When prayers seem unanswered, it can be a difficult and frustrating experience. Several factors can contribute to this, including wrong motives, unconfessed sin, lack of faith, or simply that God’s timing differs from ours. It’s important to examine one’s heart, seek guidance, and trust that God’s ways are not always our ways.
Praying with the sole intention of fulfilling personal desires or pleasures can hinder prayers, as God primarily answers prayers aligned with His will and purposes.
In the Bible, to be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s special purpose, made holy, and purified from sin. It is both a status and a process in the life of someone who follows God.
1. Basic Meaning of Sanctification
The word “sanctify” comes from the Hebrew word qadash and the Greek word hagiazō, both meaning “to make holy,” “to set apart,” or “to consecrate.”
2. Sanctification in the Bible – Three Aspects
✅ Positional Sanctification – Instant
This happens at the moment of salvation, when someone puts their faith in Jesus and receives Him as a personal savior. God sets that person apart as holy through Christ’s sacrifice.
“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…”
1 Corinthians 6:11
It’s a status—you are now considered holy in God’s eyes because of Jesus, not because of your own works.
✅ Progressive Sanctification – Lifelong Process
This is the ongoing process where believers are transformed over time to become more like Jesus in thoughts, actions, and desires.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…”
1 Thessalonians 4:3
This happens by the work of the Holy Spirit, obedience to God’s Word, and daily choices to live righteously.
✅ Ultimate Sanctification – Future Completion
This refers to when believers will be completely holy and without sin in eternity—after death or at Christ’s return.
“May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23
3. Why Sanctification Matters;
• It reflects God’s character—He is holy, and He calls His people to be holy.
• It shapes a believer’s daily life, choices, and identity.
• It prepares believers to serve God and reflect His love to others.
Many people think there is only one type of death: when our body—which contains our soul and spirit—dies. However, because we have a soul and a spirit there are two additional deaths: spiritual death and second death.
Spiritual death: Occurs at conception.
Is characterized by our sinful nature.
Physical death occurs: When our body no longer functions.
When our soul and spirit leave our physical bodies.
Second death occurs: After our physical death.
After the Great White Throne Judgment.
To those whose names are not found in the Book of Life.
It is important to note here that all three types of death represent some type of separation.
Spiritual death results in separation from God.
Physical death is a separation between the soul and spirit from the physical body.
Second death is an eternal separation from God.
1. Spiritual Death
The origin of spiritual death is found in Genesis when Adam and Eve sinned against God by breaking God’s one and only commandment: do not eat the fruit from one specific tree.
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” Genesis 2:15-17
Adam could eat from any tree but one—which should be a very simple command to obey. You get to live in absolute bliss in the Garden of Eden; you’re continually in God’s presence; all of your needs are met; and you get to live a perfect life by just not eating from this one tree! Plus, God warned Adam by saying he would die if he ate the fruit from the tree. Not a physical death but spiritual—in that his life of absolute bliss would no longer exist.
However, Eve believed the deceptive lie by Satan and ate fruit from the tree. She then gave some to Adam to eat. God’s word is true! As a consequence of not obeying His word, they spiritually died and hid themselves from God.
“Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” Genesis 3:4-8
The spiritual death of Adam and Eve was passed on to their children and throughout all generations.
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all
Being born spiritually dead is evidenced by our sinful nature.
Excluding Jesus Christ—who was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-35)—every person conceived by man and woman is born spiritually dead—which is demonstrated by our sinful nature—and characterized by sin, an unrepentant heart and a desire to avoid/hide from God.
Jesus said, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:20-21
The sinful nature of people is easily seen. Consider how a very young child will lie when they have been caught doing what they know is wrong. The child will even deny the truth when given factual evidence of their wrongdoing. Unfortunately, this type of lying continues into adulthood. Do you ever “scratch your head” and wonder sometimes why people do what they do? Why do people steal? Why do people harbor hatred, argue and fight? Why do people commit adultery? Why do people murder one another? Why can’t we get along? What’s more, as you take time and contemplate the depths of the human soul, you will see even darker dimensions of the sinful nature we were all born with.
However, Jesus Christ obediently gave His life as a free gift to overcome our sinful nature (and its consequences); which has been passed on throughout each generation since Adam’s disobedience.
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19
Jesus—who was fully aware of our spiritually dead condition—declared we must be born again. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:3, 5-6
Born again is a spiritual birth and regenerative transformation performed by the Holy Spirit—which begins as one:
Believes (in faith) Jesus Christ died for our sins.
Accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Surrenders to the Holy Spirit as He transforms us from within into the image of Jesus Christ.
Being born again is comprised of a spiritual transition from being spiritually dead—to being spiritually alive as we live in the unmerited grace and forgiveness God gave us through His Son, Jesus Christ. God’s forgiveness for our sins (past, present and future) is His spiritual means to crucify our sinful nature, and to change our heart and soul.
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1
“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15
2. Physical Death
“And as it is appointed for men to die once.” Hebrews 9:24
Although it is a difficult and anxious thought to consider…every one of us will physically die. It is inevitable and a point of time in the future when our soul and spirit will be separated from our body…and we begin our eternal experience in the spiritual realm.
So, here is an interesting question to consider: what will the words on your gravestone say? Yes it will be “in Loving memory of…..” a person who has died. If those who knew you were asked to write your life history today, what words would they write?
This is an important question to consider because this scenario will likely happen. But what’s more, your answer may define where you spend eternity after you die. Take some time to read each of the gravestones and ask yourself is this what they would write about me?
Here is a very important truth to understand. Our physical death is also the “finish line” and a point of no return. In other words, for each person who either accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord—or rejected Jesus—their fate and eternal future is “sealed” upon their physical death.
There are many persons who know what they need to do…but delay their decision to give their life to Jesus based upon “justified” reasons (but are in truth delusional lies). Meanwhile, they risk far more than they realize.
Justified Reason
Truth
Church filled with hypocrites
Every person on earth falls short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Not good enough / need to improve first
Will never be good enough—salvation is because of God’s grace
Concerned about what others may think
A true friend accepts you as you are—without ridicule or judgment
Fear of Christian role, function or service
The Holy Spirit prepares each heart to joyfully glorify God
Prefer sin and don’t want to change
They do not realize they are in bondage to sin and in darkness
All good people go to heaven
“No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
I’ve got time
We can die in an instant—without warning/foreknowledge
Jesus provided us with a parable (The Rich Man and Lazarus) to give us insight into the finality of physical death, the consequences of sin and the inability to go back and “fix things.” A rich man who experienced “worldly things” in life, died and found himself in the flames of Hell. While Lazarus, a sick beggar, died and found himself in Heaven. The rich man realized the eternal severity of his mistake and desired to warn his family, but it was too late.
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31
2. 2nd Death
When compared to the other two types of death, the second death is the worst form of death…because it is an eternal death of the soul—tormented day and night forever and ever—because our soul will never die.
Those who are born again will not experience a second death.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:11
“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. ” John 11:25-26
“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5
Those who are not born again will experience a second death.
Jesus warned, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
The Narrow Gate and the Broad Path
I mentioned earlier that every person that has entered into this world since Adam has been born with a sinful nature—which results in spiritual death. However, there is One who has entered into this world—not born as an act of procreation between a man and woman—but conceived by the Holy Spirit.
“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’ Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’” Luke 1:26-35
As such, God’s Son was not born with man’s sinful nature and was sinless. “Who committed no sin, nor wasdeceit found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22) Jesus Christ was the one and only perfect sacrifice for the sins of all who believe. His reflection of God was demonstrated as He was being crucified between two criminals. One taunted Jesus. The other recognized who Jesus is and what was occurring, had a repentant heart and asked Him to remember him. Consider the heart of Jesus as He told him he was forgiven…for this is the glorious grace of the God we serve!
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:39-43
There are a lot of obstacles, challenges and temptations in life—all competing for our attention—and all seeking to control who and what we are. But when you stand back and look at the big picture…none of these truly fulfill the deep desires of our heart and soul…and leave us empty on the inside. These things are only a diversion, a distraction and a delusion. The only thing that has present and eternal value…is what we do for Him.
Jesus declared, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
DO YOU KNOW JESUS?
He lived and died a sacrificial death for your sins so that you can be forgiven…past, present, future and for eternity. Believe in Him; extend your faith in Him; place your trust in Him; and give your life to Him by praying:
Holy God, I am a sinner. Jesus, I believe you died and paid the price for who I am and what I have done. I want to trust and follow you as my Savior and Lord. Holy Spirit, I invite you to come into my heart and life and change me from within. Thank you, Jesus, for providing a way to restore my relationship with God. Amen.
Our sin causes internal and eternal spiritual death because it separates us from the life of God. However, God has given us a free gift and a means to establish a relationship with Him by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you.” Isaiah 59:2
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:2
Jesus declared about Himself, “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:15-17.
Those who have transitioned from spiritual death unto spiritual life can relate to the following truths—for we:
1. Developed a disdain for our unrighteous deeds and hoped for something more in life.
2. Realized we were under the bondage of sin and lost in darkness.
3. Were unable to change ourselves from within, and the cycle and control of sin continued.
4. Humbled ourselves and prayed to God for help.
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10
2. Imputation
Imputation is a critical spiritual component of salvation, justification, righteousness, and sanctification—because we still have a sinful nature which “unqualifies” us for a relationship with God and an eternal life. Every Christian will attest they have a multitude of flaws—but continually seek with a heart-felt desire to overcome our unrighteousness and become more like Jesus. Therefore, because God is more interested in the desires of our heart and not our shortcomings, God imputes justification (no eternal judgement and condemnation for our sin). But in addition (and even more important), God also imputes to us (sees us as having) the righteousness of Jesus.
From a biblical perspective, imputation is defined as God’s assignment of an attribute (an inherent quality or trait)—even though the attribute does not exist. For example, Abraham lied about his wife when he feared for his life. (Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 20) In addition, Abraham disbelieved God’s promise of a child and had a child with his wife’s servant. (Genesis 16) However, God imputed (assigned) the attribute of righteousness to Abraham because he believed God. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3
Even though Abraham demonstrated sinful weakness (like us)…God did much more than just impute Abraham’s righteousness. God also made an unconditional covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15), and to all of Abrahams’s seed (Israelites)—which continues today and for eternity.
Even though we are unworthy and flawed (like Abraham)—it is because of our faith in His Son, and because of God’s love, grace, mercy, and His promises…we are forgiven, justified, and are viewed as having the righteousness of Jesus. It is “God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” Rom.4:17
Now take some time to read and “mentally chew” upon the following spiritual truths of imputation that occurs when one places their faith in Jesus Christ.
The sins of the redeemed are inputted to Christ, and the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the redeemed.
In other words, because of our faith…our sins are exchanged for the righteousness of Christ. Although we may see all of our faults and all of our failures—it does not matter—because we are eternally forgiven by the blood that Jesus shed when He willingly gave His life for us as an atonement (paid the price) for our sins.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7
“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” Revelation 1:5-6
Imagine you broke a law, undeniable evidence proves you are guilty of breaking the law, and you are now standing before the judge waiting to hear what your punishment will be. Meanwhile, someone enters the courtroom, stands beside you, and declares He already received the punishment for your wrongdoing, and declares the charges should be dropped. The judge knows who this person is; fully understands the punishment He received and the price He had paid; and recognizes His authority to make His declaration regarding your situation. Therefore, the judge has only one choice by responding “You are not guilty and are free to go.” Now correlate the amount of gratitude you would have toward the judge (God) and the one who paid the price (Jesus) for what you have done.
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” Romans 4:5-8
Take a few moments to self-reflect and determine the depths of your sinfulness and unrighteousness. It is when we recognize how we transgress against the will of God…it will cause us to:
1. Humbly question how God could continually forgive us.
2. Gain a greater understanding of the depth, breadth and height of God’s love, and His desire for us to grow closer to Him.
Reciprocate God’s love by loving Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:28-31)
“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
It is “…the goodness of God leads you to repentance.” Romans 2:4
3. Justification
Justification is an imputed benefit of our faith because of the atoning sacrificial death of Jesus. A simple way to understand justification is “just-as-if-I-never-sinned.” In effect, justification is God’s act of forgiveness for our sins (past, present and future)—for God is more interested in the desires of our heart than our behavior.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26
“My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:11
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12
“It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.” Romans 4:24-25
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1
“Having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Romans 5:9
4. Righteousness
“But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are like filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6
“There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known.” Romans 3:11-17
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9-10.
All religions (apart from Christianity) are based upon a works-based theology—which is comprised of a belief that one must perform good deeds (works) to gain favor with God and be rewarded by Him. However, a religion that is based upon works appeals to our sinful nature—especially our pride. For it is only God’s love that can reach the depths of our heart and soul and transform us into a mirror image of His Son—and not by works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
There is nothing we can do and nothing we can offer to God that He does not already have—except our free will choice to offer Him our faith, our obedience, our heart, and our love—for this is what He desires. Thereafter, any demonstrated righteousness on our part is because of the workings of the Holy Spirit and His influence in our life.
Paul explained our imputed righteousness is from God because of our faith and not by our works. In other words, there is nothing we can do to earn a right standing with God—other than by our faith in Him. “Not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” Philippians 3:9
God is the only one who should receive recognition and glory for any good that comes through us. For it is He who saved us, equipped us, and prepares us to live for eternity with Him—all because of our faith in His Son.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:9
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” Romans 4:5-8
“By one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19
“The righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” Romans 3:22, Extracts from Romans 5:17-21
“Those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
“Through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.”
“By one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”
“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so
grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
For more information on righteousness, read “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” on UniqueBibleStudies.com.
5. Sanctification
Sanctification is defined as a process of:
1. Being set apart for God’s purpose.
2. A continual transformation of the desires of our heart.
3. Becoming the righteousness of Christ, as our behavior reflects less of ourselves and more of Him.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:12-14
“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Jesus declared to Paul, “…to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18.
Jesus prayed to the Father, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” John 17:16-19
Summary
Through self-reflection and analysis our conscience will accuse us of our sins. However, because of our faith in Jesus (and not our works), our sin is imputed to Christ; and the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us. The understanding of these spiritual truths:
1. agnifies our love for God.
2. Motivates us to: Be obedient to His will for our lives.
3. Serve Him with a humble and willing heart.
“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30
Dear Brethren today let us talk about a common passage in the Holy Book the Bible about Samson’s life, we will touch on some significant details in Judges Chapters 13-16. Samson’s feats are legendary but it is his weaknesses that prove fatal. His three greatest weaknesses were romance (Lust), anger and revenge. In fact, his weakness for women often led him on the road to revenge. He was extremely gifted, but certainly not godly. He was strong on the outside, but had no control on the inside. He was weak, but he thought he was strong because he was led by his lust, not by the Lord. He was empowered by the Spirt but enslaved by his flesh. The story of Samson reminds us that sin is deceptive and deadly.
The truth of the matter is that there’s a little bit of Samson in all of us, and a whole lot of Samson in most of us.
In chapter 13, there’s a key phrase in verse 5. Samson “…shall begin to save Israel…” We’re going to see that he never did any delivering, because he never delivered himself. Since he didn’t deal with his fatal flaws, he only “began” to deliver Israel. Notice also in verse 25 that “the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him…” He was set apart and he was stirred by the Spirit of God. Samson had everything he needed to accomplish his task. He was both energized and equipped. And yet, he let it all slip away.
It’s important to understand that Samson was a Nazirite. Numbers 6 describes three commitments a Nazirite must keep:
No BEER (possession): He must avoid any contact with grapes or the drinking of wine.
No touching DEAD BODIES (purity): He must never touch a dead body of any kind.
No SHAVING is HAIR (power): He was to let his hair grow and never get it cut
But Samson had three basic problems.
Lust – I want it
Entitlement – I deserve it leading to anger.
Pride – I can handle it leading to revenge.
Chapter 14 shows us seven foolish steps that Samson took. Samson was an incredibly strong man with no self-control.
1. He Went to The Wrong Place.
Look at verse 1: “Samson went down to Timnah.” This is a statement about geography. Timnah was in Philistine territory, about four miles down a ridge from Samson’s village of Zorah. But this also tells us about the decline in Samson’s spiritual life. In his first public act, he leaves the land of Israel for the land of the Philistines. To put it bluntly, Samson left God’s people and headed south spiritually.
2. He Was Looking For The Wrong Thing.
Listen to the rest of verse 1: “…and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines.”When he returned home, he told his parents in verse 2, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines.” After his parents try to warn him about scoping out Philistine Samson boldly declares, “Now get her for me as my wife.”
3. He Rejected Godly Counsel.
The downward spiral continues but now takes a threatening turn when he dismisses the warning from his parents. Samson is also rejecting what God said about marrying an unbeliever. We see this in 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
4. He Compromised His Commitment.
Samson then goes into a vineyard (which was forbidden by his vows) and encounters a young lion. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him and he tears the lion apart with his bare hands.
5. He Continued A Wrong Relationship.
Notice what verse 7 says: “Then he went down and talked with the woman, and she was right in Samson’s eyes.” Evidently he had not met her before now. But that doesn’t matter because Samson is hormone-driven, not Holy Spirit-driven. This is the Old Testament version of “Hello, I love you, won’t you tell me your name?”He wants what he wants when he wants it no matter what he has to do to get it.
Look at what happens in verse 9. Later on, Samson stops by the vineyard and finds that bees have built a honeycomb inside the lion carcass. He scoops out some honey and eats it, coming into contact with a dead body. According to verse 10 Samson made a feast “for so the young men used to do.” This was like a wild bachelor party. A Nazirite is to avoid alcohol and here Samson is throwing a party.
Sadly, Samson is a picture of a believer who is beginning to diverge from his commitment. If you simply look at his long hair he appears to be dedicated to God, but his lifestyle tells another story. On the outside he looks like a man who is committed to the Lord, but on the inside he’s a man controlled by his lusts.
6. He Ignored His Weaknesses.
In verse 14 as they prepare for the wedding, Samson tells a riddle to the 30 Philistine groomsmen: “Out of the eater came something to eat; out of the strong came something sweet.” Samson was showing off and he offered a bet along with the riddle. If they solved it in 7 days, he would give them some new clothes.
By the fourth day the groomsmen were getting nervous so they approached Samson’s bride and made her an offer she couldn’t refuse in verse 15: “Entice your husband to tell us what the riddle is, lest we burn you and your father’s house with fire.” You wouldn’t want these guys in your wedding party would you?.
“Entice” means, “to seduce a simple-minded person.” The Philistines would say the same thing to Delilah some 20 years later. Samson could be seduced because he was all hormones and no holiness. Sadly, Samson’s weakness was known to everyone but not to him. In the end it worked for the groomsmen. He eventually reveals the riddle’s answer on the seventh night.
Remember this: It’s our refusal to deal with our weaknesses that most often gets us in trouble.
7. He’d rather take revenge than repent.
The groomsmen now know the secret of the riddle and came to Samson at the last moment with the answer. Since Samson had lost the bet, he had to find some Cloths. In order to pay off his debt, Samson killed 30 Philistines but he had to touch their dead bodies in order to get their clothes—another clear violation of the Nazirite vow.
Samson is angry because he has been publicly humiliated. His feelings of romance are now replaced with rage and revenge. Samson leaves his bride standing at the altar and chapter 14 ends with her father (who is understandably embarrassed) giving her in marriage to the best man.
When we come to chapter 15, we see that Samson decides that he wants his wife back. A few months have passed so he takes a young goat as a gift for his bride. While we might bring chocolate or flowers, Samson’s gift-wraps a goat. That’s sure to win her heart. When he arrives, her father won’t let him see her because she’s now married to someone else. Samson is angry and says in verse 3: “This time I shall be innocent in regard to the Philistines, when I do them harm.”
Samson then caught three hundred foxes and tied them tail-to-tail in pairs and fastened a torch to them and let them loose in the fields of the Philistines.
Verse 5 says they burned up the shocks, the standing grain, the vineyards and the olive groves. The Philistines only had three cash crops – wheat, olives, and grapes. Samson single-handedly destroys the economic base of the entire nation with the flaming foxes. After they burn his bride and her family, the fires of revenge are unleashed in his heart and he said to them in verse 7, “If this is what you do, I swear I will be avenged on you, and after that I will quit.”
Do you see the cycle of revenge? The Philistines do something and then Samson does something. And then they respond and Samson pushes up his response. And they retaliate again and Samson goes ballistic. Each time it gets more serious, and bloodier. Revenge always escalates the issue.
Notice that Samson doesn’t mention the Lord’s glory at all; he’s only concerned about Himself. That’s the problem with revenge – it has nothing to do with the Lord, it’s all about us. Because we’re hurt, we want to hurt others. Listen. You never get even when you seek revenge because you will always lose. Listen to Romans 12:17, 19: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all…Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
When you try to seek revenge for wrongs done to you, you set in motion an unending cycle of violence. The only way to get off the treadmill of terror is to not seek revenge but instead to offer forgiveness.
We need to think about what the Lord said on the cross, ‘Forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.’”
Instead of choosing to forgive those who wronged him, Samon sought retaliation. Verse 8 says, “And he struck them hip and thigh with a great blow.” Later, his own people turn him over to the Philistines and then verse 15 tells us that he found “a fresh jawbone of a donkey . . .” and with it he killed one thousand men.
Because he was very thirsty, and tired, he cried out to the Lord in verse 18, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” This is the greatest prayer Samson ever prayed. He’s saying, “Lord I know that this victory did not come by my power.” It’s the one time where he actually acknowledged God’s presence in his life.
Samson’s great prayer comes after his greatest victory. His prayer is immediately answered and it reveals that Samson’s spirituality was present, though it was often eclipsed by his emotions. Chapter 15 concludes on a high note: “And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.” If Samson’s story ended here, it would be a tale of triumph. Samson led Israel to prosperity and peace for two decades. He thought his fatal flaws of romance and revenge were dealt with. But his lust had not died; it had just been buried alive.
Chapter 16 opens with an ominous sign: “Samson went to Gaza, and there he saw a prostitute, and he went in to her.” Twenty years of victory…and in one night he fell. Samson’s mid-life crisis reminds us that the proclivity to sin never dies of old age and our weaknesses never go away.
Samson’s depravity is a stupid move. There’s no chance that he can just arrive and not be noticed. The Philistines hate him and had a contract out on him. And now, he’s in their capital city. He traveled a very long distance to get there – It’s almost as if he doesn’t care if he gets caught. He’s where he should not be and he’s with someone he should not be with. And he doesn’t seem to care.
The Philistine task force surrounds the house he’s in, thinking that he’ll come out in the morning and they can capture him. But Samson got up in the middle of the night and left. On his way out of town, verse 3 tells us that he ripped out the gates of the city, together with the two posts, and put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron.
Samson was really starting to slide south now. His problems of lust and revenge never really went away. And now, he’s feeling arrogant and invincible. This is a recipe for trouble. He has enraged the Philistines by ripping off their city gate and he’s inflamed his old passion for illicit sex. He’s a picture of Proverbs 25:28: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
Let’s look briefly at four mistakes that came from Samson’s destructive intimacy with Delilah.
He got involved with another wrong relationship. In verse 4 we read that Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah. This is the third woman he got in trouble with and they were all Philistines.
He toyed with temptation. The Philistine rulers, who know all about Samson’s fatal flaw, came up with a plan. Verse 5 tells us that Delilah is offered shekels of silver if she is able to “Seduce him, and see where his great strength lies…”.
Delilah agrees to trick him into revealing the secret to his strength. Samson toys with her three times, but each time he gets closer to telling her the truth. Finally he said that if the seven locks of his hair were woven into a web he would be helpless. Samson is feeling so self-confident and so powerful. He thinks he’s invincible but now he’s letting her touch his hair. She doesn’t know the secret yet, but he is letting her get closer and closer and closer. He’s toying with temptation and playing with sin.
Listen. You can’t control your sin on your own because except for the grace of God, compromise will catch up with you and sin will control you.
He reveals his secret. Finally she said to him in verse 15, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me?” After playing the “If you really loved me, you’d tell me” card, verse 16 tells us that she resorted to a war of words: “And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death.” Other translations use the word “nagging.” She begged, pleaded, whined and cried day after day, all day long until he told her. This is a picture of sin – it is relentless and persuasive. That’s why we must not play around with it. Proverbs 6:27-28: “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?”
The rulers of the Philistines came with the silver shekels in their hands, and she puts him to sleep on her lap. He doesn’t have a clue what is about to happen.
He didn’t realize what he had done until it was too late. As soon as he’s sound asleep, she calls a man to shave off his hair. Verse 19 says it plainly: “His strength left him.” The last phrase of verse 20 is one of the saddest statements in the whole Old Testament: “But he did not know that the Lord had left him.”
He didn’t realize what had happened. Too many Christians drift away from God through their weaknesses, and they don’t realize what they’ve done until they’ve done it. They don’t appreciate what they had until it’s gone.
The Philistines have been waiting for 20 years to get their revenge. Look at verse 21: “And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles. And he ground at the mill in the prison.” The first time Samson came to Gaza it was to find pleasure and now he returns to Gaza as a prisoner!
He was forced to perform for the people as they worshipped Dagon, their god. Verse 25 tells us that they brought Samson to the fish-god temple “to entertain” them.They mocked him and laughed at him because they believed Dagon had defeated Jehovah.
Let me say this strongly. If we don’t recognize and deal with our Weaknesses, we’ll end up just like Samson – blinded, binded, and grinding. Blindness will take place as we lose our moral compass and vision. Being binded will result as we lose our freedom and liberty. And we’ll spend the rest of our lives grinding out a purposeless existence. Sin blinds us, then it binds us and then it slowly grinds away at us. Samson was now living in a dark dungeon of his own depravity, overpowered by the enemy he was supposed to conquer.
Action Steps
Let’s conclude with some action steps that will help us get off the road to ruin and head down the road to recovery.
Acknowledge your Weaknesses or flaws. What’s your spiritual soft spot? What area of your life has the most potential to ruin you? Is it Lust? Coveting? Revenge? Alcohol? Drugs? Another addiction? An unforgiving spirit? Anger? Lying? Psalm 38:18: “I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.”
Admit you need help. Until you admit that you are vulnerable, you will never experience victory. Psalm 34:17: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” Some of you may think you no longer have a problem simply because you’ve swept it under the rug. Unless you admit your need for help, your weaknesses will just come back to haunt you again and again.
Avoid temptation. Don’t put yourself in situations where you know you’re vulnerable. If you have a problem with drinking, don’t go to bars. If you have a wandering eye, don’t flirt with anyone. Don’t go to casinos if you’re given to gambling. If you’re tempted by honey, stay away from bee hives! Genesis 4:7: “…Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”
Ask for help. He who thinks he needs nothing or no one needs more than he can imagine. First of all, ask for God’s assistance. Samson did this in Judges 16:28 when he prayed and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” God honored this request by using Samson to wipe out thousands of Philistines in his death.
Second, ask for the help of others. Sadly, when you look at Samson’s life, everything he did, he did by himself. He never mustered the troops. He never partnered with a buddy. Don’t make the same mistake. Find a trusted friend and open up. Ask someone to hold you accountable. If you need some specific help, find a Christian counselor.
Assimilate God’s truth into your life. Gather with God’s people. Grow by reading God’s Word and putting it into practice. Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” It’s absolutely imperative that we stay connected with God and with others. Left to ourselves, it’s just a short step to becoming a Samson.
We see God’s grace in Judges 16:21: “But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.” This was symbolic of the restoration of his relationship with God. That which gives you strength will grow again.
Restoration is possible, but it is gradual
Forgiveness comes instantly, but restoration can take some time
Forgiveness does not cancel out the consequences of sin (a father punishes a child he loves)
Listen to how the narrative ends in verse 30: “Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.”
The moral of this story has nothing to do with Samson and everything to do with God. This passage is a living lesson in the grace of God. How a man who was beaten and blinded, humiliated by his own repeated stupidity, reached the bottom, turned around and discovered that God was waiting for him all the time. There’s nothing heroic about Samson. All he did was turn around and find God. God is the hero.
Some of us really need to hear this. Maybe you’ve gone pretty far down the road of romance or revenge and you’re grinding under a load of guilt. Listen. Restoration of a relationship with God does not depend upon your performance. Samson came back to God before he pushed those pillars down. He came back to God while he was still shackled. He came back to God while he was still blind. He turned back to God and God took him. He took out 3,000 Philistines and their false god, which was his initial mission and purpose given by God. We know that because his name appears in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Failure does not have to be final.
Are you ready to turn back to Him…before it’s too late?
Allow God to chisel away the sin that is covering the light in your life.
Are you going to stay in control or are you ready to surrender to the Savior and allow Him to chisel away? God loves you too much to leave you the way you are.
When Jesus died as our sin payment, there was deep darkness in the land, not for a few minutes, for three full hours. It was not the moon blocking the sun but the Son of God paying the price as payment for every one of our sins. It was His love in the dark when He overcame Satan’s pillars of power.
Samson’s life was covered by his lust. Don’t let sin cover the son of God in your life.
Sometimes we find our selves in Situations which make us Question our faith, and relationship with God, such Financial, Health, Marital, Work, Death of Love one and other problems, but remember they come becourse we in this world, it doesn’t mean God as foresaken us.
Here are some Bible verses to Help us;
Psalms 34:17-20 – The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (Read More…)
2 Corinthians 12:9 – And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Romans 8:18 – 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.
Romans 5:3-4 – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (Read More…)
2 Corinthians 4:16 – For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Psalms 34:19 – Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
James 5:11 – Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Romans 8:28 – 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.
Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Psalms 119:71 – It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psalms 22:26 – The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (Read More…)
Psalms 34:1-22 – (A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.) I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Read More…)
Psalms 22:24 – For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Psalms 10:17-18 – LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: (Read More…)
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
2 Corinthians 4:17 – For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:5).
Peter now turns his attention from the shepherds to the sheep. Good leaders need good followers. While it is certainly true that elders must not hurt the church, it is equally true that the church must not hurt its elders and pastors. Those who are led are responsible to be in subjection to not only God, but also to men of God.
The word “likewise” (ὁμοίως; homoios) means in a similar way. Peter directs this thought to those who are younger (νέος; neos) than the elders the apostle has been addressing in his previous remarks. What are these younger believers in Christ to do with respect to the elders and pastors of their congregation?
The younger ones are to be subject to the elders. Peter returns to the issue of submission (ὑποτάσσω; hypotasso) which we previously studied in I Peter 2 & 3. Younger people in the congregation are to follow the Lord’s command of obeying and being under the biblical authority of elders and pastors.
One pastor writes, “The elders are the pastors, the spiritual leaders of the church (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The church members, especially the young people, are to give honor, deference, and respect to spiritual leadership. Submission is a fundamental attitude of spiritual maturity (I Corinthians 16:15; I Thessalonians 5:12-14; Titus 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:7, 17).”
Younger people are to submit to pastors as they follow an additional command to clothe themselves (ἐγκομβόομαι; enkombosasthe) or to show and demonstrate in a personal and obedient way the attitude and behavior of true humility. The meaning of “to clothe’ comes from the idea of tying around oneself the apron of a slave. Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη; tapeinophrosyne) means to have a non-arrogant attitude about oneself and toward other people. In this context, to have an arrogant attitude towards a pastor, or anyone else for that matter, violates a command of God.
Humility means to possess an attitude that you are not too good to serve. This attitude is not only to be displayed towards the elders, but Peter goes on to say that humility should characterize our relationship with one another, or fellow believers. Notice that this command is for “all” believers. Not just a few, but everyone who claims Christ as their Savior and Lord is responsible to display humility.
The apostle then quotes from Proverbs 3:34, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” God opposes (ἀντιτάσσω; antitasso) or is hostile toward the arrogant. However, God continually gives grace (χάριςl charis) to the humble, lowly and downhearted. Peter’s quote from the Old Testament indicates his understanding that it was, and is, the Word of God.
Submission and humility were not considered virtues in the ancient world. Neither are they today. However, the Scriptures clearly indicate that these attitudes are pleasing to the Lord (John 13:3-17; Philippians 2:1-4; Proverbs 6:16-17; 8:13; Isaiah 57:15).
Many times it is uncomfortable to be submissive and humble to those in leadership and to fellow believers. We don’t want to allow ourselves to become vulnerable and expose ourselves to hurt or pain: emotional or physical. Yet this is what God commands His church to do. Let us not give into fear.
I encourage you today to trust in the Lord that He will honor your obedience to His will and His word.
By divine commission therefore, I make bold to declare to you that whatever is not part of your true nature in God, must give way! Anything other than “very good”, is not part of your original nature at creation (Genesis 1:31). Anything less than “very good” is not your heritage, you must not be identified with it.
Your health, your career, your relationship with others, must be very good. Anything short of “very good” therefore, is not your own.
The Lord I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you..” (Luke 10:19)
It is in the unction and confidence of this commandment from the Lord that I bring you the good news that you will be reading about on every page of this book.
Friend, I am glad to let you know that the battle with Satan, the enemy, finished long ago! The emancipation call is sounding. You can walk into liberty if it is your choice.
You don’t have to remain sick, frustrated, in reproach or shame. You have been called unto glory and virtue. So your name is glory. Your name is virtue. Not shame, reproach or pity. If you’re going along a street and they call a name that is not yours, does it attract your attention?
From now on, sickness, barrenness, failure and poverty will no longer be identified with you. Beginning from this hour, everyone that sees you will know you are the seed which the Lord has blessed. No mark of the enemy will remain in your life anymore!
My mission on earth is well defined. It is to see the devil constantly humiliated and Jesus glorified! I am sent to see men who have been shedding tears start shouting for joy! To see the barren carry their own children! The poor exploding into untold wealth! Troubled homes become peaceful! To see every oppression of the devil destroyed in the lives of men!
This is your hour of total liberty! Only what God cannot do will remain in your life after you have embraced the truth I will be sharing with you. Only the mountain that God cannot level will remain, only the sickness He cannot heal will remain. But we know that there’s nothing too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:27).
Your mountains shall be levelled, your valleys shall be filled, the plagues in your life shall be destroyed, the spells and enchantments of the devil over your destiny shall be destroyed.
This is your hour! The knowledge of the truth is here, you shall be set free indeed! I bring to you an open door to your covenant blessings.
Satan has lost out, Jesus is glorified!
Everywhere in the world today, it seems there is more mention of Satan’s name than God’s. Many people don’t seem to understand a thing about Satan, as he has given himself names that don’t belong to him.
Satan is a coward! He feared a challenge on mount Carmel when his throne was being challenged by Elijah. Multitudes live under the fear of his activities. Even at the mere mention of his name, many shrink. 1 Kings 18:20-40
Through his vain devices, he has constituted himself into a threat. Note that he is a master-deceiver. He is nothing but a finished devil!
In the early Church, the devil was not a force to be reckoned with. The Apostles were fully aware of his devices. To them the devil had no power, he only had tricks and devices. He is the most subtle of all that God created.
Friend, I want to show you the true picture of the devil and how powerless he is, regarding God’s eternal purpose concerning you. When you can see this, you will become as dangerous as a sharp stone.
I pray that God will help you understand that what destiny has in store for you is an already settled issue. The only person that will determine whether it works out or not is you. Not any devil in hell or any high places. When you can see this truth, it becomes obviously cheap for you to handle all life’s affairs with confidence. Men of confidence are men of worth.
We have so promoted the devil that he has made himself a little king over the affairs of many in the kingdom of God.
Some even pray for their children every morning and cast out devils! Who put the devils in them? The glory of God is beaming all around your children, but all you see is the devil! You have given him a place in your life, so he keeps harassing you. The fear of evil is a trap (Job 3:25).
We are going to displace every work of the devil with the cheapest ease and relaxation, by the application of the manifold wisdom of God. (Ephesians 3:10) Our days will see the brightest and greatest triumph over the kingdom of darkness (Isaiah 11:9).
I always tell myself, “if the devil is as terrible as he parades himself to be, he ought to have done something about me all these years!” But thank God! I am still alive and well, going stronger everyday. Shame on you, Satan!
I have been in two terrible accidents, the first in 2016, my vehicle Nissan Serena beyond repair! God saved me with no scratch, the second in 2023 with my wife, my vehicle Toyota Alphard beyond repair! Still no scratch. If God is on my side who can be against me?
When you hear me speaking against joblessness know that I’m speaking to a person. When I am addressing the source of barrenness, understand that the force behind it hears what I’m saying.
When you hear a noise, the first thing that occurs to you is, “what’s happening?” Friend, the enemy has made so much noise that he has gained so much prominence in the affairs of many, even in the Church of Jesus Christ.
Every preacher who has stayed on exalting the devil and his powers, has ended up crashing to the ground. Their homes are torn asunder, their ministries go through one frustration after the other, because they have given the devil an undue place. Ephesians 4:27 says:
“Neither give place to the devil.”
I never argue with the devil, because of a superiority complex that has been built into me through the revelation of the mysteries of God which the Holy Ghost has given me. I live so free of Satan’s threats. I determine what happens in my environment, not him.
The devil is not the one you have been called to worship. But what do we see today? In the name of casting him out and fearing his tactics, people end up more or less worshipping him. You hear such statements like; “I can see a devil on this platform, he has seven heads and three tails.”
Knowledge is reflective! The Bible says wisdom makes the face of a man to shine. There are some of us who the devil knows very well. In the kingdom of darkness, light is master, anyday! When you receive God’s Word, it sets up a divine illumination around you that all devils learn to respect you.
It is important you realise that the issue at hand is not the devil but you. It is time to appreciate your spiritual values, so that you can use an understanding of these basic Bible truths to reign on the earth.
There is a devil, his name is Satan, but thank God he is not your master. There is a devil, but the Bible says if you follow God, right in his presence, God will prepare a table before you and make your cup run over. The devil will just be watching you with utter helplessness!
We are made to understand from the scriptures that our adversary is the devil. Whether he uses human vessels or inanimate objects, he is our only scripturally, acknowledged enemy.
So if you know how to deal with him, you will live an enemy-free life. Anything that comes your way could be referred to as a trial of your faith, not an oppression of the enemy.
God is generous, and the Bible is full of examples of people, motivated by his goodness, who emulate this. King David poured out gifts from the national treasury and then from his personal reserves. A poor widow gave everything she had. A woman prepared a room for a traveling prophet. A group of poor Macedonians gave more than they dreamed they could.
Giving is a grace from God. He empowers us to give, fills us with joy when we do, and then often replenishes our supplies, so we can give more (2 Corinthians 9).
Let’s look at some of the biblical examples and see what we can learn from them.
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died… All the widows stood by [Peter] weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.
Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, was known for her charitable works. She helped the poor in whatever ways she was able. She gave her talent and time, making clothes for the needy.
What to do: Use your time and talents to help those in need, whether it’s sewing clothes, cooking, fixing vehicles, or any other skill you have.
She replied, “I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die.”
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”
She went away did as Elijah had told her.
The Lord told Elijah to find this widow in Zarephath; she would provide for him. But when Elijah found her, the woman didn’t even have enough food for her son and herself to survive. Still, she had faith, and gave what the only things she had left. And the Lord filled her jars of flour and oil, ensuring they were never empty.
What to do: In all circumstances, Christian generosity is a response to faith. There will always be a reason, an excuse, not to give. This widow certainly had a good one. She and her son were starving to death. But she had gave anyway. Do not let your excuses keep you from the joy and blessings that come from giving.
“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”
This scripture teaches us how the poor window gave out of are Love for God, she gave with all are heart, knowing that even a small amount will make a difference to help in running of the Temple of God.
In the passage Jesus tells every one that most of the givers gave out of their abundance meaning if they did not have enough they would not had given. When giving, we need to give weather we have enough or not, it should be coming from our heart not because of abundance.
What to do: Give for the work of God to continue, a lot of people are suffering they don’t have even a decent meal, whilst some people through food in bins every day. Some people don’t have cloths, some have no shelter. We must learn to give and help others.
Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way.
Abraham hurried to welcome three strangers and showed them great hospitality, asking Sarah to bake bread and slaughtering a valuable calf for their meal. What he did not know at the time was that he was entertaining angels (Hebrews 13:2).
What to do: Open your home and heart to others, even when you feel inconvenienced. Welcome and care for people who visit you, making them feel valued and loved. You never know when you might be entertaining angels, too.
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
Despite their own poverty, the Macedonian church was remarkably generous in supporting others, and God miraculously made them more able to give than they’d expected.
What to do: Give when you have plenty as well as when you don’t. Don’t wait to be more generous when you have the more, allow giving to others to be a constant privilege, a rich part of your life, no matter your circumstances.
6. The Shunammite woman’s service to God’s messenger (2 Kings 4:8-37)
One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”
This Shunammite woman didn’t just welcome and care for Elisha once or twice; she continually gave to him, even going so far as to build a room just for him.
What to do: Revolutionize the way you give by framing your giving to people as a gift offered to God. Make plans to regularly host those who serve God and set apart a space in your home for these holy visitors.
“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
Jesus accepted a young boy’s humble lunch of five barley loaves and two fish and performed the miracle of multiplying it to feed 5,000 people. On this day, a child in the crowd had more faith than Jesus’ own disciples. The Scripture doesn’t mention any concern about his gift not being enough. He just gave what little he had, and Jesus made it enough for a multitude.
What to do: Be willing to share what you have, even if it seems insignificant, knowing that God is a multiplier of gifts. And your willingness to share your resources, talents, or time just might lead to unexpected blessings you would never even imagine.
Jesus said to Nicodemus “unless one is born again he/she cannot see the Kingdom of God” John 3:5. Yes if you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior then you are not entitled to his Kingdom.
Again Jesu said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. John 14:6. So this tells us that only through him can we see God’s Kingdom.
Steps to being born again
1. Accept that you are a sinner.
The scripture say“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24”. After the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Sin entered the world, and when we are born we are born with the natural sin of our forefathers.
2. Confess your sins
The scripture says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
If you would like to know Christ, all you have to do is receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ by saying a prayer of salvation.
Pray this aloud: “Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and surrender my life. Wash me clean. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That he died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day for my Victory, I believe that in my heart and make confession with my mouth, that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. I receive eternal life, in Jesus name, Amen.”
3. Find a Church
We believe that if you prayed that important prayer, you have been born again. You are starting with a clean slate, and you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Keep God first place in your life. Learn to pray; prayer is simply talking to God like you would talk to a friend. Mark today’s date, write it down in your Bible – this is the day of new beginnings in your life!
Now find a Church or any gathering where they preach about God and Jesus Christ! Hebrews 10:24-27
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Salvation is defined as preservation or deliverance from harm.
Theologically it is defined as deliverance from sin and its consequences, to be brought about by faith in Christ. Also means redemption, deliverance, saving etc
How can I be delivered from sin when I have not sinned?
Most of us think that sin is the only violation of the Ten Commandments, even then we tend to think of murder and adultery as the major sins compared with lying, cursing, adultery etc,
But the truth is that sin is tomiss the mark the mark in this case is the standard of perfection established by God and evidenced by Jesus. Romans 5:19.
In this context the bible tells us that even those who have never murdered, committed adultery or have done anything wrong against God, have sinned by the virtual of being bone to a sinful nature.
Therefore we must resist the temptation to act as if we are righteous, especially by depending on our good works.1 john 1:8
So now we all know that we are all sinners either by our being born in sin or by evil deeds that we have done in our lives and our destiny is death in hell with the devil and his demons.Romans 6:23.
What shall we do?
We need to turn to Jesus Christ so that he can save us. For salvation is not because of our good deeds but a gift from God, because of his mercies and grace towards us. Titus 3:5
Because of our sins God sent his son to die for us so that we can be saved. 1 peter 1:3
God wants us to inherit his kingdom but it is up to us to take a step towards salvation and we can only do that when we accept that we are sinners then confess and repent our sins. Romans 10:9, Romans 10:10
Acknowledge our Sins and Confess.
If we confess and repent from our sins we spiritually die and rise with Jesus Christ and sin or death has no dominion over us. Romans 5:8
Pray a prayer of Confession.
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). I am calling on You. I pray and ask Jesus to come into my heart and be Lord over my life according to Romans 10:9-10: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” I do that now. I confess that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead.
I am now reborn! I am a Christian—a child of Almighty God! I am saved! You also said in Your Word, “If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: HOW MUCH MORE shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13). I’m also asking You to fill me with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, rise up within me as I praise God. I fully expect to speak with other tongues as You give me the utterance (Acts 2:4). In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
We believe in the second coming of Christ. His return from heaven will be personal, visible and glorious, a blessed hope for which we should constantly watch and pray. Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:7
Before He establishes His kingdom on earth, Jesus will come for His Church, an event commonly referred to as the “Rapture.” At that time the dead in Christ will be raised and living Christians will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:14. In this resurrection, those who have died in Christ will have their redeemed souls and spirits united with a body similar to Christ’s glorified body. Christians living at the time of this event will not die, but will be changed to be like Christ. 1 John 3:2. This expectation is a motivation for holy living, as well as a source of comfort. 1 John 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:18. No man knows the day or the hour when this will take place. Matthew 24:36; John 6:39
After the Rapture of the Church, Christians will be brought before the judgment seat of Christ. He will reward them on the basis of the works they have accomplished. Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10. This is not a judgment to determine their salvation but a reward for labor on Christ’s behalf. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15. The Rapture will also inaugurate a period that the Bible characterizes as the “great day of His wrath,” “the great tribulation” and the “time of Jacob’s trouble. Revelation 6:17; Revelation 7:14; Jeremiah 30:7. ”This time of unprecedented difficulty will affect Israel and all nations. Its purpose will be to prepare Israel for her Messiah. Zechariah 12:2; Zechariah 12:3; Zechariah 14:1-3
At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return with the hosts of heaven as well as the Church to establish the Messianic Kingdom on earth. Revelation 19:7-9; Revelation 19:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 19:15; Revelation 19:16. His Kingdom will last for a thousand years. Revelation 20:2; Revelation 20:4-6. At this Second Coming, the Antichrist will be cast into the Lake of Fire and Satan will be bound for a thousand years. Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:1-3. The nations and their representatives will be judged. Joel 3; Matthew 25. Israel will be restored to her land, never more to be removed. Amos 9:15; Ezekiel 34:28. Christ will reign with firmness and equity. Psalm 2:9; Isaiah 11:4. His kingdom will be marked by material and spiritual blessing, since the curse upon the earth will be removed. Romans 8:19-21.
The Messianic Kingdom will close with apostasy and rebellion.Revelation 20:7-9. God will crush this uprising in the last battle of the ages and Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10. All those who rejected the Word of God will be resurrected. Revelation 20:11-13 They will be judged by Christ and cast into the lake of fire, the place where they will suffer final and everlasting punishment. Revelation 20:14; Revelation 20:15; Mark 9:48.
After this judgment there will be a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness is the norm. 2 Peter 3:13. There will be a new Jerusalem and the everlasting presence of God among all the redeemed. Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:3; Revelation 2:3-5.
By Evangelist Kapanza Alfred Emmanuel
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…
