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Thursday, March 15 2018
Introduction: We learnt how we lost our divine mandate through the first man Adam and how God, through well thought-out plan which could only have been the work of the only source of wisdom Himself, recovered this mandate through the one and only Jesus Christ our Lord and personal Saviour. Man regained his authority through Christ’s complete work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. We will go further today as we consider the derived benefit of becoming overcomers through this redemptive work of Christ in our study today.
To Overcome simply means to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something: So in other words, we can not be overcomers without facing or having hindrances to our advancements. The word Overcome means nothing without an Obstacle. So how did the obstacle come about? “And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel.” [Genesis 3:15 AMP] “Therefore rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them [in the presence of God]. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time [remaining]!” [Revelation 12:12 AMP]
“And war broke out in heaven, Michael [the archangel] and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought, but they were not strong enough and did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” [Revelation 12: 7-9 AMP] “ among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” [2 Corinthians 4:4 AMP] “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places”. [Ephesians 6:12 AMP]
“having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of legal demands [which were in force] against us and which were hostile to us. And this certificate He has set aside and completely removed by nailing it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross.” [Colossians 2:14-15 AMP] “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. And He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last[absolute Deity, the Son of God], and the Ever-living One [living in and beyond all time and space]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of [absolute control and victory over] death and of Hades (the realm of the dead).” [Revelation 1:17-18 AMP]
“Therefore, since [these His] children share in flesh and blood [the physical nature of mankind], He Himself in a similar manner also shared in the same [physical nature, but without sin], so that through [experiencing] death He might make powerless (ineffective, impotent) him who had the power of death—that is, the devil” [Hebrews 2:14 AMP] “even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” [Ephesians 2:6 AMP] “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” [Acts 2:34-35 NKJV] In order to consistently work in the victory that Christ has won for us, we must constantly walk in this knowledge that we are overcomers with Christ Jesus. Remember that 1 John 4: 4a uses the phrase “….and have overcome them” NOT “…will overcome”. It is a settled matter!!! Does that mean we will not experience set-backs? No. But, we must also be confidence of the truth that; “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. [Romans 8:28 AMP] What we consider as set-backs are mostly set-ups for a higher level or platform of operation. Hallelujah!. Remember, without oppositions, victory has no meaning. Conclusion: “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [Colossians 1:27] This is the mystery: Through the Holy Ghost, Christ indwells us, and we are the Body of Christ. He is the Head, and we are the Body. Now, can your head have one experience and your body another experience? No, it's impossible. In the same way, the Lord Jesus' victory is our victory. When He overcame demons and evil spirits and put them to nought, that's all marked down to our credit. Notice it says, "YE . . . have overcome them ..." (1 John4:4). Then why do people have so much trouble with evil spirits? Because of their wrong thinking! They don't know that in Christ, they've overcome demons and evil spirits. And because they don't know it, they don't act on it. But believers do have authority over Satan. They just need to believe and exercise that authority in every area of their lives, including the area of finances.
Part of this teaching was taken from “THE MIDAS TOUCH” by Kenneth E. Hagin Friday, March 09 2018
Contributor: Alex Alajiki INTRODUCTION: In our last bible study, on the 21st of February, we had revelational insight into Isa.1:19 “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land”. We saw that it is the will of God to make us enjoy the good of any land we are located.
The conditions are; willingness(submission) and obedience. We discovered that obedience and submission are two different things. Obedience is an action and submission is an attitude. Obedience can be outward but willingness is of the heart and God can see whether we are willingly obedient to Him.
It takes humility to submit to God’s authority in our life and to do what He says so that we can enjoy the good of the land. For obedience to accomplish its purpose, it must be complete. Partial obedience is disobedience before God.
To be willing and obedient implies keeping your motives pure. If a person's motive is not right, he needs to repent and make the necessary adjustments; because God is not going to bless someone whose motives are impure. To eat the good of the land, we must therefore be both willing and obedient. Kenneth Hagin’s story on his encounter with God based on Ias.1:19 is a classic.
This week, we are considering the area of authority given to man to exercise on earth to get his needs met.
1. God’s original Mandate: Gen.1:26-28 “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
When the Lord created Adam, Adam was in one sense the god of this world because God created the world and the fullness thereof and turned it over to him. Adam committed treason against God and handed over his authority to Satan. Now Adam didn't have a moral right to disobey God and sell out to Satan, but he had a legal right to do it.
“Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him[d] all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” Luk.4:5-7
Satan became the god of this world in place of Adam according to 2 Cor.4:4. His assignment is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He stole the dominion mandate from Adam when he fell from grace to grass(Rom.3:23).
Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time and said to Him, "All this authority will I give Thee and the glory of it, for it is delivered unto me." Who delivered it to him? Adam did!
Satan was using this mandate to control the world system and economy. The world and it fulness was created for Adam and not for Satan to control. Ps.50:10-12, Hag.2:8 “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.” God created the silver and the gold and they were created for His children to enjoy.
2. Jesus Recovered Our Dominion Mandate: Col.2:11-15
“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
After paying the full price for our salvation on the cross by His passion (crucifixion and death on the cross). Then He proceeded and disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Jesus made a show of principalities and powers openly. That is, He made a show of them before three worlds—Heaven, earth, and hell—triumphing over these powers through the Cross (Col. 2:15).
He boldly declared when He rose from the dead in Matt.28:18 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
3. Jesus restored our Authority to govern the earth; Col.1:12-14
“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, [c] the forgiveness of sins.”
We were restored to higher position from were Adam fell. We must use our God-given authority to enforce Satan's defeat and enjoy the blessings of God that we have in Christ, including financial prosperity.
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet [or able] TO BE PARTAKERS OF THE INHERITANCE OF THE SAINTS IN LIGHT. Colossians 1:12
Here is the inheritance of the saints in light that the Father gives because of Jesus' defeating Satan. Who [the Father] HATH DELIVERED US FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS, and HATH TRANSLATED US INTO THE KINGDOM OF HIS DEAR SON. Colossians 1:13
Jesus is not going to deliver us; He already has delivered us. The rest of that verse says, "...from the POWER of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Notice that word "power” which means authority. In other words, God hath delivered us from the authority or dominion of darkness. Well, what's the authority or dominion of darkness? That's Satan's kingdom.
We're in the world, all right. But we're not of the world (John 15:19). The whole world is in darkness, but God hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son (Col. 1:13)! That's our inheritance. Darkness represent poverty, sickness oppression and every evil in Satan’s domain. We are no longer in his domain. We are already translated into the kingdom of God and have authority over the kingdom of darkness according to Luke.10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
CONCLUSION We can use this authority and claim everything Satan stole from us and get our financial needs met. But we must learn to think and speak in line with what the Word says. We can have what the Word says we can have, and we are who the Word says we are. We are born of God! Jesus never lacks anything because He always exercise authority to get His needs met while He was physically on earth. We are presently His representatives on earth, and must operate with the same authority He gave us. “YE ARE OF GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” —1 John 4:4.
Part of this teaching was taken from “THE MIDAS TOUCH” by Kenneth E. Hagin. Thursday, February 22 2018
Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai INTRODUCTION: In the last study, we looked at “Qualifications for Walking in Prosperity.” We learnt that the “qualification” referred to in the title is the condition that must be fulfilled before the “right” of walking in prosperity can be acquired. We concluded that God wants us to prosper in every area of our lives but He does not want us to live our lives in misplaced priorities. And that our material and physical prosperity are hinged on our spiritual prosperity. Today’s study is titled; “The Good of the Land”. What do you think of when you hear the phrase, "the good of the land"? The Amplified versions refers to it as “the best of the land”; the NIV says: “the good things of the land.” To go to through today’s study, we shall be splitting this verse of scripture into two parts
I. THE OUTCOME: THE GOOD OF THE LAND What does THE GOOD OF THE LAND refer to?
“Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.”
1 Tim. 6:17: "As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Material blessing is a part of God’s goodness. He delights in our enjoyment of the increase of the earth. Jer.2:7 says: “And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof;”
In Gen.45:18-20, Pharaoh said to Joseph: “And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat of the fat of the land. Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.” And in Genesis 47:27, the Bible records that the Israelites gained possessions and acquired property there and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.
II. THE ACTION: WILLINGNESS AND OBEDIENCE Obedience and submission are two different things. Obedience is an action and submission is an attitude. God looks at our heart. He knows whether we are willing to obey Him or not. It takes humility to submit to God’s authority in our life and to do what He says. So, we must be submitted to God with all our heart and we must obey Him by doing everything He says to do. (a) Willingness: Willingness refers to us consenting in our wills to the Father. Mark 14:36 (NLT): “Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine" Willingness also refers to a desire to obey; not coerced, not cajoled! A willing spirit is what sustains us; keeps us from falling in life. David prayed in Psalm 51:12 (AMP): “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” (b) Obedience: Obedience here implies our being submissive in our actions. To be compliant with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority. Abraham was completely obedient. Genesis 12:4 says: “So, Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.:” James 1:22 (NIV) says: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Obedience implies doing what the Word of God says. 1 Kings 2:3 (NIV) says: “Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go” For obedience to accomplish its purpose, it must be complete. Partial obedience is disobedience
CONCLUSION God is the author and source of all the blessings in our lives. Psalm 50:10-11 says that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills; and all the animals of the field are His! It is Him who also causes the land to produce goodness. Psalm 85:12 “Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.” For us partake in eating the good of the land, we must be submitted, spirit, soul and body, to Him. God does not force His will on us; so, we must make the choice ourselves to yield our wills to Him. Let us learn from an encounter Kenneth Hagin had about Isaiah 1:19. God asked him to leave a church and go into the field and he obeyed but he really didn’t want to go. Afterwards, he started having financial issues and he went to God quoting Isaiah 1:19. God told him that although he qualified on the obedience side, he didn’t qualify on the willingness side. And because it is one and the other not one or the other he therefore didn’t qualify to eat the good of the land! To be willing and obedient implies keeping your motives pure. God sees our hearts, and He knows what attitudes are motivating us (1 Sam. 16:7). If a person's motive is not right, he needs to repent and make the necessary adjustments; because God is not going to bless someone whose motives are impure. To eat the good of the land, we must therefore be both willing and obedient! Thursday, February 08 2018
Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai INTRODUCTIONIn last week’s study, we looked at Learning to think in line with God's Word. We saw that unless we thought this way we would miss out on the very many blessings God has for us. In today’s study we shall be looking at an interesting topic: “Qualifications for Walking in Prosperity.” Qualification referred to here is a condition that must be fulfilled before a right can be acquired. As a foundation of this study we need to establish the following: There is nothing wrong with being rich and having money. But it is wrong for money to have you! It is wrong for money to be your ruler or master or for you to consume finances entirely on your own lusts. God wants us to prosper in every area of our lives but He does not want us to live our lives with misplaced priorities.
PART 1: TYPES OF PROSPERITYJohn writes in 3John2 (NKJV): " Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things (Materially) and be in health, (Physically), just as your soul (Spiritually/Emotionally) prospers." Emphasis mine. In this verse, John talks about financial or material prosperity, physical prosperity, and spiritual prosperity. Notice that material and physical prosperity are dependent upon spiritual prosperity. He concluded the verse by saying “even as thy soul prospereth”. From 3 John 2, we can therefore conclude that there are broadly three types of prosperity
PART 2: QUALIFICATIONS OR CONDITIONSIn this second part we will be looking at qualifications or conditions for walking in prosperity. These conditions are not man-made conditions but directions from the Lord in His word! No wonder he told Joshua how to make his way prosperous (how to walk in prosperity) in Joshua 1:8 the Bible says: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” So, what are the contents of this book of law we keep always on our lips and meditate on day and night? Let’s look at five of them. CONDITION 1: PUT THE SPIRITUAL BEFORE THE MATERIALMatt.6:28-33. Emphasis on verse 33. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Putting the spiritual first guarantees material prosperity.
CONDITION 2: BE WILLING AND OBEDIENTIsaiah 1: 19 says: “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land". God wants us to prosper materially! But our prosperity depends on our putting first things first. From this scripture, we find two words coming ahead of eating the good of the land. “willingness” and “obedience”.
CONDITION 3: ESTEEM EARTHLY THINGS LIGHTLYMatthew 6:19-21 (NIV) says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” You must esteem earthly things lightly and esteem heavenly things highly! Align your desires and will with the Lord’s. This action guarantees Spiritual/Emotional prosperity. Proverbs 11:28 (NKJV) says: “He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.” You cannot hold tightly to earthly things and expect to prosper as God desires you to. Ephesians 1:3 says: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” CONDITION 4: COMMIT TO SERVING THE LORDJohn’s prayer in 3John2 is that we “be in health” or have good health or prosper physically. Exodus 23:25 - 26 tells us how we can guarantee this “So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.” Very clearly therefore, to guarantee physical prosperity and divine health, serve the Lord! CONDITION 5: ENGAGE IN PRAISING GODThe popular phrase “When the praises go up, blessings come down” is coined from Psalm 67:5-6 “Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.” This action praise guarantees Material Prosperity and other blessings. CONCLUSIONGod wants us to prosper in every area of our lives but He does not want us to live our lives in misplaced priorities. He wants us to prosper materially and physically based on our spiritual prosperity. Our material and physical prosperity are hinged on our spiritual prosperity. Also, Obedience and Service are key requirements for living in prosperity according to Job 36:11 which says: “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” Thursday, January 25 2018
Contributor: Dolapo Olaoye Introduction: Last week our study was based on the fact that “Poverty does not produce Piety”. We looked at 2 Myths - (1. God doesn’t want us to be rich & 2. Poverty makes us holy). We concluded on the understanding that God wants us to prosper and not to be in lack or need and also that poverty can lead to sin and all manner of atrocities. We need to promote God’s Kingdom which can only be propagated through prosperity.
Think like God – Read His Word. A lot of times, our thinking is wrong. It’s not in line with the Bible. And if our thinking is wrong, then our believing is going to be wrong. And if our believing is wrong, then our talking is going to be wrong. It is important to get all three (your thinking, your believing, and your speaking) Synchronized with the Word of God. This idea that God wants his children poor, having no material things is totally unscriptural. The Bible has a great deal to say about money – about receiving it to meet personal needs and giving it to support the work of God and to bless others.
Examples of God’s servants that were wealthy
It is important to realize that God is not against wealth and prosperity. But He is against people being covetous.
How does studying his Word help? In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Words of the Bible are full of life! These precious Words are a gift from God the Father to ALL who take hold of them. The Words of God promise salvation, eternal life, righteousness, redemption, deliverance, protection, prosperity, healing and wholeness of spirit, soul and body. In Hosea 4:6 God says that “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” In order for you and I to take hold of the blessings of God and know His will for us, we need to read His instruction manual, called the Bible. In the Bible you will find Words that give you answers in ALL areas of your life. “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” (Acts 20.32). ALL the answers concerning your life are covered in the Bible. You can be built up, you can receive your rightful inheritance as a son/daughter of God when you know what God promises are through His Words in the Bible. You can take on the very nature of God and Jesus by living by the Words of the Bible! God’s Words are not hard to keep. Jesus says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. When you act on God’s Words, your life will be full of peace and free from worry; full of joy and not sadness, health not sickness, deliverance not depression, financial blessings not wondering where you’ll find the money to pay your bills! You may pride yourself on reciting from memory many verses of the Bible. God says that won’t get you anywhere, even though you may look good to others. You have to do what it says!
Conclusion: God’s Words are so important, that He doesn’t want anyone tampering with them and changing them around to say anything else. His Promises are “Yea and Amen.” As you read the Bible, thank God for His Word. Take what it says personally, and act on it and you will begin to think naturally in line with God’s word, as He fulfils His Word through you. Thursday, January 18 2018
Contributor: Leye Olayiwola Introduction: We started our series on Kingdom Prosperity last week. We established that God really wants us to prosper. Why? Of course, mainly for the advancement of His Kingdom here on earth. We were reminded that it is God that confer upon each and every one of us, the power to get wealth for the purpose of establishing His covenant with Abraham. We will continue further on this series by looking deep into the myth that poverty produces piety (the quality of being religious or reverent) in us as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Two Extreme Views One of the uniqueness of scriptures lies in its balanced views. God is a balanced God and if we search through the scriptures relating to any topic, subject or issues, we will see that He is not an author of confusion. The Church seems to have a hard time staying in the middle of the road on just about any subject, least of which is on the subject of prosperity. Even till this day, there are still some believers that are on one side of the road as it relates to the topic of prosperity. Paul cautioned against one of the possible extremes in Galatians 5:13; “For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the [sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.” [Galatians 5:13 AMP] Myth 1: God doesn’t want us to be rich “For the love of money [that is, the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically] is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves [through and through] with many sorrows.” “So come out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord, “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor]” Myth 2: Poverty makes us holy and pious “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched” Conclusion: “Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication and want what is right for me; Monday, January 15 2018
Contributor: Alex Alajiki Friday, December 22 2017
Contributor: Alex Alajiki INTRODUCTION: Last week, from our study in 2 Corint.12:1-21, we saw Paul, a man full of revelations and insight into kingdom mysteries and on the other hand, he was going through fierce persecution from the gates of hell. The comforting words of the Lord to Paul was; “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”. The response of Paul is “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor.12:9-10).
This week, we are studying 2 Corinthian chapter 13. This concludes our studies in Paul’s letters to the Corinthian Church.
1. Coming with Authority: 2 Cor.13:1-6 This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” 2 I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare. 3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
Vs-1, This is the third time Paul will be visiting Corinth because of persistent problems, so Paul warned them that he would not listen to gossip, or to stories about other people. In any such matter, Paul needed to hear witnesses who were able to give their evidence in front of God. The truth would become clear when the evidence of two or three witnesses are in agreement according to Due.19:15.
Vs-2, On his return to Corinth he will deal firmly with those people who are causing troubles in the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. There, Paul told the church to deal with the member who was guilty of wrong sex acts. He urged the church to join with him in prayer against that man and his evil behaviour.
Vs-3-4, Corinth’s Christians very much wanted to see the power of God. For a time, they confused it with the actions of powerful men who wanted to control them. Probably, the Christians made that mistake because they had not really understood God’s power in their own lives. They considered Paul weak; they even doubted his apostleship. Paul, on the other hand, believed that church leaders should normally be humble, gentle and patient. He understood that God is working powerfully inside his people - nobody can see that power, but it is real (2Tim.2:24).
Their error was to concentrate too much on the things that they could see and feel. Their problem with Paul was simply that he did not impress them enough. However, there is a situation where church leaders must be firm and powerful. They must sometimes deal with stubborn people who have firmly chosen to do wrong things. In such circumstances, even the most gentle church leader has a duty to be strong and bold. An extreme example is how Samuel carried out God’s punishment against the wicked King Agag in 1 Samuel 15:33.
Vs-5-6, Paul urges each of his readers to examine whether their own relationship with God is real. It is not good enough if other people consider us to be genuine Christians. Even our own heart (mind) can convince us of something that is not true. So we must be extremely careful in this matter.
2. Paul Prefers Gentleness: 2 Cor.13:7-10 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honourable, though we may seem disqualified. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
Vs-7-8 Paul loved the Christians in Corinth, even as a father loves his own children. However, they were discussing whether Paul’s work for God was genuine or not. They complained that Paul did not seem impressive enough. He refused their gifts; and he did not seem powerful, like some other church leaders.
Paul wanted them to know the truth about him. However, in the end, it hardly seemed to matter. Paul had worked hard among them so that they could have a relationship with God. So, if now they were truly serving God, their opinion about Paul was unimportant. Paul had done his work; the work of God in their lives would continue without Paul.
Paul still prayed for them, and he would continue to pray for them. He was not praying that they would approve of him. He was praying that they would do the right things. He prayed that they would stop their wrong activities. Paul’s greatest desire was that they would learn to serve God better.
Paul saw himself as a witness of the truth about God. As a witness, Paul cared only that people heard the truth. When people accepted Christ into their lives, they had received the truth. It was not necessary for them also to accept Paul as the leader of their church. If Paul had argued otherwise, he would have been arguing against the truth. So, Paul considered it his duty simply to declare the truth that God had shown to him.
Vs-9-10 Many political leaders and business leaders are pleased when they become more powerful or more important. Church leaders should have a very different attitude. They can be glad even about the loss of their power, when other people serve God better as a result. That is because church leaders must not work for their own wealth, honour and importance. Instead, church leaders work for God; and they work to help other people to know God better. Matt.23:11.
So, Paul was not praying that Corinth’s Christians would respect him. Instead, he was praying that God would make them perfect. We can see what he meant by ‘perfect’ from his previous use of a similar word in 1 Corinthians 1:10. There, Paul was writing about the opposing groups that had formed in their church. Those groups argued much with each other. Paul appealed that the church should be ‘perfect’ with the same opinion. In other words, he wanted them to ‘join’ with the other Christians, and not to be separate groups that constantly argued. We could say that God needed to ‘repair’ their church; it was as if it had broken apart. Paul was praying for God to do that. 3. Greetings and Benediction 2 Cor.13:11-14
Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Vs-11, Paul was concluding his letter here with greetings. The rest of Paul’s advice is for the same purpose. They should urge and encourage each other to serve God better. They should end their arguments and they should try to understand each other. Their many different opinions had caused them to separate from each other in the past. However, God wanted them to join together so that they would all benefit from their many different skills and gifts. Then, instead of their constant arguments, their church would be calm and content. That was what God wanted. Love and peace (a calm and content attitude) are part of God’s character. They are also among the results of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of Christians. Christians should love each other with the love that comes from God. They should be calm and content because of the work that God is doing in their lives.
Vs-12, Paul mentions the ‘holy kiss’ in three other places also: Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. It became a usual greeting in the first Christian churches. The custom continues in the churches in some countries near the Mediterranean Sea today. The men kiss each of the other men in turn. The women kiss each of the other women. Men do not kiss women; and they do not kiss on the lips. Rather, they kiss by the side of the head.
Vs-13, ‘All the saints greet you.’ In the original language, Greek, the word for ‘saints’ is HAGIOI. That word is simply the plural form of the word that means ‘holy’. So, a correct translation would be: ‘All the holy people greet you.’ Paul concluded with the benediction
CONCLUSION Vs 14, Paul finishes the Book of 2 Corinthians with words that are very familiar to many Christians today. They are not just a prayer but a blessing: a declaration that God will show his kindness in a person’s life. This blessing is sometimes called ‘the benediction’, which means ‘the blessing’ - or sometimes simply ‘the grace’. Many church meetings today end when the leader, or all the people, declare these words to everyone present.
Parts of this study was culled from usefulbible.com Thursday, December 14 2017
Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai Introduction In last week’s study, we saw Paul defending his apostleship against those apostles he referred to as “deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ”, whose utmost desire was to corrupt the churches from the simplicity that is in Christ. He gave a large account of his own qualifications, labours, and sufferings (not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who had enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ). In today’s study, we shall be looking at his concluding defense and learning from his experiences.
Verses 1-6 – Paul’s Revelations “True, there is nothing to be gained by it, but [as I am obliged] to boast, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or away from the body I do not know, God knows—4 Was caught up into paradise, and he heard utterances beyond the power of man to put into words, which man is not permitted to utter. 5 Of this same [man’s experiences] I will boast, but of myself (personally) I will not boast, except as regards my infirmities (my weaknesses). 6 Should I desire to boast, I shall not be a witless braggart, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it] so that no one may form a higher estimate of me than [is justified by] what he sees in me or hears from me.”
Although Paul said in verse 2 say: “I know a man . . ..” he was talking about himself! Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there as he was instructed not to.
Verses 7-10 – Paul’s Thorn and lessons to learn “And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength)”
Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so he wouldn’t get a big head, he was given a physical condition - a thorn in his flesh to keep him in constant touch with his limitations. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: so He sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.
Verses 11-12 – Paul’s Disappointment at being made to “boast” “Now I have been [speaking like] a fool! But you forced me to it, for I ought to have been saved the necessity and] commended by you. For I have not fallen short one bit or proved myself at all inferior to those superlative [false] apostles [of yours], even if I am nothing (a nobody). 12 Indeed, the signs that indicate a [genuine] apostle were performed among you fully and most patiently in miracles and wonders and mighty works.” We owe it to good men, to stand up in the defense of their reputation; and we are under special obligations to those from whom we have received benefit, especially spiritual benefit. Paul’s expectation was that it would have been the Corinthian church writing about him and defending him to the so called “super apostles”
Verses 13-15 – Paul’s Independence – A worthy example “For in what respect were you put to a disadvantage in comparison with the rest of the churches, unless [it was for the fact] that I myself did not burden you [with my financial support]? Pardon me [for doing you] this injustice! 14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to [visit] you. And I will not burden you [financially], for it is not your [money] that I want but you; for children are not duty bound to lay up store for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 But I will most gladly spend [myself] and be utterly spent for your souls. If I love you exceedingly, am I to be loved [by you] the less?”
Paul was one who lived what he preached! He who would not work should not eat 2 Thessalonians 3:10. He worked with his hands and did not ask the church for food and a place to stay and this was what the so called “super apostles” were using to bring him down
Verses 16-21 – Conclusion Paul’s reply to false charges –- Cautions and warnings “But though granting that I did not burden you [with my support, some say that] I was crafty [and that] I cheated and got the better of you with my trickery. 17 Did I [then] take advantage of you or make any money out of you through any of those [messengers] whom I sent to you? 18 [Actually] I urged Titus [to go], and I sent the brother with [him]. Did Titus overreach or take advantage of you [in anything]? Did he and I not act in the same spirit? Did we not [take the] same steps? 19 Have you been supposing [all this time] that we have been defending ourselves and apologizing to you? [It is] in the sight and the [very] presence of God [and as one] in Christ (the Messiah) that we have been speaking, dearly beloved, and all in order to build you up [spiritually]. 20 For I am fearful that somehow or other I may come and find you not as I desire to find you, and that you may find me too not as you want to find me—that perhaps there may be factions (quarreling), jealousy, temper (wrath, intrigues, rivalry, divided loyalties), selfishness, whispering, gossip, arrogance (self-assertion), and disorder among you. 21 [I am fearful] that when I come again, my God may humiliate and humble me in your regard, and that I may have to sorrow over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, sexual vice, and sensuality which they formerly practiced.”
Here is an account of the apostle's behavior and kind intentions; in which we see the character of a faithful minister of the gospel. His great aim and design, was to do good to the Corinthians – not being a burden to them. These last verses show to what excesses the false teachers had drawn aside their deluded followers. That they could still confidently live in sin and Paul feared that he would meet them in their un-repented state. How grievous it is that such evils should be found among professors of the gospel! But this is the painful truth, as we see it these days very often, and it was so in the days of the apostles. Parts of this study was culled from https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=47&c=12
Friday, December 08 2017
Contributor: Leye Olayiwola Introduction: Apostle Paul during his earthly ministry established many churches and wrote majority of the epistles to these churches. His passion for souls was impeccable. His pursuit and love for these churches could only have been second to that of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. However, during this period of his ministry, there were some false apostles also contesting for these souls. Paul in his words referred to these apostles as “deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ”, whose utmost desire was to corrupt the churches from the simplicity that is in Christ. This is what we will be considering in this portion of Paul’s epistle to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 11 . Vs 1-4: • Note the apology Paul makes for going about to commend himself. He is unwilling to enter upon this subject of self-commendation. It is no pleasure to a good man to speak well of himself, yet in some cases it is lawful, namely, when it is for the advantage of others, or for our own necessary vindication; as thus it was here. • We have the reasons for what the apostle did: (1.) To preserve the Corinthians from being corrupted by the insinuations of the false apostles, He tells them he was jealous over them with godly jealousy; he was afraid lest their faith should be weakened by hearkening to such suggestions as tended to lessen their regard to his ministry, by which they were brought to the Christian faith. This godly jealousy in the apostle was a mixture of love and fear; and faithful ministers cannot but be afraid and concerned for their people, lest they should lose that which they have received, and turn from what they have embraced, especially when deceivers have gone abroad, or have crept in among them. (2) To vindicate himself against the false apostles, forasmuch as they could not pretend they had another Jesus, or another Spirit, or another gospel, to preach to them. Vs 5-15: • After the foregoing preface to what he was about to say, the apostle in these verses mentions, (1). His equality with the other apostles—that he was not a whit behind the very chief of the apostles. Paul expresses this very modestly. He might have spoken very positively. The apostleship, as an office, was equal in all the apostles; but the apostles, like other Christians, differed one from another. These stars differed one from another in glory, and Paul was indeed of the first magnitude; yet he speaks modestly of himself, and humbly owns his personal infirmity, that he was rude in speech (vs 6), had not such a graceful delivery as some others might have. Some think that he was a man of very low stature, and that his voice was proportionably small; others think that he may have had some impediment in his speech, perhaps a stammering tongue. However, he was not rude in knowledge; he was not unacquainted with the best rules of oratory and the art of persuasion, much less was he ignorant of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, as had been thoroughly manifested among them. (2) His equality with the false apostles in particular—the preaching of the gospel unto them freely (vs 7), without wages. This the apostle largely insists on, and shows that, as they could not but own him to be a minister of Christ, so they ought to acknowledge he had been a good friend to them. • He had proved at large, in his former epistle to them, the lawfulness of ministers’ receiving maintenance from the people, and the duty of the people to give them an honourable maintenance; and here he says he himself had taken wages of other churches (vs 8), so that he had a right to have asked and received from them: yet he waived his right, and chose rather to abase himself, by working with his hands in the trade of tent-making to maintain himself, than be burdensome to them, that they might be exalted, or encouraged to receive the gospel, which they had so cheaply; yea, he chose rather to be supplied from Macedonia than to be chargeable unto them. • He informs them of the reason of this his conduct among them. It was not because he did not love them (vs 11), or was unwilling to receive tokens of their love (for love and friendship are manifested by mutual giving and receiving), but it was to avoid offence, that he might cut off occasion from those that desired occasion. He would not give occasion for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, or that he intended to make a trade of it, to enrich himself; and that others who opposed him at Corinth might not in this respect gain an advantage against him. • There were counterfeit prophets under the Old Testament, who wore the garb and learned the language of the prophets of the Lord. So there were counterfeit apostles under the New Testament, who seemed in many respects like the true apostles of Christ. And no marvel (says the apostle); hypocrisy is a thing not to be much wondered at in this world, especially when we consider the great influence Satan has upon the minds of many, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. As he can turn himself into any shape, and put on almost any form, and look sometimes like an angel of light, in order to promote his kingdom of darkness, so he will teach his ministers and instruments to do the same. But it follows, Their end is according to their works (vs 15); the end will discover them to be deceitful workers, and their work will end in ruin and destruction. Vs 16-21: • Boasting of ourselves is usually not only a sign of a proud mind, but a mark of folly also. However, says the apostle, yet as a fool receive me; that is, if you count it folly in me to boast a little, yet give due regard to what I shall say. He mentions a caution, to prevent the abuse of what he should say, telling them that what he spoke, he did not speak after the Lord, (vs 17). He would not have them think that boasting of ourselves, or glorying in what we have, is a thing commanded by the Lord in general unto Christians. • It is the duty and practice of Christians, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord, rather to humble and abase themselves; yet prudence must direct in what circumstances it is needful to do that which we may do lawfully, even speak of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us too. • He gives a good reason why they should suffer him to boast a little; namely, because they suffered others to do so who had less reason. Seeing many glory after the flesh (of carnal privileges, or outward advantages and attainments), I will glory also, (vs 18). But he would not glory in those things, though he had as much or more reason than others to do so. But he gloried in his infirmities, as he tells them afterwards. Vs 22-26: • Here the apostle gives a large account of his own qualifications, labours, and sufferings (not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who had enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ), and wherein he excelled the false apostles, who would lessen his character and usefulness among the Corinthians. • He mentions the privileges of his birth (v. 22), which were equal to any they could pretend to. He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews; of a family among the Jews that never intermarried with the Gentiles. He was also an Israelite, and could boast of his being descended from the beloved Jacob as well as they, and was also of the seed of Abraham, and not of the proselytes. It should seem from this that the false apostles were of the Jewish race, who gave disturbance to the Gentile converts. • He makes mention also of his apostleship, that he was more than an ordinary minister of Christ, (vs 23). God had counted him faithful, and had put him into the ministry. He had been a useful minister of Christ unto them; they had found full proofs of his ministry: • Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, and for that reason was hated of the Jews. They did all they could against him; and among the Gentiles also he met with hard usage. Bonds and imprisonments were familiar to him; never was the most notorious malefactor more frequently in the hands of public justice than Paul was for righteousness’ sake. The jail and the whipping-post, and all other hard usages of those who are accounted the worst of men, were what he was accustomed to. • As to the Jews, whenever he fell into their hands, they never spared him. Five times he fell under their lash, and received forty stripes save one, (vs 24). Forty stripes was the utmost their law allowed (Deu.25:3 ), but it was usual with them, that they might not exceed, to abate one at least of that number. And to have the abatement of one only was all the favour that Paul ever received from them. Conclusion: Vs 27-33 Paul was a stranger to wealth and plenty, power and pleasure, preferment and ease; he was in watchings often, and exposed to hunger and thirst; in fastings often, it may be out of necessity; and endured cold and nakedness. Thus was he, who was one of the greatest blessings of the age, used as if he had been the burden of the earth, and the plague of his generation. And yet this is not all; for, as an apostle, the care of all the churches lay on him. He mentions this last, as if this lay the heaviest upon him, and as if he could better bear all the persecutions of his enemies than the scandals that were to be found in the churches he had the oversight of. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not? There was not a weak Christian with whom he did not sympathize, nor any one scandalized, but he was affected therewith. See what little reason we have to be in love with the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle, one of the best of men that ever lived, except Jesus Christ, felt so much hardship in it. Nor was he ashamed of all this, but, on the contrary, it was what he accounted his honour; and therefore, much against the grain as it was with him to glory, yet, says he, if I must need glory, if my adversaries will oblige me to it in my own necessary vindication, I will glory in these my infirmities. It is a great comfort to a good man that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is an omniscient God, knows the truth of all he says, and knows all he does and all he suffers for his sake.
Teachings culled from www.biblestudytools.com |
