The Choice Between Life and Fatality By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
________________________________________
Introduction:
In this world filled with chaos, confusion, and spiritual warfare, each individual is confronted with a critical decision: will you choose the path of life found through Jesus Christ, or will you choose the path of death and destruction? The reality of this choice is more urgent than ever. The world is under the influence of demonic powers, and many are being deceived into making choices that lead to spiritual fatality. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in His righteousness and to lead others to the life that only He can give. This lesson examines the eternal significance of choosing life in Christ over the allure of self-centered living and the death that follows. It is essential to understand the importance of staying firm in the path of righteousness and to continuously share the Good News of salvation.
________________________________________
The Battle for the Souls of Mankind
The battle for souls is raging in the spiritual realm. Every person must decide whether they will align with God’s will or succumb to the powers of darkness. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." The demonic forces are actively at work, luring individuals away from the path of salvation and leading them toward eternal destruction. As Christians, we are called to remain steadfast, knowing that through Jesus, we have been given the power to overcome the enemy.
________________________________________
The Call to Maintain Integrity with God
When we come into the knowledge of Christ and experience His salvation, we are called to maintain our integrity with God. This means walking in obedience to His Word and fulfilling His purpose for our lives. Romans 6:13 instructs us, "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life." It is crucial that we remain committed to God’s will and live out our faith in a way that reflects His righteousness. The moment we choose to compromise or turn back to the ways of the world, we risk losing the very life Christ has given us.
________________________________________
The Freedom Found in Christ
Jesus did not come to give us material wealth or worldly success; He came to set us free from the bondage of sin. John 8:36 affirms, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." True freedom is found in the life that Christ offers, not in the fleeting pleasures of the world. Those who truly follow Jesus will experience the fullness of freedom that comes from being in relationship with Him. This freedom is not just for us; it is meant to be shared with others who are still trapped in sin. As believers, we must carry the message of freedom to a dying world, showing them that there is hope in Christ.
________________________________________
The Perils of Turning Back
Turning away from God’s call is not a neutral decision; it is a choice that leads to spiritual death. Luke 9:62 says, "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" The world constantly tries to pull us back into its snares, but those who have experienced the life of Christ must never look back. To turn back is to choose the path of fatality, where eternal separation from God awaits. The call is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and continue forward in faith.
________________________________________
The Importance of Evangelism and Proclaiming the Kingdom
As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we have a responsibility to share the truth with others. The world is full of individuals who are lost, hurting, and in desperate need of redemption. Mark 16:15 commands, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Evangelism is not a suggestion; it is a divine mandate. We are to actively participate in God’s mission to seek and save the lost, proclaiming the message of salvation that leads to life. The Kingdom of God remains, and those who turn to Christ can experience its power and glory.
________________________________________
Living as Ambassadors of God’s Kingdom
As followers of Christ, we are ambassadors of His Kingdom. 2 Corinthians 5:20 states, "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." Our lives should reflect the values of God’s Kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to the fallen, worldly systems. This means living lives of integrity, obedience, and righteousness. When we do this, we draw others to Christ, showing them the better way. Our allegiance is not to the corrupt rulers of this world, but to the One who reigns over all.
________________________________________
Summary:
The choice between life and fatality is before each of us. We must decide whether we will live for God, walking in His righteousness, or whether we will choose the path of death that leads to destruction. As followers of Christ, we are called to maintain our integrity with God, to remain steadfast in our faith, and to share the message of salvation with others. We are not to turn back to the ways of the world, but to continue pressing forward in the freedom that Christ offers. The world is desperate for the truth, and we must be the ones to bring it to them.
________________________________________
Conclusion:
The urgency of our decision cannot be overstated. We are living in a time where the consequences of our choices are eternal. There is no turning back once we have experienced the life that Christ offers. Let us commit ourselves to Him, walking in integrity and sharing His message of freedom with a lost and dying world. The time to act is now.
________________________________________
Call to Action:
I encourage you today to reflect on your relationship with Christ. Are you living for Him, or have you been tempted to turn back to the ways of the world? Now is the time to reaffirm your commitment to Christ. Let your life be a testimony to the power of the gospel, and share it with those around you. Be bold in proclaiming the Kingdom that remains, and let your actions reflect your allegiance to God.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement:
God is faithful, and He has equipped you to fulfill the mission He has called you to. You are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit empowers you to live a victorious life, and as you continue to walk in His truth, you will see the fruits of your labor. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and trust that He will guide you every step of the way.
________________________________________
Salvation Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in humility, acknowledging that I have sinned and need Your forgiveness. I believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior and commit to living for Him from this day forward. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your ways.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
