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TOPIC: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART I)
BIBLE TEXT: MATT. 5:1-5
MEMORY VERSE:DEUT. 11:18, “Therefore shall ye lay up these
my words in your heart and in your soul,
that they may be as frontlets between your
eyes”.
AIM: THAT WE MAY BE ABIDE IN THE LORD’S
TEACHINGS AND SERMONS
INTRODUCTION:
In today’s lesson, we shall carefully examine the
Lord’s sermon on the Mount and its application to our
faith in Christ. It is often said that the Sermon on the
Mount contains the principles of righteousness which are
meant to guide us in our daily living, therefore, all who
intend to make heaven must come to full knowledge of what
are the content of the Lord’s messages on the Mount and to
abide in them.
MATT. 5:3 BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
The phrase, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” here
simple means that state of “well-being” for those who have
humbly established relationship with God therefore,
dwelling in His love, care and presence. That for us to
receive such state of being, we must spiritually accept
the following conditions:
i) be guided by God’s ways and principles (John 6:35;
10:9; 14:6).
ii) Be guided by the scriptures (Matt. 22:29 John
20:9).
iii) Not being guided by the way of the world (John
15:19; 18:36; II Cor. 10:3).
In other words, the term “poor in the spirit” could simply
be interpreted as a state of being insufficient in the
spirit. Under this condition, the victim needs the guiding
grace of the Holy Spirit.
MATT. 5:4 THEY THAT MORN
We are said to mourn when we come to the level of
being grieved over out weakness in relation to God’s
standard of righteousness. It could also mean to mourn
over every sinful situation which is capable of grieving
our God. This could be put as a sign of sympathy because
of immorality and cruelty being manifested by the world
before the Almighty God (Luke 19:14; Acts 20:19; II Peter
2:9).
However, we could be comforted over our mourning the
moment we obtain our righteousness, peace and joy of God
in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17; Isaiah 32:17; Romans
15:13).
MATT. 5:5 THE MEEK
The “meek” in the Lord are those who are submissive
and humbled in their attitude before man and God. This set
of believers put their entire life trust in God not
minding any prevailing circumstance. The meek often are
more concerned over the affairs of God and His people than
their personal affairs. (Ultimately, the meek shall
inherit the earth not the aggressors of this life (Matt.
5:5; Psalm 37:11).
CONCLUSION
This lesson is meant for us to examine ourselves in
the light of the Word of God. It marks the commencement of
our series of studies in the Sermons delivered by the Lord
in the course of carrying our His mission on earth. As
earlier said in our aim above, the objective in this
teaching is for us to search through our lives and see
whether we are poor in the spirit, mourning or be meek set
of believers in Christ.
TOPIC: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART II)
BIBLE TEXT: MATT. 5:6
MEMORY VERSE: MATT. 6:33, “But seek ye first the Kingdom
of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you”.
AIM: THAT WE MAY CONDUCT OUR LIVES IN LIVES IN
THE LIGHT OF THE WORD
INTRODUCTION:
In our classes today, we shall examine further the
unique teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ in its second
part. Just as in our study last week, this week we shall
put ourselves on the scale of the Word of God and see
whether we are living according to the Lord’s teachings
and commandments.
MATT. 5:6 THEY WHICH HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS
This verse could be said to be one of the most
fundamental verses of the Sermon on the Mount based on the
followings:
i) Like the following men of God, one of the our basic
requirements should be to thirst for righteousness:
a) Moses (Ex. 33:13, 18);
b) David (Psalm 42:1-2; 63:1-2)
c) Apostle Paul (Phil. 3:10, Romans 6:3-5; 8:17-23)
It is often said that our spiritual condition of
“Christian life” will depend on how we are thirst
for:
i) God’s presence (Deut. 4:29; II Ch. 15:4; Neh.
1:9; Isa. 55:6,7)
ii) The Word of God (Ps. 119; I John 2:28; 3:9;
5:18; Luke 2:19; Psalm 31:3)
iii) The union of Christ (Phil. 3:8-10; Romans
10:3; 1;17; I Tim. 6:12; Heb. 3:1; I Cor. 2:6;
Gal. 5:10).
iv) The fellowship of the Holy Spirit (John
7:37-39; II Cor. 13:14; Romans 16:24; Phil. 2:1)
v) The Lord’s righteousness (Matt. 5:6; Isa. 55:1;
65:13)
vi) The Power of the Lord’s Kingdom (Matt.
6:10; Matt. 26:39; Acts 24:14; Psalm 103:20) and
vii) The return of the Messiah (II Tim. 4:8;
John 1:12; II Tim. 1:12).
ii) It is quiet obvious that our longing and thirsting
for the righteousness of God could be destroyed
because of worldly anxiety, deceitfulness of
wealth, desire for things which could easily lead
to unnecessarily life pleasures and failure to
remain in fellowship with Christ (Matt. 4:19; Luke
8:14; Matt. 13:22; John 15:4).
We die spiritually the moment the thirst for
righteousness is dead in our lives. Based on this
very fact, it is necessary for everyone of us to be
absolutely sensitive to the conviction of the Holy
Spirit on sin (John 16:8-13; Romans 8:5-6).
CONCLUSION
We can conclude today’s lesson with the acceptance of
the fact that this very verse (Matt. 5:6) is the stem of
the message of the Sermon on the Mount through which other
branches derive their meanings. Of course, if we lack the
spirit capable of helping us to be hungered and thirsty
for the righteousness of our God.
TOPIC: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART III)
BIBLE TEXT: MATT. 5:7-9
MEMORY VERSE: II SAM. 22:31, “As for God, His way is
perfect, the word of the Lord is tried: He
is a buckler to all them that trust in
Him”.
AIM: THAT WE TRUST IN THE WORD OF THE LORD.
INTRODUCTION:
Today marks the third week of our lessons on the
wonderful Sermon(s) of the Lord on the Mount which were
meant to reveal the true life an average believer should
lead while running the race set before us.
MATT. 5:7 THE MERCIFUL
We are called the merciful, if we are full of
compassion and pity towards any one who is suffering
either from his since or sorrow. Under this condition, we
tend to bring the sufferer to Christ where solution to
his/her sorrowfulness can be obtained (Matt. 18:23-35;
Luke 10:30-37; Heb. 2:17).
It is basic that in showing mercy to the suffering
ones we too shall be shown mercy.
MATT. 5:8 THE PURE IN HEART
The pure in heart are believers who are fully
delivered from the power of sin and are living now unto
their God. By His (God’s) grace, they can now strike
without deceit to please and glorify their God in every
situation. Like God, they hate evil and love righteousness
(Heb. 1:9). Such people’s hearts, which include their
minds, will and emotions are always in tune with the heart
of the Lord (I Sam. 13:14; Matt. 22:37; I Tim. 1:5)
We can only see God, the moment we are pure in our
hearts. Purity in the heart of a believer will enable
him/her to be God’s child and abides in His (God’s)
presence right now till eternity (Ex. 33:11; Rev. 21:7;
22:4).
MATT. 5:9 THE PEACE MAKERS
We are “peace-makers” the moment we have been
reconciled unto God. This enables us to have peace with
God the Father through the atonement made upon the Calvary
Cross (Romans 5:1; Eph. 2:14-16).
The moment we assume this status, being capable of
making peace, we must then endeavour to bring others to
God, even our worse enemies, through evangelism and
sharing of gifts.
CONCLUSION
This lesson is meant for our self-examination over
the fact that we must be merciful by showing mercy to
others in their sorrowful situation(s). We must possess a
heart capable of being in union with that of God which
hates anything evil and loves righteousness.
TOPIC: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART IV)
BIBLE TEXT: MATT. 5:10-13
MEMORY VERSE: JOHN 15:18, “If the world hate you, ye know
that it hated me before it hated you.”
AIM: THAT WE LEARN HOW TO ENDURE AFFLICTION
INTRODUCTION:
Our lesson today will be centered mostly on
persecutions and on reaction to various temptations the
world will put before us.
MATT. 5:10 THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED
It is certain that anyone who intends to live a life
capable of pleasing God must face one persecution or the
other because of righteousness. We stand to be rejected,
unpopular and criticized, the moment we decide to uphold
God’s standards of truth, justice and purity. In other
words, if we refuse to accept compromise based on the
“life styles” of the present evil society which could even
be amidst lukewarm believers we are destined to face
persecution (Rev. 2; 3:1-4, 14-22).
BASIC FACTS ABOUT PERSECUTION
The following facts should always be considered when
it comes to Biblical persecution:
i) Persecution will always come from the
unbelieving world (Matt. 10:22, 24:9; John 15:19).
ii) Persecution at times could be experienced within
the professing Church members (Acts 20:28-31; II
Cor. 11:3-15; II Tim. 1:15; 3:8-14; 4:16).
iii) When passing through persecution, we should
rejoice over it (Matt. 5:12).
iv) The most persecuted Christians are bound to
receive the highest blessings from God (II Cor.
1:5; II Tim. 2:12; I Pet. 1:7; 4:13).
v) On no account should we compromise with the
world simply because we want to avoid being put to
shame, embarrassed or at loss (Matt. 10:33; Mk.
8:38; Luke 9:26; II Tim. 2:12) and
vi) It is basic that the principles of God’s Heaven
have not changed and will never change. As we
intend to lead an acceptable life before God, we
will surely be persecuted (II Tim. 3:12).
Heavenly rewards and possessions of the Lord’s
Kingdom are meant for persecuted believers.
MATT. 5:13 THE SALT OF THE EARTH
In spite of our persecution from the world, we are
still expected to live as the “salt” of this very earth.
Normally, salt is meant to give flavour and preserve an
item from corruption or decay. Based on this Scripture, we
are the salt of the earth and as such must preserve it so
as to avoid it going bad, even in the midst of
persecutions! If we lost our moral value, we shall be
thrown away together with our families (Rev. 3:15-16;
Deut. 28:13, 43, 48; Judges 2:20-22).
CONCLUSION
This study lesson should encourage us to endure
afflictions of any sort knowing that they are for a moment
(Rev. 2:11,17,26).
TOPIC: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART V)
BIBLE TEXT: MATT. 5:17
MEMORY VERSE: I TIM. 1:8, “But we know that the law is
good, if a man use it lawfully.”
AIM: SO AS TO ENABLE US KNOW THE EXTENT OF THE
WORK OF GRACE.
INTRODUCTION:
In our various classes today, we shall examine some
facts about the law of God. The word “law” came from Greek
and Hebrew words called “nomos” and torah” respectively
and simply means “teaching” or “direction”. The law can be
said to mean the ten (10) commandments or any other law
mentioned in the Old Testament.
MATT. 5:17 ABOLISHING THE LAW
It is quite out of order, if any teacher of the Bible
teaches that the Lord’s coming has automatically put the
law into non-effect. Of course, it is dangerous to stop at
this level too, when talking about the law in Christ’s
era. To us, what the New Testament is referring to here in
the text is that believers in Christ have to fulfill the
Lord’s law demands in the spiritual form unlike the
physical fulfillment of the Mosaic era. In other words,
the Messiah’s intention, according to the sermon on the
mount, is that his followers meet the requirements of the
law fulfillment, moreso in the spirit (Romans 3:31; 8:4).
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE LAW AND THE BELIEVERS
Our relationship to the law of God and its
fulfillment could be summarized as follows:
i) it is basic that we are obliged to obey ethical
and moral principles of the past (Matt. 7:12;
22:36:40; Romans 3:31; Gal. 5:14; Ex. 20:2).
ii) It is obvious that the laws reveal the will and
nature of God for the entire humanity, even
today. However, the fact still remains that they
were applicable directly to the nation of Israel
and could be classified along the following
lines:
a. Sacrificial;
b. Ceremonial; and
c. Social or civil laws
iii) It is basic that these laws are no longer
binding on us though were written for our
admonition towards our spiritual progress (II
Tim. 3:16; Heb. 10:1-4; Lev. 1:2-3; 24:10; Rom.
3:19-22)
iv) We should not accept the laws as a system of
legal commandment capable of helping us to
obtain merit for remission of our sins and
subsequent freedom from eternal condemnation
(Gal. 2:16, 19). The law should rather be seen
as a moral code of the saved, who by obeyed it
portray the life of their Messiah in them
(Romans 6:15-22).
v) As believers, our relation through faith in
Christ automatically qualifies us for the
position of sonship (John 1:12). Based on this
very fact, our obedience toward law is made
possible because our father is the same law-
giver. Of course, the Father-sons-Relationship
would not allow us to be punished by our father,
that is if we wonder not out of faith in Christ
(Gal. 4:6).
vi) Biblically, it is through faith in Christ that
we are given inner compulsion and power to meet
the demands of God’s law (Romans 16:25-26; Heb.
10:16).
vii) It is a basic fact for one to say that our
ability to satisfy God comes only through the
assistance of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4-14).
It is only the Holy Spirit that has the power to
help us to crucify the deeds of the flesh and to
be able to fulfill God’s will (Romans 8:13;
Matt. 7:21). We are said to be in conformity
with God’s law, if we show evidence of inner
transformation of our hearts and spirit (Matt.
5:21-28).
viii) As People freed from power of sin, we are now
subject only to Christ’s law through faith
(Romans 6:18-22) and it is also basic that by
practicing faith in obedient entire law and its
requirements (Gal. 6:2; Romans 7:4; 8:4; Gal.
3:19; 5:16-25).
ix) It is obvious that our Lord Jesus Christ wants
us to do the will of God in order to meet the
Kingdom’s demands (Matt. 7:21-27; 19:16-26;
25:31-46) and
x) It could also be emphatically said that our
salvation is made possible through faith and
repentance in Christ or God’s grace to humanity
(Eph. 2:8; Romans 3:24; 9:30; Deut. 9:5; Titus
3:5; I Cor. 1:29).
CONCLUSION
This lesson is not meant to encourage us to continue
any longer in sin(s) simply because Christ is there. It is
simply rather meant to reveal to us the extent of God’s
love in Christ toward us. If we sin while in Christ, “we
lie to our souls and He (Christ) is not in us (John 8:40-
44).
TOPIC: SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART VI) DATE: ………………………
B/TEXT: MATT. 5:19-22
M/V: JN- 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall
abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's
commandment, and abide in his love."
AIM: THAT WE MAY WALK IN THE LORD'S COMMANDMENT
INTRODUCTION:
As our studies on the Sermon on the Mount continue, we
shall examine further instructions on the Lord's teachings on
Christians' comportment and edification.
MATT. 5:19, GREAT IN THE LORD'S KINGDOM
This verse in our text is revealing to us that our
individual positions in the forth-coming Kingdom will be
determined by our positiveness towards God's word and how we
teach and practice therein. That the higher our degree of
faithfulness towards the commandments of God, the greater the
degree of our glory in the Kingdom to come (Matt. 5:19; II
Cor. 5:10; Matt, 25:21,23; I Cor. 4:2-5; Lk.12:48; Jn.5:24;
Rm.8:l; Mk. 4:22; Rm.2:16; Matt. 12:36-37; Eph.6:8; I Cor.
4:5; Col. 3:18; 4:1; I Cor. 3:13).
MATT. 5:20, UNLESS YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
The Lord here was primarily referring to the
righteousness of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law
which was only external. They were good in reading of the
words, Beaching the law, praising and praying to God, attended
services, but their inner attitudes were poor and not in
conformity with their outward acts. The Lord made this
statements t£ confirm that our righteousness must supersede
what the Pharisees were practising. Unlike the Jewish leaders
(Pharisees), our outward deeds must be in line with the will
of God in faith and love (Mark 7:6-7; Isa. 29:13).
MATT. 5:22 ANGRY...RACA... FOOL
It is quiet obvious in giving interpretations to this
very verse that the Lord was not speaking against our anger at
those who are wicked and unjust (Jn 2:13-17). Simply, He was
against a vindictive (spiteful) anger capable of desiring the
death of the victim. The word "Raca" as applied in this
context could be said to mean an "empty-headed fool". To call
a person an "empty-headed-fool" in the course of anger, could
easily lead to condemnation in Hell Fire (Matt. 5:22; Ecc.7:9;
I Cor. 13:5).
C O N C L U S I O N
This week's study is meant for us to live a comported
type of Christian life. In other words, our righteousness
must be the type which has to portray the image of Christ in
our inner being. Anger should not lead us into exchange of
abusive words!
TOPIC: SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART VII) DATE: …………………………
B/TEXT: MATT. 5:27 – 31
M/V: MATT. 5:28, "but I say unto you, that whosoever
looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery
with her already in his heart."
AIM: THAT WE LEARN ABOUT THE LORD'S TEACHING ON BELIEVERS’
COMPORTMENT
INTRODUCTION
Simon Peter in support to the Master's teachings on
comportment emphasized that some will develop what he
described as the spirit of "immorality" mostly in their
relationship with women. They will develop the attitude of
the Sodomites (Gen.19: 4-11) in spite of the Lord's stern
warnings on such act as adultery (II Pet. 2:10-22; Prov,
26:11). Realising that the condemnation of disobedient
people shall be great, we ought to abide in the principles
of the Lord's special teachings on Christians' decent life-
style popularly known as the "Sermon on the Mount".
MATT. 5:28 LOOKETH ON A WOMAN TO LUST
What the. Lord meant here was not condemnation to a
sudden thought which the devil usually places on the heart of a
man towards a woman or vice versa. It is simply referring to
an Approval of anybody to such evil thought. It can also be
termed as one desiring to fulfil the evil desire, assuming
the opportunity arises. In summary, one's inner desire for
illicit sexual act, if not resisted, but contemplated, is sin
(Prov.6:25; Matt. 5:28; II Pet. 5:14-17).
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OPPOSITE SEX IN CHRISTIANTY
The Lord during His earthly ministry prayed that we love
one another (Jn. 15:12). This was simply referring to the
pure moral love of caring and assisting one another. It is
often observed that some went to the extend of lusting one
against another, which often come as a result of unnecessary
viewing of the body of the opposite sex. We should be
particularly careful to stay clear from all scenes of
immorality such as those usually shown on the screens,
pornographic materials, literature and some Other work of arts
(I Cor 6:15,18; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:5; II Tim.
2:22; Tit. 2:12; Heb. 13:4; Jam. 1:14; I pet. 2:11; II Pet.
3:3; I Jn. 2:16).
To avoid adultery/fornication, both sexes have
responsibility to play. Under this condition a Christian
sister must be careful not to dress in a way that will attract
people's attention to her body, thereby creating room for
sexual lust. This is also applicable to a brother.
Biblically, carelessness in dressing is sin (I Tim. 2:9; Gal.
5:13; Eph. 4:27; Tit. 2:11-12; Matt. 5:28; I Pet. 3:1-3).
C O N C L U S I O N
In these days of sexual permissiveness, we should dress;
modestly seeing the world throwing away purity and godly
restraint (Rom. 6:13-19; 7:5; 12:1-2; II Cor. 5:14-15; I Pet.
2:24).
TOPIC: SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART VIII) DATE: ……………………
B/TEXT: MATT. 5:31
M/V: LK.16:18 "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and
marrieth another, committed adultery: and whosoever, marrieth
her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."
AIM: THAT WE LEARN HOW TO ABIDE IN GOD'S COMMANDMENTS
INTRODUCTION:
Today's lesson marks another strong theme in our
study-programmes from the Lord's Sermon on the Mount which
has “Christian-comportment" as its main theme.
MATT. 5:31 D I V O R C E
The will of God for our marriages has been for us to be
one throughout our life-time on earth, the moment we are
joint together in marriage (Matt. 19:5-6; Gen. 1:27; 2:24;
Mk.l0:6). Based on this very fact concerning oneness,
whosoever that puts division into any marriage commits sin.
For long time now, Bible scholars have been giving a lot of
interpretations to the case of divorce. Some say, if the
woman commits adultery, she should be put away for that was
what the Messiah meant in the teaching in Matt. 19:9. This
opinion would have been accepted as been interpreted, but two
good questions on this interpretation ought to have been
taken into consideration as well: (i) What should be done, if
the offender happens to be the brother in the said marriage?
(ii) Did Christ really say the woman should be put away
because of fornication or adultery? The third question would
have been: What is adultery? And probably too, what is
fornication? To answer the first question on the offending
brother, we have not seen a clear command from the New
Testament instructing on the type of punishment as to
relation to termination of the marriage, except in the Old
Testament law where the commandment says that the brother and
the woman (the adulteress) should be put to death (Ex. 20:14;
Lev. 18:20; 20:10*; Deut. 5:18). In the New Dispensation,
any unbelieving partner in marriage has right to go, if
he/she so desires, according to Apostle Paul. Well, this
type of divorce is based on belief and not on adultery, per
se, because some may not necessarily believe, but may lead a
sound moral life-style capable of being free from adultery.
Of course, the issue of a departing unbelieving partner is
quiet different from that of adulterous believing wife or
husband completely.
Going further into the issue of fornication and adultery,
it will be ideal thing for us to look into their respective
meanings. According to Chambers 20th Century Dictionary,
fornication and adultery mean "Voluntary sexual intercourse
between the unmarried ...." and "Violation of the marriage-
bed” respectively. With these definitions, we could see that
fornication can only come to play, if two unmarried people
illicitly meet together in sex while adultery comes in when
two married people or one married and the other not come to-
gether for the same purpose.
Now, with the above definitions, the big question
could be centred on: How can a married woman, according to
the interpretation of the Scholars, commit fornication
moreso judging from the fact that the Lord was using the
two words (fornication and adultery) interwovenly. Taking
into cognizance the Lord's meticulousness and precision
when it comes to words selection in communication! If
properly studied, one will surely come to revelational
knowledge of the fact that when it comes to interpretation
of the Holy Bible, dispensation and culture of the primary
audience of the message have to be considered. We should
bear in mind that the Jewish customs and tradition
permitted the idea of having an "espoused wife" as could
be seen in the case of Mary, the Lord's Mother and Joseph
(Lk.2:4-5). Under this condition, of course, the husband
and the wife are .said to be under mutual promise, but not
yet coming together as In the manner of proper marriage.
With this condition, if any of them falls into illicit
sexual relationship, he/she deserves to be put away
because of fornication. Of course, it is fornication in
the sense that proper marriage has not been constituted.
This was exactly what the Lord was referring to while
giving explanations to the Jews on divorce. The next
question now is: Can a properly married woman commit
fornication? The answer is "NO" seeing that the word
(fornication) is only applicable to unmarried people or
the espoused ones. If this fact can be spiritually
reasoned with, we then can accept the fact that a sister
who commits fornication/adultery ought to be punished by
the Church only. This is also applicable to, any brother
who errs in the same direction according to I Cor. 5, so
that such sin will not lead to pollution of the Church of
God and final destruction of the victim in hell. In a
situation in which the erring brother/sister refuses to
repent, the Church has right to expel the same, but not
separating anybody from his/her marital partner (Matt.
19:6). If any brother/sister forces his or her partner
out of marriage, the same should stay without marriage (I
Cor. 7:10-11; Mal.2:14-16; Lk.16:18).
CONCLUSION
It is observed that the issue of divorce has been a
controversial one for long time now. We are appealing to
everybody who will come across this outline to think
spiritually while reading by bearing in mind that the Holy
Bible was written metaphorically, socially and politically
correct therefore, culture and dispensation of the first
audience must be taken into consideration before we will
be able to understand certain things. Let think of a
situation in which they told the Messiah that Moses in the
past commanded them to divorce their erring wives and the
Lord told them that it all came as a result of their type
of people (culture), but not according to God's divine
order. In other words, God is commanding us not to put
away our wives, once we are married (Mal. 2:14-16,
Lk.16:18; I Cor. 7:10-11).
TOPIC: SERMON ON THE MOUNT (IX) DATE: ...............
B/TEXT: MATT. 5:33 - 48
M/V: JN. 15:14, “Ye are my friends, if ye do
whatsoever I command you."
AIM: THAT WE ABIDE IN THE LORD'S COMMANDMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Today's lesson marks the end of our studies on the
Sermon on the Mount in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Saint
Matthew. Just as in the previous related studies, we
shall continue to look into the Lord's wonderful sermons
which were centred on Christian-life-style.
MATT. 5:33 - 37 OATHS
Here (verses 33-37) we could see our Lord Jesus
Christ giving a commandment that all believers should not
swear at-all, no matter the circumstance (Matt. 5:33-37;
Jm. 5:12).
MATT. 5:38 - 42 AN EYE FOR AN EYE
It is noted here that the law of Moses was in support
of vengeance (Ex. 21:23-24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21), but
Christ said-no to vengeance when He was teaching on
believers' relationship with offenders (Lk. 6:29; Rm.
12:16-19; I Pet. 3:8-9). In other words He was demanding
that we (believers) should keep peace with everybody and
be of help to all, our enemies inclusive, if such need
arose (Deut. 15:7-11; Lk. 6:30).
MATT. 5:43 - 48 LOVE FOR OUR ENEMIES
In the Old Testament the people were advised to
severe their relationship with those that hated them. In
our dispensation, Christ is rather teaching us contrary to
the above condition. The Master's basic intention is that
we should endeavour to maintain peace with everybody on
earth without any condition. That by so doing, we tend to
emulate our heavenly Father - God who causes His rains and
sun to fall and shine for believers and unbelievers alike
(Rm. 12:14-21). According to the Sermon, if we love only
those who love us, what is the difference between us and
the unbelievers who practise the same. Therefore, as
God's chosen children, it is mandatory for us to copy our
Father's style of perfect work (Matt. 5:48; Lev. 19:2;
11:44-45; I Pet.1:16).
CONCLUSION
The summary of our lesson today could be hinged on
the fact that the Lord's decision is that none of us
should keep enmity with anybody, not even with the
unbelievers of this world. In other words, we should run
the race with a perfect life-style of bearing no malice
against anybody (Rm. 12:14-21).
TOPIC: PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS DATE: …………………………
B/TEXT: MATT. 25:1-13
M/V: Ps. 78:2 “I will open my mouth in a parable I
will utter dark sayings of old."
AIM: AS TO ENABLE US LEARN THE SECRET THINGS OF GOD
INTRODUCTION
Today marks the genesis of our studies in the Lord's
parables. The Parable of the Ten Virgins is one of the
most popular parables of our Lord Jesus Christ and needed
to be considered and studied by all who believe in the
Lord because of its uniqueness among Biblical parables.
By the grace of God, the Holy Spirit shall grant us the
necessary wisdom which will enable us to interpret the
Parable of the Ten Virgins perfectly in Jesus Name. Amen.
MATT. 25:1 THE TEN VIRGINS
This parables is meant to emphasize on the fact that
we should take daily stock of our spiritual development in
the light of the Lord's Second Coming at an unannounced
and unexpected hour. For us to be received by the coming
Messiah, during His Second Advent, we must persevere in
faith in each of the hours as each day passes on. If we
fail to maintain a sound union with the Master till His
Second Coming, we would be completely excluded from
everlasting Kingdom/Lord's presence This piece of advice
is worthy of consideration by all professing Christians .
MATT. 25:2 THE FOOLISH AND THE WISE VIRGINS
In verse 2, we noticed that five out of the ten
virgins were foolish while five were wise. The
classification" (differentiation) of the virgins was made
possible in the sense that five of them could not
recognise the fact that their expected Lord could come
unexpectedly, seeing that He could not be preceede4 by any
unmistakable and specific observable signs (Matt.
24:36,44; 25:13).
THE OILThe oil in this parable could be interpreted to mean
the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives which could
lead us to true faith, righteousness and devotion. It
helps to put us in a state of preparedness to avoid the
danger of the Lord's coming at unforeseeable time (Lk.
21:19; Matt. 24:36,44). In the real sense of it, waiting
for the Lord's Second Advent without the Holy Spirit's
leading and controlling our daily Christian conducts is as
equal as holding a lamp without fuel or oil in it while
hosting an important personality.
MATT. 25:5-13 THEY ALL SLUMBERED AND SLEPT
The characteristic of slumbering and sleeping spirit
was common to both the "wise" and the "foolish" virgins
because their Lord tarried according to verse 5. This
could signify a period of weakness in faith, but the
believers with the Holy Spirit will not be completely put
off by the vices of the devil since their Spiritual Lamp
will be burning until the Master comes.
CONCLUSION
This parable is one of the parables every Christians
should constantly look into in order to strike a balance
in his/her spiritual life. One basic fact about the.
parable was that the ten characters in it were virgins, a
sign of perfection from the beginning, but five were
"foolish" while five were "wise". Of course, everybody in
the Church is a believer, but some are foolish believers
who will never accept the leading of the Holy Spirit of
the Lord. Every student in this study should endeavour to
reason with the Spirit of God in being faithful in the
House of God bearing in mind that 50% will be lost while
50% will be gained according to the ratio in this parable.
The basic question now being: Who will be wise and who
will be foolish? Let's think about it now.
TOPIC: THE SOWER AND THE SOILS DATE: ...............
B/TEXT: MK. 4:3-8, 14-20
M/V: MATT. 11:15, "He that hath ears to hear, let him
hear.”
AIM: THAT WE MAY EXAMINE OUR ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE
WORD OF GOD, WHEN PREACHED
INTRODUCTION
This parable is meant to encourage us to accept the
Word of God with carefulness. If we study the lesson
according to the purpose the Lord had in mind before
teaching on the Parable of the sower, it is quite obvious
that our attitudes towards Bible reading, Sunday School
and acceptance of Biblical commands will change for better
(Ps. 119:105).
MK. 4:3 A SOWER (FARMER) WENT OUT TO SOW
The Lord used the parable to demonstrate how the
degree of acceptance of the gospel of light and life will
be in the World. The Parable of the Sower can be viewed
from the following angles:
i) that one's conversion and fruitfulness will depend
on his/her attitude towards the Word of God (Mk
4:14; Jn. 15:1-10);
ii) that the world will accept the Word of God with
mixed reaction. According to verse 5 of our text,
some will hear and will never understand. Some
will believe and be given the salvation of the Lord
quite alright, but will later fall away and some
will accept the truth and abide in it thereby bear
fruit in varying stages (Mk. 4:16-19, 20); and
iii) that the enemies of the Truth are the devil,
worldliness, riches and pleasure of this earth (Mk.
4:15, 19; Matt. 19:23; I Tim. 6:9,10,17; I Jn.
2:15-17).
MK. 4:15-17 TAKEN AWAY THE WORD
The message here in these verses are referring to an
incomplete conversion. This can be possible if one seeks
for forgiveness, but could not experience actual touch of
the Holy Ghost which is the agent of regeneration process.
Of course, these set of believers, though in the Church,
always fail to show genuine commitment in things of God
and perfect separation from the system of the world. They
often want minister to preach according to their personal
belief, not in accordance with the doctrines of the Bible.
This type of salvation could be classified as "half-way
salvation" which could be as a result of:
i) the inability of the Church to communicate
perfectly to the seeker, what the gospel's demands
are (Matt. 22:29; Jn. 20:9);
ii) failure by the Church to deal with the new
convert's demonic case genuinely (Mk.16:15-17;
Matt. 10:18; 12:22-29);
iii) the seeker believing only in mind, but refuses to
give his/her hearts, which is his innermost being
and an individual's personality (Acts 2:37; II Cor.
4:6);
iv) the seeker fails to repent with sincerity by
turning away completely from sin (Matt. 3:2; Acts
8:18-23).
v) the new convert wishes to accept Christ as his/her
Saviour, of course, in time of trouble only and
wouldn't like to accept Him as his/her Lord (Matt.
13 20-21); and
vi) the seeker's faith being based on persuasive human
words instead of the demonstration of God's Power
in the Word of God through the Authority of the
Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:4-5) .
CONCLUSION
This parable stands as a Scale of the Word of God on
which we have to weigh our salvation. To avoid being
driven away by the Lord, because of lack of genuine
repentance ye must seek genuine repentance (Matt. 25:40-
41; Isa. 66:24i 23; Ps. 6:8).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS
B/TEXT: MARK 12:1-12
M/V: MATT. 21:40, "When the Lord therefore of the
vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those
husbandmen?"
INTRODUCTION
The parable of the tenants depicts the rejection of
the Messiah by the children of Israel during the first
advent. The parable came initially to correct the
situation in which they turned God's Kingdom into their
private possession and became contemptuous in their
attitudes by disobeying God's Words from the mouths of the
former prophets and their refusal to accept the only
begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. This
same attitude could be seen in the churches which have
decided to set aside the doctrines of Christ and the
teachings of the Apostles thereby building an empire based
on human ideologies and church-doctrines.
MARK 12:1 THE TENANTS
Just as stated above, this parable pictures the
rejection of Jesus by the Jews. It was observed that the
people decided to use the glory of God for construction of
"self-glorious-Empire" like any other nation who has no
God, without being obedient to the commandments of God
(Mk. 12:1; Lk. 20:9).
MARK 12:10 THE REJECTED STONE
The rejected stone in this parable is referring to
our Lord Jesus Christ, whom the builders of the Jewish
nation decided to set aside. Being the capstone or the
cornerstone, of God's new plan - the Church, the Lord was
malhandled and killed when the wicked people realise that
He was the real Heir of the Kingdom of God, unlike the
past prophets (Acts 4:11-12; Ps. 118:22).
This very experience could be compared with any
Church which has decided to set the doctrines of the Bible
aside by building a Church doctrines which are not in line
with the original teachings forgetting that the same Word,
now being rejected will certainly judge her at the close
of everything (Jn. 5:22, 30, 9:39; 12:47-48).
CONCLUSION
The main objective of this parable is to help us
check and balance our belief in the Lord. Every Church or
individual who has decided to throw aside the teachings
and commandments of the Lord which could be classified as
His word, will certainly be judged and condemned by the
same word, the Church or the individual' s popularity not
withstanding (Jn. 12: 47-48 ; 14:15)!
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON DATE: .......
B/TEXT: LUKE 15:11-32
M/V: Lk. 15:15, "And he went and joined himself to a
citizen of that country; and he sent him into
his fields to feed swine."
AIM: THAT WE BACKSLIDE NOT
INTRODUCTION
This parable expresses the main reason for the Lord's
mission on earth. This is what we can say to be Saint
lake's main theme: "That Son of Man came to seek and save
what was lost." The parable of the prodigal son describes
God's to save humanity which was lost. It is obvious that
seeking all lost sinners to bring all to redemption rings
utmost importance in the Heart of God (Lk. 15:4,8,20,24;
Ps. 119:176; Jere. 31:10; Eze. 34:11-16; Lk. 5:32; 19:10).
LUKE 15:13 SET OFF FOR A FAR COUNTRY
This verse (13) of our text indicates that a life of sin
and selfishness, in the right sense of it, means a
separation from the care, authority and fellowship of God.
Every backslider is like the prodigal son who because of
the pleasure of sin wasted the blessed wealth of the
father which could be classified as physical, intellectual
and spiritual gifts given by God. He ended up being
disillusioned (downgraded) and sorrowful. He was ignorant
of the fact that true and real life could only be found,
if only he could maintain a sound relationship with his
father. Of course, this is a common practice with most Of
us who, think that we can succeed in this life without God
channelling our programme of progress. We go about
counting on personal abilities and efforts!
LUKE 15:17 HE CAME TO HIS SENSES
Coming back to his senses means that before a
backslider pan come back to God, he must first of all
realise the state of life he/she is. That is the state of
slavery to sin (Lk. 15:14-17). Understanding his
condition, the backslider humbly returns to God through
confession and acceptance of the will of the Father who is
ever ready to forgive. Of course, the Holy Spirit is the
only force that can bring back a backslider to the state
of realisation (Lk. 15:17-19; Jn. 16:7-11; 14:16,26).
THE ATTITUDE OF THE FATHER OF THE PRODIGAL SON
The description of the attitude of the Father of the
prodigal son presents the following Biblical facts:
i) that the Lord's compassionate mind was extended to
the lost man because of man's sorrowful condition
(II Sam. 24:14; Isa. 63:9; Matt. 9:13; Rm.11:23-
29; Tit. 3:5; Jm. 5:11);
ii) the love of God towards us is so great that He
never ceases to grieve and long for our return (II
Pet. 3:9; Hab. 2:3; I Tim. 2:4; Rev. 2:21);
iii) when we sincerely return to God after realising
our state of backsliding, God is always eager to
accept us back with compassion based on His
endless love (Jn. 1:12; 3:16); and
iv) that God's joy over a return of a sinful son can
never be estimated (Lk. 15:6-7, 10, 22-24).
CONCLUSION
This lesson is purely for us to see how compassionate our
God is and/ to ask a backsliding brother/sister to come
back to the fold £or our Father (God) is ever ready to
receive such a one. It is worth noting that a backslider
in this context does not necessarily refer to anyone who
has decided to stay away from the fellowship alone, but if
simply put, it includes everyone whose union with Christ
has been cut. In other words, every sinning believer,
needs to stop doing so and return in the heart to God.
May God bless us as we comply in Jesus Name. Amen.
TOPIC: THE PARABLES OF THE TALENTS DATE:............
B/TEXT: MATT. 25; 14-30
M/V: LK. 19:13, "And he called his ten servants, and
delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them,
Occupy till I come."
AIM: THAT WE BURRY NOT OUR TALENTS
INTRODUCTION:
The Lord used this parable to teach us that our
positions, places and services in heaven will depend on
the type of services we are rendering here for the Lord
in His Church. Everybody in the Lord has one talent or
the other. The Lord wants us to be occupied with the
talents He has given to us. The Saviour will never be
pleased with us, if we refuse to utilise the talents He
has given to us, no matter how small is such a talent!
MATT. 25:15 THE TALENTS
The talents here are simply referring to our
abilities, time, resources and opportunity to serve our
God. The Lord intended, while teaching, that everybody in
the House of God should be useful by utilising his/her
talent in the Lord. In other words, it means that our
position and service in the forth-coming Kingdom will
depend on how faithful we are here now (Matt. 25:29). It
is basic that our time, resources, abilities and
opportunities are sort of talents given to us by God which
we must utilise for the benefit of the Lord's household
(Jere. 48:10; Jn. 9:4; Acts 13:2; I Cor., 3:9).
MATT. 25:29-30 EVERYONE THAT HATH
The Lord was demonstrating in this verse the
important principle concerning our state and reward in the
Kingdom. That whatsoever we possess here now will
determine our possessions in the Kingdom of God. That is
to say, our positions and inheritance in heaven will
depend on the proportion of our individual commitment in
the House of God here on earth. Therefore, we should
endeavour to serve in the Lord's vineyard faithfully by
serving our fellow human Beings with humility (Phil. 2:3;
Matt.25:19).
CONCLUSION
The parable of the talents is demanding us to be
useful in the House of God in one way or the other. Of
course, everybody is called to do something, but everybody
was not called to everything. Please, it is time for us
to check individually, the areas we could be useful in the
Vineyard of our God. The field is certainly wide enough
to accommodate every-body's service, therefore, no man
should be idle (Lk.19: 13)!
TOPIC: PARABLE OF THE HIDEN TREASURE & PEARL
B/TEXT: MATT. 13:44-46
M/V: ISA. 55:1, "Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye
to the waters, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and
milk without money and without price."
AIM: THAT WE MAY ASSESS AND VALUE THE KINGDOM OF GOD
INTRODUCTION
The treasure in this parable is simply referring to
the Kingdom of God and its value. It is calculatively
based on the fact that anyone who has seen the work of the
Cross should endeavour to labour for it by accepting the
"yoke" of our Lord Jesus Christ upon him/her.
MATT. 13:44 KINGDOM...TREASURE
The parable teaches us, as briefly stated above, the
importance of the Kingdom of Heaven and the reason why we
should all look for it, not minding the cost. However,
two basic Biblical facts could be derived from the parable
of the Hidden Treasure:
i) the Kingdom of the Lord is a priceless treasure
that must be desired above all things in life
(Heb. 11:16; II Tim 4:l8) and
ii) the Kingdom should be acquired by giving up
everything that could prevent one from entering
into it. The term "selling all" in this text
simply means one transferring one's whole heart
from any other interest to the only supreme
interest, of Christ (Rm. 12:1; Eph. 4:1).
CONCLUSION
The parable of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl is
teaching us some great things about the value of the
forthcoming Heaven of the Lord's saints which no human
price could pay for except the Lord’s precious blood. As
possessors of this precious gift of God, everyone of us
should be careful over the way we prefer the things of
this present life instead of the deeper things of the
blessed Kingdom that is to come. Bearing in mind that
whatsoever we are seeing now is of a temporary duration.
Of course, bearing in mind also that God will soon destroy
the entire present system for replacement of some better
(II Pet. 2:7-12; 3:4-18; Isa. 34:4,7; Rev, 6: 13-14).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE NEW GARMENT/WINE-SKIN
B/TEXT: MATT. 9:16 - 17
M/V: II Cor. 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new."
AIM: THAT WE PART OUR WAY FROM THE OLD LIFE
INTRODUCTION
This parable marks continuation in our studies in the
Lord's teachings on parables. As the topic indicated
above, today, we shall examine the meaning of the parable
of the "new wine/garment" which we believe stands for the
old and the new methods of life.
MATT. 9:16 THE NEW AND OLD GARMENT
Based on God divine creative act, anyone who accepts
the Lord as his/her Lord and personal Saviour departs from
old style of life into a new one. Under this condition,
the recipient of the new style of life continues in it and
stands to fail, the moment he/she mixes the old system
with the new one. Of course, the new life-pattern is
God's total new way of life', for His children, usually
ruled by the Spirit of God (Rm. 8:14; Gal. 5:25; Eph.
2:10). As a result of the new birth in Christ, the
believer concern becomes the image or representative of
God on earth (II Cor. 4:16; I Cor. 15:49; Eph. 4:24;
Col.3:10).
MATT. 9:17 THE NEW & THE OLD WINESKIN
This verse (17) has a lot of interpretations by many
theologians. The most popular view says that the "new
wine" represents pure fresh grape juice which can be
compared with the new pattern of life in Christ, while the
old wineskin stands for the Jewish old religious belief
(Judaism). In the reason of it, the parable is actually
emphasizing on the fact that new wine should be useful in
a new wineskin while the old one serves the same purpose
in the old wineskin. It is also basic to confirm that a
new wine or fresh juice of the grape which has nothing to
do with fermentation which can also be said to mean the
original message of Salvation from our Lord Jesus and the
power of the Holy Spirit as was experienced at Pentecost..
The Lord's opinion on this parable was that the new method
should not be allowed to go through a process of change
like a non-fermented wine going fermented: In other
words, the new system should be prevented from a change,
corruption and less. This could be backed up with the fact
that the Lord was against mixing the fermented teachings
of the Pharisees and Judaism with the modern teachings of
Christianity which is the New Wine which must be preserved
in a New Wineskin (Matt. 16:6; Ex. 12:19; I Cor. 5:7).
CONCLUSION
The New Wine deserves New Wineskin. This will allow
the new wine to be free from all residual fermenting
matter, such as mature yeast cells of the old wineskin.
The moment the new wine goes into old wineskin the
fermentation could burst the old wineskin thereby causing
a lost of both the wine and the old wineskin. So it is
for anyone who combines teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ
and those of the apostles with old pattern of life (sinful
nature of man). We can not say to be in the Lord, probably
because of our Church attendance or being a member in a
particular assembly; if we are still living under sin (I
Jn. 5:18; Rm. 6:1-6; I Jn. 3:7-9; I Pet. 1:22-23).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE SHEEP & GOATS
B/TEXT: MATT. 25: 31 - 46
M/V: MATT. 25:33, "And he shall set the sheep on his
right hand, but the goats on the left."
AIM: THAT WE MAY LOOK INTO OUR LIVES AND SEE THE TYPE
OF BELIEVERS WE ARE IN THE LORD
INTRODUCTION
This parable serves as a continuation in our series
of studies in the Lord's parables. As stated in the text,
the separation is billed to occur when the Master comes to
this very earth the second time for the purpose of
executing judgement. As other parables, the Parable of the
Sheep' and Goats is meant for our spiritual balanceness in
the Lord.
MATT. 25:32 SEPARATE THEM ONE FROM ANOTHER
This judgement will occur immediately after the
tribulation of the later days. This will be at the Second
Advent of the Lord and before the millennial reign (Dan.
7:7-14; Rev. 5:10; 19:11-20:4).
The following facts could be established concerning
the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats:
i) it is believed that before the great separation,
the saved and the unsaved will still be living on
the earth together;
ii) the Shepherd's judgement will involve the
separation of the evil ones from the righteous
ones (Matt. 25:32-33; 13:41);
iii) while the wicked will be gathered out of the midst
of the righteous and for destruction, the
righteous shall be with the Lord as blessed set of
people (Matt. 13:43; 25:31-34; Rev. 20:4)
MATT. 25:34 EASES FOR THE JUDGEMENT
The level of outward work of love and kindness to
those who believe in Christ and the suffering ones will be
the basis for the judgement. Our ability to express love
and compassion to fellow believers and the suffering ones
is taken as an inherit part of true faith in the Lord
(Matt. 25:35-46). It is basic that the wicked will not be
allowed to enter into the Lord's rest, but will be
tormented everlastingly (Matt. 25: 41, 46; Rev. 14:11). To
the righteous in the Lord, the Kingdom of God will be
given (Matt. 25:34; Rev. 20:4).
MATT. 25:41 THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS
The unrighteous will share their eternity in hell
with the devil and his angels. The devil inherited this
because of the following reasons:
i) his rebellion against God (Isa. 14:12-15; Matt.
4:10);
ii) taking a third of heavenly angels (Rev. 12:4);
iii) Some of the angels are bound in hell (II Pet.
2:4; Jude 6);
iv) Some fallen angels are roaming the earth under
Lucifer's (the devil’s)control (Matt. 12:24;
25:41; Eph. 2:2; Rev. 12:4).
CONCLUSION
It is important for everyone of us to examine
him/herself in the light of the above separation. The big
question now being: 'Are we goats of the devil or sheep of
the Lord and His divine Kingdom? Mark you, sheep love and
care goats scatter them about! May God Almighty in His
infinite mercy open our eyes so as to enable us know our
position(s) in Him in Jesus Name. Amen.
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE LOWEST SEAT DATE:
B/TEXT: LUKE 14:7-14
M/V: MATT. 23:12, 'And whosoever shall exalt himself
shall be abased and he that shall humble himself
shall be exalted."
AIM: THAT WE MAY LEARN HOW TO HUMBLE OURSELVES
INTRODUCTION
"Humility" is one of the watch-words when we talk
about Biblical comportment. The Lord Himself while in
this very world physically was a humbled Personality
before the community where He was living in spite of their
hatred towards Him. The experience in the Book of John
13:5 in which the Lord began to wash His disciples' feet
was a good example of man's humility on earth. Of course,
the Lord showed us this very example which we believe is
worthy of emulation. It was noted that the dramatic event
of washing the disciples' feet occurred on the Lord's
final night on earth.
The Lord lowered Himself to this extend in order to
demonstrate the followings:
i) His love towards the disciples;
ii) to fore-run His self-sacrifice on the Calvary
Cross; and
iii) to demonstrate the fact that every disciple is
called to serve one another with humility.
It was realised that before the illustration above,
the disciples' passion to be great was eating deeper in
their midst (Matt. 18:1-4; 20:20-27; Mk. 9:33-37; Lk.
9:46-48).
Obviously, the Lord wanted them to be aware of the
fact that their desire to be superior and honoured above
one another was contrary to the personality of the Holy
Spirit which dwells in anyone who believes (Lk. 22:24-30;
Jn. 13:12-17; I Pet.5:5).
LK. 14:7 LOWER SEAT
In this Parable the Lord told His original audience
to humble themselves when called to feast. That anyone
who goes to a banquet who prefers a high seat without the
approval of the host will be disgraced, the moment a more
honourable person calls to the same gathering. In other
words, the Lord was directing that if we want to be
honoured, we should first of all lower ourselves in every
situation, mostly in people's gathering. Afterall,
Proverbs 15:33 says: "The fear of the Lord is the
instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."
Biblically, it is noted that "pride" goes with shame,
while a lowly attitude puts on wisdom (Prob. 11:2; 15: 33;
18:12; 22:4; Zeph. 2:3; Acts 20:18-19; Phil.2:3;
Col.3:12).
LK. 14:9-10 BEING HUMILIATED
The moment we refuse to humble ourselves in any
gathering there is every tendency for us to be abased
according to the Bible. As people of God, our Lord's
pattern of humility should be copied. For the Lord was
humbled, even to death (Phil. 2:8).
CONCLUSION
This parable is simply telling us that before we
could be exalted in any situation, it is quite necessary
that we show sign of humility first. Meekness should be
our garment in every occasion so that the people or the
Lord will not debase us. That is to say, we should allow
our personal humility to create room for our promotion in
life (Job. 36:7; Ps.75:7; I Chron. 29:11-14; Prov. 25:6;
Matt. 23:12; Lk.14:11; 18:4).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS
B/TEXT: MATT. 13:24-30
M/V: MATT. 13:41, "The Son of man shall send forth
his angels, and they shall gather out of his
kingdom all things that offend, and them which
do iniquity."
AIM: THAT WE EXAMINE OURSELVES OVER THE TWO CLASSES
IN EXISTENCE
INTRODUCTION
In our lesson today, we shall examine the Parable of
the Weeds (tares) and the Wheat as seen in our text above.
As we go further, we pray everyone to pay earnest
attention to this study because a good audience to the
messages in the lesson will enable us to know the exact
group we belong.
MATT. 13:24-25 GOOD SEED APMIST TARES
According to these verses, it is obvious that the
devil (Satan) will plant evil alongside the sincere Word
of God. Based on the Master's description in verse 38 of
our text, the field represents the entire universe while
the good seed stands for the saints of the Lord (Matt.
13:8).
The following points could easily be established in
this parable:
a) that the sincere word of God and His saints will be
planted all over the world, at the same time, the
devil will also plant falsehood and his children (the
mere church goers) alongside the chosen people of God
(Matt. 13:25, 38-39; Jn. 8:44-45; I Jn. 3:10; Joel
3:13; Rev. 14:15);
b) the emissaries of the devil have the undermining of
the authority which exists in the Word of God as
their prime motive. With the wicked motive, they
could promote unrighteousness and false doctrine in
the churches that aTe not ready to search the Bible
(Matt. 22:29; Acts 20:29-30; II Thess. 2:7,12).
The Lord was confirming the deceptive attitude
of some in the Church who will never work according
to the rules guiding the way of the Lord in this
parable (I Tim.4:1; II Tim. 3:8; 4:3); and
c) when the Lord comes to destroy the wickedness of men,
the existence of the unrighteous amidst the unright-
eous will be terminated, automatically at the close
of this age (Matt. 22:11-14; 25:1-30; Lk. 18:10-14).
MATT. 13:30 UNTIL THE HARVEST
The main facts could be established concerning the
coexistence of the real Christians and the masqueraded
types of Christians (Matt. 13:38; II Cor. 11:13-15):
i) co-existence of the two groups is bound to exist
until the Second Advent of the Lord. The
destruction of the wicked children of the devil
shall come at the close of age (Matt. 13:30, 38-41;
Matt. 3:12);
ii) this parables does not in anyway contradict the
Scriptures which demand that all our erring members
should be disciplined and they who will never
accept correction should be expelled from the midst
of the children of God (Acts 20:28-29; I Cor. 5:1-
12); and
iii) the Parable is also demanding for our state of
alertness because of the subversive beings and
individuals always plants by the devil in order to
obstruct the existence of the Church of God. They
will in many ways, like the tares, look like the
original, but if examined spiritually they are not
(II Cor. 11:ISIS).
CONCLUSION
Since these two groups will ever exist in the House
of God, it is quite necessary that all believers should
pray always so as not to be polluted by the false
worshippers. May God deliver everyone of us from their
hands through the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF PERSISTENT WIDOW
B/TEXT: LUKE 18:1-8
M/V: LK. 11:8, "I say unto you, Though he will not
rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet
because of his importunity he will rise and give
him as many as he needeth."
AIM: THAT WE MAY PERSEVERE IN FAITH
INTRODUCTION
This parable is teaching us that it is quite out of
point, if we fail to realise that we ought to pray always
in order to achieve life's basic necessary needs. The
fact also remains that our daily petitions to God must be
in accordance with the WILL of God (Matt. 6:10,33; I Cor.
10:31; I Jn. 5:14-15).
It is also obvious that some of the blessings ever
prayed for may end up debarring us from serving our God
according to His set rules and regulations. Every
provision we pray for should supply our basic needs and at
the same time enables us to perform our Christian duties
perfectly (II Cor. 9:8; I Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5).
LK. 18:1 PRAYING ALWAYS
The Lord was advising here that we should pray always
in order to accomplish the will of God in our lives. The
Parable of the Persistent Widow teaches us the following
facts concerning our Christian race:
i) that our prayers over every prevailing situation
should continue till the Second Advent of the
Lord (Lk. 18:7-8; Rtn. 12:12-13; Eph. 6:18;
Col.4:2; I Thess. 5:17);
ii) that there is an adversary in this life who is
against us. Of course, this Is referring to the
devil, our arch-enemy (Lk.l8:3; I Pet. 5:8; Matt.
6:13);
iii) that our prayers should be crying out against sin
and for justice (Lk.l8:7; Ex. 22:23; Ps. 88:1-3;
Rev. 6:10);
iv) that our persistent prayer is counted as faith
(Lk. 18:8);
v) that before the Second Advent, towards the end,
there will be an increase of diabolic opposition
to the prayers of the saints of the Most High God
(I Tim. 4:1; Mk. 13:5-6); and
vi) that our persistent prayer-life could cease, if
we heed to the devil by desiring pleasure on
things of this life (Lk. 8:14; Matt. 13:22; Mk.
4:9).
LK. 18:7 CRYING DAY AND NIGHT
It is quite basic that the persevering Christians who
are seeking after holiness will ever live to cry for
installation of justice on earth and destruction of the
devil's kingdom. According to verse 8 of our text, the
real saint will always live in prayer until they see that
justice is achieved, moreso, quickly. Being fully aware
of the fact that the return of their Messiah is the only
hope for world (Jn.14: 2; I Thess. 5:2-3; II Thess. 2:8;
Rev. 19:11-21).
LK. 18:8 GOD WILL SEE THAT HIS SAINTS GET JUSTICE
When the Lord returns for the crying saints automatic
end will be put to distress and suffering currently being
received from the hands of the wicked souls of this very
world. At the Lord's Second Coming, the saints will be
caught up into the air to meet their faithful LORD coming
down for His elects. Immediately after the departure of
the saints, God's wrath, of course, not tribulation of the
end, shall be poured on the wicked people of this devilish
and hostile world (Jn. 14:2-3; I Thess. 4:17; 5:2-3,9).
LK. 18:8 WHEN HE COMES WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH
This multi-million dollars question of the Lord has a
lot for us to reason about. The fear here was based on
the very fact that before the Second Advent of the Lord,
evil will dominate the world to the extend that many
Church members will opt out of genuine faith (Matt. 24:11-
13,24; I Tim. 4:1). As history is drawing us almost to a
halt point, the big question in every believer's heart
should be: 'Am I persevering in faith based on God's type
of holiness?' Two, 'Am I so preoccupied with the affairs
of this very earth that I look not forward for the Lord's
Second Coming?' Spiritually, let's read in Lk. 12:37;
Matt. 24:42,46; 25:13).
CONCLUSION
This parable is demanding for our state of
preparedness. The affairs of the world which shall
certainly perish in a single day should not occupy our
lives more than the expected Messiah's return to earth.
For more spiritual upliftment, let us carefully complete
our study today by reading from the following verses of
the Holy Scripture: Matt. 12:45; Ez, 18:24; Heb. 6:4-8).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD
B/TEXT: MATT. 20:1-16
M/V: Eph. 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of works, lest any man
should boast."
AIM: THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO ESTIMATE THE VALUE OF THE
GRACE OF GOD
INTRODUCTION
This Parable teaches that our entrance into God's
Kingdom is not on merit or right, but a privilege. The
Lord in this parable taught us three basic things which
could be classified as follows:
i) that we should not feel superior because of the
fortunate position we have found in the Lord;
ii) that we should not fail to share the Lord's concern
in offering His grace to all;
iii) that we should put off our envious spirit when
others are blessed spiritually like us.
MATT. 20:1-7 THE CONCERN OF THE LANDOWNER
One notable fact about this Parable was that the
people were idle and the man of the Vineyard decided to
have compassion on them. He wanted them to be graciously
occupied with that which will benefit their souls. Of
course, the Lord's decision in Salvation is to show us
merciful love (Jn. 3:16; Deut. 13:17; Ps. 77:9; Ex. 22:27;
Isa. 54:7; Matt. 9:36; 15:32; James 5:11).
MATT. 20:8-11 BALANCED PAYMENT
The merciful landowner who decided to show compassion
on the idled people made His payment to every one
ACCORDING TO WHAT He did promise them before the
commencement of the assignment in the Vineyard. He did
not change His agreement, but stuck to it. What a
faithful Master! Of course, our God can not promise and
fail (Matt. 20:13; Deut. 7:9; Ps. 33:4; Isa. 49:7; Rev.
19:11).
MATT. 20:10-16 ENVIOUS SPIRIT
Another development in this Parable was the envious
spirit displayed by the first set of workers. They did
not want everybody to be shown equal favour by the Master.
Of course, this is human! God's Salvation to both Jews
and the Gentiles is the same. He favoured everybody
equally not minding whether we started with Him recently
while the Jews started from Abrahamic age. Our Lord loves
equally and not according to the desire of the envious
workers in the Church who believe they have been on it for
quite long a time before the new workers. Of course, the
parable teaches us not to envy one another (Prob. l4:30;
Mk. 7:22-23; I Cor. 13:4).
CONCLUSION
The paramount fact in this Parable is that we should
serve God without envy in our hearts against fellow-
workers, no matter their rewards. In love should we all
serve (I Jn.3 10,18; 4:1-18).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE THE MERCILESS SERVANT
B/TEXT: MATT. 18:23-3,
M/V: Matt. 6:2, "And forgive us our debts, as we
forgive our debtors"
AIM: THAT WE MAY CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF FORGIVING ONE
ANOTHER
INTRODUCTION
This parable is part of our studies in the Lord's
teachings on parables. It stands to demonstrate the Word
of God based on the fact that our Salvation has its proper
meaning, if we learn and practise the principle of
forgiveness. In the parable, we could see that the Lord
was laying an emphasis on the fact that the work of
salvation is based on "forgiveness" both from the side of
the giver and the recipient. In other words, God has
forgiven us of all that we have trespassed against Him in
life and gave us Salvation free so should we forgive our
fellow human beings who offend us in one way or the other.
The Lord in Matt. 18:22 made it completely impossible for
one to have excuse in keeping enmity with his brother by
saying that the degree of forgiveness must be 490 times.
A condition which looks too impossible, since no one can
offend another at such a rate!
MATT. 18:25 GENERAL CONDEMNATION
In this parable, we could see that not only the
debtor was to pay for the penalty of his debt, but the
entire family. Of course, Adam brought a general
condemnation to the entire human race (Rm, 5:14).
MATT.18:28 THE WICKED SERVANT
This servant was pardoned by his Master, but refused a
pardon which he was supposed to grant his own debtor. He
was completely outside the principle of forgiveness which
we must maintain before the Lord (Matt. 6:l4; Mk. 11:26;
Matt. 18:1; 22:31; Jn. 17:15; II Cor. 2:11).
Any believer who does not forgive easily lives to
offend the Lord in what so ever he/she is doing. In the
real sense of this parable, the Lord wants us to forgive
one another willingly, That, if we do not forgive the
offences of others, God will not also forgive us and our
prayers will not be answered (Matt. 18: 35; Mk. 11:26; Lk.
11:4).
CONCLUSION
There is no two ways about this matter: God wants us
to change according to His own way. That is to say, we
must easily forgive others as He has forgiven us (Matt.
6:14; 18:35).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT BANQUET
B/TEXT: LUKE 14:15-24
M/V: II Cor. 6:2 "For he saith, I have heard thee in
a time accepted, and in the day of salvation
have I succored thee: Behold, now is the
accepted time; behold, now is the day of
salvation."
AIM: THAT WE MAKE NO LIGHT OF THE CALL OF GOD
INTRODUCTION
The parable of the Banquet was originally applicable
to the nation of Israel who made light of the Lord's
salvation, Biblically, the same parable could be said to
be referring to all the Churches and unbelievers who have
made light of the word of God which is inviting all to
come and share from the table of Salvation free of charge.
LK. 16:15-24 GREAT PARABLE
Biblical facts about this parable could be
established as followings:
i) that the parable stands for the day of revelation
of future glory of the Messiah and His return for
His rapturable Church (Lk.14:14-15; 22:18);
ii) that those who made light of the invitation could
be compared with those who have received an
invitation to come to the table of Salvation which
is free but because of the cares of life made light
of the invitation by refusing to honour the Lord's
invitation (Lk.14:17-19)
iii) that those who previously accepted the invitation,
but refused to come for the Banquet are those who
have accepted or appear to accept the Lord's
invitation to Salvation, yet their love for the
Lord and the Kingdom of God has grown cold
(Lk.14:17-20);
iv) that another set of people who have decided to pay
deaf-ears to the call of the Lord are such as those
who have ceased to set their goals according to
heavenly standards (Lk. 14:18-20). They have
refused to accept the Biblical admonition which
says that we should set "our minds on things above,
not on earthly things" while waiting for the second
coming of the Master (Col. 3:1-4). They no longer
long for a better home which is heavenly (Heb.
11:16); and
v) according to verses 21-23, there will also be those
minds which will always be with the Master in
heaven and not fixed on properties of this earth
which are temporary. These set of believers always
pray for the return of their Master (Rev. 22:20).
CONCLUSION
The Parable is a warning to all and sundry. On no account
should we make light of the free gift of God. The water
of Salvation is free and anyone who is thirsty should come
and take out of it freely too (Isa. 55:1; Rev. 21:6).
TOPIC: THE PARABLE OF THE WATCHFUL SERVANTS
B/TEXT: LUKE 12:35-40
M/V: LK. 12:40 "Be ye therefore ready also: for the
Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
AIM: THAT WE MAY BE WATCHFUL OVER THE LORD'S SECOND
ADVENT
INTRODUCTION
Today’s lesson has "watching and expecting" as its
theme. One basic fact about this aspect of Bible studies
is that even right from the inception of the early Church,
believers have been living as if their Master will come
the next hour. In this Parable, the Lord expected His
Church to be active in watching over His return.
LK. 12:35 LAMPS BURNING
Just as briefly stated in the introductory aspect of
this study, the Church has been living in this world with
the belief" that the Lord's second coming could take place
anytime (Mark 13:35). Being that the second advent is
imminent, but the time uncertain, we must be spiritually
alert and endeavour to live a faithful life unto the Lord
to the end (Matt. 24:42,44; Lk. 12:35-36, 38-40,46; 21:34-
36).
The Parable of the Watchful Servants in the real
sense of it, is demanding for the following steps from
every one of us:
i) that our hearts should be seriously attached to the
Second Coming of the Messiah which is our greatest
treasure in life (Lk. 12:34);
ii) that our life-hope and longing should be of the
RETURN of the Lord (Lk. 12:35-37);
iii) we must be clothed with the spirit of readiness and
waiting for the unpredictable time of the Lord's
coming (Lk. 12:38,40);
iv) that the Master1s coming is imminent and that He
could come anytime (Lk. 12:34);
v) Our waiting and looking should be for Christ's
coming and not for any mundane (ordinary) event
(Matt. 24:42,44; Jn. 14:3; I Cor.15:51).
LK. 12:36 WAITING FOR OUR. MASTER
As serious servants, we must constantly look into our
spiritual progress in the light of our Master1s coming.
Anyone of us living in sin with the belief that the
Master's coming is not yet, is behaving life the wicked
servant. Failure to maintain sound relationship with the
Lord till His Second Coming means being excluded from the
Lord's presence and His Kingdom. Many people's failure
will come as a result of not being ever ready and waiting
for the Second Advent, but waiting to see signs that are
not forthcoming (Matt. 25:13; 24:36,44). The Lord1s
observation, according to this parable, was that majority
of His people will be SLEEPING at the time He will come
again (Lk. 18:8; Matt. 25:8-13).
LK. 12:38 IT WILL BE GOOD FOR THOSE SERVANTS
We shall be specifically blessed in the presence of
our God, if we wait for His coming with full readiness,
watchfulness and faithfulness (Lk. 12:36-37).
LK. 12:40 WHEN YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM
According to verse 35 of our text, we should be
spiritually ready in addition to being obedient because
the Lord is coming at uncertain time (Matt. 24:36, 42-44;
Lk.21:34; I Thess. 5:2-4).
CONCLUSION
This Parable, like other parables, is teaching us to
be ready for the Lord' s Second Corning may take place
anytime. That we should take daily spiritual stock of our
lives In order to avoid being over-taken on that day. Our
relationship with OTEHRS should be sound and perfect
since the Lord will not tolerate any spirit of
Intimidation among His servants.