Benefits of Christian Practices 12

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 Diligence in the life of a Christian

• Diligence is the effort to do one’s part while keeping faith and reliance on God. King Solomon did not speak of diligence as a measure of hard work, but as a measure of smart work. For example, don’t think of cutting down a tree with a cutlass, when you have a chainsaw.

1. Through diligence, you gain a sure advantage: Would you rather take over Walmart or Dollar General? Apple or Dell? I believe we would all want to own something with a sure advantage, so why not strive and plan for a life of sure advantage- Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 16:3, 9; Jeremiah 29:11-14. 
2. Through diligence, you will be in control of situations rather than have situations control you: It is difficult to have stability in situations that are out of your control. Those who are truly diligent not only control their own destiny, but they enhance the achievements of those around them as well – Proverbs 12:24; Genesis 39:1-5; Genesis 30:27-28.

Questions/Activities: As children of God, how do we begin to work smart rather than working hard?

Conclusion. If you want the most out of life, be diligent. Let it be a habit, a way of life, and as our Lord promised, you will always be on top and not below. As children of God, reading the Word of God daily, meditating on the Word, and doing everything in the Word, is the only way to truly be like Christ and enjoy the benefits He has for us. 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.