TOPIC:

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART I)

BIBLE TEXT:

MATT. 5:1-5

MEMORY VERSE:DEUT. 11:18, Therefore shall ye lay up these

my words in your heart and in your soul,
that they may be as frontlets between your
eyes.
AIM:

THAT

WE

MAY

BE

ABIDE

IN

THE

LORDS

TEACHINGS AND SERMONS

INTRODUCTION:
In

todays lesson,

we shall

carefully examine

the

Lords sermon on the Mount and its application to our

faith in Christ. It is often said that the Sermon on the
Mount contains the principles of righteousness which are
meant to guide us in our daily living, therefore, all who
intend to make heaven must come to full knowledge of what
are the content of the Lords messages on the Mount and to
abide in them.
MATT. 5:3 BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
The phrase, Blessed are the poor in spirit here
simple means that state of well-being for those who have
humbly

established

relationship

with

God

therefore,

dwelling in His love, care and presence. That for us to

receive such state of being, we must spiritually accept
the following conditions:
i)

be guided by Gods ways and principles (John 6:35;

10:9; 14:6).

ii)

Be

guided

by

the

scriptures

(Matt.

22:29

John

20:9).
iii) Not being guided by the way of the world (John
15:19; 18:36; II Cor. 10:3).
In other words, the term poor in the spirit could simply
be interpreted as a state of being insufficient in the
spirit. Under this condition, the victim needs the guiding
grace of the Holy Spirit.

MATT. 5:4 THEY THAT MORN

We are said to mourn when we come to the level of
being

grieved

over

out

weakness

in

relation

to

Gods

standard of righteousness. It could also mean to mourn

over every sinful situation which is capable of grieving
our God. This could be put as a sign of sympathy because
of immorality and cruelty being manifested by the world
before the Almighty God (Luke 19:14; Acts 20:19; II Peter
2:9).
However, we could be comforted over our mourning the
moment we obtain our righteousness, peace and joy of God
in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17; Isaiah 32:17; Romans
15:13).
MATT. 5:5 THE MEEK
The meek in the Lord are those who are submissive
and humbled in their attitude before man and God. This set
of

believers

put

their

entire

life

trust

in

God

not

minding any prevailing circumstance. The meek often are

more concerned over the affairs of God and His people than
their

personal

affairs.

(Ultimately,

the

meek

shall

inherit the earth not the aggressors of this life (Matt.

5:5; Psalm 37:11).
CONCLUSION
This lesson is meant for us to examine ourselves in
the light of the Word of God. It marks the commencement of
our series of studies in the Sermons delivered by the Lord
in the course of carrying our His mission on earth. As
earlier

said

in

our

aim

above,

the

objective

in

this

teaching is for us to search through our lives and see

whether we are poor in the spirit, mourning or be meek set
of believers in Christ.

TOPIC:

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART II)

BIBLE TEXT:

MATT. 5:6

MEMORY VERSE:

MATT. 6:33, But seek ye first the Kingdom

of

God,

and

his

righteousness;

and

all

these things shall be added unto you.

AIM:

THAT WE MAY CONDUCT OUR LIVES IN LIVES IN

THE LIGHT OF THE WORD

INTRODUCTION:
In our classes today, we shall examine further the
unique teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ in its second
part. Just as in our study last week, this week we shall
put ourselves on the scale of the Word of God and see
whether we are living according to the Lords teachings
and commandments.
MATT. 5:6 THEY WHICH HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS
This

verse

could

be

said

to

be

one

of

the

most

fundamental verses of the Sermon on the Mount based on the

followings:
i)

Like the following men of God, one of the our basic

requirements should be to thirst for righteousness:
a) Moses (Ex. 33:13, 18);
b) David (Psalm 42:1-2; 63:1-2)
c) Apostle Paul (Phil. 3:10, Romans 6:3-5; 8:17-23)
It

is

often

said

that

our

spiritual

condition

of

Christian life will depend on how we are thirst

for:
i) Gods presence (Deut. 4:29; II Ch. 15:4; Neh.
1:9; Isa. 55:6,7)
ii)

The Word of God (Ps. 119; I John 2:28; 3:9;

5:18; Luke 2:19; Psalm 31:3)

iii)

The union of Christ (Phil. 3:8-10; Romans

10:3; 1;17; I Tim. 6:12; Heb. 3:1; I Cor. 2:6;

Gal. 5:10).

iv)

The

fellowship

of

the

Holy

Spirit

(John

7:37-39; II Cor. 13:14; Romans 16:24; Phil. 2:1)

v) The Lords righteousness (Matt. 5:6; Isa. 55:1;
65:13)
vi)

The

Power

of

the

Lords

Kingdom

(Matt.

6:10; Matt. 26:39; Acts 24:14; Psalm 103:20) and

vii)

The

return of

the Messiah

(II Tim.

4:8;

John 1:12; II Tim. 1:12).

ii)

It is quiet obvious that our longing and thirsting

for the righteousness of God could be destroyed
because

of

worldly

anxiety,

deceitfulness

of

wealth, desire for things which could easily lead

to

unnecessarily

life

pleasures

and

failure

to

remain in fellowship with Christ (Matt. 4:19; Luke

8:14; Matt. 13:22; John 15:4).
We

die

spiritually

the

moment

the

thirst

for

righteousness is dead in our lives. Based on this

very fact, it is necessary for everyone of us to be
absolutely sensitive to the conviction of the Holy
Spirit on sin (John 16:8-13; Romans 8:5-6).
CONCLUSION
We can conclude todays lesson with the acceptance of
the fact that this very verse (Matt. 5:6) is the stem of
the message of the Sermon on the Mount through which other
branches derive their meanings. Of course, if we lack the
spirit capable of helping us to be hungered and thirsty
for the righteousness of our God.

TOPIC:

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART III)

BIBLE TEXT:

MATT. 5:7-9

MEMORY VERSE:

II

SAM.

22:31,

As

for

God,

His

way

is

perfect, the word of the Lord is tried: He

is

buckler

to

all

them

that

trust

in

Him.
AIM:

THAT WE TRUST IN THE WORD OF THE LORD.

INTRODUCTION:
Today marks the third week of our lessons on the
wonderful Sermon(s) of the Lord on the Mount which were
meant to reveal the true life an average believer should
lead while running the race set before us.
MATT. 5:7 THE MERCIFUL
We

are

compassion

called

and

the

pity

merciful,

towards

any

if
one

we

are

who

is

full

of

suffering

either from his since or sorrow. Under this condition, we

tend to bring the sufferer to Christ where solution to
his/her

sorrowfulness

can

be

obtained

(Matt.

18:23-35;

Luke 10:30-37; Heb. 2:17).

It is basic that in showing mercy to the suffering
ones we too shall be shown mercy.
MATT. 5:8 THE PURE IN HEART
The

pure

in

heart

are

believers

who

are

fully

delivered from the power of sin and are living now unto
their

God.

By

His

(Gods)

grace,

they

can

now

strike

without deceit to please and glorify their God in every

situation. Like God, they hate evil and love righteousness
(Heb.

1:9).

Such

peoples

hearts,

which

include

their

minds, will and emotions are always in tune with the heart
of the Lord (I Sam. 13:14; Matt. 22:37; I Tim. 1:5)
We can only see God, the moment we are pure in our
hearts. Purity in the heart of a believer will enable
him/her

to

be

Gods

child

and

abides

in

His

(Gods)

presence right now till eternity (Ex. 33:11; Rev. 21:7;

22:4).
MATT. 5:9 THE PEACE MAKERS
We

are

peace-makers

the

moment

we

have

been

reconciled unto God. This enables us to have peace with

God the Father through the atonement made upon the Calvary
Cross (Romans 5:1; Eph. 2:14-16).
The moment we assume this status, being capable of
making peace, we must then endeavour to bring others to
God,

even

our

worse

enemies,

through

evangelism

and

sharing of gifts.
CONCLUSION
This lesson is meant for our self-examination over
the fact that we must be merciful by showing mercy to
others in their sorrowful situation(s). We must possess a
heart capable of being in union with that of God which
hates anything evil and loves righteousness.

TOPIC:

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART IV)

BIBLE TEXT:

MATT. 5:10-13

MEMORY VERSE:

JOHN 15:18, If the world hate you, ye know

that it hated me before it hated you.

AIM:

THAT WE LEARN HOW TO ENDURE AFFLICTION

INTRODUCTION:
Our

lesson

today

will

be

centered

mostly

on

persecutions and on reaction to various temptations the

world will put before us.
MATT. 5:10 THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED
It is certain that anyone who intends to live a life
capable of pleasing God must face one persecution or the
other because of righteousness. We stand to be rejected,
unpopular and criticized, the moment we decide to uphold
Gods standards of truth, justice and purity. In other
words, if we refuse to accept compromise based on the
life styles of the present evil society which could even
be

amidst

lukewarm

believers

we

are

destined

to

face

persecution (Rev. 2; 3:1-4, 14-22).

BASIC FACTS ABOUT PERSECUTION
The following facts should always be considered when
it comes to Biblical persecution:
i)

Persecution

will

always

come

from

the

unbelieving world (Matt. 10:22, 24:9; John 15:19).

ii)

Persecution at times could be experienced within

the professing Church members (Acts 20:28-31; II
Cor. 11:3-15; II Tim. 1:15; 3:8-14; 4:16).

iii)

When

passing

through

persecution,

we

should

rejoice over it (Matt. 5:12).

iv)

The

most

persecuted

Christians

are

bound

to

receive the highest blessings from God (II Cor.

1:5; II Tim. 2:12; I Pet. 1:7; 4:13).
v)

On

no

account

should

we

compromise

with

the

world simply because we want to avoid being put to

shame, embarrassed or at loss (Matt. 10:33; Mk.

8:38; Luke 9:26; II Tim. 2:12) and
vi)

It is basic that the principles of Gods Heaven

have

not

changed

and

will

never

change.

As

we

intend to lead an acceptable life before God, we

will surely be persecuted (II Tim. 3:12).
Heavenly

rewards

and

possessions

of

the

Lords

Kingdom are meant for persecuted believers.

MATT. 5:13 THE SALT OF THE EARTH
In spite of our persecution from the world, we are
still expected to live as the salt of this very earth.
Normally, salt is meant to give flavour and preserve an
item from corruption or decay. Based on this Scripture, we
are the salt of the earth and as such must preserve it so
as

to

avoid

it

going

bad,

even

in

the

midst

of

persecutions! If we lost our moral value, we shall be

thrown

away

together

with

our

families

(Rev.

3:15-16;

Deut. 28:13, 43, 48; Judges 2:20-22).

CONCLUSION
This

study

lesson

should

encourage

us

to

endure

afflictions of any sort knowing that they are for a moment

(Rev. 2:11,17,26).

TOPIC:

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART V)

BIBLE TEXT:

MATT. 5:17

MEMORY VERSE:

I TIM. 1:8, But we know that the law is

good, if a man use it lawfully.

AIM:

SO AS TO ENABLE US KNOW THE EXTENT OF THE

WORK OF GRACE.

INTRODUCTION:
In our various classes today, we shall examine some
facts about the law of God. The word law came from Greek
and Hebrew words called nomos and torah respectively
and simply means teaching or direction. The law can be
said to mean the ten (10) commandments or any other law
mentioned in the Old Testament.
MATT. 5:17 ABOLISHING THE LAW
It is quite out of order, if any teacher of the Bible
teaches that the Lords coming has automatically put the
law into non-effect. Of course, it is dangerous to stop at
this level too, when talking about the law in Christs
era. To us, what the New Testament is referring to here in
the text is that believers in Christ have to fulfill the
Lords

law

demands

in

the

spiritual

form

unlike

the

physical fulfillment of the Mosaic era. In other words,

the Messiahs intention, according to the sermon on the
mount, is that his followers meet the requirements of the
law fulfillment, moreso in the spirit (Romans 3:31; 8:4).
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE LAW AND THE BELIEVERS
Our

relationship

to

the

law

of

God

and

its

fulfillment could be summarized as follows:

i)

it is basic that we are obliged to obey ethical

and moral principles of the past (Matt. 7:12;
22:36:40; Romans 3:31; Gal. 5:14; Ex. 20:2).

ii)

It is obvious that the laws reveal the will and

nature

of

God

for

the

entire

humanity,

even

today. However, the fact still remains that they

were applicable directly to the nation of Israel

and

could

be

classified

along

the

following

lines:
a.

Sacrificial;

b.

Ceremonial; and

c.

Social or civil laws

iii) It

is

basic

binding

on

admonition

that
us

these

though

towards

our

laws

were

are

no

written

spiritual

longer

for

our

progress

(II

Tim. 3:16; Heb. 10:1-4; Lev. 1:2-3; 24:10; Rom.

3:19-22)
iv)

We should not accept the laws as a system of

legal

commandment

obtain

merit

subsequent

for

capable

of

remission

freedom

from

helping

of

our

eternal

us

to

sins

and

condemnation

(Gal. 2:16, 19). The law should rather be seen

as a moral code of the saved, who by obeyed it
portray

the

life

of

their

Messiah

in

them

(Romans 6:15-22).
v)

As

believers,

Christ

our

relation

automatically

through

qualifies

us

faith
for

in
the

position of sonship (John 1:12). Based on this

very

fact,

possible
giver.

our

obedience

because our

Of

course,

toward

father is

the

law

is

made

the same

law-

Father-sons-Relationship

would not allow us to be punished by our father,

that is if we wonder not out of faith in Christ
(Gal. 4:6).
vi)

Biblically, it is through faith in Christ that

we are given inner compulsion and power to meet
the demands of Gods law (Romans 16:25-26; Heb.
10:16).

vii) It

is a

basic fact

for one

to say

that our

ability to satisfy God comes only through the

assistance of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4-14).
It is only the Holy Spirit that has the power to

help us to crucify the deeds of the flesh and to

be

able

to

fulfill

Gods

will

(Romans

8:13;

Matt. 7:21). We are said to be in conformity

with Gods law, if we show evidence of inner
transformation of our hearts and spirit (Matt.
5:21-28).
viii)

As People freed from power of sin, we are now

subject

only

to

Christs

law

through

faith

(Romans 6:18-22) and it is also basic that by

practicing faith in obedient entire law and its
requirements (Gal. 6:2; Romans 7:4; 8:4; Gal.
3:19; 5:16-25).
ix)

It is obvious that our Lord Jesus Christ wants

us to do the will of God in order to meet the
Kingdoms

demands

(Matt.

7:21-27;

19:16-26;

25:31-46) and
x)

It

could

salvation

also
is

be

made

emphatically
possible

said

through

that

our

faith

and

repentance in Christ or Gods grace to humanity

(Eph. 2:8; Romans 3:24; 9:30; Deut. 9:5; Titus
3:5; I Cor. 1:29).
CONCLUSION
This lesson is not meant to encourage us to continue
any longer in sin(s) simply because Christ is there. It is
simply rather meant to reveal to us the extent of Gods
love in Christ toward us. If we sin while in Christ, we
lie to our souls and He (Christ) is not in us (John 8:4044).

TOPIC:

SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART VI)

DATE:

B/TEXT: MATT. 5:19-22

M/V:

JN- 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall

abide

in

my

love;

even

as

have

kept

my

Father's

commandment, and abide in his love."

AIM:

THAT WE MAY WALK IN THE LORD'S COMMANDMENT

INTRODUCTION:
As our studies on the Sermon on the Mount continue, we
shall examine further instructions on the Lord's teachings on
Christians' comportment and edification.
MATT. 5:19, GREAT IN THE LORD'S KINGDOM
This verse in our text is revealing to us that our
individual positions

in

the forth-coming Kingdom

will

be

determined by our positiveness towards God's word and how we

teach and practice therein.

That the higher our degree of

faithfulness towards the commandments of God, the greater the

degree of our glory in the Kingdom to come (Matt. 5:19; II
Cor. 5:10; Matt, 25:21,23; I Cor. 4:2-5; Lk.12:48; Jn.5:24;
Rm.8:l; Mk. 4:22; Rm.2:16; Matt. 12:36-37; Eph.6:8; I Cor.
4:5; Col. 3:18; 4:1; I Cor. 3:13).
MATT. 5:20, UNLESS YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
The

Lord

here

was

primarily

referring

to

the

righteousness of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law

which was only external.

They were good in reading of the

words, Beaching the law, praising and praying to God, attended

services, but

their inner attitudes were poor and not in

conformity with their outward acts.

The Lord made this

statements t confirm that our righteousness must supersede

what

the

Pharisees

were

practising.

Unlike

the

Jewish

leaders (Pharisees), our outward deeds must be in line with

the will of God in faith and love (Mark 7:6-7; Isa. 29:13).

MATT. 5:22 ANGRY...RACA... FOOL

It is quiet obvious in giving interpretations to this
very verse that the Lord was not speaking against our anger at
those who are wicked and unjust (Jn 2:13-17).

Simply, He was

against a vindictive (spiteful) anger capable of desiring the

death of the victim.

The word "Raca" as applied in this

context could be said to mean an "empty-headed fool".

To call

a person an "empty-headed-fool" in the course of anger, could

easily lead to condemnation in Hell Fire (Matt. 5:22; Ecc.7:9;
I Cor. 13:5).
C O N C L U S I O N
This week's study is meant for us to live a comported
type of Christian life.

In other words, our righteousness

must be the type which has to portray the image of Christ in

our inner being.
abusive words!

Anger should not lead us into exchange of

TOPIC:

SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART VII)

DATE:

B/TEXT: MATT. 5:27 31

M/V: MATT.

5:28,

"but

say

unto

you,

that

whosoever

looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery

with her already in his heart."
AIM: THAT WE LEARN ABOUT THE LORD'S TEACHING ON BELIEVERS
COMPORTMENT
INTRODUCTION
Simon Peter in support to the Master's teachings on
comportment

emphasized

that

some

will

develop

what

he

described as the spirit of "immorality" mostly in their

relationship with women.

They will develop the attitude of

the Sodomites (Gen.19: 4-11) in spite of the Lord's stern

warnings on such act as adultery (II Pet. 2:10-22; Prov,
26:11).

Realising that the condemnation of disobedient

people shall be great, we ought to abide in the principles

of the Lord's special teachings on Christians' decent lifestyle popularly known as the "Sermon on the Mount".
MATT. 5:28

LOOKETH ON A WOMAN TO LUST

What the. Lord meant here was not condemnation to a

sudden thought which the devil usually places on the heart of a
man towards a woman or vice versa.

It is simply referring to

an Approval of anybody to such evil thought. It can also be

termed as one desiring to fulfil the evil desire, assuming
the opportunity arises.

In summary, one's inner desire for

illicit sexual act, if not resisted, but contemplated, is sin

(Prov.6:25; Matt. 5:28; II Pet. 5:14-17).
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OPPOSITE SEX IN CHRISTIANTY
The Lord during His earthly ministry prayed that we love
one another (Jn. 15:12).

This was simply referring to the

pure moral love of caring and assisting one another.

It is

often observed that some went to the extend of lusting one

against another, which often come as a result of unnecessary

viewing of the body of the opposite sex.

particularly
immorality

careful

such

as

to
those

stay

clear

usually

We should be

from

shown

all
on

scenes

the

of

screens,

pornographic materials, literature and some Other work of arts

(I Cor 6:15,18; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:5; II Tim.
2:22; Tit. 2:12; Heb. 13:4; Jam. 1:14; I pet. 2:11; II Pet.
3:3; I Jn. 2:16).
To

avoid

adultery/fornication,

responsibility to play.

both

sexes

have

Under this condition a Christian

sister must be careful not to dress in a way that will attract

people's attention to her body, thereby creating room for
sexual

lust.

This

is

also

applicable

to

brother.

Biblically, carelessness in dressing is sin (I Tim. 2:9; Gal.

5:13; Eph. 4:27; Tit. 2:11-12; Matt. 5:28; I Pet. 3:1-3).
C O N C L U S I O N
In these days of sexual permissiveness, we should dress;
modestly

seeing

the

world

throwing

away

purity

and

godly

restraint (Rom. 6:13-19; 7:5; 12:1-2; II Cor. 5:14-15; I Pet.

2:24).

TOPIC:

SERMON ON THE MOUNT (PART VIII)

DATE:

B/TEXT:

MATT. 5:31

M/V:

LK.16:18 "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and

marrieth another, committed adultery: and whosoever, marrieth

her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."
AIM:

THAT WE LEARN HOW TO ABIDE IN GOD'S COMMANDMENTS

INTRODUCTION:
Today's

lesson

marks

another

strong

theme

in

our

study-programmes from the Lord's Sermon on the Mount which

has Christian-comportment" as its main theme.
MATT. 5:31

D I V O R C E

The will of God for our marriages has been for us to be

one throughout our life-time on earth, the moment we are
joint together in marriage (Matt. 19:5-6; Gen. 1:27; 2:24;
Mk.l0:6).

Based

on

this

very

fact

concerning

oneness,

whosoever that puts division into any marriage commits sin.

For long time now, Bible scholars have been giving a lot of
interpretations to the case of divorce.

Some say, if the

woman commits adultery, she should be put away for that was
what the Messiah meant in the teaching in Matt. 19:9.

This

opinion would have been accepted as been interpreted, but two

good questions on this interpretation ought to have been
taken into consideration as well: (i) What should be done, if
the offender happens to be the brother in the said marriage?
(ii)

Did Christ really say the woman should be put away

because of fornication or adultery? The third question would

have been:

What is adultery? And probably too, what is

fornication? To answer the first question on the offending

brother, we have not seen a clear command from the
Testament

instructing

on

the

type

of

punishment

as

New
to

relation to termination of the marriage, except in the Old

Testament law where the commandment says that the brother and
the woman (the adulteress) should be put to death (Ex. 20:14;
Lev. 18:20; 20:10*; Deut. 5:18).

In the New Dispensation,

any unbelieving partner in marriage has right to go, if

he/she so desires, according to Apostle Paul.

Well, this

type of divorce is based on belief and not on adultery, per

se, because some may not necessarily believe, but may lead a
sound moral life-style capable of being free from adultery.
Of course, the issue of a departing unbelieving partner is
quiet different from that of adulterous believing wife or
husband completely.
Going further into the issue of fornication and adultery,
it will be ideal thing for us to look into their respective
meanings.

According to Chambers 20th Century Dictionary,

fornication and adultery mean "Voluntary sexual intercourse

between the unmarried ...." and "Violation of the marriagebed respectively.

With these definitions, we could see that

fornication can only come to play, if two unmarried people

illicitly meet together in sex while adultery comes in when
two married people or one married and the other not come together for the same purpose.
Now,

with the

above definitions,

the big

question

could be centred on: How can a married woman, according to

the

interpretation

of

the

Scholars,

commit

fornication

moreso judging from the fact that the Lord was using the
two words (fornication and adultery) interwovenly.

Taking

into cognizance the Lord's meticulousness and precision

when it comes to words selection in communication!
properly

studied, one

will surely

come to

If

revelational

knowledge of the fact that when it comes to interpretation

of the Holy Bible, dispensation and culture of the primary
audience of the message have to be considered.

We should

bear

tradition

in

mind

that

the

Jewish

customs

and

permitted the idea of having an "espoused wife" as could

be seen in the case of Mary, the Lord's Mother and Joseph
(Lk.2:4-5). Under this condition, of course, the husband
and the wife are .said to be under mutual promise, but not
yet coming together as In the manner of proper marriage.
With this condition, if any of them falls into illicit
sexual

relationship,

he/she

deserves

to

be

put

away

because of fornication. Of course, it is fornication in

the sense that proper marriage has not been constituted.
This was exactly what the Lord was referring to while
giving explanations to the Jews on divorce.
question

now

fornication?

is:
The

Can

properly

answer

is

"NO"

married
seeing

The next

woman
that

commit

the

word

(fornication) is only applicable to unmarried people or

the

espoused

ones.

If

this

fact

can

be

spiritually

reasoned with, we then can accept the fact that a sister

who commits fornication/adultery ought to be punished by
the Church only.

This is also applicable to, any brother

who errs in the same direction according to I Cor. 5, so

that such sin will not lead to pollution of the Church of
God and final destruction of the victim in hell.

In a

situation in which the erring brother/sister refuses to

repent, the Church has right to expel the same, but not
separating
19:6).

anybody

from

his/her

marital

partner

(Matt.

If any brother/sister forces his or her partner

out of marriage, the same should stay without marriage (I

Cor. 7:10-11; Mal.2:14-16; Lk.16:18).
CONCLUSION
It is observed that the issue of divorce has been a
controversial one for long time now.
everybody

who

will

come

across

We are appealing to

this

outline

to

think

spiritually while reading by bearing in mind that the Holy

Bible was written metaphorically, socially and politically
correct therefore, culture and dispensation of the first
audience must be taken into consideration before we will
be able to understand certain things.

Let think of a

situation in which they told the Messiah that Moses in the

past commanded them to divorce their erring wives and the
Lord told them that it all came as a result of their type
of people (culture), but not according to God's divine
order.
away

In other words, God is commanding us not to put

our

wives,

once

we

Lk.16:18; I Cor. 7:10-11).

are

married

(Mal.

2:14-16,

TOPIC:

SERMON ON THE MOUNT (IX)

B/TEXT:

MATT. 5:33 - 48

M/V:

JN.

15:14,

Ye

are

DATE: ...............

my

friends,

if

ye

do

whatsoever I command you."

AIM:

THAT WE ABIDE IN THE LORD'S COMMANDMENTS

INTRODUCTION
Today's lesson marks the end of our studies on the
Sermon on the Mount in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Saint
Matthew.

Just as in the previous related studies, we

shall continue to look into the Lord's wonderful sermons

which were centred on Christian-life-style.
MATT. 5:33 - 37 OATHS
Here

(verses

33-37)

we

could

see

our

Lord

Jesus

Christ giving a commandment that all believers should not

swear at-all, no matter the circumstance (Matt. 5:33-37;
Jm. 5:12).
MATT. 5:38 - 42 AN EYE FOR AN EYE
It is noted here that the law of Moses was in support
of vengeance (Ex. 21:23-24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21), but
Christ

said-no

believers'

to

vengeance

relationship

with

when

He

offenders

was

teaching

(Lk.

6:29;

on
Rm.

12:16-19; I Pet. 3:8-9). In other words He was demanding

that we (believers) should keep peace with everybody and
be of help to all, our enemies inclusive, if such need
arose (Deut. 15:7-11; Lk. 6:30).
MATT. 5:43 - 48 LOVE FOR OUR ENEMIES
In

the

Old

Testament

the

people

were

advised

severe their relationship with those that hated them.

to
In

our dispensation, Christ is rather teaching us contrary to

the above condition.

The Master's basic intention is that

we should endeavour to maintain peace with everybody on

earth without any condition.

That by so doing, we tend to

emulate our heavenly Father - God who causes His rains and
sun to fall and shine for believers and unbelievers alike
(Rm. 12:14-21).

According to the Sermon, if we love only

those who love us, what is the difference between us and

the

unbelievers

who

practise

the

same.

Therefore,

as

God's chosen children, it is mandatory for us to copy our

Father's style of perfect work (Matt. 5:48; Lev. 19:2;
11:44-45; I Pet.1:16).
CONCLUSION
The summary of our lesson today
the

fact that

should

keep

the Lord's

enmity

with

unbelievers of this world.

could be hinged

decision is
anybody,

not

that none
even

on

of us

with

the

In other words, we should run

the race with a perfect life-style of bearing no malice

against anybody (Rm. 12:14-21).

TOPIC:

PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

DATE:

B/TEXT:

MATT. 25:1-13

M/V:

Ps. 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable I

will utter dark sayings of old."

AIM:

AS TO ENABLE US LEARN THE SECRET THINGS OF GOD

INTRODUCTION
Today marks the genesis of our studies in the Lord's
parables.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is one of the

most popular parables of our Lord Jesus Christ and needed

to be considered and studied by all who believe in the
Lord because of its uniqueness among Biblical parables.
By the grace of God, the Holy Spirit shall grant us the
necessary wisdom which will enable us to interpret the
Parable of the Ten Virgins perfectly in Jesus Name.

Amen.

MATT. 25:1 THE TEN VIRGINS

This parables is meant to emphasize on the fact that
we should take daily stock of our spiritual development in
the light of the Lord's Second Coming at an unannounced
and unexpected hour.

For us to be received by the coming

Messiah, during His Second Advent, we must persevere in

faith in each of the hours as each day passes on.

If we

fail to maintain a sound union with the Master till His

Second

Coming,

we

would

be

completely

excluded

from

everlasting Kingdom/Lord's presence This piece of advice

is worthy of consideration by all professing Christians .
MATT. 25:2
In
virgins

THE FOOLISH AND THE WISE VIRGINS

verse 2,
were

we noticed

foolish

while

that five
five

out of

were

the ten

wise.

The

classification" (differentiation) of the virgins was made

possible

in

the

sense

that

five

of

them

could

not

recognise the fact that their expected Lord could come

unexpectedly, seeing that He could not be preceede4 by any
unmistakable

and

24:36,44; 25:13).

specific

observable

signs

(Matt.

THE OIL
The oil in this parable could be interpreted to mean
the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives which could
lead us to true faith, righteousness and devotion.

It

helps to put us in a state of preparedness to avoid the

danger of the Lord's coming at unforeseeable time (Lk.
21:19; Matt. 24:36,44).

In the real sense of it, waiting

for the Lord's Second Advent without the Holy Spirit's

leading and controlling our daily Christian conducts is as
equal as holding a lamp without fuel or oil in it while
hosting an important personality.
MATT. 25:5-13 THEY ALL SLUMBERED AND SLEPT
The characteristic of slumbering and sleeping spirit
was common to both the "wise" and the "foolish" virgins
because their Lord tarried according to verse 5.
could

signify

period

of

weakness

in

faith,

This

but

the

believers with the Holy Spirit will not be completely put

off by the vices of the devil since their Spiritual Lamp
will be burning until the Master comes.
CONCLUSION
This parable is one of the parables every Christians
should constantly look into in order to strike a balance
in his/her spiritual life.

One basic fact about the.

parable was that the ten characters in it were virgins,

sign

of

perfection

from

the

beginning,

"foolish" while five were "wise".

but

five

were

Of course, everybody in

the Church is a believer, but some are foolish believers

who will never accept the leading of the Holy Spirit of
the Lord.

Every student in this study should endeavour to

reason with the Spirit of God in being faithful in the

House of God bearing in mind that 50% will be lost while
50% will be gained according to the ratio in this parable.
The basic question now being: Who will be wise and who
will be foolish?

Let's think about it now.

TOPIC:

THE SOWER AND THE SOILS

DATE: ...............

B/TEXT:

MK. 4:3-8, 14-20

M/V:

MATT. 11:15, "He that hath ears to hear, let him

hear.

AIM:

THAT WE MAY EXAMINE OUR ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE

WORD OF GOD, WHEN PREACHED

INTRODUCTION
This parable is meant to encourage us to accept the
Word of God with carefulness.
according

to

the

purpose

the

If we study the lesson

Lord

had

in

mind

before

teaching on the Parable of the sower, it is quite obvious

that our attitudes towards Bible reading, Sunday School
and acceptance of Biblical commands will change for better
(Ps. 119:105).
MK. 4:3 A SOWER (FARMER) WENT OUT TO SOW
The

Lord

used

the

parable

to

demonstrate

how

the

degree of acceptance of the gospel of light and life will

be in the World.

The Parable of the Sower can be viewed

from the following angles:

i)

that one's conversion and fruitfulness will depend

on his/her attitude towards the Word of God (Mk
4:14; Jn. 15:1-10);

ii)

that the world will accept the Word of God with

mixed reaction.

According to verse 5 of our text,

some will hear and will never understand.

Some

will believe and be given the salvation of the Lord

quite alright, but will later fall away and some
will accept the truth and abide in it thereby bear
fruit in varying stages (Mk. 4:16-19, 20); and
iii) that

the

enemies

of

the

Truth

are

the

devil,

worldliness, riches and pleasure of this earth (Mk.

4:15, 19; Matt. 19:23; I Tim. 6:9,10,17; I Jn.

2:15-17).
MK. 4:15-17 TAKEN AWAY THE WORD
The message here in these verses are referring to an
incomplete conversion.

This can be possible if one seeks

for forgiveness, but could not experience actual touch of

the Holy Ghost which is the agent of regeneration process.
Of course, these set of believers, though in the Church,
always fail to show genuine commitment in things of God
and perfect separation from the system of the world.

They

often want minister to preach according to their personal

belief, not in accordance with the doctrines of the Bible.
This type of salvation could be classified as "half-way
salvation" which could be as a result of:
i)

the

inability

of

the

Church

to

communicate

perfectly to the seeker, what the gospel's demands

are (Matt. 22:29; Jn. 20:9);
ii)

failure

by

convert's

the
demonic

Church
case

to

deal

genuinely

with

the

new

(Mk.16:15-17;

Matt. 10:18; 12:22-29);

iii) the seeker believing only in mind, but refuses to
give his/her hearts, which is his innermost being
and an individual's personality (Acts 2:37; II Cor.
4:6);
iv)

the

seeker

fails

to

repent

with

sincerity

by

turning away completely from sin (Matt. 3:2; Acts

8:18-23).
v)

the new convert wishes to accept Christ as his/her

Saviour, of course, in time of trouble only and
wouldn't like to accept Him as his/her Lord (Matt.
13 20-21); and

vi)

the seeker's faith being based on persuasive human

words instead of the demonstration of God's Power

in the Word of God through the Authority of the

Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:4-5) .
CONCLUSION
This parable stands as a Scale of the Word of God on
which we have to weigh our salvation.
driven

away

by

the

Lord,

because

of

To avoid being
lack

of

genuine

repentance ye must seek genuine repentance (Matt. 25:4041; Isa. 66:24i 23; Ps. 6:8).

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS

B/TEXT:

MARK 12:1-12

M/V:

MATT.

21:40, "When

vineyard

cometh,

the Lord

what

will

therefore of
he

do

unto

the

those

husbandmen?"
INTRODUCTION
The parable of the tenants depicts the rejection of
the Messiah by the children of Israel during the first
advent.

The

parable

came

initially

to

correct

the

situation in which they turned God's Kingdom into their

private

possession

and

became

contemptuous

in

their

attitudes by disobeying God's Words from the mouths of the

former

prophets

and

their

refusal

to

accept

the

begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

only
This

same attitude could be seen in the churches which have

decided

to

set

aside

the

doctrines

of

Christ

and

the

teachings of the Apostles thereby building an empire based

on human ideologies and church-doctrines.
MARK 12:1
Just

THE TENANTS
as

stated

above,

this

parable

pictures

the

rejection of Jesus by the Jews. It was observed that the

people decided to use the glory of God for construction of
"self-glorious-Empire" like any other nation who has no
God, without being obedient to the commandments of God
(Mk. 12:1; Lk. 20:9).
MARK 12:10

THE REJECTED STONE

The rejected stone in this parable is referring to

our Lord Jesus Christ, whom the builders of the Jewish
nation decided to set aside.

Being the capstone or

cornerstone, of God's new plan -

the

the Church, the Lord was

malhandled and killed when the wicked people realise that

He was the real Heir of the Kingdom of God, unlike the
past prophets (Acts 4:11-12; Ps. 118:22).

This

very

experience

could

be

compared

with

any

Church which has decided to set the doctrines of the Bible

aside by building a Church doctrines which are not in line
with the original teachings forgetting that the same Word,
now being rejected will certainly judge her at the close
of everything (Jn. 5:22, 30, 9:39; 12:47-48).
CONCLUSION
The main objective of this parable is to help us
check and balance our belief in the Lord.

Every Church or

individual who has decided to throw aside the teachings

and commandments of the Lord which could be classified as
His word, will certainly be judged and condemned by the
same word, the Church or the individual' s popularity not
withstanding (Jn. 12: 47-48 ; 14:15)!

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON

DATE: .......

B/TEXT:

LUKE 15:11-32

M/V:

Lk. 15:15, "And he went and joined himself to a

citizen of that country; and he sent him into
his fields to feed swine."

AIM:

THAT WE BACKSLIDE NOT

INTRODUCTION
This parable expresses the main reason for the Lord's
mission on earth.

This is what we can say to be Saint

lake's main theme: "That Son of Man came to seek and save
what was lost."

The parable of the prodigal son describes

God's to save humanity which was lost.

It is obvious that

seeking all lost sinners to bring all to redemption rings

utmost importance in the Heart of God (Lk. 15:4,8,20,24;
Ps. 119:176; Jere. 31:10; Eze. 34:11-16; Lk. 5:32; 19:10).
LUKE 15:13

SET OFF FOR A FAR COUNTRY

This verse (13) of our text indicates that a life of sin

and

selfishness,

in

the

right

sense

of

it,

means

separation from the care, authority and fellowship of God.

Every backslider is like the prodigal son who because of
the pleasure of sin wasted

the blessed wealth of the

father which could be classified as physical, intellectual

and

spiritual gifts

given by

God.

He ended

up being

disillusioned (downgraded) and sorrowful. He was ignorant

of the fact that true and real life could only be found,
if only he could maintain a sound relationship with his
father.

Of course, this is a common practice with most Of

us who, think that we can succeed in this life without God

channelling

our

programme

of

progress.

We

go

about

counting on personal abilities and efforts!

LUKE 15:17
Coming

HE CAME TO HIS SENSES

back

to

his

senses

means

that

before

backslider pan come back to God, he must first of all

realise the state of life he/she is.

slavery

to

sin

(Lk.

15:14-17).

That is the state of

Understanding

his

condition, the backslider humbly returns to God through

confession and acceptance of the will of the Father who is
ever ready to forgive. Of course, the Holy Spirit is the
only force that can bring back a backslider to the state
of realisation (Lk. 15:17-19; Jn. 16:7-11; 14:16,26).
THE ATTITUDE OF THE FATHER OF THE PRODIGAL SON
The description of the attitude of the Father of the
prodigal son presents the following Biblical facts:
i)

that the Lord's compassionate mind was extended to

the lost man because of man's sorrowful condition
(II Sam. 24:14; Isa. 63:9; Matt. 9:13; Rm.11:2329; Tit. 3:5; Jm. 5:11);

ii)

the love of God towards us is so great that He

never ceases to grieve and long for our return (II
Pet. 3:9; Hab. 2:3; I Tim. 2:4; Rev. 2:21);

iii)

when we sincerely return to God after realising

our state of backsliding, God is always eager to
accept

us

back

with

compassion

based

on

His

endless love (Jn. 1:12; 3:16); and

iv)

that God's joy over a return of a sinful son can

never be estimated (Lk. 15:6-7, 10, 22-24).

CONCLUSION
This lesson is purely for us to see how compassionate our
God is and/ to ask a backsliding brother/sister to come
back to the fold or our Father (God) is ever ready to
receive such a one.

It is worth noting that a backslider

in this context does not necessarily refer to anyone who

has decided to stay away from the fellowship alone, but if
simply put, it includes everyone whose union with Christ
has been cut.

In other words, every sinning believer,

needs to stop doing so and return in the heart to God.

May God bless us as we comply in Jesus Name. Amen.

TOPIC:

THE PARABLES OF THE TALENTS

DATE:............

B/TEXT:

MATT. 25; 14-30

M/V:

LK. 19:13, "And he called his ten servants, and

delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them,
Occupy till I come."

AIM:

THAT WE BURRY NOT OUR TALENTS

INTRODUCTION:
The

Lord

used

this

parable

to

teach

us

that

our

positions, places and services in heaven will depend on

the type of

services we are rendering here for the Lord

in His Church.

Everybody in the Lord has one talent or

the

Lord wants

other. The

us to

talents He has given to us.

be occupied

with the

The Saviour will never be

pleased with us, if we refuse to utilise the talents He

has given to us, no matter how small is such a talent!
MATT. 25:15
The

THE TALENTS

talents

here

are

simply

referring

to

our

abilities, time, resources and opportunity to serve our

God.

The Lord intended, while teaching, that everybody in

the House of God should be useful by utilising his/her

talent in the Lord.

In other words, it means that our

position

in

and

service

the

forth-coming

Kingdom

depend on how faithful we are here now (Matt. 25:29).

is

basic

that

our

time,

resources,

abilities

will
It
and

opportunities are sort of talents given to us by God which

we must utilise for the benefit of the Lord's household
(Jere. 48:10; Jn. 9:4; Acts 13:2; I Cor., 3:9).
MATT. 25:29-30
The

Lord

EVERYONE THAT HATH

was

demonstrating

in

this

verse

the

important principle concerning our state and reward in the

Kingdom.

That

whatsoever

we

possess

here

determine our possessions in the Kingdom of God.

to

say,

our

positions

and

inheritance

in

now

will

That is

heaven

will

depend on the proportion of our individual commitment in

the House of God here on earth.

Therefore, we should

endeavour to serve in the Lord's vineyard faithfully by

serving our fellow human Beings with humility (Phil. 2:3;
Matt.25:19).
CONCLUSION
The parable of the talents is demanding us to be
useful in the House of God in one way or the other.

Of

course, everybody is called to do something, but everybody

was not called to everything.

Please, it is time for us

to check individually, the areas we could be useful in the

Vineyard of our God.
to

accommodate

The field is certainly

every-body's

should be idle (Lk.19: 13)!

service,

wide enough

therefore,

no

man

TOPIC:

PARABLE OF THE HIDEN TREASURE & PEARL

B/TEXT:

MATT. 13:44-46

M/V:

ISA. 55:1, "Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye

to the waters, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and
milk without money and without price."

AIM:

THAT WE MAY ASSESS AND VALUE THE KINGDOM OF GOD

INTRODUCTION
The treasure in this parable is simply referring to
the Kingdom of God and its value.

It is calculatively

based on the fact that anyone who has seen the work of the
Cross should endeavour to labour for it by accepting the
"yoke" of our Lord Jesus Christ upon him/her.
MATT. 13:44

KINGDOM...TREASURE

The parable teaches us, as briefly stated above, the

importance of the Kingdom of Heaven and the reason why we
should all look for it, not minding the cost.

However,

two basic Biblical facts could be derived from the parable

of the Hidden Treasure:
i)

the Kingdom of the Lord is a priceless treasure

that

must

be

desired

above

all

things

in

life

(Heb. 11:16; II Tim 4:l8) and

ii)

the

Kingdom

should

be

acquired

by

giving

up

everything that could prevent one from entering

into it.

The term "selling all" in this text

simply means one transferring one's whole heart

from

any

other

interest

to

the

only

supreme

interest, of Christ (Rm. 12:1; Eph. 4:1).

CONCLUSION
The
teaching

parable
us

some

of

the

great

Hidden
things

Treasure
about

the

and

Pearl

value

of

is
the

forthcoming Heaven of the Lord's saints which no human

price could pay for except the Lords precious blood.

As

possessors of this precious gift of God, everyone of us

should be careful over the way we prefer the things of

this present life instead of the deeper things of the
blessed Kingdom that is to come. Bearing in mind that
whatsoever we are seeing now is of a temporary duration.
Of course, bearing in mind also that God will soon destroy
the entire present system for replacement of some better
(II Pet. 2:7-12; 3:4-18; Isa. 34:4,7; Rev, 6: 13-14).

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE NEW GARMENT/WINE-SKIN

B/TEXT:

MATT. 9:16 - 17

M/V:

II

Cor.

5:17,

"Therefore

if

any

man

be

in

Christ, he is a new creature: old things are

passed away; behold, all things are become new."
AIM:

THAT WE PART OUR WAY FROM THE OLD LIFE

INTRODUCTION
This parable marks continuation in our studies in the
Lord's

teachings

on

parables.

As

the

topic

indicated

above, today, we shall examine the meaning of the parable

of the "new wine/garment" which we believe stands for the
old and the new methods of
MATT. 9:16

life.

THE NEW AND OLD GARMENT

Based on God divine creative act, anyone who accepts

the Lord as his/her Lord and personal Saviour departs from
old style of life into a new one.

Under this condition,

the recipient of the new style of life continues in it and

stands to fail, the moment he/she mixes the old system
with the new one.

Of course, the new life-pattern is

God's total new way of life', for His children, usually

ruled by the Spirit of God (Rm. 8:14; Gal. 5:25; Eph.
2:10).

As

result

of

the

new

birth

in

Christ,

the

believer concern becomes the image or representative of

God

on earth

(II Cor.

4:16; I

Cor. 15:49;

Eph. 4:24;

Col.3:10).
MATT. 9:17

THE NEW & THE OLD WINESKIN

This verse (17) has a lot of interpretations by many

theologians.
wine"

The most popular view says that the "new

represents

pure

fresh

grape

juice

which

can

be

compared with the new pattern of life in Christ, while the

old wineskin stands for the Jewish old religious belief
(Judaism).

In the reason of it, the parable is actually

emphasizing on the fact that new wine should be useful in

a new wineskin while the old one serves the same purpose
in the old wineskin. It is also basic to confirm that a
new wine or fresh juice of the grape which has nothing to
do with fermentation which can also be said to mean the
original message of Salvation from our Lord Jesus and the
power of the Holy Spirit as was experienced at Pentecost..
The Lord's opinion on this parable was that the new method
should not be allowed to go through a process of change
like

non-fermented

wine

going

fermented:

In

other

words, the new system should be prevented from a change,

corruption and less. This could be backed up with the fact
that the Lord was against mixing the fermented teachings
of the Pharisees and Judaism with the modern teachings of
Christianity which is the New Wine which must be preserved
in a New Wineskin (Matt. 16:6; Ex. 12:19; I Cor. 5:7).
CONCLUSION
The New Wine deserves New Wineskin. This will allow
the

new

wine

to

be

free

from

all

residual

fermenting

matter, such as mature yeast cells of the old wineskin.

The

moment

the

new

wine

goes

into

old

wineskin

the

fermentation could burst the old wineskin thereby causing

a lost of both the wine and the old wineskin.

So it is

for anyone who combines teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ

and those of the apostles with old pattern of life (sinful
nature of man). We can not say to be in the Lord, probably
because of our Church attendance or being a member in a
particular assembly; if we are still living under sin (I
Jn. 5:18; Rm. 6:1-6; I Jn. 3:7-9; I Pet. 1:22-23).

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE SHEEP & GOATS

B/TEXT:

MATT. 25: 31 - 46

M/V:

MATT. 25:33, "And he shall set the sheep on his

right hand, but the goats on the left."

AIM:

THAT WE MAY LOOK INTO OUR LIVES AND SEE THE TYPE
OF BELIEVERS WE ARE IN THE LORD

INTRODUCTION
This parable serves as a continuation in our series
of studies in the Lord's parables. As stated in the text,
the separation is billed to occur when the Master comes to
this

very

earth

the

second

time

for

the

purpose

of

executing judgement. As other parables, the Parable of the

Sheep' and Goats is meant for our spiritual balanceness in
the Lord.
MATT. 25:32
This

SEPARATE THEM ONE FROM ANOTHER

judgement

will

occur

tribulation of the later days.

immediately

after

the

This will be at the Second

Advent of the Lord and before the millennial reign (Dan.

7:7-14; Rev. 5:10; 19:11-20:4).
The following facts could be established concerning
the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats:
i)

it is believed that before the great separation,

the saved and the unsaved will still be living on
the earth together;

ii)

the

Shepherd's

separation of

judgement

the evil

will

ones from

involve

the

the righteous

ones (Matt. 25:32-33; 13:41);

iii) while the wicked will be gathered out of the midst
of

the

righteous

and

for

destruction,

the

righteous shall be with the Lord as blessed set of

people (Matt. 13:43; 25:31-34; Rev. 20:4)

MATT. 25:34 EASES FOR THE JUDGEMENT

The level of outward work of love and kindness to
those who believe in Christ and the suffering ones will be
the basis for the judgement.

Our ability to express love

and compassion to fellow believers and the suffering ones

is taken as an inherit part of true faith in the Lord
(Matt. 25:35-46).
allowed

to

enter

It is basic that the wicked will not be

into

the

Lord's

rest,

but

will

be

tormented everlastingly (Matt. 25: 41, 46; Rev. 14:11). To

the righteous in the Lord, the Kingdom of God will be
given (Matt. 25:34; Rev. 20:4).
MATT. 25:41
The

THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS

unrighteous will

share their

eternity in

hell

with the devil and his angels. The devil inherited this
because of the following reasons:
i)

his rebellion against God (Isa. 14:12-15; Matt.

4:10);

ii)

taking a third of heavenly angels (Rev. 12:4);

iii)

Some of the angels are bound in hell (II Pet.

2:4; Jude 6);

iv)

Some fallen angels are roaming

Lucifer's

(the

devils)control

the

earth under

(Matt.

12:24;

25:41; Eph. 2:2; Rev. 12:4).

CONCLUSION
It

is

important

for

everyone

of

us

to

examine

him/herself in the light of the above separation.

The big

question now being: 'Are we goats of the devil or sheep of

the Lord and His divine Kingdom?

Mark you, sheep love and

care goats scatter them about! May God Almighty in His

infinite mercy open our eyes so as to enable us know our
position(s) in Him in Jesus Name. Amen.

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE LOWEST SEAT

DATE:

B/TEXT:

LUKE 14:7-14

M/V:

MATT. 23:12, 'And whosoever shall exalt himself

shall be abased and he that shall humble himself
shall be exalted."

AIM:

THAT WE MAY LEARN HOW TO HUMBLE OURSELVES

INTRODUCTION
"Humility" is one of the watch-words when we talk
about Biblical comportment.

The Lord Himself while in

this

was

very

world

physically

humbled

Personality

before the community where He was living in spite of their

hatred towards Him.

The experience in the Book of John

13:5 in which the Lord began to wash His disciples' feet

was a good example of man's humility on earth.

Of course,

the Lord showed us this very example which we believe is

worthy of emulation.
of

washing

the

It was noted that the dramatic event

disciples'

feet

occurred

on

the

Lord's

final night on earth.

The Lord lowered Himself to this extend in order to
demonstrate the followings:
i)

His love towards the disciples;

ii)

to

fore-run

His

self-sacrifice

on

the

Calvary

Cross; and
iii) to

demonstrate

the

fact

that

every

disciple

is

called to serve one another with humility.

It was realised that before the illustration above,
the disciples' passion to be great was eating deeper in
their

midst

(Matt.

18:1-4;

20:20-27;

Mk.

9:33-37;

Lk.

9:46-48).
Obviously, the Lord wanted them to be aware of the
fact that their desire to be superior and honoured above
one another was contrary to the personality of the Holy
Spirit which dwells in anyone who believes (Lk. 22:24-30;
Jn. 13:12-17; I Pet.5:5).

LK. 14:7

LOWER SEAT

In this Parable the Lord told His original audience

to humble themselves when called to feast.

That anyone

who goes to a banquet who prefers a high seat without the

approval of the host will be disgraced, the moment a more
honourable person calls to the same gathering.
words,

the

Lord

was

directing

that

if

we

In other

want

to

be

honoured, we should first of all lower ourselves in every

situation,
Proverbs

mostly
15:33

in

people's

says:

"The

instruction

of wisdom;

Biblically,

it

is

gathering.

fear

and before

noted

that

of

the

Afterall,
Lord

honour is

"pride"

goes

is

the

humility."

with

shame,

while a lowly attitude puts on wisdom (Prob. 11:2; 15: 33;

18:12;

22:4;

Zeph.

2:3;

Acts

20:18-19;

Phil.2:3;

Col.3:12).
LK. 14:9-10 BEING HUMILIATED
The

moment

we

refuse

to

humble

ourselves

in

any

gathering there is every tendency for us to be abased

according to the Bible.

As people of God, our Lord's

pattern of humility should be copied.

For the Lord was

humbled, even to death (Phil. 2:8).

CONCLUSION
This

parable

is

simply

telling

us

that

before

we

could be exalted in any situation, it is quite necessary

that we show sign of humility first.

Meekness should be

our garment in every occasion so that the people or the

Lord will not debase us.

That is to say, we should allow

our personal humility to create room for our promotion in

life (Job. 36:7; Ps.75:7; I Chron. 29:11-14; Prov. 25:6;
Matt. 23:12; Lk.14:11; 18:4).

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS

B/TEXT:

MATT. 13:24-30

M/V:

MATT. 13:41, "The Son of man shall send forth

his angels, and they shall gather out of his
kingdom all things that offend, and them which
do iniquity."

AIM:

THAT WE EXAMINE OURSELVES OVER THE TWO CLASSES

IN EXISTENCE

INTRODUCTION
In our lesson today, we shall examine the Parable of
the Weeds (tares) and the Wheat as seen in our text above.
As

we

go

further,

we

pray

everyone

to

pay

earnest

attention to this study because a good audience to the

messages in the lesson will enable us to know the exact
group we belong.
MATT. 13:24-25

GOOD SEED APMIST TARES

According to these verses, it is obvious that the

devil (Satan) will plant evil alongside the sincere Word
of God. Based on the Master's description in verse 38 of
our text, the field represents the entire universe while
the good seed stands for the saints of the Lord (Matt.
13:8).
The following points could easily be established in
this parable:
a)

that the sincere word of God and His saints will be

planted all over the world, at the same time, the
devil will also plant falsehood and his children (the
mere church goers) alongside the chosen people of God
(Matt. 13:25, 38-39; Jn. 8:44-45; I Jn. 3:10; Joel
3:13; Rev. 14:15);

b)

the emissaries of the devil have the undermining of

the authority which exists in the Word of God as
their prime motive.

With the wicked motive, they

could promote unrighteousness and false doctrine in

the churches that aTe not ready to search the Bible

(Matt. 22:29; Acts 20:29-30; II Thess. 2:7,12).
The Lord was confirming the deceptive attitude
of some in the Church who will never work according
to the rules guiding the way of the Lord in this
parable (I Tim.4:1; II Tim. 3:8; 4:3); and
c)

when the Lord comes to destroy the wickedness of men,

the existence of the unrighteous amidst the unrighteous will be terminated, automatically at the close
of this age (Matt. 22:11-14; 25:1-30; Lk. 18:10-14).

MATT. 13:30

UNTIL THE HARVEST

The main facts could be established concerning the

coexistence

of the

real Christians

and the

masqueraded

types of Christians (Matt. 13:38; II Cor. 11:13-15):

i)

co-existence of the two groups is bound to exist

until

the

Second

Advent

of

the

Lord.

The

destruction of the wicked children of the devil

shall come at the close of age (Matt. 13:30, 38-41;
Matt. 3:12);
ii)

this parables does not in anyway contradict the

Scriptures which demand that all our erring members
should

be

disciplined

and

they

who

will

never

accept correction should be expelled from the midst

of the children of God (Acts 20:28-29; I Cor. 5:112); and
iii) the Parable is also demanding for our state of
alertness

because

of

the

subversive

beings

and

individuals always plants by the devil in order to

obstruct the existence of the Church of God.

They

will in many ways, like the tares, look like the

original, but if examined spiritually they are not
(II Cor. 11:ISIS).

CONCLUSION
Since these two groups will ever exist in the House
of God, it is quite necessary that all believers should
pray

always

worshippers.

so

as

not

to

be

polluted

by

the

false

May God deliver everyone of us from their

hands through the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF PERSISTENT WIDOW

B/TEXT:

LUKE 18:1-8

M/V:

LK. 11:8, "I say unto you, Though he will not

rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet
because of his importunity he will rise and give
him as many as he needeth."

AIM:

THAT WE MAY PERSEVERE IN FAITH

INTRODUCTION
This parable is teaching us that it is quite out of
point, if we fail to realise that we ought to pray always
in order to achieve life's basic necessary needs.

The

fact also remains that our daily petitions to God must be

in accordance with the WILL of God (Matt. 6:10,33; I Cor.
10:31; I Jn. 5:14-15).
It is also obvious that some of the blessings ever
prayed for may end up debarring us from serving our God
according

to

His

set

rules

and

regulations.

Every

provision we pray for should supply our basic needs and at

the same time enables us to perform our Christian duties
perfectly (II Cor. 9:8; I Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5).
LK. 18:1

PRAYING ALWAYS

The Lord was advising here that we should pray always

in order to accomplish the will of God in our lives.

The

Parable of the Persistent Widow teaches us the following

facts concerning our Christian race:
i)

that our prayers over every prevailing situation

should continue till the Second Advent of the
Lord

(Lk.

18:7-8;

Rtn.

12:12-13;

Eph.

6:18;

Col.4:2; I Thess. 5:17);

ii)

that there is an adversary in this life who is

against us.

Of course, this Is referring to the

devil, our arch-enemy (Lk.l8:3; I Pet. 5:8; Matt.

6:13);

iii)

that our prayers should be crying out against sin

and for justice (Lk.l8:7; Ex. 22:23; Ps. 88:1-3;
Rev. 6:10);

iv)

that our persistent prayer is counted as faith

(Lk. 18:8);

v)

that before the Second Advent, towards the end,

there will be an increase of diabolic opposition
to the prayers of the saints of the Most High God
(I Tim. 4:1; Mk. 13:5-6); and

vi)

that our persistent prayer-life could cease, if

we heed to the devil by desiring pleasure on
things of this life (Lk. 8:14; Matt. 13:22; Mk.
4:9).

LK. 18:7

CRYING DAY AND NIGHT

It is quite basic that the persevering Christians who

are

seeking

after

holiness

will

ever

live

to

cry

for

installation of justice on earth and destruction of the

devil's kingdom.

According to verse 8 of our text, the

real saint will always live in prayer until they see that
justice is achieved, moreso, quickly.

Being fully aware

of the fact that the return of their Messiah is the only

hope for world (Jn.14: 2; I Thess. 5:2-3; II Thess. 2:8;
Rev. 19:11-21).
LK. 18:8

GOD WILL SEE THAT HIS SAINTS GET JUSTICE

When the Lord returns for the crying saints automatic

end will be put to distress and suffering currently being
received from the hands of the wicked souls of this very
world. At the Lord's Second Coming, the saints will be
caught up into the air to meet their faithful LORD coming
down for His elects. Immediately after the departure of
the saints, God's wrath, of course, not tribulation of the
end, shall be poured on the wicked people of this devilish
and hostile world (Jn. 14:2-3; I Thess. 4:17; 5:2-3,9).

LK. 18:8

WHEN HE COMES WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH

This multi-million dollars question of the Lord has a

lot for us to reason about.

The fear here was based on

the very fact that before the Second Advent of the Lord,
evil

will

dominate

the

world

to

the

extend

that

many

Church members will opt out of genuine faith (Matt. 24:1113,24; I Tim. 4:1). As history is drawing us almost to a
halt point, the big question in every believer's heart
should be: 'Am I persevering in faith based on God's type
of holiness?'

Two, 'Am I so preoccupied with the affairs

of this very earth that I look not forward for the Lord's
Second Coming?'

Spiritually, let's read in Lk. 12:37;

Matt. 24:42,46; 25:13).

CONCLUSION
This

parable

preparedness.

The

is

demanding

affairs

of

the

for

our

world

state
which

of

shall

certainly perish in a single day should not occupy our

lives more than the expected Messiah's return to earth.
For more spiritual upliftment, let us carefully complete
our study today by reading from the following verses of
the Holy Scripture: Matt. 12:45; Ez, 18:24; Heb. 6:4-8).

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD

B/TEXT:

MATT. 20:1-16

M/V:

Eph. 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through

faith;

and

that

not

of

works,

lest

any

man

should boast."
AIM:

THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO ESTIMATE THE VALUE OF THE

GRACE OF GOD

INTRODUCTION
This

Parable teaches

that our

entrance into

God's

Kingdom is not on merit or right, but a privilege.

The

Lord in this parable taught us three basic things which

could be classified as follows:
i)

that we should not feel superior because of the

fortunate position we have found in the Lord;

ii)

that we should not fail to share the Lord's concern

in offering His grace to all;

iii) that we should put off our envious spirit when

others are blessed spiritually like us.
MATT. 20:1-7 THE CONCERN OF THE LANDOWNER
One

notable

fact

about

this

Parable

was

that

the

people were idle and the man of the Vineyard decided to

have compassion on them.

He wanted them to be graciously

occupied with that which will benefit their souls.

Of

course, the Lord's decision in Salvation is to show us

merciful love (Jn. 3:16; Deut. 13:17; Ps. 77:9; Ex. 22:27;
Isa. 54:7; Matt. 9:36; 15:32; James 5:11).
MATT. 20:8-11

BALANCED PAYMENT

The merciful landowner who decided to show compassion

on

the

idled

ACCORDING

TO

people
WHAT

He

made
did

His

payment

promise

to

them

every

one

before

the

commencement of the assignment in the Vineyard.

He did

not

What

change

His

agreement,

but

stuck

to

it.

faithful Master!

Of course, our God can not promise and

fail (Matt. 20:13; Deut. 7:9; Ps. 33:4; Isa. 49:7; Rev.
19:11).
MATT. 20:10-16

ENVIOUS SPIRIT

Another development in this Parable was the envious

spirit displayed by the first set of workers.

They did

not want everybody to be shown equal favour by the Master.

Of course, this is human!
and

the

Gentiles

is

the

God's Salvation to both Jews

same.

He

favoured

everybody

equally not minding whether we started with Him recently

while the Jews started from Abrahamic age.

Our Lord loves

equally and not according to the desire of the envious

workers in the Church who believe they have been on it for
quite long a time before the new workers.

Of course, the

parable teaches us not to envy one another (Prob. l4:30;

Mk. 7:22-23; I Cor. 13:4).
CONCLUSION
The paramount fact in this Parable is that we should
serve

God

without

envy

in

our

workers, no matter their rewards.

serve (I Jn.3 10,18; 4:1-18).

hearts

against

fellow-

In love should we all

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE THE MERCILESS SERVANT

B/TEXT:

MATT. 18:23-3,

M/V:

Matt. 6:2, "And forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors"

AIM:

THAT WE MAY CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF FORGIVING ONE

ANOTHER

INTRODUCTION
This parable is part of our studies in the Lord's
teachings on parables.

It stands to demonstrate the Word

of God based on the fact that our Salvation has its proper
meaning,

if

we

forgiveness.
was

laying

learn

and

practise

the

principle

of

In the parable, we could see that the Lord

an

emphasis

on

the

fact

that

the

work

of

salvation is based on "forgiveness" both from the side of

the giver and the recipient.

In other words, God has

forgiven us of all that we have trespassed against Him in

life and gave us Salvation free so should we forgive our
fellow human beings who offend us in one way or the other.
The Lord in Matt. 18:22 made it completely impossible for
one to have excuse in keeping enmity with his brother by
saying that the degree of forgiveness must be 490 times.
A condition which looks too impossible, since no one can
offend another at such a rate!
MATT. 18:25
In

GENERAL CONDEMNATION

this

parable,

we

could

see

that

not

only

the

debtor was to pay for the penalty of his debt, but the
entire

family.

Of

course,

Adam

brought

general

condemnation to the entire human race (Rm, 5:14).

MATT.18:28

THE WICKED SERVANT

This servant was pardoned by his Master, but refused a

pardon which he was supposed to grant his own debtor.

He

was completely outside the principle of forgiveness which

we must maintain before the Lord (Matt. 6:l4; Mk. 11:26;

Matt. 18:1; 22:31; Jn. 17:15; II Cor. 2:11).
Any believer who does not forgive easily lives to
offend the Lord in what so ever he/she is doing.

In the

real sense of this parable, the Lord wants us to forgive

one another willingly, That, if we do not forgive the
offences of others, God will not also forgive us and our
prayers will not be answered (Matt. 18: 35; Mk. 11:26; Lk.
11:4).
CONCLUSION
There is no two ways about this matter:
to change according to His own way.

God wants us

That is to say, we

must easily forgive others as He has forgiven us (Matt.

6:14; 18:35).

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT BANQUET

B/TEXT:

LUKE 14:15-24

M/V:

II Cor. 6:2 "For he saith, I have heard thee in

a time accepted, and in the day of salvation
have

succored

accepted

time;

thee:
behold,

Behold,

now

is

the

now

the

day

of

is

salvation."
AIM:

THAT WE MAKE NO LIGHT OF THE CALL OF GOD

INTRODUCTION
The parable of the Banquet was originally applicable
to

the nation

of Israel

who made

light of

the Lord's

salvation, Biblically, the same parable could be said to

be referring to all the Churches and unbelievers who have
made light of the word of God which is inviting all to
come and share from the table of Salvation free of charge.
LK. 16:15-24 GREAT PARABLE
Biblical

facts

about

this

parable

could

be

established as followings:
i)

that the parable stands for the day of revelation

of future glory of the Messiah and His return for
His rapturable Church (Lk.14:14-15; 22:18);

ii)

that those who made light of the invitation could

be

compared

with

those

who

have

received

an

invitation to come to the table of Salvation which

is free but because of the cares of life made light
of the invitation by refusing to honour the Lord's
invitation (Lk.14:17-19)
iii) that those who previously accepted the invitation,
but refused to come for the Banquet are those who
have

accepted

or

appear

to

accept

the

Lord's

invitation to Salvation, yet their love for the

Lord

and

the

(Lk.14:17-20);

Kingdom

of

God

has

grown

cold

iv)

that another set of people who have decided to pay

deaf-ears to the call of the Lord are such as those
who have ceased to set their goals according to
heavenly
refused

standards
to

(Lk.

accept

the

14:18-20).

Biblical

They

admonition

have
which

says that we should set "our minds on things above,

not on earthly things" while waiting for the second
coming of the Master (Col. 3:1-4).

They no longer

long for a better home which is heavenly (Heb.

11:16); and
v)

according to verses 21-23, there will also be those

minds

which

will

always

be

with

the

Master

in

heaven and not fixed on properties of this earth

which are temporary.

These set of believers always

pray for the return of their Master (Rev. 22:20).

CONCLUSION
The Parable is a warning to all and sundry. On no account
should we make light of the free gift of God.

The water

of Salvation is free and anyone who is thirsty should come

and take out of it freely too (Isa. 55:1; Rev. 21:6).

TOPIC:

THE PARABLE OF THE WATCHFUL SERVANTS

B/TEXT:

LUKE 12:35-40

M/V:

LK. 12:40

"Be ye therefore ready also: for the

Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

AIM:

THAT WE MAY BE WATCHFUL OVER THE LORD'S SECOND

ADVENT

INTRODUCTION
Todays lesson has "watching and expecting" as its
theme. One basic fact about this aspect of Bible studies
is that even right from the inception of the early Church,
believers have been living as if their Master will come
the next hour.

In this Parable, the Lord expected His

Church to be active in watching over His return.

LK. 12:35 LAMPS BURNING
Just as briefly stated in the introductory aspect of
this study, the Church has been living in this world with
the belief" that the Lord's second coming could take place
anytime (Mark 13:35).

Being that the second advent is

imminent, but the time uncertain, we must be spiritually

alert and endeavour to live a faithful life unto the Lord
to the end (Matt. 24:42,44; Lk. 12:35-36, 38-40,46; 21:3436).
The

Parable

of

the

Watchful

Servants

in

the

real

sense of it, is demanding for the following steps from

every one of us:
i)

that our hearts should be seriously attached to the

Second Coming of the Messiah which is our greatest
treasure in life (Lk. 12:34);

ii)

that our life-hope and longing should be of the

RETURN of the Lord (Lk. 12:35-37);

iii) we must be clothed with the spirit of readiness and

waiting for the unpredictable time of the Lord's
coming (Lk. 12:38,40);
iv)

that the Master1s coming is imminent and that He

could come anytime (Lk. 12:34);

v)

Our

waiting

and

looking

should

be

for

Christ's

coming and not for any mundane (ordinary) event

(Matt. 24:42,44; Jn. 14:3; I Cor.15:51).
LK. 12:36 WAITING FOR OUR. MASTER
As serious servants, we must constantly look into our
spiritual progress in the light of our Master1s coming.
Anyone

of

us

living

in

sin

with

the

belief

that

the

Master's coming is not yet, is behaving life the wicked

servant.

Failure to maintain sound relationship with the

Lord till His Second Coming means being excluded from the
Lord's presence and His Kingdom.

Many people's failure

will come as a result of not being ever ready and waiting

for the Second Advent, but waiting to see signs that are
not

forthcoming

(Matt.

25:13;

24:36,44).

The

Lord1s

observation, according to this parable, was that majority

of His people will be SLEEPING at the time He will come
again (Lk. 18:8; Matt. 25:8-13).
LK. 12:38

IT WILL BE GOOD FOR THOSE SERVANTS

We shall be specifically blessed in the presence of

our God, if we wait for His coming with full readiness,
watchfulness and faithfulness (Lk. 12:36-37).
LK. 12:40

WHEN YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM

According

to

verse

35

of

our

text,

we

should

be

spiritually ready in addition to being obedient because

the Lord is coming at uncertain time (Matt. 24:36, 42-44;
Lk.21:34; I Thess. 5:2-4).
CONCLUSION
This Parable, like other parables, is teaching us to
be ready for the Lord' s Second Corning may take place
anytime.

That we should take daily spiritual stock of our

lives In order to avoid being over-taken on that day.

relationship
since

the

with
Lord

OTEHRS
will

should

not

be

tolerate

Intimidation among His servants.

sound
any

and

Our

perfect

spirit

of