“Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” (2 Pet 2:22).

I was a sinner for 32 years, a confirmed unbeliever. I did not believe in God at all. I mocked those who did. On the 14th of March 1986, in Warri, Nigeria, I prayed my first prayer to God Almighty and in the name of Jesus. Almost a month later, I was gloriously saved and instantly filled with the Holy Spirit on the 12th of April 1986. The experience is as fresh in my spirit. Time does not have the power to make it less powerful than it was that happy day. The old Lia died. The new Lia became a totally new creation. I became the friend of the God I rejected for so long. Since then, during all these years of trials and temptations, even when I was weak and ignorant, I NEVER had a desire to go back to my unbelief vomit or my mocking mud. The new heart hated what I used to love before. The new heart started loving God’s Word. The new spirit in me had a life of its own. From my inward being I desired to love, to serve the God who saved my soul, and never go back to the world again. Left on my own, maybe I could have fallen, for no man, on his own, is stronger than the devil. But the new spirit in me will just not let me go back. God’s Grace sustained me in my walk with Jesus!

Often, I prayed, especially when I was a baby Christian: “Father in heaven, keep me tight to Your heart. If You see me going back to the world and try to take Your wonderful name in the shameful mud, please stop me before it is too late. Please, take me to heaven. It is better for me to die and go to You, than to disgrace Your name on earth. In Jesus’ name!” This prayer worked for me. Past vomits and muds are gone forever from my spiritual radar. It should be so with ever true child of God.

Lastly, if you are reading these words from the unholy ‘comfort’ of worldly mud, feeding on past foolishness vomited long ago, then stand up now! and run… run… run to Jesus… even if you are dirty and sick, no matter how… run to Jesus who alone has to key of life eternal!!! There is hope for any sinner or backslider who humbles himself and comes to the Lord! He will not cast you away! For there is no other hope! There is no other place to receive mercy and grace in time of need! Come to the Cross! Come to see that Jesus died to pay for your sins! You should be free indeed! God loves you! You can do it! Sinner, brother, sister, come home! I shall pray for you today! In Jesus’ name! Amen!

Love from Malia!

 This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached the first sermon in the series titled ‘The New Commandment – Love like Jesus’. Her main scriptures were taken from the book of 1 Cor 13:1-13; Rom 13:8-10; Mark 12:28-34; John 13:31-35; 2 Cor 8:7-9.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

The Ten Commandments are ten laws that God Himself gave to the ancient nation of Israel thru His servant Moses. These Biblical principles apply to men’s relationship with God and with one another. If all people on earth keep at least one of these commandments, the world will be a better place. These Commandments were spoken directly by God at Mount Sinai and written by God’s finger on tablets of stone and given to Moses. This act makes them unique in the Bible. These Ten Laws are commands and not suggestions. They are personal, spoken to individuals.

BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS TO OBEY GOD’S LAW!

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Josh 1:7). It is only a Spirit filled believer that can obey God’s Law. The Holy Spirit supplies the power to obey God’s commands. But we have a part to play. God commands us to ‘be strong, courageous, and focused’. Spiritual weakness and confusion cause distraction and rebellion. In Hebrew, the words ‘be strong and courageous’ mean the following, be a man, be a good soldier, be a champion, establish your heart in the faith; be sure and confident; seize, bind, and conquer your enemy and increase your territory. Following the lead of the Holy Spirit, becoming strong in the strength of the Lord, leads to prosperity ‘wherever you go’. Spiritual and material prosperity is your portion, and it must manifest in any place in this world. You don’t need to travel ‘abroad’ to prosper. Bloom where you are planted. In Hebrew, the word ‘prosper’ means wisdom and understanding that leads to success in life. Therefore, if you obey God’s Word, you will become wise, a mentor, a leader of men, and God will prosper you anytime, anywhere. Selah!

WHY DO WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S LAW?

*The Ten commandments, also called The Law, are part of the Bible. It is the duty and privilege of a believer to study God’s Word, from Genesis to Revelation. Many Christians only study the New Testament. They say that we are no longer under the Law. But that is not totally true. We are not under the Condemnation power of the Law, but we are under the Commanding power of the Law. As believers in Christ, we should not be lawbreakers, even if ignorantly. The Ten Commandments are eternal. These are not just for the Jews. These are God’s commands to all people everywhere to the end of time. Patiently and faithfully, you should study the Old Testament. You will discover the mystery that the Bible is indeed one. And then, you will be encouraged thru God’s Word. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope“(Rom 15:4). The Word gives you true hope. Many Christians are too superficial and lazy. We should not be like that! To study God’s Word is a spiritual labor that has amazing benefits. Nothing replaces that!

*Obeying God’s Law is the only way to prove that you are born again because no unbeliever is able to obey God’s commandments. Obedience is achieved only by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is given only to the believers in Christ. It is not enough to say: ‘I am a child of God’. Prove it! A man may be religious but if he still lives in sin, breaking God’s commands, that one is a liar. A man cannot act like the devil and claim that he is a Christan. “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God” (1 Jn 3:4-9). Selah!

Like the branch of a tree, it is only a child of God that ‘abides’ in Christ. It is only in a child of God that you can find ‘God’s seed’. Because of this internal grace of life called ‘seed’, the believer not only does not desire to sin, but he ‘cannot sin’. He may occasionally fall into temptation and commit sin, but he cannot ‘abide’ in sin. Sin is not his natural habitat anymore. He abides in Christ, who is his salvation and life. The children of God hate sin. If they fall into sin, they still hate it and eventually they repent and come back to God. The children of God and the children of the devil are radically different, especially in the way they look at sin. Unbelievers have the seed of the devil inside them. They manifest especially by their love for sin, their neglect of the Bible and prayer, and hatred against the true believers. God’s children love to obey God’s Word! Selah!

*By obeying God’s Law, we honor and worship God. Jesus said: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments” (Jn 14:15; AMP). Love manifests as obedience to the truth. This is the meaning of worshipping God ‘in spirit and in truth’ (Jn 4:23). You cannot claim that you worship God with all your heart when you walk in rebellion against His commands. Search your heart! Repent of disobedience if necessary!

*By obeying God’s Law, you defeat the devil in your life and establish your testimony as a believer. The devil is a murderer. He sinned from the beginning of sin. The devil is the first sinner in the universe. In the Garden of Eden, he deceived Eve to break God’s Law. Adam rebelled and joined in his wife’s deception. When Jesus died on the Cross, He destroyed the power of sin and death. He also destroyed the works of the devil. The devil is a liar, the accuser, and slanderer of God’s people. Jesus died to destroy these evil works. As Christians we should not indulge in the works our Master died to destroy. We should not lie, gossip, slander or give false witnesses against others. Jesus became Man and died for sinful men so that He can destroy death, the power of death upon the believers and their bondage of fear. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Heb 2:14-18). Christ became man to identify with sinful men and to die for their sins. God the Father accepted His Son’s sacrifice. To prove that He raised Him from the dead. By His death and resurrection, Jesus is now the Lord of all, the living, and the dead. But He is the High Priest only for the believers. He made ‘propitiation’ for the sins of His people. The word ‘propitiation’ means to calm down a god or a person who was angry with you. God hates sin. God was angry when Adam betrayed Him and rebelled against Him. Jesus died on the Cross on behalf of sinners, to honor God’s justice and holiness. Jesus died as an atonement that makes reconciliation between God and man possible.

“For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living” (Rom 14:9). As God the Son, Jesus has always been the Lord of the Living. By becoming Man, and by His death on the Cross, now Jesus became the Lord of the dead also. This is an extension of His authority. This was not possible, except Jesus became Man and that He died. Because of the Cross, no one can hide in hell and refuse to bow to Jesus. David knew about this revelation. He said: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (Ps 139:7, 8).

The devil himself, as the chief murderer of the human race, is now under the feet of Jesus. If you believe that Jesus is merciful and that He died for your sins, then it is your duty to surrender your body to Him and worship Him. Paul says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:1, 2). By doing God’s will, you have destroyed the power of sin in your flesh and the power of the devil over you!

WHAT GOD’S LAW IS NOT SUPPOSED TO DO

God’s Law was not given to save man or to bring him into an intimate relationship with God. God did not send His Commandments to bring us into a relationship with Him. God already had a relationship with His people that started with Abraham. God’s people were people of covenant already. God, as the faithful Covenant Keeper, has promised them blessings and pledged to fulfill them. In the Ten Commandments God introduces Himself as their God. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Ex 20:2). As you can see, God is their Savior already. He is the One that brought them out of bondage. Therefore, the Law was not given to save them from sin. Later, Apostle Paul says: “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified” (Gal 2:16, 17). Trying to go to heaven by obeying God’s Law is called legalism and that is sin! Selah!

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S LAW?

*The Law brings knowledge. As we study the Law, we now know who God is, what He likes and what He hates. We now know that God hates sin. It is God’s will that once we get saved, we receive the power to love and obey God’s Law. We become disciplined people and holy like God.

*The Law brings the fear of God, which is necessary for us to become wise, humble, and respectful of the God of the universe. When God came down on the mountain to give the Ten Commandments, His presence manifested with great noise, fire, and earthquake (Ex 20:18-21). The people were afraid and ran away. They told Moses to go and meet God by himself then come back to tell them the Law. Here, Moses is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is the Mediator between God and man. Studying God’s Law does not save from sin, but it gives us the necessary respect for God so that we don’t become over-familiar with Him. There is safety in wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction” (PV 1:7). Selah!

*By the Law of God, we know what sin is and how ugly sin is. Sin is a terrible thing. Nothing less than the Blood of Jesus could atone for it. The Law of God must convict us of sin before we see our need for the Savior. We cannot appreciate the grace of God if we have not been convicted of sin, as lawbreakers. “They must be slain by the Law before they can be made alive by the Gospel” (C. Spurgeon). Because sin has weakened man’s will, no natural man can obey God’s Law. We are born sinners and lawbreakers. Jesus died to bring us out from the condemnation of the Law. Salvation is not by obeying the Law but by faith in the Gospel. “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Rom 8:3, 4). Praise the Lord!

*The Law was given to restrain sin. Governments have the power to arrest and punish lawbreakers. The prison may not change their hearts, but they are restrained from committing more crimes “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Rom 13:4). Thank God!

*The Law leads us to Christ! This is the greatest work the Law does. The Law did not come with mercy or grace to help us obey it. The Law is a harsh Master, a disciplinarian Teacher or Tutor. It humbles us. It kills our pride and boasting. As we try to obey this Teacher, slowly, we are led to Christ, our Savior. “For Christ is the end of the law [it leads to Him and its purpose is fulfilled in Him], for [granting] righteousness to everyone who believes [in Him as Savior]” (Rom 10:4; AMP). “What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Gal 3:19-25). “The Law leads to the Gospel and the Gospel leads us to Christ” (Charles Wesley).

God’s Law is like a mirror. It shows your stains but cannot wash them. It only makes you sad because you now know that you are unclean. As you pray for something to wash your face, God directs you to a basin filled with Blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins. The Blood of Jesus is the only ‘soap’ that can wash your stains and cleans your conscience. Glory to God! “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” (E. A. Hoffman)

LAW AND GRACE

In the Bible, we discover the greatest separation: It is between Law and Grace. You see it clearly in the story of the adulterous woman who was to be killed according to the Law but was saved by Jesus, by His Grace (John 8:1-12). The Law says adultery is a sin. It also says that anyone who commits adultery should be killed (Ex 20:14; Lev 20:10). By God’s Law, the woman is to be stoned to death. This is what the Pharisees wanted to do. They are filled with religious pride, anger, and envy against Jesus. They came to test Jesus. Silently, Jesus writes something on the ground. Nobody knows what He writes. He is the Judge who takes His time. Nobody can proceed to do anything in His Court until He speaks. None speaks. None moves. His silence is His authority. The courtroom is quiet as a graveyard. His very presence stops all evil men from killing. Then He stands and says: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (Jn 8:7). The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus. Now they are trapped by God’s Law. They are criminals at heart. They thought that they were the judges. Now, the true Judge and Lord of all men, both the living and dead, declares His judgment. The Word pierces them and paralyzes them. One by one, the older ones first dropped the stones, and went away. The devil, the accuser of the brethren, has lost this case. Jesus then commands the woman to stop sinning and go free. Grace does not condemn but Grace does not condone sin. It is a great sin to take Grace for granted!

Lesson: It is not enough to know the Law. To please God, you must obey it. But no natural man can obey God’s Law. Sin in the flesh has weakened the will. That is why you see doctors who know that alcohol leads to liver failure, they still drink it. You see lawyers taken to court for breaking the law. That is why financial gurus end up bankrupt, breaking the very laws of prosperity they teach others. You see pastors who preach against sin, and they are caught practicing the same sin. God’s Law is good, but it frustrates the sinner until he surrenders to Christ, who alone can save his soul. The Law says to the man who fell into the gutter: ‘you have fallen’. The Law has no hand to stretch to offer help. But the Gospel always goes inside the gutter to help the fallen man out of it. Grace is available only to the humble man who repents of his sins. Grace gives sinners the power to ‘go and sin no more’. Grace speaks because Blood was shed on the Cross. Praise the Lord!

The Book Pilgrim Proogress written by John Bunyan is the second-best seller after Bible in the whole world. In it you see a man called Christian who travels from the city of destruction to the heavenly Zion. There is a place where Christian goes to the house of the Interpreter. In that house there was a room full of dust. A man is trying to sweep the dust, but the room becomes worse. This dust is the original sin. The more you want to deal with it, the worse it becomes. The broom he uses to sweep is the Law. As he sweeps, the settled dust on the floor rises to fill the whole room. Lesson: you can’t kill sin with the Law. Then a lady comes to sprinkle water. The dust settles back to the floor. It is now wet with the sweet water of God’s grace. Now, the dirt of sin is easily swept away by the broom law. Praise the Lord!

“For [if we are] in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but only faith activated and expressed and working through love” (Gal 5:6; AMP). Faith seeks to do God’s will, to obey His Word. Love tells faith what God’s will is. Love gives faith the fuel it needs to trust God for answers to prayers. Love gives faith the power to pray and receive the answers. Because Love never fails, faith will always win.    

KING GRACE BECAME POOR SO THAT LOVE WILL MAKES YOU RICH

This is God’s eternal Word: “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” (PV 10:22). The word ‘rich’ means godly success and true prosperity.

“But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Cor 8:7-9).

Apostle Paul encourages the believers to give generously to God’s work and to help the needy. He does not command them. He encourages them. He tells them that they should be leaders and examples in spiritual things (faith, knowledge of the Bible, diligence, and love). They should also lead in the practical grace of giving to the needy. That generosity is a fruit of love. The Apostle says that it is right to compare our diligence and faithfulness to that of others. All true mature believers are generous with their resources. The greatest model of giving is God the Father and God the Son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom 8:32). Love gives! Hatred is stingy! Selah!

See what Jesus had to ‘lose’ to give us salvation and many other blessings. Jesus came down from heaven. Earth was not His real home. Heaven is! The plan of salvation included humiliation. Jesus became a Man on earth. He had no house of His own. Jesus said: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Lk 9:58). Most of the time He borrowed from people. He borrowed food, clothing, a coin to give an illustration, a donkey to enter Jerusalem, and finally a tomb to be buried. He had friends who were rich, and they hosted Him sometimes. But He Himself had nothing at all. To save sinners like you and me, Jesus gave up everything. He was crucified naked. He voluntarily gave up His life and all that He had as a Man. He not only became a Man, He became a poor Man. He knows how it feels to lose it all. Why? For the glory of God, for a greater purpose than just having treasures on earth. We are commanded to be like Him. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:5-11).

DESTROYING THE STRONGHOLD OF POVERTY MENTALITY

The subject of material prosperity and poverty is something that interests everybody. This time I am speaking only to believers! As children of God, we must have the mind of Christ. We must view everything thru the eyes of Christ, as it is revealed in the Word of God. We must be careful; there is a danger concerning the doctrine of material prosperity. We must avoid and reject the worldly way of preaching prosperity. We must also avoid and reject the preaching of poverty as it is done in some cults. We do not love or hate money! We love God and hate the devil! The Holy Spirit shall lead us safely into the whole truth. “We need You, Holy Spirit!” 

There are more ‘poor people’ in this world than the ones called ‘wealthy’. But poverty is relative. A hut in your village may be a palace in my village. Let me be more practical… There is something called ‘poverty mentality’. It is a spiritual evil stronghold in your mind. If you are ignorant about it, it will stay there in you for a lifetime. It will affect your thinking in general and your ability to make money in particular. It may have been planted in your youth. It is the devil’s seed. As a child of God, you need to discover this evil plantation, uproot it, and destroy it. The Word of God has greater authority than any idea, imagination, or theory in your mind! This stronghold affects the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate. It is a spiritual structure that forms a hindrance in your mind when you want to think about material prosperity in life.

These are some of the characteristics of poverty mentality type of stronghold in the mind:

*You think that money should be kept in ‘fix deposit’; you hate spending money; you feel bad and guilty after spending money.

*You think that the opportunities to make money are limited. You complain that there are no jobs or businesses in Nigeria.

*You think that taking the risk to start a business is too dangerous and that material success is temporary.

*You are afraid to be a leader. When it comes to finances you choose to follow than to lead others to a greater level of prosperity.

*You fear that you’ll never be able to save enough money to feel comfortable in life.

*You love receiving gifts and ‘free money’ from others.

*You daydream about being rich ‘one day’, like winning the lottery or that one day ‘you hammer’ (as we say in Nigeria).

*Your mind set concerning prosperity: you are a consumer and not a creator!

*You have an inferiority complex (feeling apologetic, anxious, or guilty) when it comes to your finances. You always says: “I no get money’.

*You see the world through the lenses of the poor people who hate the rich! You are silently jealous of others who have more money than you.

*You see wealth as a mysterious stranger who is mocking you from afar! For you, to stay poor, is easier than making money!

“A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest… then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber” (PV 6:10, 11). In the Bible, Poverty is described as an armed robber that attacks you in the night, when you sleep! Do you love sleep? Be careful! Sleep is a good servant but a bad, selfish master. Do not take sleeping pills! Too much sleep is a sign of sickness, depression or laziness and it will end in poverty. Do you fear armed men coming to attack you at night? The attack of poverty is worse than an EK47. Poverty is a spiritual bandit. It attacks when you sleep, when you relax too much, when you are not watchful and prayerful (ask Samson, he will tell you…). Once poverty pounces on you, it will chain your feet and your hands, blind your eyes, and confuse your mind. It will make you it’s prisoner, it’s servant. It will carry you to its smelly dungeon and steal all your dreams. It will kill the wonder of worship. It will destroy the romance of marriage. You will not be able to move on in life, to make any progress. Your hands will be too weak to do any work. You become easily tired, bored, or restless. You will be blind to opportunities to invest and make money. You become foolish, fearful, and confused when it comes to financial decisions. May God forbid! I pray for you…

Just before the Cross, He remembers the time when He was ‘rich’ in heaven. All glory was His! He owned everything! We can see with the eyes of the Spirit. Jesus is God. He was God in heaven. All angels worshipped Him. He was the richest Person in the universe. He reminds God the Father about the glory He had before He came down to earth. He said: “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (Jn 17:5). This prayer from Son to Father is a great mystery.

Question: Why did Jesus give up all things? Answer: to make us rich! Have you considered how rich you are? “Count your blessings, name them one by one. It will surprise you what the Lord has done!” Let us count some of the glorious riches you have in Christ Jesus: eternal salvation, peace of mind, joy in your soul, divine health, the privilege of prayer, the power to live a godly life, forgiveness of sins, the opportunity to belong to a local church and serve God there, no more doubts, fears, and bondages; freedom to fulfill destiny; blessings to your family and business, and so many others. How rich has Jesus made us! We have a treasure in heaven that no thief can touch. On earth, we are blessed to be His servants. This poverty mentality is a curse from the devil. But having all these blessings, reminds us to be responsible before God and man. We must love God! We must be generous and willing to bless others. May the grace of giving be our portion! God will reward us! Worship the Lord!

This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series titled ‘The Ten Commandments’. Her main scriptures were taken from the book Exodus 20:1-17; 2 Kings 5:15-27; Luke 12:13-34.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – INTRODUCTION

The Ten Commandments are ten laws that God Himself gave to the ancient nation of Israel thru His servant Moses. These Biblical principles apply to men’s relationship with God and with one another. If all people on earth keep at least one of these commandments, the world will be a better place. These Commandments were spoken directly by God at Mount Sinai and written by God’s finger on tablets of stone and given to Moses. This act makes them unique in the Bible. These Ten Laws are commands and not suggestions. They are personal, spoken to individuals.

GOD’S WORD 

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the Sower and bread to the Eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Is 55:10, 11). God’s Word proceeds from God’s mouth. It goes to the earth like a messenger sent by God. The word ‘void’ means useless, without result, or empty handed. The word ‘prosper’ means to push forward against all hindrance, to be mighty and successful. Even if the preacher is weak as a child, God’s Word in his mouth will never be ‘void’ of power. It will always defeat all opposition and become successful to the glory of God! Let us give thanks to God for the Bible!

THE 10^TH COMMANDMENT – YOU SHALL NOT COVET!

“You shall not covet [that is, selfishly desire and attempt to acquire] your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Ex 20:17; AMP). The 10^th Commandment radically forbids every form of covetousness. Covetousness is a very serious sin. It alters the whole personality. “Whoever commits adultery with a woman … destroys his own soul” (PV 6:32). Covetousness is the strong, restless, eager, and excessive desire for wealth. It is extreme greed, a never satisfied lust after material possessions, especially something that belongs to someone else. It is a combination of lust, envy, and greed. Envy is the wicked painful feeling when you wish to have what another person has, and even destroy that person in the process. Greed is a strong selfish desire to have material wealth and power. Both envy and greed are works of the flesh. In the Bible, covetousness is another word for loving the world or loving Mammon. Covetousness is idolatry and makes God angry (Col 3:5) and it is a ticket to hell (1 Cor 6:19). For a believer to be covetous it means that he is backsliding (1 Tim 6:9, 10). A covetous man cannot worship God at the same time. The reason why God gave so many commands for us to take care of the poor and needy is so that we defeat greed by doing good deeds.

The Tenth Commandment is different than the rest because covetousness is hidden in the heart. Covetousness is similar to greed. But there is a difference. Greed desires material possessions. Covetousness also desires material possessions but the ones who belong to another person. Covetousness is connected to sexual lust. A covetous does not lust only after a woman, but he lusts after somebody’s wife. For example, when a man buys a new car, or builds a house, the covetous man cannot be happy for him. He imagines himself driving that very car and living in that particular house. When a man gets married, he can’t be happy for him. Even during the wedding day, he starts to imagine marrying his bride. Covetousness is connected to lust, idolatry, pride, envy, hypocrisy, stealing, adultery, and even murder.  Covetousness is an insult to the All-Sufficient God and His grace given to men. It is an insult to Jehovah Jireh, God, our Provider. A covetous man says in his heart: ‘God does not take care of me. I have to take care of myself.’ A covetous man is bitter and ungrateful. He destroys himself and many others around him.

The opposite of covetousness is contentment. Paul has learned the art of contentment. He was not born with it. He has already learned and mastered it. Apostle Paul does not say that he has no needs. What he says is that by the power of the Holy Spirit he has learned to trust the All-sufficient God until in his spirit, he is satisfied. “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: And a good man shall be satisfied from himself” (PV 14:14; KJ).  God’s grace is sufficient for a believer. Jesus said to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9). A covetous man is not satisfied with God’s grace alone. Ask yourself, is God’s grace (unmerited favor) enough for you?

Covetousness is called “the mother of sin and the greatest of monsters”, because envy and greed first arise in the heart before they find expression in outward deeds.  Covetousness may not appear as bad as adultery or murder, but in fact it is one of the worst sins because it is a very fruitful root. It produces many other sins. Breaking the Tenth Commandment means breaking them all. The Ten Commandment is the final test of obedience. Covetousness happens when you are ready to pay any price to have something, even when you know that it is against God’s will. We covet when we set our hearts upon something which belongs to another and wish we had it instead of them. It is a common sin among Christians. The reason is because they foolishly compare one with another concerning mode of dressings, cars they drive and other achievements. Comparing with one another leads to competition and covetousness. It is the dangerous road of fools. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12). Most of the time this covetousness is the effect of preaching the so called ‘prosperity gospel’. Under its influence, the people use their faith to pray mostly for material things and not for spiritual gains. Going to church only to hear about how to make money and having no desire for heaven, is a snare to many souls. These people have ‘itching ears.’ They love to hear prophecies about material wealth and have no interest in the true Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected. This is a spiritual Law: as the leader is, so are his followers. As the pastor is, so is his congregation. Ask yourself? Why do you read the Bible? Why do you pray? What do you want to hear when you go to church? Empty religion is a hindrance to true spirituality. The Love of money has wrecked the lives of many believers and made many churches become dens of robbers. May God have mercy! 

The world is the system where human beings live like God does not exist. The devil is the ruler of this world (Jn 14:30). All men are born sinners and they are slaves of sin, under their master, the devil. The world is a great idol. We are born to love the world and to worship its prince. God commands us to stop loving the world and start loving Him. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 Jn 2:15, 16). Religion is a cover up for sin, especially for covetousness. Sin dwells in the heart before it manifests as deeds. A covetous man is a worldly man. He only thinks and boasts of the things of this world (his successful business, his achievements …). He does not think or speak about spiritual things. Heaven is too far for him. He does not make plans to go there. He assumes that just by doing some good deeds, he will arrive in heaven. The people around the fire in the courtyard accused Peter of being a disciple of Jesus. They said: “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you” (Matt 26:73). In the same way, man is betrayed by his speech. A covetous man may hide his greed thru religion, but eventually, he is betrayed by his speech. Covetousness is dangerous. It is a moral sin polluting the whole soul. Men think that just because they provide good things for their families, they are free from this sin. Covetousness chokes the God’s Word in the heart. “The ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (Lk 8:14). A covetous man does not grow spiritually. This is a great test, but it takes time to prove it.

Covetousness breaks all the Ten Commandments. The covetous man has many gods. He is always filled with anxiety about his wealth and his future. He dreams big, to fly high, but his wings do not carry him above the earth.  Covetousness is like the captain of a boat who for the sake of money, he takes too many passengers and his boat sinks in the middle of the sea. His only hope is his money and that hope always disappoints.

GEHAZI’S COVETOUSNESS (2 Kings 5:19-27)

In the bible, we see many instances of people coveting. They all ended badly. For example, The false prophet Balaam coveted the money promised by Balak and was ready to curse God’s people. He died an untimely death (Jude 1:11). King Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard and killed him (1 Kings 21:1-16). According to the prophesy, Ahab, and his wife Jezebel both died violent, disgraceful deaths. David coveted Bathsheba and also ended up committing murder (2 Samuel 11). His family suffered after that. Achan coveted the fine things of Jericho and ended up stealing them. He and his family were killed for that sin (Joshua 7). God judges and punishes covetousness. “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase” (PV 13:11). Anaias and Saphira both lied and coveted leadership positions. They were stroked dead by God (Acts 5:1-11).

Naaman was a famous rich general in the Syrian army. But he was leprous. At that time leprosy was incurable. Prophet Elisha healed him miraculously. When Naaman wanted to pay him, Elisha refused. He wanted Naaman to know that Jehovah God healed him. The glory must go to God alone. Lesson: here you see a true servant of God. He does not do ministry for personal gain of fame. As Naaman departed in peace, Elisha’s servant Gehazi, who was also an apprentice in training, ran after him. He lied that his master sent him to take the gift he had previously refused. Naaman gives him money and expensive clothes. Gehazi comes back pretending that he has not gone out. But Elisha has seen in the Spirit realm. He gives his verdict. Because he has taken the gift from Naaman, his leprosy will cling to him and to his family. The curse took immediate effect. Gehazi’s punishment was deserved. He not only lied, but he despised God’s omnipresence, His Word, His holiness, and God’s position as the Judge of all men. He also damaged the testimony of Elisha as a servant of Jehovah. All the Syrians will hear about the miracle and the payment given to the prophet. A fool is someone who loses more than he gains. Gehazi was a fool. What gain is to him to have money, and vineyards, and sheep and oxen when he is a leprous man! He gained money but he lost his health, his family’s health, his reputation, his position as a servant to a great man of God, and possibly, he lost his soul. From that time on, as a leprous, with his family, he had to leave all his friends and live outside the town as an outcast. Naaman lost his sickness and Gehazi picked it. He experienced a reverse miracle. He discovered too late that he can deceive Naaman, but he cannot deceive God or His prophet. Beware of hypocrisy and covetousness! This curse can bring spiritual leprosy to your soul! Oh, you foolish Gehazi! It is better to have a simple coat on a healthy body and a clean conscience! “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:9, 10). Lying, covetousness, and stealing are serious sins. The devil is always behind them. God always punishes these sins with visible judgment. Selah!

THE RICH YOUNG RULER (Matt 19:16-30)

A rich young ruler met Jesus. Possibly, he was a member of the Sanhedrin. We are not told that he made his money through fraudulent means. Maybe he was born into a rich Jewish family. He seems humble. He knelt before Jesus as a sign of respect. He recognized that Jesus is a Man of God. He called Him ‘Good Teacher’. Jesus gently rebuked him saying that only God is good. This is because the man did not see Jesus as God, only as a good teacher. He wanted to serve God and go to heaven. He was a good citizen and a religious man since his youth. But he believed in a wrong doctrine, that salvation is by works. He did not understand that salvation is only by Grace and thru Faith in Christ. His question was: “what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ He is concerned with ‘doing’. Interestingly, Jesus tells him to ‘keep the Ten Commandments’. Why did Jesus tell him that? It is because the man is still a proud boastful sinner. Jesus tells him to obey the commands that concern the relationship between people. Jesus replaces The Tenth Commandment that forbids covetousness with the fulfilment of it saying, ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself’. This command can only be obeyed by a true believer in Christ who is Spirit filled. The man says that he has kept these commands. He is deceived and he does not even know it. To prove that this man is lying, Jesus tells him: ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow Me’. Hearing this, the man goes away sorrowful because he could not give up his great wealth. He chose his money instead of Jesus, proving that with all his religious deeds, in his heart, he does not love Jesus. He is not saved. He failed the Tenth Commandment. Therefore, he failed them all. Jesus uses this encounter as a lesson for His disciples. He tells them that it is hard (not impossible) for a rich man to be saved. It is easier for a poor man to have faith in Jesus. The disciples were astonished. What is the lesson? Conviction of sin, godly sorrow that leads to salvation, and faith in the Gospel, is the unique work of the Holy Spirit. No man can save himself and no man can save another man. Material wealth and good deeds cannot save. They may even be a hindrance to the faith necessary for salvation. God’s Law convicts us as lawbreakers. We must make a choice. We cannot serve two masters, God, and mammon. Face to face with Jesus, this young successful man, went back to serve Mammon. The covetousness in his heart was stronger than his desire to go to heaven. See how strong sin is in the human heart. Only Christ can break that stronghold. Peter wanted to know what his gain will be for him leaving his family and business to follow Jesus. Jeus tells him that salvation is by grace and thru faith. Then there is reward for all who have sacrificed pleasures on earth for the sake of Jesus and His Gospel. There is a treasure in heaven for them. God does the accounting. Not only that there is compensation for losses, but a multiplication of reward manifested on earth. Lesson: nobody has followed Jesus and regrated it. Following Jesus and doing God’s work, can only lead to true joy, prosperity, and fulfillment in life. To God be all the glory!

THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL (Lk 12:13-21)

A man came to Jesus asking Him to be the judge between himself and another. Jesus refused the request because it was out of the sphere of His purpose. But this man’s request gave Him an opportunity to warn His disciples about the sin of Covetousness. He then shared with them the parable of the rich fool. There was this wealthy farmer. His land was fruitful. With each harvest he became richer. He decided to destroy his barns and build bigger ones, to store the bigger harvest. His plan was to be so rich that he will have no need to work in the future. He will only rest, eat, drink and be merry. To him, work was a burden. For him, enjoying his wealth and resting is the perfect happy life. But that night God takes his soul. He leaves behind all his wealth. This man is rich for himself and poor towards God. Why did Jesus call this man a fool?

The man is a fool because he only thinks about himself and his riches. He never thinks about God who gave him the power to make wealth. He forgot God! “You shall remember [with profound respect] the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deut 8:18; AMP). This man is a wicked fool because he did not see God as the source of his life and wealth. He did not seek God. He did not care about God. “The fool has said in his heart: There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one” (Ps 14:1-3). The man is a fool because he trusted his wealth to be happy. He made wealth his god. But material wealth cannot save your soul and cannot give you peace and joy. This man is a fool because he did not know the purpose of his wealth. He did not know that money is to be used to promote God’s Kingdom and help the needy. The man is a fool because he is too selfish. He wants to enjoy his wealth alone. Read his words: there are 6 I, 5 my, and 4 I will. He even calls his soul ‘my soul’. He did not know that God is the owner of his soul. God says: “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). At the point of death, this foolish man could keep his soul inside his body. He was boasting about things he cannot control. This man is a fool because he was sure about his future when he is not the owner of the future. We are commanded not to boast about tomorrow. “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:13-17). This man is a fool because he ignored God’s grace as the only way for salvation. The worse mistake he made is that he ignored God for the needs of his soul. He did not think that he may go to hell. He did not make plans to go to heaven. At last, his riches were left behind. They could not help him. What a fool! Selah!

The resurrected Christ warned the believers in the church of Laodicea to repent from trusting their wealth. “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent” (Rev 3:14-19). Selah!

COVETOUSNESS IS A GREAT SIN IN A PASTOR 

Apostle Paul told the Thessalonians that he never preached the Gospel from impure motives. “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children” (1 Thess 2:1-7). God’s servant must preach the true Gospel, free of greed, deceit, or manipulation. The preaching must be done to please God who sent him. He must be faithful to God. He must not be intimidated by his congregation. He must not flatter people to gain their favor and must not work to please men. He must not soften the Gospel. He must preach God’s Word as it is in the Bible, without fear of favor to men. Why? Because God tests the hearts. God tests the motives for ministry, and rewards according to the work done. Men may testify that their pastor does not use flattery. But no man can see inside his heart if there is wicked greed or not. God rewards purity of heart with higher anointing in ministry. No pastor should preach hidden under ‘a cloak of covetousness’. This cloak means an excuse, a pretext, something to hide the real motives of the heart. When a pastor tells the people that he loves them, but at the same time he manipulates them to give him money, that is a coverup, a cloak of covetousness. God sees and God judges! Selah!

BEWARE OF THE FALSE DOCTRINES AND HYPOCRISY OF GREEDY RELIGIOUS RULERS

“Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt 16:5-12). “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation… Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matt 23:14; 25-28). ‘Extortion’ means to obtain money by threats or force. “Jesus began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Lk 12:1-2). “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Lk13:10-15)

Our Lord warned us about ‘the leaven’ of religious rulers. This leaven is called hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is false, deceptive behavior. A hypocrite is an actor. He pretends to be a good Christian, but he is greedy and wicked in his heart. He is a handsome thief. She is a beautiful criminal. These religious rulers do not do what they preach. Our Lord’s greatest condemnation was to these religious rulers. As you see, they use religion to steal money from people. Therefore, hypocrisy is a sign of covetousness. It also manifests as preaching false doctrines. A Pharisee loves money in his heart, but he hides that. He wants men to think that he is a generous person who cares for the poor. He is a hypocrite. These people serve Mammon in their hearts but pretend to serve God in the church. These false brethren are not easy to detect. When Jesus confronted them with their hypocrisy, they ‘derided’ Him. To deride it means to mock, to speak with proud contempt. Bullies do that. Politicians often deride one another. Jesus calls this proud religious spirit ‘a leaven’. He commanded His disciples to beware of it. The warning is to reject every form of religious pride, greed, covetousness, and hypocrisy. Like leaven rises the dough, so this demon makes even the believers proud and destroys their testimonies. To stay humble and prayerful under slander or mocking is a great achievement. It is done only by the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE LEAVEN HINDERS THE RACE (Galatians 5:7-18).

The flesh is the part of man that is not under the influence of the Holy Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit does not help the flesh, but fights its selfish desires. The flesh tries in vain to obey God’s Law. The Law was not given to save man. It was given to prove that man is a sinner, cannot obey God’s Law and cannot please Him. Once the Holy Spirit fills a believer and takes control in leading him, the flesh becomes weaker and weaker. That is when man can obey God’s Law, not only outwardly, but in his heart. This holy process is called sanctification. Being filled and led by the Holy Spirit is the only way to kill all religious hypocrisy. If you are daily led by the Spirit, you are not under the condemnation of the Law. The work of the Law is to convict of sin and to lead the man to Christ. It is only in Christ, that we become free and strong to obey God’s Law.

The leaven is the religious spiritual pride. It attacks the believer who runs the race by obeying the truth as he carries his cross daily. The leaven comes telling him to use the liberty of Christ to satisfy the desires of the flesh. If he is not careful, he backslides, becoming a religious hypocrite. He looks down on the faithful believers. He still goes to church and worships God, but not with all his heart. He becomes a hindrance to other Christians. He is now a greedy and proud believer. He pleases himself and other men. He does not please God. He gossips and slanders others. He starts quarrels and divides the church. He needs to repent of his sins and come back to the Cross. By the Power of the Spirit, he must kill the desires of the flesh, especially pride, greed, and hypocrisy. These are like weeds that quench the Word of God. Once the weeds are gathered and burnt with fire, the Word in his heart can grow. Love for God and love for man will again bloom like flowers in the springtime. Praise the Lord!

COVETOUSNESS IS IDOLATRY

Covetousness and gossip are some of the most common sins even among the Christians. These days, there is a higher pressure for people to covet things. Technology is improving faster. Every year, there are new phones, cars, and computers. People become jealous of others for having them. The devil deceived Eve. Her sin was a combination of covetousness and desiring the have other gods before God. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them” (Col 3:1-7). Covetousness is idolatry because the greedy man loves money more than God. Covetousness is deceptive. Like pride, it creeps slowly into your heart, and you may be ignorant of it. Lucifer coveted God’s throne and His position. Why is covetousness so terrible? You become ungrateful for the things you have. Secondly, you will never be happy and never satisfied. That is torment. Ask yourself ‘when is enough, enough?’

THE EVIL SPIRIT OF GAMBLING

Gambling is defined as playing a game for money or for property. It means to bet, to take a chance, to expose yourself to danger and proceed in the face of it. Simply put, you risk money to win more money. Gambling is a major international commercial activity, with the legal gambling market totaling an estimated $335 billion in 2009. Gambling is a form of covetousness and a manifestation of the love of money. To be rich quickly without doing any labor is the dream of all sinners. That is the foundation of gambling. The attraction of gambling is entertainment and the love of money. The victims are people who are lazy, covetous, foolish, and ambitious at the same time, a deadly combination. Gambling is the fastest growing addiction in the world. 1/7 teenagers and 1/10 adults that gamble end up as addicted to it. Gambling wrecks homes and marriages. Research done says that poor people spend 13% of their small income on lottery. The rich people spend less than 1% of their income for the same lottery. The poor neighborhoods have the highest number of locations for gambling and lottery. These are sold in poor grocery stores to attract the people who buy food. Many times, a poor man has gone home to his family without food and just with a lottery slip that promises millions. The casinos machines are built in such a way that 80-90% of the winning numbers go to the patron. The chance of winning there is minimal but the attraction of making money without work is very high. Even the few that win, statistics say that they will lose all their money in maximum two years, and they are back to gamble again, ready to sell even their soul to Satan.

Gambling, betting, or lottery are not forbidden in the Bible. But the Bible warns against the love of money. Gambling gives hope to people that by playing a game, they will get rich without working. Gambling in moderation may not be a sin, but it is a waste of money. It is in the same category as going to eat at a very expensive restaurant, buying ‘designer’ dresses or shoes, or buying things you don’t need. In the Bible, God prescribed the casting of lots for some activities like the choosing of the scapegoat or choosing the portions of land for each tribe in the Promised Land. The Apostles cast lots to decide who will replace Judas. But none of these examples applies to casting lots to make money. Why gambling is wicked? When you gamble, you win at the expense of others, who lose money. Gambling encourages laziness, selfishness, and greed. Most gamblers live in anxiety, depression and many commit suicide. The greedy men trouble their families. “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live” (PV 15:27). In reality, gambling is an evil spirit that steals, kills, and destroys.

Gambling violates God’s law because of the following:

1-The foundation and the attraction of it is love of money, which is evil. “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Ecc 5:10)

2-Gambling encourages laziness. We should work and be good stewards of the income we make. We tithe to God and use the remaining to take care of the family. Any surplus we save is for emergencies in the future. “Lazy hands make a man poor but diligent hands bring wealth” (PV 10:4)

3-Gambling may be entertaining but it is addictive. All addictions are sins. “A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2Pet 2:19)

4-Gambling gives false hopes. “When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power come to nothing” (PV 11:7)

5-Gambling does not give glory to God but to the idol of ‘luck or fortune’. There are things in this world that may not be bad in themselves, but they are not beneficial to the kingdom of God and to our testimony as believers. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Cor 6:12).

6-Man was created in the image of God. Gambling spoils that image. It makes a man to be a fool. “Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches by unjust means. When his life is gone, they will desert him and in the end he proves to be a fool” (Jer 17:11). Gambling is the backslider’s god and the fantasy of the rebellious.

Gambling in Nigeria is common, especially online sports betting. Nigeria is now home to more than 40 sports betting sites, indicating that about 60 million Nigerians actively participate in sports betting. That’s close to a third of Nigeria’s population. Next to South Africa, Nigeria is the second largest online gambling country in Africa. I read that the biggest betting online site in Nigeria is Bet9ja. Its net Worth 2023 is estimated at $1 billion. We pray for revival in Nigeria! God have mercy!

THE CURE FOR COVETOUSNESS

Covetousness is a secret sin of the heart. These are some signs that you are covetous and are under the influence of Mammon: You are always worried about your finances; you are always broke; you buy things on impulse; you are greedy; you are always in debt. These are all negative emotions. The cure for covetousness is genuine repentance. The believer needs faith in Christ crucified and resurrected. He then needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The result is Contentment in life. Another way to destroy covetousness is by desiring spiritual things more, by loving God’s Word. Pray for a spiritual mind. Contentment is the opposite of Covetousness. It is defined as quiet happiness and satisfaction in life. It is not an exciting type of happiness. It is a deep stable peaceful joy that is not disturbed by circumstances. You are happy with God and the life He has given to you at the present. Money cannot buy contentment and peace. That is the gift of God. Money is good to buy the basic things of life: food, a roof over your head, paying for education and medical bills. But once you have enough money to pay for these basic needs, money loses the power to make you happy. For a man who has these basic needs supplied, he has to learn how to spend his money to become happier. Greed is a massive hindrance against happiness. Money is meant to be spent not just to be gathered. Giving money to God’s work and helping the needy will produce a new type of happiness that the poor man has never known. This is contentment, fulfillment, and true success in life. He now spends money to gather eternal treasures in heaven. This is true happiness. It is also wisdom. “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Ac 20:35). There are many stories of wealthy men who died, and their children foolishly squandered their wealth. They were not wise with their money. This is the truth: the earthly riches will leave us, or we will leave them. Do not be like the rich fool. Think more of heaven than of earth. Be content! Be grateful for your life as it is now, even as you pray for your dreams to come true in the future. May God help us! May we fulfill destiny! Worship the Lord!

(This note and picture is from our daughter Jemine Leigh Oakes)

Many years ago, I had the amazing opportunity to sit with one of my voices of influence at a coffee shop. I had watched her for years, an incredibly successful worship leader, the writer of some of the most renowned worship songs, and here she was, sitting across from me. I wouldn’t let any word she spoke fall to the ground.

She poured life into my heart. To this day I’m so grateful for that moment, but something she said has stayed at the forefront of my life as a worship leader… she said “Jemine, remain faithful, just simply continue to be faithful.”

Recently these words were heavy on my heart and I knew a song was forming in my spirit. I typically stew over words and scripture for each song I write, but this time, the words just poured out.

.2 Timothy 2:13 says “if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

My prayer today is that God will always finds us faithful. Whatever you’re doing, on the top of the mountain, or the depths of the valley, in trial, or triumph, let him find you faithful, doing all you do as unto him.

Jesus, find me faithful!

I found this simple and beautiful prayer in the notes of my dear husband, Pastor Richmond Sisan Leigh. This should be about 2010. He was studying ‘heaven’ in the Bible. He was always fascinated with heaven and worship. There is no doubt in my mind that he was saved and that he had the assurance of salvation. He is now in heaven! His faith has finally become sight. I imagine him over there, happy, dressed in white, walking on the streets of gold and ‘gisting’ with Apostle Paul. I also imagine him near the throne of God, worshipping Him forever! This living hope in my heart is now my daily strength! Glory to God!

“Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for giving me the revelation of heaven, my eternal home. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I know that one day I will see You face to face in heaven. I see in the Bible that there are beautiful things over there. But most of all, I want to go there to be with You and to worship You forever. I pray that You increase my hope and my faith in You. Thank You for writing my name in Your Book of Life! I give You praise forever! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

My name is Silvia Lia Leigh. I was born in Romania almost 70 years ago. At that time Romania was a communist country. Religion was forbidden. We were thought in school that God does not exist; that religion is for the poor illiterate people. I believed that! I grew up in a loving family of four. My parents were teachers in the school which I attended with my younger sister; Adica. My father was also the principal of the school. My parents thought us by example to be kind, respectful, humble and hard working. We did not believe in God, and we did not attend church.
In 1973 I got admission into the Medical School in Timisoara. In my first year I met my husband Richmond, a Nigerian. We were classmates. We fell in love and against all odds we got married. After graduation, in 1980, we moved to Nigeria. We became very successful as medical practitioners. We started a private hospital in Warri Nigeria called “Lily Clinic”. We were very happy. We had three children. We had money and fame. What else could one possibly want? Nothing! Or so I thought…
In 1986 I had a crisis conversion. I met the Lord Jesus Christ. This was purely the grace of God in action because we did not attend any church. This is how it happened…. Before coming to Nigeria I have not seen a Bible. In January of the same year, I became very depressed. I saw nothing good in all my achievements. I even lost my desire to live. This was very strange because I was always an optimistic person. The mysterious depression started after ‘accidentally’ I read a scripture on a pamphlet: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). I did not know who Jeremiah was. The scripture was not explained. But after I read it once, I just could not forget it. It seems like the words got stamped in my mind. I tried to forget it but I could not. After reading it I started thinking of God. I fought the thought, but I failed. It was like He was calling me. I panicked… I have never prayed in my life. Can I start now? A voice said: ‘It is too late for you. Don’t pray!’ Another voice said the opposite: ‘It is never too late to pray. God loves you!’ These voices made me crazy. What voice I am supposed to believe?
Finally, I made my choice. For the very first time in my life, I prayed. It was 14th of March 1986. I said: “God, if You exist, then come down from heaven and change my heart. Make me Your friend! I am tired of doubting You. I am tired of fighting you. But please God, I can’t wait forever for the answer to this prayer. I give You ‘a month’s notice’ to come down from heaven and change my heart. If You come, I promise to be Your friend forever. But if You chose not to come, then let me die in peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!” I did not know the meaning of the name ‘Jesus’ but I heard people pray like that, so I guessed it was the appropriate end to a prayer. Immediately I knew that something ‘good’ had happened to me. Not certain of what, I felt a sense of destiny coming down enveloping my soul.
On the 12th of April, 28 days after this ‘a month’s notice’ prayer, the Holy Spirit came and filled my hungry heart. Like an invisible blood transfusion, I felt LIFE entering my veins. I was alone in the sitting room when this event happened. It was much later that I knew it was called ‘the baptism of the Holy Spirit’. I became a child of God, never to be the same again. I started reading the Bible like a mad woman. This hunger for the Word for God and for prayer continues without interruptions until now. After some time, my husband became saved also. We sold our private clinic and together, we are now in full time ministry. We are the founders and the senior pastors of Father’s House Bible Church in Warri, Nigeria. To God alone be all the glory!
May this testimony ignite in you the desire to be truly saved or to experience revival! In Jesus’ name, amen!
Pastor (Mrs.) Silvia Lia Leigh.

This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series titled ‘The Ten Commandments’. Her main scriptures were taken from the book Exodus 20:1-17; John 8:31-59; Luke 23:36-43

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – INTRODUCTION

The Ten Commandments are ten laws that God Himself gave to the ancient nation of Israel thru His servant Moses. These Biblical principles apply to men’s relationship with God and with one another. If all people on earth keep at least one of these commandments, the world will be a better place. These Commandments were spoken directly by God at Mount Sinai and written by God’s finger on tablets of stone and given to Moses. This act makes them unique in the Bible. These Ten Laws are commands and not suggestions. They are personal, spoken to individuals.

GOD’S WORD RUNS FAST TO THE EARTH AND DOES GOD’S WILL

“He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold? He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow” (Ps 147:15-18). God Himself sends His Commands to people on earth. His Word runs like a champion, fast and focused. There is no difficulty or delay for the Word going from heaven to earth. Nothing can stop or slow down the Word. “As the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation” (Lk 17:24, 25). Because Jesus suffered rejection on earth, and died for sinners on the Cross, God’s Word is now triumphant and fast like lightning. If a man rejects God’s Word, his heart become frozen, and he becomes like an ice statue. But the same Word, like the sun during the springtime of grace, melts the icy heart and the tears of repentance ‘flow’ like the waters. God’s Word kills and makes alive! Selah!

THE 9^TH COMMANDMENT – YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR! YOU SHALL NOT LIE!

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor… You shall not testify falsely [that is, lie, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against your neighbor (or any person)” (Ex 20:16; NKJ; AMP). The 9th Commandment concerns our speech. It is the chief sin of the tongue. It forbids men to speak wicked lies against another to damage his reputation, in order to reduce people’s respect for him. Satan is the principal instigator of it. He deceived Eve through the first lie that was spoken on earth (Gen 3:4). To bear false witness against someone is also called Calumny, Slander, or ‘character assassination’. It is a wicked verbal attack, meant to destroy reputations or friendships. Slander is called ‘Grudges fortified’ or ‘The Devil’s masterpiece.’ “A perverse person spreads strife, And a slanderer separates close friends” (PV 16:28; NASB). A perverse man is someone who distorts the truth. Strife means quarrels. The 9th commandment forbids us from committing any act that might bring undeserved suffering to another person. The focus is on our speech, but not exclusively. Words and deeds that unjustly destroy others’ reputations, harm them in court, or promote evil are prohibited. Another way to break this commandment by teaching false doctrines that damage God’s character and by not honoring the truth. Gossip is also forbidden by this commandment. The words of gossip are ‘sweet’ poison. They stay in the heart and are not easily forgotten. They do great damage. “The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten]; They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon]” (PV 18:8; AMP). The fleshly tongue is connected with hell fire. It is only by the Holy Spirit that the tongue can be controlled and used for good. “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (Jam 3:5, 6). Connecting our hearts and tongues with heaven is our prayer! This is God’s command: “But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth” (Col 3:8; AMP). Confess this: “I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law” (Ps 119:163).

Slander is lying and a direct insult to God who is Truth. Jesus said: “I am the Truth” (Jn 14:6). “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Nu 23:19). “God, who cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). God wants His people to love truth. We are commanded to “speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15). To falsely accuse someone or quote them out of context with the intent to do them harm is wicked. The liar wants to deceive others to believe in his lies. Some political candidates use this tactic against opponents hoping that voters will be tricked into thinking that the accusations are true. This is how politicians deceive and steal followers. Written words used to harm a person’s reputation are called ‘libel’, and spoken words used to harm a person’s reputation are called ‘slander.’ False witnessing is done in public (in a court of justice) or in private (gossiping). Slander is a social sin or a criminal offence. It often leads to court cases. In most countries the Constitution protects the character of man and punishes the slanderer. The Law also tries to balance this with the freedom of speech. Just having a different opinion is not regarded as slander. A vulgar insult spoken in anger is wicked but not considered slander. Slander is always done through wickedness and a desire to destroy another person’s reputation and good name. For example, these are some serious accusations considered as slander: accusing someone to be an armed robber or a witch; accusing a person to be sick with an incurable (mental) disease, accusing someone to be an adulterer, or accusing an athlete that he is taking drugs to win the race. These accusations damage the person’s character and social status. Public persons are more likely to be slandered. A word spoken is not considered slander if: the word proves to be true, the word was only an opinion and not spoken with malice, the victim was not harmed by it or the victim agrees with the word. Generally, it is hard for lawyers to win a case against those who slander.

Slander against God is called blasphemy. It is the act of insulting, cursing, or showing lack of reverence for God. The Third Commandment forbids blasphemy: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Ex 20:7). This is God’s Law in the Old Testament: “Then you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death” (Lev 24:15. 16). Our Lord said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin. “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness but is subject to eternal condemnation”— because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mk 3:28-30). “No sin is greater or provokes God’s wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name” (Heidelberg Catechism). Blasphemy remained a criminal offence in England until 2008. In the past, promoting atheism in England could be a crime and was vigorously prosecuted. Presently, almost all countries have removed the laws against blasphemy. In the Muslim countries, blasphemy is still punished with flogging and even with a death sentence.  

GOD HATES PRIDE, LIES, WICKEDNESS, SLANDER AND DIVISION!

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (PV 6:16-19). Liars are wicked fools. “Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool” (PV 10:18). Those who lie and flatter hate their victims. “A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (PV 26:28).

God forbids taking His name in vain and slandering the name of people who are created in His image. Slandering men means slandering their creator. While everyone has a fundamental right to freely speak their minds, your freedom of expression is not absolute. Most legal systems set limits on what you can say especially if you make claims about someone that are not true. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold” (PV 22:1). Calumny damages the good name of a person. That damage is stealing from a greater treasure than silver and gold. It injures a man more than stealing from his bank account!    

“Who steals my purse, steals trash,

But he who steals from me my good name,

Robs me of that which not enriches him,

Yet leaves me poor indeed.”

WHY DO PEOPLE SLANDER OTHERS?

Slander is always wicked. It is a manifestation of sin dwelling in the heart. Jealousy, inferiority complex, anger and fear are the main reasons why people lie against others. Most of the time, people slander because they have been deceived to believe a lie. They trust the liar and they repeat the lie. That is why we should not totally trust men, but only God! Another reason people slander it is because they have misunderstood the person. They did not search for the facts, and they jumped to conclusions. Impatience often leads to error. Peer pressure should not lead you into sin! “You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice” (Ex 23:1, 2).  Selfishness is the root of slander. When you are careless with your words, and you do not feel the pain in another, you will fall into sin. God judges careless (idle) words. Search your heart! Words come from inside your heart. Our Lord said: “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:33-37).  

GOD’S LAW CONCERNING WITNESSES- SLANDER IS EVIL -SLANDER IS PUNISHED!

The ninth Commandment forbids all lying, but especially trying to deceive others as you damage your neighbor’s name. Trying to bring down a person, destroying his good name so that you raise your own reputation at his expense is sinful. Slander is sin! God hates it! God punishes it! In The Old Testament, if a man commits a sin, the witnesses should bring him to a court presided by priests or judges in the presence of God. Only one witness is not acceptable in court. At least two witnesses must testify. A witness is one who has seen the offence firsthand. A secondhand witness is not accepted. The judges make a careful inquiry about the accusation. If the accusation is true, the judges give the punishment accordingly. If the accusation is false, the victim is freed, and the accusers are condemned. The judges will give the same punishment that the false witnesses wanted for the victim. Slander is called ‘evil’.  “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men in the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so, you shall put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you. 21 Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Deut 19:15-21). A false witness is a wicked liar. He causes much damage to the victim and his family. “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies” (PV 14:5). “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape” (PV 19:5). “A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow” (PV 25:18). Remember how Ananias and Saphira lied to the Holy Spirit, and they died on the spot (Acts 5:1-11). True believers like Joseph, David and Naboth experienced slander. They suffered because of it. They chose not to defend themselves. Like Jesus, they trusted God who vindicated them. Selah!

JOSEPH WAS SLANDERED BY POTIPHAR’S WIFE (Genesis 39:1-23)

Joseph was sold as a slave to Potiphar, an army general in Egypt. He was faithful and wise in the house of his master. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. But Joseph refused saying that this is ‘great wickedness and sin against God’. Rejected by Joseph, she decided to punish him. With Joseph’s robe in her hand, she accused him of trying to rape her. She slandered him to the household servants and to her husband. Joseph was to be killed for such an accusation. But God was with Joseph. He was sent to prison. Joseph did not defend himself. He trusted God. After some years, according to his dream, God promoted him. He became the prime minister of Egypt, the greatest country at the time. Lesson: slander cannot destroy a true believer! “A curse you don’t deserve will take wings and fly away like a sparrow or a swallow” (PV 26:2; CEV).

KING DAVID WAS SLANDERD BY SHIMEI (2 Samuel 16:5-14)

David was falsely accused and persecuted by King Saul. He knows how painful it is when men speak evil against you. Listen to his advice: “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Ps 27:11-14). Read God’s Word! Having patience, courage, and trust in God is how you respond to false accusations.

The story of Shimei is a sad one. We see that God is merciful even with slanderers. But if they refuse to repent, they will be punished. When Absalom took over the throne, King David, with some faithful followers, ran away from Jerusalem. Shimei, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, and the same family with King Saul, taking advantage of David’s pain, cursed him publicly. He said: “Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you rogue! The Lord has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. So now you are caught in your own evil because you are a bloodthirsty man!” (2 Sam 16:7, 8). These words were wicked lies. David did not plot to kill Saul to take over his throne the way Absalom was doing. Even when King Saul wanted to kill him, David did not insult or attack the king. One of David’s men wanted to kill Shimei for slandering David. But even in his pain, David refused to defend himself. David said: “Let him curse because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David’ … See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse; for so the Lord has ordered him. It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day” (2 Sam 16:10-12).

David trusted God for justice. After Absalom died, as King David was coming back to Jerusalem, the same Shimei came to bow and asked David for forgiveness. It was clearly a false repentance but because it was a happy day of victory, David forgave him. As he was dying, David told his son Solomon to judge Shimei later. He said: “You have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood” (1 Kings 2:8, 9). As Solomon took over the throne, he called Shimei and commanded him not to leave Jerusalem. He agreed. After three years, Shimei left Jerusalem to capture two of his runaway slaves. People told Solomon that Shimei broke his promise to stay in Jerusalem. “Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord, and warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and travel anywhere, you shall surely die’? And you said to me, ‘The word I have heard is good.’ Why then have you not kept the oath of the Lord and the commandment that I gave you?” The king said moreover to Shimei, “You know, as your heart acknowledges, all the wickedness that you did to my father David; therefore, the Lord will return your wickedness on your own head. But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever.” So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he went out and struck him down, and he died. Thus, the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon” (1 Kings 2:42-46). God is patient with sinners but not forever! Selah!

NABOTH IS SLANDERED AND KILLED BY AHAB AND JEZEBEL (1 Kg 21:1-29; 22:29-38; 2 Kg 9:30-37)

The story of how Naboth was killed is a tragedy. King Ahab wanted to buy a plot of land belonging to Naboth. This land was next to his palace in Samaria. Naboth was using it as a vineyard. It was his family inheritance since the Promised Land was divided by Joshua. Because Naboth refused to sell the land, Ahab became angry. His wife Jezebel reminded him that he was the king, and that he had all the powers in the country. Her father was a pagan king. She grew up to believe that all kings and rulers have the right to be oppressors. They could take any land and kill if any refuses them. Ahab was a weak man, but his wife was a strong wicked woman. She took over the matter. She used her husband identity and seal and wrote official letters to the men of Naboth’s village. They were commanded to fast and make a feast, giving the impression that they are religious men serving God. They should ‘promote’ Naboth so that he will not suspect any plot. They should hire two false witnesses who will publicly declare that they heard when Naboth cursed God and the king. At the feast, the men declared Naboth guilty and stoned him to death. They sent a message to Jezebel that they had obeyed all her instructions. Liars and wicked men always walk together. “If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked” (PV 29:12). Jezebel tells her husband that he can take over Naboth’s land. Happily, Ahab goes to inspect the land. Prophet Elijah meets him there are declares that he is a murderer and a thief. Elijah prophesies that both Ahab and Jezebel will die violent deaths at the same spot where Naboth was killed. Ahab repented. Though it was a false repentance, God showed him mercy delaying the punishment to the time of his son. All Ahab’s male descendants died untimely deaths. Ahab and Jezebel died violently on Naboth’s plot.

What are the lessons? Jezebel is dead long ago. But there is a spirit of Jezebel still doing harm in the churches (Revelation 2:18-29). This spirit misleads the Christians to backslide, by worshiping idols and committing adultery. The spiritual Jezebel is wicked, selfish, and bold. She calls herself a prophetess. She uses false prophets in churches. God did not call them. They called themselves. They are ‘ordained’ by the spirit of Jezebel. They sponsor slander and gossip. They oppress and deceive. They hate to humble themselves and repent. They teach false doctrines. They have a form of godliness, but they deny the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. They send their spies to the churches to investigate the freedom the true brethren have. They mislead believers back to the bondage of sin (Gal 2:4, 5). Jesus died to set us free from sin, from the world and from the devil. Be careful! Freedom can be lost! We are commanded to protect the freedom we have received in Christ (Gal 5:1-10). These false brethren may use magic powers to oppose the pastors who preach truth (2 Tim 3:1-13). They take advantage of the immaturity of young believers, especially the women in the church. Their intent is to keep men foolish and into the bondage of deception. The spirit of Jezebel is the main reason why many believers attend churches but still remain spiritually immature. There is a need for spiritual warfare. We need to be filled with Holy Spirit so that we expose, confront, and destroy the stronghold Jezebel has raised against the knowledge of truth (2 Cor 10:3-6). The Resurrected Christ promised to reward those who defeat the spirit of Jezebel in the church. Their reward is authority over the nations in His name. Also, the champions receive the gift of ‘the morning star’. They become leaders in the church. They shine in the midst of darkness and lead many to righteousness. This authority manifests as genuine revival in the land. Praise the Lord!  

WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE ARE SLANDERED? LOVE THE SINNER! HATE THE SIN! TRUST GOD FOR VINDICATION!

Jesus said: “You must love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Mk 12:31). Your neighbor has a reputation. It is your duty to defend it as you defend your own. God commands: “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord” (Lev 19:16). A talebearer is a gossip and a slanderer. He divides the people in the church. Friendship is built on trust. Slander (gossip) destroys friendships. You can’t trust one who gossips. “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore, do not associate with one who flatters with his lips” (PV 20:19). The slanderer himself has no true friends. People may try to get close to him but soon, they draw back because he talks too much. “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (PV 16:27, 28). Like a dog digs the ground to find food, so an evil man digs up evil that becomes fire on his lips. Gossip separate friends and is a possible cause for divorce. The victim of slander ends in depression, anger, or even committing suicide. Be careful! Words are powerful. They create or destroy. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (PV 18:21). Words are like seeds. You speak lies, and death, that is a form of suicide. You speak health, peace and life, your reward is eternal life. Slander is one of the manifestations of sin and evil. “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Tim 3:1-5). These are religious but wicked people. We are commanded to turn away from them!

When slandered, we trust God to defend us. This is what Joseph, David, and Naboth did. They are symbols of Jesus. “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:20-23). We remind ourselves that God reigns forever. He cannot lose any battle. God hates and punishes sin. In Christ we are more than conquerors. We overcome Satan, ‘the accuser of the brethren’ by faith in the Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross for our sins. We also overcome him by the Word of God applied in our lives and becoming a testimony.

“A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure. My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord” (Ps 101: 4-8). “The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart” (Ps 119:69). The psalmist says that he will radically separate himself from wicked proud people, from liars, slanderers, and deceivers. Lesson: we do not quarrel or desire the death of any man, no matter how wicked. But we separate ourselves from these people. We pray. We study God’s Word. We apply God’s Word in practical living. We attend a local church and serve God there. We submit to the delegated authority God has placed us under. We remain sensitive to the possibility of deception. We do not trust ourselves or people. We trust God totally. We also trust people who have proved to us, beyond any shadow of doubt that they are godly Spriit filled leaders in the Body of Christ. We do spiritual warfare. We learn to control our tongues. We do not curse, slander, or abuse people, especially our parents, elders, and leaders. We chose to bless and pray for others. We shine God’s light! Praise the Lord!

“Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:25-32). The Bible commands us to stop sinning and lying in particular! This command can only be obeyed by the true believers. All malicious angry speech, unforgiveness and bitterness grieve the Holy Spirit. Repent! Ask the Holy Spirit for forgiveness for grieving Him. Speaking the truth in love imparts grace to others.    

JESUS EXPOSES THE DEVIL AND HIS CHILDREN (John 8:39-47)

We all know of the power of godly lineage. Many people become proud of it. Coming from a good godly family is wonderful. But a good family is not enough to save your soul. Salvation is thru a personal commitment to Christ. The Jews at the time of Jesus are good examples of religious unbelievers. They saw themselves as ‘children of Abraham’ and were boasting about it. At the same time, they rejected Jesus as their Savior. Jesus compares them with Abraham to prove that they were hypocrites. In what way are they different from Abraham?

*In their attitude to Jesus Christ. Abraham recognized and humbly accepted Jesus when He came to visit him with two angels. He welcomed Jesus and called Him ‘Lord’ (Gen 18:3, 32). But the Pharisees opposed Jesus and slandered Him saying that He has a demon (Jn 8:48). A true sign that you are a child of God is that you honor and worship the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ. None who slanders Jesus is saved.

*In their attitude to God’s Word. Jesus said: “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father” (Jn 8:37, 38). Jesus said that He speaks what He has seen and heard from God the Father. But the Jews ‘had no place’ for God’s Word. They rejected Jesus and His Word. Lesson: A true sign that you are saved is that you accept, love, and obey God’s Word.

*In their attitude to good works. Jesus said to them: “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father” (Jn 8:39-41). Abraham welcomed and humbly served Jesus. He and Sarah brought food and water. Abraham was proved right by his faith and the deeds that proceeded from his faith. “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jam 2:23, 24). But these proud Jews were rude to Jesus and to the disciples. Lesson: A true sign that you are saved is that your faith is fruitful and manifests by good works.

Jesus confronts the Jews: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do” (Jn 8:44). Many people don’t believe in a devil. But here, you see Jesus clearly believes that there is a devil who has children who reject Jesus. There are two major attributes of the devil: he is a murderer and a liar! We are not told many details about the devil, but we know he was an archangel, created by God. His name was Lucifer, meaning ‘The bearer of light’ or ‘The morning star’. He received power, wisdom, beauty, and authority over other angels. It seems that he was in charge of heaven’s choir. He became proud. He wanted to be worshipped as God. Pride and rebellion are the oldest sins in the universe. God threw him out from heaven to the earth. Some angels followed him, and they are now called demons (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28). The name ‘devil’ means slanderer or accuser. The name ‘Satan’ means adversary, or enemy. He is the enemy of God and of God’s people.

Jesus said that the devil was a murderer from the beginning, that means starting from the Book of Genesis. In the Garden of Eden, the devil lied about God and deceived Eve. She gave Adam to eat from the forbidding fruit. By disobeying God, sin and death entered mankind. The devil is the author of the original sin, and he is the murderer of the human race. This is one of his greatest achievements. Jesus also calls the devil a liar and the father of lies. Everything the devil says is a lie. He has used lies successfully to deceive all men. Deception is his preferred weapon. The devil hates and opposes truth, especially the Gospel. He attacks God’s servants who preach the truth. A preacher needs to be strong and courageous as he preaches the truth. Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the truth. His former name Lucifer means ‘The bearer of light’. He hates that God’s people see the light, hear the truth, and become free. Paul says: “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 4:1-6). Be careful! The devil cannot succeed in defeating a believer except through deception. We are reminded of the need of spiritual warfare. Even if we are deceived by the devil, we cannot lose our salvation. But we can lose rewards, the joy of our salvation and many opportunities for ministry. That is still a great loss! We need to study God’s Word, fast, watch, and pray! In Christ, the victory is sure! Praise the Lord!

WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE ARE SLANDERED? LOVE YOUR ENEMY!

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust… Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt 5:43-45, 48). To be able to control your tongue is a great spiritual achievement. “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (Jam 3:2). Selah!

How do we love our enemies? First, you need to have the right view of your enemies. You do not act towards them the way they act towards you. You do not talk to them according to what they say to you, but by the higher command of love from our Lord. See them as blind slaves under the devil. Like Jesus said, ‘they don’t know what they are doing’. Love is the highest motive of any action. And Love never fails! If you answer in anger at their angry words, you have lowered your stand for Jesus. Do not put yourself at their level. Secondly, remember that you don’t have to LIKE them. The command is to LOVE THEM. Talk and behave as a child of God! Do all things for the glory of God! Amen!

THE BLOOD OF JESUS AND THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So, the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time… The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Rev 12:7-12; 20:10). Jesus promises: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning, and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev 22:12-17)

THE ROBBER WHO GOT SAVED ON THE CROSS (Luke 23:36-43)

The last day of Jesus as a Man on earth was hell on earth. The religious rulers hired false witnesses against Jesus. The Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy. They slandered Him (Matt 26:57-68). It was in the midst of lies and abuse that our Lord was crucified. Apart of the few disciples at the foot of the Cross, He was surrounded by wicked religious rulers, by men who tortured Him and slandered Him and blasphemed God. On His way to the Cross, the crowd and the Roman soldiers mocked and slandered Jesus. The devil tried his best to increase the suffering of our Lord. Two robbers were crucified with Jesus. Initially, they both insulted Him (Matt 27:44). Later, one of them repented of his sins. He rebuked the other robber for insulting Jesus. He then asked Jesus to save him. This was true faith. At this time, our Lord was hanging on the Cross, naked, with a crown of thorns on his head, His body and face bleeding. Who can believe that this dying Man is the Savior of the world? One of the robbers did! Hanging on his cross, he got a supernatural revelation of King Jesus and against all odds, he believed. Christ promised him personal and immediate salvation. What a Savior! Worship the Lord!    

This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series titled ‘The Ten Commandments’. Her main scriptures were taken from the book Exodus 20:1-26; 2 Samuel 15:1-17; Matthew 6:19-21;

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – INTRODUCTION

The Ten Commandments are ten laws that God Himself gave to the ancient nation of Israel thru His servant Moses. These Biblical principles apply to men’s relationship with God and with one another. If all people on earth keep at least one of these commandments, the world will be a better place. These Commandments were spoken directly by God at Mount Sinai and written by God’s finger on tablets of stone and given to Moses. This act makes them unique in the Bible. These Ten Laws are commands and not suggestions. They are personal, spoken to individuals.

I AM WISER THAN MY ENEMIES

“Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies” (Ps 119:97, 98)

People complain that God’s commands are too harsh. We are fools if we think like that. God has the right to command His creation to live and to do what He wants. These commands are given so that we fear God and that our lives will be better. God’s commands reflect His perfect wisdom.

THE 8^TH COMMANDMENT – YOU SHALL NOT STEAL!” (Ex 20:15)

Stealing is defined as taking the property of another unlawfully, without the owner’s permission or knowledge. Stealing is done secretly or openly, by force. Like a drug, stealing is addictive. Most of the time it is habitual practice. Stealing is the most common crime. Most people go to prison because of stealing. The root of stealing is a combination of greed, laziness, anger, selfishness, and wickedness. A thief is angry against God and man. In every culture, people agree that stealing is wrong, but they still do it. Even the children steal, and they do it without learning how to do it. We are born sinners; we are born thieves. Therefore, we all want to get free things, without working. But God’s Law convicts us all! The commandments are all connected. For example, the 4^th command says: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work” (Ex 20:9). Work is God’s command. Thieves hate work. That is why they steal. Adultery is another form of stealing. You steal another man’s wife, and you destroy the love in that marriage. If you obey one command, it will be easier to obey the other.

God hates stealing, especially when it is done by religious people. “I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering” (Is 61:8). Stealing is an attack on God’s character. God is sovereign and self-sufficient. He does not need anything to exist and be God. Everything created belongs to God. Stealing is a negative picture saying that God needs something else that He does not have. That is an insult on God! When man steals, he insults Jehovah Jireh who has promised to supply all man’s needs. Stealing connects with the idea of ownership and property. In this world, there are wealthy people and others who are poor. The government also owns property. But God is the real Owner of everything. “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Ps 24:1). This verse tells us that planet earth, with all the visible and invisible riches, including all the people alive or buried, belong to Jehovah God. Stealing from man means stealing from God.

Why do people steal? Mostly because of greed. The philosophy of the thief is this: ‘I like that thing. I must have it!’ It is complete selfishness and wickedness. He just does not care about others! That is why, no one can have a genuine fellowship with a thief. A thief divides a family and the church. In the Bible, stealing means taking what belongs to another, or keeping what does not belong to you. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Lk 16:10-12). Our Lord Jesus says that some people have material wealth. He calls that ‘the unrighteous mammon’. Others possess ‘the true riches.’ Because of material wealth, people are divided into two general groups. There are people who own property and ‘work for themselves’ and others who work for them. All over the world, there are landlords, tenants, and slaves. Faithfulness for Christ’ sake in working for another is rewarded by God. The slave becomes free, and the tenant becomes a landlord. At the same time, faithfulness to God in serving Him thru tithes and offerings is rewarded with spiritual anointing and many blessings. The Bible says that God owns everything. He gives us things to enjoy in this life. We are accountable to God for the way we make, and we manage our wealth. The principle of faithfulness is basic. God blesses those who are obedient and faithful to His commands.

OPPRESSION

Oppression is a form of stealing by force. It is defined as the prolonged, unjust, and cruel exercise of authority or power over people. Oppression manifests as persecution, human rights abuse, or controlling people. The oppressive regimes prohibit freedom of speech and of religion. They arrest or kill anyone who revolts against the government. There is gender, economic, racial, social, or religious discrimination. The victims of oppressive powers are all uncomfortable, afraid, and depressed. In Hebrew, the word ‘oppression’ means extortion, unjust gain, fraud, or injury. Extortion means getting something, especially money, through force or threats. Power and wealth gained through oppression is robbery. God is all powerful. He punishes oppressors and helps the victims. “Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them. God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work” (Ps 62:10-12). God is merciful even with the oppressors, giving them time to repent. If they refuse to repent, God punishes them unexpectedly. “Therefore, thus says the Holy One of Israel: “Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perversity, and rely on them, Therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, a bulge in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant” (Is 30:12, 13).

This is a warning to all oppressors!  “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the just; he does not resist you” (Jam 5:1-6).

The employers can exploit their workers too by stealing from them. It is a curse for any man, company or nation that does not pay the workers’ salaries or their pensions. Unjust salaries, or paying the salaries late, is stealing and God will judge that sin. “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chambers by injustice, who uses his neighbor’s service without wages and gives him nothing for his work” (Jer 22:13).

PILFERING

Pilfering means stealing little things. “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Tit 2:9,10). This command applies to slaves and their masters. But it also applies to workers and their employers. Pilfering is a particular type of stealing. The workers steal small amounts of money or things, often, again and again. Most of the time, no one notices. For example, people steal the whole roll of toilet paper from a public toilet. Children steal meat from the pot. Workers use the company’s phone or computer for personal needs. Another form of pilfering is stealing time. People pretend to be sick when they are not; or they come late to work and leave before closing time.

KLEPTOMANIA

Kleptomania is a rare mental health condition where a person feels an overpowering, irresistible urge to steal things. People who have this disorder know that stealing is wrong and could get them into trouble, but they can’t stop themselves. Generally, they feel guilt or shame about stealing. Many try to compensate for their sin by returning the stolen items. It happens to people of all ages, starting with children and even to the elderly. It is more common with the females. This form of stealing is not planned. It happens on an impulse. The thief feels excited as he steals, but later, he feels guilty. Many throw the things away because they do not need the stolen things. Most of the people who suffer with this condition have anxiety, depression, and are at a higher risk of suicide. The condition lasts a lifetime. It isn’t dangerous, but it can severely affect the person’s life. The offenders often face legal consequences if caught. Kleptomania can cause personal problems. It is hard for these people to keep a job, or to maintain friendships. There is medication for it. Prayer and counselling also help. This is a good practical advice: never go alone to buy things. Let somebody who knows your weakness accompany you. This is a great help!

KIDNAPPING IS STEALING

Kidnapping and selling the person into slavery is sin and a form of stealing. It means that you steal the person’s freedom. In the Old Testament, kidnapping was punished by death. “He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death (Ex 21:16)

BUSYBODIES ARE THIEVES

“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread” (2 Thess 3:6-12). Someone who ‘walks disorderly’ is a thief. The word in Greek means somebody who is a troublemaker, undisciplined, idle, and disruptive. In Nigeria we say that he behaves ‘anyhow’. A busybody is someone who is more interested in the affairs of others and neglects his own. He asks many questions. He offers advice if you want it or not. He is fault finding and enjoys gossip. He is too busy with other things and careless or lazy with his life. The busybodies are rebellious, and they are thieves! Apostle Paul commands us, with the authority he has from the Lord, that we should withdraw from such people. In Greek, the word ‘withdraw’ is a nautical term meaning ‘to shorten the sails’, so that the ship slows down. This is the first step before more discipline may be applied. Anyone who refuses to work, talks too much, dreams big, but does not pay his bills is a dangerous person. He is a thief! Separate from such! Selah!

CHEATING IN BUSINESS

“Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord” (PV 20:10). “You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume. You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. ‘Therefore, you shall observe all My statutes and all My judgments and perform them: I am the Lord” (Lev 19:35-37). A hin is a container for liquids of about 5 liters.  “You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteous, are an abomination to the Lord your God” (Deut 25:13-16).

In ancient times people loved to cheat in business. It is the same now. The official authorities cannot control these malpractices. That is why God gives these commandments and warnings, to address the conscience of His people. For example, those who sell take advantage of the ignorance of the buyers and inflate prices. During crises, the sellers increase the prices because the goods are scarce. If the buyer mistakenly pays more than he was supposed to pay, the seller will keep quiet and just pocket the change, or the seller may sell inferior products for the price of the original. Illegal downloading of music over the internet is a common form of theft today.

Cheating in business is common. In many offices, if the bosses are oppressive and demand too much, the employees deceive them so that their performance looks better and so, they keep their jobs. Children cheat their over-demanding parents about their grades. Athletes cheat by taking illegal drugs. Many people sell products online (for example, through Facebook marketplace etc). Scammers are attracted to these sites too. These are some warnings: the scam buyer sends you a fake notification payment. He hopes that you send him the product before you discover the deception. The scam buyer tells you that by mistake he has paid twice, and he is telling you to refund one of the payments. The scam seller sends fake things especially to people in another country. It is hard to reject the product after you have paid for it and for the transport. Advice, buy only from people you know, and sites you trust! Watch and Pray! God sees! God judges!

“You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another… ‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning” (Lev 19:11, 13). Internet scam (yahoo boys) is stealing. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold” (PV 22:1). Gossiping, slandering others, is stealing their reputation and good name.

Why do people cheat in business? First, because it is quite easy to do and hard to be caught. Secondly, when people want to succeed and fail to do so by honest means, they turn to deception. They think that fake dreams are better than no dreams at all. They see cheating as an exciting adventure. Cheating is learned from others. It is hard but not impossible for a cheater to become an honest worker or for a thief to become a hard-working generous person. Only in Christ there is hope, deliverance, and victory!  

REFUSING TO PAY YOUR DEBTS IS STEALING

“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Rom 13:7, 8). “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives” (Ps 37:21). When we refuse, or are late in paying debts, loans, or bills, we are stealing. Refusing to return borrowed goods (books etc) is stealing. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you” (PV 3:27, 28). Concerning paying taxes, Jesus said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mk 12:17). This is the lesson for all: be sensitive to the sin of greed that leads to stealing. None is above God’s Law! God sees and God judges! Selah

MONEY LENDING WITH HIGH INTEREST (USURY) IS STEALING

“If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest. If you ever take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down. For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What will he sleep in? And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious” (Exo 22:25-27). “To a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you shall not charge interest, that the Lord your God may bless you in all to which you set your hand in the land which you are entering to possess” (Deut 23:20). “One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor” (PV 28:8). If you give a loan to somebody in need, be sure that it is not with a wicked mind to exploit that man, to make too much interest from it. Be kind to the poor. You may make interest from others, but not from your brothers (spiritual or natural). This is God’s Law: Lovers of money shall become poor. In the Parable of the Tenants, Jesus commands His disciples to make profit with what they have received. To the lazy wicked servant, He says: “you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest” (Matt 25:27). Making profit or interest is not a sin. Having a wicked heart when making business and oppressing men to make money, that is sin! Selah!

I read that the Jews do not ask for interest when they loan money to other Jews. It does not matter if they are rich or poor. They give free loans, or they become partners in business. This is part of their history. A Jew can give money as a gift to another Jew and help him in his business. Then they can both share in the profit. But if they take a loan or they give a loan to a non-Jew, they pay the interest. The reason they do so is to obey God’s command and because they see one another as ‘family’. God has blessed the Jews in many ways, especially financially. This is an information taken from the internet: Since the mass immigration some 100 years ago, Jews have become richest religious group in American society. They make up only 2% of US population, but they make 25% of 400 wealthiest Americans.

NOT PAYING TITHES AND OFFERINGS IS STEALING

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; “And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts” (Mal 3:8-12). Many Christians ignore God’s command to tithe. They say this command is for the Old Testament. Be careful! God never argues with His creation. Christianity is a work of faith. But no matter what man says, God’s Word tells us to tithe. We owe God the first tenth of our pay or profit. When we do not give God His due, we are robbing God.

God promises special spiritual and material blessings to those who tithe. God increases your harvest. God also protects your harvest from ‘the devourer’ (the one who eats your harvest). The testimony of millions who tithe faithfully is a confirmation that God’s Word is true. God protects those who tithe. They do not waste money thru sickness, accidents, stealing or deception. For those who tithe, 90% from their salary or profit, is enough to cover all the bills more than those who keep 100%. Also, God promises that if we tithe, we shall be a blessing to many nations, and never a liability to people. Amen!

Many pastors have over-emphasized tithing. This is the truth: tithe does not save your soul! Tithe is not a passport of a visa to heaven. But tithing has its function. God does not need our money. The money is used to take care of God’s work and house. Paying tithes gives you the confidence that you are a serious spiritual son and not a visitor. God monitors all we do, especially in His house. This is what our Lord said when condemning the religious hypocrites: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matt 23:23). Jesus is saying is that we should first be concerned with spiritual things like justice, mercy, and faith. Secondly, we should pay our tithes and offerings. There is no argument! Selah!

HYPOCRISY IS STEALING 

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor 6:18-20). Jesus died for our sins. He paid for our freedom with His precious Blood. He bought us, body, soul, and spirit with His Blood. The religious hypocrite lives in sin and still attends church. He dishonors His Savior and robs God of His glory. Adulterers in the church are cheating themselves. God will judge them as thieves!   

THE ITEMS MOST STOLEN WHEN THIEVES BREAK INTO A HOUSE

Thousands of homes are broken into every day all over the world. Thieves want to steal objects that are not too bulky and that they can quickly sell for cash. They do not care of the pain they leave behind. The items most stolen are these: cash, jewelry, and wrist watches, electronics, phones, laptops, keys of the cars parked outside, personal IDs, passports, ATM cards, bank statements, or driving licenses. These are used to blackmail or used for identity theft. Thieves break into cars and steal phones, laptops. They also steal your car registration and license plates. They can use these on stolen cars to avoid detection. Rims are tires are easily stolen because they can resell these without fear of being tracked. Stealing from cars is an opportunistic crime. This is good advice: Do not let your valuables in plain sight; close your windows, and always lock your car.  The most common forms of punishment for stealing are jail time, fines, community service, and restitution.

FEELINGS OF THE VICTIMS OF THEFT

After a thief entered and stole property in your house or car, you may feel grieved initially. The thief stole things that have value to you. You may feel angry at the thief or at the police for being too slow in catching the thief. You may experience fear, especially at night, thinking that the thief may come again. Victims of theft lose trust in people generally and it affects their relationships.  

THE DEVIL IS A THIEF

The devil was an archangel called Lucifer. He was created by God. He was in charge of the worship ‘choir’ in heaven. He became proud. He wanted to be God. By refusing to honor God he became a thief. He stole God’s honor. He deceives men so that they will not worship God.  

Also, God created man and gave him dominion over the earth to exercise God’s delegated authority. Through deception the devil stole that dominion. The only way for man to recover what was stolen in through Christ! “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10). In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus says that if anyone does not understand the Gospel, the devil will steal the word from his heart. “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside” (Matt 13:19). In Greek, the Word ‘snatches away’ means to seize as an armed robber. It is our duty to pray for understanding and retaining memory of God’s Word. An idle careless distracted mind supplies food to the devil.   

Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ disciples. He was the treasurer of the disciples. He loved money. He was a thief. He yielded to the devil. He betrayed and sold Jesus for three hundred denary. In today’s money, that is between 100 to 3000 US$. It was the price for an ordinary slave.  “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always” (Jn 12:1-8). Judas wanted to sell the worship of Jesus. Be careful with ‘worship leaders’ who sing for money! Judas returned the money to the Pharisees who called these coins ‘blood money’. They rejected the money too. Judas hanged himself. He went to hell not because he was a thief or because he committed suicide. He went to hell because to the end of his life on earth he rejected Christ. Selah!

STEALING IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is known abroad as a place where stealing and corruption is almost a culture. Many Nigerians are very religious and also like to steal. They combine the worship of God with stealing from men. Many people have tried to explain the reasons why stealing is so common. These are some reasons I have found on the internet. Nigerians hate poverty with a passion. They say that poverty has no relatives or friends. At the same time, Nigerians love wealth and visible success. Many pastors preach the so called ‘prosperity Gospel’. It affects the people who attend these churches. They imagine that God overlooks sin in the process of them becoming wealthy. In Nigeria, honesty, modesty in dressing, contentment in life and working hard are not always celebrated. Becoming rich quickly is fashionable.

In Nigeria, stealing is a crime punished by the Law. There is a difference between stealing and robbery. Stealing is the act of taking something from another with the intention to deprive the person of it. Robbery is the illegal taking of a property from a person, in or out of the person’s presence, by use of violence or intimidation. In Nigeria, stealing is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment. Robbery is punishable by imprisonment of not less than 21 years.

Cybercrimes are crimes committed using the Internet, Computers, and Information Communications Technology. It is a dominant form of criminality perpetrated by Nigerian youths and students. Cybercriminals are called ‘Yahoo Boys’. Nigeria is ranked first in African and third globally in cybercrime. Over 40% of undergraduates and 60% of unemployed graduates in Nigeria are involved. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high unemployment levels, greed, materialism, contemporary youth culture, and extravagant lifestyles drive some to engage in cybercrime. Peer influence plays some role in cybercrime, but joining the crime is willful and not by coercion or chicanery. Parents’ unwillingness to report the crime, as well as their acceptance of the proceeds, suggests that they do approve of cyber-crime. This contributes to its increased rampancy.

This is the sad story of a beautiful country. That is why we pray for revival for Nigeria. “Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (PV 14:34; AMP). God the Holy Spirit alone can change men’s hearts to become genuine, mature, fruitful believers. May revival come to this land! Amen!

THE EFFECTS OF STEALING

*FAILURE IN LIFE

Stealing makes God angry. By stealing, we lose God’s protection. For example, Achan stole a Babylonian garment. God was angry. He let His people be defeated in battle. “The Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. Therefore, the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore unless you destroy the accursed from among you… Then it shall be that he who is taken with the accursed thing shall be burned with fire, he, and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel” (Josh 7:10-12, 15). Achan refused to confess his sin. That’s why he had to be killed with his family. This is a warning against all rebellious, covetous and thieves. None can hide from God.

*DISGRACE

Disgrace is the portion of the thief and his family. “the thief is ashamed when he is found out” (Jer 2:26).

*POVERTY

The spirit of poverty enters the thief and his family. “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house” (PV 6:30, 31). The thief loses what he has stolen. “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase” (PV 13:11). You can never become wealthy through stealing. You can deceive men, but you can’t deceive God. God cannot bless stolen money. All unrepentant thieves end in poverty and disgrace!

REPENTANCE AND RESTITUTION

When stealing, God insists on confession of sin, repentance and even restitution.

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double” (Exo 22:1-4). If a thief is found breaking in a house or store in the night, the owner can fight and kill the thief. That is not murder. But if the thief breaks in during the day, if the owner kills him, he will be punished for murder. Why? In the night, it is hard to find help. During the day, people will come and help fight the thief. If the thief is caught, he must pay back what he stole and even add to it. If what he has is not enough, the thief becomes the slave to the owner for the next 6 years. By working for the owner, he has redeemed himself from the sin of stealing.

This God’s Law: “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit in unfaithfulness against the Lord, and that person is guilty, then he shall confess the sin which he has committed. He shall make restitution for his trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give it to the one he has wronged” (Nu 5:5-7).

SPIRITUAL STEALING – ABSALOM STOLE THE HEARTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE (2 Sam 15:1-14)

King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband. Why was he not put to death? Because he was the king. There was no tribunal in the country that could judge him. But God judged him. God sent a prophet called Nathan who said: “the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife” (2 Sam 12:10). Four of David’s sons (his baby with Bathsheba, Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah) died untimely violent deaths.

Absalom was the third son of David. His mother was a pagan princess. He was handsome, proud, and very ambitious. He was a leader, gifted in talking to men. He could flatter them easily. He was also a violent man. He killed his half-brother Amnon, for raping his sister Tamar. He waited for David to punish Amnon. When David did nothing about the crime, he took matters in his hands and killed Amnon in cold blood. It was a premediated murder. He fled to his mother’s country for about 3 years. He manipulated his way back to Jerusalem and back to his father’s heart. He knew the power of visible wealth to influence the people. He provided himself with chariots with horses and an entourage of men. This was the opposite of his father’s more humble life. His strategy was to look humble and helpful. He stood at the gate of the city, He greeted and kissed the people who came to Jerusalem. They needed to see King David to give them justice. Absalom gave them hope that he will give them justice if elected the judge of the land. He flattered the people. “A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet” (PV 29:5). Through these false hopes of justice, flattery, and prosperity, Absalom ‘stole’ the hearts of the people. They believed and followed him. This is how the conspiracy against his father, King David, started. Absalom stole the hearts of men. In Hebrew, the word ‘stole’ it means also to deceive or to kidnap the hearts. He won the love and trust of the people through deception. The people did not know that they were deceived. They forgot about King David and now they were ‘in love’ with Absalom. Most followed him ignorantly and foolishly. They did not see that behind the sweet words of flattery was a criminal, a young prince who was ready to rape and kill his family to gain the throne. Absalom divided the country. Some faithful men stayed with David. There was a war between the two groups. Eventually, Absalom died. He was handsome and gifted. But he had no character to be king. And God was with David!

Like a corrupt politician, Absalom promises men great things. He promises men a good life giving them big hopes. They become proud. Absalom kisses them. Sin kisses to make you proud. Absalom was helped by Ahithophel, David’s friend and counsellor who betrayed his master. He was the Judas of the Old Testament. Like Judas, he too committed suicide.

How did Absalom steal hearts? The heart is God’s place. It is with the heart that man loves God. Absalom represents sin, and the devil. Absalom came with his mighty fancy entourage. Sin has its own pleasure and entertainment. The TV and the pornographic movies, internet, worldly adverts, and fashion are all agents of Absalom. There is a spirit in the churches called ‘Absalom spirit’. How does he manifest? Some Christians who are gifted but proud, rebel against the church’ authority. They imagine that they can preach better than the pastor. They start grumbling. Quietly, they start gathering followers. They divide the congregation. Their victims are people who are not happy with God and with men. They are bitter in life. They want ‘justice’. They don’t care who will give them justice. They don’t care about the methods used to satisfy them. The spirit of Absalom tries to enter thru ‘the gates of hell’. But in a living church he never succeeds. He will be exposed and disgraced. This is what our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18).

Pastors can steal sermons from others giving the impression that it is their own. This is the spirit of Absalom who stole his father’s throne.

“I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart, who try to make My people forget My name by their dreams which everyone tells his neighbor, as their fathers forgot My name for Baal. “The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the Lord. “Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? “Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who steal My words everyone from his neighbor. Behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He says.’ Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord, “and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore, they shall not profit this people at all,” says the Lord” (Jer 23:25-32).

Lesson: be sensitive and careful in detecting the poison of rebellion in a family or in the church. The devil divides to conquer. Submit to God and to the delegated authority. If you believe that the pastor lives in sin and preaches wrong doctrines, quietly leave that church, and look for another. Do not join rebellious proud troublemakers. God deals harshly with rebellious spirits. Before the creation of man, the devil rebelled against God. He is a rebellious proud liar, and a thief. His followers end in tragedy. Never forget this: God always punishes rebellion! Selah!

WORK TO PUT BREAD ON THE TABLE! BE GENEROUS!

“The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with those in need” (Eph 4:28; AMP).

From this scripture we see that even the born-again Christian may not stop stealing immediately. Sanctification is a process. The Christian must pray for the strength to resist and conquer the power of sin. If a man says he is saved and he continue to steal habitually, that one is not yet saved. A child of God may fall unto sin, once or more than once, but he does not dwell habitually in sin. A man steals because he is idle and lazy. He also steals because he hates hard work. Now, things must change. No more laziness. The man must work hard to pay the bills! A thief does not appreciate the hard work behind the things he steals. That is why most thieves waste their money thru drugs, alcohol, and fornication. The former thief who is now a believer, must learn to work hard. In Greek, the word ‘work’ describes a man who labors hard until he sweats. By working hard, the ex-thief learns the honor and respect of honest labor. He also discovers that God blesses the work of his hands. He will make good money. He will have more than enough to share with others who are in need. A thief is very selfish. He only thinks of himself. He has no feelings of compassion for the victim. Now, the believer learns the power of the unity of the Spirit with others, in his family and in his church.

SOME LESSONS…

First, let us thank God for the Gospel, which is the only power that can save and change sinners. The Gospel is not for good men. It is for sinners like me and you. Because Jesus died for our sins, we have the hope of eternal life! We also have the hope that we can change from wicked sinners into saints. There is no man, religion or power outside the Gospel that can do this miracle of change, that can give man a new beginning.

Justification is by grace and thru faith. It is an instant work done by God. The process of sanctification starts immediately. The Holy Spirit may kill some sins by His power almost instantly. But other sins remain. The baby Christian needs to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and learn how to kill the desires of the flesh. This is a process. It may take some time before you hate stealing and you stop it, even in your heart. Love will move in and will occupy the place of the heart where stealing was. You can now worship God freely!

Paul says that man should work with his hands producing something good and useful. The reason is that hands have been polluted by stealing. Now, the hands must be redeemed for God. May God bless the work of your hands! But stealing is more than taking something with your hands. Wasting another’s time is a form of stealing. During your working hours, you are not supposed to read your Bible or evangelize others. You are paid to do your job. You may not like to hear this, but it is the truth. Be the best example as a worker too! That is a greater form of evangelism! 

This is God’s Word: stop stealing! See that Paul is not saying praying about it. He does not say God will remove stealing from you. Paul commands the believer who is stealing: Stop it! How do you stop it? Look at the sin. See how ugly sin is. See how wicked you are to steal!

Secondly, labor honestly for an honest salary. Do something useful with your hands. The word ‘labor’ is a strong word. It says: ‘work until you get exhausted’. In this way, you will have no time or strength to think about stealing.

As he was getting ready to travel, Paul told the Ephesians elders: “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Ac 20:33-35). The pagans are always lazy and love pleasure. Christians are always known for their hard work and faithfulness to God and man. God created man to work. A lazy man’s mind becomes weak. A thief is foolish. During every revival people saw work as honorable. Many Christians get wealthy because they work hard, and they do not waste their resources on sinful activities. It is so good to go home in the evening after a busy day at work. It is so good to eat dinner and sleep well.

Lesson: teach your children the value of work. It is sad to see the children of wealthy men who were not trained to work. When their father dies and they inherit a fortune, they waste it all on prodigal living. This is because they are not used to working hard. They cannot maintain the wealth. Remember that we are not the real owners of things on earth. We are stewards. God is the owner. We must give an account for the way we managed the resources entrusted to us. Thieves are irresponsible. Christians are always responsible to God for everything He gives to them.

In the world, only 21% of people love their work. The rest hate their work and their bosses. This hatred produces anxiety, anger, and depression. Before you resign, think, and pray about it. You must be practical. Be mature. Be humble! Think of the benefits of that job you dislike. Don’t resign on an impulse. Learn to be patient and more prayerful. God can change people and circumstances. Find fulfillment not in people or jobs, but in Christ! Remember to care for others. Love the needy people. Help them! You must see both marriage and work as honorable. If not, you will start becoming lazy and distracted. Be careful! You are going to fall into sin!

MY TESTIMONY

These are three scriptures that helped me over the years to fight the spirit of Absalom and stealing: “The king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So, David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So, the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel” (2Sam 24:24. 25).

“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality” (Col 3:22-25).

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:19-21). Our Lord commands that we should be wise about our treasures. We are not to lay our treasures on earth… but we should lay them in heaven” Treasures is more than money or material things. It is my attitude to all my possessions and achievements. The world is a system, a lifestyle that is an enemy to the believer. The world says that you should accumulate things and you should struggle for success in life. The treasure of a worldly man is in this earth. He cannot carry it with him after death. Jesus says that this mentality is dangerous. As Christians, how are we to view possessions? Jesus says that we should use what we have (money, material possessions, position in society etc) to make an eternal investment. We can use money to help the poor for Christ’ sake. Jesus sees, appreciates, and rewards all good things done in His name. He says to those who did good: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matt 25:40). God saves and God rewards. Using your possessions to do good for Christ’ sake opens your eternal account in heaven. No thief has access there. The more you deposit there, the stronger your faith will be, the less you feel like a wasteful manager or thief on earth. Your heart connects with your treasure. A heavenly treasure established your heart!

Long ago my husband and I made a covenant with God that if anyone steals our things, that one must surrender to Christ. That is why I do not feel cheated when people steal my things. For me, by paying my tithes and offerings and helping the needy I have been able to conquer the spirit of stealing. I loved my work as a medical doctor. I love my work as a pastor now! God has blessed both my works! Praise the Lord!

FINALLY…

This is God’s eternal Word: “A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches; And favor is better than silver and gold” (PV 22:1; AMP). Invest and build your character more than your bank account! Obey God! He will bless the work of your hands! Serve God in your local church! Pay your tithes and offerings! Learn to be generous! Start sharing! Be grateful for a new beginning! The Lord Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive!” (Ac 20:35). Worship the Lord!