EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD GIVES FREEDOM (PART2)

 The yoke of confusion and stagnation is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD GIVES FREEDOM (PART2) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

 Luke 24:31-32

[31]And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

[32]And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?'

  The disciples were in the lord's presence and yet did no recognize him. That is what man-made religion does to a person. It deprives them of a personal relationship with God based on love and understanding. The word 'knew ' is the Greek word  'epiginōskō ' it means to know upon some mark, that is , recognise; by implication to become fully acquainted with , to acknowledge , perceive. 

  Perception is the driving force behind true devotion to God . Those who quit ministry never have not truly perceived God. That was what happened to the disciples . You can be a committed church member and miracle worker and yet not know God in person . The disciples worked miracles at some point in their ministry with Jesus . They taught the death of Jesus Christ marked the end of their lives.  

In the first part of this teaching with highlighted a  scripture were EPIGNOSIS is used in the bible . Others include : 

2. 2 Peter 1:2-3 (AMP)

"Grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be multiplied to you in the [true, intimate] knowledge (epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord. For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge (epignosis) of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."

   In this passage, epignosis points to the intimate, personal knowledge of God that enables a believer to live a godly life, through the experience of His power and promises.

3. Ephesians 1:17 (AMP)

"[I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge (epignosis) of Him, for we know the Father through the Son."

    Paul prays that believers would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation, leading to an epignosis—an intimate and deep understanding—of God through Christ 

. 4. Philippians 1:9 (AMP)

"And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself] in greater depth, in real knowledge (epignosis) and in practical insight,"

    Epignosis here implies a growing, practical knowledge that enhances love and action, indicating not just theoretical knowledge but a lived experience of understanding.. This is important for marriages to work. 

    These passages illustrate how epignosis carries the sense of a transformative and relational knowledge that goes beyond intellectual understanding to deep spiritual insight. Would you like to focus on a specific passage for further reflection?

 In our daily prayers we should seek for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in Christ , a healthy appetite for God's word and boldness to preach the gospel.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome satanic deceptions.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

GOD WARNS AGAINST THE DELIBERATE TWISTING OF THE SCRIPTURES FOR SELFISH REASONS

 You shall not fall into the enemy's trap because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: GOD WARNS AGAINST THE DELIBERATE TWISTING OF THE SCRIPTURES FOR SELFISH REASONS 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

The Bible mentions several instances where people intentionally twist or misinterpret scriptures to suit their own desires or justify selfish behavior. Here are a few examples of such misuse, along with corresponding verses that address or warn against these actions:

1. Using Scripture to Justify Sinful Behavior

Some people misuse Scripture to excuse or justify actions that go against God's principles, often focusing only on passages that align with their desires while ignoring others.

Romans 6:1-2 (AMP) – "What shall we say [to all this]? Should we continue in sin and practice sin as a habit so that [God’s gift of] grace may increase and overflow? Certainly not! How can we, the very ones who died to sin, continue to live in it any longer?"

2 Peter 3:16 (AMP) – "[Paul’s letters] speak of these things, in which there are some things that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misinterpret, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

2. Pharisees’ Manipulation of Scripture for Self-Righteousness

The Pharisees, religious leaders in Jesus' time, often twisted the Law to elevate themselves above others. Jesus rebuked them for focusing on the letter of the law while missing its true purpose.

Matthew 23:23 (AMP) – "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give a tenth of your mint and dill and cumin, [focusing on minor matters] and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the primary things you ought to have done without neglecting the others."

3. Using Scripture for Financial Gain

Certain people misinterpret the Word to manipulate others for financial profit, prioritizing wealth over genuine faith.

1 Timothy 6:5 (AMP) – "And perpetual friction between men who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, who think that godliness is a source of profit [a lucrative, money-making business—withdraw from them]."

2 Peter 2:1-3 (AMP) – "But [in those days] false prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will subtly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them... And in their greed they will exploit you with false arguments and twisted doctrine."

4. Distorting God’s Commands for Personal Control

In the early church, some leaders attempted to force their own customs or interpretations on new believers for personal control and power over the community.

Galatians 1:6-7 (AMP) – "I am astonished and extremely irritated that you are so quickly shifting your allegiance and deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different [even contrary] gospel; which is really not another [gospel]; but there are [obviously] some [people masquerading as teachers] who are disturbing and confusing you [with a misleading, counterfeit teaching] and want to distort the gospel of Christ [twisting it into something which it absolutely is not]."

  These passages warn believers to be discerning and wary of those who misuse Scripture for selfish ends, whether for power, financial gain, or self-justification. The Bible encourages readers to seek understanding through genuine faith, humility, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. The consequences of twisting the scripture are listed in Revelation 22;18-19 

In our daily prayers we should seek for the spirit of and discernment to know the truth of God's word .

PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome witchcraft.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

WRONG APPROACH TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. EISEGESIS

 Received wisdom and grace to solve complicated problems now by the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

Good -Life Devotional: 

WRONG APPROACH TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. EISEGESIS 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

"Eisegesis" is the process of interpreting a text, especially scripture, by injecting one's own ideas, biases, or interpretations into it rather than understanding its intended meaning. This approach often leads to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Here are some common erroneous ways of reading the Bible through eisegesis:

1. Personal Bias Over Context

Description: Bringing personal preferences or cultural views to shape the Bible’s message, rather than letting the text speak for itself.

Example: Justifying certain behaviors or ideologies by picking out verses without considering the larger biblical narrative.

A common example is women having to cover their hair while in church meetings and not putting on trousers . Imagine a female soldier going to battle in a blouse or skirt . Most teachings are based on cultural biases not the context of the scripture.

2. Cherry-Picking Verses

Description: Isolating specific verses to fit a particular agenda, ignoring the surrounding text and its broader meaning.

Example: Using Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ...") to suggest guaranteed success in all endeavors, disregarding Paul’s context of enduring hardships. Another is picking scriptures on giving money to preachers and neglecting that which has to do with catering for the poor .

3. Ignoring Literary Genre

Description: Overlooking the different genres in the Bible—like poetry, prophecy, history, and parable—each with unique interpretative needs.

Example: Reading a poetic passage literally or expecting historical books to always convey moral teachings rather than just events. Another is the prophetic texts being read literally. That was the problem the Ethiopian Eunuch had with Isaiah's teaching in Acts 8;31-35 

In our daily prayers we should seek for wisdom and understanding of the word of God and boldness to preach the gospel.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to discern between right and wrong .

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

WRONG APPROACH TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES EISEGESIS (PART 2)

 Unexpected financial help will locate you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good-Life Devotional: 

WRONG APPROACH TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES EISEGESIS (PART 2)

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Other errors in the interpretation of the scriptures include : 

4. Proof-Texting

Description: Quoting individual verses out of context to support a preconceived idea without considering the larger message.

Example: Using Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you...”) to assert a guaranteed prosperous future, without considering its specific context for Israel.

Another is 'God's speed ' in 2John 1:10,11  to mean hasty success which is against  Prov 21:5 , Prov 14: 29 , this is the reason behind the increase in cases of bribery and corruption in Nigeria especially internet fraud .

5. Over-Spiritualizing or Allegorizing Everything

Description: Assuming every passage has a hidden, symbolic meaning and interpreting it without clear biblical support.

Example: Treating historical events purely as allegories for spiritual life, which can distort the Bible's intended meaning.

6. Ignoring the Historical-Cultural Context

Description: Neglecting to consider the time, culture, and audience to whom the passage was written, which can alter its meaning.

Example: Applying ancient cultural norms directly to modern-day practices without recognizing differences between eras.

7. Failing to Harmonize Scripture

Description: Focusing on a passage without considering the entirety of Scripture, leading to contradictions.

Example: Building a doctrine from a single verse without comparing it with the rest of the Bible's teaching on that topic.

To avoid eisegesis, a balanced approach called exegesis—where one draws meaning from the text—is recommended. This approach emphasizes studying scripture in context, considering historical-cultural background, literary genre, and the Bible as a whole to uncover its intended message.

 In our daily prayers we should seek for wisdom and revelation of the bible and boldness to preach.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

THE RIGHT INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES: EXEGESIS

 The yoke of the spirit of confusion and stagnation is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good-Life Devotional: THE RIGHT INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES: EXEGESIS 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

 2 Timothy 2:15

" Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

  There is a right (Exegesis) and a wrong (EISEGESIS) way of dividing the truth of the gospel . 

   An exegetical approach to reading the Scriptures aims to understand the Bible’s original meaning by examining the text within its historical, literary, and theological contexts. Here’s a structured method for reading the Scriptures exegetically:

1. Begin with Prayer and Humility

Approach the text with a prayerful attitude, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit for understanding and wisdom.

Cultivate a humble mindset, recognizing that Scripture is God’s Word, and we are seeking to understand His message, not impose our own.

2. Read the Passage Carefully

Start with a slow, careful reading of the passage, paying close attention to the words, phrases, and overall flow of the text.

Read in multiple translations, like the Amplified Bible, for a fuller understanding of the nuances in the language. Use a Greek or Hebrew  dictionary as the case may be  to understand words and their  meanings.

3. Identify the Literary Context

Determine the literary genre of the passage (e.g., narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistle) as this affects interpretation.

Study the passage in light of its immediate context, including the verses surrounding it, the chapter, and the book as a whole.

4. Examine the Historical and Cultural Background

Research the historical and cultural context of the passage, including the customs, beliefs, political circumstances, and audience of the time.

Use Bible commentaries, historical references, and cultural studies to gain insights into the setting and background.

5. Analyze the Language and Key Terms

Pay attention to significant terms and phrases in the original language (Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic) to capture the author’s intent.

Look up word meanings, grammatical structure, and syntax using reliable resources, like lexicons or interlinear Bibles, to get as close as possible to the text’s original meaning. These materials are available in your Google play store . 

  Seek counsel from a mature teacher of the bible of in doubt . 

  In our daily prayers we should seek for wisdom and revelation of the mysteries of the gospel and the boldness to teach .

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

THE RIGHT INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES: EXEGESIS ( Part 2)

 You shall make great progress in a difficult situation because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional : 

THE RIGHT INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES: EXEGESIS ( Part 2) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

6. Identify Key Themes and Theological Implications

Look for repeated themes or theological concepts within the passage that may reveal God’s character, purpose, or promises.

Compare these themes with the broader narrative of Scripture to discern how they contribute to the overall message of the Bible. The them of the gospel is salvation by God's grace through faith . Ephesians 2:8-9

[8]For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

[9]Not of works, lest any man should boast.

7. Consider the Author’s Purpose and Audience

Reflect on why the author wrote this passage and what he intended to communicate to the original audience.

This may involve understanding specific issues or challenges the audience was facing and how the message addresses those needs.  Nigerian Christians need teachings on righteousness for the society to succeed just as in the time of Isaiah , Micah and Jeremiah. 

8. Apply the Passage Responsibly

After discerning the original meaning, reflect on how the principles apply today.

Consider how God’s message might address personal beliefs, attitudes, or actions, and how it should shape our understanding of Him and our lives.

9. Reflect and Respond

Take time for personal reflection on the passage’s meaning and implications for your life.

Respond with worship, prayer, and application, allowing the Scripture to shape your thoughts, actions, and relationships with others.

By following these steps, you engage in a careful, respectful study of the Bible, seeking to understand what the text meant to its original audience and how its timeless truths apply today. This approach helps ensure you interpret and apply the Scriptures faithfully and responsibly.

 In our daily prayers we should seek for humility and understanding of the gospel and the boldness to preach.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome poverty.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

REDEEMING FIRST BORN CHILDREN

 The curse of stagnation and confusion is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

REDEEMING FIRST BORN CHILDREN 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

    In the Bible, the redemption of the firstborn is a significant concept rooted in the story of the Exodus. God commanded the Israelites to consecrate every firstborn child and animal, acknowledging them as holy to the Lord. Exodus 13:2 (AMP) states, “Sanctify to Me all the firstborn; whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” This was a reminder of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, where He spared the firstborn of the Israelites during the final plague.

The process of redeeming the firstborn is further detailed in Numbers 18:15-16, where the firstborn son could be redeemed for a specific price, symbolizing the act of returning him to his family while still honoring God’s claim. This act of redemption, often symbolized by a financial offering, emphasized that life is a gift from God and was a way to dedicate the child back to Him.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is often seen as the ultimate “firstborn” (Romans 8:29), whose sacrifice redeems humanity, offering spiritual freedom. Through His sacrifice, believers are redeemed, allowing them to be called children of God and granted the promise of eternal life (John 1:12).

   The born again Christian is in Christ and by implication he or she belongs to Jesus Christ and have the same identity with him . We are part of God's family. We have his surname ( 2Chronicles 7:14) . The blessing of the redeemed is already ours , you do not need to give money to anyone to be redeemed. Doing so is blasphemous and a rejection of the work of the cross. Ephesians 2:8-9 says " For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." You cannot be redeemed with money 1 Peter 1:18 " Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;'

  The born again Christian has been transformed into Christ's nature , he is a new creature ( 2Corinthians 5:17)  . We are in union with Christ's death and resurrection ( Romans 6;5) that means the unredeemed old nature is dead PERMANENTLY and we live by the power of Jesus Christ.

 Being in Christ gives us security from evil forces and an assurance for heaven (Romans 8;1) without guilt and condemnation and we live to fulfil his mission and purpose on earth ( Ephesians 2:10) 

In our daily prayers we should seek to walk in the consciousness of our new life in Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome guilt and condemnation.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com