The ministry of intercession and reconciliation – Philemon

In order for one to be effective as an intercessor certain factors must be in place:

1. Relationship - Intercession does not take place in a vacuum.  There must be a relationship.  In any case the whole issue of intercession becomes necessary within the concept of a relationship gone sour.  Paul emphasised the platform of friendship with Philemon and the fact that they are fellow workers (co-labourers) Paul also talks about Onesimus as his son – of course Onesimus was Philemon’s runaway slave! Intercession and reconciliation must be in the context of a relationship.
2. A vision of  the big picture – Paul’s prayer for Philemon (v6) points to Paul’s assessment of the big picture, a specific requisite for ability to share his faith and to understand the full impact of our relationship in Christ.  If this is not in place, if our eyes are not on the big picture, reconciliation can easily be an end in itself and the hurt suffered by the bruised party would be more difficult to forget in fact would come back  every now and then to haunt the relationship.
3. The form of delivery – The tact of Paul in communicating the request to Philemon to take back Onesimus is overwhelming.  In deed, a soft answer turns away anger (Prov.15v1).

-       He first affirms him (v4-7)

-       He appeals on the basis of love (v8-11)

-       He tries to provide justification for  the brief separation (v12-16)

-       He even cajoled and  demanded (v17-21)

-       He presented the request in a manner that will be difficult to reject!

Lord, may my words be seasoned with salt as you give me the privilege of being an intercessor and reconciler. I also pray that you will give me the heart for prayer, heart that is perpetually tuned to your wavelength that I may know your mind and purpose concerning the issues involved.  This I ask through Jesus Christ my Lord.  AMEN.

Doing good – a call to christian service – Titus 3

Doing what is good is a call to all christians to allow the changes inside to reflect on the outside.  It does not only give us an identity but also helps meet the basic needs of others (v8,14). Doing good as was exhibited in the first century church in Acts was a natural outflow of the transformation brought about by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4).

Doing Good based on our own righteousness is like putting the cart before the horse.  Rather it must be an outflow of our salvation. Because the basic human tendencies are evil, we require the following resources to be committed to doing good selflessly:

1. The Grace of God (v4). A realisation that the grace of God, that unmerited favour of God – having what we do not deserve -  has been and continues to be extended to us should motivate us to desire to please our Saviour by doing good.
2. The Indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (v5-6). The generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the believer and the daily renewal that flows from His presence within should naturally give him or her the enablement to reach out in love to others as the fruits of His indwelling are released in and through us.  In order words the strength and motivation to do good must come not from a desire to earn our salvation but from the prompting of the Holy Spirit that lives within as we yield our members – the whole of us to Him.
3.  The hope of eternal life (v7). The fact that we are in transit should give us a balanced view of materialism and motivate us to focus on storing treasures up in heaven rather than here.  As it is said, you cannot take it along but you can sure send it ahead, unaccompanied.

Lord, help me to be devoted to doing what is good (v8,14) through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ my saviour and friend.  AMEN.

The responsibility of an effective christian leader – Titus 2

The christian leader, armed with the mandate of the Saviour has several responsibilities including:

1. Teaching (v1). He must teach in accordance with sound doctrine.  He must know what is taught therefore he must himself, learn at the feet of the saviour and at the feet of his teachers, mentors and models (2 Tim 2v2).  He must be sufficiently exposed to the word and versatile to the extent that he gives the right teaching at the right time to the right audience.  For the purpose of emphasis a christian leader must be sound in doctrine.  If not there is no way he can teach in accordance with sound doctrine. It is of note that his teaching responsibility is to a varied and diversified constituency (or population). He is responsible for elders, men, women, the youth, slaves and free, children and indeed  everyone in the family hence the call for the appropriateness of teaching to the difference segments of his constiuency.
2. Encourage (v6-8). He, more often than not, is the shoulder to lean on.  The encourager of those threatening to quit and even those just discouraged!  He must be an encouragement to the followership.  In spite of and despite himself, the leadership mandate thrusts him into the lime light expecting him to be the faultless super human.  Naturally therefore he becomes an example and the instruction from the passage is that he must be a positive example – in speech, in lifestyle and in action.  Nothing motivates the followership than a transparent committed leadership.
3. Rebuking (Correction) (v15). When the message is sound and the life of the leader is a model, and example of what he teaches, he is immediately endowed with the mandate to point out deviations from the standard and correct, rebuke and discipline such persons that deviate.

In exercising these responsibilities the leader must have certain goals in mind.  Some taken from the passage include:

1.  to have the fruit of the Holy Spirit develop fully in the lives of his constituency and how  they can be filled constantly, daily with the Holy Spirit.  In an interesting way there is the emphasis on self-control, a fruit of the Holy Spirit which seem to underline the fact that irrespective of our good intentions and knowledge, we must possess self-control – a deliberate self restraint to be able to do what we should rightly do as it touches our private and public life.
2. to ensure that they, by their quality of life and speech, further the message of the gospel – the message of salvation.
3. to highlight their distinctiveness as a special people – Christ’s very own (v14).
4. to keep hope alive – the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.  They must live daily with eternity in view.

Father, make me constantly alive to and aware of my responsibility as a christian leader through the power of your indwelling Holy Spirit.  AMEN.

The profile of a Christian leader – Titus 1

Several qualities of a christian leader can be brought out by examining what Paul says about himself and what he teaches on the subject.  These qualities include the following

1. The Leader knows himself (v1)   – who he really is, Paul describes himself as:

•  A servant of God – He knows his position in the authority ladder and in the ownership line. A servant derives his mandate from his master – God.
• An apostle of Jesus Christ – a messenger to carry out the bidding of the Lord who appointed him, who entrusted the message to him in the responsibility line and also the function to be performed.

2.  The leader knows his mission and  his vision(v3) – He has a clear vision and understanding of the purpose for which he is called by God.  Paul highlights that he has a responsibility to ensure that those God has elected (as in Rom 8v29) stay focused on the ultimate purpose of their election – the hope of eternal life and that while looking forward to that hope, they live godly lives (v1)

3.  He knows His mandate (v2-3; v9) – He must not only know clearly, the person who mandated him and the depth of the authority of that person, but must also know the exact content of his mandate.  It is only a tyrant, a military leader, accountable to no one that would arrogate to himself the power to do and undo – the power of God.  With regard to the execution of his mandate, the leader must be:

1.  Blameless – (v6-7) -  He must possess personal qualities that are not self focussed. He must “not be overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent and not pursuing dishonest gain” (v7)
2. Disciplined – (v6) – The emphasis on being husband of one wife points to the fact that it takes a deliberate effort of the man, despite and in spite of the glamorous ladies around him to be devoted and committed to only one.  Leadership requires self control and self discipline to be able to function effectively
3.  A manager of people- The church is rightly equated to the family unit and an ability to manage a whole church must be measured by the way the family is managed.
4.  Must be others focused  (v8) - As against the tendency to be self-centered, the leader must see his usefulness and effectiveness within the context of the people he leads.  He must endeavour to be an example in service, holiness and self management.  The fact is that without people a leader has no constituency.
5.  He must be an example, a model (v15-16) – There must be congruity between what he says and what he does if he is to make a lasting impact on those he is called to lead.  If he has faith, he must live by faith as an example.

Lord, I thank you for the privilege and trust of leadership, the privilege to serve in the King’s court. Holy Spirit Divine, please give me the enablement to be the leader I am meant to be through Jesus Christ who loved me and set me an example to follow in His footstep.  AMEN.

Depend on the dependable for support – 2 Timothy 4v9-22

That man must depend on the support of others in our life pilgrimage is incontrovertible and a matter of fact. However the nature of support determines whether we end up successful or crash out along the way. Paul who touched so many lives, fifteen of whom he lists in the short passage had this to say: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them” (v16). When Christ needed most support and when it was most inconvenient in fact dangerous to identify with Him, the bible had this to say: “Then everyone deserted him and fled.” (Mark 14v50).

Sometimes support is not readily available due to circumstances beyond our control as Paul so clearly experienced – Demas on his own volition abandons ship and friendship and headed for Thessalonica, Crescens and Titus are away probably on missionary assignments, Tychicus is sent on an errand, Erastus chooses to stay on to minister in Corinth and Trophimus is left sick in Miletus leaving only Dr. Luke as the only companion with him.

Like a soldier caught behind enemy line, we all at one time or the other face enemy fire. Paul did from Alexander the metal worker (v14). Elijah, after running away from Jezebel despaired of life asking that the Lord ends it for him (1Kings 19v4). Under these pressures, how are we able to cope and remain focused?

Hear Paul’s testimony: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.  The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (v17-18).  David, a man acquainted with much adversity also had this to say: “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.” (Ps 34v19-20)

The lesson is clear – function within the team of fellow journeymen, support and cooperate with one another in the carrying out of the mandate but depend solely on the dependable – the Lord Jesus Christ, the friend who would never abandon for He promises : I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14v18) and God also promised “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrew 13v5). It is instructive that Jonathan did not just go into the wilderness of Horesh to support David in his own strength but to “help him find strength in God” (1 Sam.23v16).

Lord, help me to depend only on you in this battle as you promise not to abandon me. Help me be satisfied with what ever help you send and fill me with a heart of thankfulness through Jesus Christ my commanding officer who, to please, is my life long ambition. Amen.

Understanding the operating environment for a success in spiritual warfare – 2 Timothy 3v1-9

There is a popular saying that knowledge is power. During the war following the invasion of Kuwait, the Allied Forces knew the Iraqi defense systems so well that they were able to immobilise them even before the war started. They were able to plan their own movements in the light of such knowledge that minimal damage to their own troops. Such knowledge however came through a combination of advanced weaponry, quality personnel and hardwork not through wishful thinking or presumption.

The soldier of Christ is called upon to seek wisdom and understanding. To seek knowledge, knowledge of the times like the children of Issachar “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron.12v29). He must also seek to know the nature of the enemy and his strategies so that he will not be tricked or misled into compromise and subsequent defeat as was the experience of the Israelites when Balak and his people tricked them into worshiping the Baal of Peor.

Knowing the times

We must approach the challenge or responsibilities that face us with the mind frame that:

• We do not have all the time. Therefore approach all tasks with a sense of urgency that required total focus and commitment. David’s prayer in this regard is very instructive: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”(Ps.90v12)
• One will not always have the most convenient time. Paul uses the word terrible to describe the last days. Amos in Chapter5v13 describes it as evil. Hardly can there be a most convenient time for war. Therefore Paul’s instruction to Timothy is  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season,  correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4v2-3). Peter also instructed that “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3v15). The soldier who is not battle ready at all times is bound for defeat hence the constant training and retraining and exercises.

Understanding the enemy

In Rom.12v2 we are told that nothing denies us of the privilege of knowing God’s will as conformity to the image of the world. In the same vein Paul advises us in v5 to have nothing to do with certain category of people. Writing to the Corinthians, he observed that “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor.15v33.) Hence we are advised to take time to understand the subtle nature and ways of the enemy in other to avoid any pitfalls that may threaten our success.

It is of note that the only person or thing that is of importance to the enemy is SELF. Self is the centre of his world. Even when he pretends to be godly, the underlying motive is self. Therefore he denies the power behind godliness. As David observed in Ps.73, there is often enough physical opulence around him to tempt us to envy his way of life and  that is the reason we are enjoined, like David,  to engage in a paradigm shift – to focus our gaze on the Lord and see the temporariness of the enemy. In v9 Paul said that they would be exposed sooner than later.

Father, I pray that I will be sensitive to the times and also avoid any relationship that would adversely cloud my vision of you. This I pray through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

The quality of the vessel God uses – 2 Timothy 2v14-26

Like all warfare, the quality of the men that use the weaponry determine the degree of success that would be attained. This point was brought home most vividly during the Gulf war when one viewed the overwhelming fire power and professionalism of the allied forces set against those of the Iraqis. On the other hand, whatever crack a team is put in place as a result of training and qualities as discussed earlier, the conduct of the personnel at the war front is also critical to victory as shown by the Mogadishu experience of the American and Italian soldiers.

The vessel God uses must be in top form at all times. How miserable for the top striker who is out of form! No player has the ambition to sit on the bench while his teammates enjoy all the excitement on the field. The misery becomes more frustrating to him and coach if his absence diminishes the quality of the team as a whole.

In order to stay in form, Paul prescribes certain things the person must avoid and some that he must engage in as a matter of deliberate personal choice. These are made up of those that jettison negative influences and those that build on one’s strength.

Things to avoid

1. Negative and unproductive communication. Three times in the short passage Paul draws attention to the damaging influence of negative communication on the man God would use. This may present it’s self in various forms including quarreling about words (v14), godless chatter (v16) and foolish and stupid arguments (v23). James lamented about the destructive power of the unmanaged tongue. He observed  that “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”(James 3v6). The Lord Jesus affirmed the same fact in Matt. 15v11 when He said “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean’, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean’.” David realising the potential negative influence on his state of readiness as a soldier often prayed Ps 141v3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
2. Evil desires. The instruction is to flee evil desires of youth.(v22). James in chapter 4v1-3 argues that evil desire leads to murder, covetousness, quarreling and fighting. The problem with evil desires is that it is self centred and such a mind frame can never facilitate the state of readiness of the vessel the Lord uses. John described it as the craving of the sinful man in 1 John2v15-16. Paul’s ready advise to the Romans is to  “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”(Rom.12v2).

Positive things to do

1. Develop the ability to handle the word of truth (v15). The instruction is to study Never graduate out of the school of God’s word. One must develop proficiency in the handling of the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6v17). Use the word of God to connect to Him at all times in all circumstances. Use it to confound the skeptic, the false teachers. Use it to nourish the baby in Christ. Let it be the foundation of all that you teach. It is the most lethal arsenal in the hand of the believer. Feed on it daily to gain wisdom and knowledge and understanding. Rightly handling the word of God, you never can go wrong.
2. Pursue godly character development (v22). Paul’s clear instruction in that verse is to “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Of course Gal.5v22-23 tells us that these character qualities are the fruit of the Spirit so live daily under the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Father, I pray for a sustained spiritual ambition and motivation to be a vessel approved by you for your noble use through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

Cultivating qualities that guarantee success in our christian walk – 2 Timothy 1v15 – 2v13

There are certain qualities that any one aiming at making a success of his christian walk must possess. Qualities that are not inborn or inherited but must be cultivated, maintained and nourished for the best results. Paul instructed Timothy to reflect on the lessons derivable from the examples of the soldier, the athlete and the farmer to gain insight into these qualities. They include:

1. Dependence on God’s grace (2v1) A mindset that sees every opportunity we have as a privilege is a prerequisite for success. Grace is having what we do not deserve and our relationship with the Master is one of them. Paul considered it a privilege to be enlisted in the Master’s service (1 Timothy 1v12). This quality helps us to develop other qualities that generate commitment to the person who so appointed us. In Peter’s letter to christians in the Diaspora, he prayed for his readers that they would “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3v18). Dependence as the word connote is a continuous thing not a once-for-life shot in the arm – hence the injunction to grow in His grace and knowledge. Dependence on the grace of God helps us fight an otherwise depressing situation such as being unjustly treated and being abandoned as Paul experienced in Rome and described in 2 Timothy 1v15. One is also empowered to appreciate things you will normally take for granted such as visits from friends like Onesiphorus which Paul referred to in 1 Timothy1v16-18.
2. A learner’s heart (2v2). There are no born soldiers, athletes nor farmers. Everyone entering these professions must undergo training. All the qualities required to make a success of those callings – skills, endurance, stamina and patience – to name a few are acquired through training and are preserved through constant practice. Timothy spent sufficient time with Paul to learn from him – the way he taught, prayed, handled challenging situations and loved the Lord. This is what Paul said about him “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings–what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3v10-11). All the student needs to do is to follow the master, serve him, observe his way of life and learn of him and one result is sure  he will, when fully trained, be like his master as the Lord Jesus affirmed: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Lk. 6v40)
3. Endurance (2v3).  Other synonyms of this word include patience, stamina, staying power, perseverance, persistence and tenacity. As long as time is required to obtain the required result this quality becomes very necessary. Paul says that the athlete goes into long training (1 Cor. 9v24-25).The farmer who rushes to harvest an unriped produce does himself harm, the environment the soldier is called upon to function requires that he is patient.
4. Total commitment  to a worthy goal  (v4).  Nothing fires and motivates us more than having something to die for and definitely to live for. This quality helps us to define our life goals and priorities just as the soldier (even the Nigerian soldier!!) is so driven by his commitment to his commander that he does not get distracted by civilian pursuits. Think of what the athlete sacrifices in order to adequately prepare for his races. Hardly anyone can appreciate the bond and the level of emotion that exists between the farmer and his crops. His commitment is total.
5. Obedience (2v5). Samuel drew Saul’s attention to the fact that nothing excites the Lord’s heart as a heart of obedience. “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”(1 Sam.15v22). The Lord Jesus said not those who call me Lord, Lord but those who do the will of His father who will enter the Kingdom (Matt. 7v21). We function in a world where the end justifies the means but not so for the servant of Christ.
6. Hardwork (2v6).  Growing in Christlikeness is hard work, spiritual growth more so. Any time we preach a life of ease, anyone that promotes the concept of instant prosperity as a reward of godliness undermines the very message that he portends to preach. Spending time with the Master is hard work and serving Him calls for all alertness. Our faith is not a bread and butter faith and as Paul experienced most of his life, it some times results in being chained like a criminal. However it is never a wasted effort. The day of reward is coming. Hear what Paul said “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal.6v9-10). His advise to all is “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”(1 Cor.15v58)

 

Lord I pray these qualities into my live and the lives of all my loved ones and friends through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

Knowing God – the secret of our spiritual defense – 2 Timothy 1v 1-14

Some people go into life situations truly convinced that they have it all figured out. Various insurances are put in place for unforeseen circumstances and fully persuaded of their knowledge of the issues and the terrain. Then some thing small happens and all those confidences are shaken to their very foundations, all the plans fall like a pack of cards.

And yet some face the most trying of situations like Daniel in the lion’s den or Paul in the Roman jail not to talk of Job with his personal travails, all exhibiting or exuding confidence, quiet assurance and peace immeasurable. These and all like them seem to have one thing in common – A relationship with God that is rooted in a deep personal knowledge of Him. A conviction that God is who He claims to be and that He can be trusted. This type of knowledge of God is like the foundation of our defense as we face challenging situations in life.

Benefits that come from this type of knowledge of God include:

1. An appreciation of the purpose of our being (v1). No man is an accident. Paul knew exactly who he was in relationship to the one that appointed him. He even talked about the basis of the relationship all of which was God’s idea expressed in Christ Jesus “Before the beginning of time” (v9).
2. The resources to live a full life (v6-7). In other to be our best in the relationship, God gives us the power in the person of His Holy Spirit indwelling us so that the inside would not collapse under external pressure but rather that the inside would motivate us to resist and/or  endure all pressures.
3. A boldness to be identified with the gospel (v8-14). Except in present day Nigeria, it is not always fashionable to openly be identified with the faith. We often lack the confidence to boldly share the gospel of salvation even with those we profess to love deeply. In certain circumstances, it is actually a disadvantage and even risky to be so identified. Like Paul an appreciation of whom we believe and a knowledge of the fact that He will always have the last word serves as a powerful motivation to do the job He has entrusted to us  – namely to live a life that pleases Him and to let others know about His love for them.

Father, Thank you for the knowledge that you are not ashamed to be called my God (Heb.11v16). I pray that I will never be ashamed to testify about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who planned my salvation before the beginning of time. In His name I pray. Amen

 

Shepherding the flock – The dual responsibility of the christian to maintain eternal focus – 1 Timothy 6v11-21

Within the body of Christ, the christian has two main responsibilities-  to guard himself and to guard the flock that has been entrusted to Him.

1.   Guarding Self (v11-16) .We must ensure that our perspective of life is anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ.  This would enable us:

• to manage money rather than be driven by the love of money (v10) in fact the instruction is to flee from that love and the inevitable consequences of it.
• to submit to the control of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit who, as He does His work in us, will enable us to bear the fruits of the Spirit (v11) Hence the instruction for us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
• to remain focused on the ultimate goal of our salvation – the hope of eternal live (v12-13).  Paul in 2 Cor 3v18 says this factor results in our being transformed increasingly into the image of Christ.  It has the powerful effect of dimming the effect and attraction of the things of the earth. As communicated in a chorus:

‘Keep your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full into his wonderful face,

And the things of earth would grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.’

2.   Guarding the flock (v17-21). The responsibility of every Christian leader  to the body of Christ is to ensure that members thereof would also have the eternal focus and priorities.

There is always the need to help the rich master their wealth and subject it to the lordship of Jesus Christ rather than being managed by such wealth, which at best is uncertain. We are therefore to also help our fellow travelers have an eternal perspective for if they have their hope in God, God’s resources entrusted to their hands would be applied to achieve His goals.

It is of note that while we can not carry along our wealth when we die (1Tim 6v7) we can sent it ahead of us (1Tim 6v18-19)

Father, I submit myself today to the power of the Holy Spirit who alone can sustain my eternal focus through Jesus Christ my Lord.  AMEN