Bible study:How christians can be succesful

Bible study:How christians can be succesful

Posted on December 13, 2008

DECEIVED INTO DESTRUCTION

Memorise: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12)

Read: Proverbs 14:7-12

Pastor E.Adeboye

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

In 2 Kings 6:20-23, God opened the eyes of the captive Syrian army and they saw themselves in Samaria. They, who came to Dothan to arrest Elisha, soon found themselves as helpless captives in the midst of their enemies. It was then the above scripture made sense to them. While they followed Elisha, they never knew their pursuit was to their ruin.

Everyone pursuing you, is doing so to his or her own destruction. When their eyes were opened, they realized the man who led them to Samaria was the one they had been seeking. Anyone pursuing a man of God will soon find himself or herself in the midst of the Red Sea.

Just when they

thought they had got Elisha, they discovered to their greatest dismay that they were breakfast for their enemies. Anyone chasing hard after your life will become food for the heavenly army.

Another thing you will observe in this story is that the Israeli king addressed Elisha as ‘My father’. Although he was the king of Israel, he recognized that he had a higher authority over him. There are different types of authority. Romans 13:1-4 talks of political authority.

It is recognized by God. Nobody gets into any position of authority without God’s knowledge or permission. According to Daniel 4:17, the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men. He decides who gets what. The Lord will decide in your favour today. As a believer, you must pray that God will give you the good of the land (where you live) during every political administration. Some may withhold what is due to you but through prayer, you can recover what has either been denied or lost.

 Besides, there is financial authority. Ecclesiastes 7:12 says money can enable you prevent shame, disgrace, loss of respect or self worth, etc. It is a defence. The Lord wants you financially empowered. The yoke of poverty and lack is destroyed in your life in Jesus’ Name. Ecclesiastes 7:12 and Proverbs 16:16 talk of mental (intellectual) authority.

 Mental authority is superior to financial authority since it is ideas that turn a desert into a flourishing land. However, spiritual authority is higher than all other forms of authority hence the Israeli king called Elisha, My father. Luke 10:19 says you have been empowered by God. How are you exercising that supreme authority today? The Lord will allow your enemies to be deceived into destruction even as this year comes to an end.

Thank God for keeping you to the end of year 2008. Ask for grace to enter into 2009 with favour and power in his presence