Text: v. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great
among you, shall be your minister:
Introduction:
Several things are happening in the world generally today-majorly dwelling on security and dangers to life, living, and properties.
The church today is almost (if not totally) in the midst of age of decadence
Churches are full on Sundays, holy living is scarse in the week
Even Christians would prefer their wish to supercede God’s Word
Pastors and preachers are in the danger of telling people what they want to hear, and not God’s Word
And many more challenges
However, these words come from the mouth of Jesus saying “But it should not be that way with you” (v.43 ERV)
What is it that should not be so among/with us?
Remember, Jesus was addressing His disciples. Let’s see what He was addressing with them or calling their attention to – Back to our passage (Read)
To me, Jesus is addressing the issue of Pride and Motive. Let’s see these two first:
They are both conditions of the heart, leading to other vices (as reflected in the two brothers)
I.Pride:
1. Pride makes us insensitive to the needs of others (v. 35). So far from sharing in the unimaginable burden that the Lord had just confessed Himself to be facing, or even giving any indication that the Lord’s words have affected them, James and John eagerly make their selfish request, manifesting no concern for the sorrowful news that the Lord has just shared with them.
2. Pride blinds us to the truths of God’s Word (v. 35). Not only are the two disciples incapable of feeling any compassion for the Lord, they are incapable of processing the Lord’s words.
3. Pride makes us presumptuous in our expectations (v. 35). “Do for us whatever we ask of you” is the outrageous way the disciples introduce their request to the Lord.
4. Pride makes us overestimate our abilities (v. 39). The Lord’s response to their request was to ask them if they could “drink the cup” of suffering that He was about to undergo. With brash confidence, both disciples assured him that they could.
5. Pride provokes us to usurp the rightful place of others (v. 40). Jesus told them that not even He (in His incarnate state) had the authority to grant their presumptuous request, but that only the Father could give such positions to those for whom they were prepared.
6. Pride creates strife and divisions (v. 41). Though James and John instigated the problem by their injudicious request, the other disciples manifested a similar lack of humility. When they heard the brothers’ request, “the ten began to feel indignant.” Pride invariably foments strife and, if left unchecked, divisions. Sometimes the divisions will be dramatic physical separations, but always there will be destructive spiritual division.
7. Pride promotes worldly behavior (v. 42). “Do not love the world nor the things in the world,” John commanded before defining those things as including “the boastful pride of life” (I John 2:15, 16).
8. Pride manifests the opposite of what Scripture requires (vv. 43, 44). The heart of a believer is to be that of a servant—a “slave of all.”
9. Pride is contrary to the Person and work of Christ (v. 45). Christ Himself “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” His followers throughout time have been called to demonstrate the same character, living lives of selfless service for the glory of the Lord who saved them and the blessing of others.
10. Pride stifles love (vv. 35-45). James and John exhibited a profound lack of love for the Lord, their brother disciples, and the charge they had received. Self-love—the hallmark of pride—was their predominant motivation.
II. Motive: What kind of motive do we see displayed here, let’s see first a few (there are was)
What needs to be noted first is that ambition can be good or bad. The determining factor is motive. One’s motive makes ambition either good or bad. The ambition of James and John exposes several possible motives. Each one touches a sensitive spot within every man and urges every man to examine the motives of his heart (Mt.20:20 – 21)
1. There was the motive of favoritism. James and John along with Peter formed an inner circle around Christ (Mk 9:2). They apparently had some feeling that they were special, the favorites of Christ; therefore, they were due the top positions.
Observation:
1. Feeling special, as though one is a favorite of God, is a common sin – a sin of pride. How many of us have felt we are one of God’s specials or favorites? How often have we felt this way?
2. The inner circle, or the multi-gifted, often feels as though they are the special ones of God or of the church. Some often feels as though they are due special favours
God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov. 16:18)
2. There was the motive of wealth. Zebedee, the father of James and John, was apparently
wealthy. He owned a fishing business large enough to furnish fish for the palace.
Please note:
(1). Wealth can make a man self-centered. It can pamper and make one selfish. It can cause one to expect more attention, more honor, more recognition, more favor.
(2) Those who have wealth often want more. And they set out to get more, whether wise or unwise, whether right or wrong. The wisdom and righteousness of having wealth are determined by a person’s motive and true need.
2. There was the motive of power, position, influence, and authority. This was clearly one of the motives of James and John. They wanted to be right next to Jesus in position and influence, power and authority. It is the very thing they asked.
How true! Men want position. Men think in terms of position and influence. Within the business world, men want a position that assures influence and reward. Within the church, some want a position of leadership and of influence. Men seldom think in terms of service or in terms of how they can help the company or the church. Too often their thoughts are on the honor, the reward, the influence, the position they will receive.
3. There was the motive of social status. James and John did have some social standing. They were somewhat wealthy and were accepted within the palace and were personally known by the High Priest. Social standing often makes a person feel that he is entitled to more – more position, more recognition, a higher seat.
Social standing can also make one feel he is better or above others. Perhaps James and John had a tinge of both feelings.
In Conclusion:
What is it that should be so among us?
Among whom is Jesus talking about?
Among the disciples of Jesus. That is, those who have committed their totality to Christ and His Kingdom.
1. Pride should be seriously dealt with
2. Our motive must be correct and right
What else should not be among us?
3. Immorality should not be seen/heard among us ( 1 Cor. 5: 1 – 7)
4. Grudges and fighting should not be heard or seen among us (Phil 4:1 – 3)
5. Ungodly retaliation should not be found among us ( Luke 9:49 – 56)
What are you doing or saying or even thinking right now?
Does the Spirit of God inside you justify you of such?
What is your lifestyle like? Is it Christlike?
Remember the words of Jesus, John 13:34 -35, “By this shall all men know…”
Can we pray a sincere prayer?
Pray this morning (Eph. 4:1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Luke 10: 1-2; Luke 8:1-3; I Cor.16:1-3
Text: “…The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”…Lk 10:2
Introduction:
It is always God’s desire to save the whole world – John 3:16
God’s means of saving the whole world is by the gospel – Matthew 24:14
God depends on his children to take the Gospel to the nations (their world and constituencies) - Luke 24:48
Holy Spirit Power is here to do the work – Acts 1:8
Our readiness and willingness are required – Isaiah 6:8
That is:
Some will Go
All will groan (pray)
Some will give
All will witness
Be sure you play your own part well
From our passage today:
Three basic principles are derived as we consider our selves as
partners in Missions for the sake of Breaking New Frontiers
Be reminded, we are steward of so many graces and opportunities
The challenge is that we may misuse the:
Principle 1 (Luke 10: 1-2)
While the harvest is plentiful or the field is ripe for harvest, and there is limited human and
material resources, we can and must pray .
Principle 2 (Luke 8: 1-3)
Those who proclaim the gospel must of necessity be supported by others who have been redeemed and blessed, with their means
(material and financial)
Principle 3 (I Cor. 16:1-2)
Some other Christians (church and individuals) are supporting; we are to do the same, and that
in consonance with our income. That is, none is given the burden he can not lift.
Therefore:
1. Support our Missions (Church, NBC, GMB etc) in a way that honours God with your substance (3 John 5 - 8)
2. Be obedient and faithfully honest; you are the owner of your income ( I Cor. 16:1-2)
3. You don’t have to be cajoled or lobbied to do your Father’s work and support co-labourers (2 Cor 9:7)
4. The Lord’s demand on us should not lead to our sorrow if we recognize that we are only stewards of his resources (Matthew 19:22)
5. Bear in mind, your name (even as a woman) goes into God’s record – whatever you do and however you do it (Luke 8:1-3)
6. Also bear in mind that those on the Mission fields must not suffer in our presence or at our hearing (1 Timothy 5:18)
7. We must support them the gospellers by our means in any way we could ( I Cor.9:
12b -14)
In Conclusion:
1. Be sincere – are you a faithful steward?
2. Can you of certainty say you are citizen of God’s Kingdom?
3. If so, must you be forced to do your Father’s business?
4. You can give your best within your available resources, don’t pretend
5. God is never a debtor to anyone. Indeed, He’s the Rewarder. Don’t rub yourself.
John 12:8
Text: vs 7-8
Introduction
Some Principles/Assumptions in this passage
1. Opportunities are not always with us
2. Each person will show appreciation according to value
3. We have different approach to what we see and hear
4. Only the Lord knows the motive of all human acts
5. Each person is to serve God the way he or she understands best.
6. While opportunities are not always with us, needs to meet abound.
Etc
How To Be A Ministry Partner
1. There must be Inspiration
Read 2Kings 4:8ff
2Cor 8: 1-5
2. There must be Provision and Distribution
Note that the woman in this passage took the costly oil that she had
Read Acts 4: 33-35
3. There must be Recognition and Appreciation
Read the parallel passage, Matt.26:10-13
Choose To Be A Ministry Partner
1. Be sure of your relationship to and with the Lord, give Him your space
2. Allow the Holy Spirit to sensitize you
3. Be very sincere to see, and appreciate God's mercies and provision
4. Release your substance as you receive grace and as occasions demand
Conclusion
Begin now to:
1. Be a faithful tither, there is a miracle there
2. Look only to the Lord of the ministry, and not side-talks
3. Be sensitive in your spirit and respond accordingly.
4. Pray for grace always.
Ephesians 6 : 1 - 4
Preamble :
Last week was Mother's Day , and also Christian Home Week
Accompanied with a Revival meeting
Thank you all for your involvement
You will have your family desired miracles , in Jesus Christ's name .
It appears to me , some take us for granted , or for play
Hear God's Word :You reap what you so
Beloved, it is time tosowreal good seed into our family for the sake of the future
INTRODUCTION:
Let week discussion is BUILDING GODLY HOME , EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF FATHER, MOTHER AND CHILDREN
It is a serious matter , please
Hear these basic facts :
1. Children are supposed to be part and under the guidance of their parents until they form their own family
Do you know what that means?
2. Children , especially ,the small ones , must be taught and guided to obey and honour their parents.
Read Proverbs 13 :24; 22: 6
3. Older children, ( most of us here ) 'are to show respect for the counsel of their parents , honouring them in old ge by care and financial supports , when needed
4. Such children who honour their parents 're blessed by God , here on earth and of course, in eternity.
FATHER AND MOTHER:
Parents should be examples of Christian life and conduct , being more careful and concerned about their salvation .
Read these passages with me :
Eph 6 : 4 .
Col 3 : 21
Gen 18 : 19
Deut 6 : 7
Ps 78 : 5
Prov 4 : 1-4
Prov 6 : 20
SUMMARY :
1. Parents have the responsibility to give this children the upbringing that prepares them for lives pleasing to Gd
2 . Parents have the responsibility , primarily, for biblical and spiritual training of children
Note: Church and school only assist , parents have the responsibility, and MUST NOT be shacked.
DO IT THIS WAY PLEASE :
1. Dedicate them and maintain their dedication to the Lord, Lk 2 : 22 ; 1Sam 1 : 28
2. Teach them to fear the Lord and turn from evil , He 1 : 9
3 . Protect them from ungodly influences , Prov. 13 : 20
4. Lift them up to God by constant intercession, John 17 : 1
5. Show love and concern to the point of pouring out your life as a sacrifice to the Lord for them so they could fulfil the Lord's will for their lives
One Word for the cholden today:
Never be disobedient and rude to your parents
Pray some specific prayers over your family
John 10 :1-16
Text : V. 11 Read it
Description Before:
Bread of Life - that satisfies
Light of the World - illuminates and sanctifies
The Door--Saces nd protects
Today, He is our Good Shepherd
Background From the Prophets:
1. David- The Lord is my Shepherd, Ps 23
2. Isaiah - He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, Isaiah 40 :11
3. Ezekiel- I will search for my sheep, Ezek 34 : 11ff
A. The Identity of the Good Shepherd :
1. Dying for the sheep, John10 : 11
2. Risen for the sheep, Heb 13 : 20
3. Coming for His sheep, 1Peter 5 : 4
B. What the Good Shepherd Did:
1. Speaks to His sheep, v. 3
2. . Calls His sheep by name, v.3
3. Leads His sheep, v. 3
4. Goes before His sheep, v. 4
5. ProtectsHis sheep , v. 12v
6. Stays with His sheep , v. 7
7. Gives eternal life to His sheep, vv. 27 - 29
C. Your Choice of the Shepherd
He laidHis life for you to have His own life , v. 15
Heconquered death for you , vv. 17 - 18
Note these words: "no man taketh it from me ... have power to take it again"
Make this Shepherd yours today :
1. You no longer walk alone through life
2. You no longer lack His provision for your life
3. You 'll be with Him where He is eternally at the end of your journey here
You can't do otherwise
John 8: 1-12
Text v. 12 Read it
Introduction
This is step forward in the I AM of Jesus Christ
Remember the characteristics of natural light:
Illuminates
Penetrates
Overshadows
Reveals
I. Through Light, we recognize what our needs are:
A woman taken in adultery
Every eye is on her for being guilty
It was an Opportunity for the Pharisees to "catch" Jesus
Jesus claimed to be a friend of sinners; He had come to fulfill the Law
An Adulterer must die,
What would Jesus do?
Jesus wrote on the ground to write
What was he writing?
The Pharisees were also confronted with their sin
Jesus said, "he who has no sin"........should cast stone at the "offender"
Being exposed to the Light, they all departed
II. Through Light, there is hope for the hopeless
The woman caused was guilty and therefore hopeless
Through Jesus, there will now be hope and forgiveness
Jesus said, "where are you accusers?
"neither do I condemn you"
There is light for whoever recognizes that he is in need
Read Luke 1:78
Read Luke 2:32
Read John 1:4-6
The Lord, was concerned for all sinners
This woman was supposed to be judged, but now, She received pardon
The woman was to die, but she received favour
III. Through light, we receive direction
Hear the word, “go and sin no more”
No longer in darkness, but now, she has the light of life
When Jesus forgives, there is direction.
Such a direction means:
Salvation is the beginning point, Eh 2: 8-10
We are not to work in darkness any longer
We are to work in newness of life, Rom 6:4
Conclusion:
Jesus already brings life
Come out of darkness to the light of the world
Jesus provides enablement to come out of darkness and come to His marvelous light
Gen 50: 16-21
Text v.19 Read it please
Introduction
Joseph in charge of distribution of food to all in Egypt
Everybody ran to him for supply
His family not exempted
There is a reason God graciously put people where they are
Each person must identify why he's there
Joseph saw the hands of God mightier than the hands of men
When builders of nations or rulers in the nation know that it is about God:
They carry out their job graciously
They do it with the fear of God
Indeed, people rejoice
Let us seen how this comes to play in our passage today
1. Fear of the Unknown, vs. 15-17
The brothers gather again to tell another lie
They sought forgiveness for the past
Joseph wept. What do you think made Joseph to weep?
2. The Attitude and Response of a Great Leader and Builder, vs 18-19
As in his vision, they bowed before Joseph, saying, " We are your slaves"
Note Joseph's comforting and reassuring words:
"Don't be afraid"
"Am I in the position of God?"
God changed your evil for good for me
For the saving of lives
This is great!
Leaders and builders of nations are to save lives
People should live comfortably under their watch care
Anything short of this is not God's will and desire and purpose.
Conclusion:
What have great lesson to learn today, especially from this man, Joseph?
1. The forgiveness of Joseph shows how God forgives us, even when we ignore or reject Him
2. Only God can bring good out of any evil plan of man.
In the case of Joseph:
The evil of the brother's deeds
Portiphar's wife's false accusation
The cupbearer's neglect
Seven years of famine
Indeed, all things work together for those that are called according to God's purpose
Be faithful where you are now
Hold no grudge against any one.
Do your job the best way you know how
Leave the rest in the hands of God the perfect Judge
Get ready to play your civic right and role
Text: Vs 13a & 14a
You are the salt of the earth
You are the light of the world
Introduction:
Our Year theme: “…Building Nations through Christ, (Prov. 29:2)
The world today needs salt and light
Believers are likened to both
The character of both substances are crucial
Believers are called upon to be salt and light in order to build nations in righteousness
There is the challenge of the moment
But the Word of God must be obeyed
Hence, the need to carefully examine the character of the believer in the form of salt and light.
I. You Are the Salt of the Earth
1. The disciples’ character: salt (v.13)
2. The disciples’ place to salt: the earth (v.13)
3. The disciples’ mission: to salt the earth (v.13)
4. The disciples’ danger: becoming useless and destructive (v.13)
Salt: the disciples’ character is like salt. Believers are called and designed (made) to be the salt of the earth.
The Believer is likened to salt in terms of character (about us)
Several things can be said about salt that point out just what Jesus means
1. Salt is distinctive
2. Salt preserves
3. Salt Penetrates
4. Salt flavors
5. Salt is quiet
6. Salt spreads
7. Salt is irrepressible
II. You are the Light of the Word
Four things are said about the believer as the light of the world (I Jn.8:12)
1. The disciples’ character: light (v.14)
2. The disciples’ place to shine: the world (v.14)
3. The disciples’ unavoidable witness (v.15)
4. The disciples’ purpose (v.16)
The believer is light in terms of his/her character
1. Light is clear and pure
2. Light penetrate
3. Light enlightens
4. Light reveals
5. Light guides
6. Light strips away the darkness
7. Light routs the chaos
8. Light discriminates between right way and the wrong way
9. Light warns
10. Light protects.
Conclusion:
Jesus said, “go into all the world…”
Go as salt
Go as Light
Anything short of that belittles us and sends wrong signal to the world
Pray for grace and wisdom
Psalm 149:1-6
Text: Psalm 92 :1-2
Read it
Introduction:
Thanksgiving and gratitude to God are basic elements in the believer's life
Thanksgiving is a good thing for the believer to do always:
For salvation through Jesus, Col 12
For God's loving kindness
For His grace
For His faithful guidance and care
Hence on a day like this that the year ends,we should consider
Where God started off with us from
This far He graciously led us
The specifie things He did in our lives
The deliverance He wrought for us.
The provisions He brought our ways
The miracles He wrought for us, or on our behalf
For taking care of His Church all over the world Our passage states: Vs 2-3
Let Israel rejoice in Him that made her
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King
Let them praise His name in dancing
Let them sing praises to Him
Why?
For the Lord delight in His people
Therefore, give Him quality praise
Conclusion:
Count Your Blessings
Give God your praise as much as you know how.
It is my heart desire to specially thank you for all the messages sent to me throughout the year. I want you to know that, I read them all.
I know you have invested your time, money and instincts to get them arranged across to me.
Also I must let you know that those messages had added values to me in every aspects of my life.
Therefore, I say big big thanks to you, may the Grace of God be with you for ever more. Happy new year in advance.
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"
Introduction:
Guess you are now familiar with what goes on on the fields.
Remember: 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 Gospel 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
That is also shared by Paul with the Roman Church ( Rm 12:5-8
Each christian has a ministry as well as a role to play
Note v. 8 "with cheerfulness"
Remember, "God loves a cheerful giver", also cheerful worker too.
Furthermore:
Acts 16:14-15 Read
Note the words, "if you have judged me faithful, come into my house"
Then, the Philippian Church:
l. 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 them
Paul's Recognition and Wish :read Vs 7-I1
2. The Philippians' Ministry of Partnership
Read 4: 10ff
They were there for him always
He recognized their involvement and generosity
He appreciated them, then prayed for therm
3. 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.
4. Practical Things To Do:
Hope you studied the booklet you collected?
You are familiar with what we are doing in:
The Republic of Togo
The Republic of Mali, Chad, Cote D'Ivoire, Benin, and the UK
What is you own response?
Determine what you think is appropriate for you to do and/or give in
artnership for Missions
Reminder: those of us who were here on Wednesday.
We pull our resources together to the GMB of the NBC
May God and our Convention depend on you and me to see others out
there come to the saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
PRAY NOW, LATER GIVE