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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

As children of God, we are born into new life to live a victorious life in Christ. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith – 1 John 5:4.  The new life in Christ is a life of overcomer. Even when challenges come, we know victory is certain.

QUESTION 1

Why then do some Christians still live as defeated being in this world (ordinary men), instead of living victoriously every day?

The reason is their ignorance of the Word:

“They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness….I have said, ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High” (Psalm 82:5-6).

May God through Christ grant us revelation today in Jesus’name. (Amen).

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57 – 1 Cor.15:57. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

The truth is, now that you’re redeemed (born again, now that you’re in Christ,) you’re a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Whereas you were defeated and lived as a victim before you came to Christ, all that is history now. Today, with Christ alive in you, nothing can put you down; you’re a victor for life! And no more defeat for you except you are no more in Christ or allow devil to cheat you.

QUESTION 2

What gave us new life in Christ? SALVATION- 2 Cor.5:17; Ephesians 2:12-13

QUESTION 3

How did we get saved? – THROUGH THE REDEMPTION – Ephesian 1:7-8

God’s Word says that we are saved by grace through faith alone in Christ Jesus and not in anyway by our own efforts or works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The death and resurrection of Jesus gives us redemption. The resurrection is not full or complete without redemption. The redemption is central to message of resurrection. The redemption gives us freedom in Christ- (Galatians 5:1). “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1).

UNDERSTANDING WHAT REDEMPTION ENTAILS AND IMPLIES

• Redemption can be defined as the process or means to secure the release or recovery of persons (the captives) or things by the payment of a price.
• Redemption refers ultimately to the saving work of Christ, who came to accomplish our redemption by giving his life in substitution for our own as the ransom price.

The price of our redemption is the blood, the life, and the death of Christ.    ‘’ Jesus paid a debt he did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay.”

I hear the Savior say,

“Thy strength indeed is small,

Child of weakness, watch and pray,

Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain:

Refrain:

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

Mo gbọ Jesu wipe

Agbara rẹ kere

Alarẹ ṣọra gbadua

Pipe rẹ mbẹ lọdọ mi

Refrain:

Jesu san gbogbo

Gbese ti mo jẹ

Ẹṣẹ ti

m’abawọn wa

O fọ mi fun

bi sno

The Work of Jesus

When Jesus declared His mission to the world in Luke 4:18 He said ‘’The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,’’

He also stated clearly why He came for the humanity in 1 John 3:8- He that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Therefore, Redemption implies the work of Christ on our behalf, whereby he purchases and ransoms us—at the price of his own life—

(1) the work He came to accomplish was the one of ransom,

(2) the giving of His life was the ransom price, and

(3) the ransom was substitutionary in character

• “Jesus Christ stated clearly, He came to serve the world. He laid down his life for a ransom.- Matthew 20:28

When our lives were forfeited into the eternal damnation by hands of divine justice due to sin. Christ, by parting with his life, made atonement for sin, and so rescued ours; he was made sin, and a curse for us, and died, not only for our good, but in our stead.”- “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Gal 3:13)

• He redeemed us through the shedding of blood; the blood of Christ is the sacrificial blood- Rom 3:25; 5:9; Eph 1:7; Rev 1:5; “conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1Pet 1:17–19)- 
• Through the redemption, The church of God, was obtained purchased and acquired with his own blood.”- 1 Cor.6:19-20; Acts 20:28. “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price” (1Cor. 6:19–20).
• “All (entire humanities) have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith” (Rom 3:22–25).
• Justification is being counted as righteous or declared righteous by God (The Judge). Justification is given to us freely, without price to us, it is only made possible through an exorbitant purchase “through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Free to us. Costly to God.
• Only based on redemption have we all receive forgiveness that is freely lavished on us according to the riches of God’s grace- Ephesians 1:7–8; Col 1:14.

“when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4–5).

• Through redemption, Jesus is revealed as a better high priest, and better mediator of a better covenant. He is better because he entered through his own blood (Heb. 9:12)—on the merits of his own righteousness, unlike all other priests before Him who had to offer sacrifices for themselves and the people. Jesus is both perfect priest and perfect sacrifice in one.
• Furthermore, the unique and supreme blood of Christ was more effective than Old Testament sacrifices (Heb. 9:13–14)—cleansing consciences, forgiving sins, and obtaining eternal redemption which blood of goats, calves etc. cannot do. “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1Tim 2:5–6)
• Through the redemption, Jesus Christ won victory for all nations of the world who believe in Him-Rev. 5:9-13. “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Rev 5:9–10).

Therefore, we are to rejoice and celebrate what Jesus has won for us………

To be continue…

INTRODUCTION

GOOD FRIDAY and EASTER SUNDAY are the days of all days in human history. However, we must remember that we cannot have one without the other. Without resurrection, redemption is not needed and, without redemption, there’s no resurrection.

On Good Friday, we appreciated, celebrated, and gave thanks to Jesus Christ for His redemptive work on the cross of Calvary.

▪It emphasizes the work of divine exchange and substitution which Christ did, choosing to suffer and die in our place, in order to save us from sin and the penalty for sin (death).

Redemption refers to saving someone by paying a price or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment.

▪This is what Christ did, laying down His life as the price for the redemption of the whole world, not just the believers.

But what we are celebrating today is not just the work of our redemption but something beyond redemption.

▪If all what we needed was salvation from sin, there wouldn’t have been any need for Jesus to rise from the dead.

▪His death on the cross would have been enough because it paid for all our sins and serves as a complete propitiation (sacrificial object) to appease a God who was angry with man.

The big thing however, is what happened after redemption.

The plan of satan was to kill Jesus Christ and put a stop to having a new life. He never thought nor expected that Jesus would resurrect. But Jesus Christ resurrected to begin a new life, a glorious and eternal one for that matter.

WHAT IF THERE’S NO RESURRECTION? – 1Cor. 15:12-19

1.            It means Christ did not rise (Vs 12-13).

2.            Preaching the gospel would be useless (Vs 14).

▪It is no longer good news but bad news. No longer Good Friday but Black Friday.

3.            Faith in Christ and His finished work would be worthless and meaningless (Vs 14)

▪Faith in a corpse buried in a tomb will redeem, sanctify or justify no one.

4.            Every witness to the resurrection and all preachers of resurrection would be liars (Vs 15).

▪The Apostles and every gospel preacher would be peddling a myth (a false belief or idea).

▪Even Jesus Christ Himself would become a liar too because He said He is the resurrection and the life (Jn. 11:25).

5.            Christianity would become a fairly tale, a fabricated imaginary story for children (Vs 16).

▪There would be no life after death since Christ did not rise. Christianity is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

6.            All humanity would remain captive to sin (Vs 17).

▪The whole world would still remain enslaved to death (Rom. 6:23).

7.            Everyone who died would be in hell (Vs 18).

▪Every human being would face the full, wrath of God, dead and unable to rise to life.

8.            Christians would be the most foolish people on earth (Vs 19).

But praise be to God, Christ is risen from the dead and since He has come out of the grave, death is swallowed up in victory (1Cor. 15:54).

▪We can therefore boldly sing…

The strife is o’er the battle done…

IMPLICATIONS OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION FOR BELIEVERS

1.            It shows the immense power of the Almighty God over life and death (1Cor. 15:54-55).

▪Only He who created life can restore it after death. Even if there’s no life before, He can still create it.

▪Only He can remove the sting of death (sin) and the grave( power of death).

2.            It is the assurance of the resurrection of Christ’s faithfuls, which is the basic tenet of Christianity (Jn. 11:25-26).

▪Take note of the contrast in verse 20 of 1Cor. 15:20.

3.            It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf (Heb. 7:27).

4.            It is victory over death, which comforts us that we would see our loved ones who have died again (1Thes. 4:13-14).

5.            It is an assurance of our regeneration in Christ when we become born again (2Cor. 5:17).

▪It gives us a new life that overcomes the activities of the flesh and activates in us the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

6.            It makes every believer and disciple of Christ a miracle carrier and a doer/worker of miracles (Mk. 16:17-18; Matt. 10:1).

▪It’s not a supernatural thing for a believer to cast out demons or perform miracles (Lk. 10:19-20).

7.            It is a testimony and hope that every good thing dead in the life of a believer in Christ would come back to life at the mention of the name of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:9-10).

CONCLUSION

Resurrection is the climax of Christ’s work of salvation.

A Christian is one who identifies with not only the death of Christ but with His resurrection as well, and subsequent confession of His Lordship (Rom. 10:9).

Let us therefore rejoice and continue to rejoice that Christ the Lord is risen and we have a new life, Hallelujah!

PRAYERS

1.            As the stone was rolled away from the tomb of Jesus Christ, every weight preventing me from rising, I command you to be rolled away now in Jesus’ name.

2.            Let the resurrection power of Christ come into operation in me and bring back to life everything that has been put to death by the enemy in my life in Jesus’ name.

3.            As Jesus came out of the grave, anything that belongs to me or any area of my life that has been buried in the grave, I command you to come out today in Jesus’ name.

4.            Every part of my body that has been put to death and is not functioning as God purposed it, receive life today and begin to function well in Jesus’ name.

5.            By the reason of a new life that emanated from the resurrection of Christ Jesus, I speak newness into every area of my life in Jesus’ name.

6.            The resurrection of Jesus marked a new beginning. Today, I receive a new beginning and a fresh start. It’s a new dawn for me in Jesus’ name.

Introduction

• Death is usually a painful experience and remains one of the dreadful realities humanities must face from time to time. (Eccl.3:1-2). It wasn’t a different case for disciples and the beloved of Christ. They experienced despair, hopelessness, confusion, and bewilderment (

• Death is generally considered the end of human race in this world. Although for the children of God who remains in Christ, it is the beginning of transition to eternal glory ( 1 Cor. 15:54-57)

• Scripture said every man is appointed to die once, nothing more (Hebrew 9:27).

• Jesus also died once but resurrected and live not to die anymore- Halleluyah. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him-Romans 9:6

• Acts 2:24– But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches

The Characteristic of His Death and its implication for Believers

His death is unique and symbolic in many ways. It is the centre to redemption and salvation work that Christ gives every child of God.

There are stories of substitutionary death today being practice by wealthy people in some places around the world for monetary gains, cheat and cheat. But what Jesus when He died for humanities is for the gain for the whole world, His reason outweighed the worldly explanations

• While we are yet sinners, He died for us (Romans 5:8). Ordinarily, man, especially who like to die for a worthy course and cause: patriotism, heroism, defend of rights etc. but Jesus died for us when nothing in us is attractive.

• What happen in the world today may sound scandalous and outrageous, but more than two thousand years ago, Jesus substituted Himself as propitiation for sin. He is the sacrifice for remission of sin. 1 John 2:2- In this beautiful passage, John says this about Jesus Christ, our Advocate: “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” John is pointing us to the person and work of Christ as the source of our strength and hope and ultimate victory over sin.

• Jesus’ death for the whole world is an expression of deep and incomparable love God has for humanity- (John 3:16; John 15:13; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:10)

• Jesus became our substitute and “suffered once for [our] sins, the righteous for the unrighteous” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus didn’t just die for you, He died as you. He died in your place. He became like you so you could become like Him. He became your sin so you could be righteous. He was diseased so you would be well. He was punished so you could be free. He was rejected so you could be accepted.     Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. but He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.— Isaiah 53:4-5

• As God’s sinless sacrifice, Christ suffered and died once and for all (Hebrews 10:10), for all who believe in Him.

• He took the penalty for all our sins in His own body on the cross.

• Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross provided “hope” for us as He freely, willingly gave His life for us (1 Peter 3:15, 18; John 10:15).

• He did so to bridge the long gap between us and God. Only by the substitutionary death of Jesus can we (sinners in need) have a relationship with and complete spiritual access to our loving God.

• Without death of Christ and His resurrection, no one can directly reach out to God. His death broke the long-range barrier that allow us to relate with God through the Spirit ( John 4:24).

Conclusion

Understanding the death of Jesus Christ on the cross has opened our eyes to how bless are we. Therefore, lets rejoice for we have a saviour who won all for us and we are free.

INTRODUCTION

Life is hard now but it has never bean easy. Perhaps, life in earlier days was different but definitely not without difficulty.

Comfort is a state of being relaxed. A feeling of freedom from worry, anxiety or disappointment.

David also faced fearful and turbulent times in different phases of his life:

▪As a Shepherd boy, he faced wild animals in the bush.

▪He became populer after killing the giant who was terrifying the people, king and the army of Israel (1Sam.17).

▪Saul became jealous of him and he had to run for his dear life (1Sam.18)

▪As king, he fought many battles, mostly against the Philistines.

▪His daughter, Tamar, was raped by his son, Amnnon (2Sam. 13).

▪He had a son with another man’s wife and killed her husband (2Sam. 11).

▪His son, Absalom, tried to take away his throne (2Sam. 15).

In Psalm 27:1-6, David presents 3 principles that enabled him to handle difficult times in his life and secure comfort for himself:

1. Our relationship with God (which is the foundatian)

2. Our confidence in God

3. Our worship of God.

God is eternal and the principles of His Word are also eternal.

David mentioned “Tabernacle” and “Temple”

Both are equivalent to our church today. They were the Sanctuary where God resided among His people.

Today,  God now lives in us as the Holy Spirit.

DAVID’S DESIRE (Ps. 27:4a)

To dwell in the house of the Lord.

▪Being in God’s presence.

▪Not only his desire but his priority (Matt. 6:33).

▪To be where God is.

▪To be in constant and continuous fellowship with God (intimacy).

To secure divine comfort in this difficult time, you must have desire, hunger and thirst for being with God and at a place where God is worshipped (Heb. 10:25; Ps.122:1).

REASONS BEHIND DAVID’S DESIRE (Ps. 27:4b)

1.To Behold The Beauty of The Lord.

▪God does not have physical form or physical beauty because He’s a Spirit (Jn.4:24).

▪It means to seek God’s face.

▪To admire God’s beauty is to be attracted to God.

▪God’s beauty doesn’t fade. With Him there are no imperfections.

▪God’s beauty speaks of the perfection of His love, power, mercy, favor, kindness, grace, goodness and glory.

▪The harmony of all His attributes is the beauty of His nature.

▪His beauty attracts us to love Him and through faith, we are led to worship Him (Jn. 4:24).

2.            To Enquire in His Temple (Ps. 27:4b).

▪To meditate in His word, be in constant communion with Him (Speaking to Him and hearing from Him), to recieve revelations and instructions from Him (Lk. 10:39,42).

▪To secure divine comfort in these difficult times, you must be ready to be attracted to seeking God’s face and engaging in constant communion with Him.

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS OF DAVID’S DESIRE (Ps. 27:5)

Safe and secure from all troubles (Ps. 91:1,2).

In the day of trouble:

▪I don’t have to start looking for Him.

▪I only have to trust Him as I call on Him, knowing He’s near (James 4:8).

▪The safety of believers is not in the walls of the Temple but rather in the God of the Temple, and their comfort in the communion with Him.

▪He would be lifted up (Ps.27:6a; 40:2).

The closer we are to God, the less we fear what life can bring against us (Rom. 8:31).

DAVID’S RESPONSE TO THE BENEFITS (Ps. 27.6b).

1.            He would offer sacrifices of joy.

▪Our being joyful in God’s presence is a sacrifice to Him.

▪Cheerful offerings (2Cor. 9:6-8). Giving is an act of worship (Deut. 16:16-17). It is the foundation of our redemption (Jn. 3:16).

2.            He would sing

▪Living in fellowship with God should result in joyful singing throughout the day.

3.            He would sing praises to God.

▪Whatever be the matter of our joy ought to be the matter of our praise.

▪When we worship God in His Temple, we ought to do it with joy and praise, for then we receive comfort, even in these difficult times. (Ps. 16:11).

CONCLUSION

In this difficult season that we find ourselves, what is your utmost desire? To seek God, dwell in His presence, praise and worship Him, and be in communion with Him? This is how to enjoy divine comfort in this season.

Let your song be…

As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longeth after Thee

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship Thee

You alone are my strength and shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship Thee.

What a fellowship,

What a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness,

What a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms

Leaning, Leaning,

Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, Leaning,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread,

What have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

I have blessed peace,

With my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, Leaning,

Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, Leaning,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.