Ayo Bello Memorial Baptist Church, Ilorin – Nigeria

Introduction:

In 1 Timothy 2:1-8, the apostle Paul outlines the importance of prayer for all believers, highlighting its essential role in the life of the Church and the community.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy is not merely about personal prayer but about the collective, communal nature of prayer that unites the body of Christ.

Paul stresses that prayer is crucial for the peace and well-being of both the Church and society at large.

This passage teaches us how prayer should be central in our lives as individuals and as a community, and how it is fundamental in fulfilling God’s will for His Kingdom.

1. Necessity of Prayer: (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Paul begins by urging that prayers, petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, including kings and all those in authority.

First of all, then….,

This phrase shows the priority of prayer in church and believers’ lives. Paul underscores prayer as a key practice. In the early church, prayer was central to worship and community life (Acts 2:42). This highlights the belief that communication with God is vital for spiritual growth and guidance.

I urge that…..
Paul’s use of “urge” conveys a strong encouragement or exhortation, highlighting the necessity and urgency of the action. This reflects Paul’s pastoral concern for Timothy and the church in Ephesus, where Timothy was serving. The apostle’s urging is not merely a suggestion but a call to action, emphasizing the importance of obedience to this instruction.

The necessity of prayer in the life of the Church is clear: it is not just for our own needs but also for the well-being of society and leadership.

Paul emphasizes that prayer is foundational for peace, tranquility, and godliness, especially for those in leadership positions.

Without prayer, the Church cannot function effectively, and society will lack the wisdom and guidance it needs from God.

As a praying church, the necessity of prayer cannot be overemphasized. Our prayers should be diverse, encompassing thanksgiving, petitions, and intercessions. This communal approach to prayer fosters a deeper connection with God and a greater sense of responsibility towards our communities. Churches must prioritize intercession for leaders, communities, and nations to bring about lasting change.

2. Content and Types of Prayer: (1 Timothy 2:1)
Paul lists specific types of prayers: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings. These prayers differ in purpose but are all integral parts of a comprehensive prayer life.

• Prayers: General prayers for any need or concern, also used for praise and worship.
• Petitions (Greek: deēsis) refer to requests made to God, usually in times of need.  Supplications: Requests made with urgency, often when we face dire circumstances.
• Intercessions (Greek: enteuxis) mean standing in the gap for others, praying on their behalf. A higher level of prayer where one mediates on behalf of others.
• Thanksgivings (Greek: eucharistia) focus on the acknowledgment of God’s goodness, even when circumstances may not be ideal. Acknowledging God’s provision, love, and grace, even in hardship.
• Paul stresses that prayer should not just be about personal requests but must include the larger concerns of society, such as political stability and peace.
• A church should embrace all forms of prayer, understanding that they are tools to express different dimensions of our relationship with God.
• Supplications express our dependence on God in times of need, while intercessions bring us into the heart of God’s will for others.
• Thanksgivings build our faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in uncertainty.

3. Centre of Our Prayer as a Church: (1 Timothy 2:3-5)

The center of our prayers, as Paul emphasizes, is the will of God—“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”-Vs 3-4.

 The ultimate purpose of prayer is not to change God’s mind but to align with His will, which is the salvation of all people.

• The centrality of salvation: God’s heart beats for the salvation of humanity. Prayer is a tool that brings the Church into alignment with this divine purpose.
• The knowledge of truth refers to the revelation of the gospel, as Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). Prayer should bring people closer to this truth.
• The Church’s primary focus in prayer should be the expansion of God’s Kingdom. This involves praying for the salvation of individuals and for the gospel to reach all corners of the earth.
• Our prayers should never just be self-centered but should reflect God’s heart for the lost. Churches can encourage prayer initiatives for global missions and local evangelism.

4. Acceptable Prayer to God by God’s People (1 Timothy 2:8)

Paul calls for holy hands lifted in prayer, not with anger or disputing. This highlights that acceptable prayer is not just about words but about the state of the heart and the community’s unity.

• Holy hands: This refers to a life that is consecrated to God. Prayer is an act of worship that should come from a life of integrity and holiness- Psalm 24
• Anger or disputing: Paul stresses the importance of unity in the Church. Disunity and conflict hinder the effectiveness of prayer (Matthew 5:23-24).
• Praying with a clean heart is essential for God’s hearing.
  A praying church should be a united church.
• There must be a commitment to holiness and reconciliation within the community. We must ensure that unforgiveness, anger, and divisions do not prevent our prayers from being effective.
• As individuals and as a church, we must ensure our hearts are pure when we approach God in prayer.

5. Men and Women Who Pray for God’s Kingdom in Old and New Testament:
Both men and women in Scripture exemplified lives of prayer.

Paul specifically urges men to pray in every place, lifting holy hands (1 Timothy 2:8). Women, too, are to live in holiness and worship through prayer (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Prayer is not limited by gender but is open to all who desire to seek God’s will.

• In the Old Testament, figures like Abraham, Moses, and Hannah exemplified prayer. Abraham prayed for Lot’s safety (Genesis 18:23-33), Moses interceded for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14), and Hannah’s prayer led to the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-20).
• In the New Testament, figures like Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36-38), Paul (who prayed and urged others to pray), and Priscilla were notable examples of persistent and fervent prayer.

The legacy of prayer in the Bible should inspire both men and women in the Church to pray. Both genders have equal access to God in prayer and are called to participate in His work of intercession and petition for His Kingdom to come.

A praying church values the contributions of all believers, embracing the prayerful leadership of both men and women.

Life Application for the Church:

• The inclusivity of “everyone” underscores the universal scope of Christian prayer. This call to pray for everyone includes leaders and authorities
• Unity in prayer is crucial for the Church’s effectiveness in fulfilling its mission.
• Holiness should mark both individual lives and the corporate prayer life of the Church.
• The Church must actively engage in intercessory prayer, especially for leaders, communities, and the salvation of the world.
• We must encourage inclusive participation in prayer, ensuring both men and women take part in the collective mission of prayer for God’s Kingdom.

Conclusion:

1 Timothy 2:1-8 offers a clear mandate for the Church to be a praying community. The necessity of prayer, the diverse types of prayer, the focus on God’s Kingdom, and the unity required for acceptable prayer all point to one essential truth: the Church must be grounded in prayer if it is to fulfill its mission on earth.

As a praying community, we must prioritize the salvation of the lost, pray for the leaders and authorities, and ensure our hearts are pure and united in our prayers. By doing so, we reflect God’s will and advance His Kingdom on earth.

Through a consistent, unified, and passionate life of prayer, the Church can influence the world, align with God’s will, and bring His Kingdom to earth.

Essential are things we cannot do without, so it’s applicable to prayer. It involves understanding God’s priorities in the place of prayer, and making requests that are in harmony with His divine will. This also means trusting that God will hear and answer your prayers when they are aligned with His will. 
Day in and day out, Jesus’ disciples saw him steal away to spend time with his Father. They understood that his supernatural power and peace came from prayer (Mark 1:35; Luke 3:21-22; 6:12-13; Matt 26:36-44). They not only wanted to have what Jesus had, they wanted to become what Jesus was ( Matt.6:9; Luke 11:1-4) as they learnt the essentialsof prayer. To walk in his footsteps meant they would have to join him on their knees.

Throughout Scripture, we see prayer as having several distinct but interrelated dimensions including concept such as praise, pardon, and petition.

Praise
Prayer often begins with praise—acknowledging who God is and responding in worship. Praise is giving glory and honor to God, recognizing His divine nature and attributes. It involves acknowledging His majesty, wisdom, power, and goodness. The more we meditate on his character and compassion, the more we will want to glorify Him for who He is. The book of Psalms overflows with praise and adoration- Psalm 105:1-4;145:4
Focusing on God’s sinless character may have an uncomfortable consequence upon us, we will become profoundly (and perhaps painfully) aware of our own sinfulness. Like Isaiah in the presence of the Lord, we will cry out, “Woe to me…I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty” (Isaiah 6:5). However, it should encourage us to strive to become more like God. Also, our minds will be drawn to our insufficiency and need to depend on God always.

Pardon
The good news is that Christ has dealt once and for all with our transgressions (Hebrews 7:27). Scripture says that we may now “…approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Nonetheless, the apostle Paul instructs believers to carefully examine themselves to make sure they are right before God (1 Corinthians 11:28). Like David, we ask the Lord to sanctify our hearts: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
We therefore respond to God’s Spirit with contrition and confession. As the apostle John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
As believers in Christ, we receive the pardon that he provides us through his blood. We thank God for his mercy and forgiveness. We celebrate the unmerited favor and freedom we experience in Christ.

Petition
Having given God the glory he is due and aligned our hearts with his, we’re ready to bring our petitions before him. To ask God for something without first esteeming him and examining our motives is like the immature child who is more interested in what his parent can give him than in his relationship with his parent.
In Matthew 6:32-33, Jesus says that his Father knows what we need before we ask, but that he requires us to seek his Kingdom and character in order to receive it.
Prayer is therefore not telling God what’s on our minds and persuading him to change his. Rather, effectual prayer happens when God tells us what’s on his heart so that we might actually have “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Prayer is therefore not a “to-do” list for God as much as a “to-be” list for us. When our hearts and minds are aligned with the Father, then Jesus makes an incomprehensibly audacious promise. He will answer our prayers:

• Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than

Basis of Building a Home

Theme Preamble:

Proverbs 14:1 – “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”- Intentionality; purpose and determination

Proverbs 31:10 – “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies…”

These two scriptures frame a woman not only as a physical nurturer but as a spiritual architect.

Women are not just homemakers but kingdom builders, laying down spiritual, moral, and generational foundations for families and societies through wisdom, diligence, and prayer.

Building the Foundation:

In God’s design, “building” transcends physical construction—it is the act of shaping legacies, transmitting virtues, and enforcing divine agendas

in the earth. A wise mother, through her life, prayer, and principles, becomes both a natural nurturer and a spiritual architect.

Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it…”

True building, therefore, must rest on divine foundations. Let us explore three key spiritual foundations:

In the Hebrew context, “house” (bayith) refers not just to a physical structure but to lineage, legacy, and spiritual heritage.

To “build a house” is to nurture a family, instill godly values, and secure a future for generations.

A mother is likened to a wise builder who constructs not with physical bricks but with covenant, consecration and character

Foundation of Covenant – The Spiritual Contract for Legacy

• Covenant refers to a sacred agreement between God and His people.

• A covenantal mother understands her motherhood not just biologically, but missionally—she is raising destiny carriers under divine promise.

Genesis 18:19 – “For I have known Abraham, that he may command his children… to keep the way of the Lord.”

Psalm 103:17–18 – “…from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children…”

Biblical Symbolism:

• Covenant is the “blueprint”—God’s plan for the house, written in His Word and promises.

Examples:

• Hannah’s vow was covenantal—her son became God’s prophet (1 Samuel 1:11).
• Jochebed (Moses’ mother) hid him by faith, trusting God’s covenant with Israel (Exodus 2:1–10).

Spiritual Insight:

A mother must see her children through the lens of divine assignment. She raises sons like arrows

(Psalm 127:4), launched into the purposes of God.

Foundation of Consecration – The Altar of the Home

Consecration means to set apart for holy use. A consecrated mother dedicates her home, time, body, children, and resources to God. She turns her house into a prayer altar and worship center.

Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…”

2 Timothy 1:5 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…”

Biblical Symbolism:

Consecration is the “fire on the altar”—the spiritual warmth and light that sanctifies the house.

Examples:

• Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36–38) – lived in worship and intercession.
• The Shunammite woman built a prophetic chamber for Elisha—a symbol of consecrated space (2 Kings 4:8–10)

Spiritual Insight:

Consecration invites God’s presence into the home. A mother’s intercession becomes a shield over her family. Her example teaches her children reverence and surrender.

Foundation of Character – The Soul Structure of the Home

• Character is the moral and ethical framework that governs thoughts, choices, and habits.

• For mothers, this includes integrity, humility, patience, and kindness—traits that invisibly shape a home’s atmosphere

Proverbs 31:25 – “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…” (training begins with who the trainer is).

Biblical Symbolism:

Character is the “pillar” that holds up the house. Weak pillars collapse under pressure.

Examples:

• Abigail’s discretion saved her household (1 Samuel 25:33).
• Mary’s purity qualified her to birth the Messiah (Luke 1:38).

Spiritual Insight:

Children learn more from what a mother is than what she says. Her values become the home’s compass.

Building Block 1: Wisdom – Proverbs 1:7; 14:1; James 3:17

• In Proverbs, wisdom (ḥokmâ) is not merely intellectual; it is divine discernment.

• It flows from the fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10) and is expressed in moral judgment, emotional intelligence, and gracious speech.

Proverbs 31:26 – “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”

• The virtuous woman is not loud or hasty; her words bring healing and instruction.

• She teaches not just by speech but by lifestyle.

Her home is a seminary of godliness.

Spiritual Lesson:

A wise mother:

• Sets spiritual tone (Deut. 6:6–7),
• Discerns timing and decisions (1 Kings 3:16–28),
• Guards against folly (Prov. 10:1).

Example: Abigail (1 Samuel 25) – A wise woman who prevented disaster through tact and spiritual insight, saving her household from destruction.

Building Block 2: Industrious – The Labour of Love

The Proverbs 31 woman is a model of Hebrew feminine excellence —a woman of valor.

Her industriousness spans commerce, home management, textile production, and philanthropy.

Proverbs 31:15–17 – “She rises also while it is yet night… girds her loins with strength…”

This description is not about multitasking alone but about stewarding resources and time for kingdom

impact.

Spiritual Lesson:

An industrious mother:

• Doesn’t eat the bread of idleness (Prov. 31:27),
• Reflects God’s order and creativity in homemaking (Genesis 1:1–2),
• Raises children in a structured and nourishing environment (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).

Example: Ruth – Though a widow and foreigner, she labored in the field and became part of God’s redemptive lineage (Ruth 2:11–12; 4:13–17).

Building Block 3: Prayer(ful) – The Foundation of Faith– Prov.31:18

• A prayerful mother partners with God in shaping destinies. The altar is her workshop, and intercession her tool.

1 Samuel 1:10–11 – “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore…”

Acts 1:14 – “These all continued with one accord in

prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus…”

• Prayer is not a backup plan; it is a mother’s first and enduring strategy.

Spiritual Lesson:

A prayerful mother:

• Breaks spiritual cycles (Judges 13:2–5 – Samson’s mother),
• Shapes spiritual heritage (2 Tim. 1:5 – Lois and Eunice).

Examples:

• Hannah – Gave birth to a prophet through persistent prayer.
• Elizabeth – Aged but faithful, her prayers were finally answered (Luke 1:13).
• Anna – A widow and intercessor who encountered the Messiah (Luke 2:36–38).
• The Shunammite Woman – Declared “It is well” and laid her dead son on Elisha’s bed in prophetic faith (2 Kings 4:23–37).

Conclusion:

Building Homes That Last

Building Beyond the Present

Matthew 7:24–25 – “The wise man built his house on the rock…”

That rock is Christ—and for a mother to build a house that withstands the storms of life, she must:

• Establish godly character – becoming a mirror of Christ.
• Live by covenant – raising children by purpose, not pressure.
• Remain consecrated – creating a spiritual atmosphere where God dwells.

A mother does not just raise children—she molds nations.

Her womb is biological, but her prayers are spiritual wombs birthing revivals, reformers, and righteous generations.

Proverbs 31:28–29 – “Her children rise up and call her blessed…”

A wise, industrious, and prayerful mother is not just raising children—she is raising prophets, intercessors, leaders, and godly seeds that will shake generations.

Call to Action:

• Build your home with divine wisdom.
• Labour in love without weariness.
• Let your knees stay worn from prayer, and your walls will stand strong.

In our quest to understand the “Shepherd-Sheep interface,” we shall be gaining a new understanding about enjoying the sufficiency of prayer.

This privilege is meant to be enjoyed and not endured due to the established cordiality between God and His children.

Jesus said in Luke 11:2

“When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name..”

This confidence and assurance in the Father is an impetus to always approach Him in the place of prayer

Ezra’s confidence in God that answers Prayer:

The pattern and contents of Ezra’s prayer showed where his heart leaned towards.

What brought Ezra to God?

1.            An Helpless situation

2.            A national embarrassment

3.            A need to move forward.

These three adamant problems would have remained unchange, but for the prayer of Ezra

There are reasons for approaching God in prayer. Approaching God in prayer offers numerous benefits and reasons for doing so.

Ezra employed the.  “PUSH” approach; “Pray Until Something Happens”

PUSH emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer and trusting in God’s promises. Matt 7:7-8 It suggests that by continuing to seek God consistently  through prayer, one will experience a fullness of joy that comes from their relationship with Him.

Jesus’s words in John 16:24, which says, “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full”

* Ezra took everything to God in prayer. Ezra  8: 21-23

* His focus was not on the problem, but God- vs 21-22a, vs 23

* Since He couldn’t help himself, he admitted the enourmosity of the problem but rolled the burden unto God- Psalm 68:19; I Peter 5:7

* He gathered people to pray – vs 15-20.  “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them”- Matt.18:20. Corporate prayer plays a role in our lives as believers- Acts 12:5 -So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him”

* He came to God in humility of heart vs. 21. II Chron.7:14; Daniel 10:12-Daniel 10:12 – Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. (NLT) Without humility, you can not approach Him. God is more concerned with our heart than our eloquence in prayer. The humility and sincerity create a more genuine connection with God, our Father. – Deut.4:29

* He offered specific, direct, straight prayer to God. He sought God for specific directions and protections. Mark 10;51; Luke 18:40-41

* Ezra testified of what their God can do – vs 22b. Testimony is key in prayer offered to God. It tells of the faithfulness of God- I Sam 17:34-37 (37); I John 5:14-15; Mark 11:24. Past experiences of God’s help gave confidence that God would help him now.

The God that Answers Prayer, The God of All:

Psalm 65:2 states, “O you who hear prayer, to you all people will come,”

* God always responds: This verse emphasizes God’s constant responsiveness to prayer, especially those of children – Jeremiah 33:3; Isaiah 65:24

* God welcome all people: This highlights that God is actively listening to and answering prayers from all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, once they come genuinely.-Zechariah 8:21-23; II Chron.7:14 People from all walks of life and all nations could find their way to God through prayer, including you- Micah 4:2,5

* Answers follow genuine seeking of God:- Ezra 8:23, 31. Ezra and the community testified to answered prayer.

* God has not called us to seek Him in vain-Isaiah 45:19

Conclusion

As you go this week, know that God is drawing you to His side, if only you will hear Him.

He answers everyone who calls upon HIM.

Preamble:

The subject of prayer is an ancient principle and practices across many religions, including Christianity.

Our focus today is to understand the sufficiency of prayer to the children of God, and  we are being encouraged to believe in the efficacy of prayer so as to embrace it.

Many dimensions to prayer do exist today:

• The prayer of the righteous is important to God, but He detests that of the sinner – James 5:16; Psalm 34:17; Proverbs 28:9; John 9:31.

John 9:31 (KJV)- Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

James 5:16 NKJV-Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

• This implies that the earnest, fervent prayers of a person who is in right standing with God are highly effective and powerful
• Many believe that prayer works, but may be not for all

Redemption is a precursor of access to God:

• One of the key assets we received following the perfect work of redemption is access to Christ.

Ephesians 2:18-19 (KJV)- For through him, we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

• The death and resurrection of Jesus give us unhindered access to approach the throne of grace as many times as any children of God desires – Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Hebrews 4:16- Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:19-22- “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…”

• The onus is now on His children to come- Psalm 65:2.
• This scripture highlights God’s willingness to listen to and respond to the prayers of His people( Jeremiah 33:3; Matt. 11:28

The Prayer That Works Vs Failed Attempt Matthew 17: 14-18 & 19-21:

The encounter here affirms the efficacy and the essentials of prayer as demonstrated by Jesus, the master.

No doubt there are results of prayer that filled the pages of the Scripture and are still happening till today, namely

Communication with God- Philippians 4:6-7, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”; 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray continually.”

Seeking Guidance- Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Experiencing God’s Power- Matthew 21:22: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Mark 11:24*: “

Deepening Relationship –Psalm 119:145-146; John 15:7:

Spiritual Growth– 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8:

Comfort and Peace- Philippians 4:7*: “

But the disciples didn’t experience answered prayer – Why?-

Let’s examine Jesus’ response and draw lessons from it.

1. Learning to seek and enquire of Him pays- vs 19 . Isaiah 45:15

2. Faith is Essential: Faith is crucial for effective prayer and spiritual ministry. (Matthew 17:20). Diverse dimensions of faith apply to our lives as children of God. Little faith, growing faith, a daring faith, etc

3. Persistence in Prayer is Necessary: Prayer is essential for daily living to overcoming challenges (Matthew 17:21).

4.  Fasting Enhances Spiritual Power Fasting, combined with prayer, can enhance spiritual power and effectiveness (Matthew 17:21). The essence of fasting is discipline .

Fasting must be an acceptable one- Isaiah 58:1-11.

5. Come to Him in totality Heb.5:7; Heb.10:22-23

EMBRACING THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE CROSS (PART 2)

THE CROSS: POWER FOR DAILY LIVING.

TEXT: GALATIANS 2:20

INTRODUCTION

The cross is not only about salvation. It’s about transformation! The same cross that saves us also sustains us by its power. The power of the cross transforms us.

The cross is not a one-time event. It is the fountain of ongoing power. Because of the cross, we are equipped (empowered) for daily living.

Galatians 2:20 shows how the power of the cross transforms our identity, energizes our lifestyle, and gives us faith to live every day with victory and purpose.

UNDERSTANDING THE CROSS AS THE POWER FOR DAILY LIVING

1. Identity Shift

Through the cross, we have a new identity. “I have been crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20a).

To be crucified with Christ means our old self (the sinful nature, the flesh, the self-will, self-efforts, guilt, shame) was put to death on the cross.

▪︎ Through the cross, we have a new identity. We are not the same person. (2 Corinthians 5:17. We are no longer our old self.

▪︎ This is the foundation of daily victory- the old life is no longer in control!

▪︎ Daily living begins with understanding that our sinful past and our sinful nature no longer have power over us because they were nailed to the cross (Colossians 3:3).

▪︎ The cross breaks the power of sin and through the cross, we have daily power to overcome sin (Romans 6:6-7, 11).

2. The Cross Enables a New Life.

“Nevertheless, I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20b).

▪︎ Christianity is not behaviour modification. It is Christ living through us. Our life reflects Christ.

▪︎ The Christian life is not about trying harder, but surrendering to the One who lives within (2Corinthians 13:5).

▪︎ We are not alone in our walk. Christ is alive in us.

3. The Cross Transforms Ordinary Living into Extraordinary Living.

“The life  which I now live in the flesh” (Galatians 2:20c).

▪︎ The cross affects not only our spiritual life but the totality of our life: how we live at home, at work, in our relationships, in trials, and in choices.

▪︎ The cross doesn’t remove us from the world, it equips us with power to live in it.

4. The Cross Establishes a New Way of Living (by faith)

“I live by faith of the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20d).

▪︎ Faith is the daily connection point to Christ’s life and power.

▪︎ Since we are saved by faith, we have to live by the same faith. “The just shall live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38).

▪︎ Every day, we have to rely on Jesus (not on ourselves, our strength, our ability, or our technical Knowhow).

▪︎ Not just for salvation but for every step and every decision.

5. The Power of The Cross is Rooted in Personal Love.

“Who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20e).

▪︎ Christ’s sacrifice was out of deep, personal love (Romans 5:8; John 15:13).

▪︎ Knowing we are personally loved by Jesus gives us the strength to keep going, even when life is tough.

▪︎ Jesus didn’t just die for the world, He died for you as a person, because of His love for you.

▪︎ Understanding this love fuels obedience, devotion and inner strength. When life feels heavy, rest in His love. That’s where your strength flows from.

LIFE APPLICATION/ CONCLUSION

Embrace the power of the cross, it is sufficient for your total daily living.

•Temptation to sin? – Remember you are crucified with Christ!

▪︎ Confronted with failure?- Trust in Christ living in you!

▪︎ Stressed and under pressure?

Live by faith in the Son of God!

▪︎ Lonely?

Remember the One who loves you and gave His life for you is always with you.

▪︎ Daily Routines?

Let Christ express Himself through your words, actions, and attitude.

THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE CROSS (PART 1)

THE CROSS: GOD’S COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR SIN.

TEXT: HEBREWS 10:10-14

INTRODUCTION

Our starting point today is in the form of a question:

WHY THE CROSS?

THE PROBLEM OF SIN

The problem of sin began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s direct command- Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-6

This first act of disobedience, often called “The Fall” introduced sin into the world and separated humanity from God.

This act of disobedience came with consequences:

▪︎ Pain, toil, relational strife, and physical death entered the human experience- Genesis 3:16-19.

▪︎ Separation from God. Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden, symbolizing spiritual separation- Genesis 3:23-24.

▪︎ Adam’s Sin And Universal Impact- Romans 3:23.

Adam’s sin affected all humanity. Every person inherits a sinful nature and stands guilty before God.

This problem of sin and its consequences set the stage for the need for salvation through Christ.

▪︎ The need for salvation through Christ was met on the cross, when and where Jesus Christ sacrificed His life to pay for man’s sin and thereby obtained salvation for humanity.

▪︎ The cross is therefore a significant symbol of  Christ’s finished work of man’s salvaton and deliverance from sin and death.

Many believers still struggle with guilt, fear, or performance-based faith. But Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is enough!

IMPLICATIONS OF THE CROSS AS GOD’S COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR SIN

1. The Cross Paid it All- Hebrews 10:11-12.

▪︎ No more sacrifices are needed. Old Testament Priests stood daily, offering repeated sacrifices but Jesus, the High Priest, offered one sacrifice for all time.

2. Finality And Completeness

▪︎ Jesus’ work on the cross is not partial but complete and final- John 19:30 (“It is finished”)

▪︎ No any other work by any other being is needed again.

▪︎ He paid in full. Redemption accomplished and nothing can be added to it- Romans 3:23-26.

▪︎ Our previous position- Vs 23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

▪︎ He redeemed us by His blood and justified us freely by His grace- Vs. 24-26.

3. Freedom From Guilt And Condemnation – Romans 6:23; Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 8:1.

▪︎ He cancelled the written code and nailed it to the cross- Colossians 2:13-15.

▪︎ We are not just forgiven. We are declared righteous!

▪︎ God is no longer seeing us through our own righteousness (Isaiah 64:6) but through the righteousness of Christ.

▪︎ God is seeing us as perfect and complete because Christ has made us complete in Him- Colossians 2:10.

▪︎ When we are in Christ, guilt is not from God but from our conscience. But the Holy Spirit is there to help us tap into the grace available in Christ, for our restoration.

4. Access To God Is Now Open

▪︎ The veil is torn- Matthew  27:51.

▪︎ The veil symbolized separation but its tearing signifies unhindered access.

▪︎ We now have bold access, not fearful distance- Hebrews 4:16.

▪︎ We no longer need any intermediary-Priest because we are all Priests by the reason of His finished work on the cross- Revelation 1:6; 5:10.

LIFE APPLICATION

1.  Stop striving to earn God’s favour. Rest in Christ’s finished work, not your efforts.

2.  Let go of guilt from past sins. Christ has paid for them fully on the cross.

▪︎ Stop revisiting what God has removed.

3.  Return to the presence of God and approach Him with boldness and confidence, knowing you are fully accepted.

▪︎ Sin does not remove us from the Father-son relationship we have with God, but can deny us the enjoyment of the benefits of that relationship, until we return to Him- Luke 15:24, 21 (The Prodigal son).

▪︎ If Christ’s one-time sacrifice did not cover our future sin, it means Christ would have to die again to remove the sins we commit after our salvation and believing on Him.

CONCLUSION

Are you living as if the cross is not enough?  If the cross was enough for God, why would it not be enough for you?

Let us pray…

He paid the debt He did not owe

I owed the debt I could not pay

I needed someone to wash away my sins

Now I can sing a brand new song

Amazing grace!

Lord Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay

From our previous 3 lessons on Building and Maintaining Personal Altar,  we have established what an altar stands for both in the old testament as well as in the new covenant.

The emphasis is on the individual learning how to consistently build and maintain what is being built.

The lesson aim today is to understand what altar stands for in our lives and learning how to lay all on the Altar for God

What the personal Altar stands for in your life:

Having established that the altar is beyond physical  erection or concreted platform of worship, your heart is the real centre of where altar can be raised to God. When your heart becomes your altar, its easy for God to alter so many things in your life

1. Your altar is a place to meet your God in genuine and reverential worship- Psalm 96:6; 16:11

2. Your altar represents your own time of communion with God to receive from him the specific instructions for your life- Psalm 73:17; James 1:5

3. Altar represents the place of destiny encounter with your God- Acts 9:3-6; Exodus 3:5

4. Your altar is an avenue of positive and progressive transformation as you yield to God- II Cor.3:18; Prov.4:18.

What You are to bring to your Altar:

As children of God, we are called to live a life of surrenderness and obedience to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. In Romans 12:1-2, the apostle Paul urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of laying all on the altar, surrendering every aspect of our lives to God.

1. Bring your life in whole: What God demand is your totality.

Your entire life must be laid on the altar for God. Be it your body, soul and spirit, none is no longer your own.

God can demand for them anytime. Matthew 22:37; Psalm 51:17

Laying Your Body on the Altar: every sheep must offer their own body as living sacrifice for God to use for His glory (Rom 6:13, 19; 1 Cor 6:13, 19, 20)

– Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Romans 6:13- And do not present your body’s members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as those who are alive from the dead, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness.

God has brought believers “from death to life” (John 5:24). Now they must not turn again to their old master, sin, and offer their hands and feet and eyes and ears and mouth to it.

Neither sin nor themselves are to be their master, but God only. If believers fail here they will find sin ready to pounce on them and master them again.

 Laying Your Soul on the Altar:- this is to yield your being,  your real self is your soul & mind- Matt.22:37

2. Worship God in beauty of His Holiness-Psalm 95:6

Worship is like a worthy ship to lead you into enjoyment of presence of God.

Worship open the gate and conditions your heart to meet God.

Avoid distractions in genuine worship.

In worshipping God, let go of every other things clouding your heart.

Only those in the Spirit,  can really worship God- John 4:24

3. Tangible and Acceptable offerings- Deuteronomy 16:16-17; II Cor.9:7-

No sacrifice on the altar will be complete without an offering.

God desires that no one come to Him empty-handed- 

You need to offer your life, heart,  your tithes,  return with gratitude, the blessings of God-

Deuteronomy 16:16-17. Three times in a year all your males must appear before the LORD your God in the place which he chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and in the Feast of Weeks, and in the Feast of Tabernacles. And they must not appear before the LORD empty-handed.  Each man must give as he is able, in accordance with the blessing of the LORD your God which he gives you. Deuteronomy 16:16-17

While the specific feasts and offerings are within the context of the Old Testament covenant, the principle of not coming to God empty-handed can be interpreted in a broader sense today.

It suggests that we should approach God with a heart of gratitude and a desire to give back to Him, whether through our time, talents, or resources

Offer your service to God your maker-

A life that is not offer to God is a waste and not tangible to God.

Only when you lay everything and allow God to lay hold of you that you can be blessed of Him