Bible Study Notes 4/12/22

Word Alive!

©2022Winter Series

Finding God’s Purpose Forward!

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton

Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Tuesday, 12 April 2022, Lesson 10

Dr. David Jeremiah, Forward: Discovering God’s Presence and

Purpose For Tomorrow

Devotional Time: Chapter 8 (pp. 133-149)

Investing- The word investment is derived from a Latin term, which means literally, “to clothe.” When people were placed in a position or status of importance, they were “dressed” in special apparel. The term has come to mean, a person has become empowered or resourced, in a manner that brings stability and comfort. Jesus used the idea of monetary investments, in comparing a person’s commitment to the Kingdom. Jesus stressed the importance of “investing what we have, wisely; in order to be guaranteed much more in the future. All who invest what they are given, should expect to receive more. Those who fail to invest what they are given, will lose even what they have (cf. Matthew 25:14-15; 24-29, NLT). The importance of the message Jesus gives in the parable of the Kingdom, is that God apportions each of us resources, which are commensurate with our abilities. Regardless, we must put to work the gifts God gives us, if we are to move forward in our purpose. The man who was given one bag of silver, buried his resource. The refusal to use or invest the abilities or resources God gives us, will only hinder our growth, maturity, and progress. In his helpful book, Forward, Dr. David Jeremiah says, “The best expenditure you’ll ever make is the legacy of a well-invested life.” The scriptures are clear that we must seek God’s wisdom, so we can discern how to use and prioritize the gifts and resources God gives us. James reminded the early Christians, that when we ask God for wisdom, He will neither ignore, nor deny the request. It’s important that we’re settled in our faith, when we ask God. James 1:5-6 says: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” A person who is conflicted in their commitment to the Christian life; or who is often unsure of their purpose, could be easily drawn off course in their walk with the Lord. This is why we should all take the time to invest in our faith. It takes “effort” and “commitment” to ultimately obtain the blessings God has reserved for us. The wisdom literature warns us, that investing in short-lived schemes will not produce the return on our “investments.” Like resources, what we attain in life requires much effort and work; the results will be realized in a time determined by God (cf. Proverbs 13:11, NLT). Dr. Jeremiah comments, “The Bible’s point is to be attentive and astute over whatever resources God has entrusted to us.” Our faith assures us that the greatest assets will be the return on what we invest in God’s plan!

Investments – Contrary to what we hear very often, the greatest goal in life is not to accumulate money or excessive wealth. While it is true, God will allow us to accrue wealth; our devotion to God is greater than any asset we could ever accrue in this life. Our devotion to God can, and will, bless us with resources, that can also benefit successive generations. King David acknowledged this in the closing years of his life (cf. Psalm 37:25, NLT). The scriptures are not against accruing resources, but remind us that our dependence on God, and devotion to Him, is an investment of much greater value. In the Letter to the Hebrews, early Christians were warned: “Don’t love money, be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you (cf. Hebrews 13:5, NLT).”The writer of Hebrews was probably aware of the younger Solomon who, upon succeeding his father, David on the throne of Israel, was given an opportunity to ask God for anything he desired. Solomon prayed for wisdom and discernment to govern the nation of Israel. God commended Solomon for his prayer; and for not asking only for riches, fame, or wealth. God gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for; but, also gave him wealth and fame. The gifts were conditioned upon Solomon’s allegiance to God, and only for his lifetime (cf. I Kings 3:10-14, NLT). Solomon began his regal tenure with great accomplishments, and during his reign accrued many riches and fame. However, Solomon sinned against God, saw division in his kingdom. Because of his disobedience, Solomon did not live as long as his father. Less than a millennium after Solomon ruled, Jesus said: “Solomon in all his glory was not as dressed beautifully as [the lilies of the field] are…” (Cf. Matthew 6:28-30, NLT). It’s fair to say, Solomon became enamored with his material wealth and earthly fame. The Apostle John exhorted early Christians, to avoid becoming obsessed with what the world offers (cf. I John 2:15;17, NLT). The term world in the Greek New Testament is kosmos, which means “the place where human activity and thought dominates.” The word for “love” (agapate), suggests “an obsession.” John is saying, “Don’t invest your passions in the temporal things of this world.” The list of vices John mentions are passions of the flesh, and not of the Spirit. They are passions, which are physical and not spiritual. Their value is short-lived. David Jeremiah says God has placed us “on earth… to engage in service for Him.” He says further, “Your primary task here is to invest yourself in the personal ministry God has for you. Everything you’ve ever experienced in your life, good or bad, has prepared you for what’s ahead” Investing in the things of God works!

________________________________KEY IDEA________________________________

What We Believe!

A well invested life in God, will lead you forward!

1. The greatest wealth is investment in God’s plan for our lives!

______________________________KEY VERSES______________________________

Matt. 25:14-15; 24-29, NLT

“Again, the Kingdom of heaven can be illustrated by a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last –dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip…Then the servant with one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the teabags of silver. For those who use well what they are given,even more will be given, and they will have abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

Proverbs 13:11, NLT

“Wealth from get-rich schemes quickly disappears;wealth from hard work grows over time.”

Psalm 37:25, NLT

“Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.”

I Kings 3:10-14, NLT

“The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied,“Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life of wealth or the death of your enemies – I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and under-standing heart such as no one has had or ever will have! And I will give you what you did not ask for - riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father,David, did, I will give you along life.”

Matthew 6:28-30, NLT

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wild flowers that are here today and thrown in the fire tomorrow,He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

I John 2:15;17, NLT

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you…And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”