Scripture Union Daily Guide 8th January 2025 (Wednesday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Good Deeds as Love and Service
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:1-15
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:
► Q3: Is there any command for me to obey?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 8th January 2025 – OUTLINE
Don’t do your “good deeds” or “acts of righteousness” for public recognition or public display, but as service to God (Matthew 6:1). Why (Matthew 6:1b)? The “good deeds” are acts that follow God’s pattern for proper behaviour, like giving to the needy (Matthew 6:2-4); prayer (Matthew 6:5-15); and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18).
True Christians are “created in Christ Jesus for doing good works” (Ephesians 2:10). However, good deeds performed for the sake of public recognition are self-serving, and do not show righteous love for God and neighbour. Others should observe our good deeds and give praise to God (Matthew 5:16).
The Lord’s Prayer (so-called) is a model prayer for our use, similar to the common Jewish prayer – “the qaddish.” List the three things related to God, that is expressed first (read Matthew 6:9-10). Next, list the three things related to our needs that we should pray about (Matthew 6:11-13). These are six prayer points we are to cover when praying personally or in Group Prayer meeting.
Note that in praying, we can’t twist God’s hands for a rapid or a certain kind of answer by repeating the same thing endless times. (Compare Matthew 6:7-8 with Matthew 7:7-11 and Luke 11:9-13).
Jesus gives an important teaching on forgiveness. Read again Matthew 6:14-15. Note what Matthew 6:12,14,15 say about the relationship between forgiving others and being forgiven.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Offer a prayer of faith in line with: Ephesians 6:19
CLOSING PRAYER: Lord, give me grace to grow in the righteous practice of prayer, giving, and forgiving.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING GUIDE:
Genesis 12-13, Hebrews 11:1-12.
PRAYER BULLETIN
Wed Jan 08, 2025
PRAYER FOCUS
NATIONAL COUNCIL
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you… Heb. 13:7
THANK GOD FOR:
* All SU National Council members who have been given the privilege of making decisions that guide the Union • Upholding them spiritually, physically and mentally • Commitment in attending Council meetings • Keeping them focused and standing on the truth • Showing them mercy
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 8th January 2025)