Lesson 9 Review: Beware of Covetousness

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’” (Luke 12:15, NKJV).

Covetousness, defined as the inordinate desire for wealth or possessions that really don’t belong to the person who desires is damaging that God chose to warn against it in His great moral law (Exodus 20:17). It is one of the sins that can keep one out of the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9, 10).

What is the ultimate original sin?

Covetousness is the ultimate original sin. It was covetousness that led to the rise of sin in God’s universe.

How did covetousness play a crucial role in Lucifer’s fall?

 Lucifer was not content with his position, he sought to exalt himself, instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created things, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself (see Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 35 and Isaiah 14:12-14).

How can covetousness be seen too?

Covetousness can also be seen as wanting something that we shouldn’t have, and wanting it so badly that our desire for it, rather than the Lord, becomes the focus of our heart. (see Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5 where Covetousness is equated with idolatry).

Why is it crucial that we avoid covetousness?

Covetousness is the one commandment that deals only with the thoughts, avoiding covetousness can stop us from acts that will lead to the violation of other commandments as well (see 2 Samuel 11).

What was Achan’s sin according to Joshua 7?

Achan’s sin was the sin of covetousness, he wanted what he shouldn’t have and it led to his taking those accursed things.

How do we also see what covetousness means through the story of Achan?

Israel’s conquests were to be a witness to the nations of Yahweh’s power but after Israel was defeated because of the actions of Achan, that witness was compromised.

What was Judas’s sin that led to his betraying Jesus?

Judas’s sin was the sin of covetousness, which led him to steal (John 12:6), which ultimately led him to betray Jesus.

What lesson can we learn from Judas’s covetousness?

‘We all have character defects that, if surrendered, can be overcome through the power of God working in us. But Judas did not fully surrender to Christ, and the sin of covetousness, which he could have overcome in the power of Christ, overcame him instead, with tragic results.’ What seems like a simple desire of the heart, can lead to calamity and to eternal loss.

What was the condition of the church in the time of Ananias and Sapphira?

Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were preaching the gospel with power, and thousands were joining the church. There was none who lacked among the congregation, for possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostle’s feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need (Acts 4:34, 35, NKJV).

What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira?

The sin of covetousness was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira.

Where did covetousness lead Ananias and Sapphira to?

‘Though they had started out with the best of motives, their covetousness caused them to put a front and pretend to be what they really weren’t.’ Thus their feelings of covetousness led them to hold back some of the money and lie to the Holy Spirit, which led to their death.

What promise has God given that can aid us in overcoming covetousness?

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV).

How can we be protected against the dangerously deceptive sin of covetousness?

1.       Make a decision to serve and depend on God and to be a part of His family (Joshua 24:15).

2.       Be daily in prayer and include Matthew 6:13, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.”

3.       Be regular in Bible study (Psalm 119:11)

We must realize our total dependence on God, and constantly seek Him for power to overcome any temptation.

In Conclusion,

Covetousness is a dangerous sin, it can lead to eternal loss, however God’s promise is that we will not be tempted more than we are able (1 Corinthians 10:13), we only have to depend on God and trust Him to save us. I pray that we totally surrender ourselves to God so we can be saved from the sin of covetousness in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 8 Review: Planning for Success

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23, 24, NKJV).

Money and finances are going to be part of our lives, but we need to take measures to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can make financial success a bit more difficult. Though, not everyone ends being as successful as others because we live in a fallen world, “success” depends on how you define it and ultimately it is more fulfilling to gain an unending life.

What lesson can we learn from Jacob’s timing of event in Genesis 28,29?

After Jacob made his spiritual and financial commitments to God, the Lord directed him to Rachael at the well. We too should make our spiritual and lifework decisions before committing to marriage; we should build our relationship with God then other things will fall in place.

What was work before the fall of man?

Work was designed for man’s good. Man needed to work, this brought about happiness rather than pain.

Why is work a blessing?

It is a blessing because God has made it from the beginning so, human beings need work, but after the fall, the ground was cursed, God also pronounced that in toil man shall eat of the ground. This implies that man will really need to work to get something from the ground which would otherwise turn to be a curse if no work is done.

What important points can we take from 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 14:23 and Colossians 3:23,24?

We are to work, not working is a sign of unbelief. Human beings need to work, and work diligently, even in our service to Jesus, we must be diligent.

What is the goal of Christian parents?

The goal of Christian parents is to train their children to become independent adults in this life and to fit them for the life to come.

What are the three points the lesson highlights that can help parents in training their children?

1.       Provide a Christian home environment

2.       Teach children a willingness to work and an appreciation for it

3.       Help with good education

What standard in work and life does God call us to?

That standard is God’s law written in our hearts (Jer. 31:33) and reflected in our characters.

What are some examples in the bible where Employers were blessed because of their godly employees?

Potiphar was blessed for Joseph’s sake; Laban was blessed for Jacob’s sake.

What principles should guide us in our work and financial management and whatever we do?

“Therefore, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31, NKJV). Remember, God is the One who gives us the knowledge and strength to succeed in life.

How can we be successful?

To be financially successful is not in seeking secular money-management gurus as the Lord Himself warns against such, it is by delighting in the law of the Lord (could be understood more broadly as the Word of God) shall be blessed, and He will prosper¾be successful.

What are the seven biblical counsels on financial management the lesson points out?

1.       Get organized. Develop a spending plan (Prov. 27:23, 24).

2.       Spend less than you earn (Prov. 15:16).

3.       Save a portion from every pay period (Prov. 6:6-8) to make larger purchases in the future and to take care of unplanned expenses.

4.       Avoid debt like COVID-19 (Prov. 22:7)

5.       Be a diligent worker. “The soul of a lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Prov. 13:4, NKJV).

6.       Be financially faithful with God (Deut. 28:1-14).

7.       Remember that this earth is not our real home. Our management says a lot about where our ultimate priorities are (see Matt. 25:14-21).

In Conclusion,

If we are serious about planning for success, we must also be ready to work, without making our work an idol, we are to do our work diligently and to the glory of God. I pray God gives us the right attitude to work in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 7 Review: Unto the Least of These

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “’ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”’” (Matthew 25:34, NKJV).

The least of these referred to by Jesus may be the strangers, the fatherless, and the widows. The equivalent in our day could be refugees, those without fathers and widows. As managers of God’s business, helping the poor is not just an option. It is following the example of Jesus and obeying His commands.

Why were the poor commonly looked down upon by unscrupulous officials?

They were looked down upon by unscrupulous officials such as tax collectors, those in business, and even their own neighbors because they thought that poverty was a curse from God and that their unfortunate condition must have been their own fault.

What is one of the greatest evidences of Jesus’ Messiahship?

Jesus’ love for the poor, is seen in how He answered John the Baptist’s question about Him as the Messiah (Matt. 11:1-6).

Why is it important that we understand prophecy?

Understanding prophecy is important to avoid false hopes. The religious leaders overlooked the prophecies that spoke of a suffering Messiah and misapplied those that pointed to His second coming, this led to disappointment and disbelief for some.

Why should we not look down upon the poor?

Jesus did not look down upon the poor, we ought not to either. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27, NKJV).

Who are the “brothers” as written in Deuteronomy 15:11?

Though generally understood as fellow Israelites or fellow believers, we also think of them as worthy poor or “the least of these My brethren.”

What other ways can we treat those in need besides providing food?

“Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (Ps. 82:3, 4, NKJV).

What are some of the promises to those who help the needy?

“He who gives to the poor will never lack” (Prov. 28: 27, NKJV).

“The King who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever” (Prov. 29:14, NKJV).

“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble” (Ps. 41:1, NKJV).

What reason should make us help the needy?

One good reason why we should treat everyone equally, and offer help to the needy is because of the idea that Christ died for everyone, regardless of our sinfulness.

How did the Rich Young Ruler feel when Jesus told him to sell all he had and give to the poor and what does it mean?

He was sorrowful for he was very rich; he chose to rather trade eternity for his earthly possessions which will pass away with this world.

What lessons can we draw from the story of the Rich Young Ruler?

We sometimes worship our money, but money cannot buy peace and happiness. Sooner or later, we will all die leaving whatever wealth we had behind to face the prospect of eternity. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37).

What are the similarities and differences between Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler?

 Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler were rich, both wanted to see Jesus, and both wanted eternal life. But Zacchaeus said that he would give “half of my goods” (Luke 19:8) to the poor and Jesus accepted this gesture as a true conversion experience. The rich young ruler was asked to sell and give all he had to the poor most likely because his wealth became a god to him than it was to Zacchaeus but he went away sorrowful. Zacchaeus had his relationship with wealth under better control than the rich young ruler did.

What lessons can we draw from Zacchaeus’ conversion experience?

We are to be careful on how much influence wealth brings on us, we should not make a god of our wealth. ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’ (Luke 18:27). Zacchaeus, through the grace of God, a rich man could enter into the kingdom.

How did God Himself describe Job’s character?

‘ “…there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” ’ (Job 1:8, NKJV).

What other insights do we have into Job’s character?

He would not curse God and die as his wife taunted him to (Job 2:9, NKJV). Job’s words, “ ‘And I searched out the case that I did not know’ ” (Job 29:16, NKJV) means that He was proactive in seeking out needs and then acting on them.

What can we learn from Job’s attitude to the poor?

Do not wait for the poor to call your attention to their needs, we are to act like Job to search out and act on their needs.

In Conclusion,

We have an obligation to the poor and needy, we are to take it as a love commandment and not an option for our lives to help those in need. I pray that offer help to those in need as unto God so we can be accepted into the kingdom in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 6 Review: Laying Up Treasure in Heaven

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “‘For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” (Mark 8:36, 37, NKJV).

The world’s best investment strategy, “ ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal’ ” (Matt. 6:19, 20, NKJV). One of the ways to invest in Heaven is by supporting God’s cause with our money, then our minds will be there (Matt. 6:21, NKJV), this investment brings a far greater reward than any reward you may get here on earth. The reward is eternal.

What is common between the time of Noah and the end-time?

The people of Noah’s time argued that a flood could never come based on a faulty understanding of reality, also, we sometimes think that God has delayed so much, and even worse is the thought that somehow this world is not reserved for fire (2 Peter 3:3-7).

How can we, then, prepare for the coming destruction?

We can prepare, like Noah, by doing what God asks of us in the meantime, even if, as with Noah, it means some radical life changes.

What major life-change did Abram make?

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And He went out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb. 11:8, NKJV).

What is the message for us in Hebrews 11:8-13?

Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. By faith, the promises made to Abraham can be ours too “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29, NKJV). Like Abraham and Noah, we may have to make life-changing decisions in the cause of obeying God.

How did Abram react to Lot’s bad decision?

He did not blame Lot for choosing first and taken captive. He rather, went to save Lot from his problem. Abram also bargained with God to spare the righteous in the city were Lot lived in.

What lesson can we take from Lot’s story?

We are to be careful of the kind of decisions we make, especially when it’s short term in contrast to the big picture (Mark 8:36, 37).

What spiritual lessons can we take from Jacob’s story about God’s grace, even when we make wrong decisions?

We should trust God to fulfil His promises to us in His way and time, instead of depending on our efforts to bring those promises. However, as with Jacob, He was pardoned of his sin of supplanting and deceit, God’s Love and grace is sufficient for us all too. Despite our mistakes, God can still bless us, He blessed Jacob.

What life-changing decision did Moses make?

He did not consider the power and pleasures that could come from being called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, he chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25, NKJV).

What can we draw from the life-changing decision of Moses?

We are to consider the bigger picture, Moses did not look at the earthly reward, he looked forward to a far more exceeding reward. Even so, we should look to God who has a far greater reward for us, a reward greater than any reward this earth can give us.

In Conclusion,

One of the ways we lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven is when we invest in church and charity, acknowledging these aspects of God’s kingdom on earth, we invest in heaven. I pray that God grants us the grace to set our minds on heavenly things in Jesus’ name.

THE SAME PERSON

 Genesis 1:1 — In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis confirms that God is the source of existence.

This same God, the Creator of all things came up with the plan to save man who by their choice denied this same God in allegiance to the devil.

This same God, not only is our Creator but our Redeemer.

These roles God plays do not contradict His identity, for God is Love.

These roles spurn out from His Love.

Job Interviewers can easily tell much about their interviewees simply from the way they appear, but more readily can these interviewers predict by their assessments their fitness for the job at hand, but these predictions are only insignificant in number to the multitude of roles this person can play.

                Humans are known to naturally react according to the situation, but more fascinating is when this reaction is in sharp contrast to the overall identity of the person.

1 Samuel 16:17 — ‘“… for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”

Your fellow man/even a brother/friend may make sure promises to you and still fail in fulfilling them.

                This accounts for why a very close friend can easily turn into a dreadful enemy.

A woman can also deny the baby of her body for the same reason.

One who would not as much to engage in a quarrel with an offender would kill even the innocent for the same reason.

 

The heart is deceitful, who can understand it? More deceitful is the outward appearance.

Sadly, this is man’s preferred way of judgment.

 

Describing a Chameleon by its color is describing who a man is by its appearance.

 

I can imagine the great amount of leaves that beautiful fig tree had, none would have thought that as much as one fruit would not be found in it; but lo there was no fruit.

The Attitude of the Pharisees — Matthew 23:1-7 exposes the lifestyle of the Pharisees and Scribes.

At that time, they could be seen as the closest to God,

                How more deceptive can it be than the deception that leads to eternal death?

                These Priests taught in the synagogues, but these same Priests in their actions were in sharp contrast to what they taught,

They lay burdens on people’s shoulders that they would not dare to move with the tip of their fingers.

Woe to Scribes and Pharisees

Matthew 23:13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 25, 27, 29.

As you listen to these words, the question that should be in your minds is “Who am I?”

Am I hot?

Am I cold?

You certainly cannot be lukewarm.

                Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery, He rather condemned those who appeared to be guiltless of the same crime.

                All who were healed by Jesus were known for their sicknesses and weaknesses.

Many times, Jesus mingled with people previously labeled as the worst of sinners by those under the disguise of pretense.

 

The same person who attends church activities is the same person who sits among drunks to drink.

                The Same person who teaches fellow members to keep the Sabbath day is the same person who by his/her actions completely nullifies his/her teachings.

 

                The Church was known to have been rid of Christians who were not devoted during the persecutions in the first century.

But after persecutions ceased and false doctrines crept into the church, tares began to appear among the wheat.

 

                Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

                Never has any other been rebuked this way by Jesus on earth, even Jesus forgave the very people who wanted Him crucified, but to the Hypocrites of God’s word He said, “Woe”.

                It is high time we live up to our identity.

                If all the Seventh-Day Adventists were true to their faith, this gospel would have long reached everyone.

 

Imagine complaining to the authorities about an exam fixed on the Sabbath, and then a good number of people in the authority know a good number of students who are Seventh-day Adventists that sit for the exams on Saturday.

 

Come out from Babylon, Brethren, the same person cannot be good and bad at the same time.

It is either we serve God or mammon.

A song goes thus;

“Hallelujah Brother, Practice, Practice what you preach!

Practice, Practice What You preach.

I’m here to tell you that it’s what you do not what you say that is gonna count on judgment day,

So practice, practice what you preach.”

 

How pitiful it is to someone who after playing two contrasting roles ends up in hell with another who was true to his/her works of evil.

 

God is One, His path is one narrow way, and there are not many paths with God.

                Instead of looking for a middle path where there are nine, choose the path that leads to life and God will lead you in that path in Jesus' Name.