2013 JANUARY WEEK THREE LESSON

STUDY 10: LIVING FOR GOD’S PLEASURE

MEMORY VERSE: Revelation 4:11; Romans 12: 1-2

MAIN TEXT: Psalm 96:1-13

In the previous lesson we looked at the meanings, means, and expressions of praise and worship. In this lesson we shall look at the main reason God created humankind. This objective is to guide and motivate the Christian to praise and worship God as people created by Him for His own pleasure. The essence and benefits of sacrifices in worship will also be discussed.

 

The offering of sacrifices amounts to worship.  This is expressed in the instructions God gave to the people of Israel concerning sacrifices which they were to give in the worship of God (Exodus 3:18; 7:16). God delights in worship and this is why He called and chose the people of Israel.

 

STUDY QUESTIONS

1.      What are some of the things that believers can give to God as sacrifices? Psalm 96:1-10; Numbers 7:88

2.      What other sacrifices does God delight in? Psalm 150

3.      What is the highest form of sacrifice that God expects from His people? Romans 12:1-2

4.      How does God respond to sacrifices of praise? Exodus 40:33-38; 2 Samuel 6:1-12

5.      What are some of the physical and emotional expressions we can use to worship God?

 

 

CONCLUSION: God is pleased when His children address Him with appellations like, you are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory, honor and power. The implication is that God created us for his pleasure. We should freely present ourselves to Him in holy living, and worship Him with our resources to Him in worship. By so doing, we fulfill His pleasure for creating us, and we continue to enjoy the benefits of our relationship with Him

2013 JANUARY WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 9: PRAISE AND WORSHIP

MAIN TEXTS: NEHEMIAH 8:1-6; 2 CHRONICLES 7:1-6

MEMORY VERSE: NEHEMIAH 8:6

 

This study looks at the believer’s fellowship with God concerning praise and worship which are tools which promote victorious Christian living (Ephesians 6:18). The study will also look at the difference between praise and worship, and how each of the two is directed to God.

The Hebrew term for worship is shachah, which means “to depress”, “to prostate oneself”, or “to bow oneself down as an act of respect before a superior being”.  God is the center of the believer’s worship and to Him is total reverence given. He is the One around whom we order the priorities of our lives. To worship God therefore is to ascribe ultimate value to Him by means such as reverence and adoration.

One  of  the Hebrew  terms  translated  in  the Bible  as  praise  is  halal, which  literary means “to shine”, “to be splendid”, “to celebrate” or  to cause  to shine. To praise God is to acknowledge Him in words as creator and sustainer of the universe.  He is our Father, Provider, and Redeemer.

 

STUDY QUESTIONS

1.      What do you understand by worship directed to God?

2.      What do you understand by praise directed to God?

3.      How did Ezra and his people worship and praise God?  Nehemiah 8:1-6

4.      How did Solomon and his people praise and worship God? 2 Chronicles 7:1-6

5.      What are some of the ways by which Christians praise and worship God?

6.      What benefits do Christians get when they praise and worship God?

CONCLUSION: Ezra and the people, after reading from the Law, lifted their hands, bowed their heads to the ground and worshipped the Lord. During Solomon’s days, when the people saw the presence of God, they fell to their feet and worshipped the Lord. In our days, God expects us to worship Him. A Church that excels in praises and worship exhibits the presence and power of God. Believers therefore need to make time for quality praises and worship for meaningful fellowship with God.

2013 JANUARY WEEK ONE LESSON

Study 8: The Reward of Witnessing

Main Text:  2 Timothy 4:7-8

Memory Verse: Psalm 126:6

 

Introduction

Do you know of any street, building, airport that has been named to honor a person? These people many times have done something to help the people or the community. If humans know how to reward their fellows for good deeds, how much more our good God honor and reward those who obey him especially in discipling others into the kingdom. Just the thought that Christ will honor us before His Father should keep us faithful. What are the rewards we will receive from the Father?

Discussion Questions

1. Are there rewards in this present world for those who obey the command to “Go”? Mention them. Matthew 28:20;  19: 29, Luke 10:17, Proverbs 11:30
2. What is the condition for the promise in Matthew 28:20 to be fulfilled?
3. What are the eternal rewards for witnessing about Christ according to the following verses;
1. Daniel 12:3
2. 1 Corinthians 9:25
3. 2 Timothy 4:8
4. 1 Peter 5:4
5. James 1:12
4. How are you motivated by these rewards to make disciples for Christ?

Conclusion

There will be the Crown of life, Crown of righteousness, Crown of rejoicing, Crown of glory among others the Lord will give to soul winners. Also, the Lord God is waiting to give you the “well done, good and faithful servant” handshake. Rise up and start obeying the command to GO. Awesome rewards await you.