Your First Response Should Be the Right Response

Subject: Your First Response Should Be the Right Response

Scripture Reading: Job 1

Memory Verses: Matthew 15: 10 - 11

Objective: To make us fully aware that how we first respond to our circumstances greatly impacts how we get through them, and to remind us that we will be held accountable for our utterances.

1.     Having lost her brother and in despair, what conscious statement did Martha make to Jesus? John 11: 20 - 22 (note carefully verse 22)

2.     What befell the man who responded unfavourably to the prophecy of Elisha? 2 Kings 7:1 - 2 & 16 - 20

3.     Miracles will be wrought when we order our conversation aright. How do the scriptures support this truth? Luke 5: 1 - 9, Matthew 14: 22 - 29

4.     Even though this woman was not of the house of Israel, what response won her Jesus’ favour? Matthew 15: 21 - 28

5.     What promise is made to us by a faithful God concerning our conduct and speech? Psalm 50: 23

6.     Some people like to talk loosely without thinking. How are we cautioned regarding the use of our lips? Proverbs 18: 21, James 1: 19, Titus 2: 8, Ecclesiastes 5: 2

7.     How was Solomon’s selfless response rewarded by a faithful God? 1 Kings 3: 4 - 14

Note: As people of God, great care should be given to our utterances since we have so much biblical evidence that what we say does matter. We will never get a second chance to make a first impression. It’s also true that our first response might just be our last. Let us therefore think twice before we speak, for the God who made the ears is always hearing. We will be held accountable for our speech. God will cut off all flattering tongues and charge us for our stout and ungodly talk. We are cautioned not to talk our way out of our blessings, like Michal did, for we cannot afford to be spiritually nor physically barren. Think on these things!