KEY  SCRIPTURE:2Ti 1:9 KJV “Who hath saved us, and called us with a 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,”

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Our key scripture is a very loaded one. It says we are saved by grace and called   with a holy calling. This seems to be a very simple statement, yet it  is worth so much. There  are countless religious groups, yet none of them is saved by grace. Every one of them is counting  on how much their good work or righteousness would outweigh their sins. The question is, is God a holy God? Would  a Holy God accept any form of defilement in heaven? God is a holy God and would accept a completely pure, sinless man in His kingdom. How can this be possible? It is only the blood of Jesus that can wash  a man completely of every sin and present him blameless before God. Col 1:22 KJV” In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:”

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Please, if you are practising any other kind of faith, then  consider the following illustration. If a clean barrel of water has a drop of faeces in it, would it still remain pure? Dear one, no man can be saved by his works. Isa 64:6 KJV” But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” There is no salvation in any other except  our Lord Jesus.Acts 4:12

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Dear one, religion offers  doctrines and laws, but Jesus offers life. He said

“…. I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly” John 10:10b. Anyone who bows to the Lordship of Jesus receives true peace. One simple test to check if you are saved or not is to ask yourself”,whether you have peace or not” Today is your day of salvation. Do not be confused, the blood of Jesus is God’s only provision to cleanse men  from all our sins.

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THOUGHT:IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY MAN TO BE SAVED WITHOUT FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Joh 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.”

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Joh 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.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 1:8 KJV “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.”

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In our previous study, we were exhorted  not to be ashamed of the gospel. The scripture says further that he should be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel. The gospel is God’s truth to save a dying world from the lies of the devil. Satan raises all kinds of opposition against the advancement of the gospel. This calls for the making of  a number of sacrifices. It is these sacrifices that constitute the afflictions of the gospel.

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Money plays a very big role in sending forth the message of the gospel. To preach on television. It takes money. To travel to new towns, cities or villages, there would be a need for money. We have to make great sacrifices financially. The spread of the gospel involves travelling into new terrains, which may not have certain basic necessities of life, like a good source  of  water . If these comforts are not readily available, you must  still stay there to share the gospel with them.

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Apostle Paul said the following  to the brethren he went to strengthen as follows: Acts 14:22 KJV Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. The Lord said the servant is not greater than his master in John 15:20: “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. “All these statements go to show that to get the gospel across, there is an enduring of some challenges  or persecutions.

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THOUGHT:THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL WOULD FACE OPPOSITIONS, BUT WE MUST ENDURE TO WIN

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Rom 8:18 KJV” For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

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1Pe 4:13 KJV” But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 1:8 KJV” Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.”

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Apostle  Paul’s instruction in this verse is a very important one. He tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony or to testify  of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was also not to be ashamed to associate with him who was imprisoned because of his defence of the gospel. Finally, he was not to be afraid to face any attacks from men because of his stand for the gospel. To claim allegiance to Christ is the highest honour that God expects of his followers. To be ashamed of our Lord Jesus is to deny him before men. It may be by open denial or silent denial.

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An open denial is to do as Apostle Peter did,to say that you do not know him or to say you are no longer a Christian. A silent denial is to refrain from testifying about him. Failure to witness about him to others. All these are the same so long as you have not repented to boldly talk for Him.

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The following is what the Lord said about those who would be ashamed of Him. Mar 8:38 KJV ” Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

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The Lord was not ambiguous about His words, speaking to those who would be shy of him. He said in simple language that such people would be none of His when He returns. How does one show shyness about Him? Many Christians are shy about testifying to Jesus before their friends or others. Many people today would not boldly preach to others because they are just too shy to witness about Jesus to others. Apostle Paul said in Romans 1:16 as follows:” For I am not ashamed of the gospel of our Lord Jesus, because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, of the Jews first then the gentile The good news is the testimony of Jesus.

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It is very sad to realise that in a country where there is freedom of religion, like Ghana, many Christians do not testify about Jesus. Most of them do not do so because they feel ashamed. Please just consider this: what is shameful about telling people about the saving power and grace of our dear Lord and Saviour? Men who do very shameful things are so bold about it. Boys and girls are so bold as to stand in the midst of people to kiss each other and are not shy about it. Some girls dress almost naked, and they look very proud doing so, yet the child of God with the news that could break the power of the devil is so shy about their master and Lord.

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Please note this again, to be ashamed to testify about our Lord Jesus is to deny him. In practice, you are saying you have nothing to do with Him. Such an act is sinful, and you must bow your head in shame and ask the Lord to forgive you of your sin today.

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THOUGHT:TO BE SHY OF JESUS IS TO BE PREPARING FOR HELL FIRE

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Luk 22:61 KJV” And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.”

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Luk 9:26 KJV” For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 1:7 KJV “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

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From our previous study, we realised that fear of acting boldly is what prevents us from  stirring up the gift of God in us. Apostle Paul now clarifies to Timothy and to every Christian that God our Father has not given us the spirit of fear. Every kind of fear showing its head in your life comes from the enemy.

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The scripture explains rightly that fear is not just a psychological state but a spirit. It is a personality that  seeks to influence you. As a spirit, it is intelligent. It functions by communicating lies. Fear’s  power to hold a man bound is to deceive you with  those lies. Please never treat those negative compelling words as your own reasoning pattern.

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If the lies of the Spirit of fear are believed, they make you feel very weak and vulnerable; it leaves you confused, and then you lose the love you had for God, because in the presence of love, fear cannot operate. These very conditions that fear tries to  negate in you are what the father has given you. They are power, love and a sound mind.

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To rightly deal with fear, you must acknowledge that you are dealing with an

intelligent personality. Secondly, resist the lies it tells you. If it says your condition can not get better, please talk back to it by saying that the word of God says no evil shall befall you. Fear does not only work with words. The words take over your emotions. Speak the truth to yourself till your emotions are free of the anxious state fear sets them into.

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The moment you take charge over  the negative emotions begin to act against the negative responses you were giving to the spirit of  fear.Now acknowledge that  you  have power, that is the ability to act positively..Secondly you have love.This is the ability to be affectionate towards God and to be rightly disposed towards him.Lastly you have a sound mind, so  refuse every confusion  and get your mind focused on doing the positive things only.

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THOUGHT:EVERY WORD FEAR SAYS IS A ĹIE ,REFUTE IT WITH. THE SCRIPTURES

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Eph 6:16 KJV” Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

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Eph 6:14 KJV’ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:

2Ti 1:6 KJV Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

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Timothy received a spiritual gift when  Paul laid his hands on him. This verse proves that servants of God are filled with the ability of God, which can be given to others who need it. Peter said in Acts 3:6 as follows, ” Silver and gold have I none ,but such as I have  give  I thee,In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Perer had the ability to heal through  the Holy Spirit in Himl. Paul has certain gifts that he also imparted to Timothy when he laid his hands on him.

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Dear child of God, know that you are not  empty. The presence of the Holy Spirit in you means you are filled with divine abilities. Believe it and exercise your faith to be a blessing to some other persons.

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Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to stir up the gift that was imparted to him. How can one stir up the gift of God?

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1 The gift could be stirred through an act of faith. This involves believing in your heart that you have such a gift. You may boldly say that through the laying on of the hands of the man of God, I received this gift. As I take a step in faith, it will be stirred into operation.

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2 Through prayer and the study of the word of God, faith would rise up in you to get that gift stirred . Spiritual gifts get into operation when you act on the word.

For example, the gift of healing goes into operation when you go about ministering to the sick.

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You can get the gift of prophecy or discernment of the Spirit as you spend good time fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit through worship and prayer. The catalyst to get any gift going into operation is   to believe that you have it and then act in line with that gift.

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In the preceding verse, Paul explains that as children of God, we have not been given the spirit of fear. This clearly explains that one can only make use of the gifts of the Spirit through boldly acting on the word of God. Fear paralyses and keeps you from taking a positive action. When the persecution of the early church started for the first time, they prayed and asked for boldness. Act 4:29 KJV And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” Boldness means being ready to act irrespective of what may be threatening you.

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There is so much in each of us, yet most of us experience very little of what the Holy Spirit has invested in us. Who could be seeing amazing miracles every day if we had dared to act in faith? The presence of the Holy Spirit in us means an abundance of supernatural power latent in us. Boldly acting on it would cause the Spirit to manifest His power through us.

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THOUGHT: IF YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT, THEN YOU ARE BOLD. ACT NOW

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Act 2:14 KJV” But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:”

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Act 1:8 KJV” But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 1:5 KJV” When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

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We continue with lessons on follow-up as we see in the Apostle Paul and Pastor Timothy’s relationship. There are a number of acts,ways and approaches that are employed in following up on souls. There is a moment of teaching the convert on a number of topics that seek to establish him or her in the faith.The next step is to  train  him or her to acquire some skills. This is done by showing him how to do it and then allowing him to do likewise . There are also moments when the convert must be supported. This   could be supported in any way. It may be financial or any other form.

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In today’s lesson, Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to keep up with the unfeigned faith that is in him. To encourage is to strengthen  one with words that spur him on to do more. Apostle Paul used lots of encouragement In following up on the converts.2Th 1:3 KJV “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;” At this occasion he encourages the brethren in Thesalonica about their growing faith and their generosity. Such encouragement aims at exhorting them to keep up with the  good act  and even improve upon it.

As much as we should be ready to correct wrong ways,  positive acts must be brought to the fore and the  brethren encouraged.

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In light of the above ,avoid condemning people who may be falling short. You may condemn the wrong actions, but do not condemn the individual.

You may also confirm their faith by supporting them in kind. The Lord not only taught to sustain the faith of the people, but He also fed the hungry and healed the sick. and took care of his disciple

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There is a second aspect of encouragement. This is strengthening the souls not to give up, especially in difficult times. Act 14:22 KJV Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. The word “confirm” also means to strengthen or encourage. The brethren are strengthened by giving the kind of teaching that clears off doubt, Rom 8:1

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THOUGHT :ENCOURAGEMENT IS OF THE SPIRIT, BUT CONDEMNATION IS NOT

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Rom 8:1 KJV” There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

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Phi 4:14 KJV” Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 1:4 KJV “Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy.”

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Apostle Paul expresses his great desire to see Timothy, who was his son in the Lord. Follow-up is a father-son relationship whereby the father gives in every important way to bring the son into full maturity. The real strength that maintains the drive to keep giving spiritual food, as well as practical training that goes a long way to keep the convert growing, is pure love for him or her. This love can not make you forget about the convert. Paul said I have a great desire to see you. This is a natural instinct in every  mother. The mother would not leave the baby for even the shortest moments. She knows that the slightest absence could mean big trouble for her baby.

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In the gospel of John, the Lord healed a man born blind. This event caused the Pharisees to attack this man because of the fame the incident brought to Jesus. They sacked him from the temple. The bible used a phrase which depicted the Lord Jesus had been looking for him, so he could be strengthened. John 9:35 KJV Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? The Lord, out of love and wishing that he may not lose his faith in Him, searched till he found him. He had not forgotten about him out of negligence.

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There are a lot of satanic attacks on a lot of converts who easily grow weary and eventually lose their faith. They were forgotten due to negligence . Please may we keep the names of our converts in a book so we can check on it to get in touch with them.

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Apostle Paul, after he was let down through a window in a basket, left for Tarsus, where he used to stay, to continue with his tent-making business. The bible said, Barnabas went to Tarsus to get him back into the evangelistic fields one more time. Act 11:25 KJV “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:” What would have happened to this great apostle if this man, whose name meant son of consolation, had not, out of love, gone to look for him and encourage him to get back into the work.

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Now, what stirs this love in our hearts for the converts?

It is our love for God through our daily fellowship and consistent praying for them. Make time to pray for every convert under your influence.

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THOUGHT:ĹOVE THE BRETHREN UNCONDITIONALLY, AND YOUR IMPACT CAN NOT BE QUANTIFIED

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FURTHER STUDIES

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2Co 11:28 KJV Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

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Act 11:25 KJV” Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:”

KEY  SCRIPTURE:2Ti 1:3 KJV “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.”

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Apostle Paul states he’s been serving the Lord since the days of his forefathers. His assertion simply means   the forefathers served then, and he is likewise doing the same now . He says he serves the Lord with a   sincere conscience . This is one important requirement that every child of God must do. God seeks such worshippers. Joh 4:23 KJV But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”

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Apostle Paul  says he daily prays for Timothy without ceasing. The letter to Timothy is all about following up on one you brought up in the Lord. Paul could have said Timothy is no longer a convert but a growing Christian. Yet he kept teaching and instructing him in the proper ways of pastoral duties.

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This should inform us of our responsibilities to those  we bring up in Christ. Act 14:22 KJV Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” The work of following up on converts or growing Christians must be stirred up once again

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Intercession is one aspect of follow-up that is very powerful. Intercession brings the   Holy Spirit into the life and the reality of the person being prayed for.No body is above the prayers of others. Prayer must  continue to be offered for them.

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Pray that they would know Jesus in reality. Pray that they be filled with the knowledge of God and that they would live by His will. As you keep in touch with that person and keep praying for him, he will never fall away. Remember that one of your greatest achievements in this life is to see your conversion in the presence of our Lord Jesus in glory. Phi 2:16 KJV” Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” If your convert falls away into sin and does not make it  to heaven, then you have laboured in vain.

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THOUGHT: LABOUR TO SEE YOUR CONVERTS STANDING TO THE END

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Gal 4:19 KJV :My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,”

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Joh 17:12 KJV While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 6:21 ISV” Although some claim to have it, they have abandoned the faith. May grace be with all of you!”

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In today’s study,Apostle Paul explains to Timothy that although many claim they have knowledge, they are sadly living a lie. He added that they have rather abandoned the faith. This is a paradox. How could one   have so much knowledge about Jesus yet abandon the faith? Yes, this is not a paradox. Having all the  knowledge about Jesus without  submission to Him places you as far as any other person  who never knew Him .1Co 8:2-3 KJV “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” The scripture shows that knowledge, although very important, means nothing in relation to God if we have no love for Him.

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What are the true signs of one who has knowledge about Jesus yet has abandoned the faith ?

1. This  man  has no true love for Jesus  

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2 This person does not worship God in truth. He may worship God, but not a heartfelt one . It is only lip service

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3 Such people only use God to get what they want without a genuine love  for Him. They do not commit themselves to serving God in His  church. They  attend church only for a need to be met

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4 Jesus said in Luke 14:26 KJV If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”  There are many

who love themselves so much that they would be so offended when they are looked down on. I may not say they have abandoned the faith, but their love for themselves has made their hearts very cold towards the Lord. We have many backslidden believers.

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5 When a man has so much knowledge of the scriptures, yet they freely live in sin, without any sense of remorse. Such a person could quote so many scriptures and preach very ‘ powerful’ messages yet break the word with ease. Such a one has denied his faith.

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Dear Child of God, it is our greatest blessing to love God with all our hearts, souls, and might. This is the greatest commandment. This is what brings us true satisfaction in our souls and true deliverance from every bondage. God does not call for a part of us. He wants everything about us, and there would be nothing for the enemy to take advantage of. Pharaoh said to Moses, “Go and serve the Lord, but let your herds and your flocks stay.Moses answered, “We go with everything and not a hoof will be left behind..Give everything to God.

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THOUGHT: GOD’S EXPECTATION FROM US IS TO GIVE HIM OUR EVERYTHING OR NOTHING AT ALL

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Exo 10:26 KJV” Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.”

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Deu 6:5 KJV And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 6:20 WEB” Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge,”

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A canoe or ship sitting on the edge of the ocean will gradually drift away into the deeper waters and will eventually get lost because it was not secured or properly anchored. Apostle Paul tells Timothy to properly keep all that had been committed to him . Heb 2:1 ISV “For this reason we must pay closer attention to the things we have heard, or we may drift away.” Dear child of God, whether you are a pastor or not, you have to seriously guard the truth that you have received lest you lose it. As a pastor, the flock has also been committed to your trust, and you must diligently guard it. You would be able to do all these by staying diligently with the word of God that you have received.

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The word says he must turn away from empty words  or defiling words that breed all kinds of evil and negative tendencies. These things come from very wrong associations or individuals who raise baseless arguments and questions that would engender unbelief. Turn away from such people. It does not matter even if they are your close friends. Avoid every negative influence, no matter who the culprit is. In this information age, be careful about the kind of material you watch, listen to, or read.

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The following scriptures instruct us not to allow any man to take us captive through vain deceit. Col 2:8 ISV “See to it that no one enslaves you through philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to the Messiah.” I have  encountered men of God practising all kinds of supposed spiritual directions that are very questionable. Some take bottles of anointing oil , mention whoever is causing them trouble, and then they crush the bottle on a piece of rock. Their intention is that the enemy’s life would  be crushed in a similar manner.

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There are so many practices that have no scriptural bases, yet a number of Christians do them. Dear child of God, do not just  do anything you see others doing. You must ask for the scriptural bases for such things. Some of these practices may be getting into witchcraft without your awareness.

Now, any practice that seeks to impose your will over a fellow human being, especially when you are also filled with bitterness against that person, then certainly a witchcraft spirit is functioning through  you. Stay with God’s truth of love and mercy, and you will not be overtaken by any demonic influence.

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THOUGHT: STICK TO GOD’S REVEALED TRUTH

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Joh 13:34 ISV” I’m giving you a new commandment…to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

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Joh 17:17 ISV” Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.”