SHILOH 2015

WORKSHOP
Teaching Series: IN PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Introduction
What Is Academic Excellence?
It is ability to achieve excellent intellectual outcome above the ordinary Dan. 1:20

It means, to excel or be distinct in graded intellectual competition - Dan

6:1-3

It is foundation for skills acquisition that guarantees vision realization

Dan. 5:11

Objectives:
To make them know that they carry potentials for academic excellence.
To show them the principles and practice of academic excellence.
Connect them to grace for actualizing academic excellence.
Part 1: IN PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Understanding the Mind: the platform for Attaining Academic
Excellence
Man is a Triune Being Spirit, Soul and Body - I Thess. 5:23
He requires sanctification (of spirit soul and body) in order to fully
realize his potentials
- I Thess. 5:23
The soul of man is also key to realization of his spiritual physical and
mental potentials
- Pro. 17:22/ 18:14
Mans soul comprises his mind, his will and his emotions.
The mind of Man is the platform for realizing academic or intellectual
excellence
2 Cor. 4:4
Academic excellence potentials can be realized through 2 sources:
Academic excellence through high engagement of the equal content
human brain.
We must recognize that the human brain
is universally made of the same stuff, that is, same size, weight,
colour, potency or processing strength Heb. 5:14
Academic Excellence through Inspiration - Job 32:8
For there is a vital force in man, the spirit of excellence and the breath
of the Almighty gives him understanding.
This is why, spirituality enhances academic excellence beyond the
natural human realms.
Remember, at new birth we possess the very mind of Christ I Cor. 2:16
Every living creature produces after its kind - Gen 1:21-25/ Gen. 2:19
Sons of most excellent God can only be excellent - Is 60:15, Jude 25

 Daniel and his companions sat for Exams in Babylon, they returned 10
times better than their classmates because they were spiritually on fire
Dan 1:20

Part 2: IN PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Understanding the Source of Excellence
God is the source of excellence Ps. 8:1; Dan. 5:14 (1:20)
Excellence is the birthright of the Redeemed - 1Cor 2:16, John 10:34; Matt .
11:11

The Holy Spirit is the spirit of excellence Jn. 14:26/Zach. 4:1-6/ 1 Cor.
2:10/12-14

The Word of God makes wise Ps. 119: 97-100/ Ps. 19:7-9/ 2 Tim. 3:15
The New Birth Connection.
New birth turns you from the natural to the supernatural Jn. 3:8/ 2

Cor. 5:17/2 Cor. 2:11/12

It infuses the joy of salvation which is the fountain of inspiration Is

12:3, Gal 5:22, Eph. 5:9

Inspiration is gateway to supernatural insights - Gen 41:38

Inspiration is our access to divine wisdom - 2 Tim 3:16-17
The Purity Connection.
One must pass purity test to connect with the spirit of excellence
Dan 1:8/17-20/ Dan. 6:3

The fear of the Lord is wisdom Job 28: 28/ Pro. 9:10/ Ps. 111:10.
The Word Connection.
Gods word is light Jn 1:1-5/ Ps. 119:130
Gods word illuminates our minds and spirit Jn. 1:9
Gods word ignites our understanding Ps. 119:97-100/ Ps 19:7-9/
2Tim. 2:15

The Diligence Connection.

Be studious 2Tim 2:15/ Dan.9:2/ 2 Tim 4:13/ Acts 26:24
Develop skills for your study effort Prov. 22:29, Ecl. 10:15
Plan your study time 2 Chron. 27:6/ Jn 9:4
Set priorities for your time 1 Chron. 12:32
The Discipline Connection.
All things are lawful but they are not all expedient I Cor. 6:12
Academic excellence requires being disciplined I Cor. 9:24-26
Part 3: IN PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Obstacles to Academic Excellence

Fear- Fear Of The Unknown And Of Past Failure(S) - Job 3:25/ Pro. 29:25
Laziness Pro 6:6-8/Rom. 12:11/ 1Thess. 3:10/ Pro. 22:29/ 2Tim. 2:15
Procrastination Gen. 49:1-2/ Jdg. 5:16/ SoS. 5:2-7/ Is. 55:6

 Indiscipline 1Cor. 6:12/ 1 Cor. 9:24-26/ 1 Cor. 10:23

Assumption 1Cor. 8:2
Distraction Matt. 6:22/ Phi. 3:13/ 1 Kgs 20:39-40/ Phi. 1:21/ 1 Cor. 9:16
Sins Dan. 1:8, 17, 20
Wrong Association 1Cor. 15:33/ Pro. 13:20/ 2 Sam. 13:1-20
Recommended Books authored by David O. Oyedepo:
* Towards Mental Exploits
* Excellency of Wisdom
* Walking in Wisdom
* Winning Wisdom

Jesus is Lord!