KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:1 KJV “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”

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The Holy Spirit speaking through apostle Paul talks about perilous or difficult times in the last days. In this matter, he did not speak of natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, etc. These troubled times would be human-induced. He says in the latter days, sin would abound so much that most people would lose their fear and regard for God. Anytime men try to kick out the knowledge,  teaching and the principles of God, society slumps into serious moral decadence. Men lose the regard for their fellow men, and so they do not care what they do to their fellow men. All these proceed from men idolising themselves in place of God.

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Please note that a man without God is a complete failure. God created man to love, serve, and fellowship Him. This is the only way man finds true identity , true value and true fulfilment. The moment he gets out of the course with God, he turns to himself, yet that is not true; Satan and his demons rather take hold of him. There are only two masters that may rule men. God, the creator and true lover of His creation, and Satan, the adversary, liar, hater and deceiver of humanity. Sadly, men have fallen for satan’s deceit. Rev 12:9 KJV And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

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The name Satan means the adversary or enemy. He is the enemy of God and of men as well. It is very sad for any man to say he is a satanist. Sadly, they do not know that they are saying we are friends of our enemy. This is all because they are blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4) and deceived (John 8:44)

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Satan’s number one trick to enslave men is to cause them to focus on themselves. Self-worship  is Satan’s bait to trick men into his quagmire of bondage. I saw a video in which a woman says she is a dog trapped in the body of a human, so she has surgically changed some portions of her face to look like a dog, and then another human being has placed a chain around her neck to move around with her. As they moved, she stopped to urinate like dogs do when they go out with their masters.

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Seeing a fellow human in such a state, is it not traumatic enough? This is one of the perils that some human beings  are inflicting on other humans.

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THOUGHT: THE WORST MISTAKE ANY MAN WOULD MAKE IS TO REJECT JESUS

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Psa 14:1 KJV” To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”

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Jer 17:9 KJV” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:25 KJV” In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”

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We continue with our discussion on those who oppose themselves.Why would a man oppose,or  do things that would hurt him  ?.These people do not know the grave dangers of the wrong usage of the tongue.The bible says the devil is like a roaring lion, going about seeking whom he may or can devour.( 1 Pet 5:8).Satan would have devoured every one if he had the right.He looks around for those who are opposing themselves, that is those who have broken the  hedge that God has placed around them.If your hedge is broken, as the scripture says the serpent who has been lurking around would bounce  on you and bite you.

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Let’s consider what the scripture says about an untamed tongue. Please remember that it is the unscriptural statements that people make that give them over to the enemy. James 3:6 KJV “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell”.Now let’s read this very scripture from the Passion Translation, James 3:6

And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body and is a hellish flame! It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence .”

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From the above verse, to those who do not use their tongue scripturally, the tongue is a fire. The negative words you say would tend to set you on fire. It says a perverse tongue is the most dangerous part of our body. It is also a hellish flame . These statements suggest that when you fail to agree with the scriptures to say negative words , you offer your tongue to the devil to use against yourself. Proverbs 15:4 says a wholesome tongue is a tree of life, while perverseness is a breach in the spirit. The word wholesome means a “healing ” tongue.

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THOUGHT: YOUR TONGUE HOLDS THE KEY TO YOUR GLORIOUS LIFE

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CONFESSION: God’s word properly confessed is the tonic of life. I keep declaring the word of God with faith in my heart. Indeed, the Lord is continually glorified ,and I always have what I say( Mark 11:23)

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Pro 18:20-21 KJV A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

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Jas 3:2 KJV” For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:25 KJV” In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”

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The Lord instructs ministers to exercise patience or, in meekness, instruct those who oppose themselves. Many who argue ignorantly against the word of God may be opposing themselves. To oppose yourself is to do and say things that give Satan easy access to attack and inflict all kinds of attacks and punishment on you. Many problems are self inflicted. Proverbs 18:21 says,” death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat its fruit thereof “

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The fruit of the mouth is the words that come out of the mouth. The man who complains about God bringing all the evil issues on him or her is seriously opposing himself or herself. This person may be expressing complaints against God for causing matters to go badly all around him. He is using his mouth to tear down every spiritual hedge around him. Ecc 10:8 KJV” He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” God places a hedge of protection around His people. Job 1:10 KJV “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.”

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There is a hedge of protection around you. Words of complaint, words of fear and any negative anticipations are ways of opposing yourself. They give the enemy access to attack. Job suffered terribly  because he uncautiously opposed himself. Job 3:25-26 KJV” For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came”. He said he was afraid, that he was not quiet, and that he was not safe. These are words that rise up against you and break up the hedge of protection that God has raised around you.

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Dear child of God, you need to be meek to help those who may be ignorantly opposing themselves to learn the truth and come out of the error that would seriously affect them. Some of these people are so held up to their views that it takes lots of patience to help them out of their error.

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THOUGHT:DO NOT ALLOW YOUR MOUTH TO OPPOSE YOUR LIFE:

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CONFESSION: God’s word is the highest spiritual law that governs my life. I say only those things that glorify God and bring blessings of peace, health, wealth and excellence to me. My path shines brighter and brighter, and I live victoriously  always in Jesus name.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Num 14:28 KJV” Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:”

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Jas 3:5 KJV” Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:24 KJV “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”

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Among the definitions of strive, as given by the Strong Greek dictionary, is to fight. This refers to situations where two people exchange blows or engage in armed combat. Unfortunately, some Christians find themselves in this category. For example, there are husbands who beat their wives, and there are others who become involved in physical altercations under various circumstances. Such acts, according to scripture, should not be named among the people of God.

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Why would a Christian husband beat up his wife? The scripture says the wife is the body of the man. She is bone of his bone,  and flesh of his flesh. Eph 5:28 KJV “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” If this is so, why do some men beat their wives for whatever reason? Many men have not come to such an understanding to acknowledge that the wife is their body, as he is the head of that union. The next reason why some are so violent is that they do not acknowledge the kind of Spirit that now possesses them.

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In Luke 9:51-55, the Lord sent His disciples to a village in Samaria, but when they arrived, the people had not made provisions to receive them. His disciples, James and John, asked that they call down fire to consume the people. The following was the Lord’s answer. Luk 9:55 KJV” But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” He turned and rebuked them because the Spirit operating in them does not destroy men that way. The Spirit in you is a gentle, loving, supportive Spirit. He does not fight . The Lord asked us to turn the other cheek. This was not a literal instruction but a figurative one. It meant never to be offensive. The child of God must not fight,

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THOUGHT: THE CHILD OF GOD MUST, AS A PRINCIPLE, NEVER BE OFFENSIVE.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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1Ti 3:3 KJV” Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.”

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Mat 5:39 KJV But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

KEY  SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:24 KJV “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”

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The Strong’s Greek dictionary gives three meanings to the word strive.

1 The first meaning explains that it is to fight. This is when two people exchange blows or engage in armed combatants

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2 The second is about those who engage in a war of words, quarrel, or dispute

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3 The third are those who contend in a law court over property and privileges

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From these three, the most suitable meaning in the light of our discussion is the second one. Our key scripture says the servant of God must not strive over words. This kind of word tango normally depends on the two persons involved. On a number of such occasions, one party quickly interrupts the presentation of the other. This is what keeps tempers high. The best way to tone down  the tension between the parties is for you, the servant of God, to allow the other party to say all that he has to say at a time and then calmly state your case. Do not aim at winning the argument, but as you speak, pray in your heart that the Spirit would direct your words and convict the heart of your enquirer.

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Please, if your knowledge about the topic of discussion is scanty ,please tell your enquirer you are not well informed about that particular topic, but rather you would come back at another time to speak clearly on that topic. If you are well informed about the topic of discussion, then just be patient and cautiously present your views. Do not mock your enquirer or make statements like ,”see how ignorant you are” Such comments would only generate wrong passions and strife.

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After your presentation, ask him or her if he is convinced about your answers. If he says yes, then explain the steps to salvation to him.If he says no, then enquire about the aspect that he is not very clear about, and if he is ready for further explanations, then just go through with Him again. If he seems to be still resistant, then  end the discussion. Keep interceding for him. The Lord is able to save him.

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THOUGHT:STRIVING IS A WORK OF THE FLESH, AND CAN NOT YIELD ANY GOOD RESULTS.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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2Ti 2:14 KJV “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.”

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2Ti 2:24 KJV” And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:23 KJV “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”

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We live in a world that is very hostile to Christ and His people. There is a spirit of antichrist already in our world. This power working through men likes to pin down the message of the gospel. We must be very alert to these things so that we avoid them. 1Jn 4:3 KJV “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

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The scripture says these spirits of anti-Christ are out there  to kill your faith. If one comes arguing with you about who the mother of God is. You tell him God has no mother and that He exists by Himself, yet he would not accept what the bible says. Just forget about him and go your way. You can not strive over words with him. There is a philosophical statement that says truth is not absolute. This is an atheist or anti-God statement. According to the Bible, truth is absolute because Jesus is the truth. He is the end of all reality. He said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me. Jesus is the truth, and there is no further truth anywhere. If this person keeps saying the truth is not absolute, you do not sit arguing with him. The man of God does not strive. We do not try to prove the reality of the scripture. The scripture proves Himself.

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The scripture is never an inanimate thing; it is a living being. Heb 4:12 says the word of God is alive and powerful. If the word is alive, then the word cannot be a thing. The word is a person. You do not argue with anyone over such things. The  word wombs that were surgically removed have been replaced supernaturally. Empty eye sockets have been filled with perfect new eyeballs. Deformed, degenerated hearts have been recreated to replace the old, dying ones. Every one of the humanly impossible situations has been brought into being by the power of the spoken word. Do not argue with those who have decided not to believe. The Holy Spirit is able to make them believe.

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I touched the back of a lady with a degenerative disc, who could not walk, but by the next morning, she could walk perfectly, with no pain and  the disc was perfectly formed.

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THOUGHT: YOU CAN’T COMPEL ANYONE TO BELIEVE, TRUST THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DO THAT

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CONFESSION: God’s word is truth. I do not strive with anyone to prove the ability of the word of God. If anyone does not believe the word, I do believe, and it always produces results, mind-blowing results, because God’s word is a living being ,active and very powerful. I am a winner, I am always triumphant in Jesus name. Glory be to God.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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1Jn 4:6 KJV” We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

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1Jn 2:22 KJV” Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:22 KJV “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

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It is great to be young. Youthfulness is a period of real physiological liberty. By this statement, I mean that as a youth, your physical features are  at their peak of strength. When one is at  the infant stage, their physical features may not have fully developed. At Old age, his features might be growing weak, yet in the youthful period, every aspect of his or her body  is at its peak of strength and performance.

It is in this very period that the body wishes to express itself in every way possible. The lustful  drive between the man and woman  is equally very high. Other passionate physical drives, such as light food ,alcohol, etc., are also very high. This poses a great temptation to the youth.

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It is in the light of all that I have discussed above that the youth must heed the scriptural counsel and flee every form of lust. Dear child of God, the truth is that despite the drive and passions of youthfulness, you have been saved from the controls and dictates of the flesh. You are not a man or woman of the senses, Rom 8:9 KJV”, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”.Do not surrender to the disposition of youthfulness.

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The flesh may long for a thing, but it is what occupies the mind that controls  your action. You are dead with Jesus, and so it is no longer your old nature of sin. Fill your consciousness with the knowledge of complete righteousness. You can do this by meditating on your true state of holiness in Jesus. Eph 4:24 KJV” And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” You can do this by saying to yourself, I have put on my new self, which is created after God in true righteousness and holiness. Repeat this for  over an hour.

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The advice is to flee youthful lust. This means  associations that would ignite your passion for wrong things must be firmly avoided. Pictures ,videos and scenes that can draw your attention towards those things  are your enemies, avoid them. The scripture also advises us on things we have to occupy ourselves with or pursue. These are righteousness, faith, charity and peace with them that call on the name of the Lord with a pure heart. This statement  also means look out for those who are not living sensually and relate more with them.

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THOUGHT:BE CONTROLLED BY THE TRUTH OF HOLINESS AND NOT YOUR FEELINGS

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FURTHER STUDIES

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1Co 6:11 KJV” And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

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2Co 7:1 KJV Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:20 KJV But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

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In our previous study, we concluded that God uses vessels that set themselves apart from carnal and all impure things  . We saw that God makes certain vessels with very high potentials . These are extra gifted, yet if they were effective, then according to the  bible , they ought to be purged. Joh 15:2 KJV “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” For any tree or person to be very productive, he or she must be purged. What does purging entail?

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In normal life, purging entails cutting off some portions of a plant and shaping it up . Purging has to do with disciplining oneself such that one restrains or controls oneself to fully fit into God’s laid-down standards. This can involve forsaking certain time-wasting habits to give yourself more hours in prayer. It also involves giving yourself to the study of the word of God and reading books of anointed men of God. Another aspect of purging is to forsake sin and all forms of carnal lifestyle that dishonour the ways of God. You can not bear much fruit without purging.

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Now, what really takes place when one is purged?1 Corinthians 3:12 tells us that one may not be a golden or silver vessel, but he or she can build with golden or silver materials that would yield results of one who is golden. Your dedication is a form of purging that  allows the Spirit to do in your life. 1Co 3:10 KJV” According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” Dear one, the main issue is about how you build. Note that it is not a luxury to consistently spend hours in prayer every day, yet after a good season of such dedicated moments of prayer, you would realise an aura around you that brings amazing results into your work.

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I have seen people who did not matter so much in the work of God. They never encountered any special divine visitation, yet their decision to allow themselves to be purged brought a great move of God into their lives. They soon realised people are touched and convicted of sin when they share the word with them. The sick get well when they pray for them.

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THOUGHT: PURGING  PROFITS PERPETUALLY

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Rom 12:1 KJV” I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

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2Co 6:17-18  KJV” Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:20 KJV “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.”

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Our key scripture is very unique. It explains God’s dealings with His children as well as  the role of each person in God’s vineyard. The scripture speaks further,  it speaks of God’s grace concerning God’s election , choices and gifts.

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The scripture says God does not have only one type of vessel  but has varying forms. Note: none of the vessels made themselves the particular form that they are. It is God who makes a vessel of gold, and another of silver ,wood and earth? From this context, the vessels never made themselves; it is the grace of God that formed them for specific purposes. We can draw the example from what goes on in our homes, just as the scripture said  about what happens in a great house. This can be likened to the home of a very rich man who buys various vessels for specific purposes. A golden vessel would definitely be for a very honourable purpose. An earthenware vessel would be for a far lesser honourable use.

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The scriptures also teach that the attitude and commitment that a man uses in his or her work show whether he is building with gold , silver ,clay or hay. This is about the motive and the degree of sacrifice that a man commits in doing what he does. 1Co 3:12 KJV” Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;” It is only the Lord who knows what each one is building with. Each one’s work would be judged by fire at the end of the age. If it were of gold or silver, it would stand.1 Corinth 3:13

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Back to our key scripture, the Lord says a vessel’s state matters, yet the ability of the vessel being  used depends on how clean it is. If a golden vessel is dirty with filth all over it, the earthenware vessel that is clean and pure would be chosen and used.2 Tim 2:21. The golden vessel was for a very honourable use, yet its impure nature has dishonoured it. We have seen certain highly gifted individuals, yet they are not mightily used of God , while others who may not be so gifted are used.

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THOUGHT: GOD USES PURGED VESSELS.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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2Ti 2:21 KJV” If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

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Joh 17:19 KJV And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 2:19 KJV” Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

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Christians  bear the name of Christ.2 Corinthians 6:15 says what concord has Christ with Belial. And what  part has he that believes with an infidel? This verse and other verses  in 2 Corinthians 6 refer directly  to the Christian. The Christian is called Christ. This is a very honourable state or name. The bible says everyone who is called Christ must depart from iniquity. Iniquity is simply unrighteousness. The believers in Jesus are called righteousness( 2 Corinth 6:14.You are also called the temple of God.2Co 6:16 KJV” And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

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In light of all these, the scripture says the Christian must leave every unclean thing. 2Co 6:17 KJV” Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”  Dear child of God, it should never be a normal thing for you to cherish sin. The bible  says you are the workmanship of God created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has ordained that you walk in them. You are a pure breed of perfect Holiness, and living upright is your normal way of life.

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Why is the Christian called Christ? The bible says your old self died with Jesus. The new man alive in you is the Spirit of Christ. Gal 2:20 KJV” I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” It is Christ who is presently  alive in you and me. Our true name is Christ. If you are  called Mark, then you are Christ Mark , Samuel is Christ Samuel, and Akosus is Christ  Akosua. This is what the  bible calls a mystery, which has now been brought to light. Col 1:27 KJV “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

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It is in the light of the above that the bible says let him who bears the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

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THOUGHT:SIN IS NOT IN YOUR MEMBERS, GIVE IT NO PLACE.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Rom 6:14 KJV” For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

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Rom 6:19 KJV I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.