EMPOWERED FOR GREATER WORKS – VEN. SAMUEL OLUWADARE OJOWURO.
Ven Samuel Oluwadare Ojowuro who was at the annual Ondo Provincial Leadership retreat at the Diocese of Akoko brings greetings from the Bishop of Akoko Diocese
GREETINGS.
I greet you all in the name of Christ with immense gratitude to the living God by whose grace “we live, move and have our being”. I bring greetings from my Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Adegoke Oludare Agara who has permitted me to be here. I also appreciate the organisers for inviting me.
INTRODUCTION
John 14:12 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
The verse are Jesus’ exact words documented by St John. The chapter began with His discussion about His Father’s house with many mansions and His intention to go and prepare places ready for those who believe in Him and do His command so that they would be in the same abode with Him. His assertion in Verse 4 on the disciples knowing the place and the way triggered Thomas’ question in verse 5 on their lack of knowledge of the all important subject matter. Then the all time answer in verse 6 followed, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…………………………… ”
Philip requested also in ignorance in verse 8, “ show us the Father and it sufficeth us.” Then further
eternal revelations came about the relationship of the Godhead and the believer which can be put as follows;
If you see me, you see the Father, if you know me ,you know the Father. What I speak and do are of the Father, I and the Father are one, I am God incarnate.
Furthermore, for you who believe in me, you will not only continue in these works I do, but you shall do greater ones.
You will do greater works because I go to my Father.
Whatever you ask in my name you will get because my Father must be glorified in me. V.13. The evidence of your love for me is to believe and do my commandments. V.15
I will give you the Holy Spirit who will comfort you just as I do and He will abide with you forever. V.16f. I will not leave you comfortless. V.18.
I am in the Father, you are in me and I in you. V.20.
Because you love me and obey me, my Father will love you and We; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will make our abode /presence in you and manifest our power and works through you. V.24.
The Comforter will teach you and help you to remember my teachings. V.26
GREATER WORKS
Let us check the meaning of the words in Greek and English languages.
The word ‘ works’ in Greek ‘ergon or erga’ can mean actions or deeds, labour, an act, task, or employment.
The word ‘ greater’ in Greek is Meizona or megas which can mean large, great, in the widest sense, all the more, exceeding things, relatively large in scale, size, extent, Number,or duration; very big.
The works of Jesus in the sense of divine miracles were used as proof of His divinity to His critics in John 5:36. They were greater witnesses than John the Baptist.
Everywhere He went, He was doing good. Acts 10:38.
Good works in His Sermon on the mount describes our everyday behaviour. Mt.5:16 as opposed to the works of the hypocrites in Mt.23:3.
The works as implied in John 14 show why we should embrace the truth that He is God.
The Works of Jesus Christ.
The works of Jesus being God Himself predates the creation, and at creation of the universe and mankind. ( Prov. 8, Gen.1)
John 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He is Author and Finisher, Alpha and Omega, Maker and Sustainer, and the All in all. Rev.1:8,22:13,
Heb.12:2.Eph.4:6.
Jesus’ ministry of preaching, teaching and healing revealed His divine and unquestioned wisdom and knowledge, while His miracles in His earthly ministry displayed His unspeakable power. Most
importantly, His love, kindness and splendid relationship which culminated in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross of Calvary is excelling.
Let us check some of His works:
- Power of life; he raised Lazarus, John 11, Jairus’ daughter, Mk 5: 22-42, Widow at Nain’s son, Lk 7:11-15. He rose again from the dead. John 20.
- Sovereignty over nature and weather . Mk 4:35-41, Mt.14:1-21, 22-23,Mk 8:1-9, Mt 17:24-27, Mt 21:18-22, Lk 5:1-11, Jn 2:1-11.
- Power over matter: Jn.2:7-9
- Power over human body: Jn.9:6-7
- Power over demons: Mk.1:23-26, Mt.8:28-34
- Power over sicknesses: Mt.8:5-13,14-17,9:1-8,Luke:17:11-19, Jn.5:1-9.
- Power of creative multiplication: Mt. 15:29-39,Mk.6:35-44, Lk.5:1-11.
- Practical example on good citizenship and tax payment: Mt.22:19ff, 17:25ff.
- His teachings and Practical intervention on
- social justice: Jn.8:7.
- Reconciliation: Jn.4: 1-26,Mt.5:23f
- Righteousness over corruption: Jn 2:14-16
- Fulfilling the law of the Old Testament through the law of love: Mt.5:17ff.
- Love and fellowship above religion:Mt.5:44, Lk.6:27,35.Mt.5:23f.
- Charity: Lk 6:38,Mt 6:1-5
- Prayer and fasting: Mt.6:6ff
- Forgiveness : Mt.6:14ff.
- Evangelism, Soul winning: Mk.16:15ff,
Mankind designed for greater works
At creation, Mankind was made in the image and likeness of God to partake and continue in God’s creative and pro creative authority. Hence the Creator’s benevolent charge to ‘be fruitful and multiply, replenish the earth and subdue it. Gen.1:28.
The fall of mankind in Gen.3 was a huge disaster that robbed him of the privileges of full dominion upon the rest of creation but still wields so much power and influence as seen and witnessed in mankind’s various discoveries and inventions.
The incarnation, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ was to restore mankind to his full capacity as of creation but with greater emphasis on His relationship with Yahweh which was the greatest of all losses in Eden.
It is not a coincidence that the scientific and technological development that have been witnessed since after the death of Christ have been unprecedented. This alongside population explosion, economic and political advancement in our world are noteworthy.
Whereas, the physical dominion was an essential part of the blessings upon mankind, but the emphasis at redemption is more on the spiritual state of every man in his relationship with God.
Greater works in this context does not mean the quality of miracles or works but the quantity because in its absolute sense, no human can attain Jesus quality of works in
holiness, charity, salvation, deliverance or do greater miracles than He, God incarnate. His ultimate finished work on the cross for our salvation, His resurrection on the third day, and His ascension can not be copied or attained by anyone else. None of us can work out or
purchase salvation for ourselves or for anyone else. However in the sense of the quantity of works, Jesus spent three and half years in its earthly ministry and gave power and grace to
his disciples to continue in the work of reconciling Mankind to God.
After two thousand years, over two billion people profess Christianity in our world of about eight billion people.
Greater works which we must do are in respect of the exact ones Jesus did and much more including “the fellowship of His suffering and being made conformable to His death.”
Phil.3:10.
The greater works should reflect in:
- High moral standard of life; good and godly behaviour.
- High spiritual state and activities: worship, fellowship, study and dispensing of God’s word, prayers etc.
- Management of our Time, Talent and Treasure to God’s glory.
- Divine capacity for blissful homemaking and glorious parenting.
- Preaching, teaching, healing, prophesying, pastoring, etc to equip the saints.
- Commanding signs and wonders.
Does God still speak or reveal secrets through His vessels? Does God still cast out demons through His servants?
Does God still heal the sick,raise the dead, and control nature on the prayers of His saints?
Does God still work miracles, signs and wonders through believers? Do you have any personal experience or testimonies to share?
You are billed for signs and wonders and destined for dominion.
- High intellectual capacity and disposition for notable impact in all fields of human endeavour: science, medicine, government and governance, economy, religion, etc. Wisdom, insight, foresight for inventions, discoveries, and excellent management.
- Soul winning: This is the greatest of all the areas where greater works are expected. Soul winning is the leading of a person to reconcile with God, other persons and even nature. Soul winning births new life in Christ, salvation and Forgiveness of sins.
Evangelism to win souls for Christ require huge commitment from a born again child of God. It is a command, a mandate Mk 16:15ff. The following are some among the types never to be ignored:
- Personal- one to one evangelism
- Household evangelism
- Workplace evangelism
- Group evangelism: in buses, street,schools, hospitals etc.
- Publishing; writing of tracks, books or Bibles in oral,written, imagery etc.
- Internet evangelism: websites, social media etc
- Radio/TV evangelism
- Christian Drama and Music and hymns.
- Education; Christian schools
- Health: Christian hospitals and outreaches
- Christian science and apologetics against atheism, other religions like Islam,Hinduism, Shintoism,New age religions,Modern laws and movements like LGBTQiA+.
- Church gatherings and other outreaches to prisons, markets etc.
- Others.
THE EMPOWERMENT:
The empowerment of the saints for greater works can only come from God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus lives in us by the Holy Spirit.
The prophesies by prophets like Joel in chapter two to equip believers with
revelation powers and the miraculous authority given by Christ are huge inbuilt power for this assignment. Hence the 72 disciples returned with testimonies in Luke 10:1-24. Mk.16:15ff.
He carries and gives authority to empower His own over formations and powers. Lk 4:36,9:1ff.
Before His ascension, Jesus reiterated His promises of the Holy Spirit to give power to His disciples.
Acts 1:8 (KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
At the launch of the church in Acts Chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost, this promise was fulfilled. The same power of the Holy Spirit has been active in the church till today.
We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. Phil.4:13. Jesus assured that you will have everything you need to do the work . Jn.15:7,16,.16:23f.
Conditions for empowerment
- Jesus will only empower the person who has responded to His work of salvation and is born again already. Jn3:3,5. The food for the Children is not for dogs.Mk.7:27, Rom.10:8ff.
- A disciple (learner, student) becomes an apostle (the sent one), but never stops learning.
- Abiding in Christ, obedience and holiness. John 15:7
- Praying:
- According to His will. Jn.5:14f
- Pray and believe. Mk.11:24
- Pray/ask in Jesus’ name. Jn.14:13f.
Things to note by bearers of greater works.
Although all believers have been commanded unto greater works but the road to the empowerment should be carefully considered. Greater works are demonstrated through ministries of believers who follow Christ in spirit and in truth. Jn.4:24.
- Prepare and be ready always for the move of the Holy Spirit. He moves in mysterious ways to perform His wonders.
- Prepare for the attendant challenges of the ministry: persecution, hatred, criticism, stress, attacks (physical and spiritual). Those who depopulation and destroy the works of satan’s kingdom must prepare for such consequences and must trust in God for defence always.
- Satan is not afraid of a man of all spiritual prowess without holiness. The word is power, prayer is effective, and heaven quake when a man of holiness acts. The Holy Spirit operates full blown in holy temples.
- To win souls is good but to equip them (the saints) is equally important. The message of salvation is of ransom paid not just ransom promised.
- Forgiveness by faith in Christ is a greater work product that all believers must
dispense. Unforgiveness and bitterness are detrimental to the cause of the Gospel. Jn.20:21-23.
- The bearers of greater works receive attention and honour but must not be proud and must not drag the glory with God.
- They must beware of materialism and the love of money.
- No matter the growth and influence of the apostle, he must remain a disciple of Christ.
- No matter how many people call him master with honour, he must remain a steward, a servant of Christ and His people.
- Sacrifice is a key factor in the life of a man or woman of greater works. Always ready to give it all for the sake of the Gospel.
- Development of talents and skills, educational development, and necessary exposure are very relevant to the empowerment of the saints for mission.
CONCLUSION
It is an aberration and a disservice to the sacrificial work of Christ who paid the debt for our redemption should there be any Christian who would not demonstrate the authority and service lavishly and graciously given by our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ to do greater works.
Arise today, shine, for your light is come, the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1ff. Arise and advance to do greater works.