KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:19 KJV” The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples and of his doctrine”

In our previous study, we realized from our key scripture that. the question that the High Priest asked Jesus, exposed their motives for crucifying Him. They had envied Jesus because He was always thronged by a very large audience. Envy is a very horrible state for one to be Proverb 24:4 says: Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Indeed, who can stand before envy.? Envy first slays its victim and uses him or her to attack the second party.

How does envy kill its victim? It builds hatred in the heart of its victim. Remember the scripture that says he that hates his brother abides in death.1 John 3:14, 15. Many times those under the spell of envy are the very people we call friends, brothers, and even sisters. They smile at us yet deep down in their hearts, they are a ravening wolf. Envy is anti-growth, anti-development and even anti-glory. It would attack anyone or close associates who has an advantage or opportunity to excel.

Many times, envy destroys people who are destined to save, help or bless them. King Saul pursued David to destroy him, yet David was raised by God to save king Saul from death, and demonic bondage. He came into Saul’s life to ease the many difficulties that engulfed him. Envy blinded his eyes to all these.

How can one free himself from the clutches of envy?

1. BE ready to submit to what God’s word says about envy.

2.  See the beauty, glory, and handiwork of God in the life of anyone who is doing great and be ready to give glory to God for their lives.

3. Sincerely rejoice with those who are blessed

4. Understand that it is only those things that you appreciate or celebrate in a man that can also come into your life.

5. Instead of hating great achievers, let their success inspire you to also go higher, not as a competition, but to also glorify God with yours.

THOUGHT: YOU CAN’T BE A CHILD OF GOD AND LIVE IN ENVY, FOR IT TAKES ETERNAL LIFE FROM YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Jn 3:14 KJV” We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

Mark 15:10 KJV” For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:19 KJV “The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples and of his doctrine.”

Our key scripture talked about the questions that the high priest and the Jewish elders asked Jesus. As simple as the question was, it exposed their real motives for arresting Jesus and seeking for His crucifixion. They first asked about His disciples. During the days of the Lord Jesus, various teachers of the law attracted a number of followers. These followers were the disciples of that particular teacher or rabbi. Most of these teachers had just a few students or disciples. Any teacher who attracted lots of disciples will surely be envied by the rest who had a few. This sentiment was expressed in the following verse. John 12:19 KJV” The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” In the foregoing scripture, the Pharisees teased each other saying, see how you prevail nothing for the whole world has gone after Him. Just listen to how they described Jesus excelling in having more disciples. They said the whole world has gone after Him. This was the real concern of these teachers of the law.

He also expressed another statement of concern. That was about the doctrine that He taught His followers. It was the kind of teaching He gave His followers that, they believed made thousands of people follow Him. These seemingly harmless questions revealed their true motives for arresting the Lord and seeking His crucifixion. This issue shows how petty men could become. The Lord’s excellence in ministry earned him the fury of the scribes and Pharisees. Envy is a poison in the soul that corrupts the mind.

Envy can happen to any man, if one does not constantly get his or her mind straightened up. There are pastors in our day who are filled with great envy for those with very large audiences. It is quite easy to envy the successful. Dear brother or sister are you envious of a successful one? Please repent, or else, envy easily drives its victims into murder. Envy would surely end you up in hell fires. Envy also sets up an atmosphere of accusations and lack of achievements. The cost of bearing up with envy is too much, drop it and be free.

THOUGHT: THE ENVIOUS ARE DEAD, ALTHOUGH THEY LIVE, CAST IT OFF AND LIVE.

FURTHER STUDIES

Prov 14:30 KJV “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

Prov 27:4 KJV “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:18 KJV” And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. “

After Peter denied his knowledge and relationship with Jesus, he stood further away from the judgment area of the Lord. Peter was gradually losing his focus on what he came to do in the first place. What had happened to Peter? His earlier failure to accept that he was one of Jesus’ followers could have made him feel very guilty. Guilt often turns a person inward looking and depressed, if his guilt gets at him so much. The result is an absolute loss of focus or concentration on what he had in mind to pursue earlier.

The Bible says ” Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life”. (Prov 13:12) Hope deferred means a disappointment, which often makes the heart sick.   Peter’s heart got sick. There are many people who have lost focus of whatever they set before then to attain. The year is in its last quarter and you might be feeling defeated and disappointed because nothing seemed to be achieved. It is alright to be challenged about how little you have done, so you improve on your efforts. It is very defeating to be so sorrowful about negative outcomes that you stop making efforts to regain what you have not achieved or lost. Put the bad experience behind you and forge on to the heights before you.

Some get so defeated by a negative situation, such that they never recover from it again. Dear one there is so much to be done for our Lord Jesus. Refuse that negative event and commit your life to bring glory unto the Lord. Never forsake that good thing you started. Many great lives today evolved from very difficult conditions. These people decided not to bow to fate, but they vowed to rate.

They kept fighting their way to greatness, and now have become a spectacle of great success in life. Maintain your focus in spite of painful setbacks.

THOUGHT: DO NOT BOW TO FATE, BUT VOW TO RATE.

FURTHER STUDIES

Ecc 9:4 KJV “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion”.

Mar 9:23 KJV “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:17 KJV “Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.”

Peter followed after to express his love for Jesus, yet in a sense, it was a self-willed agenda to prove the Lord wrong. He got to the entrance of the High Priest palace, but could not be allowed in, since He knew not any of the men of influence at the place. John who knew the high priest came to usher him in.  It was at this moment that the girl at the entrance asked him.’ Are you not also one of His disciples? Peter was overtaken with fear and answered,’ I am not, John, who is one of Jesus’ disciples, came to this same girl, to let her allow Peter to get in. She did not ask John any questions but asked Peter. What is happening? God’s word is always superior, and would surely have to come to pass. Human effort or ego cannot alter what God has said. Jesus told Peter, before the rooster will crow, you would forsake me three times. This was the reason John was seen by the girl, yet no question was posed to him, instead, Peter was asked.

Never attempt to prove the word of God wrong. One can only live in peace and fulfillment by believing what God says and doing accordingly.  Dear child of God, are you consciously striving to please God, or living by your wisdom? Any man who is rejecting the appeals of love from the Spirit of God, through preaching, and life encounters, yet you keep turning a death ear, then difficulty and anguish of soul is what is awaiting you. Spare yourself avoidable ‘soul aches’ by surrendering your life to Jesus.

THOUGHT: LIFE IS MADE EASIER IF YOU DILIGENTLY FOLLOW GOD’S WORD.

FURTHER STUDIES

Psalms 119:89 KJV LAMED. Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Rom 2:10 KJV” But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:15 KJV” And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.”

In Matt 26, we see Jesus telling His disciples that, when He is arrested His disciples would all forsake Him

Peter promised the master that when every one of the disciples left, he would not do so. This statement was a direct answer to what the Lord said. Matt 26:31 KJV” Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Just after the Lord made the preceding statement Peter responded with the following. Matt 26:33 KJV “Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” Peter made a very daring statement opposing what the Lord said.

Peter’s decision to follow Jesus was an act to justify the statement He made in response to what the Lord said. He was not acting by faith and as a result, there was no grace backing him. Grace is a divine provision that helps us. Grace is always solicited by faith, and faith is produced by acting on the word of God. Peter’s action therefore was surely going to fail. What is the basis of whatever action you may be taking? Peter’s action was purely presumptuous and self-willed.

How do we assess whether one’s action is presumptuous?

1. If it is self-willed. If your action is to prove a point then you are acting presumptuously. Dear people of God, as men we have no point to prove. Whatever we do is on the basis of what God has said, and therefore it is done to bring Him all the glory.

2. When one does not act on the word of God but expects a positive result, then he is only being presumptuous. 

3. Another presumptuous act is when one acts on the word of God, yet, he acts in fear. Fear means faith is absent. Fear also means you are not settled on the word of God. Anything done in unbelief is sin Rom 14:23.

THOUGHT: ALL ACTIONS MUST BE DONE, BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD, IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, AND TO HIS GLORY.

FURTHER STUDY

Gal 5:26 KJV ” Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Rom 14:23 KJV” And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:14 KJV” Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.”

God our heavenly Father rules in the affairs of men. On many occasions, men may plan mischief but God can turn it to achieve His purposes, especially, if it has to do with his children. In the book of Genesis, the sons of Jacob hated Joseph and even sold him into slavery thinking, that would end all the amazing dreams that Joseph has been talking about. God used their evil wish to bring Joseph into God’s perfect will for His life. No man can change God’s intention and plans for the man, who walks in constant obedience to God.

In our key scripture, the high priest counseled the house of elders that one person should die for the people, and that was to be Jesus. John 11:51 KJV” And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;” This man and his group  of elders were seeking to satisfy their fury against the Lord Jesus, yet the Holy Spirit was the one who inspired the high priest to make that prophecy which was to save the whole of mankind.1Co 2:8 KJV” Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Dear child of God, never be afraid of the threats and the animosity of men. In their anger and desire to harm and eliminate you, God will be working out a program of glory for you. All you have to do is to maintain your love for God and keep doing the will of God for your life. The Lord will make all things work out for your good. 1 Cor 2:9 KJV” But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

THOUGHT: THE LOVER OF GOD CANNOT, BE DISADVANTAGED.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 8:28 KJV” And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Gen 50:20 KJV” But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:  John 18:12 KJV” Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,”

The bible speaks of two different moments that come upon men, that limit their ability to freely do what they may want to do. These moments are talked about in the following verses of scripture. John 9:4 KJV ” I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” The second one is Eph 6:13 KJV ” Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Jesus’ arrest was either a day of evil or a night-hour event Now to understand which of the moments among the two, that happened to Jesus, let us describe the two occasions in the light of their meanings in the scriptures.

The night hour is the moment a man cannot operate and go about normal activities because of age. He has come to the period of rest, and so cannot go about working. This is a moment that will befall any man who grows old enough to be limited by age. The advice is to do all that you can do when you are young enough to serve the master. The evil day can happen to any man. It is called the hour of the evil one. This is a moment of trial in which the devil comes over to take advantage of a man. This is what happened to the Lord. God’s advice to face that evil day is to invest ourselves in the word of God, such that, we would be able to apply it in every aspect of our lives. Using God’s word effectively is called the armour of God. The Lord Jesus was very ready for the devil, nothing took Him by surprise.

How prepared are you for that evil day? The Lord prepared Himself prayerfully and also placed His faith in the Father. The Lord’s advice to his disciples and to all of us; is to pray that we may not enter into temptation. Luke 22:42. Temptation in this context is a challenge that over whelms you such that you are not able to stand and overcome it. The next thing to do to overcome an evil day, is to learn to trust the Lord always. Rom 10:11 KJV” For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”  You must also   know how to apply the scriptures properly to various situations.

THOUGHT: A PREPARED MAN IS A WINNER ALWAYS

FURTHER STUDIES

Jer 17:8 KJV ” For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”

Psalms 1:3 KJV” And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:11 KJV “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

When Peter cut off the high priest servant’s ear, the Lord asked Him to put His sword back into its sheath. He asked Peter, should I not drink the cup that the father has given me? Peter was indirectly fighting the will of God. Remember that in Mathew 16:21 this same Peter rebuked the Lord Jesus for saying He would go to the cross and die for all men. The Lord addressed him as Satan, telling him, that he is an offense to the course of God. At this hour, too, Peter took a sword to stop the process of His crucifixion.

In life, one can fight the will of God for his or her life. There are many people who are fighting God over their call into the ministry. There are certain financial sacrifices that the Lord may ask you to make towards the work of God and you may resist it violently. There are certain relationships, that the Holy Spirit may ask one to break. These instructions become a tug of war between those people and the Holy Ghost. There could be certain individuals whom God allows into our lives as instruments of building longsuffering into us. We quickly attack them as Satan or pray all kinds of dangerous prayers against them. All these examples are cases of fighting the will of God.

It is very wrong to see every difficulty as an act of Satan. The scriptures are very clear on issues that Satan raises against you. Anything that opposes our Lord’s atoning sacrifice is satanic and must be opposed. Sin is one of it. Sicknesses are certainly   another, and every form of satanic bondage. There may be certain disappointing events or occasions, which turn out to be God’s way of saving his children. During the September, 11, bombing of the world trade centers, certain brethren, were delayed by events they could not explain, but later realised, God’s hand in saving them from the eminent calamity that took other’s lives. Do not be hasty to attack everything that looks bad, you may directly opposing God, which may cause you a great loss if you do not repent and allow the will of God to prevail.

THOUGHT: STOP ATTACKING EVERYTHING THAT LOOKS BAD, IT MAY BE GOD’S INSTRUMENT TO BLESSING YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 8:28 KJV “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

James 1:2 KJV ” My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:10 KJV” Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus”.

Our key scripture reveals an incident that has been the view of some Christians. They believe in some cases we must take arms and fight for our faith. Simon Peter was also nicknamed Zelotes in Luke 6:15 because he belonged to the political wing called the Zealots, who were the radical Jewish sect, that opposed the rule of the pagan Roman government. They even opposed their fellow Jews who sounded conciliatory seeking peace. It was this sentiment in Peter that made him aggressive and offensive to the point of striking the ear of one of the assailants of the Lord. Should the church take such a tangent when occasion demands?

Church history recorded periods when Islamic Jihadists attacked certain communities, forcing them to convert to Islam. This led to the uprise of the Crusaders which was a Christian military body that fought to defend the Christians. Was it scriptural for the Christians to take weapons to fight and defend their territories? The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. A few years ago, the church in Nigeria found themselves in a similar web, where Islamic Fulanis attacked churches and murdered Christians in cold blood. The church was torn between forming armed Defense groups to fight and protect their brethren or trusting the power of God to protect them.

I believe Christians should strengthen their faith to trust in God for His protection. History teaches us that, the early Church was persecuted without any retaliation, yet the strength and expansion of the church grew because they did not fight back. They trusted God and held to their faith in the midst of the persecution. Our Lord Jesus who is the Lord of the church is able to fight for His glory. The church must get to know the Lord and stand stronger for Him, and He will turn the situation to His glory.

THOUGHT: MAY THE CHURCH LEARN TO SEEK THE SPIRIT’S COUNSEL IN ALL SITUATIONS

FURTHER STUDIES

2 Sam 22:31 KJV “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”

Psalms 4:5 KJV” Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.”

KEY SCRIPTURE Joh 18:9 KJV” That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them, which thou gavest me have I lost none.”

In our previous study, we learned that leaders must be very responsible to keep their followers and lose none. The welfare of the followers should be of great concern to the leader. Every one of the followers is very important and must be protected as much as possible. God does not want any soul to be lost and everything must be done to preserve them. As Christian leaders, whether we are pastors or any responsible role, our concern is to make sure none of the brethren loses his faith or commitment to the Lord. It is the agenda of Satan and his demons to keep the children of God out of the faith.

In Philippians 2 :15, Apostle Paul says he desires all the brethren of Philippi be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke. He added the following words in the next verse. 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.” He says he does not want to run in vain, that is in the day of Christ He finds that those he won for Christ fail to get to the presence of the Lord. The sad truth is that many pastors and church workers do not feel anything wrong altogether when a brother or sister falls off concerning his or her faith in Christ. Jesus was to lose none, and we must do everything not to lose any.

What can we do to keep the souls?

1. The first thing is to take heed to yourself, so you would be strong enough to help others stand. Acts 20:28

2. Agonize in intercession for the brethren Col 4:12 KJV” Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

3. Take care of the souls by teaching them the word and every other assistance that would help them get along.

4. When they seem to fall or to be overtaken by wrong teaching, or a life condition that threatens their faith, make time to know what is making them fall and seek a solution to make them stand one more time.

5. Get in touch as often as you can. That is what Jesus did, he was constantly in touch with His disciples and apostles.

THOUGHT: THE SUCCESS OF SOUL WINNING, IS TO SEE THEM IN HEAVEN.

FURTHER STUDIES

Acts 20:28 KJV “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

Phil 4:1 KJV “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”