THE LIFESTYLE OF A DILIGENT CHRISTIAN, DECEMBER 8TH, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHT: Being diligent in everything we do is profitable.Hymn:“ When we walk with the Lord”. TEXT: 2 THESS.3:6-15; PROV.6:6-11. INTRODUCTION: Diligence is a necessary virtue (habit) to be cultivated by an individual if he/she is to make success of life’s endeavors. It is an attitude that affects remarkably every area of one’s life-spiritual and physical. A diligent lifestyle is revealed in steady effort and careful hard work. An individual with a diligent lifestyle shows tremendous care and effort in his/her duties and work. On the other hand, an indolent (lazy, slothful) lifestyle is manifested in an attitude of unwillingness to work.Today, some persons are unable to maximize their potentials and achieve success in life because of a lack of an attitude of personal devotion to work. The failure of some believers in life’s endeavors is not because they have not been endowed with qualities that enhance success but rather such failures can be traced to indolence (laziness) or a lack of devotion to life’s duties.This study therefore seeks to encourage believers to maintain a diligent lifestyle because diligence is a virtue that is profitable in all areas of life. LESSON OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this lesson is to make us:-1. Understand what diligence is.2. Know the elements of diligence.3. Examine the lifestyle of a diligent man.4. Appreciate the fact that there are rewards for keeping a diligent lifestyle. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY DILIGENCE? (Prov.6:6-11; 10:4). Diligence is an attitude that manifests practically in careful and thorough work or effort. It involves showing consistent care and steady effort in your work or duties. The Scripture (Prov.6:6-11) points to the ant as an example of a diligent creature and encourages the sluggard (lazy, slothful) human beings to learn a lesson of hard work from the ants.A Bible commentary states: “the ant is a remarkable creature- an emblem of industry among creatures: ants are the most laborious insects in existence; most highly industrialized, collect food in proper seasons, fondly attached to the young, have keen interest for others, work quietly without show; work unweariedly until work is done; work together in astonishing systems of organizations to the best good of the whole community; ingenious carpenters and masons, building their own systems at homes and underground tunnels; keep their homes scrupulously clean; no one among them exists without a definite job in life to help meet the needs of the community; fight to death to protect their own homes and young from enemies; their social life compares with that of human beings in many respects: they are intelligent and wise, and they carry out life’s work without being forced to do so by a guide, overseer or ruler” (Dakes Commentary on Prov.6:6-10; 30:25).Thus, diligent lifestyle is one of hard work and continuous devotion to one’s duties or assignments; a life that is free of laziness and procrastination but steadfastly dedicated to one’s duties. Paul exhibited, pursued and manifested a diligent lifestyle. (2 Thess.3:2-9; Acts.18:3). QUESTION 2) EXPLAIN BRIEFLY THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS OF DILIGENCE. (a). Obedience (Joshua.22:5; Isaiah.1:19)An obedient heart is a prerequisite for a diligent lifestyle. A disposition of obedience will make the believer respond to God’s call to a service for HIM at any time and place. The believer should therefore pray for grace from GOD...
read moreCOVETOUSNESS, DECEMBER 1ST, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHTTake heed and beware of covetousness. TEXT: 1 KINGS 21:1-16; LUKE 12:13-15; 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-2 INTRODUCTION:This present world system is class conscious. Everyone is driven by various desires, to get the most of the world either legitimately or illegitimately. While this is the spirit of the age, 2 Timothy 3:1-3, the Christian is warned against covetousness, and is expected to live their life daily faithfully trusting the Lord. The sin of covetousness has permeated every facet of our society, government/offices, business/professions and religious circles. The Scriptures are replete with people who fell for this and the dare consequences that befell them. Hence every believer should strive to resist and overcome the spirit of covetousness. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain the word “covetousness”. To identify the things people covet. To give example of characters in the Bible who were covetous and how they ended. To identify the consequences of living a covetous life Discuss how the present day believer can overcome the spirit of covetousness. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS COVETOUSNESS?The word “covetousness” is form the verb “to covet” and the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary explains it to mean “to want something very much, especially something that belongs to someone else”. Thus, covetousness means having a strong desire for the things that other people have. In the Scriptures, this attitude of the heart is labelled as sin. It is the tenth commandment in the Mosaic Law, Exodus 20:17. It is a display of evil heart desires, Psalm 10:3. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE THINGS PEOPLE COVET?From Exodus 20:17, it is clear that virtually every earthly resource has the propensity to be coveted by man, hence, man is warned against it. They include neighbor’s houses, wives, domestic servants and animals, their land, etc., Deuteronomy 5:21. In our modern work, things like cars, clothes, position, electronics, and businesses can be coveted. However natural admiration of something good, if not allowed to agitate the heart, does not translate to covetousness. The sin of covetousness is evident when someone deliberately decides to dispossess another person of his rightful belonging without his/her consent, 1 Kings 21:17-19. QUESTION 3) WHY IS A COVETOUS SPIRIT ON THE RISE TODAY? 2 Timothy 3:1-2The upsurge in the operation of the spirit of covetousness is consistent with end-time prophecy. Satan is fighting his last battle to lead man to hell even, through the subtle sin of covetousness. The spirit of greed sets in when one loses heavenly focus. Some believers today are not living with eternity in view. Thus, to get the most of life, they go into inordinate accumulation of wealth, Philippians 3:17-20.The change in societal value in our world today tends to promote a covetous spirt among men. Success in life is not measured by the amount of riches that people have, irrespective of how the wealth was made. The statement of the Lord Jesus remains an incontrovertible truth, “for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesses”, Luke 12:15b. QUESTION 4) USING THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES, DISCUSS THE CONSEQUENCES OF COVETOUSNESS.-Lot and his wife:In Genesis13:10-13, it was covetousness that made Lot to choose the well-watered plain of Jordan first before his uncle, Abraham, who was far older. In the process, he found himself in an ungodly and wicked society. He never lived...
read moreREMEMBER LOT’S WIFE, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHTWe should learn to obey God Always. TEXT: LUKE 17:20-37, GENESIS 19:15-30 INTRODUCTION:The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were so filled with allsorts of corrupt practices, just like our present day, that Goddecided to destroy them. Abraham, a faithful intercessor,pleaded for his nephew, Lot and God rescued him and hisfamily. The angel instructed them not to look behind but toescape for their lives, Genesis 19:17. Unfortunately, Lot’swife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Thisaccount is so important that Christ made reference to it. Itbehooves the believer to be watchful and careful becauseChrist is coming at a time we do not expect. We shouldtighten all loose ends as Jesus has warned that; “No man,having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fitfor the kingdom of God”, Luke 9:62. This study will serveas a reminder not to lose focus of the race that is set beforeus. The Lord is coming soon. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain what gave rise to the statement,“remember Lot’s wife”. To know what lessons we can learn from theobedience of Lot and his daughters. To understand how the believer can escape thecoming wrath and judgment of God. To know what should be the believer’s attitudetowards those who are looking back. . BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT GAVE RISE TO THE STATEMENT: “REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE”. Luke 17:20-32 Lot was the son of Haran, Abraham’s elder brother. When God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees, he took Lot with him to the land of Canaan. When he parted from Abraham, he went to live in the City of Sodom where he got married and had two daughters. When the Pharisees demanded from Jesus when the kingdom of God should come; He answered that it does not come by observation.Jesus then gave example of two events – the days of Noah (the flood) and the days of Lot (fire and brimstone). He pointed out that Lot’s wife disobeyed God’s instruction and became a pillar of salt. We must be careful to live a life of obedience to the word of God so as not to end up like Lot’s wife. God expects us as individuals to respond to His word irrespective of what others are doing. QUESTION 2A) WHAT LED TO THE DOWNFALL OF LOT’S WIFE? Genesis 19:26th v. 17, “..escape for your life; look not behind you…” Lot’s wife had the privilege of angelic visitation, divine protection and guidance, but she fell because she did not take heed to the instruction given to her not to look behind her. She was not watchful in stressful situation and her compromising lifestyle led to her downfall.It is easy to blame Lot’s wife, but the errors that she fell into are with us today. Many Christians disobey God in clear violation of His revealed will concerning covetousness, association with the world, faithfulness in service and the easily besetting sins. It is very easy to fall into the danger of self-will, over-familiarity with God and presumptuous sins when one’s services are corrupted by these insidious stains. QUESTION 2B) WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAVE MADE LOT’S WIFE TO LOOK BACK? The Scripture is silent on what may have made Lot’s wife to look back. However, from our understanding of Scripture, her action suggests unbelief in...
read moreREVIVAL UNDER KING JEHOSHAPHAT, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHTGod’s word will surely prevail. TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 17:1-13 INTRODUCTION:The name Jehoshaphat means “God has judged” or “God established the right”. He was the son and successor of Asa the King of Judah (1 Kings 15:24). He was a pious King who began to rule at the age of 35 years and ruled in Jerusalem for 25 years. During his reign, he carried out a national program of religious education by teaching the people to know and observe the commandments of God. He realized that knowing God’s commands was the first step to getting people to live as they should. He enjoyed several Military victories. However, he did not completely destroy idolatry in the land. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives are to: Identify the good things that King Jehoshaphat did. Mention the wrong things he did. Comment on the prophecies/actions of Micaiah, Jehu etc. Summarize the blessings that God bestowed on Jehoshaphat for his obedience. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO WAS KING JEHOSHAPHAT?1 Kings 22:41-44Jehoshaphat was the son of King Asa who became the King of Judah at the age of 35 years after the death of his father and ruled in Jerusalem for 25 years. His mother was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. Jehoshaphat had a good heritage of godliness from his father’s early life. He had seven sons with Jehoram as the first who took over from him as king of Judah after his death. Jehoshaphat was a bold follower of God who contributed immensely to the spiritual, moral and material health of his country. Like his ancestors Solomon and Asa, he failed to completely remove the pagan shrines in the hill so the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their fathers (2 Chron.20:33). QUESTION 2) IDENTIFY THE GOOD THINGS THAT KING JEHOSHAPHAT DID.2 Chronicles 17:1-9;19:4-11The young King Jehoshaphat took the following steps that enabled him to build a powerful kingdom.(a) Good relationship with God. (2 Chron.17:3-6)Jehoshaphat found baal worship detestable and offensive to God and so refused to serve this popular heathen god. He chose to serve and obey the commandments of the living God. He was deeply committed to the Lord who in turn established his control over the Kingdom of Judah.(b) Good Education Policy (2 Chron.17:7-9).The people of Judah were biblically illiterate at this time. In some cases, people sinned against God because they were ignorant of His requirements. Jehoshaphat took time to raise competent teachers of the Word led by the Levities, Priests and Princes who travelled around through all the towns of Judah teaching the people the word of God. This caused everyone to fear the Lord.(c). Good Neighborliness (2 Chron 17:10-11)King Jehoshaphat maintained good relationship with surrounding nations. More so, the scripture says, “ When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him”. (Proverbs 16:7). God caused the Philistines and Arabians to fear and respect him. They were bringing gifts to this King and no one was ready to declare war against the King and his people.(d). Good domestic defense (2 Chron.17:12-19).Jehoshaphat provided security by fortifying the cities and building up a large, competent and well-equipped army. This army who was recruited according to their ancestral clans supported the king and were stationed in Jerusalem and fortified towns throughout...
read moreDANIEL – A DEVOTED STATESMAN, NOVEMBER 10, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHT We can live for God wherever we find ourselves. TEXT: DANIEL 6 & 7 (Reading Text: Daniel 6:1-28) INTRODUCTION: Living for God is a must for all who are obedient to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is always available to guide a child of God through any position or height that one climbs. Christian leaders should never forget who they are in the midst of many ungodly comrades. The scripture says that Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, Matthew 5:13-16. It is important that we maintain our integrity as children and ambassadors of a holy and true God. It is in this strive to stand for truth and righteousness that the enemy, Satan, tries to fault the effort of man. Daniel at the point of no compromise decided that the “vegetables” were more nourishing than the king’s meat and therefore called the king’s meat a defilement. He also chose to obey the Lord than to cease worshiping God. The leaders of the land could find no other way to accuse him other than faulting his obedience to God, Daniel 6:4-5. Many leaders today forget who they are when they climb to positions of authority. Rather than shining for Christ, they allow the darkness to overshadow them. The light should shine in darkness and darkness should not overshadow it.Believers should not hesitate to declare their identity with Christ and to confess the nature and pattern of life we are made for. This will go a long way to save us from the ungodly demand of the world. There has to be a personal commitment to God no matter the heights we have reached. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHY WAS DANIEL PREFERRED ABOVE ALL THE PRESIDENTS AND PRICES? Daniel, although in a strange land, allowed his light to shine as a believer in God. He did not hide his identity. The Bible records that he was a man of integrity. It should be recalled that Dairus who had just conquered Babylon could have imprisoned Daniel since he served in the government that was conquered. On the contrary, he was promoted. Daniel left the trail of God in his activities in the kingdom. No wonder the Bible says that God will make our enemies to be at peace with us if our ways please Him, Proverbs 16:7. He was a man with an excellent spirit. We have been chosen of God to show forth His praise, 1 Peter 2:9. We are Christ’s ambassadors here on earth as Christians, 2 Corinthians 5:20. It is very regrettable today that some of us have often misrepresented heaven. The name of God is blasphemed when we live dishonorable lives. Daniel in his day proved himself a worthy ambassador. Joseph was another true ambassador in his day. He was guided by the fear of the Lord. He had the opportunity to commit adultery with his master’s wife without any body knowing but he was very conscious of God’s presence and who He is. Anytime the name of God is glorified in our lives, He promotes us by Himself. We must learn to acknowledge Him in all that we do so that he can direct our paths. QUESTION 2) WHAT WAS DANIEL’S REACTION TO THE SIGNING OF THE...
read moreABRAHAM- A FRIEND OF GOD, November 3rd, 2024
TEXT: GEN. 18:1-33 INTRODUCTION: There is a vast difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. An important evidence of true friendship is loyalty, one to another (mutual). A true friend will continue to love irrespective of the circumstances and situations. From the time God called Abraham (Gen.12:1), their relationship continued to grow till it came to what could be called friendship. Abraham proved faithful to the point that God could visit, trust, confide in Him and grant his request. What a wonderful experience for a mortal man! Let us go through this lesson with the mindset to appropriate this knowledge in our lives, thereby improving our relationship with God, our true friend who gave His life a ransom for our souls. LESSON OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson, we shall be able to: 1. Describe a true friend. 2. Identify the qualities of Abraham that made him to be called a friend of God. 3. Discuss how our friendship with God can grow and develop. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO IS A TRUE FRIEND? Prov.17:17; Gen. 18:17; Jn.15:15. A friend is someone that loves at all times (1 Cor.13:4-8); someone being available to help in times of distress or personal struggle. A friend does not emphasize the weaknesses of his friend; someone you can trust, rely on and confide in. Friendship is at its best not in prosperity but in time of trouble. Good friends do not keep secrets from one another. Jesus calling His disciples friend speaks of mutuality and love, one in spirit. David loved his friend Jonathan as himself. Their faithful friendship also gave us a glimpse of the loving relationship Christ has with us. QUESTION 2) WHAT WERE THE BENEFITS OF ABRAHAM’S CLOSE COMMUNION WITH GOD? Gen.18:9-15,20. Abraham’s close communion (friendship) with God paid off for him. The twenty-five years old promise of no definite time frame became forth-coming as declared “according to this time next year, your wife shall have a son” (Gen.18:10 NLT). Secondly, the secret of the Lord is with them who fear Him (Commune with Him). God honored Abraham by telling him of His plan to destroy the twin evil cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Furthermore, the intercessory prayers made for the two cities by Abraham was answered by God. QUESTION 3) ABRAHAM INTERCEDED FOR SODOM AND GOMORRAH. WHAT DOES THIS TEACH YOU ABOUT GOD’S REVELATION? Gen.18:23-33; Ezek.22:30-31. God’s mercies always prompt Him to reveal certain secrets (revelation) to us, His friend, to do something about it. God revealed His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness (God’s perfect judgement), but Abraham, who knew that God was fair to the people began to intercede for them. God’s fairness stood out. He agreed to spare the entire cities if only ten Godly people lived there. He also showed mercy towards Lot, apparently the only man in the city who had any kind of relationship with Him. He also showed great patience towards Lot, literally, (almost) forcing him to leave Sodom before it was destroyed. God showed Abraham that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding that God’s answers come from His perspective. They are not always in harmony with our expectations, for only He knows the whole story. As a friend of God, He can...
read moreASA, THE REFORMER, OCTOBER 27TH, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHTIt is of great value to prayerfully start a Spiritual revival/reformation, receive grace to sustain it and finish strong. TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 14:1-15, 15: 1-19 INTRODUCTION:Asa was the son and the successor of Abijah and King of Judah. He was the third King of Judah, one who restored true worship to Judah (1 Kings 15:8-15) and he reigned for 41 years. The Scriptures testify that King Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord, his God (2 Chronicles14:2). He was a pious man who instituted several reforms to remove foreign gods and foreign religious practices form the land. Part of his strategies to institute the reform was the removal of his idolatrous Mother from being Queen Mother (political power) in order to purge the land of idolatry. Although, the account of 1st Kings 15 tells us that Asa’s heart was loyal to the Lord all his days (1 Kings 15:14), Chronicles explains that in his later years, he departed from his total devotion to God (2 Chronicles 16:1-14). This gives credence to the scriptures that says, “let him that thinketh he standeth take heed, lest he falls…”. There is the need therefore for believers to start the Christian race well, run it well, and finish it well.Be confident that when you wholeheartedly seek God, you will find him. Rejoice in knowing that the Lord is searching for people like you whose hearts will be loyal to Him, that He may strengthen and support and use for His glory. Make yourself available. LESSON OBJECTIVES Explain why it was said that “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” Discuss reasons why it was possible for Asa to build fortified cities in Judah Identify and explain the warnings given to Asa by prophet Azariah Discuss Asa’s response to prophet Azariah’s warning Identify and discuss the events that led to the fall of Asa, the great reformer BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHY WAS IT SAID THAT “ASA DID WHAT WAS GOOD AND RIGHT IN THE EYES OF THE LORD HIS GOD”.2 Chronicles 14:2-5Asa was a reformer and he promptly set out to purge the land of idolatry. He banished the perverted persons from the land and removed all the idols that his father, Abijam had set up, he drove out the Sodomites from the land, and removed his idolatrous grandmother, Maachah from being Queen mother. It is refreshing to see a King over Judah spoken of by God in this way. Asa pointed Judah to the Bible while seeking the ways of God, and following the word of God ensured serenity, rest, and peace which the land witnessed. QUESTION 1B) WHAT MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO BUILD FORTIFIED CITIES IN JUDAH?2 Chronicles 14:6-8 King Asa built fenced /fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest and had no war in those years, because the Lord had given him rest. When one truly follows the Lord “rest” is guaranteed. The Lord Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, promised to give rest to all those who put their trust in Him. When people are right with God, they have power over their enemies. If a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him....
read moreNAAMAN, THE SYRIAN, OCTOBER 20TH, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHTHumility and complete obedient is the pathway to divine blessings. TEXT: 2 KINGS 5:1-14 INTRODUCTION:The healing of Naaman demonstrates God’s saving power and grace upon all mankind irrespective of race and status. Naaman was a Syrian who was not supposed to enjoy the covenant blessings. But like the Syrophenician woman would argue “even dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from the master’s table” (Matt 15:27). God shows mercy and does good to all. His overall purpose is for all men to be saved.Naaman was a hero but he was a leper, very powerful, but could not exchange skin with the basest Slave in Syria. No man’s greatness or honor can insulate him from the calamities of human life. It took Naaman’s obedience and humility to be healed by God. In this study, we shall examine the steps he took to get healed of his leprosy with a view to deriving some lessons. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know who Naaman was. To examine Naaman’s encounter with Prophet Elisha To appreciate the impact Naaman’s healing had on him and others. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO WAS NAAMAN AND HOW DID HE HEAR ABOUT ELISHA?2 Kings 5:1-6, 1 Chron. 8:4-7, Luke 4:27Naaman was from Syria and the commander of the Syrian army. He was a descendant of Benjamin and the son of Ehud. He was a great man in a great place, an honorable and mighty man of valor. Through him God gave victories to the king of Syria over Israel and other nations. These victories earned Naaman popularity, honor and respect. He was very rich and powerful. However, in spite of his accolades, he was a leper. Leprosy was one of the most deadly diseases of the time. Some extreme forms of leprosy is so contagious that sufferers are forced out of the cities into quarantined camps. Obviously, this blemish diminished the warrior Naaman.During one of the exploits of Naaman against Israel, a young lady was captured, and she became a maid to Naaman’s wife. It was through this captive maid that Naaman got to know about Elisha. Though a little girl, she was acquainted with the wondrous works of God through Elisha. She had a strong faith in the God of Elisha and desired the good health of her master. She made her suggestions that brought about a solution to Naaman’s illness.QUESTION 2) READ 2 KINGS 5:6-7 AND COMMENT ON THE REACTION OF THE KING OF ISRAEL TO THE LETTER SENT TO HIM BY THE KING OF SYRIA THROUGH NAAMAN.Naaman decided to follow the official protocols to get to Elisha. The king of Syria had to write to the king of Israel who was expected to direct Naaman to Prophet Elisha. Naaman and the king of Syria may not have known where to find this prophet of God in Samaria. However, it was taken for granted that the king of Israel will know. So Naaman journeyed from Damascus to Samaria.The letter of introduction was then written by the King of Syria addressed to the King of Israel and accompanied by some gifts. The King of Israel on receiving the letter considered it as a strange request and tore his clothes in anger as was the custom of the Jews when they heard anything they considered blasphemous. “Am I God,...
read moreSOLOMON, THE WISEST MAN, OCTOBER 13TH, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHTThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 12:24-25, 1 KINGS 3:1-15 INTRODUCTION:Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. His father was Kind David; he was the third king of Israel. God gave him an unsurpassable wisdom. His name, Solomon, means God’s peace, He was really loved by God from childhood, 2 Samuel 12:24-25. When God gave him opportunity to make a request of anything he needed at the beginning of his reign as king, he requested for Wisdom and a discerning heart. God was pleased with him and granted his request alongside great riches and power. He rose to fame with his first judgment in a dispute between two women who claimed to be mothers of one child, and the building of the first temple in Jerusalem.Solomon was renowned for his God given wisdom, writings and wealth. He maintained most peaceful relationships with his neighbors in his forty years reign as king of Israel. He was credited with writing Ecclesiastics, Proverbs, and the Song of Songs (Song of Solomon). His undoing was his lust for women and the pride of life. He married so many foreign women from pagan nations of whom the Lord had instructed the children of Israel not to marry their women nor give their daughters in marriage to their men. These strange women turned Solomon’s heart from following the Lord. In this study, we shall consider the rise and fall of this wisest man that ever lived. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand what Solomon did that attracted response. To note the challenges posed to us by Solomon’s life. To understand how Solomon utilized his God-given wisdom. To identify what led to Solomon’s fall and guard against it. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHAT DID SOLOMON DO THAT ATTRACTED GOD’S ATTENTION AND WHAT WAS GOD’S RESPONSE? 1 Kings 3:3-5When the kingdom of Israel was firmly established in the hand of Solomon as promised by God, he whole heartedly loved God and continued in the footsteps of his father David. In appreciation to God for establishing him as king over Israel, he went to Gibeon to offer sacrifice to God. He offered a thousand burnt offerings unto God; for which God was pleased and in response, God appeared to him and gave him opportunity to ask for whatever he wanted God to do for him. QUESTION 1B) ANALYZE SOLOMON’S REQUEST AND GOD’S REPLY TO IT, NOTING THE CONDITION ATTACHED.Being a young man, Solomon considered himself un-equipped to rule as King over Israel, a people he considered as great and too numerous to number. So, He asked God for a discerning heart to be able to distinguish between right and wrong. God considered Solomon’s request, unselfish but a demonstration of integrity of heart and God promised to give him what he asked for and much more, including wealth, honor and long life, if only he would continue to walk in the ways of the Lord and obey all His statutes and commands as his father David did. God fulfilled His promise and Solomon became the wisest, wealthiest and most honorable king in Israel’s history. He was glad and offered burnt offering and peace offerings and made a feast for all his servants in thanksgiving unto God, 1 Kings 3:9-15. QUESTION 1C) WHAT...
read moreTHE POWER OF APPRECIATION, OCTOBER 6TH, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHTGratitude expressed from the heart produces joy and attracts more blessings. TEXT: LUKE 17:11-19, MARK 14:3-9 INTRODUCTION:Our Lord Jesus Christ commended the only man who came back to give thanks to Him for cleansing him of leprosy out of the ten that were healed of the same ailment. According to Matt. Henry’s commentary “The rest were made whole by the power of Christ, in compassion to their distress, and in answer to their prayer: but he was made whole by his faith, by which Christ saw him distinguished from the rest”.…Temporal mercies are then doubled and sweetened to us when they are ferried in by the prayers of faith and returned by the praise of faith”. We are living in a world where many humans are very selfish and self-centered. It is a part of the signs of the end time to fail to appreciate the good done to us for any reason. The fact remains that Christ as our example appreciated Peter for allowing Him the use of his boat to preach, by making him to catch “a great multitude of fishes” after an earlier fruitless effort. Part of the Lord’s reasons for this could be to teach the lesson of appreciation. A local adage has it that “if appreciation is given to the worker, his cutlass becomes sharper”. Others have it that “if thanks are given to a person for freely offering part of his chicken for food, he is encouraged and would be most desirous to share out of his goat-meat at his nearest opportune time”. Appreciation has the positive power to effect goodness by way of influencing the giver to do more. In other words, appreciation empowers the benefactor to be more helpful and enables the beneficiary to be better enriched. It should be pointed out also that the benefactor also receives from God for his giving. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand the power of appreciation To know what it means to appreciate To know why we should appreciate To show the consequences of not appreciating To understand the benefits of appreciation BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY “POWER OF APPRECIATION”?By power we mean energy of strength, opportunity, capability, potency, influence, or ability of the body or mind to act or do something. Appreciation means to express or show happiness, thankfulness, or gratitude with the words of our mouth, gesture, favorable reaction or parting with our material substance, belongings etc. to somebody of authority who did us good, or favor or extended grace and forgiveness to us.Power of appreciation, therefore, is the capability of our expression, out of a heart full of gratitude to induce, or cause, produce or generate more atmosphere for future benefits as a result of the previous done to us. Thus, power of appreciation does not only make both parties to be happy but invokes more love between them.It is that zeal to do more good to someone who expresses satisfaction over our help or goodness to him. QUESTION 2) WHO SHOULD SHOW APPRECIATION AND TO WHOM?Gratitude should be expressed from our hearts to all persons whether older or younger and or any authority or body who has done us good. Even if such good deed is our perceived right, we could generate a more cordial atmosphere for...
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