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Lesson Aim: To understand the word of God and know how to handle it appropriately and properly to profit our lives as children of God

The Bible is God’s revelation about Himself
From our lesson previous week, all that has been said about the word of God is that the Bible gives full and ample testimony about God. Bible is also the authoritative voice of God to man. This is why theologians speak of Scripture as being ‘self-authenticating’, – it bears witness to itself in hundreds of verses as speaking the words of God himself.
How are we to interpret the Bible?

1. Because all Scripture is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16) it does not contradict itself. The best way to understand the Bible is to compare one part with another: the Scripture is self- interpreting (1 Corinthians 2:13). Ask older Christians to help you if you have difficulty, but remember, no human being or church is infallible. Every other words of men are fallible and secondary.
2. The Bible is to be understood literally except where a figurative sense is obviously intended. There is symbolic language, poetical, allegorical and prophetic language; all are used in the Bible, and we need to understand when each author is using these different types of language.

Firstly, the symbolic – Jesus said, ‘I am the door’, ‘I am the vine’, ‘I I am the light’, and ‘I am the good shepherd’. He is speaking symbolically. Each of these sayings represent or illustrate an important truth about his relationship to us; the door speaks of him being the entrance into eternal life; the vine speaks of His life-giving relationship to the believer; the light speaks of his power to dispel the darkness of our ignorance, the good shepherd speaks of his care for us as his sheep.

• The Bible also uses poetic language. David says, ‘the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord’ (1 Chronicles 16:33) and Solomon says, ‘the sun… rises and the sun goes down’ (Ecclesiastes 1:5). In both places the author is using language poetically not literally.
• In his ministry Jesus also spoke to people in parables, which were word pictures from everyday life used to explain spiritual truths. For example, a tiny seed growing into a big tree illustrates how the kingdom of God, although it has small and humble origins, grows to be the greatest of all the kingdoms.
• The Bible also uses prophetic language; Isaiah speaks of a suffering servant who will come into the world to bear the sins of God’s people (Isaiah 53). This was fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:32-35) almost 800 years later.

1. We should always interpret the difficult and obscure parts of the Bible by the obvious and clear parts, e.g. the Gospels help us to understand the events in the Book of Revelation, not the other way round!

How should we study the Bible?
Read it reverently: God is speaking to you, Christ has died for you (Luke 24:25- 27, 32)
Read it sincerely: God promises to bless those who seek him with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13)
Read it prayerfully: God promises to answer honest prayers (Matthew 6:6)
Read it regularly: God feeds our souls by his word (1 Peter 2:2) just as we feed our bodies with food.
Believe what you read: Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Practise what you read: God has promised, “Obey my voice and I will be your God.” (Jeremiah 7:23)
Understand what you read: Jesus said that we can only do his will when we know what it is. (Matthew 13: 19-23).

Introduction
We are still cling to the God of Satisfying Harvests as contained in His words for us this month of August-Ezekiel 47:12
Today , we are examining the “Timely Divine Harvests”; to see what God has in stock for us even in time like this. Let’s look first at:

THE UNCHANGING COVENANT OF THE LORD FOR ALL TIMES -JOEL 2:23,27
The message of the Lord to us as His children this morning is that of Hope, Confidence and Assurance in Him and what He can do.
God’s message is relevant for us even this time, for in Him, there is no seasonal variation or affectation by change in time- Psalm 102:27; Malachi.3:6; Heb.13:8“But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end-Psalm 102:27
What else can keep us going in this world full of uncertainties, hopelessness and failures here and there?
The answer is only found in God’s word “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away- Mark 13:31”
God in His words is saying to us this day 11th August 2024;
Joel 2:23 –“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
 We are commanded to jump for joy and Be Glad- Psalm 30:5

 We are asked to rejoice in the Lord your God( Yes! YOUR GOD)- Hab.318

Why?:
 Because we have a God who is faithful -Psalm 100:5

 Because we have a God who have done it for us He is ahead of us “…..for he has given you the autumn rains….. He sends you abundant showers…”Joel 2 vs 23b

 Because we have God who can do wonders over and over again “….because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
These are the reasons we are not bothered for our God is involved, He doesn’t forsake His own people (Hebrews 13:5b).
For this we know as His children” Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture- Psalm 103:2”

THE DIMENSIONS OF GOD’S TIMELY HARVESTS- JOEL 2:23-26
The timeliness of God’s Harvests :
Joel 2:23- For he hath given you the former rain moderately, And he will cause to come down for you the rain, The former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
 God is God of time. He doesn’t come late in action- John 11:43-44
 He is God of perfect time . It speaks of the just right time- Deuteronomy 11:14 ; Jeremiah 5:25.
 He is God of beautiful times- Ecclessiates 3:11 in line with His unfathomable plan

PRAYER:
Your due rain of timely Harvests is here in the name of Jesus – Deut. 28:12
God shall send you your own autumn and spring rains for your needed harvest in Jesus’name

The Appropriateness of God’s Timely Harvests – Joel 2:24
• Gods harvest is suitable and proper in the circumstances
• understands
• The master architect and artist of the universe designs harvest that is magnificent, perfect and best for the situation- Gen.26:2-3;6;12-13- at appropriate time Isaac land yielded the best harvests

The magnitude of God’s Timely Harvests Joel 2:24-25
 God’s harvest is a full one Joel 2:24a The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.
 God’s harvests are diverse 24b
 God’s harvest is huge vs 26, plenty and very satisfying
 God’s harvests are praise worthy – Vs 27
 God’s harvests reflects the wonder of God- Gen.26:12; Isaiah 48:21
 God’s harvests cancel shame- Ezekiel 36:20

Conclusion
God’s harvest is real even in time like this. God of autumn and spring rains is pouring harvests unto hands.

Lesson Aim: To understand the word of God and know how to handle it appropriately and properly to profit our lives as children of God

The Word of God is loaded with profit for man (Isa. 48:17). Many Christians today carry the Bible but fail to understand what the Bible carries. It is not possible to know and fully comprehend what the Bible carries and remain an ordinary person. The Word of God is the richest treasure on the face of the earth, the richest treasure that a man can access (Col. 2:3; John 1:1)

What is Bible vs Word of God? The Book of God the Bible is a collection of 66 books written originally in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Its writers included prophets (Moses and Isaiah), Kings (David and Solomon), a farmer (Amos), a tax collector (Matthew), a doctor (Luke) and many others. This alone of all the religious books in the world is God’s book. We cannot add anything to it (like the Catholics, Mormons and Moslems try to do) nor can we take anything from it (Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18-19; Mark 7:1-13).

The Scripture is not the same as earthly literature, it is spiritual adventure. Scripture does not come to give you information but for instruction, it comes to impart you revelation (1Sam. 3:21). The Bible does not claim to tell us all that can be known about God and his ways; the more we learn, the more we know. The Bible is not given to satisfy our curiosity about all scientific, philosophical or theological questions; it is given to show us who God is and how we can come to know, love and please him: (Deuteronomy 29:29; John 20:30-31). If we read the Bible with reverence, humility of heart and with understanding of the Holy Spirit, then we shall find that God speaks through it to us today and it is ever relevant words.

Bible comprises Old and New Testament, with different writing styles and focus but all pointing to the living God, His ways and wills leading us how to please Him all the days of our lives.

The Origin/Author of the Word of God:

Men spoke from God

The Bible is God’s book through which he speaks to us clearly and unmistakably through all kinds of different men: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Each book of the Bible therefore has two authors, the Holy Spirit who is the primary author and the person who wrote the book! We must recognize therefore both the human and the divine elements throughout the Bible. We can see that the different authors each have their own style, uniqueness and characteristics. But regardless of men writing down the word of God, it remain infallible and preserved by God, authors through Holy Spirit are prevented from making errors either in doctrine or in matters of historical fact.

The Old Testament as God’s Word and how the New Testament writers believed it.

The Old Testament worship and sacrifices were temporary and pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is explained very fully in the Letter to the Hebrews. This means that parts of the law given to Moses were of a temporary nature to be observed only until Jesus

There are many examples where New Testament writers quote from the Old Testament, showing their full acceptance of it as the word of God. Throughout his writings Paul is continually quotes from the Old Testament to prove various points-

And we declare to you glad tidings – that promise made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are my Son, Today I have begotten You’ (Acts 13:32 – 33).

See also Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Galatians 3:6 -13. The writer to the Hebrews, James, Peter and Jude all do the same (Hebrews 1:5-13; James 2:8-11; 1 Peter 2:6-10; Jude 7, 11, 14)

The Word of God is one and unbroken- John 10:35ff

a) Jesus Christ believed it. The Lord Jesus Christ fully believed the Old Testament and often quoted passages from it to prove a point. Here are some examples-Isaiah 61:1- 2; Luke 4:17,20-21; John 5:46-47; Luke 24:44).

b) Why God caused it to be written down. God took great care to see that his Word was written down very accurately so that it could be handed down from one generation to another. In this way his will would be made known and preserved for the future. We can see how this was done both in the life of Moses and in the prophets who lived several hundred years after him: -Exod. 24:3-4; Isaiah 8:1; 30:8; Jeremiah 25:13). The word of God is written as the Bible to preserve from loss ( (2 Kings 22:8-23:2; Nehemiah 8-10).

For further study look up Deuteronomy 17:13-19; 31:24-39; Joshua 24:26; 1 Samuel 10:25; Jeremiah 36:4, 45:1; Habakkuk 2: 2.

c) The word of God is precious: God’s Word is very precious because it shows us the truth about God, about ourselves and the way to everlasting life. It teaches us how God wants us to live and it preserves us from sin and from temptation-Psalm 19:9- 11).

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).

Introduction

Today’s passage is about a vision of hope given to the prophet Ezekiel who lived in exile for 25 years in Babylon (40:1).

Today’s passage (Eze 47:1-12) describes a marvellous river flowing from the temple to bring life and healing to the land.

This vision reveals God’s heart for a broken world and testifies about the gospel of Jesus. God wants us to know his heart and to give us a river of life that flows out to heal our broken hearts and our violent world.

Satisfaction can be defined as meeting the expectations, needs, or desires of (someone).

Whatever is satisfying is pleasant and enjoyable. It is not endured

Harvest means the time of year or season when crops are ripe and ready to be gathered for consumption.

Harvest could be fat or thin; rich or sparse.

What Satisfying Harvests implies

Message of Comfort and Assurance: A satisfying harvest is a message that guarantees comfort and assurance of stability for the children of God against proliferating hunger poverty, economic melt down and emerging and re-emerging global epidemics. ( Lev.26: 1-5; Psalm 91 :10)

The message of hope against hopelessness ( Romans 5:5; 1 Kings 7:1)* for the children of God wherever they found themselves

The emblem of harvest here include flowing rivers, fruits, leaves

Understanding the God of Satisfying Harvests:

Everything about satisfying harvest centres around the God of all possibilities ( Luke 1:37; Gen.18:14; Jeremiah 32:17).

Let’s gain some understanding about our God, how He guarantees the satisfying harvest for each of His children

• God the Source:  He is God, the source of all Harvests. (Gen.1:28-29.) Without Him nothing can be that ever exist- (Gen.9:1,7; 1 Cor.3:6-7). Out of His fullness, He gives all who desire to receive from Him ( John 1:16)

• God the Supplier. God is not just the source of harvest but He is also God the supplier of every harvest. He is supplying all the need of His children in the dimensions of His riches.( Phil.4:19; Psalm 23:1). He supplied enabling grace per time for outstanding harvest of success. ( II Cor.9:8; Psalm 36:8).

• He is the the God of sweet and suitable harvest-Eccl.3:14; Gen.26:1; 12-14. God is the controller of time and season, He doesn’t answer to varying climate. He can change anything but He doesn’t change. He brings out the best of harvest even where it is least expected.( James 1:17-18; Exodus 16:35). Acts 14:17)

• God the Sustainer: The power of God is demonstrated in that He has power to sustain whatever He initiated. He is the sustainer of satisfying harvests (Lev.26:4-5). His covenant of unending harvest stands till this day ( Gen.8:22;

• God the chief Security: God cares optimally for His children. He watched over whatever He blesses us with.( II Chron. 16:9; Psalm 121:4-7). He also secure every harvest of good things He granted- Psalm 107:37-38.

Prayer Guide

1. O Lord, my due harvest will not elude me in the name of Jesus

2. Father, all my labour of the past and present shall yields bountiful harvest for me this season in Jesus‘ name

3. Father in the name of Jesus, let my heaven of harvest be perpetually open

LESSONS FROM THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW

(8)Believers of today have greater and better privileges than this poor widow:

(i) She was a stranger, nothing related to the judge but God’s praying people are His own ELECT whom He knows, loves, delights in, and always have concern for (Eph. 2:12-13, 19; 1Pt .2:9-10).

(ii) She did not tie herself to the formalities of the law but made personal application to the judge. See Is. 59:1-2. Compare Heb. 4:15-16.

(iii) She came to a judge that bade her to keep her distance (Lk. 18:4a) but we come to a Father that bids us to come boldly to Him (Heb. 4:16) and teaches us to cry Abba Father (Gal. 4:6-7; Rom. 8:15). “Abba” in Hebrew means “Father” and is used to address God in a relatìon of personal intimacy.

(iv) She came to an unjust judge but we come to a righteous Father. One that comforts His poor creatures, especially those in distress as widows and the fatherless (Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34).

(v) She came to this judge purely upon her own account but God is Himself calling unto us. Check Jer. 29:12-13; Is. 65:24; Matt. 11:28.

(vi) She had no friend nor powerful people of influence who could plead her case before the judge but we have an Advocate Who ever lives to make intercession for us before the heavenly Father. Look up Rom. 8:34; Jn. 16:23; 1Tim. 2:5.

(vii) She could have access to the judge only at some certain times but we may cry to God day and night (Lk. 18:7). “If there’s a man to pray, there’s a God to answer.”

(viii) Her importuity was provoking to the judge (Lk. 18:5) which might set him more against her, but our importunity is pleasing to God. See James 5:16b.

UNDERSTANDING JESUS’ QUESTION IN LUKE 18:8b.

“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?”

▪︎ The word “And” at the beginning of Luke 18:1 is an indication that chapter 18 is a continuation and a build up on chapter 17 of Luke, where Jesus was speaking about the mystery of His coming.

▪︎ The question is a rhetorical question (a question asked without expecting an answer but for the sake of emphasis or effect). But from it we can deduce the following:

(i) The point is not about whether God will do what He has promised to do but whether we will trust Him to do it.

(ii) Jesus will come again but will His elect be ready when He comes?

(iii) When the Son of man comes the way He promised in Luke 17 (Lk. 17:20, 26-30, 34-36), will He find people praying the way He commanded in Luke 18:1? Compare Lk. 21:36; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1Thes. 5:17.

(iv) Continual devotion to prayer should be a way of life, not only when occasion demands. See Is. 62:6-7.

(v) This question requires a personal answer from every believer.

(vi) Jesus will indeed find faith on earth when He comes because He has promised that His Church will endure (Matt. 16:18). But will He find you in the faith?

CONCLUSION

We continue to pray because we believe that God cares about us and will do what is right in the end. If we give up on prayer and stop praying, we are practically saying that we do not believe God will listen to us at all. May the Lord help us to remain in faith till He comes in Jesus’ name.

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is communication between man and God. It means contact with, communion with, and fellowship with God. It is not simply asking God for things.

▪︎ It is the privilege of all to pray (Luke 18:3, 11, 13, 18, 38). To Christians, there should be a right understanding of, and a regular engaging in, the privilege of prayer. This is the focus of the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge.

There are two characters in this parable:

1. An Unjust Judge

To be unjust means not based on, or behaving according to what is morally right.

▪︎ It is to be improper, dishonest, unfair or biased. It speaks of treating someone badly in a way that they do not deserve.

Why Is The Judge Described As Unjust?

In Jewish Community, a judge is expected to be impartial, to judge righteously and to recognize that judgement ultimately belongs to God. Look up Deut.1:16-17. This particular judge was not so.

▪︎ The judge is also described as having no fear of God and no compassion for the people under his jurisdiction (Lk. 18:2). It can easily be said of him as unfit.

2. A Needy Widow

According to Jewish law, widows deserve special protection under the justice system. Check Deut. 10:18; 24:17, 19-21; James 1:27.

▪︎ This particular widow was ignored by the judge. Nevertheless, she refused to give up. Eventually, the judge granted her the justice she was seeking. Not because the judge pitied her but because he wanted to free himself from being continuously troubled and disturbed by the widow (Lk. 18:4-5).

Reflection: (a) Why are cases pursued up to the Supreme Court?

(b) It is often said that “the judiciary (courts) is the last hope of the common man.” Why? How true is this in Nigeria?

MEANING OF THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW

In this parable, our Lord Jesus Christ stresses the great importance of prayer and of praying. He emphasised that, if an uncaring, unfit, ungodly judge answers with justice in the end, how much more will a loving and holy Father give what is right to His children (Lk. 18:7-8a).

▪︎ We only need to be persistent in asking and have faith that God will eventually answer, no matter how long it takes. He is never late but always on time. See Hab. 2:3.

LESSONS FROM THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW AND THE UNJUST JUDGE

1. We do not always get immediate results when we pray.

▪︎ Our definition of swift justice is not the same as the Lord’s. Check Is. 55:8-9.

▪︎ God answers according to His will and not our selfish desires (James 4:3).

▪︎ But in all, we can fully count on Him to answer when, where, and how He chooses (1Jn. 5:14-15). Compare Hab. 2:3.

2. Effective prayer requires tenacity and faithfulness.

▪︎ Tenacity is the quality of being determined. It speaks of persistence.

▪︎ A genuine disciple must learn that prayer never gives up and is based on absolute trust and faith in God. See Matt. 7:7-8.

3. The widow continued to go to the judge because she believed that he will eventually grant her request.

▪︎ Persistence in prayer also hangs on faith. Look up Heb. 11:1, 6; 10:23; Is. 55:11.

4. Like the persistent widow, we are needy, dependent sinners who trust in our gracious, loving and merciful God alone to supply what we need. Check Is. 59:1-2. Compare Exd. 33:19; Rom. 9:14-15.

5. Faithful, never-ceasing, persistent prayer is the permanent calling of every disciple of Christ who is committed to living a fulfilled life.

It is an obligation (Lk. 18:1; 1Thes. 5:17).

▪︎ Our new life in Christ can only be maintained by  prayer (Matt. 26:41).

▪︎ Only as we pray can our lives be what God wants them to be, can we know the secret of victory over sin and the power of the Enemy, and can our christian service be what it ought to be. Look up Jer. 33:3.

▪︎ In His Word, God has given us many great and precious promises (2Pt.1:4), a blank cheque book signed with the name of Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:13; 16:23), and with a Bank of Heaven that has limitless resources (Phil. 4:19). Only by prayer can we cash these cheques and obtain the promises (Phil. 4:6).

▪︎ Prayer is the key that locks and unlocks all doors.

6. The unjust judge lacks the fear of God and couldn’t do good.

▪︎ Where no fear of God is, wisdom is lacking and no good is to be expected (Pro. 9:10). But the power of importunity (i.e. the quality of repeatedly asking for something) can change the narrative (Lk. 18:4-5)

7. There are people in the world that are God’s people, His elect (Lk. 18:7).

▪︎ They meet with a great deal of trouble and opposition in this world but they have assurance of victory over all their adversaries (Lk. 18:8a). See Jn. 16:33.

Reflection: Who are the elect of God. Look up Is. 45:4; Deut. 7:6-8; 1Pt. 2:9-10.

…to be continued

Understanding the concepts of being sold:

To be sold out to God means relinquishing control and surrendering all at His feet.

A sold-out life in the literal sense is saying my body, spirit, and soul belong to Christ.

It should be our lifestyle as children of God who are committed to the deep things of God.

Selling takes place when goods are exchanged between two individuals for monetary gain and satisfaction – the concept of service and satisfaction

Terms and conditions applied.
The service offer is usually proportional in direct version to the payment made. The satisfaction of either party is likewise related and strongly linked to the price involved. _Matthew 19:27-29-; Luke 18:28-29

Being sold can also be used when a master sells his belongings to another with or without the approval of the subjects.- the concept of servanthood but not servitude

The servanthood in us as children of God makes it possible to live for Christ.

The servant yields to the master in all respects. What the master says inform and dictate the movement of the servant. Servant permits himself to be used of God anyhow and anyway.-

The 3rd concept about being sold out is the willingness of the subject to be released to a superior buyer even when one understands the attending consequences – the concept of sacrifice and submission

Being sold out to the master will only be possible when the subjects willfully surrender to be course.

A life of sacrifice in full. Yielding to Christ in total.
Isaac yielded to the Father not minding what lie ahead- Gen.22:4-5

The Hope of Sold-out Life.

Nothing is sweeter than having a sure hope in Christ

Hope for life in Christ is both in the contemporaries and the world to come.( 1 Cor.15:19

Heb.11:6- God rewards everyone who comes to Him- “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”.

Abundant life and harvest are the lots of life sold out for Christ

Pattern of life sold out to Christ

Every man has only one life. This life is corrupt by nature until transformation takes place in our heart being about a new regenerated life at salvation.

For this life to be profitable optimally for Christ, it must be exhibit and demonstrate the following virtue.

1. Must be ready to embrace the word of God – John 6:63
2. It’s an individual decision and not a collective response.
3. The call to answer first is to be with Jesus. Being with Him makes you His Disciple and gain an understanding of the Master’s lifestyle- Acts 11

Self-denial is critical. Self must be displaced at the centre of your life for Christ to rule and reign- Luke 9:23. John said, “

Cross is the centre of the pursuit of every life sold for Christ. Without understanding the message of the cross, there is no life1 Cor.1:18; Gal.2:20; Phil. 1:21; Matt.10:23; Luke 14:27.

The life of God (Zoe) must be lived at the expense of any other options. Seeing God first and His righteousness remains the priority, no alternative for consideration ( Matt.6:33).

The soul of every child of God sold out to Christ must be preserved. Nothing in this world must be allowed to corrupt your soul. Your heart must be thoroughly guarded to secure things that matter to Christ.( Prov. 4:23)
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

PREAMBLE

The Prevailing Hopelessness

The world today is full of varying and diverse challenges defiling human solutions.

It runs across individuals, families, regions, national and sub- nationals as well as globally

The problem ranges from social to economic; poverty to scarce resources; natural versus man- made disaster cum climate challenges; strange order of diseases and epidemics ravaging the world.

The problem of the world seems endless, and solutions appear not to catch up.

The scripture foretells and we need to know- in Psalms 46:2-3 (NKJV) “Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [3] Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling”.

Alas, things may not be better globally due to the uncontrol geometric rate of ungodliness, unrighteousness, and unabated sinful living (Romans 1:18 -32; Psalm 82:5).

God’s anger manifests in many ways across nations today (Romans 1:28-32; Isaiah 13:11-13; 24:19-20.

More Prevailing Hope and Divine Exemption in the World of Hopelessness- Psalm 46:4-5;7,9-11.

Here is the Goodnews!!!; 

We have hope. The hope is Christ- Col. 1:27

The hopelessness in the world cannot match God’s provisions and exemption for His children. – Psalm 91:10-12- 

His unfailing promises give us hope against the hopelessness situation surrounding us.

Hope according to the scripture involves supernatural expectancy. Hope is the womb for manifestation- Romans 8:19

Hope comes when you begin to see yourself with what God has promised you, instead of seeing yourself without it.

Now is time not to give up, even if you are weary-Prov.24:10

Psalms 46:4-5- “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her. She shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

Let’s look at What hope offer us

• When hope comes, fear shall give way. Psalm 46:2a – therefore we will not fear or be afraid.
• Hope transforms wilderness experience to abundance water that satisfies- Psalm 46:4a——– “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God; Isaiah 48:21; 30:25. The river connotes heavenly resources- Gen.2:10
• Hope brings joy and gladness in place of sorrow and sighing- Psalms 46:4a; Isaiah 55:11
• Hope symbolises divine presence and manifestation of God- Psalms 46:4b; 16:11
• Divine hope makes the children of God unshakeable even in this unstable world we found ourselves- Heb.6:19-20.
• Hope in Christ offers all forms and dimensions of help (timely help; unsolicited; compelling, tireless help- 1 Chron.12:22; Luke 5:18-19; 2 Kings 5:3,13).

William Bradford and Priscilla J. Owens summarises the hope in this manner:

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!

Hope in Christ a Sure and Supreme Hope- Hebrews 10:19-21:

Nothing else, and no one else guarantees hope in this world except Jesus, the great high priest (Heb.4:14-15; 2:17 ;3:1).

Hope in God is unique and supreme because it is premise on the faithfulness of God that cannot change or diminish.

Hope in Christ reveals God as follows: THE GOD WHO CARES; WHO IS CONCERN; WHO IS COMMITTED AND CONSISTENT

1. God who cares for His own Psalm 23; 55:22; Matt.6:25-26

2. God, that shows concern for us- Psalm 138:8; Matt.10:30

3. God that is committed to the course of His children – Romans 8:31-32;  Isaiah 41:10; Zech.2:8; Deuteronomy 32:10

4. God, that is consistent in action – Jeremiah 29:11; Lam.3:22; Psalm 68:19

Hope in Christ is for you – Heb.10:22-23

This is how you can obtain hope in Christ day in and day out.

You can renew your hope so that you have faith and strength to receive everything God has promised you- Heb.11:40

1. Learn to come to Him alone and come always- Matt.6:11

2. Come with a sincere heart. A sincere heart receives from Him all times

3. Come with your faith in full- Heb. 11:6

4. Come believing and with absolute trust in God

INTRODUCTION

Today we want to study the most neglected part of the parable of the prodigal son, which relates to the older son. The main lesson the Lord was teaching the Pharisees and the Scribes is contained in the attitudes of the older son.

LESSONS FROM THE ATTITUDES OF THE OLDER SON

1. His relationship with his father was based on works and merit (Lk. 15:29). He points out to his father that he has always being obedient and working so he had earned himself a party.

▪︎Christians should know that the blessing we received from God is not according to our own efforts but by His mercy and grace. Check Rom. 9:16.

2. He found service a toil instead of a joy (Lk. 15:29). He was certainly a good worker and not lazy but he thought of himself a slave, instead of a son that he truly is.

▪︎Believers should not serve God with the energy of the flesh but learn to do less themselves so that God may do more through them. Look up Phil. 2:13; 4:13.

▪︎Service to God should be seen as a privilege and not a burden, and should be done in joy. Check Ps. 100:2; Heb. 12:28-29.

Reflection: Is there any difference between working for God and working with God? Explain.

3. He was dominated by SELF (Lk. 15:29).

(a) He was self-righteous. Truly he had not done awful things his brother is guilty of but his “holier-than-thou” attitude is not a kingdom virtue. Compare Lk. 18:11-12.

(b) He was self-centered. Take note of the words “I”, “me”.

▪︎Are you always talking about yourself, of your experience and achievements? Do you always or sometimes want to be the centre of attention? Those are the manifestations of MR. SELF.

(c) He was full of self-pity. He acted like a baby, making a sad and sorry spectacle of himself. Compare 1Cor. 3:1-2.

▪︎The cure for self-pity is to fix our eyes on Jesus. See Heb.12:2.

(d) He was self-satisfied. He was content with his efforts to obey his father’s orders.

▪︎This is a picture of one (a believer) still living in bondage to the law. Check Rom. 8:15-17.

4. He was full of ingratitude (Lk.15:29).

As the older son, he had received the larger part of his father’s property (two-third) yet he was complaining. He perceived his father as being stingy and unfair.

▪︎Worldly Christians are not grateful for many blessings they have in Christ but focus only on what they have not received. Check Eph.1:3-5. Compare Gen. 2:16-17; 3:6.

▪︎Carnal Christians see God as being unfair by accepting tax collectors and sinners into His family and blessing them who are undeserving.

5. He was filled with envy and jealousy towards his brother (Lk. 15:30). He should have been thrilled with gratitude that his brother had returned but he was consumed with justice and equity.

▪︎Jealousy is a very cruel thing (Prov. 27:4). It is killing (Prov. 6:34-35; SOS 8:6b). It is a symptom of carnality (1Cor. 3:3), and can starve one of joy and peace.

▪︎Believers should be filled with gratitude for repentant sinners rather than being jealous and envious of the grace they would enjoy by returning to God, in place of condemnation and punishment they deserved.

6. He showed no concern or sympathy for the lost (Lk.15:30). He preferred his brother remain an outcast rather than returning and having a place in the home. He severed kinship with his brother. “…this your son..”

▪︎Christians should be filled with sympathy and loving concern to see sinners saved and to help restore the backslider.

▪︎Any one who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. Look up 1Jn. 2:9-11.

▪︎Believers and repented sinners are both brothers and co-heirs in the kingdom.

7. He does not understand grace and has no room for forgiveness (Lk. 15:30). The demonstration of grace by his father made him angry (Lk.15:28).

▪︎Grace and forgiveness is quite necessary and appropriate. “meet that we should make merry” (Lk.15:32).

▪︎Believers should rejoice and celebrate on the return of every sinner.

8. He was out of sympathy with his father and didn’t share his father’s burden. He rather picked up argument and quarrel with his father.

▪︎Instead of being content for sinners to remain in the far country and to die in their sins, believers should share the passion, the love, and the spirit of our Master. Look up Matt. 9:36; Lk. 19:10.

9. Rather than enjoy fellowship with his father, brother and the community, he stayed outside the house and nursed his anger.

▪︎Believers should not harbour bitterness in their hearts to the extent of choosing misery and isolation over restoration reconciliation.

10. The remedy for worldliness and self-centeredness is found in the amazing and tender words of the father (Lk. 15:31):

(a) “My son..” (Privilege)

▪︎Christians should rise to the full dignity of their high calling in Christ as sons of God and act accordingly. Compare 1Jn. 3:1-3.

(b) “You are always with me….” (Position).

▪︎Christians are heavenly people with Christ (Eph. 2:6). It is therefore unworthy for heavenly citizens to be so earthly minded. See Col. 3:1-3.

(c) “Everything I have is yours…” (Possessions).

▪︎God has given everything to us in Christ. We only need to be conscious of it and posses our possessions, instead of being envious of others’ blessings and gifts. If you’re not receiving, it’s because you’re not asking. Look up 2Pt. 1:3; Jn. 16:24; Matt. 7:7.

CONCLUSION

The older son lives today! He is presented as a “son”, meaning a believer, but a carnal one he is. Born again (Jn. 1:12-14) but worldly (1Cor. 3:1-4). Saved but dominated by self. Examine yourself, are you the older son? Repent today and forsake the attitude of the older son. May the Lord help all of us so to do in Jesus’ name.

INTRODUCTION

Stewardship is based on the realization that everything we have belongs to God and He wants us to use them to accomplish His purposes.

WHY THIS PARABLE?

Jesus was in the middle of teaching when a man requested: “Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me” (Lk.12:13).

The first response from Jesus was to explain that this wasn’t his job (Lk. 12:14).

Reflection 1: Why do you think Jesus said it is not His work to judge in the matter brought before Him? Does it mean that He has no judicial power, despite being the King of kings and the Lord of lords? Look up Jn. 18:36. Compare Lk 12:15.

THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

The point of the parable of the rich fool is twofold:

1. We are not to devote our lives to the gathering and accumulation of wealth. Look up Ecl. 2:18. Compare Matt. 6:25, 31-33.

▪︎If money is your master, that means God is not (Matt. 6:24. Compare Mal. 1:6.

2. We are not blessed by God to hoard our wealth to ourselves.

▪︎We are blessed to be a blessing in the lives of others and to build the kingdom of God. To abound in every good work.

▪︎If we honour God with what He has given us, He will bless us with more so that we can honour Him with more. Look up 2Cor.9:6-9.

LESSONS FROM THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

By all standard, the world will call this man a successful, wise and intelligent man but God called him a fool.

▪︎Note that Jesus did not condemn the man for being rich, and we were not told that he got his wealth dishonestly.

▪︎A food in Biblical language is not a description of mental ability but of spiritual discernment.

WHY DID GOD CALLED THE MAN A FOOL?

1. He did not see the hand of God in his harvest but only his own effort (Lk. 12:16).

▪︎ Our material blessings are either a mirror through which we see ourselves (our efforts) or a window through which we see God.

▪︎The man might have worked hard but it was God who crowned his efforts with success. Look up Rom. 9:16; 1Cor. 3:6.

2. The man thought within himself (Lk 12:17), but his thoughts were heard and examined in heaven, which is not slow to pronounce judgement on him.

▪︎God sees our hearts and hears all our thoughts, and He will deal with us accordingly. See Prov. 21:2; 1Sam. 16:7; Jer. 17:10; Ps. 44:21.

▪︎Remedy for ungodly thoughts- 1Chr. 28:9; Rom. 12:2.

3. He speaks as one at a loss and full of perplexity (Lk. 12:17)

“What shall I do” instead of “God, what do you want me to do with this harvest?”

Reflection 2: In what other ways do you think the man should have handled his surplus?

4. It was folly for the man to call the fruits of the ground his fruits and his goods (Lk. 12:17). Compare Ps. 24:1.

▪︎Whatever we have is lent to us to use. We should be able to differentiate between ownership and Stewardship. Check Hos. 2:8-9.

5. It was folly for this man to make plans and leave God out (Lk.12:18).

▪︎We should acknowledge and involve God in our plans. See Prov. 3:5-6.

6. He was concerned about himself alone. We could notice the words “I” six times and “my” five times. This is a display of pride, ego and fear.

▪︎God is never happy with the proud (James 4:6), and He has not given us the spirit of fear (2Tim. 1:7).

▪︎Worrying about our provision is on act of unbelief, and anxiety is opposite of faith (Matt .6.32).

7. He was trying to control the fate of future crops by the present harvest. (Lk. 12:18-19).

▪︎God owns and knows what tomorrow would bring. See James 4:13-16; Dan. 2:21.

▪︎The barn that was too small today could be too big tomorrow. Consider Pharaoh’s dream (Gen. 41:29-30).

▪︎The bible does not discourage us from looking to the future with great expectations, but we are to plan from the perspective that ultimately, God is in charge, and with humility to Him.

Refection 3: What is your opinion about people who hoard goods with the aim of selling when price increases?

8. He was storing his treasures in the wrong place. He failed to plan for treasure in heaven, forgetting that there is life after death.

▪︎We should store up treasures in heaven by partaking in the work of the kingdom. Look up Matt. 6:19-20.

9. He was trying to satisfy his soul with the things meant for the body “…eat, drink, be merry” (Lk. 12:19).

▪︎We don’t live to eat, we eat to live. Check 1Cor. 6: 13a; Matt. 4:4.

10. He missed the point of life (Lk. 12:20).

▪︎Life is a loan that must be repaid back to God upon demand, and whatever we accumulate here on earth, we would leave behind (Prov. 39:6). Why then should we struggle and wear ourselves out to accumulate them? Look up Eccl. 2:21-23; Job 27:8.

▪︎The major weakness of earthly riches is that, they have no purchasing power after death. Check Jam. 2:5; 1Tim. 6:18-19.

CONCLUSION

The central focus of Jesus in this parable is to speak on the matter of covetousness and greed, which was the origin of the problem with the two brothers.

If you fail to acknowledge God for your achievements, make plans and leave God out of it, live for the moment without thinking of heaven, or live without the understanding that life is a loan which must be paid back when demanded, you are a fool in God’s eyes. Am I a fool?. May the Lord help us to amend our ways in Jesus’ name.