Sunday Meditations

Rm.5:1-5
To persevere is to patiently and courageously go through challenging times and situations in spite of
the pain and suffering. Trials are the testing of our faith, confidence in God and His promises. They
are birth pains to maturity, glory and beauty. They burn ashes away to reveal the beauty within.

1. Persevering means:
   i. To patiently keep one’s focus on Christ in the midst of challenges. Heb.12:1-2; Ps.18:1-3; Pr.3:5-6; Ps.121:1-8.
   ii. Keeping our devotion, consecration and sense of duty intact through tough times. Heb.12:2- 4; Acts.20:22-24; 2Co.11:22-29; 2Tm.4:1-5; 2Co.8:1. We must all keep that which is committed to our trust. 1Tm.6:21a.
   iii. To resonate with hope and never give up on God, His will nor one’s destiny. Job.19:25-27; Rm.8: 31-32,35-39; 2Tm.4:14-18.
2. Positive things that help during trials.
   • Knowing that Christ is walking with you through it all. Heb.13:5-6; Is.43:1-2; 2Tm.4:16-18.
   • Consider: is there something that God is teaching me? Heb.12:1,5-17.
   • Other believers suffer the same things.Heb.11:32-40; 2Th.1:3-9;1 Co.1:8-10; 1Pe.5:8-9.
   • Reflect on what the scriptures say the outcome will be for you: Rm.8:26-28.
    Character. Rm.5:3-4; Heb.12:7-12.9
    Maturity/perfection and glory. Jam1:4; 2Co.4:16-18; 1Pe.5:10.

Blessedness. Jam.5:9-11; Job.42:10-17; Mt.5:10-12.

3. It is possible and easier to count it all joy if we can look beyond our present sufferings and behold the glory that follows after. 2Tm.4:7-8; Rev.2:11,17,26: 3:5,12,21; 21:7. Conclusion.
“Trust in God means looking beyond what you can see to only what God can see” Charles Stanley. God’s grace!

Text: Gal.5:22-24.

Introduction

Goodness is a state of being good, kind, generous and benevolent (large heart). It is to be merciful, and gracious by choice and not by compulsion.

Discussion

1. Goodness of God. Ex33:17-23; 34:1-9; Ps.23:1-6; Ps.32:1-2; Mt.5:45; Lam.3:21-25; Ps.33:1-9; 34:1-8; 84:10-12; Ps.31:19-24; 107:1-9; Zach.9:16-17; Ps:136:1.
2. The Believer likewise must manifest the virtue of goodness. Eph.5:1-11; Mt.12:33-35; Act.10:25-38; Col.3:8-14.
3. Ways we can demonstrate goodness.
   • Loving, forgiving and praying for those who hate us or do wrong to us. Mt.5:38-48; Lk.6:27-38; Rm.12:17-21.
   • Sharing/Giving. Jam.2:14-16; Rm.12:9-15; Lk.6:38; Act.2:41-47; 4:32-37;
   • Caring and generosity. Act.9:36-39; 2Co.8:1-5; 9:8-15; Gal.6:6-10.
4. We are called to good works. Mt.5:13-16; Act.9:36; Eph.2:10; 1Tm.6:17-18; Tit.2:6-8; 3:13-15; Heb.10:24; Jam.3:13; 1Pe.2:11-12.

The believer has the capacity to be good by the power of the Holy Spirit; let men see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

God’s grace!

We will look at key lessons from this parable and trust God for grace to serve Him faithfully according to His will and purpose for our lives.
Lessons.

1. Every servant (Believer) has received a gift (commission, assignment, talent) from the master according to their ability. Mt.25:14-15; Eph.4:7; 2Tm1:6-8; Rm.12:1-8; 1Co.12:1-11.
2. Recognise the importance of your gift and its purpose, and use your talents. Mt.25:16-17; Pr.22:29; Rm.12:11; Heb.6:11-12; 1Tm.4:12-16;
3. Labour abundantly and faithfully. 1Th2:4-9; 2Tm.4:1-5; 1Co.15:1-10;
4. The servant with one talent wasted his strength and talent, why? Mt.25:18, 25:24-27; Pr.24:30-34; Jer.17:9; Lk.9:61-62; Lk.14:25-35; Mt.24:12; Mt.15:1-9.
5. What are the reasons for not fulfilling our talents
6. What does the Master want from his servants. Lk.19:10-14; Lk.6:43-49; Mt.9:35-38; 2Co.4:1-2; 1Co.4:1-2.
7. The master will definitely return. Mt.25:19; Rev.22:11-14; Lk.19:12-15;
8. Each servant shall receive their due reward. Mt. 25.19-23,29-46; 1Co.15:58; Mt24:45-51; 1Co.3:9-17; 9Heb.6:7-12; 2Tm.4:5-8.
   We all have an appointment to keep with the Master. Rev.22:12. God’s grace!