[Yeodikitekon Igani]

Thank you Ma for this insightful perspective. The story of the widow of Zarephath beautifully portrays the core principles of Biblical giving.

In the first place, sacrificial giving is demonstrated by the widow in spite of the insufficient resources she had at hand. Though she couldn’t provide bread for the Prophet as he had initially requested, she recognized that the raw materials she had, could be processed into another form of food that would equally satisfy the same need, so she chose to make the most of her resources and bake a cake for the Prophet instead.

Likewise, the story shows how her act of giving unlocked divine provision. Her sincere desire to see the Prophet’s needs met led to an unending supply of resources that was sufficient to sustain her and her household whilst the famine persisted.

Again, her faith in God was expressed by her willingness to give despite the prevailing circumstances i.e famine – a time when everyone else is preoccupied with self preservation, proving that she trusted God to provide all that she needed.

Lastly, her giving resulted in a ripple effect of blessings upon her and her household. Her generosity toward Elijah was the act that caused her family to be preserved throughout the time of the famine.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

A call to give is an invitation to satisfy a need. This need might be apparent or it might be one which you will have to discern by close observation. For the purpose of this discourse however, I will analyze the story of Elisha and the Shunamite woman as it is recorded in 2 Kings 4: 8-37.

The four principles on the power of giving that were expressed in this passage are revelation, obedience, sacrifice and faith.

1) Revelation:
The passage begins with Elisha’s visit to Shunem, where a woman of means invites him to her home for a meal (v 8). As proof of her support for his course, she continued to provide him food, every time he was in her City. She was careful to observe him closely, and could then tell that her guest was not like every other random stranger, but was a Holy Man of God (v.9). Therefore, her natural disposition to serve caused her to realize that providing a boarding facility for the prophet will help make his business easier. So she proactively liaised with her husband to make that provision available and ready for use by his next visit, even without first discussing it with the Prophet (v. 10-1).

This proves that everyday all around us, we are surrounded by invitations to give. Some of these needs might be apparent, but some others might not be. However, our heart posture and inclinations will determine whether or not we will be able to discern these opportunities when they are presented to us.

God in His ever gentle way will prompt us with a nudge in our spirit to respond to a need we identify, but the decision to engage or decline rests with us.

2) Obedience:

This is expressed as a response to the nudge we receive in our spirits. It could be positive and result in obedience or negative and result in disobedience. Whatever the case, our response is a reflection of our perception of the need placed before us. If we believe that it is beyond our capacity to supply, we will most likely decline the offer, if not, we will accept the challenge and proactively seek to satisfy that need.

The Shunamite woman’s response is proof that she was not phased by the requirements of the need (v.9-10). Instead, she was preoccupied with providing an enabling environment and better working conditions for the Prophet to conduct his work of ministry. So, rather than say it was beyond her capacity, she sought for partners who had the required resources and means necessary to fulfill her vision. In this case, it was her husband (v. 9-10).

This is a practical lesson that can be applied to our individual walks as believers, when we are called to satisfy a need. We must learn to trust that God who has placed that vision in our hearts, is committed to seeing it fulfilled. Therefore, He will provide us with all that we would ever require in the form of resources, partners, good will, favour and everything else that is necessary for that vision to come alive. However, this trust is only expressed in obedience.

3) Sacrifice:

The passage reveals that the resource that was required (a boarding facility in this case) to satisfy the established need was not readily available, and it was something that they had to build from scratch. Notwithstanding, the project was completed in due time (v 10-11).

One dictionary definition of sacrifice is the destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else. This can be interpreted as the act of creating room. Sacrifice as a principle of giving applies pressure on your resources and requires you to create room to accommodate the new need. The decision to give sacrificially is proof of your obedience, which in turn is an expression of your trust in God.

Sacrificial giving can be expressed as choosing to let go of your precious at God’s request; or giving away a larger proportion of your resources; or as was expressed in this text, deciding to take on a whole new project, just to see a need met. Whatever the case, the consistent factor is the decision to satisfy God’s instructions, and see His vision come alive.

The act of letting go of the precious seed and creating room for the new, is partnership with God.

4) Faith:

In simple terms, Faith is belief. This kind of belief is often expressed as an outworking of our convictions. So, a person who chooses to work in partnership with God can rest assured that God will reward his obedience, and he will gather a bountiful harvest.

The Shunamite woman’s decision to partner with God by creating room for the Prophet in her home resulted in her longtime need for a child being fulfilled. Not because, she set out to do all that she did for that purpose, but because God chose to honor her obedience and sacrifice. So, even when it seemed like her provision was threatened (when the child died), she stood fast in her assurance and convictions, and declared “it is well” (v.23-26), and her son was restored to life (v. 32-37).

Faith as a principle of giving, does not reckon with death in the natural sense. It doesn’t count that which was released as lost. Instead, it understands that because the precious seed was released on God’s request, resurrection power is now active and at work on that seed, and it causes it to multiply and produce great abundance.

In conclusion, a decision to be guided by Scriptural principles of giving is a decision to express one’s devotion and loyalty to God. It is also a decision to protect and preserve one’s seed, and a guarantee for increase. It proves that you have history with God, and gives God legal rights and entry to act on your behalf (2 Kings 8: 1-6).

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

I like the thoughts expressed and conclusions reached in your post. The fact that they emphasize the transformative power of God in a Believer’s life, makes this post very relatable.

I also like the fact that your discussion highlights the truth that this depth of morality and ethical conduct you have described can all be sourced from consistent fellowship with the Word (Rom.12 :2).

In addition, I would like to highlight the fact that this good conduct you have described is very different from that expressed by unbelievers (Eph. 2: 8-9), in the sense that it is empowered by the love of God, therefore, it doesn’t seek recognition amongst men, but the welfare of the one loved. This is because, these works have been predestined for us in Christ (Eph. 2:10). So, as much as a person’s moral strength is important, because that propels the expressions of character, what is most significant in this discussion, is the motivation, which is the love of God.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

The character of God is the basis, foundation or reference point for Christian character. The development of Christian character therefore, is aimed at getting a precise representation of the character of God, which was fully expressed in Christ, the express image of God (Heb. 1:3).

The renewal of the mind refers to taking in the Word of God that eventually causes a change in your soul and therefore a change in your character and conduct. This is essential in Christianity because God is the reference and benchmark for Christian Character. Therefore, it is only His principles as set forth in His Word, and the examples modelled by Christ that will guide us into attaining this glorious standard.

5 ways renewing our minds can help develop our Character as believers are:

1) It makes us knowledgeable of the truth of God’s Word concerning our identity and purpose (2 Pet. 1:3-7).

This is critical because being secure in one’s identity makes it easier to identify with the purpose one has been called to fulfill, thereby establishing a strong sense of conviction.

2) It provides true principles and serves as a guide to fulfilling one’s purpose.

Our fellowship with the Word will make it easier for us to identify God’s blueprint for the assignment we have been called to fulfill, as it will guide us with practical knowledge and wisdom.

3) It empowers us to walk in love (Gal. 2: 19-20).

Love is the force that motivates us to reach out to the lost world and perform the good works we have been predestined for (1 Cor. 13: 4-8). It propels us to seek out and pursue the welfare of the one loved, as Christ intends us to. A constant study of the Word will expose us to practical examples and ways that such love can be expressed.

4) Our consistent fellowship with the Word will provide the necessary strength needed to withstand the suggestions and temptations to sin. It becomes an umpire in our lives, and in the event that we fall short of the standard, it realigns and redirects us back to God (1 Cor. 10:13; Ps. 119:9-11).

5) It empowers us to be ambassadors of Christ (Gal. 2:20).

The renewal of the mind makes the perfect picture and example of Christ enlarged in our hearts, as it draws us deeper and deeper into fellowship with Christ. This eventually results in the total transformation of our conduct ( Rom. 12:2; 1 Jn. 3:2).

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

This testimony proves that no acrobatics are needed to share the truth of God’s Word. The only thing we require is simple obedience to the nudge in our spirit, prompting us to share the truth of God’s Word.

It also highlights the fact that we can only share out of the abundance of what we know; thus, a continuous study of the Word will give us an advantage, and properly position us with the relevant message.

Our responsibility to the person being evangelized is to share the truth we know, whilst we trust that the Word will reproduce in his life; because, it is the Holy Spirit who works in the hearts of men to convict them.

We should also note that the words we share are seeds. So whether the person makes a confession to accept the Lordship of Christ as a result of our message or not, we are rest assured that the Holy Spirit is already at work in their hearts (Rom. 10: 14 – 15), and we have made relevant contribution to the move of God.

There is no telling how far reaching the extent of our message will be, if we do not speak up.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

The most remarkable experience that comes to mind is a conversation I had with a friend concerning a lifestyle choice that had not produced her desired result. Prior to this time, I had expressed my displeasure over that particular choice, which was her decision to enter into a romantic relationship with someone who had promised to foot her bills. We had conversations where I referenced myself as an example and proof that it is possible to have your bills paid by the increase that comes from the fruits of your labor. Though most of these conversations were unfruitful, I continued to pray for her.

When her arrangement eventually failed, she called me in her distress, and I took the opportunity to remind her that God was very interested in us having our bills paid, and had already empowered us with the ability to get wealth (Deut. 8: 18). However, we would only come in contact with this wealth by the blessing that will rest upon the works of our hands (Deut. 28:12).

This conversation ignited a desire in her to seek out the gifts she already had, and also identify the things she was naturally good at, that could be further developed to the point of attracting increase. I took the opportunity to tell her that if she will be willing to work in conjunction with the Holy Spirit by yielding to His impulses, it will make her decision process seamless, and she will be guaranteed good success. It was at this point she opened up about the feelings of guilt, shame and condemnation that had made her consider herself as being unfit for the presence of God. So I encouraged her with the text from Rom. 10: 9-10,13; and Rom. 8: 1. I also went further to book a counseling session for her, with one of the Assistant Pastors of my Church.

In her case however, she was already born again and had received the gift of Tongues, but she had never taken advantage of any of her privileges in Christ. So I encouraged her to spend more time praying in tongues and join a Church where the undiluted Word of God is being preached. I took the opportunity to invite her to Church a couple times, whilst I continued praying for her.

Our discussions were fruitful this time around, as she has put some savings aside with which she intends to start up a business. In hindsight, I would follow up more closely, and will not leave too much room for her to do what she thinks is right, especially if it does not align with the truths of Scripture.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

I like the opinions expressed in this post, and the thoughts given in reaching a conclusion as this. The fact that it highlights the link between a person’s nature and the quality of works they produce makes it relatable, as our level of consciousness and awareness always informs our actions.

Furthermore, you have identified that God is the only one who is truly good (Mk. 10:18). So, the ability to produce such good works will only be made possible by the adoption of His nature, which is made possible by the New Birth.This is why the quality of good works referenced in the given quote is presented as a consequence or by-product of a relationship with Christ, which is only available to the believer.

This implies that, such good work is powered by the Spirit of God; motivated by the love of God; and expresses the power of God in the life of the one who produces such fruits.

Therefore if the fruits of the spirit are the core of Christian character, this then becomes the force of attraction for the unbeliever, as it causes him to desire a similar experience. Thereby making for an effective witness for Christ (Matt. 5:16)

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

“Good works that stem out of a relationship with Christ Jesus are witnesses for Jesus”.

The nature of good works referenced in this quote is markedly different from that referenced in Eph. 2 : 8 – 9, as the latter refers to ethical conduct born out of a good moral standing; while the former refers to good works which are a reflection of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5 : 22 – 23). This set of good works are made possible by the power of God which is active in the person who produces them, and is exclusive to believers.

One Bible reference that gives life to this quote is Eph. 2 : 10. Here we find that it was always God’s intention for us to produce such good works. However, they differ from those referenced in v.9 because, such good works are motivated by the love of God which has been shed abroad in our hearts as believers (Rom. 5:5); unlike the other set of works which are designed to gain recognition amongst men.

As is characteristic of every love act of God expressed in His dealings with man, it is deployed with a sense of obligation and desire for the welfare of the one loved (Jn. 3: 16-17). Jesus when stating His purpose on earth (Mt. 15:24) equally emphasized this truth, as He declared that the target of this love are the lost souls of the world. It is for this reason that the Holy Spirit was imparted to believers (Jn. 14: 16-17), to serve as a companion and strengthener, that will enable them walk in this love, and sustain the productivity of the fruits of the spirit. For these fruits are the core of Christian character, and serve as a visible representation of the transformative power of God. Thus, attracting unbelievers to the light, and by implication Christ.

However, operating at this level is not automatic for the believer. It requires conscious and intentional effort on the part of the one who seeks to operate at this level, to commit to the renewal of the mind, by the continuous study and application of the Word (Rom. 12:2; Col. 1: 9-11). Only then can he say that he is producing the kind of works described in Eph. 2 : 10.

Therefore, good works that emanate from a relationship with Christ are indeed witnesses for Christ because, they are powered by the Spirit of God; motivated by the love of God; and express the power of God in the life of the person who produces such fruits. This becomes the force of attraction for the unbeliever, as it causes him to desire a similar experience.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

I can relate with the thoughts expressed concerning the truth that evangelism should not be conducted from a place of superiority.

When a believer sets out to condemn an unbeliever because of their lifestyle choices, they express a lack of understanding of the truth that what we see on the outside is only a reflection and overflow of what exists on the inside ( Jer. 17:9).

An unbeliever is expected to typically conduct his/herself in a way that is reflective of their depraved mind and unregenerate spirit (Eph. 2: 2-3). If a believer chooses to focus on their works and declares them unfit for the good news of Christ, again such a person denies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit (Phil. 2: 13). For it is the Holy Spirit who convicts man of his wrong doings ( Jn. 16:8), and brings him into repentance, which creates an avenue for such a person to be transformed by the renewal of their mind ( Rom. 12 :2).

So, a believer who chooses to condemn an unbeliever misses an opportunity to present the free gift of salvation to such a person ( Rom. 10 :14), as this is the most potent remedy to their misconduct. The transformative work of the Holy Spirit on their mind is guaranteed to produce fruits of ethical living, powered and sustained by the power of God.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

Evangelism means gospel, which is good news from a loving God to a lost world. It is a concerted self-conscious effort to confront the unbeliever with the truth and claims of Christ, with a view to leading that unbeliever into repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

These statements establish 3 significant truths which are that,
1) The subject of true evangelism is Christ.
2) The object is the unbeliever.
3) The objective is to lead them into repentance and acceptance of the free gift of salvation.

However, this great commission which Jesus gave the Church (Matt. 28: 18 -20) has been corrupted in several ways in recent times, and we can say so because, emphasis on the gospel message is often missing in some of these evangelism attempts. Sadly such attempts are designed to attract more members to the Churches that practice such.

Some of these activities include

1) Love Outreaches

The purpose of a love outreach is to create an avenue where the host extends support to any community of his/her choosing by presenting them with free gifts. As a tool for evangelism however, this can serve as an opportunity to spread the love of God and the good news of Christ.

Sadly, some Churches have corrupted the essence of such outreaches, and have been found to place greater emphasis on their kind gestures and the items being presented, as opposed to the gospel of Christ. They use social media as a platform to broadcast their good works to the general public, so as to attract the admiration of viewers and consequently more people to their meetings, with little or no care about their salvation or maturation.

2) Personal Evangelism

As the name suggests, this happens when a believer reaches out to an unbeliever to share the good news of Christ, one on one. As with every other form of true evangelism, the focus ought to be the good news of Christ and the free gift of salvation. However, we find that in recent times people are more concerned about spreading the gospel of their denomination, than the truth of God’s word. They use it as a tool to preach the superiority of their local assembly over others, with a view to convince their audience to join their church, and not necessarily the body of Christ.

3) Bus Evangelism.

This is a strategic provision made by Churches to ease the transportation needs of their members, converts and guests, attending their service meetings.

It is however very likely that these buses will not pick up the same set of people every single time. Thus, a Church that is Evangelism minded will use this as a means of preaching Christ to the passengers on board their buses, at every given opportunity.

Sadly, some Churches now consider this as a competition to pick up the most people when they gather at bus stations in places like campuses. Their focus is on the number of people they can convey to their meetings, and not necessarily the number of lives they can impact.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

I like the opinions and thoughts expressed, as it highlights the simplicity and sincerity of the actions of Joseph and Rebekah, in their service to the respective recipients. As a result of this service that was appreciated by the master of the household in which Joseph worked (Potiphar), and the stranger by the well (Eleazar) Rebekah attended to; they were eventually rewarded for their services in due time.

Joseph was promoted to the highest office available in Potiphar’s house because of the excellent service which he chose to render as unto God. Likewise, Rebekah was adorned with articles of gold in appreciation for her generosity and was eventually selected as the bride for Isaac.

It is worthy to note that all of these services rendered were done with no expectations attached. But the increase and promotion that their excellent service attracted, was a by-product of the excellence they chose to operate with and a worthy reward that exceeded their imaginations.

However, in my opinion with reference to the matter in review I believe that Rebekah did not necessarily consider herself to be the solution to Eleazar’s needs rather, she considered her access to the necessary and needed resources a privileged position of service. This was expressed in her actions and understanding of the truth that wealth in the hands of the righteous is to be deployed as a tool for service.

This is why after providing him with water, she could anticipate the needs of his company, and proactively supply them (Gen. 24: 19-20). Furthermore, she accepted his request for accommodation and intentionally chose to provide more rooms and resources for his company (v. 23-24).

On that note therefore, it is better to consider the state of her birth as an advantage that enhanced the nature and quality of her service.

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

The stories of Rebekah (Gen. 24:10-26), and Joseph (Gen. 39:1-10), are remarkable examples of service because they show how one’s state of mind can influence the nature and quality of service rendered.

Gen. 24:15-16 informs us that Rebekah was from an affluent family (v.25), conducted herself in purity, and was very beautiful to behold. Yet, none of these attributes gave her an air of puffiness around her, instead, in all humility, she identified an opportunity to serve Abraham’s servant, and stepped into it.

Likewise, Joseph on the other hand, though a slave in his master’s house, derived his identity from his relationship with God (Gen. 39:2-3), and this influenced and dictated the nature and quality of his service. Being that, he chose to serve as one who ministered directly to God (v. 4-5), he remained productive in his affairs, which in turn earned him favour before his master, and a consequent promotion to the highest office.

Though Rebekah was under no obligation to attend to the servant at the well, of her own freewill, on being asked, she chose to oblige his request (v.18), and was proactive enough to supply necessary and needed provision for his company and animals (v. 19-20), not minding that he had not outrightly stated that such provisions were equally needed. Also, when he requested accommodation and lodging for himself and his men (v.23), she created another opportunity to serve by drawing on the wealth of resources that were available at her family’s disposal (v.24-25). She understood that true abundance was not about accumulation, but it ought to be deployed as a tool for service.

Unlike Rebekah however, Joseph as a slave in his master’s house (Gen. 39:1), was duty bound to fulfill his duties to his master, irrespective of prevailing conditions. Yet, in spite of his lowly estate, he chose to operate in excellence because honouring God through service, was of greater importance to him than the capacity he was called to serve in (v.2). He never considered his official ranking, and unlimited access (v. 4-6) as avenues to abuse his privileges. But rather, chose to operate within the confines of established boundaries, and would not go beyond them (v.8-9) because, beyond serving his master, his priority was to honour God with his service.

He understood that he operated within a representative capacity, and was called to magnify the God who had graced him with the abilities he had, the same one who made his service effective (v.2-3).

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