Conductor: MR. YINKA OGUNLEYE
SUB-THEME: The personality of the reigning Lord.
TOPIC: – The Church – Reigning in the midst of His enemies.
TEXT: Lev. 26:7-8; Psa. 110:1 – 3.
AIMS:
(i) To help realise that the Church is not insulated from attacks and enemies;
(ii) To help them also to realise the extent of God’s strength in the face of enemies.
INTRODUCTION:
The power of light is more visible when there is darkness. This explains why light is useless at mid-day, when the sun is up. In the same vein, the glory of God’s reign is better appreciated in the midst of His enemies who seek to destroy His children. God prides in His children showing forth His might to Satan and demons (Eph 3:10). He delights in showing His might through His children He trusts. Only ignorant and feeble believers shun being so used by God. Psalm 23:5 greatly attests to this. Christians will have challenges, but God reigns supreme over demons and loves to show His victory and supreme authority through believers.
Questions for Discussion:
1a. Why is the Church left in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation or fierce enemies? Psa. 23:5; 110:2; 138:7; Matt 10:16 – 20; II Cor. 5:20; Eph 3:10.
- What can this mean for individual believers? Cf. John 16:33.
- How does the reign of God ensure that we reign in the midst of His enemies? Lev 26:6 – 8; II Chron. 32:7, 8; John 14:19, 20; 16:33.
- Enumerate and discuss the basis of God’s powerful reign of victory over His enemies. John 12:26; Eph. 4:7, 8 (Psa. 68:17, 18); II Tim 2:11, 12; Rev 5:9, 10.
CONCLUSION: God will give the dominion over the earth to the saints. The redeemed people of God will be so much on the ascendancy that the affairs of nations will be in their hands. Righteous men will hold offices and fill places of trust and have a voice over all that pertain to human affairs.
Food for Thought: Triumph is better and sweeter than fleeing before an enemy.
Memory Verse: Psa. 110: 2.: The Lord sends out from
Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes.