OCTOBER 27

Topic:       GOD’S PRAISE

Text: John 12: 42-50

Memory Verse: “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” John 12:43

THE PRAISE OF MEN: John 12:42-46, Luke 12:8,9, Rom 2:29

We should not allow the fear of men to deprive us of salvation, righteousness, holiness, heaven and eternal life. As believers, we should get rid of fear from our lives and make up our minds to get to heaven. We should emulate Daniel who purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the King’s meat. We cannot accomplish God’s purpose on earth if we are not courageous to take right decisions that will affect our destiny and that of others.

Saul had a crown to keep and to preserve but he feared the people and lost everything. The fear of God and absolute obedience to His Word will make us escape His impending judgment.

The Pharisees loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”. They wanted the praise of men and it hindered them from getting into the Kingdom of God. What should be uppermost in our hearts is the praise of God and not men. Anyone who seeks the praise of men will lack the conviction and courage to stand. To enjoy God’s praise, you must believe in Christ, maintain a life of righteousness, make restitution and be willing to stand and live by His Word.

HIS COMMANDMENT: John 12:47-50, Ps 119:89, Matt 24:35

There is a final day, the judgment day, when the Lord will examine our lives to see whether our faith, behavior and actions match with our knowledge and learning.

Jesus did not allow Peter, His own disciple to derail Him. Rather, He stood on the Word. And the same conviction and faithfulness that Jesus had, He brings to us today. We must have the strength, grace, authority and conviction. We must stand firm on the Word of God and never compromise because “His commandment is for everlasting”

Therefore, abandon your desire and that of those around you and be willing to do the will of God alone. To be a faithful disciple of Christ, you must do the things that please Him and His Word to be settled in your heart just as it is ‘settled in heaven”.

HOME CELL STUDY

POWER IN HIS INSTRUCTION

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice of Gold. Proverbs 8:10

Spiritual instruction may come to you in the most unexpected or usual way but be prompt to obey. Never try to rationalize spiritual instruction with your mind; the wisdom of God is foolishness to men. Consider the Lord’s instruction to Joshua for instance. After the death of Moses, God instructed Joshua to take over and subdue Jericho in (Josh 6:2-5).From the natural stand point, God’s instruction was an impossible feat for Joshua and the children of Israel. The thickness of the walls of Jericho was such that houses were built on them. But Joshua followed the Lord instructions and the result was victory for the children of Israel. Our opening verse says to receive instruction and not silver. The word of God is God’s instruction manual for an extraordinary life of glory, dominion and victory; so don’t neglect the word. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life” (Proverbs 4:13). Be conscious of this when responsibilities are given you especially in the house of God. 

Question

How do you keep to the instruction of the Lord?

OCTOBER 28