Memory Verse: Galatians 5:25

 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit_ (KJV).

Central Truth

Disciples of Christ manifest Christlike characteristics.

The Lesson Outline

1. Be Led by the Spirit

A. Listen and Obey

Galatians 5:16–18

B. Roots Produce Fruit
Galatians 5:19-26

2. Stop Sinning
A. Act Like Your Father

1 John 3:1-6
B. Don’t Be Fooled
1 John 3:7-10

3. Love One Another

A. The Great Love of God

1 John 4:7-12

B. Confident Living
1 John 4:13-21

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will
be able to:

1. Understand and demonstrate biblical characteristics of a Christian disciple.

2. Appreciate what it means to be led by the Spirit.

3. Grasp the importance of loving others as part of the lifestyle of the Christian disciples.

Introducing the Lesson

There are clear descriptions in Scripture of what it means to be a
follower of Christ. At the foundation of these descriptions is a close,
personal relationship built on faith in and submission to God. Such a relationship is clearly described in Scripture. The life of a Christian disciple is a life guided by the Holy Spirit, a life that resists and rejects
sin in favour of God’s leading, and a life that is marked by lovo tor God and others. Today’s lesson examines that life from the standpoint of Scripture.

The Holy Scriptures

Galatians 5:16“`This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.“`

1 John 3:2`“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

5. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

7. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.“`

Commentary and Application

1. Be Led by the Spirit
A. Listen and Obey

Galatians 5:16–18

All those who love Jesus desire to please Him through the way in which they live. The foundation of such a lifestyle involves walking in the Holy Spirit (rather than fulfilling the desires of the flesh). Paul wrote of this in Galatians 5:16-18. For many Christians, the concept of hearing the Spirit’s voice can be intimidating. They might tend to think that only certain people have that privilege, or that hearing the Spirit means Some kind of great sign or booming voice from heaven.

 

As we look at Scripture, we see that God spoke, and continues to speak, in many ways. Often He spoke through a gentle whisper. So,
we ought to greet the idea that God speaks to us with a sense of peace and anticipation rather than intimidation. Note that Paul said there is a very real battle going on within the hearts of believers. Because we continue to live in this
fallen world, we struggle with our old nature, which wants to do evil (verse 17). Indeed, we are no match for this struggle within ourselves. But we have the great assurance that the Spirit gives us the right desires, and the strength to pursue them. It is a constant struggle, indeed. But with the help of the Spirit, we can follow the voice of the Lord as we are led by Scripture as well as His still, small voice, which guides us in the right direction.

 

Behaviour that is the result of hearing from God is not the same as
living according to man-made rules. Walking in the Spirit is liberating
Christianity is not based on a set of rules and regulations. It is based on a relationship with God.

Questions for Application

Describe a time when you heard from the Holy Spirit._

What is one example of a time when God specifically used Scripture to speak into a situation in your life?_

B. Roots Produce Fruit

Galatians 5:19-26

Certainly, salvation is not rooted in our fruit, but in the grace of God. We must recall, though, that behaviour is a sign of what is going on in the heart of a person. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul listed the works of the flesh, that is, the lifestyle indicators of someone who is Iiving according to sinful desires. If a person is living a lifestyle marked by acts such as sexual immorality, witchcraft, selfish ambition, and divisive words and actions, it is clear that the individual is not in relationship with Jesus. These people will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

It is an equal mistake to say that good behaviour will unite a person with God. Good behaviour, rather, reflects what is going on in the heart of the individual. When people accept Jesus as Saviour, they receive a new, transformed nature.

The new nature, equipped and empowered by the Spirit, allows them to cultivate their spiritual roots through a growing relationship with God. The cultivated roots produce the kind of living that God desires. Christians do not go to heaven because they are good. Rather, because of their relationship with God, their behaviour will be righteous.

 

Moving on to verses 22-26, it is worth noting that the phrase, “the fruit righteous. of the Spirit,” is singular. Paul did not
intend for his readers to select a particular fruit and work on getting better at it. Indeed, our own “work” cannot make us better at producing
fruit. It comes forth as a result of the work of the Spirit in a believer’s life.

 

The ninefold fruit is representative of the type of behaviour that will naturally grow in a Christian’s life as the Spirit works within that individual. The goal for the Christian is to cultivate a godly root
system through ongoing communication with God, walking with Him rather than pursuing the ways and values of the world. When this occurs, people will natural land supernaturally-display love, joy, peace, etc. This is the essence of Jesus’ statement that people will know Christians by their love for one another (see John 13:35).

Cultivating one’s spiritual roots does not occur automatically. Satan desires to entice believers to return to their rotten roots. Christians need to continually say “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Holy Spirit. This can only happen if we determine to hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Questions for Application

How has your behaviour changed as you have matured in Christ?_

How do you cultivate your spiritual root system?_

2. Stop Sinning
A. Act Like Your Father
1 John 3:1-6

Some people say that all people are children of God simply because He created them. But Scripture makes it clear that this notion is false.
In 1 John 3:1-6, John drew a contrast between those who are the children of God and those who are not. Through the sin of Adam and Eve, humanity forfeited a relationship with God. Now we need redemption through Christ to restore that relationship. We become God’s children through salvation, and only God’s children will enjoy eternal life with Him. Living in sin is a reflection of one’s spiritual state. Every human being is either a child of God or a child of the devil (see verse 10).

 

Regardless of what they claim, if people live a sinful lifestyle that disregards God, they are not God’s children because His children will reflect His characteristics. John says that it is impossible to be God’s child and to continue to live in sin. Jesus came to earth to free people from sin.
If the person conveys no evidence of transformation, that person has not embraced the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Questions for Application

What is one predominant characteristic, either physical or behavioural, that you received or learned from your parents?_

What is one predominant characteristic thatyou received or learned as a result of your relationship with your Heavenly Father?_

B. Don’t Be Fooled

 1John 3:7-10

Earlier in John’s first Epistle (1:8-10), he made it clear that a Christian who claims to be sinless is a liar. Christians will struggle and sin on occasion, but the Holy Spirit is faithiui to make the Christian aware of the sin and draw the person to repent. God promises to forgive
those who repent. However, when Christians continue to practise sinful behaviour, ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit, they are not reflecting their relationship with God (3:7-10). When this occurs, Christians will naturally grow cold
toward the Lord. Eventually, this person risks turning away from God entirely, at which point the person can no longer call himselfor herself a Christian.

 

John was dealing with a group of people in the church who attempted to justify sinful behaviour. Even today, some spiritual leaders look the other way when people gossip, live immoral lives, or otherwise follow the ways of sin. False teachers defend their position by arguing that people are saved by faith rather than by right actions. While it is true that we are saved by faith, true faith in Christ will produce right actions on the part of the faithful. The Bible teaches that we must love God with our whole beings. A person’s behaviour will follow his or her belief. Those who teach otherwise appeal to the flesh, which leads to destruction.

 

Some people would not appreciate John’s bluntness, but he was clear that those who live in sin are the offspring of Satan and will spend eternity with him. Those who are the children of God will do what do what is right and love others.

Questions for Application

Questions for Application

Why do you think some people feel drawn to adopt legalism as a way of life, trusting in god works to make them right with God?_

_How would you describe what it means to live a life of freedom in Christ?_

3. Love One Another
A. The Great Love of God

1 John4:7-12

In 1 John 4:7-12, John drew a contrast between a godly person and a person who does not kno God. Those who show love for others are
godly. Those who do not love others make it clear that they do not know God. This may seem harsh, but one cannot be a true reflection of God without loving people, because “God is love” (verse 8). Love is, in a sense, His defining characteristic. Obviously, because we are not God, loving others can be difficult. Not everyone is easy to love. Yet, with God’s help, we can love them anyway.

 

John indicated that only Christians can display true love to others because love comes from God. People who do not know God can offer a type of love, but it is not pure, godly love because its source is fleshly. Godly love compels us to see others as people made in His image.

 

John stated that God showed His love for us through His gift of Jesus Christ, His Son, as the sacrifice for our salvation. Such a gift was given because He loved us, not because we loved Him. Paul described this in his Epistle to Romans: “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8, NLT).

 

Christians, in turn, are called to share the great news of God’s love with those who need to come into relationship with Him. God’s love was
shown to all. While people were still His enemies, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love to them. The generosity of God, as seen through sending Jesus to the Earth for our salvation, should be lived out in our Iives regardless of how others treat us, God desires that His followers become beacons of love that will luminate a path toward Him. God expresses His through us as we love those around us.

Questions for Application

What makes God’s love so unique in this world?_

In what ways can Christians demonstrate their love for God and others?_

B. Confident Living

1 John 4:13-21
When people respond to Jesus in faith and become His followers,
God gives them “his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us” (1 John 4:13, NLT). The Spirit reminds the Christian of God’s love, which ought to naturally flow from their lives, and He helps them walk in that love. When a Christian makes aselfish decision, the Holy Spirit will point that out. As Christians live in and practise God’s love, they can rest in the assurance of their salvation (verses 16-17).

 

We may struggle to have love for every person, but as we live for God, our love for Him and for others “grows more perfect” (verse 17, NLT; note that “perfect’ carries a sense of being “complete”). We know that growing in God’s love is one of the greatest joys of living for Him. Just as a child is excited about progress on the growth chart, we can take joy in our spiritual growth as we practise love for others. God’s love also delivers the believer from fear(verses 17-18).

 

 

Perhaps the most common, fundamental human fear is death and the day of judgement. Thankfully, we as Christians can experience freedom from fear. For us, death is the entrance into everlasting life. This does not mean that we can live or act recklessly, tempting death —-and thereby tempting God. But our hope does provide confidence when we face God “because we live like Jesus in this world” (verse 17, NLT).

 

In verses 19-21, John ended this passage by reminding readers that the true test of a Christian’s faith is how they treat others. If believers hold grudges, cause quarrels, or gossip about others, for example, they are not living as followers of God, and they risk wandering away from God in pursuit of their unloving desires.

A lack of love is inconsistent with what it means to be a servant of our supremely loving God. But love for all —-including those we’d rather not love —–bears evidence that our love for God, and commitment to Him, is indeed real.

Questions for Application

_What is your biggest fear, and how can God’s love help you overcome that fear?_

_How can loving others change their lives as well as your own life?_

Call to Discipleship

While our behaviour matters to God, He does not expect us to live godly in our own strength. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and to find victory over temptation. God desires that we love others so that, when they see His followers, they will have an accurate picture of Him. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our behaviour should reflect our Father. If not, we need to cultivate our relationship with Him. The fruit of a godly life will follow.

Ministry in Action

Spend time listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit and purpose to obey and follow as you grow in the Lord. Commit to a deeper study of Scripture, praying that God will use His Word to help you overcome temptation. Find a practical way to demonstrate God’s love to someone in your church or community this week.

 

 

Action Point

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

CRMNuggets is committed to fact-checking in a fair, transparent and non-partisan manner. Therefore, if you’ve found an error in any of our reports, be it factual, editorial, or an outdated post, please contact us to tell us about it.

 

Hi, I now use RavenBank to send, receive, and save money. I also pay my bills with ease, you should try it out too

 

OUR MISSION

To create well-reached content that will increase the intellectual prowess of our readers.

OUR VISION

To become a reference point in the blogging space by the year 2030. We want to be among the first 30 blogs in Nigeria.

Official Social Media Pages for crmnuggets.com

 

Twitter: @cehnigeria
​Facebook: @CRMNuggets
Instagram: @crmnigeriablog
Pinterest: CEHNIGERIA

Threads @crmnuggets

 

 

 

 

Memory Verse: Matthew 10:7-8

As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (KJV).

 

Central Truth

The words of Christ offer instructions for daily Christian living.

 

The Lesson Outline

1. Proclaim the Good News

A. Proclamation to the Jews- Matthew 10:1-16

B. Proclamation to the World- Matthew 28:16-20

 

2. Be on Your Guard

A. Confident in Times

of Trouble- Matthew 10:17-20

B. Cost of Obedience- Matthew 10:21-25

 

3. Do Not Be Afraid

A. A Bold Proclamation- Matthew 10:26-28

B. In God’s Care- Matthew 10:29-33

 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 

1. Understand Jesus’ instructions on discipleship and grasp what it means to follow them in all circumstances.

 

2. Be challenged to recognise and accept that Christian discipleship will involve adversity and even persecution.

 

3. Be encouraged that they can proclaim the gospel boldly.

 

Introducing the Lesson

Sharing the gospel should not be seen as optional for the Christian. It can be easy to share the way of salvation with someone you love, but it is not always as easy to share the gospel with someone you hardly know or someone who is a stranger.

 

In this lesson, you will explore how declaring the good news is a part of discipleship, and then be challenged to help others live out that same faith you have come to practice. Such a

life is at the heart of discipleship.

 

The Holy Scriptures

Matthew 10:1-33

[1]And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

[2]Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

[3]Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

[4]Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

[5]These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

[6]But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

[7]And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

[8]Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

[9]Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

[10]Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

[11]And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

[12]And when ye come into an house, salute it.

[13]And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

[14]And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

[15]Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

[16]Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

[17]But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

[18]And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

[19]But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

[20]For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

[21]And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

[22]And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

[23]But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

[24]The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

[25]It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

[26]Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

[27]What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

[28]And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

[29]Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

[30]But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

[31]Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

[32]Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

[33]But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

 

Commentary and Application

1. Proclaim the Good News

A. Proclamation to the Jews– Matthew 10:1-16

In Matthew 10:1-16, Jesus gave His disciples instructions on how to use their authority, as well as the purpose of this authority. Miracles were to be performed for a reason: to draw attention to the kingdom of God, and declare that His kingdom is near (verse 7).

 

In this way, miracles serve to draw individuals toward the opportunity to become citizens of His kingdom.

 

The purpose of healing, raising people from the dead, and driving out demons is to redirect a person’s focus toward God. The restored health of the individual who receives the miracle is a marvellous benefit as well. But if the kingdom of God is not clearly proclaimed through the miracle, it has not accomplished its true purpose.

 

Jesus told the disciples to go to the people of lsrael first (verses 5-8).

He sought to give the Jews the opportunity to inherit all that had been promised to them. It was Jesus’ desire that they would repent of their wicked ways and return to Him as a lost sheep would return to its shepherd. Through the working of miracles by the disciples, they would see the truth about Jesus.

 

A person must not become prideful when God has done a miracle through his or her life, or use the experience to elevate personal status. Just as the believer freely receives the miracle of salvation solely as a result of God’s power and authority, all additional miraculous acts that occur during the ministry of the gospel are entirely the result of God’s intervention, and all praise and recognition must be given to Him.

Verses 9-15 remind us that hospitality toward strangers and travellers was expected within the Jewish culture. If a traveller entered a town and requested a place to stay and a meal, it was common practice for the host to grant the request.

 

Jesus reminded the disciples to make use of this custom in their work to spread the message of the kingdom of God (verse 11).

 

Once the disciple entered the home of the host, the disciple was to share the message of God’s kingdom (verses 12-15). Jesus knew some people would not be receptive to this message, even if miracles were performed, and the disciples should not force their message on their hosts. If the hosts received the message, their lives would be transformed.

 

They would experience the peace that only comes through a right relationship with God. If the hosts rejected the message, the disciples were to walk away, having done what was required of them. They had no more responsibility. Those who rejected the message had made their choice, and they would face the consequences of that decision

 

Jesus understood that sharing the message of the kingdom of God within the kingdom of this World was dangerous (verse 16). Jesus’ disciples would be persecuted, and some would give their lives. So Jesus told His disciples to use wisdom as they shared the message of the kingdom of God.

 

*Questions for Application

Why do you think people are often most effective in sharing their salvation stories with others during the first few years after they are saved?

 

What open doors of opportunity are there in your world where you can proclaim the power of the kingdom of God?

 

B. Proclamation to the World–Matthew 28:16-20

Prior to His ascension to the right hand of the Father, Jesus gave the disciples what is known as the Great Commission, in Matthew 28:19-20. Prior to that, in verses 16–18, Jesus reaffirmed the authority that the Father had given to Him. The disciples would need to draw on His authority in the future as the Kingdom advanced.

 

Jesus was clear concerning what He wanted to see accomplished through the use of the authority that He had granted to His disciples. He didn’t tell them simply to lead people into the Kingdom through salvation. He wanted His disciples to be disciple-makers, that is, to teach them the ways and values of the Kingdom.

 

Verse 19 reminds us that water baptism, a part of being a disciple, was a sign that a person had become aligned with Christ, believing in Him as Saviour. When believers were baptised, they renounced their old lives.

 

The consequences of this were not always minor. Those who were baptised were often cut off from their families. Water baptism was a very serious matter!

There would have been no doubt in the person’s mind concerning what they were doing.

 

Water baptism was to be done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

This baptismal formula is important because it uniquely distinguishes the followers of Jesus, acknowledging the authority of the Father and recognising the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers believers as they follow Christ.

This formula, then, affirms one’s belief in the triune God.

 

A key part of proclaiming the Kingdom involves teaching the new convert how to obey what Jesus commanded (verse 20).

When a person loves God, they will love others. Loving others will compel the believer, then, to offer the message of hope and salvation to all who will listen. Loving God and loving others are the hallmarks of citizenship in the kingdom of God.

 

Questions for Application

Why must we see salvation as a lifetime of discipleship rather than

a momentary commitment at an

altar?

 

Why do you think love is such an important component in Kingdom living?

 

2. Be on Your Guard

*A. Confident in Times of Trouble–Matthew 10:17-20*

Jesus commanded His disciples to be on their guard (Matthew 10:17-18). He was not commanding them to be defensive, but to be prepared to face difficulty.

 

There was, of course, an easy way out of persecution. They could simply be quiet, blend in with the crowd, and keep the truth to themselves. But this was unacceptable if they were to stay faithful to their Lord.

 

Jesus assured the disciples that they would not be alone when they faced persecution for their faith. The “Spirit of your Father” (verse 20) would be with them.

 

This is the only occurrence of this particular phrase in the New Testament. It is a unique way of referencing the Holy Spirit, and commentators note that it reflects Matthew’s tendency to highlight the intimate nature of the relationship between the Father and His children.

Such intimacy surely would be present in these instances. When they needed their Lord the most, the Spirit would speak through them.

 

Tough times did come to the disciples. Church history teaches that nearly all of them gave their lives for the cause of Christ.

 

First-century Christians were persecuted by the Jews and faced interrogation, imprisonment, and even death by the Romans. But just as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit was with them and the kingdom of God Continued to expand despite opposition.

 

Christians today should not be surprised when they face persecution for their faith. Following Christ will result in tough times, so we must not be caught off guard. Recalling that the Holy Spirit is with us during tough times will provide comfort and confidence as we faithfully declare God’s kingdom.

 

Questions for Application

What difficulties have you faced as a result of your faith in Jesus?

 

How have you prepared yourself to face opposition in the future?

 

B. Cost of Obedience– Matthew 10:21-25

The challenge of discipleship might bring problems at home as well as out in the world. The message of God’s kingdom may divide families, causing brothers to turn over their brothers to the authorities (Matthew 10:21). This same betrayal may occur between parents and their children. Jesus stated that the love of evil will supersede the love of family members. Jesus indicated there will be no place to hide. Those who reject God’s kingdom hate the citizens of the Kingdom.

 

Jesus indicated that some who start on the journey of Kingdom life would change course short of the finish line. Verse 22 implies that some would not endure. ln light of Jesus’ words in verses 21-23, this is not surprising. It is hard to stand firm against evil in the face of persecution. But Jesus offers a marvellous assurance: Those who do endure to the end will be saved.

 

In verses 24-25, Jesus helped His followers understand why they would be treated in such a manner:

 

They would suffer, just as He suffered, because the student is not greater than the teacher.

 

The follower of Christ could not expect to be treated better than Christ himself, who suffered accusations leading to death by those who hated Him.

 

If a person desired to take part in the ministry of the miraculous, he or she would also have to embrace the consequences that come with such a ministry. Jesus was persecuted for the message of the kingdom of God.

 

Disciples of Jesus Would, and will, be persecuted for faithfully declaring that message as well.

 

Although it seems like a contradiction, believers will often go to areas of the world that have yet to hear the gospel, despite certain persecution.

 

As the Spirit moves in the hearts of peôple, they develop boldness to trust God and overcome fear.

 

Questions for Application

Why do you think some parts of the world suffer worse persecution than other parts?

 

What can we, as people who suffer less than many, learn from the suffering and response of others ?

 

How do you think believers in safer countries today would respond in the face of

persecution?

3. Do Not Be Afraid

*A. A Bold Proclamation– Matthew 10:26-28*

Jesus’ command not to be afraid in the face of persecution goes against all human instincts.

 

Jesus instructed the disciples to demonstrate their courage by being bold in their proclamation of the

Kingdom.

 

Up until that point, the proclamation of the Kingdom had been somewhat limited.

 

Much of what Jesus had taught, He had taught to His closest followers, His disciples.

But now it was time for them to move forward and proclaim these words to the world without restraint, in broad daylight and loudly from the roof tops (Matthew 10:26-27).

 

The life of Jesus was a demonstration of the fact that God loves the whole world. But the world would only come to know this if the truths of God, taught throughout the ministry of His Son, were shared with the world.

 

Verse 28 is interesting. Fear can prevent people from doing the right thing.

 

The enemy of the Kingdom seeks to intimidate God’s people with threats that they may even lose their lives. Jesus turned this around by citing an important biblical principle.

 

The people of God should neither fear men nor the enemy of their souls.

 

The worst that might happen is the loss of life. But Scripture calls us to instead fear God (cf., 2 Corinthians 7:1).

 

That is, we acknowledge God as Creator and Lord, and revere Him for the power and authority He holds over us, today for all eternity.

 

How unwise it would be to focus on earthly enemies rather

than our Almighty God.

 

Questions for Application

How do you react to the thought that you might be required to suffer greatly for your faith?

 

Why can even a committed Christian struggle to follow Christ consistently?

 

B. In God’s Care– Matthew 10:29-33

Jesus reassured the disciples that God cared for them by reminding them that He cares for every part of His creation, even that which seems insignificant (Matthew 10:29-30).

 

Likewise, God cares so intimately that He knows the number of hairs on a person’s head-a seemingly trivial point, and one that is difficult to ascertain.

 

If God is concerned about birds and hair counts surely the believer can have confidence in His care for them.

 

Believers need not live in fear because they know that God loves them and values their lives (verse 31).

 

God’s care does not guarantee a life without trial, but a life of joy and peace, even, in times of trouble.

 

Jesus then gave an important reminder: Believers would face real temptations to deny that they are His followers.

 

Those who are willing to

acknowledge themselves as followers of Christ will be acknowledged to the Father as His followers (verse 32).

But those who deny Him will also be denied before the Father (verse 33). This does not mean that we forfeit salvation if we stumble in faith, for Peter was restored after denying Christ three times (see Luke 22:54-62; John 21:7-19).

Rather, it reminds us of a stark choice that we must make.

 

Will we join in solidarity to our Lord, or will we divide our allegiance between the Lord and men, depending upon the situation? Let us, as His disciples, choose to stand boldly for Christ.

 

*Questions for Application*

How can a believer overcome fear when faced with opposition?

 

What are some ways God has shown His care for you?

 

Call to Discipleship

God desires all people to enter the kingdom of God, for He does not wish for any to perish (2 Peter 3:8-10).

Yet in our role in reaching them, we must also keep two things in mind.

First, God has called us to be disciples.

We must ourselves be lifelong learners, growing in relationship to Christ.

 

This equips us to be faithful to Christ. Second, we must be committed to the lifelong task of discipleship, helping people find Christ.

 

We need to invest time and resources to help them become faithful followers of Christ in a difficult world.

 

Ministry in Action

Develop a testimony script of your salvation or another miracle that you have experienced in your life, to help you better share your testimony when the opportunity arises.

 

Look for opportunities this week to share Christ with someone.

 

Pray that God will empower you to stand strong and bold for Him when you are tempted to avoid trouble by concealing your relationship with Christ.

 

Do you enjoy this article, add Our Posts to your Reading List.

Action Point

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

CRMNuggets is committed to fact-checking in a fair, transparent and non-partisan manner. Therefore, if you’ve found an error in any of our reports, be it factual, editorial, or an outdated post, please contact us to tell us about it.

 

Hi, I now use RavenBank to send, receive, and save money. I also pay my bills with ease, you should try it out too

 

OUR MISSION

To create well-reached content that will increase the intellectual prowess of our readers.

OUR VISION

To become a reference point in the blogging space by the year 2030. We want to be among the first 30 blogs in Nigeria.

Official Social Media Pages for crmnuggets.com

 

Twitter: @cehnigeria
​Facebook: @CRMNuggets
Instagram: @crmnigeriablog
Pinterest: CEHNIGERIA

Threads @crmnuggets