Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “The light of the body is the eye: therefore, when thine eye is single,thy whole body is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.” Luke 11:34.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 11:33-36.

INTRODUCTION 

The gate of the eye, which is also referred to as the windows of or to the soul plays a strategic role in transmitting the information that comes through it to the mind. The eyes dominate emotional communication because what we allow through the gate of our eyes will eventually drip into our mind which is the centre of our thoughts, feelings, and reasoning. For any believer to stay pure and honour Christ always, the person must consciously set a guard over what they permit to come through the gate of their eyes. Job 31:1.

OUTLINE

1. SPIRITUALLY DEFECTIVE EYES
2. SANCTIFIED EYES

1. SPIRITUALLY DEFECTIVE EYES

People with ‘spiritual defective eyes’ characteristically exhibit the following works of the flesh: They are full of lust of the flesh to practise all forms of ungodliness 1 John 2:16. Such individuals lack the fear of God and are therefore constantly exposed to iniquity and immorality Roman 3:18. Their eyes are full of adulterous desires, and they find themselves helpless against the temptation to commit sin 2 Peter 2:14. They are blinded by darkness and filled with hatred for the people around them 1 John 2:11. They find it a struggle to do what is right and are full of pride in their heart Proverbs 28:27b; Proverbs 30:12-13. These types of defective eyes love to sleep because they are lazy and are disposed to do evil things. Proverbs 20:13; Proverbs 16:30.

2. SANCTIFIED EYES

Sanctified eyes are the by-product of a regenerated life in Christ Jesus consciously developed by believers in Christ Jesus. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, sanctified eyes are guarded against any form of pollution. We must develop the self-will to restrain our eyes from roaming unnecessarily and to control what we allow to always pass through the gate of our eyes Galatians 5:22-23. Develop a personal resolve to only expose the eyes to things that will be of benefit to it Job 31:1. Also,we must consciously guard our eyes against any exposure to vile things Psalm 101:3. There are some publications, films we must deliberately refuse to watch or feed our eyes on 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

It is important to be disciplined enough to always: guide our eyes and to quickly take it off anything that can pollute our minds. This must be done on purpose to avoid any contamination Genesis 9:22-25. As believers, we must be conscious of where we are and quickly leave any environment or activity that can harm us through our eyes 2 Samuel 11-1-2

CONCLUSION

Believers who desire to honour God and keep their minds clean must scrutinise what they allow through gate of their eyes which ultimately is the window into their soul.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Proverbs 6:9.
Mon: Matthew 5:28.
Tue: 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
Wed: Psalm 36:1.
Thurs: 1 John 3:17.
Fri: James 2:13.
Sat: Matthew 7:2

MEMORY VERSE: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 18:30-32.

INTRODUCTION 

A physical altar is a raised platform in a place of worship where offerings are made to honour God. Altars have always played a significant role in God’s relationship with His people across the generations: Noah Genesis 8:20, Abraham Genesis 26:25, Jacob Genesis 35:7, and Moses Exodus 17:15, all built altars as places to connect with God,

Similarly, there is a spiritual altar within our hearts that must be prepared and maintained to experience God’s presence and achieve all-round victory. When our relationship with God falters, every aspect of our lives is affected.

OUTLINE

1. ALTAR DESTROYERS
2. REPAIR YOUR ALTAR NOW

1. ALTAR DESTROYERS

When we neglect God’s altar, we inevitably build altars to other idols, devoting our time, talents, treasures, energy, effort, earnings, etc 1 Kings 18:18-21. Actions that damage our relationship with God include:
Sin Isaiah 59:2
Idolatry – placing anything or anyone above God Ezekiel 14:5.
Seeking benefits instead of seeking God Himself John 6:26.
A divided heart, trying to serve both God and at the same time conforming to worldly patterns Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:2.
Negative influences of ungodly companions 1 Corinthians 15:33.
People- pleasing, prioritising others’ approval over God’s Galatians 1:10. Pride,which distances us from His grace Psalm 138:6
Unbelief that leads to spiritual drift Hebrews 3:12.
Disobedience to God’s commands 1 Samuel 12:15
Lukewarmness, a half-hearted approach to faith Revelation 3:16.

Neglecting God shifts our devotion away from Him, creating barriers to the deep relationship He desires with us.

2.   REPAIR YOUR ALTAR NOW

To repair is to restore what is damaged or broken to good condition. Repairing the altar symbolises restoring one’s relationship with God. A broken connection with Him can be rebuilt when we:
Repent and return to our ‘first love’ Revelation 2:4-5; Jeremiah 2:2: Repentance involves changing our actions and reigniting the early devotion we once had, such as prayer, Bible study and sharing our faith with others. In these Last Days, as love for God grows cold, we must keep rebuilding our altar starts by returning to these foundational practices Matthew 24:12.
a. Offer ourselves as a living sacrifice Romans 12:1: True surrender involves giving our body and soul to God’s will, living in complete submission to His purpose.
b. Rededicate ourselves to God Titus 3:5: Rededication is transformative. It is a return to God’s loving embrace, celebrating His grace, and committing to live according to His Word.
c. Seek restoration, forgiveness, and healing through humility and obedience. His mercy and unfailing love make complete restoration possible 2 Chronicles 7:14.
d. Submit our entirety fully to God James 4:7: Acknowledge God’s sovereignty and trust His plans Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 55:8-9. Absolute surrender means letting go of our ways and embracing His ways

CONCLUSION

Restoring our relationship with God is a journey of humility, love, and complete trust in His power and purpose.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Romans 12:1;
Mon: 1 John 1:9;
Tues: Philippians 4:8;
Wed: Romans 11:3;
Thurs: Matthew 5:8:
Fri: Hosea 8:11:
Sat: 2 Chronicles 33:16

MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.” Isaiah 29:13.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 15:7-9.

INTRODUCTION 

Conceited or vain worship of God is an attitude abhorred by God. Other similar word ‘conceited’ are futile,useless. pointless.worthless,empty, ineffective, or without value.’Worship’ is reverence and adoration directed towards God, and it could be expressed to Him by the lifting of hands, spoken words of adoration, or sung songs. Worship should not merely be a ritual but an expression of love, and submission to God. It is the ability to surrender all to God even in the time of adversity Job 1:20- 21. Unlike common beliefs, it neither begins nor ends with the singing of songs of worship at our Christian gatherings. When worship becomes conceited, it is unacceptable before God John 4:23. In this lesson, we shall uncover the perils of conceited worship and explore how to correct this defect in our worship.

OUTLINE

1. EXPOSING CONCEITED WORSHIP
2. RETURN TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP

1. EXPOSING CONCEITED WORSHIP

Some characteristics of conceited worship are as follows:
Conceited worshippers place greater emphasis on being seen by others as they give honour to their God Luke 18:10-12. It is only about outward worship such as honouring God with their lips or maintaining a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude with neither connection of the heart nor inner transformation Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 23:27-28. It is saying the right things but not truly engaging with God Matthew 15:8 It is being legalistic i.e following human traditions and prioritising rituals and allowing man- made commandments to take precedence over true devotion to God Mark 7:6-9; Matthew 23:4.
One concern for those who promote conceited worship is that they cannot continue in deception forever Galatians 6:7-8. God rejects worship that does not come from the heart Amos 5:21-23: Matthew 7:21-23. Focusing on human traditions rather than personal faith weakens the relationship with God Galatians 1:14. Vain worshippers are also often led into misguided religion, in which they risk replacing godliness with human practices Colossians 2:8; Philippians 3:4-6.

2.    RETURN TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP

God has called us to authentic worship which begins with true repentance and renewal of mind Acts 3:19; Acts 10:30-31; 44-48. True worship does not start or end when we are in the church premises alone but is evident in every aspect of life John 4:21-23. It is therefore a lifestyle that must be lived daily Romans 12:1. Our Lord, Jesus Christ explains that it must be done ‘in spirit and in truth John 4:23-24.

True worship comes from the heart and is based on God’s truth Philippians 3:3. It aligns with the will of God and is evidenced by love, obedience and reverence to Him always 1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Samuel 23:15-16. It always exercises genuine faith, devotion, and a commitment to God’s word Psalm 119:37-38. We must submit to the leading of God per time, this gives Him pleasure and no true worship can be better than that Romans 8:14: Hebrews 10:8.

CONCLUSION

Stop engaging in any form of ritualistic or fruitless worship; God can only be worshipped acceptably in spirit and in truth

FURTHER READING

Sun: Mark 7:7.
Mon: Matthew 15:8.
Tue: Isaiah 29:13.
Wed: Isaiah 1:12- 15.
Thurs: Amos 5:21-23.
Fri: Micah 6:6-8.
Sat: Romans 10:2-3

MEMORY VERSE: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 95:1-6

INTRODUCTION 

As we begin the New Year, it is important for us to count our blessings and take on the attitude of thanksgiving. Our hope will be renewed when we remember past blessings and receive the future with gratitude Psalm 65:11; 66:16. So, we must cultivate the habit of giving thanks rather than complaining Psalm 107:21-22.

OUTLINE

1. GOD IS THE SOURCE
2. BE THANKFUL

1. GOD IS THE SOURCE

God is the source of all good things in life James 1:17; Deuteronomy 26:11. He created them all for His own pleasure Revelation 4:11. He provides, protects and preserves His own Psalm 23:1-5. He empowers and blesses the diligent in the work of their hands Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 10:22. His care for us is unique Matthew 10:29-31 even when we do not understand His ways, or our testimony seems delayed Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 30:5b. He makes all things beautiful in His time Ecclesiastes 3:11. If we fail to acknowledge these and many more, we will be committing the sin of ingratitude Psalm 8:4-6. This is why the apostle admonishes us to give thanks to God in everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

2. BE THANKFUL

God is good all the time Psalm 73:1;106:1. When evil or something negative happens, it is not authored by God though He knows about it 1 Corinthians 14:33; James 1:13. We must realise that God makes all things work together for good for His own children in every circumstance Romans 8:28. lf we take stock of His goodness and mercy in our lives,we will discover that the best thing to do is to make thanksgiving part of our everyday life and not an occasional activity Psalm 34:1; 136:1-26. Therefore, believers must choose to focus on the positives of life (not the negatives) and be thankful to God, in all things always 2 Samuel 22:47-50; Ephesians 5:20. This is a call to rise above discouragement, doubt,envy, and self-pity to reach a new level of hope for the blessings which the Lord will pour upon us Psalm 42:5

CONCLUSION

Choose a life of thanksgiving

FURTHER READING

Sun: Hebrews 13:15.
Mon: 1 Peter 2:9.
Tues: Daniel 1:8.
Wed: Psalm 35:28.
Thurs: Deuteronomy 8:10.
Fri: Psalm 107:22.
Sat: Psalm 109:5

MEMORY VERSE: “ But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and 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

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:11-15

INTRODUCTION 

The second death is one of the final events in the Bible described as the eternal death in “the lake which burns with fire and brimstone”Revelation 21:8. It is a “death” that will bring an eternal separation from God, the Giver of life. It is called the “second” because it follows the physical death of the body on Earth. The eternal agony in the lake of fire is the second death.

OUTLINE

1. CANDIDATES OF THE SECOND DEATH
2. GET READY NOW

1. CANDIDATES OF THE SECOND DEATH

The Bible makes it clear that those who overcome the battles and challenges on living for God in the Earth would share in the first resurrection, they will not experience the second death Revelation 2:11; 20:6. The second death is exclusively for those who have rejected Christ and His saving grace. These include “the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers idolaters, and all liars Revelations 21:8,.
At the end of time, even death and hell will be thrown into the lake of fire as their final judgement Revelation 20:14. In addition, every person not included in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire Revelation 20:15 This condition will be final; the destination is permanent. While those redeemed by Jesus’ death on the cross may pass through death once to live forever 1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

2.  GET READY NOW

The inevitability of Christ’s return Mark 13:33, as well as the second death should both motivate and challenge us to live righteously while redeeming the time. Ephesians 5:16; 1 Peter 1:15-17; Matthew 5:16. Our priority for living must be to use every opportunity or method to witness the gospel to those who have not accepted Jesus as their Personal Lord and saviour 2 Timothy 4:2. God has no pleasure in the death of sinners and He is exercising a lot of patience for sinners to repent and be saved Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:8-9. The King’s business requires haste; hence we must fear the terror of God and go forth to persuade those gripped in the dark web of Satan to come into God’s eternal abode. 2 Corinthians 5:11;1 Samuel 21:8

CONCLUSION

The second death is a reference to the lake of fire where those who are separated from God by their sin will dwell for eternity. Be holy!

FURTHER READING

Sun: Revelation 2:11.
Mon: Revelation 20:6.
Tues: Revelation 20:14.
Wed: Revelation 21:8.
Thurs: 1 Corinthians 15:51.
Fri: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.
Sat: Ezekiel 33:11

MEMORY VERSE: “ And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 5:28-29.

INTRODUCTION 

Resurrection according to the scriptures is when those who are dead would be brought back to life again to face either eternity with God in Heaven or damnation with the devil in Hell. Contrary to what most people make it out to be, biblical resurrection is a spiritual reality that would manifest in the physical realm for all to see. While death is the end of physical life, it is not the end of human existence. Everyone will be raised from the dead, but not everyone will share the same destiny Acts 24:15; Matthew 25:46; Romans 6:5.

OUTLINE

1. THE FIRST RESURRECTION
2. THE SECOND RESURRECTION

1. THE FIRST RESURRECTION

Revelation 20:4-6 mentions a “first resurrection” and identifies those involved as “blessed and holy.”The second death (the lake of fire), Revelation 20:14 has no power over these individuals. It includes those who return to life at the rapture 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and aligns with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of the just” Luke 14:14 and the “resurrection of life” John 5:29. Those involved in the first resurrection will already be raised to life prior to the 1,000-year (Millenium)reign of Christ.
The first resurrection takes place in various Stages:

1. Jesus Christ Himself – the “first fruits” 1 Corinthians 15:20, gave access for the resurrection of all who believe in Him to eternity with Him 1 Peter 1:3. Christ’s resurrection is the basis of the Christian’s certainty that all people who have died will one day be raised to face fair and even-handed judgment by Jesus Christ Acts 17:30-31.
2. The Old Testament saints were raised after Christ’s resurrection and physically appeared in Jerusalem Matthew 27:50-53.
3. There will be the resurrection of “the dead in Christ” at the lord’s return 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. It will occur at the time of the rapture of the saints in Christ. The apostle Paul explained that at the time of rapture, not all Christians will die, but all will be changed, i.e., given ‘resurrection-type’ bodies 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Christians who are alive and those who have already died will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him always.
4. The resurrection of the believers in Jesus who died during the tribulation and the martyrs at the end of the tribulation Revelation 20:4.Some of the people left behind on earth will repent during this time and trust in Jesus as their Saviour. Tragically, most of them will pay for their faith in Jesus by losing their lives Revelation 6:9-11; 7:9, 13-14. These will be resurrected at Christ’s return (second phase) to reign with Him for a thousand years on earth Revelation 20:4, 6.
5. Isaiah 65:17-20 suggest another resurrection at the end of the millennium. It is possible that some believers will die a physical death during the millennium.

2.      THE SECOND RESURRECTION

This is the resurrection of those who rejected Jesus as their saviour and will experience the second death or eternal separation from God. lt is the raising of all unbelievers and the wicked, judged at the great white throne prior to being cast into the lake of fire Revelation 20:12-15. It corresponds with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of damnation” John 5:29.

CONCLUSION

The difference between these two groups is based on one’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ. What a responsibility we must share the Gospel so people can be saved and escape final damnation/death Jude 23-24; John 3:16.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Matthew 28:5-6.
Mon: Revelation 20:4-6.
Tues: John 11:25-26
Wed: Romans 8:11.
Thurs: Revelation 6:9-11.
Fri: 1 Corinthians 15:51- 53.
Sat: Acts 17:30-31.

MEMORY VERSE: *And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the Books were opened: and another Book was opened, which is the Book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the Books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:11-15.

INTRODUCTION 

The Scripture establishes that there are two kinds of eternity: eternal life and eternal damnation Revelation 20:6. The Scripture also establishes that there are ‘Books’ and there is the ‘Book’; which is the ‘Book of life’ Revelation 20:12. This Book of life is different from ‘the Book of the living’ mentioned in Psalm 69:28 which is earthly, physical life, and not eternal life. This ‘Book of life’ according to the bible is the same with the ‘Lamb’s Book of life’ Revelation 21:27. God is the greatest Recorder and Rewarder. He knows those who are His and has their records. He also has the records of those who do not belong to Him
2 Timothy 2: 19;Numbers 16:5.

OUTLINE

1. THE ‘BOOKS’ VERSUS THE ‘BOOK OF LIFE’
2. WHO WILL NOT BE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

1. THE ‘BOOKS’ VERSUS THE ‘BOOK OF LIFE’

The ‘Book of life’ is described in Revelation 3:5 as the Book containing the set of names of those that will live with God forever. At the great white throne judgment, sinners will be judged according to their deeds in ‘the Books’. Everyone who goes for this judgment does not have his name in the ‘Book of life’ and such is doomed for eternal damnation Revelation 20:11-15.

The ‘Book of life’ contains the names of those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Revelation 5:9; 21:27. Saints, who have laboured faithfully, have the assurance of being registered in the Book of life Philippians 4:3. There is a proportionate reward for the works of the Saints 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.

Our greatest joy should be that our names are in the Book of life. To have your name written in the Book of life, you must be born again. Any ‘believer’ that sins or falls away from the faith – apostasy and refuses to repent, will have their names blotted out of the Book of life Hebrews 6:4-6; Revelation 3:1-5. We must make heaven our priority in all we do Luke 10:20.

2. WHO WILL NOT BE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

The Bible says that anyone who refuses to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour is already condemned John 3:18; 5:24. People who indulge in the works of the flesh will not be found in the Book of life Galatians 5:20-21. The abominable, unbelieving, liars, sorcerers, idolaters, etc. will not have their names in the Book of life Revelation 21:8, 27. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 tells us more about sinful acts that can prevent people’s names from being in the Book of life.

CONCLUSION

It is true that being born again is the prerequisite for eternal life, but we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling Philippians 2:12 Only those that endure to the end shall be saved and made to sit with God on His throne. Romans 3:21.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Romans 1:29-32.
Mon:1 Timothy 1:9-11.
Tues: Colossians 3:5-8
Wed: Luke 10:20.
Thurs: Revelation 20:11-15.
Fri: Revelation 5:9; 21:27.
Sat: 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

MEMORY VERSE: “ And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon,” Revelation 16:16.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 16:12-16.

INTRODUCTION 

In the Bible. the word ‘Armageddon’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘Har- Magedone,’ which means ‘Mount Megiddo.’ It refers to the predicted location of the catastrophic future battle between God and the forces of evil, as recorded in the book of Revelation. History tells us that armies have fought countless battles in that region: Egyptians, Assyrians,Greeks. Romans, and Crusaders fought in Megiddo, as well as the armies of Napoleon. Megiddo was the site of battles during World War I in 1918 and the War between the Arabs and the nation of Israeli in 1948.

OUTLINE

1. LOCATION AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
2. THE FINAL BATTLE

1. LOCATION AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

The plain of Megiddo, or Armageddon, was famous for two great victories in Israel’s history: Barak’s victory over the Canaanites Judges 4:15; 5:19-20 and Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (in the Valley of Jezreel, also known as the Plain of Esdraelon, or Megiddo) – Judges 6:33; 7:1-25. Armageddon was also the site of a great tragedy: it was the place where King Josiah was badly wounded, and this led to his death when he meddled in a war against God’s warning 2 Chronicles 35:20- 24. However, the use of the name in Revelation may be symbolic rather than being a precise location for the final Battle.
The symbolism in the name Armageddon is that Megiddo was a place where opponents of God met their defeat. The place was associated with the mourning of King Josiah’s end 2 Kings 35:25; Zechariah 12:11 To say that the forces opposing God gather at Armageddon means that they gather for their own defeat. The battle of Armageddon also teaches us that victory comes through the sword of Christ’s mouth Revelation, 19:13-15.

2. THE FINAL BATTLE

The Battle of Armageddon will take place close to the end of the period of the Great tribulation Revelation 16:10- 11,16. The kings of the earth under the influence of demonic leadership led by the devi will gather their armies to wage war with the forces of God Revelation 16:13-14. The Antichrist (the Beast) will gather with the kings and their armies Revelation 19:19. Jesus Christ will return to earth with the armies of heaven Matthew 25:31; Revelation 19:14. He will defeat the forces of evil Revelation 19:15-16. He will cast the Antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire Revelation 19:20. With the sword in His mouth, the rest of the army will be slain Revelation 19:21. He will bind Satan and put him in the bottomless pit: and He will set up His kingdom on earth for 1,000 years Revelation 20:1-6. Believers should note that there is no force of evil that can battle with the Lord; God always wins

CONCLUSION

If you want to be on the winning side, be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Revelation 19:11-20.
Mon: Revelation 16:13-19
Tues: Joshua 12:21.
Wed: Judges 5:19.
Thurs: 2 Kings 9:27.
Fri: Zechariah 12:11
Sat: 1 Kings 4:12

FIRST QUARTERLY REVIEW

MEMORY VERSE: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man Cometh” Matthew 25:13.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 25:13-30.

INTRODUCTION

We have, in the previous lesson, discovered that ‘the pound’ mentioned in Jesus’ parable represents heavenly resources bestowed upon God’s children for the sake of the kingdom’s business. The version of the parable in Luke 19:11-27 uses the term ‘pound’ while Matthew 25:14-30 calls it ‘talents.’ The Master’s expectation for all believers remains the same and it’s to, ‘occupy till He returns profitably with the resources He has given to us.’ It is important to note that God knows our abilities as His children and distributes His resources accordingly Matthew 25:14- 15. Let us consider the other two options available to every recipient of the *pound or talent’ aside spending it.

OUTLINE

1. KEEPING ‘GOD’S POUND’
2. INVESTING ‘GOD’S POUND’.

1. KEEPING ‘GOD’S POUND’

There are people like the servant with one pound who out of fear will not make use of their talents or opportunities Luke 19:20-21. They have a very negative outlook to things and are very pessimistic,’what if it does not work out’ Numbers 13:31-33; Proverbs 26:13. They are reluctant or hesitant to take any risk for the kingdom like Jonah who was sent to go and invest his pounds and save the people of Nineveh from destruction, rather he chose to go in the opposite direction Jonah 1:1-3. Many of us are not sensitive enough to discover that some of the storms that prayer and fasting has not been able to resolve may just be because of God trying to draw our attention to how and where He wants us to spend the pound we have kept or buried.” 

Are you a ‘hoarder of God’s pound?’ The consequence of this wrong attitude of deliberate inaction is very grave as expressed in Luke 19:24-27.

2. INVESTING ‘GOD’S POUND’.

To invest ‘God’s pound’ means that you roll up your sleeves and get to work doing business with the ‘pound’ to make profits for the Master 1 Corinthians 12:7; John 15:16. The allegorical question here is “ How do people do business to make profit?”

i. Determination to do business Ezra 7:10; 2 Chronicles 2:1; Genesis 11:4-6. Determination is a soul of business.
ii. Diligence Proverbs 22:29. The opposite of diligence is idleness, laziness or slothfulness which leads to poverty Proverbs 6:6-11. Diligence is an antidote to failing and falling 2 Peter 1:10.
iii. Focus on your divine call (the assignment for which the Master gave you the ‘pound’) and avoid distractions Hebrews 12:1-2.
iv. Re-invest the profit back. Make disciples Matthew 28:19 and mentor others to be effective every aspect of the kingdom business 2 Timothy 2:2;1 John 1:1-3.
v. Patience and long-suffering Hebrews 12:1, 10:36; Galatians 4:19 Patience produces good fruits Luke 8:15. You must learn to endure suffering while doing kingdom business so that the labour will not be in vain Romans 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:58
vi. Pray for the business to grow. Praying for souls to abide and grow in the faith is vitally important in kingdom business Colossians 1:9-13; 2 Peter 3:17-18
vii. Sponsor soul winning activities Romans 16:3 such as crusades, church planting, feeding the poor, and other Church Social Responsibilities:Mark 10:21; Philippians 4:15-16.

CONCLUSION

The time to invest your ‘pound’ is now. Jesus will surely come back to reward everyone accordingly Revelation 22:12. Occupy till He comes.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Revelation 22:12.
Mon: 2 Timothy 2:2.
Tues: Colossians 1:9-13
Wed: Philippians 4:15-16.
Thurs: Hebrews 12:1.
Fri. Genesis 11:4-6
Sat: Matthew 25:14-15