Totally Devoted

Theme: Honoring God with our devotion

Scriptures:

• James 4:1-4
• Luke 14:26-27
• Acts 12:20-23
• Matthew 22:34-40

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)

Know: Our devotion to God is to be the priority of our lives.

Think: I desire more than anything to please God in everything I do.

Do: Do every day what will help me grow in my love and devotion to God.

Notes and questions:

B1 Devoted

C1 What does the word devoted mean?

D1 “To give or apply (One’s time, attention, or self, for example) entirely to a particular activity, pursuit, cause, or person.” Free Dictionary (Farlex)

D2 In 2 Chronicles 31:4, during the reign of King Hezekiah, commanded people to contribute to the priests, so that they could use their time in study of the Law and application of it. It reads, 2 Chronicles 31:4 NKJV  Moreover he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

C2 How do we show we are devoted?

C3 How do we decide what to devote our time and effort?

C4 What are some things people get devoted to?

C5 Consider

D1 John 4:34 NKJV  Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

D2 Matthew 6:33 NKJV  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

C6 Some things to be in training for, devoted to

D1 1 Timothy 4:7 NRSV  Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives' tales. Train yourself in godliness,

D2 Hebrews 5:14 NRSV  But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.

D3 Hebrews 12:11 NRSV  Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

C7 There are two kingdoms—the kingdom of satan and the Kingdom of God. They have different rulers, different rules, different desires. We need to remind ourselves to seek God’s kingdom, God’s rules, and God’s desires. We need to be devoted to these. This is what we are as Christians. May God help us (He will). Matthew 5:14-16 NRSV  "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  (15)  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  (16)  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

B2 James 4:1-4,

C1 James 4:1-4 NRSV  Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you?  (2)  You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask.  (3)  You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.  (4)  Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

C2 What kingdom is this?

C3 Why is just wanting something wrong?

C4 Why are these type people termed adulterers?

C5 What is a friend of this world?

C6 How do we avoid being this kind of person in our daily life?

B3 Luke 14:26-27,

C1 Passage

D1 Translation 1: Luke 14:26-27 NRSV  "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.  (27)  Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

D2 Translation 2: Luke 14:26-27 GNB  "Those who come to me cannot be my disciples unless they love me more than they love father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and themselves as well.  (27)  Those who do not carry their own cross and come after me cannot be my disciples.

C2 Why is God and His kingdom more important than parents? What about the Law of God which states: Exodus 20:12 NRSV  Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

C3 What is carrying our cross, and why do have to carry it to be a disciple?

B4 Acts 12:20-23,

C1 Acts 12:20-23 NKJV  Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.  (21)  So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.  (22)  And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!"  (23)  Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

C2 Why is not giving God the glory a potentially dangerous deed?

C3 What had King Herod been seeking first in his life?

B5 Matthew 22:34-40,

C1 Matthew 22:34-40 NKJV  But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.  (35)  Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying,  (36)  "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"  (37)  Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'  (38)  This is the first and great commandment.  (39)  And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  (40)  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

C2 Love is the word agape.

C3 What is the difference between heart, soul, and mind, or are they synonyms with the emphasis on all?

D1 Heart is the foundation of all we are. Everything we are is on that foundation. It is our core being.

D2 Soul is our life. Are we willing to give up our desires, even die for God?

D3 Mind is our rational thought, our thinking.

C4 How do we love God in these three areas?

C5 How do we love our neighbor?

C6 How do we respond if something or someone demands our first and highest devotion, say in a job or personal attention?

C7 If our total devotion is to God, can it be so that our family or others are neglected? How do we balance all this?

D1 The Scripture also states, “...and your neighbor as yourself.”

D2 Loving my family can be loving the Lord God in obedience to God who says to do this and minister to them.

E1 John 14:23-24 NKJV  Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.  (24)  He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.

E2 Ephesians 5:28 NKJV  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

C8 How do we set goals in life as education, marriage, children, occupation, retirement, etc.?

Where Does the Time Go?

Where Does the Time Go?

Theme: Honoring God with Our Time

Scriptures:

• 1 Peter 4:8-11
• Ephesians 5:15-17
• Ephesians 6:5-8

B1 Priority and Time

C1 Defined

D1 Priority: Something regarded or treated as more important than others. Verses:

E1 Luke 12:29-31 NKJV  "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.  (30)  For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.  (31)  But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

E2 Philippians 1:21 NKJV  For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

E3 Matthew 6:24 NKJV  "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

E4 Luke 12:34 NKJV  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

D2 Time: ...progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. Verses:

E1 Psalms 90:12 NKJV  So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

E2 Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,  (16)  redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  (17)  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

D3 What we give our time to, is our priority.

C2 Questions

D1 What is our highest priority?

D2 How much time do we spend doing this?

D3 How do we delegate our time?

D4 When do hobbies and activities become a problem for the Christian?

B2 1 Peter 4:8-11 NKJV  And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS."  (9)  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  (10)  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  (11)  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

C1 What kind of love is mentioned in 1 Peter 4:8? (Agape love)

C2 Where do Christians learn about love? Who is our example?

C3 How does love cover a multitude of sins? Consider

D1 Forgiveness--Mat 18:35 (Pickering NT), "My heavenly Father will handle you just like that, if each of you does not forgive his brother his trespasses, from the heart."

D2 How does this verse apply? Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  (4)  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

D3 Does obeying this verse forgive our sins, so we can have salvation?

D4 This verse speaks of overlooking various faults and traits.

C4 How do we show love to our brethren?

C5 Believer's Bible Commentary on this verse: Each believer has received a gift from the Lord, some special function to perform as a member of the Body of Christ (1Corinthians 12:4-11, 1Corinthians 12:29-31; Romans 12:6-8). These gifts are a stewardship from God. They are not to be used for selfish gain but for His glory and for the good of others. We are not meant to be the terminals of God's gifts to us; His grace reaches us but should not end with us. We are intended to be channels through whom the blessing can flow to others.

C6 How are we supposed to use these gifts? Consider our example: John 4:34 ESV  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

B3 Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,  (16)  redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  (17)  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

C1 What does the word walk refer to?

C2 Circumspectly

D1 The Greek word ἀκριβῶς akribōs.

E1 It means exactly, accurately, diligently according to Thayer.

E2 Verses

F1 Matthew 2:8 NRSV  Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."

F2 Luke 1:3 NRSV  I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.

F3 Acts 18:25 NKJV  This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.

D2 The English word is defined as Wary and unwilling to take risks.

C3 What is the difference, in God’s sight, between being wise or foolish?

C4 Knowing the will of God

D1 Pray

D2 Then read, study, search Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 111:2

D3 There are things we must do. 1 Timothy 6:11

D4 There are things we must not do. 2 Timothy 2:22

D5 Examples, both wise and foolish choices and consequences.

E1 Judas Iscariot, the betrayer--foolish Matthew 27:3-5

E2 Hananiah--foolish Jeremiah 28:15-17

E3 Ruth--wise Ruth 1:15-16

E4 Moses--wise Hebrews 11:25-26

D6 Principles of what is wise or foolish. Many of these principles can be found in Proverbs.

B4 Ephesians 6:5-8

C1 Ephesians 6:5-8 NKJV  Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;  (6)  not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,  (7)  with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,  (8)  knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

C2 Does God like slavery?

D1 Often atheists will make a statement as “ Slavery remains a modern day travesty - a travesty with the Bible and the Koran on the wrong side of the issue. You would never think that owning people as slaves is immoral if you rely on the Bible or the Koran as your source of morality. If you need the Bible or Koran to tell you something as obvious as owning people as slaves is immoral, then you would never think that because neither the Bible nor the Koran says a word against slavery.”

D2 Two types are spoken of in the Bible

E1 Voluntary--because of debt, etc.

E2 Involuntary--because of war, etc.

F1 Old Testament

G1 Cities that are not in the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 20)

H1 Offer peace. If they agree, they will serve you.

H2 Offer peace. If they reject, the men die and the others are spoils of war to enjoy, thus the people were to be treated kindly (see Jamieson, Faussett, Brown commentary).

G2 Cities in the land of Canaan. (Deuteronomy 20) All must die, because they have sinned so much, that God has judged them, and Israel was to carry out the sentence.

F2 New Testament. The saints lived in the Roman culture and were under Roman laws.

G1  1 Corinthians 7:21-23 GW  Were you a slave when you were called? That shouldn't bother you. However, if you have a chance to become free, take it.  (22)  If the Lord called you when you were a slave, you are the Lord's free person. In the same way, if you were free when you were called, you are Christ's slave.  (23)  You were bought for a price. Don't become anyone's slaves.

G2 Ephesians 6:5 GW  Slaves, obey your earthly masters with proper respect. Be as sincere as you are when you obey Christ.

D3 Old Testament rules for slaves (Jews could not be considered property)

E1 If one is a thief (to serve until restitution is paid in full): Exodus 22:2-3 NKJV  If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.  (3)  If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

E2 If one sells himself because of debt (as in indentured servant): Leviticus 25:39-41 NKJV  'And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.  (40)  As a hired servant and a sojourner he shall be with you, and shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee.  (41)  And then he shall depart from you—he and his children with him—and shall return to his own family. He shall return to the possession of his fathers. AND Deuteronomy 15:12-15 NKJV  "If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.  (13)  And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed;  (14)  you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the LORD has blessed you with, you shall give to him.  (15)  You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.

E3 War (possibly until they die): 2 Samuel 12:29-31 NKJV  So David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah, fought against it, and took it.  (30)  Then he took their king's crown from his head. Its weight was a talent of gold, with precious stones. And it was set on David's head. Also he brought out the spoil of the city in great abundance.  (31)  And he brought out the people who were in it, and put them to work with saws and iron picks and iron axes, and made them cross over to the brick works. So he did to all the cities of the people of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

E4 Master causes injury to slave (injured and dies, the slaveowner will be given the death penalty. Injured and lives, slaveowner loses a worker. My understanding is that if injured, the slave is to be set free, see verses 26-27): Exodus 21:20-21 NKJV  "And if a man beats his male or female servant with a rod, so that he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished.  (21)  Notwithstanding, if he remains alive a day or two, he shall not be punished; for he is his property.

E5 Master abuses slave (Slave goes free): Exodus 21:26-27 GNB  "If someone hits his male or female slave in the eye and puts it out, he is to free the slave as payment for the eye.  (27)  If he knocks out a tooth, he is to free the slave as payment for the tooth.

E6 If slave runs away (Do not return them to their master): Deuteronomy 23:15-16 GNB  "If slaves run away from their owners and come to you for protection, do not send them back.  (16)  They may live in any of your towns that they choose, and you are not to treat them harshly.

D3 New Testament rules for slaves

E1  1 Corinthians 7:21-23 GW  Were you a slave when you were called? That shouldn't bother you. However, if you have a chance to become free, take it.  (22)  If the Lord called you when you were a slave, you are the Lord's free person. In the same way, if you were free when you were called, you are Christ's slave.  (23)  You were bought for a price. Don't become anyone's slaves.

E2 Ephesians 6:5 GW  Slaves, obey your earthly masters with proper respect. Be as sincere as you are when you obey Christ.

E3 Paul’s appeal to Philemon to free Onesimus from slavery. Philemon 1:8-21 GW  Christ makes me bold enough to order you to do the right thing.  (9)  However, I would prefer to make an appeal on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an old man and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus,  (10)  appeal to you for my child Onesimus [Useful]. I became his spiritual father here in prison.  (11)  Once he was useless to you, but now he is very useful to both of us.  (12)  I am sending him back to you. This is like sending you a part of myself.  (13)  I wanted to keep him here with me. Then he could have served me in your place while I am in prison for spreading the Good News.  (14)  Yet, I didn't want to do anything without your consent. I want you to do this favor for me out of your own free will without feeling forced to do it.  (15)  Maybe Onesimus was gone for a while so that you could have him back forever-  (16)  no longer as a slave but better than a slave-as a dear brother. He is especially dear to me, but even more so to you, both as a person and as a Christian.  (17)  If you think of me as your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.  (18)  If he wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.  (19)  I, Paul, promise to pay it back. I'm writing this with my own hand. I won't even mention that you owe me your life.  (20)  So, because we're brothers in the Lord, do something for me. Give me some comfort because of Christ.  (21)  I am confident as I write to you that you will do this. And I know that you will do even more than I ask.

D4 William Wilberforce (1759-1833)

E1 Fought to abolish slavery in the British Empire due to Christian principles.

E2 Two links for studying him.

F1 Short biography= http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/wilberforce_william.shtml

F1 Short biography and bibliography= http://www.brycchancarey.com/abolition/wilberforce.htm

C2 Working for an employer

D1 How are we to do our work when the boss is watching, and if he is not watching?

D2 How can an employer get in trouble with God? (James 5:4 GNB  You have not paid any wages to those who work in your fields. Listen to their complaints! The cries of those who gather in your crops have reached the ears of God, the Lord Almighty).

D3 Ephesians 6:8 NKJV  Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

E1 How does being a conscientious worker receive the same from the Lord?

E2 Does this verse apply? Matthew 25:23 NKJV  His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

E3 Also, Matthew 6:19-20 NKJV  "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;  (20)  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

B5 Questions:

C1 How can we improve our use of our time?

C2 How can we show consistent, godly, love to the brethren?

C3 Why is it important to study the Bible’s teaching about slavery?

B6 Next week

C1 Totally devoted

C2 Theme: Honoring God with our devotion

C3 Scriptures:

• James 4:1-4
• Luke 14:26-27
• Acts 12:20-23
• Matthew 22:34-40