Introduction
Memory Text: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1, NKJV).
God trusts us to manage His affairs on earth, He has given
us resources for our needs, the needs of others, and for the advancement of His
work. He has also entrusted us in our hands to manage resources, such as collecting
money, writing checks, doing electronic transfers, making the budgets,
or bringing our tithes and offerings to the church on Sabbath mornings. This
week’s lesson is about the privileges and responsibilities of being a part
of the family of God.
What does Eph. 3:14, 15 tell us about our status with God?
Paul in Ephesians refers to the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ as the one from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. This
means that we are part of the family of God.
What do Exodus 3:10; Exodus 5:1; and Galatians 3:26, 29 say about how God
relates to us?
These Bible portions, all imply the fact that we are
all related to God and we are loved by God with family love. This is good
news amid a world that, in and of itself, can be very hostile! and in contrast
to a view of creation in which we are deemed as the mere products of cold,
uncaring natural laws; ‘God loves us the way family members are supposed to
love each other.
What is the truth about all that we possess and all that exists?
The truth is that God Is the Owner of Everything, He created
all we see from the beginning, according to 1 Chronicles 29:14, NKJV, even
though we bring gifts to God, we are only bringing God’s properties for He
is the Owner of Everything. Without God and His grace, we would have nothing,
we would be nothing, infarct we wouldn’t even exist. No matter how diligently
we have worked for our possessions, the truth is that God owns everything.
What are the resources Available for God’s Family?
‘God’s greatest gift to His children is Jesus Christ, who
brings us the peace of forgiveness, grace for daily living and spiritual
growth, and the hope of eternal life.’ Salvation is the foundation gift from
God, along with salvation, God has made available the gift of the Holy Spirit;
to those who were concerned about their food and clothing, Jesus offered
comfort by saying, “ ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all
these things shall be added to you.’ ” (Matt. 6:33, NKJV). This Spirit also comes
with many amazing spiritual gifts.
What should be the attitude to these resources available for God’s Family?
‘We are indebted in every way to the Giver in how we use those
gifts.’
What are the responsibilities of God’s Family Members?
Our responsibility as simply written is to “ ‘love the Lord
your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’ ”.
How would you love God with “ ‘ “all your heart, with all your soul, and
with all your mind.” ’ ” (Matt. 23:37, NKJV)?
1 John 5:3 reads thus; “This is the love of God, that we
keep His commandments”. We know and experience the love of God by keeping His
commandments.
What is our proper response to our loving relationship with our Father in
Heaven?
Those who hear and do God’s word are likened to the wise
builder who built his house upon the solid rock (Matthew 7:21-27). Those who
hear but don’t obey are like the builder who built his house on the sand—with disastrous
results. If we claim that we love God, our proper response is to keep His
commandments.
What does it mean to lay up treasure in heaven?
‘It means making God and His cause first and foremost in
your life, instead of making money first and foremost. Among other things, it
means using what we have for the work of God, for the advancement of His kingdom,
for working in behalf of others, and for being a blessing to others.’
What should our money serve?
It should serve as food for the hungry, drink for the
thirsty, and clothing for the naked. Money
should be used for providing life's necessities, blessing others, and advancing
the cause of Christ.
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