From the Pulpit, Sunday October 22, 2017

Topic: Know Who You Are

Preacher: Elder I.K. UMOGA

Bible Text: Gen. 39: 1-21; 1 Pet. 2: 1-10

One of the greatest weapons of Satan is to blindfold or keep us under ignorance of who we are in Christ Jesus. Back about 739 BC, Prophet Hosea had prophesied “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

In our present time 2017 AD, the situation has not changed. For us to effectively spoil the plans of our adversary (enemy) and his agents or cohorts, we must know who we are.

  1. “I know who I am,” is a popular song by Sinach (Ifesinachi). We all enjoy this powerful song. The atmosphere is always electrified when this song is on in this congregation. The big question is, as Philip would ask the Ethiopian Eunuch, understandest thou what thou singest? Do you really understand what you are singing? Do we really understand the impact of that song or we are just carried away by the melody and the associated emotions? May the Lord open our eyes to know who we are in Christ Jesus. May He open our eyes to know our heritage in Christ. This is one major way we can spoil the plans of our enemy.

Our ignorance is the bane of our spiritual defeat by the enemy

Our lack of understanding of who we are in Christ has led to our defeat in our spiritual walk with the Lord.Today, many are enduring the faith rather than enjoying the faith and salvation won for us by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8-10).

  1. Hosea 4:6 – We are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
  2. Jeremiah 9:3 – We are not valiant for the truth
  3. Isaiah 59:3 – We trust in vanity
  4. 2 Corinth. 2:11 – We should be spiritually sensitive.
  5. Romance 6:1-2 – We are abusing the grace of God.

Overcoming Spiritual Ignorance: Way out:

The Church (Bible-based) and other fellowships like our District Meetings provide avenues for us to be exposed to truth in the Word of God. The Bible says, “Ye shall know the truth; and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

  1. Corporate Bible Study: Opportunity for liberation from spiritual ignorance (No-time syndrome must stop in our Church).
  2. II Tim. 2:15 – Pastoral advice of Paul to young Timothy.
  3. Phil. 1:20 – Do not be ashamed of the Word of God.
  4. Colossians 1:5 – Treasure the Word of Truth.
  5. Psalms 119:9 & 11 – The Word of God, deliverer from sin.
  6. John 5:39 – Search the scripture.
  7. Col. 2:17 – Be rooted in the Word.

Individual Bible study/Meditation

The need for personal searching of the Scriptures cannot be overstressed. Let us learn from the Berean Christians (Acts 17:11).

  1. Sermons/Teachings: These are very important platforms for personal examination. Do not neglect the Christian assembly (Heb. 10:25)
  2. Sound Christian Literatures (Not by hungry authors):-

You can discover who you are and your privileges in Christ through some sound Christian literatures (printed or electronic).

NB: As we patronize the supermarkets for the stomach and body, let us also regularly visit the Christian bookshops for the soul. Both are important.

Know who you are according to the Scriptures:

Eph. 1:4-8; 1Pet. 2:1-8; Rom. 6:1-6

Note: If you are not born again, above scriptures do not apply to you.

Benefits of knowing who we are in Christ:

  1. Your lifestyle changes for better, your priorities are ordered by God. Col: 3:8-16; I Corinth 6:12; 1 Pet. 2:1-10; Eph. 1: 4-8
  2. Satan finds it difficult to penetrate your life/business/marriage.

N/B- He will still make attempts (Luke 4:13).

Jer. 31:28; Psalms 32:18; 1 Pet. 3:12

  1. You cannot be intimidated by Satan:

Job 13:15; Job 19:25; Gal. 6:17; Gen, 39:8-9; Dan. 3:16-18

Conclusion:

Ignorance of the word of Godis preventing us from knowing who we are and our privileges in Christ Jesus.We must know the truth, it is only the truth that can set us free.

Now that you know who you are what manner of life should you live?