Saturday 18 February 2023

Lesson 8 Review: Planning for Success

 

Lesson 8 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.

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