SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES ARE HERE! A Call to Repentance, Genuine Worship, and Seeking God Above His Gifts By: Major Frank Materu
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KEY SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 16:1–4 (KJV)
“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.”
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INTRODUCTION: SEEKING GOD HIMSELF, NOT MERELY HIS POWER
Throughout history, people have desired to witness signs, wonders, and miracles. Many gather wherever supernatural manifestations are reported, hoping to experience the extraordinary power of God. Yet an essential question must be asked: are they seeking the living God Himself, or are they pursuing excitement, recognition, financial gain, and public attention? The desire to witness a miracle is not necessarily evidence of a heart devoted to God. A person may desire His power while refusing His correction, His truth, and His authority.
In Matthew 16:1–4, the Pharisees and Sadducees demanded a sign from Jesus, not because they sincerely wanted to follow Him, but because they intended to test Him. Jesus exposed their spiritual blindness by pointing out that they could interpret the appearance of the sky but failed to discern the significance of the time in which they lived. Their problem was not simply a lack of evidence; it was the condition of their hearts. They wanted to challenge Jesus rather than submit to the truth He proclaimed.
This warning speaks directly to every generation in which religious activity becomes more concerned with public spectacle than genuine spiritual transformation. Miracles, testimonies, impressive gatherings, and extraordinary manifestations may attract attention, but they cannot replace repentance, holiness, humility, obedience, and love for God. The central question is not merely whether something extraordinary is happening, but whether people are drawing closer to Jesus Christ and becoming more faithful to His Word.
God is not a performer who exists to satisfy human curiosity, nor is His power a commodity for personal advancement. He is the sovereign Lord who calls humanity to repentance and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. His gifts must never become substitutes for His presence, and His works must never be exploited to promote human pride. This lesson therefore calls believers to examine their motives, reject religious hypocrisy, and pursue a sincere relationship with God. Seek the Giver above the gifts, obedience above spectacle, and the glory of God above personal recognition.
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THE DANGER OF SEEKING SIGNS WITHOUT SEEKING GOD
“A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign.” — Matthew 16:4 (KJV)
Jesus’ warning reveals the danger of pursuing supernatural manifestations while resisting the truth God has already revealed. Someone may desire healing, deliverance, prophecy, or a miracle without being willing to repent, forgive others, abandon sin, or surrender personal ambitions. Such a person may be fascinated by God’s power without genuinely loving the God whose power is being sought.
Seeking a miracle is not automatically wrong. Scripture records people crying out to God for healing, provision, deliverance, and intervention. The problem arises when signs become the foundation of faith, when people demand that God act according to their preferences, or when extraordinary experiences become more important than obedience. God is sovereign; He does not submit to human pressure or operate according to demands designed to satisfy curiosity.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
This command establishes the proper order of Christian life. God’s kingdom and righteousness must come first. A believer should not follow Christ merely because of what may be received from Him, but because He is Lord and worthy of wholehearted devotion. Faith trusts His character even when answers are delayed and circumstances remain difficult.
Those who pursue manifestations without developing spiritual maturity can become restless, moving from one preacher, meeting, prophecy, or testimony to another. They may continually seek a new experience while neglecting prayer, Scripture, godly character, and practical obedience. Genuine faith, however, is not measured by how many extraordinary events a person witnesses. It is demonstrated by a life increasingly surrendered to Jesus Christ.
GOD’S GLORY MUST NEVER BECOME A PLATFORM FOR HUMAN PRIDE
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” — Psalm 115:1 (KJV)
One of the greatest dangers in ministry is the temptation to use the name of God to establish personal importance. When a minister becomes more concerned with admiration than service, ministry can turn into a platform for self-promotion. Religious language may remain, gatherings may attract crowds, and testimonies may sound impressive, yet the central motive may have shifted from glorifying God to glorifying people.
Spiritual gifts and ministry opportunities are entrusted responsibilities, not personal possessions. They are given for the strengthening of believers, the proclamation of the gospel, the service of others, and the honour of Jesus Christ. No preacher, prophet, evangelist, or ministry leader has the right to claim the glory that belongs to God. Christian leadership requires humility, integrity, accountability, and a willingness to serve without seeking applause.
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” — 2 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)
The true servant of Christ directs attention toward Jesus rather than personal greatness. When God works through a ministry, He deserves the glory. When people receive help, the response should be gratitude rather than self-exaltation. When extraordinary manifestations do not occur, faithful service must continue. God’s worthiness does not depend on the public success of a ministry, and the value of a servant is not measured by applause.
Pride can appear through exaggerated spiritual claims, the manipulation of audiences, the rejection of accountability, or the insistence that a leader cannot be questioned. Such conduct must be examined in the light of Scripture. Believers are called to honour faithful leadership, but no human leader stands above God’s Word. Everything must remain subject to truth, humility, and responsible Christian oversight.
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THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF MIRACLES AND THE LOVE OF MONEY
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” — 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)
Financial corruption becomes especially destructive when people use the name of God to exploit the hopes, fears, and needs of others. Some may promise guaranteed miracles in exchange for money, pressure vulnerable people to make payments, or suggest that divine favour can be purchased. Such practices distort the gospel and turn spiritual ministry into an instrument of personal enrichment.
Scripture does not condemn every form of financial support for ministry. Churches need resources to proclaim the gospel, care for people, train workers, and maintain their activities. Christian workers may also receive appropriate support for their labour. The problem is greed, deception, coercion, and the misuse of spiritual authority to obtain wealth dishonestly.
“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” — 1 Peter 5:2 (KJV)
Godly ministry must be marked by transparency, honesty, and responsible stewardship. People should be encouraged to give willingly and wisely, not manipulated by fear or promises that place God under human control. No person should be made to believe that purchasing a spiritual service is the price of receiving God’s love or favour.
Every ministry should therefore examine its motives and financial practices. Are resources being used to advance the gospel and serve people, or are people being exploited to advance the wealth and reputation of leaders? Where dishonesty exists, repentance and correction are necessary. Where ministry is conducted faithfully, it should be supported with integrity. Money must remain a tool for responsible service, never the master of spiritual life.
REPENTANCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN RELIGIOUS ENTERTAINMENT
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 4:17 (KJV)
Jesus began His public ministry with a call to repentance. He did not come merely to entertain crowds or satisfy their appetite for extraordinary events. He came to proclaim God’s kingdom, expose sin, reveal the truth, and call people into a restored relationship with God. His miracles served His ministry, but they never replaced the message of repentance and the call to follow Him.
Repentance involves more than feeling sorry after wrongdoing. It requires an honest recognition of sin, a change of heart, a turning away from disobedience, and a renewed commitment to follow God. Genuine repentance does not exist to impress an audience. It begins within the heart and becomes visible through changed conduct, humility, truthfulness, and obedience.
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” — 2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)
A church may organize many activities while neglecting repentance. It may speak continually about blessings and breakthroughs while avoiding the subjects of sin, forgiveness, reconciliation, holiness, and accountability. When outward religious activity is separated from inward transformation, apparent success can conceal spiritual weakness.
The answer is not necessarily to abandon public gatherings or ministry programmes, but to restore Jesus Christ and His teaching to the centre of everything. Preaching must faithfully communicate Scripture, strengthen believers, correct error, comfort the brokenhearted, and call sinners to repentance. The Holy Spirit does not merely create excitement; He also convicts, transforms, guides, and produces godly character.
God’s patience should never be interpreted as permission to continue in sin. His call to repentance is an expression of mercy, offering people an opportunity to turn from destructive ways and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Therefore, every believer and ministry leader should welcome correction and allow the Word of God to examine the heart.
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DISCERNING GOD’S WORK AND THE FRUIT OF TRUE FAITH
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” — Matthew 7:20 (KJV)
Outward manifestations alone cannot establish the spiritual integrity of a person or ministry. A gathering may be emotionally powerful without producing lasting obedience, while a faithful believer may serve God quietly without receiving public recognition. Jesus taught His followers to examine fruit, including conduct, character, truthfulness, and the way people treat others.
This does not mean that believers should assume God has abandoned a particular church or individual whenever they observe weakness or misconduct. Human beings cannot know every hidden purpose of God, and accusations must never be based on rumours or personal hostility. Nevertheless, Scripture clearly warns against hypocrisy, greed, deception, and persistent resistance to God’s truth. Religious claims must not be used to escape accountability.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV)
The character produced by the Holy Spirit matters deeply. Love, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control should increasingly become evident in the lives of believers. Spiritual gifts and Christian character are not enemies; rather, gifts should be exercised in ways that honour God and serve others. A ministry that claims supernatural power must still demonstrate truth, compassion, and accountability.
Discernment requires believers to test teachings against Scripture, examine claims carefully, and avoid being controlled by fear or excitement. No one should be considered beyond correction because of a reputation for miracles or prophecy. Equally, genuine spiritual activity should not be rejected merely because false claims exist elsewhere. The appropriate response is biblical discernment, prayer, humility, and a commitment to truth.
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THE SIGN OF JONAH AND THE CENTRALITY OF JESUS CHRIST
“And there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” — Matthew 16:4 (KJV)
Jesus referred to the sign of Jonah to direct attention to the central truth of His mission. In Matthew 12:39–40, He connected Jonah’s experience with His own death and resurrection. This points to the foundation of Christian hope: Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again, opening the way for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
The greatest need of humanity is not a constant supply of extraordinary experiences but salvation from sin. Miracles may provide help in particular circumstances, but the cross and resurrection stand at the heart of the gospel. Through Jesus Christ, sinners are invited to repent, believe, receive forgiveness, and begin a new life under His lordship.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)
The church must never allow personalities, spectacular claims, or the desire for new experiences to displace the message of Christ crucified and risen. Signs may attract attention, but the gospel explains humanity’s need for redemption and reveals God’s saving grace. Any ministry that emphasizes manifestations while neglecting repentance, forgiveness, discipleship, and the cross risks losing sight of its central purpose.
Believers should pray expectantly and trust God’s power, while remembering that their faith rests in Jesus Christ, not in their ability to witness every extraordinary event. Whether they experience a miracle or wait through a difficult season, they are called to remain faithful to the Lord.
GOD SEEKS TRUE WORSHIPPERS AND A HOLY PEOPLE
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” — John 4:23 (KJV)
God desires worshippers whose hearts are surrendered to Him and whose lives reflect the truth of His Word. True worship is not limited to church buildings, conferences, or gatherings where extraordinary manifestations are reported. It is expressed through daily obedience, honest dealings, compassion, forgiveness, and faithful service, whether people are watching or not.
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” — John 4:24 (KJV)
Worship in spirit and truth requires sincerity before God. It rejects hypocrisy, manipulation, and the pursuit of spiritual superiority. Those who truly desire the Lord must be willing to surrender their own ambitions rather than continually demand that God follow their plans. God is sovereign, and His will cannot be controlled through emotional pressure or religious performance.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)
Holiness does not mean that believers never struggle or need forgiveness. It means they refuse to make peace with sin as a way of life. They acknowledge their weaknesses, receive correction, seek forgiveness, and depend on God’s grace to grow in obedience. Religious performance cannot substitute for a transformed heart.
Where ministry leaders have exploited people or misused spiritual gifts, genuine repentance should lead to practical correction and accountability. Where individuals have been harmed, appropriate efforts toward reconciliation and restitution should be made. The goal is not to humiliate people but to uphold the truth, protect those who are vulnerable, and encourage a return to faithful service.
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SUMMARY: SEEK THE GIVER ABOVE THE GIFTS
The central message of this lesson is that signs, wonders, and miracles must never become more important than God Himself. Jesus challenged those who demanded signs with wrong motives and exposed their failure to discern the spiritual significance of their time. His warning calls the church to examine its motives, reject hypocrisy, and return to genuine devotion.
The misuse of miracles for fame, greed, manipulation, or personal advancement dishonours God. Spiritual gifts must be exercised with humility, and ministry resources must be handled honestly. Public attention is not the measure of spiritual maturity, and extraordinary claims must never replace biblical truth.
God calls His people to repentance, holiness, faith, and obedience. The sign of Jonah directs our attention to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the foundation of Christian hope. Those who truly seek God must remain faithful whether they witness a miracle or must wait patiently. Above all, believers must seek to know Christ, worship Him in spirit and truth, and reflect His character in their daily lives.
CONCLUSION: LET GOD BE GOD
The church must return to humility before the Lord. God does not need people to manufacture His glory, manipulate His power, or turn His name into a means of personal advancement. He calls His people to honour Him, obey His Word, love one another, and proclaim the gospel faithfully.
The answer to spiritual corruption is not to abandon faith in God’s power, but to return to truth, repentance, holiness, and Christ-centred ministry. Pray for God to work mightily, but also welcome His correction, submit to His authority, and refuse to use His name for selfish gain.
Let every minister examine his or her motives, every congregation evaluate its practices against Scripture, and every believer turn away from hypocrisy. Do not pursue the spectacle and forget the Saviour. Do not seek miracles more than the One who performs them. Seek Jesus Christ, walk in repentance, remain faithful to His Word, and live for the glory of God.
CALL TO ACTION: REPENT, RETURN, AND SEEK GOD SINCERELY
Examine your heart before the Lord. Ask whether you are seeking God Himself or merely what you hope to receive from Him. Consider whether your faith is driven by love and obedience or by the desire for recognition, money, excitement, and public approval. If you have placed signs and wonders above the Lord, return to Him sincerely.
If you are a minister, examine how you use the name of Jesus, handle ministry resources, treat people, and respond to accountability. If you are a believer, test teachings against Scripture and refuse to be manipulated by fear, pressure, or promises of guaranteed miracles. Where you have sinned, confess it, seek forgiveness, and take practical steps to change.
Do not postpone repentance while waiting for another sign. The gospel has already been proclaimed, and the invitation of Jesus Christ remains open. Turn to Him, trust Him, and follow Him faithfully. Let your life demonstrate that knowing God is more important than receiving public recognition or extraordinary experiences.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Do not lose faith in the living God because some people misuse His name. Nor should you reject the genuine work of the Holy Spirit because others manipulate spiritual experiences. Remain grounded in Scripture, discerning in your judgments, humble in your conduct, and steadfast in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
God remains sovereign and is able to perform miracles according to His will. Yet the greatest treasure is not merely witnessing His power; it is knowing Him through Jesus Christ. Seek the Lord sincerely, wait for Him faithfully, serve others without seeking applause, and give Him the glory for every good thing He accomplishes.
Seek the Giver above the gifts, the Saviour above the spectacle, and the will of God above your own ambitions. Let Jesus Christ remain the centre of your faith, your worship, and your life.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that You are holy, righteous, and worthy of all honour and worship. I confess that I have sinned and need Your mercy, forgiveness, and transforming grace. I cannot save myself through my own strength, religious activities, or spiritual experiences.
Lord Jesus, I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me, cleanse my heart, and deliver me from the power of sin. I repent of pride, hypocrisy, greed, disobedience, and every motive that has dishonoured Your name. Help me to seek You above every blessing and to desire Your will above my own ambitions.
I surrender my life to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and teach me to walk in truth, humility, holiness, wisdom, and love. Give me discernment to recognize deception and courage to stand for Your Word without pride or condemnation. Help me to serve others faithfully, handle every responsibility honestly, and use whatever gifts You have entrusted to me for Your glory.
Lord Jesus, become the centre of my life. Strengthen me when I face difficulties, correct me when I go astray, and lead me to repentance whenever I sin. Thank You for Your mercy and for the gift of salvation. I place my trust in You and ask You to guide me in the way of everlasting life.
May my life honour Your name, reflect Your character, and remain faithful to You until the end.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, I pray. Amen.
