Memory Verse: … ‘The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you’. Philippians 4:9 (AMP).
Text: Matthew 5:3-12
Spiritual Emphasis: Christian practices are any regular and intentional activities that establishes, develops, and nourishes our personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ thereby allowing us to be transformed by Him. In this series, we will look at some of the common Christian practices mentioned in the Bible and their benefits.
Benefits of Reading the Bible Daily – Jos. 1:8.
- Reading the Bible daily gives Hope: In more ways than we can imagine, the Word of God gives and strengthens our hope. We get a glimpse of how many ways the Bible gives hope when we hear Paul’s assessment of the Old Testament alone – Rom. 15:1-13.
- Reading the Bible daily Creates and Sustain Life: Oh, how easily we are deceived into thinking that better life, or more life, comes from things that lure us from the Word. But in fact, it is the Word itself that gives us life abundantly. The life we get from eating bread is fragile and short. The life we get from the Word is firm and last forever – John 10:10; 1 Peter 1:23-25; John 6:63; John 20:31; Matthew 4:4.
- Reading the Bible daily Leads Us to Freedom: The freedom Jesus had in mind here is freedom from the enslaving destructive effects of sin. The truth sets us free from this. The guilt of sin would bring down the wrath of God on us if the truth of the gospel did not set us free from condemnation through the blood and righteousness of Christ – John 8:32- 36; John 17:17.
Questions/Activities: What are some of the things that usually distract us from reading the Bible daily?
Conclusion: Being a Christian is more about practice than belief. For us to grow spiritually, Christian practices are essential. It is important to note that for us to experience the full benefits of these practices, these elements must form the foundation of our Christian practices – it must be regular, and it must be intentional. Then and only then, we will be able to establish, develop, and nourish our personal relationship with God, and be transformed by Him.
Shalom! Self-Study: 1 Tim. 4:15; John 3:21; Rom. 12:13; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 3:10; Matt. 6:1; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; Lev. 18:3; Gal. 5:21; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Cor. 15:1-3.
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