CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS
THE THREEFOLD PURPOSE OF THE INCARNATION
OUTLINE
A). COMPREHENSION
B). DEMONSTRATION
C). SALVATION
INTRODUCTION
THE INCARNATION
The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ was an incarnation. He was God who took the form of a human being. Even before his birth , the prophets revealed His name which signified his deity. When Jesus lived in this world , He was God living among men as a human being.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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JOHN 1:1 , 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
MATTHEW 1 :22-23
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
ISAIAH 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
THE MESSAGE
THE THREEFOLD PURPOSE OF THE INCARNATION
A). COMPREHENSION
The Lord Jesus , the Son of God , took the form of a human being in order for man to have a comprehension and an understanding of the nature of God and for God to experience every trial and tribulation faced by man. By looking at Jesus , man could understand the nature of God and remove all misunderstandings and false notions of God from his mind. God was not far away and beyond human reach and understanding. Through the incarnation , God dwelt among men and enabled man to comprehend God.
Through the incarnation , the Lord Jesus experienced the trials and tribulations and temptations faced by mankind. God was not far away without any comprehension of what mankind faced in this evil world. Jesus was tested in every way and yet lived without sin. Whatever sufferings we may face in our life . the Lord Jesus has faced it in an even greater way. Therefore He is a high priest who can sympathise and emphathise with our struggles and have compassion on us and shower us with His grace and mercy to meet every need in our lives.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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JOHN 1:18
No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
JOHN 14:7-11
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
HEBREWS 4: 14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
THE LORD JESUS WAS TESTED IN EVERY WAY JUST AS WE ARE
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JESUS SUFFERED FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS:
Often we are willing to suffer for our own benefit but let us learn to suffer for the benefit of others.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
JESUS SUFFERED BECAUSE OF HIS OWN PEOPLE THE JEWS:
Often our suffering can be caused by our own people and not by strangers.Jesus was persecuted not by the Romans but by the Jews.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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John 18:35
"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"
JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY HIS OWN DISCIPLE:
Often we may be betrayed by those close to us and who have benefitted much from us .Jesus was betrayed by one whom He had trained.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew:26:21
And while they were eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me."
JESUS WAS PLOTTED AGAINST BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS:
Often we may face attacks from those who are supposed to lead people in the ways of God.It was the priests who wanted to kill Jesus.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 26:3-5
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,
and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.
"But not during the festival," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
JESUS WAS HATED WITHOUT CAUSE:
Often we wonder what evil we have done to face so much hatred but let us remember that Jesus who did so much good was also hated thus.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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John 15:24-25
If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.
But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ’They hated me without reason.’
JESUS SUFFERED BECAUSE OF THE JEALOUSY OF PEOPLE:
Often we may face suffering purely because of the jealousy of people.Pilate discerned that the Jewish leaders were jealous of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Mark 15:10
For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
JESUS FACED INTENSE EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL AGONY:
Often we may face agonising periods of great suffering but no one has faced the agony of Jesus whose sweat came out as blood.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Luke 22:44
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
JESUS WAS DESERTED BY EVERYONE WHEN HE FACED DANGER:
Often we may feel left alone when we are in danger.Jesus was deserted by everyone when he was arrested and faced his enemies alone.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Mark 14:50
Then everyone deserted him and fled.
JESUS SUFFERED EVEN THOUGH HE WAS RIGHTEOUS AND INNOCENT:
Often we complain that we face suffering unjustly even though we are faithful and godly but let us remember that Jesus also faced it.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Luke 23:14-16
and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.
Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.
Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."
JESUS WAS TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL :
Often we may feel that we are treated like criminals and not like God’s children .Remember Jesus was crucified between thieves.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 26:55-56
In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.
But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Mark 15:27-28
With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left.
So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with the transgressors."
JESUS FACED FALSE ACCUSATIONS AND FALSE WITNESSES:
Often we may face false accusations and false witnesses but we are only following in the footsteps of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 26:59-60
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.
But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
JESUS WAS SILENT BEFORE THE FALSE ACCUSATIONS:
Often when we face false accusations we may want to defend ourselves vehemently but Jesus was silent and committed it to God.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 27:12-14
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.
Then Pilate asked him, "Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.
JESUS WAS REJECTED AND BARABAS WAS CHOSEN:
Often we may face rejection and someone with dubious credentials may be preferred.A murderer was chosen instead of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 27:20-23
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered.
"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!"
"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
JESUS WAS SPAT UPON AND BUFFETED:
Often we may face abuse and pain but remember Jesus the Son of God was spat upon and buffeted.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 26:67-68
Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
and said, "Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?"
JESUS WAS MOCKED AND RIDICULED:
Often we may be mocked and humiliated and we may be unable to stop it.Jesus was mocked and ridiculed by the soldiers.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 27:29-31
and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.
They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.
After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
JESUS WAS REVILED EVEN BY THOSE WHO PASSED BY:
Often we may be reviled even by irrelevant people who are not connected with us in any way.Even those who passed by reviled Jesus.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 27:39-43
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.
"He saved others," they said, "but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ’I am the Son of God.’"
’HE SAVED OTHERS HIMSELF HE COULD NOT SAVE’:
Often we may be mocked like Jesus.We help others and solve their problems but sometimes we are unable to solve our own problems.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 27:42
"He saved others," they said, "but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
’MY GOD ,MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?’ :
Often we may cry out in the same way but let us remember that the crucifixion was followed by the resurrection.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Matthew 27:46
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").
JESUS HAD A PAINFUL AND AGONISING DEATH:
Often we wish for peaceful end without any suffering but let us remember that Jesus died in great agony and suffering.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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John 19:16-17
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
’IF THEY DO THIS TO THE GREEN TREE WHAT ABOUT THE DRY TREE’
Often we may wonder why we face so much suffering but Jesus already predicted that this would happen to His followers also.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Luke 23:27-31
A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.
Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.
For the time will come when you will say, ’Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’
Then "’they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!"’
For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
’FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO’:
Often we may be tempted to retaliate when attacked but Jesus wants us to forgive those who persecute us in their ignorance.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
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Luke 23:34
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
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B). DEMONSTRATION
The Lord Jesus , the Son of God , took the form of a human being in order to demonstrate by his own example how we should live our lives in this world. Every commandment that the Lord has given us , He fulfilled it in his own life when He lived in this world. Through his own example , he demonstrated for us how to live a godly life and a fruitful life . He demonstrated the power of God in his own life and ministry by bringing healing and deliverance to the multitudes. He demonstrated a life of service and sacrifice. He is our prime example and model for us to follow.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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JOHN 14: 6 , 12
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
HEBREWS 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
1 PETER 2 : 21-23
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
THE EXEMPLARY LIFE OF JESUS
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SPIRITUAL BIRTH
The Lord has chosen us to be tranformed into the image of Jesus. Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit. Therefore the first key to a victorious life is to be born of the Spirit. The born again experience is the first step to a victorious life.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Matthew 1:20
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:35
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
You should not be surprised at my saying, ˜You must be born again.
SPIRITUAL POWER
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit without measure which was the secret of his power. Jesus did not strive to live his life and fulfill his ministry with human strength. Therefore we must be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to such a victorious life and be a blessing in this world.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Matthew 3:16-17
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
John 3:36
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Luke 4;14,18,19
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
SPIRITUAL MATURITY
Jesus experienced continous growth and increase in his life from his childhood. Therefore we must be constantly growing in our spiritual life in order to have a life of victory.Those remaining stagnant in walk with God cannot walk in victory. We must grow in grace in order to accomplish great things for God.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Luke 2:40,52
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
I Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
1 Corinthians 15;9-10
For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
SUPPLICATION
Jesus had a strong and powerful prayer life. His strength came from his intimate fellowship with God where he received all his guidance and empowerment. We need such a prayer life in order to live a victorious life. We must pray according to the pattern that the Lord has taught us. Our prayers can save our nation from the wrath of God and bring great blessings to our nation.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Luke 11:1
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
Luke 5:16
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Matthew 14:23
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Mark 6:46
After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Luke 9:18
Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"
Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Matthew 6:5-13
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
I Timothy 2:1-5
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--
for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, "
II Chronicles 7:13-14
"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people,
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
James 5:16-18
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. "
Ezekiel 22:23-31
" Again the word of the LORD came to me:
"Son of man, say to the land, ’You are a land that has had no rain or showers in the day of wrath.’
There is a conspiracy of her princes within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her.
Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.
Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain.
Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, ’This is what the Sovereign LORD says’-when the LORD has not spoken.
The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice.
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.
So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."
Isaiah 59:12-18
"For our offenses are many in your sight,and our sins testify against us.Our offenses are ever with us,and we acknowledge our iniquities:
rebellion and treachery against the LORD,turning our backs on our God,fomenting oppression and revolt,uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
So justice is driven back,and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets,honesty cannot enter.
Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no one,he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.
He put on righteousness as his breastplate,and the helmet of salvation on his head;he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
According to what they have done,so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due. "
SCRIPTURES
Jesus was deeply grounded in the word of God . He was well versed in the scriptures and in his understanding of the revelation of the word of God. He spoke the word of God with authority and power. He knew everything that the scriptures had revealed about Himself. He answered the devil and his opponents using the scriptures.We need such strong foundation in the scriptures in order to live victoriously. We need a deep hunger for the word of God.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Matthew 7:28-29
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Mattheww 22:33
When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.
Mark 1:21-22
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.
The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Mark 11:18
The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
Luke 4:31-32
Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people.
They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
Luke 24:27 ,44-45
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Luke 2:41-47
Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.
After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.
When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "It is written: ’Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ "
Matthew 4:7
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: ’Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ "
Matthew 4:10
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ’Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ "
Matthew 21:13
"It is written," he said to them, " ’My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ’den of robbers.’ "
Matthew 26:24
The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " ’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
Luke 20:17
Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: " ’The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone ’ ?
Luke 22:37
It is written: ’And he was numbered with the transgressors’ ; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."
John 10:34
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, ’I have said you are gods’ ?
2 Timothy 3:14-17
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,
and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 Peter 2:1-3
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Hosea 4:6
my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
SINLESS LIFE
Jesus never fell in sin. He always overcame temptation and lived a sanctified life. We need such a sanctified life in order to be victorious . A life of falling in temptation cannot produce victory.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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John 8:46
Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.
Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,
where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
Jesus answered, "It is written: ’Man does not live on bread alone.’"
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.
So if you worship me, it will all be yours."
Jesus answered, "It is written: ’Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’"
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here.
For it is written: " ’He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’"
Jesus answered, "It says: ’Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’"
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
for it is written: ' Be holy, because I am holy.'
SELF-EFFACEMENT
Jesus lived a life of humility. Therefore God highly exalted him. We need such a humility for God to lift us and use us for his glory.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Phillipians 2:5-11
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the earth.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
I Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Mattthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mark 10:43-44
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
SLOGGED LABOUR
Jesus worked hard in the ministry. He travelled much and sometimes had no time even to eat. There can be no victory in our life and ministry without hard work and toil.Anyone who is not willing to toil and labour has no hope of victory and success in life. Jesus did not lead an easy and lazy life. We must love the Lord with all our strength.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Matthew 4:23
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 9:35
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Mark 1:39
So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Luke 8:1
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,
Luke 13:22
Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.
Mark 6:31
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
John 4:34
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
John 9:4
As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
SPOILED WORKS OF THE DEVIL.
Jesus was constantly destroying the works of the devil and delivering people from the bondage of satan. A life of victory is possible only when we are willing to destroy the works of Satan. We must not be living in fear of the devil. As long as we tolerate his works in our life we cannot live in victory. But we must be submitted to God before we can excercise authority over the devil .Otherwise we may face disastrous consequences.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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I John 3:8
He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
I Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Acts 19:11-17
God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,
so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out."
Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
(One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
SURRENDERED LIFE
Jesus lived a life of total dedication to God. He did not live with a divided heart nor did he withhold any part of his life. He was obedient even to the point of death. A life of victory is not possible without a total surrender of our life. A partial commitment will only result in a life of failure and defeat.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
John 5:30
By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'
Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'
Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Luke 14:25-27
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
'If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters ,yes, even their own life, such a person cannot be my disciple.
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 17:33
Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
Matthew 10:37-39
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Luke 9:62
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
SUFFERING
Jesus faced much suffering and opposition during his life. We need to be willing to endure sufferings and face battles in order to live a life of victory.A life of victory means a life of battles. There is no victory if there is no battle.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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I Peter 2:21-24
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Hebrews 12:3-4
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Matthew 10:22
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Acts 9:15-16
But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'
Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ, yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Proverbs 24:10
If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
SIGHT OF ETERNITY
Jesus did not live for this world. He did not long for the glories and pleasures of this world. He lived with eternity in sight.A life of victory is possible only to those who have eternity in mind in all their desires ,motives and activities. We must focus on the eternal rewards awaiting us for our service and sufferings. A preoccupation with the pleasures of this life will confuse our priorities and we will spend our time and energy chasing the vanities of life and end up having wasted our life. Therefore a life of victory requires a vision of eternity.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 26:64
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
II Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him,he will also disown us;
Romans 8:16-18
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
MATTHEW 5:10-12
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "
JAMES 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
REVELATION 2:10
" Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. "
MARK 10:28-30
Then Peter spoke up, "We have left everything to follow you!"
"Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel
will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--along with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:19
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
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C). SALVATION
The Lord Jesus , the Son of God , took the form of a human being in order to provide salvation for mankind. According to the law , without shedding of blood , there is no forgiveness of sin. Since all have sinned , no one was worthy to offer their blood as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore the Lord Jesus because of His great love for mankind , took the form of a human being and lived a sinless life and offered his blood as a sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. The blood of animals had failed to change the hearts of sinful men . Therefore God entered into a new covenant with man through the sacrificial death of His Son . The blood of Jesus washes away our sins and transforms our heart. Therefore since Jesus became a man in order to offer his body and his blood as a sacrifice for the salvation of mankind , we must offer our body and our lives as a living sacrifice to fulfill the will of God in our lives.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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HEBREWS 9:22
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
HEBREWS 10:5 , 10
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
ROMANS 12: 1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
SALVATION THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS
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CLEANSING
The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. We have been redeemed from the power of sin and satan by the blood of Jesus. We experience the riches of the grace of God through the shed blood of Jesus. We had no right to demand that Jesus should die for our sins . It was the sheer unmerited grace and favour of God that He gave His Son to die and shed His blood of the remission of our sins. We must acknowledge our sins and ask His forgiveness and the blood of Jesus will cleanse us from all sins.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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EPHESIANS 1:7
" In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace "
I JOHN 1:7-9
" But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
COST
The blood of Jesus is the cost of our salvation . We have not been redeemed with perishable gold or silver. We have delivered from sin and satan by the priceless blood of Jesus . Therefore we are very precious to God since He has paid such an enormous price to purchase us. We must always realise that great price that has been paid to redeem us and be careful not to do anything to jeopardise or salvation.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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I PETER 1:18-19
" For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. "
HEBREWS 2:3
" how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. "
PHILIPPIANS 2:12
" Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, "
HEBREWS 6:4-6
" It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age,
if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. "
CONFIDENCE
The blood of Jesus gives us the courage and confidence to enter the presence of God . Since the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all sin , we can enter the very throne room of God with full assurance of faith and confidence and receive the mercy and grace that we need in our lives. We need not feel unworthy in the presence of God or feel that we do not deserve any blessing from God . Through the blood of Jesus we can ask God with confidence and receive all the blessings that God has in store for us.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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HEBREWS 10:19-23
" Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. "
HEBREWS4:14-16
" Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. "
CONNECTION
The blood of Jesus has established a connection between God and man and between heaven and earth . The seperation between heaven and earth has bridged by the blood of Jesus. We now have an access to heaven . Our prayers can reach heaven and the answers from heaven can reach us . The blood of Jesus has brought a reconciliation between God and man and the divine connection has been re-established.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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COLOSSIANS 1:20
" and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. "
CONQUEST
The blood of Jesus gives us victory over all the power of the devil. Jesus disarmed all the satanic powers and authorities and triumphed over them by the cross . Satan thought he could destroy Jesus by crucifying Him. But God had an amazing secret plan that through the cross , Jesus would completely triumph over satan. If satan and the rulers of this world had understood this secret plan of the wisdom of God, they would not have crucified Jesus. Now through the blood of Jesus we can victory over all the power of the devil. We need not fear any of attacks of the enemy because the blood of Jesus has already defeated satan and through the blood of Jesus we can have victory over the devil.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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COLOSSIANS 2:15
" And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
REVELATION 12:11
" They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. "
I CORINTHIANS 2:7-8
" No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. "
CHARACTER
The blood of Jesus is the price paid by God to puchase us . Therefore we no longer belong to us . We belong to God . Therefore we have a responsibility to reveal His character in our lives . Our body and our spirit must glorify God. Our lives must be free from the sins of the flesh and the sins of the spirit . We must not displease God in order to please man. We must stay away from the works of the flesh and display the fruit of the Spirit in our lives . Because we belong to Christ , we must crucify the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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I CORINTHIANS 6:20
" Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. "
I CORINTHIANS 7:23
" You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. "
GALATIANS 5:19-24
" The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."
COVENANT
The blood of Jesus has made a covenant with us . The relationship between us and God is not a casual one. We are in a covenant relationship with God. This is a covenant made with the precious blood of Jesus. It is infinitely higher and stronger than all the covenants of this world that are made with pen and ink. We have a blood covenant relationship with God. The Lord will always be faithful to His covenant. We must also be faithful to the covenant relationship we have with God which has been sealed with the blood of Jesus. It is a very serious offence when we break the covenant we have with God and go away from Him in pursuit of our selfish desires .The Holy communion which we partake in church is a reminder of this covenant and we must partake in it with solemnity and reverence understanding the significance of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the cross of calvary and the covenant He has established with us.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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MATTHEW 26:26-28
" While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. "
I CORINTHIANS 11:23-30
" For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. "
HEBREWS 10:26-31
" If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,
but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."
It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. "
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