Seasoned Speech

In Col 4:6 bible instructs us to let our speech be always be with grace, seasoned with salt that we may know how to answer every man. In other words, there is a mandate upon us to ensure that we always utter seasoned speech. This necessarily begs the question, what is seasoned speech?

When we speak of the term “seasoned speech”, the impression that some have is that speech should be made to sound better, or to be twisted a little. To others it means something that is not true, or that is exaggerated. However, that is not the meaning intended in scriptures. Seasoning in this context connotes the idea of our speech being kept free of corruption. That is basically why salt is mentioned in the verse. In bible times and even today salt was (and is still) used as a preservative and to keep something from corruption. As believers we ought to have speech that is not corrupt or polluted.

The admonition in Col 4:6 about how our speech ought to be would be better understood in the light of the context of the foregoing verses/chapters of the book of Colossians, particularly Chapter 3.  There we see the believer as being raised in Christ (Col 3:1-3), founded on the fact that we experienced the benefits of the death and resurrection of Christ. Flowing from the foregoing fact, other portions of Col 3 focus on the reality of the new man, the renewal of the new man, the relationships of the new man, the routine of the new man, and the regimen of the new man, and which ultimately led to the focus on prayer, the effects of prayer, and the importance of walking in wisdom in Col 4:2 & 5. It is against this background that we are instructed on the kind of words or speech that should emanate from our mouths.

Although we may not always realize it, our words/speech matter a lot. Several times in scriptures we see an indication of the kind of speech that should proceed from our mouths and the type that should not. A few examples would suffice at this juncture. Rom 12:14 forbids the believer from cursing, but rather to bless. Large portions of 1 Cor 12 & 14, essentially focuses on what should proceed from a believer’s mouth, albeit in the context of the manifestation of spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:29 forbids the believer from uttering corrupt communication. Ephesians 5:4 forbids the believer from using dirty, foolish or filthy words. 1 Tim 4:12 exhorts the believer to set a good example in a number of ways, which include his speech. 2 Tim 2:24 instructs the believer HOW he/she ought to express the message of the gospel. James 1:26 emphasises the importance of controlling our tongues (speech). The cumulative outlook that can be gathered from the foregoing is the fundamental nature of our speech. Just like a thermometer, when put in the mouth could be used to gauge the temperature of the entire body, a person’s speech can reflect who a person really is. It has been said that an average person uses an average of 25,000 words daily. If we are to publish that, it could make up a 54-page book. This should make us ask ourselves the question, “what kind of book are we publishing daily”?

James 3 exhaustively teaches on the importance of our words. It reveals that our words have the potential to condemn or being judgment upon us (This does not of course refer to eternal damnation/going to hell, for from that the believer has been delivered by appropriating the merits of Christ death and resurrection -John 5:24,Rom 8:1,33-39, 1Thes 1:10,5:9). That is why teachers of the word of God have will be held to a stricter judgment because of the tremendous influence they wield (James 3:1). Although God places premium on the preaching of the word (2 Tim 4:1-4), because of the tremendous influence preachers wield and in view of giving account to God in respect of those that come under that influence (Heb 13:17), abundant caution must be taken with regard to what is said.

James 3:1-8 focuses on the power of the tongue/words and accentuates the serious effect of the words we speak and its spreading influence. A number of scriptures illustrate the foregoing. Job 19:2 reveals the fact that words can crush/break a person. Ps 57:4 & Ps 64:3 reveals that our words can injure another person like a sharp sword pierce the body. Haman’s lying words put the whole nation of Jews at risk of death (Est 3:8-11). The words of the princes of Ammon caused King Hanun to mistreat David’s emissaries and eventually led to war between them (2 Sam 10:1-19). Absalom was able to instigate rebellion and conspire against his father David with the words he used to steal the hearts of the people. John the Baptist and Jesus were killed because of the lying words the Pharisees uttered against them. Even Peter, after uttering gracious of words about Jesus true identity (Mt 16:16), about the true identity of Jesus, later went on to use lying words and even curses to dissociate himself from Jesus (Mt 26:68-75). Also, Witnesses have the power to condemn a person to death or preserve lives based on what they say, hence the saying “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21). In our contemporary times several children grow up depressed, lacking in confidence and low self-esteem because of the kind of words their parents used to speak to them.

The words we speak should reflect our identities as new creations. If as Christians the words we speak are not seasoned, then it is an aberration. It means there is something wrong somewhere. It is an aberration for a believer to utter words that are unbecoming of a Christian hence the analogy of the impossibility of a fountain giving forth bitter and sweet water at the same time, or a fig tree bearing olive berries(James 3:10-12). In other words, if our life and speech is characterized by that it is an aberration, and may be indicator as to who a person really is.

Why are our words unseasoned?

A Christian speaking like an unbeliever (e.g using swear words) did not just make a mistake, or suddenly find himself in such a situation. Matthew 12:33-35 gives us an indicator of the major cause and at the same time points to the solution. It is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Prov 423). When a person’s words are bad, it is because the person has a bad heart. The truth is we will never say words we never learnt, save by the working of the Spirit, psychiatric disorder, and in the case of unbelievers, demonization. When the heart is bad, it is not only a person’s words that will have a problem, even his actions will be negatively affected.

How can our words be seasoned?

·         We must guard our hearts with all diligence (4:23): If we do not guard  our hearts and ensure that what is stored within and meditated on are wholesome, our speech will be bad. Php 4:8 instructs us to meditate on – things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, things virtuous and praiseworthy. Nothing better suits these qualities than the word of God?  We must fill our hearts will God’s word (Col 3:16), and be cautious about what we allow into our hearts ( e.g. what we hear, see, read, learn).

·         We must consider the effect of our words: We should ponder on what effect the words will utter will have on people, or circumstances. The problem is we do not carefully consider the foregoing and say things in reaction to circumstances, which we did not intend to say or remember we said. Paul’s abusive words to the High priest (which he immediately repented of) after he was slapped of is a good illustration (Acts 23:1-5). Many issues in our relationships, work or even within the church, will be resolved if reactionary words, tale-bearing, back-biting are avoided

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·         We should resolve to say what is helpful (Eph 4:29):

Col 4:6, Eph 4:29 gives us an indication of what we should say – words that edify, words that are gracious, wholesome, unadulterated, unpolluted, pure and that have good effect. We would not find ourselves saying this word except there has been a firm resolve to follow that path.

Conclusion

Our words good or bad have an effect (Prov 18:20). It may be words spoke in private, but may have tremendous effect beyond our control. Scriptures enjoin us to match our words with the new nature born after God that we have in Christ. Consequently we should only produce good fruits in terms of the words that proceed from our mouths. When we do so we will avoid the bad effects of our speech, and also see the positive effects of our good words on people. It would be good if parents rather than say words that will damage children, to express through their words how special they are, or how they are gifts to the world. How much better would it be to say words that will continually edify people, and bless and glorify God, than words that are not seasoned?

REMEMBER CHRIST DIED

A key word to bear in mind, as stressed in 2 Timothy 2:8, is REMEMBER. Remembrance or keeping in memory is fundamental to progress in Christianity. In other words, it can be the difference between good and bad Christianity.

Every Christian is a good person by status or position, entirely because of the goodness of God demonstrated in the work of Jesus and appropriated by the believer. He is good because of the NATURE of God within Him. Good or bad Christianity therefore relates to WALK or LIFESTYLE. It is precisely because of the significance of REMEMBRANCE [to do what has been learnt] to a good Christian walk that the word keeps recurring in scriptures[Acts 20:35,1 Cor 4:17,2 Tim 2:14, James 1:26, 1 Tim 4:6,2 Pet 3:1,2 Pet 1:12,13,15, 1 Cor 15:2

The phrase ‘CHRIST DIED’ is pregnant with meaning and should not be construed narrowly as referring to His death alone. Rather it’s a single transaction encompassing His incarnation, death, burial, resurrection, and the import or implications of what that transaction portends.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not a private event.  They conspired to make it hidden, but to no avail. He showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs [Acts 1:3].  Bible says we should remember this because it is the basis of our Christianity, and has implications for us.

Ten implications of Jesus’ death and resurrection

1.     Justification - It implies our justification [Rom 4:25, 5:1, Rom 5:9]. If the Saviour had not risen, then we would have been doomed. But because He died for our sins and rose again, by identification with Him, we are free. We are no longer guilty. This is the antidote for guilt consciousness. This also enables us to approach God with boldness [Heb 10:19, Eph 3:11].

2.     Sonship – It brought us sonship. It brought an end to slavery and servanthood, and gave us the status of sonship. Now He has become our Father [Jn 20:17, Rom 8:15, John 1:12, Gal 4:6-7, 1 John 3:3]

3.     Continual abiding of His presence – This is the antidote to loneliness. Everyone in the world craves for relationship. It is wired into our nature. Because of what He did, God has made us His dwelling place, individually and collectively, by His Spirit [1 Cor 3:16,1 Cor 6:19-20, Eph2:22, 2 Tim 1:14,Rom 8:9], permanently [ John 14:16]. This is a source of comfort to believers, and that reality helped Pau when He was forsaken by men [2 Tim 4:16-17]. God never leaves the believer, and this should also help dispel anxieties [ Heb 13:5-6,Php 4:6]

4.     Continual access to God- By His work, we have continual access to God. This access is devoid of ceremonies, not based on her merits, but entirely on His work. What more, this access is with boldness, something unheard of under the Old Testament [Heb 12:18-22-24]. Not living right may hinder us from approaching the Father, and because of that the inclination is to want to stay away because of the perception that we are not good enough. This is compounded by the fact that we live in a performance-driven world, and we try to translate that to our relationship with God. However, in Christianity, we are not accepted on the basis of our performance, but on the basis of Christ’s performance. And even when we have failed, an understanding of the reality that He forgave us all sins – PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE, by His sacrifice, and that the same sacrifice gave us continual access should embolden us approach to find grace to help in time of need [Heb 4:16, Heb 10:19-21, Rom 5:1-2, Eph 3:11].

5.     Encouragement in troubled times and inner strength to carry on – An anchor for our souls came by redemption. That keeps us stable amidst contrary situations and circumstances and gives us the inner strength to forge ahead [Acts 21:13, Heb 6:19] what keeps us going is on our inside. If we must serve the Lord, do His will, we must be ready to rely on the anchor within us.

6.     Deliverance from the world – Because of His work, we have been delivered from bondage to this present evil world system [ Gal 1:4, 6:14], and have no obligation to live according to its dictates [1 Jn 2:15, Rom 12:2]

7.     Gifted/Called – Another implication of Christ work is that all believers have been gifted and called into ministry. Every member has a role to play as member of the Body, and as member of the local assembly [Eph 4:6,7,12,16, 1 Pet 4:10-11]. We may not all be pastors, evangelists, etc, but we are all ministers [Col 4:17,2 Cor 5:18-20], and we shall give account before God.[1 Cor 4:1-5, 1 Cor 3:11-14]

8.     Brotherhood and Oneness in the Body of Christ - The work of Christ at Calvary has abolished every barrier , and has brought about a brotherhood of believers. Before, the law of Moses was a barrier between gentiles. Now it might be status, education, lineage, race, language, societal class. His death that removed the barrier of the Old Covenant, and brought about One Body of believers, also abolished the other barriers to bring about the Brotherhood of believers. This understanding that we are one helps practical unity and bonding[Eph 2:11-19, 1 Pet 2:17]

9.     Guarantees a new Body – His death, resurrection and assurance is the guarantee that ALL believers would receive new glorified bodies, patterned after that which Christ had after His resurrection [1 Cor 15:34-56, Rom 8:17-23, 2 Cor 5:1-5, Php 3:20, Eph 1:13-14, 4:30].

10.  Irreversiblity of the benefits of His work – Because Jesus died and rose again, all that He bequeathed us are permanent and irreversible. They are eternal, and cannot be taken back [Rom 11:29, Ecc 3:14, James 1:17-18, Heb 7:25, 9:12] 

ABSTAINING FROM EVIL

A primary school teacher once asked his pupils for the synonym of evil, he got a chorus answer -'bad', 'wicked', 'devilish', 'dreadful', 'painful' etc he asked further if someone could describe  the word 'evil',one of the pupils got up not having a word of expression grinned and frowned deeply then said 'something very very baaaad'. 

This is just a human view point,what about God's,ponder on this.
Men do evil when they are subtly deceived by the devil through his multifaceted wiles and schemes and for some their consciences have been seared with a hot iron and so habitually do evil.

Evil in its simplest  form is the opposite of good while good itself is anything worthy of commendation because of its inherent moral value and beneficial external effects.

Worthy of note first of all is that, evil can never be good, evil proves harmful always,causing great loss and suffering.  Evil can be traced to the devil,infact the world is said to lie in the power of the evil one (1Jn5;19,Eph 2;2),the devil with his various schemes subtly deceives men to do evil,scriptures refer to him as the deceiver of the whole world (Rev12;9) though some men habitually disobey God because they have seared their conscience with a hot iron,nevertheless the devil is the source of evil which he introduced at the fall of man.        

In shedding light on this topic it would be necessary to take a look at the position of the christian as it concerns this world,evil and the devil.

This world in context does not just talk about the physical earth but a system,an order an apt and harmonious arrangement being referred to in the Greek as the word "cosmos". That the devil reigns over the system of this world is clear from bible (Jn12;31,Jn14;30,2Cor4;4),when Adam and eve were deceived and made a choice for the devil they lost dominion and the devil began to reign in the affairs of this world (Rom6:19),this is evident throughout the ages until the advent of Christ Jesus. The christian is one who has been delivered from the meshes of the fallen world,through his faith in Christ Jesus he has experienced a rebirthing from God (Jn1;13) and he is no longer a natural man but posseses a new nature which empowers him to live above evil.   

The christian though in this world is no longer of the world that is though living in this world is not part of the fallen world system,he has been redeemed but lives in it as a stranger and an ambassador for Christ and handles the world as his field of service.

Living in this world however one is faced with varying situations and circumstances that puts one in positions of either obeying God or responding positively to our natural apppetites or the flesh.      

To abstain from evil therefore is to actively hold oneself back from evil,this requires a deliberate step of knowing the will of God,identifying a potential pitfall and refraining from the path of evil with an intention to obey God.When the devil brings those evil suggestions to our minds,instead of brooding over them we should rather take a position for Christ and completely avoid such compromising situations,it could come in the form of undefined relationships,ungodly associations,harmful exposures like obscenity,pornography or bad habits as anger,malice,addictions or things generally which are not convienient,evil does not usually present itself as so,but as one tows its path it reveals itself and brings unpleasant consequences.

Obedience is the key to abstain from evil, a life completely governed by God evidenced through the leading of the Spirit is one who abstains from evil.When evil suggestions flashes our mind let us know like in the temptation of Jesus that the christian's allegiance is solely to God and our response is to obey him and fulfil his will.THIS IS THE WAY TO ABSTAIN FROM EVIL.

IN THE EVIL DAYS (Eph 5:16, 6:10-18)

When we see a scripture like Eph 5:16 which describe the days as evil, and Eph 6:13, which talks about the evil day, it begs the question – “What are the evil days?”  From scriptures, the days we live in are the evil days. The days are evil because of the evil world system orchestrated by the Devil, which is against the cause of Christians and Christianity. It is a major cause of the antagonism, battles, temptations and contrary situations and several challenges that assail us on several fronts. If there is anytime we need to walk as believers circumspectly, it is the days that we live in – for scriptures tell us how to walk in these evil days (Eph 5:15-16].

There could be a tendency to see the things that happen to us as accidental. But it is key for us to know that nothing happens to us by accident. As believers our lives and the circumstances that we face are predicated on God’s purpose, such that even when we face contrary situations, God’s purpose is to bring out the best in us. There is a perspective to adopt when we face situations in life, whether good or bad. It is important that we have a proper approach to facing the things that come our way. An understanding of the way the world system functions is strategic, if we are not to focus on the wrong things. For example, there is a tendency to focus on people who we consider enemies and situations, without looking beyond them to the real cause – the world system and its wiles orchestrated by the Devil.

Ephesians 6 speaks of the wiles of the Devil. This connotes subtlety and deceitfulness. The system of this world operates in such a way that you are ensnared and taken unawares before you realize it. For example work is legitimate and bible encourages it, but there are some work places and demands which could constitute a stumbling block to our spiritual progress. There is a way to work and a way not to work. A backslidden state could gradually creep in when because of work demands a believer does not have time for study of God’s word, prayers, fellowship. Alternatively, it could be through wasting time on fleshly pleasures, films, internet and other things which we fill our minds with, which affects our thought life and decisions and reactions to circumstances beyond what we realize. These are some of the subtle means the Devil uses which we are often unaware of. Doubtless, the Devil is a great schemer, but for God through His Spirit within us, we have the greatest edge we ever need. To stand against the wiles of the devil in the evil day, Bible instructs us to put on the whole armour of God (Eph 6:11).

The instruction about putting on the whole armour of God in Ephesians 6:11 is prefaced by the charge for believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might in Ephesians 6:10. This is instructive as it emphasizes the God-factor as the key to our triumph when faced with challenges of the evil day. When you see your strength in the living God you can counter and overcome whatever wiles come your way. Your confidence should be in the Lord, knowing that all power is in His hands (Mt 28:17). Focus should therefore never be on the wiles, on a sin problem, but on the Lord. Furthermore, the responsibility of putting on the whole armour of God is on the believer, not on God or of the pastors. It is something which the believer must do himself. It must also be something that must be done on a continual basis.

Before examining the pieces or constituents of the Christian armour, it is important to see the emphasis that scriptures put on the word, “stand”. Thrice in Eph 6:11, 13, and 14 the word is repeated. In essence it is a war won by standing – standing in the faith.

Elements of Christian armour

Truth [Eph 6:14]:  The state of the heart answering to God's truth; inward, practical acknowledgment of the truth as it is in Him: the agreement of our convictions with God's revelation. Secondarily, it involves truthfulness, sincerity, straightforwardness (Col 3:9, Eph 4:25). Without truth we cannot stand against the wiles of the Devil.

Breastplate of righteousness [Eph 6:14]:  The breastplate protected the heart of the Roman soldier. In the same way, we are to allow the consciousness of the righteousness we obtained in Christ pervade and guard our hearts

Gospel of peace [Eph 6:15]: The same way the shoes of the Roman soldier protected his feet, and gave him surefooting, we are to allow the gospel do the same for us. The gospel breeds confidence, assurance and peace, irrespective of whatever circumstances we find ourselves (Rom 8:37-39)

Shield of faith [Eph 6:16]: This essentially speak of allowing trust and confidence in the ability of the living God be act as a shield of defence against the assault and wiles of the Devil, much the same way the shield of the Roman soldier was his defense from the fiery darts (arrows) of the enemy. We should let our faith/trust be in God. You know your trust is in God when a situation threatens to overwhelm you, but you are quick to rely on God alone, and not on anything external. We should realize that trust in the living God will never fail. Man could fail, but He that believes in Him will never be put to shame.

Helmet of salvation [Eph 6:17]:   The head is a critical part of the body, and the helmet offered protection for the head of the Roman soldier. For the believer, against the wiles of the Devil, and in spiritual warfare, salvation should play the critical role of the helmet. Consciousness of the integrity, security and reality of our salvation is an extremely potent weapon of defence against the wiles of the Devil.

The Sword of the Spirit [Eph 6:17]:  The weapon of offense, attack and advancement of the Roman soldier was the sword. In a spiritual sense, the equivalent for the believer is the word of God. This brings to the fore the importance of consistent study and application of the word of God. It programmes us to react appropriately when the wiles come, as they inevitably always do

Conclusion

If we are to stand in the evil days that we live in, we should learn to rely always on the strength of the Lord and put on His armour at all times. Finally, we should also bear in mind that it is our responsibility and not God’s or any other person to equip ourselves with that armour at all times.

KNOWLEDGE FOR PROGRESS

The world can be divided into two broad categories, using knowledge as a parameter – those that know; and those that do not know. Christianity is primarily about knowing. In the mundane, what makes someone better, what gives an edge or superiority is usually the insight, understanding or knowledge he possesses. This is why they say knowledge is power. If you are ignorant, you are marginalized. Ignorance is not an excuse. Knowledge places you above the rest. Little wonder Moses desired to know God’s ways, while all the other Israelites knew were His acts (Ex 33:13). He understood the fundamental importance of the knowledge of God. The bible places a high premium on knowledge and the Church must never desist from this biblical prescription – that is why churches that recognize this always recommend that Christians should know.

Some, perhaps due to disillusionment with those possessed with great quantum of knowledge, not living by it, erroneously  endorse ignorance. Ignorance is however never a viable alternative. Some express similar sentiments and even downplay knowledge citing scriptures, “knowledge puffs up but love edifies”. In other words, they say that love is what matters, and not knowledge. However, the Bible actually indicates that knowledge is the bedrock of the expression of Christian love (Php 1:9). The antidote to not living by the knowledge we are possessed of it is to know it better, and encourage people to live by what they know. When it comes to Christianity the fallacy that “what you do not know cannot kill you”, does not hold water. For even in the world, such reasoning is flawed. It does not make sense for a person with HIV that makes this kind of statement would pay for it with premature death. What has accounted for the extremely lower deaths from HIV and infant mortality in developed countries, relative to underdeveloped countries is one crucial factor – KNOWLEDGE. They did not choose to be ignorant about those diseases, they sought knowledge applied the knowledge and were able to bring it under near total control in terms of deaths. Knowledge is key to life – not human knowledge, but divine knowledge. This is knowledge that is therefore being advocated for Christian progress.

The knowledge of God differs from human knowledge (Is 55:8), in addition, it is superior to human knowledge (Is 55:9), and far above the knowledge of man, whether it is science or philosophy. It is different and superior to knowledge acquired from the several manmade religions of the world, including the so-called “Christian religion” (for Christianity is not a religion). Even man’s knowledge that there is a God (called general revelation), as revealed in creation and described for example in Rom 1:18-19 is not divine knowledge. The knowledge of God is not obtained from school or by smartness, but that which has been revealed by God in His word, as evaluated through the lens of redemption. This knowledge is the key to our Christianity (Rom 10:12-15). If we do not know God or seek to understand Him, there can be no true progress in Christianity. No knowledge, no progress! It is knowledge (of the truth) that separates the believer from the unbeliever, as believers are regarded as those that KNOW THE TRUTH/GOD and have accepted/obeyed/believed the gospel, while unbelievers are described as those that DO NOT KNOW THE TRUTH/GOD or have not accepted/obeyed/believed the gospel (1 Tim 4:3,  1 John 2:13-14,20-21, 2 Thes 1:8). This is why salvation is described as knowing/ or coming to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4, John 8:32).

God revealed himself in nature (General revelation; Rom 1:19-20), but He has now revealed Himself in Christ Jesus (i.e special /divine revelation, John 1:18, Heb 1:1-3). Generally, every type of knowledge is ultimately from God, for example, science tests nature – but nature itself comes from God. Science is not necessarily anti-God. Branches of science such as Philosophy and Astrology (‘i.e studying the moon) are however, clearly anti-God and not from Him. However, the knowledge that is being emphasised as being key to progress is divine knowledge – the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus (John 14:6, Jn 8:32). It is not the knowledge of religion, for knowledge of religion is not from God (Acts 17:21-24). It is the knowledge of God revealed in Christ that saves (Acts 10:1-6,32-33,[Cornelius and family], Eph 1:12-13, 1 Tim 2:4, 2 Pt 1:3), and that fosters growth (Col 2:6-7). This is what believers should pursue and grow in an understanding of with a view to making progress.

A quest for knowledge is crucial to good Christianity (Col 3:9-10). Faith is not a leap in the dark. It does not defy logic. It might not agree with human logic, but it is always in tune with spiritual logic. Faith is also not anti-knowledge like some assert. On the contrary, there is no real faith outside knowledge (Rom 10:11-15).A man cannot be saved outside the knowledge of the gospel (1 Cor 15:1-2). In the same measure a Christian cannot make progress without knowledge, and that is why believers are exhorted to crave for (1 Pet 2:2: like a baby for its mother’s milk) and grow in knowledge (2 Pet 3:18). Many times laziness is an obstacle to this. Consequently, the bible sometimes associates laziness with ignorance – on that reasoning it can be said that laziness is not unnecessarily unwillingness to DO, but unwillingness to KNOW. As Christians and students of the word, we should seek to know and understand.

In Ephesians 1:17-18, Paul emphasised the place of knowledge in the life of the Christian in his prayers for the Ephesian church. It was his desire and prayer that in view of their blessedness in all its variegated facets such as election, predestination, adoption into sonship, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, salvation, sealing (Eph1:3-14) that they had an attitude of “spirit of wisdom and revelation” in the knowledge of God as revealed in Christ(Eph 1:18). The word, ‘spirit’ as used in the foregoing phrase does not mean the Holy Spirit, or the recreated human spirit, but an attitude. Without that attitude, the knowledge revealed and taught by Paul will be mere positional or theoretical truths, without any practical effects. We cannot live outside an understanding of the knowledge of God revealed in Christ Jesus. We cannot please God outside knowledge. The gap between being a Christian and living, walking in the benefits, and making progress in Christianity is knowledge (Col 1:9-12, Philemon 1:6). Whatever we know as accurate knowledge of God in the light of Christ, His person and work, we should know it more, and better.

The church today is no longer functioning properly in the proper position God placed it. The church is distinct from every other body/organization on earth, because it is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). Rather than upholding and preserving the true knowledge of God, it has become a place where human knowledge is being proclaimed. It has become the place where management, business principles, self-help, metaphysical concepts and human motivational principles not anchored in God’s word are dispensed. This ought not to be. What gives the church its distinctiveness is the knowledge of God revealed in Christ Jesus. A man cannot know God without Jesus (John 14:6), who is the image of God and revealed God to man (Heb 1:3, John 1:1,14-18)- and without the knowledge of God He gave to humanity.  This should be the forte of the Church and what it should proclaim always – the knowledge of God.

The knowledge of God essential for progress is not mere casual knowledge, or a ‘my-pastor-said’ kind of knowledge, but knowledge matched by insight, understanding and borne out of a personal conviction (Acts 17:11-12 John 4:39-42).  This knowledge has benefits, three of which will be highlighted below.

THREE THINGS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD WILL DO

1. It establishes our hearts in grace (Heb 13:9): To be established by grace is to be established by truth – the truth of God’s word in Christ Jesus. That is why we see that when the word “grace” is seen is scriptures, the word “truth” is sometimes annexed to it (John 1:17, 2 Pet 3:18). Receiving the grace of God in vain as seen in 2 Cor 6:1, in the light of the foregoing is being a recipient of God’s grace as believers but lacking the requisite understanding or knowledge to make progress in it. Knowledge will stabilize our hearts in the grace of God and guide us. That was why Jesus’ heart was fixed, while the disciples were not when the storms beat violently against their boat.

2. It answers the question “why”:  This is a difference between Christianity and the religions of the worlds. Religion is blind, and demands action without giving a rationale. Christianity, in stark contrast gives us a rationale for the conduct or action expected of us. Sadly, religion has crept into Christianity, for many Christians do things without having a rationale for it. Knowledge tells us why – why we should pray, give, come to church, serve, etc, and by giving us the rationale it helps keeps us stable.

3. It renews our minds (Rom 12:2): Knowledge changes what and how we think (our outlook to life) and brings it in tune with God’s outlook. It enables us to think the way He thinks, and see life and things from His perspective, and not from human or worldly perspective. For example, when we renew or minds through knowledge, we see why we should not retaliate, or repay evil with evil and leave vengeance to God instead (Heb 10:30, Rom 12:19) while relating well with those that hurt or hate us (Rom 12:14-21,1 Pet 2:18-23, 3:9). Vengeance may mean God repaying the enemy (Heb 1:13, Heb 10:13, Rev 6:9-11, 11:18,20:4: the death of Jesus will be avenged!). When God avenges, many times it vindicates the believer. However, God’s vengeance may mean also God occasioning repentance on the part of the enemy (Rom 12:20), like the Centurion at the foot of Jesus’ cross and Paul on the road to Damascus (Mt 27:54, Acts 9:1-8).

HOW TO GET KNOWLEDGE?

1. Reading: The same Paul that prayed that the Ephesians should have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God (Eph 1:17) , also underscored READING as a key to acquiring knowledge (Eph 3:4). Reading cannot be substituted with Christian movies, Christian novels, conferences, tapes, or prayers. The Greek word for ‘read’ as, used in the original is ‘anaginosko’, which means “to know again”, to know with certainty or know with understanding. You should ask questions on what you read with a view to understanding and getting insight. Your must read your bible. When the questions of life arise, they do not ask you what your pastor said, rather it challenges  the knowledge in your heart on the issue. To respond appropriately, you need to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col 1:9-10), which makes reading crucial.

2. Considering (2 Tim 2:7): This means to think or meditate about what we read. We must ask ourselves about the meaning of what we read, and think of applications to our lives. That is what would enable us act on God’s word and make progress (1 Tim 4:15)

GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY

These were the words spoken by the angel some thousands of years ago. His task was to announce the birth of a child. His mere appearance and then the message he brought were captivating for his audience of shepherds in a field. Soon enough a choir of angels would burst out in joyous song ascribing glory to God (Luke 2: 10-14).

What made the angels rejoice? What was so special about that night?

Centuries after that memorable day, the whole world still celebrates. Santa Claus. Christmas trees. Boughs of holly. Red and green coloured decorations. Gifts and cards. Hampers. New clothes and shoes for the kids. These have all become the hallmark of our Christmas celebrations.

Sadly, not many realize the essence of that original night. More saddening is the fact that a large number of people have not experienced the impact of that unique time in history. But what made it extra-ordinary?

‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a SAVIOUR, which is CHRIST the LORD’ (Emphasis mine)

That child wrapped in swaddling clothes was the Lord Himself come to earth in the fashion of men (Philippians 2: 7 & 8). The very Creator had chosen to reveal Himself in the form of the created (John 1: 3 & 14). That was a miracle and a wonder to behold indeed (1^st Timothy 3: 16).

Christ was born to accomplish one purpose and one purpose alone: He was born to save us from the clutches of sin and from the hold of the devil, to reconcile us to God and make us sons of God (Matthew 1: 21, John 1: 12, Colossians 1: 20).

Before He came, all people in every place and every age stood condemned and by nature remained powerless to break free from the firm grasp of death and sin (Romans 3: 23, Ephesians 2: 1-3). Godless and hopeless, blind and weak (Ephesians 2: 12, 2^nd Corinthians 4: 4, Romans 5: 6). That is how humanity is without the work of our Saviour Jesus. But we thank God that Jesus has redeemed us.

Have you my friend experienced the liberation Jesus brought? Are you reconciled with God yet?  Do you still wallow in the miry mud of sin’s dreadful hold?

Here and now there is still an open invitation for you. Anyone that receives the offer will not be turned away. It is not a call to a religion or a sect. This is about a transformation, a miracle of inner recreation that God Himself accomplishes in everyone who believes.

Make this day a special one. Allow God do a unique thing today in you. Accept our Lord’s offer of salvation, believe in His completed work and in prayer to God declare your acceptance and conviction.

Its good tidings of great joy indeed!  

TOO BUSY TO HUG?

Boye muttered some words, “God please let it be a beautiful day and thank you for the night” That was all the prayer he made as he put on his shirt and knot his tie. He rushed out of the house into the rowdy, noisy and busy street hopping from bus to bus with his mind on nothing else but work. So mush in a hurry as he took the stairs leading to this personal office which he shares with a colleague. All he did was to say “hi” casually to some people on the way. This routine lifestyle continues from Monday to Friday every week and on Saturday he is even busier preparing for the week. So, he is left with Sunday most of which he spent resting apart from the 8^th through out the 11^th hour( time for church service) which he sees as his only opportunity to worship God—Moment he cannot trade for any thing for he enjoys the fellowship of God and other brethren.

     One Monday morning, he hurries again into his office and there he sat when the news came that Mr Sabastain-his partner in the office died over the weekend - “Impossible!” Boye exclaimed “What happened? He asked Clara his secretary who related the story to him.

“The growth finally killed him” she answered “What growth? Boye asked. The  growth on his back” She paused a little with a questioning look on her face, hesitated a little and then continued  “That which makes him sigh painfully whenever he is hugged” she replied. “Oh, that’s true, I never really hugged him” Boye replied in shame. Bowed his head a little and looked out through the office window lost in his thought. In regret, he began to talk to himself “What a wasteful use of my time? For time spent on anything else than on showing love to others is but waste“Hmmmm” he sighed

Perhaps, if Boye had made out just a little time for his friend, maybe he would have known the solution to his problem. Maybe he would have referred his friend to someone who could help.

Maybe through the sharing of the word his colleague would have been healed- and saved too, maybe just maybe...