CENTRAL THOUGHT
We are created to have communion with our God.
TEXT: GENESIS 19:27; LUKE 6:12-13, 11:1-4, PSALMS 63:1-6.
INTRODUCTION:
Different English dictionaries define the word ‘quiet’ as a state of being free from noise or uproar, absence of bustle, free from tumult, peaceful etc. Quiet time therefore refers to a time that is set out for any activity that requires no noise or distraction of any kind.
Our focus is on quiet time for the purpose of reading the word of God, meditation and prayers. This could be by an individual or a group of persons, especially family members, with a view of enhancing our relationship with God. Communication is essential in any relationship that is expected to be valuable and grow.
A Christian that observes daily quiet time consistently grows steadily in the Lord.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE PHRASE “MEANINGFUL QUITE TIME”?
Quite time refers to a time set aside for communion with God to enhance the spiritual growth of the participants. For it to be meaningful, it must have a well spelt out objective, and this should be, reading, studying and meditation on the word of God with prayers. It must be regular and consistent, in a venue free of any distractions, truly quiet, and conductive to all participants, in the case of a family. Participants should be given the opportunity to read the Word, and make contributions where necessary. It should be for the teaching and exposition of the word of God, and prayers. This will result in increase in the knowledge of the Word and growth in personal relationship with God as evidenced by the sustained love for God, and of God, among the brethren.
QUESTION 2) DISCUSS THE PURPOSE OF QUITE TIME
(a) Fellowship (1 John 1:3)
We have fellowship with God and other brethren during Quiet time in a family setting. Our fellowship is grounded in the testimony of God’s word. As we study and discuss the Word of God during quiet time, our fellowship is renewed daily.
(b) Strength for the day
David declared “The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” (Ps. 27:1). This truth of Psalm 27:1 can only be discovered as we study and meditate on the word of God during quiet time. As we consistently maintain our daily quiet time, it becomes real to us, and knowing that God is our strength, we are emboldened to face the challenges of Christian life and faith with confidence.
(c) To hear from God. (Psalm 46:10)
The most common way we can hear from God is through His Word. From the scripture passages we read during our quiet time, we hear/discover God’s promises to us, His warnings and the truth of His word through the ministration of the Holy Spirit, who interprets the Word to us in the language we understand.
(d) Bible study (Psalm 119:9-16)
A meaningful quiet time gives us the opportunity to study the Bible regularly and consistently, especially if we have access to a good Bible study aid.
(e) Prayers ( Phil.4:6)
As we diligently maintain our quiet time, we develop habits of constant prayers, both as individuals and as a family. Truth discovered during quiet time will always prompt us to pray. Some of the good Bible study aids suggest prayer points as a fall out from the topics studied. These would always encourage us to constantly pray without ceasing.
QUESTION 3) WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEANINGFUL QUIET TIME?
MARK 1:35, MATT.6:6, 14:23
(i) A special place of meeting that is devoid of noise or any other activity that may cause distraction.
(ii) The Holy Bible and a good Bible reading aid for necessary explanatory comments and references.
(iii) Writing materials to put down some messages or inspiration received and other things that may be worthy of note in the course of the exercise.
(iv) A reasonable set time.
(v) A sober attitude, a quiet spirit and expectation to hear from God with a view to know the truth the Holy Spirit may reveal during mediation.
(vi) The exercise should be concluded with prayers.
QUESTION 4A) WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES WE FACE IN OUR EFFORT TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL QUIET TIME?
The major challenge we face in our effort to maintain a meaningful quiet time is opposition by satan, which manifests as discouragement, waking up late, feeling weak, loss of interest, failure to provide leadership by the head of family, discord among family members, lack of time because of some of our daily economic activities, and others. There could be a situation of unwillingness to obtain a good reading aid. Indiscipline and lack of seriousness/ interest and ignorance of the purpose and benefit of quiet time. The class can identify others.
QUESTION 4b) SUGGEST SOLUTIONS TO THESE CHALLENGES.
Personal desire and hunger for a deeper knowledge of God and His word are the major things that can promote a meaningful quiet time. Paul said “that I may know Him…” (Phil.3:10). We cannot overlook self-discipline too, without which no good result can be achieved in any of life’s endeavors. A Bible reading aid with good explanatory notes can enhance our understanding of the Bible portion read.
QUESTION 5) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE QUITE TIME?
An effective quiet time helps to widen the scope of our knowledge of the word of God. It also gives us opportunity to have fellowship with God daily. It helps us to know God’s will concerning issues that may challenge us in our Christian life. It increases our devotion to God, and with a good reading aid, we are able to read through the sixty-six books of the Bible annually. It also gives us opportunity to bring the message of salvation to some of our family members who are yet to know Christ. It makes us conscious of the presence of God.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
As children of God, we cannot have a close relationship with God unless we maintain a good fellowship with Him regularly. This is the reason we were created, so it will be an absurdity if we fail to spend quality time each day, meeting and learning in His presence. Therefore, every believer/family should cultivate the habit of having daily quiet time with God.
MEMORY VERSE:
MATTHEW 6:6
“But thou when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Mon: Spending time with God: Luke 6:12-13; Ps.84:1-4, Gen.28:10-16.
Tue: Learning at His Feet: Is. 54:13; Matt: 28:9; Luk.10:38-42.
Wed: Benefits of quiet time: Prov. 8:17-21; Gen.18:27; 2 Chron.7:13-15.
Thu: Fellowship with God: 1Cor 1:6-9; 2Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Jn. 1:3.
Fri: Hearing from God: Judges 6:6-9, 13-24.
Sat: Seeking God’s presence: Judges 6:36-40; 1 Kings 18: 30-39.