CENTRAL THOUGHT
Our level of commitment to the Lord is revealed in our conduct.
HYMN: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
TEXT: 1 Tim. 4:12, Eph. 4:17-32
INTRODUCTION
Christianity, as someone once said, is not practiced in isolation but in the society.
After experiencing salvation, God leaves us in this world to be His living witnesses, revealing His presence in our lives by the way we behave. Thus, the Christian is expected to manifest a Christ like attitude always.
In continuation of the series of “be thou an example of the believers”, this particular study focuses on how a believer should demonstrate Christian principles in his public and domestic lifestyle.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.) Understand what the word conduct means and why it is necessary for Christians to exhibit godly behavior.
2.) Know how a Christian should react when he is confronted with situations that pose as challenges to his faith.
3.) Appreciate the LORD’S instruction that we should strive towards perfection,
4.) Appropriate some ingredients that enhance good Christian behavior.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1A) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE WORD CONDUCT AS USED IN THE TEXT?
(See also James 3:13, 1 Pet.1:15-18).
As defined in the dictionary, the word conduct has to do with behavior. An individual’s behavior reveals who he really is. More specifically one’s behavior is an aggregate of his character traits. Most times an individual’s belief influences his behavior and therefore his character.
Christian conduct therefore has to do with how a Christian behaves or conducts himself in the society. The King James version of the Bible translates the word “conduct” as “conversation”. Thus, our behavior “converses” or “discusses” our real character with others. A proper or godly Christian conduct reveals the presence of God in a believer’s life to the world.
Q1B) WHY IS IT NECESSARY FOR A CHRISTIAN TO BEHAVE PROPERLY.
Matt. 5:16, 1 Tim. 6:1 We have been told by our LORD Himself that believers are “… the salt of the earth…” and “…the light of the world…” (Matt. 5:13 and 14). It is our responsibility therefore to conduct ourselves as GOD’s representatives in this world. We must manifest His light in us for others to see. He says that He has put HIS light in us and therefore we cannot be hidden. Our lights therefore must shine so that when men see our good works, they will give God glory. (Matt. 5:16). We live in a hurting world and when we Christians live out God’s life in us, we can bring succor to many. We are admonished further in 1 Tim. 6:1 to conduct ourselves properly so that the name of God and His doctrine will not be blasphemed. This is important. We must be careful so that our behavior will not in anyways bring reproach to the Name of our Great and Mighty King.
Q2.) DISCUSS IN PRACTICAL TERMS HOW A CHRISTIAN SHOULD REACT UNDER THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS.
-When accused falsely. Matt. 5:11-12
Where such false accusations are grand designs to persecute the believer, he should rejoice bearing in mind that is HIS sovereignty, God has prepared rewards for him in His Kingdom. It is also clear in scripture that the believer has a right o defend himself even in law courts. As the opportunity arises, he should state his own side of the story. We see this in the life Peter, James, John, Paul etc. in the scripture (Acts 4:5-16, 5:14-42, 26:1-32).
-When being lured to Sin. Genesis 39:7-12, Prov. 1:10, 1 Thess. 5:22
These may include such situations as when a student is being lured into examination malpractice or sex is demanded before employment or success in examination.
The LORD’s injunction to His people is that we stay away from sin. When enticed by sinners, we are admonished not to consent (Prov. 1:10) but rather we should “flee from every appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). Joseph’s response to the demands of Mrs. Potiphar is a good example for the believer to follow.
-When called upon to take part in family shrine activities.
Exodus 20:1-6
A believer must not and should never be involved in any form of idolatrous activities. These activities may present themselves in burial ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, acceptance of traditional titles, naming ceremonies etc.
-When slapped/beaten/ill- treated by a spouse, boss, colleagues, classmates etc. Matt. 5:11-12, 38-48, Rom. 12:14, 17-21
The New Testament command is that we leave vengeance to the LORD, GOD will certainly fight for us and take vengeance on those who maltreat us. There is also room in scriptures (especially in relationships between spouses) to seek solution through dialogue and/or counsel from sincere experienced Christian leaders/brethren. We should also avoid situations that will make people ill treat us by following the scriptural injunctions of “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” and “Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the LORD” (Mat. 10:16, Heb. 12:14).
-When he/she is in need. Matt. 6:25-34
There are some situations
when a believer experiences lack. It may be lack of food, money, clothes etc. The solution is not to engage in practices that are evil so as to meet these needs. In such situations, we are admonished to trust in THE LORD and patiently wait upon Him to provide. He remains “JEHOVAH JIREH”, “The LORD our provider”. We should learn not to worry or be anxious. Let us trust in The LORD for He cares abundantly for HIS people. It is important to state that as believers, we should not be lazy; rather we should be diligent and trust God to keep blessing the labor of our hands (Deut. 28:12).
Q3.) WHAT TRUTH CAN WE LEARN FROM: MATT 5:38-48?
The Lord instructs us in this passage to strive towards perfection. Our standards should be His own standards, not the standards of society, church, denomination (if such do not follow His standards) etc. He has given us the HOLY SPIRIT Who makes HIS grace available to us, as we seek to live for HIM. We are therefore to depend absolutely on GOD, of HIS SPIRIT daily as we pursue our desires to be perfect even as HE is perfect.
Q4.) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS THAT CAN ENHANCE GOOD CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR?
Some of the ingredients that can enhance good Christian conduct are:-
-Prayer (1 Thess. 5:17) Prayer, simply defined, is the act of communion with God. We are admonished in scripture to “Pray without ceasing”. In answers to our prayers we receive direction,
grace, and strength to live for HIM.
-Study of the word. (2 Tim. 2:12, 1 Pet. 2:2).
Believers should regularly study the word of God for therein we find direction on how to live for GOD and enjoy His blessings in this world.
-Fear of God (Prov. 8:13, 16:6) We are to worship God in reverential fear; such fear will help us depart from evil and restrain us from doing anything contrary to HIS will.
-Keeping the right company (1 Cor. 15:33, 2 Cor. 6:14)
A believer should stay away from the company of any individual who will bring a negative influence upon him. Any relationship with anyone that serves as an avenue for committing sin should be avoided by the believer.
-Fellowship. (Heb. 10:25, Prov. 27:17)
It is important that a believer keeps fellowship with other brethren. This underscores the importance of attending church, fellowship/Christian meetings regularly.
-Witnessing.
A believer should have the habit of telling others about CHRIST. When we do this on a regular basis, the responsibility to live the CHRIST-like life becomes more obvious to us. It is dangerous to hide our Christian identity.
-Heavenly focus. (Col. 3:1-4, 1 Tim. 6:12, 1 Corin. 2:9-10
It is important to remember always that there is a home beyond the earth. Like the heroes of faith (Heb. 11), we must always bear in mind that we are pilgrims in this world. Our real home is in heaven where we will spend eternity with God. We therefore must not do anything on earth that will hinder the eternal life GOD has given to us.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
A believer is under obligation to conduct his/her life in the fear of GOD, so as to bring glory and honor, to GOD’s Holy Name. It is therefore necessary that we seek to glorify GOD in our thoughts, words, and deeds. It ought to be that as people get to know us, they will get to know the LORD. The HOLY SPIRIT has been given to us, and as we depend on HIM, HE will produce the CHRIST-like life in us.
MEMORY VERSE
Matt. 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Christian conduct is important.
James 3:13, 1 Pet. 1:15-16
Tuesday: Christian conduct is necessary.
Matt. 5:16, 1 Tim. 6:1
Wednesday: Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Gen. 39:7-12, 1 Thess. 5:22
Thursday: Enhancing Christian conduct.
1 Thess. 5:17, Prov. 8:13, 6:16
Friday: Be ye perfect.
Matt. 5:38-48
Saturday: Do all things for God’s glory.
1 Cor. 10:31