THE GOSPEL FAITH MISSION INTERNATIONAL (GOFAMINT)
MAKE YOUR LIFE A MODEL
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 213, 240
Devotional Reading: Jos. 24:1-15
Topic For Adults: Let Your Life Be Worthwhile
Topic For Youths: Don’t Make Yourself An Eye sore
Topic For Intermediates: Start On A Good Note
Lesson Scripture: 2 Thess. 3:6-14; Jn. 13:35; 1 Thess. 2:2-10; Mk. 10:9; Eph. 4:17-22
MEMORY VERSE: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16) NKJV
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
MON. 1/4/2019 LIVE A LIFE OF INTEGRITY 1 SAM. 12:1-5
The statement by Samuel in our text today is an excellent example that deserves to be imitated. What a life of seamless integrity. He was not from another planet and did not moult as insect; he grew from childhood, through adolescence, became a youth and also an adult. As at the time of this statement, he was an old man who had seen it all.
Imagine someone who has lived through all those stages unsoiled and still confident of himself. He
had no dent in life and ministry, he did not cheat anyone, he did not oppress anyone by virtue of his position and opportunities, he did not receive any bribe that could have blindfolded his sense of judgment, and he lived a right life, taught the people the way of God and pointed people to God and not himself. In summary, he had nothing wrong that anyone could hold on to – what a life! What a model worth being followed and a life that should be prayerfully coveted! Integrity is when your words, your life and your actions are right and match one another. True to Samuel’s word, the people couldn’t find anything against him. Live a life of integrity so that nothing will be found against you.
Point Of Emphasis: Integrity is when your words, your life and your actions are right and match one another.
Prayer Point: Help me today oh Lord to be a model of all that is good and godly.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Isa. 57-59
had no dent in life and ministry, he did not cheat anyone, he did not oppress anyone by virtue of his position and opportunities, he did not receive any bribe that could have blindfolded his sense of judgment, and he lived a right life, taught the people the way of God and pointed people to God and not himself. In summary, he had nothing wrong that anyone could hold on to – what a life! What a model worth being followed and a life that should be prayerfully coveted! Integrity is when your words, your life and your actions are right and match one another. True to Samuel’s word, the people couldn’t find anything against him. Live a life of integrity so that nothing will be found against you.
Point Of Emphasis: Integrity is when your words, your life and your actions are right and match one another.
Prayer Point: Help me today oh Lord to be a model of all that is good and godly.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Isa. 57-59
TUE. 2/4/2019 DON’T COMPROMISE – STAND OUT DAN. 1:3-15
Daniel and his colleagues were slaves from Israel. They were carried to Babylon. In spite of
their predicament, they chose to stand for God and that is why they remained a reference
point for us. They stand as a good example and a check for people who are passing through
unpalatable situations and want to compromise. The Hebrew slaves had a purpose, a sense
of identity. Though they were selected to be taught a foreign way of life that would replace
what hitherto they had known, they did not compromise. They were exposed to delicacies
and juicy things of life that were meant to make them lose hold of their background and also
forget their God. The training altogether was to make them fit for the earthly king’s service.
They purposed in their heart not to defile themselves with the portion of the earthly king so
that they would not be rejected by the Heavenly King. Daniel and his colleagues made up
their mind from the beginning not to spoil themselves with the king’s delicacies. There was
no parent around them to guide them, yet their love for God and what they had been taught was so paramount in their heart. They stood out and never compromised. Set a legacy
worthy of emulation by not compromising your faith.
Point Of Emphasis: If God cannot trust you during hard times, He cannot take you to high places.
Prayer Point: Lord, help me to stand and never compromise my stand and belief in you because of the passing pleasures of the world.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Isa. 60-62
WED. 3/4/2019 INVEST IN YOUR FAMILY AND PEOPLE JOS. 24:1-15
Models are good examples to be emulated. The nation of Israel was finding it difficult to do
the will of God despite the very many good things He had done for them. Joshua was
already an old man, he was about to die. He had invested in the people and his family. He
did not want to fail in his primary constituency by losing his family. He was of the opinion
that he must labour first in his home and then on the people. He believed that he and his
family would stand for God and be a model to other families around. He was in charge of
his home; he could confidently say that his wife was on God’s side and likewise his
children. First lead your family to follow God. Let your words first find relevance in your
home and then the people around will be positively influenced by the attitude of your
family. Train your family first in the way of the Lord and then the people and not the other
way round. Those who fail at home cannot be respected outside. Failure to lead your family
members to serve the Lord will mar your faith and will result to judgment and destruction.
To be a good model, invest in your family.
Point Of Emphasis: Train your family first in the way of the Lord and then the people and not the other way round.
Prayer Point: Lord, my family and I will serve you. My generation will forever be relevant with God and His service.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Isa. 63-65
THUR. 4/4/2019 FEAR GOD; TURN FROM EVIL JOB 1:1-22
The credential of Job was so enviable that anyone called a Christian should not live less. He
set a model that we must all work to achieve. He was a man in the land of Uz, meaning he
was not an angel, he did not live in heaven, he was faced with the same challenges we face
as human. The foundation of Job’s uprightness is that he feared God and turned away from
evil. He had moral integrity and was totally committed to Him. God wants us also to stand
and be a light both for our contemporary time and for generations coming, just by our
lifestyle of godliness and uprightness in the faces of daunting challenges and odds. What is
being said about you today by your spouse, children, co-workers and neighbours? What has
heaven recorded in your account? Is God proud of you? As a father, mother and even a
child in a home, are you worth heaven’s applause? You must fear God and turn away from
evil. Doing this will make you a role model in Christendom.
Point Of Emphasis: We read about Job today as a man of an enviable testimony, what is being said about you?
Prayer Point: Lord, help me to be a good model with an enviable testimony both for this generation and generation unborn.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Isa. 66 – Jer. 2
FRI. 5/4/2019 LET YOUR WORK SPEAK ACTS 9:36-42; JN. 13:35
Some people will die and people around them will breathe a sigh of relief that at last, the
despot and wicked oppressor is gone. Some will die and the whole community will be filled
with thanks to God for every remembrance of them. The latter was the case with Tabitha, a
generous woman, full of good works, full of charitable deeds who successfully touched the
lives of people around her positively. It is only those you have touched and pulled up while
you are up that will sustain you while you are weak. Those you trample upon are not
empowered to assist you. How are you touching people? How many people have benefited
from your elevated position or you believe you are elevated to trample upon people’s right
and ride upon or rob them. Everyone, irrespective of status, can offer help in diverse forms
as you are better off someone very close to you. What impact are you leaving on people?
Has anyone become happy or successful through you? Do good works and let your works
speak for you.
Point Of Emphasis: Whatever you live for will outlive you. Be a model of generosity as you are blessed to be a blessing to people around you.
Prayer Point: Lord, endow me with grace to be generous and offer help to everyone around me.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Jer. 3-5
despot and wicked oppressor is gone. Some will die and the whole community will be filled
with thanks to God for every remembrance of them. The latter was the case with Tabitha, a
generous woman, full of good works, full of charitable deeds who successfully touched the
lives of people around her positively. It is only those you have touched and pulled up while
you are up that will sustain you while you are weak. Those you trample upon are not
empowered to assist you. How are you touching people? How many people have benefited
from your elevated position or you believe you are elevated to trample upon people’s right
and ride upon or rob them. Everyone, irrespective of status, can offer help in diverse forms
as you are better off someone very close to you. What impact are you leaving on people?
Has anyone become happy or successful through you? Do good works and let your works
speak for you.
Point Of Emphasis: Whatever you live for will outlive you. Be a model of generosity as you are blessed to be a blessing to people around you.
Prayer Point: Lord, endow me with grace to be generous and offer help to everyone around me.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Jer. 3-5
SAT. 6/4/2019 MAKE YOUR FAMILY EXTRA-ORDINARY ACTS 18:1-3,24-28
Marriage to some is a nightmare and very frightening owing to the way some couples
around are living. But some couples are so interesting and so extraordinary that staying
around them creates a godly longing in singles around them for similar companionship.
Everything said about this couple we are studying today in the scripture is so encouraging.
Theirs was a home with purpose. They had godly virtues and character; they were dutiful
career people, able ministers who contributed to the success story of the ministry of Paul.
They were healthy complements and not rivals or competitors, godly mentors who
mentored Apollos in the way of God. They had a church in their house which their lifestyle
and attitude promoted. (1 Cor. 16:9; Rom. 16:3). A good father and mother will not only
tell us how to live – they show us! What type of family are you raising? Is it glorifying God?
Learn from our reference couple in this study. Working together allows for growth,
teamwork and greater efficiency both in career and ministry. You must work for the growth
of one another and be a good model to people around. By making every member of your family to be supportive to the church of God and the ministers, you are making them extra- ordinary.
Point Of emphasis: Make your family committed to the things of God.
Prayer Point: God give us Christian home; home where the father, mother and the children are models of all that is good and also supportive of God’s work.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Jer. 6-8
around are living. But some couples are so interesting and so extraordinary that staying
around them creates a godly longing in singles around them for similar companionship.
Everything said about this couple we are studying today in the scripture is so encouraging.
Theirs was a home with purpose. They had godly virtues and character; they were dutiful
career people, able ministers who contributed to the success story of the ministry of Paul.
They were healthy complements and not rivals or competitors, godly mentors who
mentored Apollos in the way of God. They had a church in their house which their lifestyle
and attitude promoted. (1 Cor. 16:9; Rom. 16:3). A good father and mother will not only
tell us how to live – they show us! What type of family are you raising? Is it glorifying God?
Learn from our reference couple in this study. Working together allows for growth,
teamwork and greater efficiency both in career and ministry. You must work for the growth
of one another and be a good model to people around. By making every member of your family to be supportive to the church of God and the ministers, you are making them extra- ordinary.
Point Of emphasis: Make your family committed to the things of God.
Prayer Point: God give us Christian home; home where the father, mother and the children are models of all that is good and also supportive of God’s work.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Jer. 6-8
SUN. 7/4/2019 HAVE GOOD VIRTUES MATT. 1:18-25
The characters of Joseph and Mary were simply the cornerstone needed for the birth of the
Messiah. Mary’s virtue singled her out as a blessing to generations. Prophecies had gone ahead that a virgin would conceive and give birth to the Messiah, she was level headed
enough to allow the fulfilment. God would never have lowered His standard if she was not
a virgin – what a lesson for our young people. Our lifestyle and character play a big role in
fulfilment of destiny and divine purposes. Joseph was a just man and compassionate. By this
men will know you are disciples of Jesus when you show love and not when you relate with
your spouse, children and people around you with rules and legalism. How many men
really love their wives? How many men really love their family? Joseph was called father
and must take responsibility of a child This shows that he was selflessness, responsible and
humble to submit to God’s will.
Point of Emphasis: Mary and Joseph’s good virtues made them models from their generation till date. Strive to possess virtues that will make your name to be written in gold.
Prayer Point: Lord, help me to be totally sold out to the fulfilment of the divine agenda.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Jer. 9-11
society. What happens in our contemporary society shows that most families have been
living below God’s expectation. The vices and immoralities prevailing currently
demonstrate that some homes are falling short of what they ought to be. There is conflict,
tension, abuse and immorality plaguing our society. In view of these, some youths are afraid
of constituting their own family. This week’s lesson centres on the need for members of
Christian home to live their lives in a way as to make themselves role models in the society.
Messiah. Mary’s virtue singled her out as a blessing to generations. Prophecies had gone ahead that a virgin would conceive and give birth to the Messiah, she was level headed
enough to allow the fulfilment. God would never have lowered His standard if she was not
a virgin – what a lesson for our young people. Our lifestyle and character play a big role in
fulfilment of destiny and divine purposes. Joseph was a just man and compassionate. By this
men will know you are disciples of Jesus when you show love and not when you relate with
your spouse, children and people around you with rules and legalism. How many men
really love their wives? How many men really love their family? Joseph was called father
and must take responsibility of a child This shows that he was selflessness, responsible and
humble to submit to God’s will.
Point of Emphasis: Mary and Joseph’s good virtues made them models from their generation till date. Strive to possess virtues that will make your name to be written in gold.
Prayer Point: Lord, help me to be totally sold out to the fulfilment of the divine agenda.
Reading the Bible through in a Year: Jer. 9-11
BACKGROUND
A happy family is a haven of safety and security. A healthy family makes a strongsociety. What happens in our contemporary society shows that most families have been
living below God’s expectation. The vices and immoralities prevailing currently
demonstrate that some homes are falling short of what they ought to be. There is conflict,
tension, abuse and immorality plaguing our society. In view of these, some youths are afraid
of constituting their own family. This week’s lesson centres on the need for members of
Christian home to live their lives in a way as to make themselves role models in the society.
NOTES ON THE TEXT
PART 1: PUT ON GOOD VIRTUES, DON’T BE IDLE – 2 THESS. 3:6-14; JN. 13:35
Apostle Paul earlier commended the obedience of believers in Thessalonica. He went
further to give instruction to those who were found wanting among them. The admonition
which he gave them is relevant to the members of a Christian and church in our
contemporary time.
There were some among the Thessalonica brethren who walked disorderly. They
failed to conduct themselves according to the rule of Christianity. Every member of a
Christian family must walk worthy of the gospel.
No member of a Christian family should be busy-body, idle, not working at all. It is
expected of every Christian to do good works in his or her family. The fact that we
expect the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ should not prevent anyone from
working.
It is not ideal to take the generosity of our family and church for granted. These
days, white colar jobs are not readily available, don’t stay idle. Find an hitch and fill
it. There is somebody around who needs what you can do and pay for your service.
Don’t be a burden to your family and church. Get something doing.
The body of Christ should note that Paul was not advocating that help should not be
given to those in real need but able-bodied believers must not stay idle. Any member of our
family who refuses to work must not eat. Christians must be industrious, diligent, and work
with their hand in order to serve as role models in our society.
Every member of a Christian family must show agape love to each other to show that
they are Christ’s disciples indeed (Jn. 13:35). In view of this, we must:
do nothing with selfish ambition or wrong motive. We must have the mind of Christ – Phil. 2:5-8
don’t result to blackmailing or get involved in unnecessary discussion. Everybody in the family should be able to trust one another.
choose to be responsible. Love our family as Christ loves the church, endure and forebear with one another.
don’t compromise our Christian ethics for any reasons. Friends, sinners and the world will entice us, but we must not consent.
further to give instruction to those who were found wanting among them. The admonition
which he gave them is relevant to the members of a Christian and church in our
contemporary time.
There were some among the Thessalonica brethren who walked disorderly. They
failed to conduct themselves according to the rule of Christianity. Every member of a
Christian family must walk worthy of the gospel.
No member of a Christian family should be busy-body, idle, not working at all. It is
expected of every Christian to do good works in his or her family. The fact that we
expect the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ should not prevent anyone from
working.
It is not ideal to take the generosity of our family and church for granted. These
days, white colar jobs are not readily available, don’t stay idle. Find an hitch and fill
it. There is somebody around who needs what you can do and pay for your service.
Don’t be a burden to your family and church. Get something doing.
The body of Christ should note that Paul was not advocating that help should not be
given to those in real need but able-bodied believers must not stay idle. Any member of our
family who refuses to work must not eat. Christians must be industrious, diligent, and work
with their hand in order to serve as role models in our society.
Every member of a Christian family must show agape love to each other to show that
they are Christ’s disciples indeed (Jn. 13:35). In view of this, we must:
do nothing with selfish ambition or wrong motive. We must have the mind of Christ – Phil. 2:5-8
don’t result to blackmailing or get involved in unnecessary discussion. Everybody in the family should be able to trust one another.
choose to be responsible. Love our family as Christ loves the church, endure and forebear with one another.
don’t compromise our Christian ethics for any reasons. Friends, sinners and the world will entice us, but we must not consent.
PART 2: LIVE TO PLEASE GOD – 1 THESS. 2:2-10
Paul affirmed that the gospel was brought to the Thessalonians in truth and not with deceit. Though Paul had been slandered by his opponents accusing him of insincerity in his preaching of the gospel, he did not compromise with his conviction. This made him a role model in Christendom. He was bold to say ‘be ye my example as I am example of Christ. Each member of our family must make up their mind not to tolerate sin or compromise our belief in Christ because we want to please unbelievers around us.
We must not allow societal values to determine the rightness and wrongness of our actions. We must be spirit-led. The Bible should be adopted to be our guide principles in whatever we do. The following questions should always be asked
when taking a decision:
Will what I am about to do glorify God?
Can this be done in the name of Jesus?
Can what I am about to do bring sincere thanksgiving to the Lord Jesus?
Is it what Christ will do if He happens to be in my position?
Will it affect my testimony of being a child of God?
As a Christian, don’t do anything to please man or do anything that will bring reproach
to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be a role model to the people of faith and unbelievers.
PART 3: GROW IN GODLINESS – MK. 10:9; EPH. 4:17-22
Where there is a will, there is a way. Unbelievers and nominal Christians sometimesbreak their marital vow on flimsy excuses that can be settled if they have allowed the
originator of family to intervene. Be a role model in your thought. Consider what would
have happened if God the originator of marriage has chosen to deal with you harshly and
divorce you when you failed to meet His standard.
Ensure that you don’t contribute anything that can disband what God has joined
together. God uses marriage and Christian home to depict the mystical union between
Christ and His church. Don’t do anything to disband it.
For a house to become a model building, the foundation is very essential. The whole
structure stands on the foundation. This is also true of a Christian. Who is your foundation?
Are you born again genuinely? Salvation changes man’s nature. When you are sanctified,
you grow in godliness. If there is any trait of consistent unrighteousness in your life, check
its foundation. You have to accept Jesus Christ into your life. Thereafter, ask the Lord to
help you bear spiritual fruits. This is what makes Christian life worthy model of emulation.
CONCLUSION
This lesson admonishes us to be good Christians. Allowing Jesus to control our livesand families will make every trace of darkness to varnish. Our families and homes will
become a paradise on Earth worthy of emulation. Live your life as it becometh of true
followers of Christ. You and your household will become a family worthy to be set as an
example to follow.
QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to walk disorderly?2. Explain why Christians should not allow the expectation of Christ’s return prevent them from working.
3. Is it good to allow able-bodied Christians who refuse to work to eat?
4. Why is it not good to compromise our faith to please unbeliever?
5. Why is Christian foundation essential to the building of a Christian home?
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