BY GOODNESS OLORUNYOLEMI

Rt. Rev’d Chijioke B.N Oti, Ph.D Bishop of Diocese on the Lake, who was the Preacher at the Opening Service of the 3rd session of the Fourteenth Synod of Akure Anglican Diocese holding at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Ijare, made it known that sin alienates us from God, his sermon was on the theme of the synod “Breaking the Shackles of Sin,” referencing Rom 7:7.

Below is the full message:

The opening sermon was delivered by the Rt. Rev’d Chijioke B.N. Oti, PhD, Bishop of the Diocese on the Lake. The sermon was based on the theme of the 3rd session of the Fourteenth Synod, “Breaking the Shackles of Sin,” referencing Rom 7:7.

Before beginning his sermon, Bishop Oti expressed gratitude to The Most Rev’d Simeon Oluwole Borokini (Archbishop of Ondo Province/Diocesan Bishop and President of Synod) for addressing such a timely topic in a world filled with sin and the urgent need for a return to God. The Bishop directed attention to the Old Testament as he commenced his sermon.

Key points from the sermon included:

1. Sin is dwelling in darkness, as Isaiah 9:2 states.
2. Sin is imprisonment, as described in Isaiah 61 and Luke 4:18.
3. Sin involves rejecting God’s plans.
4. Sin results in bitter labour, as Psalm 107:10-12 illustrates.

Bishop Oti further explored:

• Sin’s association with carnality, referencing Romans 7:5.
• The inability of those living a carnal life to please God.
• Sin’s foundation in deceit, highlighted in Romans 7:11 and Genesis 3:1-4.

The Bishop emphasized that sin alienates and separates us from God, causing Him to hide His face from us, as noted in Isaiah 59:1-4. He cited the example of Adam and Eve, who hid from God due to sin.

To break the shackles of sin, Bishop Oti stressed the importance of acknowledging our sins and seeking God’s mercy. He referenced Psalm 51:1-3 and Proverbs 28:13, emphasizing that confession precedes God’s forgiveness.

Bishop Oti highlighted the redemption and forgiveness found in Christ, citing John 5:14 and Romans 7:24-25. He concluded by affirming that we cannot, through our own power, wisdom, understanding, or righteousness, break the shackles of sin; we need Jesus Christ to take control of our lives and situations. He closed with a reading from John 15:5c.

The Opening Service ended with Holy Communion, the synod will be held between Thursday the 4th to Sunday the 7th with a thanksgiving service.

By GOODNESS OLORUNYOLEMI is a member of AYF Akure Diocesan Media Team.