Ayo Bello Memorial Baptist Church, Ilorin – Nigeria

Introduction/ Background

 From beginning of the year, we have understood that God is capable of causing changes in every life and situations. He has allowed many transformational changes in our lives, homes, marriages, carriers and our lives as Church.

Today, we shall be relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal another qualities of God to us ”the God of Unlimited Transformation” under the theme for the month ” Unlimited Transformation’‘ 

”They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out.”

God does not only has capacity to change us from negative to positive but He has capacity to do it at all times.

God led them: Throughout the point of leading the Israelites, even in their wilderness experiences God arose for them. He was their leader all through the journey of life. God still carry that quality of consistently leading us if we rely on Him

God did not make them to thirst: wilderness was not a restriction to the provision of God for them

He made water flow for them- God provided for them miraculously even from the unexpected realms.

God did the impossible: God broke protocol and logistics to bring water out of the rock in the wilderness not from well or spring of water. He gave them a specific provision needed for survival in unfavourable conditions and situations.

UNDERSTANDING THE GOD OF UNENDING TRANSFORMATION

Under this section, we shall be examining the quality(ies) of God that give us assurance that our testimonies shall be last longing

1. God’s lovingkindness: Psalm 36:7; 6:4- How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!…..
2. The love of God for us as His Children is second to none, so He always desired for us great happenings of life.
3. How precious is your unfailing love…NLT. It speaks of the preciousness, excellency and pricelessness of the love of God.
4. 1 John 3:1- Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 
5. This love of God give us confidence that we cannot slipped of His hands ( John 17:12), so we are assured that we shall last in His hands. Even when sucking mother forgets her suckling babies, our God doesn’t forget us out His deep love for us
6.  God’s secured Protection–Psalm 36:7b; 17:8-9; 16:1;27:5

  Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. This guarantee our testimony. The Lord will watch over His word to see to it that it is ever secured (Jeremiah 1:12). God accomplish His spoken words to perform them

• God’s Abundant supply – Psalm 36:8a; Exodus 17:6; 1 Kings 3:13; Psalm 105:41- Another way that guarantees and secure our transformation is that we have God that give us in full measures and in enough capacity. He is more than enough God. His miraculous provision are not ration, rather in excessive supply. He split the rock, and water gushed out.” -Isaiah 48:21. The great one who cause a transformation in our lives will not do to last but a moment but out His abundance store, He gives generously and more than we can imagine on fathom. Ephesian 3:20; 2 Cor.9:8
• God’s kind of satisfaction and pleasures- Psalm 36:8; 16:11; Jer. 29:11; Isa 58:11; Joel 2:26- And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. The flow that comes from our God is a satisfying one. When He quenched the thirst in the wilderness, it is to satisfy their thirstiness and to give a refreshing pleasure. Our present and future is paramount to Him( Jer.29:11; Isa 58:11
• God’s Source of life and Light Psalms 36:9- One other vital attribute of God that retain for us unending transformation is because God is the origin of all that we possess and we are connected to Him. In Him, we have a guarantee over our testimonies. Acts 17: 28- ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being

In Him we Live

 This scripture perfectly express our constant and absolute depedence on God. He is the original fountain and source of life (Psalm 36:9). Scripture tells us further that, God is the is the giver of life and breath (Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:25).

 In Him we move.

Our strength, both physical and spiritual, comes from God (Psalm 68:35). “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

In Him we have our being.

Life is a gift from God to us including all that we receieved in the ending year. We owe our continued existence to God (Ecclesiastes 5:19; Romans 6:23). He upholds us every moment; He sustain

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Isaiah 3:10; John 15:5-7- God has revealed to us that once we remain in Him, we shall enjoy His manifestation in our lives more and more.

• Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit- Eph.5:19

• The word of God in Psalm 27 is being revealed to us today as divine hope and confidence against all odds.

• The charge today is to receive the word of God and see Jesus, the hope of glory in His word- John 5:39; Col.1:27-

• Therefore, let’s encourage ourselves in the word of God

A. GOD AND HIS WORDS ARE INSEPARABLE – JOHN 1:1-3; PSALM 19: 119;

• God’s word as contained in this Psalm speaks of the capacity and capability of God to preserve His own regardless of harsh or unfavourable terrain and environment.

• Therefore we need not to be afraid or fearful for God will watch over His word for performance- Jeremiah 1:12

• It is described by Michael W. Smith as follow:

Words of Life, words of Hope

Give us strength, help us cope

In this world, where e’er we roam

Ancient words will guide us Home

Ancient words ever true

Changing me, and changing you.

We have come with open hearts

Oh let the ancient words impart.

• Psalm 19: 7-8 speaks about the word of God
  • as a perfect document;
  • a law that cannot be changed and sacrosanct
  • A refreshing agent that can give renewal, changing old order to the new
  • Ever trusted word of  God relevant for all situations
  • Right for all cases and at all times
  • It gives inner joy that last; cannot be bought or gained elsewhere
  • It illuminates every cloud of uncertainties to give acceptable divine direction

B.  THE HOPE IN GOD THROUGH  THE INSTRUMENT OF THE WORD OF GOD-  PSALM 27:5-6

What is hope?

• The scripture says in Romans 8:24ff if we see what we are waiting for, that is not really hope. People do not hope for something they already have. But we are hoping for something we do not have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently. Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. Therefore hope and confidence in God is antidote against every untoward event ravaging the globe.

• Understanding of what God can do make the hope of His children to rise so high that God is there for us- Psalm 27:5. God express clearly that in trouble time He will be there to protect our interests and save us from calamities.

• In Psalm 31:20; God specifically promised to hide us in His secret place beyond the reach of men :

• God’s pavilion gives assurance of hope in God. Even in danger time God is ready to showcase us as His pride. So why would you not hope in God? For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.- Col.3:3

• Hope in God is certain and could be relied upon because He will set me high above dragging evil forces contending for my life. In Psalm 27:6; 40:2; 31.Jer.38:5-6;8-12.

• In brevity; the hope of God is characterised as follow:

1. The hope that never Fade

2. The hope that never Faint

3. The hope that never Fail

4. The hope that never Finish or vanished

• As long as we remain in His presence to seek His face and gaze upon His beauty, our hope in him is certain- Psalm 27:4

C. THE CONFIDENCE IN THE WORD OF GOD- PSALM 27:1-3;13-14

• The life of David further teaches us how the confidence in God is assured weapon of victory against any form of challenges

• He expressed his confidence in God as the light, the stronghold and the salvation. Therefore darkness cannot prevail because the Saviour is right there for us, what or who can overcome Him- vs 1. Isaiah 43:2.

• David expressed confidence in God’s power to cause his enemies to stumble and fall- vs 2. Therefore confidence in us as His children should not shake because God is my warrior in battle- Exodus 15:3; Zeph.3:17

• Confidence of David is shown in the assurance that his hear will not fail in battle, so he’s got no reason to fear. God can strengthen our heart in time of siege and we are sure of coming out strong – vs 3

• The goodness of God is guaranteed as the overall outcome of any challenge we face as believers. This was David’s confidence for us to lean on all times.- vs 13; Psalm 30:5

CONCLUSION

Nothing else can guarantee hope and confidence in this world and the terrible situations but God. Therefore, as Psalm.27.14 says  – Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Preamble:

We shall be concluding our thoughts on glorifying the God of transformation- Luke 17:15.

Our focus firstly shall be to define our keywords: Service, Excellence and Glorify.

Service : In general, a service refers to work that is performed by one or more people that benefits others.

Excellence: the quality of being outstanding or extremely good: having taste something very good

Glorify: acknowledge and reveal the majesty and splendour of (God) by one’s actions

A. UNDERSTANDING THE SERVICE OF GOD

• Service: Service to God is defined in the context of Kingdom assignment expected to be done by all that are save. We are saved to serve and not vice versa. Jesus declared to His disciples ‘’occupy till I come…’’- Luke 19:11-13.
• Service to God is our stewardship to Him (I Cor. 4:2), 2 Tim.2:20
• The various ministries in the Kingdom business (I Chron. 29:1-5; I Cor.12:5; Col.1:25; Romans 12:6-8; Mark 10:45
• Being available for God at any time; Ready to release yourself to God- Romans 12: 1; Luke 5:1-3; Exod.4:1-3; John 6:9-11
• The fundamental meaning of service for God is that we present ourselves wholly to God and place ourselves absolutely at His disposal for Him to do His work in and through us- Phil.2:13
• The sphere and the nature of our service may be varied, but the meaning of it is always the same – Romans 12: 1. 2 Tim.2:20
• In the light of this, are You, His servant?

B. HOW TO SERVE GOD EXCELLENTLY- 1 Peter 4:10-11

1. God’s service addresses every child of God individually. ¹¹ Whoever speaks [to the congregation] ……. Even in working together, everyone has his/her role to play. You are His workmanship saved purposely to serve Him as individual. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them- Eph.2:10

1. It speaks of willingness and personal convictions of individuals. 1 Chron. 29:6-9; Joshua 24:15; Daniel 1:8. Excellent service will only come when you are personally convinced of your service to Him. He is not interested in coarse service. Heroes of faith are men and women of personal conviction of need and readiness/willingness to serve God (Hebrews 11:4,5,7).               

When God commanded Moses to build the tabernacle, the people of God served God with great enthusiasm (Exodus 35). The people served a willing heart (2 Corinthians 9:7; 8:1-5). Interestingly, they had to be told to stop giving to the project (Exodus 35:20-24; 36:4-7). In addition to material gifts, many of the people of God willingly offered their skills and talents to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:25-29). Serving God with gladness (Psalm 100:2). A grateful Christian offers his service to God happily. He serves Him with gladness. There is no holding back. There is no complaint from him. Whenever he is called upon, he willingly and happily offers his service to the Lord

1. Offering service in obedience to the will of God. Vs 11b: is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God.  As God prescribed, so we are expected to do without hesitation. Such worker will do according to the pattern of God- Exodus 25:40.John 12:26; 2 Tim 2:20 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honour him- John 12:26.

1. Serving God with your given capability and quantum of energy and in acknowledgement of the giver- vs 11c : Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies. Wholehearted services are what God desire and not a vain ones and lip services- Malachi 3:13-14; Isaiah 29:13. LIPSERVICE:  means saying “YES” with your mouth but saying “NO” in your heart and by your actions. It is honouring God with your lips when your heart is far from him.

• Serving within the domain of what God the giver has given you- Vs 10: All areas of your services are equally important to Him

• Serving to honour the Lord and give worthy praise – Don’t seek self-glory.- Isaiah 42:8. Some seek their own glory and praise (Matthew 6:2-7, 16-18)

C. REWARDS FOR SERVING GOD

Service that glorifies God brings numerous rewards

1. Service comes with blessings.

Exodus 23:25 “So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. (NKJV)

1. Life is better when you serve God.

Job 36:11 If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. (NKJV)

1. Divine Elevation and Joy

Even the little acts of service are known and rewarded by God- Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (NKJV)

Introduction:

• It is a strong belief that something will happen or be the case.
• Expectation is the prerequisite for receiving
• What you cannot conceive, you won’t be able to possess it- Abraham possess as far as he could see- Gen.13:14-17

The life of Simeon and Hannah is of tremendous blessing this evening, they demonstrated how expectation tool can propel a man to receive from the Lord.  Bible say “the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut off”, and “the desire of the righteous shall be granted”-Prov.10:23-24; 23:18b

This implies that “the righteous” is the concern of God.  Those who are in the right standing with God, doing the right thing that the Lord God prescribed. “Tell it to the righteous, it shall be well with him.

Preparing For Divine Encounter

1. Spiritual Preparedness (Amos 4:12)

Someone was a righteous man. Though waiting on God for manifestations of promises. But he never wavered in his pious act to God. He remained in right tune with the God. Emotion or sentiment cannot receive from God but being in right lane with God.

Simeon,  full of Holy Spirit. Scripture Acts of Apostles 17: 28- ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being” typifies life of Simeon.  Everything about Him speak of life in Holy Spirit. He lived, moved and had his being inside Holy Spirit. He understood instruction of Holy Spirit and the prophesy upon his life, he relied on the leading of Holy Spirit to wait on God. He received timely instructions from the Holy Spirit when to move (Luke 2: 25b-27a). A man full of the Holy Spirit will understand the move of God…in Him we moved. He was not only hearing from God hut also learned to obey the dictate of the Holy Spirit. Like Stephen, he was full of Holy Spirit, like men of Isacchar, he understood time.

To continuously manifest God, we must remain in constant tune with the Holy Spirit. Who can understand a man except the spirit in him…

2. Human intentionality (1 Chron.4:9-10)

Jabez personally cried unto God, He got what he intended.

Simeon, A devotee. God is committed to those who are committed to Him. Someone was not carried away with the promise being waited for but he remain devoted in service, worship and fellowship with God.

He was not alienated from the will of God (John 15:5-7). His eyes remain fixed to the promise keeper, he wasn’t carried away by other options.

Like Zechariah, he was devoted in the business of the Father (Luke 1:8-9) and challenges of life didn’t truncated his fellowship and communion with God. A devotee has his heart and soul get attached to God- Psalm 63:8- My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me. It’s beyond lip service but “a soul tie”, seeking God first remain supreme priority (Matt.6:33).

3. Full of Faith and Believe

Simeon, full of faith and action. Faith without work is dead (James 2:26). Faith cometh by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Simeon believed what God promised him regardless of time and facts. He had absolute faith in God, this enabled him to wait. By faith he moved into the temple to lay claim to his promise. He did not hesitate, he was not wavering in faith, he moved into action….grabbed the Saviour and laid hold on Him. Faith engenders us to move into action

4. Persistent Thirst; Unquenchable desperation and Perseverance (Mark 10:46; Gen 32; Psalm 42)

Hannah like Simeon was also a consistent woman, a devotee of God, in constant fellowship with God, very persevere, Unrelenting communion with God for 77 years, never weary, fainting. Also full of praise.

We must learn to live like these men as we rely on Holy Spirit for specific instructions. 

We shall surely manifest the glory that Jesus came to reveal (Luke 2:32).

5. Readiness to receive -Luke 2: 27

So he came by the Spirit into the temple. – Luke 2:27 NKJV. Simeon was ready an he received what he was waiting for.

Introduction

• Journey is inevitable in the story of every forward thinking man.
• We are naturally created to be mobile as human
• Varying types of Journey could and would be embarked upon: physical; spiritual; carrier-wise; business trips; educational tour, leisure

Prayer:

1. every journey I must involve in,  the Lord will grant me safe safety, comfort and satisfaction in the name of Jesus
2. In all progressive journey of 2024, I will not be stagnant, I will not be stopped and my journey will not be cut off in the mighty name of Jesus

What must I do to enter into divine calmness

1. I must allow Jesus into my boat- Matthew 8:23 : Now when He got into the boat…...
2. He must be invited into the journey of 2024.
3. He will only enter when He’s beckon to come in ! (John 2:2).
4. He doesn’t struggle to settle in
5. Allow him into your life to impact your life (Matt.13:58-Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.)

• Jesus must be the leader while we follow- Matt.8:23b- …..His disciples followed Him…..
• This must be the attitude.
• He must take the lead for He knows the way ( John 14:6a; Rev.1:8).
• We cannot invite Him and asked Him to hold on( Acts 10:13-15; Exodus 4:10-12 )
• or relegate Him to the back( John 2:2,5);
• Which seat will you give him or reserve for Him?
• His yoke is easy and the burden is light
• He is the good shepherd of our sole; where He leads let us follow.( John 10; 11; Psalm 23:1a).John 10: 27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

• Always come to Him for way out- Matt.8:24-25; Psalm 121:1-2; 123:1-2.
• Challenges and storm may be inevitable but call on Him,
• He will answer greatly and surprisingly ( Jer.33:3; Psalm 23:4)
• Like disciples, let us learn to run to the grandmaster Jesus.
• Don’t seek help elsewhere ( Psalm 16:4) but stand on the solid rock( Matt.7:24).

• Journey with Jesus in faith and not fear- Matt.8:26.
• Believe Jesus is capable to take you to your safe haven and destination.
• Do not allow fear to dominate ( 2 Tim.1:7; Psalm 23:4;); 
• Focus on Jesus and not the dreadful circumstances ( Matt.14:29-31).

B. Great calmness_ Vs 26-27

• Journey with Jesus guarantees divine calmness
• He sends fear away, calm the situation and ensure safe landing
• Matthew 8:26–27 (NKJV): Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
• 27 So the men marveled.
• Psalm 89:9 (NKJV): You rule the raging of the sea;

When its waves rise, You still them.- Psalm 89:9

Theme for the month remains “Upholding Biblical Covenant Practices”- James 1:25.
• James 1:25 teaches us that as children of God, we must continually search for the truth about the word of God and ensuring that we live according to what we found. Then God will surely bless us.
• “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do”-James 1:25 NIV
• Today, the Covenant practice for consideration is Effective Stewardship
• Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.I Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

A. Understanding Stewardship
• Who is a steward ? : someone who has been given a definitive task(s) with the aim of returning to the master to give account of activities carried out
• Stewardship is a relationship between 2 parties- Master-Servant; Boss-Subordinate
• Stewardship is every believer’s business- I Cor.15: 58a
• Stewardship is really about returning to God what was a gift to us in the first place-1 Peter 4:10; 1Corinthians 3:9-11 Romans 12:6a; “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”-1 Pet.4:10. “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.-I Corinthians 3:9-11 NKJV
• Faithfulness is a key virtue in the school of covenant stewardship 1 Cor 4:1-2; Gen.28:20-21- Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God.-Genesis 28:20-21 NKJV
• Be conscious that God is the “omni-capable” master calling us into partnership with Him so as to bless us(rewards)-John 15:16; Job 42:2; 1 Tim.1:12
• Stewards must return with a good reward- John 15:5,16
• To whom much is given, much is expected. — Luke 12: 48
• Whatsoever a man sews, so shall he reap — Galatians 6: 7

B. How to Engage in Effective Stewardship
Stewardship works on God’s terms and not on your terms.
• Serve God willingly. – 1 Cor. 9:17; Isa.6:8
• Serve God righteously and reverentially– Heb. 12:28
• Serve God with humility. – Prov. 16:18
• Serve God joyfully. – Psalm 100:2; Deut.28:47-48
• Serve God unashamedly. – Rom. 1:16
• Serve God tirelessly. – 1 Cor. 15:58


C. Covenant of Reward- 1 Cor.15:58c; Luke 12:42-43; Col.3:23-24
• God’s reward is certain Rev.22:12; Jer.17:10
• God’s reward is great- I Sam.2:24
• God’s reward is a measure of individual’s gift and accordingly-Matt.25:14-15; 21-23
• God’s reward is both now and eternally Matt.25:29-30; 46

Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do. – Deut.29:9

What do we seek to Know?

• Reviewing the covenant of God with us as His children
• Understanding the terms of covenant
• How covenant life guarantee all round prosperity

Reviewing the covenant of God with us as His children

1. The covenant always has a point of commencement or the initiation point.
2. The initiation can come from either party involved.
3. There are terms of covenant to be fully understood by parties covenanting together.
4. Each party must keep the details of the covenant if the agreement holds.
5. Durations of covenant vary and may be up to long-life dealings.

Life Application

• Every child of God has a covenant with God when we come to accept Him as the Lord and saviour of our lives. – 2 Cor.5:17; Acts 22:6–8.
• This covenant is expected to be kept as long as we live, and no one should break it.
• Living by the terms of the covenant is what keep the relationship going with the saviour.

Understanding the terms of covenant

• The terms of covenant for every child of God are the most important and critical elements that determine how much of God and his promises we all enjoyed and would enjoy. Galatians 4 :1-3; John 15:15
• God invited us to enjoy the abundant life and rest in Christ- Matt.11:28; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 3:20: Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He comes to give, not to get. He comes that people may have life in Him that is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.
• God has invited us into a life of divine provision and sufficiency in Christ- Phil.4:19; Psalm 23; John 10:11; Romans 5:17- The Lord Himself is our Shepherd, and we do not lack anything when we enjoy His shepherding care.
• God has invited us into a life of all-round blessings- Eph.1:3-4;11-14.

Every spiritual blessing encompasses all the gifts of the Holy Spirit given by God the Father to those who have experienced His salvation in Jesus Christ. Peter affirms that God’s “divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3)..

• God has invited us to a life of divine hope and lasting inheritance- 1 Peter 1:3-4 ; Eph. 2:12- People cannot survive long without hope. Hope keeps us going through painful experiences and fear of what the future may hold. In a fallen world where people face poverty, disease, hunger, injustice, disaster, war, and terrorism, we need a living hope.

Our inheritance in Christ is imperishable. What we have in Christ is not subject to corruption or decay.

How covenant life guarantee all round prosperity

1. Life of putting God first- Matt.6:33; Phil.4:15-18; John 6:38
2. Life of deep knowledge of God- Eph.4:20-24- The Christian must possess a deep desire to know God better Psalm 25:4; Romans 1:19-20).
3. Life of allegiance and loyalty to God- Luke 9:23; Joshua 24:15; John 15:13. (Life of commitment and dedication)
4. Life of continue obedience to God’s instructions- John 13:35 Jesus pointed out the correct motivation when He said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23).

PREAMBLE

• I Corinthians 15:58 NKJV-Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
• Apostles Paul was drawing conclusion on what should characterise believers’ life as benefactors of God’s Grace and hope both now and till eternally.
• Service unto the Father is very germane in the mind of Christ – Luke 2:49; John 5:36
• Scripture established that children of God are saved and given grace to serve  the kingdom of God  forever – Ephesians 2:8,10

GOD’S SATISFYING REWARDS- 1 COR. 15:58C

… knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.- vs 58c

1. Reward is what is given in recognition of service, efforts and achievement.
2. God’s reward is divine, timely accurate and appropriate- Psalm 62:12; Jeremiah 17:10; 2 Cor.9:6; Gal.6:7-9; Eph.6:8
3. God’s rewards are specific, individualised, and satisfying- Rev.22:12. Col.3;23-25
4. Divine Blessing- Malachi 3:10-12; Exodus 23:25
5. Divine (Sound) health and restoration- Exodus 23:26
6. Divine Prosperity round the year – Job 36:11
7. Divine distinction – Malachi 3:18
8. Divine Honour- John 12:26

UNDERSTANDING A REWARDING LABOUR OF LOVE- 1 COR.15:58A-B

• The word ‘labour’ is critical in understanding God’s approved services.
• Only the labour of love will God reward not just any kind- Heb. 6:10- For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
• it has a unique characteristic ‘’be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord’’.
  • Steadfastness in business of the kingdom, not slothfulness-Romans 12:11; Eph.6:7
  • Focus and determined workers- Joshua 23:8
  • Ready to do more for God
• “Labour of love’’ reflects agape love ( Romans 1:8-9), travailing for others (Gal.4:19), meeting the need of others ( Prov.19:17), and making great sacrifice.( 1 John 3:17-18; 2 Cor.8:8)

1. DEFINING AND EXPLORING THE KINGDOM LIFE- COLOSSIANS 2:6

• ‘Kingdom’ is “an actual country ruled by a king who influences and impacts the domain of his Kingdom personally with his values, morality, lifestyle, and his entire principles and laws until the people begin to reflect his lifestyle.”
•  It is characterised by the (Mark 9:1
• The rule of God
• The territory governed by God.
• The realm in which God’s will, purposes, plans, and desires are fulfilled. – Romans 12:2

REFLECTION: DOES GOD RULE IN MY LIFE AFFAIRS AND WHAT AREAS HAVE I NOT SURRENDERED TO GOD’S RULE?

• In Christendom (Kingdom of Christian), Kingdom can be described as having three major components: Acts 1:3-8; Matt.6:9-10
• A King (Jesus)
• Citizens (Sons and Daughters of Christ, The body of Christ)
• Territory of rulership (The nations)
• We are to reign(manifest) in His kingdom on earth through the help of the Holy Spirit
• Kingdom life is a life of complete dominion – Rev. 12:10-12; 1:5-6. Dominion over sin, self, Satan, and his supporters and the world. (Psalm 8:6; Luke 4;18; 10:19; John 16:33; Eph.1:17-21; Romans 6:12-14
• Kingdom life is a kingdom of light; and life of sharing Christ’s inheritance- Col.1:12; Eph.2:12-13; Acts 20:32
• A life of translocation into the life of Christ to live for Him- Col. 1:13

B. LIVING CONSISTENTLY FOR CHRIST- COLLOSIAN 2:6-8

How then can we live in this kingdom life so as to continue to enjoy optimal life of Christ?

• Life of continuous Fellowship- Col.2:6b. This involves deep communion with the father where we daily draw strength. And in interaction with other kingdom family- Prov.27:17;  Heb.10:27

•  Establishing yourself in Christ genuinely v.7; 2 Cor.1:21; Romans 16:25; Col.1:23
• Life of continuous growth in Christ and His knowledge – Col.2:7a; 1:10c; 2 Peter 3:18; Heb.10:36-39.
• A teachable spirit and mind- ready to yield to the instruction of the Holy Spirit per time- vs 7b; Eph.4:17-21; 2 Tim.2:15; Acts 28;30-31.
• Life of gratitude- appreciating who you are in Christ redeemed and forgiven) and what He did for you (adoption; sanctified and raised with Him-Eph.2:5-7)
• Shun life of ungodliness, immorality, and worldliness- 2 Tim.2:16-18; James 4:4-8

CONCLUSION

Our heavenly mandate is to keep extending the kingdom of God here on earth (Matt.6:10) as we manifest Christ daily in kingdom character. Regardless of the world we find ourselves, we must keep reflecting Christ.