Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS, APRIL 26TH, 2026

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CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS, APRIL 26TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTThere is a promise of great favor to all who will live victorious lives in Christ Jesus. Hymn: “O God Our Help in Ages Past”. TEXT: REV. 2:12-17 INTRODUCTION:The Lord Jesus Christ knows His church fully well. He is the Head, while the church is His body. Seven revelational letters were written to seven churches, of which the church in Pergamos was one. All seven letters are similar in pattern, but the contents were designed to address the peculiarities of each church. They were intended to serve as a reminder of the allegiance of each church to God and were specially addressed to the “Angel” (Guardian, Pastor, Overseer) of the church.Pergamos was the capital city of the province of Asia. The city was known for her many temples and shrines dedicated to different idols. It was also the first city to introduce Emperor worship. The Lord termed it the “seat of satan”. Despite all these, the church in Pergamos showed exceptional commitment to God, but were complacent towards some false doctrines.In this study, we intend to examine and learn from the experiences of this church. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to:1.) Explain the significance of Christ’s introduction2.) Identify points of commendation for this church3.) State points of complaint against this church4.) Discuss the instructions and promises to this church5.) Relate the state of this church to present day Christian experience BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF, AND OF WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS IT?Rev. 2:12To the church in Pergamos, Jesus Christ introduced Himself as “He which hath the sharp sword with two edges”. The church in Pergamos was infested with people of corrupt minds and Christ was resolved to fight against them with the sword of His mouth. The sword refers to the word of God. It is sharp because it penetrates flesh as well as spirit and soul. It has two edges because the word of God as a weapon is both offensive and defensive. It is an embodiment of both law and grace. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF COMMENDATION FOR THIS CHURCH? Rev. 2:13While commending this church, Christ graciously noted the circumstance of the place as one where satan’s seat was based. This city must have been infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty. Christ took notice of the trials and difficulties faced by this church, commended them for their steadfastness in upholding the faith and the name of the Lord. Mention was made of a worthy and faithful member by name, Antipas, who was killed for his faith in JesusChrist. This church was ready to seal their faith and fidelity with their own blood so that the saving grace of Jesus Christ could be made more manifest. They were neither discouraged nor drawn away from their steadfastness by reason of satanic onslaught. QUESTION 3) WHAT WERE THE POINTS OF COMPLAINT AGAINST THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS? Rev. 2:14-15The points of complaint by the Lord Jesus Christ against the church in Pergamos centered around the corrupt practices of a few members which had affected their fellowship with God. There were those who held onto the doctrine of Balaam. This doctrine had three prongs namely: Teach an enemy how to cast a stumbling block before the children of God through ungodly company. Trivialized eating of...

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CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA, APRIL 19TH, 2026

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CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA, APRIL 19TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe Church should not be in harmony with the world system. Hymn: “When Peace Like a River Attendeth My Way”. TEXT: REV. 2:8-11 INTRODUCTION:The Lord Jesus Christ knows His church fully well. He is the Head, while the church is His body. The church derives her ministry and authority by being firmly rooted on the eternal foundation laid by Christ.Seven revelational letters were written to seven churches as direct messages from the glorified Christ.The church is Smyrna was one of the smallest among the seven churches mentioned and appears to be materially impoverished. It was suffering persecution from members of the church who were not active believers.In this study we shall examine the contents of this letter with a view to drawing valuable lessons. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to:1.) Explain the significance of Christ’s introduction2.) Identify points of commendation for this church3.) State points of complaint against this church4.) Discuss the instructions and promises to this church5.) Relate the state of this church to present day Christian experience. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF, AND OF WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS IT? Rev. 2:8Jesus Christ introduced Himself to the church in Smyrna as the First and the Last, which was dead and is alive. As opposed to the rest of humanity, Christ was there at the beginning and He will be there forever. He died as sacrifice for our sins, but now He lives to make intercession for our justification and acceptance in God’s sight. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF COMMENDATION FOR THIS CHURCH? Rev. 2:9For this church the Lord Jesus Christ commended them for their work and took notice of their troubles, which included tribulation arising from their steadfastness in faith, their material impoverishment because they desired to have an unblemished testimony for Christ. Jesus Christ commented on the wickedness and falsehood of their enemies, who were blasphemous, claiming to be Jews, whereas they were not. These are those who pretend by word to obey the peculiar covenant-people of God but indeed are of the synagogue of satan. The synagogue of satan is a reference to impersonators of the children of God and their mission is to destroy the church. QUESTION 3) WHAT WERE THE POINTS OF COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS CHURCH?There was no direct complaint against the church in Smyrna. However, there were imposters within this church who were enemies of Christ in the strict sense of it. Their claim tocovenant right of salvation was false as satan was their master. The important thing is that the church in Smyrna stood her ground against these satanic agents. QUESTION 4) DISCUSS THE INSTRUCTIONS AND PROMISES PLACED BEFORE THIS CHURCH.Rev. 2:10Christ gave a word of command to them to the effect that why should “fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer.” The devil was behind it and it was intended to try their faith. The trial would involve being cast into prison, tribulation for “ten days”, and even death. This word assured them that God had gone ahead to procure their victory. The tribulation would only affect some, not all of them; was not going to be perpetual, but for a limited time. This was to try them (or prove their faith) and not to destroy them.There are three vital lessons to...

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CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS, APRIL 12TH, 2026

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CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS, APRIL 12TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod is displeased when His Grace is taken for granted. Hymn: “Take my life, and let it be…” TEXT: REV. 2:1-7 INTRODUCTION:The Lord Jesus Christ knows His church fully well. He is the Head, while the church is His body. The church derives her ministry and authority by being firmly rooted on the eternal foundation laid by Christ. Seven revelational letters were written to seven churches as direct messages from the glorified Christ. Each letter follows a similar pattern of an introduction of Himself, commendation for the church, complaint against the church, a call to action, and a promise to the faithful. The common theme of the letters is “Persevering in faith” and is designed as a reminder of their allegiance to God. The letters are addressed to the “Angel” (Guardian, Pastor, Overseer) of the church.Ephesus was a famous city and the church here was a center for the spread of the gospel in Asia. This church was in constant struggle with false teachers, and this attracted the attention of Jesus Christ.In this study we shall examine the contents of Christ’s letter to the church in Ephesus with a view to drawing valuable lessons. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to: Explain the significance of Christ’s introduction Identify points of commendation for this church State points of complaint against this church Discuss the instructions and promises to this church Relate the state of this church to present day Christian experience BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF, AND OF WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS IT?Rev. 2:1Jesus Christ introduced Himself to the church in Ephesus as “He that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candle sticks.” The stars refer to God’s agents of leadership in the Church, while the golden candle sticks refer to the church itself (Rev. 1:20). Both the stars and the candle sticks are known for light which shines brighter in darkness. “Right hand” is indicative of authority, while “golden” implies high level of treasure. Ministers are extensions of Christ’s authority and the church is a treasure of high value to Christ. He sustains His ministers and looks after His church. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF COMMENDATION FOR THIS CHURCH? Rev. 2:2-5The commendation of this church is capped in “works and labor” that is known to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. They were commended for their diligence in duty, patience, suffering, and zeal against what was evil. Diligence and good works must be accompanied with patience to bear,and patience to wait to receive the promise. They exercised the gift of discernment and were able to detect “apostolic imposters”. QUESTION 3) WHAT WERE THE POINTS OF COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS CHURCH? Rev. 2:4The Lord expressed just one reservation about this church, and it bothered on the foundation of Faith. “Thou have left thy first love.” It was not stolen, neither was it lost. It was carelessly consigned to the background, perhaps due to much labor and much pains from trials. They started gradually to ignore that warm and lively affection for Christ and for one another, and soon it abated and cooled off. Love is the basic law of the kingdom. First love is love for God at all times. Second love is love...

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VICTORY OVER DEATH, APRIL 5TH, 2026

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VICTORY OVER DEATH, APRIL 5TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTBy His death and resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death for mankind. Hymn:“ CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY TEXT: JOHN 3:25-36INTRODUCTION:Victory is the act of winning or the state of having won. It is a success in a struggle. Death as applied to man in the scripture can be spiritual or physical. Physical death is the last end of life or occasion of loss of life. Spiritual death is the eternal separation from God or cutting off from realizing God’s eternal purpose for which mankind was created. The death of Jesus initially appeared to look like a defeat. The disciples’ hope seemed to have been lost or dashed. The enemies thought they had succeeded; but little did they know that our Lord had gone to give the final blow to their master, the devil. In this study, we shall be looking at how the Lord defeated death and rose from the grave triumphantly. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are: 1.To know Joseph of Arimathea’s role in the burial of the Lord Jesus. 2.To discuss the efforts made by the enemies to ensure that Jesus did not rise from the grave. 3.To understand that Christ’s victory over death is the Hope of the believer (mankind). 4.To examine some of the evidences that Jesus actually rose from the dead. 5.To understand the Benefits of Christ’s Resurrection. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1a) WHO WAS JOSEPH OFARIMATHEA? Matthew 27:57, Jn. 19:38-42Joseph of Arimathea was a secret follower/disciple of Jesus. He was a religious leader, an honorable member of the Sanhedrin. He did not consent to the counsel and the deed of the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. (Lk. 23:51). Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy man who was able to afford a private tomb which he later gave up for Jesus. QUESTION 1b) COMMENT ON HIS ROLE IN THE BURIAL OF CHRIST. Lk. 23:50-53After Jesus’ death on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea asked for his body, then buried Him in a new tomb and rolled a great stone to the door (Matt. 27:60). Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus. He risked his life and position to give a proper burial to his Lord. It is frightening to risk one’s reputation (position) even for what is right. The disciples who had publicly followed Jesus fled, but Joseph who had followed secretly, boldly took a stand (after the death of the Lord Jesus) that could cost him his life. He cared enough about Jesus to ask for His body so he could give it a proper burial. This singular act of Joseph of Arimathea has made him to become well known in Christian fold today. QUESTION 2) WHAT EFFORTS WERE MADE BY THE ENEMY TO ENSURE JESUS DID NOT RISE FROM THE GRAVE? Matt. 27:62-66The enemies that were represented by the religious leaders took Jesus’ resurrection claims more seriously than even the disciples did. The disciples did not remember Jesus’ teaching about His resurrection, but the religious leaders did. Because of His claim, they were afraid of Jesus after His death as when He was alive. As a result of this, they tried to do everything possible to ensure that His body remained in the grave. They made sure that the tomb was thoroughly sealed and guarded. According to Life Application study...

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THE BETRAYAL AND DEATH OF CHRIST, MARCH 29TH, 2026

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THE BETRAYAL AND DEATH OF CHRIST, MARCH 29TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTSome believers still betray Jesus in many ways today. Hymn: “All to Jesus I Surrender”THE BETRAYAL AND DEATH OF CHRIST TEXT: MATT. 26:14-16, 20-25 INTRODUCTION:A very painful experience in life is betrayal by someone close to you. Instead of protecting your interests, he/she tries to destroy you by stabbing you in the back. According to the record of the gospel of Luke 22:47-48, Judas Iscariot, one of Christ’s disciples, came with the multitude and betrayed Jesus Christ (his master) with a kiss and handed Him over to the Jewish leaders for trial and to be crucified. A careful study of Christ’s ministry show that Judas Iscariot was one of his close disciples. He virtually experienced all that Jesus did and heard all that He said about His betrayal, arrest, suffering, death, and resurrection; but the end result showed that his heart was not with Jesus. This is a warning to believers that: “he that thinkest he standeth should be careful lest he fall.” (1 Cor. 10:12). All that happened during this betrayal and death is the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVESThis study is intended to explain The relationship between Christ and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him The various ways people betray others and the consequences The lesson to learn about it The significance of the splitting of the temple curtains and the death of Christ. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) WHO BETRAYED JESUS AND WHAT WAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOTH OF THEM?Matt. 26:14-16, 20-23; Mark 14:10, 43-49; John 13:1Judas Iscariot was in close relationship with Jesus Christ; one of His chosen disciples. The conspirators of the death of Jesus Christ found a willing instrument in him. This happened that the scriptures might be fulfilled, but it was not mentioned that Judas Iscariot must be the one to betray Him. On several occasions Jesus had told His disciples that “one of you will betray me”, but because Judas Iscariot was neither careful nor watchful with his lifestyle (a greedy man), he fell victim of the devil’s strategy to hand over his master to the Jewish leaders for crucifixion. QUESTION 1B) WHAT EVENTUALLY HAPPENED TO THE PERSON THAT BETRAYED HIM? Matt. 27:3-5When Judas Iscariot saw that Jesus Christ was condemned to be crucified by the Chief Priests and elders, he repented himself and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the Chief Priests and elders. They said, “What is that to us? See thou to that… and he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, departed, and went to hang himself”. QUESTION 2) IDENTIFY SOME OF THE WAYS PEOPLE BETRAY OTHERS TODAY AND THE CONSEQUENCES.As long as satan is still possessing the hearts of some people today, they become his agents to betray others. A stranger cannot betray whom he/she does not know. David declares this is Psa. 41:9, 55:12-13. Before someone can betray another, there has to be some elements of envy or jealousy that leads him/her to sharing private information of a trusted friend with others; talking negative words behind one’s back or having unhealthy relationships from the beginning. Generally speaking, betrayal of trust is found wherever relationship is found: between husband and wife, parents and children/wards, colleagues, employers and employees, church members and leaders, etc. Just as it ended with Judas Iscariot, the...

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REMEMBERING GOD AT THE ZERO HOUR, MARCH 22ND, 2026

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REMEMBERING GOD AT THE ZERO HOUR, MARCH 22ND, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTVictory awaits the believer who patiently goes through difficult times. Hymn: “ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER”. TEXT: JOB 3:1-26, MATT. 11:1-6INTRODUCTION:Ordinarily, the journey of life is characterized by confrontations, unforeseen contingencies, disappointments, harassment and oppositions. For the believer there is an added dimension to these because we are the targets of the devil who does not desire us to serve the Almighty God. Thus, he goes all the way to place obstacles in the way of the believer.The zero hour is that moment or situation of helplessness, hopelessness, despondency, despair, disgust, and utter confusion. These are the times of such remarks as “I am fed up”, “Life if not worth living”, “There is no use continuing”, “I am a failure”, etc. During these times many contemplate all sorts of evil things such as visiting native doctors, or even suicide etc. Some indulge in alcohol drinking and all manner of immorality and sin. Some believers too react negatively by backsliding and seeking false helps from unholy sources.John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:44); he introduced Him to the people as the Lamb of God that will take away the sin of the world, (John 1:29) and he baptized Jesus in the river Jordan, (Matt. 3:11-15). However, at his zero hour when Herod imprisoned him, he needed assurance as to whether Jesus is the expected Messiah. In one of his dark moments Job cursed the day he was born and wished he was never born. This was a man that God testified “Hast thou considered my servant Job, there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil”?No matter how holy and righteous we may be, we are not immune from the situation of the zero hour. It comes not to humiliate us or make us to turn away from God but to humble us. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are: To understand what it means to be at the zero hour To know that it is a normal experience for believers To know what to do at the zero hour To know that being at the zero hour requires patience To know that we must look up to God at such times BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AT THE ZERO HOUR?The zero hour is that time or situation where one appears completely hopeless, helpless and devoid of any positive ideas. The individual draws blank and appears to have no human ideas on how to solve the pending problem. At the zero hour, the individual is almost overwhelmed by the situation. It is like a boxer who has been cornered by his opponent and is helpless to fight back, thereby facing an imminent defeat. The Israelites faced the zero hour when they were leaving Egypt for the promised land (Exo. 14:5-12). With the Egyptians pursuing hard behind, and the Red Sea in front, there was no way they were going to escape capture by the strong Egyptian army.One is at the zero hour when one has done everything that one knows to do including prayers and fasting and yet a particular situation remains apparently the same. It is a state of desperation when one feels completely drained of all energy and at the...

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BIBLICAL CONTRASTS OF THE HUMBLE AND PROUD, MARCH 15th, 2026

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BIBLICAL CONTRASTS OF THE HUMBLE AND PROUD, MARCH 15th, 2026

Hymn: When we walk with the Lord. CENTRAL THOUGHTWhen pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. TEXT: 1 PET. 5:5-6; MATT.18:1-4.INTRODUCTION:Humility and pride are two temperaments that are easily misunderstood. Some people are not confident and hide their vice under “humility”, whereas people are humble are often thought of as fools. It takes a wise heart to understand and appreciate the greatness of humility and the vanity of pride.There could be several reasons why people may misjudge themselves, some of which are emotive. Unfortunately, irrespective of the reason for improper self-estimation, one who values himself more then he ought to (the proud) is an enemy of God Almighty. One who lacks self-worth cannot be useful to God either.God wants His people to know Him, and to know themselves; to have an accurate understanding on why they are on earth and indeed, understand the reasons for things. Just as darkness differs from light, and the wise from the foolish, there is a great contrast between the humble and the proud.In our study, humility is different from foolishness, and self-confidence is not the same as pride. Humility is the quality of being modest or respectful. Pride is a haughty attitude shown by the people who consider, often unjustifiably, that they are better than others. It is arrogance, having an exaggerated opinion of personal worth or abilities.The Lord God hates pride. “There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate: a proud look…”( Pro 6:16). Furthermore, the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (Jam 4:6). LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study is to show the difference between the humble and the proud and to encourage God’s people to be humble. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) HOW DOES PRIDE DIFFER FROM HUMILITY?Prov.8:13; 11:2; 13:10; 15:33; 16:5; Matt.20:27; John 13:14; 1 John 2:15-17; Rom.12:3Pride in the heart of a person is a great evil which makes him to dishonor or disrespect others; it erodes the fear of God from him. “The fear of the Lord is seen in hating evil,: Pride a high opinion of oneself, the evil way, and the false tongue, are unpleasing to God”. Prov.8:13. A proud person would make mockery of people. It is idolatry because it is actually self-worship.Pride brings disgrace. It is wise to be humble. Arrogance causes nothing but contention, but humility gives room to others. Where people are proud, deceit, unhealthy rivalry, jealousy, enmity, protectiveness and distrust flourish. It is common with the educated, the rich and the good-looking in the society. But reverence for the Lord is an education in itself. You must be humble before you can ever receive honors. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised”, Pro 31:30. There is nothing we have that has not been given to us freely by the Lord. We should return to Him glory in humility and reverence for “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.”, Prov.16:5. Where there is pride, there would soon be a fall. But with the humble is promotion. The Lord adds to and honors the humble, but the proud stumbles in hi short-sightedness.The Lord Jesus...

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BIBLICAL CONTRASTS OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH, MARCH 8TH 2026

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BIBLICAL CONTRASTS OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH, MARCH 8TH 2026

Hymn: “Take my life and let it be”. CENTRAL THOUGHTWisdom surpasses folly, as light surpasses darkness. TEXT: PROV.1:20-33; 2:1-17 INTRODUCTION:Generally, wisdom means ‘good sense’: the knowledge and experience needed to make sensible decisions and judgements, or the good sense shown by the decisions and judgements made. It also means ‘accumulated learning’; knowledge of life or of a particular activity that has been gained through experience or ‘opinion widely held’: an opinion that almost everyone seems to share. Wisdom can also mean ‘sayings’; ancient teachings or sayings. However, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”, Prov 1:7. To ‘fear’ the Lord is respect, honor and obey Him; this is the foundation of, and introduction to, true wisdom.Demonstration of wisdom is application of knowledge and understanding correctly. There is no wisdom without knowledge. It is the Lord’s will that His people are knowledgeable and wise. The wise uses his eyes and reason and foresees and avoids dangers and mischief. Wisdom makes a man, vulnerable, cheerful, mild etc.Foolishness makes a fool not to even know his folly, he is loud and talkative, and regrettably, often popular. Some confuse this with oratory. So, the fool is a nuisance to any society; yet he often becomes the people’s leader/‘role model’. Fools are found in different fortes: entertainment, politics, religion, education (teaching, lecturing, studentship, etc). The common factor among them is inability to do right. They cannot enjoy common sense; the way of the Lord is foolishness to them.A fool is an unintelligent or thoughtless person, a ridiculous person, a court entertainer. One who does not know where he is headed is a fool. One who thinks that there is no God is also a fool. (Ecc.2:14a; Psa 14:1; Psa.53:1) And there is a big contrast between the wise and the foolish. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objective of this study is to show, from the Holy scriptures, the difference between the wise and the foolish and to encourage God’s people to live as wise and not as fools. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT CONTRASTS CAN BE DRAWN BETWEEN THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH VIRGINS IN MATT.25:1-13?Observe carefully the Lord’s description of these virgins: five were wise, and five foolish (Matt. 25:2). Even though these were of the same profession and “denomination”, they as characters vastly different in the sight of God. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones, as in another parable they are represented by wise and foolish builders. People are wise or foolish in the affairs of their souls; it has nothing to do with societal standing, academic attainment, or physical look.Notice the equal number of the wise and foolish virgins, as if to teach us to watch out among those that profess religion, and to think of them with this kind of mind, that the wise and the foolish are represented in the church.It was the folly of the foolish virgins that led them to take their lamps and took no oil with them, Mat.25:3. They had just enough oil to make their lamps burn for the present, to make a show with, as if they intended to meet the bridegroom waiting for them; but no cruse or bottle of oil with them if there was a delay. How this typifies lots of people in the church! They...

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IN THE WORLD, NOT OF THE WORLD II, MARCH 1ST, 2026

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IN THE WORLD, NOT OF THE WORLD II, MARCH 1ST, 2026

Hymn: “Oh Jesus I have promise to serve thee to the end”. CENTRAL THOUGHTThe believer is in the world but not of the world. INTRODUCTION:In our first study on the topic, we noted that the world system is full of corruption, falsehood, greed, lust, pride etc. We also considered what it means to be “in the world and not of the world”. When we are transformed in our minds and realize that we are pilgrims in this world, the world system will not determine our lifestyle and focus.In this lesson we shall be examining those principles from the scriptures that can help us handle the world system and not be caught up in it. LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know what attitude we must possess to enable us daily overcome the world.2.) To know how some Bible characters handled the world. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT ATTITUDE MUST WE POSSESS TO ENABLE US DAILY OVERCOME THE WORLD?a. We must not love the world and those things that are of the world, 1 John 2:5-17. Love not the world means that we should not be carried away by the system of the world in our individual lives and in the church programs. Believers should not allow the system of the world to rule their thought pattern or way of life. Many believers have been deceived by so called mountain moving messages, and their messengers who have deviated from the real doctrine of Christ. Such people’s spiritual lives have been choked up and they are never sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and their consciences have been seared with hot iron. A lover if the world is enemy of Christ.b. We must learn to avoid all forms of wickedness which is peculiar to the world 1 John 5:19 “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” Seeing that believers are of God we have to avoid all forms of wickedness.c. We should quench the burning desire to riches that are ungoldly. 1 Tim.6:17. There is always the desire to get rich quick in every aspect of one’s endeavor especially now that the church’s standard is valued by the amount of money they have and the number of rich men in the congregation. Real riches do not come by much struggling but by God’sfavor. Ungodly riches attract God’s wrath so the believer should abstain from such.d. We should resolve in ourselves to live above every ungodly living and unrighteousness. Titus 2:11-12.e. We must learn not to have anything that will make us stumble no matter what that thing is to us. We must take up the cross of Christ. Luke 14:25-27.f. Have a total commitment to Christ and willingness to suffer loss, shame, poverty, persecution, death if need be for the sake of Christ. Acts.5:4-42.g. We must be watchful, testing all things, building our lives on proper foundations while awaiting Christ’s coming. 1 Thess.5:21-22. QUESTION 2) HOW DID THE FOLLOWING BIBLE CHARACTERS HANDLE THE WORLD AND WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?a. Abraham (Gen.12:1-4. Heb. 11:8-10): Abraham left his homeland and his people in obedience to God’s command to go to a place He would give him for an inheritance. He obeyed by faith and God’s promises were fulfilled in his life.b. Moses (Heb.11:24-26): Moses refused to be called Pharoah’s daughter...

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JEREMIAH’S COMPLAINT, FEBRUARY 22ND, 2026

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JEREMIAH’S COMPLAINT, FEBRUARY 22ND, 2026

Hymn: STAND UP! STAND UP FOR JESUS! CENTRAL THOUGHTServing the Lord faithfully may not always be complementary; still persecutions are not uncommon. TEXT: JEREMIAH 20:1-18INTRODUCTION:In this fourth and final part of the lessons on the book of Jeremiah, we observe Jeremiah being persecuted by the priests and the people of the land of Judah. He was tortured not only physically but also psychologically and emotionally to the point that he had to complain to the one, the Lord, who sent him.Jeremiah was in a dilemma. Although he was being persecuted, he could not stop doing what was responsible for his persecution. His persecution continued and, in fact, increased as he continued to preach the truth of the word of God to the people of Judah. Indeed, Jeremiah was unrelenting in his service to the Lord.In serving the Lord, persecutions are bound to come our way. We may complain, like Jeremiah, but they will not let off. When the Lord takes us through persecutions, He provides enough grace to go through them. Instead of complaining, we should rest on His grace to come forth as overcomers. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are: To examine the persecutions that Jeremiah faced. To know the complaints of Jeremiah for his persecutions. To appreciate that, despite the persecutions, Jeremiah continued preaching the word. To understand the grace of God to face every persecution. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT WERE THE PERSECUTIONS THAT JEREMIAH FACED?During the ministry of Jeremiah to the nation of Judah, he faced many persecutions from the leaders (kings), religious leaders (priests) and the people. His message was not a comforting one for the ears. It spoke to their evil ways and the consequences thereof that will culminate in their exile to the foreign land of Babylon. The response was a string of persecutions. Plots to persecute and kill Jeremiah are found in Jer. 11:18-20, 18:18, 20:1-2, 26:7-9, and 37:11-20.With specific reference to Jer. 20:1-2, the priest Pashur initiated the attack against Jeremiah. “He had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the Lord’s temple” (Jer. 20:2). The priest Pashur could not stand the prophecies of Jeremiah any longer, particularly that they were made on his own turf-the court of the Lord’s temple (Jer. 19:14-15). Pashur’s ego got the better of him, and he felt the need to silence Jeremiah permanently. It is sad to note that the behavior of the priest Pashur is replicated by some of our Christian leaders. They think that the church is their turf and so lord themselves over everyone. They fail to recognize the lordship of Christ over their lives, and they become agents of the devil in persecuting other believers. There is every opportunity for such leaders to repent and humbly serve the people of God.Jeremiah’s persecutions were not only physical torture but also psychological and emotional abuses. “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me…. So, the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long” (Jer. 20:7b, 8b). Sometimes the abuses that are directed at the soul are more painful than those that inflict the body. These persecutions raise questions in our minds about the authenticity and veracity of the power and greatness of the Lord we serve. QUESTION...

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