𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐎𝐁𝐀!

 

𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐦𝐢 𝐎𝐛𝐚

Date: 30th August, 2026

Sermon: Divine Preservation

Preacher: Pastor Adeyemi Oba

Text: Exodus 16:19–20, 24

Divine preservation is God’s supernatural ability to keep, sustain, protect, and maintain a person, purpose, blessing, covenant, or destiny according to His original intention. In a world where everything is constantly changing, aging, deteriorating, and passing away, divine preservation is God’s power that keeps His children secure and establishes His purpose in their lives.

The story of Israel in the wilderness illustrates this truth vividly. God fed the Israelites with manna from heaven and instructed them to gather only enough for each day. Any manna kept beyond God’s instruction became corrupt. Yet, when God commanded them to gather enough for two days on the sixth day, the manna remained fresh and did not spoil. The difference was the preserving power of God. This teaches us that whatever God preserves cannot be corrupted by time, circumstances, or the forces of darkness.

The world is no longer in its original perfect state. Everything around us is subject to decay. Human strength fails, wealth fades, earthly glory diminishes, and worldly systems are unstable. However, there is something that remains unchanged and eternal—the Word of God. The Word of God is God’s divine preservative. It sustains, protects, heals, restores, and preserves everything committed to it.

Jesus declared in Matthew 24:35:

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

Therefore, every believer who builds his life upon God’s Word is positioned to enjoy divine preservation.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT WILL LAST FOREVER?

1. He That Does the Will of God

Texts: 1 John 2:17; John 3:16

The world and its desires are passing away, but the person who does the will of God abides forever. Obedience to God’s will connects a believer to eternal realities. When a person surrenders his life to Christ and lives according to God’s purpose, he enters into everlasting life. Eternal life is not merely a future promise but a present possession that begins the moment a person receives Christ.

2. The Word of God

Text: 1 Peter 1:23–25

Everything in this world is temporary, but the Word of God remains forever. Generations have come and gone, kingdoms have risen and fallen, yet God’s Word remains unchanged. The promises of God do not expire. The truth of God does not become outdated. Whatever God has spoken remains relevant and powerful.

3. The Word of God is a Divine Preservative

Text: Isaiah 40:8

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.”

Just as natural preservatives prevent decay, the Word of God prevents spiritual, moral, and destiny corruption. Wherever God’s Word is genuinely received and obeyed, divine preservation is activated.

THINGS THE WORD OF GOD PRESERVES

1. Your Health

Text: Joshua 14:10–11

Caleb testified at the age of eighty-five that his strength remained the same as when he was forty years old. This was not ordinary health; it was divine preservation at work. God can preserve the health of His children so that they remain useful and productive throughout their lives.

When God’s Word governs a person’s life, health can be sustained beyond natural expectations. Divine preservation does not merely keep a person alive; it keeps a person effective.

2. Your Strength

Examples: Moses and Caleb

The Word of God preserves physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength. Moses remained active and effective until the completion of his assignment. Caleb remained battle-ready in old age.

There are people who are physically alive but emotionally exhausted and spiritually drained. Divine preservation ensures that strength is renewed continually so that God’s purpose can be fulfilled.

3. Your Heritage

Texts: 2 Samuel 7:16; Hebrews 1:8

God promised David that his throne would endure forever. Generations passed, but God’s covenant concerning David remained intact. This demonstrates God’s ability to preserve a person’s inheritance, legacy, and destiny.

Every believer has a divine heritage in Christ. God’s preserving power ensures that what He has ordained for His children will not be lost.

4. Your Life

Examples: Caleb, Simeon, and Prophetess Anna

Texts: Luke 2:26; Luke 2:36–38

Simeon was preserved until he saw the Messiah. Anna was preserved for many years until she witnessed the fulfillment of God’s promise.

God does not merely preserve people for existence; He preserves them for purpose. Divine preservation guarantees that a believer will not leave the earth before completing God’s assignment.

5. God Can Preserve His Covenant for You

The covenant of God remains forever. God’s promises are not subject to the changes of time or circumstances. What God has spoken concerning your life will surely come to pass.

The Word of God will not return to Him void. Every promise that God has made carries the power for its fulfillment. Divine preservation ensures that God’s covenant blessings remain effective in the life of the believer.

6. Your Business and Career

Text: Exodus 1:21

God is interested in preserving the works of your hands. Many people begin well but fail to finish well because they rely solely on human wisdom and strength.

When God’s preserving power rests upon a business, career, ministry, or profession, it survives challenges, setbacks, and opposition. Divine preservation enables a person to remain fruitful and relevant through every season of life.

7. Your Good Deeds

Examples: Abraham and Cornelius

God remembers every act of obedience, sacrifice, prayer, and service rendered to Him.

Cornelius’ prayers and alms came up before God as a memorial. Abraham’s obedience continues to speak generations after his death. This teaches us that genuine service to God is never forgotten.

Divine preservation ensures that righteous deeds continue to produce results long after they have been performed.

SOME PEOPLE LOST DIVINE PRESERVATION WITHOUT COMPLETING GOD’S PLAN FOR THEIR LIVES

Eli

Eli lost the privilege and honor attached to his household because he failed to correct sin within his family.

Samson

Samson lost his strength and divine advantage through compromise and disobedience.

Saul

Saul lost the kingdom because he rejected God’s instructions and chose his own way.

These examples remind us that divine preservation is connected to our relationship with God and our obedience to His Word.

HOW CAN THE WORD OF GOD PRESERVE ME?

1. Obey the Word

Obedience activates the preserving power of God. God’s Word works most effectively in the lives of those who submit to it.

2. Fear and Tremble at His Word

A heart that reverences God’s Word attracts divine favor and protection. Respect for God’s instructions safeguards a believer from many dangers.

3. Love the Lord and His Word

What you love, you treasure. A believer who genuinely loves God and His Word will naturally walk in the path of preservation.

4. Meditate on the Word

Meditation allows the Word of God to become rooted in the heart. Through meditation, divine wisdom, direction, and strength are released into a believer’s life.

5. Teach This Word

The truths of God’s Word must be taught to our families, children, and others. Teaching reinforces understanding and ensures that future generations benefit from God’s preserving power.

6. Preach This Word

The Word must not be hidden. It should be shared with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members. The more the Word is proclaimed, the more it becomes established in the life of the believer.

CONCLUSION

The world is passing away, but God’s Word remains forever. Human systems fail, earthly glory fades, and natural strength diminishes, yet God’s preserving power remains available to every believer.

The Word of God is a divine preservative. It preserves health, strength, heritage, life, covenant blessings, business, career, and good works. Those who remain connected to God’s Word and walk in obedience will enjoy His sustaining grace and preserving power.

No matter what challenges arise, God is able to keep what has been committed into His hands. The God who preserved Israel in the wilderness, Caleb in old age, Simeon until he saw Christ, and Cornelius’ good works is still preserving His people today.

May the preserving power of God rest upon your life, your family, your health, your destiny, and everything committed into His hands, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐃𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐕𝐒. 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐎 (𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐏 𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐍 1)

 

Date: Sunday (August 23rd, 2026)

Preacher: Pastor Adebayo Olugbenga (PICP)

Topic: Doing Good Vs. Looking Good

Scripture Text: Acts 10:38 (KJV)

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

Introduction

Brethren, today we shall consider a very important subject: “Doing Good Vs. Looking Good.”

We live in a generation where much emphasis is placed on appearances. People invest significant time, energy, and resources into looking good before others. There is nothing inherently wrong with being presentable. It is good to dress well, speak well, and carry ourselves with dignity. However, God’s concern goes far beyond our outward appearance. God is more interested in our character than our cosmetics, our service than our status, and our impact than our image.

The question before us today is this: Are we more concerned about looking good or doing good?

The life of Jesus Christ provides the perfect answer.

Jesus: The Perfect Example of Doing Good

Our anchor text says:

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38)

Notice that the Bible did not say Jesus went about looking good. It says He went about doing good.

Wherever Jesus went, lives were touched. The sick were healed, the broken-hearted were comforted, the hungry were fed, the oppressed were delivered, and sinners were reconciled to God. His life was dedicated to serving humanity and glorifying His Father.

Jesus was not restricted to one location. He moved from city to city, village to village, seeking opportunities to bless people. His ministry was marked by compassion, sacrifice, and service.

Brethren, this is God’s expectation for every believer. We are called not merely to impress people but to impact lives.

Relationships Are More Important Than Things

One of the greatest mistakes people make is placing possessions above relationships.

In life, relationships matter more than things. When people become obsessed with possessions, status, titles, and worldly achievements, they often neglect the relationships that truly matter.

Many conflicts, quarrels, and divisions arise because people value things more than people. Time, attention, and energy that should be invested in nurturing relationships are often wasted pursuing temporary gains.

The Bible teaches us in Romans 8:14:

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

When we are led by the Spirit, our priorities change. We no longer live merely for appearances or material pursuits. We begin to value people the way God values them.

Looking Good Is Not the Same as Doing Good

There is nothing wrong with looking good. Excellence, cleanliness, and proper appearance have their place.

However, looking good without doing good is a tragedy.

A person may be admired for appearance and achievements yet contribute little to the lives of others. God does not measure us primarily by how impressive we appear but by how faithfully we serve.

Doing good reflects the nature of God. Looking good may attract attention, but doing good transforms lives.

At the end of life, people will not remember us primarily for the clothes we wore, the titles we held, or the wealth we accumulated. They will remember the lives we touched and the difference we made.

The Lesson of the Good Samaritan

Jesus illustrated this truth in Luke 10:25–37.

A Jewish traveler was attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left half dead on the roadside.

Several people saw him but passed by. They may have had important appointments, pressing engagements, or personal responsibilities. Whatever their reasons, they chose convenience over compassion.

Then a Samaritan came.

This was remarkable because Jews and Samaritans were longstanding enemies. Yet when the Samaritan saw the wounded man, he was moved with compassion.

He stopped.

He treated the man’s wounds.

He placed him on his animal.

He took him to an inn.

He paid for his care.

He interrupted his schedule to save a life.

The Samaritan understood a truth that many people miss: people are more important than appointments.

Compassion often requires inconvenience.

Love often requires sacrifice.

Doing good often demands that we place the needs of others above our own comfort.

Compassion Is Love in Action

The Samaritan did not merely feel sorry for the wounded man; he acted.

True compassion is not just an emotion. It is love expressed through practical action.

Many people speak about love but fail to demonstrate it. Jesus calls us beyond words to deeds.

When accidents occur, when people are hurting, when families are struggling, when souls are perishing, God expects His children to be moved with compassion.

The world needs more than observers; it needs people willing to help.

The Rising Generation

The Church also has a responsibility toward future generations.

Many nations and denominations have declined because they failed to invest in the younger generation.

Buildings remained.

Structures remained.

Traditions remained.

But spiritual vitality disappeared because the faith was not intentionally passed on.

The young people among us today are the leaders, pastors, workers, and elders of tomorrow.

We must mentor them, teach them, encourage them, and prepare them to carry the torch of the gospel.

Doing good includes investing in those who will come after us.

Trusting God’s Wisdom

Sometimes life presents situations we do not fully understand.

There are moments when circumstances appear contradictory, like seeing rain falling while fire continues to burn.

Yet God understands what we do not understand.

Nothing is beyond Him.

Nothing surprises Him.

Nothing is too difficult for Him.

God sees the end from the beginning. He knows what He is doing even when we cannot comprehend His methods.

Therefore, we must trust Him completely.

Faith allows us to believe that God is working behind the scenes even when His purposes are not immediately visible.

Knowing God Through Love

The greatest evidence of knowing God is not religious activity but genuine love.

The Bible says:

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

God is love.

Therefore, anyone who claims to know God must reflect His love.

We cannot truly represent God while lacking compassion for people.

No matter how much knowledge we possess, how eloquently we preach, or how active we are in religious activities, if love is absent, something essential is missing.

The proof that we know God is seen in how we treat people.

The Greatest Commandments

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He summarized the entire law in two statements.

Matthew 22:37–40 says:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

And:

“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

These two commandments form the foundation of Christian living.

If we truly love God, we will love people.

If we truly love people, we will seek their good.

If we seek their good, we will become known not merely for looking good but for doing good.

Wisdom Produces Fruit

The Bible says:

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

True wisdom is demonstrated by a life that blesses others.

A wise person does not live for self alone.

A wise person influences lives for God’s glory.

A wise person seeks opportunities to serve, encourage, help, and lead others to Christ.

Conclusion

Brethren, the challenge before us today is simple but profound.

The world is full of people trying to look good.

God is looking for people who will do good and He calls us to follow His example.

Therefore, let us determine:

• To love God wholeheartedly.
• To love our neighbours sincerely.
• To value people above possessions.
• To choose compassion over convenience.
• To invest in future generations.
• To trust God’s wisdom in every circumstance.
• To become channels of God’s mercy and goodness.

May our lives be known not merely for appearance but for impact; not merely for image but for service; not merely for looking good but for doing good.

May God help us to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who went about doing good (Amen).

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂