SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 28-04-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Worldliness and worldly amusements”, we learnt that worldliness is copying the lives or styles of those who are not born again. It begins in the heart and finally shows up in our dressing, adornment, ceremonies, fashions and social outlook. If we would enjoy the privileges of the Kingdom, we cannot simultaneously feast with the world. We must flee from worldliness: it results in enmity with God, backsliding, loss of the presence and power of God!

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 740: CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN LIVING MEMORY VERSE: …… “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). TEXT: Genesis 5:22-24; 17:1

INTRODUCTION We are in the end time. Loss of zeal, coldness, love of material things, etc. are signs of the end. It makes believers to shift their focus from fellowship with God, fervent service and heavenly vision towards materials, ‘survival’ etc. It is satanic deception. For us to please God, we must be heavenly minded and live uprightly day by day. It is our most noble calling, which has eternal rewards.

THE CHARACTER OF HEAVENLY PILGRIMS Genesis 5:22-24; Hebrews 11:5,6,13-16 There is no excuse for the Christian not to live consistently with God. Enoch and others did it in the Old Testament. Christ has brought us into a better covenant – the covenant of grace, making all things possible to us. The call to walk perfectly means it is possible. We must first be born again before we can walk with God consistently. We must exercise courage and faith like the heroes who went before us. QUESTION 1: State the indispensable step to a consistent Christian living – Genesis 12:1 vs. 17:1; 1 Corinthians 6:11,20

CAUSES OF INCONSISTENCY AND BACKSLIDING Genesis 19:26; Matthew 24:12 Many things can turn us back unless we set our affection on heaven. Lot’s wife went back because of attachment to earthly possessions. Demas loved the world and that proved fatal to his faith. False doctrine will weaken the heart, cast doubt on holiness and God’s love and hinder our consecration. The devil can use trials, poverty, money, covetousness, etc. to make us cold or backslide. Fear of men, lusts, laziness in godliness, and competition with sinners are other causes. QUESTION 2: Mention some causes of inconsistency of believers in the faith – 1 Timothy 6:9,10; 2 Timothy 4:10; 2 Peter 2:1,2

CALL TO CONSISTENCY AND CONTINUITY IN HOLINESS Genesis 17:1; 1 Peter 5:15,16 God demands holiness in those who worship Him (Psalm 29:2). God called Abraham to perfection though he came from an idolatrous family. God told Israel, “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (Lev 11:45; 19:2). We are no exception: “For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (1 Thes. 4:7). Our heart must be purified, we must put on the entire armour of God, win souls and pray earnestly. QUESTION 3: Why is it necessary for us to respond to God’s call to holy living? – Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 12:14. QUESTION 4: How can a believer maintain a consistent walk with the Lord? – Ephesians 6:10-18.

REWARDS FOR CONSISTENT LIVING Exodus 19:5; Matthew 24:13; 2 Corinthians 6:17,18 Consistent living makes us God’s peculiar treasure. We experience God’s presence, answered prayers and God’s move in personal life and ministry. It pays to deny all, take up the cross and follow Jesus. Our sacrifice will be rewarded on earth and in heaven. But those who do not live consistently will not only forfeit heaven; they will also be denied God’s presence and satisfying blessing on earth. QUESTION 5: Mention some rewards of consistent living – Joshua 14:14; Daniel 6:19-23; Revelation 3:8-12.

CONCLUSION Coldness and inconsistency are characteristic of the end time. We are called to be the likes Enoch by first giving our lives to the Lord, then denying all that would bring us back and responding to God’s call to holy living. It pays to walk with God consistently. The rewards of being God’s peculiar treasure, answered prayers, His presence and power and His overflowing, satisfying blessing, crowned with heavenly heritage, more than compensate every trial our faith may bring!