OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS DATE: FRIDAY 15TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2023 THEME: CAN ONE BE PERFECT?

 

MEMORISE: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48

BIBLE TEXT: Genesis 17:1-8

[1]And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

[2]And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

[3]And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

[4]As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

[5]Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

[6]And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

[7]And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

[8]And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

MESSAGE: 

God gives instructions and guidelines to His children out of His bountiful love for them. He demands absolute obedience because there is always a reward attached to it. Ultimately, He wants us to become like Him, and He will not accept anything less than the best. 2 Timothy 2:19 says:

*"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."*

Some people argue against perfection, saying that as long as we are alive in this mortal body, we cannot be perfect. They say that everyone is a sinner, and those who are claiming to be holy are just hypocrites. I understand their point because they are speaking as carnal men. The Bible says: *"Walk in the Spirit so that you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh."* This means living a holy life is not by human activities but with the help of the Holy Spirit. When you humble your heart before Him and tell Him how helpless you are in your weaknesses, He will supply His strength to you and begin to guide you in all things. Obedience to His daily leading in school, at home, in the Church, in the neighbourhood, et cetera, is what will eventually bring you to perfection.

ACTION POINT:

Be intentional about your attitude to the word of God daily.

HYMN 18 - WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord, 

In the light of His word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey. 

CHORUS

Trust and obey! 

For there's no other way 

To be happy in Jesus, 

But to trust and obey. 

2. Not a shadow can rise, 

Not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt nor a fear, 

Not a sigh nor a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey. 

3. Not a burden we bear, 

Not a sorrow we share 

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief nor a loss, 

Not a frown nor a cross,

But is blest if we trust and obey

4. But we never can prove

The delights of His love,

Until all on the altar we lay,

For the favour He shows

And the joy He bestows

Are for them who will trust and obey. 

5. Then in fellowship sweet

We will sit at His feet,

Or we'll walk by His side in the way,

What He says we will do,

Where He sends we will go,

Never fear, only trust and obey. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 

Hosea 5-9

AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE 

PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE