Exhortation

It is important amidst the contrary situations that we face in life to always remind ourselves of who we are in Christ Jesus. Amongst unbelievers, they are aware of the fact that no condition is permanent, a common saying which finds a parallel in 2 Cor 4:17, which describe our light afflictions as temporal. Whatever we indeed go through will ultimately come to an end.  Many times we approach our living, God and our Christianity from the standpoint of our problems and we are always encouraged not to focus on them because they are temporal. However, do we really need someone ALL THE TIME to always remind us that problems should not be the reason why we should not praise God? If this is the case, then there is something we are still not seeing – the things that are eternal and permanent (2 Cor 4:18). We spend the majority of our lives trying to look away from our temporal manifold problems. We should realize that as long as we are in this world, we will always have challenges (John 16:33). Rather than spending our time, effort and strength on looking away and dwelling on our temporal troubles, our emphasis and efforts should be on looking unto things eternal (Heb 12:1, 2 Cor 4:18, Col 3:1-2).

The word “looking” as used in Heb 12:2 conveys the idea of looking away from something to focus on another thing. If we are not focused on Jesus, we will keep looking away and carrying our weights. The secret of focusing on Jesus is to realize that what He has done is what is permanent. This should be our source of strength. We should not wake up looking for someone to encourage us, or worrying about our manifold problems. If we do that we will pass our time managing crisis, rather than making progress in God and focusing on what He has done for us and on who He has made us. We should realize that because we are born of Him we are overcomers ALREADY (1 Jn 5:4-5). Victory is not something we are fighting for, we are already in a position of victory. When you have this kind of perspective you can actually look at contrary situations in the face and laugh, without being cajoled, coerced or psyched. This is how true Christianity should be. You can only do this when you realize that He has given you the victory (1 Cor 15:57, Rom 8:38-39) because we have his seed within us (1 Pet 1:23). 

If we are are born again, there is an incorruptible seed in us that cannot be destroyed which gives us victory in life. It is the reason why we can face tomorrow.  Because of the seed of God within, we should be so confident in God that we are not moved by circumstances of life (Acts 20:24). This is the way to approach Christianity, not the wrong approach of viewing it from the perspective of our problems. We should understand that we are God’s investment and that He has a stake in us.  We are His workmanship (Eph 2:10). Many times we do not have this kind of Christ esteem such that when things go wrong we wonder where we missed it and find it hard to praise God. When things go wrong we should retain our confidence in God and praise Him. Our confidence in God should be so strong no matter the circumstances (Acts 20:24).  

We should put our confidence in the fact that we are new creatures. We should not wait until we are pysched and cajoled out of her depressed attitude every Sunday because we live our lives outside of church meetings majority of the time. Rather we should live vibrantly and rejoicing always because of who He has made us. We need to understand that we are sons (1 John 3:1-3) and esteem who we are in Christ. Rather than spend our time wondering and worrying, we should remember His seed within us and plan towards how we will do exploits for God. Our orientation should be on how we can leverage on what God has given us to further His word and shine His light.

Analysis of 1 Pet 2:22-25

1 Pet 1:22- We have purified our souls. When this is read along with Acts 2:40, one may get the impression that Peter implied that salvation comes by human effort. However, that will be inconsistent with a plethora of scriptures which affirm salvation by grace (Eph 2:8, Titus 3:5-6, Rom, 4:1-5, 9:16, 11:6, James 1:17). By having purified their souls, Paul implied that they had OBEYED the truth. To obey the truth in this context means to BELIEVE the truth. Salvation does not come by obeying or keep some rules, or even the Ten Commandments. Rather it comes by believing on Christ through the gospel (John 6:28-29).

1 Pet 1:23 – The word ‘seed’ as used here is equivalent to the English word for sperm. Therefore, it is not agricultural seed, but that of a person. This seed by which we have been begotten is that of God and it is the only thing that is incorruptible under the Sun. Since Adam fell, the whole of the universe, including man and nature, by virtue of the entry of sin into the world became subject to corruption (Rom 8:18-22, Rom 5:12-14,1 Cor 15:42,50, 53,54). It was so bad (Gen 6:11,12) that God had to wipe out the entire human race with a flood sparing only Noah and his a family (Gen 6:-8). But even Noah because he was himself subject to corruption after a bout of drunkenness inadvertently committed incest with His daughters. The new race of men that sprang from Noah (Genesis 9:19) were equally subject to corruption. This was why the Saviour never came by copulation between a man and a woman, otherwise He would have been corrupt. At the right time, Jesus was made of a woman and conceived of the Holy Ghost (Gal 4:4-5, Luke 1:34-35). He did not come of corruptible seed. Likewise, believers have not come of incorruptible seed. Because of God’s investment in mankind, Jesus,  like a grain of wheat died and brought forth believers who are like Him and share His nature (Jn 12:24) – an incorruptible seed. This new identity we have in Him should give us a sense of worth and esteem to make us hold our heads high amidst the circumstances of life.

1 Pet 1:24 – When we look around the universe, we see things and the works of the hands of man that can be termed the glories of this world. We see architectural masterpieces, technology-enabled devices, exotic cars, well-planned cities, beautiful women, power, fame, immense wealth and huge human accomplishments. We can call this the glory of man. However, Peter likens the whole of unredeemed humanity and its glories to the flower of a grass which ceases to be when the grass withers. 

He was stressing their transient, corruptible or temporary nature. We should realize that all we see in this world is temporal and not worth focusing on, so if they disappear we do not inadequate

1 Pet 1:25 – Peter contrasted the transience of humanity and its glories, to the eternal nature of God’s word – the word of the gospel by which were begotten. The seed of God that saved us and reproduced in us abides forever. This implies that God’s interest in us is forever. We must be confident of the fact that He has an investment in us, and that in this life and beyond, we have a hope and a future. In this life we are designed for exploits. Sadly what most of us do because we fashion our own plans exclusive of God, is struggle to go from level to level, gearing all our efforts and endeavours towards our pre-planned end. We forget that God has plan for us, much grander and fulfilling than our own puny thoughts (Is 55:8, Eph 3:20). It is because we are oblivious of this that we get grounded when we have a small problem. Some even question, challenge and fight God, not learning from Job’s example who eventually learnt the wisdom of committing the keeping of His soul to a faithful, all-wise, sovereign God.

We need to stay grounded and rather than questioning, trust that God has a plan for our lives, which our circumstances cannot thwart of frustrate. We see the reality of the foregoing in the life of Joseph Joseph was hated by his brothers; sold into slavery; got into trouble and was cast into prison for not sleeping with Potiphar’s wife; became head of the prisoners; forgotten by Pharaoh’s butler for years; before eventually becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt after about 13 years. Joseph could have been bitter against God after waiting for several years, for showing him things which seemed was never going to come to pass. He could have been forgiven if he concluded that God’s plan for Him was to remain in Potiphar’s house or remain in prison and be a good influence there. However Joseph trusted God as He worked out His plan in His life. God’s plan was grander than Joseph’s understanding of it. Joseph thought it was merely to preserve Israel during famine (Gen 50:20). However, God’s ultimate objective was to preserve the nation from whom Jesus the Saviour was to come (Rom 9:5).

Many times we feel we have served God enough and do not deserve our unsavoury circumstances. We wonder where God is taking us to and at times jump to the wrong conclusion. We wonder why God allows circumstances He could have prevented from happening to us. But we must realize that God has a plan and end in view concerning our situation. He is working out things  for His glory. There is a seed and Spirit within us which God uses to lead, guide and to direct our paths. His eyes are fixed on us. Rather than focus on problems, let us focus on the real thing. Let us have the attitude of rejoicing (Rom 12:12, Php 4:4), not merely because we know that our circumstances are temporal, but because we know He has a plan for our lives, because of what He has done for us, and because of His investment in us. We should change our thinking about God. He loves us so much and He is committed to us. Our circumstances are part of what God is using to get us to where He wants to take us.

Comfort In The Place Of Prayer

It is not unusual to find people praying and spending long hours in meetings doing so. Sadly if most people examined what they call prayer in the light of scriptures, they will probably use their time in a better way. Listening to the content of most people’s prayers will make one wonder how far they can go in life with it. Unfortunately, that is the bondage that most people find themselves in, simply because they never found out the truth, or because they refused to study the bible, or because they were never taught the right things by their instructors. Irrespective of how such a sorry state arose, it is clear that God cannot go outside the bounds of His word. He would not say because someone has spent several hours in prayers, praying amiss outside His will, that He should countenance such prayers. That is why it is very good for us to keep in mind why we do things.

Prayer is not a tool that we use to get God to do what He does not want to do, or to do what we want Him to do. The fact that God tells us to ask and receive will expose us to disappointment if we take it to mean asking for anything outside His will. We see scriptures instructing us to pray without ceasing and at all times. James 5:13-17 speaks of different situations that confront men, and commends prayers in certain instances. However, before we open our mouths to pray, we should ask ourselves certain questions to be sure that we are doing the right thing. Many times we find ourselves in circumstances that are unpalatable and we seek a way out.  Most of the time people are quick to turn to prayers, but before going ahead, it is important for us to be in the right frame of mind. We should realize that prayer, rather than a tool for getting things from God is a medium of relating with God, finding out His will and aligning ourselves with that will.  Before we open our mouths to pray, we should have settled at the back of our minds what is propelling us. James 5:11-17 and Philippians 4:6 gives certain insights in this regard.

Php 4:6 commends us to eschew anxiety, but rather commit our burdens to God in prayers. Anxiety basically means fretting and worrying over situations. Essentially we learn from here that before we get ourselves into prayer we should get ourselves into a state where we are not worried such that our prayers are not motivated by anxiety, but by faith in God. Sadly a lot of us take decisions that are not motivated by God’s word, but by our present circumstances, forgetting that we are dealing with a great and wonderful God – the One who is in charge of our lives. As a consequence, we are downed by circumstances. The Bible says we should not be anxious about anything. It is only when our trust is in the living God, that we can do this. Rather than worry about our circumstances, we should see that God is in there with us. He has not left us alone in our trials. If a person born again realizes this truth, it will fill him/her with confidence.

Before we open our mouths to pray, we should ask ourselves if we trust in the Person of God with whom nothing is impossible. Granted we may be going through difficult, situations that should cause us to worry, nevertheless we are instructed not to entertain anxiety. There is someone in charge of our situation who has not lost control and who will always be in charge. Our problems stems primarily from the fact that we cannot see God in our situation. We think He is not acting on or behalf or is oblivious of our situation.  However, that is not true, for his commitment to us goes beyond what we can see or do not see. His posture towards us does not change (James 1:17). We should never allow circumstances rob us off confidence in God. Irrespective of our situations we should not be anxious, knowing that He is in control. God never stops working on our behalf. Things may be rough and unpalatable, but it does not change the fact that He is committed to us and that He is working things out. 

A lot of us have faced situations where we have wasted our time worrying, and did all sorts of things all to help ourselves all to no avail, only to wonder why we wasted our time worrying when things were resolved so simply when God “showed up”. We chastise ourselves for not having waited patiently, without anxiety, trusting God to act – which is the state that God wants us to be in no matter how bad circumstances may be. This attitude will keep us unmoved and confident, much like someone who had been guaranteed a job by the CEO, who only knows that turning up for an interview is a mere formality. That is how we ought to conduct ourselves as believers. Because God is in charge and always at work, we can have our hearts assured rather than worrying. If we do not have the perspective that God is bigger than our situations, it will be extremely difficult for us not to worry. We should never repose our confidence in man, for vain is the help of man. There are several circumstances in life such as terminal diseases which show the helplessness of man. Consequently, our confidence should always be in the living God. The fact that things are not working our way does not mean we should be fretting. It is only a matter of time; God will come in His own time. Our challenges are not unique to us; several others have experienced same or similar challenges. We should keep trusting in God.

Furthermore, we should always have at the back of our minds before praying that God has a purpose for everything. There is a reason why He allows trials to come our way, though we may not immediately comprehend it. Mindful of that reality, rather than questioning Him we ought to trust in Him. We may not know how things will be in the future, yet we should trust in the living God who is in charge of our lives, circumstances, and the future. When we adopt these attitudes our outlook will be positive and we shall experience peace even amidst turmoil (Php 4:7) -  a peace which defies earthly logic which only God can give. This can only happen when our trust is in God and not in Man. God has a plan and purpose for us and it will be good – ultimately. God works through us and He will bring forth His counsel and reveal His glory in our lives, even amidst our circumstances. He does not work arbitrarily and everything in the world – our circumstances, us and the universe, works together to fulfill the good pleasure of His will. We ought to see things this way so that we can make progress believing that He can do absolutely anything.

This is the right frame of mind which will enable us derive comfort in the place of prayer. Before we pray, we should ask ourselves if we really believe in our God, the God of all possibilities (Heb 11:6). Is our trust in Him alone? We live in an age where there is a tendency to trust in many things – our intelligence, our grade, our plans, our visions, our connections, our certificates, men, etc. It is no wonder that our plains fail to work out according to plan. We must always remember that God is the One in charge of our lives. We need to pause and return to dependence on God, and ascertaining what He will have us do in every situation. If truly we believe in the Person of God and believe that with Him nothing is impossible, then we should allow Him have His way in our lives. We need to always subject ourselves to seeing His will realized in our lives, irrespective of our well-laid plans, rather than suffering the repercussions of living outside His will.

Conclusion

As believers we need to come to terms with the sovereignty of God and His all-sufficiency. It is only when we do this that we can live our lives without being anxious when faced with contrary situations. Rather than being anxious, we should talk to God and let Him have our burdens in prayer. Is it a job we are looking for, we should trust in God. Is it a child, we should never let our trust in God wane.  We saw God fulfil His promise of a child to Abraham, despite his faith wavering, and despite his attempt at self help by sleeping with Hagar. God came through at His own time. That is the kind of God that we serve. He is ever faithful to His word. He might not do it the way we expect it, but He will fulfill His promise because faithfulness is His very nature - He cannot deny Himself. He does things according to His own plan and His own season. There is a time and season for Him to do what He wants to do in our lives, which we can be rest assured will not pass us by. However, we need to keep our trust in God. He is the only One that will never fail us.  

A Call To Discernment (1 Thess 5:21-22)

Highlights

God expects everybody to be discerning. Many believers exercise discernment in other areas of their lives e.g. job, marriage etc; we however take with levity the things of God especially the truth of the word of God. It is important for every believer to be able to distinguish between error and truth, Just like every skill, in order to exercise discernment to the finest details, we need to embrace and put it into practice.

Ways in which we can develop discernment

·     By having complete dependence on the revelation of the word of God - 2Pet 1:12-21. There’s an inspiration from God that gives us wisdom that’s not based on age or some traditions Isaiah 8:19-22. Many of us tend to rationalize things based on our opinions, forgetting we do not have an opinion when it comes to the word of God. Hence, do not depend on your own rationalization because it is not about what you think or how you feel.

Also, do not depend on strange experiences because they may not be interpreted in the light of God’s word.

Job 32: 1- 22

·       Diligence -  2 Tim 2: 14-15

Diligence in the word of God is key! Diligence takes hard work and perseverance. Make a determination on what to study, keep at it and devout yourself wholly to it. You need to make an effort to develop discernment so you don’t end up just believing what the pastors preach

·       Constant Use - Heb 5:14 

It becomes easy to discern when you expose yourself consistently to the word of God.

In attending to the truth, it becomes easier to distinguish between good and evil!

Important Notes on reading the scriptures

·      Read the scripture as a book

·      Follow the trend and understand the message therein

·      It’s important for the believer to know there are 2 different covenants found in the book and that what is contained in the Old testament is different from the New testament

·      In this age, we have a different covenant!

·      You need to develop an attitude of critically analyzing everything you hear and holding on to the truth!
  ·     It is time for us to persist and continue in the truth!!! 

Love (1 Cor 13:1-3,1 John 4:7-10)

PREAMBLE

First, we should bear in mind that every believer is important to the Body and we are all needed for the work. Every believer should discover His role in the Body and run with it. Having seen many that have borne witness to the life of faith, we should run our race. If God has put something in our hearts with respect to what He will have us do, then it is just right that we keep focused on doing it.  We should lay aside every weight and sin, anything that may distract us from this. Anything could be a weight, and they could be legitimate or illegitimate. It could be a sleeping or eating habit, a friend, a problem or even a relationship. Let us align our minds and hearts to the race before us. The woman who recently won the 100 metres race at the 2012 London Olympics did not even know she won until she saw the replay, because she was fully focused on her race and never allowed any distraction to hinder her from reaching her goal. Had she been distracted she would probably have lost the race because she won by the narrowest of margins. We should emulate this attitude in running the race set before us, keeping her eyes on the focus  without allowing anything to distract us (Heb 12:1-2).

Second, James stressed the importance of being slow to speak, swift to hear and slow to wrath (James 1:19). We should cultivate an attitude of swiftness in hearing and receiving the word of God. We should not be quick to commend or comment. We should have a readiness to be receptive at all times.

MAIN SERMON

Love is a concept that is usually talked about, and celebrated, but in the actual sense greatly misunderstood by so many people in our world today. There is a need for us to understand what love is from a divine/biblical perspective. 1 Cor 13 gives us tremendous insight into what love is from God’s perspective; while simultaneously using the exercise of spiritual gifts as examples to underscore how vital love is to our Christian faith.  Love is very important to our Christian faith. Love is so fundamental that if we manifest spiritual gifts of prophecy, faith, giving, word knowledge, to an extreme or prodigious measure,  without love as the underlying attitude or motivation; then it would profit us nothing (1 Cor 13:1-3).

WHAT IS LOVE?

In the present age and time, a lot of people talk about love and we see very little of it being shown. Also, one of the misconceptions people have is that love equates to sex.  So what is love? Have we been walking in love? Have we been showing love to one another as God commands us? If we check through the scripture we will see a lot of commandments instructing us on love, how we should love 

God with the entirety of our being, and also on how we should walk in love one with another (John 13:34-35,15:12-13,17,19, Rom 12:9-10,13:8-10, Gal 5:6,13-14,22,Eph 4:32, Eph 5:2, Php 1:9,2:2, Col 2:2, 1 Thes 3:12,4:9, 5:8, 1 Tim 6:11, Heb 6:10,10:24, 13:1, 1 Pet 2:17, 3:8, 1 John 2:7-11, 1 John 3:1,11,14,16-18,23, 1 John 4:7-8,11-12,16,20-21,I John 5:2-3, 2 John 1:5-6.  1 Pet 1:22 is a good example where Peter instructed believers to love one another with a pure heart FERVENTLY.  The emphasis of the foregoing is FERVENTLY, showing the depth of love we should display towards one another. Do we really understand what biblical love is? But the question still remains – what is love?

In Matt 22:35-38 Jesus described the concept of love as the greatest of the commandments that was given to the Israelites. In this portion of scriptures, Jesus, by calling it the greatest commandment underscored its supreme importance. As Christians we need to have a good grasp and understanding of love, we need to walk and act in it, we need to live our lives by this very important principle and concept. Without love we amount to nothing. 1 John 4:7 reiterates what has been said above and commands us to love one another as practical proof that we are saved/born of God/believers. Apostle John followed this up in 1 John 4:8 to categorically state that our failure to practice love may well prove that we are not saved since God is love. Lest we should not lose sight of what love is, we see that Apostle John gave us an insight – GOD IS LOVE.  If we have God then we have love. All that God expressed towards humanity is love. 1 John 4:9 reveals that God’s love was manifested towards us by giving Jesus who died and rose again, that we might live through Him.

Furthermore, there is a need to dispel a commonly held notion that we must love as a form of reciprocation, or that we need to love someone because the person loved us first. This idea essentially is the attitude of the natural man who loves conditionally, and because he is loved. However, the foregoing notion is foreign to New Testament scriptures with respect to biblical love, the love God displayed towards us, and the love He expects us to display towards others. We see clearly from scriptures that we did not take the initiative by loving God first before He had to respond; neither did He love us because He had to reciprocate, rather He loved us first and that is the reason why we love Him (1 John 4:10, 19). Biblical love as demonstrated by God through the gift of His Son demands that we love without expecting love back, or because someone loved us first. God lavished His love on us through the death and the resurrection of Christ and without any selfish motive because that is His nature. He did not love us because he knew we were going to be fantastic ministers, philanthropists or missionaries in the future; or because He knew we were going to live up to our calling  and exalted position; rather He did it because love is His nature. God is love. Out of that loving nature He offered Jesus as the solution to the 

deepest need of Man. All that God has done for us through Christ has been to benefit us, to elevate us and make us better persons that can function victoriously on earth.

God loved us and gave the greatest demonstration of that love when Christ died for us on the Cross. It stands sure and steadfast and remains for eternity. He did not love us because we loved Him first. We could never have loved God first because we did not have the nature or capacity to have done so since all men were dead in sins and alienated from God. The average man expects something back in return when he loves, even if it is for that love to be reciprocated.  The things we do which we call acts of love, are they really acts of love, or were they done with the expectation of reciprocation? We should do them because God commanded us to do so. God loved us without expecting back and He expects us to walk in love towards one another. Jesus said we should love God with the entirety of our being – with all our hearts, souls, and minds. This is the starting point (Mt 22:37). When we do this, it becomes easier to do the other aspect which Jesus talked about – loving others (Mt 22:39). God loves us whether we respond or not; whether we appreciate it or not; and whether we yield to it or not.

God loved us and demonstrated that love through the sacrifice of Jesus (John 3:16). We see here that God’s love involves sacrifice. Love requires sacrifice – a lot of sacrifice at times; but not because we expect something in return. He freely gave up Christ for our sakes because He loved us (Rom 8:32). We see from scriptures all that His love brought us. It brought us deliverance from the kingdom of darkness and translated us into God’s kingdom (Col 1:13). Because of His love something happened to us in the realm of the spirit that changed us radically that we had no contribution to. Because He loved us He made us better, gave us the Holy Spirit, therefore empowering us so we can live a triumphant life. What can we give in return to show appreciation for what He has done for us? God expects us to love others in appreciation of the love He demonstrated towards us.

God has given us the capacity to love as He loved us (Rom 5:5) because we have His nature within us (2 Pet 13). In John 15:13 Christ described how that the ultimate demonstration of love was for a man to lay down His for His friends. He did just that for us. He has impacted us eternally.

CONCLUSION

God is love and we have been loved by Him. We do not need to place ourselves in a position of pity or despair, because we are the recipients of His love. He has loved us with a love that cannot be compared to any other. Our response to His love should be to love Him with the entirety of our beings and to love one another fervently. 

Called according to Purpose (Rom8:28-30 & 2Tim1:7-10)

What is purpose?

Purpose is the reason for which something exists, is done, made or created. We all are creatures of purpose. We are not products of chance or some lucky cosmic probability. We did not just appear, and we would not just disappear. We are here for a reason and we have a purpose. We deal with a God of order, principles, precision and super intelligence, it will therefore be completely out of character for God to create people who will then have no purpose. God does not make mistakes, whatever and everything HE has said or did comes with a reason and purpose. Everything around us (creation) testifies to God purpose for everything he has created (Plants, animals, natural resources, air, water etc.). Accordingly, it would be ludicrous, stupidity and idiocy for someone to think that his/her life is without a purpose.

Unfortunately many believers carry on in their lives without a sense of purpose. Some people begin to find purpose too late, at the latter part of their lives, while some people never find their purpose till they die. Irrespective of the foregoing, the reality is that our lives have a purpose. Act17:24-26 underscores this as it shows that everything, every detail of our lives was pre-has a purpose and was predetermined by God, including such details as our race, nationality, family and even where we were born.  The problem is that many at times as human beings we do not have this perspective, and as a result we pursue the wrong things most times, and refuse to function in line with God’s purpose. The rest of creation which was created according to God’s plan and purpose, do not have a choice (since they do not have volition), but to function in line with God’s purpose. Unfortunately, it is we, the crowning piece of God’s creation, whom He has given so much to, whom he has bestowed right, responsibility and ability to think and decide, are the ones who often times try not walk according to His purpose.

Two benefits of Understanding Purpose

1.   It gives focus: Understanding purpose will help us focus.  When we do not understand the purpose of a thing, then abuse is inevitable. If we do not understand the purpose of God for our lives, we run around doing so many things. However, when we understand purpose, we will be able to prioritize, leave out the non-essentials, and focus on what is absolutely important. The story of Noah and the Spies sent by Moses in the Old Testament, and that of Jesus in the New Testament illustrate how purpose promotes focus.

Noah

From Gen 6:12-16, 20 we see that God called Noah to build an ark. If Noah had not understood this, he would probably have been going about other legitimate things or business, and would probably not have focused his energies on building the Ark. It had not even rained before the flood that God promised was coming. However, Noah understood the purpose of God, and in obedience he continued with the building of the ark until he completed it. The foregoing is a good illustration of how purpose can help one to focus.

Moses & the 12 spies

In Num13:17-26, Moses sent twelve of his men out to spy out the land of Canaan and come back with a report on the people how strong they were, and the quality of the land’s produce, etc. The twelve understood that that was their purpose for going to Canaan. What if they had gone and decided to marry and stay there; or joined their army; or felt it was a good place to settle? However, they understood they were sent for a particular reason, and that kept them in check and focused. Consequently, they came back and gave their report in line with the Moses specific instructions.

Jesus

Mark1:29-38 provides another good illustration. Jesus had healed Simon’s mother-in-law, and later in the evening other sick people. Thereafter, he withdrew to a secret place to pray, which prompted people to start looking for him. Eventually, his disciples found him, and were surprised when they told Him everyone was looking for Him and he responded by saying they should go to another city to teach and minister. Apparently, they probably assumed he was going to make that city the base of their ministerial operations. However, Jesus understood his purpose and the reason why he came, and it gave Him focus. He knew to fulfill it he had to go round different cities and take the good news to other places; therefore he could not afford to stay in once city. Luke 4:14-19 shows that Jesus clearly understood His purpose and he was able to channel his energy and all his resources to achieving it.  He knew he could not just be tied to one location.

When we understand purpose, it gives you a sense of focus. The truth is that in life, there are so many things competing for our attention, or that places a demand on us, or which requires our action and commitment. Nevertheless, when we understand purpose, we are able to focus all our energies on the right spot.

2.   It motivates us amidst difficult circumstances of life: Understanding of purpose keeps us motivated amidst adverse circumstances of life. Rom 8:28 is a wonderful verse of scripture written as a sort of encouragement, as seen from the context of its surrounding verses (e.g Rom 8:18-27, and Rom 8:29-39). It was written to encourage us and let us know that no matter what we face, when we understand God’s purpose, it will keep us motivated.

Nehemiah’s story is another good illustration. In Neh1:3-7, it was impressed in the heart of Nehemiah to re-build the wall of Jerusalem, for which he obtained the king’s permission to do so. Despite the problems and persecution (At some point they had to hold a weapon with one hand and build with the other) Nehemiah and his men faced (Neh 4:13-17), an understanding of God’s purpose kept them focused and motivated till they finished their task.

We also see this in the life of Jesus. Several times as he approached the Cross, he intimated his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem to die (Matt 16:20-23). Even when Peter opposed him, he rebuked Peter because He knew His purpose.  Death by crucifixion was not an easy task for Jesus (Mt 26:37-42, Heb 5:7-8). From John 17:1-5, we see that Jesus perfectly understood the purpose of the task ahead of Him and how difficult it was. Heb12:2 reinforces this. There we see that Jesus for the joy set before Him ENDURED. His purpose motivated Him to look beyond the scorn, shame and pain to complete his task. The same way we can also look ahead and face whatever comes our way as long as we understand that it is in accordance with God’s purpose for our lives.

What is the Purpose of God?

If we read the entire book of Ecclesiastes well, we will find Solomon saying everything in this world seemed meaningless (e.g. wisdom, wealth, riches, talents, pleasure, nature etc.).The truth is that if we do not have the right perspective we may come to the same conclusion. That indeed is the way natural man thinks. The cause of this mindset which conceives of everything as vanity is arguably sin, because God did not from the beginning create man to think that way. Nevertheless as towards the end of the book, we see the actual context in which everything was regarded as meaningless (Eccl 12:13). However, this was merely a hint.  2Tim1:8-10, gives further insight.

2 Tim 1:8-10 and indeed other scriptures that talk about purpose do not talk about purpose outside the Person of God. The purpose of God is not something we think, guess or feel, it is about what God says our purpose is. It is not about us, but about Hi,. That is why Eph1:4-12 is replete with phrases stressing things which were designed to benefit us FOR HIS GLORY Outside of Christ there is no purpose in life, and all endeavours or pursuits would indeed be meaningless and purposeless, as stated by Solomon in Ecclesiastes, to the natural mind. It is only in Him that things begins to make sense for everything was created for Him (Col 1:15-17). Therefore a person not born again cannot understand an iota of what purpose in life is all about. In the same vein, a Christian who is not serious with his Christianity is not serious with his purpose in life. It is only in Christ Jesus that life begins to make sense and have purpose.

As we read Eph 1, especially verse 11, we see a broad sense of what the purpose of God is for our lives, which is TO BRING GLORY, EXULTATION, AND PRAISE TO GOD. We see the same idea in Eph 2:10, 1 Pet 2:9. Though the specifics (i.e. what God will have each one of us do specifically) might differ from one another, but the foregoing BROAD PURPOSE is the same. For example Peter was primarily sent to the Jews, while Paul primarily was sent to gentiles (Gal 2:6-8), notwithstanding, the overall aim, goal and purpose was to herald the gospel and bring praise and glory to Himself. From Gal1:15-17, we see that God knew Paul so intimately and He was aware that He, rather than Peter was the proper vessel to propagate the gospel amongst the gentiles. God knows us intimately and He takes into account every detail and works it all to go in accordance with His purpose for our lives (Ps139:13-16, Jer1:4-5).

Everyone of us must wake up to the reality that God has a unique purpose for our lives which in specifics differs from others Accordingly, rather than being mediocre by seeking to imitate others, thinking up our own self-conceived purpose, or trying to measure up to what someone said we should be, we should strive to discover His specific purpose and pursue it. Jonathan for example, knew that it was not His purpose to be King of Israel, and that understanding prevented him from being jealous or becoming an enemy or competitor of David.

Fulfilling God’s Purpose

Fulfilling God’s purpose is not limited to utilization of spiritual gifts alone, but also involves utilizing our natural abilities, talents, education, vocation, training, where we are now, where we will be in the future, our citizenship, and indeed the entirety of our lives.

From Rom 12:1-2, we see that living according to purpose starts from the place of surrender, and abandoning ourselves completely into the hands of God. Sometimes as believers we keep a part of us back, not giving ourselves totally, and treat God as though he is a visitor or alien in our lives. This ought not to be. Romans 12:1 describes it as sacrifice, which is apt, for an animal that has been slain as a sacrifice on the altar is in a state of total and absolute surrender, and has no volition of its own. That is the way we ought to be towards, the entirety of our lives should be presented to God as a sacrifice for His glory.

Conclusion

We should repent and stop playing God with our lives by drawing up our own plans, dreams and ambitions and expect God to rubberstamp it because it may not be His purpose for our lives, though me may be successful. It is when we relinquish control of ourselves to God that we actually become useful in the hands of God and can really discover and begin to pursue His specific purpose for our lives.

Faith should be the lifestyle of the believer, not a weapon you look for when you are confronted with a mountain or reserved for the time of trouble, or as a last alternative out of necessity. Faith is what makes us Christians (Eph 2:8-9, Gal 6:10). The word is called the word of faith because for you to live by it, you must exercise faith.

The word of God is called the word of faith because it inspires faith (Rom 10:17) and also because you cannot live by it if you do not have faith in it. Bible says we should walk in Christ the way we received Him (Col 2:6-7). We received Him by faith (Eph 2:8-9); we are to walk in Him the same way - by faith. The faith walk is the normal Christian walk. If we are not walking by faith, we are not walking in our Christianity. If we do not follow that pattern, we will find Christianity boring, burdensome.

The Bible describes the lifestyle of the Christian as: A WALK, A FIGHT, and A RACE.

·         OUR LIFESTYLE AS A WALK

Certain portions of scriptures describe our lifestyle as a WALK. This walk must be conducted by faith (2 Cor 5:7,Gal 5:16). It is knowledge of God’s word that inspires faith to enable this walk (Rom 10:17).Ignorance inspires unbelief (Rom 10:1-2). Often times we wrongly associate great faith with zeal, but without an accurate knowledge of God’s word you cannot walk by faith. e.g the Jews (Rom 10:1-4). The key to walking by faith is having an understanding of God’s word.

When you fall sick and you profess to believe God, what exactly is the basis of your faith? Is it God’s word or some flimsy and faulty basis which cannot be proven? True faith must be based on reality or truth of God’s word. If the basis is false, there cannot be true faith. The reason why a man can be saved is because salvation is based on the reality that Christ actually rose from the dead. If He did not rise from the dead, then there is no true faith (Rom 10:8-9, 1 Cor 15:1-20). When it is not based on God’s word, it is presumption, foolishness or unbelief. Faith must therefore be based on the truth of the word of God. The word of God, is the word of truth, and it is also the word of faith (Rom 10:17). If you must walk by faith, you must seek for knowledge – knowledge of God’s word.

In our walk, we should seek to live by faith on a daily basis (2 Cor 5:7). When you make decisions, are they based on sight or God’s word? When God has spoken to you concerning something, it may not make sense from a human perspective, but faith means agreeing with God and acting on God’s word regardless. That was what Abraham did (Heb 11:8-10).

We are admonished to walk in the Spirit in Gal 5:16.It takes faith to do this, and to express the fruit of the Spirit listed in Gal 5:22. It takes faith to walk in love, joy, peace, self-control, meekness, etc. Without faith, it would be difficult to forgive and show love to someone who has wronged us. We may find it difficult to forgive because we are trying to do it by sight, by our feelings. But when we do it by faith, we can forgive and really let go. External circumstances would not ordinarily make one rejoice, it takes faith. That was why Abraham could rejoice while waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promise, in spite of the deadness of his body and of Sarah’s womb (Rom 4:17-21). Job lost all he had in a split second and yet he was able to bless God. If you depend on feelings to rejoice, you can never truly rejoice, for it takes faith to rejoice amidst contrary circumstances.

·         OUR LIFESTYLE AS A FIGHT

The Christian life is described as warfare or a fight of faith. Somehow, Bible reveals that we are constantly involved in warfare (1 Timothy 6:10, 2 Cor 10:3-6, 1 Tim 1:18, 2 Tim 2:5). We must have the attitude of a soldier/fighter [2Tm2:4-5). A soldier is trained to have an awareness of his surroundings and to instinctively react. Many times we are engaged in a battle. There is an enemy somewhere fighting against us, and we need to be alert and engage properly.

Ephesians 6:12 reveals that we wrestle not against flesh and blood (human beings) but many times we wrongly fight against that which is seen - a neighbour, a brother, or a colleague, or a supposed with somewhere - when in truth we have a common enemy – the Devil - who has turned us against one another. We are engaged in a war with him, not at vigils, or some seasons, but on a daily basis – and we need faith to engage in the battle. Paul knew HOW to fight (1 Cor. 9:24-27), and WHO to fight (Eph 6:12).

There is a battle, and that battle is against principalities and powers. Usually the tendency is to focus on witches and wizards, and all sorts of techniques are used to do this – binding and casting etc.  Even if someone is a witch, the scriptural thing, knowing that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, and that the person is being controlled or possessed by a spirit, is to cast the spirit out of the person, like Paul did (Acts 16:16-18), and not to fight a physical witch. We should realize that even in respect to principalities and powers, they rank below us. By virtue of being a member of the Body of Christ and principalities being under His feet, the believer has been placed above them (Eph 1:21-22). Col 3:3 also makes us realize that the life of the believer is hid in Christ in God. A life hid in Christ is under exclusive protection and the devil cannot touch it. We attribute everything that happens to us to the Devil, despite scriptures revealing that God has given us power over him, his works, and that nothing can hurt us(Luke 10:17-19).

This is the truth – we operate at a higher level of superiority (1 Cor 8:5-6, John 3:31, Mk 16:17-18). There is no biblical authority to bind a devil or a person spiritually. Mt 16:19 & Mt 18:18,  do not speak about authority to bind devils; while the Bible reveals that the Devil will only be bound by an angel, ONCE in bible for a period of a thousand years (Rev 20:1-2), before eventually being cast into the Lake of fire. Casting out demons and evil spirits are however scriptural (Mt 16:19).

There is indeed a struggle with the devil, and it is not what we conventionally think (e.g witches and wizards) it is something much more sophisticated and subtle. The warfare the believer engages in daily specifically relates to the WILES of the Devil (Eph 6:1). Wiles are stratagems or tricks intended to deceive or ensnare - they are the Devil’s greatest weapon, and that is what we must stand against in evil day (Eph 6:13), the evil day being everyday (Eph 5:16). Bible instructs us to arm ourselves (Eph 6:11-17) to be able to stand against this wiles in the evil day (Eph 6:13]. One of the greatest mistakes we can make is to magnify the Devil beyond how scriptures reveal him, and as a result we are defeated. He knows the superiority of the status of the believer in Christ, and that he cannot match or stand it, and he instead resorts to wiles/deceit/lies. The lies/deceit (2 Cor. 11:3) is what is referred to as the fiery darts of the wicked [Eph 6:17], which we are to extinguish with faith/believing God’s word. Since the wiles are daily, the shield of faith must be utilized as a lifestyle. Therefore, the greatest disservice we can do to ourselves is not to believe God’s word.

A similar idea to Eph 6:11-17 is conveyed in 2 Cor. 10:3-6. The war described there is a battle waged, won or lost in the mind. It is not some battle against witches and wizards, but one where the believer chooses to believe God’s word or something else. It is a war of choices between walking by faith in God’s word or sight, between God’s word and that of men (human reasoning, opinion, sentiments). That is why demons, spirits are not mentioned in that portion of scriptures but “strongholds” (figuratively means “arguments”), “imaginations” (reasoning, thought), which along with every high thing exalts itself against the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. It is an ongoing war between the truth of God’s word, and the imaginations, arguments, knowledge of men, and a world system ruled by the Devil. This war takes place daily, plays out in our circumstances, experiences, temptations, and faith in God’s word. An example would be when someone does something to you and you feel anger, and for a good reason because what the person did was provocative. Thoughts of repaying evil for evil, bitterness, malice, etc would arise in your minds, and you feel like releasing it in form of retaliation. You are able to win the war in your mind and forgive or walk in love when God’s word determines your actions (Eph 4:26-27, 31-32,1 Pet 2:19-22,Rom 12:17-21), and refrains you from responding wrongly.

Wielding our Christianity is our non-carnal weapons for waging this war. We are to fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life [1 Tim 6:12], on the truth, on our Christianity is our weapon in this war. There is therefore no substitute for a personal understanding of God’ word.

·         OUR LIFE AS A RACE -Heb 12: 1-2

There’s a race we must finish [2 Tim 4:5-6,1 Cor. 9:24-27, Heb. 12:2], a course to run [Acts 20:24], a purpose we must accomplish and we cannot do these successfully if we are running by sight. Let us run with faith. Faith considers the word of God. It considers the invisible. It recognizes that there are things to consider and things not to consider. We are to consider Jesus/God (Heb. 3:1, Heb. 12:2-3, Heb. 11:16) inspite of all other things you could have considered. You must deliberately consider not certain things, else they serve as deterrent to your walk of faith (Rom 4:17-21). This does not mean to deny all things that can be seen and are true in their own realities, but it means to consider the higher reality of the word of God (Mk 11:23-24).The word of God should be the judge and the final issue. When you are doubtful of the word of God you cannot enjoy the blessings of redemption. Abraham waited for 25 years till age 100 when His word was fulfilled. Consider Him! How? Consider Him through His word. Let His word settle the issue.

You cannot walk as a Christian if you do not walk by faith. You cannot fight the good fight of faith without faith, and you cannot run your race without faith.

A lesson on faith – (2Cor 5:7)

  

“For we walk by faith not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). This statement applies to Christians as can be seen from the surrounding context. It is not a command, but rather an assumption that Christians walk by faith. In other words, walking by faith is the way to walk, and not the things we see, hear or perceive with our physical senses. Our physical senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell- were given to us to enable us relate with our physical environment, but as Christians, we should walk by faith not by sight. Before the fall, man related with God by faith, but after the fall man started living by sight. When you get born again, that relationship with God is restored. In actual fact, we are placed on a better pedestal than Adam who did not have eternal life or the Spirit of God.

Faith is the way to live for the Christian. Outside faith, living the Christian life would be extremely burdensome and near impossible. It is faith that enables us live in our natural environment – the kingdom of God. From John 3:5, Col 1:13, the believer has been brought into God’s kingdom – and in His kingdom we are to relate with him by faith. The two reasons why we find the Christian life difficult are: when one is not born again; and when the Christian walk is lived or approached by sight. Hebrews 11 focuses exclusively on the subject of faith. Not only can one not be born again outside faith (Eph 2:8-9), walking as a believer is also by faith, and not the physical senses (sight). Science furnishes us a good example of walking by sight, as well as Thomas who demanded physical proof of the resurrection of Jesus before believing He was risen (John 20:24-29). However as Christians we cannot afford to relate with God on the basis of sight. Walking by sight is actually unbelief in the living God.

Faith is described as the “substance” and “evidence” (Heb 11:1). We can understand the phrase “substance” from the idea of Jesus being described as the express image of God’s person. When Jesus spoke, it was tantamount to God speaking to men, as seeing Him was/is equivalent to seeing the Father - because He is the very substance of God.  Faith is the “evidence” of what you are things unseen. A banking illustration would help understanding this. The possession of a bank draft is evidence of the fact that there is money in an account, and that the recipient of the bank draft will receive the cash.  The bank draft is as good as the money and evidence of the money not physically seen.

The foregoing runs contrary to the idea that faith is stupid, illogical, or blind etc. Blind faith is foolishness. Real faith is not blind, but is hinged on the spiritual logic of God’s word. Faith does not deny physical evidence. Rather it believes God, in spite of the physical evidence. Abraham was confronted with physical evidence - the deadness of his own body and Sarah’s womb, but he chose to believe God (Rom 4:17-21). How do you know there is a God, or explain creation of the world, by science? Or do we take the place of the fool that says there is no God? (Ps 14:1,53:1) No! We know these through faith (Heb 11:3, Heb11:6), for creation itself evidences God (Rom 1:19-20)

2 Cor 4:16-18 speaks of looking at things not seen. “Things not seen” does not mean things that are unreal. Looking at things unseen is only possible through faith. It cannot be done through science which is based on physical evidence, focuses on things temporary, and is therefore based on shaky foundations. Through faith we focus on things eternal and permanent that never changes.

Faith is based on spiritual logic - on an understanding of the truth of God’s word. This is its foundation. It based in a reality of God’s word, even though we cannot see it. We have to realize that the physical realm is more tangible than the physical realm, even though we cannot see it. The physical realm is a product of the spiritual realm. Faith works based on the realities of the spiritual realm. It comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). Hearing in Rom 10:17 does not mean listening, but THE THING HEARD i.e the message anchored on the word of God. The message has to be understood and received. When that occurs, faith is born in the heart. It is not the hearing that brings faith, for one can hear and not have faith. Rather when what is heard (the message) is embraced, received, believed faith is born. Even though one may not see any physical proof yet, there is peace and assurance in believing (Rom 15:13).

God is the object of faith

We associate faith with when we need to get something we desire that we do not see. Most times people only say they have been living by faith when in the midst of sufferings and lack or difficult circumstances. The danger inherent in this is that when things were good people could have the tendency to live by sight and not by faith. For example there is an inclination for people to set their hearts ad eyes on riches. It was because of this Paul instructed Timothy to warn the rich about the dangers of making riches the object of their faith, but rather let God be the object of faith (1 Tim 6:17-18).

Everyone has faith, but the issue is – what is that faith in? God is the object of faith, and faith is only as strong as the object on which it is based. When it is based on sight or symptoms, then it produces unbelief. Faith should be a lifestyle adopted whether things are good or bad (Dan 3:16-18), because it is anchored in an object that never changes - God. Paul’s faith was strong amidst turbulence at sea because it was anchored in God who had told him He was had an appointment to keep with Caesar at Rome (Acts 27:25). Never make man the object of your faith, for the same man God used for you in time past may turn against you subsequently e.g Nebuchadnezzar with regard to Daniel and his friends.

Faith is the prerogative of the believer

It is the choice of the believer to exercise faith in God and to believe what God has said or done. The unbeliever in incapacitated to truly walk by faith in God because he is blinded (2 Cor 4:3-4). However, after being born again by grace though grace as a gift (Eph 2:8-9), the believer has a choice to exercise faith in God. We must learn to choose walking by faith in simple things. We should not claim that our faith is weak so we cannot. A mustard seed is over a 100 times smaller than the seed of beans –it is like a speck of dust, yet Jesus used it to illustrate the point that faith is about the object of faith (the quality) and not the quantum (Luke 17:5). Strong faith is faith anchored in God, while weak faith is the opposite, one not anchored in God – which is actually unbelief. Anyone can choose to believe God e.g Peter walked on water Mt 14:22-23. Believers must choose to exercise child-like faith in God leading to obedience. The things we know physically- our experiences with people, experiences in the world, and natural knowledge may be an obstacle to this. Nevertheless we need to learn to exercise faith in God. That was why Jesus, in his interactions with men was always instructing men to that effect.

If faith is risky, thee alternative (unbelief) is costlier

God rewards faith. Faith shows regard for God (1 John 5:9-10, Num 23:19), while unbelief is the primary thing that grounds Christians. Unbelief is costly as exemplified by the example of the Israelites who could not enter the Promised Land (Heb 3:11-19, 4:1-3). Entering the Promised Land symbolized enjoyment of the blessing of God’s redemption, and not exclusion from heaven – for even Moses did not enter the Promised Land. Their unbelief was the primary sin primary sin which excluded them, and we stand the risk of not experiencing the blessedness of redemption/Christianity if we do not exercise faith as a lifestyle.

Illustrations of Faith from Hebrews 11

Abel’s sacrifice was better than Cain’s not because it was an animal sacrifice instead of produce from the cursed ground as erroneously claimed, but because of the faith factor (Heb11:4). Abraham’s going out without knowing where he was going, seems foolish to the world, but He did it by faith and obedience in God who knew his destination and had the master-plan (Heb 11:8). It is good to plan, but those plans must be emanate from God’s will (James 4:13-16). Sarah could never have given birth without faith in Him who had promised (Heb 11:11-12)/ Abraham’s determination to offer Isaac was motivated by faith in God who He believed would have raised him in whose Abraham’s Seed was to come. Prompted by faith, Moses forsook that which was good and inconvenient, and looked to a reward beyond the realm of sight (Heb 11:6). On the other side of the divide were those who died, were tortured, suffered, were sawn in two, and suffered unimaginable hardships without any apparent positive results. In contemporary “christianity”, they would be described as failures and faithless – but God’s word uses them as examples of faith (Heb 11:35-38). All those in Hebrews 11 were all natural men – flesh and blood. We are better placed because we are new creatures with the life and Spirit of God ( 1 Cor 2:13-16).

Conclusion             

We should learn to exercise faith in God in all facets and at all times of our lives (James 1:6-9). In difficult circumstances we should choose to adopt David’s attitude who encouraged himself in the Lord; or Mary who believed in God to perform (Luke 1:37-38,45)