23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Some Christians have grown with the idea that it is better to focus on spiritual life than anything else in this world since it is the soul that journeys to eternity.
This belief has made them concentrate more on spirituality at the expense of other functional aspects of their lives. However, the scripture makes it clear that we should live a balanced life (3 John 2).
In this lesson, we shall consider some of the areas believers need to create a balance and the attendant benefits.
LESSON AIM: To teach the church about a wholesome Christian life.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through the lesson, students should be able to:
Understand what a wholesome Christian life is.
Know its basics.
Understand its benefits.
TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, teachers should:
a. Allow the students to read the Bible passage, recite the memory verse, participate in the class activities and do the assignment.
b. Allow the Assistant teacher to conduct the class, mark attendance and assignment, grade performance and close the class session with the closing prayer.
c. Lead the opening prayer, review the previous week’s lesson, teach the lesson outline, summarize, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignments to the students.
TEXT REVIEW: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23.
To live a wholesome Christian life, the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Thessalonians:
A. Admonishes believers to:
i. Prove all things; …………………….. ..V21.
ii. …………….………………………………………V22.
B. He prayed that
i. ……………………………………………….. ……V23a.
ii. ………………………………………………..V23b.
LESSON OUTLINES:
THE FOUNDATION
THE BENEFITS
1. THE FOUNDATION
Our faith in God should be demonstrated in the following ways, among others:
Willingness to obey His word totally (Proverbs 3:5-7).
Family and relationships are vital and should be cherished. Therefore, make good and godly friends (Proverbs 17:17).
The people in our lives and relationships are important: they should be valued and esteemed appropriately (1 Timothy 5:8; Galatians 6:10; Proverbs 18:24a).
Being a good steward over our finances takes a lot of discipline (Luke 16:10-12).
Living beyond our means, amassing material possessions, and accumulating irresponsible debt is unwise (Proverbs 22:7).
Keeping our bodies healthy by eating a balanced diet, regular exercises, and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene are part of the life God calls us to (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 4:8a).
It is important to aspire to reach the top in our careers and be the best in what we do (Proverbs 12:24).
Avoid depression, socialize and be happy (Proverbs 17:22).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Share with the class what you have not been doing that you will do going forward to live a better Christian life.
2. THE BENEFITS
Exercising faith in God will bring peace and confidence to weather the storms of life (Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 56:11).
We will grow and mature spiritually to please God and live victoriously (Proverbs 16:7).
Spending quality time with family and friends will create a bond and a support base for us (Psalm 133:1-3).
Financial stability is a defence (Ecclesiastes 7:12a): it helps us avoid unnecessary tension.
Adherence to healthy living enhances longevity and prosperity (Job 36:11; Proverbs 23:21).
Fulfilment and greater influence come from reaching the peak in our chosen career; we will also be a blessing to many (Genesis 41:40-41; 45:5).
Being the best in what we do makes us sought after (Proverbs 22:29).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should prayerfully consider a mentor who is living a wholesome Christian life and learn from the person as they learn from Christ.
CONCLUSION: Wholesome living should be the pursuit of every believer. Live a balanced life.
QUESTIONS:
In what five ways should believers build a wholesome life?
Identify four benefits of wholesome Christian living.
EVALUATION: Students should prayerfully consider a mentor who is living a wholesome Christian life and learn from the person as they learn from Christ.
CLOSING PRAYER: I declare that I live a wholesome Christian life in the mighty name of Jesus.
ASSIGNMENT: Write out five basics of a wholesome Christian life. (2×5=10 marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
