HE LOVES TO LIVE WITH HIS PEOPLE By Major Frank Materu
"I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people."
-2 Corinthians 6:16b
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Introduction
The teaching, He Loves to Live with His People, reveals the heart of God and His eternal desire to dwell among His people. God, the Creator, desires not only worship but also communion and relationship with those He has made. However, He is grieved when those who claim to be His show greater allegiance to the world than to Him. This teaching urges believers to evaluate their relationship with God, prioritize His rule over their lives, and resist the corruption and deception of the world.
God's intention is that His people should live in harmony with Him, partake in His goodness, and remain under His holy rule. In a world marred by sin and governed by wickedness, the call to live as holy, consecrated people is not only timely but urgent. God’s rule brings life, joy, and peace, whereas the world's ways lead to devastation and eternal separation from Him.
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Key Themes
God’s Desire to Live Among His People
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love, He will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing."
-Zephaniah 3:17
God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. From the Garden of Eden to the tabernacle in the wilderness, and ultimately through Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated His longing to live among those who love Him. He delights in His people and desires a relationship based on love and obedience.
The Grief of God Over Worldly Allegiance
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them."
-1 John 2:15
God is deeply grieved when His people choose the ways of the world over His ways. Many have turned away from Him to follow after vanity, materialism, and the false promises of worldly systems. This estrangement from God leads to spiritual barrenness and alienation from His blessings.
The Consequences of Following Demonic Rule
"You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons."
-1 Corinthians 10:21
Those who choose to follow demonic influences, whether knowingly or unknowingly, subject themselves to misery, destruction, and eternal damnation. Many who appear successful in the eyes of the world have sold their souls to achieve fame and fortune, only to be mocked and destroyed by the very forces they trusted.
God’s Promise to Raise Up Righteous Warriors
"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."
-2 Thessalonians 3:3
In these times of moral decay and spiritual confusion, God is raising up a remnant—Warriors for Righteousness—who will stand firm in their allegiance to Him. These individuals, empowered by the Holy Spirit, will reject the lies of the enemy, live in holiness, and proclaim God’s truth with boldness.
The Abundance of Living Under God’s Rule
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
-John 10:10
Under God’s rule, His people experience life in its fullness—peace, joy, and provision. Unlike the fleeting and empty promises of the world, God’s blessings are eternal and satisfying. Those who submit to His authority are fed with the Bread of Heaven and strengthened by His Spirit.
The Call to Remain Uncontaminated by the World
"Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
-2 Corinthians 6:17
God commands His people to remain separate from the corruption and immorality of the world. In these times of increasing wickedness, believers are called to refuse, rebuke, and refute the lies of the enemy, striving instead to live holy and consecrated lives before God.
God’s Sovereignty Over Wicked Rulers
"The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations."
-Psalm 33:10-11
Though wickedness seems to prevail in governments and institutions, God remains in control. He will bring down the wicked and uphold the righteous. His people are assured of His protection and victory over the forces of darkness.
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Summary
God loves to live among His people and desires their full allegiance to Him. While the world offers deception, sin, and destruction, God offers life, abundance, and eternal joy. He grieves over those who choose worldly vanities and demonic influences, yet He remains faithful to those who live in obedience and holiness. As wickedness increases, God is raising up a remnant of righteous warriors who will stand firm in faith and live under His rule.
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Conclusion
Living under God’s rule is the greatest privilege and joy for a believer. It is a life filled with peace, purpose, and eternal hope. God’s desire to dwell among His people is an invitation to trust Him fully and to resist the pull of the world. As His people, we must remain consecrated, rejecting the contamination of sin, and choosing holiness in all we do.
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Call to Action
Evaluate your allegiance today. Are you living for God or the world? Make a commitment to separate yourself from the corruption of the world and submit fully to God’s rule. Be a Warrior for Righteousness, standing firm in faith and boldly proclaiming the truth of God’s Word.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God has not abandoned His people. Even in times of darkness and wickedness, He is raising up a holy remnant who will live for Him. Trust in His sovereignty, and know that He will protect, strengthen, and guide you. As you live under His rule, you will experience His goodness, mercy, and the fullness of life He has promised. Remain faithful, for God is faithful to you!
