New Commitment in the New Year
Central Thought: Commitment is evidenced in ones service to God and humanity.
Text: John 13:1-9
The dawn of a new year offers new opportunities for service unto God and man, and fresh hope of new blessings. While many people make resolutions to improve on and change their ways of life, increase their businesses, get married, acquire more possessions etc., the believer seeks opportunity to enter into a new relationship with God. He strives to be more committed and consecrated to serve Him acceptable, having in mind the fact that the coming of the Lord is at hand and that the trumpet can blow any time; that we will only be rewarded according to our work. In this study, we shall among other things, be looking at various opportunities open for us to serve God and humanity in this New Year.
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Explain the phrase “New commitment in the new year”
Commitment refers to the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity or a person. It also means a promise to do or give something etc. “New commitment in the New Year” involves dedicating oneself afresh to something/someone in the New Year which can be in service to God, business, academics, marriage, etc.
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In what ways did Christ exemplify commitment while on earth? John 4:34-38, 9:4, 13:1-9
Jesus exemplified commitment in every area of human endeavor while on earth; thus He said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work”, John 9:4. His meat was to do the will of God and finish it, John 4:34. He showed humility by washing the disciples’ feet. He was compassionate; He loved, cared for and prayed for both past and present followers.
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Identify the qualities in the life of the following brethren and how they served faithfully.
The Seven Deacons, Acts 6:1-7:
v.3 “Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business”. The seven deacons were of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. In addition, they were full of faith, aspiration and ready to work. It is expedient that the business of the kingdom should be handed over to men and women of such qualities in order to maintain its eternal value.
Dorcas, Acts 9:36-42:
Dorcas was recognized by the people around her to be a woman of good works and alms deeds. She affected the lives of the widows that when she died they sent for Apostle Peter, who prayed and presented her to the saints and widows when she was brought back to life.
Also we are admonished in Titus 3:8 ‘. . . that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.’ We should endeavor to maintain good works for many will believe through our good works.
Priscilla and Aquila, Acts 18:1-4, 24-26:
These were couple that practiced true Christianity. They were united in spirit and had the same aspiration to expand the kingdom of God on earth and at the same time make heaven. They were Paul’s helpers; they had a church in their house, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Acts 18:18.
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Identify the opportunities open to the Christian to serve God and humanity.
The Church:
Opportunities abound in the church for us to serve God and humanity. Groups like ushering, choir, teaching, cleaning/decoration, prayer band, evangelism/visitation of new comers etc. are open for true believers to prayerfully join and function in.
The Neighborhood:
The service of God is reflected in the Christian in his/her neighborhood. The parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37, proves that the believer’s neighbor is anyone that comes across their way. Opportunities are open for us to show mercy or help anyone, although many people have suffered wrong while trying to help others. We should allow the Holy Spirit lead us whenever an opportunity comes for us to help others.
The Home:
A real Christian home is where God is welcome. It will be real honor if Christ finds our homes suitable to visit. The home is the first place where believers should be committed to one another as a proof of godliness. This should be reflected in our relationship with our spouses, children and those living with us. Since the believer’s home is the primary church, we should learn to fear God, keep His commandment and live in true righteousness. Our lives should be a replica of Christ no matter the challenges we may be facing at one time or the other. Priscilla and Aquila’s family is a good example as they were able to teach young preacher Apollos who was zealous without knowledge, Acts 18:24-26.
The Office, Business place, or School, Colossians 3:23; Luke 17:7-10:
In pursuit of one’s career, the believer must seize every opportunity to serve God. This includes evangelizing the people around us through our lifestyles; preaching, counseling, praying and giving financial assistance as the case may be etc.
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Why are some brethren not committed to the service of God?
Some reasons for lack of commitment by some brethren can be seen in two ways:
Spiritual: Many church members may not have been born again or backslidden and so cannot understand why they should be giving their time and energy in the service of God. Romans 8:5-8 says that a carnal man cannot understand the things of the Spirit neither can they be subject to it and so cannot please God.
Physical: Many believers out of ignorance of God’s word, and a feeling of improper education/illiteracy, worldly ambition, quest for fame, worldly position/power and money, are not willing to commit themselves to God’s work.
The appointment of church workers/ministers should not be on genealogical credentials, theological/seminary knowledge, educational qualification, charisma without personal experience of salvation. Though these may be useful, the church should be guided by the scriptural principles, Acts, 6:1-7, and the Holy Spirit, Acts 13:2. There is the need for continuous discipleship in the church because the deeper we know Christ the more we understand His will and purpose for us.
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What are the rewards for faithful service to God? Matthew 24:45-47, 25:31-46; John 12:26
Supreme love for God and our fellow men attracts blessing from God. There will be divine supplies when we are in need. Besides, God’s favor will be upon us, there will be answers to prayers when we call upon Him and He will continue to fulfill His promises in our lives. He will make our days like “the days of heaven upon the earth”, Deuteronomy 11:21. We must happily lay down our lives and material resources for the service of God.
Daily Living Application:
We are at a time when the cunning craftiness of the devil makes people to relax in lukewarmness and no longer committed to the cause of the gospel. The deviation is so high that many people are building the ‘tower of Babel’ without knowing it. It takes the focused believer to consecrate himself/herself for service to God and man which is both a duty and a wonderful privilege. God is calling us to rise and be committed to Him and the cause of the gospel in this New Year because Satan is using lack of commitment to weaken the believers’ service to God.
Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”