.

• Example of the Good Samaritan

If longsuffering (or patience) is the passive side of love, kindness is the active side. Kindness is: “… a word suggesting goodness as well as solicitousness. They are interested in true goodness, actively interested in the welfare of those about them.

Kindness is characteristic of God and should thus characterize the Christian as well: (Luke 6:35; Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 4:32; Titus 3:4-7; 2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Peter 3:8).

3. LOVE DEFENDS (Pr 10:12; 1Pe 4:8)
4. Love does not attack, but defends.
5. Love attempts to protect and defend.
6. LOVE BELIEVES AND COMMITS (1John 3:16)
7. Love Produces Strong commitment.
8. Like that of the Apostles of old who were committed to Christ even to the point of being martyred.
9. LOVE TRUSTS
10. Trust means assuming the best about Someone, not the worst. (Heb.5:9)

True love trusts. It relies and depends on you. It recognizes your abilities, talents, skills and the good things in you.

6. LOVE PERSEVERES. (Job 13:15; 2 Ti 2:10)
7. Perseverance means staying loyal in bad times as well as the good.
8. LOVE ENDURES (Ge 29:20)
9. ENDURANCE means a refusal to give up or give in.
10. LOVE IS JUST, 1 Cor. 13:6.
11. Love does not Free the Guilty or Punish the Innocent, Exo. 34:5-9.

-Love does not say: “I love you so much I will show favoritism toward you; I will not rebuke, reprove or correct you!”

1. Love Disciplines when Needed (warns and corrects/punishes).
2. Correct (discipline) the child, Heb. 12:5-11 (Prov. 13:24).

-The parent who does not warn, rebuke and correct his child does not love him in God’s way.

2. Correct (discipline) the sinful (unruly) Christian, 2 Cor. 2:3-11.

-The church that does not try warn, exhort, rebuke and put away the unrepentant sinner does not love him! 1 Cor. 5:4-5

9. LOVE DOES NOT MEASURE ITSELF BY HOW OTHERS ACT OR TREAT IT,— 2 Cor. 12:15. (Love doesn’t compare itself to others.)
10. This Gets to the Motives of Love, 1 Cor. 13:1-3.
11. Love does not concern itself with itself; it focuses on the well being of others (spiritual, physical, etc.).
12. Christ is our supreme example, Jn. 15:9-14.
13. Love on Display, 1 Cor. 13:4-8. Its character is revealed in our treatment of others:
14. God’s love for Christ, Matt. 3:17 — Jn. 8:29
15. God’s love for mankind, Matt. 5:43-37 — Matt. 22:37
16. God’s love for sinners, Eph. 2:4-7 — 2 Cor. 5:15.
17. Husbands and wives, Eph. 5:25-33.
18. Parents and Children, Eph. 6:1-4.
19. LOVE IS OBSERVABLE (LOVE IS AN ACTION WORD), Jn. 3:16.
20. To Say we Love Someone without Acting in Good Will toward that Person is not Love, 1 Jn. 3:16-18.
21. If “love unspoken is not love”; then how much more can we say that love professed yet not practiced is not love!
22. Husbands, practice your love, Eph. 5:25, 28-29.
23. LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL.
24. It is not Selfish: Giving, not Taking, 1 Jn. 4:9-10; Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 13:5 (3).
25. Willing to be Spent in Order to Help Others, 2 Cor. 12:15.
26. Love incurs cost to itself while it exhausts itself in practicing good will toward others.
27. There is no limit to love’s reach and the sacrifices it will make.

True love does extraordinary things. It goes out of its comfort zone or sacrifices things important to it just to show its love. – John 3:16

12. LOVE IS OBEDIENT TO AUTHORITY.
13. Obedience to the Lord is a Direct Reflection of One’s Love for Him, Jn. 14:15.
14. Person who does not obey Jesus does not love Him, Jn. 14:24
15. Jesus set this example of love for us, Jn. 14:31.
16. God Loves the Obedient Person, Jn. 14:21, 23.
17. Fellowship and blessings from the presence of God.
18. By this we know love, cf. 1 Jn. 2:3-5.
19. Love is not envious.

True love is content and thankful of its blessings and current possessions. It doesn’t envy other people.

14. Love is humble.

True love is not proud and boastful. It is humble enough to admit its own mistakes and strive to correct them. It also forgives to get rid of hatred and enjoy peacefulness. – 1 Corinthians 13:4

15. Love is respectful.

True love respects and honors you as a person. It doesn’t put you into shame or humiliation.

16. Love is selfless.

True love is always thoughtful and concerned of the welfare of its beloved. It’s not selfish, inconsiderate, and greedy.

17. Love is calm.

True love always maintains clarity of mind and softness of heart. Its heart is deep and its mind is not narrow.

18. Love is righteous.

True love always does the right thing. It disciplines itself to avoid wrongdoings. – 1 Corinthians 13:5

19. Love is honest.

True love is truthful. It’s happy living an honest life. It doesn’t lie and hide in darkness. – 1 Corinthians 13:6

20. Love is hopeful.

True love is optimistic. It includes you in its plans. It sees a bright future with you.

21. Love is persistent.

True love doesn’t easily give up. – 1 Corinthians 13:7

22. Love banishes fear.

True love eliminates fear, anxieties and insecurities that torment one’s heart, mind, and soul.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18

23. Love loves even those who don’t love it. – Luke 6:27-33
24. Love comes from God and brings you closer to God.– 1 John 4:7
25. Love loves through true actions.

True love is not based on words or hypocritical deeds, but it is based on truthful actions. It doesn’t only believe or hope, but it does actions that will make the things it believes or hopes a reality. – 1 John 3:18-19

26. Love loves itself.

True love takes care of itself, not hurt itself. It develops itself to be stronger, healthier and more capable to continue on loving. – Ephesians 5:28

27. Love binds a person’s good virtues in perfect unity.

True love transforms you into a whole new and better person. – Colossians 3:12-14

28. Love gives you confidence to face even the end of time.

True love keeps you away from sins and cleanses your soul so that you may become confident even on the Day of Judgment. — 1 John 4:17

29. Love keeps no record of wrong.

Loving people don’t dredge up old hurts and hold grudges.

30. Love rejoices with the truth.

Loving people are happy when truth wins and they do not enjoy any type of evil.

31. True love is without pretence. (Romans 12:9)

Love infuses meaning into every aspect of life.

No matter how much success, skill or meaningful work you have, with out love you are bankrupt. Love is what makes life worthwhile.

BENEFITS OF GOD’S LOVE TOWARDS MAN — Psalm 103

1. He forgives our sins.
2. He heals our diseases.
3. He redeems our lives from the pit.
4. He crowns us with compassion.
5. He satisfies our desires with good things.
6. He makes His ways known to us.
7. He does not treat us as our sins deserve.
8. He is rich toward us with abundant forgiveness, mercy, and grace.
9. He deals with us gently because He knows we are weak.
10. He will love us forever; His love never fails.

BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN LOVE

1. It encourages unity and harmony (Acts 2:1,46; Col. 3:14)
2. It causes growth (Acts 2:46-67)
3. It ensures fresh baptism of the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; Romans 5:5)
4. All things work together for good (Romans 8:28)
5. It leads to immeasurable testimonies. (1 Cor. 2:9)
6. It engenders bountiful blessings. (Deut. 28:1-13)
7. It kills condemnation and grants boldness. (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Pet. 4:8)
8. It opens up heavens for revelation. (1 John 2:10; Isa.58:7-8)
9. It makes obeying the law easier. (John 13:34, Matt. 22:40)
10. Love powers faith in action (Gal. 5:6)
11. Love keeps us from falling into temptation. (1 John 2:15-17)
12. Love expels fear. (1 John 4:18)

CONCLUSION

Genuine love exhibits passion (Romans 12:9-12)

Genuine love seeks harmony (Romans 12:14-16, Luke 6:27-28, 1 Peter 3:9 , 1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Genuine love overcomes evil (Romans 12:19-20, Proverbs 25:21-22, Romans 12:21)

It is the love on which all the Law of Moses and the Prophets hangs upon.

It is a love that increases the righteousness and glory of God when it is practiced.

This is the kind of love that God commands each of us to practice all the days of our lives.

INTRODUCTION

1. When peace is misunderstood there is a false sense of security, Jer 6:13-15. (Judah was not at peace with God; did not have real peace at all!)
2. Peace with God must exist for peace among God’s people to flourish.
3. Few things are sought after more than peace (nations, neighbors, families, churches).
4. Ultimate there must first be mutual peace with God before peace with man will be achieved. Eph 2:14

Still, God expects Christians to live in peace with others, Rom 12:18.

22. Those at peace with God live in peace, Gal 5:22.
23. God’s peace must rule (“umpire,” determine, direct, control) the heart (character), Col 3:15.
24. We were called to peace (1 Cor 7:15); Pursue it (2 Tim 2:22).
25. Peace is an element of the kingdom of God – Ro 14:17
26. Peace is a component of the fruit of the Spirit – Ga 5:22
27. Peace is a word conveying wonderful concepts…
28. “a state of harmony, tranquility”
29. “the absence of hostility, the absence of mental stress or anxiety”
30. In the Bible, the word peace is used to translate…
31. Shalom (Hebrew) – completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
32. Eirene (Greek) – often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ.
33. Peace is directly related to the actions and attitudes of individuals but it is ultimately a gift from God. (Isa. 45:7; Lev. 26:6; John 14:27)
34. The presence of peace indicates God’s blessing on man’s obedience and faith. (Isa. 32:17; Mal. 2:5, Isa. 26:3)
35. As valuable as peace is, it is sometimes counterfeited. Deceitful men speak word of peace while secretly plan evil. (Oba. 7)
36. Peace is found in God’s place and not in man’s place.
37. Peace does not always mean absence of storms but presence of God in the storm.
38. True peace is the result of being justified by Faith (Rom. 5:1) The foundation of peace is justification.
39. You can’t have the peace of God until you first have peace with God.

BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF PEACE

The biblical concept of peace does not focus on the absence of trouble. Biblical peace is unrelated to circumstances; it is a goodness of life that is not touched by what happens on the outside. You may be in the midst of great trials and still have biblical peace.

Paul said he could be content in any circumstance; and he demonstrated that he had peace even in the jail at Philippi, where he sang and remained confident that God was being gracious to him. Then when the opportunity arose, he communicated God’s goodness to the Philippian jailer, and brought him and his family to salvation.

Likewise, James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2).

The Lord Jesus on the night before He died in agony. He knew what He was facing, yet He still took time to comfort His disciples with the message of peace. (John 14:27)

The peace of Jesus enables believers to remain calm in the most wildly fearful circumstances.

The Bible uses peace in two ways:

1. Peace with God: This is the peace which comes when a person accepts Jesus as saviour. Peace with God is never available apart from grace. The cross of Christ is the focal point of grace and it is the source of peace. Jesus Christ is our eternal peace. (Rom. 5:1)
2. Peace of God: This is available as the believer participates in Christian way of life according to the plan of God. Jesus also brings us the peace of God, that is the peace within by His Spirit. This comes after we must have had peace with God. The peace of God Garrison’s our hearts against anxiety, difficulties and sorrows. (Phil. 4:4-7)

The outcome of these two kinds of peace is the PEACE WITH OTHERS. Our peace with God and from God gives us the resources to maintain unity and love with others through continual forgiveness and patience. (Col. 3:13-15)

THE NATURE OF PEACE

The New Testament speaks of two kinds of peace—the objective peace that has to do with your relationship to God, and the subjective peace that has to do with your experience in life.

The natural man lacks peace with God. We all come into the world fighting against God, because we are a part of the rebellion that started with Adam and Eve.

Romans 5:10 says we were enemies of God. We fought against God, and everything we did militated against His principles.

But when we receive Jesus Christ, we cease being enemies of God—we make a truce with Him. We come over to His side, and the hostility is ended. Jesus Christ wrote the treaty with the blood of His cross. That treaty, that bond, that covenant of peace declares the objective fact that we now are at peace with Him.

That’s what Paul means in Ephesians 6:15, when he calls the good news of salvation “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” The gospel is that which makes a man who was at war with God to be at peace with Him. This peace is objective—that is, it has nothing to do with how we feel or what we think. It is an accomplished fact.

A sinful, vile, wicked person cannot come into the presence of a holy God. Something must make that unholy person righteous before he can be at peace with God. And that’s exactly what Christ did, dying for sin, imputing His righteousness to sinners. So Paul says we are no longer enemies but are at peace because we are reconciled. Romans 5:1; Col. 1:30-22

The peace of God stands guard and keeps worry from the corroding our hearts, and unworthy thoughts from tearing up our minds. Phil. 4:7

The subjective, experiential peace—the peace of God—has its foundation in the objective, factual peace—peace with God. The peace of God is not obtainable by those who are not at peace with Him. God alone brings peace. In fact, in Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and again in Hebrews 13:20, He is called “the God of peace.”

JESUS ON PEACE

The Context of Jesus’ Peace

Jesus offered His peace to the disciples during an unbelievable difficult period in their lives . They were scared and afraid.   He knew the disciples were about to be severely tested and would need God’s peace.

Anyone can have peace when things are going well.  But it is in the midst of difficulties and fearful times  that God wants us to experience His peace and manifest it to the world.  He wanted His disciples – and He wants us – to be at peace during the most difficult times in our lives.

The Contrast of Christ’s Peace

Jesus says, in verse John 14:27, that the peace He gives is not like the peace that the world gives.  The world has a kind of peace that it offers, but  it always comes up way short to the peace that Jesus gives.  It is so limited.   The world’s kind of peace is most frequently used in the area of international relations between countries or ethnic factions within a given country.  But this external dimension of peace in no way approximates the peace which Jesus gives.  Peace that is comforting and lasting!

The Conditions of Christ’s peace

In order for Jesus to give us what he promised, it was necessary for Him to go back to heaven.  He says in verse 28 of John 14, “You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you’ “

Jesus is reminding His disciples and us, that before His peace could flood their hearts, it was necessary for Him to ascend back to heaven and be with the Father.  You may be asking, “Why is that so?”  I believe it was because the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ is resident in the Person of the Holy Spirit.  So, because the Holy Spirit resides in the life of every believer, it becomes possible for every believer  to experience real, lasting, genuine peace.  The peace that only Jesus gives!

DEFINTION OF PEACE

WHAT IS PEACE?

1. Peace has a Dual Nature (absence and presence).
2. Absence of conflict, 1 Cor 14:33. Peace is more than a cease fire.
3. Presence of serenity, tranquility, harmony, contentment, security and safety, Isa 32:17-19.
4. Wise and righteous: Quietness, confidence, and safety, Jas 3:17-18.
5. shalom (Heb): “Everything that makes for a man’s highest good,” wholeness; “completeness, soundness, welfare, peace.”
6. Eirene (Grk): Harmonious relationships (with men, nations, and God), Heb 12:14.
7. God’s people are securely at peace in midst of conflict, Isa 32:18-19
8. Peace is a life and state in which one is perfectly related to God and to one’s fellow man.
9. The one body (the church) has peace with God, and so achieves peace with one another, Col 3:15.

SOME THINGS ABOUT THE PEACE OF GOD

7. God is the Source of Peace, Rom 1:7.
8. Not man, sin, strife and enmity, Gal 5:19-21: Opposite of peace.
9. The Father is the Source and Provider, Heb 13:20; 2 Ths 3:16. HOW? As we rejoice, pray and obey, Phil 4:7-9
10. Jesus Christ is our access to peace with God, Rom 5:1.

-Assures safety and security the world cannot give (Jn 14:27); Peace is in Christ (Jn 16:33; Eph 1:3; Gal 3:27); He is our peace (Eph 2:14).

18. The Gospel is the Message of Peace, Acts 10:36; Eph 2:17-18.
19. Most want peace, yet most reject the message of peace, Eph 6:15.
20. Yet, Christ and His gospel often bring conflict, Matt 10:34-36.
21. a) Those unprepared for the conflict the gospel brings are likely to misinterpret that conflict and accuse faithful Christians of not being “peace-lovers” because they “contend…for the faith”.
22. b) Fact: Those who reject truth are rejecting peace! Matt 10:21-22 (Lk 12:52-53); Psa 119:165
23. The Blood of Jesus is the Price of Peace, Eph 2:13-16; Col 1:20.
24. Peace never comes cheap – Blood of the Son of God!
25. God gave His Son so we could have peace (Rom 5:1).
26. Now, we must give up sin to live in peace (Rom 6:11).
27. We must Walk the Life of Peace, Rom 8:6; 2 Cor 13:11.
28. Having obtained peace with God, we must “live in peace”.
29. Otherwise, the flesh is victorious over us.

SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT, 1 Pet 3:10-11. (Develop and maintain)

5. Our Peace with God must be Guarded, Rom 5:1-5.
6. Be on guard against sin (causes conflict with God, Isa 59:1-2).
7. Requires steadfast faith to resist sin, Jas 4:4-7.
8. Peace among Christians must be Diligently Nurtured, Eph 4:3.
9. Keep: “expresses watchful care and is suggestive of present possession” (Online Bible).
10. HOW?  Eph 4:1-2; cf. 5:21; Acts 9:31 (stand in truth and serve)
11. When one feels he must be served by his brethren rather than serving, peace is strained and destroyed by the sinful tensions of arrogance, selfishness and resentment, Gal 5:15-16, 22.
12. Peace in the Home is Crucial to Happiness, 1 Cor 7:15.
13. God has called husbands and wives to peace…yet, home is often a war zone!
14. Respect and love in the home (Eph 5:22-25); Peace (Col 3:15).
15. Peace with our Fellow Man is Important to Overcome Evil, Rom 12:18 (Heb 12:14). (As much as is humanly possible)

-Application of peace is seen in Rom 12:20-21

Peace is a quality or virtue that is sorely needed in the world and church today, for

1. NOT EVERYONE ENJOYS PEACE*
2. THE WICKED.
3. “There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked” – Isa 48:22
4. The sins of the wicked separates one from God – Isa 59:2
5. Sinful conduct destroys friendships and familiar relationships- Ga 5:19-21
6. Sin prevents true peace of mind – cf. Isa 57:20-21 — The wicked are in dire need for peace
7. THE TROUBLED DISCIPLE.
8. Even faithful disciples can become troubled – e.g., Martha, Lk 10:41
9. Disciples lose their peace when they:
10. Fail to simplify their priorities – Lk 10:42
11. Become choked by cares, riches, and pleasures – Lk 8:14
12. Succumb to the desire to be rich – 1Ti 6:10-11– The righteous are often in need of peace

THE CONCERNED SERVANT.

1. Who worries about their brethren, like Paul – 2Co 2:12-13; 7:5; 11:28-29
2. Who becomes distressed with concern, like Epaphroditus – Php 2:25-26
3. Who sorrows when hearing bad news, like elders – Ac 20:37-38– Even the most dedicated Christians finds themselves in need of peace at times

But wherever there is a need for peace, there is  PEACE THAT SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING

1. PEACE WITH GOD.
2. Without God, no true peace is possible
3. He is “the God of peace” – Ro 15:33
4. He offers perfect peace, peace like a river – Isa 26:3; 48:18
5. But unforgiven sin make peace with God impossible
6. Sin separates us from God – Isa 59:1-2
7. Sin makes our lives like the troubled sea – Isa 57:20-21
8. Through Jesus Christ, God offers peace to the sinner!
9. We can be justified from our sins, and be at peace with God. – Ro 5:1-2
10. God’s love makes this peace possible – Ro 5:6-9
11. In Christ, we can be reconciled with God – Ro 5:10-11; 2Cor. 5:18-22– Without the peace God provides, no real peace is possible

 

1. PEACE WITH ONESELF.
2. Jesus offers true peace within
3. Peace that the world cannot provide – Jn 14:27
4. Peace unfazed by the world and its tribulations – Jn 16:33
5. Jesus does this by teaching us:
6. To have faith – Mt 6:25,30; 8:26; Jn 14:1
7. To make God and His kingdom our priority – Mt 6:31-34
8. To simplify our lives – Lk 8:14; 10:41-42
9. By offering prayer as the antidote to anxiety and worry
10. Prayers of supplication and thanksgiving – Php 4:6
11. Whereby the peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ – Php 4:7 — Jesus provides peace that surpasses all understanding!

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S PEACE AND WORLD’S PEACE

1. The peace offered by the world is an empty promise and can only bring temporary comfort. God’s peace is a permanent one offered by the only one who can be trusted to keep His word and heal our sin. (Isa. 54:10; John 16:33; Phil. 4:6-7)
2. The world’s peace changes with circumstances and it is built on the weak foundation of compromise. (Exo. 34:12, Ezra 9:12) God’s peace is built on the foundation of His word. (Psalm 119:165; Isa. 26:3)
3. The world’s peace ignores the root of the problem and tries to fix the symptoms. (Jeremiah 6:14, Ezk 13:10) God’s peace is ours because Jesus heals our root of sin. (Eph. 2:13-14; Isa. 53:5; Isa. 32:17)

PERFECTNESS OF PEACE

1. Peace is perfect in QUALITY; that is to say, it is perfect in the kind of peace it is. There is an imperfect peace, e.g. the peace of Ignorance, when we imagine that all is going well whereas, in fact, if our eyes were open to see the truth we would know that all is not well (Jeremiah 6:14). There is also the imperfect peace of Stagnation; the pool of water may be calm and peaceful, but underneath it is foul and green with slime. Many men and women know only a peace like that, and one day the shock of God’s judgment will stir up their pool and they will find that they have no real peace at all. There is also the imperfect peace of Dependence, which is a peace which is dependent upon some thing or person. How unsatisfactory this is, for the “thing” may fail and the “person” may die! Then, where is their peace? In contrast with these three kinds of imperfect peace, God’s peace is perfect.
2. It is perfect in QUANTITY; that is to say, the supply of it is sufficient and it exactly meets our need. The marginal rendering of “perfect peace” is “peace, peace”, i.e.double peace. This is very significant when we turn to Philippians 4:7, for there we are told that this double peace is peace of heart and mind, and that is the kind of peace we need, a peace which garrisons our mind and calms our heart. This double peace is also double in the sense that it is: (i) peace with God (Romans 5:1); and (ii) the peace of God (Philippians 4:7).
3. It is perfect in CONSTANCY; that is to say, it is permanent and not intermittent. The promise says, “you will keep…” – compare Psalm 121:4

HOW DOES THIS PERFECT PEACE COME TO US?

1. By Christ Jesus. Turn to Philippians 4:7 again and notice that the Lord Jesus Christ is the channel through whom the peace of God flows into our souls. This peace within is the possession of the Christian alone. There is no peace for anyone who does not possess Christ and who is not resting on the finished work of Christ for salvation. It is “the blood of Jesus (which) whispers peace within” (Colossians 1:20).
2. By the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ procured peace for us upon the cross of Calvary, and that peace is offered to us through Him as the channel; but it is conveyed to our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit -–look up Galatians 5:22. As the Holy Spirit fills and floods our lives, so He produces this wonderful fruit within us.
3. By His Word. Look up the great promise which is made in Psalm 119:165. Things and people can so often disturb us, or even cause us to stumble, but here is a promise of perfect peace to those people who love and meditate in and obey the Word of God. (John 16:33)
4. By our obedience. Look up Leviticus 26:3-6, and be sure to notice that most important word “If”. God guarantees to us that if we will walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, He will keep our hearts in perfect peace; if we will do our part, then God will surely do His part.
5. By plenty of praise and prayer. The promise of Philippians 4:7 is preceded by the conditions mentioned in verse 6.
6. By Faith (John 14:1)
7. By prayer. (Phil. 4:6-7)

WAYS TO HAVE PEACE WITH GOD, YOURSELF AND OTHERS

1. Receive God’s forgiveness. (Isa. 9:6, 1 John 1:9)
2. Make a decision to like yourself.
3. Don’t compare yourself to others
4. Accept other people just as the way they are.
5. Let God have control of your life. (Prob. 16:9; Psalm 31:15)

CONDITIONS TO HAVING PERFECT PEACE

Who is it that God will keep in perfect peace? It is the one: (1) “whose mind is steadfast”; and (2) “who trusts in you.” Both these expressions denote faith, but whereas one is a head word, the other is a heart word. What is the difference? With our head we believe, with our heart we trust; with our head we believe that God is the Author of peace, the Giver of peace; with the heart we trust Him to bestow what He promises.

STEPS TO ENSURING YOUR PEACE

1. Change your focus. The Bible instructs us to fix “our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete” (Heb. 12:2). As we change our focus — off of our problems and onto the Lord — His peace will fill our lives.
2. Change your circumstances. Sometimes it is necessary to take a break from the things that trouble us, even for brief periods of time. Even great men and women of God have at times experienced times of devastating discouragement (1 Kings 19:3-5; 2 Cor. 4:7-10). Try altering your physical setting for a short time. Also, take a close look at your lifestyle. You may be lacking peace simply because you are not following God’s pattern for rest.
3. Change your attitude. Are you facing a difficult situation? The Bible says, “Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do” (1 Thes. 5:18). Begin to thank God right now and soon you will experience His peace in the midst of the storm.

THE BENEFITS OF THE GOD-KIND OF PEACE

1. Good health – Many people are sick, some are hospitalized because they lacked peace of mind. This peace will give you a rested soul and body. It will keep away worries, stress, depression, high blood pressure and heart related diseases. This reminds me of my mother who thought it was her duty to worry over things. Unfortunately, she developed high blood pressure and died earlier than she should. We really miss her.
2. Positive mindset – People who enjoy peace are positive minded. They expect the best of things. They think positively of people and situations. They don’t get worked up, thinking that things will certainly go wrong.
3. Hope – The peaceful are hopeful and the hopeful are peaceful. When you are hopeless, you will become helpless. The peace of God is a powerful ingredient in building up your hope. You will know that everything will work out for your good and you will expect it to be so.
4. Build and fortify relationships – A peacemaker will always enjoy his or her relationships with others. Peace within you will manifest in your responses to issues. People will be drawn to you because they enjoy the peace that surrounds you: no tension or disputes over things. Being with you will be like medicine to their challenges.
5. Better working environment – Have you ever worked with someone who fights with everybody and everything? Not a place to be in, right? Such a person does not have peace of mind and is only venting it out on things and people instead seeking for help. But a peaceful person can help the troubled person and change the working environment. Peace is contagious.
6. Creativity – Peace enables one to be creative. The mind is restful, not crowded with worries and negative thoughts. A Peaceful mind is observant and very attentive. Ideas are quick to settle on a calm mind
7. Satisfaction and contentment – It is very good to aim for better life, but only the peaceful will be able to be satisfied and contented with every level of progress, giving glory to God. Greed and peace don’t go together. A greedy person is never at rest because he is never satisfied.
8. Favour – A peaceful person is highly favoured. Everyone wants to be a blessing to person who never gives or entertains troubles. As long as it is within my ability, I will always go out of my way to help any peaceful person. Helping such a one will give joy plus more satisfaction.
9. It strengthens us in and for warfare
10. It cheers us in trials

Introduction

What is Covenant?

Covenant is a binding agreement between two or more parties with a clause and a promise both attached to it.

It is an agreement between a covenanter (in this case God) and a covenantee (man) with a promise to be accrued by the covenantee provided he is obedient to the stipulations attached to it.

Covenant is a binding agreement between two or more persons expressly for the performance of some action.

In any covenant, there is a shed of blood ad a token of the covenant. (Genesis 9:9-13, 15;8-18, 17:7-11)

God always keeps His covenant. (Psalm 89:34)

Covenant cannot be held by just one person. It takes both sides, living up to their end of the bargain.

What is relationship?

Relationship is the way in which two or more people behave towards and deal with each other.

What is Covenant Relationship?

It is therefore, the way man behaves towards God and how God deals with man from the standpoint of His covenant with man.

It is our right involvement with God.

In a covenant relationship with God, if you do your part, he will do His part. (Genesis 6:22)

The power and purpose of the covenant relationship with God is to enable us walk in the fullness of our salvation.

God’s will for us is covenant relationship. He wants us to be as committed to the covenant relationship as He is.

Covenant relationship is the intimate partnership with God. It allows the believer to walk in the fullness of salvation and the fullness of the covenant is revealed by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

ORIGINAL INTENTION WHY GOD CREATED MAN

For Fellowship and Relationship. (Genesis 1:26a and Genesis 3:8)

God’s original intention was to fellowship and have a relationship with man. This He showed by coming down every evening to commune with man.

God created his image bearers and placed them in a close relationship with Himself and had them reflect and represent him on the earth. There were given stipulations or mandates and as image bearers, they were to maintain intimate and obedient fellowship with God.

THE FALL (Genesis 3)

God covenanted when he created Adam and Adam broke the covenant. (Hosea 6:7)

Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan. They doubted God’s word and accepted a lie. They fell. They broke the covenantal relationship with God but God did not break His covenant.

God Almighty by His mercy, sought for a way to restore this covenant relationship. He came to the fallen and humiliated image bearers and set about restoring humanity to fellowship with Him and service for Him.

RESTORATION (PART A)

Noah

God decided to destroy the earth and everything in it because of the rate at which wickedness grew. However, unto Noah, He decided to establish His covenant with him. (Genesis 6:18)

Abraham

The covenanting process continued with Abraham to Isaac and Jacob (Israel) -Genesis 15:1-21

Moses

God through Moses, handed the Children of Israel a new set of His obligations for the covenant. (Exodus 20:1-21)

Israel was blessed when they kept the Law and punished when they broke it.

Prophets

God continued the restoration journey to restore man to the good old ways. He raised Prophets from amongst the people but man rejected them and even persecuted them (Matt. 5:12)

Samuel (1 Sam. 3:11)

Elijah (1 kings 17 & 18:30)

Elisha (1 King 19:19-21)

RESTORATION (PART 2)

God decided to come down this time to restore man Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. (John 3:16, Romans 5:19, Romans 3:23-25)

God by His Prophets spoke about the New covenant and the restoration. (Isaiah 55:3, Jeremiah 31:31, 32:40, Ezekiel 37:26-27)

Jesus died for man and all that believe Him and confess Him are saved and become candidate of the new covenant. (Romans 10:10)

Jesus is the mediator of this new covenant (Hebrews 8:6-8) and any man that wants an involvement with God, that accords to His grace and will must comply with the covenant Jesus has mediated to us.

If we are not compliant with this new covenant by Jesus, then we are dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1-3,11-12) but if we obey the covenant, then we are fellow citizens. (Ephesians 2:4-10,18-22)

The covenant is mediated to all men and it applies to all for whom His blood was shed (1 Tim. 2:4-6, Matthew 26:28, 1 John 2:2)

THE LAW AND GRACE.

The Law was handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai for the children of Israel as they were delivered from Egypt. But grace came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17.

Grace has the objective of seeing holiness in our lives

The mission to restore man continued as well as the covenanting process.

God need end to restore every man but he started with a man called Abraham. (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 17;5-6)

This covenant movement continued with Isaac (Genesis 17:19) but God was looking for the  whole world.

Then it went down to Jacob, who later became Israel. (Genesis 28:3-4)

Israel went into captivity into Egypt for 430 years as God declared unto Abraham (Genesis 15;13-21) but God remembered his covenant and delivered His people through a man called Moses. (Exodus 3:8-11)

God handed Moses a new set of obligations for his people and this was called the Law. (Mosaic Law)

The Law of the Mind/Moral Law/Law of the Conscience/Law of God/Law of Nature

Prior before the giving of the Mosaic law, there was sin and  the Israelis’ antecedents and men before the foundation of Israel obeyed God. They obeyed the moral laws. (Genesis 39:9, Gen 5:24, Job 1: 8)

What was governing them?

It was the moral Law.

MORAL LAW

It is one which contains natural revelation of God’s eternal power and divine nature. (Romans 1:20) and it is sufficient to condemn those who reject this revelation but not sufficient to save.

This Law is an aspect of the eternal law of God. For the law of God did not begin with Sinai but are as eternal and immutable as the very holy character of God himself. (1 Peter 1:16)

These laws are written in the heart or conscience of man. (Exodus 39:9, Romans 2:14-16)

They are the laws of the  before the Mosaic law. It was given to the old testament believers. God’s instructions to them represented His laws, principles and rules designed to direct their lives and checked by their conscience. (Genesis 26:5)

Moral laws have been written in our hearts. We become aware of it and when we violate it , our conscience bothers us. It tells us what is right from wrong. It is the law of God and the law of love. It is the law of the mind. (1 Cor. 9:20, Romans 7:21-25)

Just like Abraham’s salvation was an adumberation of Jesus salvation, the moral law of the Partriaachs is also a shadow of the new testament law of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the administrator of Grace and Morality. When we yield to Him, He teaches us to do what is right.

MOSAIC LAW

Adam lost the image and righteousness due to sin and as such God could not relate with him (Genesis 3)

God is a righteous God and needed to deal with a righteous people. (Psalm 45:7)

God therefore propounded laws and gave His people so that any who could fulfill the demands of the laws acquired the righteousness by law.

Mosaic law is the law given to the children of Israel by God through Moses to govern their lives as a nation to experience God’s blessings under the Abrahamic covenant.

Characteristics of the Mosaic law

1. The foundation and basis of the covenant God made with the Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 19:4-6, Deuteronomy 4:4-8, 1 Chronicles 16:15-19)

God has promised to bless the descendants of Abraham and through them, the world. ( Genesis 12:1, 15, 17, 26:24, 28:13)

2. In the Mosaic law, before the children of Israel were able to experience the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant, their obedience to the law is required.
3. The Mosaic law is holy, good and spiritual (Romans 7:12-14) and temporary (Hebrews 8:13)

The laws were perfect and holy as God is. No man could perform them ad it required one in the position of God to perform the requirements of the law and not to be found wanting.

The law was never designed to be a permanent rule of life. It was like a guide to Israel in all areas of her life until Christ. (2 Cor 3:7, 11, Gal. 3:23-24, Romans 10:4)

4. Mosaic law is weak with respect to the new law of the Spirit. This is because it is dependent on man’s ability. It is especially weak when adopted as a system of merit for righteousness. (Romans 8:3)
5. Only the doers of all the laws are just before God and are justified. (Romans 2:13)
6. The Law did not come to make people holy but it came t condemn them and make them guilty by God. (Romans 3:19)
7. The Law is the strength of Sin (1 Cor 15:56)

PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF MOSAIC LAW

Though given to govern the children of Israel in the promise land, there was an attendant purpose that still stands today – the purpose is to show a man in total helpless and hopeless condition before a righteous God. (1 Timothy 1:8-10).

1. To provide standard for righteousness (Deut 4:8, Psalm 19:7-9) and reveal the righteousness, holiness and goodness of God (Deut 4:8, Lev. 11:44-45, 19:2, Romans 7;12-14)
2. To identify sin and reveal man’s sin and bankrupt condition as guilty before God. (Romans 3:19, 7:7-8, 5:20, Gal 3:19)

It separated man from God and showed how unable he was to bridge the gap by his own human strength.

3. To shut man up to faith. That is to exclude the works of the law (or any system of work) as a system of merit for salvation and sanctification, thereby leading him to Christ as the only means of righteousness (Gal 3:19-20, 20-24, 1 Tim 1:8-9, Romans 3:21-25, Hebrews 8:7, 9:22)

THREE ASPECTS OF MOSAIC LAW

The Mosaic Law consists of 365 negative commands and 248 positive for a total of 613 commands and are divided into three parts.

1. Moral Law (Ten Commandments)
2. Ceremonial Laws (Ritual laws)
3. Social (Judicial and Civic) Laws.

LIMITATIONS OF MOSAIC LAW

1. When approached as meritorious system, the law cannot justify. (Gal2:16)
2. It cannot give life (Gal 3:21)
3. It cannot give the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:2,14)
4. It cannot save and sanctify (Gal. 3:21, 5:5, Romans 8:3, Romans 5:10, 6:14, 2 Cor. 3:6-18)
5. It cannot make perfect or permanently deal with sin (Hebrews 7:19).

It was designed to be a temporary guide until the coming of Christ (Grace)

EFFECTS OF THE LAW WHEN APPROACHED AS. SYSTEM OF MERIT

(shifting from faith basis to work basis)

(Exodus 19:8, Romans. 10:3)

1. It brings curse (Gal 3:10-12)
2. It brings death and it kills (2 Cor 3::6-7 Romans 7:9-10)
3. It brings condemnation (2 Cor3:9, John 8:11)
4. It makes offenses abound (Romans 5:10, 7:7-13)
5. It declares all men guilty (Rom. 3:19)
6. Hold men in bondage to sins and death ( Gal 4:3-5,9,24, Romans 7;10-11)

No one could fulfil the requirements of the Law but God. Out of His mercies and love decided to come by Himself to restore man by fulfilling the law. (Romans 5:8-10)

GRACE

Grace is God’s unmerited favour, that he bestows upon all who repent and trust in Christ.

It is God’s riches at Christ’s expense.

It is Christ Himself. Jesus is grace personified and came to ultimately manifest God’s grace (Titus 2:11-12) and bring salvation to all people. Christ is this grace personified. (John 1:1-5, 14, 16-17)

GRACE HAS THE OBJECTIVES OF SEEING HOLINESS IN OUR LIVES.

1. Grace is not a license to sin but a license to work more in righteousness. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

In the coming of Christ and the death on the criss, the Mosaic law as a rule of life was terminated. The believer is now to live in the liberty of the Spirit and not the rule of law.

However, the new liberty must never be used as an occasion to indulge the flesh on sinful appetites. (Gal. 5:13)

2. The Grace (Christ) did not make void the moral laws (Romans 6:1-2, 15-16)

Being under grace does not mean we are free to break the law?

The truth is that we should desire to obey God because we love Him (John 14:15)

The Ten commandments have never been voided. When Paul spoke about the law, he referred to the Ten commandments.

CAN WE SIN?

The answer is yes but we are not allowed to continue in Sin. That is to constantly practise sin as a pattern or lifestyle.  (Romans 6:1)

We are not meant to be slaves of sin (Romans 6: 12,14)

We have the sin nature in us (the carnal man) undergoing transformation and renewal (Romans 12:1-3)

Sin doesn’t make us sinners but is a proof that we are sinners. Sin is a response to our Old carnal and sinful nature.

Each time we fall into sin, the Lord expects we dust ourselves and continue the race.

CHRIST (GRACE) THE FULFILMENT OF THE LAW

Christ, when he came to the world fulfilled all that the law required, that man will be righteousness of God in Him.

God fulfilled this righteousness that the righteousness of man will be of Grace through faith and not by the works of the law. (Romans 4:16)

Christ became the end of law for righteousness (Romans 10:4)

Christ fulfilled the Three parts of the Mosaic law.

1. MORAL LAW

As the law demanded that man must be holy as the Lord God is holy, (Matt 5:48, Lev 11:44, 45) Christ came, Living a perfect and sinless life, this when man trust in Christ, His righteousness is imputed to him this he has justification. (Romans 8:1, 7:1-6, Romans 5:1, 4:4-8)

These moral laws which are the Ten Commandments are held to be fully in effect now. (Matthew 5:17)

Jesus even summarized it into two laws of love – love God and love your neighbour. (Luke 12:28-31) and Paul said that the fulfillment of the Law is love.(Romans 13:8)

We must not misunderstand grace and think that under grace, morality is no longer important to God. It is and there are laws under grace.

But God has empowered us to fulfil them by the help of the Holy Spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

2. CEREMONIAL LAWS

God’s people no longer sacrifice in the temple because Christ’s sacrifice has been offered once and for all. (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 10:10) Christ died for us and in or place. He was judged of God. The penalty which is of the law is death and was paid.  (Romans 6:23, Lev.19:2, Ezekiel 18:4) No restrictions of again. (Acts 10:15)

3. SOCIAL LAW

Christ also resurrected and made provision for the inner man -Holy Spirit who enables man experience true sanctification and experience the righteousness of the law. (Romans 8:24) and to help us in our daily lives.

Since the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the law by His and work, believers are under a new covenant and law with the obligation to walk by the Spirit of life through faith. ( Romans 8:2-4, Gal 5:18)

TRANSITION FROM LAW TO GRACE (ROMANS 7:1-6)

Analogy of Marriage

1. The first husband (Law): The husband is the law (the old man that tries to be saved by obeying the law). As long as we are married to the law, we are under its demands.
2. Death of the First Husband: This happens when we are crucified with Christ. The old self dies and we are free from the demands and the control of sin and law.
3. A new marriage: We ate born from the Holy Spirit when we join the resurrected saviour. Thenceforth, we no longer serve God because of the Law and fear but because we have a new spirit of freedom (2 Cor. 3:17)
4. The final result is carrying fruits for God, the fruit of a reformed life. (Gal 5:22-23, Phil 1:11, Eph. 5:9, John 15:1)

SUMMARY

1. Law is not sin. Sin is within man and the law points to it. (Romans 7:7-11)
2. The Spiritual nature of law is that the knowledge of law accuses man of transgression and produces in him evil desires (Romans 7:8)
3. The Law is Spiritual. It is the revelation of the character of its author and expression of His thoughts and will and was given for our own benefits.
4. Man has a sin nature. Sin is carnal. We surrender ourselves to sin when we live according to the flesh. Even the holiest man is carnal in comparison to the spirituality of the law.
5. The primary purpose of the law is to reveal righteousness, to convict of sin and the need of a saviour.
6. The Law can be fulfilled by the help of the Holy Spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

BENEFITS OF COVENANT OF GRACE

There are many benefits lavished on the Christian by the work and ministry of Jesus Christ through His life, death, resurrection and present intercession. They are:

1. JUSTIFICATION

Justification is an act of God’s grace wherein He pardoned all our sins and accepted us as righteous in His sight by imputing Christ’s righteousness unto us which is received by faith.

(Romans 5: 16/18-19, Galatians 3:6-9,24, Romans 4:1-5, 9-25, Psalm 32:1-2, Galatians 2:16, 1 Corinthians 1:30)

2. SANCTIFICATION

It is the work of God’s grace whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die and live unto righteousness.

Whereas Justification is the imputing of Christ’s righteousness, sanctification is the grace to exercise our own righteousness.

(Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 4:23,1Pet.1:2, Romans 6:4, 8:1,13)

3. ADOPTION

(Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:5-6, Ephesians 1:5)

Adoption is the act of God’s free grace whereby we are received into the fold and number and have the privilege s of the sons of God.

What adoption does in the life of a Christian.

1. Have Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15)
2. Have access to God in prayers (Matthew 6:9, Romans 5:2, Ephesians 3:12)
3. Can call God Father (Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6)
4. Are protected (Prov. 14:26)
5. Are provided for (Matt. 6:30-32, 1 Peter 5:7)
6. Are chastened as children (Prov. 3:11-12, Heb. 12:7-10)
7. Are secured as children and never cast off. (Lam. 3:21, John 10:27-30, Heb. 13:5)
8. Are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
9. Are heirs to inherit the promise. (Heb. 1:14, 10:36, 11:39-40, 1 Pet. 1:3-4, 1 John 3:2)

 

RESURRECTION AND GLORIFICATION

(Romans 8:17,30)

5. RIGHTEOUSNESS

(2 Cor. 5:21, Rom. 3:21-22/25, 1 Cor. 1:30, Rom. 5:19)

6. WISDOM

(1 Cor. 1: 24/30)

7. SALVATION OR REDEMPTION

It has a complete package of salvation or redemption which includes the whole of our deliverance from sin, Satan and broken law. (Ephesians 1:7, Heb. 9:12, Col. 1:14, Rom. 3:23-24, 1 Cor. 1:30, Gal. 3:13, Romans 8:2)

8. GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

(1 Cor. 12:4/28, Ephesians 4:8, Rom. 12:6-8)

9. BLESSED INHERITANCE

(Galatians 3:14, Rom. 4:16)

10. PERFECT LOVE

(1 John 3:11, 1 John 4:10)

11. IT IMPART SPIRITUAL LIFE

(Gal 3:21, 2 Cor. 3:6)

12. FREEDOM

(Matt. 11:28-30, Rom. 6:18/22, Rom. 8:2)

13. FULL AND COMPLETE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

(Heb. 9:9/14, Heb. 10:1-4, 10-14)

14. IT GRANTS ACCESS FOR US TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD.

(Heb. 4:16, 7:19, 10:22, Rom. 3:25)

INTRODUCTION

Christ has given every follower His Power and Authority to defeat Satan and all evil spirits (Matt. 16:19, Luke 9:2). Jesus made the promise to give us the power and authority in Matt. 16:18. The gate of Hades (Hell) could not withstand it. Jesus is saying that, He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. His Power is greater than the power of the enemy. When there is a head-on conflict between the power of the enemy and the power of God, the power of the enemy will lose every time. It is expedient the believers comes in terms and full comprehension of this power and how to release it.

Biblical concept of Divine Power

1. Generally, power is the ability or capacity to do things. People, pilitical, governmental, personal or earthly power is limited. However, Divine Power is unlimt and can do all things even the impossible.
2. All through the scriptures, the word power was used in different forms, viz. Dunamis, Kratos and Exousia.
3. The power of God shows us that God is not a fairytale but a wonderful reality.
4. The context of God’s power in the New Testament shows that God’s power is released for healing, deliverance and many kinds of miracle and signs.
5. In the Bible, God is a person not merely power. Therefore a phrase like “the Power of God” takes no new meaning because a person who possess the characteristics of power is the prime mover of the universe.
6. The Biblical description of power relates primarily to God and people.
7. Power is an inherent characteristics of God (Romans 1:20). It is the result of His nature.
8. God’s kind of power is seen in His creation (Psalm 19; Psalm 150:1, Jeremiah 10:12)

His inexplicable power is the only explanation for the Virgin birth of Jesus (Luke 1:35)

9. Power is always a derived characteristic for people, who receive power from God (Deut. 8:18; Isa. 40:29; Micah 3:8; Matt. 22:29; 1 Cor. 2:4; Eph. 3:7) from political positions (Esther 1:3; Luke 20:20), from armies (1 Chron. 20:1) and from structures that provide advantage over others.
10. Power is not intrinsic. When humans perceive in that their power is intrinsic to themselves, they are self-deceived. (Lev. 26:19; Deut. 8:17-18; Hosea 2:7-9; John 19:10-11)
11. Power in the New Testament is used to describe the unseen world. The spiritual and angelic realm is described as powers or authorities (Rom. 8:38; Eph. 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; Col. 2:10; Col. 2:16).
12. Paul specially images the living of the Christian Life as an empowerment from God. The believer’s union with Christ delivers him or her from the power of sin (Romans 6:8) and introduces him or her to the power of Christ’s resurrection (Php. 3:10)
13. Salvation and Holiness (Holy Living) provide the Christian with a Spirit of power for witness (2 Tim. 1:7-8)
14. The Gospel itself is imaged as power (Romans 1:16). The power here renders the Greek word ‘dunamis’

It is often noted that the gospel is the dynamite of God because dynamite is derived from ‘dunamis’. However, the observation is not valid as dynamite was not in existence during Paul’s time. For Paul, the Gospel dunamis was the dynamic of God’s power conveyed through God:s message.

When presented to the world, the gospel dynamically works salvation in those who believe.

15. Paul develops the motif of Divine Power as the key to christian living by noting that unless the believer is empowered, it is impossible to please God (Romans 6-8; 1 Cor. 15:56-57)
16. Peter also utilizes the concept of power to image the Christian Life as an empowerment from God (2 Peter 1:3).
17. More of God’s power and possibilities can flow through enlightened mind.

Why Christians don’t Experience the Power of God.

18. Christians know the cross of Jesus Christ, but many never take the next step into resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross is the love of God and the resurrection is the power of God.

Without the Love of God, His Power will be destructive and without the Power of God, His Love will be useless. So we need both the Love and the Power of God.

Relationship between the Kingdom of God and Power.

19. The Power of God is the hallmark of God’s Kingdom and it is for every saved Christian.
20. The Kingdom of God is characterized by divine power. (1 Cor. 4:20)
21. The Kingdom of God is irrevocably linked to the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17b) and therefore the Holy Spirit is the source of Divine Power (Acts 1:8; 2 Tim. 1:7).

Every born-again believer has the kingdom residing in him via the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:6-8, Matt. 12:28)

Note: The promise of power to the believers was after the Pentecost but the promise was given in response to the disciples asking if the kingdom would now be restored to Israel.

22. Power has been misinterpreted as authority.
23. Divine Power is not the same as magic or sorcery. It is directly and only from God.

Definition of Divine Power (Dunamis) -Acts 1:8

What is Divine Power (Dunamis)?

1. Dunamis is an inherent power or power residing in a thing by virtue of it’s nature or which a person or thing exerts and put forth.
2. Dunamis comes from the root word ‘dunamai’ to be able or possible and means force, miraculous power, ability, might and strength. It shares the same root with dynamite (explosive), Dynamo (which generates energy and power) and dynamic (powerful).
3. Divine Power is that which one feels upon experiencing the divine reality.
4. Divine power is power that only God has, such as being able to create the universe. Divine power is also needed to clean our sins . Only Christ can do that (1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6; John 3:16).
5. Dunamis is a Greek word and means act of power, miracult power, ability, natural capability, inherent power, ability to perform anything, not merely power capable of action, but power in action.
6. Dunamis is used 121 times in the New Testament and translated into the following words: ability(1), abundance (1), meaning (1), might (4), mighty deed (1), mighty work (11), miracle (8), power (77), strength (7), violence (1), virtue (3), wonderful work (3), worker of miracles (1), and mighty (4).
7. Dunamis of God works when our faith is prompted into action (Ephesians 3:20).

It works according to the hearing of faith

We came into a living relationship with Jesus by His Grace and through Faith (Ephesians 2:8)

The only way we can please God is through Faith (Hebrew 11:6)

Faith comes to us through our ability to hear the word of God (Romans 10:17)

Faith releases Dunamis (Gal. 3:2-5)

8. Releasing this Dunamis is our responsibility. We do the hearing, believing, releasing of faith and carry the Dunamis.
9. Dunamis is the demonstration of the Kingdom of God (The speaking of words alone is not enough) – Romans 1:16, 1 Cor. 1:18, 1 Thess. 1:5-8, 1 Cor. 4:20, Mark 9:1.
10. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit have to do with the Dunamis of God (1 Cor. 12:10, 2 Tim 1:6-8).
11. The Bible links Godly sufferings and difficulties as being necessary for developing of power -Dunamis (2 Cor. 12:7-10, 2 Cor. 13:4, Matt. 26:41, 2 Cor. 4:7).
12. End-time religion avoids Dunamis ( 2 Tim. 3:1-5)
13. It is the dynamic ability given to man by God, that can enable him to cause a change like God.

Everything any Christian has, have been made in Christ Jesus, and are the results of His ability, not ours.

Besides granting us all that we require for life and godliness through His Divine Power, God has granted us the same power to live.

14. The Dunamis power of God has been neglected in the church but the truth is that the world desperately needs to see the power of God in action.
15. Dunamis has already been given but it is only beneficial when it is working in us. (Acts 1:8, Ephesians 3:20)

Understanding the Difference between Power and Authority

1. Christ has given every follower His power and Authority to defeat Satan and evil spirits. (Matt. 16:19; Mark 6:5-6; Luke 4:36; Luke 9:1; 1 Cor. 4:19-20; Eph. 1:19-22, Eph. 2: 4-6, Col. 2:9-10; Col. 2:13-15; 1 Pet. 5:8)
2. Jesus’ Power and Authority is given to us at salvation.
3. In receiving the Holy Spirit, we have also received God’s Dunamis power (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, Acts 10:38)
4. Dunamis can be seen (Luke 19:37).
5. When the Dunamis of God is working in our lives, it will produce holiness unto God.
6. Dunamis and Holiness go together. It sets God’s standard within us, so that all we do and are reflects back to God’s honour and Glory.

The Father’s Purpose and Dunamis Power. (John 5:19)

1. God’s Dunamis power is released to accomplish the Father’s will.
2. When we have an intimate relationship with God, we learn His plans. We can the release His Power through prayer, word or an obedient act, to fulfil Father’s purpose.

JESUS’ MINISTRY AND DUNAMIS

1. Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb when the Dunamis of God came on her (Luke 1:35)
2. Jesus is declared the Son of God with power (Dunamis) Romans 1:4-5
3. Jesus came to minister the Dunamis of God to fallen mankind (Matt. 11:20-23, Luke 10:12-15)
4. Jesus was approved by the Dunamis (Acts 2:22)
5. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit and Dunamis (Acts 10:37-38, Luke 5:17)
6. Jesus could feel the Dunamis when it left His body (Mark 5:30, Luke 8:43-45)
7. Jesus exercised power over unseen world through His exorcism of demons (Mark 6:7, Luke 9:1)
8. Jesus delegated the Dunamis to His followers (Luke 9:1, Luke 10:19, Luke 24:46-49, Acts 1:4, Acts 1:8)
9. The disciples released the Dunamis
10. The Early Church functions in the Dunamis (Acts 4:33, Acts 6:8, Acts 8:5-13, 2 Cor. 12:12, Acts 19:11, 1 Cor. 2:4-5, Php. 3:10, Col. 1:29)
11. Paul prayed especially for the Dunamis to be working in our lives (Eph. 3:16, Col. 1:9-11, 2 Thess. 1:11, Eph. 3:20).

Note: The images that exist among Christians concerning power often depend upon the English translation with which they are familiar. The Bible uses a variety of Hebrew and Greek terms that represent power. This has also caused an interchange of terms (Authority and Power) on interpretation.

The Greek term EXOUSIA is most often translated power in the King James Version but it is almost always translated authority in modern versions.

Relationship between Authority and Dunamis Power

In receiving authority from Jesus, we have  been giving stewardship of God’s power (Matt. 10:1)

The Greek word translated authority (Exousia) means the right to exercise power (Dunamis).

We can only fully understand the authority God has given us, as we also comprehend the power that we have been entrusted with.

Jesus’ Name And Dunamis Power.

The Dunamis power of God is released in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:7, Acts 4:10b).

The Kingdom and Dunamis power.

We can use words to announce and describe God’s kingdom, but the evidence of God’s kingdom is God’s power in action (Matt 10:7-8, 1 Cor 4:20, Mark 9:1)

Difference between Power and Authority

1. Power in the Greek is Dunamis, which means energetic power, explosive power or demonstrative power.

DUNAMIS is a tangible, explosive, raw, miracle working power.

DUNAMIS many times is felt physically and supernaturally (Mark 5:30)

It operates by gift of Faith, working of miracles, gift of healings (Acts 8:13)

When it leaps onto a person or thing, results start to show Immediately on the person and the natural realms responds and reacts to it (Luke 6:19, Acts 4:33, Acts 6:8)

A bold action or sometimes a simple touch is often how dunamis is released. You can feel it transferred from yourself to the other person (Mark 5:30, Luke 8:46)

Dunamis often operates through deep compassion, emotion is often involved (Romans 15:13)

Dunamis can be transferred from person to person or person to object (Acts 19:11-12). It will cause the same thing to happen without being present.

It requires a clear, focused channel to flow through (1 Cor. 2:2-4, 2 Cor. 4:7)

It is prepared by prayer for revelation and energized faith (Eph. 1:17-19, 2 Thess. 1:11)

It is stirred up by how the person knows how to stir up the gift within themselves (2 Tim. 1:7-8)

Dunamis works best when others have some faith, but not always necessary (Mark 6:5, Mark 5:29-30)

Dunamis must be received by faith and worked or energized (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 12:10, 2 Cor. 12:12, Gal. 3:5, Eph. 1:19, Eph. 3:7, 20, Heb. 11:11).

Dunamis is strongly related to allowing grave to work in our lives (Acts 4:33, 2 Cor 12:9, Eph. 3:7, 2 Pet. 1:2-3).

Dunamis does not depend on your holiness but your boldness and Holiness is needed for increase in dimension (Acts 3:12, Romans 1:16)

2. Authority in the Greek is Exousia and it means right, privilege given to someone by another. It refers not to power but to position. It was originally given at creation, lost in the fall of man and regained through redemption. It is an intangible positional power through command.

Exousia operates by knowing on the inside that your words command and shape the spirit real and the natural. (Matt. 8:9, Matt. 9:6, Matt. 28:18).

Exousia operates by the believer’s faith. (Mark 11:23-25)

It operates by exercising God’s given right. It requires a solid knowledge of the word and boldness in your position with the risen and reigning Christ as the Son of God (John 1:12, Col. 2:10)

Righteousness expressed in the Earth is Exousia.

Exousia is foundational. It is what is simply a part of your nature and position as the Son of God.

Exousia has higher rank than DUNAMIS.

Exousia is what gives DUNAMIS. (Acts 8:19)

Exousia as a spiritual authority can be granted or delegated. (Matt. 10:1, Luke 4:6)

Exousia has a sharpness that can either be built or destroyed (2 Cor. 13:10) and can be abused by inappropriate use (1 Cor. 9:18).

How to receive, operate and Increase Dunamis

1. Praying in the Spirit. How much dunamis is based on how much energia (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, Eph. 3:7, 3:20)
2. The testimony of Dunamis produces faith for Dunamis (Mark 5:25-34)
3. Impartation of Dunamis rub off. They produce imparts of the nature of Jesus to be formed in us (Luke 1:35) but we still must feed and nurture what we receive.
4. When you disobey the devil, keeping your flesh under. (Luke 4:14)
5. Remembering and inner retrospection of how the power and impartations of Dunamis came on you allow you to work more in your life. (2 Tim. 1:6-8)
6. Waiting on God through fasting (Isaiah 40:31)
7. Anointing. When God’s anointing is on you, the power of God is demonstrated through us. (1 Samuel 16:13, Acts 10:38, Isa. 61:1-3)
8. When you are not ashamed of the gospel and can bodly declare the gospel, we will be filled with the power of God (Rom. 1:16, 2 Tim. 1:8, 1 Thess. 1:5)
9. When we are full of faith (Matt. 17:20, Mark 9:23, Acts 11:24, Acts 6:5,8,10; John 14:12). Cultivate Supernatural fairh and add action to your faith. (James 2:20)
10. Sincerely confessing your sons and pray earnest persistent prayers (James 5:16, 2 Cor. 10:3).
11. When we abide in Go’s presence, we experience more touch by the power of God. (1 Chron. 16:27, Psalm 97:5, Psalm 9:3, 68:8, 1 Samuel 5:2,4; Matt. 18:20).
12. Meditate on the word.
13. Express worship to the Lord through songs and prayers.
14. Passionately pursue spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1)
15. Learn to hear God’s voice (John 5:19)
16. Associate with the anointing (1 Samuel 10:10-11). One can catch the anointing by putting oneself in a place where God is moving.
17. Be motivated by love (Romans 13:10)
18. Enlightenment and Transformation. Your paradigm is capable of limiting the power of God in your life.

The Evidence of God’s Power (Eph. 1:15-17)*

1. Faith (v:15a)
2. Love (v:15b)
3. A Drive to know Jesus intimately and deeply (v:16-17)

Benefits of Divine Power*

1. It heals the sick (John 14:12)
2. To preach the word (Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 2:4)
3. To rejoice in the Spirit (Romans 15:13, 2 Tim. 1:7)
4. To give witness to Jesus and attract people to God (John 2:23, Acts 8:6, 1 Thess. 1:5)
5. It grants boldness (Luke 22:60-61, Acts 4:13)
6. It conquers fear (2 Tim. 1:5)
7. It provides all the requirements for godliness.
8. To clean our sins
9. It helps us believe in hope (Romans 15:13)
10. It keeps us through Faith (1 Pet. 1:3-5, 2 Pet. 1:3-12)
11. It reveals the purpose of Christ’s mission and the importance of your soul being saved through Faith. (Eph. 2:8,9)
12. It causes us to want Jesus more.
13. It aids revelation (1 Cor. 2:10)
14. Divine power produces spiritual peace and meltal calmness that only God can give. (Romans 14:17)

Difference between Divine Power and Magic

1. The source of Divine Power is God, where as magic is rooted in less powerful spiritual entities like the fallen angels.
2. Divine power feeds man’s soul while magic fuels man’s earthly passions.
3. Divine power causes us to want Jesus Christ to receive the credit and Glory while magic manipulates man’s heart to desire more and more personal game and fortune.
4. Divine power helps people live for what is holy and eternal whereas magic and sorcery leads people to settle for a cheap counterfeit to what is eternal (2 Pet. 1:3)
5. Divine power leads people to Christ but magic is not designed to leave people to Jesus.
6. Divine power produces humility within those who submit to God when sorcery stirs up pride in those who engage in it.

CONCLUSION

Man is created as a spiritual being with a body and this makes him prone to seeking out spiritual power of one kind or another. Divine power is present wherever God is present. The Church needs to awaken to who we are and and whose we are. When we become increasingly aware of the authority that we carry as royal sons and daughters, then we can be able to know the power available to us and learn how to release it.

 

Introduction:

Unity is an important new testament doctrine and it is everyone’s responsibility.

Unity in the Lord’s church affects all of us

1.Spiritually (Proverbs 6:16-19)

2.Mentally

3.Physically

Unity is a good and pleasant environment and oneness is the antidote against infidelity. (Psalm 133:1, John 17:20-21)

Unity is important because Christ died to secure it and it is a major factor in our witness to the world. (Ephesians 2:13-16, John 17:20-23)

Unity is not primarily outward, but rather is an unseen reality based on shared life in Christ.

Unity among two or more people gets its virtue entirely from the motive. Unity itself is neutral until is given goodness or badness by something else.

If Herod and Pilate are unified by their common scorn for Jesus, then it is not a Good unity. (Luke 23:12), but if Paul and Silas sing together in prison for Christ’s sake (Acts 16:25), then it is a good unity.

Definition of Unity

It is the state of being one; oneness.

Concord; conjunction.

In Christian theology, it means oneness of sentiment, affection, behaviour, etc. (Psalm 133)

Unity of faith, is an equal belief of the same truths of God and possession of the grace of faith in like form and degree.

Unity of spirit, is the oneness which subsists between Christ and His saints, by which the same spirit dwells in both and both have the same disposition and aims; and it is the oneness of Christians among themselves, United under the same head, having the same spirit dwelling in them, and possessing the same grace, faith, love , hope, etc.

Unity can be with God or against God. Uniting against God, His Word and His Children causes God to rise in defense of His name.

Unity is a powerful tool for achieving plans and purposes but if operated in righteousness within the Christian fold, it is even more powerful. (Mt 18:19)

To operate the power of unity, there must be at least two people. These must share of the same faith in Christ. The subject of agreement must not conflict with God’s will or word and they must call on God in faith until they see result.

For true unity to exist in the church, there is need to forgive and release from our hearts those who have hurt us, we must accept God’s word as the basis of our union. We must be tolerant of the views of other and be prepared to sacrifice ours.

What makes Unity Christian?

Christian unity in the new testament gets its goodness from a combination of its source, its views, its affections and its aims.

SOURCE (Ephesians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 12:13)

The H.S is the great giver of unity.

VIEWS (Ephesians 4:13, Philippians 2:2, Philippians 4:2, Romans 15:5)

The unity we pursue is the unity in the truth.

AFFECTIONS (Galatians 6:10, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 3: 6)

Unifying love in the body of Christ includes a rugged committment to do good for the family of God whether you feel like or not.

Christian unity includes affectionate love, not just sacrifice for those they don’t like. It is a feeling of endearment; having affection for those who are our family in Christ.

AIM (John 13:34-35, John 17:6,21)

Spirit-rooted, Christ manifesting, truth-cherishing, humbky-loving unity is designed by God to have at least two aim.

1. Witness to the world
2. Acclamation of the glory of God.

The witness to the world is that the disciples are in the Father and the Son, so that the world might believe.

The oneness that shines with self-authenticatig Glory for the world to see is union with the Father and the Son so that the Glory of the Father and the Son is part of our lives. (John 17:22-23)

The ultimate aim of a Christian unity is the Glory of God. (Romans 15:5-7)

Implications of Christian Unity on us

1. Seek the fullness of the unity creating Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:18,22-23)
2. Strive to know and spread true views of Christ and His ways. (Ephesians 4:13, 2 Peter 3:18, Colossians 3:16)
3. Love Christians across boundaries.
4. Serve Christians across the boundaries.

Why is Unity Important?

1. The Unity of the New Testament Church was important because
2. Jesus prayed for it. (John 17:20-22)
3. The Apostle Paul taught of it. (1 Cor. 1:10, 1 Cor. 3:3-5, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:1-2)
4. The church practiced it. (Acts 4:32).

What Unity of the New testament was not.

1. The unity of the New Testament Church was not:
2. A union of conflicting forces
3. A federation of denominations.
4. An alliance of religion.

What unity of the New Testament Church was?

1. The unity of the New Testament Church was
2. Jews and Gentiles, bond and free, males and females, becoming one in Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-28)
3. The unity of the New Testament Church was oneness in Christ.
4. They believed the same gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:6-9)
5. They had obeyed the same gospel.
6. Heard (Romans 10:14,17); believed (John 8:24); Repented (Luke 13:3); confessed (Matthew 10:32); Baptised (Acts 2:38)
7. They had been added to the same church (Acts 2:47)
8. They kept the same ordinance. (1 Corinthians 11:2)
9. They continued in the same doctrine (Acts 2:42)
10. They were of the same mind. (Philippians 1:27)
11. They spoke the same things
12. They walked by the same rule. (Philippians 3:16)
13. They wore the same name. (Acts 11:26)
14. They had the same love one for another. (Philippians 2:2)

THE BASIS OF UNITY

The Bible gives us the pillars of unity (Ephesians 4:1-6)

1. One body – unity of organization. (Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 2:16)

1.. This refers to the body of Christ, the church. – Ephesians 1:22-23

2. Paul speaks of the church in the universal sense.
3. The body of saved believers throughout the world.
4. Of which Christ is the head and saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23)
5. While there are may be many local churches, there is only one universal church, with one head- Jesus Christ.
6. One Spirit- unity of revelation (John 16:13)
7. This would be the Holy Spirit.
8. He is described as:
9. As the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13
10. Guarantee of our inheritance. Ephesians 1:14
11. By whom both Jew and Gentiles have access to the Father. Ephesians 2:18
12. In whom God inhabits those who are being built as a holy temple. Ephesians 2:21-22
13. Through whom God strengthens with might the inner man. Ephesians 3:16
14. As the one whose unity is to be maintained in the bond of peace

 

2. One Hope of our calling -Unity of aim.(1 Peter 1:3-4)
3. This pertains primarily the resurrection of the dead. (Acts 23:6, 24:15, Romans 8:23-24, 1 Cor. 15:19-23, Philippians 3:10-11, 20-21)
4. Which necessarily includes such concepts of salvation. (1 Thess 5:8 and eternal life. (Titus 1:2, 3:7)
5. One Lord -Unity of Authority (1 Cor.8:6, Phil. 2:9-11)
6. Represents Jesus -1 Cor. 8:5-6
7. Whom God has made both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36
8. One Baptism -unity of practice (Mt. 28:19, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Pet. 3:21)
9. This is the baptism commended by Jesus (Mt. 28:18-20, Mk. 16:15-16)
10. Preached and commanded by His apostles. (Acts 2:38, 10:48)
11. By which those who submit to it are added to the Lord’s body – the Church. (Acts 2:42, 47)

This is the baptism which a penitent believer is immersed in water for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Christ. (Acts 2:38, 10:47-48)

1. One Faith -Unity of doctrine (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:13)
2. This is the body of truth, the faith which Jude says was once delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)
3. It is that pattern of sound words of that which Paul taught Timothy. (2 Tim. 1:13) and which he was to commit to faithful men. (2 Tim. 2:2)
4. We find this pattern of sound words in the pages of the New testament which contains that which all Christians must believe.
5. One God and Father -Unity of deity. (Deu 6:4, Isa 43:10)
6. The Father, who together with the son and the Holy Spirit, makes up the God head.
7. He is the Father of all and He transcends all and is omnipresent.

THE REASON/NECESSITY FOR UNITY

There are a number of reasons why we need to be united.

1. Jesus prayed for it. (John 17:20-22)
2. That the world might believe.
3. That the church might be glorious. (John 17:22)
4. There is encouragement in unity.
5. There is Joy in Unity. (Psalm 133:1)
6. There is progress is unity. (Acts 2:46-47)
7. There is strength in unity (Mat. 12:25).
8. There is power in unity. (Esther 4:16 and 5)
9. Unity fosters Evangelism -Unity fosters belief which in turn encourages evangelism.
10. Unity promotes fellowship (1 Cor. 1:10-11, 1 Cor. 12:25-27)
11. God gives his blessings where believers live together in unity. (Romans 15:5-6)
12. Living together in unity is the foretaste of heaven. (2 Cor. 1:21-22)
13. Unity can accomplish almost anything on the face of the Earth. (Genesis 11:5-6, Neh. 2:18)
14. Where unity is exhibited correctly, God is involved.
15. Where there is unity, promise will easily be fulfilled. (Acts 2:1-4)

ATTITUDES FOR MAINTAINING UNITY

1. Lowliness
2. This word means
3. The having of a humble opinion of oneself.
4. A deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness.
5. Modesty, humility, lowliness of mind.
6. This virtue is necessary in other to properly value others around us. -Philippians 2:3-4
7. Without this virtue, members in the body begin trying to be the head of the body, a role reserved only for Christ.

Gentleness

1. This word can be translated as gentleness, mildness, meekness.
2. It is not a quality of weakness, but of power under control.
3. Moses was a meek man (Num. 12:3), but capable of great strength and boldness.
4. Jesus was meek and lowly in heart. (Mt. 11:29), but he drive the money changers out of the temple.
5. This, it is being gentle, even when there is the potential for being harsh, but gentleness is more conducive for maintaining unity.

Long-suffering

1. The idea here is one of patience, forbearance, long-suffering, slowness in avenging wrongs.
2. When the body consists of members who are not perfect, and often sin against each other, maintaining unity is not possible unless they are willing to endure each other’s imperfections
3. Bearing with one another in love
4. Similar to the above, bearing means to sustain, to bear to endure.
5. What makes such long-suffering and forbearance possible is another virtue -Love (1 Cor. 13:4-5, Col 3:12-14

 

Endeavour

1. Displaying these virtues does not come naturally nor easy, nor does maintaining unity.
2. This the need for much effort, as Paul uses a word which means to exert one’s self, endeavour, give diligence.
3. Only by giving diligence to display all the virtues, can we hope to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)

MEANS OF OVERCOMING DISUNITY

1. Remain loyal to the Church
2. Confess your part in the disunity (James 5:16)
3. Forgive any who have offender you. (Mt. 6:14-15, Eph 4:31-32)
4. Guard your tongue (Prov. 15:1, Prov. 18:21)
5. Don’t judge the motives of others (Mt. 7:1-3, James 4:11-12)
6. Remember that the church is the family. (Gal. 6:10, Eph. 2:19, Psalm 133:1)

Unity does not mean that everyone has to see everything alike all the time. Rather, unity means that even when we don’t see things alike, we continue to love and respect one another and treat, and speak to each other with kindness and consideration.

 

INTRODUCTION

1. The kingdom life is a life of faith. Faith that works in love. (2 Cor. 5:7, Hebrew 10:38)

From salvation until death God expects us to live a life of faith. Without faith no man can please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

2. Faith that works in love is what you need to have all your needs met. It is the purchasing power and our spiritual legal tender.
3. All there is in this kingdom is meant to be accessed by Faith. Our victory in life is tied to faith.
4. Faith is not a movement, it is a lifestyle and a necessity for any bona fide member of the kingdom.
5. Faith life is a life of responsibilities. You always have a part to play.
6. Faith is a force; a NOW force. The end of every faith is a result/manifestation (Hebrew 11:1)

What is Faith?

1. Faith is the total trust in God.
2. Faith is having and displaying strong and immovable confidence in God Almighty, His word, integrity of his character and also his ability. (Romans 4: 16-22)
3. Faith is a conviction and belief on God and the integrity of his word. (2 Timothy 1:12)
4. Faith is prompt and obedient response to the word of God and the voice of God as he communicates to you. (Genesis 22:1-3)

Types of Faith

1. Great faith (Matthew 8:10)
2. Little faith (Matthew 8:26)
3. Strong Faith (Romans 4:19)

How Faith comes

1. Word of God (Romans 10:17)
2. Spirit of Faith (2 Corinthians 4:13, 1 Cor 12:9)
3. Rudiments of Faith
4. Love. (Galatians 5:6, Mark 11:25-26)

You can’t have faith in whom you don’t love.

It takes love to forgive.

2. Patience: Abraham waited for 25yrs to see the promise. (Romans 4:19)

The only difference between a man of faith and one trying to have faith is patience.

Where there is hope, there is time. When time is involved, patience is needed for manifestation. (Hebrews 11:1)

3. Thanksgiving: (Romans 4:20)
4. Word: (Romans 10:17)
5. Obedience: (Hebrew 11:8)

Obedience is a proof of your faith. It completes Faith Equation.

The difference between faith and believing is obedience.

1. Faith destroyers
2. Unbelief and doubt (Mark 11:23)
3. In forgiveness and lack of love ( Mark 11:25)
4. How to grow your Faith
5. Fellowshipping ( Hebrews 11:6, Daniel 11:32)

No man can have faith in God without knowing him.

2. Build your word capacity (Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 2:15)
3. Praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20)

Benefits

1. Overcoming power: (1 John 5:4)
2. It terminates Sickness (James 5:13-15)
3. It is your purchasing power. (Isaiah 55:1-2)
4. Destroys all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:16)
5. To move every unwanted mountains away from our lives. (Mark 11:22-23).

 

INTRODUCTION

The scriptures in Acts 2:42 clearly showed that one of the four things the early church devoted itself to was “fellowship.” Fellowship was a very important part of their reason for meeting together. It was one of their objectives.

The  early Christians also devoted themselves to fellowship. They just didn’t have fellowship; they devoted themselves to it. This means that fellowship was a priority and one of the objectives for gathering together. They made fellowship a priority.

Today, however, we often view fellowship as what we do in “fellowship hall.” It’s the place where we have casual conversations and savor coffee and donuts. This is not bad and can contribute to fellowship, but it falls far short of fellowship according to biblical standards and according to the meaning.

Still others who may have become fed up with church seek fellowship through viewing a worship service on television, but this too misses the picture. The electronic religion of multitudes of people creates an emptiness—interpersonal relationships are so desperately needed to keep our faith glowing and growing. If you drop off your associations with other Christians and dissociate yourself from them in worship and service, you’ll run out of spiritual fervor and dedication in a short time. There is no substitute for “going to church and worshiping with others of like precious faith.”

True fellowship involves getting together for spiritual purposes: for sharing needs, for prayer, for discussing and sharing the Word to encourage, comfort, and edify one another. However, it starts with God.

DEFINITION OF FELLOWSHIP

1. Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines fellowship as :
2. Companionship, company, associate
3. The community of interest, activity, feeling or experience i.e unified body of people having common interests, goals and characteristics.
4. Partnership, Membership.
5. Fellowship is a relationship of inner unity among believers that express itself in outer co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing God’s will.

– This inner unity comes by the Holy Spirit and the believers are meant to exercise it outwardly. (Acts 2:42-47)

– Those who believe the gospel are united in the spirit through Christ to the Father and that unity is the BASIS OF FELLOWSHIP. (John 17:23 NIV)

– Complete Unity refers to the oneness  that Christians experience in true fellowship –oneness with one another, with Christ and the Father. Just as the Father is in Jesus, so is Jesus in us and we have unity with one another because of the uniqueness of that relationship. (1 John 1:3)

3. Fellowship means partnership to the mutual benefits of those involved.
4. Fellowship is God’s method for the outworking of His will through the church.
5. Fellowship is God’s way to accomplish His plan of glorifying Christ.

It is a unique relationship with Christ.

We have a relationship of being in Christ and being a part of Christ’s body. Fellowship is neither. It is doing with Christ or the partnership with Christ in fulfilling God’s Will.

Fellowship is doing God’s will together, working together to accomplish God’s will.

6. Fellowship is a mutual bond that Christians have with Christ that puts us in a deep, eternal relationship with one another.
7. From the scriptures (1 Cor. 10:16, 2 Cor. 8:4, Phil. 3:10) Fellowship can be the sharing in the benefits of the death of Jesus, or in the financial relief of the saints or the sufferings of the Christ. This was also evident in the early church.
8. Fellowship is sharing vertically in the Union each of us has in Christ and extending the communion of love with other believers. (1 Cor. 1:9)

The sharing together is in the father and the son. (1 John 1:3)

9. Fellowship is based upon common:
10. Faith: 1 Samuel 20:30-42
11. Purpose: Psalm 133:1-3
12. Work: Nehemiah 4:1-23
13. Suffering: Dan. 3:16-30
14. Belief and conviction: Acts 2:42
15. Need: 2 Cor. 8:1-15
16. Hope: Heb. 11:39-40

–True Fellowship  reinforces these things in our mind and helps us to focus on Christ and His desires and goals for us.

–We can have relationship with unbelievers but true Christian fellowship can only occur within the body of Christ. (John 18:36, 1 John 1:1-3)

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FELLOWSHIP

– Fellowship is an informal gathering where saints enjoy each other’s company.

–Fellowship is an event that would take place beyond the regular scheduled church services.

These are all parts of fellowship but fellowship is far more deeper than these.

TRUE CONCEPT OF FELLOWSHIP (New Testament)

There are four major areas in the doctrine of fellowship, they are:

1. Relationship (The foundation of fellowship)
2. In the new testament, what is shared in common is shared first of all because of a common relationship that we all have together in Christ.
3. In the new testament, believers can have fellowship and share together because they first of all have a relationship with Christ and share Him in common. (1 Cor. 1:9, 1 John 1:3)
4. Fellowship is first the sharing together in a common life with other believers through relationship with God through Christ.
5. It is first and fore most, a relationship rather than an activity. The principle is that any activity that follows should come out of the relationship. (Acts 2:42)
6. There is also a negative aspect of relationship but because of our relationship with Christ, there can be no fellowship with the world. (2 Cor. 6:14)
7. Relationship stands to fellowship as union stands to communion.
8. Fellowship embraces both the objective and experiential aspects. For the experiential to occur, we must first have the objective first because the objective forms the foundation. Only those who are in a relationship with one another (objective) can have true fellowship (subjective experience)

We must first have a real living relationship with God through the faith in Jesus before we can have experiential fellowship with God.

1. Partnership (The means of Fellowship)
2. It means sharing together. As sharers together of the person and life of Christ, we are automatically co-partners in His enterprise here on earth.
3. Examples:
4. Peter, James and John (secular) [Luke 5:7,10]
5. Paul and Titus, Paul and Philemon, Paul and the Church in Phillips (2 Cor. 8:23, Philemon 17, Phil.1:5, Gal. 2:9)

III. The Lord and the Saints (Hebrews 1:9, Hebrews 3:1,14)

3. The concept of fellowship as a spiritual partnership is embedded in the New Testament.
4. Whereas the word relationship describes believers as a community partnership describes them as the principals of an enterprise.

Just like a business partnership, The concept of spiritual partnership implies that it is created with an objective of glorifying God .

Just as the believers are united in a community relationship, we are all united in a partnership to glorify God.

5. Biblical fellowship, incorporates the idea of an active partnership in the promotion of the gospel and the building up of believers.
6. Relationship describes what we are; a people bound together by Christ while partnership describes how we are related to each other in that relationship.
7. Companionship (The method of fellowship)
8. It is the interchange or communion (communication) that exists amongst people associated together through a relationship they hold in common.
9. The key ingredient in companionship is communication.
10. It means interchange, communion, intimacy and sharing.
11. In Christian community, companionship includes communication on a spiritual level through a mutual sharing of things of Christ: the word, the filling of the Holy Spirit, the ministries and the gifts of the various members of the body of Christ.
12. Companionship through communication includes:
13. The vertical: this is a communion and fellowship with the Lord through the word, prayer, filling of the Holy Spirit and the abiding life. It involves intimacy, sharing and receiving, communion and communication.

If there will be a fellowship with God, we must first draw on the Lord’s resources as we listen to Him via His word, as we allow the Holy Spirit ti talk to us through the scriptures and through the various providential events of life (trials, blessings , sufferings, etc.) and through the lives of others around us. We need to be open to Him, receptive and teachable and respond in obedience. (Psalm 78:1 81:8, 106:25, Prov. 8:32)

In communion, we give as we make our requests to the Lord and receive as we listen and He answers and directs our paths.

Obedience is one other proofs of our communion and fellowship with the Lord. (John 14:23, John 15:1-27)

John 15:1-1(relationship with the Lord), 12-17 (with each other), 18-17(with the world )

1. Horizontal: this is our communion and fellowship with the body of Christ and other believers.

These includes:

1. Assembling together as a whole body (Acts 2:42, Heb. 10:25)
2. Assembling in smaller groups (2 Tim. 2:2)

iii. Meeting together one-on-one (1 Thess. 5:11)

1. Sharing and communicating truth together and building up one another. (Romans 1:11-12, 2 Tim. 2:2, Philemon 6)
2. Sharing together in worship, i.e. the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 10:16), Singing hymns, psalms (Eph. 5:19, Col.3:16), Prayer (1 Cor.14:16-17), the ministry of the word (Acts 20:29, 2 Tim. 2:2, 1 Pet. 4:10-11)
3. Sharing together as partners inn the needs, burdens, concerns, joys and blessings for the purpose of ent, comfort, exhortation, praise, prayer and physical help according to the needs and ability. (Phil. 1:5, 19, 2:4, 1:27, 4:3, Romans 12:15, 1 Thess. 5:11,14,14, Heb. 10:33)

God created us to be dependent people – dependent on Him and on one another. *(Gen.2:18)* This is a principle that speaks not to marriage but to all of life especially the spiritual fellowship of all believers.

No man is an island nor has the ability to do it alone. We all need the communion and companionship of one another.

This dimension is not optional. It is not a spiritual luxury NIR an addition ti the exercises f private devotion. It is a spiritual necessity.

God has made us in a way that our fellowship with Himself is fed by our fellowship with other believers and requires to be fed constantly for its own deepening and enrichment.

(Ecc. 4:9-10, Prov. 27:17, 1 Cor. 12:12-18, Eph. 4:11-16 Rom. 1:12, 1 Thess. 5:11-12, Heb. 3:13, 10:22-25, Mal. 3:16)

1. Stewardship (Overflow of Fellowship)

A steward is one who manages the property of another. He is not an owner. He is a manager. As stewards, we must recognize that all belongs to the Lord and have been given to us as trusts  from God to invest for  His purpose and as such be willing to share our own material and possession fir the promotion of the gospel and help those in need.

As believers in partnership with the saviour, we are not owners but stewards of the things God has given us which include not only our talents, gifts, temple(body), time and God’s truth but also the treasures (the material blessings God has given us).

God’s stewardship stems from recognizing our relationship to Jesus and also our partnership in Christ’s enterprise in earth.

Giving is a crucial part in our stewardship. Giving our material blessings as a part of stewardship is also part of fellowship.

(Acts 2:42, Phil.1:5, Heb. 10:33, Romans 12:13-15, 15:25-27, Gal. 6;6, Phil. 4:15, 1 Tim. 6:18, Heb. 13:16, 2 Cor. 8:4, 9:10,13)

FACTS ABOUT FELLOWSHIP

1. Real fellowship is of God’s eternal life. Firstly, it is the flow of eternal life in all of the believers in Christ. *(1 John 1:2-3).* Secondly, it is the imparting of the Triune God as life into the believers in Christ, to be our portion for enjoyment. (2 Cor. 13:14, 1 Cor. 1:9)
2. To be in divine fellowship, we need to put aside our private interests ad join with the apostles and the triune God for the carrying out of God’s purpose. (Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3 )
3. It is carried out by the spirit in our spirit and it is called the fellowship of the Spirit. (Phil. 2:1)
4. It is realized by the sense of the divine life in our spirit and is preserved by the same. (Romans 8:6)
5. Fellowship is one of the mist powerful tools for evangelism for the church.
6. True fellowship with one another is based in the fellowship with God. Any fellowship not based on God is not a true fellowship. (1 John 1:3)
7. Fellowship with one another based on the fellowship with Gid is the core of True Christian unity. (2 John 19:11, John 17:23)
8. True fellowship with God and with one another firms the basis of labouring together in the gospel. (Phil. 1:6,27)
9. Fellowship with God exists only through the blood of His son. (1 John 1:5-10)
10. All aspects of fellowship is dependent in the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
11. Fellowship is by Grace
12. From the Greek word, fellowship is _Koinonia_ which means to have or hold things in common. Contribution, sharing, participation
13. Fellowship has never been used to describe a man’s relationship with God until after the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell the Church at Pentecost. It is a post-pentecost relationship. (Acts 2)
14. Fellowship occurred naturally as a result of the establishment if the church. (Acts 2:44-47)

This working together to accomplish God’s will continued in the church with the practice of a multiplicity of leadership, diversification of activities, giving to the needy, exercise of different spiritual gifts, etc.

15. There is no genuine fellowship without love.
16. Fellowship can only be built with time
17. Fellowship is a crucial means of accomplishing the God given purpose of the church. (Eph. 3:8-11)
18. Fellowship is not church attendance. It begins with attendance. It is the building of an ongoing relationship with fellow believers.
19. Fellowship with God requires an advocate (1 John 2:1-2)
20. Obedience is the anchor of fellowship with God. ( John 15:10-14)

WAYS VARIOUS PEOPLE SEEK TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD.

1. By their own ability, effort and power.

“Apart from me, the can say nothing” (John 15:5)

2. Do nothing at all. Just let go and let God

“Abide in me”. (Ephesians 6:13, Phil.2:12-13, 1 Tim. 4:7, 2 Pet 1:5)

3. Partial approach (Lord help me do it)

Grace is not put to work until there is a work by faith.

4. Abiding approach (vine/branch analogy)

This is the approach that results in and describes true fellowship.  *(John 15)*

FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

1. Fellowship with God
2. Fellowship has its root in God. It’s main purpose is to advance God’s purpose on earth. (1 John 1:1)

It was first fellowship with the Lord.

2. It does not stop there. This fellowship is meant to be extended to the other believers. (1 John 1:3)
3. The blessedness and outcome of this fellowship is the fullness of Joy. (1 John 1:4, Psalm 16:11)
4. What is the basis for this kind of fellowship?
5. God is Light (righteous and good) and in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Therefore any fellowship with our God must be done with a clean heart.

1. How to enjoy fellowship with God
2. Spend a personal time with the Lord to strengthen your vertical relationship with God. (Matthew 6:6)
3. Spend regular time with other believers to practice horizontal fellowship. The fellowship of spirit –your spirit touching their spirit. (Ephesians 5:18-19)
4. Care for the inner flowing if life in tour spirit by going along with the sense of life and peace in the details if your daily life. (Romans 8:6)
5. Confess and deal with any sin or offences (1 John 1:7-9)
6. Study the word (Ezekiel 3:1-2, Jer. 15:16, 2 Tim. 2:15)
7. Serve (1 John 4:20, James 1:27 )
8. Pray ( Heb. 4;16, 1 Thess. 5:16-18, Matt. 21:13, Col. 4:2)

HOW TO GET IMTO FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND GOD’S PEOPLE

1. With God
2. Obedience to the gospel.
3. Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17)
4. Believe in Christ (John 8:24)

iii. Repent of sins (Acts 2:38)

1. Confess Christ as the son of God. (Romans 10:9-10)
2. Be baptized in water baptism (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4)
3. Be baptized of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-15)
4. God’s people
5. Obedience to the same gospel (1 John 1:3, 3 John 5)

GOD’S MEANS OF FELLOWSHIP

1. Fellowship of the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 13:14, Tit. 3:5, Phil. 2:1)
2. Fellowship in the gospel. (Acts 2:42, Phil. 1:5, 1 Thess. 2:13, 1 John 1:1-3)

The believers fellowship was the teachings of the apostles. Being devoted ti our relationship, partnership, companionship and stewardship depends on our devotion to scriptures.

WHY IS FELLOWSHIP IMPORTANT?

1. Because you belong to God’s family with other believers.
2. Because you need encouragement to grow in the Lord. (2 Thess. 2:15, 1 Cor. 16:13, 1 Samuel 30:6)
3. Because you need accountability to grow spiritually.
4. Because Christ is present when we fellowship together. (Matthew 18:20)
5. Because there is greater power when people pray together. (Eccl. 4:9-12, Matthew 18:19)
6. BENEFITS OF FELLOWSHIP
7. Fullness of Joy ( 1 John 1:4, Psalm 16:11)
8. Draw all the goodness of the Lord (Isaiah 12:3)
9. It imparts Divine Strength and stability (Neh. 8:10)
10. Power of resistance and Fortitude in times of adversity (Proverbs 24:10)
11. Power for exploits (Daniel 11:32)
12. Fellowship makes labor effective (Eccl. 4:9-12)
13. Transference of virtues (Psalm 133:1-2)
14. It provides succor in calamity. (Mark 6:7) and Mutual Edification (Eph. 4:12,29, Romans 14: 3,19, 1 Thess. 5:11)
15. Encouragement (Luke 22:32, Hebrews 10:24-25,)
16. It helps to express love to one another and it encourages good works
17. It leaves impact on believers. (John 13:35)
18. Fellowship builds friendship (Acts 2:41-47, John 15:15)

Togetherness builds relationship. Relationship builds fellowship and fellowship builds friendship.