THEME: IDENTIFY YOUR OFFICE AND OPERATE THEREIN
MEMORIZE:
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Proverbs 22:29
BIBLE READING:
1 CHRONICLES 12:4-7
4. And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,
5. Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,
6. Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,
7. And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
MESSAGE
Apostle Paul tells us in the Bible reading of today that he would not want us to be ignorant of the truth concerning our calling as Christians and workers in the vineyard.
Hosea 4:6 also emphasizes the danger of ignorance: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
Our Lord Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of knowing the truth in John 8:32
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
In other words, lies hold people captive! In Proverbs 22:29 we read that a person who is diligent in his or her business shall stand before kings.
In what business? The fellow is to be diligent in whatever is committed into his or her hands academically, professionally, spiritually and in all other areas.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
“Ecclesiastes 9:10”
The Scripture above emphasizes the need for diligence. In the light of todays reading, let us consider some things worthy of learning:
One, it is possible for Christians to be ignorant of facts about spiritual gifts.
Two, there are many gifts in the body of Christ and every believer should possess at least one.
Three, it is the Holy Spirit who distributes gifts to every believer as He chooses.
Four, there are differences in the administration as well as division of labour.
Thus, believers should beware of carrying out too many activities in the Church by themselves because it could be counterproductive.
Five, though there are differences in operations from believer to believer, it is the same God through His Holy Spirit that works in all genuine believers.
Six, the Holy Spirit then gives different assignments to different believers for the edification of the entire Body of Christ.
Thus, we see that it is not for the fun of it that believers are endowed with one gift or another.
Therefore, we come to the seventh lesson: no gift is either superior or inferior to another.
For this reason, Apostle Paul further wrote to warn us against discriminating in the use of the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:15-17 ).
Therefore beloved, let us work together as many members, but one indivisible Body of Christ everyone playing his or her part as the Lord has given us enablement.
We shall not miss our reward in Jesus name.
ACTION POINT:
Identify your spiritual gift(s) and begin to operate in its fullness, to the glory of God.
BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
JOB 19:1-29,
JOB 20:1-29
HYMNAL: I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY.
1. I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground”.
CHORUS
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith on heaven’s table-land;
Where love and joy and light abound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2. My heart has no desire to stay,
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these
abound, my constant aim is higher ground.
3. Beyond the mist I fain would rise,
To rest beneath unclouded skies,
Above earth’s turmoil peace is found
By those who dwell on higher ground.
4. I long to scale the utmost height,
Though rough the way, and hard the fight,
My song while climbing shall resound
Lord lead me on to higher ground.
5. Lord lead me up the mountain side,
I dare not climb without my Guide;
And Heaven gained, I’ll gaze around,
With grateful heart from higher ground.
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