John 4 : 1 - 7
Text: “When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “will you give me a drink” (V.7)”
Ref. Gen. 24:17 (Rebekah), 1 Kings 17:10 {Elijah asking from widow of Zarephath}
Introduction:
This is one of the most profound revelations of Jesus: He is the Living Water, the water which men can drink and thereby never thirst again.
i. Jesus left Judea (v.1-9)
ii. Living Water is alive (v. 10)
iii. Living Water is from a Person much greater than a religious father (v.11-12).
iv. Living water is the only water that will quench thirst (v.13-14)
1. Jesus Had a Mission
Jesus left Judea. Note two Significant facts.
- Jesus left Judea out of necessity – for John’s sake
- Jesus was driven to go through Samaria for the sake of His mission. Samaria
needed the gospel as much as other areas.
- Jesus left Judea to confront Samaria woman.
- He sat on the wall of a well, for He was both tired and thirsty from His Journey.
- While sitting there, one of the events for which He had come into Samaria happened:
- He confronted a woman with the claims of the Messiah.
- She came to draw water, and He initiated a conversation by asking her for a drink of water.
- She was shocked, for the Jews did not associate with the Samaritans.
- She asked Jesus why He would ask her, a Samaritan for a drink. It was this question, This subject of water, that Jesus used…
* to discuss one of the greatest truths of spiritual life, that of living water.
* to present the claims of God upon a life.
2. Jesus the Living Water
- When He spoke to the woman, Jesus meant much more than the living streams and
- Living water is “of God.” It is of Him who is living, always has and always will be living. The water that God gives is the most alive water there is. No other water, no matter how alive it may be considered, can compare with the living water that is of God.
For with you is fountain of life; in your light we see light. (Psa 36:9)
- Living water is “the gift of God”. The word “gift” means it is freely given, is not earned and is not deserved.
- Living water is given by asking for it. Note what Jesus said: “If you knew… you would have asked.” The woman had never received living water because she had never known about it and never asked for it. It was now available simply by asking for it.
- Living Water is from a person (J.C) much greater than a religious father
3. Our Thirst today
Men know immediately how to quench their physical thirst, but their spiritual thirsts is a different matter. Within their hearts men sense a thirst for …
• Purpose
• Meaning
• Significance
• Satisfaction
• Fulfillment
• Something that is missing
• Something to fill the void, the emptiness, and the loneliness
• Deliverance from a sense of lostness
• Freedom from undue anxiety, stress, and pressure.
4. Some facts about the Living Water
a The living water comes from Christ. He and He alone it its source.(John 7:37)
b The living water keeps a man from ever thirsting again. His inner thirst is gone forever. It is quenched and fully satisfied. (Isaiah 58:11)
c The living water is “a spring of water” placed “in” the man. The well is not placed outside the man, not placed anywhere out in the world, not in his home, nor in his business. It is placed “in” him.(John 7:38-39)
d The living water springs up and continues to spring up and bubble, flowing on and on. It is ever in motion. (Isaiah 12:3)
e The living water springs up into eternal life. It will never end. (Rev. 7:17; 22:17)
Conclusion:
Read Isaiah 55:2
Remember Jesus came to seek the lost
Be found of Him and be satisfied
Imagine the role of coke water in the face of a real thirst
Anything you think satisfies outside Jesus is fake.
Remember that both of them didn’t take any water.
Jesus was satisfied, He met and saved the woman.
The woman was satisfied, she met Jesus, and was saved and the became a Missionary.
Introduction/Instruction:
1. Give thanks to the Lord
Why?
For He is good
His love endures for ever
2. Give thanks to the Lord
For What?
His unfailing love and wonderful deeds for me
The, sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works
How?
With song of joy
Please quickly note:
This Psalm observes some of the instances of God's providential care of the children of men in general, especially in times of distresses
Why did/does God do this?
He is not only God/King of the Saints but also King of nations
He is snot only God of Israel but the God of the whole earth and a common Father to all mankind
Furthermore the Psalmist gives some specific calamities that commonly befall human life and how God succours them, especially in answer to their prayers, e.g. (In this context)
1. Banishment and dispersion (v.2 – 9)
2. Captivity and imprisonment (v. 10 – 16)
3. Sickness of the body (v. 17 – 22)
4. Danger and distress at sea (v. 23 – 32)
5. God's people must give joyful acknowledgement (v.33 – 34)
On a day like this, what are we expected to do and for what purpose. Let me give you two examples today
1. Ex. 15:1 – “Then Moses and Israelites song…”
When?
Now Read Ex. 14: 26 – 31
2. a. 1 Chronicles 16:1ff
b. 2 Chronicles 5:1ff
(When the Ark was brought into its rightful place)
Summarily we give thanks to God, when:
1. We are delivered from sin and sickness
2. When we are delivered from our enemies and troubles
3. When our dreams are fulfilled
4. When achieve our goals and ambitions
5. When we are where God wants us to be and enjoy his provisions
Conclusions
1. Do you have any of the above experiences?
2. Which of them was by your power (finance, position, intelligence, etc)?
3. What do you think all these are worth in terms of substances?
4. What can you give to God?
5. Any token for it?
Genesis 22: 15 - 19
Text: Genesis 12: 2 - 3 “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name a great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3. "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”(KJV)
Introduction:
God is always faithful to His Promise
Promise is based on call (as in Abraham – Gen. 12:1-3)
Look at Heb. 6: 13 – 15
Hence Abraham was not just blessed, he was a blessing
Why was Abraham blessed?
In providing answers to this question, we observe three positions from Abraham
Obedience/Trust
Faith
Sacrifice
1. Abraham's Obedience (Gen. 12: 1 & 4)
Note: Abraham left as the Lord had told him (Gen. 12:4)
Also see Gen. 22: 1 – 3
Wholehearted obedience is required – Deut. 26:16
Leaving nothing undone – Josh. 11:15
Our price to pay for success and blessing: Josh 1:8
2. Abraham's Faith ( Heb. 11:8 – 12, 17 – 19)
More example of faith
David – 1 Sam. 17:37
Job – Job 19:25
3. Abraham's Sacrifice (Gen. 22: 9 – 12)
Note the Words: “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son”
Now, her God's declaration: v.17, “I will surely bless you…”
Did God do it?
See Gen. 26:24
Heb. 11:12
Conclusion:
Do you desire Abraham's blessing?
That is – you want God to bless you as He did Abraham
Then, do what he did:
He left where God's blessing could not reach him
He obeyed God to go to where he knew not
He trusted God enough that what God said, he would do
He could part with what looked too precious to him, “the only son”
We can summarily say,” great blessing, great faith, great obedience, great sacrifice
What will you sacrifice today?
Your life?
Your time?
Your substance?
Your faith ?
Or
“Cast your bread on the water…”
Genesis 21: 1 - 7
Text: “And the Lord did.. as He had promised” v.1
Introduction:
Everybody experiences some delays in the discharge of some expectation:
Hopes unfulfilled/dashed
Promises unfulfilled/failed
Appointments failed/disappointed
Disappointments here and there
From last week’s message:
Abraham decided to help himself
God had His own purpose and plan
Even when it seems slow, ti is better to wait on/for God.Why?
God can never be late
Remember only He has time and eternity with Him
I. God never slacks in His promise
- Was gracious to Sarah v.1
- At the very time v.2
i. He never forgets (Gen.8:1)
ii. She will be mother of nations (Gen. 17:16)
iii. Promise stands sure (Gal. 4:23)
iv. God’s faithfulness is the key (Heb. 11:11)
II. God Honours His Word
“I will return to you…” (Gen. 18:10) (ref Gen. 17:21) Also see 2 Kings 4:16
III. Why Should We Hold to God & His Promises
He is ever living
Hence, His Word is Sure:
a. Solomon’s Testimony ( 1 Kings 8:56)
b. David’s Testimony (Ps. 111:4-7)
c. The WORD (Jesus) Himself
(Matt. 5:18; Luke 21:33)
He is Faithful
a. Moses affirmed it (Deut. 7:9)
b. God does/can not lie (Heb. 6:18)
c. Hence, we can trust Him ( 1 Peter 4:19)
Conclusion:
Anything long-looked for comes at last
Every promise of God is for an appointed time
No word of God shall fall to the ground
He can and fulfil every promise He has made
God’s faithfulness is the stay and support of His people’s faith
God is always punctual to His time
Though His promised mercies come not at the time we set, they will certainly come at the time He set and that’s the best time
Thot: If it is for God you are waiting, He can never be late.
Ask for Grace and mercy. Your dream shall be fulfilled.
Gen. 16: 1 - 6
Introduction:
It takes divine revelation to think something that what appears good has evil behind it
It is a paradox that something that promises pleasure eventually turns to pains.
The background story to our message today is about Father Abram, Mother Sarai and Servant Hagar
Although Papa Abram had problem of childlessness solved, there were other problems of discomfort, disaffection, hatred, and now dispensational challenges.
Watch out, please, for what looks appealing today but only a foundation for an unending problems and pains tomorrow. Papa Abram did this, and the problem is with us here today.
I. Abram’s Pressure and Consent
Mama Sarai was barren v.1
There was an Egyptian maid-servant v.2
Accusation of God v.2
Mama Sarai’s Appeal v.2
Human Arrangement v.2
Abram agreed to what Sarai said v.2
And slept with Hagar v.4
II. The Result
Pregnancy v.4
Despise v. 4
Shift of blame v.5
Curse v.5
Of a fact there is danger in momentary pleasure that later ends in pains.
Run away from it.
III. Similar Examples
1. Esau (pleasure of food) Gen. 25:27 – 34
2. Judah (pleasure of immorality) Gen. 38:12-18 Ref 38:24-26
3. Achan (pleasure of property) Joshua 7:20-25 please note v. 25 “The Lord will bring trouble on you today”
4. Israelites (the pleasure of being like other nations)
1 Sam. 8:1-6; 11 – 19 note v.19 very well. “But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No” they said, “we want a king over us”
Just see 1 Kings 12:1ff
This is apart from Saul who originally derailed them away from God starting with his own disobedience.
Conclusion:
The message is, “Be careful for what looks pleasurable today but it’s pain-inherent tomorrow”.
Quoting Matthew Henry:
1. Foul temptations may have very fair pretences and be coloured with that which is very plausible
2. Fleshly wisdom, as it anticipates God’s time of mercy, so it puts us out of God’s way
3. Evil will be happily prevented if we would ask counsel of God by the Word of God and by Prayer before we attempt that which is important and suspicious
How many people are regretting their initial choices and decisions today!
Are you in some pains today due to some evil pleasures in the past in form of:
Location
Association
Relationship
Marriage/Immorality etc.
If you will genuinely repent and seek for mercy, there is a way out.
Seek forgiveness
Seek Counsel
Seek restitution where possible and practicable
Depend on God’s Grace
There may be scars; the Grace of God will see you through
If you are not suffering any pain now in the context of this message, watch out for devil’s deception. Grow in Grace, relate well to well-meaning Christians, run away from every appearance of evil
The God of Grace will release His grace upon you today. Let’s Pray.
Genesis 26: 24 -30
Text: v. 30 “Isaac then made a feast for them and they ate and drank”
Introduction:
When did Isaac make a feast?
“Then…” Turn to Preceeding Story: Genesis 21:22ff (ref 26:26ff)
Like in the times of Abraham and Isaac (and other Bible characters) today’s Christians also face challenges
Such challenges vary in types and degrees.
In the context of our passage today, it could be
Disputes
Opposition
Oppression
Hatred
Victimization
Deprivation
Etc
Today also, it could we
Intimidation
Harassing
Cheating
Insecurity
Insincerity (on the past of leaders)
Lack of essential social amenities
Unfulfilled dreams
Personal & family lacks
Etc.
Our emphasis is overcoming them.
That is, God never meant that any challenge overcomes us.
But we must know God’s way to overcome so that we can come to level of celebration (and each of us will come to celebration level)
Unfortunately, many of us don’t see celebration in view; hence we are not prepared to face the challenges that lead to it.
Today: You will confront your challenges, you will overcome them and you will celebrate.
I. Isaac’s Own Challenges
1. His wealth becoming a threat (v.12ff)
2. His wells were quarreled over (v.19ff)
Esek means dispute
Sitnah means opposition
3. His digging well thrice before getting to Rehoboth (Room or Space)
Note the words in v.22
“Now the Lord has given us room and will flourish in the land” (read Gen.17:6; ex 1:7)
II. How Isaac Overcome His Challenges
1. There was a divine appearance v. 24 “the Lord appeared…”
(see Gen. 12:7; 17:1; 18:1; Ex.3:2)
2. There was a promise v. 24 “I am with you, I will bless you, and multiply your seed…” (see Ex. 23:25; Ps. 81:16; Is. 30:23)
3. Isaac built an altar v. 25 (of Prayers) – see Ps. 5:3
4. Isaac was accommodating and hospitable v. 26ff
- King’s cabinet came to him
- God’s presence was evident in his life
Conclusion:
How to Overcome Your Challenges.
1. Don’t fear challenges; they are part of life. Bob Gass said, “when it comes to serving God, there are two sides to the coin: Success and suffering. We like the first and try to avoid the second. But they are both part of God’s plan”
2. Possess a vision
- where you are going
- what you are to do
- where you are to do it
- with whom you are to do it
3. Never be discouraged
Isaac dug 1.2.3 wells
4. Allow God to fight for you
When you are greater than your enemies, they are to eat at your table.
Only then can you feast, and that together with your accusers.
You are overcoming and you are celebrating.
Rise up and pray
2 Sam. 11: 1 - 4
Text: “Where are you” Gen. 3:13
If the 1st parents were tempted, any parents can be
If a King was tempted, any King today can be tempted talkless of Princes
If Jesus faced temptations, any Christian (no matter level, status or position) will also face temptation.
Anytime you heve temptation, the devil is about doing his job
But hear this: 1 Cor. 10:12 - 13
I. The King (David’s) situation
1. Lust (See v.2)
Please nothing is wrong with beauty but many things are wrong when beauty becomes a tool in devil’s hands
Read ( Prov. 6: 20 – 25)
It is just v. 27 that eventually became David’s portion
Matt. 5:28. Watch out for 2nd look
Gal. 5:16:- Live by the Spirit
Serious Warning: 1 Thess. 4:3-5
2. Yielding to the temptation v.4
Look at Lot – Gen. 13:10 – 13 (possession)
Look at Esau – Gen. 25: 29 – 34 (food)
Look at Achan – Josh – 7:20 – 26 (property)
Look at Solomon – 1 Kings 11:ff (women0
Look at James & John – Mark 10:35 (position)
II. The Result for David
More Sins:
- Bribery v. 6 – 9
- Deception v. 10 – 11
- Manipulation v. 12
- Murder v.14ff
Greater Result :
Dynasty Disorder – 2 Sam. 13
Amnon & Tamar (see 2 Sam.12:12
Absalom Killed Amnon
Absalom’s conspiracy (1 Sam.15)
The Son’s death ( 2 Sam. 12:14ref v.18)
See what the momentary pleasure caused Eve and her family
See what calamity that befell David after a momentary lust and its gratification
Note: When the devil offers I naira he can take 1m. naira
III. How To Watch Out for Devil’s Deception
Know, ever, that the devil is still crafty
He is looking for whom he may deavour
Know the Word of God (Gen. 3:1b – 3 compare with Matt 4:1ff)
Test every Spirit I John 4:1
Be careful for idleness/loneliness
Learn to refer or compare notes (suppose Eve waited for Adam…?) or David went to battle?
Conclusion:
Devil’s deception is attractive
Yielding Deception of the devil leads to death
What you don’t see/know is far greater than what you know
If it appears too good, cross-check very well. (“Not all that glitters is gold”)
Whom do you associate/relate with?
Do such make a lie the Word of God?
Watch out (Student, teacher, pastor/preacher, contractor, politician, husband, housewife, etc)
Gen. 3:1 – 13
Text: “Where are you” Gen. 3:9
“The Serpent deceived me” Gen. 3:13
Introduction:
Foundation is very important in life building
The beginner of structure/programme/life is very crucial
Imagine the difference between Gen. 2:24 – 25 and Gen. 3:1-2
Of a truth, the devil goes round seeking whom he may devour
He succeeded in Eve (to fell Adam an the whole human race) later
No one is too big/spiritual to be deceived or tempted by the devil; hence the need to watch out.
I. The Nature of the Serpent (Devil)
Crafty (subtle)
Are men too, subtle today?
See Gen. 27:11ff – Rebeccah
Joshua 9:1ff – The Gibeonites
Luke 20:20ff – The Pharisees & Suducees
No wonder we are warned in Eph.4:14
II. The Nature of the Deception see v.6
Note: Our desire is the major factor that makes us fall to the devil
Gen. 11:4 - Tower of Babel
2 Sam. 15:1 - Absalom for government
Matt. 20:21 – James and John’s mother
III. Why Watch Out?
Simple: Repercussion (alienation) for Adam & Eve – Curse see vs.14ff
- Loss of position & Glory
- Nakedness & degradation
- Separation
Where then are you Now?
IV. How To Watch Out
Know, ever, that the devil is still crafty
Know the Word of God (Gen. 3:1b – 3 compare with Matt 4:1ff)
Test every Spirit I John 4:1
Be careful for idleness/loneliness
Learn to refer or compare notes (suppose Eve waited for Adam…?)
Conclusion:
Devil’s deception is attractive
Yielding Deception of the devil leads to death
What you don’t see/know is far greater than what you know
If it appears too good, cross-check very well. (“Not all that glitters is gold”)
Whom do you associate/relate with?
Do such make a lie the Word of God?
Watch out (Student, teacher, pastor/preacher, contractor, politician, husband, housewife, etc)
Acts 6:1 – 7
Text: “Brothers, look among you” or “Choose seven men from among you”
Introduction:
We align ourselves to the Scripture
Hence I like to share from just 4 scriptures this morning before I allow to do your sacred assignment.
Be reminded, please, that we talk about Building the church of Christ. We must never lose that thought and sight
Acts 6 look foundational, but remember they were never called DEACONS there. They were called to SERVE.
But Note: What they need to serve very paramount:
a. Holy Spirit fullness, and
b. Wisdom
To grow the church, we are looking for men and women to serve
Consider these words again as we observe the word ‘deacon’ (diakonos), diakone (to serve), diaconia (service)
That is, it is about service, more than Title
Original meaning is that of menial service.
Ref. to Phil. 1:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8
Who/What they Are – Qualifications
From 1 Tim 3
a. Of faith – v. 9
b. Tested v.10
Solid home – v. 12
“God is not as concerned about talents and abilities as much as he is concerned with the spiritual condition of his servants” (Darry Dash)
c. Personal integrity
- worthy of respect
- sincere
- No dishonest gain
d. Their wife too (or husband) v. 11
e. The Rewards v. 13
- and excellent standing
- well esteemed/respected
How Do You Choose them:
1. Remember the Word of God
2. Listen to the Holy Spirit
3. Watch out for human (carnal) influence
4. Pray
5. Receive revelation of persons and names
6. Write down names as led
7. Make it personal
8. Thank God (you’ve done your best)
9. Follow these and other administrative instruction
10. Cooperate with God and Church leaders on the next stages.
Scripture: Matt. 20: 20 – 27
INTRODUCTION
Building the body of Christ requires Christian leaders and followers
A well-built church automatically influences the outside world
The main function of the church (outside the walls) is to communicate the
Gospel wholistically.
For Jesus, in our passage today, greatness is service
What is true greatness? It is four things:
1. Greatness that is eternal is of God.
There is no greatness other than that of God, not a greatness that brings eternal position and honor.
2. Greatness is not dominion over people.
The disciples still thought the Messiah’s kingdom would be the restoration of Israel as an earthly nation and power.
3. Greatness is serving others.
The great are they who minister.
The greatest, the first among all, are they who are bond-slaves.
What Christ was saying is this: among His disciples, the person who serves is great, but the person who is a slave is the first. The idea of the person who serves is that of occasional service; whereas the slave is a person who is bound to the Lord every moment of life, always serving, regardless of the hour or call or difficulty.
4. This greatness was demonstrated by Christ in three supreme acts:
a. The act of coming to earth
b. The act of ministering
c. The act of giving His life
Hence Jesus requires servant-leaders to serve in the building of His Body
In our context today we are talking about office of a deacon.
In the church a good deacon will fulfill the requirements in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3
The summary of our passage today as far as Jesus concerned is that servant –leaders “don’t have any power or authority at all; they just have a job to do– chosen and elected to carry out that job”
Who then are such deacons?
- Men & women of the Word – who rise above the norm in Bible Study
- Men and women of faith (real and mighty)
- Faithful supporter of the church ( in attendance and finance)
- His only reason for missing church service must be excusable before God
- Involve in physical maintenance and projects of the church
- Encourage the lagging church members to faithfulness
- Directly involved in reaching the prospects for the Lord (e.g. Stephen and Philip)
- Exercise any talents that God has given him/her in the ministry of the church
- Ready and willing to step in and fill any task he/she can accomplish
- Do what he/she can do to root out any discord and settle it properly
- Always in communication with the Pastor in resolving matters
Conclusion:
Peter’s Admonition:
“Look Among You”