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.
Possessions, Money, and Life (5): Why Worry?
There are more than enough reasons to worry, fret or be concerned for anything. However, the Lord Jesus is telling us that that is not reason enough to be worried or concerned for the things that are under God’s control and authority. Worrying, simply means that we don’t trust that God has a matter under control; and so, we want to take charge of the matter ourselves. Unfortunately, we are not built to handle such matters, even matters as simple as what to eat, drink, and put on, and even our height!
Worrying is responsible for envy, anger, rage, God-blaming, feeling abandoned by God, impatience, and taking matters into our hands. Worrying does not solve any problem, instead, it adds to problems. Worrying is a sign that we do not have faith in God, and is therefore not something that believers in Jesus Christ should engage in.
Rather than fret ourselves over matters that we have no control, the Lord counsels us to commit matters into God’s hands; pray over any and everything, no matter how great or small; trust absolutely in and hold on to God, no matter for how long; patiently wait for God, for He does things in His time, and it is always beautiful; find contentment in what God has made available to you, and do not allow covetousness to be your ruin; in everything, to put God first and seek His approval; and, cast all your cares and burdens on God, rather than carry them on our heads.
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Possessions, Money, and Life (6): Seek God First
From our study tonight, we are being asked to seek first the things of God, and then the things that those who don’t know God are seeking after, which are necessary for our wellbeing will be added unto us. Scriptures make is clear that if we pursue God and by implication, righteousness, the benefits are tremendous (Proverbs 11:4-6; 14:34).
Our seeking God should be; so that we can be made righteous by Him; so that we can be with Him always; so that His kingdom can continue to advance on earth; and, so that we can know what is the right and acceptable thing to do in every situation. So, rather than chase after possessions, money, fame, and so on, the word of God to us is, “Chase after Me and I will give you necessaries and more, which others are chasing after!” In our seeking God, His kingdom, and His righteousness, we are not to do so with a view to getting worldly things; rather we are to seek after God for heavenly and eternal benefits. In the meantime, when we do seek God for the right reasons, He gives us those necessaries and more, here on earth, which the people who don’t trust Him are seeking after.
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Possessions, Money, and Life (7): One Day at a Time
The lessons for tonight are as follows:
1. Don’t be anxious, neither be troubled, nor fret yourself about tomorrow (and by implication, beyond tomorrow).
2. Tomorrow comes with its own challenges, not even known today, and will be taken care of, the same way today’s challenges are being taken care of.
3. Every day has its own challenges, and if you live as you should, they will be taken care of.
4. Live one day at a time. Don’t crowd your life with thoughts of the future.
5. Commit each day to the Lord and get out of the way.
6. Planning is good, only if it is based on wise and godly counsel; and especially, if such counsel is from God.
7. Walk with God one day at a time; step by step.
8. Faith (absolute trust in God and His word) is the key to being able to live one day at a time; not the predictions of soothsayers (star gazers, horoscope writers, journalists, professors, politicians, magicians, herbalists, false prophets, etc.), nor the stories of talebearers.
When next something in you wants to get you to worry about tomorrow, remember the scripture, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
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Judge Not (1): Introduction
The Lord is telling us not to judge others, when we have not been appointed to do so. There is also the issue of how qualified we are to judge others, since we may not have all the facts on hand. He is also concerned that we may render our own opinion on a matter, which is a reflection of how we feel about that matter, rather than based on a standard yardstick which can be applied across board.
He warns that if we go ahead and judge others, we will have ourselves to blame, for according to the personal yardstick, we use to judge others, so will we be judged. To avoid such biased judgment therefore, we should leave the matter of judgment in the hands of God, and those who are entrusted with judgment.
Critical and hypocritical judging gives rise to prejudices (biases or judging beforehand), and profiling (judging people based on race, nationality, ethnicity, tribe, and so on). These have far-reaching implications in our walk with God, and make us arrogant and proud. For instance some believers have been entrapped into thinking that they must marry from their own tribe only, believing no other tribe better than theirs; or that people from certain parts of the world or country, are all bad, except themselves and their tribesmen!
Rather than judge others, we are advised to forgive those who offend us, or make excuses for people when they err against us, or leave them in God’s hands. But do not judge, when you don’t have all the facts at hand!
Let us go to God now; asking forgiveness for our past indiscretions, and seek His help so that we do not repeat them again.
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Judge Not (2): The Example of Job’s Friends
Going over the story of Job and his friends, we see how very wrong we can be when we sit as judge over others. Most times, we don’t know the genesis of their plight, but we jump right in anyway, and tell them how wrong they have been, and that they should go and ask forgiveness from God (1 Samuel 1:9-18).
Although Job’s friends were quoting Scripture correctly, their application of the scriptures to Job’s situation was incorrect. Eventually, God made known His displeasure against Job’s friends and asked them to repent, and see Job’s intercession on their behalf. How humbling!
Our example reiterates our earlier lesson: When you don’t have all the facts/information on a matter, “judge not”; and more essentially, when God has not given you information, give no opinions! With the benefit of hindsight, we know that Job’s condition was not the result of sin, but one of God proving to Satan that Job was not like other people who are worshipping Him because of protection or prosperity (John 9:1-3). How many times have we judged those whom God is showing off for His glory, just because they are going through hardships and unimaginable suffering?
We can also learn some significant lessons about coping with hardship:
1. Stop seeking sympathy from men; you just may get judgment instead.
2. It is a good thing to know when to stop defending yourself.
3. If you are not careful, you will yourself become judgmental, abusive, and self-justifying.
Is God speaking to us today? I believe He is.
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Judge Not (3): Miscellaneous Case Studies
Tonight, we have seen the dangers of prejudices and profiling. Peter’s position was such that he would never step into the house of a Gentile; even though that was what God wanted. One wonders how many sinners we have allowed to go without salvation just because we are prejudiced against certain people?
We have also seen the danger of hearing one side without hearing the other, and then passing judgment. No one is immune from this kind of thing; hence, we should not be hasty to pass judgment. We should develop a position whereby whenever we are told something, about another person, we should allow the accused to state his or her case. This kind of thing eliminates gossip, false witnesses, favour seekers, etc.
Finally, we have seen how we can be conceited into thinking that we are the only ones who are preaching the gospel, or who have been given the rights to preach the gospel, and that others don’t know what they are doing. The Lord’s position is that as long as others are on His side, then they are with us. However, we must exercise caution where we observe the performance of lying wonders. Where it is a matter of not being able to rightly divide the word of truth, then we are to take them under wing (hopefully they will be humble enough to allow that) and teach them more correctly.
May God help us.
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Judge Not (4): Judging Among Ourselves
The Lord in asking us not to judge others did not mean that we should be lawless. In fact, we are expected to be subject to authority (Romans 13:1-7), so that we can live peaceably among ourselves, as well as with those who do not believe in Christ.
We are not to be self-appointed judges, or judge matters that do not concern us. Those qualified to judge others are appointed by God, Who endows them with the requisite enablement to judge His people. Such individuals have the fear of God; are lovers of truth; do not show partiality or favouritism; hate covetousness; are subject to the Holy Spirit; have received wisdom from God; are able to hear from God; and do not consider the status or stature of persons before passing judgment.
There is also the procedure for bringing matters to the attention of spiritual authority. The first thing to do when there is an issue with another believer is to attempt to settle such matter between you. If that does not work, then involve others who would qualify as judges to adjudicate (though not appointed as such); failing which you then bring the matter to the spiritual authority appointed over you. This is the approach that should be followed on all matters that require adjudication among believers in Christ. As much as possible do not go before unbelievers to settle matters among believers!
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Not Fitting for the Unfit (1)
The word of God warns us not to give things that are holy to dogs nor things that are precious to swine. What we have attempted to do tonight is to identify those people whom the bible refers to as ‘dogs’ and ‘swine’.
They are people who are wild, untamed and untameable; people who practice wickedness and lawlessness; people who are involved in despicable and the most unthinkable conducts; people who are unclean, uncleanable, and abominable; people who lack discretion, who are foolish, and who scorn and scoff at things they don’t understand. Like dogs and pigs, they scavenge and forage, being unwilling to consume the good ‘food’ prepared for their own good. They are spiritually filthy and always return to their filth—backsliders in heart, who return to practice the sins they had once confessed. They are ungrateful, unthankful, ill-mannered, foul-mouthed, wicked, evil, insolent, etc.
These are people who are generally beyond redemption. This is not because God does not want to save them; rather, it is because they don’t want anything to do with God in any form or guise. They are the people who say, “There is no God” by their words and deeds.
It is time to examine ourselves to see if we have begun to cultivate some of these traits, because, such people do not deserve what is holy and precious; which are things that come from God (1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:1-13; Psalm 139:23-24).
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Not Fitting for the Unfit (2)
There are so many things that are holy and precious; and as fitting as these things are, they are not fitting for people considered to be ‘dogs’ and ‘swine’. We have, in tonight’s study, seen a few of them, and they include, the word of God and off-shoots thereof, like counsel and prophecy; tithes, offerings, first fruits, and vows; the people of God (those who are born again and sanctified); wisdom and understanding; our faith; a virtuous woman; and the kingdom of God. We have not mentioned some obvious fitting ‘things’ like, the Godhead (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit); Holy Communion; and marriage (Malachi 2:11-16), to mention a few.
The study tonight is imperative, given the lethargy and levity with which many so-called Christians are handling holy and precious things. These holy and precious things are of tremendous value to those who possess them, but a waste to all who do not appreciate their value. It is therefore imperative that those who will amount to anything with God in a relationship recognize that these are the things which God desires to give to them and stop chasing after things that do not really count in the kingdom (Luke 12:31-34).
Next week, we shall conclude by looking at the deep implications of this study as well as last week’s but for now, we counsel that we continue with the Lord and seek His help so that we don’t get blind-sided by the enemy into pursuing those things that are not fitting, thus bringing us into the category of ‘dogs’ and ‘swine’.
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Not Fitting for the Unfit (3)
Fools don’t value wisdom, so, no matter how fervently they may ask for, or seek after wisdom, they will not get it, because God will not give what is precious to ‘swine’. Likewise, we are counselled to avoid keeping company with fools, lest we learn their ways. Also, scorners hate those who correct and rebuke them, so we are encouraged not to give them counsel. However, when scorners are rebuked or punished, it is for the good of those who may not learn otherwise.
We have also seen that certain things are just not fitting for certain people, and that certain things fit certain people. Miracles are not for people who refuse to manifest faith in God (whether they be believers or not). Demons cannot possess people who are in right standing with God; they can only go into ‘swine’. Immoral women can only trap men who have offended God, because those who are following after God will be marvellously helped to avoid their entrapment. A good and prudent wife is a gift from God and only the righteous man who has found favour with God can be given such; no wine-bibber or wife-beater can be given such a woman as wife. It is unfitting for marriage or partnership in business to be between a believer and an unbeliever because they don’t have anything in common. Ministry is not for people who are seeking to make money or become famous, neither is it for lazy and immoral people, so, church leaders need to maintain due diligence before ordaining people. Heaven is not a place that people can walk into just because they attend church services; it is a place specially reserved for the uncompromisingly righteous; and, God’s inheritance/rewards are kept for such people—that is, those who have in addition built on their faith and developed themselves in the things of God.
Have you been waiting on God for a holy or precious thing, and it is not forthcoming? Perhaps, it is appropriate for you to look inward and do a personal evaluation to see if you are fit to receive such.
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ASKing (1): ASKing Who?
Many people ask, seek, ad knock on the doors of their spouse, friends, family, judges, professionals or experts, great nations, great kings and their military, and even lifeless idols. Unfortunately, these human beings, nations, systems, and carved/molten images cannot deliver or save in the time of trouble. Indeed, vain is the help of man! Those who put their trust and confidence for deliverance and salvation in men of any stature and status, as well as idols, are cursed and doomed to destruction, respectively.
If we are going to ASK and get the result that we desire, we must be ASKing God, who is closer that a friend, more loving and caring than parents, and who is able to do what no man can. God alone judges righteously; and He alone can defeat nations, mighty armies, and national idols. He is able to save all who call on Him for help from the storms of life, bondage and captivity, oppression, and troubles of every kind. God controls the rulers of the nations and get them to do His bidding. Indeed, with God nothing is too hard or impossible. By merely speaking, God made the heavens and the earth; and He can resolve matters just by speaking to situations. It is this God, the Father of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who we should be asking, seeking, and knocking on His doors! And if the need arises to talk to any man about anything, God Himself will give us His leading and bring us into favour with such men, no matter how high and mighty they may be.
Throughout the rest of our study, when we speak of asking, seeking, and knocking, we will be speaking of making our requests, inquiries, and pleadings to God; not to a man, nation, system/organization, and most certainly, not an idol. Even when we speak of ASKing men, it will be in the context of God giving us His go-ahead to do so.
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ASKing (2): Asking
Asking God for something is basically praying to God. Asking can take the form of a request or petition to God; looking up to God for sustenance or assistance; crying out to God for help; or a speaking within one’s heart and barely uttering audible words. Asking is not the same as desiring something, longing for something, wishing something, dreaming or even thinking about something. Whatever, we may desire, long for, wish, and dream or think about, will remain as such, until we put them in the form of a request, or petition to God.
However we choose to ask, we are to do so in the name or by the authority of Jesus Christ. This means that the person asking recognizes Jesus as the One Who is the basis for the Father hearing and answering the prayer. In other words, if Jesus is not the basis of our asking, the Father will not hear nor answer our request.
If our asking is to have the results we require, then we must do well to observe the following: we must be in agreement with Christ and His word; we should be doing what God has called us to do; we should ask according to the will of God for which the Holy Spirit is on hand to help us; and our asking is to be reverential. Furthermore, we must not be living in sin; neither should we treat our wives cruelly; nor should our motive for asking be wrong. In addition, we should ask in faith (trusting or believing that what we have asked, God will do or has already done); not with a double or undecided mind, prevaricating between opinions. We need to forgive all those who have offended us, so that our prayers will not be hindered; and, we must go to God on our own, not through ‘prayer warriors’.
Asking aright brings joy to our hearts, as well as a peace that passes human understanding (even when the matter may seem yet unresolved). Asking aright also changes our lives for the better, and enables us obtain answers to our requests, and much more than we may have thought. So keep on asking, and don’t stop until you see the result you are expecting—anything short of that result should not be accepted, unless of course God says, otherwise!
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ASKing (3): Seeking (1)
To seek for something is to search for that thing with a view to finding it. In other words, if you don’t find what you are looking for, you don’t stop the search; neither do you give up your inquiry, nor suspend your pursuit! But, if you are to put your all or everything into a search, inquiry, or pursuit, you must first establish that the thing you are seeking is valuable, important, and precious to you! Otherwise, you would not be diligent in your search, neither will you prosecute the search with the vigour that is required, nor will you continue the search until you find what you are looking for.
People have always sought after all manner of things; but by seeking so many things all at once, we lose all. Thus, in seeking anything, we must be focused and recognize the one thing we need to pursue with the vigour and tenacity required. For the believer in Christ, the one thing he needs to seek is God (which includes His kingdom and righteousness)! For in Him, we live, and move, and have our being; and in Him all things consist!
It is one thing to seek for the right thing; it is another thing to seek for it for the right reasons. Also, it is not just seeking the right thing for the right reason that enable us find it; but seeking the right thing in the right manner. Furthermore, the right thing can only be found in the right place; hence, it is important to look for things in the right place. For example, you would not be expected to be looking for children from a doctor or herbalist, if you are a believer in Christ! Also, you would not be expected to be looking for a prudent wife in a brothel or bar!
We have since established that the One Person that all of mankind should seek after, is God. If you seek God with all your heart, with all your might, and with all your soul, you will find Him. If you seek Him early and earnestly, you will find Him. If you seek Him as though He is everything (and He indeed is), you will find Him.
Sometimes, while searching for something, we come across a priceless thing. Once you are able to identify that what you have happened upon is more valuable than the thing you set out to pursue in the first place, you invariably go after the more valuable one. Such is the search of man for a meaning. As we seek for things that we think will make us find meaning in life, we come in contact with God and that changes the focus of our search, away from things, to Him!
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ASKing (4): Seeking (2)
In practice, ‘seeking’ involves making inquiries from God (digging deeper) when information comes to us. ‘Seeking’ is also asking God about circumstances or situations that we find ourselves in, before we take decisions or conclude that it is the will of God. It also involves engaging God in meaningful conversation on issues that confront us, so that we can receive strategies, wisdom, and counsel for dealing with problems, challenges, and difficulties. When we do not inquire, we are courting disaster; and we are bound to make serious mistakes which would have major repercussions not only in our lives but in the lives of generations yet unborn. This is the reason why God asks us to always make enquiries before we step out on any venture. For all believers in Christ this is good counsel—whether you are involved in business, government, or leadership; as well as those who are seeking life partners, employment, vocations or careers to pursue, and so on. Indeed, anything to do with decision making, strategizing, and dealing with obstacles, should be preceded with seeking God. Our bible studies should include seeking God’s face, rather than just reading or asking for things (Psalm 27:8).
Examples abound in scriptures of David: how in seeking God he succeeded, and how, in not seeking God he encountered disaster which affected the entire nation. Churches have been affected by the refusal of leaders to seek God before engaging in certain ventures. When the Lord Jesus was confronted with a situation which was tricky, He did not just jump right in and give an answer, but He waited for a response from heaven before responding to the issue before Him. Today, many believers in Christ, like king Asa, do not seek God when situations confront them, but proceed to handle such matters in their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6); and this has proven to be the source of many a disastrous venture among Christians! Yet God says that if we seek His face, He will heal our land; we shall not lack any good thing; and we shall understand all things!
However, when we seek God’s face on any matter, we must come to Him to receive from Him, and to do what He is telling us to do. We do not seek God for something that we would debate with Him over, neither do we approach God having our minds already made up, and expecting Him to rubber stamp our decisions. When we come to God, we must be prepared to discard our plans for His, if He requires it. Only then can our seeking be productive.
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ASKing (5): Knocking (1)
Knocking is praying until something happens. It requires that we do not faint, give up, nor rest, until what we are asking for is given to us. This approach to prayer is especially necessary when we want to change situations from the status quo. It is therefore imperative that the person whose knocking will get an answer from God never gives up!
Attributes that successful knockers must possess include: persistence, fervency, and righteousness. Knocking for some time, and then giving up, results in partial victory; as was the case of King Joash of Israel. However, there is the need for a balance between persistence and good sense; thus, it is good sense to know when God has given a final answer from which He will not yield. Failing to stop knocking when this point is reached, can be dangerous, having negative consequences as was the case of King Saul who persisted with Samuel, tearing his garment in the process, and losing the kingdom as a consequence. The Lord Jesus knew when to apply good sense and yield to God’s will. Furthermore, doors are not open to people whose ‘knocking’ is timid, hesitant, and lukewarm; but doors are open to those whose banging is vibrant, consistent, and energetic. Finally, it is important to note that doors are open by God only to those who are righteous. Sinners who persist and are fervent in seeking God’s blessing, without first becoming righteous, will discover that their knocking will be in vain.
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