Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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PERSONAL DEVOTION, July 30th, 2023

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PERSONAL DEVOTION, July 30th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTDaily intimate fellowship with God is an assurance against defeat and failure. HYMN: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! TEXT: EXODUS 33:8-23; ISAIAH 6:1-12; DANIEL 6:4-23. INTRODUCTION:Every believer has a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Father. This personal relationship comes into effect at the new birth and is nurtured and developed through a sustained and effective personal devotional life-style.Personal devotion is one of the Christian’s exercises that are so beneficial and needed but rarely practiced by many believers. Most of us are so pre-occupied with our struggle for survival in these hard days that we hardly include in our daily routines a time to be with God alone. But if we are to grow spiritually we must devote time each day where we must be alone with Him. We do this by reading, studying, and meditating on His word and spending also some reasonable time in prayers.When we do this on a daily basis, we find that we will never be barren or unfruitful but live daily a victorious Christian life. Let us be quick to mention at this point that developing an effective personal devotional life-style requires much dedication and commitment. There are a number of distractions within and outside us that will want to frustrate an individual who plans to practice a regular quite time. Hence, we must persevere to ensure that no day passes without us spending time with God preferably in the quietness of our home. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To know what is personal devotion. To know the importance of personal devotion in the life of a believer. To know what constitutes a personal devotion. To know how you can improve your personal devotion. To know the results of an effective personal devotional life-style. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT IS PERSONAL DEVOTION?Personal devotion is setting oneself apart in order to have a personal fellowship with God. This can be best achieved when we set a time each day to read, study and meditate on the word of God. It is also a time we set aside to pour our hearts to the Lord in worship, praise and prayers. It is a time we set apart to seek the Lord by ourselves. It is essential that every believer observe a quiet time each day for personal devotion. The time set aside should be at that person’s convenience; it could be day or night. It may not be fixed for a particular time of day or night, as some of our daily chores may not make this very convenient. However, one will counsel that where possible this should be a particular time each day.Personal devotion was a way of life for the men and people of God of old. These men of God who had a mark on the sands of time not only believed in but practiced personal devotion on daily basis. Thus, they were able to say thus said the Lord with all assurance and certainty. Moses often will leave the people and go into the tabernacle to have a ‘table conference’ with the Lord. One of such occasions he was privileged to see the glory and the back parts of God, (Exo.33:8-23). On two occasions he spent 40 days alone with God where he received the Ten...

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THE PRAYER OF JABEZ, July 23rd, 2023

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THE PRAYER OF JABEZ, July 23rd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod will not overlook a sincere and passionate prayer. HYMN: What a friend we have in Jesus. TEXT: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. INTRODUCTION:The book of Chronicles begins with the genealogies of Israel but chapter four reveals Judah’s descendants. (1 Chronicles 4:1-8). The most remarkable person mentioned is Jabez. He was called Jabez because he bore him in sorrow. Jabez’s, short appearance in the Bible may make us think that he was insignificant to warrant our attention, but a critical look at how he got his name and his prayer request will reveal that we have a lot to learn from him. He is remembered for his prayer instead of a heroic act. His prayer is worth reflecting on, though not to be used as a formula or mantra to be chanted. This study examines Jabez prayer and is aimed at encouraging us to pray, no matter our condition. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are to: Identify who Jabez was and the meaning of his name; Appreciate derivable lessons from the prayer of Jabez; Understand why Jabez prayed; and Recognize that God answers sincere and passionate prayers. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHO WAS JABEZ AND WHY WAS HE NAMED JABEZ? (1 CHRON.4:9)Jabez was a well-respected man and an ancestor in the lineage of the Kings tribe of Judah. He was a descendant of Judah. His parents names were not mentioned neither when we were we given the age in which he lived. But the Scripture mentioned that he was more honorable than his brethren. The name Jabez was also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:55 possibly as a place named after him.The name Jabez is Hebrew word for “atsah” which means “sorrow” or “pain”. His mother stated “I gave birth to him in sorrow” ( 1 Chron.4:9). To the mother, such could be a reminder of God’s faithfulness even in times of sorrow. And also a reminder to the child on the need to love, honor and comfort the mother in view of what she passed through the process of delivery. QUESTION 2.) WHY DID JABEZ PRAY AND WHAT DOES THE PRAYER REQUEST REVEAL ABOUT THE PERSON OF JABEZ ?Obviously, Jabez was not satisfied with his condition. The beginning of his life may have been very rough and he desired a change. He must have realized that he could not help himself, hence he decided to cry out to God for divine help. His prayer revealed that He had a personal relationship with the God of Israel, had faith in Him and was convinced that only this God could help him. He prayerfully trusted God to direct his life, for all round blessings, including material blessings, protection, and guidance. God honored him. His prayer also revealed that he was a man that desired to serve and bring glory to God. QUESTION 3.) EXPLAIN THE MEANING AND THE LESSONS DERIVABLE FROM THE PRAYER REQUEST OF JABEZ ( 1 CHRON.4:10)The prayer request of Jabez could be separated into the following four parts.a. “AND JABEZ CALLED ON THE GOD OF ISRAEL, SAYING, OH THAT THOU WOULDEST BLESS ME INDEED”.Jabez called on the God of Israel, the only living and true God. The covenant keeping God who hears and answers prayers; not on the dead gods of the gentiles. He appears to understand the blessedness...

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TRAVAILING IN PRAYER II, July 16th 2023

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TRAVAILING IN PRAYER II, July 16th 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTBelievers should pray always and not lose hope. HYMN: Spirit divine attends our prayers. TEXT: MATT 26:36-46, 1 THES.5:17, HAB.2:3 INTRODUCTION: Prayer is a very important aspect of Christian living. Jesus demonstrated this throughout His earthly ministry, thus leaving us an example to follow. In the garden of Gethsemane, he prayed so earnestly that His sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground Luke 22:44.In this lesson we will be looking at some areas in which we require travailing prayer in our warfare with the devil. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To identify areas in which we need travailing prayer. To identify also some situations in life when it appears as if answers to a Christian prayer is delayed and encouragement to give in such situation. To discover some of the things that will help in our prayers. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) DISCUSS SOME CIRCUMSTANCES THAT DEMAND TRAVAILING PRAYER.The following are some of the areas we need to travail in prayers. a. THOUGHT (PRO. 4:23, 2 COR.10:5).Believers should not forget that the main battle field where the devil fights us most is our mind. He inspires evil thoughts, confusion, doubts, fear, despair, discouragement etc. A child of God should not allow his heart to be where devil operates anything he likes. Our hearts should always be guided in prayers to ward off any intrusion. b. ANXIETY: PHIL.4:6, MATT.6:25-34.Anxiety means worry. Most often the devil uses this as strategy to wear a believer out, presenting the catalog of needs of life all the time-what to eat, what to drink, wear, bills to pay, etc. all in attempt to make a child of God violate the word of God which says in Matt.6:25-34, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat….”The believer should resist steadfastly the spirit of cares of this life in his prayers.Matt.6:34 says “take no thought for tomorrow,” vs, 32B…. for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Be vigilant and trust God for your daily provision.c. TRIALS AND TEMPTATION:PS.34:19, 1 COR.10:13, MATT.26:41.The time of trials and temptation is not the time to abandon prayers, neither is it the time to give in or surrender to Satan. The devil is never a friend; he wants to lure a believer to sin, thereby making him to deviate from God and His word. Remember that he is always eager to get his threefold mission fulfilled (to steal, to kill and to destroy. Jn.10:10).The Bible says in 1 Pet.5:8-9, be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion…The believers should in times like this resist the enemy through travailing prayers. d. THREATS BY THE ENEMY AND HIS AGENT: MK.16:17, PHIL.2:10, ACTS 4:29 -30, DAN.6:10The devil can threaten a child of God in different ways; threats of death, accidents, termination of appointment, divorce etc. The believer should not at this time allow himself of herself be swallowed up in fear. Remember whom you are (son of God, joint heir with Christ etc.), power and authority have been bestowed on you by God.The word of God in Lk 10:19 says “ behold I give you power to tread upon serpents and scorpion…So do not be intimidated by any threat from any angle. Pray authoritatively, believing in your prayers all the time and...

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Travailing in Prayers (1), July 9TH ,2023

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Travailing in Prayers (1), July 9TH ,2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA prayerful Christian is a powerful Christian. HYMN: What a friend we have in Jesus. INTRODUCTION:There are some situations as we run the Christian race when answers to our prayers appear to be delayed or not forth coming. The reasons for this may not be immediately known by the believer. Under such situations some Christians become discouraged and may even abandon praying. But this is the time he/she should persevere in prayer and not to faint.A believer should realize that the battle with our arch enemy is not yet over. The devil uses situations like these to wear a believer out and make him or her to lose hope in God’s word and His unfailing promises.Travailing in prayer calls for perseverance and persistence in prayers until something happens. Daniel travailed in prayer seemed delayed (Dan.10:2, 3, 11-13). Jesus travailed in prayer leaving us an example (Lk 22:40-46). In this study we shall be looking at those ingredients that will help us to get back on our knees in prayer. Lesson Objectives: To understand the meaning of prayer and Travailing prayer. To appreciate the place of travailing in prayer. To highlight the derivable challenges in Christ prayer in the garden. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY PRAYER AND TRAVAILING IN PRAYER?John 17:1-5, Acts 4:24, Matt. 26:39-42. Prayer simply means to express one’s desires, to commune with, to intercede, to ask earnestly and reverently, to make request from a higher power or authority. In our context the higher power or authority is God the Creator of the universe.God is the one who takes the initiative in communications between Himself and His creatures. He offers us the invitation to commune with Him in prayers ( Jer.29:12). The basic nature of prayer is a response to God’s initiative. Prayer is very important in the life of any Christian, as the individual cannot live a successful Christian life without it. The patriarchs, prophets of Old and many others including the Lord Jesus Himself, always prayed to gain victory and have their needs met by effective communication with God. (Gen. 18:22-23; Ex.15:24-25, 1 Sam. 1:15-16, Luke 18:1, James 5:17).Travail means strenuous mental or physical exertion while travailing in prayer means exerting a lot of energy in prayers or praying tenaciously in requesting something from God. QUESTION 2A.) WHERE DO WE TRAVAIL IN PRAYER?DAN.6:10, MATT.6:6, ACTS 12:5Travailing in prayer is always successful in one’s closet. That is a place where there is no distraction.Daniel when he knew that the writing was signed, went into his house, knelt down and prayed. Jesus our Savior commanded that we go to our closet to pray and the church also prayed; the garden of Gethsemane was the closet the Lord chose before facing the sufferings and death at Calvary.Although general prayers can be said anywhere, once a believer wants to make success in his/her prayer life, he/she has to get separated. QUESTION 2B.) IN WHAT LANGUAGE DO WE TRAVAIL IN PRAYER?Travailing in prayer can be made in any language. The Almighty God who is being communicated hears and understands all languages because He created them. Whether it be Greek, Latin, English, etc; He understands them; and each one of us should travail in his own smoothest language to God. Praying in the Holy Ghost is the highest...

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Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International

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Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International

Invites you to join us as we begin our annual month of July Prayer and Fasting. July 1st-31st, fasting from 6am-6pm (or as directed by the Holy Spirit). This year’s theme is taken from Isaiah 58:6. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”, Ephesians 6:12. Scripture tells us that the battles that we face are not physical battles but spiritual ones. This year’s theme tackles those inherited yokes that have been passed down from generation to generation as well as the yokes we put on ourselves by engaging in iniquity. God’s word has told us that there are bands of wickedness that need to be loosed, burdens that must be undone, oppressive forces that we must be freed from as well as yokes that must be broken. Join us as we set apart the month of July to address these demonic forces to let God’s people go! MZGTI Month of July Fasting and Praying, fasting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Visit our facebook page for daily prayer points etc. https://www.facebook.com/Mzgtiglobal Elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should apply their hearts unto wisdom. Fasting with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For those who would like to join us in our prayers our prayer line will be open every night in the month of July at midnight:7164271426 conference code 568693# God bless you...

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FASTING: THE RIGHT WAY, July 2nd, 2023

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FASTING: THE RIGHT WAY, July 2nd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTFasting should be done the way it is prescribed in Scriptures. HYMN: Nearer, my God, to Thee. TEXT: MATTHEW 6:16-18, ISAIAH 58 INTRODUCTION:Fasting is a time when we humble ourselves before the Lord, accompanied with prayers and study of the Word. Fasting, is a means given to believers to approach the Lord, is practiced by many denominations. However, the purpose and its usefulness have been abused by a lot of individuals intentionally and unintentionally. For instance, its effectiveness is sometimes seen by some persons in the number of days one can fast or should fast, in order to receive from the Lord. Some believers pride themselves in the number of days they and their church members have fasted. Thus, it becomes a show. Some persons tacitly believe that fasting is a must as we enter into the new year or else that year will be less glorious. Sometimes some believers fast because their church or denomination has proclaimed a fast and not because they believe that it is the will of God for them to fast. Others think it is a sure way of receiving from the Lord irrespective of the way they live. Such persons do not see anything wrong with fasting in strife, unforgiveness, immorality, corruption etc. This study is to remind us that our fasting must be done according to the pattern prescribed in Scripture. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson include to: Make us understand that Fasting is a necessity. Know the proper way to fast Appreciate the reasons why we fast and Know what to expect when we fast. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) IS FASTING NECESSARY FOR BELIEVERS? MATT 6:16-18; LUKE 5:35From the above Scripture (Matt 6:16-18) the Lord Jesus used the Word “when” which indicates that HE expects us to fast. To make the point more obvious, the Lord Jesus was specific about it when He said “but you, when you fast”. Also in Luke 5:35, the Lord Jesus boldly declared that “ the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they (His disciples; His body- the church) will fast in those days.” This is to affirm the truth that the Lord Jesus expects us to fast. QUESTION 2.) FROM OUR MAIN TEXT, WHAT ARE THE PROPER WAYS TO FAST?The proper ways to fast as recommended by God Himself in the Scriptures include:Fasting is expected to be between the person fasting, other parties that may be involved and God alone (Matt 6:17-18). It may therefore involve you and the church (Acts 13:1-2), your spouse and/or family members (1 Cor.7:5), and prayergroup members. It is not what we should broadcast or make a public show of or make boast of. Fasting is a time when we humble ourselves before the Lord. One of the reasons God didn’t respond favorably to the fast of the children of Israel was that they behaved as they pleased and not toplease the Lord. During fasting they quarreled, they fought and were in bitterness, strife and unforgiving ( Isaiah 58:3-4). It is also not a time for sensual pleasures. The Bible says that we cannot fast like this and expect our voice to be heard. Rather its’s a time where men humble themselves before the Lord.Fasting is the time of forgiveness- when...

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THE USE OF THE TONGUE, June 25th, 2023

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THE USE OF THE TONGUE, June 25th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTWholesome use of the tongue is a measure of spiritual maturity. TEXT: JAMES 3:1-13; PSALM 34:12-13 INTRODUCTIONThe tongue is a very important part of the body, situated in the mouth. It is a very small fleshy muscular organ that facilitates speech among other things. When properly used, it brings blessings to the speaker and the hearer but when used wrongly, it can result in death, destruction, bitter envying and strife, clamor, and wars, etc.However, it is important to note that what comes out of a man depends on what he harbors in his heart because the Bible says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”, Luke 6:45. If the heart of an individual is filled with the word of God, the Holy spirit will undue him with godly wisdom that will enable him to control his tongue and “speak with grace”; have “sound speech that cannot be condemned”, Colossians 4:6; Titus 2:8. “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”, James 3:2. Wrong use of the tongue can cause a lot of problems to an individual in the home, neighborhood, and community and even in a local church.The Bible says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”, Proverbs 18:21. For this reason, every believer is encouraged to make wholesome use of the tongue so as to have graceful speech seasoned with salt, Colossians 4:6; in order to avoid bitterness, clamor and in-fighting in a local church, James 4:1:2; Ephesians 4:31. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are: To know what the tongue is. To appreciate what the Bible teaches concerning the use of the tongue. To know how to exercise control over the tongue. To know the consequences of wrong use of the tongue. To appreciate the benefits of proper use of the tongue. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT IS THE TONGUE?The tongue is that fleshy muscular organ in the mouth that can be used for tasting, licking, swallowing and speaking. Although the tongue is a small member of the body, it can cause an enormous irreparable damage. If not properly used, it is full of wickedness, which can poison every other member of the body.In James 3:5-6, the Holy Bible describes the tongue as a little member of the body, which makes great boasts. It is also described as “a fire”, “a world of iniquity” that can defile the whole body, and set on fire the course of nature and “it is set on fire of hell”, James 3:6. This implies that though the tongue is a little member of the body, it can destroy the life of an individual, cause bitterness among brethren, wars and fighting among nations, or even cause confusion and strife in a local church if not carefully guarded.However, the tongue can only say what is in the heart. It mirrors the heart. When the heart is richly endowed with the word of God and Spirit-filled, the wisdom from above will help the believer to tame his or her tongue and have “sound speech that cannot be condemned.” Every believer is therefore encouraged to fill his or...

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ISAAC THE COVENANT CHILD, June 11th, 2023

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ISAAC THE COVENANT CHILD, June 11th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod keeps His covenant with His people. TEXT: GENESIS 22:1-18, 25:19-21, 26:1-6 Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. He was born when his father was one hundred years old and the mother ninety years. He was a covenant child which God promised Abraham. Ishmael had already been born to Abraham at this time and he was almost giving up hope, thinking that it was no longer possible for him and his wife Sara to have children. Abraham was pleading with God on behalf of Ishmael, Genesis 17:15-18. ” And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.”, Genesis 17:9. God is the covenant keeping God, “what He had promised, He was able also to perform, Romans 4:21b. We can be rest assured that God is too faithful to fail. Whatever promise He makes to us as His children, He will surely bring to pass. He is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man that He will repent. His word is Yea and Amen.In this study, we shall discuss the birth of Isaac, his growth and progress in life from childhood to adulthood. We shall also highlight some lessons we can learn from the story of his life to see how we can apply them to our lives. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to: To discuss how Isaac’s birth marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham Highlight the lessons we can learn from the Scriptures concerning Isaac as a child. Examine how Isaac handled the barrenness of his wife and the lessons we can derive from it. Identify the secret of Isaac’s prosperity and the lessons that can be derived from it. To identify some shortcomings in the life of Isaac as recorded in the Scriptures that we must avoid. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1. DISCUSS HOW ISAAC’S BIRTH MARKED THE BEGINNING OF THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM? GENESIS 18:9-15, 21:1-7, 17:9-27; ACTS 3:13, 24-25; ROMANS 9:6-10Isaac was the son of Abraham, who was born to him by Sarah his wife when Abraham was one hundred years old and Sarah ninety years. The birth of Isaac was the fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham. “…I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son”, Genesis 18:10. Therefore, Isaac was a child of promise. God had promised Abraham that Sarah his wife was going to give birth to a son and that the child should be named Isaac which means laughter. God also told Abraham that He would establish a covenant with Isaac for an everlasting covenant. Although God entered into this covenant with Abraham a long time before the period of the birth of Isaac, the covenant found its fulfilment at the birth of Isaac, Genesis 15:18. God’s word will surely come to pass: no matter how long it takes, it will never fail. QUESTION 2. READ GENESIS 22:6-10 AND HIGHLIGHT THE LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM ISAAC AS A CHILD.There are many lessons we can learn from Isaac as a child. It was very obvious that Isaac knew and believed in the God of his father. His father must have taught him...

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OBEDIENCE- OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE (PART 2), June 4th, 2023

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OBEDIENCE- OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE (PART 2), June 4th, 2023

HYMN: “When we walk with the Lord. ” CENTRAL THOUGHTGod demands total obedience from every believer. TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 15:1-23 INTRODUCTION:In the scripture, God always demands total obedience to His commands. Almost all the blessings we receive from God are predicated on total obedience to His words and commands.God expects from every believer a heart and attitude of complete obedience. In 1 Sam. 15:1-23, King Saul assumed his action in sparing the best of the Amalekites’ cattle and the King Agag would be used for sacrifice to God. Our God is more interested in our obedience than whatever sacrifice we would offer to Him. Thus, obedience entails totalsubmission to God’s authority over our lives, His will and command. Our willingness to submit to God’s will and instructions carrying them out on a daily basis should be our goal.Obedience attracts God’s blessing while disobedience brings about curse (Deut. 11:27-28).Disobedience to God is a sign of disrespect to Him and this has very serious consequences. Our obedience therefore should be complete for us to receive the promise (Heb. 10:36). LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know what obedience means.2.) To differentiate total obedience from “partial” obedience.3.) To discuss some areas believers indulge in partial obedience.4.) To highlight the consequences of partial obedience.5.) To know the rewards of total obedience. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT IS OBEDIENCE?Obedience can be defined as carrying out the will of another person. It can also be viewed as a positive, active response to what one hears. It is an act or instance of submitting to authority. It is the compliance with the demands or requests of someone over us.Obedience to God is an obligation stressed in both Old and New Testaments. One evidence that a person is a child of God is his continued obedience to the commands of God. Obedience keeps our relationship with God open and free.Our obedience to God implies a total, unquestionable and complete submission to His will in all areas of our lives. This entails obeying the word of God (Exodus 19:5-6), pleasing Him in all we do and everywhere. Our obedience must therefore be motivated by our love for God based on reverence for Him. QUESTION 2.) DIFFERENTIATE TOTAL OBEDIENCE FROM “PARTIAL” OBEDIENCE.God demands total or complete obedience from every believer. Our obedience to God should manifest in all we do and it should be unconditional. Abraham demonstrated total obedience in offering his son Isaac (Gen. 22:1-12). You can imagine how one would feel when asked to offer a child one received after waiting for the promise for twenty five years. Although it would have been a very difficult decision to take, Abraham believed that God was able to bring back Isaac back to life even after he had offered him (Heb. 11:17-19).On the other hand Saul started as a humble man (1 Sam. 9:21) who was attentive to God’s commands. Gradually he began to listen to other voices. He placed higher value on appearances and popularity than obedience to God (1 Sam. 15:13-23). God rejected Saul as King because he did not completely obey God’s command (1 Sam. 15:3).Only our total obedience meets God’s standards and therefore acceptable to Him. Partial obedience as far as God is concerned is reckoned as disobedience. QUESTION 3.) DISCUSS SOME AREAS BELIEVERS INDULGE IN PARTIAL OBEDIENCE.There are...

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OBEDIENCE (PART 1): THE MARK OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD, May 28th, 2023

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OBEDIENCE (PART 1): THE MARK OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD, May 28th, 2023

HYMN: “When we walk with the Lord ” CENTRAL THOUGHTWe must obey God completely and fully in all things. TEXT: GEN. 6:11-14, 22, 12:1-5, 22:1-8, PHIL. 2:5-13, JAMES 1:25 INTRODUCTION:Obedience to God is the total submission of our will to the excellent and perfect will of God. God does not force any one to obey Him but expects it to be voluntary. A study of the Bible reveals that man’s obedience to God’s will, has always brought man happiness, and disobedience, unhappiness. For this reason we have in the Bible an emphasis on obedience. God said, “The things I command you, observe to do” Deut. 12:32. Again, “if you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” Isaiah 1:19, “for as by one man’s disobedience man were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).Redemption, which became necessary because of the disobedience of man, was made possible by the obedience of Christ. Obedience is at the center of man’s problem and likewise God’s solution. It is as we study the true meaning of obedience that we see the necessity of it for salvation, blessing, and God-honoring life. There are many things that make man unwilling to obey God. In this study, these shall be identified and discussed in order for us to have a fruitful Christian life. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe lesson objectives are as follows:1.) Have an in-depth understanding of what obedience is.2.) To know what obedience entails.3.) Identify some of the things that makes it difficult today for believers to obey God’s word.4.) To consider the outcome of obedience in the life of some Bible Characters. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY OBEDIENCE?When we generally think of obedience, we think of doing what one is instructed to do. In scripture there are several different words used for obedience. In order to establish the principal meaning of these words in our minds, we will look at two of them briefly.Shama: This Hebrew word is the primary one used throughout the Old Testament. The word has as its primary root the meaning, “to hear intelligently”. Please note the word hear, it is central to the meaning.Hupakouo: This Greek word is the primary one used throughout the New Testament. The word is really made up of two words: hupo meaning under or beneath, and akouo meaning to hear. Thus the meaning of the word could be stated as, “to hear under”. It carried with it the thought of subordination, or the recognition of authority and wisdom. it is an attitude of hearing.Obedience is an attitude of the heart toward a higher authority. As Christians, that higher authority is God Himself. For the Christian, obedience is submitting intelligently to a higher authority because He is the Lord and final authority. Obedience is submission to God’s will, complying with given instructions; doing what God says one should do and not doing what God says one should not do. QUESTION 2.) WHAT DOES OBEDIENCE ENTAIL?a.) Sticking to what God says even when it seems unfavorable:When the Bible speaks of one obeying God’s will, it is teaching that one is to do what God has said, in the way God has said it, and for the reason God has given. Matthew 7:21...

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