“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”
GIVE GOD THE GLORY ALWAYS Acknowledging the Lord’s doing in our lives is crucial to the continuous flow of divine blessings. All glory must be unto the Lord in every achievement because He alone is worthy of praise. The above text clearly shows an attitude of ingratitude and being at ease in Zion (Amos 6:1stated the danger)
May we never get to a point in our lives where we fail to return the glory to God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
GOD IS BEHIND OUR GREAT EXPLOITS The lizard that jumps down from a tall Iroko tree and nods its head in self-praise must not forget that it is the Lord who kept it from breaking its backbone. Beloved, always return praise to the God of great exploits! Don’t be like the man in our text who failed to acknowledge God for the blessings He had given him. Remember: We are great because God is great. Only those with short memories—or proud hearts—fail to show gratitude, and such people often become grounded. Rather, Thanksgiving ensures the tank of your testimonies isn’t empty. Give God quality praise for you to enjoy a good race.
SO MANY REASONS TO PRAISE GOD God is the breath we breathe, the source of our inspiration, power, and blessings—the joy of our hearts, the dance of our feet, and the hope of our glory (Colossians 1:27). He is the wisdom behind our success and our all in all. There are countless reasons why we must continually praise Him! Let someone shout Hallelujah!
“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.” — Acts 17:28a
DIVINE DEMAND FROM THE DISCIPLES “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” — Luke 17:17
Hmm… where are the 90% who forget to return thanks? I don’t think any of us is in this category.
Remember, ahead of our successfully organized Valedictory/Impartation Service , held yesterday, we prayed and sought God’s face and grace—and He answered beyond our expectations! He gave us good weather, good health, a great turnout; He prevented errors and confusion, edified us, terrified our enemies, and glorified Himself in our midst. Now, He deserves all the glory!
INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL DISCIPLES
At every centre, all disciples (100%) should fix a date this month of October for a Thanksgiving session (at least 20 minutes of praise and worship) and also conduct the Year 10 Exam.( Coordinator, kindly inform me about the convenient date agreed upon this month)
All disciples should prepare for Thanksgiving at their respective Zonal Headquarters on the first Sunday following the graduation ceremony (date to be announced).
The Lord will keep us beyond that day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
GO AHEAD AND SAY “THANK YOU, JESUS!” “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” — 1 Chronicles 29:13- Mention those things that God did for us and that He is still doing in your life.
Before the scheduled dates above, pause whatever you are doing and begin to say, “THANK YOU, JESUS!” Please say it NOW!
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
The cross is a powerful instrument that crushes carnality and its deeds called the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19). In discipleship, cross is never that fanciful golden or silver ornament people wear around their necks, but rather a symbolic, old, and rugged instrument on which we must die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31).
COST OF DISCIPLESHIP In our opening scripture (Matthew 16:24), Jesus finally threw a bombshell to whoever desires to be a genuine disciple. Such a person, according to Him, must:
Deny Self : Denial in this context means separation from the carnal life. Your body parts are still physically present, but they no longer serve the desires of the flesh. Please note that your flesh—not the devil—is your strongest and closest enemy . The Bible makes us understand that “fleshly lusts war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Hence, the major way to overcome the flesh is to act as a stranger to its desires. This is called self-denial.
Take Up Your Cross: This is not necessarily a visible object but a spiritual instrument through which total surrender to God is achieved. The cross mortifies and silences the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13). No one who has been laid and nailed to death on the cross daily is sensitive to sinful activities of the flesh anymore. Therefore, Paul declared: “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). How did he do that? By engaging in regular fasting (2 Corinthians 11:27) and keeping his body under the control of the Lord, bringing it into subjection to the Spirit (1 Corinthians 9:27).” Believe me, no sinful stimulus or temptation can attract a person like Paul who is already dead to sin. This spiritual death connotes transformation from a carnal state to a glorified one, gaining more of Christ daily.
3 Follow Him (Jesus Christ): This means yielding to Biblical instructions, walking according to God’s will and in His ways. This is the core and the hallmark of the cost of true discipleship—continued obedience to the Lord’s injunctions, whether they make sense or not. This is the essence of the preaching of the cross, because many divine instructions will contradict the desires of the flesh. Therefore, whoever will genuinely follow the Lord to encounter His awesome power must allow the flesh to die daily upon the cross. Brethren, Spiritual power is never cheap. It always comes with a cost.
WAY TO SPIRITUAL POWER It is indeed difficult for an unregenerated soul or a carnally minded person to understand the preaching of the cross. Imagine someone who has waited many years for a child, and after finally receiving one in old age, God instructs him to sacrifice that same child. Or think of giving away everything you have without hope of getting anything back. Such instructions appear foolish to the carnal mind.
Paul affirmed this: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
It seems foolish for a leader to stoop down and wash the feet of his disciples, yet Jesus did so (John 13:4–15) because humility is the only way to obtain God’s grace (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). It was equally absurd to think of sacrificing one’s only son, yet Abraham obeyed (Genesis 22:1–18), and Jehovah Jireh not only restored Isaac but also released upon Abraham the power of generational blessings.
Beloved, the closer you walk with God, the more divine power is released into your life to prosper and to fulfill destiny. However, until you overcome the barrier of carnality, your spiritual sensitivity and obedience to God will remain hindered or limited.
CONCLUSION The preaching of the cross is the pathway to spiritual power, divine wisdom, and true discipleship. It calls for total surrender, daily death to self, and unwavering obedience to Christ. Though it appears foolish to the world, it is the secret place of transformation and empowerment for every believer who truly desires to walk with God. Let the cross be your daily altar of surrender, where the flesh is silenced and the Spirit takes full control.
PRAYER POINTS
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to daily deny myself and take up my cross to follow You faithfully (Luke 9:23).
Father, crucify every work of the flesh in my life and help me to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:24–25).
O Lord, deliver me from every form of pride and self-exaltation that hinders humility before You (James 4:6).
Heavenly Father, help me to obey Your instructions even when they seem foolish to human understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6).
Lord, release upon me the power of the cross that conquers sin, overcomes the world, and draws me closer to You daily (Philippians 3:10).
The name that a person bears reveals his identity, personality, and ability . As a songwriter composed:
“The Name of Jesus is greater and higher than all names. It is not an ordinary Name — it is the Name full of power and praise.”
Beyond merely knowing the wonderful Names of Jesus, there is great power in calling the right Name at the right time. As the Scripture declares:
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Acts 2:21
HIS NAME IS WONDERFUL One of His Names is Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6), and truly His Names are full of wonders. To experience wonders in prayer, we must engage His Names genuinely and appropriately. For instance, when you call upon Jehovah Rapha , He reveals Himself as the Healer, and you shall be healed.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS NAMES The Names of Jesus carry divine power and meaning. Below are a few of their significance:
Salvation – Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Protection – Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Defence – Psalms 20:1 “The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee.”
Answered Prayer – John 14:13 “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Victory and Deliverance from the forces of darkness – Philippians 2:10 “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.”
DON’T CALL HIS NAME IN VAIN Whenever you call or engage the Name of Jesus, heaven and its hosts stand at attention. A question is raised in the heavens:
“What does he or she want?”
Therefore, call His Name intentionally, reverently, and purposefully. Never call His Name carelessly or vainly, for it is holy, powerful, and mighty to save.
CONCLUSION The Name of Jesus is not a charm or a mere religious chant; it is the embodiment of divine authority, salvation, and victory. Every believer must learn to honour and invoke His Name with faith, confidence, and understanding. When you call upon the Name of Jesus in truth, you invoke heaven’s power, and every opposition must bow. Let us therefore trust, proclaim, and live daily in the power of His Name.
PRAYER POINTS Thanksgiving: Father, thank You for giving us the powerful Name of Jesus — the Name above all names.
Forgiveness : Lord, forgive me for every time I have used Your Name carelessly or without faith.
Empowerment : Father, let the power in the Name of Jesus be evident in my life, home, and ministry.
Victory : In the mighty Name of Jesus, I command every mountain and opposition before me to bow!
Manifestation : Lord, through the Name of Jesus, let salvation, healing, deliverance, and breakthrough manifest in every area of my life.
The foundation of any structure is very fundamental. The spiritual basis of salvation and deliverance is key to spiritual progress. However, whenever life isn’t progressive, it becomes stagnated, if not even retrogressive. Therefore, settle the foundational principles of your spiritual life once and for all, and make a giant stride toward perfection.
Beloved, do you have a firm and solid foundation? And how are you building on it? You must be progressive.
HOW IS YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE SINCE YOU BELIEVED? At conversion from darkness to light, certain things must happen to a believer to form a firm foundation for lasting structural and functional development: salvation and its assurance; sanctification; and the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Of course, there must also be deliverance from every satanic bondage and evil pattern.
As good and essential as these are, they collectively form a lower and basic level of faith known as the first principles of the oracles of God (Hebrews 5:12). Like I used to always respond to altar calls anytime I listened to messages from new preachers—even after my salvation experience—it profits you nothing going back to the basis repeatedly.
You can’t keep marking register in the same class for years and call it progress, no that’s no promotion. Beloved, move on to perfection today!
BUILDING RIGHT STRUCTURES If genuinely you have been saved, by now you ought to be leading others to Jesus Christ for salvation. If truly you have been delivered from evil forces, by now you should be able to cast out devils as Jesus instructed (Mark 16:17).
If sincerely you have been speaking in tongues by the Holy Spirit, you should by now be operating in the gifts of the Spirit (Acts 10:38). Don’t remain at the base of faith. Strive for perfection!
Lay precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10; 2 Peter 1:5–10). As a true child of God, you ought to be hearing God more clearly than ever before. When you begin to build these spiritual structures and embrace virtues and values, then you can stand strong with God, be fruitful, and become a blessing to others.
DANGERS OF STAGNANCY Hear what Apostle Paul said in Galatians 4:1: “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all.”
Jesus Christ, while in the flesh, started as a child, but within three years of ministry He grew tremendously (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:80; Luke 2:40). You cannot remain childish, feeding on milk all your life, because:
You cannot rule as a child (Ecclesiastes 10:16).
A child-level Christian remains under guardians/rulers (Galatians 4:1).
A child-level Christian misses out on the divine agenda of dominion (Genesis 1:26–28).
A child-level Christian will be denied spiritual and ministerial promotion meant for the faithful (2 Timothy 2:2).
A child-level Christian cannot victoriously win the battles of life. Remember David—though young in age, he was “man enough” to confront Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32–37). It’s not about stature, but the right mindset for God and godliness.
Only those who overcome life’s challenges are promised eternal rewards (Revelation 2:7). CONCLUSION It is not enough to be a child of God. Be a man or woman of God (1 Kings 17:24). Making too many references to the past is evidence that your present condition is nothing to write home about. Are people still laying hands on you when you should be laying hands on others?
Wake up! Develop yourself daily in the light of God’s Word and grace. Go beyond the first principles of the oracles of God. Step higher into maturity in life and ministry!
PRAYERS
Lord, grant me grace to move beyond the basics and walk in higher realms of power, wisdom, and dominion in Jesus’ name.
Lord, help me to lay a firm and unshakable foundation in my Christian life in Jesus’ name.
Father, deliver me from every form of stagnancy and childishness in my walk with You.
Lord, open my spiritual eyes and ears that I may hear You more clearly and follow You more faithfully.
Father, let my life manifest spiritual growth, fruitfulness, and maturity that will impact others positively.
HOW’S YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE SINCE YOU BELIEVED?
At conversion from darkness to light, certain things must happen to a believer to form a firm foundation for a lasting structural and functional developments: Salvation and its assurance; sanctification and the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. And of course, you must be delivered from every satanic bondage and evil pattern. As good and essential as these are, they collectively form a lower and basic level of faith known as the first principles of the Oracle of God according to our opening scripture. Like I used to always respond to altar call anytime I listened to messages from new preachers even after my experience of salvation, it profits you nothing going back to the basis. You can be marking register in the same class for years and call it progress or promotion. Move on to perfection today!
BUILDING RIGHT STRUCTURES
If genuinely you have been saved, by now, you ought to be leading others to Jesus Christ for salvation. If truly, you have have been delivered from evil forces, by now, as a believer you have to be able to cast out devils as Jesus instructed (Mark 16:17). If sincerely, you have been speaking in the tongues of Holy Spirit, you ought to be in the gift of the Spirit forthwith (Acts 10:38). Don’t stay at the base of faith level. Strive for perfection. Lay precepts upon precepts (Isaiah 28:10; 2 Peter 1:5-10). By now, as a true child of God, you ought to be hearing God more clearly than ever before. It’s when you have these structures and many more spiritual virtues and values that you can stand alone with God, be fruitful and be a blessing to people around you.
DANGERS OF STAGNANCY Hear what Apostle Paul said in Galatians 4:1: Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; Jesus Christ we are following while He was in the human flesh started as a child but within three years grew tremendously (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:80; Luke 2:40). You can’t choose to remain childish using a feeder bottle all through because:
You can bear the rule as a child. Ecclesiastes 10:16 says: Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
A child level Christian remains under rulers (Galatians 4:1)
A child level Christian missed out from the divine agenda of Dominion (Genesis 1: 26-28)
A child level Christian will be denied of spiritual and ministerial promotion. They are meant for faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2)
A child level Christian cannot victoriously win the battle of life. I believe you know, I am not talking about stature, status or age. David was a man enough by daring Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32-37)
It’s only those who are able to win life challenges that are likely to make it to heaven (Revelation 2)
CONCLUSION It is not enough to be a child of God. Be a man and a woman of God (1 Kings 17:24). Making too much references to the past is a clear evidence that your present condition is nothing to write home about. Are people still laying hands on you, when you are to be doing the same to impact others? Wake up! Develop yourself on a daily basis in the light of God’s word and grace. Today forge ahead beyond the first principles of the Oracle of God. Step up higher in life and ministry unto MATURITY!
Brethren, do you know that it is only when you take care of yourself that you can take care of others? The Bible provides guidance on self-care by emphasizing the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). You need your body to serve God. You also need your soul to connect with God and your spirit to fellowship with Him.
Keep your body in super shape (KISS). Free your mind from the cares of life and unwholesome thoughts, and let your spirit show great delight in God.
CARE FOR THE BODY
The importance of physical discipline (1 Corinthians 9:25–27), the need for rest and nice sleep (Exodus 20:8–10), the care for your environment (Genesis 2:15), and what you eat (1 Corinthians 10:31) are some of the ways of caring for the body.
Beloved, you are what you eat. Honour your body (Romans 12:1). You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20).
CARE FOR THE SOUL
Seeking the right knowledge (Proverbs 4:7), engaging in profitable exercises (1 Timothy 4:8), building good relationships (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10), responding to Jesus’ invitation (Matthew 11:28–30), and engaging in soul-lifting praise and worship (Psalm 103:1–2) will help to keep your soul stable.
The command to love your neighbour as yourself—which includes loving yourself (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:30–31)—is crucial for soul prosperity (3 John 2).
CARE FOR THE SPIRIT
The Bible encourages believers to care for the spirit through prayer and seeking God’s peace (Philippians 4:6–7), and by acknowledging God’s purpose (Psalm 139:14). It is essential to give preferential treatment and adornment of meekness and quietness to your spirit man (1 Peter 3:3-4).
MIXED ACTIVITIES FOR COMPLETE WHOLENESS
(3 John 2)
Casting your anxieties on God, as encouraged by Peter (1 Peter 5:7), is a principle that protects your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Always turn to prayer and thanksgiving to alleviate anxiety, promoting mental health and the peace of God (Philippians 4:6–7).
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do; influencing every part of your being; flows from it, (Proverbs 4:23).
CONCLUSION
Self-care is the foundation for having a good relationship with God and fulfilling His purpose. Acknowledging that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) lays the groundwork for self-acceptance and self-care by recognizing your intrinsic value and purpose.
Value what God has invested in you—and take proper care of yourself.
Beloved, today we are considering Divine Success. True success does not come from human effort alone, but from God, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Many people pursue success at all costs, but not all success is good. Our focus today is on the success that comes from God—success that is lasting, peaceful, and brings glory to His name.
SUCCESS IN CATEGORIES
Bad Success
Some people attain success through cheating, fraudulence, occult practices, or immoral shortcuts. Though it may appear fast and attractive, it leads to destruction.
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
This comes from God and often requires patience, obedience, and faith. Though it may seem slow, it has a glorious and sweet end.
“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).
Joseph is a biblical example: though he passed through trials, his end was glorious (Genesis 41:39–44).
GOD IS THE ROOT OF GOOD SUCCESS
God is the source of divine success. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).
He is all-knowing: He knows the unknown (Isaiah 46:10).
He is all-powerful: He strengthens the weak and lifts the humble (Isaiah 40:29–31).
He gives power to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).
He can turn emptiness into abundance (Luke 5:1–6).
ACCESSING DIVINE SUCCESS
Connection with God
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Meditation on God’s Word
The Word of God is a compass for divine success.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth… then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
Waiting on God for Instructions
Divine success comes by obeying God’s specific instructions.
Peter toiled all night but caught nothing until he obeyed Jesus’ word (Luke 5:4–6).
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
Collaboration with the Spirit of God
The Holy Spirit is our teacher and helper.
“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you… and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him” (1 John 2:27).
Demonstrating Hard Work
Divine success is not for the lazy. God blesses the works of our hands. Remember, success is when opportunity meets with preparation.
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29).
CONCLUSION
Divine success is not measured by wealth alone but by walking in God’s will, fulfilling purpose, and ending well. While bad success fades and leads to sorrow, divine success is eternal, peaceful, and glorious. As we remain connected to God, meditate on His word, listen to His instructions, cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and work diligently, we will enjoy divine success. You will succeed in Jesus Name.
PRAYERS
Lord, thank You for being the source of every good success in my life.
Father, disconnect me from every pathway of bad or evil success in Jesus’ name.
Lord, give me grace to stay connected to You at all times (John 15:5).
Holy Spirit, guide me daily into the way of divine success (Isaiah 30:21).
O Lord, bless the works of my hands and let me prosper without sorrow (Deuteronomy 8:18, Proverbs 10:22). HAPPY SUNDAY
Text: Romans 8:37 – “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
A conqueror is a warrior who has to engage in a contest to attain the championship position. To be more than a conqueror, as stated by Apostle Paul, is to be made a champion by the One (God) who can never lose a battle or war. No matter how hard the devil may fight, Christians are more than conquerors through the love of Christ.
THE MAN OF WAR
God is the Man of War. He is Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. He is so powerful that He can never lose a battle or a war.
Exodus 15:3 – “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.”
Psalm 24:8 – “Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.”
Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…”
Is there any battle you are confronting presently? You only need to make the Commander-in-Chief of the host of heaven your Ally.
BASIS OF CONTINUED WIN
You can never be an ex-champion as long as you keep loving God. When you love God, He will love you passionately and you can never be defeated.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…”
Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments…”
1 Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Our continued victory rests in our relationship and love for God.
INDWELLING OF GOD
Another factor that puts us on the winning side is allowing God to dwell on the inside of us. No matter how little you may appear, you are a hard nut to break when God dwells within you.
1 John 4:4 – “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
2 Corinthians 2:14 – “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.”
The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer guarantees continual victory.
CONCLUSION We are more than conquerors on the basis of:
Collaboration with God (Psalm 60:12)
The love of God (Romans 8:35–39)
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17)
With God on your side, you can never fail or fall.
PRAYERS
Father, thank You for making me more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.
Every battle confronting my life, O Lord of Hosts, arise and fight for me.
Lord, increase my love for You and let nothing separate me from Your love.
Holy Spirit, dwell in me continually and make me victorious in all areas of life.
Father, let me walk in perpetual triumph and never experience defeat again.
Grace is Divine Enablement – the ability to do what you ordinarily cannot do by human effort.
Grace is an Area of Divine Gift – God’s given ability that makes you excel in your calling and assignment.
Grace is Divine Favour – unmerited mercy and goodness that make your life attractive to men and to God.
Grace is Spiritual Grease – the oil that makes spiritual activities smooth and effective.
Grace is Jesus Personified – the fullness of Christ revealed to mankind.
Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth.”
To Grow in Grace means to increase, expand, or move from one level of Grace to a higher and deeper level.
LEVELS AND CATEGORIES OF GRACE 1 Peter 5:10 – “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
A) In Measure
Grace of the Lord – Titus 2:11
Great Grace – Acts 4:33
Abundant Grace – 2 Corinthians 4:15
Sufficient Grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Exceeding Grace – 2 Corinthians 9:14
Exceeding Abundant Grace – 1 Timothy 1:14
Unending Grace – Revelation 22:21
B) In Spiritual Activities
Grace at Salvation – empowers us to say NO to sin (Titus 2:11)
Grace at Sanctification – helps us hate sin, forgive others, and live by God’s standards.
Romans 6:15 – “Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”
Grace for Service – empowers us to work and give willingly unto God.
Grace for Spiritual Intimacy – helps us pray, study, worship, and hear God consistently.
Grace for a Successful Ending – enables us to start, continue, and finish well.
Zechariah 4:7 – Grace shouts bring completion.
EXAMPLES OF TWO SAULS IN RELATION TO GRACE Saul, son of Kish – started well as Israel’s first king but ended in shame (from grace to grass).
Saul of Tarsus (Paul the Apostle) – started wrongly as a persecutor but ended gloriously as God’s chosen vessel.
May you receive the grace to end well in Jesus’ name.
INGREDIENTS TO GROW IN GRACE
Knowledge of God’s Word (2 Peter 3:18; Acts 20:32)
Regular Visitation to the Throne of Grace
(Hebrews 4:16)– Bold access brings supply of grace.
Contact with the Spirit of Grace (Zechariah 12:10; Luke 2:40; Acts 2:4)
Note: Grace upon a person is visible (Acts 11:23).
Putting Grace to Work for Multiplication
(2 Timothy 1:6) – Stir up the gift of God.
Living the Life of Humility
1 Peter 5:5 – God gives grace to the humble.
IMPORTANCE OF GRACE
Means of Salvation and Sanctification (Ephesians 2:8)
Basis of Our Spiritual and Physical Status
(1 Corinthians 15:10) – Grace is our advantage.
Enables Good Works
2 Corinthians 9:8 – Grace makes us abound to every good work.
Security Against Disgrace
Grace protects from shame and the power of darkness (2 Kings 1:9–12).
Guarantee of Making Heaven
The thief on the cross entered Paradise by grace.
CONCLUSION Grace is the believer’s strength, covering, advantage, and hope of glory. To grow in grace is to continually increase in divine help, favour, and ability until we finish strong.
PRAYERS
Lord, thank You for the gift of grace through Christ Jesus.
Father, let Your grace be multiplied in my life daily.
Lord, give me grace to say NO to sin and YES to righteousness.
Father, empower me with the grace to serve You acceptably and fruitfully.
Lord, grant me the grace to finish well and end gloriously in Jesus’ name. Amen .
Text: Genesis 2:7 – “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
INTRODUCTION
Apostle James made us understand that “the body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26). This implies that, like motor spirit (fuel), the body – no matter how beautifully designed, decorated, or adorned – cannot function properly without the unction from God, the breath of the Almighty (Job 32:8; 33:4).
The Spirit of God is the source of life (Acts 17:28 – “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”).
Without the Spirit, man is lifeless, empty, and powerless.
The question is: Are you ready to function? Remember, the Spirit is your life wire. THE INTERCONNECTIVITY BETWEEN THE HUMAN SPIRIT AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD
The human spirit is limited (1 Corinthians 2:11 – “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”).
Without the Holy Spirit, man is spiritually blind and insensitive to divine realities (1 Corinthians 2:14).
The Spirit of God quickens our spirit to connect with Him in worship, prayer, and service (Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”).
True fellowship with God comes only through the Spirit (John 4:24). HOW YOUR SPIRIT CAN COME ALIVE
Imbibing the Word of Life – “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63). The Word feeds and energizes your spirit.
Receiving the Breath of God through the Holy Spirit – When you are born again and filled with the Holy Ghost, your spirit is quickened (Romans 8:11; John 3:5–6).
Living a Life of Prayer and Worship – Prayer is the breath of the spirit, and worship aligns your spirit with God (Jude 20; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Walking in Obedience and Holiness – Disobedience quenches the Spirit, while obedience keeps the spirit alive and active (1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Peter 1:15–16).
Fellowshipping with Other Believers – Spiritual growth thrives in corporate fellowship, exhortation, and communion (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42). CONCLUSION
The spirit is the essence of life. Without God breathing into man, there is no existence. Your body is just a container; your spirit is the engine, and the Holy Spirit is the divine fuel that powers it. If you are not born of the Spirit, you are spiritually dead. Therefore, yield yourself daily to the Holy Spirit and keep your spirit alive through the Word, prayer, holiness, and fellowship.
PRAYERS
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life and Your Spirit in me.
Father, breathe afresh upon me and quicken my spirit.
Holy Spirit, make me sensitive to spiritual things and obedient to Your leading.
Lord, remove every spiritual weakness, and let my spirit man come alive.
Father, help me to walk daily in Your Word, in holiness, and in fellowship with the Spirit.
Lord, let me never be spiritually empty; keep me connected to Your divine life wire.
