Knowledge of God
Text: Deut 28:1-14; Ps 32:8-9
Memory Verse: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” (Pro 1:7a)
INTRODUCTION: This is the continuation of our last study on the importance of
knowledge of God and its relevance to our daily living. This part will take us
to two (2) important areas of Business and Academics.
(1) KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN BUSINESS – Deut 28:1-14; Pro 22:29; Ps 1:1-3; I Cor 4:2.
It is the will of God for his children to embark on one business or the other in
order to be able to sustain their living build up and maintain godly integrity
and to help the needy (Gen 2:1-2; I Thess 4:9-12; II Thess 3:10-12) However in
the process of our business making, God should be feared and everything done to
his own glory (I Cor 10:31-33; Col 3:17). Whether we are in money oriented
ventures (secular) or we are called into the Gospel Ministry, God expects the
same level of faithfulness from us. (I Cor 4:2).
v BUSINESS OWNERS and intending ones should commit their way to the Lord and
trust him for good success (Ps 37:3-5; Josh 1:8). The should treat their
employees in the fear of the Lord and pay them worthy wages in line with their
income and available resources. (Col 4:1; Lev 19:13; Deut 24:14-15; Mal 3:5).
Essential duties should not be used to exploit costumers.
v EMPLOYEES on the other hand should be diligent in the discharge of their
service and be faithful to God and their employers (Rom 12:11; Titus 2:9-10; I
Tim 6:1-2). Discuss from experience, some employers/employees relationship
especially in diligence, faithfulness, consideration and remuneration.
v CIVIL SERVANTS (Lk 3:12-14) They should show diligence and loyalty. They
should avoid being corrupted through gifts (Pro 17:23; 29:4). They should be
satisfied with their wages and avoid threatring the people they should serve
freely. Brethren should discuss the common experiences in the civil service
today and how Christians and partaking in them.
v MEN OF GOD in Kingdom Business (gospel ministry) should be diligent and loyal
to God who enlisted them by serving men (Jn 9:4; Pro 27:3; Act 20:28; I Pet
5:1-4. They should came for the flock of God without ulterior motive (Jude 4; I
Pet 5:2-3) They should endeavour to make their calling sure-giving themselves to
prayers and ministry of the word (Acts 6:1-4; I Pet 1:10) and be careful about
riches I Tim 6:6-12).
v BRETHREN alike should work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Phil
2:12-13). They should be submissive and honour God in their leaders (I Pet 5:5;
Heb 13:17; I Thess 5:12-13) They should bless them with their substance (Phil
4:11-19; Gal 6:6-10; Lk 10:7) Their wages should not only be in heaven as not to
be distracted (Neh 13:10-13). What are the perils of Gospel Ministers Today?
Discuss the tendencies in Shepherds/ Sheep Relationship in the Church Today.
v BUYERS & SELLERS (Traders) should fear God. They should be punctual and
diligent at their work (Pro 10:4-5; 12:24; 13:4; 21:5) They should avoid ungodly
tricks: Hoarding (Pro 11:26), lie (Pro 20:14), Divers weight (Pro 20:23). They
should trust God for increase ( Cor 9:10-11). Discuss some anomalies in buying
and selling Today.
v BELIEVERS IN FARMING BUSINESS should also be deligent at it. They should seek
the face of God for what to plant, where and when to plant (Ps 32:8-9; Eccl
3:1-2; Pro 3:5-7). There should be timely weeding, tendering and harvesting.
They should prayerfully speculate good market and eat good out of their labour
(2 Tim 2:6) and honour God with their substance (Pro 3:9-10). Discuss the causes
of backwardness among subsistent farmers and suggest possible solution.
CONCLUSION – God in every way desires the prosperity of his children. But it
must be gotten through him (holy way). We must be hardworking, faithful and
enduring (Lk 16:10-11). What are the dangers in business making today? Can a
believer venture into just any business? Discuss. Our business should not in any
way hinder our relationship with God nor be exchanged for it (Mk 8:36-37).
KNOWLEDGE OF IN ACADEMICS
Text: Pro 12:1; Matt 11:28-30; Jn 14:26
Memory Verse: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” (Pro 1:7a)
Introduction: God is the origin of all knowledge He himself is an embodiment of
knowledge. He is Omniscience- he knows all things instructor of instructors and
teacher of all learners. Every area of knowledge is derived from what he has
made available to man. It will therefore be foolishness to be “too learned” and
be rude to God (2Tim 3:1-8; Ps 14:1) God wants us to learn and no him (Jer
9:23-24; Matt 11:28-30) He promised to instruct, teach and guide us (Ps 32:8-9).
He gives the Holy Spirit to teach ALL things (Jn 14:28; I Jn 2:27).
TEACHERS – at all levels of Education should make diligence to study and proof
their certificates before the learners. The correct academic curriculum should
be accurately discharged to their students. The progress of each learner must be
their concern- for learners’ success is theirs and vice versa. They should
humbly attend to the questions of their students, watch and guide them a right
as in loco parentis. Their position should not be used to exploit learners nor
should they be involved in examination malpractices. Christian teachers should
occupy for Christ in their schools as pastors and Evangelists. There can be no
ripe and richer mission field for you than your schools. Punctuality should be
ensured while undue favouritism must be avoided.
LEARNERS – on the other hand should humble themselves, honour and obey their
teachers in order to learn best from them (I Pet 5:6) they should be punctual
and attending to all works gives to them promptly. They should not ridicule nor
device evil against their masters (Isa 33:1) If they lack understanding in any
course of study, they should ask for wisdom from God (Jas 1:5; Ps 119:99/100)
Student should study hard to be qualified for their target certificates. They
should avoid cheating in every examination- praying and trusting God for success
after they might have studied hard. Failure should not be accepted until success
is made. Bad company should be shun at all levels of learning (I Cor 15:33).
Fellowship with God and brethren should be maintained while academics must not
suffer, because there is time for everything (Eccl 3:1). Discuss the problems in
our educational sector in Nigeria today especially on the side of teachers and
students.
CONCLUSION: Both Christian teachers and learners should know they are God’s
people and can not afford to drag the name of the Lord into mud hence they
should do all to the glory of god. God bless you.
Rev Debo Adeyemo ppraise@skannet.com
