Author: Kali Gwegwe

REFERENCE SCRIPTURE: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) NIV.

FOUNDATION: This topic has to do with love. Right from time immemorial, people have seen love from diverse perspectives. Love is seen as a strong affection for another. It is also seen as a bond between two or more people. Love could as well be taken to mean the inner feeling that makes people to care about the welfare of others. But for Christians, love is deeper than all of these.

The Bible has painted a clear picture of what love actually is in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7. It says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” (NIV).

Speaking in Matthew 22:37-40; Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’⁴⁰ All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” It will interest you to note that there is no law against love. God will not be dishonoured because you loved Him, your family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues or even your enemies. Remember that a Christians being faithful, grateful, patient, kind, forgiving, content, humble, respectful or truthful are attributable to love.

LESSONS

Why People Find it Difficult to Love: One of the two greatest commandments by Jesus is in Mark 12:31: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Unfortunately, many Christians find it difficult to love people, especially those who hurt them. Love is the unique nature of God. 1 John 4:8 says, “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” It is also recorded in 1 John 4:16 that “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. “ Love is too sacred to be handled with human sense. Accordingly, the Bible has taught us (1) what love is (2) how to love. 1 John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” You cannot love without keeping His commandment. Do not see obedience of God’s word as a burden. On how to love, Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Love must not be determined by the actions, behavior or character of people. Just love unconditionally. That is to say, love people, whether they like you or not, hate or seek your hurt. Do not also wait for those who have hurt you to apologise before forgiving and loving them.

How to Make People Love You: Many Christians complain of people not loving them in spite of all they do. Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets.” (NIV). You cannot hate people and expect others to love you. If you are someone who hates people but people still love you; know that the love is not genuine. It is eye-service. They do eye-service for either the position you occupy or the influence you have over their lives. Sow genuine love and reap genuine love in return. There is no short cut to being genuinely loved.

Love-Inspired Behaviour: If as a Christian, you do not look at human actions through the prism of love, you will always be bitter and find fault in people. As a result of this, you will not be able to love people. Apostle Paul has therefore admonished in Philippians 2:5-7, “In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God: something to be used to His own advantage; ⁷ Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the form of a servant…”

CONCLUSION: Living a life of love does not insulate us from problems. Even so, the problems will not lead to loss or death. Satan has whispered to many believers to stop loving owing to what they suffered for loving people. Once a believer stops loving, he ceases to be in Christ and automatically takes up the nature of Adam. Instead to stop loving people, Jesus taught in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Read Ephesians 6:13-18.

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REFERENCE SCRIPTURE: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”(John 8:12).

FOUNDATION: In Jeremiah 1:5, God told Jeremiah that “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” There are too many believers who are walking in darkness. It explains why you see countless number of believers who are in careers, callings, businesses, towns, countries and even marriages that God never ordained for them. Believers are not supposed to live outside of God’s will and expect to fulfil destiny or purpose. This is one reason prayer seem not to be working. One cannot ignore the wisdom of God and turn around to cajole Him with fasting, prayer or sowing of seed. In Galatians 6:7, Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Galatia saying, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

There are too many believers these days who think they can sow disobedience and reap divine grace. To reap grace, the Bible teaches in James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Jesus enjoyed more grace than anyone who has lived on earth. The reason is simple: He is humility personified. Admonishing the Church in Philippi in Philippians 2:5-7, Apostle Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Speaking in John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Note that Jesus did not say those who believe in Him or pray in His name shall have the light of life. There are situations that call for belief (Matthew 9:28). There are situations that require fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21). There are also situations that require following Him (John 8:12).

LESSONS

What is the Light of Life? In John 9:5, Jesus explained that “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Then, in Matthew 5:14, He declared that “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Light gives clear direction to those who have it. Light of life therefore means that thing which gives proper direction to human life. It is not every life that has proper direction. This is why millions of people die without fulfilling purpose. Anyone who does not have the benefit of getting proper direction in life will walk in darkness. To avoid walking in darkness, which represents ignorance and sin, one has to follow Jesus. To follow Jesus is to love and do His will. Jesus emphasized in John 14:23, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

CONCLUSION: John 1:4-5 says, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” Jesus is the light of men. He is the one who gives the lives of believers proper direction so as to fulfil destiny or purpose.

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REFERENCE SCRIPTURE: “And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” (1 Kings 3:10).

FOUNDATION: Prayer is the meeting point between God and man. It is in the place of prayer that intercessions are made to God. Prayer is also a platform to praise or thank God for His goodness. Furthermore, prayer provides an opportunity for God to reveal Himself to man. In spite the important place of prayer in the lives of believers, it is still the most misunderstood and abused privilege among Christians.

The first recorded prayer in the Bible is in Genesis 4:26: “And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. ”To call upon the name of the Lord is to pray to God. Writing in Romans 10:13, Apostle Paul explained, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ”It also means that prayer is a platform for refuge and salvation.

LESSONS:

Put God First:
For obvious reasons, the mere calling upon the name of the Lord has not helped many believers. It is so because Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33that “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ”God is pleased with prayers that seek the good of people. It explains why Solomon prayed for understanding but God gave him more than he asked. To underscore the importance of understanding, Proverbs 4:7 teaches that “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Lack of understanding is the reason for self-centeredness, which is contrary to the new commandment Jesus gave in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” According to James 4:3,“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”1 Corinthians 10:24therefore teaches that “Let no man seek his own, but (each) his neighbor’s good.”(ASV). Solomon sought the good of his people.

Put Others Ahead of Self:
Every believer has been called to the ministry of service to God and man. You cannot be genuinely concerned about the welfare of indigent people and God will not bless you. In Mark 14:7, Jesus reminded believers that “You always have the poor among you, and they badly need your help.”(TLB). Speaking in parable in Matthew 25:41-45, Jesus said, “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” It means that Jesus is interested in us being our brothers’ keepers. God is not interested in the death of our enemies. Pray for the salvation of unsaved souls. Pray for the grace to lead unsaved people to Him. Also pray for the grace to be in a position to assist people in need.

CONCLUSION:
1 Kings 3:11-13 says, “God said unto Solomon, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like thee.”

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REFERENCE SCRIPTURE: “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22.

FOUNDATION: Even as children of God, it is wise for believers to know some fundamental things about the world in which we live. 1 John 5:19 says, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” Apostle Paul noted in Ephesians 6:12, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV). In Matthew 24:12, Jesus foretold what evil will turn humans into: “Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others.” (CEV). In all of these, believers need the mercies of God more than anything else to survive this wicked world. God’s mercy is a product of His love (John 3:16) and compassion (Lamentation 3:22 for man.

As important as God’s mercy is, many believers do not understand its spirituality especially in the Post-Law era. The Post-Law era refers to the period immediately following the commencement of the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is worthy of note that there are points of departure between Judaism and Christianity. In other words, there are certain beliefs and practices that are lawful in Judaism but were not supported by the life Jesus lived and the Gospel He preached. Christianity is more of the life Jesus lived and the Gospel He preached than of religious doctrines. While Judaism supports the “eye for an eye” and “tooth for a tooth” doctrine; Christianity on the other hand teaches love, tolerance and forgiveness. Speaking in Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense]. 39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise].” (AMP).

It will take both faith and wisdom for a believer to accept that some belief systems and practice directions in Christendom have changed following the start of the ministry of Jesus. Alluding to this fact in Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, “Don’t suppose that I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning.” (CEV). For instance, while it was normal in the pre-Jesus era for people to pray to God for almost everything, it is no longer so, based on the Gospel that Jesus preached. Though not ruling out the importance of prayer in Christianity, the Gospel of Jesus laid greater emphasis on (1) Knowledge of the truth: John 8:32 (2) Obedience of God’s Word (John 14:23). In departing from Judaism to Christianity, most things believers pray in order to get have been reordered to be gotten through knowledge of the truth and obedience of God’s Word. This is why instead of praying for forgiveness, we are to forgive those who offend us so as to be forgiven (Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14). Instead of praying for blessings and long life, we are to honour our parents (Ephesians 2:2-3). Instead of praying for what we want people to do for us, we are to do to others what we want people to do for us (Luke 6:31). Instead of praying for mercy, we are to obtain mercy by being merciful to people (Matthew 5:7).   

 LESSONS

God’s Mercy is No Longer an Object of Prayer: In Psalms 51:1, David prayed thus: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” God is usually not bound by our prayers. He is however bound by our obedience. Jesus declared in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Why the departure from the old norm? Love, mercy and compassion are the nature of God. He wants us to be like Him (Matthew 5:44-45). It is in being like God that we can do what God does. As joint-heirs, we are unable to exercise the power Jesus has given us in Luke 10:19 because we do not have His nature.

CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between man reverencing God and attracting divine mercy. According to Psalms 103:11, “For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.” Do not pray for God’s mercy. Reverence God and be merciful to people who offend you and you will attract divine mercy.

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REFERENCE SCRIPTURE: “…There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:23.

FOUNDATION: From an academic point of view, law is the body of rules, orders, commands, guidelines, directives, prescriptions and regulations that control the activities of human beings, corporate entities and the society in general. The primary aim of law is to promote peace and order in society. In other words, the reason for having law is to ensure that everything concerning man and society is done in a prescribed manner. In the absence of law, people will become law to themselves and the weak. It means that everybody will do things in his or her own way. In such situations, life will be that of winner-take-it-all. The rich people will force their preferences on the poor. A society having laws that the rich do not obey is as good as not having laws. Such societies will experience inequality among the citizens, insecurity, chaos and stunted growth in all sectors.   

On the other hand, God’s reason for law is predicated on the fact that humans lack the capacity to live independently of divine guidance. In John 5:19, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” (NLT). In Jeremiah 29:11, God declared, “For I know the plans I have for you,… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). Even so, believers have been experiencing harm and failure. The case of Adam and Eve is a classical example. In order to make Adam and Eve prosper and suffer no harm, God made a law to help guide and protect them. According to Genesis 2:16-17, “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: ¹⁷ But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Law has two sides: positive and negative. The positive aspect exempts those who obey it from punishment. Nevertheless, the negative side of law involves punishment of those who disobey it. This is why Adam and Eve died (spiritually) as is prescribed in Genesis 2:17: “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” When a person is dead spiritually, he ceases to be in God’s presence. Believer should cherish being in the presence of God. Psalms 16:11 says, “…In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” According to 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” You cannot be in the presence of God and be judged in accordance with any law.

LESSONS

Living Above the Consequences of Law: Do not forget that the Bible is not just holy, but also a Book of Principles. The principles contained in the Bible are to guide believers through the paths of their destinies as is echoed in Psalms 16:11. Rejection or disobedience of divine principles can be fatal, as it exposes one to the wiles of the devil just as was in the case of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:6-8: “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. ⁷ And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. ⁸ And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.”  

CONCLUSION: The coming of Jesus did not cancel the law and the divine commands through the prophets of old. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, “Don’t suppose that I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning.” (CEV). There are values that will make a believer live above the consequences of law. They are called Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (NLT).

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REFERENCE SCRIPTURE: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4.

FOUNDATION: Jesus has confirmed in John 17:16 that Christians are not of this world, though they are living in the world. This narrative could be likened to a Briton residing in Nigeria even though he is not a Nigerian citizen. Just as Nigeria has a political leader and system that are different from those of Britain, so also does the earth have a spiritual ruler and order that are different from what is obtainable in the Kingdom of God. In John 14:30; Jesus said, “…for the ruler of the world (Satan) is coming. And he has no claim on Me [no power over Me nor anything that he can use against Me].” (AMP). This was one reason, Jesus could boast in John 16:33, “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Why did Jesus ask us to be of good cheer? He has demystified Satan and set an example for us to follow!

No matter how consistent a person pray, fast, tithe or sow seed; if he is not born of God, he cannot overcome the world. This is the reason the gates of hell are prevailing against Churches/Christians when Jesus has declared in Matthew 16:18 that “…the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” What does it mean to be born of God? Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Just as someone could be a member of a Church and not believe in the calling of the pastor, many are led by the Spirit of God but do not yield their selves to Jesus. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” What does it mean to receive Jesus and believe in His name? Jesus answered the question in John 14:23: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

In both spiritual and physical realms, nobody wins or is promoted without a test. In order to become an over-comer, here is the test: 1 John 5:1-5 says, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. ² This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. ³ In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”  

The spiritual value of being born of God cannot be quantified. It gives one a new identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, heis a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Speaking about the mystery of being born of God, Jesus said in John 14:20, “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”

LESSONS

Why He Who is in You Matters: Every human being is controlled either by the Spirit of God or that of Satan. Going by divine plan, the human body is the Temple of God. According to 1 Corinthians 3:16; “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (NAB).  But owing largely to disobedience, many have made their bodies the shrine of the devil by doing his biddings. Jesus explained in John 8:44 that everybody does the will of the spirit controlling him. Satan is the ruler of this world. In Mark 3:24, Jesus said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” It means that a person, who is under the control of Satan, will not oppose the desire of his master. Therefore, only persons born of God can overcome Satan and the world that he rules over.

CONCLUSION: Jesus has revealed in John 14:30 that Satan is the ruler of this world. He asked in Matthew 12:29, “…how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man?” Satan has to be defeated before one can overcome his kingdom. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” The blood of the Lamb represents the finished works of Jesus, while word of their testimony refers to Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Only those who are saved can overcome the world.

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