Dec 14 : WHAT TIME IS IT?

Sunday School

TOPIC – COMMITMENT

Memory Verse
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. ” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Lesson Text : Luke 10:25-28

LESSON INTRODUCTION
Commitment is the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally driven to a cause. It means that decisions to follow through are made in advance irrespective of the circumstances. Commitment involves dedicating ourselves to something like a person or a cause (Ps. 34:1). Our Father in Heaven requires our total allegiance, not just a contribution. The Bible also teaches that the complete devotion of our lives should be to God, loving and serving Him (Matt. 22:37-38). This means that we must hold nothing back from Him because God holds nothing back from us. Jn. 3:16

LESSON OUTLINES
A. BIBLICAL INSTANCES
B.INDICES OF COMMITMENT

A. BIBLICAL INSTANCES
There are several passages in the Bible where people showed commitment. Let’s consider a few of them:

1. Abraham was so committed to God that he agreed to sacrifice
   his beloved son, Isaac. Gen. 22:2-3
2. David’s followers were committed to him (2 Sam. 23:15-17). Loyalty to a God-fearing leader is a commitment to God. Heb.13:17.
3. Esther was committed to Mordecai and her people (Est. 4:15-16). We are not in a position to amass wealth to ourselves; rather, we must be duty-bound to serving our people. Prov. 22:9 barrenness. 1 Sam. 1:4-5
4. Elkanah was committed to Hannah, his wife, despite her
   David was obligated to praise God. Ps. 108:1
5. The Apostles were devoted to witnessing. Acts 4:18-20; 1
   Cor. 9:16
6. Paul was ready to spend and be spent. 2 Cor. 12:15
7. God rewarded Elijah for his devotion, he became the first
   man ever to raise the dead. 1 Kings 17:17-22
8. The loyalty of Elisha to Elijah earned him the double portion
   of anointing. 2 Kings 2:9-14
9. Ruth, through her bond with her mother-in-law, was numbered in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Ruth 1:14-18, Matt. 1:1-5

B. INDICES OF COMMITMENT

1. Willingness to give sacrificially. God was well pleased when Abraham after receiving the instruction to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, did as he was instructed without questioning or wavering. Gen. 22:2-3
2. Readiness to surrender all. Jesus, our perfect example of commitment willingly surrendered His life for all. 1 Jn. 3:16, Jn. 10:17-18
3. Enthusiasm to please God. The apostle Paul said he would please only God at all costs. Gal. 1:10, 2 Tim. 2:4
4. Preparedness to suffer. Paul admonished Timothy and believers to be willing to endure hardship. 2 Tim. 2:3, Rom. 8:35-37
5. Willingness to take a risk. David was willing to risk his life when he went against Goliath because of his commitment to his nation. 1 Sam.
   17:45
6. Keenness to pay the ultimate price. Esther was willing to pay the ultimate price for her people – if rejected by the King (Est. 4:15-16).
   Paul was ready to be bound and also die for the name of the Lord Jesus.
   2 Kings 4:3-36

Remember, partial commitment is no commitment at all. Rev. 3:15-16.

CONCLUSION
Our commitment should be shown in our behavior, personal integrity, loyalty to family, community, and ultimately to God.

QUESTIONS

What are the indices of commitment?
FURTHER READINGS – SUN: Ps. 37:5; MON: Prov. 16:3; TUE: Deut. 4:29; WED: Deut. 6:5; THUR: Deut. 10:12;

Mention five pieces of evidence of commitment.

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