Benefits of Christian Practices 13

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 will experience true fulfillment: Fulfillment no doubt is one of the most important things to strive for in life. Like many others, Solomon tells us that true fulfillment comes from true diligence. If you feel as though you are still hungry, not for food or things that you need to survive, but for things you need for yourself – you need to practice diligence – Proverb 13:4; James 4:1-3; Col. 2:10; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 37:4-5.
2. Through diligence, you will attain the respect and admiration of those in authority: While others fight to be noticed, the diligent are sought out by people in positions of authority or prominence. When you are diligent you give off a brightness that draws the attention of all those around. That is what Solomon means when he says of the diligent – Proverb 22:29; 1 Chronicles 12:22, 32.

Questions/Activities: As children of God, how do we begin to practice true diligence especially today?

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; Prov. 10:4; Prov. 4:23; 2 Peter 1:10; Luke 2:49; Prov. 27:23; Acts 18:25; 1 Peter 3:14.