Month: April 2024

1. INTRODUCTION

Having understood the meaning and details of Christ’s redemption for believers, the importance, and the gains of redemption both into our inner man and external dealings in the world will find ourselves. Our focus today shall shift to explore and understand the completeness of Jesus’ work on the cross of Calvary.

1. THE THREE-FOLD VIEW OF THE FINISHED WORK ON THE CROSS- JOHN 19:30

The 3 big works that Jesus did on the cross can be summarised as propitiation, redemption, and reconciliation (Romans 3:25-26; 1 John 4:10; Eph. 1:7, 14 & Romans 3:24; 2 Cor, 5:18 & Romans 5:10). All three are essentially interconnected and required to give us our new status in Christ as the new creation and blessed man (Eph.1:3)

Propitiation:

• Propitiation deals with the wrath of God. It means  “to satisfy wrath by sacrifice.”   Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2
• Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sins.  He took humanity’s sin upon Himself and suffered the righteous judgment of God.  Jesus died to take away man’s sin and He satisfied or propitiated God’s anger against sin. – Romans 1:18, 6:23
• The propelling factor for Jesus’ sacrifice is purely His love- John 3:16; Romans 5:8; ,            1 Jn. 4:10. 

Redemption:

• In the context of the work of salvation, redemption implies to the work of Christ in setting us free from the bondage of sin’s slavery and all its awful consequences.
• Christ’s Redemption for us deals with our enslavement by sin.  Galatians 3:13; 4:5, Ephesians 1:7.
• All children of God must always remember and appreciate that the cost of our redemption was high.  The ransom price was the precious blood of Christ. – 1 Pet.1:18-19

Reconciliation: 

• The basic meaning of the word “reconcile” is “to change completely.” 
• In reference to salvation, reconciliation is the act by which God brings mankind into a completely changed relationship with Himself – from hostility and alienation to harmony and fellowship. – Romans 5:10, Col. 1:20-22. 
• What man cannot do himself, Christ’s blood did to meet the demand of God- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

C. IMPLICATIONS AND OUTCOMES OF THE COMPLETED WORK OF REDEMPTION

• Jesus did not only finish the work of redemption but completed all the task required- John 17:4; 19:28.
• It is finished was a declaration on the part of the divine Redeemer that all for which He came from heaven to earth to do, was now done.
• Jesus was saying that all that was needed to reveal the full character of God had now been accomplished; that all that was required by law before sinners could be saved had now been performed: that the full price of our redemption was now paid.
• Also completed was the fulfilment of all Old Testament prophecies, symbols, and foreshadowings of the coming Messiah. – Gen.3:15; Isiah 53- 
• The finished works of Christ impact every area that touches our lives, in the natural as well as the spiritual. This declaration means that our healing, deliverance, prosperity, victory, joy, peace, and everything else we need in life is already finished and ready for us to claim- Rev.5:12
• The completed work on the cross ensures every child of God have everything we need to succeed in life.  (2 Peter 1:3, 4).
• Forgiveness given, condemnation cancelled, and guilt removed- Luke 23:34; Romans 8:1-2
• Authority over devil and its agent so as to live in dominion and victory forever. – Col.1:12-14; Psalm 107:2; Luke 10:18-19

Conclusion: The work of Christ upon the cross and His resurrection spur every believer to give thanks and rejoice in the perfect doing of the Lord- 1 Cor.15;57.

We continue with the series of gains of our redemption, having looked at the inward blessing. We moved further today to examine redemption package Christ obtained for us to live a fulfilled life.

“WHY THE LOUD VOICE?

Saying with a loud voice…. Rev.5:12a

1. Rev. 5:10- numerous angels were involved in the shouts- (Daniel 7:10). So, the whole of heaven could hear their voices
2. It signifies their zeal, fervour, and affection for Christ, and
3. it is to make a free, open, and public acknowledgment of Jesus, the lamb (our redeemer)  
4. so that everyone and all nations might hear of his worthiness, and of the praise and glory that were due unto him:

A.      WORTHINESS OF THE LAMB

worthy is the Lamb that was slain…..;

•  And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation– Rev.5:9
• they address him as the Lamb, and not as the Lord of lords, and their Lord; and speak of him as having been slain and celebrate the virtue and efficacy of his sufferings and death, and ascribe his worthiness to receive glory and honour thereunto.
• The first mention of the Lamb in the Scriptures is in Genesis 22nd, when Isaac asked the question “Where is the lamb?”; and the last time is in the closing chapter of the Bible, in the Book of Revelation.
• In the first the altar is in view of the sacrifice, but in the last the Lamb is upon the throne. The first has in view the offering up of Christ, but in the last we find the throne of God has become the throne of God and of the Lamb.
• Recall the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) vs the lamb of God- John 1:29; 34-35; 1 Pet 1:19. We are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb, not only “without blemish” inwardly, but also “without spot” outwardly.
• Not only redeemed from the hand of the physical enemy like the Israel was from the power of Pharaoh in Egypt… but thank God (1 Cor.15:57), we are “redeemed to God,”

B.      THE SEVEN-FOLDS GAINS CHRIST WON FOR THE REDEEMED

Everyone who come will receive what He has- John 1:16- “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in a place of grace already given.” In other words, grace upon grace. This passage tells us that Jesus’ fullness is the never-ending source of grace

to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing

• When he is said to be worthy to receive these, it is not to be understood of his receiving the things themselves, but of the praise of them.

• Our redeemer is all sufficient God; our all-in-all, who is not in need of anything but received for all that is needed for life ( Psalm 50:12; 2 Pet.1:3)

i.          Power belongs to him and so He has given all the redeemed…..as he is the mighty God; and as the Saviour and Redeemer of his people; and as risen from the dead, and as exalted at God’s right hand, and made or declared Lord and Christ; having all power in heaven and in earth:- Matt.28:18.

Therefore, he gave us power for accomplishment in life- (Phil.4:13) and perfection (2 Cor.12:9), both in our inner man (Eph.3:16) and outward sustainability (Col.1:11)

ii.         “Riches belong to Him and freely He has given us……” Riches is well be ascribed to our redeemer, who has all the perfections of deity in him; whose are the heavens and the earth, and the fulness thereof; and who, as Mediator, is heir of all things (Heb.1:2), and has both the riches of grace and glory in his hands ( Eph.1:7, 18; Col.2:3)

He has therefore made us rich and prosperous (2 Corinthians 8:9; Job 36:11) and meet all our need (Phil.4:19; Psalm 23:1) and to abound in every good work (2 Cor.9:8)

iii.        “Wisdom” also is His and ours…….; he is wisdom itself, he is the only wise God; and he is the author of all wisdom, natural and spiritual; and, as Mediator, he has the spirit of wisdom and knowledge resting on him, and the treasures of both hid in him: (1 Cor.1:24; Col.2:3).

The wisdom of God has been transferred to us at redemption, therefore we are wise (Prov. 3:13-16; 1 Cor.1:24, 30; Col.2:3) for He has lavished on us (James 1:5; 17;). Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all Wisdom and Prudence- Eph.1:8

iv.        “Strength is also ascribed to Him so we are strengthened through Him…strength is well attributed to Christ our redeemer, which he has shown in making and supporting all things; in saving and redeeming his people with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; and in subduing and vanquishing all his and our enemies.

At redemption, He then gave strength to all the redeemed to discharge their duties, resist temptations, oppose corruptions, and do their generation work: (Phil.2:13; 1 Tim.1:12; 2 Tim.4:17; 1 Cor.10:13; Gal.5:16-17). “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay

v.         “Honour” is due to him, and He has given us honour…… as the Son of God, he being to be honoured equally as the Father; and who, as man and Mediator, is crowned with glory and honour: Glory and honour are also part of the attributes of Jesus Christ, as He and the Father are one (John 10:30; 17:11,22).

The honour God gave man began from creation- “For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5), this honour was restored at redemption-( Heb.2:8-10)- Verses 9-10 say, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings”.

vi.        “Glory is also unto Him….” is what ought to be ascribed unto him, even the glory of true and proper deity, and also the glory of salvation; and who, as Mediator, had a glory promised him, and which was due unto him upon having finished his work, and which he now enjoys on God’s right hand:

Redemption afford us glory in Christ and take us to realm we wouldn’t have being

vii.       “Blessing” is to be given to him who has blessed us with all manners of blessing- Ephesians 1;3; 2 Pet.1:3-4…., Blessed is our redeemer, who is God over all, blessed for evermore, in himself and the perfections of his nature; in whom all spiritual blessings are, and in whom all the nations of the earth are blessed; (Rev. 5:10-11).

Biblical Parables from our previous lesson have a basis for which they are told, are applicable for business in the kingdom of God and have a great deal of influence over our lives as children of God. Parables have been called earthly illustrations which have heavenly or divine meanings but they are allegories, fables myths or proverb.

Allegories for instance can be seen as a figurative application or illustrations taken from real life historical fact or events e.g. Gal 4 22-5:4. An allegory often times than not  have all characters representing an idea, concept, form or being.  Parables speak of events that can be said to never really happen but which we expect that anyone can do in the normal course of events.

Fables and Myths on the other hand are stories that are fantasies or a larger-than-life sayings e. g. Judges 9:8-15; and proverbs are short statements that contain a complete and valuable thought. It also can be short wise sayings that contain practical truths learned by experience or through observation.

In some cases proverbs, allegories and parables have been blended in usage. E.g. Matt 24:32, the parable of the fig tree (Proverb), John 15:1-17 (Parable and allegory).

NB: 1. Parables as used by Jesus are used in such a way that it has spiritual truth(s) that it is meant to convene. Luke 16:1-8. Did Jesus commend this sort of behavior?  No. However, the main point is that believers need to be far-sighted in preparing for crisis, and twists in life.

2. Not all objects of that appear in the illustration have any spiritual significance except for the truth which it is meant to convene. As in the above, it is safe to say that the other embellished characters are merely placed to give a realistic view of a painted scenario.

3. Conscious efforts are to be made in pointing out which of these illustrations are allegorical or parable so as not to fall into unnecessary errors of interpretation and understanding thereby missing the point. The Good Samaritan as an example points out who a good neighbor really is and has eternal representation for the donkey, wine, inn. Lk 10:29-37

4. Parables usually do not require allegorical interpretations, but some might. Matt 21:33-45, Mk 12:1-12.

 Jesus’ teachings were characterized by memorable stories and sayings that were interesting and powerful enough to hold the attention of both his then audience and the readers/listeners of today. The understanding of biblical parables open us up to a better idea and understanding of the KINGDOM. The Kingdom as it relates to the king, the kingdom, the children of the kingdom, the lifestyle of the kingdom and oppositions daily faced as a result. Parables contain the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven as well as things kept hidden from the foundation of the world. (Matt13:11, 35). Mysteries which the light of the Gospel of Christ has now revealed Rom 16:25-27.

Matt 5:13 – You are the SALT

The salt is a crystalline compound, abundant in nature and used especially to season and preserve. Salts also give flavour, sustain life, and can be used for cure, treatment and enrichment. It has a very strong penetrative ability.

The understanding, truth and instructions this statement leaves us with include

1. The “you” described in this passage points to a specific audience/life (those in God’s kingdom)
2. This life pointed to have a distinct life that sets them apart. Vs 1-12
3. This life makes the word of God tasty to the world and not he world tasty to God
4. You are to hinder the corruption and further of the world
5. Preventing corruption in the world keeps the world from destruction Gen 18:26
6. God’s anger is kept at bay when the salt is active Gen 19:22
7. Your strength is not in your appearance but tat which is on your inside
8. Your have a far-reaching influence than you can imagine.

CAUTION: but if the salt loses its saltiness  

1. A life that refuses to be distinct from the conduct of the world is in danger of losing its saltiness
2. A life that not adding the kingdom value of salt to his world is useless
3. A life that fails to be active tool in the kingdom deserves to be rejected and destroyed, Lk 14:34-35

DUTIES

1. Though crystalline, yet distinct. Live a life that portrays the kingdom everywhere. Jh 15:19
2. Christ came to preserve and give life. Bring life and preservation to your sphere. Jh 1:4,6:37,
3. Avoid that which can render you unfit 1 pet 2:11
4. Be available for use in God’s vineyard. Jn 13:14-17
5. Take a stand against rottenness and corruption. Josh 1:9
6. Refuse to conform

Having gain some light regarding what redemption entails in our last lesson, today, we shall be examining together if there are gains that the redemption through the blood of Jesus won for us as children of God. When he redeemed and ransomed you from sin and death from the hand of Satan, what really changed? What happened to your life, your position or status in Christ? How different are you now from your former ways of life? What degree of relationship do you have with God and at what level can you now operate in this world? Let’s learn together from the unfailing word of God- the Bible.

What is a Gain?

Gain is a return from investment of a particular transaction.  It can also be described as an increase in value or worth of a subject. At redemption, Jesus transacts on our behalf, he paid the debt we could not and unworthy to pay so that we receive forgiveness and divine clearance form wages of sin. He therefore gave us a new stand in Christ so we can enjoy the packages of redemption. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; – Ephesians 1:7

Romans 3:24- and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

The gains we have in redemptions through Christ is a mystery, reveal through the Holy Spirit to only who receive understanding of what Jesus did.- Eph.1:9; Romans 16:25-26

*The Uniqueness of the Gain of Redemption*

God is to be blessed or praised because of his great grace that provides believers numerous blessings (2 Cor. 1:3; 11:31; 1 Pet. 1:3).

Eph.1:3 . gives the basis or grounds  for the gains we have in Christ.

1. God has blessed us “in Christ.” That is, these blessings are reserved specifically for those who believe in Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension and are united with him through faith. (Eph. 1:3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

2. God has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing.” Here Paul limits the type of blessing specifically to spiritual blessings (i.e., blessings pertaining to life in the Spirit).

3. God has blessed us “in the heavenly places” (“in the heavenlies”), Ephesians (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). Because our blessings are “in Christ,” they are also in the heavenly places, where Christ is now ruling.‘He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, ‘Ephesians 1:9

The Gains of Redemption – First to the Inner Man

New Creation Man: By virtue of Christ’s redemptive work, when you are born again, you have become a new creature – brand new being! You are not an amendment of the old man- 2 Cor.5:17; John 1:12-13; Romans 6:2-4; Galatians 6:14-15.

The “inner man” refers to the spiritual aspect of a person. It represents the unseen, innermost part of our being. The first place the work of redemption touches and influence the others part of our being.- 1 Cor.15:45-46

God made us a tripartite being and all God’s project of redemption affect the 3 components of man; Body, Spirit, and Soul- (Gen.2:7; 1Thess. 5:23.)

At conversion, when you buy into the redemption work of Christ, you become transformed in your Spirit and your soul regenerates. These 2 of the 3 parts of human is of interest here. This transformation in the new life of the redeemed (spirit, soul and body) brings about some spiritual blessings that are gains for the inward man. ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: ‘Ephesians 1:3

You have your root in Christ- Isaiah 11:1,10; Revelation 22:16-

That’s where we all took off from. Your understanding begins with a discovery of your root in Christ. The root speaks of my origin, my assured connection and determinant of what we spring out.

The work of redemption (New birth) connects you to a supernatural source, a divine root, and whatever God is worth becomes your new worth. He said in John 15:5 that He is the vine and we are the branches. He is the root, and we just grow out of the root to become branches.

CONFESSION: I have a divine connection; I am connected to a divine source – He is the vine, I am one of the branches. My root is in Him, praise God!

Whatever obtains in the root is the heritage of the branches. Everything the branches enjoy come from the root. Everything that makes for the health, life and vitality of the branches, comes from the root.

You are seated with Him in heavenly places- Ephesians 2:6- “and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”, Eph. 2:6. This is another uncommon privileged we have in Christ as children of God through the work of redemption. Embracing the life of redemption in Christ give you the same seat where Jesus sits. A place of honour and dignity. Far beyond the reach of power and principality- (Eph. 1:20–21). Let’s see where Christ is placed by God, that’s where you are as a child of God. – Ephesians 1:20-21

You are hidden in Christ Colossians 3:3– For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3 Another revelation about our position in Christ is that we are hidden right inside Christ. He didn’t hide us elsewhere but in Himself.  You are dwell secured in the rock of ages-Psalms 91:1-2. New birth in Christ confers on you this divine protection and preservation beyond the reach of the wicked of this world. Hallelujah

You are united with Christ -Eph. 2:13, 17-21: But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ-Ephesians 2:13 NLT. ; Romans 6:5

A Transformed Life brings us in union with Christ, where we cannot be detachable from Him.

It gives us inseparable relationship with Jesus through the redemption blood.

Our fellowship is guaranteed, and devil cannot snatch you away from Him-“John 17:12.

Conclusion

When you are united with your root, until they can destroy that root, you remain indestructible! That is the mystery of your status in Christ through redemption.

As a result of our union with Christ, we get credit for what Jesus did! We also have everything we need for life and godliness, because we’ve been made partakers of Jesus’ divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4). Jesus’ vitality becomes ours.

In this series of learning from the parables in the scripture as taught by Jesus, the great teacher (John 3:2; Matt.22:16; Mark 12:14), our overall aim is to understand the basis for these parables, its application in the kingdom business and how each parable influences our lives as children of God.

WHAT IS A PARABLE? 

They are short allegorical stories designed to teach a truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. They are often engaging stories that contain few details but are ripe with meaning.

A parable is a teaching tool, and one that Jesus used often. His parables were short, ranging from simple/single verse (Matt. 13:33- parable of the leaven; Matt.13;44- hidden treasure) to a couple of multiple verses (Luke 15:11-32- prodigal son; Matt.13:1-23- the sower).   Mention other parables taught by Jesus………

Parable goes beyond the interesting storytelling, but it also had a deeper meaning, illustrating a spiritual truth. Jesus’s parables used elements of everyday life to illustrate a more profound message.

Topical theme of parables of Jesus centres on life lessons such as love, prayer, forgiveness, God’s kingdom, stewardship, accountability, redemption, and end times. These are essential for successful living in this world and in world to come

With parables, Jesus told stories that revealed the truth about God’s kingdom while simultaneously challenging the commonly held world views of many of those to whom He spoke. Just as Jesus addressed crowds years ago, he speaks to all of us today, challenging us to open our hearts to his message.

WHY DID JESUS TEACH IN PARABLES? – MATT.13:10-13

REFELECTION/DISCUSSION: What is your opinion on why Jesus obscures the meaning of the parables from non-disciples?

Jesus had two reasons for teaching in parables. (1). The first was to enable his followers to grasp the secrets of the kingdom of heaven more easily, clearly, and abundantly. It was a teaching tool for them and all children of God till today (1 Cor.1:18; Mark 4:10-12). And the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer continues to give understanding of these parables today to teach us the secrets of the kingdom. (Matt.13:16)

(2). His second reason was just the opposite. It hid the secrets of the kingdom from those who had not committed themselves to his lordship. They cannot gain the understanding of what the master teaches. They are regarded as strangers, outsiders and outcast as far the kingdom business is concern (Eph.2:12-13). The Parables allow those who have faith, along with the instruction of the Holy Spirit, to learn about the kingdom. And they prevent others from doing the same. Those without faith and the Spirit are unable to understand the truths of Jesus’ parables. (Psalm 119:18,105; John 6:63; 1 Cor.2:6-15).

HOW TO RESPOND TO THE PARABLE OF JESUS

Learning the parable is good but the optimal aim of Jesus is for disciples/believers to respond appropriately to the deep messages and mysteries of the parable. Therefore, we must respond in the following manner:

1. Read and study it over and over again- Rev.1:3; Romans 10:17; Joshua 1:8
2. Let your heart be committed to the word of God- Psalm 119:10-11; 2 Pet.1;19-21
3. Ask God for deep understanding – through revelation God’s truth is made known to His children- Mark 4:10(14-20); Matt.13:10
4. Search for specific instruction(s) God has for you from specific parable.- Prov.1:5-7
5. Living by the truth learnt from the parable- individually and as congregation. – Matt.4:4; Romans 15:4
6. Teach the truth learnt to others.- Matt.5:19