https://sheepgateministry.blogspot.com/?m=0

SheepGate Evangelical Ministry, Lagos (2026)

29/05/2026

“WHEN SHALL I PROVIDE FOR MY OWN HOUSE ALSO?”

Text: Genesis 30:30
“...But now when shall I provide for my own house also?”

Introduction
These words were spoken by Jacob after years of faithful labor in the house of Laban. Jacob had worked tirelessly, serving another man’s vision, increasing another man’s wealth, and building another man’s estate. Yet one day, a question rose in his spirit:

“When shall I provide for my own house also?”

This was not a statement of rebellion. It was a cry of responsibility. Jacob realized that while he had been diligent in serving others, he could not neglect the assignment God had given him concerning his own household.

Many people today are busy building other things while their own homes suffer:

Building careers but losing their families.

Helping strangers but ignoring their children.

Pursuing wealth while neglecting their spiritual lives.

Serving everywhere but failing at home.

Jacob’s question is a necessary question for every believer.

1. GOD EXPECTS YOU TO CARE FOR YOUR HOUSE
Jacob understood that responsibility begins at home.

A man may succeed publicly and still fail privately. Heaven is not impressed merely by public achievements while the home is neglected.

The home is the first ministry God gives to a person.

Before David ruled Israel, he was responsible for sheep. Before pastors lead congregations, they must lead their homes. Before influencing nations, one must influence family.

Christianity that does not touch the home is incomplete.

Illustration
A lamp that lights the streets but leaves its own house in darkness is defective. In the same way, a believer who blesses everyone else but neglects his own family has missed divine order.

2. THERE COMES A TIME TO MOVE FROM SERVING OTHERS TO BUILDING YOUR OWN ASSIGNMENT
Jacob had served Laban faithfully for years. He was not lazy. He was not irresponsible. But there came a season when he discerned:

“It is time to build what God entrusted to me.”

There is nothing wrong with serving others, learning under others, or helping others succeed. But you must not remain permanently dependent when God has called you to stewardship and growth.

Some people remain in cycles of:
°Endless delay,
°Fear of stepping out,
°Dependence on others,
°Wasted potential.

There comes a moment when faith says:
°“I must build my family.”
°“I must establish my calling.”
°“I must raise godly children.”
°“I must leave a legacy.”

Jacob’s question was the awakening of purpose.

3. YOUR HOUSE NEEDS BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL PROVISION
When Jacob spoke about his house, he was not referring only to money.

A house needs:
✓Bread on the table,
✓Love in the heart,
✓Peace in the atmosphere,
✓Prayer in the family,
God in the center.

Some homes have money but no joy. Some have comfort but no unity. Some have education but no salvation.

Joshua declared:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

The greatest provision you can give your family is not riches alone, but the knowledge of God.

4. DO NOT SACRIFICE YOUR FAMILY ON THE ALTAR OF SUCCESS
Many people are absent from the lives of those who need them most.

Children grow up without guidance. Marriages become empty. Homes become cold.

The world celebrates success, but God also watches stewardship at home.

What shall it profit a man if he gains influence everywhere yet loses his household?

The enemy attacks homes because strong homes produce strong destinies.

5. GOD DESIRES TO BLESS YOUR HOUSE
Jacob’s question was not rooted in greed but in vision.

God is interested in families. Throughout Scripture, God blessed households:
°Noah’s household,
°Abraham’s household,
°Cornelius’ household,
°The jailer’s household.

God wants:
°Your home to prosper,
°Your children to know Him,
°Your family to walk in peace,
°Your house to become a testimony.

A godly house becomes a light in a dark generation.

Conclusion
Genesis 30:30 confronts us with a serious question:

“When shall I provide for my own house also?”

It is possible to be busy and yet neglect what matters most.

Today God is calling His people:
°Back to family altars,
°Back to responsibility,
°Back to intentional parenting,

Back to godly leadership in the home, Back to building households that honor Him.
Your house matters to God.

Altar Call
Perhaps you have neglected your home spiritually. Perhaps you have pursued many things while your family suffers. Perhaps your household needs restoration, prayer, and divine order.

Today, God is ready to restore homes and rebuild broken foundations.

Come to Christ afresh and surrender your house to Him.

Say: “Lord, begin with me. Let my home belong to You.”

Prayer Points
1. Lord, help me not to neglect my household.
2. Father, establish peace, love, and righteousness in my home.
3. Give me wisdom to provide spiritually, emotionally, and physically for my family.
4. Every attack against my household, be destroyed in Jesus’ name.
5. Let my home become a place where Christ is honored.
6. Lord, bless the work of my hands and let there be provision in my house.
7. May my children and family serve the Lord all the days of their lives.

Final Charge
Do not spend all your strength building what will not last while your own house falls apart.

Like Jacob, rise with holy determination and say:
“By the grace of God, I will provide for my house also.”

-Kunle Solomon
Ministering

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t

Or call +2347051874707

Email: [email protected]

“ WHEN SHALL I PROVIDE FOR MY OWN HOUSE ALSO?” Text : Genesis 30:30 “...But now when shall I provide for my own house also?” Introduction T...

28/05/2026

THE NEW COVENANT OF GRACE

Text: Hebrews 8:7–9
«“For if that first covenant had been without fault, then no place would have been sought for a second…”

Introduction
Human history is filled with broken agreements. Nations sign treaties and violate them. Friends make promises and fail each other. Even in families, vows are sometimes broken. The problem is not usually with the agreement itself, but with the weakness of human hearts.

In this passage, the writer of Hebrews explains that the Old Covenant revealed humanity’s inability to fully obey God. Therefore, God established a New Covenant through Jesus Christ — a covenant built not on human effort, but on divine grace.

The Old Covenant showed what God required.
The New Covenant provides what God requires.

This passage reveals God’s mercy toward people who could not keep His law and His desire to restore fellowship through Christ.

1. THE LIMITATION OF THE FIRST COVENANT
«“For if that first covenant had been without fault…”»

The first covenant refers to the covenant God made with Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. God gave His laws, commandments, sacrifices, and ordinances. The law was holy, just, and good, but it exposed the weakness of man.

The problem was not that God’s law was evil; the problem was that sinful people could not keep it perfectly.

The law could:
- Reveal sin
- Condemn sin
- Point toward righteousness

But the law could not:
- Change the heart
- Remove the power of sin
- Give eternal salvation

The Old Covenant was like a mirror. A mirror can show dirt on a person’s face, but it cannot wash the face clean.

Many people today still try to reach God through personal effort, religion, traditions, or moral performance. But human righteousness can never fully satisfy God’s holiness.

This is why humanity needed a Savior and a better covenant.

2. GOD PROMISED A NEW COVENANT
“See, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant…”

Even in Israel’s failures, God spoke hope. He promised a new covenant long before Jesus came into the world.

This covenant would not merely be written on tablets of stone but upon human hearts.

The New Covenant was fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His blood became the seal of this covenant.

Under the Old Covenant:
- Priests offered repeated sacrifices.
Under the New Covenant:
- Jesus offered Himself once and for all.

Under the Old Covenant:
- Access to God was limited.

Under the New Covenant:
- Every believer can boldly approach God through Christ.

Under the Old Covenant:
- Sin was covered temporarily.

Under the New Covenant:
- Sin is forgiven completely.

What man could never accomplish through works, God accomplished through grace.

3. THE DANGER OF NOT CONTINUING WITH GOD
“Because they did not continue in my covenant…”

Israel repeatedly turned away from God despite His goodness. They experienced miracles, deliverance, and divine provision, yet many hardened their hearts.

This passage warns us that outward religion without inward surrender leads to spiritual failure.

It is possible to:
- Attend worship services
- Know religious language
- Practice traditions
- Yet remain far from God internally

God desires faithful hearts, not empty rituals.

Many people begin their spiritual journey passionately but slowly drift away through compromise, unbelief, pride, or worldly distractions.

The New Covenant calls believers into a living relationship with God through daily faith and obedience.

4. JESUS IS THE MEDIATOR OF THE BETTER COVENANT
The heart of Hebrews 8 is Jesus Christ Himself.

He is:
- The perfect High Priest
- The perfect sacrifice
- The mediator between God and humanity

The blood of animals could never permanently remove sin, but the blood of Christ cleanses the conscience and reconciles us to God.

Through Jesus:
- The guilty receive mercy
- The broken receive restoration
- The condemned receive forgiveness
- The lost receive eternal life

The New Covenant is not based on our perfection but on Christ’s finished work at the cross.

Illustration
A man once tried to repair an old collapsed bridge using weak wooden planks. Every attempt failed because the structure itself was damaged beyond repair. Finally, engineers built an entirely new bridge with stronger foundations.

The Old Covenant revealed the brokenness of humanity, but the New Covenant through Christ became the new and living way to God.

Jesus did not come merely to patch up the old life; He came to give us a new life.

Conclusion
Hebrews 8 reminds us that God saw humanity’s inability and responded with mercy. The Old Covenant exposed sin, but the New Covenant brings salvation through Jesus Christ.

God is still calling people today:
- From law to grace
- From ritual to relationship
- From condemnation to forgiveness
- From dead religion to living faith

The New Covenant is available to all who trust in Christ.

Altar Call
Perhaps you have depended on religion, good works, or human effort to make yourself right with God. Today Jesus offers you a better covenant established upon grace and truth.

Come to Him with repentance and faith.
Surrender your life to Christ.
Allow God to write His law upon your heart.

Today can become the beginning of a new life in Jesus.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your mercy when we failed to keep Your ways. Forgive our sins and cleanse our hearts. Help us not to depend on our own righteousness but on the finished work of Christ. Write Your truth upon our hearts and help us walk faithfully with You every day. Strengthen every weak believer, restore every wandering soul, and draw sinners to salvation today. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

-Kunle Solomon
Ministering

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t

Or call +2347051874707

Email: [email protected]

THE NEW COVENANT OF GRACE Text : Hebrews 8:7–9 «“For if that first covenant had been without fault, then no place would have been sought for...

27/05/2026

United in Christ: The Call to Humility and Love

Text: Philippians 2:1–4
“If there is, therefore, any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affections and mercies, then make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind...” — Philippians 2:1–2

Introduction
One of the greatest weapons the enemy uses against the church, the family, and even friendships is division. A house divided struggles to stand. Many people love God, yet they battle with pride, selfishness, jealousy, and unforgiveness. But in this passage, the apostle Paul reveals the heart of Christian living: unity, humility, and genuine love.

Paul was writing from prison, yet instead of complaining about his suffering, he was concerned about the spiritual condition of believers. He desired that the church would walk together in harmony and reflect the character of Christ.

Christianity is not merely about attending church; it is about becoming like Jesus in attitude, character, and relationships.

1. The Believer Has Received Great Blessings in Christ.
Paul begins with four powerful realities:
°Encouragement in Christ
°Comfort of love
°Fellowship of the Spirit
°Tender mercies and compassion

These are treasures every believer has received through salvation.

A. Encouragement in Christ
Christ lifts the weary soul. When the world discourages us, Jesus strengthens us. He gives hope in trials and peace in storms.

B. Comfort of Love
God’s love heals wounded hearts. His love forgives our sins, restores our dignity, and assures us that we are never abandoned.

C. Fellowship of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit unites believers together. Though we come from different backgrounds, we become one family in Christ.

D. Tender Mercies
God deals with us compassionately. Since He has shown us mercy, we must also show mercy to others.

Paul is saying: If you have truly experienced these blessings, then your life should reflect them.

2. God Calls Us to Unity
“Make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

Unity does not mean everyone is identical, but it means believers share the same purpose, love, and devotion to Christ.

The early church shook the world because they were united in spirit and purpose. Satan knows that divided believers lose spiritual strength.

Illustration
A bundle of sticks tied together is difficult to break, but one stick alone snaps easily. Likewise, united believers are strong, but divided believers become vulnerable.

Families collapse when selfishness rules. Churches weaken when pride enters. Friendships die when people refuse humility. But where love and unity exist, God pours out His blessing.

3. Reject Selfishness and Pride.
“Let nothing be done through selfish motives or self-esteem...”
Paul directly attacks two dangerous sins:

A. Selfish Ambition
This is living only for personal gain, recognition, or advantage. It asks:
“What can I get?”
“How can I be noticed?”
“How can I promote myself?”

Selfishness destroys relationships because it places self above everyone else.

B. Empty Pride
Pride was the sin that brought Satan down from heaven. Pride resists correction, refuses apology, and seeks superiority.

But Jesus showed us another way. Though He was Lord of all, He humbled Himself and served others.

True greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in position but in humility.

4. Consider Others Better Than Yourself
“...in humbleness of mind let everyone consider others better than themselves.”

This does not mean seeing yourself as worthless. Rather, it means valuing others, respecting them, and being willing to serve.

Humility says:
“How can I help?”
“How can I encourage?”
“How can I lift someone else?”

A humble person does not compete for attention. They are secure in God’s love and willing to serve quietly.

Illustration.
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples — even the feet of Judas who would betray Him. The King of glory became a servant. If Christ humbled Himself, how much more should we?

5. Care About the Needs of Others
“No one should look only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

The Christian life is not self-centered; it is others-centered.

There are hurting people around us:
°the discouraged,
°the poor,
°the lonely,
°the forgotten,
°the spiritually weak.

God calls us to open our eyes to the needs of others.

A selfish heart says, “What about me?”
A Christlike heart says, “How can I bless someone today?”

When believers genuinely care for one another, the world sees the love of Christ.

Conclusion.
Philippians 2:1–4 is a call to live like Jesus:
°united in love,
°humble in spirit,
°free from selfish ambition,
°caring for others.

Our world is filled with pride, division, and self-promotion. But the church must shine differently. We are called to reflect the humility and love of Christ.

The question today is:
✓Are you walking in humility?
✓Are you creating unity or division?
✓Are you living for yourself or for others?

God wants to transform our hearts and make us more like Jesus.

Altar Call.
Perhaps pride has entered your heart.
Perhaps selfishness has damaged relationships.
Perhaps you have been focused only on yourself.

Today, Jesus calls you to surrender completely to Him. He can soften the hardest heart and fill you with genuine love.

Come to Christ today. Ask Him to remove pride, bitterness, and selfish ambition. Ask Him to give you the mind of Christ.

Prayer.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the encouragement, love, and mercy You have given us through Christ. Forgive us for selfishness, pride, and division. Teach us to walk in humility and unity. Help us to love others sincerely and to care about their needs. Fill us with the Spirit of Christ so that our lives may glorify You. Make our homes, churches, and relationships places of peace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-Kunle Solomon
Ministering

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t

Or call +2347051874707

Email: [email protected]

United in Christ: The Call to Humility and Love Text : Philippians 2:1–4 “If there is, therefore, any encouragement in Christ, if any comfo...

26/05/2026

WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT

Text: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things exposed are made evident by the light. For whatever makes evident is light.” — Ephesians 5:11–13

Introduction
We are living in a generation where darkness is often celebrated and righteousness is mocked. Sin is no longer hidden; it is advertised. Evil is defended, and holiness is treated as old-fashioned. Yet God still calls His people to be different. The believer is not called to blend into darkness but to shine in the midst of it.

Light and darkness can never truly coexist. The moment light appears, darkness must flee. In the same way, a true Christian cannot comfortably live in sin while claiming fellowship with Christ. The church must stop entertaining darkness and start exposing it through holy living and truth.

1. “Have No Fellowship with the Unfruitful Works of Darkness”
Paul did not say, “Manage darkness.” He said, “Have no fellowship with it.”

Fellowship means partnership, participation, or agreement. A child of God must not become comfortable with sinful practices, corrupt lifestyles, ungodly conversations, or immoral influences.

Sin promises pleasure but produces emptiness. That is why Paul calls them “unfruitful works of darkness.” Darkness never produces lasting peace, joy, or righteousness. Its end is destruction.

Many people today are trying to walk with God while secretly holding hands with darkness. But compromise weakens spiritual power.

Jesus said believers are the light of the world. Light does not imitate darkness; it overcomes it.

Illustration
If a clean white garment falls into mud, the garment becomes dirty; the mud never becomes clean. In the same way, constant fellowship with sin contaminates the believer’s heart.

2. “Rather Expose Them”
God has not called us merely to avoid evil but also to expose it.
We expose darkness:
*By preaching truth
*By living holy lives
*By refusing compromise
*By correcting sin with love and wisdom
*By standing for righteousness even when it is unpopular

Light exposes what darkness tries to hide.

When believers remain silent in the face of corruption, deception, immorality, and wickedness, darkness grows stronger. The world desperately needs Christians who will stand boldly for truth.

This does not mean becoming harsh, proud, or self-righteous. We expose darkness not to condemn people but to lead them to repentance and salvation.

3. “For It Is a Shame Even to Speak…”
Paul reveals how terrible sin truly is before God. Many secret sins that people celebrate privately are shameful in Heaven’s sight.

Nothing is hidden from God.
✓Hidden immorality
✓Secret addiction
✓Private hatred
✓Deception
✓Corruption
✓Hypocrisy

Men may hide it from society, but nothing escapes the eyes of God.

The danger of secret sin is that it slowly hardens the heart. What once troubled the conscience eventually becomes normal.

But today, God is calling His people back to purity.

4. “All Things Exposed Are Made Evident by the Light”
The good news is that light not only exposes sin — it also brings transformation.

When the light of Christ shines into a life:
✓Bondages break
✓Hidden sins are confessed
✓Hearts are cleansed
✓Lives are changed

Darkness loses its power when exposed to God’s light.

Some people avoid the light because they fear conviction. But conviction is the doorway to restoration. God does not expose us to destroy us; He exposes us to heal us.

Illustration
A doctor may shine a bright light on a wound before treating it. The light may reveal infection, but its purpose is healing. In the same way, God’s light reveals the condition of our hearts so He can restore us.

Conclusion
The church cannot shine while secretly loving darkness. God is calling believers to separation, purity, courage, and holiness.

This world is growing darker, but the darker the night, the brighter true light shines.

Do not compromise with darkness. Do not hide secret sin. Do not silence your witness.

Walk in the light of Christ.

Altar Call
Perhaps there are hidden things in your life that God is exposing today. Maybe compromise has weakened your spiritual fire. Maybe secret sin has stolen your peace.

Jesus Christ is still the Light of the world. If you come to Him with repentance, He will forgive, cleanse, and restore you.

Today is the day to leave darkness behind and walk fully in His light.

Prayer Points
1. Lord, search my heart and expose every hidden darkness in me.
2. Father, deliver me from every unfruitful work of darkness.
3. Give me courage to stand for truth and holiness in this generation.
4. Let the light of Christ shine through my life daily.
5. Purify Your church and make us bold witnesses for righteousness.
6. Lord Jesus, help me to walk as a true child of light until the end. Amen.

-Kunle Solomon
Ministering

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t

Or call +2347051874707

Email: [email protected]

WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT Text : “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is a shame ev...

25/05/2026

“Peace be Still”

Text: Luke 8:24
"And they came to him and woke him up, saying, “Master, master, we are going to die!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they stopped and there was a calm.”

Introduction
Life is full of storms. Some storms come suddenly without warning. One phone call can change everything. One disappointment can shake your confidence. One season of hardship can make even strong believers cry out in fear.

The disciples in this passage were experienced fishermen. They knew the sea. Yet the storm they faced was so violent that they believed death was near. Their boat was filling with water, fear overwhelmed them, and Jesus appeared to be sleeping.

Many believers know that feeling.
✓“Lord, do You see what I am going through?”
✓“Lord, why are You silent?”
✓“Lord, do You care that I am perishing?”

But this story reveals a powerful truth: No storm can destroy the people who carry Jesus in their boat.

1. Storms Can Arise Even in the Will of God
The disciples were not in rebellion. They were obeying Jesus. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus had said, “Let us go over to the other side.” Yet while obeying Him, they encountered a storm.

Sometimes we think that if we follow God, we will never face difficulties. But obedience does not exempt us from storms.

Joseph obeyed God and was thrown into prison.

Daniel served God and entered the lions’ den.

Paul preached Christ and suffered persecution.

Storms do not always mean God is angry with you. Sometimes storms are classrooms where faith is developed.

2. Fear Speaks Loudly During Storms
The disciples cried, “Master, master, we are going to die!”

Fear exaggerates problems and minimizes God. Fear makes us forget past miracles. These same disciples had seen Jesus heal the sick and cast out demons, yet panic blinded their faith.

The enemy often attacks the mind first:
✓“You will never recover.”
✓“Your family will fail.”
✓“Your future is ruined.”

But faith says:
> “God is still in control.”

Illustration
A child was flying in a plane during severe turbulence. Passengers were terrified, but the little girl remained calm, quietly reading her book. After the flight, someone asked, “Why were you not afraid?” She smiled and said, “Because my father is the pilot.”

Child of God, the winds may roar, but your Father is still in control of the journey.

3. Jesus Has Power Over Every Storm
The Bible says Jesus “rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they stopped.”

Creation recognized the voice of its Creator.
✓The wind obeyed Him.
✓The waves obeyed Him.
✓The storm surrendered to Him.

What men cannot control, Jesus controls effortlessly.

There are storms of:
*sickness,
*financial hardship,
*family battles,
*anxiety,
*persecution,
*spiritual attacks.
But Christ still speaks peace over troubled lives.

The same Jesus who calmed the storm can calm your heart today.

4. Jesus Brings Calm After Chaos
The Bible says, “there was a calm.”
Notice this carefully: the storm did not gradually fade away. At the word of Jesus, calm arrived immediately.

God can change situations suddenly.
-One prayer can open a closed door.
-One touch from God can heal years of pain.
-One encounter with Christ can transform a broken life.

When Jesus steps into your storm, panic gives way to peace.

Conclusion
The disciples entered the storm fearful, but they left with a greater revelation of who Jesus is.

Sometimes God allows storms not to destroy us, but to reveal His power to us.

Your storm is not the end of your story. Jesus is still in the boat. The One who controls heaven and earth is with you.

Do not focus on the size of the waves. Focus on the greatness of your Savior.

Altar Call
Perhaps today you feel overwhelmed. Your life may seem like a sinking boat. Fear, sin, confusion, and burdens may be raging around you.

Jesus is calling you to trust Him. He can forgive your sins, restore your peace, and calm the storms within your soul.

Come to Him today. Cry out to Him as the disciples did. He still answers desperate prayers.

Prayer
1. Lord Jesus, speak peace into every storm in my life.
2. Father, remove fear and strengthen my faith.
3. Every raging wind against my destiny, be still in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, help me trust You even when life becomes difficult.
5. Let Your calm rest upon my family, health, finances, and spiritual life.
6. Jesus, be the captain of my life and lead me safely to the other side. Amen.

-Kunle Solomon
Ministering

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t

Or call +2347051874707

Email: [email protected]

“ Peace be Still” Text : Luke 8:24 "And they came to him and woke him up, saying, “Master, master, we are going to die!” Then he got up and ...

22/05/2026

The Tragedy of a Hardened Heart

Text: Psalm 58:3–5
“The wicked are estranged from the womb;
they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent.
They are like the deaf cobra that has stopped up its ear,
which will not listen to the voice of charmers,
charming ever so skillfully.”

Introduction
Psalm 58 is a serious and sobering passage. David is not merely describing bad behavior; he is exposing the dangerous condition of a heart separated from God. The text paints the picture of people who have become so hardened in sin that they resist correction, reject truth, and spread destruction like poison.

We live in a generation where many have become comfortable with evil. Lies are celebrated, truth is resisted, and consciences are silenced. Yet this Scripture reminds us that sin is never harmless. What begins as a small compromise can eventually harden the heart until a person no longer hears the voice of God.

This sermon is both a warning and an invitation. God warns us about the danger of stubborn rebellion, but He also calls us to repentance before our hearts become spiritually deaf.-

1. Sin Separates People From God
“The wicked are estranged from the womb...”

The word estranged means separated, alienated, disconnected. Humanity’s greatest problem is not poverty, sickness, or politics. The deepest problem is separation from God because of sin.

David is teaching that the sinful nature appears very early in human life. Nobody teaches a child to lie, to be selfish, or to rebel. Sin is embedded in fallen humanity.

This does not mean people are beyond hope, but it reveals how desperately we need salvation.

Many people polish the outside while the inside remains far from God. A person can attend church and still be estranged in heart. One can sing worship songs yet secretly love sin.

God is not merely looking at outward appearance; He examines the condition of the heart.

Illustration
A branch cut from a tree may still look green for a while, but it is already disconnected from the source of life. Eventually, it dries up and dies.

In the same way, a person disconnected from God may appear successful outwardly, but spiritually there is no life.

Jesus came not merely to improve us, but to reconnect us to God.

2. Sinful Words Reveal a Sinful Heart
“They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.”

David specifically mentions lying because words reveal character. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

A lying tongue is dangerous because lies destroy trust, relationships, families, churches, and destinies.
✓Some lie to impress others.
✓Some lie to escape consequences.
✓Some lie so often that deception becomes their lifestyle.

But every lie pushes the heart farther from truth.

Satan himself is called the father of lies. Whenever people continually walk in deception, they reflect the nature of the enemy rather than the nature of God.

The believer must become a person of truth — truthful in speech, faithful in promises, sincere in worship, and honest in private life.

Illustration
A cracked foundation may remain hidden beneath a beautiful building, but eventually the entire structure becomes unstable.

Likewise, a life built on lies cannot stand forever.

Truth may be painful for a moment, but lies are destructive for a lifetime.

3. Sin Spreads Like Poison
“Their poison is like the poison of a serpent.”

Poison works quietly. It spreads gradually. It destroys internally before the damage becomes visible externally.

Sin behaves the same way.
✓Bitterness poisons relationships.
✓Jealousy poisons friendships.
✓Immorality poisons the soul.
✓False teaching poisons churches.
✓Unforgiveness poisons peace.

Many people think they can control sin, but eventually sin controls them.

A serpent’s venom affects everything it touches. In the same way, unresolved sin affects thoughts, emotions, decisions, and spiritual sensitivity.

That is why believers must not play with sin. What you tolerate today may destroy you tomorrow.

Illustration
A drop of poison in clean water may seem insignificant, but it contaminates the entire cup.

Likewise, hidden sin contaminates spiritual life.

One secret compromise can weaken prayer, reduce spiritual hunger, and silence conviction.

4. The Most Dangerous Condition Is Spiritual Deafness.
“They are like the deaf cobra that has stopped up its ear...”

This is the climax of the passage. The cobra refuses to hear the charmer. The issue is not that the charmer lacks skill; the problem is stubborn resistance.

Some people hear sermons but never change.
They receive correction but reject it.
They experience conviction but harden themselves again and again.

Over time, the heart becomes spiritually insensitive.

One of the most fearful judgments is when a person can sin without conviction.
✓When prayer no longer moves you...
✓When worship no longer touches you...
✓When the Word no longer convicts you...
✓When repentance no longer matters to you...
Your heart is becoming hardened.

But today, God is still calling.

If you can still feel conviction, there is still hope.

The Hope of the Gospel

Though this passage strongly describes the wicked, the gospel gives hope for transformation.

✓God can soften the hardest heart.
✓He can cleanse the deepest stain.
✓He can remove the poison of sin.
✓He can restore those who have wandered far away.

The same David who wrote about wickedness also experienced God’s mercy after his own failures.

Jesus died for sinners, rose again, and offers new life to all who repent and believe.

No heart is too hard for God’s grace.

Conclusion
Psalm 58 is a mirror and a warning.
It teaches us:
✓Sin separates from God.
✓Lies reveal corruption within.
✓Sin spreads like poison.
✓Hardened hearts resist truth.

But it also points us toward the mercy of God.

✓Do not become spiritually deaf.
✓Do not ignore conviction.
✓Do not allow sin to poison your soul.

Today, if you hear His voice, respond while your heart is still tender.

Altar Call
Perhaps you once walked closely with God, but compromise has entered your life.
Perhaps hidden sin has slowly hardened your heart.
Perhaps pride has prevented repentance.

Today, Jesus is calling you back.

Do not resist Him like the deaf cobra in the Psalm. Open your heart to God.

+Come to Him with honesty.
+Come with repentance.
+Come believing that His mercy is greater than your sin.

The Lord can still change your heart today.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
we come before You acknowledging our need for Your mercy. Search our hearts and reveal every hidden sin within us. Remove every poisonous thing that seeks to destroy our spiritual lives. Soften every hardened area of our hearts and help us to hear Your voice clearly again.

Lord Jesus, cleanse us from deception, pride, bitterness, and rebellion. Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. Let truth dwell in us richly, and let our lives reflect Your holiness.

We surrender ourselves completely to You today. Save the lost, restore the backslidden, heal the broken, and fill us afresh with Your Spirit.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

-Kunle Solomon
Ministering

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t

Or call +2347051874707

Email: [email protected]

The Tragedy of a Hardened Heart Text : Psalm 58:3–5 “The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they are born, speaki...

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