“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.  Romans 13:8-10 NKJV

Under the Old Covenant, God’s people spent all their time trying to fulfill the law. Of course, they never managed to keep the law one hundred percent of the time and that was the whole point of the law: to give them a standard to live by, to make them aware that they were incapable in their own power of living up to that standard, that they needed a Savior and to point them toward Jesus Himself as Savior and Lord.

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV

Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it and to deliver us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). Out of His own mouth He gave us a new standard to live by.

34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.  Matthew 22:34-40 KJV

He did not tell us that we do not have to obey God’s commands once we are born anew from above, but He did give us an easier way to obey the commands of God—walk in the love of God. Romans 5:5 NIV says that, “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Our righteousness, as believers, had nothing to do with what we have done, but with what Jesus did for us. We are washed in His blood, saved sanctified and redeemed! Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit we walk out our righteousness in obedience to God’s Word. It is love that fulfills the law and it is God’s love in us that enables us to keep God’s law and obey it. We do not obey God’s commands because we are afraid of Him, but because we love Him. Because we love Him, we also love our neighbor as He has commanded us to.

If you love God, you will keep the Ten Commandments. If you love God, you will put Him first in all things. You will not worship any other god or any other earthly thing, like money or possessions. If you love God, you will not take His Name in vain. You will take time to honor Him and to spend time in His presence. If you love God you will honor and respect your parents. Even if they were not perfect, the love of God in your heart will forgive them and begin to appreciate them and see them as valuable and precious. When you forgive them, you will not repeat their mistakes and where there are generational curses, they will lose all their power over you. As far as God is concerned, all curses are broken on the day you are born-again. You activate this power of God in your life in this area by walking in the love of God.

If you love God and your neighbor, you will not murder your neighbor—either in your thoughts, with your mouth or with your hands. If you love God and your neighbor, you will not commit adultery. You will honor the other person by not allowing the lusts of your flesh to triumph. You will not do anything that dishonors your neighbor and their current or future spouse. If you love God and your neighbor, you will not steal—you will not take something that belongs to your neighbor. You will work with your hands and earn your living honestly and you will give to the Lord and your neighbor according to the blessing of the Lord on your life.

If you love God and your neighbor, you will not lie about your neighbor nor accuse them falsely. You will always tell the truth. If you love God and your neighbor, you will not covet your neighbor’s possessions. You will not be jealous or envious. Instead, you will be blessed by the fact that your neighbor is blessed and you will sow your own seed and you will expect God for a harvest of blessing to come to your life in due season. When you love God and your neighbor, you are sowing seed for blessings to come back to you, good-measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!

When you walk in love towards your neighbor, you have fulfilled the law.

 

 

Have faith in God

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.  23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.  Mark 11:22-24 NKJV

Jesus commands us to, “Have faith in God.” If people could put as much faith in the Word of God as they do in the word of man – then they would assuredly get their prayers answered. If people have faith in God, their prayers would be answered without any human effort. Prayer would be a simple transaction of everyday business between them and God. If you claim to have faith in God, then your actions should bear that out. Most people won’t come out and admit that they place no confidence in God’s word, or that they do not believe that God is faithful to His word, but by their actions, they prove it’s so. They are happy to believe that unanswered prayers are God’s fault or God’s will. They will fight tooth and nail and go to court with other people over broken contracts, but they don’t exercise any faith in God to keep His contracts. God goes out of His way to emphasize to us that He will keep His word to us if we will claim all the promises of that word!

God speaks to every generation to remind them of His faithfulness and that He will never do anything that’s contrary to His word. He means what He says and He says what He means! God obligates Himself to His word and He keeps those obligations as long as we extend our faith according to His word, with nothing wavering. All failure is on the part of man, not God, so the sooner you realize that and make the adjustments or the corrections, the sooner you will see God answer your prayer.

Listen to good preaching

Good preaching is not a matter of style or technique – three points and a poem!

Good preaching is preaching that:
– presents the truth of the Word of God
– preaches the integrity of the Word of God
– tells us of all the great things that God has done
– inspires us to believe His word
– inspires us to believe that He’ll keep His word today

For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.  Romans 1:17 AMP

When we hear all the great miracles God has done and how He blessed and protected and delivered His people, when we hear personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness, then our faith rises. We realize that whatever God has done – He can and will do, to keep His obligations to give us what He has promised. Our faith is built up and we have a powerful expectation of answered prayer. Believe and accept any record of what God has and will do that is in harmony and agreement with the Word of God.

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NKJV

Reject all bad preaching

When we go to churches where the minister belittles the Word of God or explains it all away as either something that didn’t really happen or something that’s “passed away”, or he claims that God didn’t really mean what He said, then our faith is hindered and squelched.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  1 Corinthians 1:18-21 NKJV

The message of the cross is foolishness to the world, but to the believer it is the power of God! On the other hand, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”  1 Corinthians 3:18-20 NKJV

No one can listen to preaching where man’s wisdom is exalted, and where God and His word are criticized, and expect to have their faith built up. If you want to develop a simple, unwavering faith, you cannot listen to preaching that contradicts the Word of God. Any man-made traditions or religions or sects that are faith-killing, Spirit-quenching, and truth-destroying, must be rejected if you want to build your faith and get results. Don’t tolerate any church or any preacher who slanders God’s word – for it is the source of your faith and your eternal life.

1. People can have Eternal Life by believing in Jesus Christ according to God’s Word.

John 3:14-16 NKJV – And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  16 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.

John 3:36 NKJV – He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

John 5:24 NKJV – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 6:40 NKJV – And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:47 NKJV – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.

2. It becomes a well springing up from your heart.

John 4:14 NKJV – But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

3. People must gather fruit unto life eternal.

John 4:36 NKJV – And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

4. It comes through searching and believing the Scriptures.

John 5:39 NKJV – You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

5. People must labor for it – YOU have a part to play to get it.

John 6:27 NKJV – Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.

6. It comes by drinking of (i.e., partaking of) the benefits of the blood of Jesus Christ by faith.

John 6:54 NKJV – Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

7. Jesus Christ has the words of eternal life.

John 6:68 NKJV – But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

8. Jesus Christ gives eternal life to His own – those who meet the conditions (See also John 6:27).

John 10:27-29 NKJV – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

9. God commands people to get it.

John 12:50 NKJV – And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.

10. God sent Jesus to give it to all who come to Him through Christ.

John 17:1-3 NKJV – Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,  2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.  3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

11. To know or to experience God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is eternal life (John 17:2-3).
12. Jesus Christ is that eternal life.

1 John 1:1-3 NKJV – That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life —  2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us —  3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

13. This eternal life has actually been seen, heard, and handled (1 John 1:1-3).
14. People must not only meet the conditions of receiving eternal life, but they must allow it to remain in them after they get it.

1 John 2:24-25 NKJV – Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life.

15. If people do allow it to remain in them, then they will continue in the Son, and in the Father (1 John 2:24).
16. Eternal life is promised to all (1 John 2:25), but it is given only to those who meet the conditions of receiving and keeping it (John 6:27).
17. No one who hates his brother has it.

1 John 3:15 NKJV – Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

18. Eternal life comes from God.

1 John 5:11 NKJV – And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

19. It is only in God’s Son (1 John 5:11).
20. All people may know – be assured – they have it (See also John 3:16; 5:24; 17:2-3).

1 John 5:13 NKJV – These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:20 NKJV – And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

 

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Philippians 4:4 NKJV

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].  Proverbs 15:15 AMP

It is our duty and privilege to rejoice in the Lord – at all times and in all conditions. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10)! The Lord supplies us with all the grace we need to meet any circumstance of life fully (2 Cor. 12:9). Our attitudes color every aspect of our lives. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitude toward the situation and how we respond. The secret to a happy heart and a happy life is to fill our thoughts with things that are good, pure, and lovely, dwelling on the good things in life (Phil. 4:8). If good men (and women) do not have a continual feast, it is by their own choice – they cannot blame God -it is their own fault (Prov. 15:15)!

We rejoice because God has made our heart glad:

Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God].  James 5:13 AMP

We choose to rejoice; and rejoice again:  

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.  Philippians 3:1a KJV

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Philippians 4:4 NKJV

Rejoice always.  1 Thessalonians 5:16 NKJV

We rejoice jubilantly – in high spirits:

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.  Psalms 5:11 AMP

But let the [uncompromisingly] righteous be glad; let them be in high spirits and glory before God, yes, let them [jubilantly] rejoice! 4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts — His name is the Lord — be in high spirits and glory before Him!  Psalms 68:3-4 AMP

We rejoice because we are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ and partakers of His holiness:

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you who are upright and in right standing with Him]; shout for joy, all you upright in heart!  Psalms 32:11 AMP

Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].  Psalms 33:1 AMP

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.  Psalms 64:10 AMP

Light is sown for the [uncompromisingly] righteous and strewn along their pathway, and joy for the upright in heart [the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favor and protection]. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, you [consistently] righteous (upright and in right standing with God), and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.  Psalms 97:11-12 AMP

We rejoice because He is our provider; our source and supply:

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.  Psalms 37:4 AMP

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things! 22 Be not afraid, you wild beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness have sprung up and are green; the tree bears its fruit, and the fig tree and the vine yield their [full] strength. 23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord, your God; for He gives you the former or early rain in just measure and in righteousness, and He causes to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain, as before.  Joel 2:21-23 AMP

We rejoice because He is our comforter and defender:

When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!  Psalms 94:18-19 AMP

We rejoice because sorrow is not an option:

A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.  Proverbs 15:13 AMP

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].  Proverbs 15:15 AMP

We rejoice in His goodness:

So now arise, O Lord God, and come into Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength and power. Let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints (Your zealous ones) rejoice in good and in Your goodness.  2 Chronicles 6:41 AMP

We rejoice because our names are written down in heaven:

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.  Luke 10:20 NKJV

Finally:

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have any being. 34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord. Psalms 104:33-34 AMP

As for me I WILL rejoice in the Lord!

Be nourished up in sound doctrine:

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.  1 Timothy 4:6 NKJV

A good minister of Jesus Christ faithfully teaches the doctrines of the Gospel – the Word of God.  When you are faithful to the Word of God – when you love it, believe it, and trust it – it will nourish and sustain you.

Attend to sound doctrine – give time, attention, and honor to it:

Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  1 Timothy 4:13 NKJV

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.  1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

You cannot be a true and faithful minister of the Gospel, if you do not reverence the Word of God and biblical doctrine.  The function of a minister is to read and teach the Word of God, and to encourage others to do the same.

Hold Bible doctrine in sincerity:

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.  2 Corinthians 2:17 KJV

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.  Titus 2:7 NKJV

We, as ministers and believers, show by our sincere lives that we believe the word that we preach.  A true believer believes that the Word of God personally applies to him or her, and lives accordingly.

Hold steadfastly on to sound doctrine:

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  2 Timothy 1:13 NKJV

Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.  Titus 1:9 NKJV

The devil will send all kinds of temptations across the path of the believer, to get him or her take his or her eyes off the Word of God.  He might suggest that the Word of God is irrelevant, that it does not apply today, or that it is not necessary to obey it.  However, the Word of God tells us to hold fast to the pattern of sound words that we have heard, and to hold fast to the faithful word, as we have been taught. This is so that by sound doctrine, we are able to exhort and convict those who contradict it.

Continue in sound doctrine:

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.  1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

Continue in sound doctrine.  Run your race in such a way that you are able to finish your race.  Preach the word to yourself and to others.  Allow God’s Word to do its work in you, even as it works in those who receive it from you.

Speak things that are becoming to sound doctrine:

But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians].  Titus 2:1 AMP

Sound, or wholesome, doctrine is that which combines correct knowledge and understanding with consistent practice.  Wholesome doctrine is found in the Bible.  It is consistent with the Bible as a whole. It keeps Jesus at the center, and it results in good attitudes, behavior and actions.  It promotes sound spiritual health in us and in others.

Obey sound doctrine from the heart:

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Romans 6:17 KJV

Abide in sound doctrine:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42 KJV

Those who obey the doctrine of the Word of God, walk faithfully in it:

[Tell] bond servants to be submissive to their masters, to be pleasing and give satisfaction in every way. [Warn them] not to talk back or contradict, 10 Nor to steal by taking things of small value, but to prove themselves truly loyal and entirely reliable and faithful throughout, so that in everything they may be an ornament and do credit to the teaching [which is] from and about God our Savior.  Titus 2:9-10 AMP

Obedience leads to surer knowledge of sound doctrine:

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.  John 7:17 NKJV

Those who oppose sound doctrine tend to be proud, ignorant and argumentative:

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.

1 Timothy 6:3-4 NKJV

Those who oppose sound doctrine are not to be received by the Body of Christ:

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.  2 John 10-11 NKJV

Those who oppose sound doctrine are to be avoided:

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  Romans 16:17 NKJV

The wicked do not endure sound doctrine:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV

Foundation Scripture:

 

Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.  Joshua 10:12-14 KJV

 

1.   The Lord Fights for Us – the Battle is the Lord’s

a.    October 2008 – Phoenix, Arizona

b.    Tell the church to speak to the sun

c.    Fasting, prayer, and intercession

d.    Pray and speak

e.    Luke 19:12-13 KJV – He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

 

2.   The Great Commission:

a.    Preach, teach, and demonstrate

b.    Mark 16:15-16

c.    God confirms His word with signs following

d.    Preach, teach, and demonstrate – in that order

 

3.   This is How We Take Territory:

a.    Preaching the Gospel brings conversion

b.    Teaching the word grows believers – disciples – followers of Jesus

c.    When we take territory, the devil uses territory – we do this by changing and transforming hearts

d.    This happens by every believer taking their place in the kingdom

e.    Each one reach one

f.      Each one teach one

g.    Make disciples

h.    When the lost at any cost

 

4.   We are Living in the Last of the Last Days:

a.    Acts 2:1-22

b.    Matthew 24:36-51

 

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:36-51 KJV

 

5.   The Parable of the Five Wise and the Five Foolish:

a.    Matthew 25:1-14

 

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.  Matthew 25:1-14 KJV

 

b.    We must be ready

c.    Could it be that 50% are not ready?

d.    Do not be like the foolish virgins – make sure there is oil in your lamp

e.    Be full of the Holy Spirit and on fire for Jesus

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2

When we prosper on the inside, we prosper on the outside.

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” Proverbs 13:22

The valuables (wealth) of the sinner are treasured (stored up) for the just.

Wealth = resources/power/riches/strength/substance
Laid = hide/hoard/reserve/protect/kept secret
Just = to be right (man) in a moral/forensic sense

Your success is determined by your choice.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.” Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent will rule but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

You were empowered for success in all that you do.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28

You have been given all the seeds of success that you will ever need.

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29

– A person’s destiny is determined by their desire.
– The seeds you sow determine how far you go.
– Building your life financially takes diligence and effort.
– Positive words produce positive results.
– Take charge of your mouth and you take charge of your destiny.
– Your attitude determines your altitude.

1. God is the source of all prosperity and He is kind and generous toward man:

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. Genesis 39:2-3 NKJV

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper. Genesis 39:23 NKJV

And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV

2. Obedience attracts prosperity:

Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NKJV

Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. Deuteronomy 29:9 NKJV

And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn. 1 Kings 2:3 NKJV

3. Respect for and meditation in God’s Word brings forth the fruits of prosperity:

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Joshua 1:8 AMP

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:1-3 NKJV

4. Faith in God and His Word brings prosperity:

So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 NKJV

So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:20 NKJV

5. Seek God and you will prosper:

He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. 2 Chronicles 26:5 NKJV

For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, And have not sought the Lord; Therefore they shall not prosper, And all their flocks shall be scattered. Jeremiah 10:21 NKJV

6. Goodness towards God’s covenant people results in prosperity:

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:2-3 NKJV

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.” Psalms 122:6-7 NKJV

7. Hospitality and generosity attract prosperity:

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 NKJV

[Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], 19 In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 AMP

THREE REASONS SOME DO NOT PROSPER:

1. Rebellion against God:

And you shall grope at noonday as the blind grope in darkness. And you shall not prosper in your ways; and you shall be only oppressed and robbed continually, and there shall be no one to save you. Deuteronomy 28:29 AMP

2. Covering Sins:

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13 NKJV

3. Fighting God:

But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten. Jeremiah 20:11 NKJV

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17NKJV