TEXT: MATT.13:1-9,17-23, MK.4:26-29
INTRODUCTION
Our Savior hardly appeared to take any rest, he was always laboring and doing the work of Him that sent Him, ready in season and out of season to teach. Many of His lessons are conveyed in parables, and in Matt.13:10-17, he gives the reasons He chose that way of instructing His listeners. In the parable of the Sower, He shows what great hindrance people have in profiting from the word of the gospel and how many come short of it end through their folly.
A parable sometimes signifies wise, and weighty sayings that are instructive. In the gospel, parables signify a continued similitude or comparison, by which spiritual or heavenly things are described in the language borrowed from the things of this life. In the parable of the sower, three elements are significant; the sower, the seed and the soil. Two of these elements are identical in each instance. It is the same sower and the same seed, but the one factor that account for the variety of results is the soil. If we accept the principle that the soil refers to the hearts of the hearer, then it follows that there are four categories of people who hear the gospel and of the four only one brings forth enduring and acceptable fruit.
I. THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER – MATT.13:1-9.
While studying Jesus’ parable of the sower, it is important to consider the following regarding Jesus’ preaching.
1. WHEN DID HE PREACH THIS SERMON?
The parables of the sower and seed were preached the same day Jesus preached the sermon in chapter 12. Not tired because He was doing good and working the works of Him that sent Him, He was always preaching night and day and by His example He has also recommended the church to do same. The church must “in the morning sow our seed and in the evening not withhold our hands” Ecc.11:6. As sowers of the seed of the gospel we must be ready as our master to sow(preach) in season and out of season, knowing that the afternoon preaching will never drive out the morning sermon we preach from the hearts of our hearers, instead it will clench it and fasten what has been heard in the hearts of men.
2. WHO DID HE PREACH TO?
In chapter 12, we observe that there were a great multitude gathered together
to hear Him. There is no indication of the Pharisees and Scribes being present in this gathering. Though the Pharisees and Scribes were willing to hear Him while He preached in the synagogue, they thought it too diminishing and degrading to hear a sermon by the sea-side, though the same Christ is the preacher. So Jesus in these parables was speaking to the poor, not the kings, the high and mighty who gathered around Him even when the Pharisees tried to drive them from following Christ.
3. WHERE DID HE PREACH?
In this sermon the meeting place of Jesus was not the synagogue but the sea-side. Jesus went out of the house because the room will be too small for the auditory. It will seem a pity for a teacher of Jesus’ caliber who would have had the most spacious, sumptuous and convenient place to preach in only to deny Himself of that honor. He had no house of His own to live in, so He had no chapel of His own to preach in.
By this, Jesus teaches us not to go after external conveniences before we can sow the seed of the gospel, but to make the best of conveniences which God in His providence allots to us. The opportunity we have to sow the seed may not be convenient, yet we must make the best out of such opportunities by going on to preach.
Jesus’ pulpit for these sermons was not like that of Ezra that was made for that purpose, Neh.8:4. Those who preach Christ today are not to be ashamed though they have inconvenient places and pulpit to preach in. The multitude stood on dry land while the preacher was upon the water, a more hazardous environment. Ministers and preachers of the gospel should learn from the master preacher, that those who preach and minister are most exposed to trouble. The great pulpit from where these great sermons came forth was a ship-pulpit, indeed it was a true rostrum.
At the time Jesus preached these sermons, the method of sowing seed in Palestine was by broadcasting. This is a method of scattering seed or grain in a large or broad area of land. Some who do rice farming today still employ this method of planting seed. By this method of sowing, it was not out of place for the grains or seed to fall on the pathway, rocky soil, thorny soil and fertile or good soil. From Jesus’ explanation, we must keep in mind that the type of soil (the heart) is the factor that makes the difference. The same sower(the preacher) sows the same seed(the gospel) in four categories of soil(the hearts). Jesus intimates us that of all the multitude that followed and listened to Him as well as those that will follow and listen to us today, only few will bring forth fruits to perfection.
II. EXPLANATION OF THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER – MATT.13:18-23
In His explanation to the parable of the sower, Jesus informs us of the categories of the soil(hearts) on which the gospel seed is sown. He began by calling the attention of the apostle “Hear then the parable…”, that is to say, here is the spiritual meaning of the parable.
1. WAYSIDE OR PATHWAY.
The wayside or pathway is a thoroughfare, a hard path which a plough had not touched or broken, where there is no opportunity for the seed to sink into the earth. The seed is God’s word that can be communicated in different manners to the minds of men through the scriptures.
The heart that is described as the wayside or pathway is the one that hears the gospel “ but understand it not” by not understanding the word means he does not lay his heart to it, he does not properly attend it. This category of heart represents the thoughtless, careless and stupid hearers. Because of their carelessness about the word, the wicked One, Satan, the Devil, the accuser, the tempter, the adversary and opposer of those who walk after righteousness(Mk.4:15, Lk.8:12) which is represented by the bird comes and pick the grain or seed by the wayside.
The wicked one, because he resist men in all purpose to do right, he opposes in order to frustrate the influence of God Divine grace upon man. The wayside soil is that heart that is inattentive, it is like an open road where evil affections, foolish and hurtful desires continually pass and repass without restraint. This heart is where Satan has his thoroughfare, he comes quickly and pick the word hastily lest it should take root in the heart.
2. THE ROCKY SOIL
The second heart is described by Jesus as the rocky soil or stony places. In this lecture I prefer to use rocky soil because in Jesus’ explanation, the rock is underlying with a little earth covering the surface of the rock. The rocky soil represents the hearts that hear the gospel , they are excited by its beauty and excellence, they are glad to hear what God has done to save man, with this delight they are full of zeal for the gospel. This is because the soil on the surface of the rock is fertile but the rock beneath the soil does not allow the root of the seed to penetrate, to acquire the desired nutrients to enhance growth.
Such hearts are not rooted on the word heard, they are not attached to the word though excited. Because they are not rooted on the word, they are quickly discouraged about remaining faithful when hit by persecutions and trails. They fall as the rootless plant before the scorching rays of the afternoon sun.
These are hearts that are not deeply convinced about sin. They lose the interest they once felt in the gospel. They are those who are easily excited, who for a while seem to be much engaged, but are unstable, easily turned aside by difficulties, give up and become more hardened than before. They stumble and fall when persecution and trails hit because they have no confidence in God to carry them through.
3. THE THORNY SOIL
The thorny soil is one that is ploughed but not properly cleared of thorns. Thorns are woody plants bearing sharp impeding processes as prickles or spines. The thorny soil therefore is representative of a worldly minded heart. These are hearts that receive the word but are destitute of good works. These hearts do not live a life of piety towards God and of beneficence towards men. These hearts are so occupied with the things of time that they have no heart to attend to the salvation of their souls or of their fellow men.
The thorns are representative of the cares and anxieties of the world. Because this heart is worldly inclined, the deceitfulness of riches which promises peace and pleasure but can’t give them, choke or overtop the word and the word dies. The worldly cares and anxieties with its delusive hopes and promises of riches cause such hearts to abandon the great concerns of their souls for what to eat, drink , and wear, they end up as “meet up” Christians, Matt.6:25-34, Lk.12:15.
The desire of these hearts to posses more wealth is unending. By this, there is the temptation to be dishonest, to cheat, to take advantage of others, and to oppress others. Every evil passion is therefore cherished by the love of gains, no wonder the word in such heart is choked, we have some of these hearts amongst us. The seed of the kingdom cannot produce fruits in these hearts unto salvation until the thorns of vicious affections and impure desires are plucked up by the roots and burned.
4. THE GOOD SOIL
The last category of soil in Jesus’ explanation is the good or fertile soil. This is a soil with depth mould, well ploughed, and well weeded. This heart hears the gospel, diligently attends the gospel and lay up the gospel to the heart, deeply weighing its nature, design, and importance.
This is the heart that receives the gospel into the heart and acts under its abiding influence. This heart represents sincere and pious Christians. This heart bears fruits. We must understand that to hear, to understand and to bear fruits are the three evidences of a genuine Christian. One who does not hear the word of wisdom and truth cannot understand what makes for peace, and one who does not understand what the gospel requires of him to be and perform , cannot bring forth fruits, and he who does not bear fruits of righteousness cannot be a disciple of Christ, and one who is not Christ’s disciple cannot enter the kingdom of God, Jn.15:8.
I wish to observe here that the different quantity of fruits produced by the good soil – hundred, sixty and thirty teaches us that all Christians do not bear equal fruits. All hear, understand and bear fruits, but not in the same degree, this can be occasioned by the fact that some do not have the situation or circumstances that allow them the opportunities of receiving and doing good, others it can be said that it is partly due to lack of mental capacity, because all minds are not equally improved.
Notice that the unfruitfulness of the different soil cannot be attributed to bad seed sown, neither can it be attributed to the unskillfulness of the sower. The same sower sowed the same seed in all with the same design, but the seed of the gospel becomes unfruitful in many soil(hearts) because they are careless, inattentive and worldly minded.
When the word is heard or sowed in one’s heart, can God make the unwilling heart ready? Yes. This is only when a man hears the justice and mercy of God - the gospel and he cries out to God imploring Him to work in him as it pleases God. May God save those who hear the gospel from impenitent and unfruitful hearts.
III. THE PARABLE OF THE SEED
Unlike the parable of the four soil which is found in Matt.13:1-24, Mk.4:1-9 and Lk.8:4-8, the parable of the seed is mentioned only by Mark, Mk.4:26-29, yet it lessons are enforced by other scriptures – Isa.55:10-11, Jam.5:7, I Pet.1:23-25, this is to proof that Mark did not abridge Matthew.
It can be correctly inferred that Jesus at this point was still emphasizing on the good soil of the previous parable. Jesus could be paraphrased as saying “what I have said about the seed sown on good ground can be illustrated by this parable…”
In the parable of the seed, Jesus emphasized that the teaching of the kingdom received in a good and honest heart is like a seed sown by a man, after sowing he waits by sleeping and waking day after day, and looking at the seed he sees it spring up and grow through the virtue of the earth in which the seed is sown, though the sower know not how it doth so.
Christians as in nature are co-laborers with God sowing the seed of the kingdom – the gospel. The result of our work depends on God and for the perfection of this results He takes His time, I Cor.3:6-9. It is ours to sow the seed, the truth, and God’s to give it growth. When we have sown we are to wait for time and God to perfect it. This He does according to the definite order of development, first the blade, then the ear, the full corn. The lesson of this parable is of trust and hope in God perfecting our work of sowing the seed of the gospel.
God’s kingdom is generated in the hearts by the word of life, under the influence of the Holy Spirit. First it is small as the blade, with full promises because a good blade shows there is a good seed at the soil, then the ear or stalk. The faith and love of a believing soul increases abundantly and soon the soul is purified from all unrighteousness and having escaped the corruption that is in the world, it is made a partaker of the Divine nature, and is filled with all the fullness of God.
CONCLUTION
From the two parables examined in this lecture, we will conclude that;
1. As preachers and Christians, we are employed by God as co-laborers and are sent out to sow the seed of His kingdom in the hearts of men.
2. It is a sin against God to stay in the field without sowing the seed.
3. It is a sin to pretend to sow, when we know that we are not furnished or prepared by the keeper with more seed.
4. It is sinful to change the master’s seed, to mix it with any other or to sow bad seed in the place of good seed.
5. One is not a seed-man of God, who loves to preach only to genteel congregations, to only people of sense and fashion and feels it a pain and a cross to labor preaching among the poor and ignorant.
6. Lastly, he who sows with a simple, upright heart, the seed of his master shall see the seed take deep root and notwithstanding the unfruitfulness and sloth of many of his hearers, he shall come with rejoicing bringing in his sheaves with him.
The harvest is coming, labor tirelessly to sow the seed of the gospel because your labor in the Lord is not in vain, I Cor.15:58.
Etim Echeng Enya preaches for Church of Christ, mile 2
Oppt. NNPC Mega Station Border Road, Ikom. P.O.Box 46 Ikom 551001
Cross River State.
He presents “LIVING ORACLES” a Church of Christ sponsored
programm on Cross River Broadcasting Co-operation(CRBC) Ikom
every Sunday 6.15am .He is Also the Director of Christian School of
Biblical Studies, Ikom.
Contact: Tel: 08063409493,08029216666, E-mail: timosetim@gmail.com,
churchmile2@yahoo.com, Blog: www.timosetim.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED
WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED
JAMSE 1:2-4
“Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trails, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have it full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”
Has your faith ever been tested? Have you ever been tempted to give up on God? When life is going badly for you because of sickness, the death of a loved one, financial difficulties, family conflicts or personal problems, then your faith is tested.
Most times our faith is tested even when life seem to be going well. Prosperity can some times tempt us to become materialistic. If you find yourself in this situation, what should you do?
As we consider the experience of the Israelites in this lesson as they stood at the bank of the red sea, their experience will provide a guide on what to do when our faith is tested.
1. When your faith is tested always remember that matters are not as bad as they seem. This was also true of the Israelites. They thought they had escaped from the Egyptian bondage. Imagine their jubilation, then they reached the red sea and their joy turned to despair. The sea was in front, the desert on their both sides and behind them was Pharaoh’s army. To the Israelites at this point, the forces against them was overwhelming, there was no way out of this situation. The rest of the story we know very well, yet in all this God was able to deliver them.
Like the Israelites, when in difficult situations, we tend to look at the negative part of our situation, we imagine the worst and fail to see the positive possibilities. Have faith, the situation is not as dark as it seems. God will make a way where there seem to be no way.
2. When your faith is tested, look up to God. In Exo. 14:10, we see that in Israel’s despair they cried out to the Lord. We must commend them for that, but then they started to complain. By their complaint, they exhibited their negative attitudes. One of those attitude as you know was forgetfulness. They forgot so soon what God did for them in Egypt. Secondly, they showed ingratitude. They were not grateful for God’s blessing, yet God responded to their cry with the promise of deliverance. Moses assured them “Do not fear, Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again”Ex0.14:13-14. Turning to God when our faith is tested should be paramount in our heart. Through prayers, scriptures, the church and our fellow Christians, we can always find help and comfort we need in times of trails.
3. When your faith is tested move forward, When your faith is tested you must press on to the promised land. The most exciting and remarkable thing in the experience of the Israelites was God’s instruction in Exo.14. After Moses had asked them to stand still and see in verse13, God gave a counter order in verse 15, He asked the Israelites to “Go forward”. Despite their misgivings, they did go forward into the red sea. As the sea opened, they marched through on dry ground. By obeying that order they were delivered and saved. What about you? When your faith is tested, you usually know what to do, but the question is whether or not you will do it in spite of your misgivings, fears and troubles.
When your faith is tested, by circumstances, or difficult situations, you need to do what Israel was asked to do, that is:
1. Depend on God, stand firm and you will see the salvation of God.
2. “Go forward”. Paul says “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”Phil.3:13b.
Is there a sea in front of you? God can open it. Is there a wall in front of you? God can tear down that wall. Have you encountered a closed door? God can open that door. The solution of the testing of your faith is to keep faith. Walk through the sea, tear down the wall and enter the door, continue to be a Christian.
God has the answer to all our individual and corporate lives. We must hear His instructions and press on even when the way ahead seems impossible.
The God who opened the red sea can open your way and give you freedom.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493,08029216666
Timosetim@gmail.com
www.timosetim.blogspot.com
JAMSE 1:2-4
“Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trails, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have it full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”
Has your faith ever been tested? Have you ever been tempted to give up on God? When life is going badly for you because of sickness, the death of a loved one, financial difficulties, family conflicts or personal problems, then your faith is tested.
Most times our faith is tested even when life seem to be going well. Prosperity can some times tempt us to become materialistic. If you find yourself in this situation, what should you do?
As we consider the experience of the Israelites in this lesson as they stood at the bank of the red sea, their experience will provide a guide on what to do when our faith is tested.
1. When your faith is tested always remember that matters are not as bad as they seem. This was also true of the Israelites. They thought they had escaped from the Egyptian bondage. Imagine their jubilation, then they reached the red sea and their joy turned to despair. The sea was in front, the desert on their both sides and behind them was Pharaoh’s army. To the Israelites at this point, the forces against them was overwhelming, there was no way out of this situation. The rest of the story we know very well, yet in all this God was able to deliver them.
Like the Israelites, when in difficult situations, we tend to look at the negative part of our situation, we imagine the worst and fail to see the positive possibilities. Have faith, the situation is not as dark as it seems. God will make a way where there seem to be no way.
2. When your faith is tested, look up to God. In Exo. 14:10, we see that in Israel’s despair they cried out to the Lord. We must commend them for that, but then they started to complain. By their complaint, they exhibited their negative attitudes. One of those attitude as you know was forgetfulness. They forgot so soon what God did for them in Egypt. Secondly, they showed ingratitude. They were not grateful for God’s blessing, yet God responded to their cry with the promise of deliverance. Moses assured them “Do not fear, Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again”Ex0.14:13-14. Turning to God when our faith is tested should be paramount in our heart. Through prayers, scriptures, the church and our fellow Christians, we can always find help and comfort we need in times of trails.
3. When your faith is tested move forward, When your faith is tested you must press on to the promised land. The most exciting and remarkable thing in the experience of the Israelites was God’s instruction in Exo.14. After Moses had asked them to stand still and see in verse13, God gave a counter order in verse 15, He asked the Israelites to “Go forward”. Despite their misgivings, they did go forward into the red sea. As the sea opened, they marched through on dry ground. By obeying that order they were delivered and saved. What about you? When your faith is tested, you usually know what to do, but the question is whether or not you will do it in spite of your misgivings, fears and troubles.
When your faith is tested, by circumstances, or difficult situations, you need to do what Israel was asked to do, that is:
1. Depend on God, stand firm and you will see the salvation of God.
2. “Go forward”. Paul says “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”Phil.3:13b.
Is there a sea in front of you? God can open it. Is there a wall in front of you? God can tear down that wall. Have you encountered a closed door? God can open that door. The solution of the testing of your faith is to keep faith. Walk through the sea, tear down the wall and enter the door, continue to be a Christian.
God has the answer to all our individual and corporate lives. We must hear His instructions and press on even when the way ahead seems impossible.
The God who opened the red sea can open your way and give you freedom.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493,08029216666
Timosetim@gmail.com
www.timosetim.blogspot.com
HARDENING OF THE HEART
HARDENING OF THE HEART:THE MOST DANGEROUS DISEASE
EXO.8:15
Some people around us suffer from a deadly disease called “Hardening of the arteries”. Those who suffer from this disease are often in danger of stroke and heart attack. One may exclaim, may this never be my portion. Yet, while we agree that we don’t wish any to suffer from this kind of disease, do you know that there is a more deadly disease that majority of men on earth suffer? This disease is called “Hardening of the heart”. Pharaoh of Egypt suffered from this disease. Exodus 8:15 says ‘ Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not listen to God’s servants’.
God had just sent the plague of frogs upon the land of Egypt as Moses predicted, Pharaoh relented, asked Moses to remove the frogs, promising he will let Israel go. Moses agreed, Pharaoh named the time and the frogs died at that time. However, Pharaoh did not honor his word, but refused to let the people go. He hardened his heart.
See how Pharaoh hardened his heart in this lesson and compare with your hardening of heart to the gospel of Christ today.
1. How was Pharaoh’s heart harden?
The bible at one time tells us Pharaoh hardened his heart and at another time it will say God hardened Pharaoh’ heart. Did God actually hardened Pharaoh’s heart or did Pharaoh out of his volition harden his heart? If one says yes, God hardened his heart, then it means Pharaoh had no Will of his own, and that is to say he could not make decision except the choice which God imposed on him. This assumption will be wrong because it will make God a fiendish God who take delight in punishing people.
The solution to this problem is to recognize the fact that the bible first emphasis that Pharaoh hardened hi heart, before stating that God hardened his heart. Going by what Moses said in Exo.4:21 and 7;3, God was only going to harden Pharaoh’s heart because he first decided to harden his heart.
Pharaoh had decided on the road to tow, and God only gave him a push down the road. Pharaoh had the free will as we have today to make a choice. He was responsible for his choice and God will hold him accountable for his choices.
When we consider more carefully what happened when Pharaoh hardened his heart, we will conclude that Pharaoh’s disease of hardening of heart involved five things namely;
Persistence and stubbornness
Refusal to hear God’s word
Unwillingness to accept the truth
Arrogance and pride
Lack of compassion for people.
2. How does one harden his heart today?
Hardening of the heart is also a disease that so many people suffer today. The Bible in I Tim.4:1-2 says some have their conscience seared with hot iron. Mk.6:52 and Acts 19:9 speaks of people who harden their hearts, and Heb.3:8,3:13,15,4;7 warns against hardening of the heart.
In his second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica Paul described some who will perish because God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false and be destroyed. Paul says “The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended sings and wanders and with all wicked deception for those who are to perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion to make them believe what is false so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness”.
Who are those whom God will send along the path of destruction? From the text above, we know that those who did not receive or love the truth, but take pleasure in wickedness are those who will perish for hardening their heart to the truth, the gospel of Christ.
In other words, if a person does not love or receive the truth but take pleasure in wickedness, then God will send a deluding influence so that he will believe lies and perish eternally. If we, like Pharaoh deliberately choose the wrong path, God will speed us on our way to destruction we have chosen. If we persistently refuse to hear the word of God in spite of the evidence for its truth, then we have a hard hearts.
If you have exhibited a hardened heart towards the gospel of Christ, remember that the hardening of the heart is more dangerous than the hardening of the arteries because this disease leads to eternal death. Allow God’s word to soften your heart today. Let the gospel, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for your sin and hope dissolve that wall you have erected between you and God’s mercy.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493, 08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
timosetim.blogspot.com
EXO.8:15
Some people around us suffer from a deadly disease called “Hardening of the arteries”. Those who suffer from this disease are often in danger of stroke and heart attack. One may exclaim, may this never be my portion. Yet, while we agree that we don’t wish any to suffer from this kind of disease, do you know that there is a more deadly disease that majority of men on earth suffer? This disease is called “Hardening of the heart”. Pharaoh of Egypt suffered from this disease. Exodus 8:15 says ‘ Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not listen to God’s servants’.
God had just sent the plague of frogs upon the land of Egypt as Moses predicted, Pharaoh relented, asked Moses to remove the frogs, promising he will let Israel go. Moses agreed, Pharaoh named the time and the frogs died at that time. However, Pharaoh did not honor his word, but refused to let the people go. He hardened his heart.
See how Pharaoh hardened his heart in this lesson and compare with your hardening of heart to the gospel of Christ today.
1. How was Pharaoh’s heart harden?
The bible at one time tells us Pharaoh hardened his heart and at another time it will say God hardened Pharaoh’ heart. Did God actually hardened Pharaoh’s heart or did Pharaoh out of his volition harden his heart? If one says yes, God hardened his heart, then it means Pharaoh had no Will of his own, and that is to say he could not make decision except the choice which God imposed on him. This assumption will be wrong because it will make God a fiendish God who take delight in punishing people.
The solution to this problem is to recognize the fact that the bible first emphasis that Pharaoh hardened hi heart, before stating that God hardened his heart. Going by what Moses said in Exo.4:21 and 7;3, God was only going to harden Pharaoh’s heart because he first decided to harden his heart.
Pharaoh had decided on the road to tow, and God only gave him a push down the road. Pharaoh had the free will as we have today to make a choice. He was responsible for his choice and God will hold him accountable for his choices.
When we consider more carefully what happened when Pharaoh hardened his heart, we will conclude that Pharaoh’s disease of hardening of heart involved five things namely;
Persistence and stubbornness
Refusal to hear God’s word
Unwillingness to accept the truth
Arrogance and pride
Lack of compassion for people.
2. How does one harden his heart today?
Hardening of the heart is also a disease that so many people suffer today. The Bible in I Tim.4:1-2 says some have their conscience seared with hot iron. Mk.6:52 and Acts 19:9 speaks of people who harden their hearts, and Heb.3:8,3:13,15,4;7 warns against hardening of the heart.
In his second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica Paul described some who will perish because God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false and be destroyed. Paul says “The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended sings and wanders and with all wicked deception for those who are to perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion to make them believe what is false so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness”.
Who are those whom God will send along the path of destruction? From the text above, we know that those who did not receive or love the truth, but take pleasure in wickedness are those who will perish for hardening their heart to the truth, the gospel of Christ.
In other words, if a person does not love or receive the truth but take pleasure in wickedness, then God will send a deluding influence so that he will believe lies and perish eternally. If we, like Pharaoh deliberately choose the wrong path, God will speed us on our way to destruction we have chosen. If we persistently refuse to hear the word of God in spite of the evidence for its truth, then we have a hard hearts.
If you have exhibited a hardened heart towards the gospel of Christ, remember that the hardening of the heart is more dangerous than the hardening of the arteries because this disease leads to eternal death. Allow God’s word to soften your heart today. Let the gospel, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for your sin and hope dissolve that wall you have erected between you and God’s mercy.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493, 08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
timosetim.blogspot.com
SATAN'S BEATITUDE
SATAN’S BEATITUDE
Share with me this piece titled “Satan’s Beatitude”. The original author of this piece is unknown, but owing to the great lessons buried in the material, I have done some modification, weeding some and adding more materials.
At the beginning of Jesus’ teaching over variety of issues spanning from Matthew chapter 5- 7 commonly known as the “Sermon on the mount”, Jesus enumerated a number of blessings or bliss(beatitude) that those who will pursue righteousness stand to receive(Mtt.5:3-12).
Little do Christians know that Satan also has what he describes as ‘blessing’ for those who will allow him use them as agents to thwart the work of God and those who work toward righteousness. These ‘blessings’ are not for those who are outside God’s kingdom but for those who are in the church but allow themselves to be used by Satan.
The following are Satan’ eight beatitude:
1. “Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians. They are my best workers”. For those Christians who are always thinking of how to ‘meet up’ thereby neglect the assembly of Christians, know that you are not a Christian but Satan’s tool. Heb.10:25.
2. “Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked. They have received their reward”. Do you wait to be asked to be committed to God or wait to be noticed or appreciated by men when you do anything for God, do not expect anymore reward(Matt.6:2).
3. “Blessed are those who seek worldly pleasure instead of seeking the Will of God. As those who pretend to be Christ’s “representatives”, they are my missionaries”(Matt.6:33, Lk.12:15).
4. “Blessed are the troublemakers, they shall be called my children”. Don’t be noted as a troublemaker in God’s house. Gal.1:7
5. “Blessed are those Christians who murmur and complain and have no joy. They make my work of discouragement easy”. Discouragement is Satan’s best tool. When other tools fail, discouragement does not(Num.32:7, 13:25-27, Phil.2:14-16)
6. “Blessed are those Christians who gossip, for they shall cause the division that God hates but I love”(I Cor.11:18, 1:10).
7. “Blessed are those who are easily offended. They will soon quit”(Eph.4:26-27).
8. “Blessed is that Christian who professes to love God but hates his brother. He shall be with me forever”(I Jn.2:10-11).
Conclusion
Satan’s blessing will never be anything good. Do not make yourself available for him to use. Resist him and he will flee from you. Remember, he ‘prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour”. Jam.4:7-8, I Pet.5:8. Be watchful, don’t be a prey.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493,08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
www.timosetim.blogspot.com
Share with me this piece titled “Satan’s Beatitude”. The original author of this piece is unknown, but owing to the great lessons buried in the material, I have done some modification, weeding some and adding more materials.
At the beginning of Jesus’ teaching over variety of issues spanning from Matthew chapter 5- 7 commonly known as the “Sermon on the mount”, Jesus enumerated a number of blessings or bliss(beatitude) that those who will pursue righteousness stand to receive(Mtt.5:3-12).
Little do Christians know that Satan also has what he describes as ‘blessing’ for those who will allow him use them as agents to thwart the work of God and those who work toward righteousness. These ‘blessings’ are not for those who are outside God’s kingdom but for those who are in the church but allow themselves to be used by Satan.
The following are Satan’ eight beatitude:
1. “Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians. They are my best workers”. For those Christians who are always thinking of how to ‘meet up’ thereby neglect the assembly of Christians, know that you are not a Christian but Satan’s tool. Heb.10:25.
2. “Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked. They have received their reward”. Do you wait to be asked to be committed to God or wait to be noticed or appreciated by men when you do anything for God, do not expect anymore reward(Matt.6:2).
3. “Blessed are those who seek worldly pleasure instead of seeking the Will of God. As those who pretend to be Christ’s “representatives”, they are my missionaries”(Matt.6:33, Lk.12:15).
4. “Blessed are the troublemakers, they shall be called my children”. Don’t be noted as a troublemaker in God’s house. Gal.1:7
5. “Blessed are those Christians who murmur and complain and have no joy. They make my work of discouragement easy”. Discouragement is Satan’s best tool. When other tools fail, discouragement does not(Num.32:7, 13:25-27, Phil.2:14-16)
6. “Blessed are those Christians who gossip, for they shall cause the division that God hates but I love”(I Cor.11:18, 1:10).
7. “Blessed are those who are easily offended. They will soon quit”(Eph.4:26-27).
8. “Blessed is that Christian who professes to love God but hates his brother. He shall be with me forever”(I Jn.2:10-11).
Conclusion
Satan’s blessing will never be anything good. Do not make yourself available for him to use. Resist him and he will flee from you. Remember, he ‘prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour”. Jam.4:7-8, I Pet.5:8. Be watchful, don’t be a prey.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493,08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
www.timosetim.blogspot.com
DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT
DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT
EXO.6:1-13
Exodus chapter 6 opens with Moses a disappointed and discouraged man. He had done what God asked him to do, everything he could do to facilitate the release of God’s people(Israel) but to avail. Pharaoh had spurned him, mocked God and rejected his requests. Worst still, Pharaoh had made life more difficult for Israel and as a result of these, the Israelites who once welcomed Moses in Exo. 4:29-31 had turned against him(Exo. 5:19-21).
Moses’ bright hope of Israel being released had been extinguished. Moses had wondered like we would today “Where is God in all these? Why me?, did he not promise to be with us and make our effort succeed?
In this difficult situation, Moses did not hesitate to complain to God “Lord why have you brought trouble on these people, why is it that you sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name he has done evil to this people, Neither have you delivered your people at all”(Exo. 5:22-23).
Have you ever felt like everything you were doing – even the things you were trying to do for God were wrong? What then should you do in such situation? Moses who was also in that state at one time did something. You are to do what Moses did. Though he complained, his complaint was directed to the right source – God.
As we consider in this lesson how God responded to Moses complain, you will find comfort in your situation and how you can deal with disappointment and discouragement.
HOW DID GOD RESPOND TO MOSES?
1. GOD DID NOT REBUKE MOSES. Moses complained to God of his situation, but from God’s standpoint his complaint did not deserve rebuke. Sometimes we are so timid when we approach God. We must be willing to speak our mind to God. Be direct, personal and heartfelt in your prayer as this will make your prayer more meaningful This is not as though you are forcing God or as if he does not know your situation.
2. GOD ENCOURAGED MOSES. Exo.6:1 tells us of God’ reassuring words to Moses that his mission will be successful. He also reminded Moses that He was Jehovah, the God of the Patriarchs. God encouraged Moses by repeating His promises for His people. When you are disappointed and discouraged, remember three things:
a. Though you experience temporal failure, ultimately, if you are faithful to God, permanent and eternal success will be yours.
b. God loves you and has a personal interest in you. You only need to take courage in His nature, love, compassion, power and might knowing that your faith regarding the future is not based on your ability but on God’s strength.
c. God has promised to be with you as He was with Moses and the Israelites. You only need to depend on His promises. He will strengthen you to do everything He wants you to do as Paul declared “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”(Phil.4”13).
3. GOD RECOMMISSIONED MOSES. Moses brought good news to the Israelites. God has not forgotten or forsaken His people. But the Israelites out of frustration and despair refused to listen. This situation would have deepened Moses’ discouragement. But God recommissioned him in verse 10-11. By this ,God was telling Moses to do what he originally asked him to do. Regardless of how he felt, Moses was to carry out his commission. In times of discouragement, what should you do? You are not to quit, rather carry out your commission as a Christian doing all you can to fulfill God’s Will.
4. GOD MET MOSES’ NEED. Moses in his disappointed state thought himself inadequate for the work, apparently his old feelings of inferiority returned. But God met his need for help and reminded him of his call. In the same way, God will take your inadequacies whether real or imagined. You only need to remember who is on your side. Remember the words of Paul in Rom.8:13 “If God be for us who will be against us…”
Do you ever get discouraged because of your failures or because of the way other people treat you? Then do the following:
1. Turn to God. Tell Him your problems and leave the matter in His hands.
2. Carry out your God-given commission. Remember, “Let us not lose heart in doing good for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary”Gal.6:9.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493,08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
www.timosetim.blogspot.com
EXO.6:1-13
Exodus chapter 6 opens with Moses a disappointed and discouraged man. He had done what God asked him to do, everything he could do to facilitate the release of God’s people(Israel) but to avail. Pharaoh had spurned him, mocked God and rejected his requests. Worst still, Pharaoh had made life more difficult for Israel and as a result of these, the Israelites who once welcomed Moses in Exo. 4:29-31 had turned against him(Exo. 5:19-21).
Moses’ bright hope of Israel being released had been extinguished. Moses had wondered like we would today “Where is God in all these? Why me?, did he not promise to be with us and make our effort succeed?
In this difficult situation, Moses did not hesitate to complain to God “Lord why have you brought trouble on these people, why is it that you sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name he has done evil to this people, Neither have you delivered your people at all”(Exo. 5:22-23).
Have you ever felt like everything you were doing – even the things you were trying to do for God were wrong? What then should you do in such situation? Moses who was also in that state at one time did something. You are to do what Moses did. Though he complained, his complaint was directed to the right source – God.
As we consider in this lesson how God responded to Moses complain, you will find comfort in your situation and how you can deal with disappointment and discouragement.
HOW DID GOD RESPOND TO MOSES?
1. GOD DID NOT REBUKE MOSES. Moses complained to God of his situation, but from God’s standpoint his complaint did not deserve rebuke. Sometimes we are so timid when we approach God. We must be willing to speak our mind to God. Be direct, personal and heartfelt in your prayer as this will make your prayer more meaningful This is not as though you are forcing God or as if he does not know your situation.
2. GOD ENCOURAGED MOSES. Exo.6:1 tells us of God’ reassuring words to Moses that his mission will be successful. He also reminded Moses that He was Jehovah, the God of the Patriarchs. God encouraged Moses by repeating His promises for His people. When you are disappointed and discouraged, remember three things:
a. Though you experience temporal failure, ultimately, if you are faithful to God, permanent and eternal success will be yours.
b. God loves you and has a personal interest in you. You only need to take courage in His nature, love, compassion, power and might knowing that your faith regarding the future is not based on your ability but on God’s strength.
c. God has promised to be with you as He was with Moses and the Israelites. You only need to depend on His promises. He will strengthen you to do everything He wants you to do as Paul declared “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”(Phil.4”13).
3. GOD RECOMMISSIONED MOSES. Moses brought good news to the Israelites. God has not forgotten or forsaken His people. But the Israelites out of frustration and despair refused to listen. This situation would have deepened Moses’ discouragement. But God recommissioned him in verse 10-11. By this ,God was telling Moses to do what he originally asked him to do. Regardless of how he felt, Moses was to carry out his commission. In times of discouragement, what should you do? You are not to quit, rather carry out your commission as a Christian doing all you can to fulfill God’s Will.
4. GOD MET MOSES’ NEED. Moses in his disappointed state thought himself inadequate for the work, apparently his old feelings of inferiority returned. But God met his need for help and reminded him of his call. In the same way, God will take your inadequacies whether real or imagined. You only need to remember who is on your side. Remember the words of Paul in Rom.8:13 “If God be for us who will be against us…”
Do you ever get discouraged because of your failures or because of the way other people treat you? Then do the following:
1. Turn to God. Tell Him your problems and leave the matter in His hands.
2. Carry out your God-given commission. Remember, “Let us not lose heart in doing good for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary”Gal.6:9.
Etim Echeng Enya
08063409493,08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
www.timosetim.blogspot.com
Monday, April 12, 2010
PREACHER TEACHING PREACHERS ABOUT THEIR WORK AND BEHAVIOUR
THEME: “PREACHER TEACHING PREACHERS ABOUT…”
TOPIC: PREACHER TEACHING PREACHERS ABOUT WORK AND BEHAVIOUR AS EVANGELISTS- I TIMOTHY 1
INTRODUCTION
The theme of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, the evangelist left in Ephesus is expressed in I Tim.3:15 when Paul wrote “…but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth”. Paul wrote this letter to the young evangelist to instruct him concerning his work and behavior as an evangelist. Even though some of us are older than Timothy as at when he received this letter, the instruction of this letter can also apply to you and I today because we are evangelists and are faced with similar situations that Timothy found himself.
The purpose of Paul’s instruction to Timothy can be divided into two; firstly, he wrote to stop the infiltration of Judiazing teachers who had adopted Gnostic philosophies into the church. Secondly, he wrote to give instructions to Timothy concerning the application of Christian behavior as a community of God’s people. Paul specifically wrote to Timothy concerning his behavior and ministry to the need of the church.
I. BACKGROUND
At the time of Paul’s writing to Timothy, the concept of Gnosticism had become organized and prominent in the church. It was at this time that distorted views about the nature of Christ developed and many Christians were led into apostasy, away from the truth of the gospel.
Gnosticism is the teaching and believe that all matter is evil, only spirit is good. All the various sects of Gnostics even today maintain the world view that matter was and is evil and stood opposed to the spirit which was the only thing that was good.
The world view of the Gnostics consist the following among others;
A. God is light, good and eternal. Matter is also eternal, however matter is evil. According to Gnostics believe “creation” of the world resulted from succession of “aeons” or emanations that digressed from God. To the Gnostics, for one to understand the genealogy of emanations, such a one must acquire a higher or greater level of knowledge.
B. The Gnostics taught that since matter was evil, then the body was evil. This world view led to the believe and teaching that material and thus the evil body must be deprived of pleasure and physical needs like food etc, and thus subject the body to severe discipline.
C. They taught that, since the body is matter, there can be no resurrection of the material body.
D. To the Gnostics, redemption was not redemption from sins. Redemption was through self awareness, to be redeemed from material world.
In the years that preceded the establishment of the church, the teachings of the Gnostic heresy began in Greek, Rome and the Far East and subsequently Jewish religion and philosophies. When one therefore converts from any of the religions of these cultural groups, it was not long before the religious beliefs and philosophies of these religions generate into Gnostic heresy that found it way into the church. Therefore the chief concern of Paul in this letter as well as other inspired writers was to write doctrinal principles that will guide the church against the apostasy that will come.
The apostle saw a bad seed being sown in the church, he detailed Timothy, one of his converts, hence his son in the faith and one on whose prudence, piety and soundness in faith he could depend to remain in Ephesus to prevent the spread of a doctrine that would have been pernicious to the people’s soul.
The preachers work was and is still to charge those who preach false doctrine to desist from it .Some of these Gnostics Paul mentioned would have been some Judaising teachers who were members of the church, as we also have today among us.
II. FABLES AND ENDLESS GENEALOGIES
Preachers should rise to the challenge of keeping the church from fables. The preacher’s duty is to be sure that the church does not bestow her attention on fables, and should regard them as of no importance.
The fables Paul meant would have probably been idle and puerile superstitions and conceit of the Jewish rabies. These fables had much to do with speech and discourse, fictions and mystics . Today, these fictions compose of frivolous and unfounded stories which are regarded as of great importance , and men (even members In the church desire to incorporate these fables like the Gnostics theory of “eaons” being responsible for this evil earth and the teaching of the “ pleroma” )with the teachings of Christianity. These fables tend to draw off the minds of Christians from the truth, and is capable of corrupting the gospel of Christ. Preachers must always remember that one of the most successful art of the adversary of man’s soul has been mingling fable with truth, and when he cannot overthrow the truth by direct opposition he resolves to neutralizing the truth by mingling it with that which is false and frivolous.
Giving heed to fables and genealogies does not edify the church or the individuals involved rather they generate troublesome and angry debates. Preachers must be on the alert. Fables and endless genealogies are always the foundation of endless disputes because they are uncertain and consecutive.
Fables and enquiries on endless genealogies does nothing to promote true Christianity and the salvation of souls. They set no permanent principles of truth, they determine nothing that is really concerned with the salvation of men. There will therefore be no point of controversy worth much trouble if a matter is settled one way or the other when it will not tend to convert a soul from sin, or establish some important principles of promoting true Christianity.
Preachers should understand that the purpose of the charge to preach and teach sound doctrine and not heed to fables and genealogies is love. As preachers, we must show those who are corrupting the gospel with falsehood that instead of teaching foolish fables that does not edify, they should inculcate love, love that should emanate from pure hearts. The teaching of the truth on our part must stem from a pure heart and from a conscience that is free from guilt.
There can be no genuine love for God where the dictates of conscience are constantly violated, or where man knows that he is continually doing wrong . If a man wishes to be evidence of the love of God, he must keep a good conscience. All pretended love where man knows that he is living in sin is mere hypocrisy.
The preaching of the truth by preachers on the other hand should be of faith unfeigned, that is our teaching and preaching must be with confidence in God. As preachers, we cannot preach the truth and correct those who teach falsehood if we have no confidence in He who sent us. We are to preach the truth out of a faith that is not hypocritical, like the false teachers who exhibit pretended faith in the gospel in the bid to draw Christians from the truth with their fables.
When brethren stray from the new commandment of love, they will definitely turn aside to the idle talk of disputing over fables. One can be identified as having strayed from the love that is characteristics of Christians by his desire to dispute over non-biblical issues. This disputing over non-biblical issues are vain, meaningless and useless discussions that does not profit anything towards the edification of the church(II Tim.4:4). Preachers, teachers and evangelists must refrain from such useless disputing that will not edify the flock of God, and must be ready to reproof those in the house of God who may be drawn to such baseless disputes in the bid to bringing them to the truth.
Like the Judaizing teachers of Paul’s time, there are those among us in the fold who are desirous of being teachers in order to gain respect and honor as does the preachers and teachers of God’s word, yet they are not willing to pay the price of humble service and diligent study of God’s word. This group of teachers are those Paul wrote to Timothy about in II Tim.6:3-5 when he said “If any one teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which comes envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicion, useless wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain, from such withdraw yourself”.
These ignorant teachers, manifest the insincerity of their motives. Since such teachers don’t understand that the purpose of the Old Testament law was to lead men to Christ according to Gal.3:23-25. They cannot communicate correctly the things they affirm like the Judaizing teachers in Ephesus. Their desire alone thus disqualify them as teachers and preachers. It is only through long hours of prayerful study and godly living that we can learn the purpose of God’s word, and thus be qualified to teach God’s word.
Preachers and teachers should be diligent in their study of God’s word for it is only then that we can reproof, rebuke and correct those who will be teaching falsehood.
III. THE CHARGE
As one who had committed himself to the preaching of the gospel and edification of the church, Timothy was commanded to carry out his work as an evangelist , to teach in order to correct erroneous teachings in the church at Ephesus. This charge is important to preachers and evangelists today as it was to Timothy. Because we have those within the church who are carried away by all forms of doctrines, and owing to their ignorance of God’s word engage in disputing issues, Preachers must wake up to the challenge of teaching so as to correct errors and false teachings, and always preach the true gospel for the edification of the church.
Always remember that you are engaged in a warfare that is good for those who will win over sin through obedience of the preached gospel(II Tim.2:3, 4:7). Since we have been instructed concerning that which is right according to the word and will of God as Timothy , let us labor with a good conscience . We must not allow our faith to be led astray by a violation of what we conscientiously know to be true. When we compromise what we know is right for selfish gains, we end up destroying our faith.
In his letter, Paul mentioned two brethren in the church who allowed their faith to be compromised – Hymenaeus and Alexander. It was not that these two gave up being religious, but that they accepted and welcomed theologies that were contrary to the fundamental truth upon which the church is established as some today do among us. Like Hymenaeus and Alexander, those who allow their conscience to be compromised will lose their faith
In order that such negative influence of the erroneous teaching of such people in the church not spread to others, Hymenaeuses and Alexanders of the church today must be disciplined. Those who persist in sin should be disciplined to prevent the church from being injured by the actions of these types of brethren.
Before punitive discipline is meted on brethren who stray from truth, corrective discipline should be applied, where we can use scriptures to bring such erring Christians back to the faith. Discipline in the church should not be used by preachers as a means of getting even with brethren who are not getting along with the preacher as is the case in some congregations. The purpose of discipline should be to enable the erring brother or brothers learn the error of their way, and thus repent of such sins and be saved. Discipline should be meted with love and gentleness without compromising the truth of God’s word(Gal.6:1-2). Repentant brethren should be restored to the fellowship of the church as was the case in I Cor.5.
CONCLUTION
Both the work of the preacher and his behavior in the course of carrying out his duty are important for the sake of the ministry.
As preachers and ministers, we should avoid meaningless discussions that leads to disputes and profit nothing towards edification of the church. We should rather preach the truth in love, the truth that can save men’s souls, and be ready to refute falsehood in any guise.
Be diligent in studying God’s word in order to rightly divide the word of truth, and do not compromise your faith for selfish gains because your labour in His vineyard is not in vain(I Cor.15:58).
PRESENTED BY:
ETIM ECHENG ENYA
08063409493, 08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
TOPIC: PREACHER TEACHING PREACHERS ABOUT WORK AND BEHAVIOUR AS EVANGELISTS- I TIMOTHY 1
INTRODUCTION
The theme of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, the evangelist left in Ephesus is expressed in I Tim.3:15 when Paul wrote “…but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth”. Paul wrote this letter to the young evangelist to instruct him concerning his work and behavior as an evangelist. Even though some of us are older than Timothy as at when he received this letter, the instruction of this letter can also apply to you and I today because we are evangelists and are faced with similar situations that Timothy found himself.
The purpose of Paul’s instruction to Timothy can be divided into two; firstly, he wrote to stop the infiltration of Judiazing teachers who had adopted Gnostic philosophies into the church. Secondly, he wrote to give instructions to Timothy concerning the application of Christian behavior as a community of God’s people. Paul specifically wrote to Timothy concerning his behavior and ministry to the need of the church.
I. BACKGROUND
At the time of Paul’s writing to Timothy, the concept of Gnosticism had become organized and prominent in the church. It was at this time that distorted views about the nature of Christ developed and many Christians were led into apostasy, away from the truth of the gospel.
Gnosticism is the teaching and believe that all matter is evil, only spirit is good. All the various sects of Gnostics even today maintain the world view that matter was and is evil and stood opposed to the spirit which was the only thing that was good.
The world view of the Gnostics consist the following among others;
A. God is light, good and eternal. Matter is also eternal, however matter is evil. According to Gnostics believe “creation” of the world resulted from succession of “aeons” or emanations that digressed from God. To the Gnostics, for one to understand the genealogy of emanations, such a one must acquire a higher or greater level of knowledge.
B. The Gnostics taught that since matter was evil, then the body was evil. This world view led to the believe and teaching that material and thus the evil body must be deprived of pleasure and physical needs like food etc, and thus subject the body to severe discipline.
C. They taught that, since the body is matter, there can be no resurrection of the material body.
D. To the Gnostics, redemption was not redemption from sins. Redemption was through self awareness, to be redeemed from material world.
In the years that preceded the establishment of the church, the teachings of the Gnostic heresy began in Greek, Rome and the Far East and subsequently Jewish religion and philosophies. When one therefore converts from any of the religions of these cultural groups, it was not long before the religious beliefs and philosophies of these religions generate into Gnostic heresy that found it way into the church. Therefore the chief concern of Paul in this letter as well as other inspired writers was to write doctrinal principles that will guide the church against the apostasy that will come.
The apostle saw a bad seed being sown in the church, he detailed Timothy, one of his converts, hence his son in the faith and one on whose prudence, piety and soundness in faith he could depend to remain in Ephesus to prevent the spread of a doctrine that would have been pernicious to the people’s soul.
The preachers work was and is still to charge those who preach false doctrine to desist from it .Some of these Gnostics Paul mentioned would have been some Judaising teachers who were members of the church, as we also have today among us.
II. FABLES AND ENDLESS GENEALOGIES
Preachers should rise to the challenge of keeping the church from fables. The preacher’s duty is to be sure that the church does not bestow her attention on fables, and should regard them as of no importance.
The fables Paul meant would have probably been idle and puerile superstitions and conceit of the Jewish rabies. These fables had much to do with speech and discourse, fictions and mystics . Today, these fictions compose of frivolous and unfounded stories which are regarded as of great importance , and men (even members In the church desire to incorporate these fables like the Gnostics theory of “eaons” being responsible for this evil earth and the teaching of the “ pleroma” )with the teachings of Christianity. These fables tend to draw off the minds of Christians from the truth, and is capable of corrupting the gospel of Christ. Preachers must always remember that one of the most successful art of the adversary of man’s soul has been mingling fable with truth, and when he cannot overthrow the truth by direct opposition he resolves to neutralizing the truth by mingling it with that which is false and frivolous.
Giving heed to fables and genealogies does not edify the church or the individuals involved rather they generate troublesome and angry debates. Preachers must be on the alert. Fables and endless genealogies are always the foundation of endless disputes because they are uncertain and consecutive.
Fables and enquiries on endless genealogies does nothing to promote true Christianity and the salvation of souls. They set no permanent principles of truth, they determine nothing that is really concerned with the salvation of men. There will therefore be no point of controversy worth much trouble if a matter is settled one way or the other when it will not tend to convert a soul from sin, or establish some important principles of promoting true Christianity.
Preachers should understand that the purpose of the charge to preach and teach sound doctrine and not heed to fables and genealogies is love. As preachers, we must show those who are corrupting the gospel with falsehood that instead of teaching foolish fables that does not edify, they should inculcate love, love that should emanate from pure hearts. The teaching of the truth on our part must stem from a pure heart and from a conscience that is free from guilt.
There can be no genuine love for God where the dictates of conscience are constantly violated, or where man knows that he is continually doing wrong . If a man wishes to be evidence of the love of God, he must keep a good conscience. All pretended love where man knows that he is living in sin is mere hypocrisy.
The preaching of the truth by preachers on the other hand should be of faith unfeigned, that is our teaching and preaching must be with confidence in God. As preachers, we cannot preach the truth and correct those who teach falsehood if we have no confidence in He who sent us. We are to preach the truth out of a faith that is not hypocritical, like the false teachers who exhibit pretended faith in the gospel in the bid to draw Christians from the truth with their fables.
When brethren stray from the new commandment of love, they will definitely turn aside to the idle talk of disputing over fables. One can be identified as having strayed from the love that is characteristics of Christians by his desire to dispute over non-biblical issues. This disputing over non-biblical issues are vain, meaningless and useless discussions that does not profit anything towards the edification of the church(II Tim.4:4). Preachers, teachers and evangelists must refrain from such useless disputing that will not edify the flock of God, and must be ready to reproof those in the house of God who may be drawn to such baseless disputes in the bid to bringing them to the truth.
Like the Judaizing teachers of Paul’s time, there are those among us in the fold who are desirous of being teachers in order to gain respect and honor as does the preachers and teachers of God’s word, yet they are not willing to pay the price of humble service and diligent study of God’s word. This group of teachers are those Paul wrote to Timothy about in II Tim.6:3-5 when he said “If any one teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which comes envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicion, useless wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain, from such withdraw yourself”.
These ignorant teachers, manifest the insincerity of their motives. Since such teachers don’t understand that the purpose of the Old Testament law was to lead men to Christ according to Gal.3:23-25. They cannot communicate correctly the things they affirm like the Judaizing teachers in Ephesus. Their desire alone thus disqualify them as teachers and preachers. It is only through long hours of prayerful study and godly living that we can learn the purpose of God’s word, and thus be qualified to teach God’s word.
Preachers and teachers should be diligent in their study of God’s word for it is only then that we can reproof, rebuke and correct those who will be teaching falsehood.
III. THE CHARGE
As one who had committed himself to the preaching of the gospel and edification of the church, Timothy was commanded to carry out his work as an evangelist , to teach in order to correct erroneous teachings in the church at Ephesus. This charge is important to preachers and evangelists today as it was to Timothy. Because we have those within the church who are carried away by all forms of doctrines, and owing to their ignorance of God’s word engage in disputing issues, Preachers must wake up to the challenge of teaching so as to correct errors and false teachings, and always preach the true gospel for the edification of the church.
Always remember that you are engaged in a warfare that is good for those who will win over sin through obedience of the preached gospel(II Tim.2:3, 4:7). Since we have been instructed concerning that which is right according to the word and will of God as Timothy , let us labor with a good conscience . We must not allow our faith to be led astray by a violation of what we conscientiously know to be true. When we compromise what we know is right for selfish gains, we end up destroying our faith.
In his letter, Paul mentioned two brethren in the church who allowed their faith to be compromised – Hymenaeus and Alexander. It was not that these two gave up being religious, but that they accepted and welcomed theologies that were contrary to the fundamental truth upon which the church is established as some today do among us. Like Hymenaeus and Alexander, those who allow their conscience to be compromised will lose their faith
In order that such negative influence of the erroneous teaching of such people in the church not spread to others, Hymenaeuses and Alexanders of the church today must be disciplined. Those who persist in sin should be disciplined to prevent the church from being injured by the actions of these types of brethren.
Before punitive discipline is meted on brethren who stray from truth, corrective discipline should be applied, where we can use scriptures to bring such erring Christians back to the faith. Discipline in the church should not be used by preachers as a means of getting even with brethren who are not getting along with the preacher as is the case in some congregations. The purpose of discipline should be to enable the erring brother or brothers learn the error of their way, and thus repent of such sins and be saved. Discipline should be meted with love and gentleness without compromising the truth of God’s word(Gal.6:1-2). Repentant brethren should be restored to the fellowship of the church as was the case in I Cor.5.
CONCLUTION
Both the work of the preacher and his behavior in the course of carrying out his duty are important for the sake of the ministry.
As preachers and ministers, we should avoid meaningless discussions that leads to disputes and profit nothing towards edification of the church. We should rather preach the truth in love, the truth that can save men’s souls, and be ready to refute falsehood in any guise.
Be diligent in studying God’s word in order to rightly divide the word of truth, and do not compromise your faith for selfish gains because your labour in His vineyard is not in vain(I Cor.15:58).
PRESENTED BY:
ETIM ECHENG ENYA
08063409493, 08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
Sunday, April 11, 2010
WHEN THE COCK CROWS
LESSON
TOPIC: WHEN THE COCK CROWS
TEXT: Matt. 26:31-75
EMPHASIS: VS.31-41, 57-58, 69-75.
INTRODUCTION
All of us here have at one time or the other heard the long-necked bird stretch it neck and producing a sound that to different people mean different things. Why does the cock crow? What does the crow of the cock mean? These and many other questions are raised by many people. In the little brain of that bird, it may seem without it’s crow there will be no dawn. To a debtor when the cock crows, it is time for creditors to come asking for their debt. To the children, it is the beginning of household chaos and running to school. To the evil doer, it is planning for more evil.
What does the crow of the cock mean to you? For one man in history, the crowing of the cock will always remind him of a sad event which he will never wish to repeat itself.
In this lesson, we will be examining when the cock crowed for Peter what it happened, and what happens when the cock crows for us.
I. WHEN THE COCK CROWED FOR PETER, IT WAS;
A. Time to state the fact.
1.That the shepherd will be stricken and the sheep will flee
Vs. 31(Zech.13:7).
2.Peter will deny the Christ(vs.34), Peter will stumble, fall off,
and forsake the Christ. When Peter was to listen and thing, he was
busy doing the talking, trying to proof he was strong.
3. Jesus personalized His rebuke(vs.40).
B. Time of reality – vs.57-73
1. Peter, James and John left by Jesus
2. The apostles met sleeping, Jesus directs His rebuke again to Peter.
3. Jesus is arrested, Peter in the bid to proof to Jesus he can go with
Him all the way, cuts of the ear of the high priest’s slave(Jn.18;10).
4. Jesus is taken away, the apostles flee and Peter is seen following
from afar.
5. Peter sits in the courtyard with the servants
6. Peter denies Jesus three(3) times.
C. A time to remember – vs.74-75
1. Peter remembered the words of Jesus and wept.
II. WHEN THE COCK CROWS FOR US;
A. It’s a time of stating the fact.
1. That there will always be a time of trials and in most cases these periods of temptation are always very close and when we least expect. It is a time we can stumble, fall off and even forsake Christ. Presumptuous christians who depend on their abilities suppose they can stand and the “I can handle it” syndrome that destroyed Sampson and about to destroy Peter ends up destroying us(Matt.26:34). “Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” I Cor.10:12.
Many of us, rather than take the warning of being careful lest we
fall, trust in our feelings, pride and strength, hence Jesus address to
Peter in particular in verse v. 40. Always watch and pray so that
when the trial of your faith, fidelity and courage come you will not
be taken unawares.
Like Peter, our fear keeps us from publicly acknowledging Christ,
we are rather seen afar off. When therefore a Christian is weak in
faith and will only follow Christ at a distance, such a person is
bound to be found in dangerous places and among those who will
likely prove to be snare to him. If Peter never entered the high
priest’s palace and sat down with the servants, he would have
escaped denying Jesus. When we avoid certain people and places,
we will always be on our feet when faced with temptations and the
realities of life.(Ps.1:1-3).
B. It is a time to face realities
Many times when the realities of proving our faith glare at us, we see
Ourselves being intimidated, our suppose strength shorned and the
Course of the truth is insulted. If we are not found with the people we
Mingle with and in the places we are seen, many times we will be
Able to over come the temptation that make us deny our Savior. Evil
Companion corrupt good manners(I Cor.15:33). Denying Jesus takes
Gradual steps. Peter started walking at distance, then he sat in
The courtyard with the servants and finally he denied Jesus. Peer
Pressure, friends, business associates among others can lead us to
Denying Jesus.
C. It is a time to remember – vs.74-75.
1. The cock in the day of Peter was God’s instrument of reawakening.
2. Jesus sees beyond our fall and is always willing to accept us back.
3. What we have been taught – I Tim. 6:14
4. From where you have fallen – Rev. 2:4-5
5. That fall is not fatal – Prov.24;16, Jn.21;15-17
6. To repent – 2 Cor.7;10.
CONCLUTION
When the cock crows, what does it mean to you? Is it a time to claim to be strong and proud of your standing without the help of God? This lesson may the cock crowing for you today. What do you want to do? Have you fallen, it is time to rise and like Peter, make your calling and election sure.
God bless you.
Prepared and presented by;
Etim Echeng Enya(Evang).
08063409493, 08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHEN THE COCK CROWS
TEXT: Matt. 26:31-75
EMPHASIS: VS.31-41, 57-58, 69-75.
INTRODUCTION
All of us here have at one time or the other heard the long-necked bird stretch it neck and producing a sound that to different people mean different things. Why does the cock crow? What does the crow of the cock mean? These and many other questions are raised by many people. In the little brain of that bird, it may seem without it’s crow there will be no dawn. To a debtor when the cock crows, it is time for creditors to come asking for their debt. To the children, it is the beginning of household chaos and running to school. To the evil doer, it is planning for more evil.
What does the crow of the cock mean to you? For one man in history, the crowing of the cock will always remind him of a sad event which he will never wish to repeat itself.
In this lesson, we will be examining when the cock crowed for Peter what it happened, and what happens when the cock crows for us.
I. WHEN THE COCK CROWED FOR PETER, IT WAS;
A. Time to state the fact.
1.That the shepherd will be stricken and the sheep will flee
Vs. 31(Zech.13:7).
2.Peter will deny the Christ(vs.34), Peter will stumble, fall off,
and forsake the Christ. When Peter was to listen and thing, he was
busy doing the talking, trying to proof he was strong.
3. Jesus personalized His rebuke(vs.40).
B. Time of reality – vs.57-73
1. Peter, James and John left by Jesus
2. The apostles met sleeping, Jesus directs His rebuke again to Peter.
3. Jesus is arrested, Peter in the bid to proof to Jesus he can go with
Him all the way, cuts of the ear of the high priest’s slave(Jn.18;10).
4. Jesus is taken away, the apostles flee and Peter is seen following
from afar.
5. Peter sits in the courtyard with the servants
6. Peter denies Jesus three(3) times.
C. A time to remember – vs.74-75
1. Peter remembered the words of Jesus and wept.
II. WHEN THE COCK CROWS FOR US;
A. It’s a time of stating the fact.
1. That there will always be a time of trials and in most cases these periods of temptation are always very close and when we least expect. It is a time we can stumble, fall off and even forsake Christ. Presumptuous christians who depend on their abilities suppose they can stand and the “I can handle it” syndrome that destroyed Sampson and about to destroy Peter ends up destroying us(Matt.26:34). “Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” I Cor.10:12.
Many of us, rather than take the warning of being careful lest we
fall, trust in our feelings, pride and strength, hence Jesus address to
Peter in particular in verse v. 40. Always watch and pray so that
when the trial of your faith, fidelity and courage come you will not
be taken unawares.
Like Peter, our fear keeps us from publicly acknowledging Christ,
we are rather seen afar off. When therefore a Christian is weak in
faith and will only follow Christ at a distance, such a person is
bound to be found in dangerous places and among those who will
likely prove to be snare to him. If Peter never entered the high
priest’s palace and sat down with the servants, he would have
escaped denying Jesus. When we avoid certain people and places,
we will always be on our feet when faced with temptations and the
realities of life.(Ps.1:1-3).
B. It is a time to face realities
Many times when the realities of proving our faith glare at us, we see
Ourselves being intimidated, our suppose strength shorned and the
Course of the truth is insulted. If we are not found with the people we
Mingle with and in the places we are seen, many times we will be
Able to over come the temptation that make us deny our Savior. Evil
Companion corrupt good manners(I Cor.15:33). Denying Jesus takes
Gradual steps. Peter started walking at distance, then he sat in
The courtyard with the servants and finally he denied Jesus. Peer
Pressure, friends, business associates among others can lead us to
Denying Jesus.
C. It is a time to remember – vs.74-75.
1. The cock in the day of Peter was God’s instrument of reawakening.
2. Jesus sees beyond our fall and is always willing to accept us back.
3. What we have been taught – I Tim. 6:14
4. From where you have fallen – Rev. 2:4-5
5. That fall is not fatal – Prov.24;16, Jn.21;15-17
6. To repent – 2 Cor.7;10.
CONCLUTION
When the cock crows, what does it mean to you? Is it a time to claim to be strong and proud of your standing without the help of God? This lesson may the cock crowing for you today. What do you want to do? Have you fallen, it is time to rise and like Peter, make your calling and election sure.
God bless you.
Prepared and presented by;
Etim Echeng Enya(Evang).
08063409493, 08029216666
timosetim@gmail.com
Saturday, April 10, 2010
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