CENTRAL THOUGHT: God who is our source is ever willing to answer our needs.
HYMN: STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD
TEXT: Matt. 7:7-11, John 14:13-14, James 4:1-4
INTRODUCTION:
The believer in Christ has every reason to be perpetually joyful because of the tremendous promises of God as a result of the finished work that Christ has accomplished by His death and resurrection. The promises contain the benefits, rights, privileges, inheritances, and blessings for the believer. Since these benefits have been duly paid for by Christ, it is futile for anyone to strive to attain them by his own strength or effort. These benefits are free for those already washed in the blood of Christ. In this lesson, we want to establish how a believer can fully appropriate these promises and benefits. The phrase “Receiving from God” simply means getting from God. There is the giver and there is the receiver. The giver who is superior is the Almighty God who gives liberally to whosoever wishes to receive (receiver). This study hopes to acquaint “whosoever” chooses or wishes to be a receiver with the conditions of receiving from the Almighty giver. David recognized that it is only God that could give, hence he trusted wholeheartedly in the Almighty God. Therefore, we should note that our help comes only from the Lord.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are:
1. To know what the phrase “Receiving from God” means.
2. To know that God wants you receive from Him.
3. To know some of the things that can hinder us from receiving from God.
4. To understand these conditions that will make us receive from God.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Question 1. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE PHRASE “RECEIVING FROM GOD”?
Receiving from God means getting from God. God’s care of human beings and all He has created, is manifested in His dealings with man. God did not create man to leave him uncatered to and without direction. In the garden of Eden, He made provision for the first man (Gen. 1:29-30). God went further to provide for the spiritual needs of man. This He did by the promise of the Son of the LORD, Jesus Christ, as the seed of the woman who would bruise the head of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). Receiving from God is therefore an act of getting those things He has provided for us. It includes an appropriation of His promises to us as revealed in scripture. The Almighty God gives liberally to whosoever wishes to receive. He is the giver who knows what we have need for. We only receive those things which God judges are right for us to receive. We are therefore free to believe God for those things which He has promised in His word to give us.
Q2. DOES GOD WANT YOU TO RECEIVE FROM HIM?
Matt. 7:7-8, John 14:13-14, Phi. 4:6 Certainly, the LORD wants us to receive from Him. His promise in John 14:13-14, is that whatsoever we ask in His name, will be given to us. As stated earlier, God takes special care of those who trust in and belong to Him. He does this for several reasons.
A. We are made in His image and likeness. God gives and we receive to show that we are made in His image and likeness. If we have lack and live a deprived life, then we cannot show forth the glory of God. 21 Thus, God ensures the comfort, peace, joy, and sufficiency of the believers that we might be a true reflection of His glory.
B. To demonstrate God’s faithfulness. Our receiving from God demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His promises. The scriptures make us understand that He stands true to His word to perform it (Isa. 55:10-11). God is not man that He should lie nor the Son of man that He should repent; what He says He will do, He will surely do (Num. 23:19). He has promised in His word to supply all the needs of the believers according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phi. 4:19) and so He is bound by His word to fulfil it.
C. To encourage believers. Our receiving from Him always serves as an encouragement to those who put their trust in Him. When God answers one’s prayer, one’s faith is lifted up and has strength to run “another mile”. We can have the courage to believe God more, and our devotion and dedication to Him are increased. D. For a testimony to others including unbelievers. When we receive from God, it gives others a hope that they can as well receive from Him (Ps. 106:8, Exo. 10:2). When we are faced with an obstacle or we desire a thing seriously, we have confidence that if God did it for the men of old, He can still do it for us. Thus, God does care and we receive from Him so that others who are outside the faith can make Him their source.
Q3. WHAT ARE SOME OF THOSE THINGS THAT CAN HINDER US FROM RECEIVING FROM GOD?
Certain factors may hinder us from receiving from God.
A. Unbelief/Doubt Unbelief is an expression of lack of confidence in the ability and willingness of God to meet our needs. James says that no one who doubts God and His ability can receive anything from Him (James 1:6-7).
B. Disobedience (Deut. 28:15) Disobedience puts the individual out of the will and control of God, such a person cannot receive from Him. God will not pour His blessings on 22 His enemies and those who do not submit to Him.
C. Sin (Prov. 28:9, 13) Sin in all its ramifications takes one out of the realm of the covering of God’s grace and His provision. Sin deprived Adam and Eve of the goodness in the garden of Eden. Thus, we must avoid sin at all cost in order to enjoy the provision of God to the fullest.
D. Laziness (Prov. 21:25, 24:33-34) He who does not sow does not harvest. A continuous folding of hands results to continuous poverty. Therefore, laziness hinders receiving from God.
E. Murmuring/Complaining Murmuring and complaining is an act of dissatisfaction and disloyalty. They stem from ungrateful hearts and such people are difficult to please. Murmuring, grumbling, and complaining can stop us from receiving God’s blessings. Believers must be appreciative and thankful to God for all the blessings we have received from Him.
F. Others Include: Prayerlessness (non-asking, seeking, and knocking) Impatience (Heb 10:36) Asking amiss (James 4:3) Infidelity (Luke 12:45-48)
Q4. WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING FROM GOD?
A. Christian Leaders. There are certain steps which we must fulfil for us to receive from God. God’s promises are always with conditions which must be met before we can receive the benefits of these promises.
B. Salvation (Isa. 59:1-3, Oba 17) One basic condition for receiving from God is to first accept Christ and receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior. In other words, we must be born again. When we become born again through faith in Christ, we can then lay claim to God’s promises which are yea and Amen in Christ Jesus.
C. Obedience (Isaiah 1:19, Psalm 1:1-3) If the Christian obeys God’s laws and precepts (His word), and lives according to His directions, he/she will definitely receive His blessings. Unfortunately, many Christians do not follow God’s commandments to the 23 letter. They claim that God will understand their weaknesses as they are still flesh and blood. This hinders receiving from God.
D. Faith (Heb. 11:6, James 1:6-8) The Scripture declare “But without faith it is impossible to please Him. For he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). James 1:6 says that he that asks, must ask in faith and receive by faith. Faith is therefore central to our receiving divine providence. We must believe that God can and is most ready and able to meet all our needs.
E. Hard work (Eccl 9:10, Eccl 11:4,6, Prov. 12:11, Eph 4:28) From the above scriptures, the word of God encourages us to work hard. When we sow adequately at the right time, the Lord will cause an increase unto us. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied. Folding hands without hard work leads to begging. He who does not work should not eat (2 Thess. 3:10). God rewards our efforts when we work hard. God breathes upon our little efforts, and rewards us abundantly.
F. Giving (Luke 6:38, 2 Cor. 9:7b, John 12:24) The scripture encourages us to give, and it shall be given unto us. It is important that we should learn to give to the work of God and give to others who are in need. Giving is a condition to receiving. G. Hospitality (Rom. 12:13, Prov. 21:13) The Bible encourages us to be hospitable, for in doing so, many have entertained angels unaware. Such good gestures always returns good benefits. The Bible enjoins us to be kind to the less privileged. We also will receive kindness in return. H. Prayer (Phi. 4:6) Most believers do not receive from God because they do not ask of Him. They feel because they do not ask of Him, they feel He knows their needs and so will provide for them, when He will. It is the father’s good pleasure to give us His blessings if we should ask of Him in faith. Approach Him with all your expectations and you will receive. 24
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Receiving from God is a demonstration of God’s concern and care generally for His creation and particularly and specifically for His Children (believers). Though all of His creation comes under general grace, only those who are His own through grace and faith in the LORD Jesus Christ come under special and specific grace. All through the ages these people have been an expression of His goodness and favor. Thus, as a Child of God you are entitled to receive from Him. This is an assurance that should drive away all fear and anxiety. No matter the circumstance we may be passing through we can be rest assured of God’s care and concern. Sinners and doubters cannot receive divine providence. Thus, you must be born again and live a Holy Spirit filled life so that you will not be at enmity with God. Repent from your sins today so that you can fully receive from God.
MEMORY VERSE:
Matthew 7:8a “For every one that asketh receiveth”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
Monday: God promises to give us whatever we ask in His name. Jn 14:13-14
Tuesday: God will keep His word and promises. Is. 55:10-11
Wednesday: Salvation is the first step in receiving from God. Jn. 1:12
Thursday: Faith- A necessity for receiving from God. Heb. 11:6
Friday: Sin hinders receiving from God. Prov. 28:9, 13
Saturday: God will supply all our needs. Phil. 4:19