Application Questions
- What is commitment described in this chapter, and what does it involve?
- Are the focal points of commitment of the Israelites the focal points of commitment in your life? Would you be willing to sign a Commitment Contract with God?
- Is it common for our modern churches to challenge their people to publicly make commitments like the Israelites did here? Should they? Should we?
- In your opinion, which parts of their commitment were the hardest for them to make? Ask yourself, “What do I value most in life? Am I willing to sacrifice it to the Lord?”
- Take inventory of your possessions and what you do with them. Take stock of your time and how you spend it. Assess your abilities and how you use them. What are the sacrifices you are willing to make to honor the Lord in these areas?
- Is tithing just for the Old Testament or is it for Christians today? If, like some people believe, tithing wasn’t required for the New Testament church, do you think early Christians were more or less generous than their OT counterparts?
- Memorize: “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
- Will you make the following commitment?
AN UPDATED COVENANT OF COMMITMENT
We join our Christian brothers and sisters to publicly bind ourselves to a wholehearted commitment to the Lord. We endeavor to follow His Word and carefully obey all His commands, regulations, and decrees.
In our homes, we are determined to recognize God’s ownership over our families. We will, therefore, separate ourselves from worldly values and allegiances and recognize Christ’s presence and Lordship.
In our business dealings, we will make the sacrifices necessary to keep Christ and His principles foremost in our lives. We recognize the effect of this commitment on the practices we follow, the hours we work, and the income we receive.
In our church, we renew our commitment to exalting God, building up fellow believers, and reaching our world for Jesus Christ. We will generously give our time and finances.
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