BIBLE STUDY AUDIO
TEACHIINGS FOR YOUR EDIFICATION AND BRINGING YOU TO THE FULLNESS OF THE STATURE OF CHRIST
Our Bible Study audio messages can be accessed from here. These are teachings recorded in the course of our weekly serialised Bible Study meetings for your spiritual edification and development.
Besides the audio, the conclusion/summary of the message is also displayed. This notwithstanding, the full Bible Study outline can also be accessed from the link indicated at the end of the conclusion/summary.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to you as you listen.
The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (8)
The problem with the prayer “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” is not with the will of God, but with the men who are on earth to execute it. Many believe, erroneously that the will of God will not be favourable to them. But these are essentially carnally minded people who find it repulsive to do the will of God. Other people who do not yield to the will of God or who are unwilling to pray this prayer are people who are stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart and ear, and who resist the Holy Spirit; they are people who do not trust and acknowledge God, but lean on their own understanding; they are people who have not renewed their minds by replacing their own understanding with the word of God; they are those who are mindful of the things of the world, and not on the things of God.
The prayer “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” is essential because;
(i) The problem with the execution of the will of God is with those of us here on earth;
(ii) The default mode of many who come to God in prayer is not God’s will;
(iii) If we yield to or permit the will of God, our petitions take on a heavenly focus, and the answer is easily granted;
(iv) The confidence that we exhibit in prayer comes only because we are praying according to God’s will;
(v) Our worship is a farce if God’s will is not uppermost in our hearts; and,
(vi) There are repercussions of eternal proportions if we do not seek to do God’s will.
To be able to prepare ourselves at all times to pray “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” therefore, we must be yielded to the Spirit of God, and follow His leading no matter where it will lead us (Hebrews 11:8).
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (9a)
In this overview on “Give us this day our daily bread”, we have seen that a pre-condition for asking for our daily needs is our recognition of, and willingness to accept God as our Source and Sustenance.
We have also seen that “our daily bread” should go beyond physical needs unto our spiritual needs, especially the word of God, which is also called the bread of life. Furthermore, God has us covered on the bare necessities (food and clothing), so let find contentment in these, and focus on our spiritual necessities.
Our praying should be every day; not once a year, neither once a month, nor once a week. And although God asks us to ask for anything, let us ask responsibly! Our asking should be of necessaries not luxuries, and of our needs, not our wants (Philippians 4:19). Petition prayer should involve ASKing, that is, Asking, Seeking, and Knocking, as may become necessary. We should not relax after ASKing once, but we must keep on ASKing until we receive what we are asking for, find what we are seeking, and the door is open unto us. Indeed we must keep on ASKing until our joy is full.
Let us remember that in prayer, our attitude must be one of humility, before the Almighty God who can do the impossible, and who can make things work in your favour.
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (9b)
It is clear from our brief study tonight that seeking the kingdom of God is the key to obtaining many of the physical things that we would be seeking for in our own strength. We have also seen that many of us don’t even know what we really need. And where we think we know what we need, they are invariably motivated by self, which brings frustration to us, when these prayers are not answered.
Among the things that we should be asking God for on a daily basis are wisdom, peace, and utterance. Let us now go to God and ask for these things.
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (9c)
Being born again is just one side of the coin in Christianity; the other side is to be sanctified and be ready for service, while here on earth. For us to be born again, our past sins had to be dealt with through the cross of Jesus Christ. However, after we are born again, sin doesn’t just pack up and leave, hence, to keep from falling into sin, getting discouraged, or being defeated by the devil, we need to be sanctified; increase our knowledge of God; rest secure in Him; and be full of the joy of the Lord.
Other things that we need to pray about daily, as much as is possible, are the fulfillment of God’s promises to us, and as contained in His word; and, sometimes, a glimpse into things to come, as God may see fit to reveal.
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (9d)
If there is one prayer that we must of necessity pray on a daily basis, it is that the Holy Spirit of God will be with us and in us, to lead, guide, and direct us in the way that we should go. The Holy Spirit is so vital to the believer, that without Him we cannot be born again, we cannot be called children of God, we cannot minister in the power of God, and we cannot know truth, and so on. Indeed without the Holy Spirit in our lives, we cannot do anything that is spiritual and of eternal value!
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (10)
Forgiveness is fundamental to a Christian’s life. We need it from God; we need it from our fellow brothers; and, we need to dispense it to those who offend us. Since transgression is not something a person can totally avoid, we can ask God for forgiveness and He will forgive us. However, some think that they can never sin and so do not expect others to, hence, when people offend them, they do not forgive. Some others do not forgive because they want to have their ‘pound of flesh’ from the person who has offended them.
This is God’s teaching on forgiveness: before we could be saved, He had to forgive us our sins; afterwards therefore, He expects us to forgive those who have offended us. God makes it clear that without our forgiving others, He will not forgive us. And if God does not forgive us, then we are in deep trouble; for calamities will befall us without remedy. Therefore, we must of necessity forgive others; no matter how many times they offend, so long as they ask our forgiveness.
We have seen the power of God’s forgiveness: salvation, deliverance from long standing problems, joy, healings, deliverance from evil men and their deeds, prosperity in every sphere of life, etc. If we are to benefit from the power of God’s forgiveness, we must ourselves forgive others and leave the matter of vengeance to God. Forgiveness for the believer in Jesus Christ, who must make heaven, means going further to show kindness to those who have offended you!
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (11)
There is a difference between being ensnared or trapped, and being tested or proven; and there is also a difference between intentionally committing sin and unintentionally falling into sin. A Christian is never led by God into a trap or a snare; neither can God lead His own into intentional sin. Instead, we are ensnared by our own lusts and desires, which are contrary to God’s will. However, God can lead us to be proven or tested; but if we fall into sin unintentionally, He will deliver us from the machination of the evil one, provided we confess that sin.
Praying “Lead us not into temptation” therefore, is like asking God to remove inordinate desires, lusts, pride, ambition, etc., from our lives. We must note that God never sets traps, rather He permits us to be examined by the devil (who is the chief examiner) having prepared us for success. To enable us avoid snares and traps, God always provides a way of escape, among which are; giving us advance warning; getting us to watch and pray always; challenging us to live soberly and in moderation in everything; getting us to stay close to our Lord Jesus Christ at all times; making us to be in readiness with the word of God; and encouraging us to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
When we fall however, we can rest assured knowing that if we confess our sins honestly and are willing to forsake them, He will forgive us.
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (12)
Although men may choose to argue the inclusion of the doxology in Matthew’s account of Jesus’ teaching on prayer, yet we can affirm through the scriptures that this doxology is not unscriptural. This particular doxology is similar to the one David spoke in the Old Testament, and we have seen that the early apostles also made doxological declarations. It should therefore not be contented whether or not the Lord Jesus included these remarks in the prayer. We can see its relevance in the context of v. 13, when we paraphrase the verse: “You can lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from the claws of the evil one: because this realm in which we live is part of Your kingdom (of which You alone are King); and You have the ability and authority to do so; and it is all for Your glory (the manifestation of Who You really are – the King of kings, the longsuffering God, the God who makes all things good in His time, and so on) forever (not for a season, or in certain ages). And this we affirm for sure!”
Indeed, a doxology like the one we are studying is something every believer in Christ must be able to append to his prayer; for God’s will that we praise Him, and worship Him for Who He is. Indeed, it is in praising God that His glory is revealed!
This particular doxology speaks of God’s sovereignty, and challenges us to submit to it. Thus, while we do not doubt God’s ability, authority, majesty, rule, and excellency, we realize that our requests are still subject to His willingness to do what we’ve asked for, in the light of His Omniscience, and to this, we gladly yield; for it brings Him glory! And this is our uttermost goal – His glory!
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (3): Fasting (1)
Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is called to act responsibly by including fasting as one of his or her Christian duties; for the Lord said, “… when ye fast …” not “… if ye fast …”. Indeed, our study tonight has revealed that the Lord expected us to fast, “… when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” The Bridegroom, the Lord Himself has been taken away from us, so this is the time to fast!
We also established that people have fasted to God in every age, including those under the sentence of God’s judgment among God’s own people, and unbelievers, when they wanted to avert the judgment of God. We are therefore to fast.
Finally, we have seen the hypocritical way to fast, which is always an outward show, while the inner man remains wicked and evil. And even when the inward intention may be right, fasting must be done in a proper way. One principal thing that evidences a proper fast is humility. The improper way is evil through and through, while the proper way always leads to seeking and releasing God’s goodness into people’s lives (2 Chronicles 7:14).
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (3): Fasting (2)
From our study tonight, we can conclude that believers in Jesus Christ should:
1. engage in fasts convened by God, our spiritual leader, or by self;
2. engage in fasts ranging from one day to forty days (dry fasts) or more (breaking at 6 p.m.);
3. engage in daily fasts from dawn to dusk each day (that is, breaking at 6 p.m.), or for whole days (without breaking until the end of the number of days—at most 40 days);
4. engage in fasts that require total abstinence (that is, no food nor water) usually for a few days; no food, but with water (for up to forty days), or unpleasant bread (usually for those who are engaged in hard work; and the unpleasant bread, should truly be unpleasant);
5. engage in fasts with others in tow (in group fasts, it is imperative that all participants be of one accord);
The circumstance for convening a fast can vary and may include; wanting to spend time with God; seeking God’s help or counsel; to overcome temptation; to repent before God; and to intercede on behalf of loved ones. Also, we have seen that a fast can become a game-changer in the affairs of men. However, the final authority on whether or not a fast will change things in our favour is God.
In general, however, every believer in Jesus Christ should fast often (at least once a month) for his own issues, for the issues of others or nations, or as God may direct. Also, a true Christian should progress in his fasting from short to lengthy; from some hours a day to whole days; and from unpleasant bread to total abstinence.
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The Believer’s Responsibilities (3): Fasting (3)
The rewards of fasting honestly come from God. One major reward is that our specific requests are answered. The rewards of fasting also include tremendous blessings being poured out on those who fasted beyond what they requested.
Through fasting, God has altered the course of events on behalf of His children; in some cases, to extents that are too wonderful to believe. We have seen judgments overturned after fastings that brought humility in the hearts of men. We have also witnessed how the plans of the enemies of God’s children were overturned after God’s people fasted. Then, we have seen God arise to fight on behalf of His fasting children and give them victories that would have otherwise been impossible. Revelations of things that would not occur for thousands of years have been given to people who were fasting. We have also seen that to extinguish and crush certain demonic activities prayer and fasting is not optional. Indeed, fasting and prayer is a force that can breakthrough the most impregnable system.
Finally, one note of caution: God cannot be expected to allow unrighteousness just because we fasted. Our fasting must seek to establish the righteousness of God, rather than our own self-centred desires.
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Possessions, Money, and Life (1): Treasures in Heaven
Treasures are things considered valuable or priceless to an individual. The value ascribed to an item may vary from one person to another. However, whatever value we attach to anything, the Lord teaches us not to accumulate them. He also taught us not to be consumed by the idea of wealth, nor accumulate it for ourselves here on earth. The reason he warns us against accumulation of treasures on earth is because they can be destroyed by insects, stolen by thieves, degraded by lack of use and devalued over time. It is therefore not a good idea to store up treasures on earth.
On the other hand, treasures in heaven are safe from insects, protected from thieves, and not subject to degradation or devaluation due to lack of use, or by the passage of time, respectively. It is therefore a very wise thing to accumulate treasures in heaven.
There is a difference between treasures on earth and treasures in heaven. Firstly, treasures on earth are earthy, while treasures in heaven are heavenly. Secondly, treasures on earth can be destroyed, stolen, degraded, or devalued, but treasures in heaven are completely safe, protected and not subject to the degradation and devaluation. Thirdly, one treasure in heaven is worth more than all the treasures on earth put together. Fourthly, treasures on earth are not the true riches, but treasures in heaven are. Finally, you cannot take treasures on earth to heaven. However, you can invest treasures on earth in spiritual things to yield treasures in heaven, which have a far greater worth.
To be able to invest treasures on earth and yield treasures in heaven, we need to get rid of greed, covetousness, and the inordinate desire for wealth from our lives. We also need to be willing to, and actually do, give and share our treasures on earth with others, which then becomes our spiritual investment, thus yielding treasures in heaven. Indeed, the bible tells us to use our wealth (which is from God in the first place), to store up treasures in heaven, as we show acts of kindness and benevolence.
Finally, the Lord lets us know that if indeed heaven is our goal, then that is where our treasures should be, for, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (NLT). So we ask, “Where is your heart?”
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Possessions, Money, and Life (2) : Where is Your Heart?
The focus or occupation of a man’s heart is a very good indicator of where his treasure is stored up: either in heaven or on earth; and also determines whether he will receive eternal life or eternal damnation. Where you will spend eternity is determined not necessarily by how much you possess, but by your affections or the preoccupation of your heart.
People’s hearts can be in the world, even though they are in church; and this is apparent by; the things they are concerned about most, how they respond to the issue of money, whether or not they are willing and able to give up things for God, what they are busy accumulating, their relationship with God, and their deepest desires. On the other hand, people’s hearts can be in God, though they are heavily occupied with affairs of State; and we know such people by what they ask about when they meet the brethren, whom they are really serving (God or Mammon), and where their affections truly lie.
At the end of the day, it is your affections that will indicate if you are where you should be (that is, with God) or if you are with the world. It is your affections that determine whether or not you are going to do the will of God, or just mouth “Thy will be done …”. There are evidently rewards for those whose hearts are where God is: eternal life for one; but also rewards here on earth. And such earthly rewards never trip them or lead them astray.
Once again, we ask, “Where is your heart?”
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Possessions, Money, and Life (3): The Believer’s Mind
The Lord Jesus was the light of the world, while He was physically here on earth; but having gone back to heaven, He now lights the world through those who truly believe in Him. The Christian is therefore the light of the world, only because Jesus Christ has lighted him. It is thus a cause for concern when those who should be lighting up the world are not doing so. Obviously, something is terribly wrong. It is either these people who should be lighting the world are not receiving light at all from the Source, or they are unable to receive light, and therefore, unable to give it.
The light that Jesus Christ gives us is His life, His word, and His countenance upon the Christian. These give us revelation, illumination, and direction; which then enable us to provide leadership and enlighten this dark world. When we are unable to do what the Lord requires of us (i.e., give light to the world), there is a problem: the blind leading the blind!
Many are completely in darkness, for they are enclosed by false doctrines, and have closed their minds to truth. Others are double-minded, and never receive the light of God. Others still are carnal and unable to receive spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). But when they come to their senses, turn and draw near to God, and allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in them, every veil of pretence, falsehood, wickedness, tradition, jealously, worldliness, carnality, and hypocrisy, is stripped off. This allows the Christian to live in the glorious liberty of God, and to be changed from glory to glory. It is in such a state that we can truly light up the world, and enjoy the fullness of all that God has for us here on earth (Psalm 16:11).
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Possessions, Money, and Life (4): Whom Would You Serve?
The lesson on life tonight is that you cannot hold on to two diametrically opposed views, or opinions; neither can you be in the service of both God and mammon; nor can you hold on in trust to both God and mammon. You must therefore make a choice as to which of the two you would be holding on to and serving for the rest of your life henceforth.
For many of us, we believe that the choice is an easy one: God. However, Joshua warns us to consider carefully, before we make that choice, for indeed, God is a good, loving, caring, and understanding Master; but He is also a Jealous God (that is, He cannot be shared with anything else). In order to choose and remain with God, three principal elements must be eliminated from our lives: pride, love for other gods, and serving God for the sole purpose of rewards. However, humility (James 4:6), contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-9; Philippians 4:11-12), and faithfulness (Matthew 24:45-46) must be in our lives if we are to serve God eternally.
And even though we are not to focus on things or rewards when serving God, there are indeed rewards; one of which is God’s watchful eyes and protection over our lives. For as long as we are holding on to God, He never abandons us!
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