NO MORE REPROACH

Topic:  NO MORE REPROACH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 69:18-20 
Supporting Texts: Psalm 42:10; Psalm 74:10; Phil. 2:9-11

INTRODUCTION: 
Reproach is a deep, lingering issue that brings shame, dishonor, and condemnation. It represents any situation that is degrading, embarrassing, or something we would rather hide. Biblically, reproach is a burden that weighs heavily on the soul, as expressed in Psalm 69:19, where the psalmist cries out for redemption from reproach and shame. This sermon will explore the nature of reproach and how God can take it away through His mercy and power.

1. WHAT IS REPROACH?
   - Reproach is anything that brings disgrace, shame, dishonor, or discredit.
   - It affects mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial wellness.

Biblical Example: Psalm 69:19-20 describes reproach as something that breaks the heart and brings deep sorrow. The psalmist calls for God’s intervention to remove this burden.

2. SYMPTOMS OF REPROACH 
   - Stagnation, lack of progress, constant failure.
   - Secret tears, embarrassment, and hopelessness.

Biblical Example: In Ecclesiastes 10:7, we see an example of reproach where princes, who should be on horses, are walking on the ground as if they are slaves. This indicates an inversion of dignity and honor, a clear sign of reproach.

3. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF REPROACH REMOVAL
   - The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): Carelessness and rejection reproach removed, his sonship restored. 

   - The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34): Sickness, rejection, and isolation reproach removed. She was healed and restored.

   - Hannah (1 Samuel 2) Long-time barrenness and mockery by Peninnah removed. God blessed her with Samuel, and she bore more children. 

   - Jephthah (Judges 11:6-7): Rejection and insults reproach removed. He was honored as a leader. 

4. CAUSES OF REPROACH 
   - Sin: Jeremiah 5:25 shows how sin separates us from God's blessings and brings reproach.

   - Disobedience: 1 Samuel 15:22 teaches that rebellion against God’s commands brings reproach.

   - Enemies and Adversaries: Psalm 55:12; Nehemiah 4:1-4 show how enemies can seek to discredit and shame us.

   - Worldliness: 1 Timothy 5:14 points to how living contrary to God's standards invites reproach.

5. WHAT TO DO TO OVERCOME REPROACH
   - Consecration and Repentance: Proverbs 14:34 highlights that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin brings reproach. Genuine repentance is key to removing reproach. 

   - Trust in God: Jeremiah 17:5-8 reminds us to place our confidence in God alone, as He will never fail. 

   - Deliverance Prayers: Job 22:28 encourages us to declare deliverance over our lives and situations, trusting God for a breakthrough. 

   - The Word of God: Joshua 1:8 teaches that meditating on God's Word leads to success and the removal of reproach.

CONCLUSION 
Reproach is not a permanent condition. The name of Jesus carries the power to break every chain of reproach, as Philippians 2:9-11 declares that at His name, every knee must bow. No matter what form of reproach you may be experiencing—whether it is rejection, barrenness, sickness, or shame—God is able to take it away. He did it for Hannah, Jephthah, the woman with the issue of blood, and many others, and He will do it for you. Cry out to Him today, and He will answer.

PRAYER POINTS
1. O Lord, take away every reproach in my life in Jesus' name. 

2. Father, every long-standing issue causing shame in my life, remove it by Your power. 

3. O Lord, restore my dignity and honor in the name of Jesus. 

4. Every enemy speaking reproach over my life, let their plans be destroyed. 

5. Father, by the blood of Jesus, remove every garment of reproach from me. 

6. O Lord, grant me a testimony that will erase every reproach in Jesus' name. 

7. I command every situation that brings shame in my life to bow to the name of Jesus. 

8. Father, let every secret tear and sorrow in my life turn to joy and laughter. 

9. O Lord, send Your help from heaven and deliver me from reproach. 

10. Father, restore my blessings and breakthrough that have been hindered by reproach.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. I decree that every reproach in your life is removed in Jesus' name. 

2. You will no longer be an object of shame or mockery in the name of Jesus. 

3. Every negative situation aging with you is broken by the power of God. 

4. You will experience restoration, and your honor will be restored in Jesus' name. 

5. I declare that from today, you will testify of God’s goodness over every reproach. 

6. The power of Jesus will lift you above every disgrace and embarrassment. 

7. I speak breakthrough into every stagnant area of your life in the name of Jesus. 

8. God will turn your weeping into joy and your shame into honor. 

9. You will rise above every challenge and be a testimony of God’s greatness. 

10. The Lord will fight for you and silence every adversary in your life.