SHINNING FOREVER IN HOLINESS  - (PART 10)       

 

Memory Verse:  “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad  and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” Matth. 12: 33 (NIV).

 

Bible Passage: II Timothy 2: 16-21; Phil. 2: 5-8.

 

LESSON OBJECTIVES  

To learn about  the benefits of humility and sanctification. They are vital tools if we are to shine forever.

 

LESSON INTRODUCTION

Blessings usually follow after the man or woman that is humble and sanctified.

 

LESSON OUTLINE 1: THE HUMBLE SHALL BE EXALTED

a). What does it mean to be humble?

It means showing a low or modest opinion of one’s importance, i.e. treating others as better than oneself. See Rom. 12: 10.

 

b). Why do we find this a tall order, or a difficult injunction, to obey?

 “The pride of life” (I John 2: 16) is a reality in our everyday lives. Therefore we find it more “natural” to be proud than humble. The world tends to look down on the humble man, whereas the man who talks big and exalts himself is given respect and honour by the world.

 

c). What then is the point in being humble? Are there any benefits or blessings in so doing?

i).  It enables one to walk with God. See James 4: 6-8, particularly v.8.

ii). It provides the foundation for a willing obedience on our part to God.

     See James 4: 6-7a; Phil. 2: 5-8.

iii). It brings spiritual (and physical) promotion. See James 4:10; I Peter 5:6.

 

 LESSON OUTLINE 2: BE SANCTIFIED

a). How do we define Sanctification?

It means being set aside from sin, Satan, the world, our friends, our families and even from ourselves unto God’s use. See Luke 14: 26. In this condition we become recipients of God’s favour, and can experience divine intervention in our lives.

 

b). What are the blessings of Sanctification?

i). It brings one into divine focus, that is, one becomes an object of God’s attention.

See Isa. 3:10; 49: 15-16.

ii). It turns us into God’s “treasured possession”.  See Exodus 19:5.

iii). It equips us to become intercessors for others. Gen. 18:20-33; Exod. 32:32; James 5:16.

iv). It equips us to become effective Ambassadors for the Lord. See 2 Cor. 5:20.

v). It makes one an object on which God bestows His splendour or glory.

See Isa. 44: 23; 55: 5; 60: 9; Jer. 30: 19.

 

What again do we say is the meaning of Sanctification?

It means being set aside from sin, Satan, the world, our friends, our families and even from ourselves unto God’s use.

 

So Sanctification makes one shine to God’s glory forever. That’s why our Lord and Saviour wants us to be sanctified. See John 17: 17; I Thess. 4: 3a.

 

SUMMARY

If you want to shine forever, you must be humble and be sanctified.