NO VESSEL, NO OIL

MEMORY VERSE: and it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, there is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed, 2 Kings 4:6

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 18, 2 Cor 11, Ezek 25, Ps 9

BIBLE STUDY: 2 Kings 4:1-7

The oil in our bible study represents God’s blessing and anointing. The borrowing of vessels represents tasks or divine assignments. As long as the widow kept on borrowing vessels, the oil kept flowing. The moment the empty vessels ceased, the oil stayed. 

The task of borrowing empty vessels was not an easy one for the sons of the widow. The task involved taking actions and obeying divine instructions from the prophet. They had to leave their comfort zone (home) to go and knock at the door of their neighbors and strangers. At first they started with nearby neighbors (those on the same streets) and later moved on to the next street. The farther they traveled to borrow empty vessels, the more effort was required to bring these empty vessels back home. In the process of going from house to house to borrow empty vessels, the boys experienced abuse, rejection , some even harassed them but these boys ignored all these and kept on making efforts to borrow empty vessels. At a point, these boys became satisfied with the number of empty vessels they had borrowed and went back home. Sadly their oil stayed when their vessels ceased.

Friend, I want you to know that life is a continuous motion. You are either moving forward or going backward, there is nothing like been stagnant. The moment these boys stopped borrowing vessels, they began to go backwards. They frustrated the agenda of God for their family and threw away the opportunity to become a blessing to their nation. This is the exact thing that happens in the life of many believers today. They get satisfied with the little things the Lord has done for them and stop pushing themselves. The reason why many are not experiencing God the way they should experience Him is because they have either stopped pushing themselves or they don’t want to be pushed anymore. Many only want to fast once or twice in a week; nobody wants to wait before God in fasting and praying for seven days. Many of us do not want to memories bible verses anymore, we want to depend on Google. Many of us are satisfied with functioning in one department of the church, we do not want to join any other departments. The moment we stop pushing ourselves to be better in the Lord, the oil dries. Many are satisfied with the one or two gifts of the Holy Spirit they have. As far as they can speak in tongues or dream once in a while they are satisfied. We no longer covet other gifts like interpretation of tongues or word of wisdom.

REMEMBER: The moment we stop pushing ourselves to be better in the Lord, the oil dries.

AND THE OIL STAYED

MEMORY VERSE: and it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, there is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 2 Kings 4:6

 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 17, 2 Cor 10, Ezek 24, Ps 7-8

 BIBLE STUDIES: 2 Kings 4:1-7

 A particular widow in the bible owed some money. As she was unable to pay, the creditors decided to take her two sons as slaves. She ran to the prophet of God who then gave her three instructions. He told her to go and borrow as many empty vessels as possible, shut the door and pour the little oil she had at home into the empty vessels. She and her son got some vessels, shut the door and poured the oil in the vessels. After they had filled all the available vessels and there was none left, the oil stopped following. 

 The oil in the passage represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the borrowing of vessels represents God given task. As long as they kept borrowing empty vessels, the oil kept on flowing. The moment the empty vessels ceased, the oil stayed. As long as you keep making yourself available for God to use, He will continue to release His anointing on upon you. The moment one stops, the pouring of anointing too stops.

 The anointing of the Holy Spirit can turn a debt-ridden man to a debt free man (2 Kings 4:1-7). The anointing of the Holy Spirit on a fellow can turn him into an agent of joy. Jesus was able to impact many lives because of the anointing on Him (Acts 10:38). That widow could not take advantage of the flowing oil because of lack of vessels. She had the opportunity to borrow all the vessels in the neighborhood, but she brought only a few. The task of borrowing vessels was not an easy one as it involves a lot. For example it involves leaving one’s comfort zone (home). It involves carrying of heavy empty vessels around. If care is not taken it  may lead to embarrassment from rude and unwelcoming neighbors. These boys didn't want to go through all that so they brought the few they could lay their hands on thereby missing the opportunity to keep the oil flowing. Working for God or serving in the vineyard of God may be boring and tedious but guess what,  the reward is trans- generational.  As the Lord begins to pour His oil on you, you will begin to experience turn around in all spheres of your life. There is enough anointing of the Holy Spirit to make you outstanding in that endeavor, are you ready to undertake God’s tasks?

 PRAYER POINT: Father, as I begin to make myself available for your use, pour your anointing upon me.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus 

AND WE SHALL SEE WHAT WILL BECOME OF HIS DREAMS

MEMORY VERSE: come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams, Genesis 37: 20 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 15, 2 Cor 8, Ezek 22, Ps 3-4 

BACKGROUND: In Genesis 37:5 – 8 Joseph had a dream; he saw himself and his brothers binding sheaves in the field. All of a sudden his brother’s sheaves began to bow to his own sheaf. When he woke up, he told this dream to his brothers and the bible records that they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. He had another dream, this time around the sun, the moon and eleven stars bowed down to him. When he woke again he told the dream to his family as usual and the brothers decided that enough was enough. One day his father sent him to his brothers, when they saw him afar off they conspired to throw him into a pit so that he might perish with his dreams. 

From studying the story of Joseph, the Holy Spirit helped me to understand that the brothers of Joseph were not after his coat of many colors. The coat of many colors simply represented God’s favor and blessing. The enemy cared less about his coat of many colors; one thing they were after was his dreams. Friends I want you to understand that the enemy is not concerned about your bank balances, booming business , growing ministry , well paid job, nice car , lovely house , academic qualifications ,  caring wife , obedient children , growing ministry ,etc. One thing the enemy is after is your dreams. The enemy understands that a fellow without vision or dream is as good as dead. The enemy will not waste his resources on such. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision, the people perish. The enemy knows that the key to realizing your potential in Jesus is through dreams and vision, and he does not want that. 

Have you been wondering why ever since you gave your life to Christ, the enemy has been waging war against you? The reason for all these is because of your dream to make it to heaven and reign with Christ forever. There are few things you need to know. Those mighty dreams the Lord has shown you are not for all ears so you need to watch who you share them with. Joseph made the mistake of discussing God’s plan for his life with his brothers and that almost cost him his life. Do not boast with God’s plan for your life. Every dream you have had, every great prophecies you have received are just your potential in Christ. You have a role to play in bringing them to reality. The fact that God has promised to do something mighty in your life does not mean you should rest on your oars. Lastly there are two people responsible for the fulfillment of your dreams, you and God. God is ready to play His part but you must be ready to play your part. Playing your part includes working hard and running away from sin. 

POINT: Your dream and visions makes you a terror to the enemy.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

DISADVANTAGES OF FAVORITISM

MEMORY VERSE: and when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him, Genesis 37:4

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 14, 2 Cor 7, Ezek 21, Ps 1-2

Jacob loved Joseph more than all his children for obvious reasons. He loved him because he was the first born of Rachel (his favorite wife). Not only that, he loved him because he was the son of his old age. Because of all these, he showered this young man with gifts. As parents it is quite understandable to like a child above the others but it is unwise to show it or favor one above the other. Jacob did not only love Joseph more all his children, he favored him more than his children. Out of his twelve sons, he made a coat of many colors for Joseph alone. The other sons noticed and began to hate Joseph. Genesis 37:4 says and when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. 

The problem of Joseph started when his father began to favor him above all the other children. Friends became foes when Jacob began to pay extra attention to Joseph at the expense of other children. Jacob broke the bond of unity amongst his children because he favored one above the rest. This old man unknowingly divided his family into two – Joseph and other children as a result of favoritism. Favoritism births enmity between children or a team. Favoritism amongst any team breaks the bond of unity within that team. Favoritism causes problems and breaks up a team.

There are a lot of parents who have caused enmity between their children as a result of favoritism. There are many who look after the male children and neglect the female children. All children should be treated the same and no one should be neglected. When a parent begins to favor a child above the other, such parent is dividing the family and giving the enemy an opportunity to come in between the children. Treat all children the same, give them the same opportunity. The fact that you love a child above others is not a criterion to favor him. The fact that you love a member of staff above others is not a criterion to favor him or her above others. When you favor an individual above others, you are only creating problem for the individual. Not only that, the favored individual will begin to face unnecessary challenges. Favoritism can turn brothers to murderers. It was favoritism that landed Joseph in the pit. Although Joseph was favored above his brothers, he paid dearly for it and it almost cost him his life .Favoritism should be frowned upon in our churches, homes, community, national assemblies and parliaments. It only gives the enemy an opportunity to divide us.

ACTION POINT: Voice against favoritism.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus.

MY DEFENSE IS OF GOD

MEMORY VERSE: My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart, Psalm 7:10

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 13, 2 Cor 6, Ezek 20, John 21 

The importance of defense cannot be overestimated. In Football we have different playing positions, we have the goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forward. The defenders play behind the midfielders and their primary responsibility is to provide support to the team and to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. They also stop opposing players particularly the strikers from scoring, and bring the ball out from their penalty area. The defense is supposed to be an impenetrable wall that provides a team with the security it needs. How effective the defender is will help in determining whether the team that he plays for will win or lose. There are two physical qualities one looks for in a defender, height and strength. High ball is one of the most common attacking strategies in soccer, especially if the opponent has the advantage of a tall striker. A tall defender will be able to deal with high balls easily. The role of the defender is an active role throughout the game hence the need for a defender with strong stamina.

When your defense is of God, you can be rest assured that you will not concede any goal in the game of life. When you talk of height, our God is taller than the tallest. According to Isaiah 66:1, heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. He is not only very tall, He is massively big. According to 1 Kings 8:27, the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him. When you talk of strength, our God is stronger than the strongest. According to Isaiah 62:11, all power belongs to Him. Not only that, He is able to break the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder, Psalm 107:16.

When your defense is of God, you can be rest assured that you will not die before your time. When He is your defense you can boast and say no weapon fashion against me shall prosper. The enemies can attack but the Spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against them, Isaiah 59:19. For God to be your defense, you must be upright in heart. Psalm 7:10 says my defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. Theologians have said that the Hebrew word for upright has two significations. It signifies plainness of heart. The tongue and the heart of an upright man go together. In other words, he says what he mean and means what he says. It also signifies a man approved by God. An upright man is one whom God thinks highly of. An upright man works by an upright rule, works from on upright principle and also works to an upright end. Not only that, he endeavors to make others upright.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me an upright heart today.

 

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

DO AWAY WITH THE STRANGE GODS

Genesis 35:5. The family of Jacob consisted mainly of women and children. They had no sophisticated weapon, they had no military experience, they had nothing yet mighty nations dreaded to engage them in battle because the terror of God was upon them. Everyone knew Jacob was tiny yet they dare not come near them because the mighty One of Israel was with them. 

When God is behind an individual, such an individual will enjoy peace. Proverbs 16:7 says when a man’s way please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Matthew 10:36 says a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. When those of your household know that your God is a consuming fire, they will hold their peace. When God is behind a brother, his journey in life will be smooth and hindrance free. According to Isaiah 45:2, the Lord will go before him and make the crooked places straight. Not only that, he will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunders their iron bars. When God is behind a fellow, the resources and energy that should be used to fight the enemies will diverted into other profiting project. 

The first thing an individual needs to do to get God behind him is that he needs to change his garments. He needs to put away the old garments of sin and wear a garment of righteousness. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17 all things must pass away and all things must become new. The individual also needs to put away the strange gods in his life. Genesis 35:4 says and they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. I have always wondered why they gave Jacob their earrings. Is there a relationship between strange gods and earrings? Could it be that earrings were a form of strange gods? Or could it be that earrings have the potential of becoming strange gods? The strange gods were things that had taken the place of God in their life. Do you know that if care is not taken, our children can become our strange gods? When we begin to displease God to please them, they become strange gods. Our phones can easily become strange gods, when we spend so much time on them and have no time to wait on the Lord. Until we get rid of the strange gods, the presence of God will not be evident in our life. 

PRAYER POINT: Father, please let your presence be felt by everyone around me.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus. 

DANGERS OF FREEDOM

MEMORY VERSE: take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls, Matthew 11:29

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 11, 2 Cor 4, Ezek 18, John 19 

BIBLE STUDY: Genesis 34:1-2

BACKGROUND: Dinah was bored at home; there was no one to play with, no one to chat with, and no one to have fun with so she decided to go out to see the daughters of the land. On her way Shechem took her and raped her. Later Shechem was killed. 

ANALYSIS: Dinah was safe at home. Her Dad had several guards who watched after her and the family. If she had remained at home, she would not have become a victim of rape. Because she wanted a bit of fun, she left home (a safe territory) to see the daughters of the land (an unsafe territory) and was attacked. Dinah saw staying at home as living under a yoke, but she failed to realize that living under that yoke afforded her safety.

The day you give your life to Christ, He puts His yoke on your neck. You are no longer free to do whatever you want to do. You are no longer free to dress the way you want to dress. You are no longer free to say the things you want to say. At times people will talk to you rudely and you want to respond but you can’t because of the yoke of Christ on you. You know as a Christian you are not allowed to be rude. At times you want to take revenge but you can’t because of the yoke of Christ on you. You know as a Christian you are not allowed to take revenge. At times you want to relax with a pint of beer but you can’t because you know Christians don’t drink beer. At times you are so stressed and you desperately need a fag or smoke a cigarette but can’t because you know Christians don’t smoke. The yoke of Christ restricts in a lot of ways. You want to go to clubs but you cannot. You want to do the things your friends do but you cannot. Brethren, I want you to know that the yoke of Christ may restrict you but it keeps you from a lot of harm. The Christian life maybe boring, but it keeps you safe. That is why you will never hear that the police arrested a believer for a drink driving offense because a true Christian does not consume alcohol. That is why you will never hear a true Christian having sexually transmitted diseases because a true Christian will not fornicate. You will never hear that a true Christian was stabbed at the club because he won’t be there in the first place. It is impossible to hear that a Christian lady got pregnant and the man refused to accept the baby because a Christian lady will not have sex until she is married. Inside Christ your marriage is safe and it is almost impossible for the man to cheat. Where is the time to cheat? He will go to work, attend all the church programs and come back home tired. Where is the time to cheat when he is concentrating on winning souls for Christ?

POINT: The Christian life maybe boring but it gives peace of mind.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus.