KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:31 ISV” The one who comes from above is superior to everything. The one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is superior to everything.”

Who comes from above? Our Lord Jesus came from above. He did not come in the form in which He went up, according to Acts 1:11.

 He came as the word of God that became a man or flesh.

It was the Holy Spirit that formed in Mary His mother. Jesus who came from above is the word and from the Spirit of God. The bible says He that is from above is above all. The word above means superior, greater or mightier. _To be above means He should not be subjected or dominated by those things that are below_ Him.

We said in our discussion above that, Jesus is the word and from the Spirit of God. Every Saint is born of the word and the Spirit. Every Saint also comes from above. To be born again means to be born from above. The word again is the Greek word ‘ anothen’ and it means ‘from above ‘ or from a ‘ higher place’ We as saints proceed from a higher place. This means we are made of a superior product. The following are the source of which we are made.

1 We proceed from God or we are the offspring of God, 1 John 4:4.

2 We were born of the incorruptible word of God.1 Peter 1:23

3 We were created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Eph 2:10

4 We are partakers of the divine nature, and have escaped the corruption in the world through lust.2 Peter 1:4

James the apostle describes our source in the following manner James 1:18 KJV” Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Firstfruits means, the first and the best.

 As people from above, our grounds for victory in this life, is our unflinching faith in our FATHER.

Now God’s word reveals that if we are from above then we are above all. This implies we are superior to Satan himself and every agent of his. (Please meditate on these things) His works of sin, sicknesses and all forms of darkness should not control us. We are privileged to exhibit a very high standard of uprightness and excellence in all we do. Phi 2:15 KJV” That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

We must maintain a consciousness of victory and put away every thought of failure, fear of every form. As one from above, you are a blessing and so make your life blessing to all.

THOUGHT:  THE LORD JESIS THOUGHT OF HIMSRLF AS THE ANSWER AND NEVER A PROBLEM, AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE.

FURTHER STUDIES

2Pe 1:4 KJV ” “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Ephesians 2:10 KJV ” For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:26 KJV “And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.”

Competition, is not always evil. It depends on the context in which it is observed and the way it is executed. Competition among people of God is rather problematic. In our context we do not strive with others, but to fulfill the high calling that God has given to us.

 Those who compare themselves with one another are not wise 2 Corinth 10:12. These kinds of things generate strive, and all kinds of foolish behaviours.

 Please note, there are two kinds of Christians the matured ones, and immature, or the babies and the spiritual Christians. It is the baby or immature ones who worry about the success, advantage or opportunity of others.

 In our key scripture, it was the disciples of John, who came to him, and commented that, the man he talked about was baptising many. Dear brother or sister, be very careful about the comments of the one who seems to express concern for you. They may instigate you to act wrongly. How was John able to overcome the wrong instigation of his disciples. He kept to the principle of God first.  ” John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” John 3:27. John was implying that; I am nothing by myself. Whatever I am is from God and so we do not do any thing for ourselves but to God’s glory. He clarified to them that he was not the Christ and came to honour, prepare the way for Him. He added that, it is rather my joy to see Him fulfill His mission. John added the following humbling statement

John 3:30 KJV “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John expressed that his desire is that, Christ must increase whiles he decreases. This should mark our underlying attitude and principle towards God and His work. Whenever the work of God is increasing through any servant of God, let your joy be expressed unto the Lord. That increase is not unto whoever is in charge of it, but unto Christ. Say with John, “Christ must increase and I decrease”. Stop considering the physical privileges and advantages that may be coming to that man. Rather consider our Lord Jesus who is exalted.

Competition among children of God comes from carnality and spiritual immaturity.

 Let us focus on the more eternal things, than the earthly benefits which will all find their way into the earth.

THOUGHT:  THOSE WHO ARE DRIVEN. BY CARNAL ADVANTAGES ARE NOT WISE TRUE LOVE FOR GOD, WILL KILL EVERY CARNAL COMPETITION.

FURTHER STUDIES

2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV” For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

Luke 17:10 KJV “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

(Do not rate yourself too high)

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:23 ISV “John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People kept coming and were being baptized,”

After John the Baptist introduced the Lord Jesus to the crowd and baptised Him, that day, the Lord left to start His ministry after fasting for forty days. After getting a few disciples, He hit the road doing various things for His Father. He started baptising with His disciples, although He did not baptise Himself. John 4:2 ISV” although it was not Jesus who did the baptizing but his disciples—”This type of baptism was a baptism of repentance to demonstrate to the whole world that, those being baptised had changed the course of their life. As the Lord was baptising John was also baptising at the same time at another location.

John was doing the same thing yet there was no competition because he did it to honour the Lord, and not for himself. In these days we have seen all kinds of competitions among Christian groups. Some compare themselves to others and claim they have more members than the other. There has been instances that a more resourced Church gave a bigger amount for a plot of Land, although the smaller group paid earlier, only to have the money for the smaller group refunded to them. Some have even contracted assassins to eliminate those who are a threat to their honour, glory or what have you.?

 All these competitions are signs of people doing things for themselves.

Dear child of God, stop doing things in the name of the Lord for yourself.

 There is no reward for whatever we do for ourselves.

How do you know you are   doing things in the name of God for yourself?

1. Whenever you seek for an advantage (monetary, fame for yourself) and feel bad because things did not go to your advantage

2. We do things for ourselves when we feel hurt because others have been chosen instead of us.

3. When you desire for breakthrough to prove to others that you are also important. James 4:3 ISV “You ask for something but do not get it because you ask for it for the wrong reason—for your own pleasure.”

4. We work for ourselves when, we are afraid, worried or sensitive that things would not turn out for our good.

5. We work for ourselves when we feel bad that others are praised. and nothing is said to us

Dear one, whatever you gain for yourself, whether money, fame, or what have you, would be left in this life, but everything you did to the praise and glory of God will accompany you into God’s presence.

THOUGHT:  LIVING IS ALL ABOUT GOD, AND NOT ABOUT OURSELVES.

FURTHER STUDIES

Col 3:17 KJV “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Col 1:18 KJV “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:22 KJV “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.”

Our key scripture, says, “after these things”. What things did the word talk about? He was referring to Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus. The Lord was very much involved in both private and public ministries. Nicodemus visited Him, at a night hour. In bible times, there was a twelve-hour day time, beginning from 6am to 6pm.At 6pm it was night, when people went to sleep. Nicodemus came at such a time, yet the Lord had the patience to teach him all that we learnt about in John 3:1-21.

That was a very lengthy discussion yet, the master was very patient to teach him all that he had to know. Acts 20:20 explains the private and public ministries as follows.” And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”

The scripture in the last paragraph speaks of making every opportunity to share the gospel and the word of God. He said he kept nothing good from any of them, but taught them publicly and from house to house. In the case of Nicodemus, it was Nicodemus who visited Him at His home, yet He taught him so extensively. Let us take time to receive those who come to us, seeking answers for certain questions, and then going out of our way to visit others with the word. After teaching Nicodemus, He left with His disciples to Judea. In Judea his disciples baptized many who came to Him. This was His public ministry.

Every child of God must be involved in both ministries. We must teach people en mass, and teach them on one-on-one basis. In most cases the one-on-one ministry is quite effective. Many of us are not in the front line of our ministries, and therefore may not have great numbers of people to talk to, but we can always have a friend, a neighbour, a relative, or some individual to relate with and share the gospel with them. Apostle Paul said he shared the word from house to house. Get involved with the house-to-house ministry as well.

THOUGHT:  THE FATHER’S BUSINESS, IS SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH OTHERS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luke 2:49 KJV “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

Acts 20:20 KJV “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:20 KJV “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

The righteous are as bold as a lion. They have no skeletons in their wardrobe. There are certain husbands who cannot leave their phones all alone in their bedrooms. They would keep it on themselves and carry it to everywhere they go in the house. They would never receive a phone call in front of their spouses. As the Lord said, these people have something to hide, and so would keep everything in the dark. The scriptures teach us to avoid every appearance of evil. 1Th 5:22 KJV” Abstain from all appearance of evil”. We, the children of God are light. We are called the light of the world. We must naturally love acts of righteousness for that is what we are. Build this consciousness into your being. It was said of Jesus in Hebrews 1:9 as follows   “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

The man who walks in darkness lives under the power of darkness. His acts are always influenced by darkness. Just as the man who loves righteousness is anointed with the oil of gladness, the wicked is also anointed with the oil of sorrow. There is a constant sense of emptiness in the heart of the man who walks in darkness. Now darkness is not just a state, but a personality. Darkness has a kingdom or authority. Col 1:13 KJV “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” The word power in this scripture is the Greek word ‘exousia’ which means authority. Dear one, it is not what you profess to be, but what you submit to that determines who reigns over you.

Please consider the following scripture Rom 6:16 KJV” Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” What kind of works do you experience in your life? Is it peace, victory, health, love for all, kind words, or inner torment, sicknesses, anger of rage, unforgiveness, harsh words filled with insults? Whatever you experience depends on who you have chosen to be your master, whether light or darkness.

 Please note that the man who submits to the Lord Jesus, is a master over the devil and his works.

THOUGHT: LOVE THE WAYS OF LIGHT AND RULE OVER DARKNESS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luke 4:6-8 KJV “And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 3:19 KJV “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

God reveals an undeniable truth about man. He states that man loves darkness more than light because his deeds are evil. This truth shows man’s need for God’s salvation. God’s assertion about men is very true.

 The crises and pain that. man finds himself is as a result of his own creation.

From the very beginning of creation, man forsook God and his way, and chose the lies of Satan, which is darkness. The result was spiritual death which brought men under the rule of Satan. Let’s look at a few scriptural revelations about men.

1. Jeremiah 17:9 KJV “The heart (of man) is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

2. Mark 7:21 KJV” For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:”

3. Colosians 3:5 KJV” Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

4. Romans 3:13 KJV Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: and the way of peace, they have not known

The above scriptures cumulatively show the wickedness of the heart of man, and that no one can really tell. People are basically so selfish that, they would eliminate their neighbour to satisfy their longings. Peace has eluded many homes because the heart of man is filled with rage.

Man, according to the word of God is dead in sins Eph 2:1.

The word says further that, the strength of sin is the law, why? The law states all the righteous demands, but because man is dead in sin, his real weakness is exposed by the law. Apostle Paul says he was alive when there was no law. His weakness towards sin was brought to the fore, the moment the law came. All these was so because man is lost in sin.

This is the conclusion of the matter. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus is God’s solution to the power of sin. Dear one get on your knees and switch the control of your life to Jesus today.

THOUGHT:   IT TAKES ONLY THE LIFE FROM JESUS TO MAKE MAN WHOLE

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 3:10 KJV As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Rom 3:12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Rom 3:13 KJV Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

1 John 3:8 KJV He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:18 KJV “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

The Lord Jesus did not come to condemn the world. He gave His life that men may be saved. Although He’s done everything for   man’s redemption, it is up to every man to welcome or accept this great sacrifice. Anyone who refuses to surrender to His Lordship has condemned himself. The scriptures remind us that, He came to His own, but His own received Him not. Jesus is the only way (John 14:6). He is the only name under heaven given among men, whereby we may be saved (Acts 4:12). What does it mean to be saved? Salvation is a very broad term involving everything that brings a sense of comfort to man.

 Salvation in the light of our present discussion is to be rescued from death.

According to Rom 5:12 KJV “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” Death reigned and worked in the life of every soul born into this life. Salvation in this light is to receive life. It is to be delivered from spiritual death to partake of the life of God.2Ti 1:10 KJV “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”

Jesus has abolished this master who ruled over all, that is death.

 Condemnation is the reign of death over a man.

Refusing to make Jesus Lord over your life is to perpetuate the power of death in you. Death would continue to work and rule over your life if you refuse, this offer of life that our Lord Jesus freely gave to us. According to our key scripture anyone who accepts the Lordship of Jesus receives life, and is not condemned.

 The man who rejects Jesus abides in death, and so is condemned

 To be condemned or not to be, is in your hands.

It is all about what you do with Jesus. This is your moment to pass from death to life. Decide to make Jesus Lord of your life. Remember that spiritual death means separation from the Spirit of God. This gives access to every evil power to invade your life. Spirits of infirmity, that is sicknesses, sins of all kinds, the power of failure and many more will easily dominate you when you allow death to reign in you. To believe in Jesus is to reverse this order of things.

THOUGHT: SALVATION, PEACE, HOLINESS, GOOD HEALTH IS VERY REAL FOR ANY WHO BELIEVES IN JESUS

FURTHER STUDIES

2Timothy 1:9 KJV “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”

Rom 5:17 KJV” For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:17 KJV “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

The prophet Isaiah said the following prophecy about Jesus. Isa 42:3 KJV” A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.”

A reed is a plant that grows in swampy areas meaning it is very soft because it is the water that hold up its shoot. If a reed is bruised then its condition is really helpless. To break it, will be just wickedness. He also said a smokey flax, will he not quench. If the flax is not flaming with fire but giving out smoke, then it is just close to being quenched off. To estimate it will be wickedness. This word about the Lord Jesus is exactly what he came to do. Man was dead in his sins and trespasses.

 Man needed life and not condemnation.

 The most unfortunate part of the whole thing is that most men, do not realise they are lost and this is the reason he needs help.

When a man forsakes the relation with a woman to lie with another man, then men are lost. If a man would lie with a dog and the world body see it as right, then man is indeed dead. In this day and age, when there is so much knowledge in abundance, how could any man claim Jesus is a myth? This points further to the hardness of men’s heart, proving that man is dead in sins Eph 2:1. One unfortunate lie swallowed by many in the face of abundant knowledge is the teaching that says Christianity is a western or European religion. Europe, before the arrival of Christianity was into sorcery and idolatry.

 Christianity was never the religion of any nation, but, according to the bible, it comes to takes over any community it goes into.

All nations of the earth were into idolatry. ALL the above shows how blind, lost and dead that man was.

The Lord never condemned any. He said they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus does not condemn anybody, neither does He turn His eyes away from any. To the women who was brought to him, claiming she was caught in the act of adultery, He asked her accusers, if any of them had not committed sin before? They should then cast the first stone at her. No one did. He told the woman, neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more. (John 8:3-11)

Please note, men could only be condemned after they had been given the chance to receive life, and if they willingly rejected it, then would it be right to condemn them. Jesus has died for all men, would you accept His sacrifice for you?

THOUGHT: LOVE ALWAYS LIFTS UP THE FALLEN, AND DOES NOT ACCUSE THEM  NEVER CONDEMN YOUR FALLEN BROTHER, RATHER HELP HIM TO STAND

FURTHER STUDIES

Isaiah 53:6 KJV “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Rom 5:8 KJV” But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:16 KJV” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

All those who would surrender to Jesus in submission to him would live. They would receive eternal life. What is eternal life? There are various forms of life. There is the life of plants. There, is also the life of animals. Humans also have a life called psuche . Psuche is a soulish life. There is also a higher form of life. This is the life of God. It is called Zoe.

John 5:26 KJV” For as the Father, hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; “Eternal life is not just life after death. It is an endless life. Eternal life is the life of God, that we receive when we believe in Jesus. This is the kind of life the word says, “is the light of men”. John 1:4 KJV” In him was life; and the life was the light of men”. The Lord said this life shines in darkness, that is the power and works of Satan CANNOT, understand, overcome, put it out or stop it.

Let’s take a good look at the statement in John 1:4. In the Son or word is life, and this life is the solution of man against all the works of the devil. Many saints easily yield to the works of the devil, like sin, sicknesses, demonic harassment, and any other works of the devil. Dear child of God, the day you gave your life to God, you partook a life that is higher than the man who has not surrendered to Jesus.1Jn 5:11 KJV “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Anyone who has the Son has life. You have God’s solution for a life of victory and constant success

Our key scripture of this study shows that those who reject Jesus, or do not believe in Him will perish. Satan, has set up the power of failure, destruction and decay for all men and creation as a whole. Romans 8:20 KJV” For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,” The answer to this is the life Jesus brought to us. Anyone who does not receive Jesus would ultimately perish in hell. If you would give your life to Him, you would be a Victor now in this present life and age, as well as the life to come. Choose Jesus choose life and mastery over Satan.

THOUGHT: TO REFUSE JESUS IS TO CHOOSE, FAILURE IN THIS LIFE, AND ETERNAL DESTRUCTION IN THE LIFE TO COME.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 8:21 KJV” Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

1 John 5:13 KJV “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:16 KJV” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

In our earlier discussions of this verse, we have considered God’s love for all, and the fact that, He gave Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. Now, we would look at the vital part that men have to play in this work of salvation. The earlier discussions have all been considering God’s special roles He played h to rescue men. For our part, the Lord says all those who believe in Him would not perish. To believe is to declare that God is faithful. In Rom 1:16, Apostle Paul says He is not ashamed of the gospel of our Lord Jesus, because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. Believing is receiving. Many wonder, wish and cry yet are bereft of the power of God that can save them from every evil.

Believing is of the heart or the Spirit. Romans 10:10 KJV” For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Believing is also not a mental act although your head must fully agree with what the heart accepts. Believing also involves throwing away every contrary reasoning that opposes the word of God.2 Corinth 10:5 calls it casting down imagination, and every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge God.

Everyone who truly believes have what they believed for. In this study, what are we to believe about Jesus? We believe that Jesus is Lord. We also believe he died for our sins. Lastly, we believe that Jesus resurrected from the dead after the third day.1 Corinth 15:3,4. This is what the gospel of our Lord Jesus is about.

Salvation is an all-inclusive word. It involves forgiveness of sin, healing the sick, preservation, peace of mind, prosperity and every form of comfort that the Spirit provides. Whenever you believe the word concerning any of these things you receive the solution to that condition. This is real in everyone of the above blessings.

THOUGHT: BELIEVING IS RECEIVING

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 10:9 KJV “: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

1Corinth 15:3,4 KJV” For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”