FAITHFULNESS IN PAYING VOWS (PART 2)

FAITHFULNESS IN PAYING VOWS (PART 2)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 76:11
"Make vows to the Lord your God, and pay them; let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared."

Supporting Texts:
Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
Leviticus 27:2-3
Matthew 5:33-37
Genesis 35:1-3
2 Corinthians 9:7

INTRODUCTION:
In the first part of this study, we examined the importance of making and fulfilling vows, the consequences of failing to honour them, and the blessings that come with faithfulness in paying vows. This second part will delve deeper into the principles of making godly vows, the spiritual implications of breaking them, and how believers can cultivate a lifestyle of integrity in their commitments to God.

1. PRINCIPLES FOR MAKING GODLY VOWS
Before making a vow to God, believers must follow biblical principles to ensure they honour their commitment.

a) Make vows with sincerity and reverence (Matthew 5:33-37)
A vow should not be made carelessly but with a heart of sincerity and respect for God.

b) Consider the cost before making a vow (Luke 14:28-30)
Just as one counts the cost before building, believers must ensure they can fulfil their vows.

c) Do not make vows under emotional pressure (Judges 11:30-31)
Rash vows can lead to difficult consequences; vows should be made with wisdom and understanding.

d) Ensure your vow aligns with God's will (1 John 5:14)
A vow should not contradict biblical principles but should honour God.

e) Biblical Example: Jacob’s Vow at Bethel (Genesis 28:20-22)
Jacob vowed to serve God and give Him a tenth of all he had if God blessed him, showing commitment and reverence.

2. SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS OF BREAKING VOWS
Failing to keep a vow carries spiritual consequences.

a) It attracts God's displeasure (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6)
Breaking a vow is considered foolishness and can bring divine judgment.

b) It opens doors for financial and spiritual losses (Haggai 1:6-9)
Neglecting a vow can result in stagnation and unfruitfulness.

c) It weakens one's spiritual integrity (Psalm 15:4)
A believer who does not keep their word loses credibility before God and man.

d) It hinders divine favour and breakthrough (Numbers 30:2)
God blesses those who fulfil their commitments to Him, but breaking a vow can block blessings.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul’s Broken Commitment (1 Samuel 14:24-45)
Saul made a rash oath that led to unnecessary hardship and almost cost Jonathan his life.

3. HOW TO RECOVER FROM UNFULFILLED VOWS
If a believer has failed to pay a vow, there are steps to restoration.

a) Repent and ask God for mercy (1 John 1:9)
God is merciful and will forgive if we acknowledge our failure and seek His grace.

b) Renew your commitment and be intentional about fulfilling it (Genesis 35:1-3)
Jacob remembered his vow and returned to Bethel to fulfil it.

c) Seek counsel and accountability (Proverbs 11:14)
Having spiritual accountability can help ensure faithfulness in keeping vows.

d) Make a plan to fulfil outstanding vows (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Even if the vow cannot be fulfilled immediately, a plan should be made to honour it.

e) Biblical Example: Jonah’s Renewed Commitment (Jonah 2:9-10)
Jonah remembered his vow while in the belly of the fish, repented, and God delivered him.

4. HOW TO CULTIVATE A LIFESTYLE OF INTEGRITY IN PAYING VOWS
Believers must develop a habit of faithfulness in keeping their commitments.

a) Develop a habit of honouring your word (Psalm 15:4)
Those who keep their promises, even when difficult, walk in divine integrity.

b) Avoid making empty promises (Matthew 5:37)
It is better to say “yes” or “no” than to make a vow and not fulfil it.

c) Trust God for provision to fulfil vows (Philippians 4:19)
God provides for those who sincerely desire to honour their commitments.

d) Keep a record of vows and fulfil them promptly (Deuteronomy 23:21)
Writing down vows helps in remembering and paying them without delay.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah’s Prompt Fulfilment of Her Vow (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
Hannah brought Samuel to the temple as soon as he was weaned, demonstrating faithfulness.

5. THE REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS IN PAYING VOWS
Those who are faithful in keeping their vows experience divine blessings.

a) Open doors of divine favour and breakthrough (Psalm 50:14-15)
Faithfulness in vows invites divine intervention in times of need.

b) Increased spiritual growth and maturity (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Obedience in vows strengthens a believer’s walk with God.

c) Unstoppable blessings and supernatural provision (Malachi 3:10)
God rewards those who honour their financial and spiritual commitments.

d) Establishment of generational blessings (Genesis 28:22)
Jacob’s vow resulted in a covenant blessing that extended to his descendants.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Dedication to Fulfilling His Vows (Acts 18:18)
Paul’s commitment to fulfilling his vow showed his devotion to God’s work.

CONCLUSION:
Faithfulness in paying vows is a mark of true commitment to God. When a believer makes a vow, they enter into a spiritual agreement that should not be broken. Those who fulfil their vows experience divine favour, breakthroughs, and lasting blessings. On the other hand, failing to pay vows can lead to spiritual setbacks. Therefore, believers must be cautious before making vows and diligent in fulfilling them.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to be faithful in all my vows to You.

2. Father, forgive me for any unfulfilled vows in my life.

3. I receive grace to honour every commitment I have made before You.

4. Lord, remove every delay or hindrance to fulfilling my vows.

5. Holy Spirit, remind me of every forgotten vow and help me to fulfil them.

6. I declare open doors and divine favour as I keep my vows to God.

7. Lord, bless me abundantly as I remain faithful to my commitments.

8. I reject every spirit of negligence and dishonesty in my vows.

9. Every hindrance to my breakthrough due to unpaid vows is broken.

10. I declare supernatural increase and prosperity as I honour my vows.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall walk in integrity and fulfil every commitment you have made before God!

2. Every delayed blessing due to unpaid vows is released now!

3. The Lord will provide for you to honour your vows without struggle.

4. Your obedience in paying vows will open new doors of favour.

5. You shall experience supernatural prosperity as you honour your commitments.

6. Every forgotten vow shall be remembered and fulfilled with ease.

7. The enemy shall not use unfulfilled vows to hinder your blessings.

8. You shall be a testimony of God’s faithfulness as you fulfil your vows.

9. Divine breakthroughs shall manifest in every area of your life.

10. The blessings of faithfulness shall rest upon you and your generations.