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:
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
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