JESUS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD

John 10:1-21; Psalm 23:1-6

One of the most lovey psalms is Psalm 23, written by King David concerning The Lord Jesus Christ. There He pictures the Lord as The loving Shepherd. That psalm brought comfort to millions. Jesus proclaimed in John 10 that He is the Good Shepherd, while those who believe in Him are His sheep. The metaphors of Shepherd and sheep can surely give believers comfort and assurance in a world full of wickedness and heartlessness. When believers understand who Jesus is to us and what He has done and what He still does for us, we will live our lives with great confidence and trust. He saves us. He leads us, He guides us, He provides for us. He protects us. We are His sheep. We are His chosen ones. We are His body We are His holy people. He is preparing heaven for us. What a wonderful state we are in. There will be trials, temptations, tribulations, persecution… but He will make us more than conquerors, We are therefore challenged to live as Christians, as sheep dependent on the Shepherd, bearing fruit, meeting Christ’s expectations. In that way the world will be won to Christ.

Christ’s Role As The Good Shepherd

He Has Compassion For The helpless (Mt.9:36; Mark 6:34)

He Seeks Lost Sheep (Mat.18:12-14)

He Lays Down His Life For The sheep (John 10:11, 14-18)

He Knows His Sheep (John 10:14-15, 27-28)

He Provides For His Sheep (John 10:9, 28; Psalm 23:1-6)

He Judges The Sheep (Mat.25:32-46)

When we read the life of Christ on earth, it leaves us in no doubt as why He chose the title of Shepherd. As The Great Shepherd, the promised Shepherd, He came to seek His sheep – first the lost sheep of Israel, then lost nations and people who have lost the image of God in which they were created (Mat.18:12-14; Luke 19:9-10). His compassion was reflected many times as he watched hapless humanity grouping about and scattered like sheep without a shepherd (Mat.9:36; Mark 6:34). He gave His life to save His sheep (John 10:11, 14-18). He knows His sheep by name (John 10:1-5)! This is wonderful comfort and assurance for all believers. Jesus Christ knows you by name. With this we come to the fact that He provides for all our needs (Psalm 23:1-6). Since the Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want (lack). I shall not lack Rest. I shall not lack Refreshment. I shall not lack Restoration. I shall not lack Companionship in the hour of trial. I shall not lack Comfort. I shall not lack Provision. I shall not lack unction. I shall not lack satisfaction. I shall not lack goodness and mercy. I shall not lack a home in heaven at last!.

Christ the Good shepherd will judge the sheep. The judgement seat of Christ for His sheep is a place of reward and honour for all His faithful disciples.

 

Christians As Christ’s Flock

The Sheep Of Christ (John 10:16; Jer.31:10)

The Chosen People (1Pet.2:9)

A Holy People (Eph.5:3)

Temple Of The Living God (1Cor.3:16-17; 2Cor.6:19)

The Elect Of God (Tit.1:1; 1Pet.1:1)

The Body Of Christ ( Acts 2:28; 1Cor.12:12-16; Eph.1:18-23)

Christians have the high privilege of being called the sheep of Christ. All the privileges, all the blessings, all the protection that Christ brings are enjoyed by Christians who truly know Him as their shepherd. As His sheep Christians have become part of God’s chosen people (1Pet.2:9). The people of Israel at the start were God’s chosen people through whom the message of Christ would be preached to the world. After the Church was formed, believers began to be added to the Church as the called out or chosen people of God.

Although it may sometimes sound like it, the Church has not replaced Israel (Rom.11:1-5, 17-21). God will still save a remnant. All the 144000 that will follow Christ when He returns are all Israelites. They are the ones who will proclaim the everlasting gospel to the world during the tribulation. They will convert multitudes to Christ (Rev.7:1-4; 14:1-5). Jesus will give them apostolic power to preach and they will declare the everlasting gospel and convert many. Jewish people are part of God’s end-time plans.

Believers also have the privilege of being called the temple of the living God ( 1Cor.3:16-17; 2Cor.6:19). God dwells in us. He wants to walk among us and be our God and we His people (John 14:21-23). What a great privilege. The Church as a whole is described as the body of Christ, with Christ Himself being the Head. Because Christ is our head, there is leadership, direction and sanity available for those who will follow His leading.

Christ’s Expectation of Christians

Study The Bible Regularly (Acts 17:11; Psa. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16,17)

Pray Always (Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 6:9-13; 1 Thess. 5:17; Mat.26:41)

Preach The Gospel To Others (Acts 8:4; Prov. 11:30; John 4:28-30,39; 1:40-46)

Commit To A Local Living Church (Acts 9:26-28; 11:26; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 4:16)

Live Uprightly (Luke 10:25-37; Eph.5:22-33; 6:1-4; Rom.13:1-5)

The scripture is full of instructions on how to live as Christians. What we have here is just a selection of just a few of those things we must be doing to maintain the life in the Spirit imparted unto us at conversion.

As we study the Bible we learn the will of God and are able to discern between truth and error, thus we can remain on the right part. Prayer is of paramount importance in the life of the Christian. There can be no substitute for prayer. It is the only way we communicate to and get things from God. We are saved and commanded to reach out to others. When we obey the Lord in this way His blessing will follow. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is. You must fully commit yourself to the assemblies of a living Church in order to pray, worship, sing and study God’s word together. Christ wants us to live uprightly. As we read in (Psalm 37:37), uprightness is the life Christ has called us unto and which we must live.

Concluding Remarks

The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-6):-

I shall not lack Rest. I shall not lack Refreshment.

I shall not lack Restoration. I shall not lack  Companionship in the hour of trial.

I shall not lack Comfort. I shall not lack Provision. I shall not lack unction. I shall not lack satisfaction.

I shall not lack goodness and mercy. I shall not lack a home in heaven at last!

MARKS OF TRUE CONVERSION

Ruth 1:16-17; Acts 9:1-20; Mat.18:1-3; 2Cor.7:11

The story of Ruth in the Bible is one of the most beautiful stories of love commitment and dedication. It is also a story that shows the great care and compassion of our God towards all that He has created. In this story which we started last week we see Ruth a widow from Moab was transported into Judah, where through a series divine arrangements became the wife of Boaz, of the house of Judah.

Having studies up a little more on this book, I would like to bring to you two important points. First I want to show that all the incidents in the journey of Ruth are pure and according to God's plan. Second I will show what lesson we can learn about true conversion to Christ from book of Ruth. Ruth was a picture of a virtuous woman, a godly woman, a woman of kind, compassionate and sacrificial character. God’s choice of a great grand mother of the king David was a perfect choice.

(Ruth 2) As soon as they arrived in Judah, Ruth set out to find food and provision for Naomi and herself. She went gleaning during the barley harvest (Lev.19:9-10). See the love and mercy of God to those who are disadvantaged! The field she gleaned from belonged to Boaz of Bethlehem who turned out to be a near kinsman of Elimelech (Ruth 2:3). Boaz showed her great kindness. Her story of love and care had reached him and he instructed her to remain with his harvesters for the duration of the harvest (Ruth 2:7-12).

(Ruth 3) “My daughter shall I not seek security (rest) for you that it may be well with you?” (Ruth 3:1). As one writer has said, Boaz and Ruth were not ‘dating’. Dating in the western context is the making of usually casual romantic relationships, which can easily be broken if one party feels uncomfortable with it. Dating is not real because the persons involved are usually putting up a front or a mask to show themselves in the best lights even though that is not naturally who they really are. This is not the case here (see D.Guzik).

Boaz was a family “kinsman redeemer”. What does that mean. He is responsible to buy back family forfeited inheritance (Lev.25:25); He is the member of the family charged with buying an Israelite slave back (Lev.25:48). He is also responsible to avenge the blood of any murdered member of the family (Num.35:19); He was responsible for marrying a childless widow of the family to perpetuate (preserve) the name of that family.

Naomi wanted Boaz to marry Ruth according to Jewish custom to preserve the family of Elimelech.

When you read (Ruth 3) what picture do you get? Was Naomi asking Ruth to provocatively offer herself sexually to Boaz? By no means! This was an act of total submission and plea for protection under the kinsman-redeemer Jewish law. She would lie down at his feet according to custom, as a servant, totally humble and submissive. She came to claim a right. She was not there on a promiscuous adventure. And Boaz was known as a kind, godly man. Ruth herself was a godly woman of virtue.

She has come to seek refuge and protection of her dead husband’s rights according to Jewish law. Elimelech, the noble kinsman-redeemer acknowledged that responsibility. This is a picture of Christ who came to redeem us helpless wonderers.  He is our Kinsman Redeemer. We must go to him for salvation, help and protection.

Let us now see the lesson of true conversion from the story of Ruth.

DECISIVE SEPARATION

 

From One kingdom To Another

From Many gods to the One True God

From Those Who Remain As They Are

We now move to the second lesson from this book – conversion,  which is divided into three parts – Decisive Separation, Total Identification and Single-minded Determination. We will try to draw inferences relating to our salvation from this section (1Cor7:11) 

Separation from one kingdom to another (Ruth 1:16-17; John 3:3; Eph.2:19; 5:5; Mat.7:21; 2Cor.6:14-18). Ruth came out from among the Moabites and their god’s. Have you come out of the world?  To belong to God’s Kingdom requires you to separate from the kingdoms of this world, from the unbelieving associations of this world.

Ruth did not look back to see what Orpah was doing. Orpah made her choice to go back to the god’s of Moab, But Ruth decided to cling to the God of Israel.

Conversion involves two elements, repentance and turning from sin and idols (Acts 26:17-20; 11:21). This saving faith come from knowledge, when your eyes are opened to the truth of God’s word. It is not a leap in the dark.

Conversion is a decisive turn around, a paradigm shift, an antithesis, a reverse, an opposite of what you were before. Jesus compressed it in saying, ye must be born again – suggesting a totally new person. You cannot be saved except and until this has happened (Mat.18:3; Rom.3:23; 6:23; (Ezek.18:4); Rom.5:8; 6:23; 10:9-10; 10:13 Acts 3:19). You can come to Church as you are but you must not leave as you came.

TOTAL IDENTIFICATION

Ruth 1:16-17

Identification With God And His People

Identification Now And Forever

Identification Wherever and Whatever

When you separate yourself from the world and it idols, you identify with the one true God. The Moabites worshipped Baal and the Ashtoreth. These were believed to be gods of fertility, responsible for the fruitfulness of the land. People had little figurines of Baal and Ashtoreth (a naked goddess). Remember that Balak invited Balaam to the high place of Baal from where to curse Israel (Num.22:40-41). It was during a festival to this god and goddess that Israel fell into prostitution and fornication with the daughters of Moab (Num.25:1-3; 31:13-16). By the time of the Judges, Baal and Ashtoreth had altars in Israel (Judges 2:13). King Ahab married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king Sidon and they concerted most parts of Israel to the worship of Baal. This was the spiritual climate when Ruth made her decision to follow the God of Israel. She must have been taught by her late husband and her mother in law about the God of Israel.

Ruth loved the God of Israel – your God shall be my God. Her decision was final. She turned her back on Baal and Ashtoreth. She turned her back on Moab. She identified with the God of Israel. She identified with people of Israel (Heb.11:24-26; Psalm 84:10-12; Acts 11:23). Wherever Christ leads, there you will go though there be trials (1Peter 1:7)

SINGLEMINDED DETERMINATION

Determination Before The Lord

Determination To Suffer With God’s People

Determination To Follow Till the End

Determination Not Open To Discussion

Conversion involves single-minded determination. When you want to follow Christ you don’t ask the opinion of friends (Gal.1:15-18; Acts 26:16-20; John 2:5). That single minded determination will sometimes lead to suffering (Mat.5:10-12; 2Tim.3:12). Following Jesus in this age requires single minded determination. This determination requires courage to follow to the end, never to give up. If you have to give up your faith in Christ just because someone is not happy about it, then you not fit for the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).
Seven things are mentioned in (1Cor.7:11) (I) Earnestness, (ii) Clearing Of Yourself, (iii) Indignation (iv) Fear (of grieving God, or making another fall), (v) Vehement Desire, (vi) Zeal, (vii) Revenge! You need to determine to follow till the end. Let the milk of the word of God feed and nourish you (1Pet.2:2). A great reward awaits you in the end. As Ruth received what she never dreamed of so the Lord promises you what eyes have not seen no nears heard (1John 5:4; Rev.2:7, 11, 17,  26; 3:5, 12, 21; Rev.21:7. This is the time to stand for God and Christ and for His Glory.

DECISION DETERMINES DESTINY

Ruth 1:1-17

Life if full of choices. We make hundreds of choices everyday. Many times we do not realise that the decisions we make will greatly impact our lives. Some very important decisions include choosing a religion, choosing a course to study in the university, where to live, who to marry, how many children to have, how you spend money, how you relate to men/women, whether/how you pay your tithes and offerings, your housekeeping, the list is endless.

Ruth’s decision gives us an insight on how God regards our decisions. Although Israelites may not marry Moabites, Ruth’s love, faithfulness and decision to follow the God of Israel turned everything around for her and allowed her to marry into the royal family of Judah.  In a similar way, when a person believes in Jesus, their life will change for the better. They will have eternal life.

Ruth’s Life-Changing Decision

Ruth 1:15-16

She Vowed To Follow Naomi

She Vowed To Change Her Nationality

She Vowed To Follow The God Of Israel

She Vowed To Suffer Whatever Naomi Suffer

Christians Must Follow Christ In Like Manner

Ruth’s vow of steadfastness is a shining example for all who would follow Jesus today. As Ruth left everything she knew behind so should we leave every worldly thing behind. No one can follow Christ truly without forsaking all (Mat.10:37-39) Love for Christ must supersede all other affections we may have. The believer is to be a living sacrifice to the Lord (Rom.12:1-2). You offer yourself – your body, your belongings, your time, your education, your money, your children, your husband/wife. All these belong to God. What did you bring into the world? Ruth through her love had a deep understanding of what it meant to fully follow the Lord. She left her nationality. She left the idols of her nation. She embraced the God of Israel. That was exactly what the early Christians did. They forsook all (Mat.19:27-29)

 

Rewards Of Deciding Rightly

Examples Of Good Decision Making (Jos.24:15; Gen.13:8-9; Exo.24:24-25; Esther 4:15-16; Dan.1:8; 3:18; Mat.4:19-20; Mk.2:14)

Divine Approval and Blessing (Ruth 4:13; Gen. 22:12-18; John 3:18, 36)

Living  In God’s Perfect Will (Eph.1:11; Acts 17:26; Deut.32:8)

Unexpected Blessings (Ruth 2:8-13; 4:13)

Eternal Blessings (Mat.19:27-29; John 14:1-3)

Looking through the scripture we can see what it takes to make the right decision. God and our relationship to Him is the number one consideration in our decision making. Joshua and his household chose to serve the God of Israel - a great choice filled with blessings. So did Caleb.
In (Gen.13:8-9), Abraham gave the right of first choice to his nephew, Lot, thus retaining God's inheritance.
In (Esther 4:15-16), Esther chose to put her life on the line to save God's people.
In (Dan.1:8) Daniel purposed not to defile himself with idolatrous meals.
In (Mat.4:18-20) The first apostles promptly answered the call to follow Jesus

 

Eternal Regret For Wrong Decisions

Achan’s Disastrous Decision (Jos.6:18-19; 7:1, 20-26)

King Saul’s Tragic Choices (1Sam.15:1029)

Judas Iscariot’s Shocking Betrayal (Mat.26:14-16, 47-50)

Eternal Regret Of All Who Reject Christ (Revelation 6:12-17; 21:6-8)

PROFITING BY THE LAWS OF SOWING AND REAPING

 

Job 4:8; Hosea 8:7; 10:12 Galatians 6:6-10, Psalm 126:5,6; Isaiah 32:20

The law of sowing and reaping is mentioned in several Scripture passages. But the primary text is found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:7-9). This passage teaches that each of us is a “sower” who will reap the harvest of his own planting. If you sow to the Spirit, you will reap a harvest of blessing. If you sow to the flesh, you will reap a harvest of sorrow and adversity. Ignorance of the law of sowing and reaping lies behind such trite phrases as, “We all have to sow a few wild oats,” or “Oh, go ahead, God will forgive you.” The world is full of heartbroken “reapers” who thought they could sow one thing and reap another.

IMMUNTABLE PRINCIPLES OF SOWING AND REAPING

Gal.6:7-10; Luke 6:38; Proverbs 11:24-26; II Corinthians 8:6-10-,II Corinthians 9:6-8

The principle of sowing and reaping is a natural law. It is universal. You reap what you sow. Those who have never read the Bible recognise these laws as the law of retribution - something that is justly deserved. It is emphasises the fact that those who get are those who give and those who receive interests are those who invested. There cannot be a harvesting without planting. If you plant nothing, you harvest nothing.

According to the word of God, if you sow to the flesh, you will of the flesh reap corruption. “Corruption” speaks of physical decay and moral rottenness that ultimately leads to eternal death in Hell. If you sow to the Spirit, you will of the Spirit reap life everlasting. The essence of everlasting life is to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son (John 17:3; 1 John 5:11). As believers, we will enjoy this relationship throughout eternity on the New Earth.

If you fully reaped for all our sins, we would spend eternity in Hell. But God is gracious and full of mercy. He does not continue to punish His children for past sins. Yes, there will be reaping in this present life: some sins lead to disease and other sins destroy marriages and families.
As Christians we are not exempt from the law of sowing and reaping. But God is not adding up all our past sins and making sure we pay for all of them. He forgives sin. He deals with His children in love. Even when He chastens them, He is doing so in order to bring them back to a right relationship with Him (Hebrews 12:9-12).

You reap WHAT you sow.

If you sow wheat, you will reap wheat. If you sow a kindness, you will reap a kindness. If you sow a lie, unfaithfulness, or discord, you will reap the same. The warning, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” warns you to be very careful what you sow.

You reap in a DIFFERENT SEASON than you sow ((compare Genesis 27:9-29 with Genesis 37:31-35). (Acts 9:16; 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). (Acts 7:58; 14:19).

Notice that Galatians 6:7 starts by saying, “Do not be deceived.” Why does Paul begin with this warning? The answer is found in the fact that your reaping does not come immediately after you act. Because of this, you can be deceived into thinking that the reaping will not come. Ecclesiastes 8:11 says, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.” If you could see the long-term results of your choices, you would always sow to the Spirit.

The harvest comes in God’s time—His appointed season. An example of this is seen in God’s judgment on Israel. They failed to obey the Sabbatical year law which required rest for the land every seventh year (Exodus 23:10-11). The people thought God’s lack of immediate judgment proved that God didn’t really care whether or not they planted crops on the Sabbatical year. They failed, however, to reckon with the nature of God: He does not lie. Whatever is sown will be reaped. And Israel spent one year in captivity for every year they ignored God’s command—70 years!(2 Chronicles 36:20-21)..

You reap MORE than you sow.

In agriculture, this law of surplus is what makes sowing worthwhile. For every kernel of corn planted, the farmer hopes to gain at least one ear of corn bearing many kernels. In the spiritual realm, this law also holds true. Hosea 8:7 warns, “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” There is a chain reaction that takes place when you do wrong.

In the Old Testament, we read the story of Achan who disregarded the official ban placed upon the spoils of Jericho. Thinking no one would know, he stole a robe, some silver and some gold. What was the result? In the next battle, 36 innocent men lost their lives (Joshua 7:1, 5-26). What happened to Achan? He and his entire family were executed, and all his possessions were burned with fire. He sowed the wind, and he reaped the whirlwind!

You reap IN PROPORTION to how you sow.

Although you always reap more than you sow, your reaping is determined by the quantity of your sowing. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

This principle operates both positively and negatively. The more you sow to the Spirit, the more you will reap the blessings of a righteous harvest. The more you sow to the flesh, the more you will reap the sorrow of an unrighteous harvest. This principle teaches us why it is much better to be saved early in life rather than late in old age.

You reap what OTHERS have sown.

If you stop and think about it, you will realize that much of what you reap you never planted. Many of us are reaping the benefits of godly Christian parents. Some of us are reaping sorrow and heartbreak because our parents sowed to the flesh. Joshua and Caleb spent almost 40 years wandering in the desert because of the other spies’ rebellion and lack of trust in God (read about this story in Numbers 13-14).

 It is especially important for fathers to understand this principle (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9; Jeremiah 32:18). King David  is an example that illustrated this principle vividly.

Dimensions in sowing - in what areas can we sow?

We can sow our tithes, offerings, pledges and vows for church projects.
We can sow our time, treasures and talents in evangelism, visitation, follow-up or other duties in God’s house.
We can go, give or groan for mission work.
We can give to support the poor and needy in the church and outside the church.

Attitude in giving - what should be our attitude in giving?

In all our giving, we ought to follow the following guidelines:

We should give sacrificially. God looks at the heart or motive of the giver rather that the size of the gift. The widow gave two mites which was all her living. The Macedonian believers gave out of their deep poverty (II Corinthians 8:1-4).
We should give willingly and cheerfully. We should count it a great privilege to give something back to Him who gave so much for us (II Corinthians 9:7; 8:12-15).
We should give regularly – “upon the first day of the week” (I Corinthians 16:2)
We should give systematically – “Let everyone of you lay in store” (I Corinthians 16:2).
We should give proportionately – “as God hath prospered him” (I Corinthians 16:2).
We should give without ostentation (Matthew 6:3).
We should give freely (Matthew 10:8).
We should give with simplicity of heart (Romans 12:8)
We should give appropriately – to meet the required needs adequately (Galatians 6:6-10).
We should give individually. Everyone is expected to give – the rich, the poor, husband, wife and children.

 

All these are exemplified in Christ

IMMEASURABLE POSSIBILITIES OF SOWING RIGHTLY

Galatians 6:9, 10; Philippians 4: 14-19; Romans 15:25-28

The immediate context of Galatians 6 gives several examples of sowing to the Spirit. When you bear another’s burdens, you are sowing to the Spirit (6:2). When you financially support faithful teachers of God’s Word, you are sowing to the Spirit (6:6). The larger context of the book of Galatians teaches us many ways to sow to the Spirit. Sowing to the Spirit involves Obedience to Scripture, Expressing Christ-like attitudes manifesting love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. When you choose to forgive and not harbour resentful feelings, you are sowing to the Spirit. When you bring your imagination and thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Jesus Christ, you are sowing to the Spirit (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). When you refuse to tell something negative about another person (even though it is true!), you are sowing to the Spirit. Each time you speak the truth, honour your word, pay your bills, offer praise to God for His goodness, you are sowing to the Spirit.

People sow to the flesh and reap corruption. Paul lists many practices that illustrate sowing to the flesh. Such things as marital unfaithfulness, sexual impurity, indecency, sensuality, involvement with the occult, hatred, quarrels, fits of temper, selfish ambition, dissension, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and allowing other things to take God’s place in our life are ways one sows to the flesh (Galatians5:19-21). Sowing to the flesh begins in the thought-life. Every time you hold a grudge, entertain an impure fantasy, wallow in self-pity, speak ill of another person, or fail to carry out your responsibilities through procrastination or laziness, you are sowing to the flesh. To be self-centred, critical of others, or envious of others is sowing to the flesh (Galatians 5:15, 26).

IMPERATIVE PATTERN FOR ABUNDANT REWARD

Malachi 3:8-12; Haggai 1: 8-9; II Corinthians 9:5-11; Acts 20:35

What you are tomorrow will depend on what you do today. Right now you are making choices that will affect the rest of your life. It is imperative that you sow good seeds of obedience. In the future, they will bloom into a harvest of righteousness, not just for you, but also for your children and grand-children. American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”

It is easy to become discouraged in doing good. The harvest often seems a long way off. But you must remind yourself of the importance of perseverance. God promises that you will reap if you don’t give up. Those in positions of influence are targeted by Satan because their sowing has the ability to touch many people.

CONCLUSION: 

God set laws in effect that govern life on earth, regulating choices and actions. It is called Cause and Effect. These laws are binding on mankind, in every sphere of life in time and eternity.

 Call to action: Renewed commitment to daily sowing of ‘good seeds’ in ‘good places’ in        ‘good time’.

COMMENDATION AND EXHORTATION TO UNITY IN THE CHURCH

MEMORY VERSE: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

In the last chapter of his epistle to the Romans, Paul the apostle exhorts the brethren to a practical life of unfeigned love as befitting saints. Paul posits standard scriptural guidelines that should characterize mutual relationship among brethren; the role of women in ministry and vehement warnings against the infiltration of false teachers.  In this epistle to the Corinthian Church, Paul the apostle acknowledges the effective work of grace in their lives and their endowment of charismatic gifts but then addressed the teething challenges of cleavages and divisions which could pose a stumbling block to the fellowship among brethren. He exhorts them on the dire need for profound unity. In the New Testament, the Church generally refers to the universal body of Christ which comprises: (i) all genuinely born again believers of all ages (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 3:10), (ii) the local church which is composed of Christian believers identified with a constituted body worshiping in one locality (Romans 16:1; Col.4:16; Acts 14:23), and (iii) the House churches, which were an assembly of brethren in Christian homes (1Corinthians 16:19; 14:23; Colossians 4:15).

Question 1: What is the meaning and significance of the Church?

By virtue of the fact that the church is a company of ‘called out’ saints (2 Corinthians 6:17), it is important for contemporary believers to live a separated and holy lives unto God (2 Corinthians 7:1; Isaiah 52:11; Romans 12:11); shine as light to the world (Matthew 5:16); influence their neighbourhood positively as the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13); and preach the gospel to save the lost with the mind of Discipling A Whole Nation (DAWN) (Luke 19:10; Mark 16:15,16; Matthew 28:19,20.)

1.

HE PURPOSE OF GODLY COMMENDATION

(1Corinthians 1:1-7; Philippians 2:19,20,25-30; 2Cor.3:1; 12:8; Luke 7:9; Mark 12:41-44)

At the time Paul the apostle wrote this epistle, it appeared that there were some at Corinth who questioned his apostleship (1 Corinthians 9:1,2) and vilified his person and ministry (2 Corinthians 10:10). Thus, Paul began by challenging this defective character as he asserts “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God…”. He made it clear that he had not taken this honour unto himself but by divine commission; it was therefore proper for him to magnify his office(Romans 11:13) when false teachers and their followers relished in running him down.  

It is instructive to observe that though this Corinthian Church was ridden with a lot of irregularities that needed to be corrected (1 Corinthians 1:11; 3:1-4; 5:1-3; 7:5; 8:1-5; 1Corinthians 10:1-10; 11:29-32), Paul began with an appreciation of their steadfastness, wisdom, charismatic gift and continual waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Question 2: What role does commendation play in Christian service?

Commendation in Christian service serves the following purposes. One, it is evidence that the believer’s service is being acknowledged either by the Lord or one’s spiritual leader (Revelation 2:2,3,8,9;  Rev.3:7 - 9; Mat.25:14,15,20- 23). Two, it is a source of encouragement to the believer, prompting him to do more in the Lord’s vineyard. Three, it presupposes the certainty of reward for an accomplished task. Four, when a faithful believer is being commended, it sends a warning signal to the callous and nonchalant brethren to wake up from their slumber.

 

THE PATTERN OF SCRIPTURAL EXHORTATION

  

 (1Cor.1:8-9; Acts 2:40; Acts 11:22-23; Acts 13:15; 27:22; 1Thessalonians 2:3,4,11; Jude 3; Hebrews 3:13; 13:22; Psalm 119: 89; )

After thanking God and commending the Corinthian brethren for their unwavering faith, perseverance and charismatic gifts, apostle Paul went further to exhort them on the need to cultivate the spirit of unity (1 Corinthians 1:10). He also identifies the faithfulness of God (1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Question 3: What is exhortation? Enumerate its functions among believers today.

Exhortation is a life-transforming admonition often used to build up the faith of believers. It could also be used as a soul-winning tool. It aims at strengthening believers with their walk with God. It is one of the gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12:6-8). A prayerful exhortation has the capacity to accomplish the following: (i) convert sinners (Acts 2:40,41); (ii) motivate brethren to continue in the faith (Acts 11:22-24; 14:22); (iii) reproduce the mind of Christ in believers (Philippians 2:5); (iv) stir up the gift of the Spirit that is latent in saints (2 Timothy 1:6); (v) equip believers to become law-abiding citizens (Titus 2:9); (vi) make believers to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3); (vii) warn the unruly in the church and help them to be disciplined; (viii) stir up believers to intercede for the nation and secular leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4); (ix) prepare believers for a blameless life in readiness for the rapture

(1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 John 3:1-3); (x) maintain constant fellowship among brethren (Hebrews 10:25; Malachi 3:16), among others.

3.

THE PRIORITY AND POWER OF SCRIPTURAL UNITY

(1 Corinthians 1:10-17; Ephesians 4:3; Romans 16:17; 1 John 5:6,7; Philippians 1:27; Galatians 3:28; John17:21,23; Psalm 133:1-3; Matthew 12:25; 18:19; 1 Peter 3:8-11; Ephesians 4:16)

Believers in Christ are bound together in one brotherhood by ties of the blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the love of God shed abroad in the heart (John 17:21). The unity of the body of Christ is not negotiable. The apostle sought to resolve the divisions found in the Church when he questioned rhetorically, “Is Christ divided?” Disunity in the Church is always the evidence of corruption, worldliness, backsliding and imperfect Christian experience.

Question 4: Give reasons for the importance of unity in the body of Christ.

The importance of unity in the Church cannot be over-emphasized. One, it is exemplified in the Trinity or the Godhead. Two, it is perfectly expressed in the two ordinances of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16,17), and water baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13). Three, it was demonstrated in the early Church as a pattern for all Christians in all ages (Acts 2:44-46; 4:32- 35). Four, Christ prayed and paid for it (John 17:21- 23). The responsibility of every believer is: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Today, there are people who claim to be Christians; yet, they regard membership of a local church as an additional burden.

Question 5: How can members maintain unity in the body of Christ?

To maintain unity in the church, members must experience a purging of the heart from all divisive tendencies of bigotry, tribalism, superiority/inferiority complex, class consciousness etc. Church leaders and members must mark those who cause divisions and avoid them. Again, we must recognize our need of one another. We must be willing to submit to one another, share our burdens and resources together and pray for one another. However, it is important to note that this unity is not the same as unification, uniformity or ecumenism and the unequal yoke these may engender. Christian unity is the situation where our differences and diversities are swallowed up by the love of God in the believers’ hearts so that each member finds and takes his rightful place in the body of Christ (Psalm 133;  Galatians 3:28).

Question 6: (a) Differentiate between Christian unity and human organizational unity (b) State the basis of true unity.

Man’s attempt to bring together all those who profess faith in Christ into one human organization with multitudes of people who know nothing about being born again and freedom from sin is not the Bible unity which Christ prayed and died for. Christian unity can only be realized when we are truly saved and sanctified. True believers cannot find unity with those who hate the Lord (2 Chronicles 19:2).

Question 7: What are the benefits of Christian unity?

Unity provides grounds for the function, expression and manifestation of God-given gifts and abilities. It provides security and satisfaction. Other benefits of believers’ unity include: corporate power and anointing for victorious living and ministry, effective ministry within the body, growth of the body and blessing of eternal life with Christ in heaven (John 17:24).

THE UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTIVE UNION

Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:22-33

In the early Church they did not have to do seminars about marriage and family, love and romance. They didn’t need to. They simply took the words of the apostles. What God said in the Bible was enough for them. How things have changed since then. Marriage is now being redefined. The pressure of society is getting on Christian couples, many of who are now reacting to issues within their marriage in carnal, worldly ways. What they see on television, read in the newspapers, or see their friends in the world do affect their decision on issues arising in their marriage. The Church is under pressure to accept the new marriage definition. But as Christians we must affirm that true marriage is one between a man and a woman who leave their relatives to cleave to each other. It is a timeless, as well as a timely institution designed to fulfill God’s creative plans and purposes. In light of this, Christian couples should learn how to cultivate love, growth and maturity in their marriage, knowing that they are fulfilling the will of God. The family is a place where love can be shared. It is a place where members can be shielded, protected, heard, supported, and understood. It is the only place where children can be properly and effectively loved, nurtured and sent into society as stable, strong and able.

Family In the Light Of Holy Scriptures

Men And Women Created In God’s Image (Gen.1:26-28)

Man Must Leave Father and Mother and Cleave To Wife (Gen.2:21-25)

Godly Children Should Be Brought Forth By The Union (Gen.1:27-28; 18:17-19)

The Family’s Sanctifying Purpose (1Cor.7:1-4)

The Union In God’s Purpose Is Unbreakable (Mark 10:2-9)

We have to constantly state and restate the definition of Biblical marriage. Biblical marriage, the only true marriage is between male and female. God designed each to fulfill the role for which He has created them. Any union between two people of the same sex is simply a gratification of unnatural lust of the flesh. Such union does not and cannot  fulfill the purpose and plan of God.

God made men and women in His own image and likeness (Gen.1:26-28). Every feature of the male body, every feature of the female body was designed by God for a purpose.

The man must leave father and mother and cleave to his wife (Gen.2:21-25) – the couple must leave their relatives and establish their own nuclear family where they can have and raise their own children, thus fulfilling God’s purpose.

Why do we marry? We marry (i) because we love (ii) because we want to be helped to love. The married couple can extend love to other people, (i) to their own children, (ii) then to many other people who interact with them. If marriage is weakened as society is attempting to do, there will be serious implications for the mutual belonging, care and love exercised within the community at large.

When children are born to the couple, joy overflows and the love of God which started at conception is shown again.

Why do we marry? To preserve purity. Marriage is designed to have a sanctifying effect. It is meant to keep the society pure. It removes ungodly sexual activity and preserves purity (1Cor.7:2).

Marriage is permanent. In God’s plan the marriage bond is unbreakable (Mark 10:2-9; Mat.19:4-9). Jesus did not give any ground for divorce as some people teach. How could He when all his preaching emphasized forgiveness – “Love one another”, “Bless those who curse you”, “Pray for those who despitefully use you”, “Reconcile with thy brother” "Go the extra mile"; "Turn the other check".

Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of the hearts of the people of Israel, but from the beginning of creation, it was not so. And we who live in Christ today have the grace of God that those people did not have as at that time (Titus 2:11).  When our marriages grow and mature in love, they bring glory to God who has instituted marriage. It will also confirm to the world that it is better to marry than to burn. True marriage union is a bond between a man and a woman, where the mans becomes the husband and the woman the wife.

Who is a husband and who is a wife?

HUSBAND – Eph.5:25-32

H – Helpmeet-Loving U – Unspotted S – Straight B – Blameless A – Assuring N – Non-compromising D – Devoted Friend

HUSBAND – Eph.5:25-32

H – Helpful U – Understanding S – Supportive B – Befriending A – Assisting N – Nourishing
D – Defending

WIFE – Proverbs 31:10-29

W – Well I – Informed F – Family E – Expert

WIFE – Psalm 144:12

W – Woman I – Influencing F – Future E – Excellencies

 

WIFE – 2Tim.1:5

W – Wise I – Influential F – Friendly E – Educator
These two roles when fulfilled properly will bring innumerable blessings to the couple and their children, and society at large. The couple would also have fulfilled the Purpose of God.

Fondness and Empathy of Married Partners

(Eph.5:22-33)

Find Joy In Your Distinctiveness (Gen.1:27; 2:24; psalm 139:13-15)

Find Joy In Looking After The Rights Of Your Beloved (Eph.5:22-33)

Wives Fulfill God’s Plan in Your Joyful Submission (Eph.5:22-24)

Husbands Fulfill God’s Plan in Your Sacrificial Love (Eph.5:25-32)

Why do we marry? We marry because we love and because we want to be loved and be helped to love. Husband and wife are both fulfilling this purpose of God. They should be fund of each other, love each other, feel for each other, honour each other, respect each other, protect each other, support each other to fulfill their God given roles.

Let me tell you the story of Sarah Edwards - wife of Jonathan Edwards, America's greatest theologian and the leader of the great awakening in 1700's. She loved God so much that at certain times God would come and fill her mind with sweet delights that she would do nothing but meditate on God.
Then Jonathan was working as his grandfather's assistance. Upon the death of his grandfather (Solomon Stoddard) he became the minister of the largest wealthiest congregation. Sarah's sweetness and Fellowship with Jesus help her to make their home so pleasant, their children never quarrelled like others. the husband was so much in love with her.  She made the home so agreeable and so desirable. No wonder the revival broke out in their congregation. They lived their lives on God's principles of Marriage - Ephesians 5.

Ephesians 5 couples are the happiest of all couples! (Eph.5:22-32)

Wife, if you will obey God and submit to your husband unquestioningly as unto the Lord, if you give him the place of honour, if you serve him at your best, build him up to be the man, make him honoured in the public, you will soon see that you have a hero in your hand, a centurion, a defender a true lover. You will find your deepest needs fulfilled by your husband without coercion. The man who wrote you love letters, or shall I say, love emails will manifest again!

Husband, if you will love your wife as Christ loved the Church, if you will give yourself for her, if you will defend her honour before men, if you will enhance her beauty; if you will nourish her; if you will cherish her as your own body, you will have whatsoever you will from her – her submission, her love,  her loyalty, all of herself. You will again find that woman you fell in love with at first sight!

Brothers and sisters we have to rejoice in the fact that God has made us different. Different in features, different in functions, different in thoughts. As a wife you will need to compliment your husband. As a husband you will need to compliment your wife. In this way we glorify God and bear a strong witness to the world.

Fate of Rejecting God’s Order of the Family

Genesis 1:27; 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Hosea 8:3, 7; Ephesians 5:3-7; 22-33

There is a pronouncement upon Israel for rejecting the commandments of God and following the way of Gentiles (Hos.8:3,7). This can, without fear of contradiction, be said of all the nations of the world rejecting God's commandments and His perfect plan for marriage and family. Nations are approving vanity, preferring things that are worthless to great institutions of God that bring social stability and advancement. They shall reap the consequences. God is not mocked. 

Every civilization in history has been built upon the institution of marriage.

Children have a right if at all possible to have a married mother and father involved in their upbringing.

In general the evidence shows that marriage provides a stability for adults and children which is hard to beat in terms of outcomes.

There is considerable evidence to show that marriage leads to better family relationships, less economic dependence, better physical health and longevity, improved mental health and emotional well-being and reduced crime and domestic violence.

By contrast sexual freedom and relationship breakdown cost Britain £100 billion annually...

Marriage is the only legal union which can naturally lead to children. It takes both a man and a woman to produce a baby. The fact that there is a natural link between sexual intimacy and procreation is what makes marriage distinctive and different. Redefining marriage will undermine this distinctness and difference and risks normalising the technological instrumentalisation of reproduction and increasing the number of families where there is confusion of biological, social and family identity (Banner of Truth)

In the beginning God created people male and female (Mat.19:4-6).

In the beginning there was no permission for divorce (Mark 10:11-12)

As the scripture have said, let no man deceive you (1 Cor.6:9-11; Eph.5:3-7; Rev.21:8;)

Hell is for all sinners who fail to repent. Have been born again. Do you know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom.3:23)? Do you know that the wages of sin is death, and that the soul that sinneth shall die (Rom.6:23; Ezekiel 18:4)? Do you know that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom.6:23)? Do you know that Christ has died for your sin (Rom.5:8)? Do your know that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom.10:13); Do you know you can repent and confess Jesus today and be joyfully saved (Rom.10:9-10)? Christ is calling you today, knocking at the door of your heart. you must let him in (Rev.3:20).