Knowledge Of Good and Evil

Adam was the first man created in the image of God. He was placed in Eden as the gardener; he was to tend and care for it. Because God saw it fit, He created a human companion from Adam’s ribs to be his helper. Adam called her woman because she was taken out of man (Adam).

God placed two fruit trees in the garden. One bestowed eternal life, the other the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2 v 9).

Adam and Eve (the woman) were forbidden from eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As Adam must already have been aware of a distinction between right and wrong. God used the tree as an ethical test. Induced by the serpent, Eve persuaded Adam to eat the fruit which God had forbidden him and the couple were banished from the garden.

Adam means mankind (Romans 5 v 12). Adam by sinning set in motion a chain reaction of sin and its consequence, death. This is why every human being has the seed of sin living in him (Roman 7 v 17). Adam’s sin affects all human beings.

Human beings are descendants of Adam and Eve. The human race has a history and a beginning and the history from the beginning is marked by sin. The Bible says all mankind is now included in the guilt and condemnation of Adam (Romans 5 v 18-19). We commit sin because we are born sinners. “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me”. We are born sinners because we inherited sinful nature from Adam and Eve, the parents of all mankind.

Many people think that if we don’t commit or do some things we know as sin are not sinners. But who does not commit sin? What child ever has to be taught to tell lies? The truth is that all people are born sinners. We are inclined to sin from time to time. “There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7 v 20).

Some people say that they are good. However, they forget that we inherited the knowledge of good and evil from Adam and Eve, so no matter how good you are, you are still a sinful person (evil).

God wants every man to accept Jesus so as to become good and righteous. “For Christ died once for our sins, the righteous one for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in Spirit”(1 Peter 3 v 18). God is looking for people who desire to be righteous, that is, people who are morally good and just. It is only through Jesus Christ you can be good and righteous in the sight of God.

But if you don’t accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you will always be evil in your good because you can’t ever be totally good without Christ. There will always be evil in you and you will always be evil no matter how much you try to be good. Because of that evil (sin), you will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Our goodness is not equal to and not same as God’s righteousness. Certainly, living good is not wrong. It should be what each of us strives to do, but there is evil in man (Romans 7 v 17). In the Bible, there was a man named Cornelius. He was good but was still evil (sinful) like every other man. Because of his goodness God wanted him to make heaven. God sent an angel to tell Cornelius to send for Peter the apostle to tell him how he would be righteous through Jesus Christ.

Peter preached to Cornelius about God’s offer of salvation and righteousness through Jesus Christ. Cornelius and his household accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Because of that God gave them the Holy Spirit and they became good and righteous in the sight of God (Acts 10).

Many religions that are considered great do not have solution to sin and that is why their adherents are still evil no matter how much good they know and want to do. Cornelius was religious and could be described as good, but he was still bad therefore he was made righteous by God through the Holy Spirit. In fact, salvation is not based upon individual good deeds alone. All who reject God’s offer of Salvation and His righteousness will be confronted with His judgment – they will spend eternity in hell which is the lake of burning sulphur (Revelation 20 v 10).Those who reject God’s offer of Salvation will not satisfy God’s standard for Salvation, no matter what they do.

The Sovereing Lord

The Sovereign Lord has taught me what to say, so that I can strengthen the weary. Every morning he makes me eager to hear what he is going to teach me. The Lord has given me understanding, and I have not rebelled or turned away from him. I bared my back to those who beat me. I did not stop them when they insulted me, when they pulled out the hairs of my beard and spat in my face. But their insults cannot hurt me because the Sovereign Lord gives me help. I brace myself to endure them. I know that I will not be disgraced, for God is near, and he will prove me innocent. Does anyone dare to bring charges against me? Let us go to court together! Let him bring his accusation! The Sovereign Lord Himself defends me – who, then, can prove me guilty? All my accusers will disappear; they will vanish like moth-eaten cloth…”



1. What can you say about life on earth?
Answer: Life is full of discouragement.

2. Who are the people who can stand against and overcome discouragement?
Answer: Only the people of God, because they will not like to lose their salvation.

3. What did God command Isaiah to say?
Answer: To speak the hard truth to the people of Judah. He did not refuse.

4. What was the people’s response to his message?
Answer: They hated him.

5. What was Isaiah’s response to this hatred?
Answer: He was determined to do God’s will irrespective of what it would cost him.

6. Why was Isaiah determined to do God’s will?
Answer: He was confident that God would defend him, so he trusted in God’s help to see him through his mission.

7. What does the Bible say about those who trust the Lord for help?
Answer: They shall not be disappointed (Romans 10 v 11).

8. If people threaten you because of God’s message you deliver, what must you do?
Answer: You should not be moved by their threats.

Lesson: God will provide those whom He calls with the help they need to accomplish His task. Ours is to depend on Him. God indeed is our help.


ROMANS 3 V 21 – 26

“But now God has shown us a different way to heaven – not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us – declare us “not guilty” – if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins…”

1. What does a Christian life revolve around?
Answer: Christian life revolves around righteousness and faith after the forgiveness of sin.

2. How can a man be righteous?
Answer: Faith in Christ will enable us to be righteous.

3. What was the purpose of law?
Answer: It was to attain righteousness.

4. Was it possible to be righteous through law?
Answer: No, so law failed.

5. Why did law fail?
Answer: It was more physical than spiritual i.e. human effort to obey without Holy Spirit.

6. According to Paul’s teaching, how can a man stand in righteousness in God’s presence?
Answer: Paul said we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But we have been redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ.

7. What does our faith in Christ earn from God?
Answer: (i) God overlooks our sins
(ii) God makes us justified in his presence.

8. What does self-righteousness earn man from God?
Answer: Nothing. We cannot do anything right to please God unless we place our faith in Christ.

9. What role does righteousness play in the life of a believer on earth?
Answer: It is the breastplate against the darts of the Evil One (Ephesians 6 v 14).


ROMANS 3 V 9 – 14

“Well, then, are we Jews better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all men alike are sinners, whether Jews or Gentiles. As the Scriptures say, “No one is good – no one in all the world is innocent.” No one has ever really followed God’s paths or even truly wanted to. Every one has turned away; all have gone wrong. No one anywhere has kept on doing what is right; not one. Their talk is foul and filthy like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are loaded with lies. Everything they say has in it the sting and poison of deadly snakes. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness”.

1. How can you know the corrupt state of a man?
Answer: Sinful behaviour.

2. What does law expose in the life of man?
Answer: The law reveals the level of our sin and helplessness.

3. At which point in time does sin enter the life of a man?
Answer: We were born with the propensity to sin, so it is natural.

4. If this is so can any good come from man?
Answer: No. All of our actions tend towards sin and we cannot do any good of our own. Therefore we are unable to meet God’s standard of moral and spiritual uprighteousness.

5. How can a man be redeemed?
Answer: Redemption can only be made possible through the One who Himself is sinless – Jesus Christ.

6. Is there any other way man can be saved from sin?
Answer: No, if Jesus does not save you from sin, no other person can. He is the only means of salvation. He will cleanse you from your sin if you come to Him.

ACTS 26 V 24-32



“Suddenly Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Your long studying has broken your mind!” But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. I speak words of sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak frankly for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? But I know you do. Agrippa interrupted him. “With trivial proofs like these, you expect me to become a Christian?” And Paul replied, “Would to God that whether my arguments are trivial or strong?, both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left. As they talked it over afterwards they agreed, “This man hasn’t done anything worthy of death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “He could be set free if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar!”.


1. Why was Paul’s statement not sensible to Festus?
Answer: Festus was not a Jew and he did not know much about what Paul was saying.

2. Why was Paul convinced that King Agrippa knew the truth?
Answer: Because king Agrippa was a Jew.

3. What was Paul’s reply to King Agrippa’s sarcastic remark?
Answer: Paul replied that he had been praying for those who were listening to him to become regenerated like he had.

4. What was the concern of Paul that the king saw in his defense?
Answer: Paul was concerned for the salvation of these people than for the removal of his own chains.

5. What was the opinion of the King and his entourage concerning Paul’s testimony?
Answer: Paul did not deserve death or imprisonment.

6. What does the life of Paul teach us about trials and temptations?
Answer: Make use of the opportunity that comes with these trying periods to witness to unbelievers around you. We should say bravely what we believe about Jesus. We should do this even to important people.

The Sovereing Lord

The Sovereign Lord has taught me what to say, so that I can strengthen the weary. Every morning he makes me eager to hear what he is going to teach me. The Lord has given me understanding, and I have not rebelled or turned away from him. I bared my back to those who beat me. I did not stop them when they insulted me, when they pulled out the hairs of my beard and spat in my face. But their insults cannot hurt me because the Sovereign Lord gives me help. I brace myself to endure them. I know that I will not be disgraced, for God is near, and he will prove me innocent. Does anyone dare to bring charges against me? Let us go to court together! Let him bring his accusation! The Sovereign Lord Himself defends me – who, then, can prove me guilty? All my accusers will disappear; they will vanish like moth-eaten cloth…”



1. What can you say about life on earth?
Answer: Life is full of discouragement.

2. Who are the people who can stand against and overcome discouragement?
Answer: Only the people of God, because they will not like to lose their salvation.

3. What did God command Isaiah to say?
Answer: To speak the hard truth to the people of Judah. He did not refuse.

4. What was the people’s response to his message?
Answer: They hated him.

5. What was Isaiah’s response to this hatred?
Answer: He was determined to do God’s will irrespective of what it would cost him.

6. Why was Isaiah determined to do God’s will?
Answer: He was confident that God would defend him, so he trusted in God’s help to see him through his mission.

7. What does the Bible say about those who trust the Lord for help?
Answer: They shall not be disappointed (Romans 10 v 11).

8. If people threaten you because of God’s message you deliver, what must you do?
Answer: You should not be moved by their threats.

Lesson: God will provide those whom He calls with the help they need to accomplish His task. Ours is to depend on Him. God indeed is our help.


ROMANS 3 V 21 – 26

“But now God has shown us a different way to heaven – not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us – declare us “not guilty” – if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins…”

1. What does a Christian life revolve around?
Answer: Christian life revolves around righteousness and faith after the forgiveness of sin.

2. How can a man be righteous?
Answer: Faith in Christ will enable us to be righteous.

3. What was the purpose of law?
Answer: It was to attain righteousness.

4. Was it possible to be righteous through law?
Answer: No, so law failed.

5. Why did law fail?
Answer: It was more physical than spiritual i.e. human effort to obey without Holy Spirit.

6. According to Paul’s teaching, how can a man stand in righteousness in God’s presence?
Answer: Paul said we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But we have been redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ.

7. What does our faith in Christ earn from God?
Answer: (i) God overlooks our sins
(ii) God makes us justified in his presence.

8. What does self-righteousness earn man from God?
Answer: Nothing. We cannot do anything right to please God unless we place our faith in Christ.

9. What role does righteousness play in the life of a believer on earth?
Answer: It is the breastplate against the darts of the Evil One (Ephesians 6 v 14).


ROMANS 3 V 9 – 14

“Well, then, are we Jews better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all men alike are sinners, whether Jews or Gentiles. As the Scriptures say, “No one is good – no one in all the world is innocent.” No one has ever really followed God’s paths or even truly wanted to. Every one has turned away; all have gone wrong. No one anywhere has kept on doing what is right; not one. Their talk is foul and filthy like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are loaded with lies. Everything they say has in it the sting and poison of deadly snakes. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness”.

1. How can you know the corrupt state of a man?
Answer: Sinful behaviour.

2. What does law expose in the life of man?
Answer: The law reveals the level of our sin and helplessness.

3. At which point in time does sin enter the life of a man?
Answer: We were born with the propensity to sin, so it is natural.

4. If this is so can any good come from man?
Answer: No. All of our actions tend towards sin and we cannot do any good of our own. Therefore we are unable to meet God’s standard of moral and spiritual uprighteousness.

5. How can a man be redeemed?
Answer: Redemption can only be made possible through the One who Himself is sinless – Jesus Christ.

6. Is there any other way man can be saved from sin?
Answer: No, if Jesus does not save you from sin, no other person can. He is the only means of salvation. He will cleanse you from your sin if you come to Him.

ACTS 26 V 24-32



“Suddenly Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Your long studying has broken your mind!” But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. I speak words of sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak frankly for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? But I know you do. Agrippa interrupted him. “With trivial proofs like these, you expect me to become a Christian?” And Paul replied, “Would to God that whether my arguments are trivial or strong?, both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left. As they talked it over afterwards they agreed, “This man hasn’t done anything worthy of death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “He could be set free if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar!”.


1. Why was Paul’s statement not sensible to Festus?
Answer: Festus was not a Jew and he did not know much about what Paul was saying.

2. Why was Paul convinced that King Agrippa knew the truth?
Answer: Because king Agrippa was a Jew.

3. What was Paul’s reply to King Agrippa’s sarcastic remark?
Answer: Paul replied that he had been praying for those who were listening to him to become regenerated like he had.

4. What was the concern of Paul that the king saw in his defense?
Answer: Paul was concerned for the salvation of these people than for the removal of his own chains.

5. What was the opinion of the King and his entourage concerning Paul’s testimony?
Answer: Paul did not deserve death or imprisonment.

6. What does the life of Paul teach us about trials and temptations?
Answer: Make use of the opportunity that comes with these trying periods to witness to unbelievers around you. We should say bravely what we believe about Jesus. We should do this even to important people.

YOUR WORK IS THE SIGNATURE OF YOUR LIFE

Your work is your chief image maker. The work you do tells the world who you are. The work you do provides you your daily needs. The work you do also connect you with people that will lift you up.
The only way to carry out your God-giving assignment is through the work you do. People always said that living without working is dying without knowing. Love work for nothing works for a man that is not ready to work and nothing work until you work it out. Many people want good things of life but they hate hard work that require achieving this. This is the genesis of the crime wave you see all around these days.
God created man to work. Adam was created to the Garden of Eden to keep it and to tend it. Early in the morning, he would move out to work. So love work! You cannot fold you arms and expect things to happen, stretch your hands to work and make sure you add you signature to life. Something will be missed out of life if you fail to add your own quota to it and the only way to do so is through work.
Locate your work. No work is superior to the other. Find out on time which work excites and fascinating you. The kind of work you should do is the one that gives you joy and fulfillment. You cannot succeed in another man’s job; locate you own on time, and then acquire the needed skill for it.

YOUR WORK IS THE SIGNATURE OF YOUR LIFE

Your work is your chief image maker. The work you do tells the world who you are. The work you do provides you your daily needs. The work you do also connect you with people that will lift you up.
The only way to carry out your God-giving assignment is through the work you do. People always said that living without working is dying without knowing. Love work for nothing works for a man that is not ready to work and nothing work until you work it out. Many people want good things of life but they hate hard work that require achieving this. This is the genesis of the crime wave you see all around these days.
God created man to work. Adam was created to the Garden of Eden to keep it and to tend it. Early in the morning, he would move out to work. So love work! You cannot fold you arms and expect things to happen, stretch your hands to work and make sure you add you signature to life. Something will be missed out of life if you fail to add your own quota to it and the only way to do so is through work.
Locate your work. No work is superior to the other. Find out on time which work excites and fascinating you. The kind of work you should do is the one that gives you joy and fulfillment. You cannot succeed in another man’s job; locate you own on time, and then acquire the needed skill for it.

Spread it

Diseases like chicken pox, tuberculosis are infectious but thank God, it is not only diseases that are contagious, but love also.
Love can be spread to heal and save rather than to kill like diseases.
Love is a healing balm, a form of physical therapy that if administered, many live would be saved. Love can be demonstrated in many ways but the greatest of it is in giving. Giving is so profound that you can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. Today is boxing day; not a day to fight everybody around you but to show love to other. Give to the needy and help the helpless.
Giving is the central theme of love. Even God demonstrated His love through giving; He sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to take away the sin of the world so that we will not perish. The deeper you love, the costlier the gift you give. When people complain that no one loves them, I let them know that they too need to show love to people because the law that guides love is reciprocity. It is what you sow that you will reap. The seed you refuse to sow will not produce the harvest you need.
As the year is running to an end, list out a few people that are very important to you. Everyone is important but not everyone is important to you. List out the ones that have touched and are still touching your life and pray for then fervently. Pray for then to have a major breakthrough in the coming year and that no misfortune should befall them.
However, prayer only is not enough, also send them gifts. There is no better time than now to show love to those that are dear to you.

Poverty

Agree or refuse to remain poor. Been born from poor background is not enough for you to live in abject poverty. Your background must not keep you permanently on the ground of poverty. Know that no one is born poor, every one in life is born the same; from the king on the throne, the president in the president villa to the beggar on the street. Every one was conceived of woman for nine months and delivered the usual way. No one’s blood has poverty gene. What is different however is our circumstances of birth; the environment and the parentage.
The good news therefore is; you can work to change your circumstances and situation in life, no condition is permanent. I have seen those born into affluence, which mismanage the wealth and became poor and I have seen those born into little or nothing but with sheer determination, hard work and divine assistances change the course of their history. Poverty is not genetic, it is in the mind.
To change your course history, you must hate the status quo. Until you hate the present status the ‘new you’ will not emerge. If you love the way you are, the things you do, how you do them and the result you get you have automatically shut the door against improvement. To hate the status quo is to say “I am more than this”. Know that the enemy of best is good, if you keep thinking and saying this is good enough, then your best will not emerge. While you should be happy whit what you have, you must not be satisfied the way you are. Do something about your situation.