Bible Study

Provisions are supplies, allocations, things set aside for a purpose or to meet particular needs. God has already provided for our every need now and forever. It is guaranteed in His word and all we have to do is study and meditate on them and God will order our steps to His supply.

Memory Verse.
2Pe.1:3 “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

Discussion. Things to note:

1. You are blessed, endowed and redeemed. Gen.1:26-28; Gal.3:13-29; Ps.107:1-2.
2. Your worth is not linked to material possession. 2Co.6:3-10; Mt.6:25-34.
3. Provisions are linked to purpose and your commission, and not for personal profit. Gen.2:7-15; Num.7:3-9; 2Co.9:8-15. God will supply what you need.
4. Have faith and confidence in God’s faithfulness with patience. Gen.22:1-19; Heb.10:35-39; Pr.12:14.
5. Walk in obedience and be faithful to your commission and consecration. Gen.2:15-17; Gen.26:1-6,12-14; 1Ki.17:1-6,7-16; Josh.1:1-9; Lk.12:22-34; 1Co.4:2. God provides through diverse means, do not limit Him to one source or method. Disobedience breeds thorns and thistles. Gen.3:17-18.
6. You must sow to reap. Gen.8:20-22; Lk.8:15; 2Co.9:6-10; Gal.6:7-10. The greatest seed to sow or receive is the word of God. And God only multiplies that which is sown. Your provision is in your hand in form of a seed. Your seed sown will supply your bread for food.
7. Learn to ASK. Mt.7:6-11; Mk.11:20-26; Ezra.8:21-23; Phil.4:6-7; Eph.3:20-21.
8. Learn to share. Pr.11:24-26; 1Tm.6:17-19; Phil.4:14-19. God supplies the need of those who communicate with the needs and afflictions of others.
9. Be grateful and be contented. Ps.92:1-6; Phil.4:10-20; 1Tm.6:6-10.

God’s grace

Mt.7:13-14.
There are two distinct ways or manners of living with totally different outcomes according to the scripture: the narrow way and the broad way. We will look at some of the characteristics of each way and trust God to reflect on what they mean for us.
The wide gate and the broad way.

1. The way of sin, disobedience and lust. 1Jn.2:15-19; Jn.8:42-44; Rm.1:24-32; 2Tm.3:1-
   8; Lk.6:46.
2. It is the popular way and many find it. Mt.7:13; Rev.22:15; Jn.3:17-20;
3. It is full of falsehood, deception and evil. Eph.5:1-6; 2Tm.3:13; Mt.24:4-5,11,24-25. 2Th.2:9-12; Phil.3:1-3;
4. It is the way that leads to destruction and eternal death. Mt.7:13; Pr.16:25; Lk.13:22- 30.
   Narrow gate and strait way.
5. Strife to enter- it is deliberate conscious choice. Nobody enters and remains on this
   way by accident or happenstance. 2Tm.4:9-10.
6. It is the way of life, truth and light. Mt.7:14; Jn.14:6; 4:23-24; 1Jn.5:11-12; Eph.4:21- 25; 1.1n.1:5-10; Rm.8:31-32.
7. It is the way of the Spirit. Ga1.5:16-25; Rm.8: 5-16; Rm.14:17.
8. It is the way of faith and steadfast hope. Heb.10:32-39; Heb.11:1-2, 30-40; 1Jn.5:4-5; Rm.15:13.
9. It is the way of love and perfection. Mt.5:38-48; 1Co.13:4-8; 1Jn.3:14-18; 4:16-21. We are called to love as Christ loves and that is our perfection.
10. It is the way of prayer, thanksgiving and warfare. Lk.18:1-8; Phil.4:5-7; Eph.6:10-18.
11. It is the way of discipline and self-denial. Mt.5:27-30; Rm.9:19-27.
12. It is the way of patient endurance and godly victory. 2Tm.2:3-7; Mt.24:9-13; Jam.1:1- 4,12; Jam.5:10-11; 2Tm.4:1-5; 2Tm.3:10-12; 1.1n.5:4-5; Heb.12:1.
13. It is the way of obedience, righteousness, and peace. Eph.4:28-32; Rm.6:20-23; 1Jn.2:1-6; Rm.12:12-21.
14. The narrow way places godly demands on us, requires us to drop every weight and sin to get through the narrow gate. It calls for humility to stoop and pass through the needle eye like the camel. Lk.18:18-29; Heb.12:1.
    Both of these ways are separate and have different gates: so, walking in them is a conscious personal choice and decision. Both ways are available to all men and Christians. Dt.30:11-16.
    God’s grace!

Text. Lk.15:11-32
We will look at some lessons from this parable and trust God for understanding and direction.
Memory verse: Is.55:7 “Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
Discussion

1. Why did the son leave? Discuss. Lk.15.11-13; 2Tm.4:10; 2Tm.3:1-7.
2. We all have the power to make our choices. Lk.15:12-13; Dt.30:19-20; Mt.21:28-32; Jn.3:15-21. We can trust in the wisdom of the Father and abide in the house.
3. Sin and disobedience have consequences. Lk.15:14-16; Is.59:1-14; 57:20-21; Dt.28:14-23; Rm.1:18-32; You are totally and completely responsible and accountable for your choices and actions. A life of disobedience degrades one’s worth before men. Satan and the world only have pods and shame to offer. (All that glitters is not gold). Working in a piggery is possibly the lowest humiliation for a Jew.
4. It is the son’s responsibility to repent, confess and seek the father’s forgiveness. Lk.15:17-20; 2Co.7:9-10; 1Jn.1:5-10; Rm.10:8-13; Is.1:16-19; Rev.2:1-5. “‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” shows that you bring entirely nothing to your salvation; it’s all by grace and mercy.
5. There’s always mercy, forgiveness and restoration with the Father. Lk.15:20-24; Ps.130:1-8; Is.55:6-8; 1Pe.2:9-10.
6. There is salvation for all who comes to Christ. 2Co.6:1-2; Jn.3:16-17; 1Jn.3:1-3; Is.1:16-19; Titus.2:11-15; Jn.6:37. You are only secured in the fold. There will always be famine in the land.
7. Lack of understanding can steal one’s joy and blessings in the House. Lk.15:25-32; Rm.12:1-10; Mt.7:7-12; Rm.8:31-32; 2Pe.1:1-10. All God has is yours to freely enjoy. God’s grace!

Text. Lk.15:1-10
We will look at some lessons from parables Jesus taught about the lost and trust God for understanding and direction.
Memory verse: Lk.19:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Discussion

1. What does it mean to be lost? Rm.3:23; Mt.10:1-5; Eph.2:1-5; Col.2:13-15; Col.3:5-7; Ps.51:1-5; Rm.7:14-23. We are conceived in sin, deep in sin, sold to sin.
2. Why is it the master/owner who seeks the lost? Lk.15:1-8; Rm.3:9-18; Jer.17:9; Mt.7:13-14; Lk.19:10; Is.53:1-7. We are unable to return to God by ourselves because our heart is deceitful and wicked, no one seeks God.
3. The goal is the same (find the lost), but the approach may differ but motivated by love. Lk.15:4-8; Ps.139:1-18; Jn.3:16-17; 2Co.5:17-21. Depending on the circumstances, you search, look, sweep, etc.
4. The tool is the same (The Gospel). Rm.1:14-17; 1Co.15:1-11; Mt.28:18-20; 1Tm.1:9-16; 2Tm.4:1-5; Mk.16:15-18. Search with the light of His word, prayerfully and patiently.
5. Every soul is individually and corporately important to God in their value. Lk.15:1-10; 2Pe.3:9; 1Tm.2:1-7; 1:15.
6. There is always a place for the lost in the fold. Jn.10:1-16; Mt.11:27-30; Lk.7:36-50.
   God’s grace!

Mk.10:46-52.
Lessons.

1. Recognise destiny moments, opportunities and open doors. Mk.10:46-47; Lk.19:1-6 Rev.3:7-8. Bartimaeus seized a rear opportunity as Jesus passed by and turned his life around.
2. Use the gift and ability that you and maximise them. Mk.10:47-48; 2Ki.4:1-7; Pr.18:16. He cried with a loud voice; you are never totally helpless, incapacitated, without hope nor skill. He was blind but not deaf nor dumb.
3. Ask for mercy and remind Him of whom He is. Mk.10:47-48; Lk.17:11-19; Act.4:24-33. He cried for mercy, that was all he sought, God’s mercy and compassion.
4. God will answer you. Mk.10:49-50; Lk.8:41-48; Jer.33:1-3. Bartimaeus’ voice stood out in the crowd, just as the touch of the woman with the issue of blood, and Jesus stood still for them.
5. Be specific in your request. Mk.10:51; Lk.11:5-13; Mt.7:7-11. Christ though saw that he was blind still asked him what he wanted from him.
6. Ask by faith, walk by faith, hope against hope. Mk.10:52; Lk.8:41-48; Lk.7:1-10; Heb.11:1-6; Rm.4:17-25. He asked by faith and faith made him whole.
7. Miracle is good but salvation is the best. Mk.10:52; Jn.9:24-38; Jn.8:1-11. Bartimaeus life never remained the same, he became a follower of Jesus Christ. God’s grace!

Virtues are desirable, admirable, positive, values and commendable behaviours and qualities.
Humility is having modest view of one’s importance, scripturally it is simply yielding totally to God, emptying oneself of any rights, privileges and power in deference to His will and purpose.
Discussion.

1. Jesus model of humility. Phil.2:5-8; Jn. 5:19-41; 8:28; Mt.11:29; 10:27; John 13:12-17. “I am among you as he that serves.”
2. The child as a symbol of humility. Mt.18:1-5. Unless you are converted and become as a child, you will by no means enter the Kingdom. The primary question is not even who is the greatest, but who shall go into the Kingdom.
3. Humility is rudimental to our calling and discipleship. Mt.18:1-5; Mk.9:33-37; Jn.13:12-17.
4. Humility is an attitude of the heart. Mk.9:33-34; Mk.10:13-16; Mt.23:7-12; Pr.13:10.
5. Humility is a personal choice. Mt.18:4; Jam.4:5-10.
   Attitudes of humility:
6. Submission and teachable spirit. Jam.4:6-8; 1Pe.5:1-6; 2:12-14; Heb.13:17; Eph.5:20-21.
7. Service. Lk.22:24-27; Mt.20:20-28; Act.20:18-20.
8. Meekness. Mk.10:17-18; Phil.2:3-4; 2Tm.2:23-26
9. Obedience. Phil.2:8; Lk.2:48-52.
10. Repentance. 2Chr.33:9-13; 34:18-33.
    Benefits of humility. Phil.2:8-11; Lk.18:14; Mt.11:28-29; Is.57:15; 2Chr.7:14; 12:1-13; Job.22:28-30; Pr.29:23; Jam.4:6,10; 1Pe.5:6; Pr.22:4.

God’s grace.

Life can be a tortuous journey and everyone needs a companion. But we have our God who declares the end from the beginning, who knows the way through the wilderness to guide and assure. We cannot do without His presence. Ezra.8:21-23.
What His presence represents:

1. Mt.28:18-20; Mk.16:19-20. He is present as a Co-labourer with us to bring about the fulfilment of His word and promises till the end.
2. Jn.16:13-15; 14:15-18. He will be with us and live in us to guide, teach, comfort, reassure, give hope, peace and victory.
3. Ps.139:1-12; Ex.13:20-22; Gen.28:10-19. He still abides with us and wherever we are becoming the House of God and gateway to heaven.
4. Ex.33:11-17; Heb.13:5. He is present for journeys through the wilderness, danger, troubles, pain, hunger etc. His presence guarantees rest and provision.
5. Ps.23:4; Act.27:18-25. He presence carries us through the valley of the shadow of death, loss, grief and trauma.
6. Ps.84:1-7; 34:17-19; Is.61:1-3. Through the valley of weeping, difficulties, lack, challenges, turmoil in our pilgrimage to provide respite, rest, revival and restoration.
7. Is.40:8-18; 41:10-14. His presence assures us of victory, confers boldness and dispels fear.
8. 2Sam.5:22-25; Jer.20:10-11. His presence arms us with strength and strategy for the battle.
9. Mt.10:17-20; Dan.3:14-25. His presence delivers from judgement. He will go through the fire with us and confound the enemy.
   But the Lord is not with everyone, what makes Him dwell with us?
10. His Covenant. Heb.8:10-13; 13:20-21.
11. As we walk in holiness. Ex.33:8-11; Num.23:21; Ps.1:1-5; Deut.23:14.
12. His faithfulness compels Him. Lam.3:22-24; 2Tm.2:11-13.
13. As fulfilment of His promises. Heb.6:13-20; 13:5-6.
14. Because we carry a blessing and His ordination. Gen.28:1-5; Num.23:19-20.
15. Because of His love, favour and grace. Ex.33:13-17; Jer.31:1-5; Ps.36:5-10.
    What hinders His presence?
16. Sin and rebellion. Ex.33:1-5; Is.59:1-15.
17. Not seeking Him truthfully in prayers, fasting and meditation. Is.58:1-4.
18. Disobedience and hard heartedness. Jer.7:23-24; Mt.15:7-9; Jam.1:21-27; Hos.20:12-15.
19. When we listen to the voice of strangers. Jn.10:1-5;
    God is present to carry us on eagles’ wings, lift us up even when we are weak, and cause us to mount up with wings, to run and not be weary and to walk and not faint. He is faithful. God’s grace.

Lk.12:41-48
All servants will have their stewardship evaluated by the Master; therefore, it behoves each servant to understand their, calling, duties and purpose.

1. Every servant is appointed and for a purpose. Lk.12:41-42; 1Tm.4:12-16; Mt.28:18-20. “I’m talking to any faithful, sensible man whose master gives him the responsibility of feeding the other servants. (Living Bible). ‘Food in due season’ is all that Christ requires us to do/fulfil in your various roles/positions.
2. Servants are expected to fully discharge the duty for which they are appointed/called. Lk.12:42,48; 1Co.4:1-2; Mt.25:33-37; Rm.15:15-20. Col.4:17.
3. Attitude of an accountable servant: 2Co.6:3-10; 4:1-2, 5-7; 1Co.4:2; 9:16-27; 2Co.4:1-2.
4. We are all personally accountable to Christ. Jn.21:14-22; 1Tm.1:11-13; Col.3:22-25.
5. A servant can become distracted. Lk.12:45; Mt.25:24-27; Eph.5:6-17; 2Co.6:14-16; 2Tm.3:1-5; 2Tm.4:10.
6. Accountable servants are blessed. Lk.12:43-44; Mt.25:34; Ps.1:1-6;
7. The unfaithful and unaccountable servant shall be caught out and punished. Lk.12:46-48; Mt.25:41-46; Lk.16:1-2; 13:23-30.
8. We shall all appear before the judgement seat of Christ to give account of our stewardship. 2Co.5:9-10; 2Tm.4:1-2,7-8; 1Co.3:10-15; 2Co.4:1.

God’s grace!

Unity of faith is not having the same level of faith but possessing the same values, behaviours and attitudes towards God and one another. It’s having the same consecration and devotion whereby God can use just any one of us for His purpose and Kingdom. Zech.14:20-21. There will be no hiding place for the Canaanites (Dt.20:16-18).
Discussion.

1. God wants to fill all things in heaven and earth, in the church and every facet of our lives. Eph.4:10; Phil.1:9-11; Eph.3:14-21; 1Co.10:31; Hab.2:14; 1Co.6:20.
   Our common denominators. Eph.4:1-8:
2. One body, one Spirit, one hope. 1Co.12:12-27; Rm.12:4-8; Acts.10:44-48.
3. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. 1Co.1:12-13; Jude 3. There’s only one faith which we must not lose. Heb.6:4-6.
4. Gift of grace. Rm.12:6-8.
5. Jesus Christ our chief denominator. Eph.4:9-11; Eph.1:22-23; Col.2:9-10;
6. One God and Father of all. Rm.11:33-36; Heb.2:10; 13:20-21.
   How do you build a strong faith community?
7. Growing in knowledge and exalting God’s word above all things. Col.1:9-10; 2Pe.1:1-3; 3:18. Ps.119:11-12, 97-105.
8. Personal consecration to Jesus Christ. Phil.1:20-21; 2:12-13; Rm.6:11-14. This is personally yielding and submitting our will to Jesus Christ without reservation and without conflict in life and in death; personally answerable to Christ.
9. Role modelling Christ and everyone walking by the same standard. Phil.1:27; 3:14-18; Eph.4:1-3,17-32; 1Jn.1:7.
10. Attaining to the fullness of the stature of Christ. Eph.4: 11-16; Phil.2:5-7; Rm.13:12-14; Heb.5:12-14.
11. Maximising gifts and offices in the Body of Christ. Eph.4:11-16; 2:18-22; 1Co.12:4-13,27-30; 1Co.6:1-7.
12. Everyone fulfilling and contributing their part. Rm.12:5-21; Col.3:16-17; 4:17; 1Co.16:1-4,14-20. Everyone has grace for something in the Body.
13. Everyone growing by the Holy Ghost into Christ. Jn.16:12-15; 14:26.
14. Operate in the wisdom of God’s word. 1Co.1:18-21; 1Co.2:1-7,11-16; Act.6:1-17. God’s wisdom is not manipulative and transcends man’s wisdom.
15. Being open and overcoming our biases. Gal.3:26-28; Phil.2:1-4; Rm.10:11-13. Seeking to know more and embrace other people, cultures, consciously not allowing our past experiences, background, culture to override God’s word and will.
16. Love without dissimulation in fellowship. 2Th.1:3-4; Act.2:44-47; Rm.13:10; Rm.16:1-end; Phil.4:1-3; 1Co.16:13-18. Suffering with each other, risking our lives for each other, loving and being tolerant. Standing together.

God’s grace.