LIVINGOURBIBLE.COM | LOB SERMON SPOTLIGHT
Introduction
Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has challenged Christians to move beyond self-centred Bible reading and discover Jesus Christ as the ultimate treasure hidden in Scripture.
Preaching on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at ICGC Christ Temple East, Teshie-Accra, Pastor Otabil delivered the sixth instalment of his teaching series, Parables of the Kingdom, titled “Finding Treasure in the Field.”
Drawing from Matthew 13:44, he explained that genuine Christian living requires discovering Christ through diligent study of God’s Word rather than merely searching for personal breakthroughs and material blessings.
Jesus Christ Is the Treasure Hidden in Scripture
Explaining the parable, Pastor Otabil identified two important symbols: the treasure and the field. He interpreted the treasure as Jesus Christ and the field as the Scriptures.
He declared:
“Christ himself is the treasure of the world.”
Referencing Colossians 2:3, he explained that all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. Consequently, believers must approach Scripture with the primary objective of discovering Him.
Stop Making Yourself the Focus of Bible Study
Pastor Otabil criticised the tendency of Christians to read Scripture primarily for personal comfort, prosperity and breakthroughs while overlooking its central message.
He stated:
“Don’t make yourself the focus in your bible study don’t make yourself the focus in your prayer meeting your focus should be the treasure hidden in the field because when you find him you found everything that you’re looking for.”
He explained that superficial Bible reading often produces a self-centred understanding of Christianity, whereas deeper study reveals Christ throughout Scripture. Using examples including manna, the wilderness experiences and Old Testament symbols, he demonstrated how believers can discover Christ beyond the immediate historical narratives.
Never Separate Jesus from the Scriptures
One of the strongest warnings in the sermon concerned interpreting Jesus through cultural traditions, personal experiences and religious assumptions rather than biblical revelation.
Pastor Otabil insisted:
“We must not look for christ outside of the field outside of the scriptures keep christ in the scriptures.”
He cautioned against reshaping Jesus to accommodate cultural practices or personal desires, particularly when such interpretations contradict His revealed character. He questioned religious practices that invoke Jesus against enemies while disregarding His teaching on forgiveness.
Make Bible Study Your Personal Commitment
Explaining why the man sold everything to purchase the field, Pastor Otabil emphasised the incomparable value of knowing Christ. Referencing Philippians 3:8, he encouraged believers to prioritise biblical truth above previous assumptions, experiences and possessions.
He further challenged Christians to develop personal Bible study habits instead of depending exclusively on sermons. His message was clear: consistent engagement with Scripture provides continuous opportunities to discover Christ.
Conclusion
Pastor Otabil concluded by urging Christians to practise a faith firmly grounded in both the Old and New Testaments. His sermon reinforced a central truth: the greatest discovery in Scripture is not a promise of personal success but the person of Jesus Christ. He prayed that believers would continually discover Christ, understand His true character and live according to God’s revealed Word.
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