Partaking in Christ's Superior Wisdom

Overview

Sermon on “The Reality of Our Redemption (Part 8)” focusing on “In the Days of His Flesh,” Christ’s superior wisdom, and how believers partake of His divine nature and walk free from fear, sin, and limitation.

Series Context And Previous Message

• Ongoing series: “The Reality of Our Redemption,” current teaching is Part 8.
• Previous focus: source of Christ’s superior wisdom.
• Source of this wisdom identified as the Holy Spirit (from Isaiah 11).
• Isaiah 11: Spirit rests on the “rod and root of Jesse” as wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord.

Main Objectives Of This Message

• Explain how Jesus obtained His superior wisdom “in the days of His flesh.”
• Show what provision God has made for believers to access and partake of the same wisdom.
• Emphasize practical access and manifestation, not just theory.

Key Texts Used

The Word, Light, And Incarnation

• In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God and was God (John 1:1).
• Word remains the highest manifestation of God; encounter with His Word is encounter with God.
• In Him was life, and the life was the light of men; light shines in darkness, darkness cannot comprehend it.
• God commanded light out of darkness (link to 2 Corinthians 4:6).
• Example: Stephen’s shining face illustrates “treasure in earthen vessels” shining outward.
• The Word became flesh and dwelt among us; glory revealed, full of grace and truth.

Christ’s Priesthood And “Days Of His Flesh”

• Every high priest: taken from among men, appointed for men in things pertaining to God (Hebrews 5:1–4).
• Must have compassion, share weakness, offer sacrifices for sins.
• No one takes this honor; must be called by God, as Aaron was.
• So also Christ did not glorify Himself as High Priest; He was appointed:
  • “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.”
  • “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

In The Days Of His Flesh

• Jesus offered prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears.
• He prayed all night at times; prayed at baptism and heavens opened, Spirit descended.
• He was heard because of His godly fear.
• Though Son, He learned obedience by what He suffered.
• Being perfected, He became author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
• Called by God as High Priest according to Melchizedek, not Aaronic order.

Melchizedek Versus Aaronic Priesthood

• Problem in the church: mixing Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood.
• Aaronic: one high priest enters Holy of Holies, risk of death, chain attached.
• Melchizedek (as David foresaw): everyone may come before God’s presence, lift holy hands.
• New order: all believers function as priests, not just one representative.

Redemption, New Creation, And Reconciliation

New Creation In Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17–21)

• If anyone is in Christ, not merely in church, he is a new creation.
• Old things have passed away; all things have become new.
• After “new,” there is a “now”: now all things are of God.
• God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ; He is not mad at us.
• Given believers the ministry of reconciliation.
• God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing trespasses.
• Committed to us the word (not work) of reconciliation; God did the work.
• Believers are ambassadors; God pleads through them, “Be reconciled to God.”
• God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us so we might become righteousness of God in Him.
• Believer’s position: righteousness of God in Christ; seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above principalities and powers.

Divine Power, Promises, And Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:1–4

• Believers have obtained like precious faith by the righteousness of God and Savior Jesus Christ.
• Grace and peace multiplied through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
• His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.
• Not from governments or institutions, but through knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
• Given exceedingly great and precious promises.
• Through these promises, believers become partakers of the divine nature.
• They escape the corruption in the world through lust.

Summary Truths From 2 Corinthians 5 And 2 Peter 1

• Son of God became the Son of Man so sons of men can become sons of God.
• Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth, took human nature so believers partake of His divine nature.
• Central truths:
  • He took our nature.
  • He bore our sin.
  • We receive His righteousness and nature.

Three Major Benefits Of Christ’s Sacrifice

Benefit 1: He Took Our Nature

• It is appointed unto men once to die, then judgment.
• Death cannot kill God or the Word; He took human nature to be able to die.
• He who knew no sin became sin; wages of sin is death.
• Purpose: to taste death on our behalf and to destroy the one who had the power of death (Satan).
• Satan was set up; if rulers had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Benefit 2: He Destroyed The Power Of Death And Freed Us

• Through death He destroyed him who had the power of death, the devil (Hebrews 2:14).
• Delivered those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
• Death could not hold Jesus; He rose for our justification.
• Took keys of hell and death in Hades.
• Believers’ appointment with death is cancelled; they will not die in the midst of process.
• When freed from fear of death, believers should not fear witches, wizards, occultists, or any “babalawo.”

Benefit 3: Sympathetic High Priest Who Gives Aid

• He was tempted in all points, yet without sin.
• He knows what it means to be tempted, to suffer, to struggle.
• He gives aid not to angels, but to the seed of Abraham (Hebrews 2:16).
• “Give aid” means He took on the nature of Abraham’s seed, not angels.
• Because He shares our nature and experience, He can strengthen us in rising and falling stages.
• God has begun a work inside believers; He will bring it to perfect finish.
• Believers will be holy and perfect as God is holy and perfect.
• Former tormenting sins and pressures will be under their feet.

Who Are The Seed Of Abraham?

Not All Physical Descendants

• Not everyone in Abraham’s physical lineage is the true seed.
• Distinction: those born after the flesh versus those born after the Spirit.
• Being born again is “enlightened self-interest,” not religious bondage.

Galatians 3:7–9, 13–18, 26–29

• Only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
• Scripture foresaw God justifying Gentiles by faith; preached gospel to Abraham: “In you all nations shall be blessed.”
• Those of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
• Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (“cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”).
• Purpose:
  • That the blessing of Abraham might come on Gentiles in Christ Jesus.
  • That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
• Covenant with Abraham precedes the law by 430 years; law cannot annul it.
• Inheritance is by promise, not by law.
• Promises made to Abraham and his “seed,” not “seeds”; the seed is Christ.
• Believers are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
• Baptized into Christ, they have put on Christ; no Jew/Greek, slave/free, male/female in this union.
• If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Practical Implications Of Being Abraham’s Seed

• Like Isaac, heirs receive by promise, not by human earning alone.
• Isaac did not need to work, save, and struggle for marriage resources; abundance was sent.
• Believers are not to live in perpetual lack and delay, blaming conditions.
• Faith words matter: “according to your word be it unto you.”
• Believers should reject limiting speech and expectations regarding marriage, provision, and destiny.

Testimonies Illustrating Process, Provision, And Redemption

Personal Poverty And Promotion Testimony

• Came to Lagos with very little (one shilling three pence).
• Slept on a veranda after being kicked out for becoming Christian; hid from rain by dog cage.
• Refused to turn back from Christ; saw this as process season.
• Later appeared on television; man who once hosted him in veranda came to ask for help.
• Paid two years’ rent and furniture for this man’s new accommodation.
• Illustrates: new creation reality, transformation from lack to abundance, ability to bless others.

Mother’s Eviction And Restoration

• Family elders decided to send his mother out of the house; had no means to rescue initially.
• Mother moved to her father’s house, living in a room.
• Later, while those who sent her away were still alive, a new house was built for her; she was given a Mercedes-Benz.
• Children handed her the keys to house and car as lesson to elders on how to treat him in future.
• Local government later renamed the street after his father because of neighborhood impact.
• Example of God overturning shame and vindicating in front of those who opposed.

Poverty Versus Changed Conditions

• Early years: no internal toilets; used crude outdoor setup.
• New house for mother: toilet and bathroom in every room, which she initially found excessive.
• Later she thanked God for these facilities; acknowledged changed condition.
• Declared listeners would move out of overcrowded, poor housing into spacious, landscaped environments.

Fear Of Flying And Deliverance

• Friend (Matthew Ashimolowo) once terrified of flying; prayed in tongues from takeoff to landing.
• During strong turbulence, noticed drunk man sleeping peacefully beside him.
• Compared his fear to the man’s unconcern; cried to God for deliverance from fear of death.
• God delivered him; now flies the world confidently.
• Used to encourage believers to receive deliverance from fear of death and travel.

Fertility And Faith Testimony

• Wife was diagnosed with blocked tubes; doctors said she would not conceive without operation.
• He refused medical verdict as final; proceeded with marriage in faith.
• They married November 24, 1984; had five children in seven years, none by surrogate.
• Family once misinterpreted his moral restraint as impotence; God vindicated through fruitfulness.
• Declared healing over low or no sperm count and blocked wombs; invoked Spirit who raised Jesus to quicken bodies.

How The Word Became Flesh

Matthew 1:18–25 – Virgin Conception

• Mary betrothed to Joseph; before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
• Joseph, a just man, did not want to disgrace her; planned to put her away secretly.
• Angel appeared in a dream:
  • “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife.”
  • “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
  • She will bear a son; call Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
• Fulfilled prophecy: a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, called Emmanuel (God with us).
• Joseph obeyed, took her as wife, but did not know her until she bore her firstborn son.
• Emphasis: neither Joseph’s seed nor Mary’s egg in the usual sense; Mary served as incubator for the divine Word.

Luke 1:26–38 – Mary’s Encounter And Faith

• Angel Gabriel sent to Nazareth to a virgin named Mary, betrothed to Joseph of David’s house.
• Greeting: “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.”
• Mary troubled by the greeting; wondered what it meant.
• Angel:
  • “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
  • “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son.”
  • “You shall call His name Jesus.”
  • “He will be great, called the Son of the Highest.”
  • “Lord God will give Him throne of His father David; He will reign forever; of His kingdom no end.”
• Mary’s question: “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
• Angel’s answer:
  • Holy Spirit will come upon you.
  • Power of the Highest will overshadow you.
  • The Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.
  • Elizabeth, once called barren, is six months pregnant.
  • With God nothing will be impossible.
• Mary’s response: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.”
• The moment she believed, conception occurred; belief triggered the “pregnancy” of the Word.

Spiritual Trajectory: From Word To Flesh In Believers

• The same pattern applies spiritually: Word comes, Holy Spirit overshadows, faith responds, and “pregnancy” of destiny begins.
• If Mary had rejected the word, God would have moved on; but in this case God did not replace her.
• Listeners encouraged that as they hear and believe, God creates an inner “container” for His wisdom and purpose.
• Emphasis on being “pregnant with purpose and destiny,” without spiritual abortion or miscarriage.

Superior Wisdom: How Jesus Obtained It And Our Access

Jesus’ Path To Superior Wisdom

• Isaiah 11: Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord rested on Him.
• In the days of His flesh, He:
  • Prayed often, sometimes all night.
  • Prayed at baptism; heavens opened; Spirit descended.
  • Offered prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears.
  • Learned obedience through suffering.
• Superior wisdom was expressed through Spirit dependence, prayer, obedience, and process, not just innate divinity.

Our Provision To Partake Of The Same Wisdom

• The same Holy Spirit who rested on Christ is given to believers.
• Through the new birth and divine promises, believers partake of divine nature (2 Peter 1).
• God’s Word, when received in an open heart (like Lydia), becomes “engrafted” and fruitful.
• As the Word is heard and believed, God creates an internal capacity to hold and release wisdom.
• Called to function “optimally” in Christ’s superior wisdom, not merely human or demonic wisdom.

Freedom From Fear, Limitations, And Religious Mindset

• Believers should not live as orphans while claiming God as Father.
• Contradiction: calling God Father yet living in perpetual lack and defeat.
• Called to rise above religiosity, complaining, and murmuring.
• Not to mix Old Covenant fear-focused priesthood with New Covenant access and sonship.
• Encouraged to stop settling for less than God’s best in life, marriage, provision, and calling.

Destiny, Process, And National Transformation

• God takes believers through process so their progress becomes evident.
• Many trials (e.g., in 2020) are part of process, not evidence of abandonment.
• Biblical examples: Joseph, Daniel, Esther did not die in process; they fulfilled destiny.
• Declaration that believers’ “appointment with death” is cancelled; they will reach their goals.
• Vision of “breakthrough politics,” not the destructive politics of the present.
• Expectation: citizens will be freed from poverty, lack, and frustration.
• Declared prophetic destiny: Nigeria will be saved, changed, and become great in this generation.

Faith, Favor, And Association

• Mary was not praying for pregnancy or to bear the Savior; favor located her.
• Teaching: what you have been looking for will begin to look for you by favor.
• Favor on Jesus began with favor on Mary; grace can “flow” into others’ lives.
• Assistant noticed that influential people come to the preacher rather than him seeking them; explanation: presence and favor attract.
• Believers should become “no-go territory” for Satan and demons; they will see and flee.
• Importance of fellowship with people who carry similar miracles (“fellow in the ship”), like Mary going to Elizabeth.
• Elizabeth’s pregnancy confirmed Mary’s; John leaped in the womb when Mary greeted.
• Blessed is she who believed; there will be a performance of what God has spoken.

Action Items

• Open your heart fully to the Word as God’s highest manifestation.
• Consciously reject fear of death, witches, and occult powers; affirm Christ’s victory and your freedom.
• Confess regularly:
  • “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.”
  • “I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above principalities and powers.”
• Embrace identity as Abraham’s seed in Christ; stop speaking limitation over finances, marriage, and destiny.
• Choose faith responses like Mary: “Let it be to me according to your word.”
• Meditate on and personalize key texts (John 1; Hebrews 2 and 5; 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Peter 1; Galatians 3; Matthew 1; Luke 1).
• Seek fellowship with faith-filled, “pregnant with purpose” believers who confirm and strengthen God’s work in you.

Decisions

• Affirmation to live as new creations, not bound by old curses, fear, or poverty mindsets.
• Commitment to walk in Christ’s superior wisdom through prayer, obedience, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
• Determination to accept full benefits of Christ’s sacrifice:
  • Freedom from fear of death.
  • Confidence in God’s aid in temptation.
  • Boldness as Abraham’s seed and heir of promise.
• Corporate decision to believe God for personal and national transformation, especially for Nigeria’s deliverance and greatness.