BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:12-13.

[12]All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

[13]Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

MEMORY VERSE: Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5.

INTRODUCTION: To socialise simply means to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way. There are various ways of socialising, ranging from relating with people in the immediate environment, to getting involved in governance and community development activities.

Christian socialisation cuts across recreation, social interaction, cultural activities, and political issues. While there may be diverse opinions on the extent of the involvement of Christians in social issues, it should be noted that moderation should be the watchword.

OUTLINES:

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF SOCIALISATION

2. WORLDLY PERSPECTIVES VERSUS BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF SOCIALISATION

Jesus Christ and His disciples attended a wedding ceremony at Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-2). He dined with Zacchaeus in his house (Luke 19:5). He was a friend to the family of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) and also paid them a condolence visit (John 11:33-35).

He and His disciples also participated in the Feast of Passover (Mark 14:12-14). Apostle Paul interacted with diverse classes of people for the sake of the Gospel to win some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Daniel was involved in political administration in his days (Daniel 1:18-21; 6:1-3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should explore some other examples of social events in which God’s people participated in the Bible.

2. WORLDLY PERSPECTIVES VERSUS BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES

Christians cannot live in isolation in this present world. However, we must know when and how to draw the line between worldly (sinful) and acceptable (holy) socialisations.

For instance, Christians are expected to recreate (1 Timothy 4:8), but visiting bar/beer joints and nightclubs for recreation is unacceptable. Christians should avoid participating in or feasting at occasions where idols are celebrated (1 Corinthians 10:28).

Modernised carnivals with satanic undertones and other places where Christian integrity is questionable should also be avoided (1 Corinthians 8:10-11; 10:19-21).

Watching immoral movies, listening to/singing ungodly music, and wearing seductive dresses in the name of socialisation are also ungodly things Christians must avoid (1 Corinthians 8:8-11).

While getting involved in secular activities, Christians should watch out and abstain from things that can make them compromise their faith (Philippians 4:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should identify the inherent dangers of unguarded/reckless socialisation.

CONCLUSION: Whatever we do to socialise should be to the glory of God and the edification of the saints (1 Corinthians 10:31). Christians are to show moderation in social interactions.

QUESTIONS:

* Mention three biblical instances of socialisation.

* Distinguish between worldly and godly socialisations.

ASSIGNMENT: State five things believers can do to socialise without sinning(2×5=10 marks).

Action Point

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