Our Position in God’s Kingdom
A. About God’s Kingdom(Domain / Reign)
–Luke 4:43 Shows that Jesus was sent to preach the good news of the kingdom of God ✓✓
—Heaven is mentioned about 700 times throughout the Bible, and in 44 of the 66 Biblical books.
–Levels:
3. Third Heaven .✓
–Rev 12:7, Luke 10:18, Isaiah 14:13-14 – Satan was cast out -of this heaven–
–God Himself dwells in the third Heaven. This was the paradise of which Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 . It’s the “Heaven of Heavens” according to Moses in Deut. 10:14.
“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” (Deut 10:14)
-Psalm 103:19 says, “The Lord has established His throne in the Heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.”
-Rev 4
– Jesus taught His disciples to pray saying, “Our Father in Heaven,” referring to the third and highest Heaven. (Matt 6:9)
–In fact, Deuteronomy 10:14 refers to all three in one verse: “Behold, to the Lord your God belong Heaven (#2) and the Heaven of Heavens (#3), the earth and all that is in it (#1).”
2.-Second Heaven /The Universe –Psalm 19:1-6 “The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”
–Refers to the influence of the sun and moon on our planet. There are an infinite number of stars and galaxies.
—Jesus referred to the second Heaven in Matt. 24:29, saying “…the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from Heaven, and the powers of the Heavens will be shaken.”
(Ref: Prince of Persia)
1. First Heaven — Isaiah 55:10. (The atmosphere surrounding our planet. It extends as far as 300 miles into space and refers to the sky. This deals with clouds, birds, oxygen and the gasses that make life here possible. No other planet exists with an atmosphere like ours).
## A BELIEVER POSITION IN CHRIST ##
–Seated with Christ in 3rd Heaven
–Ephesians 1:3-8, 9-11, 19-23 (NLT)
v13-14 God identifies us as his own by his Holy Spirit, who’s also a guarantor for our inheritance.
–Ephesians 2:1-10
–Ephesians 3:10-12, 14-21
…………………………
#How Kingdom Citizens Live# Part 1
–We plan for this life but fail to plan for eternity
–He who makes provision for this life, but fails to make provision for life in eternity is wise for a moment, but a fool forever.
Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
Because Jesus had the attitude of a Servant:
[9] Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
••(God’s kingdom extends to the 3 heavens, the earth and under the earth/Hell).
✓Ephesians 4:7-10 CEV, EASY
✓Philippians 3:18-21 NLT
[18] For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. [20] But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. [21] He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
✓✓✓We have been given the Keys
Matthew 16:19 NKJV
[19] And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
(Recap of our Position in Ephesians )✓
#Ephesians Chapter 1#
v3 –We are blessed in the spiritual realm because we are united with Christ.
v5–Even before creation, God planned for our adoption into his family and this gave him GREAT PLEASURE.
v7 Our freedom/adoption and forgiveness of sin was purchased through the blood of Jesus.
v9-11 We received an inheritance and everything is working in God’s plan
v9 (NIV) he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, [10] to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
v13 When you believed you were marked in him with a SEAL, the promised Holy Spirit who’s a DEPOSIT GUARANTEEING our inheritance.
##Paul’s First Prayer##
v15 – 23:
v17 God to give you spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better.
v18 The eyes of your heart to be opened so that you can know the hope he has called us and how glorious is our inheritance.
v19-20 That we may understand the great power at work in us – the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand in the HEAVENLY REALM…………v21 (NIV) far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. v22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, v23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
#Ephesians Chapter 2#
v1-2 Though we were dead in sin when we were obeying the devil – who’s the commander of the unseen evil world.
v4-6 In his reach mercy God raised us from death to life with Christ and SEATED US with him in the HEAVENLY REALM.
v7 We are the reference point of God’s incredible mercies and kindness for all ages because we now belong to Christ.
v8 We are saved by grace, for we didn’t deserve it
v10 We are God’s masterpiece, created a new in Christ Jesus to do good works which he planned long ago.
v11-18 Two groups becoming one Group:
Jews and Gentiles have become one through the blood of Jesus. He removed the wall of hostility that separated us, and now we are part of God’s promises. Now we have God and hope. We can all come to God through the Holy Spirit.
Having known all this we are confident that:
v19 Because of our adoption, we are no longer foreigners and strangers in God’s kingdom, but citizens.
(Citizenship by adoption)
v20-22 God’s House/Temple
–We are that house (both Jews and Gentiles).
–That house is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Jesus being the corner stone.
–We are all joined together becoming a HOLY TEMPLE for God.
–We are part of God’s dwelling through his spirit.
••(Isaiah 57:15 – “For this is what the high and exalted One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”)))
Ephesians Chapter 3
v1-9
–God’s mystery revealed that Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus are one body, and receive God’s blessings.
v9 God chose Paul to tell Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them through Christ.
###########
••Ephesians 3:10-11 NLT
v10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. v11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
••Ephesians 3:12-13 NLT
v12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. v13 So please don’t lose heart because of my TRIALS here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.
(Paul made a lot of prayers for the church while in prison).
###In trials, Jesus is exalted and magnified###
✓Philippians 1:20-24 NLT
[20] For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. [21] For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. [22] But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. [23] I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. [24] But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
###Paul’s Second Prayer###
Ephesians 3:14 – 21
–When he thinks of these incredible promises and mystery revealed, he kneels down before the father of the family in heaven and on earth.
–Prays that they be strengthened in their inner being by God’s spirit………,
v17 Then Christ will make his HOME in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you STRONG.
v18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how WIDE, how LONG, how HIGH, and how DEEP his love is.
v19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made COMPLETE with all the FULLNESS of LIFE and POWER that comes from God.
v20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
v21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
##Ephesians 4##
v1 Therefore live a life worthy of your calling , you have been called by God.
To do what?
Ephesians 1:4 – To be holy and blameless
Ephesians 2:10 – To do good works
Ephesians 4:2 – To be humble and gentle, and being patient/bearing with each other in love
v 3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
v 4-6 NLT
v4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. v5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, v6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
v7-16 ## Importance of Ministry Gifts##
–Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
v11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
v12 Their responsibility is to EQUIP God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
v13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Ephesians 4:14 NLT
v14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
##Paul’s prayer to the Philippians #
(My prayer too for this Church)
Philippians 1:9-11 EASY
[9] This is what I pray for you. I pray that you will continue to love each other more and more. I pray that you will know God better and better. I pray that you will understand all those things that are true. [10] Then you will be able to choose what is best in the way that you live. Then, on the day when Christ returns, you will be completely clean. You will not be guilty of any bad thing. [11] Because of the work that Jesus Christ has done in you, you will be right with God. And your lives will be full of good things. As a result, people will praise God and they will say that he is very great. served
##Living as Kingdom Citizens Part 2##
2 Timothy 3:16
##The Kings Mandate ##
–Make disciples for my kingdom —
–Matthew 28:18 – 20
•All authority in heaven and on earth
•What kind of disciples: believe, baptised, teachable
–Matthew 3:13-17 —
•Baptism of Jesus
b. –Ambassadors
–Ministers of reconciliation
–Triumphant procession
c. –Gods Workmanship for a Mission(Ephesians 2:10, Hosea 9:10), Priesthood & possession(Peter )
B. Living Like Kingdom Citizens
–Matthew 13:47-50 Parable of the Net
–Matthew 24:45-50 : Wise & faithful servant
https://www.
https://www.epm.org/resources/
••God is never without a witness
Beholding God’s Thrones Room
–Rev 4
–Exodus 24:9-11
–Is 6
Yahweh’s promise to Jacob from atop this mountain of stairs interprets the vision’s significance: “The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring . . . and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Gen 28:13–14).
From the land of Canaan and through the Abrahamic seed, God is restoring on earth a “gate” into the heavenly realm (28:17).
We find yet more evidence that God intends to once again overlap heaven and earth in the same space. One particularly intriguing story involves Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the 70 elders of Israel scaling Mount Sinai and there beholding God’s heavenly throne room.
Unable to look up at God’s face, their description of the heavenly throne room focuses primarily on its floor (cf. Ezek. 1:26; Rev. 4:6). The summit of Sinai is the floor of heaven. God, through Israel, is establishing a connection once again between heaven and earth.
Spaces where heaven and earth overlap:
–Garden of Eden
–Moses on top of the mountain
–Jacob at Bethel
–High priest once a year (Hebrews 9:6-7)
–Psalms 2 – Hosts of heaven
1 Kings 2:22
Jesus, the king from heaven (Eph. 4:9; Rom. 10:6), descends to earth to be born of a woman (Gal. 4:4). In his own person Jesus unites heaven and earth, embodying the ultimate union of the two realms. The heavenly tabernacle and the earthly tabernacle find their ultimate significance in Christ, the Word become flesh who “tabernacles” among us (John 1:14). Here’s that fun little diagram one more time:
John 1:51 – Jesus here identifies himself as “Jacob’s ladder,” the new mountain-sanctuary who can unite the two realms. Heaven and earth now overlap not in a place but in a person
Jesus begins his ministry by telling his listeners to repent, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2; 4:17). Jesus’ call to repentance and declaration of the arrival of the kingdom of heaven is a shocking re-ordering of prophetic expectations. The anticipated eschatological union between heaven and earth has arrived not in the definitive, climactic moment at the end of time, but in the person and preaching of a Nazarene carpenter. Led by the heavenly king on earth, the heavenly kingdom invades earth.
You might be wondering: if the kingdom of heaven is here, then where are the outposts of heaven on earth? In the communities Jesus builds under his rule. In other words, in local churches. As individuals, Jesus’ followers are the people of heaven still living on earth. Our identity is a heavenly identity. Our lives glorify the Father “in heaven” (Matt. 5:16), we lay up treasures in “heaven” rather than earth (Matt. 6:20), our saving knowledge of Christ comes from heaven (Matt. 16:17), and we speak heaven’s judgments on earth (Matt. 18:18), all while praying for the day of consummation when God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10)
As we gather in local congregations in Jesus’ name, the King of heaven promises to be “there” in our midst (Matt. 18:20). As Christ’s people gather into local churches, they create access points between heaven and earth
Through Christ God has reconciled “to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Col. 1:20).
On account of Christ’s cross-work, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement, we are now citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20); we have access to Mount Zion, “the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb 12:22–24). And yet we still await the consummation of the union of heaven and earth.
On account of Christ’s cross-work, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement, we are now citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20); we have access to Mount Zion, “the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb 12:22–24). And yet we still await the consummation of the union of heaven and earth.
–Philippians 1:27
–Philippians 2:10 In heaven, on earth and under the earth.
–Philippians 3:19-21
••Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV
[6] And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, [7] in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
••Ephesians 3:10-11 NIV
[10] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11] according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
••Everything God does relates to his kingdom from creation upto the end of the time••
✓Gen 1:1 In the beginning
✓ Daniel 2:31-35, 44
How is the kingdom of God like?
✓Mark 4:26-29••
✓Romans 14:17***
✓1 Corinthians 4:20 /Acts 1:7-8
Jesus Ministry/Preaching::::
✓ Matthew 4:17, 23 *A change of heart is required to enter God’s kingdom**
✓Matthew 6:10•
✓Matthew 11:11-12 ***
✓ Mark 1:14-15•
✓ Luke 4:43•
✓ John 18:36-37
✓Luke 16:16
God’s kingdom is full of surprises:::
Luke 17:20-21 (He’s the kingdom)
Rev 14:14-20 – Harvesting the earth
Rev 21 New Heaven and Earth
Rev 22
He has hidden this things from the wise
Jesus Mandate of the Disciples::::
✓ Luke 9:1-2•
✓Luke 10:8-9•
✓Colossians 1:13-14
Who Will Enter?
✓Matthew 7:21-23•••
✓ Matthew 24:45-51 Faithful and wise servant•••
✓ Matthew 24:14 The End•••
1. The church is God’s family:
— God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (Ephesians 1:5 NLT)
2. Everything happens in God’s eternal plan for the benefit of the church.
–God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. v23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1:22-23 NLT)
3. The Church is God’s Masterpiece (The best of the very best) – The Bride of Christ.
— For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. –So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
v10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
(Ephesians 2:6-7, 10 NLT)
4. The Church is God’s Holy Temple
–Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. v21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. (Ephesians 2:20-21 NLT)
5. God’s Wisdom is displayed through the church
–God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. v11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:10-11 NLT).
6. No plan from Hell ever succeeded against the Church.
–And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18 NKJV)
7. Whoever fights the Church, fights the owner
v1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.
v3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. v4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” v5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! (Acts 9:1, 3-5 NLT)
8. The destiny of the enemies of the cross is Destruction
–
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. v19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
(Philippians 3:18-19 NIV)–If anyone does not love the Lord [does not obey and respect and believe in Jesus Christ and His message], he is to be accursed. Maranatha (O our Lord, come)! (1 Corinthians 16:22 AMP)
##You cannot love Christ and Hate his True church##…………………………………………………………………………….Every kingdom is administered through covenants
Every kingdom demands loyalty: Adam failed the loyalty test when he disobeyed God.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Structure and Principles of God’s Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
1. King_Priest
Duties of a Priest: Mediation/Confession
Hebrews 3:1 NKJV – Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
–Heavenly Altar:
••Rev 6:9-11, 8:3,16:7
A). Ephod: Exodus 28:6-14✓✓
–Isaiah 53:4-5 ✓
–1 Peter 2:24✓
B). Briestpiece: Exodus 28:15-30 **(v15, 29-30)
v29 “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. v30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.
••Hebrews 6:19-20 – We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, [20] where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a HIGH PRIEST FOREVER, in the order of Melchizedek.
••Hebrews 7:1-2, 6 – [1] This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, [2] and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” [3] Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
[6] This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
(Ref: Gen 14:18-20).
••Hebrews 7:20, 24, 25 – And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,
[24] but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. [25] Therefore he is able to SAVE completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to INTERCEDE for them.
••Hebrews 7:27 – Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he OFFERED himself. (v28 He bacame a High Priest by Oath, and not by law).
Hebrews 8:1-2 NIV – [1] Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, [2] and who serves in the sanctuary, the TRUE TABERNACLE set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
**Rev 1:10-18 [Priesthood of Jesus in heaven]***
## About the Earthly Priests:
Hebrews 8:5-6 NIV
[5] They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” [6] But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
##Christ Blood / Sacrifice
Hebrews 9:24 NIV
[24] For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered HEAVEN itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.
v12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place ONCE FOR ALL by his OWN BLOOD, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
Hebrews 10:12-14 – But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, [13] and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. [14] For by ONE SACRIFICE he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#Therefore,
Hebrews 10:19-25 – [19] Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a NEW and LIVING WAY opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
##Sacrifices of Faith:
••1 Peter 2:5 NIV [5] you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
••Hebrews 11:4 NLT✓✓ (A)
– It was by FAITH that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
••Hebrews 11:6 NLT
And it is impossible to please God without FAITH. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
••Hebrews 11:1-2 NLT
[1] FAITH shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. [2] Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
##Cost of a sacrifice #✓✓ (B)
But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.
*2 Samuel 24:24 NLT* (1 Chronicles 21:22).
Araunah was a generous man and had offered to give out his threshing floor to King David. But David knew that that any good sacrifice presented to the Lord has a cost and therefore offered to pay the full amount.
When you choose to give God the best, there is always a reward of abundance that comes your way. Giving the best to God shows how much you esteem Him over and above material things.✓✓
1. Tithes (Helps us to lives of gratitude, acknowledging God as the giver of everything).
–What Jesus said about tithes: Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42 (Don’t practice one while neglecting the latter).
–Blessings of tithing: Malachi 3:8-11, ✓✓ (C)
–Those that received Tithe: Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20), Levites (Leviticus 27:28-32), and Jesus our high priest
–Motive matters most under grace: (Matt 5:21,27, Luke 21:1-4)
–Love compels us under grace; we don’t need the law to tithe, but a RELATIONSHIP. You don’t give children gifts under any law, but out of a RELATIONSHIP.
2. Seed /Offerings (Are freewill) under the principle of sowing and reaping (Luke 6:38, Exodus 35:5,29, Deut 16:10, Deut 23:23, 1 Chronicles 29:1-20, Mark 4:8, Eccl 11:6, Luke 21:1-4, Ps 126:5-6)
••
3.First Fruits (Deut 14:22, Proverbs 3:9-10, Exodus 23:19, Lev 2;14, 23:40, Nehemiah 10:36.
4. Alms Giving (Compassion and Sympathy to the less fortunate). Matthew 6:1-4, Proverbs 3:27-28, 11:24-26 (MSG) 14:21, 21:13 19:18, 22:9, 25:14, 28:8, James 2:14-17, Gal 6, Ps 113:5, Titus 3:4, Hebrews 13:16, Matthew 6:1-4, Acts 10:1-4, Luke 3:11, Romans 12:8, Deut 15:10-11,
••Psalms 112:9 (NLT),
5. Giving under grace: Moving from a sense of DUTY to a sense of DELIGHT because of the finished work.
–Life of grace is a life of giving. Not how much do I have to give, but how can I live generously for God’s glory.
–A life of knowing that we reap reap in PROPORTION to what we sow (2 Cor 9:6) and we shall give an account (Romans 14:12)
2 Corinthians 8:7, 9:7-9.
6. Spiritual Account: Philippians
##Where should you give your offerings: The source of your spiritual food ( 1 Corinthians 9:11-12, 13). That there may be food (Evangelism, development, Widows etc).
##Sacrifices are made from an Altar##
–A sacred place for sacrifices and gifts offered up to God.
–A designated place where a person consecrates himself to someone or something.
–It is still part of congregational or individual worship to God.
–Heavenly altar, ambassadorial altars and counterfeit altars.
##Priestley Preparations for Offerings##
••Exodus 30:17 – 21#
–A bronze basin with water for the priests to wash their feet and hands before entering into the tabernacle to minister.
–Genesis 15:11 Abraham prepared the sacrifices, was chasing vultures. (Demolishing strongholds). ✓✓✓ (D)
–No altar without the blood
##Status##
The fire on the altar was not permitted to go out ( Leviticus 6:9 ).
–Elijah repaired the altar
(1 Kings 18:31–32). It was on this rebuilt altar that God rained down fire and put the Baal-worshipers to shame (verses 38–39).
–Blessings of the law (Acknowledging God as the giver).
##Transaction at the Altar ##
In the stark and moving story of Abraham’s encounter with God at Moriah, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it ( Gen 22:9 ). After Isaac was laid on the altar, but before he was sacrificed, God proclaimed his recognition that Isaac had “not [been] withheld.” By placing Isaac on the altar, Abraham transferred him from the profane to the sacred.
–Genesis 8:20 Covenant of rainbow
— The act of sacrifice moved the offering from the profane to the sacred, from the visible to the invisible world. By this action the worshiper sealed a contract with God.
–In Revelation the altar in the heavenly temple shelters martyred souls and even speaks ( Rev 16:7 ).
–Jesus underlined the sacredness of the altar, making clear his understanding that the altar “makes the gift sacred” ( Matt 23:19 )
— Hebrews (13:10) implies that the ultimate altar is the cross. Here divine and human interchange is consummated. The cross becomes the sanctuary of the believer, providing protection from the penalties of sin.
–Malachi 1:7 Vs Genesis 8:20
##Eternal Account – Philippians 4:
Titus 3:14 NIV
[14] Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
##Cost##
…………………………
–Tithing and offerings are not just obligations, but joyful expressions of faith and trust in God’s provision – Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
••True Freedom Has Guidelines ••
I am not under the LAW is a common saying today. But, which Law?? The law of the SPIRIT unto LIFE or the law of SIN & DEATH? [Romans 8:2]
–Jesus came to fulfill all that which the Law of Moses FORESHADOWED [Matthew 5:17-18].
°°Purpose of the Mosaic Law:
— For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. [Romans 3:20 NLT]
**The law shows man his need of a saviour**
°°Why, then, was the law given?
–It was given ALONGSIDE THE PROMISE to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only UNTIL the coming of the child who was promised. [Galatians 3:19 NLT]
[The purpose of the MOSAIC law was to keep – as a guardian/trustee/custodian – a sinful people in the way of salvation until Christ (the seed/heir) came, inheriting the promises God made to Abraham by OATH and distributing them to us. God’s GRACIOUS covenant with Abraham was based on the promise and not on the law which came 430 years later.
[Galatians 3:18, 4:18, Hebrews 6:13- 16].
–Before the way of FAITH in Christ was available to us, we were placed under GUARD by the law. We were kept in protective CUSTODY, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. [Galatians 3:23 NLT]
–That is: The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through FAITH. And now that the WAY OF FAITH has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. [Galatians 3:24-25 NLT]
✓✓Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.[Galatians 3:14 NLT]
°°The Law of Christ/Spirit SAYS:
— Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [Galatians 6:2 NIV]
–For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death. [Romans 8:2 AMP]
°°The GREAT INVITATION to cross over from the law of Sin & Death into the Law of the Spirit/Christ (GOD’S SAVING GRACE):
–Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light. [Matthew 11:28-30 AMP]
***DOING HIS WILL & NOT ONES WILL***
–Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” [Matthew 22:37, 39-40 NLT, Galatians 5:-13-14, Luke 6;31, Phil 2:3, Rom 12:15]
✓The law of the SPIRIT unto LIFE (Saving Grace) leads to OBEDIENCE. [Titus 2:11]✓
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