MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me”
(Luke 9:23).
Jesus’ instruction to the rich young ruler that he should go and sell off his wealth to give to the poor didn’t go down well with him. Why? He lacked the gift of voluntary poverty: spiritual ability to give up all possessions for the poor (cf. 1 Cor. 13:3; 2 Cor. 8:9)
DEVOTIONAL DAILY READINGS
Mon. 7: Celibacy Is A Gift (1 Cor. 7:7-8)
Tue. 8: Celibacy Is A Choice (Matt. 19:11-12)
Wed. 9: Contentment Is A Grace (Php. 4:11)
Thur. 10: Contentment Is A Mark Of Godliness (1 Tim. 6:6-7)
Fri. 11: Christ Chooses Poverty For Our Sake (2 Cor. 8:9)
Sat. 12: Christlikeness Is Not Loving The World (1 Jn.2:15-17)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
For anyone to walk with God in Christ, here on earth and make heaven, he/she must thoroughly embrace self-denial
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: MATTHEW 19:10-12; Acts 2:44-45; 1 CORINTHIANS 7:7,32-35; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:10; 8:7-9; PHILIPPIANS 4:11
God alone be praised, once again, for the blessings of His Word. Last week, we had a fruitful discussion on THE GIFT OF MUSIC where we considered music as performing dual functions, namely, as a worship tool and a victory tool. God gave the gift of music for His praise and glorification and to edify the body of Christ, which is His Church.
This week, as we go further in our quest to unravel the several Gifts of the Spirit, we shall be examining GIFTS OF EXTREME SELF-DENIAL The LORD will be opening our understanding to the meaning and application of these unique gifts as they concern the body of Christ. It is our sincere prayer that the Holy Spirit will open our hearts and minds to grasp exactly what He is ready to teach us, and apply them accordingly. in Jesus’ name.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE GIFT OF CELIBACY
- THE GIFT OF VOLUNTARY POVERTY
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE GIFT OF CELIBACY (Matt. 19:10-12;1 Cor. 7:7,32-35)
For wish that all men were even as myself. But each one has his own git from God, one in this manner and another in that
(1 Cor. 7:7)
a) 1. Cor. 7:7: The gift of Celibacy is the special God-given ability to abstain from marriage and sexual relations. It is a voluntary decision and full dedication to the LORD, avoiding distractions from family or sexual matters (cf. Rom. 12:1). Paul gave his entirety to Christ and totally refrained from sex.
b) Sexual abstinence differs from celibacy, The former, also called continence, is abstaining from some, or all aspects of sexual activities, often for some time, while the latter is a voluntary spiritual vow not to marry or engage in sexual activities (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-17). This is acceptable unto God, if done genuinely.
c) v. 32-35: The unmarried have a greater opportunity to be more committed to God than the married. However, this isn’t coming as a commandment, but counsel, according to individual conviction
d) v7: Total abstinence from sex and marriage is an uncommon gift, and what is uncommon is given to only a chosen few (cf.vv.8,9).
e) Matt. 19:10-12: Jesus implies here that celibacy is a gift to only a chosen few and not all men. He further highlights 3 types of eunuchs: Those congenitally made; those made by men (man-made); and those who voluntarily choose it for the Kingdom’s sake. For these, marriage is not an option.
f) vv,11-12: All men should marry, except for a few who are called by God to do otherwise–celibacy, hence Jesus’ charge, He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.
THE GIFT OF VOLUNTARY POVERTY (Acts 2:44-45; 2 Cor. 6:10; 8:7-9; Php.4:11)
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state 1l am, to be content
(Php. 4:11)
a) This is the special God-given ability to renounce material comfort and luxury and adopt a personal lifestyle of poverty, in order to serve God more effectively. Jesus is our perfect model (2 Cor. 8:9).
b) Php. 4:11: Paul had this gift. He had learnt to adapt to all situations-plenty and poverty. Believers must learn to adapt for Christ’s sake, but there are some specially gifted in this.
c) 2Cor.6:10: Despite having much greater needs themselves, those with this gift are quick to recognise and provide for others’ needs.
d) 8:7-9: They are challenged by the ultimate self-denial of Christ to a readily give for the Gospel’s sake and to others in need, neglecting their own needs at the moment (cf. 1 Cor. 16:2). They derive joy in meeting others’ needs, irrespective of theirs. They are extraordinarily contented because they have overcome greed and inordinate desire for wealth (1 Tim. 6:6-9).
e) Acts 2:44-45: We see this gift displayed here. Brethren sold their possessions and voluntarily brought the proceeds to be shared with the needy. What did the widow in Mark 12:41-44 do?
LESSONS DERIVED
- The doctrine of celibacy is not anti-marriage. God instituted marriage and also permitted celibacy; He only grants man the grace to follow through His choices between them.
- The gift of voluntary poverty has been and still exists in the body of Christ today. We should avoid greed.
QUESTIONS
- Do you think celibates are more spiritually alert and sensitive than the married?
- What is the spiritual gift of voluntary poverty? Do you believe in it?
