HIGHER LIFE CONFERENCE LAGOS BY PASTOR CHRIS 9

What Does God Want to Give You?

The Essence of God's Gift

• The speaker emphasizes that what God truly wants to give is not material possessions or healing, but the word of God in one's spirit.

• The power of the Holy Ghost enables believers to shine and experience favor; it is described as a season where nothing can hinder them.

Understanding Suffering and Delays

• The speaker questions why some individuals suffer for extended periods while others thrive, particularly in financial or familial contexts.

• Examples are given of people struggling with job searches or couples unable to conceive despite no medical issues, prompting a deeper inquiry into these situations.

Biblical Insights on Challenges

• A study of the Bible reveals that prolonged suffering is not due to the difficulty of circumstances but rather a lack of understanding of God's word.

• Many Christians hold assumptions about scripture that may not align with its true teachings, leading to misconceptions about their situations.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Reference is made to Psalm 1, highlighting that a blessed individual meditates on God's law and will prosper; this reality should be recognized by believers.

• The Holy Spirit's role is explained as making God's redemptive plan real in believers' lives, moving beyond mere legality to vital experience.

Salvation: Legal vs. Vital Reality

• It’s noted that everyone is legally saved because Jesus died for all; however, without personal acceptance, this remains an unexperienced truth.

• Believers must recognize truths about salvation and other aspects of faith for them to become vital realities in their lives.

Knowledge from Scripture

• In 1 Corinthians 2:12, it states that believers have received the spirit which allows them to understand freely given things from God.

• Emphasis on studying original languages (Hebrew and Greek), as they provide richer meanings than English translations often convey.

Understanding the Role of Translation in Biblical Interpretation

The Challenge of Synonyms in Translation

• Translators may select incorrect synonyms, leading to multiple English versions of biblical texts. This results from individual interpretations based on personal studies of Greek and Hebrew meanings.

• The word "know" can have various meanings in English, necessitating deeper study to grasp its full spectrum, which includes enlightenment, information, and acquaintance.

Specificity Lost in Translation

• In Greek, words are chosen for their specific meanings; however, English often uses one word for many concepts, causing a loss of specificity and clarity in communication.

• The Holy Spirit's role is to make believers aware of what God has freely given them, emphasizing that these gifts do not require struggle or begging but acceptance through faith.

Walking by Faith

• Christians are called to live by faith rather than sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), focusing on God's Word instead of circumstances or feelings. This principle is foundational to Christian life.

• Spiritual death occurred when Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden; this separation from God led him to rely on his senses rather than spiritual insight.

Consequences of Spiritual Death

• Adam's spiritual death resulted in a lack of awareness regarding God's glory; he could only see his nakedness instead of the divine beauty surrounding him. Walking in the spirit allows believers to perceive God's light and truth.

• Despite living for 930 years post-fall, Adam experienced spiritual death immediately upon disobedience—highlighting the significance of spiritual over physical existence according to biblical teachings.

Embracing a New Perspective

• As born-again Christians, believers' spirits are revived; they must view life from God's perspective rather than human limitations or experiences. This shift requires an active declaration against negative circumstances like miscarriages or illness through faith-based affirmations.

• The Kingdom of God operates with forceful faith; believers should not adopt a beggar mentality but confidently claim their rights as children of God based on His promises and provisions outlined in scripture (Mark 16:17).

Understanding the Power of Faith and the Holy Spirit

The Role of the Body and Health

• The speaker references biblical scripture, emphasizing that believers can cast out devils and handle dangerous situations without harm.

• Complaints about physical discomfort (e.g., stomach issues) are discussed, suggesting that such experiences should not be viewed as problems but rather as natural bodily functions.

• Encouragement is given to avoid making health issues a source of anxiety; instead, one should trust in their body's ability to function properly.

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

• The body is described as the temple of the Holy Spirit, implying divine protection over one's health and well-being.

• Emphasis on laying hands on the sick as a means to release God's power for healing, highlighting action over prayer alone.

• A simple act of placing hands on someone in need can invoke healing, showcasing faith's practical application.

Guidance from the Holy Spirit

• The speaker reiterates that the Holy Spirit helps believers understand spiritual truths and realities beyond ordinary perception.

• Reference to John 16:13 emphasizes that when the "Spirit of Truth" comes, He will guide believers into all truth regarding various aspects of life.

Navigating Life's Challenges with Faith

• Assurance is provided that the Holy Spirit will reveal truths about personal circumstances—health, family, finances—leading to clarity and understanding.

• Affirmation from participants reinforces belief in being guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth.

Building Stronger Faith

• Discussion on reliance on medical professionals versus building personal faith; challenges arise when doctors cannot diagnose an issue.

• Importance placed on growing one's faith so it can sustain individuals during difficult times when external help may fall short.

• Encouragement to not let life's circumstances dictate one's reality; instead, focus on strengthening faith for resilience.

Conclusion: Presence of the Holy Spirit

• Confirmation that since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has been present in believers' lives guiding them through teachings towards deeper truths.

Guidance of the Holy Spirit

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit is actively guiding individuals into all truths, emphasizing a continuous divine support in one's spiritual journey.

• Acknowledgment of spiritual surges or currents that can be felt during worship, indicating a powerful presence and connection with God.

Understanding Ephesians 1:7-8

• Discussion on Ephesians 1:7-8 highlights God's grace, which is abundant in wisdom and prudence, essential for believers' lives.

• The term "lavished" indicates an overflowing generosity from God towards humanity, particularly in providing wisdom for various situations.

Greek Insights on Wisdom

• Explanation of the Greek terms "Sophia" (wisdom) and "finesis" (prudence), where Sophia represents divine wisdom while finesis refers to practical insights necessary for daily living.

• Finesis is described as comprehensive practical wisdom that includes discretion, foresight, and circumspection—qualities vital for making sound decisions.

The Possibility of Knowing God's Will

Prayer for Knowledge

• Emphasis on Colossians 1:9 where prayer is made for believers to be filled with knowledge of God's will through spiritual understanding; this suggests it is possible to know God's will clearly.

Confession and Spiritual Awareness

• Declaring ignorance about knowing God's will can hinder one's ability to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit; clarity comes from openness rather than confusion.

Fruitfulness in Good Works

• Believers are encouraged to be fruitful in every good work while increasing their knowledge of God; this reflects a dynamic relationship between action and spiritual growth.

Progress Through Divine Guidance

Observations on Life Progression

• Many struggle with stagnation despite hard work; contrastingly, some experience significant progress with minimal effort due to reliance on divine guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Continuous Learning in Heaven

• Anticipation that even in heaven there will be ongoing study and teaching related to the word of God, countering notions that eternal life may become monotonous or boring.

The Importance of Spiritual Nourishment

The Role of Food in Spiritual Growth

• Eating food contributes to physical growth and development, which is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

• Just as physical nourishment is vital, spiritual nourishment through the Word of God is equally important for spiritual health.

Living by the Word of God

• Jesus emphasized that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word (rhema) that comes from God’s mouth. This highlights the necessity of spiritual sustenance.

• Listening to teachings can lead to clarity and understanding, allowing individuals to connect with deeper truths shared during these sessions.

Clarity Through the Word

• Engaging with the Word removes confusion and allows one to see more clearly, akin to driving when fog or dust clears away. The more one consumes the Word, the clearer their vision becomes.

• Without regular engagement with scripture, individuals may struggle with shortsightedness in life situations due to a lack of insight provided by God's teachings.

Continuous Engagement for Purpose

• Regular consumption of God's Word leads to increased clarity regarding one's purpose in life; it helps eliminate uncertainty about future paths or decisions.

• Spiritual nourishment must be ongoing; neglecting it can lead back into confusion and cloudiness in understanding one's direction in life.

Strength Through Scripture

• The Word provides strength necessary for daily living and serving others; it acts as a source of energy that keeps believers spiritually robust on their journey.

• Consistent engagement with scripture ensures believers remain strong and successful throughout their lives, similar to how consistent eating leads to physical growth and health.

Affirmation of Wisdom

• Believers are encouraged to affirm their possession of divine wisdom through Christ, emphasizing that this wisdom works within them daily, guiding their actions and decisions effectively.

• Acknowledging this inner wisdom fosters confidence among believers about their capabilities and future prospects through faith in God's guidance via His Word.

Overcoming Discouragement

Embracing Victory Over Discouragement

• Discouragement Should Not Control You: The speaker emphasizes that discouragement should not dictate one's actions or mindset, highlighting the importance of resilience.

• Divine Support: It is asserted that "the hand of God is on your life," suggesting a belief in divine guidance and support during challenging times.

• Empowerment Through Belief: The words one chooses to believe can empower them to overcome obstacles, reinforcing the idea that positive affirmations are crucial for success.

• Rejecting Negative Emotions: The speaker encourages listeners to disallow feelings of fear and doubt, advocating for a proactive approach to maintaining a victorious mindset.

• Claiming Your Victory: A call to action is made for individuals to walk in the victory that inherently belongs to them, promoting a sense of ownership over personal achievements.