Contributor: Ngozi Roberts

INTRODUCTION
In the previous week, our study centred around the concept of Purpose as revealed in the Word of God. Our discussion led us to the realization that individuals who are considered wise are those who adjust their focus to align with Christ and establish habits that aid them in following the path of righteousness, guiding others to do the same. This truth was illustrated to us through the analogy of the essential characteristics of life, such as the ability to metabolize, grow, respond to stimuli, and reproduce. As we continue our exploration into the Word of God, we are delving deeper today into the topic of the Power contained within the Word of God.

John 1:3 : “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
Read Genesis 1:1-5 (KJV)

The Bible is inspired and God-breathed, making it a living and active force in the believer’s life. Hebrew 4:12 confirms this -12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The transformative power of the Bible is renowned for its ability to change lives, provide guidance to believers, and unveil hidden wisdom. It possesses the remarkable capacity to heal, restore, and bring prosperity. In this session, we will explore deeper into the profound impact of the Word of God and discover how we can enhance our spiritual journey through its extraordinary power.

Believing in the Word of God / Value of the Word of God
In order for us to truly understand the significance of the word of God in our lives, it is essential for a believer to have faith in the power of the word itself. This belief stems from the understanding that the word of God has the transformative ability to shape individuals when embraced. In the Gospel of John (1:11-13), it is stated that Jesus came to His own people, but they did not accept Him. However, those who did receive Him were granted the right to become children of God through faith in His name. This transformation is not based on genetical lineage or human will, but on the divine will of God.

It is important to note that receiving the word of God is a choice that can also be rejected. Those who do choose to receive it are given the power to change and grow. Just like Saul became Paul through a process in the kingdom, individuals can be transformed by the word of God if they are willing to engage in this process. The word of God holds immense value, as seen in the opening verses of the Gospel of John (1:1-3), where it is emphasized that the Word was with God and was God. This indicates that everything was created through the Word, highlighting its vital role in the existence of all things.

In essence, the Word of God is a powerful tool that can bring forth destinies, lives, and the formation of individuals. Understanding and embracing the word of God provides individuals with the ability to create and shape their lives according to His will. Therefore, recognizing the creative power of the word is essential in experiencing the transformative impact it can have. So with this understanding, let us have a peep into the creative Power of the word.

The Creative Power of God’s Word
By utilizing the power of God's Word, believers have been granted the ability to create in both the spiritual and physical realms. This divine authority bestows upon us the dominion to speak things into existence, to command life itself, and to operate in a realm that surpasses the understanding of spiritual entities.
This process is not instantaneous, as God does not perform magical tricks. Rather, it requires our active participation and faith. Through a gradual process of learning and understanding His Word, we can begin to witness the manifestation of His promises in our lives.
For example, the blessings spoken of in Isaiah 60:5, where abundance and wealth are promised, are not merely material possessions. Instead, they symbolize the spiritual riches and joy that come from aligning ourselves with God's will.
Similarly, the wealth mentioned in Isaiah 61 is not physical wealth that can be seen with the naked eye. It is a spiritual blessing that must be believed and received in the heavenly realm before manifesting in the physical world.
Just as a tree must take root before bearing fruit, so too must we allow God's blessings to take root in our lives. This may require patience, but the outcome will be worth the wait.

Disruptions to the Creative Power of the Word
Understanding the duration it takes for the creative power of the word to manifest depends on how deeply rooted the word is within the believer. It is crucial for the believer to acknowledge that the devil's main aim is to prevent the Word from taking root in their heart. The devil will go to great lengths to manipulate circumstances in order to distract the believer and shake their faith in the Word, ultimately robbing them of their blessings.
Satan thrives in the realm of senses and he is skilled in distorting reality to cast doubt on what God is doing in the believer's life. When a person relies solely on their natural perception, Satan will attempt to deceive them and discredit the work of God. However, when one wholeheartedly believes in the truth and power of the Word, they can confidently declare their faith and trust in what is promised, even if it is not physically evident at the moment. This act of unwavering faith is a way of outsmarting the devil.
In the Parable of the Sower Explained – Matthew 13:1-23 we see the devil all over the believer trying a way to make sure he does not receive the word of God fully but in verse 23 - But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Power in the Spoken Word of God
The spoken Word of God also holds immense power, capable of bringing about incredible miracles beyond understanding. It is through this divine Word that the entire universe was created, as stated in 2nd Peter 3:5. In Matthew 8:8, a centurion humbly recognizes the authority of Jesus by stating his unworthiness for a personal visit, yet believing in the command of Jesus for his servant's healing. God also communicates through His chosen messengers, known as genuine servants who spread His Word. Those seeking to witness miracles in their lives are encouraged to discern and follow these authentic representatives of God. The Bible in 2nd Chronicles 20:20b says: “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”

How then do you identify a word as being genuinely spoken by God through His servants?

The Bible, as the written word, serves as a confirmation and should be in harmony with spoken word as mentioned in John 16:13 and Galatians 1:8. It is crucial to verify that the source of the spoken word is pure and directly from God before embracing it. By doing so, one can open themselves up to receiving the desired miracles from God, in accordance with Psalm 107:20 which states, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Undoubtedly, the word of God spoken by his authentic messengers holds great power. This power can bring about either positive or negative outcomes, depending on how we respond to it. Therefore, it is important to exercise discernment and wisdom in order to ensure that the spoken word has a positive impact on our lives. It is therefore, essential to align the written and spoken word, believe in the purity of the message, and approach it with wisdom to experience the positive effects of the word of God.

1. Spoken Word, Working Positively
The spoken Word of God which came to the widow of Zarephath through Elijah in 1st Kings 17:14 is a case in point; it says: “For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.”
We see the power in this spoken word, working positively in 1st King 17:16: “And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.”

2. Spoken Word, Working Negatively
Elijah spoke concerning the shameful death of the wicked King Ahab in 1st King 21:19 and the wonder-working power of the spoken word produced the negative effect of Ahab’s death in 1st Kings 22:38.

1. Attributes of the Power in the Word of God
a) Transformation:
Acts 20:32 KJV: And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

The Word of God is powerful enough to uplift and change us fundamentally. It holds the ability to transform our hearts and lead us to a meaningful life. Just like Isaiah 55:11 mentions, God's word will never return void but will fulfil His will and achieve the purpose for which it was sent. One effective way to experience this transformation is through the gathering of believers, as Hebrews 10:25 advises us not to neglect the fellowship of fellow believers but to encourage one another especially as the coming of the Lord draws near.

This gathering is ordained by God to provide an opportunity for us to encounter His Spirit and understand His ways. It is a chance to witness and experience the divine power among His people, revealing the endless possibilities of what God can do through us. Therefore, we must resist any distractions that divert our focus from the deep message in His word and embrace the teachings and blessings that come with being part of believers.

The Word of God is the foundation that constructs and assigns roles to individuals in their spheres of influence. Each of us will hold a position through the word of God as evidence of our resilience in our relationship with God. It all begins with our love for God and gradually leads us to pursue Him with unwavering faith. God then allows us to experience various stages of growth and transformation until we reach our ultimate purpose. It is our perseverance that propels us towards our ultimate destination. Therefore, we must cultivate a deep appreciation for the word of God. Through this transformation, we start to realize our true potential. As believers, we are unable to maximize our potential without the divine power of the word, which brought everything into existence. Disobeying God's word is akin to placing oneself in harmful ways. Those who defy His teachings will only cause chaos for themselves now and in the hereafter. Just as a machine malfunctions when used incorrectly, going against the word of God will lead to destruction.

2. Restorative and Curative Power of the Word
Given that all things were created by the powerful word of God, it is evident that this word has the ability to mend and renew the things it brought into existence. The book of Psalms, in chapter 107
verse 20, highlights the healing and delivering power of God's Word:

"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

It is therefore not surprising that God places great importance on following His word. The book of Genesis, in chapter 1 verse 2, illustrates that before God's creative word went into action, the earth was formless, empty, and chaotic. However, with the mighty power of His word, the earth took shape. This teaches us that when we feel hopeless and life seems directionless, allowing God's word to work in our lives will bring about positive change. When God commanded light to exist, light appeared. Those who live by God's word do not dwell in darkness, as Jesus is the Word of God and the Light of the world (John 8:12). When Jesus enters your life, emptiness is replaced with fulfilment. For individuals struggling with depression and mental health issues, who may have never experienced joy, allowing Jesus, the living word of God, to reside within them will cure and restore them.

b) The Power of the Word of God Brings Wealth
Read Luke 5:4-7
So as a fisherman, Peter laboured all through the night, without catching any fish, but when he allowed Jesus into his boat, he had a net-breaking and boat-sinking catch of fish in the same place where he had earlier laboured and caught nothing. It is indeed God who gives power to get wealth, and this power is in His word (Deuteronomy 8:18, Joshua 1:8).
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

The light that God’s Word gives is available to anyone groping in darkness. Remember, darkness is harmful, and so we need the light of God’s word to illuminate our paths so that we do not stumble or fall in a ditch. Psalm 119:105 says: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

• Revelation: The Word of God reveals things we could not know otherwise, such as the nature of God, the origin of the world, the reason for human sinfulness, and what happens after death – In the book of revelation 1: 19 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

• Authority: Scripture is seen as the ultimate authority, useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

• Conviction: The Word of God convicts people of sin and points them to God’s grace and redemption through Christ. In John 16:8 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

• Guidance: It serves as a guide for living a life that is pleasing to God, offering wisdom and direction for every situation. In Prov. 20:24 24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

• Endurance: The teachings of the Bible have endured through centuries, influencing countless lives and shaping societies. In Isaiah 42:16 - 16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

• Sanctification: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Eph 5:26)

CONCLUSION
The power of the Word of God often emphasizes its ability to transform lives, guide believers, and reveal divine truths. Brethren, let us embrace the infallible word of God today, and it will do us good. God bless!

Contributor: Esther Alajiki

INTRODUCTION
Life is the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body. A principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings. An organismic state Characterized by Capacity for Metabolism, Growth, Reaction to Stimuli, And Reproduction.

John 1:4-5
“4 In Him was LIFE [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the LIGHT of men. 5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. AMP

In Jesus we have the embodiment of both life and light. The word John uses for life is Zoe this refers to life as God has it. The essence of life not limited by time or death. John uses this word light 21 times in His Gospel. Jesus said on two occasions, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12, 9:5 NIV).

The Rabbis used light as a name for the Messiah that was promised to come. Reference to Jesus as the light is the proclamation of His divine identity and mission – as the long awaited Messiah also meaning that Jesus is God.

Jesus has brought us physical life but He wants to give us eternal life. John 3:16 and abundant life John 10:10 - life beyond our wildest dreams. “In Him we live and move and have our being”. Jesus is the True Life, he is the source of spiritual life. He is the true vine (Jn15:1). We need to be attached to him to be alive spiritually (Eph2:1.) We get attached to Him as we listen to His Words. We need to remain in Him to stay alive spiritually. We remain in Jesus not just by going to church, but as we personally remain in His Words and in His love (Jn15:7,9). Just as a branch draws on the vine’s life source, we need to depend on Jesus personally and draw on the source of spiritual life that only He can give and apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn15:5b).

Life and light is possible only for those who believe in the name of Jesus Christ, following the ways of the world is death. His life is light because it shows us where we came from and where we’re going back to. His life is light because it gives us hope in a world full of darkness. His light gives us life.
I John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

“The life was the light of men” As Light He gives us sight. (Jn 12:46, John 9:39). Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12. Jesus brings us the light that restores us from spiritual death and darkness John 9:39. The real blind are those who think they see outside of Jesus’ light.

While on manoeuvres, a battleship lookout noted a light in the dark, foggy night. After noting the light's coordinates, the captain recognized his ship was on a collision course with the other vessel. The captain instructed, "Signal the ship: We are on a collision course; advise you change course 20 degrees." The return signal countered, "Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees." The captain signalled, "I'm a captain, change course 20 degrees." The response was, "I'm a seaman second class, you'd better change your course 20 degrees." By this time the captain was furious. His signal curtly ordered, "I'm a battleship. Change course 20 degrees." The reply: "I'm a lighthouse. You make your decision."

Discussion: Characteristics of having life

• Capacity for Metabolism - ingestion, digestion absorption and excretion
• Growth – developing into maturity is what guarantees bearing of fruits
• Reaction to Stimuli – living in the world and not conforming to the world
• Reproduction – Making disciples and increasing the kingdom

John 3:19 "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil."

CONCLUSION
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Follow thou Me. I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6
“MY CHILD, the more you depart from yourself, the more you will be able to enter into Me. As the giving up of exterior things brings interior peace, so the forsaking of self unites you to God. I will have you learn perfect surrender to My will, without contradiction or complaint. Follow Me. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Without the Way, there is no going. Without the Truth, there is no knowing. Without the Life, there is no living. I am the Way which you must follow, the Truth which you must believe, the Life for which you must hope. I am the inviolable Way, the infallible Truth, the unending Life. I am the Way that is straight, the supreme Truth, the Life that is true, the blessed, the uncreated Life. If you abide in My Way you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free, and you shall attain life everlasting. (Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis)
Wise people realign their priorities to Christ and develop disciplines that will help them to pursue the light and bring others to the light.

Contributor: Wale Abiona

INTRODUCTION
Last week’s study demonstrated to us that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Word, the Word is life and spirit. The Word knows everything about the Father and reveals deep mysteries of God to us. By the Word we understand the Love of the Father, demonstrated through the Son. We concluded with the question “do you love the Word?”
In today’s study we want to show how Jesus Christ, the Word, and God are the same through biblical instances and see if “the Word” is an appropriate description of God.
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”

Jesus Christ, the Word, and God are the same.
The following scriptures quoted of God and spoken by Christ show that both are the same. They bear the same Name and have the same glory, the same wisdom and knowledge.

John 17:5 - And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

1 Corinthians 1:24 - but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Colossians 2:2-3 - that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Biblical Instances
In the following Bible passages, God appeared in Word-Form
1. In the burning bush Exodus 3:3-4
2. On mount Horeb 1 Kings 19:12-13
3. On the road to Damascus Acts 3:3-4

Is “the Word” an appropriate description of God?
There may be some, who consider “the Word” not to be an appropriate description of God. Indeed, the Word is an appropriate description of God.
• The Word is inexhaustible, and God is infinite. Romans 11:33
• The Word is visible, so is God. Hebrews 11:2-4
• The Word is a mystery and God is unsearchable. Job 11:7; Job 23:8-9.
• All great decisions are expressed or executed by the written or spoken Word, and God is the great Decider who created things by His spoken Word. Deut.32:39
• The word comes from the hidden parts of man and God knows even the hidden thoughts of man. 1 Chronicles 28:9
• The Word fills the world and still resides in man, so is God. Genesis 1:3-26; 2:7 Then God said, “Let there be light, a firmament, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered, Let the earth bring forth grass, Let the earth bring forth the living creature and Let Us make man in Our image. Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. John 15:4

CONCLUSION
Now that we have seen why God chose the title “the Word” there remains one pertinent question: how can we walk with an unseen friend?
Genesis 6:9 gives us the clue. Do you want to walk with God? Are you determined to live a perfect life? Let us talk to the “Word” about it.

Contributor: Tobi Morakinyo

INTRODUCTION
The phrase "the Word of God" or "the Word of the Lord" has a number of different meanings in Scripture: (1) The spoken Word of God – personally spoken by God when addressing humans (Genesis 2:16-17), making a decree (e.g., Genesis 1:1-3), or spoken through His prophets/priests or Jesus Christ. (2) The written Word of God - has divine inspiration but human authorship, e.g., the Bible and Spirit-inspired books (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (3) Incarnate or The living Word of God i.e. The Word - This is the Word of God made flesh and lived among us (human), that is Jesus Christ, and this is who we will be studying more closely. May the Word Himself speak to our hearts tonight in His Name. Amen.

The Word and the Spirit
• Who is the Word? John 1:1-2. Jesus is the word of God, and a man is known by His words.
• How can we explain that Jesus is the Son of God? John 1:14. Jesus has a divine, incorruptible, and eternal origin, he existed at the beginning with God, the glory He showed is not ordinary but divine as of the begotten of the Father.
• How do we account for the Holy Spirit in the Trinity? I John 5:7. The Holy Spirit is the Breath of God and both the Holy Spirit, and the Word quickens.
• How then is Jesus equal to the Holy Spirit? John 6:63, Psalms 119:50. The Word and the Holy Spirit are the same.
• How do we know that Holy Spirit loves Jesus? John 16:13-14. We know that the Holy Spirit loves Christ because He glorifies Him.

The Unchanging Word
• Can God’s Word change? Isaiah 40:8. God’s word cannot change because Christ, the Word, changes not and is eternal.
• Give some of His unchangeable Words? Isaiah 9:6, Hebrew 13:8, Isaiah 53:5,Acts 1:8,and John 9:31. Some of His unchangeable words are that we are already healed, the Holy Ghost is available for us to empower us, and sinner’s prayers will not be answered unless they repent.

Result of the Word of God being from the beginning?
• What are some of the results of the facts that “the Word was with God from the beginning? John 14:8-11, John 9:4 , John 14:24, Matthew 11:27, John 17:25, John 3:35, John 17:26. The outcome of the Word being with God from the beginning includes:

(a) Intimacy in outlook in works and words

(b) deep and total knowledge of each other and

(c) deep love and trust of each other.

• How can we know the mysteries of God? We can know the mysteries of God by

(a) Revelation (Amos 3:7)

(b) nearness to Christ, the Word (John 15:15), and

(c) through the baptism in the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.2:9-10)

• How can we demonstrate our love for the Word? John 14:21, Matt.5:16, John 15:8, John 4:24.

We too can demonstrate our love for Christ by keeping His commandments and glorying Him

CONCLUSION
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Word, the Word is life and spirit. The Word knows everything about the Father and reveals deep mysteries of God to man. And you know that the Word loves you, but do you love the Word? Do you glorify Him in your words, thoughts, and deeds? Would you love to start doing so from now on?

Contributor: Wilson Imade

INTRODUCTION
In the previous study we studies about the power of God. This week, we want to study about His wisdom because power can be dangerous in the hand of a fool. There are all sorts of wisdom but true, pure beneficial and divinely approved wisdom comes from God only, Daniel 2:20.
“20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. 21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. 22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.”

1.DIVINE WISDOM IS A GOLD MINE
The spirit of the Lord that gives power is also the same that gives wisdom, understanding, knowledge and the fear of God. However, the scriptures confirm that Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This proves that the holy spirit and Jesus Christ are one and there is only one God. The wisdom of God is like gold mine the deeper you dig, the richer you become. Which implies that the more you know of Christ, the wiser you become because Jesus Christ is that " Gold mine" Isa.11:2, 1Cor.1:24

2.BUT THE HIGHEST WORDLY WISDOM FALLS SHORT OF THE "FOLLY" OF GOD
The wisdom is of this world is foolishness with God because (i) they are based on vanity and pursue vanity (ii) it eventually leads to destruction, so that what men call the foolishness of God is still wiser than the wisdom of men. For one thing, God can destroy the wisdom of men, but men cannot destroy the wisdom of God. Worldly wisdom is sensual and devilish, but divine wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle, patient, merciful, good, impartial and straightforward. 1 cor.3:19-20, 1 Cor.1:25, Isa.29:14, Jer.4:22, Jam.3:15-17, Rom.1:22

3.TRUE WISDOM IS A VERY PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD
True wisdom is worth more than gold, silver, pearls, and rubies. That is why Divine wise man is a happy man. True wisdom is in the same category as light, which is understandable since Jesus the wisdom of God, is also the light of the world. A wise man is stronger than them mighty men, hence when God gives a man wisdom; no one will be able to resist him. Consequently, if you cannot get anything else from God be
sure you get wisdom from Him. Job 28:12-19, Prov.8:11, Eccl.2:13, Eccl.7:12, Eccl.2:26, Luke 21:15, Dan.2:21, James 1:5, Prov.4:7

4.IT IS EASY TO RECOGNISE A MAN WHO LACKS WISDOM
Some of the signs of a man devoid of wisdom are (i) unwillingness to acknowledge God as Supreme, (ii) inability to accept correction, (vi) love of arguments, (vii) meddling in other people's affairs, (viii) trusting his own abilities, (ix) acquiring wealth by fraudulent means, (x) crookedness or hypocrisy, and (xi) living as if everything ends in this world. Ps.53:1, Prov.10:18, Prov.14:9, Prov.19:6, Prov.20:3, Jer.17:11, Luke 11:39-40

5.IT IS ALSO EASY TO RECOGNISE A WISE MAN
Some of the signs of a wise man are (i) he fears God, (ii) he puts into practice whatsoever he learns from the scriptures, (iii) he searches the scriptures constantly to discover how God wants him to live, (iv) he is a man of few words (v) he is considered a fool by those who have worldly wisdom. Job28:28, 32:7, Matt.7:24, I Cor.2:6, I Cor.12:8, I Cor.3:18, II Tim.3:15, Eccl.5:3,Pro.15:2, Prov.12:23.

6.GOD'S TRAP FOR THE WORLDY WISE IS THEIR WISDOM
God's way of catching the wise man of this world is by turning their wisdom to foolishness, spoiling their grand designs while God ultimately has the last laugh. Examples in the bible include Samson versus the Philistines, David versus Goliath, King Saul and the witch of Endor, David versus Nathan, Haman versus Mordecai, the case of Gehazi and Saul's journey to Damascus. Judges 16:23-24, Isaiah 17:43-51, Isa.28:7-19, Isa.12:14, Esther 7:9-10, II kings 5:20-27, Acts 1:7-22. Are you on His side or in His trap.

CONCLUSION
To become a wise man or woman we must become “a fool” in the hand of God.1st Corinthians 1:24-28 tells us that God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Matthew 7:24- 27 tells us the difference between a wise and a foolish man. Therefore we must choose to obey and do whatever God says so that we can be counted as wise.

Contributor: Clem Roberts

INTRODUCTION
"The Power of God" is an immensely profound and multifaceted concept that holds deep significance across all spheres. Numerous individuals assert to possess power, yet their claims are deceptive. Some contend that governmental authority holds sway, but this notion is misguided. Others proclaim that Satan wields power, yet this assertion is unfounded. In truth, there exists only one being vested with true power, and that being is none other than God Almighty, as affirmed in Psalm 62:11

“God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.”

TRUE POWER BELONGS TO GOD ONLY
All power, without exception, resides solely with God, for He is infinitely mighty. God acts according to His sovereign will; none can oppose or restrict Him. He possesses the authority to liberate from any captor, yet none can emancipate themselves from His dominion. His power can be employed to aid or obstruct, to bestow wealth and honour, as indicated in Matthew 6:13, Matthew 28:18, Psalm 115:3, Psalm 135:6, Daniel 3:17, Isaiah 43:13, 2 Chronicles 25:8, and 1 Chronicles 29:12.

SATAN HAS NO POWER
Satan possesses no inherent power, yet he is exceedingly crafty. His strategy primarily involves inducing his victims to rebel against the omnipotent God. This tactic led to the troubles of the children of Israel in the wilderness, the downfall of Samson, and the near ruin of David. However, in the Name of Jesus, we are shielded from his destructive influence, as we remain vigilant against his deceitful schemes, as stated in James 1:13-15, Numbers 22:15-18, Numbers 23:7-11, Numbers 20:23-26, Numbers 24:8-10, 15-19, Numbers 25:1-5, 9, Judges 16:6, 19:21, 2 Samuel 12:7-13, 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, and Ephesians 6:11.

GOD POSSESSES THE ABILITY TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING
God possesses boundless power, capable of accomplishing anything; there is absolutely nothing beyond His reach. What humanity deems impossible, God effortlessly achieves. As the sovereign ruler of all creation, He can enable even an elderly woman to conceive and give birth. Having fashioned the earth and the heavens out of nothing, He has the ability to bring forth offspring from stones. His capacity exceeds our boldest requests, as affirmed in Luke 1:37, Job 42:2, Matthew 19:26, Genesis 18:13-14, Jeremiah 32:17, 27, Luke 3:8, and Ephesians 3:20. 

Divine Attributes of God’s Power - The power of God is usually associated with traits such as all-powerfulness (omnipotence), all-knowingness (omniscience), and allpresence(omnipresence). These attributes emphasize the limitless nature of God's power, knowledge, and presence. These attributes can further characterised God as:
• The Creator and Sustainer
• God of Miracles and Divine Intervention
• God of Transformation and Healing
• God of Guidance and Protection
• Our Salvation and Redemption
• Our Faith and Devotion

GOD HAS THE POWER TO PREVENT ANY WILLING CHRISTIAN FROM STUMBLING
The Scriptures affirm that God's word assures us of His abundant power to establish us in the gospel and guide us safely to our eternal home. He is capable of preserving us from stumbling and can save us completely. Furthermore, since He possesses all power while the enemy possesses none, any obedient child of God is assured of ultimate victory at all times. This truth is emphasized in Romans 16:25-27, Jude verse 24, Hebrews 7:25, Luke 10:19, and Psalm 91:1, 7, 13-16.

THE POWER OF GOD HAS THE ABILITY TO TRANSFORM ANY INDIVIDUAL
The sole means by which an individual may partake in God's power is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. By this divine empowerment, a believer can accomplish remarkable feats for God. The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals such as Samson, Elijah, Elisha, Peter, Stephen, and Paul, who operated in the power of the Holy Spirit. Since God shows no partiality and remains consistent in His nature, what He has done for others, He is equally capable of doing for us if we earnestly desire it. References to this truth can be found in Micah 3:8, Acts 1:8, Zechariah 4:6, Romans 15:18-19, Judges 14:5-6, 19, Judges 15:14-15, 1 Kings 18:46, 2 Kings 2:9-12, Acts 5:12-16, Acts 6:8, 15, Acts 9:17-22, Acts 19:11-12, Acts 10:34, and Hebrews 13:8.

CONCLUSION
Ultimately, the power of God is a deeply personal and transcendent reality that inspires awe, reverence, and humility in those who seek to understand and experience it. It is a source of comfort, strength, and hope for believers, guiding them on their spiritual journey and offering reassurance of divine love and providence.

Contributor: Okwudili Prince Isaac

INTRODUCTION
The glory of God can be akin to the display of His magnificence. It could also mean praise and honour being showered upon His great name. Indeed, it is impractical to fully define God’s glory in human words simply because of His infinite perfection, infinite greatness, and infinite worth. It is the going-public of His holiness.
The scripture makes us understand that the glory of man is - at best, like the flower of grass, I Pet. 1:24, in fact Solomon (in his prime) did not compare favourably with lilies of the field, Mat. 6:28-29. Contrasts this with the glory of the Lord - a devouring fire, Exod. 24:17. If a sinner, not covered in the blood of the Lamb, should behold Him, the glory of His face alone will kill the sinner instantly, Exodus 33:18-23. But a saved soul will obtain a portion of this eternal Divine glory, II Timothy 2:10

The Brightness of Divine Glory
Saul of Tarsus saw the glory of God at noonday, and it was brighter than the noon-day sun. Apostle John saw Jesus in full glory and described His hair as whiter than earthly white, His eyes as flame of fire, His feet like brass in a furnace, His voice loud, deep and yet soft, His countenance as the radiance of the sun on a cloudless day. When the Apostles saw Him in glory, the very garments He wore changed colours, Acts 22:6, Rev 19: 11-12, Mark 9: 2-6

The Human Body is too Weak to Withstand His Glory
Whenever the glory of God appears to ordinary men, there are serious reactions. For example:
• I Kings 8:15-18; His glory drove out the priests in Solomon’s temple,
• Exod. 40:34-35: His glory prevented Moses from entering the tabernacle,
• Isaiah 6:1-5; It revealed the sinful state of Isaiah,
• Ezek. 1:26-28, Acts 9:3-4, Daniel 8:15-18, Rev. 1:17; His glory knocked down Ezekiel and Saul of Tarsus, and knocked out Daniel and John the Revelator.
• Leviticus 16:2; His glory can kill a careless priest.
• II Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 3:21; Indeed, our bodies must be changed to be able to fully enter His glory at His second coming.

Divine Glory Has Weight: The More Souls We Win The Heavier Our Glory
There are different kinds of glories, and one glory excels another. For instance, the glory of grace excels the glory of the law. Also, glory has weight, and some are heavier than other. And since one condition for obtaining glory is winning souls, it follows therefore that the more souls we win, the heavier will be our weight of
glory. I Cor.15:40-41, II Cor.3:5-11, II Cor.4:17, I Thess.2:19-20, Daniel 12:3, John 15:8.

Believers Can Share in the Divine Glory
Since everything about God is glorious, His holiness, His works, the honour of His majesty, His gospel, His liberty, His power, and His appearing, it follows that His church must be glorious too. Which means that believers, who constitute His Church, must share in His glory. But there are conditions to be satisfied before we can share in His glory apart from being born again. Some of them are - we must.
a) Be holy (Eph.5:27)
b) Suffer with Him (I Pet.4:12-14, Rom.8: 17, 21)
c) Win souls (Matt.19:28)
d) Be wise (Titus 2:13, Prov.3:35)
e) Be full of good works (Matt.13:43)
f) Keep our body, souls, and spirit pure (I Corin 6:20).

We Can Bring His Glory Down Today
To bring down the glory of God at any time, all we need to do is praise Him. But all who presents themselves must do so in one accord i.e. with one heart and mind and with the same purpose in view. In Spirit and Truth. Also, if we purpose to offer praise Him in the first instance, we must proceed gloriously. Ps.50:23, II Chron.5:13-14, Rom.15:6, Ps.66:2.

CONCLUSION
In the Old Testament after Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai, he returned to his people and his face glowed from being in God’s presence. His face was glowed so much a veil had to be placed over his visage.
Today, we have access to the very presence of God, but in a better way than Moses. Moses experienced the glory of God for a moment and eventually that radiance faded away. However, we have God’s spirit indwelling us so that radiance never ceases. God’s presence doesn’t just visit and depart; God’s presence is ever ‘s with us because He’s indwelling. As we surrender more and more to the Holy Spirit we become more of the trophy of God’s grace and the evidence of God’s glory within us will radiate to everything (and person) around us.
Welcome to a glorious life.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
In the first quarter of this year we have been considering the benefits of walking with God. So far we have considered the following: “Being known by God”, “Having access to God”, Enjoying the: “(Peace, Joy, Love) of God” and today, as we begin a new quarter, we will be considering “The Mercy of God”.
Mercy is underserved favour, it is a compassionate or forgiving attitude shown towards someone who deserves punishment or judgment. The mercy of God is an act of grace and love that encompasses understanding and compassion even when justice might dictate otherwise. The mercies of God are great according to 2 Samuel 24:14.
"David said to Gad, 'I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.'"

BACKGROUND
In 2 Samuel 24:1-2, King David ordered a census of Israel and Judah, and God was not pleased. 1 Chronicles 21:1 tells us that it was the instigation of the enemy. It says: “Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.”
God was displeased because a man only had the right to count or number what belonged to him. Israel didn’t belong to David; Israel belonged to God. (Exodus 30:12). And so God gave David 3 options for his punishment. Two out of the three options meant that Israel would either be at the mercy of neighbouring countries (as in seven years of famine) or attacked by enemies (Flee three months before your enemies). So he chose the third option, (Three days’ plague in the land) - This would mean the death of some in Israel, but anyone could be struck by this plague – rich or poor, influential or anonymous, royal or common. He chose this option because he knew that God was far more merciful and gracious than man.

This brings us to the first summation, that there are two categories of mercy, God’s (Divine) Mercy and Human Mercy.

PART 1: GOD’S MERCY
1. God’s Mercy is in Abundance
Ephesians 2:4-5 says: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
As a matter of fact His mercy is so plenteous, it fills the whole earth and goes beyond the heavens in height. (Psalm 119:64) “The earth, O LORD, is full of Thy mercy: Teach me thy statutes.”

2. God’s Mercy Never Comes to an End
To keep us alive, God renews His mercy day by day, because none of us really deserves to live due to our numerous sins. Lamentation 3:22-23 says: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Just imagine if God’s mercy one day comes to an end, what will be the fate of man? But thankfully, the mercy of God upon us lasts forever, (Psalms 106:1) “Praise ye the LORD . O give thanks unto the LORD ; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.”

3. God Delights in Showing us Mercy
He enjoys being merciful and hence forgives easily. None of us deserved to be saved and live eternally but for the mercy of God. (Micah. 7:18) “Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy”

God’s Mercy Manifests in:
1. Forgiveness of Sins: Walking with God allows individuals to experience His mercy through the forgiveness of sins. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

2. Protection and Deliverance: Those who walk with God often experience His mercy through protection and deliverance from harm. Psalm 91:4-5 affirms this: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day."

3. Renewed Strength and Comfort: Walking with God enables individuals to experience His mercy through the renewal of strength and comfort in times of difficulty. Isaiah 40:31 states, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

4. Guidance and Wisdom: Those who walk with God receive His mercy through guidance and wisdom in making decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

PART 2: HUMAN MERCY
Matthew 18:23-34 tells us about the parable of the unforgiving servant. Verses 32-34, reveals God’s expectation “32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt"
James 2:13 says “For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment”

We are expected as humans, not just being recipients of God’s mercy only, but to be merciful to others as well. Walking with God, requires that we become like Him. (Luke 6:36.)

Mercy obeys the law of harvest: if you sow mercy, you will reap mercy. If you show no mercy you will receive none. Each time you let offences committed against you go unrevenged you will inherit a blessing. Besides, being merciful is a sign that you are a true Son of God. (Matthew 5:7)

Showing mercy doesn’t always come naturally. So how can we be merciful as we walk with God? By:

1. Being patient with people: How do you become more patient with your kids, spouse, coworkers, or friends? Ask God for His wisdom. The Bible says in James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is . . . peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy” (NLT).

2. Helping anyone around you who is hurting: You cannot love your neighbor as yourself without being merciful. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it” (GNT)—and “do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:8 NIV).

3. Giving people a second chance: When somebody hurts us, we normally want to get even or write that person off. But the Bible says, “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others . . . Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV).

4. Doing good and being kind to those who hurt you: Mercy is giving people what they need, not what they deserve, because that’s what God does with us: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back . . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36 NIV), Jude 1:22-23 says, “Show mercy to those who have doubts . . . even though you are afraid that you might be stained by their sinful lives” (GW).

You’ve got to be more interested in winning people to Christ than in winning the argument.

OBTAINING MERCY
1. Approach God’s throne with confidence in the Blood: Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
2. Show Mercy to Others: Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
3. Cry Out for Mercy: Luke 18:35-38 “As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

CONCLUSION
When we walk with God, we become candidates of this plenteous mercy of God! (Psalm 103:8). “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” We receive forgiveness of sins when we repent, we experience protection and deliverance from harm, we received renewed strength and are guided by His wisdom.

Contributor: Dolapo Olaoye

INTRODUCTION
In the last bible study, we looked at “The Joy of the Lord”. We learnt that only those who love the Lord and obey the Lord in all things can express the Joy of the Lord. We also learnt that the Joy of the Lord is our strength and saw how we could experience the fullness of the Joy of the Lord. We concluded that God did not promise that circumstances and situations will not arise that could try to rob us of his Joy but that he would overcome the world (John 16:33).

This week, we will look at The LOVE of God - we’ll be looking into God’s love, and the meaning of true love and its advantages. As we cannot define God, we cannot provide an inclusive account of who he is - Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us…” 1John 3:1. So, since God is incomprehensible, then so is his LOVE (a divine love). While we may and must speak truthfully about his love, we can never measure it. God’s love is unique, universal, unmerited, and personal. It’s saving, sacrificial and giving yet requiring only one thing - our faith.

John 3 Verse 14-17:
“14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[b] 16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

What is Love?
Love is complicated, it could be very difficult! Paul wrote a whole chapter about Love alone (It endures all things, it seeks not its own, …. greatest of things is love) – Faith, hope and love – the greatest of these is Love. And while you can get Faith good and hope good, sometimes we can get trouble with the Love.
Love will make you do things that you said you will never do. Love will make you ignore things that you thought you could never ignore because love has a way of surviving pain.
Even though the heart is strong, God knew to protect the heart. The heart is designed in such a way that the rib case helps to protect the organs in the chest such as the heart, the lungs from damage. God knew to protect the physical heart – even though the heart is strong, it is vulnerable.

God’s Love.
If I am to become the heart of God, that means I must be as strong as I am vulnerable! If I lose either one of them, I cease to represent the heart of God, if I go for the strong and don’t reflect the vulnerable, I do not reflect the heart of God! Am mistaken on the wrong identity of been a strong woman, a strong man – yes, but you are hard! And if we are hard, we are not like God because God gives us the hint that you must be strong enough to keep pumping but vulnerable enough that you have to be protected!

In the spirit realm, God wants us to guide our hearts for out of your hearts flows the issues of life and what he is talking about is “guide your spirit” because he doesn’t have a rib cage around your spirit! So, you have to stand guide over your heart! Who you let in and who you let out, what you let flow out of your heart. That’s where your creativity comes from, that’s where your endurance comes from that’s where the power to fulfil your vision come from. Out if your heart! Not your head, not your degree, not your intellect, not your vocabularies but out of your heart, flows the issues of life!

Who Exactly Does God Love?
When John wrote here about God, he says “God so loved the world” It would have been enough to say God love because God is Love! But he says that God so loved.
Peter said, I pray that you might know the love of God which passes all understanding. God said, I have loved you, with an everlasting love – I loved you when you were drunk, I loved you when you were high, I loved you when you were wicked, I loved you when you were evil, I loved you when you were stealing, I loved you when you were in the homeless shelter, I loved you when you were in jail, I loved you when you didn’t have food to eat, God so loved the world! It didn’t say that God so loved the church, it didn’t say God so loved the Christian, it didn’t say God so loved the believers, it says that God so loved the world!
God’s love will climb over on top of walls! It will grab a ladder up and reach them! It doesn’t matter what we think, we may not like the person, we may lock them out! But God loves even your enemies because they are God’s child too and GOD LOVES THEM! God feel in-love with the world whom he says its heart is continually wicked and every imagination in it is evil and still! God so loved the world!
We didn’t earn God’s love – God doesn’t love you because you are smart, or because you are talented. God told Jeremiah, before I formed you in the belle, I knew you and ordained you and sanctified you. Before you opened your mouth to cry or learn your first note or read the bible, God loved you! While you were living in sin, God loved you! While you were in the gutter, God loved you.

God so loved the world – It is the heartbeat of the gospel. If you don’t understand this, then you have arms, and legs and feet and toes and eyes and head but no heart – the heart of the gospel itself is in John 3:16: God so loved the world.

Having a Deeper Look at the Love of God.
The truth is Satan, knew the love of God so he wanted to get against God because he knew God loved man and hated sin and as long as what God loved (which is man), was separate from that which God hated (which is sin), God had no problem in his own emotions but if he could get man to sin, then man would be filled with what God hated and put God in a dilemma that if he reacted to what he hated, he would kill what he loved. That if reacted to what he loved, then he would have to love what he hated! The devil basically put what God hates (sin) in what God loves (us – the world) and literally asked God “how do you like them now?”

God warned Adam – he said the day you eat of the tree; you will surely die! And so now God is in a dilemma: “Do I come into the garden now and kill him? – but I love him!”. So, the doctrine of substitution was born in the dilemma that Satan placed God in. God spent time trying to figure out how to save what he loves and kill what he hates. God called and said, “Adam where art thou?” but Adam is hiding….

God still had to fix it, He knew man couldn’t fix the mess man made (by listening to Satan instead of listening to God)! He knew they couldn’t get themselves out of this, Adam couldn’t sew anything that would cover him well enough to make him righteous enough and so even in his sin, God helped him to cover up. God didn’t want to kill Adam because He loved him and of course there was consequences for his sin which he face.

What to do with the Love of God
GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD – According to Hebrews 10:3-10 (read): God’s blood is God’s Love. The price he paid to Love you! When we think of passion, we think of pleasure! when God thinks of passion, he thinks of pain! When I think of love, I think of wonderful feelings, when God thinks of love, he thinks of bruises – bruised for our iniquities… and by his stripes we are healed. Not just healed but made whole. To go from healed to whole, you must come back! Coming back to say thank you, thank you for how you changed my life, thank you for how you picked me, thank you for how you looked over my sins, thank you for how you made a way of escape, thank you for how you loved the unlovable, touched the untouchable, redeemed the unredeemable – I owe you the praise! God took BRUISES for you! – he took my bruises!! There is a love that endures all things! – It will never back away, it is The Love of God!

The Love of God is shared in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. The only way to love like God, is to be filled with God and when you get filled with God, you can love like God. When you are really filled with the Holy Ghosts, its not just you speaking in tongues. Some of the real sign of been filled with the Holy Ghost is:
• when you love your neighbour.
• when you love people who mistreated you.
• when you people after they have done you wrong.

You may have to love people at a distance, but you still love them! You don’t become God’s disciple by wearing long dresses, by not wearing makeup etc.
• You are God’s disciple when the LOVE of God affects how you treat the people around you.
• You are God’s disciple when you learn how to forgive!
• You are God’s disciple when you can’t hold a grudge.
• You are God’s disciple when you love people who you have nothing to gain from.
• You are God’s disciple when you don’t get anything back out of it but you still do it anyway!
• You are God’s disciple when you serve!
• You are God’s disciple when you carry the bruises of LOVE!

CONCLUSION
John 3:16 is a famous verse and it is important because it tells us about the unconditional love that God has for his creation, it teaches us about the sacrifice God made for us, and it helps us understand the eternal implications of being a follower of Jesus. The verse affirms who Jesus is, why he came to earth, and what belief in him results in. This verse depicts how great God’s love for the world is that he would be willing to offer up his son for us, which was a huge sacrifice on God’s part. It is because of God’s sacrificial love that believers gain eternal life.
True love always gives. Not only did God give His Son Jesus Christ, in Him also He gives a new life - eternal life. Everlasting life doesn’t just refer to our life without end, but a life with God in heaven for-ever. It is the life of God one possesses, new life that can relate to God. That is what we need -we were dead in sins and trespasses but made us alive together with Christ by His grace (Eph 2:1, 5).

Contributor: Ayomide Oladipo

INTRODUCTION
Last week we looked at the topic “The peace of God”. In the study we learned that ‘the peace of God is the calmness that the body, mind and spirit experience through the trusting in the power and grace of God.’ During the discussion we learned that one of the characters of God is peace - Roman 15:33, and the way live experientially a life of peace is to submit everything to God in prayer according to Philippians 4: 4-7.
Today we would be looking at the topic “The Joy of the Lord”.
The word JOY is versatile in its meaning. Its versatility means that it is not limited to a single definition, it encompasses a wide range of emotion, experience and interpretation and the form and intensity by which it manifest is dependent on individual perspective. However, literally, JOY is generally defined as a feeling of gladness, happiness, and great pleasure.
There are different types of Joy for example, true joy, false joy, lasting joy, ephemeral joy (joy that is transient/ temporary), but the best and most enduring type of JOY comes from the Lord.’

Today we would contrast all other types of JOY with ‘the JOY of the Lord’, also discuss the link between ‘the JOY of the Lord’ and ‘the peace of God’.

The JOY of the Lord
1 Peter 1:8-9: “Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls”.

The JOY of the Lord can simply be defined as the kind of JOY that ‘The Lord’ gives. Unlike other types of JOY, the Joy of the Lord is not a feeling, it is an expression, this type of Joy is not transient, it is a product of an acceptance of the God’s love to mankind.

Who can express the Joy of the Lord?
1.Those who love the Lord: According to (John 14:28) “You have heard how I saidunto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice,because I said, I go unto the father, for my father is greater than I”, the joy of the lordis available to those who love the Lord. Who loves the lord? Those that have acceptedJesus as their Lord and saviour.

2.Those who obey the Lord in all things: According to (John 15:10-11) “10. If yekeep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my father’scommandments and abide in his love 11. These things have I spoken unto you, thatmy joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full, the fulness of the Lord’sjoy is in those who obey him in all things.
What role does the Joy of the lord plays in a believers live?

The Joy of the Lord is our strength.
Nehemiah 8: 10 “Then he said unto them, go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The primary role of the JOY of the Lord in the life of a believer is to strengthen us. Other forms of JOY can excite, can cause someone to be cheerful but only the JOY of the Lord strengthen. The source of this JOY is Christ himself, As earlier established that the JOY of the lord is not a feeling but an expression, believers that have accepted the finished work of Jesus are able to express it because they no longer depend on their own righteousness or circumstances around them to have JOY, and because of the absolute finished work of Christ, this believers are always strengthened.

2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
It is important to know that it is not by power or might or human works are believers strengthened by ‘the JOY of the Lord’ it is by accepting that it is in him we live and move and have our being, so even when we are weak or fall short, we still can rejoice as apostle Paul say that he glory in his weakness, so that he can experience the power of God.
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
The Spirit of God is the source of our Joy and strength, nothing qualifies us to express the JOY of the Lord but by receiving of the Lord as our Saviour.

Discussion: Can a believer share ‘The Joy of the Lord’ with another person? Isaiah 61:1

Experiencing the fullness of the JOY of the Lord
Psalm 16:11 “11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life, in thy presence is fulness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
The presence of the Lord is where fullness of Joy is. In Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”, the psalmist here understood that the presence of God is a place where he experiences the fulness of JOY of the Lord. God does not intend for us to only experience fullness of Joy when we converge within the walls of a church alone, it is his desire that our Joy is always full. How do we have this fullness of JOY every time, anywhere, it is by dwelling in the secret place of the most high - Psalm 91.

There is no place more delightful than the secret place of the Lord. Through consistent prayer, we are transformed to not only dwell in the presence of the Lord, but to carry the presence of the Lord within us that everywhere we go as believers, people can physically connect to the presence of God within us. Jer.15:16 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremaiah here testifies of what meditating on the word of God did to him (Gave him JOY)

Can this JOY be lost?
Psalm 24:3-6: “3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
A believer can indeed lose the JOY of the Lord in them when they yield to sin. As earlier established our source of JOY is the Lord through His spirit that works in us, however the devil does not want a believer to enjoy this JOY permanently, he is always looking for ways to rob a believer of access into the presence of God where we enjoy fullness of JOY. According to Psalm 15, a sinful and impure heart cannot ascend into the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 45:6-8: “8 But unto the Son he saith, thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

When a believer love iniquity and hates righteousness, such believer will anoint themselves with the oil of sadness.

How can it be restored?
Jeremiah 33:7-9 “7 And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. 8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. 9 And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise, and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.”

Our God is a Restorer, He is committed to forgive and restore His Joy unto anyone that lost it as He did to Judah, if they humble themselves, repent and turn back to God – 2 Chronicles 7:14. "14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Discussion: Can someone have “the peace of God’ without having ‘the Joy of the Lord’?

CONCLUSION
John 17:13 “And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” These was Jesus’s prayer before he left the world, which clearly shows that it is will and his prayer that we his children have his JOY in us.
He did not promise that circumstances and situations will not arise that would want to rob us his JOY, he however told us that he has overcome the world- John 16:33. Jesus paid the price for our JOY in him, this is the reason why it is not circumstance dependent, we can express it anytime any day by having faith in his finished work. While the peace of God is the calmness the body, mind and spirit experience through trusting in the power and grace of God, the JOY of the lord is an expression of gladness we experience as a result of our faith in his strength and grace.
Finally, we are also commissioned to show unbelievers the source of this JOY -Mark 16:15-16 “15 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Prayer: Father let your JOY continue to grow stronger in me in Jesus name.