Engaging the Wonders of Godliness! By Bishop David Oyedepo
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Topic: Engaging the Wonders of Godliness!
Welcome to another impactful week! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Engaging the Wonders of Godliness!
From scriptures, we discover that the choice of godliness is the wisest choice any man can ever make. As it is written, For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:8). However, as precious as this virtue is, it delivers on every man’s choice (Deuteronomy 30:19; Romans 6:23). It is important to understand that until we make the choice of godliness, we cannot live a godly life. Before Christ paid the price for our sins, people who made that choice were distinguished. For instance, Joseph chose righteousness even when sin had a legal hold on humanity and he triumphed. Daniel also made a heart-rooted choice against defilement and he prevailed. Paul said, ‘For me to live is Christ and to die is gain’ (Genesis 39:9; Daniel 1:8, 6:5; Philippians 1:21). Let’s recognise that godliness, which is vital to the outcome of our lives, has been paid for but until the choice is made, it remains a daydream (1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 6:20). However, if we do not know the nature of sin, we may become victims of its evil vices.
Benefit of Godliness
1. It empowers us for exploits through access to divine wisdom: The word ‘Exploits’ connotes unusual accomplishment or extraordinary feats and at the root of every exploit is godliness. We understand from scriptures that heaven’s wisdom is domiciled in the holiest of all, but we cannot access it without godliness. Remember, the fear of the Lord (godliness) is the beginning of wisdom and the wisdom of God manifests itself through mighty works (Psalm 1:1-5, 24:3-5; Hebrews 9:1-4; Proverbs 9:10; Job 28:28; Matthew 13:54). No wonder all men of exploits in scriptures were people who embraced godliness and had access to God’s wisdom. For instance, Job was a man that feared God and eschewed evil and he became the greatest businessman through divine secrets. Joseph was a man that feared God and he commanded exploits through divine wisdom. Daniel took a stance against defilement and he prevailed through divine wisdom (Job 1:1-3; Genesis 39:9, 41:38-44; Daniel 1:8, 17, 21, 5:11). Furthermore, the revelation of the truth and the knowledge of God is a function of our godliness. We can never know God beyond the fear of God at work in our lives because the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him and He will show them His covenant. That is why every ungodly man is limited in the knowledge of God because the words of scriptures are mere stories to him. Therefore, only the redeemed have access to the mysteries of the Word and it is by these mysteries that we command dominion (Psalm 25:14; Mark 4:11; Revelation 22:15).
Nature of Sin
1. Sin is forceful: The Bible says, with her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him (Proverbs 7:21). Just like the Spirit of God drives people, unclean spirits also drive people (Mark 1:12). This is why we must constantly engage the relevant spiritual forces against the force of iniquity for victory (Matthew 11:12).
2. Sin is domineering: It exercises dominion on its victims. For instance, the men of Sodom were the most abominable of all men in their days. Sin wants us to yield to its control. This is why we must stay on guard; otherwise, it will force us into subjection thereby making us totally helpless.
Also Read: The Supremacy of Faith! By David Oyedepo
3. Sin is coercive: Sin doesn’t give up until it achieves its goal. When Delilah asked Samson about the source of his strength (Judges 16:16-19). We must understand that sin pressurises its victims and makes them lose every means of resistance.
4. Sin is compelling: We understand from scriptures that Potiphar’s wife pressurised Joseph to lie with her daily, but he refused. As a result, he became a global hero instead of a domestic servant (Genesis 39:7-12).
However, to break the power of sin, we must:
1. Engage the power of the tongue: As it is written, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21). In this scripture, sin equals death and righteousness equals life. That means sin and righteousness are in the power of our tongue. Every child of God has an empowered tongue that guarantees victory in the battles of life (James 3:6). Likewise, our victory over sin is impossible with a closed mouth. There is power in our tongues to ward off every force of hell that may want to enforce unrighteousness and defilement on our lives. As anointed as Christ was, with a closed mouth, He was afflicted and oppressed (Isaiah 53:7-8). However, when Judas betrayed Him and He was to be arrested by the guards, He asked, …Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he…As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground (John 18:4-6). Our victory against the devil and over sin is domiciled in our tongue. That means we must speak loud against sin and lust, because God will not confirm what we don’t declare. Moreover, what we don’t resist has the right to remain; but when we resist the devil, he will flee from us (Matthew 8:16, 16:23; Psalm 81:10-14; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27). We must understand that what we don’t confront, we cannot conquer (Mark 11:23; Luke 21:15).
In conclusion, the giants of this end-time will rise on the platform of godliness. Remember, godliness is not a gift, but a choice and each one’s choice determine the outcome of his/her life. It may be costly, but the end result is priceless. However, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Walking in the Newness of Life, Conquering Controlling Powers and The Blood Triumph. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.
I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.
Bishop David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.