Date: February 2, 2025
Sub Theme: Initiating the Child (1)
Topic: Wean and Instruct in the Right Manner
Text: 1 Samuel 1:20-27

Aims

1. To expose the concept of weaning a child.
2. To study the relationship between physical and spiritual weaning.

Introduction

Initiating means to start a way of life with someone. Weaning of a child is a mark of advancement in the life of the child. The child moves from breastfeeding to other sources of nourishment. At this point, the child does not depend on milk. Living on milk alone could not sustain his new level of physical development.

From the spiritual point of view, a Christian is expected to develop to the point of not living on “milk” alone. It is at this point that he can instruct and be instructed in the right manner.

Study Guide

1. What is your understanding of weaning a child?
2. What did Hannah do after weaning Samuel?
   • 1 Samuel 1:24-27
   • What lessons can we derive from this as Christians?
3. Discuss the relationship between physical weaning and spiritual weaning.
   • 1 Samuel 2:11-18; Luke 2:39-40; 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:14
4. Discuss the effects of spiritual weaning in the context of:
   • Isaiah 7:15; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Hebrews 5:13-14

Conclusion

Christian parents have the responsibility of bringing up their children in godly ways and nurturing them until they advance to the next level of their lives. The same responsibility is required of us in nurturing people spiritually until they stand mature in Christ.

Food for Thought

Weaning a child leads to winning the child.

Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spoke like a child. I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child, when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

Date: January 26, 2025
Sub Theme: Concept of Child – (4)
Topic: Biblical Concept of a Child (3) Newborn in Christ
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Aims

1. To study the nature of new birth in faith.
2. To verify the signs and reward of new birth.

Introduction

Another biblical concept of a child is a “newborn in Christ.” It means a new convert, popularly referred to as “Born Again.” It simply means turning away from old or sinful ways of life to godly livelihood. He that is born again becomes a partaker in the things of heaven. As Christians, we must make a concerted effort, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to develop a good relationship with God so as to qualify as children of God.

Study Guide

1. What do you understand by a newborn in Christ, and how best can we relate with a newborn in the Church?
   • 1 Peter 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14
2. Mention the physical and spiritual signs of a new birth in Christ.
   • 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:18
3. What do we stand to gain as genuine born-again Christians, and what are the repercussions of not being born again?
   • 1 John 5:4; Romans 8:16-17; 2 Peter 1:4
4. In your own opinion, what are the dangers of the fake “born-again” syndrome as noticed in some denominations to Christian faith?
   • Matthew 15:8-9; Matthew 23:27-28; Ephesians 4:14

Conclusion

In light of today’s lesson, believers need to shun lifestyles that are capable of portraying them as fake born-again children of God. Through the love of Christ, we should relate well with new converts in the Church.

Food for Thought

Are you born again or born against?

Memory Verse

1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional: