NBC DISCIPLE'S LIFESTYLE Theme for the Month of July: MATERIALISM. TOPIC: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MATERIALISM. WEEK 5: SUNDAY, 30TH JULY, 2023.

NBC DISCIPLE'S LIFESTYLE 

Theme for the Month of July:

MATERIALISM.

TOPIC: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MATERIALISM.

WEEK 5:

SUNDAY, 30TH JULY, 2023.

HYMN:

'God Will Take Care of You' - BH 274 (1956 Edition) 

SCRIPTURES:

Luke 12:13-31.

TEACHING METHOD(S):

Discussion.

PRIMARY LEARNING OUTCOME AND INDICATORS: 

 _Members will know what should be the attitude of a Christian to materialism and demonstrate this knowledge by:_ 

i. Recalling the Christian view of materialism. 

ii. Explaining how Christians can be channels of blessing to others. 

iii. Mentioning ways they can avoid temptations that could lead to materialism. 

ICE BREAKING PERIOD:

Let two group members discuss means to create wealth in a godly manner.

Facilitator's Opening Remarks:

The world is so materialistic that people struggle to acquire wealth by all means. This trend is against God's desire for His children. God's desire for His children is to live in affluence but not to the point of idolising such material possessions. If we fail to shun this evil practice, it could make us fall into the temptation of going against God's will for our lives. Being focused on God and His will for our lives will enable us to constantly overcome temptations that could expose us towards materialism. As Christ's disciples, we should grow to become stewards of God's resources on earth.

EDUCATION/INTERACTION PERIOD

A. CHRISTIAN VIEW OF MATERIALISM

The Christians attitude toward materialism should be guided by the understanding that God owns all things and that they are just stewards of His resources. Our love for God should supersede every form of worldly goods. This will enable us use our God-given resources wisely to profit His kingdom here on earth. According to Merriam-Webster, materialism is "a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values." For a Christian, anything that takes precedence or priority over God and spiritual values is wrong. It is not wrong for a Christian to have material possessions and enjoy them; making material possessions a priority above God's desire and will makes one obsessive. We should note that whatever God has given a person should be used to glorify Him and bless others. They are not meant for personal gratification. A Christian who is not careful of acquiring material things to the point of placing emphasis on its superiority above spiritual values could fall into the devil's trap. The reason is that the devil could use such avenue to make us think that possession of material wealth is the only means by which one could be satisfied in life. Acquisition of material wealth is so deceitful that it could choke God's word that is in a person's life and defile him (Mark 4:19). Material wealth or possessions does not satisfy; it is only God who could satisfy one's needs. Therefore, we must seek to be content with what we have and place God above all things we own.

Sharing Time: According to the preacher in Ecclesiastes 1:2, why is craving for material possessions referred to as 'vanity'?

B. CHRISTIANS AS CHANNELS OF BLESSING

The Bible is rich in wisdom about God's love for humankind and His expectation from us to reciprocate His love towards others. God does not do a thing without a purpose. He supplies our needs so that we might meet the needs of others. Meeting the needs of others can be translated as being a channel of blessing to them. 1 Peter 4:10 says, "As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." All the blessings one receives are from God and these blessings are received by grace and not by works because it is God who gives the power to make wealth. Therefore, the blessings are a thrust of which Christians are stewards. As a Christian, whatever your calling or profession is and whoever you are, you must see yourself as one called to be a blessing to others and in being blessing to people, see it as a ministry. 

The will of God is for you to affect humanity positively. This is the secret to wealth. Luke 12:48 says, "...unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required. ..." (KJV) In addition, the Bible also says, "give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosom" (Luke 6:38, KJV). Therefore, it is in giving that one receives. The more one gives the more he receives. This is the secret to being blessed.

Sharing Time: 'Living for self is living for survival; living for others is living as a blessing.' Discuss.

C. AVOIDING TEMPTATIONS THAT COULD LEAD TO MATERIALISM

There are many temptations, and we have to combat them. The devil often uses material things to subtly distract Christ's disciples from the faith. Materialism creeps into one's life when one is careless to recognise the devil's tricks. We often think about material things such as food, clothing, house, car, etc. and if care is not taken, acquiring them can become a trap which can lure believers into worldliness. It will also shift their focus from the purpose of God and make them become slaves to it. Believers need to be vigilant. As materialism tries to erode their spiritual life, Christians are called to get serious about the things of God rather than material things. One must be watchful and prayerful to avoid being tempted by the enemy. The following will help avoid the temptation that could lead to materialism: 

a. Always study God's Word and practise what it says.

b. Have a consistent prayer life in line with God's word.

c. Always listen to practical teaching and preaching from pastors and teachers who have integrity.

d. Be conscious at all times of the coming of Jesus Christ, having the desire to be with Him.

e. Be conscious of God's purpose for your life and maintain or stay in that purpose. Do not deviate from the faith.

f. Depend on God for His blessings and be a blessing to others. Obey God at all times. Do not allow anything else to take God's place in your life. 

Sharing Time: What other ways can a believer avoid the temptation of materialism?

Facilitator’s Closing Remarks: 

God has given us His inspired Word to discover truths about material possessions. We do not have to wait for anyone to tell us before we discover truths about how we should live. In order to break away from the tyranny of materialism, we must desperately read and study the Scriptures. This will help us to contend with the issue of materialism. In addition, let us be open to learn from Christian brethren who can be of help to us when we find out that we are at the verge of falling into the devil's trap.

Prayer: Pray that God will minister to you to use your material wealth in a godly manner.

Post Group Activity:

Find time to help someone you know who is trapped in materialism.

ROAD MAP FOR DISCIPLES

We thank God for the lessons we have learnt from the various topics on materialism. It is established that God owns the universe and everything in it, including silver and gold. As believers, we should stop struggling to make wealth by any means. This will only lead us to sinning against God. Rather, we should allow God to lead us in all that we do. When we put God first and serve Him with the whole of our hearts, He will direct our paths and bless us. May we receive help to be free from the grip of materialism in Jesus' name.

Happy Sunday in Advance.

Always Stay Devoted to God's Righteousness.