04/08/2024
ENGLISH VERSION..........
Date: 4th of August 2024
Preacher: Prop A.O Oluwabiyi
Sermon: THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING GOD
Introduction:
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we are gathered here on this blessed first Sunday of August to reflect on a vital aspect of our spiritual journey: seeking God. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it's crucial to ask ourselves, "What are we truly seeking?" Is it the fleeting pleasures of this world, or is it the eternal presence and glory of our Heavenly Father?
Scriptural References:
Let's turn to our Bibles and reflect on a few key scriptures that will guide our sermon today:
1. Romans 8:8- "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
2. John 10:30- "I and the Father are one."
3. Matthew 19:12 - "For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."
4. Psalm 34:7-10 - "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
5. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
6. Galatians 5:19-21 - "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, or**es, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
7. Hebrews 12:14 - "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord."
Main Points:
Seeking God Over Fleshly Desires:
Romans 8:8 reminds us that those who live according to the flesh cannot please God. Our desires and actions should align with the Spirit, not the flesh. To seek God, we must transcend our worldly inclinations and focus on spiritual growth.
Unity with God:
In John 10:30, Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one." To seek God, we must strive for this unity with Him. Our thoughts, actions, and desires should mirror those of Christ, fostering a deeper connection with the Father.
Sacrificial Living:
Matthew 19:12 speaks of those who choose to live a life of sacrifice for the kingdom of heaven. Seeking God often requires us to make sacrifices, to forgo certain pleasures, and to live a life dedicated to His service.
God's Provision and Protection:
Psalm 34:7-10 assures us of God's protection and provision for those who seek Him. When we prioritize seeking God, He ensures that we lack no good thing. His angels encamp around us, and His blessings are abundant.
Prioritizing God's Kingdom:
Matthew 6:33 instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize God's kingdom, everything else falls into place. Our needs are met, and our paths are made straight.
Rejecting Worldly Temptations:
Galatians 5:19-21 lists the acts of the flesh that distance us from God. To seek God, we must reject these temptations and strive to bear the fruits of the Spirit, embodying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Living in Peace and Holiness:
Hebrews 12:14 emphasizes the importance of peace and holiness. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Our pursuit of God should reflect in our peaceful interactions and our holy living.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on these scriptures, let us ask ourselves: What are we truly seeking? Is it the temporary pleasures of this world, or is it the eternal presence of God? The coming of Christ is near, and now is the time to amend our ways, to seek God earnestly, and to live according to His word.
Call to Action:
Let us commit today to seeking God with all our hearts. Let us prioritize His kingdom and His righteousness. Let us reject the temptations of the flesh and live by the Spirit. And let us encourage one another to walk this path of faith, knowing that those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing.
Prayer point: Oh Lord, transform my life to align with your will. Don't let me regret coming to you or losing eternity.
