1. The Shepherd as a Metaphor

The image of God as the Shepherd is one of the most powerful and enduring metaphors in the scripture. God is reveal in many colours to His sheep. He is all in all for all His sheep.  This portrayal encapsulates the ideas of guidance, protection, provision, intimate care and nurturing of the sheep that a shepherd provides for their flock. A shepherd’s responsibilities are manifold, involving the guiding, feeding, protecting, . This role requires vigilance, strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication. All these characters are present in our God, the good shepherd and His package is full and total care

B.   Exploring The Shepherd’s Care

Guidance and Direction- Ps.78:52; 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; – Isaiah 42:16; ps.73:12

One of the primary roles of a shepherd is to lead the flock. In the same way, God as the Shepherd offers guidance to His followers, directing them through the complexities of life – (EBH-57 & 58). This guidance is not coercive but gentle and wise, respecting the free will of everyone. The Psalmist captures this beautifully in Psalm 23: “He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” He leads only in the paths of righteousness, never in crooked ways, never in the broad way of deception, ungodliness, and sin (Isiah 35:8). If you have gone in a bad way, a way that involved you in lies, or breaking the law, or in unjust behaviour, do not boast that the good Shepherd has led you there (Galatians 5:16)

DISCUSSION: 1. Cite examples of biblical characters that enjoy God, the Shepherd’s direction and guidance. 2. What are the benefits of divine guidance and direction?

Provision and Sustenance- Psalm 34:9-10; 46:4

A shepherd ensures that the flock has adequate food and water. Similarly, God as the Shepherd provides for the needs of His people, both physical and spiritual. This provision is not just about meeting immediate needs but also about ensuring long-term well-being. Jesus, in the Gospel of John, refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)  who lays down His life for the sheep, underscoring the ultimate provision of His own life as sustenance for humanity.

REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION: CITE EXAMPLES OF GOD’S MIRACULOUS PROVISION AND SUSTAINANCE IN THE BIBLE. HOW CAN THESE BE OF HELP TO US HIS CHILDREN?

Protection, Preservation and Safety- Luke 12:4-7; John 14:1; Rom 8:15; 2 Tim 1:7

The shepherd’s rod and staff are symbols of protection and comfort. In the face of danger, the shepherd stands between the flock and any threats, ready to defend and protect. This image is echoed in the Psalms: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” The integrity of God as the Shepherd is evident in His unwavering protection of His people, assuring them of safety amidst life’s perils.

The staff was a long stick or pole bent and curved at the end. The shepherd used it both to draw sheep near and to guide them. The staff could be placed along the side of the sheep and pressure exerted to indicate the direction they should go.

The rod was a shorter stick often with a carved knob at the end. It could be used for three different purposes. It was a defensive weapon which could be used against animals dangerous to the sheep. It was a tool to discipline the sheep. And it was used to examine the condition of the sheep by

Care, Compassion and Comfort-  Psalm 23:5-6

A good shepherd knows each sheep by name and understands their individual needs. This intimate knowledge and care reflect God’s relationship with His people. The prophet Isaiah speaks of God gathering the lambs in His arms and carrying them close to His heart, signifying His tender compassion and personal care.

Refreshing & Restoration- Psalm 19:7; 51:10, 12; 119:176; Job 33:30; Acts 3:19; Luke 22:31-32

As the sheep, there are times of weariness and trial, and may be sometimes cast down and tempted to faint. At such times the Shepherd draws near to restore and refresh the soul. All manners of restoration and refreshing are available for sheep of His pasture.

• Conclusion/ Summary

All these things Christ the good Shepherd does for us His children (sheep). With His rod and staff (the Word of God and His Spirit and any other means He uses in our lives) He exercises authority over us (Matt 28:18), draws us near to Himself in fellowship (1 John 1:3), guides us (John 10:4), defends us against all enemies (Ps 5:12; 32:7; John 10:28), examines us to see if we are in a healthy spiritual condition (Ps 7:9; 1 Chron 28:9; Jer 20:12; Rev 2:23), and disciplines us that we might enter this condition (Heb. 12:5-11). Can there be any greater and comprehensive care than this to poor, weak, vulnerable and foolish sheep?

Psalm 23:6- “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

PREAMBLE

Since the year started, we have looked at the shepherd’s staff, the journey with the shepherd and the sufficiency of the shepherd. All is pointing to what our God, the El-Shaddai can and would do, especially we His children, the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3).

Today, we are looking at how committed is our God to offer us the best and comprehensive care (Psalm 23:1-6). ‘’The one would offer to cloth another must be seeing full of abundant cloth’’

The integrity of God is a call into understanding of men; to be rest assure you are secure in His hand.   Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful”

A.      UNDERSTANDING INTEGRITY

The word integrity is defined as the quality of being honest, transparent, and morally upright. It involves consistently adhering to a set of principles and values, even when faced with challenges or difficult decisions

The integer vs Integrity:

The word “integer” and “integrity” do share a common root. Both words come from the Latin word “integer,” which means “whole” or “complete.”

In mathematics, an integer refers to a whole number, without fractions or decimals.

In the context of integrity, the idea is that a person with integrity is whole, complete, and undivided in their values, principles, and actions. They are not fragmented or compromised, but rather, they consistently act with honesty, morality, and transparency.

God is Integrity Personified:

The scripture testifies in several ways that he does not change (Heb.13:8; Malachi 3:6; He is ever true (Psalm 33:4; 2 Timothy 2:13; James 1:17); He does not lie (Numbers 23:19; Heb.6:18); He sees to the fulfilment of His words and promises (Joshua 21:45; Jeremiah 1:12).

B.      THE SHEPHERD WITH INTEGRITY

• Psalm 23:6 beautifully illustrates the unwavering integrity of the Lord as the Shepherd. Verse 6 encapsulates a promise that emanates from the very nature of God.
• ‘’Surely’’ speaks of assurance, unchanging nature of God, the certainty of His promise and the permanency and enduring nature of the promise
• The Hebrew word for “goodness” suggests not just moral goodness but also prosperity and joy. “Mercy” denotes steadfast love, often used to describe God’s covenant loyalty. The phrase “shall follow me” uses the Hebrew word (radaph), which suggests active pursuit, implying that God’s goodness and mercy actively pursue the believer. – Psalm 78:51-54
• The integrity of the Shepherd is seen in His commitment to continually pursue us with goodness and mercy. It speaks to a Shepherd who is not passive but relentlessly ensures that His sheep experience His benevolence and steadfast love. – Mark 6:34
• This pursuit is not temporary but lasts “all the days of my life,” indicating a lifelong commitment. Additionally, the promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever underscores the eternal nature of the Shepherd’s care and faithfulness- Isaiah 63:11-14

C.        THE SURE WORD OF GOD (THE INTEGRITY OF GOD’S WORD)- II PETER 1:19-21

2 Peter 1:19-20 (NIV)- “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it… Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.”

• The scripture II Peter 1 :19-20 suggests that every act of God is inextricably linked to His spoken word, promising a steadfastness that is unwavering and true
• “The Testimony of the Lord is Sure” says the word of God- Psalm 19:7;
• God does nothing outside His word.
• The word of God is the instrument of divine promises and performance (Heb.4:12; Gen.1:3; Ezekiel 37:4,6,9,11
• God’s word is covenant-borne-
• The integrity of the Shepherd is reflected in the veracity and dependability of His word. Just as the Shepherd pursues His sheep with goodness and mercy, He also ensures that His messages and prophecies are trustworthy and fulfilled
• The prophetic word acts as a light shining in a dark place, guiding believers until the ultimate revelation of Christ, the morning star, who rises in their hearts.
• Every child of God must respond to God’s word by believing it, go over it again and again until conviction takes place in your heart. ‘’which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts’’
• Know that God’s prophecy is open to whosoever receive the understanding of Holy Spirit’s interpretation- Mark 13:27 ‘’And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

CONCLUSION

• The integrity of the Shepherd, as portrayed in Psalm 23:6 and II Peter 1:18-20, is profoundly evident.
• Shepherd’s steadfast love and goodness actively pursue the faithful, ensuring their well-being and eternal dwelling with Him.
• The reliability of the prophetic word, affirmed by firsthand apostolic witness, underscores the Shepherd’s commitment to truth and guidance.
• Through these scriptures, believers can find deep assurance in the Shepherd’s unwavering integrity and trust in His eternal promises.

INTRODUCTION

We started January with ‘’a journey with the Shepherd’’.  We learnt last week that 2025 is a journey for all of us, and we are trusting God together to lead us all through the journey.

Today, we shall be learning how to embrace the Sufficiency of the Shepherd.

First, we want to establish in the scripture what the Shepherd is made of and have in stock for the sheep.

Furthermore, what guarantees our provision in His sufficiency shall be explored, and we would conclude with strategies to be employed to be beneficiaries of all that God has for us.

A.      The journey with God is personal- Psalm 23

• The word of God reveals that Psalm 23 in its entirety is an outcome of the relationship and encounter of David with God. Anyone who shall enjoy the sufficiency of God in his or her life must establish a personal walk with the shepherd
• The word “me/my/I” occurs 17-18 good times in this passage (KJV). This dominates the conversation. All the conversation is between David and God
• It speaks that David’s life was being catered for by God in all ramifications.
• David understood the rich provision and care of God all through the journey of his life.
• His tone of expression unveils his possession of God throughout facets of life.
• This is a great lesson for us in the year 2025 as the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3b).

B.      Establishing the Sufficiency of the Shepherd- Psalm 23: 1a:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”

The context of utilization of the phrase ‘’I shall not want’’ means a lot. It assures us that because you have the shepherd as the Father, all want is secured or sorted in Him.

1. The Shepherd reveals as the creator – Psalm 100 :3.; Gen.1:1
   1. God is the creator of the entire universe and has control over all that He created (II Kings 19:15; Isaiah 42:5).
   1. If it takes Him 6 days to complete the good work of creation (Gen.1:31), is He not sufficient to care for His creature?
   1. Psalm 104:24– How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

1. The Shepherd reveals as the owner and controller of all resources- Psalm 24:1, I Cor.10:26; Psalm 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8-9; Colossians 1:16-17. 
   1. Psalm 50:10-12, “Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.”
   1. There are no resources that God does not have or that are beyond His reach- Hag.2:8-9; Phil.4:19b—-God’s glorious riches

1. Every of the shepherds’ words stands- Isaiah 55:11; II Cor.1:20
   1. God’s word is the secret to our sufficiency. All the provisions of God are made available in His word- Psalm 34:10; James 1:5 e.t.c
   1. His word is for everyone who finds it- Mark 13:37

1. The sufficiency of God is all round and take care of all need- II Cor.9:8  ‘’And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work’’

C.      The Guaranty of the Sufficiency of the Shepherd- Psalm 23:1b:

Note this:

• Sometimes we may not correctly define our need but His sufficient mercy prevail. Our wants are not our needs, and God has promised to supply our needs (Phil 4:19). Our need may be a new idea, inspiration, rest, money, trustworthy staff, good health, patience, faith and so on.
• They may be tangible or intangible.Col.1:16; 2 Corinthians 9:8(NLT) says, “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty leftover to share with others.” This is a promise God has made and will fulfil.

Let’s delve into what guarantee our sufficiency:

1. Shepherd as the supplier- 

a.   Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. “

b.   Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches about God’s provision, saying, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”

c.   Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

1. Shepherd as the sustainer –

a.   Psalm 54:4, “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”;

b.   Isaiah 46:4, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.”

c.   Hebrews 1:3, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”

1. Shepherd as the support-

a.         Psalm 3:5, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”;

b.         Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

1. Shepherd as the stronghold-

a.   Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”

b.   Psalm 91:2, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

c.   Romans 8:31-39, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

• Shepherd as the security and the storekeeper-

a.   Psalm 121:3-4, “He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”;

b.   Malachi 3:10, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.'”

c.   John 10:28-30, Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”;

D.      Strategies to Embrace the Sufficiency of the Shepherd:

i.    Remain in the sheep pen. Abide in God’s presence- Psalm 90:1; 16:11; Exodus 33:13

ii.         Maintain relationships and cordiality- Stay connected. John 15:5-6

iii.        Allowing the shepherd to lead – Gen 26: Jer.6:16

iv.  Submit in totality to the care of the Shepherd. This is a call to surrenderness. Believing in His ways (Prov.3:5-6) and approaches (Isaiah 58:8-9; Luke 5).

Conclusion

The Shepherd’s ways are higher than our ways because His ways are always part of a bigger plan. We see only our small piece of the puzzle (I Cor. 13:9).

 When our desire is to live in step with His plan, we can have confidence that, even when bad things happen, God is still in control. (Eccl.3:11; Romans 8:28). He often takes what Satan meant for evil and turns it into good for the salvation of many (Genesis 50:20)

INTRODUCTION

• Journey is inevitable in life. Everyone is involved in one journey or the other.
• It may be of varying distances; short, intermediate or long ( Job 14:1; Gen.47:9-10)

• The purpose of every journey also differ by individuals.
• It may be smooth, rough or mixed feelings.

• One of the certainty is that we cannot run away from journey of life.

The common factors to any kind of journey are:

1. There exists the beginning and the exit point
2. End is expectedly determined from the begining or at start
3. Movement are always involved, it starts with a step and follows a direction
4. Its purpose driven and goal oriented
5. It has a pace or amplitude of movement – Isaiah 40:31; Heb.12:1c

A GLIMPSE INTO JOURNEY OF YEAR 2025

• Be it physical, social, mental or spiritual, we are all going to journey through it everyday.

• 2025 is a brand new journey with diverse opportunities for greatness, achievements,  and outstanding successes.- Psalm 68:19; Lamentation 3:21-24
• It is also full of challenges, difficulties, potential limitations and hindrances on the path of life.- Eph.5:15-16; Matt.6:34
• There are requirements to make the journey easy, possible and feasible
• The two essential keys needed in this journey are DIRECTION AND SUFFICIENCY.
• God has made the provisions of both for all His children this year 2025-  Psalm 95:7; 100:3

1. The Shepherd knows the way and He gives the needed directions to all the sheep of his pasture. Isaiah 40:11; John 14:6; Exodus 13 :21-22. He goes all the way and any length to care, guide and protect them (John 10:11-12). He abides with them to prevent them from straying- Ezekiel 34:11-12.

• The Shepherd is all sufficient God – (Psalm 23:1-3; II Cor.9:8; ; Gen.17:1) and the All-sufficient God is the Shepherd – Col 3:10

His sufficiency covers all things for us and all areas of life – Psalm 23:1; II Cor 3:8.

• All that is needed for the journey (  Phil.4: 11-13)  to get to glorious end is in the package the Shepherd has come to offer this year ( The names- El- Shaddai; Adonai; Jehovah Jireh;  Psalm and Hymns( YBH 84; 645;335, 603- EBH )

It’s not an easy road

We are traveling to heaven,

For many are the thorns on the way;

It’s not an easy road,

But the Savior is with us,

His presence gives us joy every day.

No, no, it’s not an easy road,

No, no, it’s not an easy road;

But Jesus walks beside me

And brightens the journey,

And lightens every heavy load.

HOW BEST TO JOURNEY WITH THE SHEPHERD

The sheep journeying with the Shepherd this year 2025 is expected to possess the following virtues:

1. It’s a journey of relationship and intimacy – John 10:14; Psalm 91:1-2; Psalm 63:1-2[ Psalm 42:1-2; John 15:5-6
2. Its a journey of trust and confidence in God and His power- Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:3
3. It’s a journey of total dependency on God- John 15:5-6
4. It’s a journey of growing faith and keep believing- Romans 1:17; II Cor.5:7. No faith… Little faith… Great faith-Mark 4:40; Matt 8:26,8:10; 15:28
5. It’s a journey of obedience and submission- I Samuel 15:22; John 14:15; James 1:22

CONCLUSION

The journey through year 2025 is desirable and inevitable.  The joy is that we have the Shepherd set to lead us, will you allow Him to lead?

INTRODUCTION

Many people start the new year with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. In high spirits, but they often lose steam along the way.

As we go along in the year, we often face challenges, setbacks, failures, and disappointments that can discourage us and make us want to give up.

But the path of the righteous is different. It is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

This means that, as we journey in year 2025, we should be getting brighter, and not dimmer. We should be growing stronger, not weaker.

“Path”, as mentioned in Proverbs 4.18, refers to the way or manner of life of the righteous.

▪︎ It symbolizes the journey or course of a person’s life, including their choices actions and decisions.

In biblical context, the “Path” can also refer to:

▪︎ Way of life: A person’s lifestyle, habits, and character (Proverbs 2:12-14).

▪︎ Moral direction: The path of righteousness, justice, and morality (Prov. 2:8-9; Ps. 23:3).

▪︎ Spiritual journey: A person’s relationship with God, including their faith, obedience, and trust (Ps. 119:35; Is. 40:31).

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RIGHTEOUS’ PATH.

Proverbs 4.18 speaks of and describes the path of the righteous as “shining light.”

This suggests that the path of the righteous is characterized by:

1.            Shining (increasing) Light.

▪︎ The path of the righteous is not static, but rather, it shines brighter and brighter over time.

▪︎ Their way shines to themselves in the joy and comfort of it.

▪︎ It shines before others in the glow and honour of it.

▪︎ It shines before men who see their good works (Matt. 5:16).

▪︎ It is as the morning light, which shines out of obscurity (Is. 58:8).

▪︎ It puts an end to the works of darkness.

2.            It is a Growing Light

▪︎ It shines more and more (progressive).

▪︎ Not like candle light, which burns dim and burns down, but like that of the rising sun, which goes forward shining, and mounts upward shining.

▪︎ It speaks of progressive growth. A gradual and continuous growth in righteousness, with each day bringing more light and understanding.

3.            The light will arrive, in the end, at the perfect day.

▪︎ It speaks of ultimate fulfilment.

▪︎ The phrase “till the full light of day” sugests that the path of the righteous leads to a ultimate fulfilment or completion, where the believer reaches the fullness of God’s plan and purpose for their life (Jer. 29:11).

The overall summary of Proverbs 4:18 presents a hopeful and encouraging picture of the path of the righteous, emphasizing the idea that, those who follow God’s way will experience increasing light, growth, and fulfilment in their lives.

FOUR KEYS TO START STRONG AND FINISH STRONG

Starting strong is very important but finishing strong is even more crucial.

1.            Focus on the Right Path

▪︎ The path of the righteous is not just any path. It is a path that is guided by God’s word and illuminated by His presence.

▪︎ To start and finish strong, we need to focus on the right path. We need to seek God’s guidance and direction in our lives (Ps. 119:105; Jos. 1:8).

2.            Cultivate a Strong Relationship with God.

▪︎ The path of the righteous is not just about following rules or regulations. It’s about cultivating (building) strong and deep intimacy with God. Knowing Him, loving Hirn, and trusting Him.

▪︎ When we have a strong relationship and deep intimacy with God, we would have the strength and courage to persevere, even in the toughest times. Tough time will surely come. Is. 43:2 says, “When (not if) you pass through deep waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When (not if) you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you.”

Heb. 12:1-3 says, “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author (pioneer) and finisher (perfecter) of our faith.”

3.            Persevere Through Challenges

▪︎ Starting strong is not enough. We need to persevere through challenges and difficulties.

▪︎ We need to be willing to take risks, face our fears, and push through obstacles.

▪︎ Perseverance helps us grow stronger, and we would become more like Christ. Gal. 6:9 says “Let us not be weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

4.            Have a Renewed Mindset. Do Away With The Old, Embrace The New (Is. 43:18-19).

▪︎ God is able to usher us into a realm of newness as the year rolls on, but we must be ready to let go of the old.

▪︎ You must surrender your old way of thinking, from negativity and doubt to positivity and faith.

▪︎ Surrender your old traditions for His new culture to take over.

▪︎ Forget about the failures and disappointments of each passing day and look forward.

▪︎ Don’t dwell on the success and breakthrough of each passing day of the year but let it spur you for something greater.

In this year 2025, start strong, continue stronger, and finish strongest.

May the Lord help us so to do in Jesus’ name, Amen.

PRAYERS

1.            Heavenly Father, thank You once again for the gift of this new year 2025. Thank You for all that You have in store for me in this new year.

2.            Father, help me to leave past mistakes and failures behind and to start fresh, with a clean slate in Jesus’ name.

3.            Father, please help me to do away with the old things in my life that can prevent me from experiencing your newness in every area of my life, even as the year goes on in Jesus’ name.

4.            Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom and guidance as I start ‎‫this new year. Help me to make decisions that align with Your will and plans for my life this year(Prov. 3:5-6; 4:7).

5.            I receive divine strength and energy to tackle the challenges of this new year in Jesus’ name (Phil. 4:13).

6.            My Father, help me to stay focused and motivated to achieve my goals this year in Jesus’ name (Is. 40:31).

7.            As I go on in the journey of this year, I shall not grow weary nor fall by the way side in Jesus’ name.

8.            Dear Lord, help me to be faithful and consistent in my walk with You this year in Jesus’ name. I receive the grace and strength to stay on track and to finish the year strong in Jesus’ name (Ps. 119:33-34).

9.            Dear Lord, I receive rejuvenated health throughout this year in Jesus’ name.

10.          I receive fruitfulness and productivity in all my endeavours this year in Jesus’ name. I will not labour in vain this year in Jesus’ name.

11.          Help me Lord to make the most of every opportunity and resources that come my way this year in Jesus’ name.

12.          As this year goes on, things shall be getting better for me. I will have better opportunities, better performance, better results, and overall better life in Jesus’ name.

13.          Every negative attitude, habits, behaviour, or character that has been working against my progress in the past years, I renounce them this year in Jesus’ name.

14.          Father, help me to cultivate attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving throughout this year. Grant me the ability to see Your blessings and goodness in my life and to give you praise and thanks in Jesus’ name.

THE DEITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

With scriptural references, we have been able to establish that the Holy Spirit is a personal Being. From the doctrine of Trinity, we have also said that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one God. But how can we prove that the Holy Spirit is God?

Again, the scripture is the answer.

1.         ATTRIBUTES OF GOD IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

(i) God is eternal (Ps. 90:2; 1Tim. 1:17).

▪︎ Heb. 9:14 speaks of the Holy Sprint as also being eternal. Check also Jn. 16.7.

(ii) God is omnipresent. Present everywhere at the same time and in equal magnitude (Jer.23:23-24).

▪︎ David also said that the Spirit of God is everywhere (Ps. 139:1,7-8).

(iii) God is omniscient. i. e. all-knowing (Is.46:9-10; Acts 15:18).

▪︎ Apostle Paul also says “the things of God are known only by the Spirit” (1Cor. 2:11).

(iv) God is omnipotent i.e all-powerful (Gen. 17:1; Jer. 32:17,27).

▪︎ Angel Gabriel speaks of the Holy Spirit as the “power of the Highest.” (Lk. 1.35). The power of the Highest is the Highest Himself.

2.         WORKS OF GOD IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

(i) The Holy Spirit was active in creation. Look up Gen. 1:1-2, 26; Ps. 33:6. Compare Jn. 1:1-3.

(ii) God is the Source of life (Gen. 2:7).

▪︎ Jesus says “the Spirit makes one to be alive.” (Jn. 6:63).

▪︎ Apostle Paul also says “the Spirit gives life” (2Cor. 3:6), and that “the Spirit is life” (Rom. 8:10).

▪︎ The youg Elihu also attested to this, while addressing Job and his friends. Look up Job 33:4.

(iii) The Word of God (the Bible) was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Check 2Tim. 3:16; 1Pt. 1:21b. Also look up Ps. 2:1/Acts 4:24-25; Ps. 95:7-8/Heb. 3:7.

3.         SCRIPTURES RELATING GOD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are some scriptures in the Old Testament that refer to God. The same scriptures are ascribed to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

(i) Is. 6:8-10 refer to God speaking.

▪︎ Acts 28:25-27 quotes the same verses but says the Holy Spirit said it.

(ii) In Jer. 31:31-33, God made a covenant.

▪︎ In Heb. 10: 15-17, it says the Holy Spirit made the covenant.

(iii) Ps. 95:7-11 speaks of hearing God’s voice.

▪︎ Heb. 3:7-11 refers to the Holy Spirit speaking there.

(iv) There are some scriptures that refer to the Holy Spirit as God. Look up Acts 5:3-4; 2Cor. 3:17.

Reflection: How do we as Christians deal with God and how does God deal with us as Christians? Check Jn. 14:13; Rom. 8:14, 16.

▪︎ Man consists of body, soul, and spirit. Before we encounter Christ, we’re on the fleshly level, ruled by our body. Our soul and spirit are in the second and third place respectively. When we are born again, our spirit is moved to the dominant position and the Holy Spirit takes control, helping us to conform to the image of Christ. Look up 2Cor. 3:18. See also Gal. 5:16. Study the whole of Romans chapter 8 for better understanding

INTRODUCTION

As important as the Holy Spirit is to Christians, the average church member’s understanding of the Holy Spirit is so vague that it’s nearly non-existent. It is therefore a thing of necessity for us to study the Holy Spirit, to have a proper understanding of who He is and His works.

The study of the Holy Spirit (PNEUMATOLOGY) raises certain basic questions like… Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the biblical evidence for the personhood of the Holy Spirit? What did the Holy Spirit do in regard to creation? What is the Holy Spirit’s role in a person’s conversion, sanctification, and subsequent Christian life? What is the connection between the Holy Spirit and Spiritual gifts? These are some of the issues the Lord will help us to examine in this lesson.

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The “non-trinitarian” Christians (who do not believe in the doctrine of Trinity), believed that the Holy Spint is merely God’s “active force”,  “essence” or “power” but not a separate person.

However, the “trinitarian” Christians believed the Holy Spirit to be “the third Person of the Trinity,” a triune God manifested as “God the Father”, “God the Son” and “God the Holy Spirit”, each being God (I Tim. 3:16).

▪︎ The Holy Spirit is a distinct divine Person equal in substance to the Father and the Son, and not subordinate to them.

▪︎ In the scriptures, the Holy Spirit is also referred to as “The Spirit” (Acts 8:26; 16:7; Rom. 8:26; 15:30), “Spirit of God” (Acts 16:6; Rom. 8:14), “Spirit of the Lord” (Acts 8:39; 2Cor. 3:17-18), “Spirit of Truth” (Jn. 14:17; 16:13), “Spirit of Grace” (Heb. 10:29), “Spirit of Christ” (Rom. 8:9) or the “Holy Ghost” (Matt. 12:31; 28:19; Jn. 14:26; Acts 5:3; 13:2; 2Cor. 13:14).

UNDERSTANDING THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In biblical language and understanding, a “Person” is presented as a substance that can do personal and relational things, such as speaking, thinking, feeling, acting, etc.

How Do We Know That The Holy Spirit is a person?

▪︎ The Holy Spirit is a Member of the “Trinity” (God in three Persons) and as such is a person.

BIBLICAL PROOFS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON

1. The Holy Spirit Has Attributes Of A Person. Attributes that only a person could have:

▪︎ He searches and has knowledge/intelligence (1Cor. 2:10-11).

▪︎ He has a will (1Cor. 12:11).

▪︎ He has a mind (Rom. 8:27).

▪︎ He loves (Rom. 15:30).

▪︎ He makes decisions (1Cor. 12:8-10).

▪︎ Personal pronouns (third person, singular) are used when referring to the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16-17;16.7-15).

2. Personal Acts Are Ascribed To The Holy Spirit

▪︎ He speaks (Acts 8:29; 13:2; 1Tim. 4:1).

▪︎ He prays and intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26.

▪︎ He teaches us (Jn.14:26; 1Jn. 2.27).

▪︎ He guides, and sometimes forbids things (Acts 16:6-7).

▪︎ He does miracles (Acts 8:39).

▪︎ He helps (Rom. 8:26).

3. The Holy Spirit Can Receive Treatment As A Person.

▪︎ He has feelings and can be grieved (Eph. 4:30).

▪︎ He can be insulted (Heb .10:29).

▪︎ He can be lied to (Acts 5:3).

▪︎ He can be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31-32).

4. The Holy Spint Is Identified With The Father And The Son as a person.

▪︎ He is named with the Father and Son in baptism (Matt. 28:19).

▪︎ He is named with the Father and Son in benediction (2Cor. 13:14).

▪︎ He is directly equated with God (Acts 5:3-4). If God is a person then the Holy Spirit is a person.

▪︎ He is named with the Father and Son in the ministries of the Church (1 Cor. 12:4-6).

…to be continued

INTRODUCTION

Newness, though promised by God, is not that automatic but conditional. There are certain fundamental laws that guide and ensure newness. These laws must be understood and obeyed by anyone who truly desires newness in their lives.

In this study, we shall consider six of those laws.

1. THE LAW OF PRIORITY

The law of priority states that, if you put the right thing first, everything else will fall in place (Matt. 6:33).

When a person seeks and places other things above God, such a person will continue to struggle for newness.

▪︎ Prioritizing God above other things is honouring God (Prov. 3:9-10).

▪︎ Whatever you put before God has become a god in your life and God will not be pleased with you (Exd. 20:3; 34:14). Consider the rich man in Matt. 19:16-22.

▪︎ The blessings of Abraham exist today because he prioritized God over everything, even his only son. See Gen. 22:1-3, 15-17.

▪︎ To prioritized God is to consider and put God first in all things.

▪︎ The greatest and foremost commandment is to love God with all our being. Look up Matt. 22:37-38. When we do this, our newness is certain.

2. THE LAW OF WORK (2Thes. 3:10)

The law of work is similar to Newton’s first law of motion, which states that, “an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless it is acted upon by an external force.” This simply means that, nothing moves until someone moves it.

▪︎ Your career will not experience newness without you making deliberate efforts to advance it.

▪︎ Neither will a marriage experience newness of bliss without some efforts by both parties.

▪︎ A believer’s spiritual life will not experience newness unless he or she puts in some works.

▪︎ Having certain gifts and talents does not guarantee newness unless you put them to work.

▪︎ Hard work will beat talent if talent does not work hard. Consider Jesus’ parable of talents in Matt. 25:14-30.

▪︎ The more resources God gives you, the harder you must work. See Lk.12:48

▪︎ If you want to experience newness, put excuses aside and make the best out of whatever situation you find yourself.

3. THE LAW OF HARVEST (Gal. 6:7).

The law of harvest states that, whatever a man sows, he will reap (2Cor. 9:6).

Another beautiful thing about the law of harvest is that, you will reap what you sow in greater proportions. Look up Hosea 7:8a; 2Cor. 9:8.

God Himself obeyed the law of harvest. He had to sow His only Son in order to reap many more children into His kingdom. See Rom. 7:29; Heb. 2:9-10;

▪︎ If you want to experiane newness in your financial life, you must be ready to obey the divine law of harvest in your work, business and in giving. See Prov. 11:24-26.

▪︎ Every giving you do, you are sowing a seed and whatever you have given will come back to you in multiple folds. Look up Lk 6:38.

▪︎ Apostle Paul commended the giving spirit and attitude of the church at Philippi and he pronounced an everlasting overflowing blessing upon them (Phil. 4:19).

▪︎ There will always be opportunities to give. It is left to us to discover it and make use of it.

▪︎ You may sow sacrificially don’t sow grudgingly (2Cor. 9:7).

4. THE LAW OF UNITY (1Cor. 1:10).

The law of unity states that, a state of oneness, harmony, and love among two or more more people bring about peace, progress and greater achievement, both corporately and individually. It is one of the amazing laws that God set of on earth. Look up Deut. 32:30; Lev. 26:8.

▪︎ If you have been praying about newness in a particular area of your life but without an answer, find someone to agree with you in prayers. Check Matt. 18:19.

▪︎ Unity is a very powerful force. Check Gen. 11:1-8; Matt. 12:25.

It is likened to anointing (Ps. 133:1-2).

Certain newness will not be possible until you apply the law of unity to it.

▪︎ The Holy Spirit did not descend until the Apostles were in one accord in the Upper Room (Acts 2:1-4)

▪︎  A husband and wife who are not united are denying themselves newness in their marriage. Look up Eccl. 4:9-12.

▪︎  A church in unity grows.

5. THE LAW OF ASSOCIATION

The law of y association simply states that, an individual becomes like the people he or she associates with (Prov. 13:20).

▪︎ This law is subtle in its operation, and many people don’t realise when it is working on them.

▪︎ It is a law that must be understood and applied correctly.

▪︎ You must carefully choose the people you associate wth. Look up 2Cor. 6:14-18.

▪︎ Be friends with people who can challenge you and discuss great ideas with you. Not those who gossip  and are only interested in entertainment when you’re together.

▪︎ If you desire newness, you must be mindful of

not only the people you associate with but the contents you consume as well, especially on social media. See 1Cor. 15:33.

▪︎  Whatever you read or watch has a great influence on who you become.

▪︎ When you want to change something about yourself, change the people you associate with.

▪︎ For newness in your academics, associate with brilliant people and those who have excelled in academics.

▪︎ For newness in your spiritual life, make friends with people who read their bibles and pray regularly.

6. LAW OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

The law of righteousness simply states that, obey God , and you will excel (Deut. 28:1). Jesus also echo it in Matt. 6:33.

Righteousness in simple terms means to do what is right. To be in right standing with God, avoiding a life of sin.

▪︎ If someone commits sin, he is yielding himself to the devil who is his master. (1Jn. 3:8; Rom. 6:16).

▪︎ The devil takes care of his own with what he has and God also takes care of His own with what He has.

▪︎ The devil has nothing to offer than to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn. 10:10a) but what God has for His children is abundant life (Jn. 10:10b).

▪︎ The things that look like the gains of sin are actually baits of the devil. He collects more than he can ever give.

▪︎ To experience newness, live a life of righteousness (Prov. 21:21).

▪︎ Christ is the righteousness of God. By His grace alone can we live a righteous life that guarantees an all-round newness.

Our objective today is to attempt to study in a bit what the word of God can do (Heb.4:12; II Tim.3:16). Through the Holy Spirit, we shall be searching through the word of God to gain understanding for life application. Having understood the integrity of the word of God, its reliability, infallibility and absolute truthfulness, now we shall be examining.

To understand the power in the word of God, we shall be looking into the potency of God’s word side-by-side with its uniqueness and characteristics.

1. Creative- the word of God is creative, and this is demonstrable in several pages of the scripture. It is thefoundational to the Christian faith. In Genesis, we see that God’s spoken word brought the entire universe into existence. This illustrates not only His authority but also the inherent power of His words to create (Genesis 1:3- This verse highlights God’s command as the mechanism for creation. The act of speaking brings forth reality from nothing. (Heb.11:3- This passage reinforces the understanding that God’s Word is the source of all that exists, emphasizing faith in its creative power. The creative aspect of God’s Word extends beyond the physical realm; it also creates spiritual realities in the lives of believers. (John 1:1-3)

2. Regenerating: The regenerative power of the Word is a central theme in the New Testament, illustrating how God’s Word brings spiritual rebirth and transformation. This emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s Word, which brings about new life that is eternal. (John 3:5-7; 1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18)

3. Transforming: The word of God is a transformer capable of changing all things. The transformative power of the Word of God affects every aspect of a believer’s life, changing their mindset, behavior, and character. The instrument is of transformation is the Holy Spirit and the more you yield, the more you are transformed. (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The overall aim of divine transformation through the word is to become like Christ.

4. Revealing- the deepest revelation available for children of God is in the word of God. (Mark 4:22; Daniel 9:2). The Word of God serves as a revelation of God’s nature, His will for His children and the truth about man (Gen.8:4; Eccl.7:27-29). It provides clarity in a world filled with confusion serving as a comprehensive guide for life (2 Timothy 3:16). Psalm 119:105 illustrates how God’s Word guides believers in their daily lives, illuminating the way forward. The word of God is powerful enough to discern the deep thought of man (Hebrews 4:12).

5. Restoring- God’s Word has restorative power, bringing healing and reconciliation to those who are broken or lost (Jer.30:17). Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” And in Psalm 147, the restorative power of God’s Word is evident in its ability to heal emotional, spiritual, and relational wounds. (Psalm 147:3). This verse underscores God’s compassionate nature and His active role in healing those who are hurting, often through His Word. Check the potency of God in these scripture-Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 11:28-30 and bring out the lesson(s)

6. Weaponry/Combating: Beyond the protective and defensive power of God’s words, we also have embedded in the word of God repository of weapon of different usage and relevance. (Check the kinds of weapon in this scripture- Heb.4:12; Psalm 19:3-5; Eph.6:17 and state how it can be applied). The Word of God functions as a critical weapon in spiritual warfare, equipping believers to stand against temptation and evil. Jesus uses Scripture to counter the temptations of Satan, demonstrating the efficacy of the Word in resisting evil (Matthew 4:1-11), for us to learn from the master. This highlights that the battle against false ideologies and spiritual strongholds is fought with the truth of God’s Word.

7. Instructive: The instructive nature of the Word of God is vital for guiding believers in their faith and moral conduct.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

  – This passage outlines the comprehensive role of Scripture in shaping a believer’s life, equipping them for service and good works.

Proverbs 6:23: “For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.”

-The imagery of light illustrates how God’s teachings illuminate the path to righteousness and understanding.

Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

  – This reflects the importance of internalizing Scripture to prevent sin, indicating that knowledge of God’s Word leads to a life aligned with His will.

Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”

  – This verse encourages believers to engage with Scripture not only personally but also communally, fostering a supportive environment for spiritual growth.

Conclusion/Life Application The Word of God is an incredibly powerful force in the life of a believer. It is creative, bringing forth life and reality; regenerating, offering spiritual rebirth; transforming, renewing minds and character; revealing, providing truth and insight; restoring, healing the broken; weaponry, equipping believers for spiritual battles; and instructive, guiding moral and ethical living. Each aspect emphasizes the profound impact that Scripture has on individuals and communities, empowering believers to live out their faith authentically and effectively. Through consistent engagement with the Word, believers can experience its life-changing power in every area of their lives.