DEVOTION TO GOD'S WORD

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (11/03/2018)

TOPIC: DEVOTION TO GOD’S WORD (PART 1)

INTRODUCTION

Having understood what devotion means, we saw that the disciples of old first devoted themselves unto the Lord, and that made them to experience God the way they did. As a result of their devotion to God they also devoted themselves to prayer and fasting as a means of communing with God and walking with Him. God is Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. As a result of their devotion to the Lord and to prayer, God walked with them and worked through them so much that there was revival and transformation of lives and communities in their time. The manifestation of Gods power and glory is scarce in our time because people who are devoted to Him are scarce. If we also desire to experience God in such a way in our time, we need to apply our hearts unto these devotions which the disciples of old applied their hearts unto.

In this chapter, we shall consider the devotion of the disciples of old to the word of God. We trust God to impact your personal life, cause you to become committed to God’s word and give you a divine push into these devotions that produced the “Acts of the Apostles” in Jesus Name, Amen.

1.     What does it mean to be devoted to the Word of God?

Jh. 6:63; Psalm 119:9-12, 15-16, 105, 130

From the meaning of the word ‘devotion’ that we studied earlier on, to be devoted to the Word of God mean to have constant, strong love for the word of God; to be committed and dedicated to the Word of God. It means to be eager to spend time on God’s word and pay close attention to it. It also means to be loyal to God’s Word.

What will be the implication of this to you? Explain in detail.

QUESTIONS

1.     Explain what it means to devote oneself to the Word of God?

2.     How can one be devoted to the Word of God?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (18/03/2018)

TOPIC: DEVOTION TO GOD’S WORD (PART 2)

2. Their devotion to God’s word was shown by their delight in, and their unbendable       love for the word of God

Ezra 7:10; Psa. 1199-11, 35-36, 40, 47-48, 72. 105, 127-128; Jer. 15:16; Acts 1:15-16; 20: 32

 What does it mean to love God’s word? How will you prove that you love the word of God?

Because of their love for the word of God, they were devoted to it. One indication of love for the word of God is to always look for it, study it, meditate on it, seek to understand it, hide it in your heart and obey it at all times. These disciples of old experienced the word of God in its nature and integrity. So they loved it. If you have come to the point where you love the word of God, you will also love to obey it. Like David, you will consider God’s word concerning everything to be right. Bitter or sweet, it will be the delight of your soul. Obedience to the word of God is a crucial step in proving your love for God’s word.

3. Their Devotion to God’s word made them to study it regularly

Ezra 7:10; Acts 2:42; 6:4-7; 17:10-12; Joshua 1:8; Psa.1:1-3

Ezra sought the law of the Lord. The disciples in the New Testament also devoted quality time to study it. And they did so, not for ordinary head knowledge, but for the purpose of putting it to practice and teaching it. You cannot be devoted to the word of God that you do not know. And it will not jump into your heart unless you study it. Actually the more you get discoveries of the treasures in God’s word, the more you will love to study it. It is the ‘safe’ in which our inheritance in Christ Jesus is kept. There is a lot in God’s word for you. Learn to spend quality time to study it.

QUESTIONS

1. How can we prove that we love the word of God?

2. Can one love the word of God and not obey it? Explain

3. Why must we study the word of God?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (25/03/2018)

TOPIC: DEVOTION TO GOD’S WORD (PART 3)

3. Their Devotion to God’s word made them to study it regularly

a) What was the effect of consistent study of God’s word on their lives and in their midst? Acts 2:42-47; Acts 6:2-7; 2Cor. 3:18; Rom. 12:2; Acts 4:13; Ps. 19:7-11; 2Tim. 3:16-17; Ps. 119:105.

As the disciple constantly devoted themselves to the word of God, there was a continuous transformation of their lives, Greed, lack of contentment and other vices disappeared. There was genuine fellowship between them. They ate their bread with gladness of heart. They had light and direction and there was boldness to preach the word of God. And the word of God increased and number of disciples multiplied greatly. We cannot be less in our devotion to the study of God’s word and expect to experience what they experienced. How devoted are you to the word of God, to study it and to obey it?

b) What should your attitude be toward God’s word if you desire to experience these and more of its effect?

 Josh. 1:8; Psa. 1:1-3; Prov. 2:1-7; Lk. 8:11; Jas. 1:21-25; Jn 14:21.

Let your delight be in the word of God. Learn to meditate on it day and night. To have and to obey God’s word is an indication that you love Jesus and God will manifest Himself to you. The word of God is the seed for kingdom life and for anything of the kingdom to be manifested. If you need a change in your life or you are looking for personal revival, start planting the word of God in your life today. God’s word is a treasure above all else. Your attitude to it must prove that it is a treasure to you. Look for it as you would for silver and gold. Devote your time, prayer, attention, money and everything else to get it. Be committed unto obeying it. Then you will experience the grace and power of God which the disciple of old experienced in Christ.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the effects of the Word of God on a man’s life that is always devoted to it?

2. What is an indication that anyone loves the Word of God?

3. How can one experience God through His Word as discussed from our teaching?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (8/04/2018)

TOPIC: DEVOTION TO GOD’S WORD (PART 4)

4. The disciples of old experienced the power and integrity of God’s word in their personal lives

Lk. 5:4-7; Matt. 17:24-27; Lk. 19:29-32; Mk. 11:12-14, 21; 1 Jn. 1:1; Acts 9:1-9

a.      What do you think was the effect of these experiences on their personal commitment to God’s word?

b.      Discuss your personal experience of God’s word.

c.       What should your attitude be towards God’s word in order to enhance your experience in it and commitment to it?

As each disciple obeyed God, he experienced God and what He has promised. And the more they experienced God’s faithfulness to His word, the more their experience makes them to be committed to His word. Your progressive knowledge of God’s word and your obedience to it is what will help you to be more devoted to the word of God.

5. As part of their devotion to God’s word, they allowed the word of God to become their lifestyle

They obeyed and lived by God’s word. They were loyal to it. Discuss this from the following scriptures.

Lk. 4:4; Ezra 7:10; Josh. 1:7; Lk. 24:49; Act 2:1-4; 1:15-16; 4:18-20

The Lord Jesus Christ lived by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God and the will of God prospered in His hands. Ezra did the same and there was revival in his time. The Disciples of Christ also obeyed His words of instruction at every point, even when obedience meant suffering. They lived by the word of God. It was their lifestyle in the midst of a world that was contrary. As a result, the Holy Ghost came down mightily upon them and great works were done by their hands, which became the Acts of the Apostles.

God is not partial. He is not a respecter of persons. If you get committed to the word of God as they did and you live by every word that comes out of the mouth of God, He will also be committed to you and manifest Himself in you.

QUESTIONS

1. How can anyone experience the power of God’ word in his/her lives.

2. In what ways does our experience to the word of God affects our commitment to it?

3. Explain how the word of God can become our lifestyle?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (22/04/2018)

TOPIC: DEVOTION TO GOD’S WORD (PART 5)

6. They were devoted to the teaching and spreading of God’s word

Acts 6:3-4, 7; 4:31-33; 5:17-21; 18:24-28; 20:27-32; 2 Tim. 4:2

a)    Highlight the outcome of their obedience to the word of God as well as their devotion unto teaching it.

b)   What must we do with the word of God committed into our hands in order to also experience God’s move in our time, in our lives and communities as they did?

As a result of their devotion to obeying and teaching the word of God, great grace was upon them all. Grace and truth go together as twins. When you receive the truth (God’s word), the grace of God comes upon your life to obey it. Not only was great grace upon them all, the word of God multiplied. The understanding of God’s word increased in the land and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. Even many priests became disciples in their time. If we become committed unto obeying what God says and unto teaching it, we will also experience such a great move of God in our generation as they experienced.

QUESTIONS

1. What should be our attitude towards the word of God committed into our hands when we have received it?

2. What were the outcomes of obeying and teaching the word of God in the lives and midst of the disciples from our teaching?

3. How can our communities, families and the society receive the word of God in other to change their lives?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (29/04/2018)

TOPIC: DEVOTION TO GOD’S WORD (PART 6)

7. Examine the devotion of our Lord Jesus Christ to God’s word

Lk. 2:41-43, 46-47; 4:1-4, 16-21; 6:1-4; Mt. 19:3-5; 21:1-5; Lk. 24:25-27; Jn. 1:14; 15:10; 17:8

What lessons can we learn from His devotion to the word of God?

Throughout His life here on earth, the Lord Jesus Christ was committed to the word of God. He read and studied it and He lived by it. He used it to fight against the devil and to overcome temptations. He walked according to scriptures every step of the way. In Him the word of God became flesh. His life became the visible evidence of the invisible word of God. He taught and expounded the scriptures to His disciples. He challenged the scribes and the Pharisee of His time to read the scriptures. He obeyed God’s word even when obedience meant suffering. And He died according to what was written in the word of God concerning Him.

Therefore He is bringing many sons to glory.

Do you desire to experience God and His power? Do you desire to fulfill the purpose of God for your life? Is it in your heart to be used of God to bring many sons to glory? They follow in the steps of the Lord Jesus Christ even in His unwavering commitment to the word of God.

CONCLUSION

There is integrity and potency in God’s word. By it, God does all His works. By His word, God makes and equips its vessels. The disciples of old personally and individually obeyed and experienced God’s word and this enhanced their commitment to it. Are you committed to obeying the word of God? Have you particularly experienced the power of God’s word before? If not, begin now to seek such an experience from God.

The disciples were so committed to the word of God that they gave priority of time and attention to study, obey and teach it and the result was very clear. The word of God increased and prevailed and there was revival. Disciples multiplied greatly in the land.

            “All flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.

            The grass withers, and its flowers falls away, but the word of the Lord endures      forever”

            (1 Pet. 1:24-25).

 The Lord Jesus Christ left us an example in His unswerving devotion to God’s word. In Him the word became flesh and lived among men. The disciples of old followed in His footsteps and they experienced the power of God’s word. Revival will only come as we seek, receive and obey God’s word even when obedience means suffering. Are you so devoted to God’s word?

QUESTIONS

1.      How did our Lord Jesus used and apply the word of God as a lifestyle?

2.      Explain what it meant by In Him (Jesus) the word of God became flesh. His life became the visible evidence of the invisible word of God.

3.      How can we experience the integrity of God’s word as Job did (Job 2:3c)

4.      From all our teaching what are they ways to personally experience God through His word?

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DEVOTION TO THE ONENESS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (17/06/2018)

THEME: DEVOTION TO THE ONENESS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST (Part 1)

INTRODUCTION

 We discovered that one thing that made God to move with the disciples of old and to manifest His power through their lives the way He did, was their devotion to God’s word. They devoted themselves to search and study scriptures, to obey it and live by it and also to teach it and preach it. As a result, the word of God increased and they disciples multiplied so greatly that many cities and nations were affected by their lives.

Here, we shall press on to look at their devotion to the oneness of the body of Christ and to fellowship. Our prayer is that our commitment to the Lord in this respect will not be less than that of the disciples of old, but that indeed it shall be greater so that we may experience God’s move even better than the way they did In Jesus name, Amen.

TEACHING ONE

1. The disciples of old devoted themselves to the oneness of the body of Christ.

a. What does it mean to be devoted to oneness of the body of Christ?

Eph. 4:3; Acts 6:1-5

b. What is the scriptural basis of unity of the body of Christ?

Eph. 4:4-6; Col. 3:11; 1:27

c. Discuss the seven dimension of oneness raised in Ephesians 4. How does it affect our devotion to the oneness of the body of Christ?

From our previous study on the meaning of devotion, we saw that the word “devotion” means to have constant love for, and loyalty to something or somebody. So to be devoted to the oneness of the body of Christ means to constantly love and be loyal to the oneness of the body of Christ, to be committed to it and to spend a lot of time and effort on ensuring oneness in the body of Christ.

Note how the twelve apostles handled the division that was beginning to brood in the midst of the disciples in Acts 6:1. Being committed to their unity, they delegated part of the work to other disciples, the fire of division was quenched, unity was restored and the Lord continues to move mightily among them. Revival stops when there is division among God’s people, unity enhances the move of the Spirit.

We have a reason to be united in the body of Christ. The reason or basis of oneness of the body of Christ is the fact that there is only one body, not two. There is one Spirit and we all share in that one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God who is the father of us all and He is in us all. Christ in you and Christ in me, is the hope of unity because Christ cannot disagree with Christ; Christ is not divided. It is the flesh that brings division (1 Cor. 3: 1-4). This understanding of the indwelling of Christ in you is very important and it is what to pursue as a lifestyle, in other to be able to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

QUESTIONS

1. What do we understand by oneness of the Body of Christ?

2. How can our devotion affect the oneness of the Body of Christ?

3. Give examples of our attitudes that can ensure unity in the oneness of the body of Christ?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (24/06/2018)

THEME: DEVOTION TO THE ONENESS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST (Part 2)

TEACHING TWO

2. What does it mean for a human body to be one and not divided, and for a house to be united and not divided? 1 Cor. 12:12-26; Mrk. 3:24-26.

If the human body is divided, what happens to the part that is cut off which has become independent? What happens to the remaining part?

“…And a house divided itself cannot stand..Mk. 3:25”

And we are the temple of God. Christ has likened the church (in functioning) to the human body, and as such there will be no progress or peace if the members riot against one another. Devotion to the oneness of the body is the only rational thing to do if we truly seek the growth of the kingdom of God on earth.

3. Discuss the advantages of unity in the Body of Christ in a locality and in general. Gen. 11:5-6; Matt. 18:19; Psa. 133:1-3; Jn. 17:20-21

What did you discover? What is your experience about this among the believers in your locality?

When a group of people are united, the Lord God says there is nothing they propose to do that will be withheld from them (even if that thing is really not in line with God’s will). That is the power of unity when God’s people are united, God commands His blessing on them, their prayers are answered and their Christian witness in the community becomes effective. Unity of the body of Christ in any locality makes people around them to believe in Christ more easily. The reverse is the case when there is disunity for whatever reason.

QUESTIONS

1. Can a church with different divisions, segregation and independent attitude among its members stand? Explain.

2. Give examples of our activities that can cause riot or disunity in the Body of Christ?

3. What are the numerous benefits obtainable in a church where there is unity and the Body of Christ in general?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (30/06/2018)

THEME: DEVOTION TO THE ONENESS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST (Part 3)

TEACHING THREE

4. Discuss the practical ways in which you can prove your devotion to the unity of the Body of Christ on a constant basis.

Rom. 12:3-6; Jn. 15:5-6; Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 2:1-9 (KJV, MSG);Col. 3:11 (LB); 1 Cor. 3:1-7, 17; Jn. 17:20-23

None of us must be presumptuous as to think you can do everything that needs to be done in the Body of Christ. You are not the Body of Christ, you are only a part of it; and you have been given only a measure of faith and grace. Whatever makes you to think you can separate yourself from the Body of Christ and stand aside even in your locality, will only make you wither as a branch that is cut off; it will also render the Body of Christ in that locality ineffective.

Therefore think soberly; humble yourself. Let the mind of Christ be in you. Be ready to serve, esteeming the other person better than you.

           If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if His love has made any difference in your   life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care…

           then do me a favour: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.

           Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help            others get ahead.

           Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a          helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself. (Phil. 2:1-5 MSG)

Do not take part in dividing the Body of Christ. Rather pray for its oneness as Jesus did and be devoted to keep it united. Do not destroy it, for it is the Temple of God. Whosoever destroys the Temple of God, him shall God destroy.

QUESTIONS

1. How can one separate himself from the Body of Christ?

2. Can one that is self centered and allows only his/her will to prevail stand right in the Body of Christ? And what is its implication to the unity of the Body of Christ?

3. Give practical examples on how we can prove our devotion to the oneness of the Body of Christ?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (6/07/2018)

THEME: DEVOTION TO THE ONENESS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST (Part 4)

TEACHING FOUR

5. Discuss the devotion of the disciples to oneness among them. What did you discover? Acts 1:12-14; 2 :1-4, 42-27; 4:24, 32-37; 5:12-16; 6:1-7; 12:1-11

What was the effect of their oneness on their lives and on the work of God in their time?

Note the repeated use of the phrase; “one accord” in the above scriptures. They did not allow any disagreement into their hearts and into their midst. And as they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers, they became one in their understanding of scriptures. They believed alike, understood alike and became one even in their material possessions and they devoted themselves unto keeping that unity.

 Every trace of disunity that tried to creep in among them was promptly, scripturally and effectively handled. The result was that great grace upon them all. The word of God increased, disciples multiplied and a great number of priest became obedient to the faith. God did great miracles among them and His work progressed rapidly among them. Indeed, how blessed it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! For there, God commands His blessings.

The scarcity of the word of God and abundance of errors in our time is an indication of disunity in the Body of Christ in our nation and in the nations. Genuine move of the Holy Spirit and His miraculous manifestations are very scarce. Disciples indeed are not many in our time and the Church and the name of the Lord is being greatly reproached, all because of disunity in the Body of Christ. This House of God is fragmented; so the church is exposed to a lot of hardship from the scorching heat of the sun, storms and the attacks of the enemy who takes advantage of the gaps in our midst. The serpent creeps in without any hindrance. If this situation will be reversed, for us to experience revival, we must get committed to the unity of the Body of Christ even in our locality and allow nothing and no man to divide us. As a person it is important for you to commit yourself to this as a devotion.

QUESTIONS

1. How did the apostles devote themselves to achieve oneness among them and in the Body of Christ?

2. How can we handle difficulties that can be faced by the church as the apostles did?

3. Explain the different disunity that are obtainable in the Body of Christ in the world today and in Nigeria?

4. In what ways can the oneness of the Body of Christ achieved in the World?

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DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (28/01/2018)

TOPIC: DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (PART 1)

INTRODUCTION

This is the first primary devotion a disciple must cultivate. It is a devotion to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the utmost importance for anyone to become like Jesus. Jesus’ call unto discipleship is  “Follow me…” and not follow my programs or my works or anything of mine. It is of necessity to note this at the onset of the discipleship process: “Come unto Me,… and I will give you rest; take My yoke upon you and learn of Me…” is the way He called us to become His disciples. Since discipleship involves life transfer from the master to the follower, it does not take place in a loose relationship. Discipleship does not only focus on learning Christ’s acts or skills; primarily it involves learning His life, cultivating His mind and learning His character. It involves being with Him’ in order to learn of Him (Mark 3:13-14). In fact, Eph. 4:20 makes is so clear: But you have not so learned Christ, (Eph. 4:20). That means that it is Christ we learn as a person so that we may grow up to Him in everything.

And this kind of learning cannot be done afar off the first instance. It demands total devotion to the Lord and unto being with Him in order for the purpose of discipleship to be accomplished.

Jesus said:

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24).

We shall therefore examine the necessary devotion to the Lord which every disciple needs to have in order to learn of the Lord, experience Him and become like Him. Our prayer is that the Lord will grant you the understanding and grace to become really devoted to the Lord as you walk with Him.

QUESTION

1.     What does disciple’s devotion to the Lord means from our teaching?

2.     In what areas are we suppose to be devoted to God?

3.     How can anyone be following the works or acts/skills of Gods and not really following His lifestyle?

4.     What can we say of discipleship, Do we like it or not?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (04/02/2018)

TOPIC: DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (PART 2)

We shall therefore examine the necessary devotion to the Lord which every disciple needs to have in order to learn of the Lord, experience Him and become like Him.

1.      Discuss briefly what discipleship means and discover that it involves devotion. Discuss this from the following scriptures.

Matt. 4:18-22; Mark 3:13-15; Matt. 11:28-30; 10:37-38; Mrk. 10:28; Jn. 6:66-69; 12:26; 8:31; Acts 4:13; 19-20; 5:17-21; 28-29

Discipleship means followership. Discipleship in our context means following Jesus and learning of Him in order to be like Him. A disciple is a follower of Christ who follows Him very intimately in order to learn of Him and become like Him. It means yoking yourself to Jesus Christ to learn of Him. It involves personal commitment in every way. A yoke is not a loose relationship. Looking at how the disciples of old were made, life transfer takes time. It takes a consistently close relationship for life transfer to take place.

Jesus called those disciples so that they should be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, heal and cast out devils. Being with Him is the priority. It is as they are with Him that they can be sent from Him and by Him to do any assignment for Him. So discipleship involves leaving all others in order to be devoted to the Lord and do whatever He tells you to do even when it is not convenient, being persuaded that God never fails.

1.      What does the word “devotion” means? Acts 2:42-43; 6:3-4; Ruth 1:16-18; Lk. 10:27-28

From the dictionary, the word, devotion means constant strong love for something or somebody; or loyalty and commitment to somebody or something. This leads to the action of spending a lot of time or energy on that thing or with that person.

Webster Dictionary also renders devotion among several other consideration to mean;

·         The state of being dedicated, consecrated or solemnly set apart for a particular purpose

·         A solemn attention to the Supreme Being in worship; a yielding of the heart and affections to God, with reverence, faith and piety in religious duties, particularly in prayer and meditation; devoutness.

·         Ardent love or affection; attachment manifested by constant attention given to the Lord and His interests

·         Earnestness; ardour; eagerness.

Each of these considerations holds a definite application for the devotion in the Lord that a disciple requires in order to make progress and be fruitful in his or her knowledge of the Lord and in becoming deeply acquainted with Him and accurately conformed to His image.

The Scriptures above show us the devotion of the disciples of old and what they devoted themselves to, which made God to walk with them and work in their lives. Ruth was so devoted, committed and loyal to Naomi and her God that she left all to follow her. The early disciples were also devoted to the Lord so much that they left all and devoted themselves to the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and to prayers. Their devotion to the Lord and therefore to these acts made them to spend most of their time with the Lord and whatever He told them to do. And God used the devotions of the early church to achieve much in their lives and in their communities. What you spend your time, money, and indeed your life upon, is a very crucial indication of what and who you are devoted to. Examine yourself on this. What and who are you devoted to?

We shall now examine what these disciples devoted themselves to, which so pleased the Lord as to show Himself mighty amidst them.

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (11/02/2018)

TOPIC: DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (PART 3)

The Disciples Devoted Themselves unto the Lord

Mk.10:28-31; Acts 4:19-20; 20:19-25, 21:13; Phil. 3:7-8[Amp]; Dan. 3:14-18

a).  Discuss what it means to devote one’s life to the Lord from the above scriptures.   

b). Analyze the implication of their devotion to the Lord on their lives from the scriptures above. What does it mean for us today if we also will be said to be devoted to the Lord?

From the above noted scriptures, their first devotion was unto the Lord. It was the Lord they responded to; it was the Lord they followed and with Him they spent their lives and time. It was as a result of their devotion or loyalty to the Lord that they went ahead to leave all in order to follow Him; Nothing was too dear to them to forgo in order to follow Him; even their lives were not too dear to them to lay down for the name of the Lord. As a result of their devotion to the Lord, they were willing to do whatever He told them to do even if it would cost them their very lives. That was devotion indeed.

To devote oneself to the Lord therefore is not an ordinary mouth talk. It starts from the heart; it involves personal valuation of the Lord as the treasure above all others as we see it demonstrated in these disciples of old. Whenever this kind of valuation happens to anyone, it will not be difficult to leave all and follow the Lord.

In the light of their devotion, can you truly say therefore that you are devoted to the Lord?

QUESTIONS

1.     What does it mean for one to devote his/her lives to the Lord

2.     What are the evidences that shows that one has devoted his/life to Christ

3.     How can we devote our lives to the Lord?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (18/02/2018)

TOPIC: DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (PART 4)

4. THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO PRAYERS.

a). Discuss the devotion of the disciples  to prayers in the scriptures below

Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-4; Acts 2:41-43; 4:23-24, 29-31; 6:1-4; Dan.6:10; Ex. 33:11; Num. 27:16-19.

You will notice that for these disciples, their devotion to the Lord was what made them to be devoted to prayer. For them, prayer was a means of walking closely with the Lord; it was not for material gain or for the miracles they needed. To you, what is prayer all about?  Are you devoted to prayer?

i). Note that no special prayer committee or prayer contractors were employed. Instead, each of these, and indeed, all these continued in prayers with one accord. What were the results of this devotion as they walked closely with the Lord in prayers?

The Holy Ghost came down mightily upon the disciples of old as a result of their selfless commitment to prayer. Disciples multiplied and God wrought great wonders among them. Even in the Old Testament, disciples like Moses and Daniel devoted themselves to prayer and God manifested Himself to each of them and through them. The truth is that if you desire to experience God as they did, your devotion to prayers cannot be less than theirs. You must also be selfless in your commitment to prayer.

ii). Discuss what our prayer lives must be like, if we must get the kind of results that the disciples of old got.

QUESTIONS

1.     How does prayer affect your devotions to the Lord?

2.     Explain the results that will be manifested in a life that is devoted to prayers from our teaching?

3.     Are there misconceptions about prayers in the Christendom? Yes/No. Explain?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (25/02/2018)

TOPIC: DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (PART 5)

4. THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO PRAYERS.

b). Fasting (along with praying) was a regular practice among them as well.

Acts 13:1-3, 14:23. Note Matt. 9:14-15.

They were willing to forego food in order to concentrate in the place of prayer. It was a further sign of their commitment to prayer in their walk with the Lord.

Looking at above scriptures as well as Isa.58:6-7; Lk. 4:1-2, what are we to use prayer and fasting to achieve?

It is clear that fasting has its place in the life of a disciple of Christ especially now that the Bridegroom (the Lord JESUS Christ) has been taken away from us. Fasting is a means to an end; it is not an end in itself. Even though we now have access to the Father by the blood of Jesus, fasting is meant to help us downplay our appetite and put our body under. It helps us to connect more easily with God so as to let the power of God flow through us to lose the bonds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, provide bread for the hungry and do other great works in the name of the lord and to the glory of God.

In order to achieve result, note what the heathen also do in the area of fasting; Acts. 23:12, 1 Kings 21:9-13.

It is clear that part of the devotions of the disciples of old was prayer and fasting and God moved with them. Even evil men know the value of fasting to achieve their purpose.  Are you so devoted to the Lord?

QUESTIONS

1.     What is fasting from our teaching?

2.     Is there any different between prayers alone and praying with fasting?

3.     What is the importance of Praying with fasting to the devotion life of a disciple?

CALVARY IS REAL BIBLE CHURCH

#13 UKWANSI STREET, ABAKALIKI

BIBLE SHARING (04/03/2018)

TOPIC: DISCIPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE LORD (PART 6)

4. THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO PRAYERS.

c) How did our Lord Jesus Christ handle this aspect of devotion in his life?

Matt. 4:1-2; Matt.14:21-23, Mk. 1:32-36, Lk. 11:1-2, 22:39-40 (NIV), Matt. 17:18-21.

What lessons can we learn from His devotion to prayer and fasting?

It is important to note that even our Lord Jesus Christ devoted Himself to prayer and sometimes with fasting. Even though He is God in every sense and does not need to fast, yet because He took upon Himself the human form, He subjected Himself to the discipline of fasting. He subjected Himself to fasting and prayers to show us how to live and walk with God as human beings. If The Lord Jesus Christ devotes Himself to these, we must do so much more. We should follow in His steps.

CONCLUSION

Devotion is not a lazy or thoughtless man’s attitude. To be devoted to somebody or something will take the whole of your heart, your soul, your strength and your mind.

Jesus said:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.”(Matt. 22:37-38 NKJV)

It however depends on your valuation. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Is the Lord a treasure to you above all others? Or is He just one of the treasures of your heart? This is what will determine your devotion to the Lord.

Paul counted all things, including those that were gain to him as rubbish, compared with the priceless privilege, the overwhelming preciousness and the supreme advantage of gaining Christ. No wonder he was so devoted to the Lord that he did not count even his life dear to him as far as obeying God is concerned. Examine your heart. Are you really devoted to the Lord?

Serving God only at our convenience and in the way we like is an indication of lack of devotion to Him. Laziness in praying and fasting is also a strong indication of lack of devotion to the Lord. Could that not be the reason why you are not getting the kind of results that the disciples of old got in their walk with the Lord? These are devotions that bring revival which make one to experience God. Examine your heart again. Are you really devoted to the Lord?

QUESTIONS

1.      Explain the devotion of our Lord Jesus Christ?

2.      How did Jesus Christ our Lord show us how to devote ourselves to the Lord?

3.      Is devotion a lazy or thoughtless man’s attitude? Explain

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