Benefits of Christian Practices 8

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 establish, develop, and nourish our personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. 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.

      Benefits of making Praying a lifestyle – 1 Thess. 5:16-18.

• Our Best Timesaver: Talking and listening to God regularly helps us use time wisely because it … Eph. 5:16-17.

1. Provides timely direction – In emergencies, prayer can give us clear guidance and eliminate confusion – 2 Chronicles 20:3-25; 1 Samuel 30:6-8.
2. Prevents wrong decisions – Prayer can help us avoid costly mistakes. The apostle Paul set aside his plans when the Lord redirected his missionary journey – Acts 16:6-10.
3. Eliminates worry and anxiety – As believers, we don’t have to fret; God has everything under control. If we follow His will, we should have peace. When we feel unsettled spiritually, He may be trying to warn or redirect us – Phil. 4:6-7; Jer. 29:11; Jos. 1:8; Psalm 37: 3-5; Prov. 3:5-6 

Questions/Activities: How and in which areas can we best serve God with our time?

Conclusion. True prayer is a way to grow in our relationship with the Lord. All relationships require two-way communication. Instead of just speaking our prayer request, we must also listen to the Lord. His Word is the primary way He speaks to us. Our prayer time should include Bible reading.

Shalom! Self-Study: Daniel 6:10; Mark 1:35; 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; Nehemiah 2:1-8.