THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; KOINONIA

2 Corinthians 13:14 The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

2 Corinthians 13:14 AMP

The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the presence and fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (so be it).

2 Corinthians 13:14 AMPC

Look at this singular verse, every (Nigerian) Christian knows this by heart. If I say The Grace, we all know what next. No need to open bible

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all now and forever.

This was Paul's closing blessings in his second letter to the Corinthians.

And while we've gotten so used to this passage, somehow we do not understand its true meaning as so many of us do not walk in

The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the presence and fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (so be it).

2 Corinthians 13:14 AMPC

Here we see an appearance of The trinity in a blessing to the church.

I'm not sure there is any other blessing that has this in the new testament.

Paul prays first for the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with them.

This is only accessible of course to those who believe in Christ and have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour.

This Grace is given only by the sacrifice on the cross.

This will mean all believers have access to it.

The love of God

This is the cord holding it all. It is the anchor

It is why we have Grace through Christ Jesus. Love is what bought it all. Sweet part? This love is for all of mankind and revealed through Christ Jesus

The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

MSG says it is the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit

KJV calls it communion

AMPC says it is not just communion/fellowship, it is expatiated into a Sharing together and participation

The word communion is Koinonia in Greek and it simply means fellowship.

Let's branch to our concordance a bit please

G2842Greek: κοινωνία

Transliteration: koinōnía

Pronunciation: koy-nohn-ee'-ah 

 ----------

 Description: from κοινωνός(G2844); partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction:

Translation: (to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship.

Just look at what we are meant to be having with the Holy Spirit. 

We've been given Grace through the love of the Father. We've also been blessed with the presence (indwelling) of the spirit inside of us as a seal of our faith.

But you see fellowship? This one that Paul is talking about, it doesn't just fall on us like Grace. We do not just find ourselves in it, no.

It requires participation. Intimate friendship doesn't just happen, it is built by efforts from both parties of this friendship

Fellowship is companionship which means to share life together. We've been called to share life together with the spirit.

He shares God's life (thoughts, mind, action, will emotions etc) with us and vice versa.

It's something so personal and beautiful. We freely interact and discuss with the Holy Spirit. Now note that this is not just Paul's advice or prayer

This is God's wish. God wants us to participate in this fellowship.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–

John 14:16 AMPC

And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you. 

John 14:16‭ TPT

If we scroll up this chapter, we will see that Jesus had told his disciples He was leaving them.

They will not get to see Him and speak with Him daily as they used to.

All the inside gist they used to get, seems like it'd be cut off.

Jesus was leaving!

The disciples of course would not have felt good. What is the verse before the promise of the spirit?

If you love me, you will obey my commands. There is definitely a direct link to this. Fellowship with the spirit spurs us into obedience!

“I will not leave you all alone like orphans. I will come back to you. “I have told you all these things while I am with you. But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.

John 14:18‭, ‬25‭-‬26 ERV

Whatever it is the disciples thought they'd miss out on due to Jesus leaving, the spirit will be sent and that gap closed. I love the part where Jesus says He lives with you and will be in you

The easiest person to communicate is with someone that lives in the same room with you

My parents advice that married couples sleep in the same room, cos it's easier to resolve conflict.

There is no way you want to fight for a long time with someone you are living in the same room with for long. You will sha communicate

Now imagine one living inside of you. He will be in you!

There is an automatic expectation of communication.

Interactive Spiritual communication is one essential part of Fellowship of the Holy spirit.

We hear whispers of His will

His mind and stance dropped into our thoughts/mind

God's emotions showed to us.

The Holy Spirit is to reveal the deep things of God and it happens only from the place of fellowship.

In fact, this fellowship is "life" to us.

It is the link between the creator and that which is created.

We have a relationship with God as sons already. The Holy spirit is our means of communication in this relationship.

How?

Fellowship!

In fact Jesus mentioned in John 16:7

Let me assure you, it is better for you that I go away. I say this because when I go away I will send the Helper to you. But if I did not go, the Helper would not come.

John 16:7 ERV

This is how much value and importance Christ placed on fellowship.

Note the word used here is Helper and it describes beyond the indwelling of the spirit as a seal.

It denotes a link, a special help to reach God.

So important that Christ had to go

Actually, this is why Christ died too

At the beginning, God intended fellowship and it was cut off/limited after the fall of man.

God sent His only son to die so you can have fellowship!

Fellowship with Him

And while we are here on earth, we will have to do this through the Holy Spirit.

Now back to the Corinthians and Paul's letter to them.

These letters to the Corinth Church  were filled with strong corrections.

The Corinth Church had all the gifts of the spirit.

Them dey manifest die

But there was a huge problem: Carnality

How do you have the spirit and have outward expressions of Carnality? Hmmmm

I for pretend to not understand this o. But you see, a lot of us believers are very much like the church in Corinth (even worse)

I cannot imagine Paul writing letters to our generation today😂😂.

The church in Corinth had a huge problem 

Na dem sleep with their papa wife, fornicate pass, full of carnality pass

Their problem was indeed plenty and one thing we'd notice in the the letters to the Corinth Church was the emphasis on the help of the spirit.

Should we study well, we will see exactly why Paul ended with this prayer.

The church in Corinth had a Carnality problem majorly because there was a deficiency in Fellowship with the Spirit.

Koinonia missing!

(Note that operating in the gifts of the spirit do not equate fellowship! It is from this Fellowship of the Holy Spirit that transformation happens for a believer. This is the location where we are changed)

[So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents].

1 John 1:6 AMPC

You want to know the extent of your fellowship? It's in your lives. The thoughts on your mind, the things you do when no one is watching

All what the Corinth Church did wrong, it pointed to one thing: A need to fellowship more

In fact, Paul had to close his letter by praying that need for them. That this fellowship it will be with you people forever o.

I use myself as an example on this so much

"Stop sinning"

If you like make vow to God with your life, na lie. Tomorrow you will go back. Because it is not your integrity that keeps you

It is fellowship. It shows us the way and helps us to walk in truth. The spirit, the one who is Help, He provides Help as we fellowship.

I hardly ever tell people stop fornicating, stop doing this or that (Except it's a direct instruction from God).

Infact, I never focus on the stop

My focus is Fellowship; Koinonia. This is where all the change happens without stress. This is as valid for us as it was for the church in Corinth

How does this change happen? 

God rubs off on us in fellowship. Literally!

This invitation to fellowship is forever open to us.

And now more than before, there is an urgency for us believers to fellowship with God (especially for such a time as this).

God wants to reveal His thoughts and mind to us. He wants us to feel His heartbeat and know His emotions at all times.

Is God happy about xyz? Sometimes I'm fellowshipping and I just see God's smile. 

Here’s the one thing I crave from God, the one thing I seek above all else: I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house, finding the sweet loveliness of his face, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to live my life so close to him that he takes pleasure in my every prayer.

Psalms 27:4 TPT

True fellowship goes both ways. Thing is, the Holy spirit is already inside of you for this reason looking forward to every intimate moment.

The spirit craves this more than you know. This is one of the major reasons for His existence in you

Whatever it is you are struggling with as a believer, take your eyes off it, take you mind off it.

That sin? That struggle? Ignore it. You actually can't do anything about them on your own. You will end up struggling more and more. 

Why not just focus on being with the spirit instead? Leave those things and shift your attention to fellowship

Take the hand the spirit extends to you for fellowship and begin. 

Let us pray

May the grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the presence and fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit be with us all from this day forever more.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

During prayers this week, the Lord drew our attention to the creation story and explained some things to us. We will be taking it up from there today

In the beginning God ( Elohim)  created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and  He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness.

Genesis 1:1‭-‬4 AMP

First, the earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness and there was darkness

Then God looked and said Let there be light. So there was light and God saw that the light was good.

First, what does light do?

It helps to see properly.

If I come into a room that is dark (a wasteland as the earth was described), I will need light to move around

Here, we see God's first reaction in the face of darkness: Let there be light

It is calling forth "sight"

But I found out something this week, that it is not just calling forth sight. It goes beyond this

Let's go back to Genesis again. It says after God created light, He saw that light was good.

Now, the earth was described as a wasteland; empty, void and filled with darkness.

If I throw light upon this, the wasteland, emptiness and voidness remain. In fact, they are magnified in the presence of light.

You see more clearly.

That is what light does, it helps you to see more clearly.

Whenever I'm too lazy to do my home cleaning, I put off the light cos light helps me to see how much cleaning I need to stand up and do right away. Darkness hides it just a little bit

So if God says let there be light, what is automatically shown as this light is switched on is the state of the earth: void, wasteland, empty, etc.

How can this be good?

As we prayed this week, the spirit of the Lord drew my attention to this:

That beyond sight, the light was vision

You see, sight is limited to that which we see around us. Vision is the ability to see farther than your eyes can see.

When God saw the light that it was good, what He saw was vision. All the earth was about to be (they already were in His sight)

He wasn't seeing emptiness, voidness or wastelands, no!

What He saw was Good. He saw the Earth and all of creation even before they were created!

There was a visualization of that which was then unseen. And it was Good!

It was this vision that allowed God to know what was next. What the fields should look like, where the sky should stay, the placing of the moons and the stars etc. He didn't have to think or do trial and error because He had seen.

Also note that, God did not have a template for creation (Except that which He saw).

The only thing that had a template in creation was man, and the template is God (Man was made in the image of God)

So there was no sight whatsoever that looked like what the Lord envisioned and called forth

He had not seen a version of earth or something that could be a foundation for this earth that He was about to call forth but yet He saw. The earth at that point also did not look anything like what He saw, but there was a possibility of an unknown because He saw

Even before man was created, for every "it was good", man appeared in the picture. The vision of course included the interactability possibilities of all things to be created

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].

Proverbs 29:18 AMP

Where there is no vision, the people perish. We are only carried as far as we can see. We cannot move beyond our sight

We are as big/great as our vision. I'm going to chip this in from the prayers before we proceed.

We talked about the creation and man being made with the template, God

And because man is made with the template called God, some functionaries got called into this creation called man.

So man has the creative ability of God.

You have the DNA of God, so you have the creative ability of God.

What does it mean to be creative? The ability to bring things to life.

In design, a lot of people work with already built templates/existing products and improve on it.

In fact, most of the things we see are improvements on that which already exist.

But for the man in Christ (because we've been returned to status quo), we can bring the unexisting into existence. We do not need to have a template to see

We are not limited by surrounding situations. We already have the only template we need, and it is God's DNA flowing inside of us!

This DNA that we have causes us to see as God sees. Wasteland, void and emptiness all around but He saw beyond it!

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.   But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:22‭-‬23 KJV

The only source of light for the body is the eye. The bible makes us understand that Jesus Christ is Light

[12]Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.” ERV Bible. John 8:12

I am the light of the world.

The only source of light for the body is the eye.

Jesus (our light) is now our eyes

We see all situations through His lens

Whoever follows me will never live in darkness

Darkness was the state of the earth until God said let there be light. And all things started coming alive, one after the other

This light that gives life, we have it.

But first, this light SEES life.

The body moves based on what it sees. Again, Our direction is determined by what we see

What we see is very crucial in this life. It is what determines where the body moves to.

And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:  For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Genesis 13:14‭-‬15 KJV

Abraham had just been seperated from Lot. They had shared lands and Lot chose the fair part of the possession. So Abraham was left with that which was "not so good"

God appeared to Him just after this:

Look with your eyes, all the land which you see, I will give to you and your seed forever

All that which you see, I will give to you forever. We can only possess as far as we can see.

Whatever you see is what belongs to you. It is unto us just as we envision

There is so much power in our sight, so much!

And one thing I've found in, one of the most difficult times to see is when things are not so good. It's very possible that we forget our "God status/DNA" and focus on the physical.

There we saw the giants ( the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

Numbers 13:33 NKJV

Quick back note:

Moses had sent some men to Canaan to spy.

They were moving back to the promised land, so they wanted to see what it looked like and all It will take them to get in.

How fruitful the land was, the soil, the walls protecting it, all details about the land basically.

Now here is the report brought back by those sent

For 40 days these men were spying and checking out the land.

They saw that the land was good:

The men told Moses, “We went to the land where you sent us. It is a land filled with many good things ! Here is some of the fruit that grows there.

Numbers 13:27 ERV

But they added a BUT

They saw powerful people, giants

They saw impossibilities of entering the land

And you know what happened?

Everyone that saw how they could not did not actually enter the promised land.

But Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh were among the men who were sent out to explore the land. They are the only ones who did not get the sickness that caused the others to die.

Numbers 14:38 ERV

Only Joshua and Caleb entered the land

Why? Because they saw the land as attainable.

Sometimes, we see good but there are BUTS

You look at 2020, with one mouth Confess it is good and the next minute you add the buts

You cannot move past the buts in your vision. What you see is your reality, it is what shapes your destiny. Your vision is the only key to your future

A lot of people are seeing a future that is in front. But no, your future is really what you see now. Your future is right here is your present sight!

We didn't see all of the things happening in the world today coming.

What we saw was what God told us about 2020 and beyond.

You see when God was describing Canaan to His children as theirs, there was no mention of it being a land filled with Giants that they cannot overcome. It was their land, the one He was about to give back to them, flowing with milk and honey

God obviously saw the giants living there at that point but that detail was unimportant cos He has envisioned that land as home to His children. 

There was a land flowing with milk and honey (exactly as told by God). But they focused on a detail that did not matter to God, the giants in the land. As they kept on seeing the giants, they became like grasshoppers.

They who were meant to inherit the land saw themselves as grasshoppers, as ones who couldn't own that land. So they didn't

Whatever it is 2020 has brought our way, this is a reminder that God saw all of these things ahead and they were inconsequential. 

The pandemic, the chaos in the world, the projections for the coming months/years due to all of these,

ALL INCONSEQUENTIAL

He gave us a word to guide our sight. And this is exactly what we must see. We must see alongside God

This is not the season to start complaining or adding buts.

And I just sense this as an instruction for us in my spirit, that we should be mindful of our words.

Don't add buts to it. Refuse to see the situations that will add buts to that which is yours

Don't join people to wish 2020 away. It might be jokes but please don't. This is not the season for that, at all.

Don't push things that the Lord had clearly told you were for 2020

Faith is the evidence of things not seen. The only substance of our vision is Faith. It is not directed by what is happening around us, No!

Everything in this world is a matter of perspective

Where you are seeing from. And what you see.

Scripture says the light shines in darkness and is not overcome by darkness. This light we have said is our vision.

Whatever darkness is in the world, it cannot overcome our vision cos it is light. It cannot overcome that which we have seen and believed. Never!

Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.  Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

Jeremiah 1:11‭-‬12 KJV

What seest thou?

What do you see?

Jeremiah saw and said what He saw. And what did God say?

You have seen very well, for I watch over my word to perform

When the Lord gave us the word for the second half of the year, I kept thinking about it and the Holy Spirit led me to this scripture.

We see and believe before there is a performance.

I'm going to share our anchor scripture for the second half here again.

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Luke 1:45 KJV

We've already established the connection between our vision and faith.

And here is what this brings to us :

A performance of the things which were told from the Lord

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Numbers 23:19 KJV

It's a simple case of What you see is what you get

Your future is right here in your present sight/vision, begging you to see well, to ignore all that is around. I'm going to end this with this question for us all.....WHAT DO YOU SEE?

SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS

In your own understanding, what does it mean to be weak spiritually?

Omotola - To lack spiritual stamina. Aka Daku Daji 🌚

Samson - The things of the Spirit don't excite one as they should

Mayowa - When you find it difficult to like flow with things of the spirit. Like finding it difficult to pray for example

Becca - To be in a state of apathy, where nothing spiritual excites you.

Weakness

Weakness is a condition of being fatigued, tired, and inadequate physically, mentally, spiritual or emotionally to the extent that you cannot function effectively

What then is Spiritual Weakness?

This is a state of being tired and  fatigued spiritually so much that it hinders us from functioning effectively

Do you think it is normal for believers to get weak in the spirit?

Omotola - Not exactly. Infact, No. It happens but it's not normal

Mayowa - I think so

Becca - No its normal but it has a high tendency to occur once in a while if not detected and properly dealt with.

While it happens/occur, it is not God's plan that we actually get weak in the spirit. Why? Because there is no weakness whatsoever in the one whose strength we are meant to ride on: The spirit.

But, we do get weak

There are a whole lot of things that happen that are not part of God's original plan but they happen regardless. And somehow, our high priest understands 😁. 

Earlier this week, God revealed to me that a number of us on the group are suffering from this. I was praying concerning some admin related things, so I asked if it was for me or the leaders. And the spirit of God said No, that this was for the group and not just for a few people.

A large percentage of us are here, spiritually weak.

I started praying. I saw names and heart conditions. Bad part is, some of us are even doing a good Job of masking it on the outside.

I wondered if I should reach out to the names I saw privately but the instruction was to teach and encourage by the help of the spirit. The spirit says a lot of the people in this position are aware. The Lord also revealed to them. 

The Lord G od has given Me [His Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught], That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

Isaiah 50:4 AMP

As we share tonight, I pray that the word we receive sustains everyone of us that are weary.

Back to spiritual weakness.

Spiritual Weakness manifests in different forms. It means/looks/feels  different for different people

- If your daily fear for tomorrow overrides your showed affection for God, chances are spiritual weakness has set in.

- If you feel empty often and easily distracted whenever you pray/worship

-Uninterested in spiritual things

-Teachings/sermons/tweets are beginning to feel more like an attack

-You've lost your excitement

-You are getting easily discouraged

-You are no longer disciplined in your fellowship with God

- things are becoming meaningless

-Slack in study/praying habit

- You are not really busy o but you feel too busy.

- Loss of urgency in spiritual warfare

-Cold sense of commitment

- Falling Faith

- Your excitement for the word only tickles you. You are back to status quo in few minutes

- You feel hopeless

-Continuous self indulgence (Just this once keeps turning to more than once)

The list is really long

You see these symptoms, I'm pretty sure a lot of us can relate to one or more of them.

They point to only one thing, Spiritual weakness

Now, while spiritual weakness is a problem, it is not really the problem..

You see, spiritual weakness is an unsuspecting road to carnality

Another question for us: What do you think causes Spiritual Weakness?

Omotola - Repeated Procrastination. Not setting priorities. Life issues"/distractions.

Chelsea - When a person fills too spiritual and starts assuming or thinking a "little skip or break" won't harm. Forgetfulness. Laziness. Lack of fellowship. Overconfidence. Reliance on past victories and experiences

Retta Rubies - Allowing guilt to make us forget the freedom we have received in Christ. Trying to use standard set by others to judge ourselves and feeling terrible when we fall short of those standards which shouldn't even be there in the first place as your relationship with God shouldn't be based on any standard except what is given to is in the bible

Remi - Distractions, allowing sin overcome us can also cause spiritual weakness

How do we tackle spiritual weakness?

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 AMPC

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Ephesians 6: 11- 13 AMPC

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa. 40:13.]

1 Corinthians 2:12‭-‬16 AMPC

1. Admittance

If we keep denying the state we are in, we cannot get out of it. We will stay stuck. It's important that we first admit to ourselves that from the look of things "I am spiritually weak". So first, recognize the patterns and admit to yourself the problem

2. Second step is to Talk to God about it

You see, you can admit to yourself that you have a problem and there still won't be solutions.

So honestly speak to God about how you feel and allow Him help

3. Be Awake

Give strict attention to the things of the spirit. Be cautious of the things you involve yourself in. Basically, be watchful and stay in prayer

4. - Put On the whole armor of God

This scripture makes us to understand that this world is a battlefield. As believers, the major battle ground is in our minds. (Remember our discussion the last time on Spirit, Soul and Body)

Day by Day, we face a spiritual way and we have a real enemy: The devil

Spiritual Weakness is a sign that the enemy is somehow at an advantage in this war we face daily

Like I said earlier, the end game of the spiritual weakness is not just for you to feel weak. Nah

It is carnality

The enemy is out to destroy

From verse 14 of Ephesians 6 down to 18, we see the full armour of God we are asked to put on. The verse 13 tells us why we need to put it on

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:13 NIV

For the days when the enemy is gaining ground, these are days we need this armour that we may be able to STAND

What is this full armour?

1. Belt of Truth

Not just truth about our state. You see the enemy will rather we focus on what is wrong with us. There is a truth greater than your current spiritual condition/situation. And this is the truth of who you are in Christ. The enemy will rather you do not engage this truth as it will help you overcome this problem

Your reality might be far from this truth o, but it is your truth regardless. Whatever God deems true will always be true. Hold on to it like your life depends on it

Confess it often

For your deliverance, put on truth!

(Practical class, so someone help us with a truth confession that addresses this. More than one person if possible).

2. Breastplate of righteousness

Bring out your righteousness card. Now here is the thing, this is not just Christ's righteousness in us being lived out.

The enemy will usually try to tell us this is it. You know why? He knows we do not have any righteousness card "in deeds" to come up with. Chances are if you've been spiritually weak for a while, you've been living in a way that is not Christ like.

Your Breastplate for righteousness is that which Christ has clothed you with. The enemy wants to attack you with impurity. You must first stand on the truth that you are pure and righteous before God then proceed to live this out.

3. Shoes of Peace

The enemy wants your heart to stay troubled, either by life situations or even the problem at hand. Find peace in the knowledge that your high priest understands. And be aude He does, help abounds for you

4. The shield of Faith

Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He is able to keep us from stumbling. We should never think that we are far too gone or we can help ourselves.

5. The Helmet of Salvation

He who the son of man has set free is free indeed. First, we must remember that we are saved completely regardless of the situation. And the one who has saved us even from sin and eternal death is able to deliver us from this too

6. The sword of the spirit

The word of God! This is the greatest spiritual weapon ever. For every response Christ gave to Satan, it was the word. The word of God is our weapon in winning this battle and getting out of this state. Don't stay far away from the word

There is no Spiritual weakness/strength without the person of the spirit. We must be taught by the spirit. We must stay with Him and allow Him help us, if not every thing will be wasted effort.

If you are finding it difficult to do so, get one or 2 people, pray with them. For those that know me, you know I don't joke with corporate prayers. Scripture says 1 chases a thousand and 2, 10 thousand. Imagine how much more we do together as a body.

Be accountable

A lot of us want to pretend that nothing is wrong when something is wrong. Hmmm, this is 10001 ways to stay in that position actually.

Open up. These things thrive in secrecy. Reach out to someone. Allow them help you. And please don't just reach out to anybody. Reach out to someone who is led by the spirit.

To root out spiritual weakness, it is not just by wishful thinking. No! It takes effort and discipline

We can be touched by the teaching tonight and still go back. Choice!

It takes you to be ready to receive the help that Christ gives to move forward from here.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 MSG

Here's what Jesus is saying to you tonight:

Keep company with me, allow me remove the heavy load and show you how to live light. He says to allow Him teach the unforced rhythm of Grace. To leave that place where you keep struggling and trying but never enough

Just allow Christ. Take the help He gives readily

Don't rely on your strength, it will fail. Instead look to the Lord and His strength

For those of us who are strong in faith at this time, restore others and pray for them. Be available to help everyone that is down. Support and uphold them

For those of us that have seen that we are spiritually weak, know that you are not alone.

Even the very spiritually mature ones get here sometimes.

God is utterly devoted to you. He's here again with help

I leave you with this scripture

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.

Jude 1:24‭-‬25 MSG

Let us pray

Thank you Jesus for your word

Thank you because it is you who keeps us

Thank you for you are our ever present help

Thank you for reaching out to us Lord

Thank you for loving us and being fully devoted to us.

As we have received your word, it is strength to us who are weary

Our ginger is activated back

We accept the help you give freely

We do not fall back asleep spiritually as we leave here

Your word comes alive in us

Amen

Women and Church Leadership

Let the women who are new converts be willing to learn with all submission to their leaders and not speak out of turn. I don’t advocate that the newly converted women be the teachers in the church, assuming authority over the men, but to live in peace. Adam did not mislead Eve, but Eve misled him and violated the command of God. Yet a woman shall live in restored dignity by means of her children, receiving the blessing that comes from raising them as consecrated children nurtured in faith and love, walking in wisdom.
1 Timothy 2:11‭-‬12‭, ‬14‭-‬15 TPT

Now, we see here Paul telling women not to speak in church.

Should they want to know anything, they should ask their husbands

A woman should learn while listening quietly and being completely willing to obey. I don’t allow a woman to teach a man or tell him what to do. She must listen quietly, because Adam was made first. Eve was made later.
1 Timothy 2:11‭-‬13 ERV

This particular part of scripture causes a lot of problem. First, context and cultural background

We must first understand the times these instructions were given. Was the instruction given with respect to the culture of those days? How does it apply to us, in our own time

G2271Greek: ἡσυχία
Transliteration: hēsychía
Pronunciation: hay-soo-khee'-ah 
 ----------
 Description: feminine of ἡσύχιος(G2272); (as noun) stillness, i.e. desistance from bustle or language:
Translation: quietness, silence.

KJV usage: silent (3x), quietness (1x).

So here is the meaning and usage of the word Silence in this verse

Note that a similar word is used in verse 2 also

You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live QUIET AND PEACEFUL  lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him.
1 Timothy 2:2 ERV

Definitely, Paul could not have been saying women should be totally silent. Women prayed in church back then. In fact, Paul's first convert in Europe was a woman.

Paul had been in women dominated gatherings. He had seen women actually prosper the gospel

And did not frown upon these things. So definitely, he didn't mean silence as in "keep your mouth shut. I don't want to hear pim"

Like I said the last time, to understand this we have to got back to the beginning

This particular letter was addressed directly to Timothy in response to problems being faced in the church at that time.

Back to context again..

Paul's major theme in his letter to Timothy is False teaching

But somehow he moves to conduct in church.

Note that he was addressing situations in this body domestically led by Timothy (don't forget this part). So to address conduct, most likely that there was misconduct

Teaching women weren't common in those days. So we can assume that the leadership of the church was men

So the take is the women then were not as learned as the men in those days and in that particular church (in the faith). And it is very possible that they were part of those advancing false teachings in the church

Learning requires submission to a teacher.

The teachers were majorly men. Tell the women in your church to submit to the authority of those who teach in stillness/quietness. To not try to exercise authority over the men leading. Respect and honor the leadership of the men God had called to lead the church.

The passion translation breaks in down also, but I prefer not to quote directly from it, as people might not understand how they got to their conclusion.

So what now does Paul mean by this

I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
1 Timothy 2:12 NIV

Again, remember there were cases where women taught in the bible and it wasn't condemned:

Priscilla and her husband teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26). Paul reminding Timothy of where he learned the word (his mother and grandmother). This should be in 2 Timothy

Our focus in this verse is authority over a man. As it expands the meaning of the woman don't teach Paul shared.

Now, who has authority in the church in the template given by Paul? Elders in the church actually

And we know that Elders in the church according to 1 timothy are men. Not just men, married men with families and also possessing some strong characteristics

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
1 Timothy 3:1‭-‬6 NIV

So what Paul is saying in essence is: I, Paul, do not permit women to assume the office of an elder in church. As this position of authority is open to heads of household who are proven and meet other requirements

In our world today, women actually speak in church. They teach and some are even pastors but I've seen and noticed some things. Women are usually allowed to lead only under the leadership of a male pastor.

In my stay in Macedonia, I've been led by 2 female Pastors (being assistant to both). Before the first female head pastor, the former pastor was a man and when the new pastor (woman) was ordained, people actually left the church. Some stayed but to them she wasn't pastor enough. I see it in Nigeria too. A woman is head Pastor over a church and people are wondering if God is there. This is as if God's presence is tied to male leadership only

We want to involve women o, but we also want to determine the extent to which we can involve women. If I were to start a church today, a lot of people will stand against it (probably people on here too 😁)

Everyone is okay with Remi teaching o but not okay with Remi being conferred head of a church

"It's just bible study group, so we don't mind". "It's just deacon position. They are not really in charge"

I've seen this everywhere. And it is not just for our generation. This talk has been here long before now.

Now, the question for our time is. Should women lead churches? Senior pastors and elders, should it be for men alone?

First, Paul asking women to ask their husbands is because in those days, the men were more knowledgeable. The women had little or no education. Most could probably not read and write. How then do they teach if they can't?

Now, to our time.

We have educated women everywhere. I can read and write as much as the man next to me. I have the same measure of the Holy Spirit as every man to help with scripture interpretation and divine wisdom. Why then can't women still lead a church?

We go back to this word authority. This is the root cause of all the problem. There is really no danger in women dictating generally to men, domineering or usurping authority over men. There is no danger at all in this!

Not understanding this as caused a lot for our world (not just in the church).

I once heard of someone who said he won't work somewhere because boss is a woman. A woman cannot be head over him bla bla

The only person a woman does not have authority over is her husband and that is because Christ made Him head of their home.

[39]Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the hill country of Judea.
[40]She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth.
[41]When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
[42]In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have.
ERV Bible. Luke 1:39-42


[44]While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his speech.
[45]The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the Holy Spirit had been poured out as a gift also to people who were not Jews.
[46]They heard them speaking different languages and praising God. Then Peter said
ERV Bible. Acts 10:44-46

We see Elizabeth here ( Woman), filled with the spirit  and she began to prophesy. Note that she spoke after the spirit came upon her

[8]But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”
ERV Bible. Acts 1:8

This was a direct promise from Jesus. That after the spirit comes upon us, we will become witnesses

What will we do as witnesses?

We will tell people about God EVERYWHERE. In every part of the world. No limit whatsoever!

When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
Acts of the Apostles 1:13‭-‬14 NLT

Inside the church and outside the church, all that have received the spirit will witness in accordance with the gifts this same spirit gives.

So if the spirit gives leadership gifts to a woman? She leads!

Teaching gifts? Teach she must

There is another myth that the leadership of women is restricted to only women. "Women can teach o, but let them gather their fellow women and discuss 999 ways to keep their men". Or they teach young girls only. These things are all around us subtly

When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
Acts of the Apostles 18:26 NLT

When Apollos (a man) started teaching and he wasn't teaching so accurately cos he knew only of John's baptism.

Guess who took him in to teach him? Priscilla and her husband

So yes, women can teach men. Women can teach their husbands. Women can also lead men

Anyone the spirit enables can lead the body of Christ, for the spiritual doesn't recognizer genders/sexes.

If women can teach in Sunday school, bible study, women meeting etc. Why can't they head or lead as teachers/pastors?

Here are all the reasons I've seen and noticed

1. Culture and Time

2. Insecurity and fragile masculine ego

3. Fear that the leader (woman) will usurp authority over her husband as a reason of this position, thereby disobeying Christ's will for their home

I think the 3 is the most valid.

I personally believe there are ways to address problem 3. Everyone has the tendency to abuse authority/position.

Yet we still give access to certain people. Train your women to understand exactly their role as leaders and their role as wives. Equip them properly for ministry. Then continue to pray for them

And for us women, the husband being head of home is not up for question. I might be his boss at work or pastor in church. I might earn more than him

None of these makes him less head. His headship is as conferred by God, so we respect this.

For point 1, culture will keep evolving with time. We will all fall in line laslas

For point 2, I believe men generally should find their security in the word of God not in their ability to Lord themselves over women. Note that this comment is not restricted to church.

Most men usually do not respect women, they believe they are more than every woman they meet.

If Uber driver is not telling you he has your type at home, it is a random man getting angry over a simple question.

A question they won't have issues with if a man asked o. A lot of us women can actually relate to this

Driver resigning when he saw his boss is a woman. According to him he cannot work under a woman

Saw another post where the driver resigned cos madam did not ask nicely when she gave description. According to him she ordered him around 😂

In fact, this particular driver before then would greet madam's younger brother as friends "Yes sir" but cannot use such terms for his madam because woman.

I have heard and seen a lot. Believe me, these things are ridiculous and definitely not the wish of God. God doesn't see any gender as less.

You are not more than anybody. Even the leaders in church, you are not more anything

You have been called to SERVE.

When it comes to the church—when it comes to spiritual things—when it comes to the body of Christ—there are no distinctions between men and women. As far as God is concerned, there are none. That's where many have missed it. They've made it a man-and-woman proposition—when it is not. It is a husband-and-wife proposition. The man is not the head of the woman in the church. The husband is the head of the wife in the home.
E. Robinson

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26‭-‬28 NLT

Every dividing line is erased. No segregation

Everyone is child enough. Can be used to whatever extent and in any capacity as deemed fit by God. As believers, we should accept and understand this.

God's Perspective on Sex, Consent and the Believer in Christ

This is one topic I feel like most Christians shy away from. You've probably heard 1000 teachings about Faith, Grace, Love etc but how many times have we actually preached about Sex.

In our world today, we are highly exposed to sexual knowledge, practices and the rest. There is so much sex in our face. I doubt you could watch a series without someone having sex. It's littered all over our music videos. Our friends talk about it. Some of us believers even hide to engage.

Everyone knows one or 2 about sex. Everyone of us (even those that are not having it). We all know something

And this rubs off on me somehow. I know Samson knows something about Sex but I don't know what
Same as our other friends in Christ

Why? Because we are doing hidey hidey

Here is the issue I have. Because Christians do not talk about these things, we don't know who has the "right" knowledge (with respect to our faith)

How do we control the narrative for ourselves as Christians since the world keeps putting this sex thing in our face. When we have questions, and we search online, the answers the search engine give us, whose voice do they echo

I've realised, people actually have questions. Christians especially. And if we do not put aside our embarrassment and provide answers with respect to God's perspective, people will get answers from the world and its culture. We will be doing that today and some other times too.

First, what is Sex?

Samson - Sex is broader than before. It used to be the rhythmic insertion of the male reproductive organ into the female's. Now, two males can have sex. Two females can have sex too. But I think in the context of this teaching, I go with the rhythmic insertion definition

Dasi - And it now has branches.. Oral sex as being one of them. I think it's the insertion of the male reproductive organ into that of the female's

Ally - How do they define sex eh😂 I think it's interaction between the male n female reproductive organs😅😂

Seun - It's all the activities (kissing, cuddling, vaginal penetration et al) involving the genitals between two people primarily (male and female) as designed by God.

So from the dictionary, this is what it means to engage in sexual intercourse:

sexual contact between individuals involving penetration, especially the insertion of a man's erect penis into a woman's vagina, typically culminating in orgasm and the ejaculation of semen.

Saw this particular definition while searching for what sex is online. Sex can actually be self pleasuring or shared with someone.We will come back to this as we go on.

Now, I want us to know this: God is pro-sex. Sex was God's idea and He gave it to us for our own pleasure and procreation. God is actually interested in sex 😁 In fact, He is very much committed to the intimate, romantic and sexual aspect of our lives.

God loves intimacy, very much. As believers, we know how much God hungers to be intimate with us?

HE SENT HIS SON TO DIE!

Now, if we do not have a relationship with God i.e accept His proposal through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we can't be intimate with Him. It is not possible.

One thing you notice in the bible is the comparison between Christ, the church and earthly marriage.
If we are following, I think we can spot a pattern.
While we might want to define sex as putting a penis inside a woman's Vagina, this is Farrrrr from it. Like way way farrrrrrrr

For the believer, sex is 100% intimacy.

We see the beauty of sex in songs of Solomon. We see the joy of physical, sexual love celebrated in the most intimate way we can ever think of. I think if we were to have a visuals of the bible thrown down from heaven, when we get to Songs of Solomon we will probably close church 😂.
Solomon wrote 1005 songs. Yet the Bible picked this one as his best.

1 Kings 4:29. God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.30. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.31. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.32. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.

The Song—best of all songs—Solomon’s song!
Song of Solomon 1:1 MSG

THE SONG of songs [the most excellent of them all] which is Solomon's.
Song of Solomon 1:1 AMPC

Solomon wrote 1005 songs. I'm not sure how lengthy each is (as we do not have access to all). I'm sure He sang about God, life issues, problem, plenty things

Out of the 1005 songs, do you know the one God passed down to us? Songs of Solomon

The song compilation that highly appreciates intimacy and sexual relatability

And it wasn't just passed down to us. The Bible says, it's the most wonderful/beautiful song ever written by Solomon.

Sex is sweet. Sex is beautiful. Again, sex is very sweet (don't ask me how I know abeg, read the bible)

Sex is God's gift to man and Should be enjoyed as often as we can think of. But there is a caveat: Such level of intimacy should only be explored within the confines of marriage.

God is not a subscriber to casual sex or we are in a relationship sex.

When we make love (as God wishes), we experience the joy of unreserved passion. We discover how to give ourselves in complete abondonement, not in anyway unhindered, to another. If you pause, this phrase almost sounds like what happens in worship.

How can such level of intimacy be casual?

If we look at the first chapter of Songs of Solomon from verse 2 downwards, there is so much mention of love. Sex in God's perspective is love making, more like love giving. The detailing in each verse is amazing and sensual.

I think I have to normalise saying: I can't wait to give love. Instead of I can't wait to make love (it's not jollof rice 😭😭). This is how it was intended by God, that in giving, each participant is fully satisfied

This is what happens with sex. We are not just expressing the love we have for each other, we are giving it and ourselves in all fullness.

Giving stuff/gifts to your partner is sweet. But nothing beats the intimacy of Sex as it is beyond an expression of love, it is giving of that love and self in all entirety

Sex is not just thrusts, thrusts and thrusts, No! We see expression and the beautiful act of lovemaking in this book of Solomon's songs (we will explore it properly when we get to that part in our bible study)

Sex is sweet
Sex is intimate
God loves Sex, He is pro-sex
God wants us to enjoy sex completely

Now, to our caveat: Sex is designed for marriage

All of us unmarried people have no business whatsoever  with sex in practice (and this will include oral sex). If I buy banana, cucumber or a dildo and use it on myself, i am practicing sex. Remember the definitions from the beginning.

Sex can be self pleasuring (I was shocked when I found out too). Oral sex is a type of sex.

Us single believers have no business with sex, in any of its variations. We say sex is giving of self to another, an expression of love, total devotion in complete abandonment to another. First, this kind of giving can only be done within a certain level of commitment (we call it marriage). Second, we can't be doing this with more than one person.

It's clearer why adultery and idolatry have been referenced together in scripture. It's a grave sin against your own body. How can you give yourself to woman A and then to woman B? How many self do you have?

Let's never forget the sacredness of love giving/sex inside of marriage. Married or unmarried, please do not forget

Question: Remi what happens with those of us that have had sex before?

I figured this would be on the minds of some of us (alongside other questions), so I will be taking time to answer them. First, you need to stop having that sex. This is not God's wish and you know it

One thing the devil does is mess with our conscience. He brings the guilt of these acts every time. This violation against our own body can actually affect fellowship with God, that's how much a big deal it is.

Now, I know saying Stop won't just cut it. But you can actually really stop, I say this in all honesty. Of course, not by your power. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for help, even as you set some boundaries physically in your relationships

Another lie the enemy tells is this: You have started already, just continue. You are already damaged goods. You already sinned

See, that guy is a big liar. He is the father of lies. Sexual sin is sin, just as every other sin. Only difference is, it is against your own body, self and being. When the blood of Jesus was being shed, it didn't jump and pass sexual sin o

So receive the forgiveness and washing away of sins that Christ freely offers. God really washes us so white

Your past sexual sins do not define you or decrease your value or the value of your purity. So you've had sex before and you want to stop or you've stopped already, your sexual purity is not less or second hand compared to Samson that has never had sex

In God's sight, you are as sexually pure as the one who has never had sex (thanks to Jesus)
So don't listen to whatever the enemy says about this. You are back on track. Clean slate

For you reading this today, It is never too late to start over. Jesus actually wants to help you.

(Please if you have any questions or need to confide privately, my DM is open)

Now that we are all on the same page (I believe),  what about the demands of our bodies?

"Ha! Remi, but I get horny. What do I do? 😭😭" Well, me too. In fact, me three.

Remi gets horny too. (Glory to God). We are All sitting on this table together

So don’t continue to refuse your spouse those rights, except perhaps by mutual agreement for a specified time so that you can both be devoted to prayer. And then you should resume your physical pleasure so that the Adversary cannot take advantage of you because of the desires of your body.
1 Corinthians 7:5

Our focus is on the last part.... Cos of the desires of your bodies

It is a natural thing to have these desires, very natural. How do we enjoy lovemaking/sex in marriage should we have no desire for it?

It is actually very okay and normal to feel horny, very okay. Now, here's the place a lot of us Christians miss it. We shy away from this truth about our bodies, which is wrong.

Knowing this truth is not a bad thing, neither is it wrong.

You know what is important? What we do with this truth after knowing it.

A lot of us take knowledge of body desires as a go ahead to engage in sexual activities. Actually, No!
For most women, I know we have our hormones acting up almost every month, at a particular time.

What is this knowledge to me as a woman? Thank you God for the desires of my body. This knowledge is my body saying, should I marry tomorrow, it is ready to give love and respond to it

It is my body really acknowledging that it is normal. It is on track with God's will for intimacy in Marriage and ready whenever I am.

So yes, this is the social conditioning of my mind towards every hormonal balance. (I refuse to call it imbalance especially for the sake of this conversation 😁)

I don't know how it works for men but I understand the bodies respond also to certain things in desire. This is all your proof that your machine gun is konking and ready to work, when it is time for work (marriage). No testing anything before marriage please

If we watch movies, when a man impotent/infertile, they ask questions circling this part. Do you get aroused? This shows that it is a normal thing, when we get to a particular age.

Again, knowing/acknowledging these things is not a go ahead for anything. Rather, it gives us a perspective of our bodies and the God's divine will for us in marriage (which is plenty enjoyment in fullness). And it guides us in being in control too.

You know your body, now allow your spirit be in control. Set your mind on heavenly things, as sex is not your business yet. Purge yourself of contents that expose you or increase your urge for sex

Now that we know what sex is and how God feels about it, let's move to CONSENT

What is consent?

Seun - It is an agreement given at a given time to allow ones partner have access to their body.

Sumi - I think its seeking one's opinion before taking a decision or going ahead wih smthing

Thank you very much. You guys are correct

It is Basically agreement to engage in any sexual activity.

Now, as believers we are not having sex, so why talk about consent? Asides trying to treat our past, so we can work on retribution where necessary, our relationships also need consent. And a lot of people don't understand this concept

You meet Christian men to hang out and before you know it, somebody's tongues is inside yours.

Did I tell you I want to be kissed? What's your hand doing on my breast just because we went out together?

I've noticed that we wait until someone objects instead of truly obtaining consent before proceeding. This is true for the secular world also.

Truth is, Consent is very unsexy. But you see that awkward first conversation? It is best to have it

You can proceed with all the sexy you want when you guys are married. Most ladies don't know what to expect from dates, visiting a friend (believers even) cos people do not understand that No means NO. And you should not try to see if it's a NO or yes

Get your yes before you try to kiss anyone or engage in any sexual act. Be sure the other person wants the same

Now, I will move to a part that affects us a lot as believers.


Consent in relationships

Most believers enter into a relationship and of course they discuss boundaries. Please if you don't, start now (no matter how spirikoko your partner is). Discuss all the areas.

Can we kiss or it's just peck? Are we allowed to hold hands? Should we meet only in public places?
Etc

Set your boundaries with your partner. If I agree with a partner that no sex, I see no reason why you should be dragging my pants down while kissing me. If we both agree to just holding hands, your lips should not be trying to touch mine, except there is an understanding between us.


"Remi, but some women don't talk or say anything cos they are shy. So they want you to use your discretion". Whoever cannot talk, please leave them alone. Women hate having to push your hand away or scream No. It breaches trust and it's a violation of their bodies.


Now, note that consent goes both ways. It is not only women that give consent, men should too. And we women should learn to respect this. Don't be found trying to seduce a man. Opening your breast or any part of your body in seductive measures. They didn't tell you they want to see anything

You like a man, tell him or pray about it. Don't go about violating them. Consent is not the absence of No. Consent is the presence of YES

Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity . Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.
Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 TPT

Put others first. Don't be after your own interests only. Honor God, Honor other peoples bodies and even their decisions.

There’s so much at play in these situations. It isn’t always as easy as “yes is yes”

Some people's yes do not weight in the law. Our focus tonight will be Nigerian law

For example, I am 17. I cannot give consent to date you or kiss you, a 25 yr old man. Section 31 (3) (a) of the Child's Rights Act 2003 states that, “Where a person is charged with an offence (of unlawful sexual relations with a child) under this section (31 of the same act), it is immaterial that the offender believed the person to be of or above the age of eighteen years.”

I'm not sure what the law says in Cameroon, Ghana and every other country. But I know most countries have 18 as age of consent. As believers, we should not be dating anyone under 18.

They look mature ❌
They act mature ❌

They are not legal and can't give you any consent


Question: What happens if I've had sex with someone or touched anyone without gaining consent in my past? I know God has forgiven me. Is this enough?

Truly, the forgiveness of God is enough in terms of giving you a clean slate. But it is not enough in terms of moving on. First, you must admit you've abused these people

Second, you should reach out to them. It's very important to reach out to those you've abused in the past. Yes, ordinary kissing without consent is abuse. Apologise to them and most importantly pray for them.

You see, most victims of sexual abuse almost never move on from it. They remember everything vividly. Even memories from as early as 4 years old, a lot of us do remember. While you've moved on and accepted Christ, they are most likely still suffering ptsd from that one experience.

They are making decisions about their bodies based on that encounter

They might not forgive or give you audience, but it is important you do. Also, if they decide to take you to court for rape, true repentance factors in Retribution. Whatever happens, most important thing is you are saved and God has forgiven you. Sometimes, we have to pay for our crimes here on earth (regardless of our salvation stance). This doesn't mean God didn't save you or He didn't forgive you. No.

A section in the Nigeria law provides death sentence for sexual relations with a person under 11

Question: What if we were both under 18 when we had sex?

This is not a crime with respect to the law. (I think except one party is 3 - 4 years older). Will look it up in the constitution.

Now, does this mean it is right? No

God's design for sex is inside of marriage. Nonconsensual sex is ALWAYS wrong. Consent also doesn't start/end with sexual stuff.

If I tell you I don't like certain words/conversations, you should respect it. If I don't like being pestered, leave me alone. If someone is interested in you, this thing is very easy o.

As simple as Abc.

When someone says No/Stop, they do not mean try harder. They meant exactly what they said and you should take it as such.

Also, I feel Christians sometimes try to play around sexual assault. Why are you standing with an abuser? Why are you giving 10k reasons why the victim is also at fault?

Over the years it's been noticed that The church  minimizes (or ignores altogether) issues of consent and sexuality. We’ve joined and sometimes led the chorus of indifference or victim blaming.
In doing so, we are failing  to acknowledge the murkiness surrounding sexual consent, we are passing down judgments instead of grace and compassion.

We need to open our ears and hearts to the pain and confusion around us, to believers and nonbelievers alike navigating the issues of sexual assault and consent.

People in the church are struggling. Yes, these things happen even inside the church.Women are constantly on guard as they attempt to date, never sure what a man will try to do to her or when she may be in danger. (no, church brothers are not excluded from the men we are scared of. Not even pastors)

There are people in your classes, your workplace, and in your congregations who are hurting and ashamed because they have been pushed further than they wanted to go. Because someone didn't understand No.

Some have been harassed and others were abused or assaulted. Many only find further shame and heartache when they turn to the church.

We are light of this world, we should be leading the way—a voice of compassion and hope in conversations surrounding abuse.

Where others question and seek to blame, we can listen and offer empathy and prayers.

Where others turn a cold shoulder to a problem that hasn’t caused them pain, we can learn and take a stand.

We can acknowledge inequality, advocate for the vulnerable, and call for better standards. As disciples of Jesus’ justice, we should be leading the way in teaching and embodying safe, respectful sexual relations.

Yes, the church is part too. We members are dating abi in a relationship. We are holding hands or even kissing. Let's not pretend this is not happening.

We should change our attitudes and try listening to those who have been assaulted or someone who was pressured to go further than he or she wanted to go, we should remember this truth:

“Only the church can speak of God’s unconditional love, unfailing grace, and power to restore the fallen and heal the broken.”

This is the example Christ has left us. I pray that we are all more empathic towards victims. That the church comes to understand no abuse is small. We reach out to the broken and hurt in love. We are not part of those who hurt God's children by taking advantage or violating their bodies

I also pray for everyone here that has been a victim of sexual abuse

That God heals us all, He takes away the triggers. He helps us to move past that occurrence. He helps us to see our worth in Him. He helps us to forgive. God's love and healing flows in us.

Amen

How To Use The Concordance in Studying The Bible

Our study will be in 5 outlines:

1. What is Concordance?
2. Why do we need concordance?
3. How to use the concordance for effective bible study - Tips
4. Practical bible study using concordance
5. Precautions to observe in using the concordance

Question: is anyone here familiar with Concordance? Do we know what it is?

Chelsea - Its an alphabetical list of words with references to a certain text or passage

Samson - Bible dictionary sort of

1. What is Concordance

Concordance is a bible, an index of words in Hebrew or Greek showing the Pronunciation of the Hebrew or Greek words, the transliteration and definition of same . It also shows other words this Greek word can be translated into (as used by KJV) it shows the number of times it appears and the verses it appears.

You'll most times find it translated into KJV English.

It helps the reader/user to compare how these words are used in other chapters for better comprehension.

2. Why Concordance?

We use concordance because:

The bible we have today wasn't originally written in English language.
The OT was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, while the NT in Greek, Koine Greek specifically.
History has it that the English Bible is the fourth level of translation from the original Hebrew/Greek bible.

Also, we need concordance because of translation errors as recorded in the bible translations we've. The KJV is the most closest to the Hebrew and Greek bible,  and even so,  most of the 1611 English used might not be applicable to us today.

Let me also add to this that the Hebrew and Greek is vast than English. Especially Greek,  it is wider,  unlike English that is limited in application. Most times a word in the Greek can mean 10 different things in English language and the AMPC version of the bible helps us see this.
This is also a reason to have and use the Concordance

This is one of the reasons why we see something like Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 5 "...deliver him to Satan for the crucifying of the flesh" and we sometimes get confused.

Using concordance also helps us understand the Bible better. We can understand the thought of the writer being communicated as we study.

Let me give an example:

For my Yoruba people here: lets say i'm talking to Omotola  and i want her attention, i'll say something like "tẹti silẹ"

Literally in English it means "put your ears to the ground", but that is not what I mean. What's intended to communicate was Omotola ,listen attentively" but a non Yoruba person might go by the literal meaning and miss the though being communicated.

Also, I  should say - There is nothing spiritual about concordance it doesn't depict how spiritual a person is.

3. How to use the concordance

1. We should have the Bible concordance on our phones and of course our usual English Bible. (I'll like to say that you'll mostly find concordance being translated in the light of KJV translation).

2. While reading our normal English Bible, we might come across a word that is not clear in usage, we launch our concordance and check up the word. We check how it is used, it's literal and figurative meaning, it's relative words used elsewhere.

3. We also compare its usage. Is it a verb, a noun, an adjective, a conjunction? These are the things to look out for.

4. After checking the above, we check it's definition. The concordance will always give you definitions.

5. We might need to check the root word for some Greek words, this will be given in the concordance.

Just as in English,we have a root word,  it is same for Greek/Hebrew. E.g, We derive purposefully from purpose in the English language.

We'll understand Better when we get to the practical aspect.

4. Practical usage of concordance in studying the bible

5. Precautions

There is nothing spiritual about using concordance. Using concordance or not is not a gauge of spirituality.

Let's remember that beyond checking the Greek meaning or Hebrew,  CONTEXT IS KING.
we can know all Greek words and still miss what the author is trying to communicate.

We should study the pretext
We should understand the context
We should study the post text and with the aid of concordance, we'll have an effective bible study.

Let's not forget, the whole essence of this is to understand the author's thought being communicated and not to be doing Greek/Hebrew scholar upandan.