RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 26 FEBRUARY 2023
LESSON: 26
DATE: SUNDAY
TOPIC: SECOND INTERACTIVE SECTION (SUMMARY OF LESSONS 14-25)
LESSON: 14
TOPIC: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH
MEMORY VERSE: “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience”. –Timothy 3:9
BIBLE PASSAGE: HEBREWS 11:3-11
INTRODUCTION
The ultimate Goal of the Christian life is to please God. Pleasing God Is accomplished by Faith (Heb. 11:6). Faith is the foundation of the Christian life and the principle that bring us to Jesus Christ. An understanding of what faith is will help us grow in our walk with the Lord.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. A DESCRIPTION OF FAITH
2. STAGES OF FAITH
A DESCRIPTION OF FAITH
Faith is a currency of believers (Mark. 9:23): when God created the Heavens and the Earth in Gen. 1:1, as well as everything we see (the stars, moon, and light), we understand by faith (Heb. 11:3). Faith works where we cannot see (Heb. 11:1): It is the substance of things hoped for. Faith is predicting your future by speaking and confessing it (Mark 11:24). Faith is the act of declaring and decreeing (Mark 11:23; Job 22:28): It is the vehicle that moves God (Matt. 8:9-10; 15:25-28). Faith is the pillar for salvation (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 10:9-10): pursuing a Christ-like life is a demonstration of faith (Heb. 10:38-39).
STAGES OF FAITH
1. The faith that secures our salvation and make us followers of Jesus. This is the fundamental theology and the core of what we believe as Christians (Rom. 10:4; Jh. 14:6; Eph. 1:13). It is what makes us believers (Jh. 1:12). It is what separates Christianity from other religions (1Jh. 4:1-3).
2. The faith that is an act, art and the science of believing. It is the practical aspect of our profession as Christians that makes us hold on the word or promise of God against all odds (Rom. 4:18-21).
3. The lifestyle of faith. This is when faith has become our lifestyle, we live it. At this stage, it is impossible not to believe in God. We do not stagger at what we see or experience (Dan. 3:16-18; Acts 21:11-13).
CONCLUSION
Faith is both a gift and fruit of the holy spirit (1Cor. 12:9; Gal. 5:22). It is the fuel that keeps is going as believers.
*LESSON FIFTEEN*
TOPIC: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VOICES
MEMORY VERSE: “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification”. –1Corinthians 14:10.
BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALM 29:3-9
INTRODUCTION
We live in a world of voices (1Corinthians 14:10): demonic voices, the voice of friends, voice of enemies, the voice of those who love us, the voice of those who hate us the voice of God, etc. Also different voices come with different impacts. (1Corinthians 4:10b says there is not one of those voices without meaning. It is therefore experience for all believers to learn about the impact of the voices they listen to and the value of listening to God.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. THE IMPACTS OF VOICES
2. THE VALUE OF LISTENING TO GOD
THE IMPACTS OF VOICES
The voice you listen to affects your outcome. For instance,
Eve listened to the serpent (Genesis 3:1-7),
Samson listened to Delilah (Judges 16:6,17)
Amnon listened to Jonadab (2Samuel 13:4-14)
Saul of tarsus listened to Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-6). Therefore, who you give your ears to effects:
1. Your mindset and invariably your thoughts pattern (Proverbs 23:7).
2. Your choices and decision-making (1Kings 12:6-14).
3. Your emotion, feelings and psychological well-being (Numbers 13:32-33, 14:1-4).
4. Your lifestyle and the steps you take (John 4:25-29).
5. Your life’s outcome and fulfillment of destiny (Acts 26:13-16; Jeremiah 1:4-5).
THE VALUE OF LISTENING TO GOD
1. A fulfilling life and destiny. The most important choices you will have to make in life are choices that will require God to assist you to have a fulfilled life. For example, the choice of who to marry (Proverbs 18:22), the business/career to pursue (Jeremiah 1:5), the place to live or settle (Genesis 26:1-3), etc. These are decisions that will require God’s assistant as you put your trust in Him (Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6).
2. The fulfillment of life’s purpose and vision. This is the reason for living as a whole. It seemed God was telling Jeremiah ‘I planned for you, I prepare for you, and organised what you should do with your life before you came’ (Jeremiah 1:5) in *Acts 26:12-19’* Paul narrates the details of his own assignment in life.
3. Supernatural supply or divine provision. As long as God is the one leading, you do not need to struggle for pasture (Psalm 23:1-2). God knows where your supply is, and He will direct you to the right place (1Kings 17:2-6; Matthew 17:27; Luke 5:4-7)
4. Supernatural power and authority. The voice of God comes with power (Psalms 29:4). When God speaks to you, power rushes into you (Ezekiel 37:1-10). There is a boldness that is backed up by the voice of the Lord (Exodus 3:1-10). You can face the future without fear (Genesis 12:1-4).
5. Victory over enemy’s forces including afflictions, battles, or conspiracies (Isaiah 30:31; 1Samuel 30:1-8, 18-19; 2Samuel 5:17-21). Many people are victims of battles, only because they do not know what God is saying and what they ought to do.
6. Escape from danger and disaster (Proverbs 22:3; 1Samuel 23:7-13)
7. The importation of divine wisdom. When God guides, you cannot be foolish (Proverbs 1:5). If you are hearing from God, your wisdom is not contestable (Luke 21:15). You need divine wisdom to handle the affairs of Life successfully (Ecclesiastes 10:10)
8. Existence in peace and tranquility. One of the top secret of Peace is the voice of God (Psalm 85:8). In *Psalm 23:2* ‘….beside still waters’. talks about peace, not ‘troubled Waters’ When you are disconnected from what God is saying you become troubled and worried about everything.
CONCLUSION
The voice you listen to determines your direction and destination. To end well, listen to the voice of God.
*LESSON: SIXTEEN*
TOPIC: DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE (PT 1)
MEMORY VERSE: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye”. – Psalm 32:8
BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALM 37:3-7
INTRODUCTION
Divine leading is about being directed by God. Being led or guided by God is a necessary key for Christians. It is the only way to fulfill God’s will and every of our decision-making processes (2Kings 3:11). Therefore, we need to learn the avenues through which God leads and guides His people. Moreover, in this dispensation, the leading and guidance of the holy spirit are both inevitable and indispensable.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. AVENUE FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
2. RECOGNISING DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
AVENUE FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
It is important to note that God, in his sovereignty, can adopt any or several means to lead and guide those who put their trust in him. Here are some of them:
1. Through the word of God (1Samuel 3:21; Hebrews 1:1-2).
2. Through a witness of the spirit (Romans 8:14; 16). The witness of the spirits can also come in form of god’s peace the passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. Through the voice of the spirit. This is beyond just a witness; it is hearing. This hearing can be inward (which means no one else, around you, hear it). The Bible calls it is ‘still small voice’- like the sound of a gentle whisper (1Kings 19:12). Sometimes the voice comes in the midst of a godly thought (Acts 10:19) the voice of the spirit can also be outward, in which case you will look around as if you heard or somebody else heard what you are hearing (1Sam. 3:3-5; Acts 9:3-5)
4. Though revelations – dreams, visions, trance (Joel 2:28). Dreams can come from your thoughts (Eccl. 5:3) or the devil – scary and tormenting (nightmares) or from God – insightful, instructional, or revelational (Job 33:14; 17). Dreams happen when you are fully asleep (day or night). Vision can come when you are awake and see something like a still or motion picture (day or night) – *Daniel 2:19.* Trance is like the average between a dream and a vision (you are half awake, half asleep) when the physical senses seem to be suspended (Acts 10:10-11).
5. Through ordain situation or circumstances (Proverbs 24:30-34; Jeremiah 18:1-6). God can take you by all through a happening to give you a clear direction for Life.
6. Through prophetic utterances and confirmations (Hosea 12:10). However, believers are cautioned against living at the mercy of prophecy (1John 4:1)
7. Through diverse means as deemed fit by God (Hosea 12:10)
RECOGNISING DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
The Holy Spirit takes on the role of a guide and counselor, leading us in the way we should go and revealing God’s truths (Luke 12:12). One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit guidance is to be familiar with God’s word. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2Timothy 3:16), and believers are to search the scriptures (John 5:39), meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Psalm 1:2). The word is the “sword of the spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and the spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12-14) to review God’s will for our lives. He will also bring specific scriptures to mind at times when we need them the most (John 14:26).
Therefore, we must always test our inclinations against the scriptures. This is because the Holy Spirit will never push us to do anything contrary to God’s word (1Corinthians 14:33). If it is conflicts with the Bible then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored. It is also necessary for us to be in continual prayer with the father (1Thessalonians 5:17) not only does this keep our hearts and minds open to the Holy Spirit’s leading but it’s also allows the spirit to speak on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).
CONCLUSION
If you are not lead and guided by God, you will wonder and get lost in the wilderness of life. Let God lead you.
*LESSON: SEVENTEEN*
TOPIC: DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE (PT 2)
MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judeh? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron”. – 2Samuel 2:1
BIBLE PASSAGE: HABAKKUK 2:1-2
INTRODUCTION
The Bible is full of records of believers who yielded to the leading and guidance of God. While it may seem difficult for some people in our contemporary world to allow God in their pursuit, Christians that meet the requirements will walk in the path of God.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
In *Genesis 12:1-4*, God ordered Abram out of his country to a promised land and he obeyed. *Numbers 9:17-23* narrates how the Israelites obeyed the instruction of God to travel with the cloud. God instructed Jacob to return to his fatherland (Genesis 31:3) just as He told Elijah in *1Kings 18:1* to show himself to a Ahab as He would open the heavens for the rain to fall. According to *2Samuel 5:19,* David enquired from God on whether to go against the Philistines or not. *Matthew 2:9-12* tells that God led and guided the wise men to the place of birth of Jesus Christ. In *Acts 9:10-11*, the Lord gave and guided Ananias to a specific address of Saul of Tarsus. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit can forbid you to perform a task, though, it may seem like it would please God (Acts 16:6).
REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
1. Delights in the Lord Psalm 37:4-5; 1Corinthians 2:9).
2. Passion for God’s will (Luke 22:42). The will of God does not leave you miserable or regretful but rather it takes you to the expected end (Jeremiah 29:11)
3. The willingness to be led (Romans 8:14; Psalm 23:1-2).
4. The attitude of meekness (Psalm 25 9) : meekness equals being teachable.
5. The attitude of enquiry (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:7)
6. The attitude of hearing and listening – activate the listening mode (Psalm 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1-2).
7. The attitude of patience (Isaiah 28:16). Do not force yourself to hear what God is not saying
8. Soak in and meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:105).
9. Pay attention to godly leaders over you (1Samuel 3:9).
10. Obey previous instructions (Mark 4:24b). If you have not harkened to previous instructions, you may not hear the next move of God.
CONCLUSION
If God is the One leading you, you can never miss the mark. Ask for the grace to understand the mind of God and be guided in the right direction. If you think you have gone far in the wrong direction and refuse to turn back, you will only end in the wrong destination.
*LESSON: EIGHTEEN*
TOPIC: THANKSGIVING
MEMORY VERSE: “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms”. – Psalm 95:2
BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALM 100:1-5
INTRODUCTION
To be thankful literarily means to be full of thanks or appreciation. It is an expression of gratitude to someone. Thankfulness in this context is an act of thanksgiving or a show of gratitude to God. Though some people are ungrateful for various reasons, we must not be ingrates because of its attendant dangers.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. REASONS AND BENEFITS OF THANKSGIVING
2. DANGERS OF INGRATITUDE
REASONS AND BENEFITS OF THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is a command (1Chronicles 16:8). The request of a believer should start and end with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). We thank God for victories over battles of life (Jonah 2:9). It is important to thank God for His mercies and divine provisions (Psalm 68:19; Micah 7:18-20). Thanksgiving is offered to God for His miracles and restoration of hope (1Samuel 2:1-5; Psalm 126:1-2). The primary reason God created us in His image is for fellowship, thanksgiving, praise and joyful heart (Isaiah 43:21)
If you will cultivate the habit of showing gratitude to God, you will compel overflowing blessing from Him. These blessings include: answer prayers (John 11:41-44); abundant provision (Mark 8:6-8); deliverance from bondage (Acts 16:25-26). Thankful people are peaceful and joyful (Philippians 4:6-7). They enjoy divine presence (Psalm 22:3; 95:2), completed restoration, wholeness (Luke 17:16-19) and victory without a fight (2Chronicles 20:21-23).
DANGERS OF INGRATITUDE
Ingratitude is the result of vain imagination and darkened heart. Sometimes your thanksgiving is senseless to the ordinary person but it is more profitable to be thankful than to complain (Romans 1:12; Proverbs 15:8). There are several reasons people are ungrateful to God. Sin or Spiritual blindness (Ephesians 4:17-18). Refusal to take account of what God has done (Romans 1:12). Pride (Acts 12:21-23).
Every act of ingratitude comes with it’s attendant danger. Risk of losing the existing blessing, salvation and Heaven (Matthew 25:24-25, 30). Limiting one’s blessing or answered prayers (Luke 27:12-16,19). It could result in emptiness and sorrow (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22) thereby, making restoration practically difficult.
CONCLUSION
Showing gratitude to God ensures continuous divine presence and fellowship.
*LESSON: NINETEEN*
TOPIC: HONOUR GOD
MEMORY VERSE: “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?”. – Malachi 1:6
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1SAMUEL 2:29-30
INTRODUCTION
Honour (from the Hebrew word ‘tiph’arah’) means esteem,’ ‘value,’ or ‘great respect.’ To honour someone is to bestow value upon him or to highly esteem another. It is very important to note that all authority and honour belong to God alone (1Tim. 1:17; Rev. 5:13). This lesson points us to why and how we should honour God.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHY SHOULD WE HONOUR GOD?
2. HOW SHOULD WE HONOUR GOD?
WHY SHOULD WE HONOUR GOD?
God deserves all honour (Rev. 4:11). There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone in any position of power or of influence who can claim such an honour (1Tim. 6:16). God alone is the creator and the one that sustains the heavens and the earth (Rev. 14:7).
Therefore, as believers, we honour God for who he is (Isa. 45:5-6); because he is our father (Matt. 6:9b); in our recognition that the gift of eternal life and the salvation of our souls come through Jesus Christ and him alone (Jh. 11:25; Acts 4:12; 1Tim. 2:5); for his goodness and wonderful works (Ps. 107:15); for all his benefits we enjoy (Ps. 63:19).
All true believers are to honour God (Ps. 134:1), through our acknowledgement and confession that he is the one and only God (Exodus 20:3).
HOW SHOULD WE HONOUR GOD?
There are several ways to honour God. For instance:
1. We give honour and obeisance to him through our adoration and obedience to his will (1Sam 2:29-30).
2. To esteem God, as first in our lives, is to totally commit our lives to him and devote our possession to his service and glory (Matt. 22:37-38; Colossians 3:17).
3. Believers are to honour God with their substances (firstfruits, tithes, offerings, etc.) wholeheartedly (Proverbs 3:9-10).
4. We must honour God by living holy because he is holy and we are created in his image (1Pet. 1:15-16).
5. Honouring God has great rewards: God will honour those who honour him (1Sam. 2:30) and give them overflowing blessings (Proverbs 3:9-10).
CONCLUSION
God deserves all honour and it must be given to him.
*LESSON: TWENTY*
TOPIC: HONOUR MEN
MEMORY VERSE: “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king”. – 1Peter 2:17
BIBLE PASSAGE: ROMANS 13:7-8
INTRODUCTION
In our previous lesson, we learnt why and how we should honour God. We also learnt the meaning of honour which is to bestow value upon someone or highly esteem another. The Bible exhort us to give honour to whom it is due (Romans 13:7). In this lesson, we shall attempt to categorize those who deserve honour and how we can attain honour as well.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHO DESERVE HONOUR?
2. HOW CAN WE ATTAIN TRUE HONOUR
WHO DESERVE HONOUR?
The idea of honoring people is Biblical and can be showcased in many of our basic relationship. Here are some of them:
1. Citizen-Authority relationship. We are to honour especially those in authority through obedience and demonstration of respect, irrespective of their age or qualification. This comes from the fact that they representative God’s intimate authority (Romans 13:1-2)
2. Laity-Clergy relationships. The Bible speaks of the relationship of the church as deserving ‘double-honour’ (1Timothy 5:17)
3. Employee-Employer relationship. We are equally commended to honour one another in our Employee-Employer relationships (Ephesians 6:5-9).
4. Husband-Wife relationships. In a marriage relationship, the husband is expected to love and show appreciation to his wife while she reciprocates with reverence (Ephesians 5:33).
5. Children-Parents relationships. The command to honour our parents comes with a promise (Exodus 20:12). To do otherwise is to attract untimely death (Matthew 15:4)
On the whole, the Bible admonishes us to honour all men (1Peter 2:17).
HOW CAN WE ATTAIN TRUE HONOUR
The Bible teaches that true honour is found in God (Deuteronomy 26:19). Anyone who wishes to attain true honour must, first of all, have a cordial relationship with God (Psalm 91:14-15). Therefore to attain honour, we must be righteous (Proverbs 21:21); humble (Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 15:33); wise and intelligent (Proverbs 4:7-8); hardworking and delight (Proverbs 22:29); faithful and maintain integrity (Psalm 41:12; Proverbs 20:7), among others.
CONCLUSION
If we honour those promoted by God, He will honour us too. Do not look down on anyone.
*LESSON: TWENTY-ONE*
TOPIC: PLUGGED-IN KNEES
MEMORY VERSE: “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint”. – Luke 18:1
BIBLE PASSAGE: LUKE 22:39-46
INTRODUCTION
‘Plunged-in knees’ simply refers to a life of constant prayers. A consistent and persistent prayer life was a regular practice and more of a lifestyle by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This exercise was pressed upon us more frequently by our Saviour. Thus He encouraged His disciples to be fervent, consistent, and persevere in the place of prayer (Luke 18:1). He even propounded the parable of an unjust judge who was overcome by an unrelenting widow, to do her Justice contrary to his inclination (Luke 18:1-7).
LESSON OUTLINES
1. THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS
2. HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY
THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS
‘Plunged-in’ is to engage wholeheartedly in a task or to be connected. The need for ceaseless prayers is therefore emphasized in the Bible (1Thessalonians 5:17) for various reasons. Some of these are:
1. ,To keep the communication line between God and his children open (Psalm 55:17)
2. To be filled with the power of the Holy Ghost and be bold (Acts 4:31)
3. To be guided when there is a need to take a decision (Acts 1:24) or find direction (Genesis 24:12).
4. For believers in Christ to enjoy the fullness of joy promised them by God all the time (John 16:23-24)
5. To stand though the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16) and full of sin, error, subtle heretical seducers and sharp persecutions (2Timothy 3:13-14; Matthew 24:12-13).
6. To stay connected to their parent stock, as a branch and be fruitful (John 15:5-6)
7. To be able to withstand and confront the forces of darkness that seek to destroy God’s children (Ephesians 6:12-13)
8. To cast out unclean spirit (Matthew 17:19-21)
9. For restoration (Judges 16:28) and when agonized (1Samuel 1:10).
10. To bring the flesh under (Matthew 26:41; 2Corinthians 10:3-5) and always look up unto God (Psalm 5:3).
HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY
We pray frequently when we take prayer as a daily task (Psalm 5:3; 55:17). Deliberately pray in the spirit (Ephesians 6:18). Live in the reality that there is a need to pray without ceasing (Mark 14:38). Put God first on any issue by contacting him through prayers (Psalm 37:5). Be actively involved in praying always (Colossians 1:9). Give yourself to prayers (Psalm 109:4). Delight in God when paying (Job 22:26-27). Pray with confidence that God hears and answer will come (1John 5:14-15). Pray everywhere (1Timothy 2:8).
CONCLUSION
Constant prayer is a necessity for a close walk with God.
*LESSON: TWENTY-TWO*
TOPIC: BIBLICAL FAST
MEMORY VERSE: “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” – Daniel 9:3
BIBLE PASSAGE: DANIEL 10:2-3
INTRODUCTION
Fasting in the Bible, is total abstinence from pleasure giving activities for a set time to devote oneself to seeking God. While there are many ways believers could fast, too often, the focus is on abstinence from food in this lesson, we shall examined different types of Biblical fast, basic cautious and reasons for fasting.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. TYPES OF FAST IN THE BIBLE
2. REASONS OF BASIC CAUTIOUS
TYPES OF FAST IN THE BIBLE
1. *Food fast-* This is abstinence from food/drinks. It may take the form of:
i. *Regular fast:* This is done by abstaining from all foods, both solid and liquid (2Chronicles 20:3). The fast is usually broken daily or periodically (Jeremiah 36:6)
ii. *Partial fast:* This is inspired by prophet Daniel. All meat and animal products are disallowed. The Daniel fast includes vegetables, Legumes, whole grains, seeds, and water. This guidelines are based on Daniel’s request of “nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink” (Daniel 1:8-14)
iii. *Absolute or full fast:* Where no food or water is consumed (Esther 4:16; Acts 27:33). For instance, Moses, Elijah and the Lord Jesus Christ did a 40 days absolute fast (Deuteronomy 9:9; 1Kings 19:7-8; Luke 4:2).
2. *Sex fast:* The Bible also refer to ‘sexual fast’ (Exodus 19:15). A married couple can mutually agreed to abstain from sex for a short period to devote themselves to prayers (1Corinthians 7:5)
3. *Pleasure fast* – Another way is to confine or isolate oneself from people and pleasurable thing to a place as a means of worship, studying the Bible and praying to God for a purpose (Luke 2:36-37; 5:16). Time alone with God require discipline.
REASONS OF BASIC CAUTIOUS
Fasting is far more about focusing on God than abstinence from food or other things that gives pleasure (Zachariah 7:5). Also, people fast for various reasons. Some for spiritual strength (Isaiah 40:30-31), supernatural revelation, wisdom and understanding (Ezra 8:21; Daniel 9:22), supernatural breakthrough (Zachariah 8:19) repentance from sinful ways (Joel 2:12-13; Daniel 9:3-5), spiritual hunger and demonstration of love for God’s people and burden for souls (2Corinthians 11:27-28; Matthew 5:6) and sharing with the poor and destruction of wicked works among others (Isaiah 58:6-7 )
Believers should exercise some caution while fasting. For instance, fasting should be limited to a set time and for a clear purpose (1Corinthians 7:5; Esther 4:16). It is neither intended to punish the body not a dieting methods (Isaiah 58:5) but true redirect attention to God. It is a period to give up self-indulgent activities for a deeper fellowship with God (Matthew 4:1-2). Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetic, for example). However, everyone can temporarily give up something to draw closer to God (Exodus 19:15). Biblical fast is to be done in a spirit of humility and joyfulness (Matthew 6:16-18). It should not be to manipulate or do evil (Isaiah 54:4a; Acts 23:21). In breaking ‘absolute and long fast,’ warm liquids (not carbonated drinks) are advised and should be taken in bits.
CONCLUSION
Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) as regards how and for how long and what purpose He wants you to fast.
*LESSON: TWENTY THREE*
TOPIC: THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (PT 1)
MEMORY VERSE: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)”. –Ephesians 5:9
BIBLE PASSAGE: GALATIANS 5:22-23
INTRODUCTION
One of the reasons Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit is to help us learn how to be more godly (John 16:12-15). The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sin (John 16:8) and guide us in choosing well when faced with temptations, thus producing godly characteristics within us (Ephesians 3:16; John 16:13). This is what the Bible describes as the ‘fruit of the Spirit.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHY “FRUIT?”
2. THE OPPOSITE OF BEARING FRUIT
WHY “FRUIT?”
The Bible uses a lot of agricultural metaphors because they were easily understood by the highly agricultural culture of the time. The “fruit of the Spirit” refers to the “results” we should see in our lives after receiving the Holy Spirit and working on our hearts over time (Romans 8:9;12:1-2). The Apostle Paul gives us the component of the ‘fruit’ as “……love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self control…… Galatians 5:21-22.
The ‘fruit’ metaphor helps us see our faith as a tree with branches that may or may not produce fruit, depending on how well we take care of the tree itself. If we give the tree nourishment (God’s word) -1Peter 1:23;2:2, then it will grow bigger. If we clear away weeds and insects (sinful tendencies) -Ephesians 4:22-31; Colossians 3:8-10, then keep the tree healthy. If we consult the ‘professional’ Gardener (God) -1Chronicles 16:11- then we will ensure we are on the right track.
THE OPPOSITE OF BEARING FRUIT
If you are a Christian, and you are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in your life, at best, you will experience stagnation-no growth (James 2:14-26). At worst, the result of “bad fruit” is death (Romans 6:20-23; Proverbs 14:12). Notice that Galatians 5:22 start with the word “But.” The Apostle Paul tells us that the opposite of these spiritual fruit. Let us take a look at the verses just before the fruit list: “Now the work of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred , variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: if the which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” -Galatians 5:19-21. This is a list of things that someone who does not have the Holy Spirit’s influence would have problems with.
CONCLUSION
On one hand, our sinfulness produces rotted, poisoned fruit, which reflects our sinful nature and hurt us in the end. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit produces beautiful, nourishing fruit that reflects God’s nature and will ultimately benefit our lives.
*LESSON: TWENTY-FOUR*
TOPIC: THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (PT 2).
MEMORY VERSE: “And the fruit of rightousness is sown in peace of them make peace”. — James 3:18
BIBLE PASSAGE: GALATIANS 5:16-18
INTRODUCTION
The life of the Christian is a constant battle between our sinful nature and our new nature in Christ (Gal. 5:17). Unfortunately, just because we have accepted Christ does not mean we are automatically immune to sinful temptations (Rom. 7:14-25). Sometimes, it may feel like we are trapped in a desire to reach for the sinful thing rather than the godly things. This dies not always have to be the case. We can overcome the flesh.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. CHOOSE TO BEAR THE FRUIT
2. WORK AT IT
CHOOSE TO BEAR THE FRUIT
Now that we are in Christ, we have the power to conquer the sinful desire of the flesh (2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:37). The very presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts means we can now choose godliness over sinfulness (Philip. 1:22). The choice is 100% OURS (Deut. 30:19). We are no longer a slave to our sinful nature (Rom. 6:14, 18). We can choose love over hate, patience over hostile frustration, faithfulness over disloyalty, self-control over lustful desires…etc. This is the beauty of havinG the Holy Spirit-He gives us the POWER to fight (Philip. 2:13; 4:13). All we must do to tap into that power is to practice obedience to God’s word and his direction (John. 15:4, 10, 14; Col. 3:16; Ps. 1:2-3).
WORK AT IT
Some Christians have asked if it is possible to produce all the components to the fruit of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This seems like a lot to work on. First, we should remember that God will not give us a load we cannot bear (Matt. 11:29-30). Secondly, the ‘yoke’ of bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit is not just possible, it is mandatory (Luke 1:37; Matt. 5:48). However, since the enemies of our Salvation – the devil and the flesh – will not give up easily on us, we are bound to face the temptation of yielding to occasionally (1Peter 5:8-10) We must continue to work at attaining perfection (Philip. 2:12), surrender totally to the dictates of the Holy spirit and resist the devil (James 4:7). The Apostle Paul charges believers to make no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14). Let us keep working at bearing all the components of the fruit of the spirit; it is possible (Philip. 4:13). We must daily, take steps to nurture our relationship with Jesus so that we can grow to look more like him in his manner, attitude and actions (HEB. 12:2; Philip 2:5).
CONCLUSION
Though we may struggle and fail, we will surely conquer the flesh and bear the fruit of the holy spirit. We ought to daily strive for, work for, and yearn for the fruit of the spirit
*LESSON: TWENTY-FIVE*
TOPIC: THE POWER OF CHOICE
MEMORY VERSE: “Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good”. — Job 34:4
BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 13:8-13
INTRODUCTION
Simply put, choice is the act of picking between two or more possibilities. The power of choice is the strong will to make a decision in the mist of several options. While it is generally opined that man is a choice being, scriptures clearly established that God has given man the power to choose (Joshua 24:15). However, we live with the consequences of the choices we make whether good or bad. The onus therefore, lies on us to make the right choices which is in turn determine the course of our lives.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. COMMON CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES
2. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CHOICES
COMMON CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES
There are several choices we make in life with their attendance consequences. For instance, the choices we make about food and exercise influence our physical health (Proverbs 25:16). The choices we make about our academic pursuits often affect our career and occupations. The choices we make in reaction to life’s adversities affect our psychological well-being (Proverbs 24:10). Other major choices we make in life include:
1. The choice of where to live/settle may determine the peace or discomfort, blessing or trouble we will have (Genesis 13:8-11; 19:13; 26:1-2, 12-13)
2. The choice of who we marry will determine the bliss we enjoy or the blows we endure (Proverbs 18:22; 31:28; Proverbs 21:19; 1Kings 11:4).
3. The choice of the friends we keep will determine how far we’ll go and the quality of life we live (Proverbs 13:20; 18:24; 2Samuel 13:5; 10:14, 28-29)
4. The choices we make to be different will determine whether or not we will stand out from the crowd (Daniel 1:8,19; Hebrews 11:24-26).
5. The choice we make whether to serve God or not will determine the eternal reward we will get (Joshua 24:15; Revelation 22:11-12).
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CHOICES
Many factors influence the choices we make in life. We need to crave the right knowledge in order to be well-informed (Proverbs 18:15). Self-control will help guide our choices and prevent us from making a rational decisions (James 1:19; 1Samuel 25:10). We must make good plans and be guided by good vision before we make a choice (Ruth 3:1-4; Proverbs 16:3,9). More importantly, prayers will enable us to key into the mind of God (1Samuel 30:7-8; Psalm 37:5,23)
Conversely, pride, hypocrisy, doubt, and negative thoughts among others, will hinder us from making the right choices (Proverbs 11:2; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 32:6; James 1:8). We must strive to always have the correct mind frame all the time (Proverbs 4:23).
CONCLUSION
If we have made the wrong choice in the past, it is time to forgive ourselves and move on with life as we make necessary corrections to avoid any repetition of such.
