Rejecting the God of Self By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
Introduction:
In the world today, many people have become too self-reliant, living in their own understanding, proud of their achievements and blind to their shortcomings. They have trusted in their flesh, their security, their own desires. The truth, however, is that God calls us to trust Him, to humble ourselves before Him, and to reject the self-centered ways of the world. This message is a clarion call to the Church and all of humanity, urging us to abandon the love of self and to embrace the way of repentance, humility, and divine submission. We are in a time of peril where the self-indulgent are blind, not perceiving the grace that is freely offered to them by God. This message emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for true humility before the living God.
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The Danger of Trusting in Ourselves
“Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria.” — Amos 6:1
God has never called us to trust in ourselves. The danger of trusting in our own understanding, pride, and strength is that we become blind to the reality of our sinful condition and spiritual poverty. Like the people in the time of Amos, many today are at ease, full of their own desires, thinking they have everything under control. But the truth is, they are poor, blind, and naked before God. This self-reliance separates us from God’s blessings and guidance.
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The Call to Humility
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” — James 4:10
God calls us to humility, not self-sufficiency. To be truly humble is to recognize that without God, we are nothing. We are to submit ourselves to God’s will, allowing His light, truth, and mercy to guide our lives. When we walk in humility, acknowledging our dependence on God, we are in the position to receive His mercy, direction, and strength.
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Repentance as a Necessary Act
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
Repentance is a key to restoration. God does not desire that we remain in our sin, proud and unrepentant. True repentance involves turning away from our self-centered ways, acknowledging our faults, and seeking God’s forgiveness. It is a transformation of heart that allows us to be restored and aligned with God’s will.
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The Consequence of Rejecting Repentance
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” — 2 Peter 3:10
Rejecting repentance leads to separation from God and ultimate destruction. The fate of those who refuse to humble themselves before God is dire. They will face the consequences of their pride, rebellion, and stubbornness. The call to repentance is urgent because time is short, and without repentance, the consequences are eternal.
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The Role of Intercession
“I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” — Ezekiel 22:30
As believers, we are called to intercede on behalf of others, especially those who are blind to their own pride and sin. Just as God sought for someone to stand in the gap for the land, we too are to intercede for those who are lost, for those who are full of themselves and blind to their need for repentance. Our prayers can help bring about a revolution of repentance, saving souls from destruction.
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Summary:
In this powerful call, we are reminded that the path of self-reliance leads to destruction, but the path of humility, repentance, and submission to God leads to life. Those who are proud and full of themselves are spiritually blind, and they cannot perceive the grace that God offers. Repentance is not only necessary for our own salvation but is also a vital part of the mission to intercede for others, especially those caught in their own pride and rebellion. The call to repentance is urgent, and we must not neglect it.
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Conclusion:
Let us not be deceived by the false security of self-reliance. God calls us to a life of humility, repentance, and submission to His will. We are living in a time where the repentance revolution must begin, and it starts with us. It is not too late for us to humble ourselves, to turn from our wicked ways, and to intercede on behalf of those who are lost.
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Call to Action:
Now is the time to reject the god of self and embrace the way of humility and repentance. It is time for a repentance revolution, where we cry out to God for mercy, for ourselves and for others. Let us be the ones who humble ourselves, who intercede for the lost, and who walk in the truth and light of God.
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Final Word of Encouragement:
God is merciful, and He desires that all people come to repentance. Even if we have fallen short, His grace is abundant, and He is faithful to forgive. Let us not delay, but let us rise up in humility, cry out for mercy, and be the instruments of change in our world.
