CENTRAL THOUGHT
The practical life of a believer is a more effective message to his generation.
HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD.
TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, Romans 13:12-14
INTRODUCTION
The practical Christian life is anchored on values that are supernatural, divine, and eternal. The Christian is a citizen of the kingdom of Heaven, beyond this material universe. He is governed and motivated by the expectations of that kingdom. He lives neither for himself nor by the dictates and values of this earthly system.
The scriptures abound with instructions of divine origin that are to serve as guidelines for practical relationships and responsibilities. The fruit we bear will lend credence to the truth of a transformed life, a renewed mindset, and our obedience to the dictates of this higher kingdom. When our hearts are richly endowed with the word of God and with the presence of His spirit, the evidence will be an exemplary life that manifests Godly virtues unhindered. Here on earth, there are so many Christian duties which may appear like a routine or have been trivialized by us, but which are very essential in our walk with God. They are kingdom virtues which we are to cultivate as followers of Christ. The aim of this lesson is to remind us of these virtues and how we are to practice them in our daily living.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.) To identify things that give lasting joy to the Christian 2.) To explain what it means to “pray without ceasing”
3.) To state why and how a Christian should “give thanks to God in all things”
4.) To explain the expression “Quench not the Holy Spirit” 5.) To discuss how to “abstain from all appearances of evil”
BIBLE TRUTH
Q.1.) USING THE SCRIPTURES BELOW, ENUMERATE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT GIVE LASTING JOY TO A CHRISTIAN.
Luke 15:8-10, Acts 13:48, Philippians 2:2, Romans 14:17, 3 John 4, Nehemiah 8:10, Luke 10:17-20
From the given scriptures and others not listed above, there are many things that give joy to a Christian. Most of them are non-material values and experiences we encounter as we tread the path of redemption.
The experience of repentance and salvation from sin generates a fountain of inexplicable joy that wells up into eternity. The realization that one has receive divine pardon, justification, and grace brings unspeakable joy.
Complete obedience to divine instruction brings lasting joy to any Christian. According to Psalms 133:1-2, unity in a Godly brotherhood is not only good but also pleasant.
Whenever we discover some elusive truth in the word of God, we become excited to the extent of shedding tears of joy like Nehemiah and Ezra did when the word of God was openly declared after many generations of ignorance.
Spiritual growth of the believer which comes by hearing and exercising faith on the word of God brings lasting joy. Also winning souls for the kingdom of God by leading men to the righteousness brings joy. The presence of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of his fruit will exhibit Christ- likeness in the life of any believer.
Q2.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PRAY WITHOUT CEASING?
Daniel 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
To pray without ceasing does not mean that one must only pray and do no other work.
Rather it means that believers are to pray regularly and constantly, and that no act/deed or even regulation of our lives should hinder prayer. We are to use prayers to advance the cause of lawful business and good works. Just as food is nourishing to the body, so also proper prayer balanced in the word of God will nourish our Christian faith. It also means that when it comes to prayer there is neither over dose nor excess, and the word “enough” is totally absent. We should never faint in prayers.
Q3) WHY AND HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN GIVE THANKS TO GOD IN ALL THINGS?
Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11
Clearly it is natural to be thankful when things are favorable, but it is supernatural to be thankful in all things whether adverse or favorable. In prosperity we show gratitude to God because He is the source and sustainer of our benefits. In adversity we give thanks because but for Him it could have been worse, and He remains our hope for a better tomorrow. We give thanks because He has good intention for us even if we are in pains. Gratitude will attract better positive attention much more than protest or rebelling complaints. We give thanks to God by our words, actions, and attitudes. One way to show gratitude is to truly praise and worship Him and to testify to others of His love and mercy. We demonstrate gratitude to God by completely yielding our lives to His will and control, obeying His word. We also demonstrate gratitude to God by showing the love of God to others, whether believers or not. Finally, it is an act of gratitude to God when we make sacrificial contribution of resources towards the furtherance of the work of God.
Q4) EXPLAIN THE EXPRESSION “QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT”
Ephesians 4:30
The Spirit here refers to the Holy Spirit, operating among believers in the church.
Christians are baptized with the Holy Spirit and His presence is a potent spiritual force that empowers the believer. The Spirit can be quenched if we neglect to stir up our gifts or if we indulge in carnal lusts and affections or if we focus primarily on material benefits in our service to God. We also quench the Spirit when we display mechanical attitude towards the worship of God or we discourage the expression of the gifts of the Spirit in the local church. The Holy Spirit is grieved when we consistently remain insensitive to His presence and leading or we attribute the manifestation of His power to some other elements.
Q5) EXPLAIN THE STATEMENT: “DESPISE NOT PROPHESYING”
1 Thessalonians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 14:39
Prophecy here means the preaching and utterance of the word of God or the revelation of deep things of God under the influence of the Holy Spirit. To despise implies to ignore, communize, or look down upon God’s messages on account of our disposition or our familiarity with the vessel of communication. We are not to ponder over every message of God to get the real meaning on us. The word of God is useful and needful in moderating our affections and decisions. However, we are also enjoined to prove all things, meaning that we must search the scriptures to confirm all prophecy and not just take anything upon mere trust. We are to settle down only for that which is edifying. Believers who are endowed with the gift of prophecy must also not be carnally inflated by such endowments, but must, in all humility, refuse to accept glory by directing all such to God, to whom it truly belongs.
Q6.) HOW CAN WE ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL?
1 Thessalonians 5:22, 1Corinthians 15:33, Romans 14:16
Our actions are interpreted at two levels of the same process, namely the intention and the action. While the action is the actual execution, the intention is the desire, attraction or premium we place on action.
Executed evil practices and corrupt evil desires conceived in the heart, hidden away from men, are both equally destructive. Integrity of conduct should combine with purity of heart to define a child of God.
Furthermore, being regularly found in situations where our intentions or actions could invoke negative thoughts in those beholding us, is an appearance of evil that must be avoided. There is need to abstain from the action and thought of evil. There is also need to avoid expressions and manifestations that promote negative speculation, doubt and suspicion in our practical lives. We should not be involved in questionable deals, no matter how lucrative.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
If truly we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit is dwelling in us, then it is possible to overcome evil and to live a life of practical application to the Word of God. We misunderstand our faith if we see it as a system of notions and speculations only. We must proclaim its reality by practical application, faithfulness, and real commitment. There is no other way to heaven than the narrow way of righteousness, holiness, trust and obedience.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Thessalonians 5:21
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Watch and pray.
Matthew 26:41
Tuesday: Avoid evil company
1 Corinthians 15:33
Wednesday: Desire spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 14:1
Thursday: Give no room for works of darkness
Romans 13:12
Friday: Be thankful in every situation
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Saturday: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 4:30