RESTITUTION Part 2

RESTITUTION Part 2

RESTITUTION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Dr Wole Gbogboade

Text: Luke 19: 8-10. 2 Timothy 2: 19-22.

“……Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10 (8-10) NKJV

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [a]grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” John 12: 24-25

Salvation comes first by conviction, repentance and receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. Restitution is supposed to be a result/fruit of salvation. Salvation makes man right with God while restitution makes him right with God and man-to live in peace and holiness. Restitution therefore, is the fruit of repentance so that we can enjoy the blessings that follow the salvation we receive from Jesus Christ.

1- The man who chose to restitute and found forgiveness. The story of Zacchaeus. Luke 19:8-10

2- Jesus offered restitution. The story of the rich young man who wanted to know what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus told him to sell what he has and give to the poor. Then, come and follow Him, He went away very sad because of fear of losing his wealth. Mark 10:21, Matthew 19: 21. Luke 18:22

3- Jesus taught restitution. He taught His disciples to be willing to lose everything for the kingdom’s sake. Of course, they will gain it back with persecution and eternal life. Mark 10: 29-30. Matthew 19:29. Luke 9: 23-24

4- Apostles also taught restitution. For example, Paul’s instruction to Timothy:

“He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it.” 2 Timothy 2:25. Ref. 2 Timothy 2: 19-22.

In the New Testament, once you hear the gospel with the conviction of The Holy Spirit in your heart and you repent and give your life to Jesus by confessing Christ as your Saviour, you are saved. Romans 10:8-10, 13. However, you may still need to do restitution in some areas. For instance, if you lied to someone, you can prayerfully restitute by apologizing and telling him the truth. He will know that you have changed for good. If you stole something from someone and you repent. It is only proper that you return what you have stolen to the rightful owner. If you are in a wrong marriage, restitution may be necessary (pray about it and allow the Lord to lead you). If you got a job with either forged certificate or impersonation, restitution is the way forward. If you have stolen something from someone or an institution, return it.

For those who have been into idolatry, religion, spiritism, necromancy or occult practices, you sure have to restitute by burning what the Bible calls curious arts preferably or return to the owners. Acts 19:19. 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.

”So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; and that He may send [to you] Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you, whom heaven must keep until the time for the [complete] restoration of all things…” Acts 3: 19-21

Testimonies:

1- A brother got a job with another person’s name and certificate. He confessed his sin when he heard teachings. He resigned and changed to bear his biological name. The Lord gave him a better job and he rose to become a zonal head in a conglomerate. He later became a Pastor.

2- A brother impersonated himself to be a lawyer. He repented, gave his life to Christ and later restituted. The Lord gave him a business and became an employer of labour. He is a Pastor now.

3- A sister was married to be 3rd wife as an unbeliever yet going to Church, After she gave her life to Christ, she restituted by leaving that home as an adversary. The Lord gave her a man who never married to be her husband.

4- A Manager in an International company had two wives. He gave his life to Christ and struggled to make restitution because he loved the younger wife more. After a while, he fell sick and was hospitalized for a long time. The second wife he loved packed her stuff and left with her children while the first wife took care of him. He apologized to his wife and asked for forgiveness. That was how he made restitution.

5- A man had married 2 wives before he gave his life to Christ. He was going to Church with all his family members, One morning, it was the second wife that told him to release her as she learned from the teachings that that is not her home. They prayed together and she left.

6- An accountant gave his life to Christ. As he was receiving teaching and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in his life, he calculated all he had stolen from the company and went to the owner, he confessed and returned the money. He told him that he’s now a born again Christian. Instead of sacking him, the Muslim owner of the Company who didn’t even know he had been losing money, called all the staff and instructed them to start attending the Accountant’s Church!

When restitution is too late

Restitution is better done upon conviction by the Holy Spirit. Jesus had been warning Judas Iscariot of stealing. John 12:6 TPT. Instead of him repenting and returning the money, he continued until he collected 30 silver to betray Jesus, His Master. He repented and returned the money but it was too late. He committed suicide.

Eli’s children did not restitute and return offering they had been stealing until they paid with their lives.

God will not build on any man’s foundation. His foundation is on righteousness. Matthew 6:33. Luke 6:46-49. Luke 9:23-24. Philippians 3:8-10

Restitution brings you into a state of innocence and helps you to grow well in the faith. 2 Timothy 2:19-22.

THE WORD OF GOD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT BRING CHANGES TO OUR LIVES.

Obedience is the key to God’s heart. Psalms 45: 6-7. Hebrews 10:9

“I have given and delivered to them Your word (message) and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world [do not belong to the world], just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And so for their sake and on their behalf I sanctify (dedicate, consecrate) Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the Truth.” John 17:14, 17-19 AMPC

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE:

1- What does the text say? (Explain)

2- What does it mean? (Interpret)

3- What does it mean to me? (Apply)

4- Action. (Practice, do the word by faith).

As the word of God convicts you, repent, pray for a change in your life. That is the effect of God’s words ought to bring into our lives. John 17.17. Romans 12:1-2. John 13:17-19, NIV. Luke 6:46

Sing

Reign in me, Sovereign Lord, reign in me

Captivate my heart, let your kingdom come

Establish there your throne, let your will be done

Reign in me, Sovereign Lord reign in me

Reign in me, Sovereign Lord, reign in me

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