Bible Reading: Hosea 5, 6, 7, 8; Revelation 2.
Memory Verse: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26 (KJV)
It is a requirement that you pass all the qualifying examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and gain the required experience before you can be accepted as a member of the Institute. As a graduate of Accounting several years ago, I applied for exemption from the institute for some papers but had to write the examinations of the remaining ones before I could become a Chartered Accountant. This is the practice with most Accounting bodies. Several years ago I decided to be a member of an Institute in London and so I applied to be a student member and I was accepted but had to pass the required exams before I could be admitted as a full member of the Institute. Consequently, I wrote some of the exams and passed but could not afford the fees later due to exchange rate and therefore decided to concentrate on the Nigerian body.
The point here is that though I passed some of the exams of the London institute, I did not qualify as a full member because I did not take the final exam. This is the position with the Christian race. You may give your life to Christ and start well by winning souls to Christ and doing other good works, if you do not remain with Christ till the day of your death, you are not a candidate of heaven. That is why Jesus says in Revelation 2:26 (KJV), “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”
You must remain with him and keep his works to the end before you can claim to be his. The emphasis is on finishing well. This is why you should continuously examine your status with the Lord Jesus every time to ensure you are in faith. To ensure you overcome to the end, you need to study the Bible regularly so that God can talk to you continuously through his word. Also you need to fellowship with Him always through praise and worship and prayers. Above all, you need to live a life of obedience to His word. This requires the help of the Holy Spirit as no one can by the flesh totally obey God’s commandments.
Prayer point:
Father, help me to overcome to the end in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero