Philippians 1:1-6
Text:v. 5
"For you have been my PARTNERS in spreading the Good News about Christ
from the time you first heard it until now"
Introdution:
Sermon Outline for Sun...
This his is another Mission Week
Every sincere believer is a Missionary
Every non-Christian in a Mission-field
Which one are you?
The common axiom today in Missions is PARTNERSHIP
That is, every Christian has a role to play for the Gospels to spread
If this fails, the repercussion is not funny, as the case now in Nigeria
The Basic Principle: I Cor 3:9-10
Definition: Collaboration, Togetherness, Synergy, Each doing his in the whole,
etc
I. Paul and the Philippians
Preached Gospel to them
They responded positively
Became his partners thereafter for other places
That aided Paul very much
Always glad about their remembrance, hence his prayers for therm
Paul's Recognition and Wish read Vs 7-
II. The Philippians Ministry of Partnership
Read 4 (Off
They were there for him always
He recognized their involvement and generosity
He appreciated them, them prayed for them
III. Our Call Today
This is International Mission Week
We talk about our Mission works outside the shore of Nigeria
Implication: we do Missions there in dollars
All of us are called to be part of what God is doing in those places
IV. Practical Things To Do
Collect a booklet to study at a hundred naira
Be familiar with what goes on in each fields and PRAY hard
Determine what you think is appropriate for you to give in partnership
Do that till we come back next week
We pull our resources together to the GMB of the NBO
May God and our Convention depend on you
Psalm 107:1-9
Introduction:
In all things , give thanks ; Really?
Why this instruction?
Why not obedient?
We are limited in knowledge and exposure
Anyway today, we will obey
Why ? Our text says "that is God's will for us
For who?
His children , who know their Father is good and never does evil to any man .
Meditate on these Scriptures:
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
2. Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
3. Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
4. Colossians 3:15-17
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him
5. Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
6. 2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
7. Psalm 105:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
8. Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
9. Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
10. Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Obey God's Word:
11. Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Our Resolve:
1 Chronicles 29:13
And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
Luke 15:11-24
Text: vs 17 & 18 ( read it )
Introduction:
This passage is about the parable of the lost son.
Told by Jesus, to illustrate something
Among them is:
The Father's great love ,
The coming home of a sinner ,
The loss, recovery, celebration of a prodigal, Etc
But today , as part of this series , the idea is :
Renew your relationship with the Saviour , Jesus Christ
Renew your relationship with the church
Renew every broken human relationship
Renew your walk with God
It has been said times and again , the best place to be in is the home .
Why?
It is the place of love and light
It is the place of fellowship and togetherness
It is the place of plenty for everybody to share
It is the place of comfort and solace
It is a place against every form of attacks
It is a place of rest
It is a place of welcome
It is a place for everybody in that family
Etc
That is exactly the what the church is
Hence , when you are not in your home church , you MUST be in your church home
To Our Passage:
1. The richness of the father , v. 12
He had an estate
He divided the property between his two sons
The boy was given enough , at least , no complaint
2. The sufferings Outside Home , vs.13-16
Bad company and dangerous journey
Squandered his wealth in wild living
Severe famine in the place he was
Became terribly in need
Became an unemployable job-seeker
3. He Came to His Senses, vs. 17ff
Could it be he has lost his senses before?
(any time you are doing what is abnormal for you, your sense is lost)
He came to his senses to discover :
He is away from home
He was not supposed to be in that condition
His Father's servants were better off
There is the need to go back home
4. The Awaiting Hands of the Father, v. 20
He decided to go back home
Went and found the father waiting for him
5. Genuine Repentance, v.21
Spoke to the father as he had resolved
Deserved no more the place of son
Preferred to be made a slave of his father
6. The Right Place To Be , vs 22-24
In the home , there is the best robe, ring and sandal
In the home there is more than enough food
In the home, there is celebration.
Conclusion:
Where are you now?
I know you will say , "in church"
Are you really in church?
Do you really belong to the church ?
Despite being in church, where else do you belong to?
Especially, such places of:
Deception
Sin
Adultery..
Smoking
Drinking
Bad gangs
Where they have removed the glory of God on you and given you rags.
The best place to be:
The bible-based church like this
The fellowship of brethren
People who are pilgrims toward heaven
People who resemble their holy God
Who are carriers of God's grace and blessings daily
Who will influence you for good
And help you to fulfill your God-given vision
As we said last week , you are in the wrong place if none of these is happening to you
May we pray, please
Genesis 3 : 1-10
Text : v. 10, "And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?"
Introduction:
Today , we are sharing the last but one moe message in this series
Please , quickly note:
1. Where you are has to do with what you are doing
2. Where you are has to do with what you will become
3. Where you are now will have a great impact upon your life
4. As the saying goes , "your location determines your allocation. How true!
The Story:
Adam was created a perfect man
To be supported by his wife Eve
There was a time Eve was alone at home , vulnerable
Best time for Satan to tempt
Note the interaction that went on between them
Read vs 1-5
What to note:
Lonely moments are very dangerous . Are you alone ?
Conversation with the devil could be snaring
Whatever "good thing" the devil offers is a serious bait to derail anybody.
The Result of Interaction/Conversation
Read vs 6-7
Have you observed, today that what people call civilization ( olaju ) is actually what is killing them
Although their eyes were opened , they no longer saw God
Although they knew, they were no longer in God's presence
Although they sewed fit tree leaves together , they were naked
Now God Came
Read v. 8
Imagine God coming down to look for them , and not finding them where they used to be or where He placed them originally . Hence , the next automatic question
Read. V.9
If they were no longer where God put them , the right question therefore is "where are you?"
Read the answer:
Adam heard the voice of God. Are you still hearing God ?
He was afraid. Of what, or who ?
He was naked . Who de-robed him?
He hid himself. From whom and why?
From God with whom nobody and nothing is hidden?
How foolish man could be !
Don't Go Too Far?
Today, are you aware that this a question for all of us in the house today: Where are you?
Where are you now in the church of God ?
Do you know that where you are determines who you are and what you become ?
Are you in personal relationship with the Lord ?
Are you really in the fellowship of the children of God ?
Are you in the friendship with people that are focused on Kingdom and meaningful life matters ?
Or , are you in the company of those who draw you away from Christ and His Church?
The next question will be , what are you doing in that place , in that group , in that club in that association, etc , where you are now
Note very well , you are in the wrong place if:
Where you are draws you away from church
Where you are makes you do what you don't want to do
Where you are makes God looks small to you
Where you are makes you belittle and Kingdom matters .
Where Your friends and allies are so powerful to lure you away .
If you cannot broadly confess the saving grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ
Therefore, today
Make a definite decision
Resolve today to serve the God without Good
Philippians 4 :10-13
Intro : We continue in this series of Renewal of our Ministry
Today, due to our responsibility, we are reminded:
Of our relationship to the Lord
Of our relationship to the ( this very ) church
Of relationship with one another - brethren
In this passage , Apostle Paul wants us to :
Govern our actions , 1-5
Guard our attitudes , 6-9
Give our assets , 10-19
Our emphasis
Read v. 10 , "... at last you have RENEWED your concern"
Emphasis mine
Could it be they have forgotten Paul
Could it be they are no longer passionate as before
Could it be of their lacks
Whichever way , they have renewed their commitment to supporting the Apostle and and acknowledged it .
Point To Note From Paul's Submission :
1. Paul knew how to be contented , whether he had plenty or he was in need
2. The secret for this was his drawing Christ's power for strength .
Our Own Situation Today:
Great needs? Yes
Contented because we don't have what we want?
What To Do :
Learn to rely on God's promises and Christ's strength
If you desire to have more , ask for contentment also.
Know and believe that God will all your needs
But in His own best way or that is His best for us .
So:
We can trust God that He will always meet our needs
Most of the time , we prefer comfort
We may not have all we want all of the time .
By trusting in Christ , our attitudes and appetite can change from wanting everything to accepting His provision and and power to live for Him
This Is Where We Need Renewal
Of your faith in Christ , are you really a child of God
Of our commitment to Christ and His cause - Missions ( saving souls, discipling men, empowering saints, establishing His Kingdom on earth, serving people , supporting our workers ,etc )
Of our living and lifestyle
Therefore, of our financial stewardship
So that we can renew our attitude toward Christ , His Church and the attendant needs .
At this level , church, let's receive grace for a fresh renewal for all that God has laid in our hwnds graciously
Note there is reward. Read 2 Cor 9:8 pls
Coming from the mouth of Paul . Believe it pls
Exodus 25 : 1-9
Text : V. 2 "
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they take for me an offering:of every man whose heart maketh him willing ye shall take my offering."
Introduction :
Continuing from where we stopped last week
We must make ourselves available to the manifold graces of God
It is the grace of God that we can cope with all situations
We do well to constantly receive grace to carry out our ministries
The demands of ministry suggest that we cannot move on without grace
Today we move further to still ask for grace
And it is the grace of GIVING for God's work
Two Principles to discuss today.
Why?
There are too many financial obligations required of us
Especially in recent times
The truth: no requirement or request immediately we are no more here
But while here , we will be called upon to respond to the needs of the moment
So, today , from our passage, let's just share two principles
1. The Principle of Giving
2. The Principle of Freewill offerings
So today, let us renew our ministry by sincere giving and Freewill offering
This giving is to be done freely , Matt 10:8
Should be done cheerfully, 2 Cor 9 : 7
Should also be done according to ability, Ezra 2:69; Acts 11: 29 _
1. The Principle suggests that we give God our mandatory gift via tithes and offering.
2. The Principle suggests that we give out of what God has graciously given to us , as many times as opportunity avails and demands
In Our Own Situation:
Consider our denominational requirements
Consider our ministries which must never stop
But then, remember situation of many people :
Who may have but don't understand
Who may have but don't hear
Who may have but don't chow concern and commitment
Who may have but give as much as they are able
Who may not have at all, despite their willingness
Etc
So , In That Light
Some of us just have to receive extra grace as we renew our :
Love for our Lord and Church
Commitment to God's work in our hands and time
Commitment and dedication to consistent gracious giving
Remember:
Giving of our tithes and offerings are mandatory , it is a command
Giving of Freewill offerings are required , by it many things are done
Believers , faithful members of a church family must not renege
Pray now for grace for a renewed commitment to this grace of giving
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Text: v. 9 "But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you"
Introduction
Experiences are showing that we are not exempted from challenges
Challenges come to all of us in different ways
For Christians, there is still the call and mandate of God upon them - to make disciples of all nations
Yet our challenges tend to want to debar or distract us
So the thesis of today's message is :
RENEWING OUR MINISTRY INSPITE OF OUR CHALLENGES THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD
This was Paul's experience and confession
What led to this ?
Our Passage Today
Few things to note :
1. Paul had an experience some 14 years ago - caught into 3rd heaven, God's own very dwelling place
2. It was an indescribable experience
From this Apostle, we learnt that our religious experiences with the Lord are personal, for which there is no reason to boast. Why?
Such boasting makes appear super-spiritual
It tends to make others feel inferior
It tends to want people make god of us
For some , it makes them focus on experience , rather than the Lord Himself
For Paul , in order not to boast , he was given "thorns " in his flesh
( what this means is for another message )
These thorns refuse to go after several prayers
Ask :
But why ? Why will a great servant of God pray and the Lord not answer ?
Would he continue his ministry?
How would he , together with the thorns ?
But then, why the "thorns"
So that Paul would be mindful that he was no better than other men
But much more:
So that Paul will not puff up
So that God's power will be revealed in him
So that Paul will live for Christ's sake
So that God's power will be manifested in his own weakness
And he will learn to depend on Him alone always
What Is Our Stake Today?
We , as a church , or individuals , may have our own "thorns"
Are we ready to move on in the battle for Truth
By the way, what can you regard as your own "thorn"
Has it or have they stopped you from serving God faithfully ?
Have they taken you away from your duty/ministry post?
The call to you and each of us is, "RENEW YOUR MINISTRY
Go back to holy loving
Go back to serious Soulwinning
Go back to faithful /dedicated service
Go back to your discipling
Go back to your loving brethren
God back to your high level commitment
Go back to your obedience to God's Word
Go back to your faithful giving
Go back
May we pray as we resolve to renew our own personal ministry
1 Peter 2 : 1-5
Introduction: ref to last week's message
What we are to be rid of
What we are to crave
If this happens , what shall be the evidence ?
Addition to that, from J C Ryle
If the following are not true to your life now as a Christian , know for sure , you are not born again yet
- Repentance of , and hatred for sin
- Consistent life of holiness
- Constant consciousness of Jesus' presence
- Personal devotion and prayer life
- Thirst , love , commitment and obedience to God's Word
Today, to show that you are really growing in your salvation , let just share three Principles from this passage of Acts
Read Acts 2 : 46-47
Principle 1 : Worship , v. 46 ( John 4:24 ) in Spirit and in truth
Principle 2: Fellowship, v. 46 ( read 1 John 1:3 ) fellowship with the Father and one another
Principle 3: Addition , v. 47 ( read Acts 4:4 ) "believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women an children
The Challenge Today:
This is BSF week
Who will be willing used of God?
Where are the spiritual mentors?
The far these ones will go depends...
Those of you, BSF :
What are you learning ?
From where do you learn them ?
Will you remain ... ?
Will the Church be willing to pay the prize ?
Luke 17: 1 – 10
Text: v. 10 “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do”.
Introduction:
Focus: To obey is a duty, not a service
Said repeatedly: “God’s Work is to be done by God’s children”
It could be demanding and overwhelming
Not by one or few but by all (esp. the redeemeds)
Each has a grace and a calling
But none can be idle
Remember always, it’s a privilege
Three thoughts to observe and note today in this passage and text:
1. The believer is a servant, and a servant is a slave who serves his Master.
2. The believer is to serve and obey the commandments of God until all the work is done.
3. The believer is to be humble in his service for the Lord.
From the passage: The Servant’s Duty:
He is to feed the cattle and plough the fields, then in the evenings he is to serve the household by feeding and waiting on tables. Ploughing and feeding are tough work, requiring a sound and disciplined body and spirit. They require endurance. Note that the servant works all day and all through the evening until all others have even gone to bed. He goes to bed after all others have retired, and he gets up before all others get up. The servant serves his Master.
Lesson For Us:
No matter what we do for Christ, it is our duty to do it. We are unworthy of the privilege to serve Him. We are to count ourselves “unworthy servants”. No man can claim he has done all he should. We all come short, no matter how much we do or how great the work. We think we do. There is no room for pride or arrogance or boasting. God commands perfection; therefore, He expects humility.
From the Scripture: Two things emanate
1. Our Duty:
As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. (John 9:4)
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Rom.12:11)
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)
Let us not become weary doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6: 9 -10)
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Heb. 6:11 -12)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Heb. 12:1)
2. Perfect Obedience and Humility
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Mat. 5:48)
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 18:4)
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke. 18:14)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Rom. 12:3)
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (I Pet. 5:5)
What Then Is Our Duty:
1. To love our fellow men
2. To share the gospel with all
3. To build the kingdom of God via the church
4. To be faithful church members
5. To be faithful, committed, sacrificial givers to Christ’s course via the church
6. To seek to do more as long as there is more to do
7. To keep being humble inspite of our usefulness.
Conclusion:
Are you, or will you be available to God as his servants (slaves)?
Will you lay yourself and substances at his disposal for His Kingdom’s sake?
Will you be willing to do more, despite all you are doing or you have done?
Will you seek and pray for more grace as Kingdom matters demand more of you?
Let’s just pray.
Hebrews 12 : 18-29
Text: "But you are come unto Mount Zion... And to Jesus, the mediator
of the new covenant..." vs 22 & 24
Introduction:
The first Sunday of this month I spoke to you on "HOLD ON TO JESUS" ,
using the story of Prophet Elisha who held on tightly to his Master
until he was taken way from him , but his mantle that he held on to
became his instrument of office with which he performed exploits
afterward ? He held the real thing , and he could go on in life with
all it's demands on him after the departure of his master
In the same vein, we all go , or come to different places with
different reasons or different outcomes . My encouragement in today's
message is that you and I will not only consciously come to Jesus, we
also must consciously stay put with Him
In our passage of today, there looks like a comparison, specifically,
between the Old and the New Testaments
THE PASSAGE:
In an appeal not to turn away from the Lord, the writer of the book of
Hebrews was giving the account of the awesome circumstances of the
giving of the Law as well as the features of the Gospel, thereby
making his readers to be aware that the consequences of turning away
from the gospel are far more dreadful than the consequences of
rejecting the Law (18-25)
Furthermore , the present world order will be put down and shake to
pieces . According to 2Peter3:10-13, the present form of the world
will be destroyed by fire and replaced by a new heaven and earth (
Rev 20:11 ; 21:1 )
THE COMPARISON:
Please , quickly read
Exodus 19:11-12 "and be ready against the third day; for the third day
Jehovah will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount
Sinai. 12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about,
saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or
touch the border of it:whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely
put to death"
Deut 4:11-12 "And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the
mountain burned with fire unto the heart of heaven, with darkness,
cloud, and thick darkness. 12 And Jehovah spake unto you out of the
midst of the fire:ye heard the voice of words, but ye saw no form;
only ye heard a voice."
Now , look at Heb 12: 22ff to see the difference: for genuine
believers in Christ: read on
"But you have come to Mt Zion... "
The principle here is this: " the superiority of the new testament ,
new dispensation which is better than the old or former
For example :
Better revelation, Heb 1:1-4
Better hope , Heb 7:19
Better promises, Heb 8:6
Better possessions, Heb 10:34
Better country, Heb 11:16
How Is This Possible?
Read v.24
"And to Jesus , the Mediator of a new covenant..."
This Is What We Are Saying : why you should come to Jesus and stay with Him:
Read vs. 23-24
By coming to Jesus , you have access to al these avenues and
opportunities . Just imagine !
In Christ you are directly linked with God
In Christ you are also linked with the saints in heaven
In Christ you have your freedom ( deliverance)
In Christ you are baptized into the church
In Christ you have access to the Holy Spirit
In Christ you are well associated with the brethren
In Christ your hope of heaven is settled
CONCLUSION:
Do you understand this revelation?
Do you appreciate the sacrifice that affords you this opportunities?
Do you know that, to not appropriate it is further danger?
Why will you delay to come to Christ ?
Why will you continue to cheat yourself by being deceptive ?
Why will you take fellowship of God's children for granted?
Please , come today to Christ and resolve to be His for ever
This song should be your testimony:
I've found a Friend, Oh such a Friend; ... And now I'm His and He's
mine ... For ever