247 Faith
Imitations are everywhere, but everyone appreciates the real thing. While an imitation may look real, it soon becomes apparent that it’s not. An authentic relationship with God through Jesus Christ is something we live out daily. It’s consistent and constant, not just something we do at specific times during the week. When we have a committed and faithful relationship with God, it’s also catchy. True faith is caught rather than taught because it’s value becomes obvious and doesn’t need to be explained. How do we grow in our faith so that it’s authentic, constant and consistent? We need the Word of God, the Holy Spirit of God and practice.
Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Bible Study Questions
Keeping God’s Word on our Hearts
Moses teaches the Israelites to keep God’s word on their hearts. What does it mean to keep God’s word on our hearts?
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Joshua 1:8 ESV This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Teaching God’s Word
What ways can we use to teach God’s Word to others, especially our children? What is the best way to teach?
James 1:21-22 ESV Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Teaching & Learning God’s Word
When is a good time to learn and teach God’s Word?
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Responding to triggers
When opportunities arise, like when we need to make decisions, face delightful events or even absolute disasters, what three words help us to remember to apply God’s instructions and grow and practice our faith?
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Trust in the Lord
What things do we tend to trust in first when challenges arise or we face disappointments and difficult situations? Do we first think of money, our strength, our intellect, the police, doctors, medical aid, friends and family? Who should we trust, think of, and turn to for help first?
Psalms 20:6-8 ESV Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. [7] Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. [8] They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
Our Own Understanding?
As we face daily decisions and respond to good and bad news, we begin to think and analyse the outcomes. This is using the intellect that God has given us, but what should we remember about our own understanding?
Proverbs 14:12 ESV There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Acknowledge God
If God’s will is that we give thanks in all circumstances, then He must be in control in all circumstances. How can we acknowledge God in all our ways?
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 ESV See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.