Daily Transformation
TOPIC: DAILY TRANSFORMATION
TEXT:Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Luke 9:28-36.
INTRODUCTION:
As a charismatic, dynamic and living ministerial Church in the body of Christ, we’ve declare YEAR 2011 as a crown year of “Brightening Your Life” with God’s Goodness – Psalm 65:11-13; Proverbs 4:18; John 8:12; John 1:1-5, 9 etc. The Word Transformation is a noun and it means a marked changed in nature, form, or appearance i.e. to change completely into another state, place and beyond – Being transformed into a state which is more beautiful or spiritual. It thus means if by this time tomorrow you are not better than what you are now, it means you are not experiencing a daily transformation. Every person grows older daily in terms of calendar age, so there is a possibility of daily transformation into Christ likeness, a daily upwards perfection (maturity) in our faith with God in doing life – Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Peter 2:1-5; 2 Peter 3:18. We are in this study discussing a state of Christian living in which you are not stagnant, rather everyday you become more peaceful, more loving, more beautiful , more gentle, more bold, more God-conscious and yielding, more wiser etc – Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15. Daily transformation provides the cure for backsliding and coldness. It is also the medicine that brings joy and excitement into your life. And it is easy to experience and this study is to show us the how.
DISCUSSION (Study Analysis):
1. Daily Transformation – What is it:
a) It is a daily renewal of mind and spirit – Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23; 2 Corinthians 4:16; 7:1.
Question:
(i) What does it mean not to conform? – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 John 2:15-17; Luke 4:1-13; Genesis 3:6.
(ii) To understand this process of daily mind renewal, compare it to daily physical development of a child. Is it continuous process? or Is it automatic?
b) It is a daily upward trend towards perfection (maturation): Matthew 5:48, Hebrews 5:11-14; Deuteronomy 28:13 (RSV); Ephesians 4:12-14; 1 Peter 2:1-5; Philippians 3:10-14.
Question:
(i) Comment on these verses and contrast their provisions with the state of backsliding
c) It is a day by day development of character and favour in the sight of God and man – 1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:40, 52; Proverbs 9:10; Acts 24:16.
Question:
(i) What are wisdom and favour? What is a beautiful character? – See 1 Peter 3:4; Titus 2:1-15; Proverbs 9:10; Ecclesiastes 7:11-12; 9:18a; 8:1, 5.
d) It is a growth in Hope, Faith and Love – 1 Corinthians 13:13; Romans 5:1-8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Ephesians 4:15; 3:17; Hebrews 10:38; Galatians 5:6; Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4.
Question:
(i) It is written that the just shall live by faith and that he who loves, is of God and that hope makes not ashamed. What effect does growing in these three things have on life?
e) It is being increasing filled with God’s fullness and presence in the knowledge of Christ Jesus – Ephesians 3:19; 1:17-22; Philippians 3:10; John 17:3; Colossians 1:9.
Question:
(i) Knowing God will lead to discovery and the release of our potentials. Explain this with reference to Genesis 1:26; (Proverbs 24:5; Isaiah 5:13-15; Hosea 4:6; Daniel 11:32; John 8:32; Matthew 22:29)
(ii) Discuss Ephesians 1:17-23.
2. Daily Transformation – The Prerequisite:
a) Make a decisive dedication of your body to God – Romans 12:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:7-15; Job 31:1; Galatians 2:20; I Corinthians 6:20.
Question:
(i) What does it mean to dedicate (present) oneself to God and to give ones wholly (fully/totally) to these things?
(ii) From 1 Timothy 4:15 what is the result of such a step?
b) Develop an intense desire for righteousness – Matthew 5:6; 6:33; Nehemiah 4:6; Daniel 1:8.
Question:
(i) David transform steadily from keeper of flock to king-elect, to king and then king and prophet. He left behind as the greatest king in Israel. What was his secret? See Psalm 42:1; 27:4.
(ii) Comment on the referred verses – Matthew 5:6; 6:33. What’s the role of desire in success and growth.
(iii) Distinguish between sincere desire and mere wish in terms of the actions that follows them.
3. Daily Transformation – How To Enjoy It:
a) Stay in God’s presence – 2 Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 16:11.
(i) The effect of staying in God’s presence on Moses – Exodus 34:29.
(ii) The effect of staying in God’s presence on our Lord Jesus Christ in humanity – Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28-29.
(iii) The effect of staying together (cleaving) on husband and wife – Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:16.
Question: With reference to the above passages, discuss the tremendous ability of staying in God’s presence to transform lives and appearances.
b) Develop a very lovely praise and worship life style. In other words imitate Paul and David in the profitable and exciting business of praise and worship – Acts 13:1-2; 16;25-26; Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 105:1-4; 103:1-5; 100:1-5.
Question:
(i) It is written that God inhabits the praises of His people. What does this mean to you? Under what condition should you worship God? Why should you worship God?
c) Start each day right with full preparation and equipment. Use the first hours of your morning to prepare in cultivating your day fully – Psalm 5:1-3; Mark 1:35; Ecclesiastes 10:16 (RSV). Question:
(i) Why did Jesus not go praying for the sick in the morning? See Matthew 8:16; Mark 1:32-34.
(ii) What is the significance of – Ecclesiastes 10:16?
d) Aim at clearing the cobwebs from thinking, sweeping out bad treasures from your heart, filling yourself with daily fresh supply of God’s word – Matthew 12:33-35; Joshua 1:8; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Philippians 4:8; Psalm 19:14.
Question:
(i) Describe the process of transformation with reference to Matthew 12:33-35.
(ii) To understand meditation, compare it with digestion.
(iii) What is the difference between engrafting The Word and merely hearing The Word?
e) Watch your thoughts and affections – Proverbs 23:7 (RSV), Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2; Galatians 5:24; Romans 1:32; Job 31:1.
NOTE: Your thoughts and your words life are the vehicle that design and determines your future. Information as a result of words gives imagination, then action and mind registration and reaction – Psalm 19:14.
Question:
(i) What are the effects of thoughts on life and destiny?
(ii) How can you have the affections?
CONCLUSION: The life of God flows in your veins. Just like the branch shares exactly the same sap with the vine and grows daily as result of staying united (abiding) with the vine so also are we expected to be. It is written that God had blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places – Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3-4. This means that you have been supplied with the divine sap and potentials, and that you have being given grace, and daily energized by God to do life sweat less. The ball is in your court. Whether you become better day by day in every way depends on what you do with what you have at your disposal. You have learnt great things today, use them. Study the Bible for the purpose of making progress, nor just for reading or studying record. God Bless.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Who hath DELIVERED us from the power of darkness, and hath TRANSLATED us into the kingdom of his dear son” Colossians 1:13.
Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI
Further spiritual resource:
Brightening Your Life
Brightening Your Life With God’s Goodness!
The good Lord intend to crown our year and flourish our life with His goodness, and to cause our paths to drop with His Abundance. This He will do as we allow Him to brighten our life with His life. More of this will be expanded in course of the pastoral ministry in Church services by our dear pastor, Revd Chukie MORSI. There is a study outline themed “Daily Transformation” on the Scripture Search Study category to assist you also.
However the following scriptures may be a guide for you. Blessed reading and understanding:
Psalm 65:11-13 “11 You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. 12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, And the little hills rejoice on every side. 13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.”
Psalm 16:11 “11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Ezekiel 47:12 “12 Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”
Proverbs 4: 18 “18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun (light), That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”
John 8: 12 “12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 1: 1 – 5, 9 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overcome) it. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”
Proverbs 4:20-22 “20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.”
Malachi 4:2 “2 But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; And you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.”
Psalm 84:11 “11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.“
Acts 26:13 “13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.“
Luke 9:28-29 “28 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.”
Romans 12:1-2 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 “18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Further Resource centre:
www.42ndgenerationfoundation.com
and
Incline To Shine
Proverbs 4: 18, 20- 22 . . . 18But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. . . 20Incline your ear to my sayings. My son, give attention to my words; 21Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Malachi 4: 2 . . . But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.Psalm 84: 11 . . . For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.Acts 26:13 . . .13 At midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
Further Resource:
Understanding The Birth Of JESUS CHRIST
UNDERSTANDING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Scriptural Text: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20; 1 John 4:1-6
INTRODUCTION: The prophesy as to the birth of our personal Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has been predicted many years before His birth in the Holy Scriptures as found in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaiah 7:14. The Holy Prophets on divine inspiration and revelation were empowered to speak forth as they were moved by the Holy Spirit – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21. And by the working of God, these prophecies that have outlived many generations came to fulfilment as found in Matthew 1:18-20, 23 and Luke 2:1-20. Christ means – the anointed one, the messiah, the saviour, the redeemer, and the holy one of Israel. Herein in this study, we shall be discussing precisely on the birth of Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION (Study Analysis/Illustration):
A. Scriptural Record Before His BIRTH:
1) Micah 5:2
2) John 1:1-5, 10, 14
3) Colossians 1:14-17
4) Genesis 1:1-4
5) Matthew 22:41-46
6) Isaiah 7:14
7) Isaiah 9:6-7
8). Genesis 3:5
9) Luke 1:31
10) Romans 8:3
B. Scriptural Record To The Promise of His Birth:
1) Genesis 3:15;
2) Genesis 12:3;
3) Micah 5:2;
4) Luke 1:30-33;
5) Isaiah 9:6-7;
6) Jeremiah 23:5-6;
7) Romans 8:3
8). Philippians 2:7
9) John 1:14
10) 1 Corinthians 1:20.
C. The Essence of Acknowledging the Humanity of Christ
1) 1 John 4:1-3;
2) John 1:14;
3) 1 John 5:7-12;
4) 1Timothy 3:16.
5) 1 Timothy 2:5;
6) Philippians 2:8;
7) Galatians 4:4;
8). Matthew 1:1;
9) Romans 8:3;
10) Hebrews 2:14-15
D. Experiences of Christ’s Humanity
1) Physical Body – Matthew 24:39-43; Matthew 27:57-60
2) Natural Growth – Luke 2:40; 52
3) Hunger – Luke 4:1-2; Matthew 4:2
4) Sleep – Luke 8:23
5) Poverty – Luke 9:58; 2 Corinthians 8:9
6) Weariness (tired) – John 4:6; Hebrews 4:15
7) Sorrow and Distress– Matthew 26:37-38
8) Wept – John 11:35; Luke 19:41
9) Tempted – Luke 4:1-2; Matthew 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:13
100 . . . And such like
E. The Cause of Christ’s Birth: John 18:37; 1 John 3:8; John 3:16; Galatians 4:4-7.
The Scriptural CAUSE and PURPOSE for which Christ came or was born into the world.
1). To FULFIL the divine WILL (Word) of God. Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6, 15; Genesis 1:26-30; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; John 1:21, 45; 6:14; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37)
2). To SAVE us from our SIN (Matthew 1:21; Romans 5:1-2; Acts 3:26; 4:12; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5; Isaiah 53:5-10)
3). To seek and to save THAT which was lost. (Luke 19:10)
4). To give us ETERNAL LIFE (Greek – ZOE) (1 Corinthians 15:21-22; John 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11-12; John 10:10; 17:3)
5). To RESTORE and DEMONSTRATE to us, God’s LOVE to us and for us. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-7; 15:12-13; 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-21; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8.
6). To RESTORE us to God’s kind of PEACE (Eph. 2:14, John 14:27; Phil. 4:7)
7). To DESTROY the works of satan against our life (Acts 10:38; 1 John 3:8-9; John 10:10)
8). To RESTORE us to a life of ABUNDANT (overflowing) living (John 10:10; Jeremiah 29:11; 23:5-6; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 10:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
9). To RECONCILE us back to God (2Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians 2:1-22)
10). To give us true FREEDOM and DELIVERANCE (Like 1:68-71; 4:18-19; Heb. 2:14-15; Col. 1:13-14)
11). To REDEEM us from the CURSE and EFFECT of the law and the fall of man and unto God’s blessings (Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Revelation 5:9-10; Luke 1:68-75.)
12). To RESTORE us to a place of HEALING and HEALTH (Matt. 8:16-17; 3John 2; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Pet. 2:24)
13). To give us a TRUE spirit of knowledge and understanding to life (John 17:3; 1John 5:18-20)
14). To PROSPER us (3John 2; 2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 6:33; John 10:10; Josh. 1:8)
15). . . . And many others. John 20:30-31; 21:25.
CONCLUSION: Thanks to God for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. If Christ Jesus was not born and given (Isaiah 9:6-7), there would not have been any death or resurrection, and glorification, and that means, we would have walked in the darkness of this age and miss the very essence we were created or made. Let us appropriate in our life every reason that made God to give His only begotten son to us especially in this season of Christmas as we commemorate and celebrate the birth of Christ – God’s Love to us. However, as wonderful as Christmas celebration is, be it known today that Christ is enthroned. He is no longer the:
- The babe in the manger
- The servant to death
- Neither the limited one nor the Christ on the Cross.
He is now the:
- God on the throne (Seated at the right hand of the Father God)
- Omnipotent (unlimited, all powerful),
- Omnipresent (He is present everywhere at the same time) and
- Omniscience (all knowing)
(Rev. 1:10-18; 19:16; Matt. 28:18; Phil 3:21).
Let us enthrone him in our heart, crown Him King of kings and Lord of lords and establish His presence in a daily commemoration and celebration and not just in another one year again.
I challenge and commend everyone who by virtue of grace have been ignited by the spirit of God’s love in Christ Jesus, to arise with faith and earnestly go and extend the good love of God in your hearts to others – that is the essence of a true living. You can begin from your home and the fire will spread to give hope to someone else near you.
I pray you have and enjoy a fabulous and great celebration of this Christmas and may God’s eternal love ever be your portion and prosper your goings during this season as you commemorate and celebrate His love. 2 Corinthians13:14 ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen’
MEMORY VERSE:
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins” Matthew 1:21.
Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI
www.42ndgenerationfoundation.com and www.achievrsfaithdigest.com
Christian Men & Their Role In Local Church Matters
TOPIC: “Christian Men & Their Role In The Local Church Matters”
BIBLE TEXT: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Matthew 16:17-19; Ephesians 5:22-33
INTRODUCTION (Preamble): The Christian men have a lot to do and contribute in the affairs of the local church. The local church is an extension of the family. Just as the man play a very major part in the family decision, he also need to know that the kingdom of God is no exceptional. The ideal that men should come to the church and watch the women and children only doing the services hinders the full purpose of God for a local Church. I trust that this study will enhance the effective and effectual working of Men in the body ministries of the local church.
The Church is a local and universal Body of Born Again & Spirit-filled believers (i.e. called out people) located in a place of worship, having a shepherd (an overseer).
DISCUSSION (Study Analysis)
1) The Church Defined:
a) Is a called out people of God. 1Peter 2:5, 9; Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 2:1
b) A local church (A community of believers, irrespective of sex, colour or race) geographically located in a place of worship. Revelation 2:1; 1Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 8:1.
c) The Body of Christ (The universal church). Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23
d) A building (A place of worship)
2) Origin of church:
- The vision of the church was born by Christ before his death – Matthew 16:18
- The Beginning of the New Testament Church – Acts 2:1-3, 41 (Born on the day of Pentecost).
3) Our Conduct towards the Church: Acts 20:17, 28 (17-38)
It is one thing to belong to the Church, it is another thing to remain or abide inside. Hence our conduct makes us a living epistles of God’s WORD.
1 Timothy 3:12-15; Titus 1:5
- Take heed to ourselves and to the flocks
- Services should be rather render with fear & reverences. Philippians 2:12
4) Who then is man: Proverbs 20:6
- Dictionary – An Adult Human Male
- Spiritually:
a) The called men, matured folks, grown up in the Lord, not necessary in age (though valuable) but in experience with God.
b) Biblically matured folks with godly experience (i.e. grows up in the Lord)
Note: Differences in classification – A young man, an elderly man, an old Man
5) Men’s Characteristics and Role in the Affairs of the Church:
a) God does call Men not child – Hebrews 5:1, Acts 6:3
b) Men prays – Luke 18:1 – the Church was born by prayers and men ought always to pray and not to faint – Isaiah 40:28-31
c) They are available for the work of God in their local church according to the directives of the leadership – Acts 6:1-7
d) They go for solid food and not milk. Hebrews 5:13-14; Hebrews 6:1
e) They are recipient of God’s spiritual gift and they use this gift as the Spirit will to the glory of God. Acts 19:2, 7, 6; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:11
f) They are to serve as a model in character and in Spirit, in the Church -2 Corinthians 3:2-3
g) They are instrument for effective administration and sponsorship in the Church – Acts 6:1-7
h) Men should be lifters and not breakers to the pastorate and the Church at large – Exodus 17:11-13
i) Men don’t RETIRE but REFIRE. Hebrew 10:35-39; 2 Timothy 2:1-5
6) Non-Essentials/Hindrances against Men’s Role in the Church:
a) Self-egotism – 1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10; Luke. 12:15-21
b) Excuses – Luke 14:16-24
c) Irrelevances – Romans 14:1, James 3:14, 16; Philippians 1:15-18
d) Destruction criticism and sectionalism – 1 Corinthians 12:25
Note: Destructive criticism gives birth to sectionalism – Galatians 3:28-29
e) Division (schism) and offences – 1 Corinthians 12:25
f) Uncontrollable use of tongue – James 3:1.
g) Uncontrollable wrath – James 1:20; Ephesians 4:26.
CONCLUSION: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” 2 Cor. 5:17
Compiled By Revd Chukie MORSI
Welcome
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<h2>Welcome</h2>
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We do know that a transforming, loving and life-changing Church for you and possibly your family can be the most important decision you will ever make. This is what we are readily and willing to offer and help.
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Spiritual Fruit Bearing
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL FRUIT BEARING (FRUITFULNESS)
BIBLE TEXT: John 15:1-8, 16; 2 Peter 1:1-11; Galatians 5:22-23; Mark 11:12-14, 20-21.
INTRODUCTION: God desires fruitfulness for all His children – unfruitfulness is not of God. God is a blossoming God and delights to see His own, walk and live in this covenant right. Spiritual growth and fruitfulness are proof of our contact with the Spirit of God with all dedication and devotion. To be born again and Spirit filled is biblical. God hates stagnancy. It’s either we are hot or cold, not lukewarm with God – Revelations 5:15-16. For this reason, Jesus cursed the fig tree and put a woe on all them at ease in Zion. (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21; Amos 6:1). God has promised to give every single grass in the field rain for fruitfulness (Zechariah 10:1). More so, God is already pouring out His Spirit upon His Children for this task of fruitfulness and you have to take advantage of this great opportunity (Joel 2:28-30; Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). It is a great blemish to remain unfruitful (Isaiah 4:1; Genesis 29:32; 1Samuel 1:6). This study is to remind us of the necessity laid on us to bear fruit as God’s heritage, not any kind of fruit, but after God’s image.
DISCUSSION (Study Analysis):
1). What does it mean to bear fruit: Matthew 12:33; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:8
a) To reproduce after ones kind
b) To produce good fruit or flower
c) To give birth in ones lineage
d) To behave in a specified manner
e) To yield positive results
f) To exhibit a particular behaviour
g) To have good results
2). Who can bear fruit for the Lord:John12:24; Romans 6:6-7, 7:4; 1John 1:9)
3a). What are the conditions for bearing fruit: (John 15:4-5; 2 Peter 1:5-8)
3b). Is bearing of fruit obligatory or a necessity? (John 15:16; Colossians 1:10; Romans 7:4)
4). Five degrees in fruit bearing: (John 15:1-8, 16)
a) No fruit (beareth no fruit) John 15:2
b) Fruit bearing (beareth fruit) John 15:2
c) More fruit (beareth more fruit) John 15:2
d) Much fruit (beareth much fruit) John 15:5, 8
e) Abiding fruit (fruit beareth) John 15:16
5). Kinds of Fruit We Need To Bear Spiritually:
a) Disciples/Converts (Sinner saved or backsliders restored) Romans 1:13; John 15:16; Luke 15:3-24; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20.
b) Christian Character (Galatians 5:22-23)
c) Christian Conduct. The fruit of righteousness (right living or behaviour) Romans 6:21-22; Philippians 1:11; 1Tim 3:15
6). Some likely possible cause for a Christian not bearing fruit: (1Timothy 5:6; Isaiah 59:1-2; John 15:2; 1 Samuel 2:9b; 2 Peter 1:4-11)
7). Why must a Christian not be satisfied with being saved alone: (John 15:8; Revelation 22:12; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Matthew 21:19; Luke 15:7, 10, 22-24)
8). Consequence of not being fruitful: (2 Peter 1:9-10; Matthew 3:7-10; Mark. 11:14; John 15:2a)
CONCLUSION: We have a duty as a part of the body of Christ to be fruitful. God is no respecter of persons and God has saved and sanctified us so that we may be fruitful in life. Your being fruitful will surely bring good rewards and equally prove that Christ’s death and resurrection to make you live and be fruitful wasn’t in vain; and the Body of Christ (the Church) will not be stagnant because of you. Beloved, there is a promised rain for fruitfulness. Ask for it, you can then live a fruitful life. You can seek for the opportunity today in the house of God, the Church of the living God on earth.
MEMORY VERSE: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16.
Compiled By Revd Chukie MORSI
Intercessory Prayers Series 2
INTERCEDING FOR THE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL
(Not Excluding Other Local Church Pastoral/Spiritual Leadership Teams)
TEXT: Zechariah 3:1-8, Acts 14:19-20, Deuteronomy 3:23-28; Colossians 4:17
INTRODUCTION: Amongst all the children of God, Ministers are the most vulnerable to attacks by the enemy because they occupy a very precious position. Except by the discerning of Spirits and revelation gifts of the Holy Spirit, one might not accurately know what problems, fears tears, and wears a minister has to grasps with, as their problems are many and varied. It is in this respect that the great Apostle Paul, who spoke in tongues more than all the Christians in Corinth, who heard the voice of God audibly and saw the visions of God, who went to the third heaven bodily, and had an angelic visitation, who could deliver an erring believer to the devil for torment, and who stood in the five ministerial offices and manifested all nine gifts, requested for personal prayers almost all the Churches he visited. Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonian 5:25; Heb. 13:18.
The Lord Jesus Christ while on earth as son of man also requested prayer help from His disciples who slept off instead of praying – Matthew 26:36-46. So, if the Lord Jesus in His earthly ministry and also Apostle Paul needed prayers then we conclude that no minister can perform effectively to the optimum without a steady prayer support. God is likely to hold the church responsible for the sins, errors and the fall and failures of her ministries just as He will also hold the ministers responsible for the lives of their members – Proverbs 27:23.
“When Israel sin against God, Moses interceded for them, but when Moses has his offence of sin against God, there was no intercessor to take a stand on his behalf” – Exodus 32:30-32; 33:12-23; 17:8-16; 12:13; and Deuteronomy 32:48-52; Numbers 20:7-13.
A. MINISTER’S CONFLICTS:
1. Ministers have personal crisis and strivings which at some points or times cannot be shared with mortal man except God alone – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.
2. Ministers may be bold externally but they may also have their personal fears and uncertainties. 1 Kings 19:1-14. “Smite the Shepherd and the Sheep’s will scatter”.
3. Ministers are specifically targeted for certain vicious attacks by the gates of hell : 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 2 Kings 4:1-7 etc
- Seducing spirits
- Attacks on the spirit man by demonic forces with intent to hindering a minister fellowship with God
- Family attacks (domestic burdens)
- Pride, arrogance and self esteem
- . . . And many others etc
4. Ministers often have plans and programmes of divine approval which may be frustrated by the devil. 1 Thessalonian 2:18.
5. Sometimes they find themselves in a very tight and embarrassing financial crisis which they had not bargained for. 2 Corinthians 11:22-27, Philippians 4:10-13.
6. Many times they wonder whether they were actually called of God due to Satan’s assault on their assurance and faith. This often happens when there is fierce opposition within and without and the ministry isn’t making any remarkable progress. Matthew 11:1-6, 2 Timothy 4:13-18.
7. Often there are certain inexplicable health hazards which may ultimately affect the work of the ministry. 1Timothy 5:23.
8. Often-times the devil inundates the minister with unending programmes and activities, so as to choke up his personal fellowship with the Lord. Ministers must work with the Lord and not only for the Lord. Mark 3:14-15.
9. There is also the temptation to be crowded and miracle-oriented without being people-oriented. Jesus had time for anxious inquirers.
10. We must pray that God’s minister will be men of vision so as to:
i. See what the Lord sees.
ii. See only what the Lord sees.
iii. See as far as the Lord sees.
iv. See as clearly as the Lord sees.
(see Jeremiah 1:11-19; Isaiah 6:1-9; Genesis 13:14-18)
B. DIVINE RECIPE FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY: 1 Tim. 1:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:1
- GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ Expense, i.e. unmerited favour, divine capacity for doing work. 1 Cor. 15:9-10.
- MERCY – Divine kindness that offsets divine judgement for obvious and non-obvious faults and mistakes in the ministry. 2 Cor. 4:1.
- PEACE – Understanding of mind and spirit in spite of surrounding turmoil’s. John 14:27, John 16:33, 2 Tim. 2:6.
NOTE: No minister can function without fail, if these three elements of divine reimbursement are not present on a constant basis. As intercessors we need to ask the Lord to multiply these divine favours unto them.
C. SAMPLE PRAYERS FOR MINISTERS:
(Marks of the ministry: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10).
Lord of heaven and Earth I come in the name of Lord Jesus Christ, your first begotten son to intercede and pray for Revd Chukie & Mrs. Faith MORSI, ministers of the gospel, whose local church is named REDEMPTION LIFE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH. I pray that you will grant them your grace, peace and mercy, so that they could make their calling and election sure; I pray that they would approve themselves as ministers and that they put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that their ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God they commend themselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything as in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. I pray that your loving kindness will envelope them. Kindly bless them and grant them open doors of favour, an effectual and effective ministry. I pray that all the resources they might need to make their ministry what you want it to become be made available unto them. Kindly bless them in every way. Thank you Lord in Jesus name, amen.
(You can use these other passages to enhance prayers – Psalms 104:4; 134:1-3; 135:1-3; 92:10-15 etc.)
Compiled by Rev. Chukie MORSI
www.42ndgenerationfoundation.com and www.achieversfaithdigest.com