14/03/2025
1ST MESSAGE
March 9th, 2025
PERFECTION OF SAINTHOOD 4:2 by Oluwole S. Olakunle
"And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it."
Mark 11:12-14
Leaves vs. Fruits
It is possible for a tree to have leaves and not fruit, but not vice versa, illustrating that God emphasizes fruit (character) more than leaves (gifts). Jesus judged the fig tree in Mark 11:12-13 for having leaves but no fruit.
PAUL
Apostle Paul: A Study in Self-Discipline
Apostle Paul's life exemplifies the balance between gifts and character. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says:
I keep under my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be cast away.
This indicates that preaching (a gift) alone is not enough; character is essential. As Matthew 7 states, we are known by our fruits. It is possible to perform miracles and prophesy but still be rejected if one lacks character (faith, joy, love, and wholeness). Paul disciplined his body to ensure that his "leaves" (gifts) did not overshadow his "fruits" (character).
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Despite the abundance of revelation he had (2 Corinthians 12), Paul faced trials (a messenger of the devil) to maintain humility. This shows that God allows certain challenges to keep us grounded. Paul's example highlights the importance of passing both the "leaf test" and the "fruit test" by being watchful and making righteous decisions.
Strength in Weakness
Apostle Paul's story illustrates that strength can be found in weakness.
Paul was "buffeted," but God allowed it, saying, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
When you are weak and surrender to the Lord, He strengthens you, demonstrating His power rather than your own.
JACOB
"And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. 31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. 32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank."
Genesis 32: 24-32
Jacob wrestled with an angel of God and was touched the hollow of his thigh causing a dislocation, which made him to limp for the rest of his life.
This limping was a means of deliverance and liberation from a "con man" spirit. Jacob was an expert in con artistry, even outdoing Laban in his own game.
The angel changed Jacob's name to Israel, meaning "under the love of God."
SAUL
The Story of Saul
Humble Beginnings
Saul's story begins in 1 Samuel 9:1-2.
Saul was the son of Kish, a Benjamite, and was described as a "choice young man and a goodly."
He was taller and more handsome than anyone else in Israel.
1 Samuel 9:21 shows Saul's humility: "Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?"
Benjamin was the last son of Jacob, born to Rachel.
God chose to take his king from the lastborn, emphasizing humility over self-promotion.
Saul was humble and unassuming, and God met him at his low estate.
The Downfall of Saul
Saul's predicament is described in 1 Samuel 15.
God instructed Saul to "smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass" (1 Samuel 15:3).
Saul and the people spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and the best of the sheep and oxen, disobeying God's direct command.
"To follow God is 100%. If you don't follow his instruction 100%, your obedience counts for zero. Period."
God doesn't accept partial obedience; it must be complete.
Because of his disobedience, Saul's reign began to fail, leading him to consult the Witch of Endor later in his life.
Fruits vs. Leaves: The Downfall of Saul
The story of Saul illustrates the importance of obedience (fruit) over sacrifice (leaves). Initially, Saul was humble and followed God's instructions. However, as he gained wealth and power, he began to prioritize the opinions of others over God's commands, leading to his demise.
*The Error of Saul*
Samuel's rebuke to Saul:
To obey is better than sacrifice.
Saul's disobedience, specifically sparing Agag and some livestock, was seen as a rejection of God's word. Saul's mistake was that he feared the people and obeyed their voice instead of God.
The difference between Saul and David:
Saul: Listened to people and wanted to please everyone. David: Listened to God and would rather please God only than the people
Character vs. Gifts
Character (fruit) is more valuable than anointing (leaves) or gifts of the Spirit. Character is relatable and can minister to others, while gifts alone cannot sustain anyone.
Without character, a person with gifts remains distant unapproachable and gets divine damnation at the end of the day.
"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
1Samuel 15:22
