Memory Verse: Galatians 5:25

 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit_ (KJV).

Central Truth

Disciples of Christ manifest Christlike characteristics.

The Lesson Outline

1. Be Led by the Spirit

A. Listen and Obey

Galatians 5:16–18

B. Roots Produce Fruit
Galatians 5:19-26

2. Stop Sinning
A. Act Like Your Father

1 John 3:1-6
B. Don’t Be Fooled
1 John 3:7-10

3. Love One Another

A. The Great Love of God

1 John 4:7-12

B. Confident Living
1 John 4:13-21

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will
be able to:

1. Understand and demonstrate biblical characteristics of a Christian disciple.

2. Appreciate what it means to be led by the Spirit.

3. Grasp the importance of loving others as part of the lifestyle of the Christian disciples.

Introducing the Lesson

There are clear descriptions in Scripture of what it means to be a
follower of Christ. At the foundation of these descriptions is a close,
personal relationship built on faith in and submission to God. Such a relationship is clearly described in Scripture. The life of a Christian disciple is a life guided by the Holy Spirit, a life that resists and rejects
sin in favour of God’s leading, and a life that is marked by lovo tor God and others. Today’s lesson examines that life from the standpoint of Scripture.

The Holy Scriptures

Galatians 5:16“`This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.“`

1 John 3:2`“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

5. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

7. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.“`

Commentary and Application

1. Be Led by the Spirit
A. Listen and Obey

Galatians 5:16–18

All those who love Jesus desire to please Him through the way in which they live. The foundation of such a lifestyle involves walking in the Holy Spirit (rather than fulfilling the desires of the flesh). Paul wrote of this in Galatians 5:16-18. For many Christians, the concept of hearing the Spirit’s voice can be intimidating. They might tend to think that only certain people have that privilege, or that hearing the Spirit means Some kind of great sign or booming voice from heaven.

 

As we look at Scripture, we see that God spoke, and continues to speak, in many ways. Often He spoke through a gentle whisper. So,
we ought to greet the idea that God speaks to us with a sense of peace and anticipation rather than intimidation. Note that Paul said there is a very real battle going on within the hearts of believers. Because we continue to live in this
fallen world, we struggle with our old nature, which wants to do evil (verse 17). Indeed, we are no match for this struggle within ourselves. But we have the great assurance that the Spirit gives us the right desires, and the strength to pursue them. It is a constant struggle, indeed. But with the help of the Spirit, we can follow the voice of the Lord as we are led by Scripture as well as His still, small voice, which guides us in the right direction.

 

Behaviour that is the result of hearing from God is not the same as
living according to man-made rules. Walking in the Spirit is liberating
Christianity is not based on a set of rules and regulations. It is based on a relationship with God.

Questions for Application

Describe a time when you heard from the Holy Spirit._

What is one example of a time when God specifically used Scripture to speak into a situation in your life?_

B. Roots Produce Fruit

Galatians 5:19-26

Certainly, salvation is not rooted in our fruit, but in the grace of God. We must recall, though, that behaviour is a sign of what is going on in the heart of a person. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul listed the works of the flesh, that is, the lifestyle indicators of someone who is Iiving according to sinful desires. If a person is living a lifestyle marked by acts such as sexual immorality, witchcraft, selfish ambition, and divisive words and actions, it is clear that the individual is not in relationship with Jesus. These people will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

It is an equal mistake to say that good behaviour will unite a person with God. Good behaviour, rather, reflects what is going on in the heart of the individual. When people accept Jesus as Saviour, they receive a new, transformed nature.

The new nature, equipped and empowered by the Spirit, allows them to cultivate their spiritual roots through a growing relationship with God. The cultivated roots produce the kind of living that God desires. Christians do not go to heaven because they are good. Rather, because of their relationship with God, their behaviour will be righteous.

 

Moving on to verses 22-26, it is worth noting that the phrase, “the fruit righteous. of the Spirit,” is singular. Paul did not
intend for his readers to select a particular fruit and work on getting better at it. Indeed, our own “work” cannot make us better at producing
fruit. It comes forth as a result of the work of the Spirit in a believer’s life.

 

The ninefold fruit is representative of the type of behaviour that will naturally grow in a Christian’s life as the Spirit works within that individual. The goal for the Christian is to cultivate a godly root
system through ongoing communication with God, walking with Him rather than pursuing the ways and values of the world. When this occurs, people will natural land supernaturally-display love, joy, peace, etc. This is the essence of Jesus’ statement that people will know Christians by their love for one another (see John 13:35).

Cultivating one’s spiritual roots does not occur automatically. Satan desires to entice believers to return to their rotten roots. Christians need to continually say “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Holy Spirit. This can only happen if we determine to hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Questions for Application

How has your behaviour changed as you have matured in Christ?_

How do you cultivate your spiritual root system?_

2. Stop Sinning
A. Act Like Your Father
1 John 3:1-6

Some people say that all people are children of God simply because He created them. But Scripture makes it clear that this notion is false.
In 1 John 3:1-6, John drew a contrast between those who are the children of God and those who are not. Through the sin of Adam and Eve, humanity forfeited a relationship with God. Now we need redemption through Christ to restore that relationship. We become God’s children through salvation, and only God’s children will enjoy eternal life with Him. Living in sin is a reflection of one’s spiritual state. Every human being is either a child of God or a child of the devil (see verse 10).

 

Regardless of what they claim, if people live a sinful lifestyle that disregards God, they are not God’s children because His children will reflect His characteristics. John says that it is impossible to be God’s child and to continue to live in sin. Jesus came to earth to free people from sin.
If the person conveys no evidence of transformation, that person has not embraced the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Questions for Application

What is one predominant characteristic, either physical or behavioural, that you received or learned from your parents?_

What is one predominant characteristic thatyou received or learned as a result of your relationship with your Heavenly Father?_

B. Don’t Be Fooled

 1John 3:7-10

Earlier in John’s first Epistle (1:8-10), he made it clear that a Christian who claims to be sinless is a liar. Christians will struggle and sin on occasion, but the Holy Spirit is faithiui to make the Christian aware of the sin and draw the person to repent. God promises to forgive
those who repent. However, when Christians continue to practise sinful behaviour, ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit, they are not reflecting their relationship with God (3:7-10). When this occurs, Christians will naturally grow cold
toward the Lord. Eventually, this person risks turning away from God entirely, at which point the person can no longer call himselfor herself a Christian.

 

John was dealing with a group of people in the church who attempted to justify sinful behaviour. Even today, some spiritual leaders look the other way when people gossip, live immoral lives, or otherwise follow the ways of sin. False teachers defend their position by arguing that people are saved by faith rather than by right actions. While it is true that we are saved by faith, true faith in Christ will produce right actions on the part of the faithful. The Bible teaches that we must love God with our whole beings. A person’s behaviour will follow his or her belief. Those who teach otherwise appeal to the flesh, which leads to destruction.

 

Some people would not appreciate John’s bluntness, but he was clear that those who live in sin are the offspring of Satan and will spend eternity with him. Those who are the children of God will do what do what is right and love others.

Questions for Application

Questions for Application

Why do you think some people feel drawn to adopt legalism as a way of life, trusting in god works to make them right with God?_

_How would you describe what it means to live a life of freedom in Christ?_

3. Love One Another
A. The Great Love of God

1 John4:7-12

In 1 John 4:7-12, John drew a contrast between a godly person and a person who does not kno God. Those who show love for others are
godly. Those who do not love others make it clear that they do not know God. This may seem harsh, but one cannot be a true reflection of God without loving people, because “God is love” (verse 8). Love is, in a sense, His defining characteristic. Obviously, because we are not God, loving others can be difficult. Not everyone is easy to love. Yet, with God’s help, we can love them anyway.

 

John indicated that only Christians can display true love to others because love comes from God. People who do not know God can offer a type of love, but it is not pure, godly love because its source is fleshly. Godly love compels us to see others as people made in His image.

 

John stated that God showed His love for us through His gift of Jesus Christ, His Son, as the sacrifice for our salvation. Such a gift was given because He loved us, not because we loved Him. Paul described this in his Epistle to Romans: “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8, NLT).

 

Christians, in turn, are called to share the great news of God’s love with those who need to come into relationship with Him. God’s love was
shown to all. While people were still His enemies, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love to them. The generosity of God, as seen through sending Jesus to the Earth for our salvation, should be lived out in our Iives regardless of how others treat us, God desires that His followers become beacons of love that will luminate a path toward Him. God expresses His through us as we love those around us.

Questions for Application

What makes God’s love so unique in this world?_

In what ways can Christians demonstrate their love for God and others?_

B. Confident Living

1 John 4:13-21
When people respond to Jesus in faith and become His followers,
God gives them “his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us” (1 John 4:13, NLT). The Spirit reminds the Christian of God’s love, which ought to naturally flow from their lives, and He helps them walk in that love. When a Christian makes aselfish decision, the Holy Spirit will point that out. As Christians live in and practise God’s love, they can rest in the assurance of their salvation (verses 16-17).

 

We may struggle to have love for every person, but as we live for God, our love for Him and for others “grows more perfect” (verse 17, NLT; note that “perfect’ carries a sense of being “complete”). We know that growing in God’s love is one of the greatest joys of living for Him. Just as a child is excited about progress on the growth chart, we can take joy in our spiritual growth as we practise love for others. God’s love also delivers the believer from fear(verses 17-18).

 

 

Perhaps the most common, fundamental human fear is death and the day of judgement. Thankfully, we as Christians can experience freedom from fear. For us, death is the entrance into everlasting life. This does not mean that we can live or act recklessly, tempting death —-and thereby tempting God. But our hope does provide confidence when we face God “because we live like Jesus in this world” (verse 17, NLT).

 

In verses 19-21, John ended this passage by reminding readers that the true test of a Christian’s faith is how they treat others. If believers hold grudges, cause quarrels, or gossip about others, for example, they are not living as followers of God, and they risk wandering away from God in pursuit of their unloving desires.

A lack of love is inconsistent with what it means to be a servant of our supremely loving God. But love for all —-including those we’d rather not love —–bears evidence that our love for God, and commitment to Him, is indeed real.

Questions for Application

_What is your biggest fear, and how can God’s love help you overcome that fear?_

_How can loving others change their lives as well as your own life?_

Call to Discipleship

While our behaviour matters to God, He does not expect us to live godly in our own strength. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and to find victory over temptation. God desires that we love others so that, when they see His followers, they will have an accurate picture of Him. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our behaviour should reflect our Father. If not, we need to cultivate our relationship with Him. The fruit of a godly life will follow.

Ministry in Action

Spend time listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit and purpose to obey and follow as you grow in the Lord. Commit to a deeper study of Scripture, praying that God will use His Word to help you overcome temptation. Find a practical way to demonstrate God’s love to someone in your church or community this week.

 

 

Action Point

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Memory Verse: Matthew 10:7-8

As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (KJV).

 

Central Truth

The words of Christ offer instructions for daily Christian living.

 

The Lesson Outline

1. Proclaim the Good News

A. Proclamation to the Jews- Matthew 10:1-16

B. Proclamation to the World- Matthew 28:16-20

 

2. Be on Your Guard

A. Confident in Times

of Trouble- Matthew 10:17-20

B. Cost of Obedience- Matthew 10:21-25

 

3. Do Not Be Afraid

A. A Bold Proclamation- Matthew 10:26-28

B. In God’s Care- Matthew 10:29-33

 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 

1. Understand Jesus’ instructions on discipleship and grasp what it means to follow them in all circumstances.

 

2. Be challenged to recognise and accept that Christian discipleship will involve adversity and even persecution.

 

3. Be encouraged that they can proclaim the gospel boldly.

 

Introducing the Lesson

Sharing the gospel should not be seen as optional for the Christian. It can be easy to share the way of salvation with someone you love, but it is not always as easy to share the gospel with someone you hardly know or someone who is a stranger.

 

In this lesson, you will explore how declaring the good news is a part of discipleship, and then be challenged to help others live out that same faith you have come to practice. Such a

life is at the heart of discipleship.

 

The Holy Scriptures

Matthew 10:1-33

[1]And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

[2]Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

[3]Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

[4]Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

[5]These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

[6]But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

[7]And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

[8]Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

[9]Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

[10]Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

[11]And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

[12]And when ye come into an house, salute it.

[13]And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

[14]And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

[15]Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

[16]Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

[17]But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

[18]And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

[19]But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

[20]For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

[21]And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

[22]And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

[23]But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

[24]The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

[25]It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

[26]Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

[27]What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

[28]And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

[29]Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

[30]But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

[31]Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

[32]Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

[33]But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

 

Commentary and Application

1. Proclaim the Good News

A. Proclamation to the Jews– Matthew 10:1-16

In Matthew 10:1-16, Jesus gave His disciples instructions on how to use their authority, as well as the purpose of this authority. Miracles were to be performed for a reason: to draw attention to the kingdom of God, and declare that His kingdom is near (verse 7).

 

In this way, miracles serve to draw individuals toward the opportunity to become citizens of His kingdom.

 

The purpose of healing, raising people from the dead, and driving out demons is to redirect a person’s focus toward God. The restored health of the individual who receives the miracle is a marvellous benefit as well. But if the kingdom of God is not clearly proclaimed through the miracle, it has not accomplished its true purpose.

 

Jesus told the disciples to go to the people of lsrael first (verses 5-8).

He sought to give the Jews the opportunity to inherit all that had been promised to them. It was Jesus’ desire that they would repent of their wicked ways and return to Him as a lost sheep would return to its shepherd. Through the working of miracles by the disciples, they would see the truth about Jesus.

 

A person must not become prideful when God has done a miracle through his or her life, or use the experience to elevate personal status. Just as the believer freely receives the miracle of salvation solely as a result of God’s power and authority, all additional miraculous acts that occur during the ministry of the gospel are entirely the result of God’s intervention, and all praise and recognition must be given to Him.

Verses 9-15 remind us that hospitality toward strangers and travellers was expected within the Jewish culture. If a traveller entered a town and requested a place to stay and a meal, it was common practice for the host to grant the request.

 

Jesus reminded the disciples to make use of this custom in their work to spread the message of the kingdom of God (verse 11).

 

Once the disciple entered the home of the host, the disciple was to share the message of God’s kingdom (verses 12-15). Jesus knew some people would not be receptive to this message, even if miracles were performed, and the disciples should not force their message on their hosts. If the hosts received the message, their lives would be transformed.

 

They would experience the peace that only comes through a right relationship with God. If the hosts rejected the message, the disciples were to walk away, having done what was required of them. They had no more responsibility. Those who rejected the message had made their choice, and they would face the consequences of that decision

 

Jesus understood that sharing the message of the kingdom of God within the kingdom of this World was dangerous (verse 16). Jesus’ disciples would be persecuted, and some would give their lives. So Jesus told His disciples to use wisdom as they shared the message of the kingdom of God.

 

*Questions for Application

Why do you think people are often most effective in sharing their salvation stories with others during the first few years after they are saved?

 

What open doors of opportunity are there in your world where you can proclaim the power of the kingdom of God?

 

B. Proclamation to the World–Matthew 28:16-20

Prior to His ascension to the right hand of the Father, Jesus gave the disciples what is known as the Great Commission, in Matthew 28:19-20. Prior to that, in verses 16–18, Jesus reaffirmed the authority that the Father had given to Him. The disciples would need to draw on His authority in the future as the Kingdom advanced.

 

Jesus was clear concerning what He wanted to see accomplished through the use of the authority that He had granted to His disciples. He didn’t tell them simply to lead people into the Kingdom through salvation. He wanted His disciples to be disciple-makers, that is, to teach them the ways and values of the Kingdom.

 

Verse 19 reminds us that water baptism, a part of being a disciple, was a sign that a person had become aligned with Christ, believing in Him as Saviour. When believers were baptised, they renounced their old lives.

 

The consequences of this were not always minor. Those who were baptised were often cut off from their families. Water baptism was a very serious matter!

There would have been no doubt in the person’s mind concerning what they were doing.

 

Water baptism was to be done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

This baptismal formula is important because it uniquely distinguishes the followers of Jesus, acknowledging the authority of the Father and recognising the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers believers as they follow Christ.

This formula, then, affirms one’s belief in the triune God.

 

A key part of proclaiming the Kingdom involves teaching the new convert how to obey what Jesus commanded (verse 20).

When a person loves God, they will love others. Loving others will compel the believer, then, to offer the message of hope and salvation to all who will listen. Loving God and loving others are the hallmarks of citizenship in the kingdom of God.

 

Questions for Application

Why must we see salvation as a lifetime of discipleship rather than

a momentary commitment at an

altar?

 

Why do you think love is such an important component in Kingdom living?

 

2. Be on Your Guard

*A. Confident in Times of Trouble–Matthew 10:17-20*

Jesus commanded His disciples to be on their guard (Matthew 10:17-18). He was not commanding them to be defensive, but to be prepared to face difficulty.

 

There was, of course, an easy way out of persecution. They could simply be quiet, blend in with the crowd, and keep the truth to themselves. But this was unacceptable if they were to stay faithful to their Lord.

 

Jesus assured the disciples that they would not be alone when they faced persecution for their faith. The “Spirit of your Father” (verse 20) would be with them.

 

This is the only occurrence of this particular phrase in the New Testament. It is a unique way of referencing the Holy Spirit, and commentators note that it reflects Matthew’s tendency to highlight the intimate nature of the relationship between the Father and His children.

Such intimacy surely would be present in these instances. When they needed their Lord the most, the Spirit would speak through them.

 

Tough times did come to the disciples. Church history teaches that nearly all of them gave their lives for the cause of Christ.

 

First-century Christians were persecuted by the Jews and faced interrogation, imprisonment, and even death by the Romans. But just as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit was with them and the kingdom of God Continued to expand despite opposition.

 

Christians today should not be surprised when they face persecution for their faith. Following Christ will result in tough times, so we must not be caught off guard. Recalling that the Holy Spirit is with us during tough times will provide comfort and confidence as we faithfully declare God’s kingdom.

 

Questions for Application

What difficulties have you faced as a result of your faith in Jesus?

 

How have you prepared yourself to face opposition in the future?

 

B. Cost of Obedience– Matthew 10:21-25

The challenge of discipleship might bring problems at home as well as out in the world. The message of God’s kingdom may divide families, causing brothers to turn over their brothers to the authorities (Matthew 10:21). This same betrayal may occur between parents and their children. Jesus stated that the love of evil will supersede the love of family members. Jesus indicated there will be no place to hide. Those who reject God’s kingdom hate the citizens of the Kingdom.

 

Jesus indicated that some who start on the journey of Kingdom life would change course short of the finish line. Verse 22 implies that some would not endure. ln light of Jesus’ words in verses 21-23, this is not surprising. It is hard to stand firm against evil in the face of persecution. But Jesus offers a marvellous assurance: Those who do endure to the end will be saved.

 

In verses 24-25, Jesus helped His followers understand why they would be treated in such a manner:

 

They would suffer, just as He suffered, because the student is not greater than the teacher.

 

The follower of Christ could not expect to be treated better than Christ himself, who suffered accusations leading to death by those who hated Him.

 

If a person desired to take part in the ministry of the miraculous, he or she would also have to embrace the consequences that come with such a ministry. Jesus was persecuted for the message of the kingdom of God.

 

Disciples of Jesus Would, and will, be persecuted for faithfully declaring that message as well.

 

Although it seems like a contradiction, believers will often go to areas of the world that have yet to hear the gospel, despite certain persecution.

 

As the Spirit moves in the hearts of peôple, they develop boldness to trust God and overcome fear.

 

Questions for Application

Why do you think some parts of the world suffer worse persecution than other parts?

 

What can we, as people who suffer less than many, learn from the suffering and response of others ?

 

How do you think believers in safer countries today would respond in the face of

persecution?

3. Do Not Be Afraid

*A. A Bold Proclamation– Matthew 10:26-28*

Jesus’ command not to be afraid in the face of persecution goes against all human instincts.

 

Jesus instructed the disciples to demonstrate their courage by being bold in their proclamation of the

Kingdom.

 

Up until that point, the proclamation of the Kingdom had been somewhat limited.

 

Much of what Jesus had taught, He had taught to His closest followers, His disciples.

But now it was time for them to move forward and proclaim these words to the world without restraint, in broad daylight and loudly from the roof tops (Matthew 10:26-27).

 

The life of Jesus was a demonstration of the fact that God loves the whole world. But the world would only come to know this if the truths of God, taught throughout the ministry of His Son, were shared with the world.

 

Verse 28 is interesting. Fear can prevent people from doing the right thing.

 

The enemy of the Kingdom seeks to intimidate God’s people with threats that they may even lose their lives. Jesus turned this around by citing an important biblical principle.

 

The people of God should neither fear men nor the enemy of their souls.

 

The worst that might happen is the loss of life. But Scripture calls us to instead fear God (cf., 2 Corinthians 7:1).

 

That is, we acknowledge God as Creator and Lord, and revere Him for the power and authority He holds over us, today for all eternity.

 

How unwise it would be to focus on earthly enemies rather

than our Almighty God.

 

Questions for Application

How do you react to the thought that you might be required to suffer greatly for your faith?

 

Why can even a committed Christian struggle to follow Christ consistently?

 

B. In God’s Care– Matthew 10:29-33

Jesus reassured the disciples that God cared for them by reminding them that He cares for every part of His creation, even that which seems insignificant (Matthew 10:29-30).

 

Likewise, God cares so intimately that He knows the number of hairs on a person’s head-a seemingly trivial point, and one that is difficult to ascertain.

 

If God is concerned about birds and hair counts surely the believer can have confidence in His care for them.

 

Believers need not live in fear because they know that God loves them and values their lives (verse 31).

 

God’s care does not guarantee a life without trial, but a life of joy and peace, even, in times of trouble.

 

Jesus then gave an important reminder: Believers would face real temptations to deny that they are His followers.

 

Those who are willing to

acknowledge themselves as followers of Christ will be acknowledged to the Father as His followers (verse 32).

But those who deny Him will also be denied before the Father (verse 33). This does not mean that we forfeit salvation if we stumble in faith, for Peter was restored after denying Christ three times (see Luke 22:54-62; John 21:7-19).

Rather, it reminds us of a stark choice that we must make.

 

Will we join in solidarity to our Lord, or will we divide our allegiance between the Lord and men, depending upon the situation? Let us, as His disciples, choose to stand boldly for Christ.

 

*Questions for Application*

How can a believer overcome fear when faced with opposition?

 

What are some ways God has shown His care for you?

 

Call to Discipleship

God desires all people to enter the kingdom of God, for He does not wish for any to perish (2 Peter 3:8-10).

Yet in our role in reaching them, we must also keep two things in mind.

First, God has called us to be disciples.

We must ourselves be lifelong learners, growing in relationship to Christ.

 

This equips us to be faithful to Christ. Second, we must be committed to the lifelong task of discipleship, helping people find Christ.

 

We need to invest time and resources to help them become faithful followers of Christ in a difficult world.

 

Ministry in Action

Develop a testimony script of your salvation or another miracle that you have experienced in your life, to help you better share your testimony when the opportunity arises.

 

Look for opportunities this week to share Christ with someone.

 

Pray that God will empower you to stand strong and bold for Him when you are tempted to avoid trouble by concealing your relationship with Christ.

 

Do you enjoy this article, add Our Posts to your Reading List.

Action Point

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

CRMNuggets is committed to fact-checking in a fair, transparent and non-partisan manner. Therefore, if you’ve found an error in any of our reports, be it factual, editorial, or an outdated post, please contact us to tell us about it.

 

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Memory Verse: Matthew 5:14

 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid (KJV).

Central Truth

The kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of man.

The Lesson Outline

1. Unusual Blessings

A. Blessings from God
Matthew 5:1-9

B. Immeasurable Reward
Matthew 5:10-12

2. Called to Make a Difference

A. Preserving Agents
Matthew 5:13

B. Active Lights
Matthew 5:14-16

3. Do Right for Right Reasons

A. Don’t Give to Be Seen

Matthew 6:1-4

B. True Prayer
Matthew 6:5-8

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Examine Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount and compare His standard for living with their personal values and actions.

2. Recognise the need to move beyond passive commitment to their faith and embrace a proactive approach to faith that includes engaging others with the gospel.

3. Commit to daily intercession in prayer and respond to the Holy Spirit’s direction in proclaiming truth and serving those in need.

Introducing the Lesson
As we have seen over the past two lessons, becoming Christ’s disciples calls for complete surrender of ourselves to Him and a commitment to follow Him. It is a total change, not only of how we view life, but how we live. It is, in a sense, *”upside-down living.”* Jesus’ teaching helps us see that God’s plan permeates our lives, touching everything that we say or do. Discipleship is transformational, and it impacts every area of life.

The Holy Scriptures
Matthew 5:1-16

[1]And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
[2]And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
[3]Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4]Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
[5]Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
[6]Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
[7]Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
[8]Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
[9]Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
[10]Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11]Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[12]Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[13]Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
[14]Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[15]Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[16]Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Commentary and Application

1. Unusual Blessings
*A. Blessings from God–Matthew 5:1-9
Jesus’ teachings in “The Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7) were very different from what His audience was used to hearing. Yet He wasn’t just teaching verbal puzzles. He wanted the crowd to shift their thinking about how to live.

The fundamental principle Jesus repeated was the direct, personal role that God plays in the lives of His children. In verses 1 and 2, Jesus did not directly address God as our Heavenly Father, but His later summary, “You are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (verse 48, NLT), makes that relationship clear.

The idea of blessing is what gives the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount the traditional title, “The Beatitudes” (verses 3-10). However, such blessing goes beyond emotional happiness and goes beyond the concept of reward that comes to mind when we consider being blessed by God. When God blesses us, He brings to fruition His plan for us. True happiness and blessedness arrive as we live each day to the fullest under the guiding hand of our Creator and Heavenly Father.

But there is another side to each statement. Jesus directly connected some of life’s most difficult experiences with the blessing, happiness, and purpose His Father gives. He did so redemptively, taking things like poverty, sorrow, humility, hunger and thirst, and shaping them into expressions of yearning for communion with God.

 

Whether or not a person is penniless, if they open their eyes to their spiritually impoverished state without God and then turn to Him, He will begin to build His kingdom within them. Similarly, sorrow and mourning bring God’s intimate comfort, humility leads to immeasurable inheritance, and hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness bring complete fulfilment and satisfaction.

 

Jesus then began to shift from attitudes toward action. The call to mercy speaks to relationships, and pure hearts address our motives. In addition, we are to work for peace in a world riddled with conflict. In each case, God responds with equally concrete benefits.

Questions for Application
How have you discovered the effectiveness of one or more of these principles?

Why is it necessary to seek God’s enabling power to live out each point?

B. Immeasurable Reward–Matthew 5:10-12
In Matthew 5:10, Jesus was not saying that His followers should expect only conflict and persecution. Scripture describes the godly man or Woman who faithfully lives out God’s truth as prosperous relationally and even materially, though not to the extreme degree some popular teachers have claimed. For example, Proverbs 16:7 says, “When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them” (NLT), Or consider Proverbs 21:5: “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty (NLT).

Jesus used the concept of persecution to drive home a truth fundamental to everything else He was saying: This world and unredeemed humanity are fallen, and will eventually pass away. Those who will accept the gospel and be redeemed will find themselves living within a world system deeply influenced by Satan and in total opposition to Christ. Resistance and rejection, then, are a natural by product of this opposition.

Amid whatever trials the believer might face, however, God is present. Note that Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:10-12 are in the present tense. In the midst of persecution, God is present and blessing. Even as mocking, persecution, and slander come against the Christ-follower, God is present and blessing. Jesus said this of His faithful ones: “For the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (verse 10. NLT), Rather than a response of gloom or despair, He called for believers to respond with happiness and joy as they look ahead to heaven’s immeasurable reward.

Questions for Application
What negative reactions to your faith in Čhrist have been difficult to endure?

How can we encourage and support fellow Christians facing persecution ?*2. Called to Make a Difference

A. Preserving Agents– Matthew 5:13
Salt in the ancient world was hard to come by. It was even used as currency. Greeks bought slaves with salt, and the expression “not worth his salt” comes from that unfortunate practice. Roman legions were sometimes paid in salarium, sal being the Latin word for salt, from which we get “salary.” Salt was primarily a preservative. In an age without refrigeration, this function was far more valuable than flavour
enhancement.

For alI these reasons, salt provided a powerful picture of how Christ’s followers were to live among the people around them. They were truly precious agents of change in a fallen and debased culture. They were to bring about restoration and preservation, influencing the lost to turn to God.

The salt of Jesus’ day wås the pure crystals commonly found or today’s tables. Because of impurities, a salty compound could lose its saltiness if the actual salt leached out and left only the residue. As illustrated by the “unsalty” salt Jesus mentioned, His followers could fail in their mission, proving to be ineffective in their service to the Kingdom. Jesus’ audience may have envisioned the salt dregs that were scattered on the earthen roofs of houses to further harden the material and prevent leaks. Roofs at that time were built to be stood on, so the salt was trampled underfoot. This is a compelling picture of believers who fail to bring positive change to a culture and are simply overwhelmed.

The description “the salt of the earth” is still applied in everyday usage to people perceived as upstanding and honest. Yet this popular understanding is the barest hint of what Jesus intended for His followers. We are to be far more than perceived as truthful; we are to be His agents for pointing people to the ultimate Truth.

Questions for Application
What opportunities can you identify to be a preserving and restoring influence on those around you, at home, on your job, or in your community?

What situations might render a follower of Christ “unsalty””?

B. Active Lights– Matthew 5:14-16
Too often, when Christians speak of letting their light shine, it is a passive expression. As if just going about one’s daily routine without falling into any obvious sin is all that Jesus meant by this command in Matthew 5:14-16. When applied this way, much of the personal responsibility Jesus connected with this teaching is ignored. Indeed, Jesus began the illustration with ways that light is observed. A city on a hill and an uncovered lamp are, in fact, seen. But if that was as far as His statement went, then He would have been only describing light’s appearance.

 

But Jesus Connected the believer’s light with action (verse 16). It is good deeds that do the actual shining for all to see. And these are not merely personal activities. They are actions that have an effect on others, to the point that people respond with praise to God. This reference to praising God is important on two levels. First, it includes the idea that Christ- followers are witnesses to a lost world through those actions that genuinely affect the lives of the lost and invite them into a redemptive encounter with the Heavenly Father.
Second, it shows that any praise for good deeds rightfully belongs to God rather than to any person. Jesus never taught a “gospel of works.”

We can never earn our salvation through good deeds. However, we demonstrate the reality of what Christ has accomplished in us by good works.

Questions for Application
How did someone else’s “light” influence you to accept Christ?

What steps can you take to shine more effectively to lost people around you?
3. Do Right for Right Reasons*
A. Don’t Give to Be Seen– Matthew 6:1-4

 

As Jesus continued teaching the crowds, He focused on a subject very close to the heart of everyone in the audience–their motivation (Matthew 6:1). Fallen human beings are by nature supremely selfish. Even something done for the benefit of someone else, if not motivated by the Holy Spirit, can become an exercise in ego-building (verses 24).

 

In Matthew 6, Jesus focused on three righteous acts common in Jewish culture: giving to the poor (verses 2-4), prayer (verses 5-14), and fasting (verses 16-18). He gave the same counsel regarding each. Believers are to shun public praise. If they seek such praise, the accolades they receive will be their only reward. But if they direct their actions toward God, they will enjoy a far more substantial reward. This is consistent with other statements in the Sermon on the Mount about momentary, decaying material life and the eternal and ever- new life God has in store for His children (cf..verses 19-20). One who seeks human praise for a good deed misses out on what God would do in and for them.

This point should not be Stretched out of proportion to Jesus’ intentions, The Christian does not have to live in fear that a struggle to adopt proper motives will cast aside all potential blessing from God. But selfish motives themselves will not be blessed by God, and actions based solely on ego contradict God’s desire that a believer act in humble dedication to Him.

Questions for Application
In light of Jesus’ teaching, how should things like plaques and certificates of recognition in church culture be viewed?

How can the believer balance a desire for a godly public reputation with humble commitment to pleasing the Heavenly Father?

B. True Prayer– Matthew 6:5-8
Before Jesus gave the sample prayer, traditionally known as “The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), He explained briefly some basic principles of prayer that should be applied to all prayer, especially intercessory prayer. While the Lord’s Prayer succinctly shows us what should be included in prayer, Jesus first identified what should be
excluded.

The first exclusion is any form of self-focus. Jesus singled out those who prayed hypocritically just so they could be seen and admired (verse 5). But there are hypocritical prayers that today’s believer can fall into as well. We must guard against our prayers treating God as if He Owes us a blessing or can be controlled and told what to do in the
guise of quoting a scriptural promise.

Jesus called on His followers to pray privately (verse 6). More than a call to pray in isolation, this is a call for intimacy. The believer who dedicates time to private prayer will grow in relationship to the Heavenly Father. Such prayers make the needed transition from superficial wish lists to substantive worship and intercession. The second key exclusion in effective prayer is mindless repetition (verse 7).

Jesus was not prohibiting a repeated request. His parable about the widow and the unjust judge highlights the widow’s persistence and connects it with persistent prayer (see Luke 18:1-8). Here, Jesus directly referenced repetitious prayer offered like the prayers of pagans. In many false religions, repetitious prayer is a formula to control an idol or false god. So, again, this focuses on how we view God in our prayers.

Both the call for private prayer and the call for focused prayer rely on faith, When the Christian seeks a deeper relationship with God, and that relationship drives his or her prayer life, a wonderful reality becomes ever more clear. Our Heavenly Father sees that our every need is receiving His full attention.

Questions for Application
How can we apply the principles of the “prayer closet” during group prayer time?

Since God already knows our needs, why do we pray?

Call to Discipleship
In the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus calls us to total discipleship. We must trust the Holy Spirit to bring to life in us all that the Saviour taught and lived. As we become disciples, we will encounter resistance from our culture, and perhaps even our closest friends and family. But our obedience will serve as salt and light to point lost people to eternal life.

Ministry in Action
With the help of the Holy Spirit, address where your life fails to reflect Jesus’ teachings.

Consider whether or not you are living out your faith as salt and light.
Seek the help of the Lord if your reputation as Christ’s follower has been passive or lacking.

Develop the discipline of a daily prayer closet and commit to regular intercession for those in need around you.

Action Point

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We would appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

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Memory Verse: Matthew 10:39

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it_ (KJV).

Central Truth
_Christian life requires total devotion to Christ._

The Lesson Outline

*1. Be Wholly Devoted to Christ*
A. Noble Ambition
*Luke 9:57-58*
B. Divine Invitation
*Luke 9:59-62*

2. Love Christ Above AII Others
A. Sword of Peace
Matthew 10:34-36
B. Ultimate Love
Matthew 10:37-39

3. Deny Yourself and Follow Christ
A. Opposing Views
Matthew 16:21-23
B. World or Soul?
Matthew 16:24-27

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:_

1. Understand that Jesus calls all His disciples to grow in devotion to and love for Him.

2. Evaluate the priorities of their personal lives and identify any misguided priorities that compete with their relationship with the Saviour.

3. Begin to view each day’s goals and achievements through the lens of taking up a personal cross of commitment in obedience to Jesus.

Introducing the Lesson

We naturally recoil from an invitation to die, but if we read the Bible closely, we understand that the believer’s willingness to die is not a death wish, but a commitment to Christ so intense and a love for Him so fervent that life itself becomes secondary. We are willing to make sacrifices in order to follow Him supremely.

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

Luke 9:57. “`And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

58. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

59. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

60. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

61. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

62. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Matthew 10:34, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

35. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

36. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

37. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than mne is not worthy of me.

38. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

39. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

16:24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, lf any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever r will lose his life for my sake shall find it.“`

Commentary and Application

1. Be Wholly Devoted to Christ
A. Noble Ambition

Luke 9:57-58
The unnamed person in Luke’s narrative correctly identified the best possible path in life-to follow Jesus without wavering (Luke 9:57). Jesus’ answer may offer a clue to the ambitions that brought the would –be disciple to such a declaration. Jesus specifically alluded to the material comforts of life by way of the shelter enjoyed by foxes and birds.

 

His use of such humble illustrations could serve as a contrast to grandiose expectations of the person offering to follow Him (verse 58). If the road on which this encounter occurred was the road out of Samaria, as Suggested by verses 51-56, Jesus had just been rejected by a Samaritan village. Perhaps this person was contrasting his or her own perceived dedication to the Lord with that of people who had turned Him and His disciples away.

 

Whatever the circumstances, Jesus’ answer redirected the attention from the material to the spiritual. By implication, although following Jesus offered no guarantee of physical shelter, it offered immeasurable spiritual benefits borne out by the balance of Luke’s
narrative about Jesus’ life and mission.

The person’s response is not recorded. Perhaps Jesus’ answer did not bring discouragement, but reshaped the individual behind that anonymous voice. These verses call each of us to examine our own hearts and discern whether we have Jesus’ values in view when we promise our devotion and service to Him.

Questions for Application

How can materialism compromise unhindered service to Christ today?

What might Jesus’ statements represent, in terms of personal sacrifice, in your life?

B. Divine Invitation
Luke 9:59-62

It is important to look at the context of Jesus’ statements to the next two unnamed people with whom He came in contact (verses 59-62). By grouping these examples together, Luke served to establish a truth in that moment, rather than to illustrate a general rule for family relationships. From Genesis’ creation narrative onward, God’s Word affirms the value of family.

 

The Bible places great importance on grieving the dead together and on bidding family farewell. But Jesus’ lordship must always overrule standard life practices, no matter how important. One who would obey the Saviour fully must be prepared to do so at the cost of other decisions.

 

As with the person who offered to follow Jesus in the previous verses, these two people are unnamed, and their final decision is unrecorded. It is possible that one or both of them responded to Jesus’ reply with renewed commitment. A fanily funeral and a requested farewell might very well have been put aside and a life of service to Jesus filled with joy.

 

But the door is left open to an alternate conclusion. A family funeral might have seemed too important to bypass, even if it meant not walking with Christ as a result. Insisting on bidding loved ones good-bye may have resulted in family pressure to abandon the mission that wouid have brought about the separation.

The larger point is that some of life’s choices that are not sinful in themselves have the potential to become deterrents to making better choices at the leading of the Holy Spirit. How easy it is to pursue a lucrative career over a call to ministry that pays little or to dedicate time and energy to an otherwise -heaithy activity at the expense of following Christ. When we delay or reject the voice of God, we compromise our spiritual health and forego future blessings.

Questions for Application

Besides family commitment, what are other potential detours from God’s plan for our lives?__

Why is putting Christ first in everything the key to real success in anything?_

2. Love Christ Above AII Others

A. Sword of Peace
Matthew 10:34-36

The concept of conflict is evident throughout Scripture, from the prophecy in Genesis that the Woman’s seed would bruise the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) until Revelation’s description of the final defeat of evil (Revelation 20:7-15). Enduring peace will not be a reality until the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21:1;22:6),

choices at the leading of the Holy Spirit. How easy it is to pursue a lucrative career over a call to ministry that pays little or to dedicate time and
energy to an otherwise-heathy activity at the expense of following Christ. When we delay or reject the voice of God, we compromise our spiritual health and forego future blessings.

Questions for Application

Besides family commitment, what are other potential deto urs from God’s plan for our lives?_

Why is putting Christ first in everything the key to real success in anything?_

2. Love Christ Above AII Others

A. Sword of Peace
Matthew 10:34-36

The concept of conflict is evident throughout Scripture, from the prophecy in Genesis that the Woman’s seed would bruise the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) until Revelation’s description of the final defeat of evil (Revelation 20:7-15). Enduring peace will not be a reallty until the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21:1-22:6).

The sword Jesus has brought in the meantime (Matthew 10:34) represents the unshakable standard of righteousness against which the natural human response is rebellion. Any who will follow Christ will inevitably face opposition. And that opposition might come even from one’s closest friends and relatives.

 

In verses 35-36, Jesus was not saying that the desired fruit of the gospel is discord within the home, any more than He was telling would- be disciples that family funerals or heartfelt farewells were detrimental in themselves.

 

He was driving home the contrast between the lives of the redeemed and the unsaved. There can be no compromise with anyoneeven a parent, sibling, or trusted friendwho attempts to deter the believer from putting Christ first. And it is in putting Christ first that the believer experiences ultimate peace in his or her relationship with God.

 

There is a second potential contradiction to avoid when living up to this standard. The “sword” of unwavering faithfulness to Christ and complete rejection of sin cannot cut into the believer’s obedience to Jesus’ commands regarding love. Love remains the supreme evidence of the believer’s redeemed life. Love must motivate continued efforts to proclaim truth even to those who violently reject it.

Questions for Application

How have you dealt with opposition to your faith from people close to you?

How can you hold on to the peace God gives in the midst of conflict?

B. Ultimate Love
Matthew 10:37-39

Jesus first referenced love for parents as a means of demonstrating His supreme authority in the believer’s life (Matthew 10:37). In the Bible, the fifth of the Ten Commandments states: “Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12). This went hand- in-hand with following their guidance. Marriages were arranged. Family farms and businesses passsed from generation to generation. For Jesus to call on the believer to love Him more than father or mother was a demand for complete allegiance to His lordship as well.

 

Similarly, to love Him more than a son or daughter was to give up some measure of the authority a believer enjoyed as a parent. Loving Jesus more than a child also meant loving Him more than anything conceived as precious beyond measure. All of one’s future seems invested in one’s child. Jesus expects full faith in His plan for the future, for life and all of eternity.

 

There can be no room for selfish love in the believer’s life. Every personal dream and ambition is to be laid at Christ’s feet, and the cross of utter commitment to Him is to be shouldered daily (Matthew 10:38-39). The promise attached to this demand, however, is staggering in its implications. By giving up, control of our own lives, we gain the immeasurably greater life God has planned for us. Hidden within Jesus’were statement is the promise of eternal fellowship with Him.

 

The “more than” clause in each of Jesus’ comparisons is Important. When we love anything more than God, it js å destructive love. When we love our Saviour supremely, are transformed into people capable of unselfish love for all, far beyond any love we could express in the absence of our relationship with Christ.

*Questions for Application*

_ldentify ways in which your love for Christ has given greater depth to other loves._

_How would you define the act of taking up your cross to follow Jesus?_
3. Deny Yourself and Follow Christ
A. Opposing Views

Matthew 16:21-23
On Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem with His disciples, He outlined what His enemies planned to do to Him (Matthew 16:21). He said they would succeed in killing Him, then followed this announcement with the promise of His resurrection. But this good news appeared to make no impression on those closest toHim. They were’ sơ taken aback by His statement that He would die that His promise to return alive after three days missed them entirely.

Peter did not even reference the Resurrection when Matthew noted his rebuttal to Jesus. He took Jesus aside and strongly protested (verse 22). The idea here is that of a rebuke, almost as if Peter were in authority over Jesus. The disciple who had proclained Jesus to be the Messiah. only a few verses earlier, and had been commended by Jesus for doing so, Was now telling the very One he had called “the Son of the living God” that He was absolutely wrong.

 

Jesus replied with a strong statement (verse 23). By calling Peter.. “Satan,” Jesus addressed several issues. The name means “adversary,” so Jesus could use the term to identify and correct Peter’s opposition. The idea that Jesus’ self- sacrifice was somehow a mistake, however, could also point to satanic influence. Peter may have been responding to a tempting spiritual influence in that moment.

 

Jesus’ conclusion in this rebuke is a life lesson for today. Throughout the Christian life, there is a tension between limited human thinking and the wisdom and direction of the Lord.

 

In the same way that legitimate affection for loved ones cannot be permitted to overshadow, love for:
Christ,. even reasonable and carefully-constructed thinking must never be used over the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Questions for Application
_What do our moments of arguing with God say about our perception of Him?_

_How can we more consistently shape our thinking with the Holy Spirit’s counsel?_

B. World or Soul?

Matthew 16:24-27
Jesus’ statement in: verse 24 follows a sequence that is true at the moment of salvation, but has daily application in the life of faith., At salvation, the significant decision is made to give up control of one’s life, take up the personal sacrifices represented by Christ’s cross, and commit to follow Jesus faithfully as Saviour and as Lord.

 

The growing Christian constantly encounters life experiences and expressions of personal will that must be given up or reshaped in obedience. The idea of taking up a cross varies as different challenges to our faith present themselves. And following Jesus with unwavering, ironclad trust is perhaps the most difficult lesson to learn, even for the most mature believers in Christ.

 

Jesus’ next contrast between hanging onto and giving up one’s life can ultimately refer to dying for Him, but also connects with life goals and even daily decisions (verse 25). This concept becomes clearer with His question about material gain. Choosing profit over God’s providential leading may, in the short term, bring about outward success. But Jesus says that all possible success on the Earth for a lifetime is not worth losing one’s soul for eternity (verse 26).

 

Theologians throughout Church history have wrestled with the idea of whether or not a follower of Christ who has received salvation can return to an unredeemed life and forfeit that salvation. But here we see that the danger of turning and rejecting Christ is real. Note also that Jesus warns of smaller choices that forfeit a blessing or deeper work of God in a believer’s life while he or she is in pursuit of corruptible gain.

Questions for Application

_Why do you think Jesus expressed strong warnings to His followers rather than to unbelievers?_

_What are some “gain the whole world'” influences that tempt believers today?_

Call to Discipleship

By the time the disciples had spent about three years with Jesus, receiving His teachings, we might expect them to have become so spiritually mature that they scarcely needed further guidance. However, the statements Jesus made to His closest followers only days before His crucifixion show that the path of spiritual growth is long and challenging. We, too, need the Lord’s reminders to dedicate ourselves to Him without reservation. We must seek the Holy Spirit to help us root out anything that would compete with
Christ’s rightful place in our hearts. As we love and serve Him without compromise, we will continue to grow as people who deeply love and effectively serve those around us.

Ministry in Action

Give prayerful thought to declarations of purpose you have made to God in the past, and consider whether you are still moving toward fulfiling them.

As you go about your day, identify how you can more fully connect everything you do to who you are in Christ. Examine and ponder your love for the Saviour and pray for the power and desire to love Him supremely, and then reflect that love to others.

 

 

Action Point

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We would appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

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Memory Verse: Matthew 4:19

 

He [Jesus] saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (KJV).

Central Truth

Jesus calls all people to become His disciples.

The Lesson Outline

1. Calling Fishermen to Follow

A. Personal Encounter
Matthew 4:18-20
B. Wider Outreach
Matthew 4:21-22

2. Calling Sinners to Repent

A. Personal Testimony
Matthew 9:9
B. Forgiving Healer
Matthew9:10-13

3. Granting Authority to Disciples

A. Deliverance Modelled

Mark 3:7-12
Disciples Empowered
Mark 3:13-19

 

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand that the call to discipleship is universal; it includes all followers of Christ.

2. Desire to be used by God to further the cause of the body of Christ in a lost world.

3. Look for opportunities to serve Christ and witness to others within their current day-to-day responsibilities, and continue to pursue open doors to expand their personal ministries.

Introducing the Lesson

From the beginning, Jesus’ plan for establishing His Church was to integrate the Church into the daily lives of His followers–all of His followers. He referred to the Church as His body, powerfully illustrating how belonging to Him within the Church was a totally immersive experience that shapes all that the Christian thinks, says, and does (see 1 Corinthians 12:27). This translates to the process of discipleship, in which all believers help each other to grow as they move through life.

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

*Matthew 4:18. “` And Jesus, walking by the sea
of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon
called Peter, and Andrew his brother,
casting a net into the sea: for they were
fishers.

19. And he saith unto them, follow me, and will make you fishers of men.

20. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

22. And they immediately left the ship and their father and followed him.

9:9. And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and
followed him.

10. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat. in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

11. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with public- cans and sinners?

12. But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be. whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

Mark 3:7. But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea.

10. For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

11. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

13. And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

14. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

15. And to have the power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

16. And Simon he surnamed Peter;“`

Commentary and Application

1. Calling Fishermen to Follow

A. Personal Encounter- Matthew 4:18-20

As fishermen, Peter and Andrew were in the midst of their profession’s main task- catching fish. Standing on the shore and casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee, they would have seen Jesus approaching them.
Matthew doesn’t tell us anything about their thoughts on seeing Jesus, but he clearly records their reaction. When Jesus invited them to fish for people, they put down their nets and followed Him immediately (Matthew 4:18-20).

 

Peter and Andrew may have had questions about Jesus’ true identity. The Gospels reveal times when the disciples were amazed by some new insight into the Lord’s character and divine mission (e.g., Matthew 8:27;21:20;22:22). Their understanding of Jesus as Messiah and Son of God grew as they spent more and more time with Him. But even at this first meeting, Peter and Andrew acted upon the calling that they heard, and they obeyed the
Lord.

 

An important detail to remember is that Jesus used what Peter and Andrew were already doing to help them transition into His greater plan of service. The years they had spent
as fishermen had been preparing them for this moment.

What a powerful model for today’s believer to follow! God often calls Christians into His service by degrees, implementing into their lives step-by-step tasks that give valuable training for the larger mission He has in store. As believers are faithful to life’s tasks, they prepare for ever-growing levels of Kingdom service. The core quality for every follower of Christ to nurture is obedience.

 

Questions for Application
Can you identify early jobs or life situations that helped prepare you for greater tasks in service to the Lord?

How has the Lord led you to fish for people, perhaps within a career that does not involve Christian evangelism?
B. Wider Outreach.

*Matthew 4:21-22*
Jesus’ next encounter was with James and John, and specifically mentions their father, Zebedee. Matthew noted that the sons were with their father in a boat repairing their nets. Likely, this was a family
businėss and this task had been shared many times over the years–and was expected to continue for many more to Come.

Again, Matthew told us nothing about any thoughts or questions the sons or their father might have had. As with Peter and Andrew, the narrative focused on the immediate obedience of James and John. But it
is important to consider Zebedee. There is no indication that he resented the loss of his son’s assistance.

Although Jesus’ exact words are not recorded, the implication is that He again connected His planned mission for these two additional disciples with what they were already doing. He invited them to follow the same path on which Peter and Andrew had just embarked. It is very possible that all four men had known each other for many years. We could infer from the text that Peter and Andrew were setting an example for James and John by their obedience. A core group of disciples was forming that would continue to grow and be used of God to take the gospel to the world.

 

All believers have a part in the proclamation of the gospel. Obedience to the Holy Spirit’s leading will reveal opportunities to introduce the lost to the Saviour, regardless of job description, personal ability, or any other human factor.

Questions for Application
How have your loved ones reacted to the Lord’s leading in your life?

What can you do to encourage someone to begin their
Christian journey?
*2. Calling Sinners to Repent*
A. Personal Testimony

Matthew 9:9
In recording his call, Matthew focused on Jesus’ invitation and showed his own response to be one of immediate obedience. Also, Matthew noted his current career- that of a tax collector just as he had identified the others as fishermen (chapter 4).

But that one distinction makes an enormous difference in the implications of Matthew’s encounter with Jesus. Where the four fishermen were accepted members of their Jewish community, Matthew was likely resented as a tax collector, as most tax collectors were. Furthermore, Matthew may have been wealthier than most people, and in many cases, a tax collector’s wealth came from exploiting the people.

However, any attitudes the society of that day might have applied to fishermen and tax collectors did not affect Jesus’ view of His disciples. Jesus does not place people on a scale of intrinsic value. His desire to transform lives and use them for His service is equal for every person. Matthew was no more and no less valuable to Jesus than the first four disciples.

Matthew’s abandonment of all that he had been in order to pursue what Jesus wanted him to become speaks a powerful message. Regardless of social position, personal resources, or long-term ambition, nothing can compare with the fulfillment, joy, and significance of heeding Christ’s call into His service.

Questions for Application
How can Jesus’ followers model His equal (and immeasurable) valuation of all people?

If you were to use Matthew’s spiritual autobiography as a framework for your own testimony, what details would you include about your salvation experience and discovery of God’s calling upon your life?

B. Forgiving Healer

Matthew 9:10-13
Soon after Matthew left his tax collecting table to follow Jesus, he undertook an act of ministry he and the other disciples would share.

 

Matthew is the key person mentioned, as the host, but all the disciples were clearly involved in the events of the evening, since they were collectively approached by the Pharisees (Matthew 9:10-11). Several details in this story shed light on how Jesus desired His followers to live out the ministry of the Church, both then and today. First, such ministry is not limited to religious leaders. In this instance, the leaders were actually in opposition to Jesus.
Second, ministry to hurting people is not about ceremony but about relationships. Here, a meal was being shared in Matthew’s home. This was an everyday event, not some regulated observance of the Law.
Third, everything being done for the gathered crowd was done with an understanding of their spiritual need. The festivities never overshadowed the redemptive purpose at work (verses 12-13).

Jesus’ response to the
Pharisees help to clarify all three points. First, He let the disciples be active to the point that the Pharisees approached them rather than Him directly. Second, He was invested in the events of the evening, so that the crowd was attracted to Him rather than put off in any way. Third, He used the illustration of a physician treating those who were ill to make it clear that His ultimate purpose was to bring spiritual healing rather than mere material provision.

 

 

Like His first disciples, all of Jesus’ followers today are to be catalysts of loving service to those around them. As physical and emotional needs are addressed tangibly and meaningfully, the potential for meeting deep spiritual needs will multiply.

 

Questions for Application
What opportunities can you identify to offer practical expressions of Christ’s love?

How can believers today avoid categorizing people, as the Pharisees did, and reach out to all
with the gospel?

3. Granting Authority to Disciples
A. Deliverance Modelled

Mark 3:7-12
Mark’s Gospel focuses initially on Jesus’ personal interactions with the first disciples He calls, with specific people He heals, and with the community of Capernaum where He teaches in the synagogue. But in Mark 3, the picture changes. Mark described Jesus’ growing reputation, and he reported that an enormous crowd came from regions near and far to hear Him at the Sea of Galilee (Mark 3:7-8).

Imagine the disciples’ feelings at seeing the multitude. Vast numbers of men, women, and children were clamoring to hear Jesus, to be near Him, and to receive answers to their desperate needs (Mark 3:8, NLT). This was a radically different ministry environment than Matthew’s dinner we discussed earlier. In the midst of this immense crowd, Jesus did not press His disciples into service. He gave them a very simple task perfectly in line with what they had been doing for years launch a small fishing boat from shore so that He Would have a platform from which to speak (verse 9).

Mark also records that Jesus had already been active among the throng, healing many and delivering many from demonic possession (verses 10-12). Yet, at this large-scale gathering of Jesus’ public ministry, He allowed the disciples to observe. They watched Him perform many miracles, perhaps wondering when He would ask them to do something. But His only request was for them to acquire a boat.

The believer today can trust Jesus to provide the same nurturing as we see in His call to discipleship and service among His original disciples. The universal key to success and continued growth is continuing to obey the words and teachings of our Saviour.

 

Questions for Application
Can you remember an early “boat fetching” kind of directive God gave you that helped prepare you for later service?

How does Mark’s narrative reinforce the truth that the Christian’s identity and mission are closely connected to who Jesus is and what He does?
___________________
B. Disciples Empowered
*Mark 3:13-19*
Jesus’ selection of the Twelve from among the growing band of devoted followers may appear to be an act of discrimination, as if Jesus was saying, “I’ve decided to stick with you dozen over here, and the rest of you can go home.” But the ministry of discipleship is about close relationships, and the subsequent multiplication of those relationships. Jesus would invest himself in the Twelve mentioned in Mark 3:13-19, so that they, in turn, in turn could invest in others. Also, unnamed disciples beyond the Twelve remained with Jesus, though in the background.

 

The Book of Acts shows us how this dynamic worked. After the suicide of a guilt-ridden Judas, the Holy Spirit led the remaining apostles to fill Judas’ position of leadership and service in the Early Church. Acts 1:21-26 notes that this prayerful selection was from among men who had been with Jesus throughout His earthly
ministry–from His baptism by John the Baptist to His ascension.

 

The Twelve would become living illustrations of how Jesus can use obedient servants to grow His Church and transform fallen humanity. This selection conferred much more than the title of “apostle.” The Twelve were not only called to proclaim the good news, but they were called to minister with spiritual authority. The context of these verses Conveys the idea that the Twelve would have the same anointing to perform the spectrum of miracles Jesus demonstrated. They had come far from merely launching a boat from shore!
___________________
*Questions for Application*
Why is it important to view the Twelve as examples rather than exceptions?

What practical steps can believers take today to grow in their ability to minister with Jesus’ authority?

Call to Discipleship 

A life-changing invitation to four fishermen and a tax collector gave them the opportunity to take part in Christ’s world-changing ministry. The Gospels powerfully combine people’s everyday experiences with their eternally significant encounters with Jesus. Jesus still invites people to be radically transformed in relationship with Him and then be used in service to Him.   

 

The common denominator in Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew’s meetings with Jesus was their immediate obedience. Jesus called them to a personal relationship with Him, and to trust Him to direct their lives. Our obedience can open doors to Kingdom service we could never envision on Our own.

Ministry in Action
Take stock of your tasks and responsibilities and look for ways they might
shape you for Kingdom service.

Take time to listen during your times of prayer and Bible study for the Holy
Spirit to lead you into new opportunities.

Ask God to give you the kind of love for all people that Jesus demonstrated, and to help you demonstrate His love.

 

Memory Verse: Psalms 86:5 – For thou, LORD, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee (KJV).

 

Lesson Bible Text:
Psalms 86 and 146

Lesson Central Truth:
There is no god like the Lord God.

INTRODUCING THE LESSON

Throughout this unit, we have explored many facets on what it means to worship the Lord. It is fitting that the unit ends with a focus on magnifying the Lord–lifting high our allegiance to Him above everyone and everything else in our lives. In Psalm 86 and 146, we find an emphasis on mercy followed by a declaration that He will reign forever. May our joy over these realities flow freely from our lives in both our worship and in our declaration of the Lord to the world around us.

 

LESSON OUTLINE
1. COMMUNE WITH THE INCOMPARABLE GOD

A. Call Upon The Lord – Psalm 86:1-7
B. No Other God’s Are Like Him – Psalm 86:8-10.

2. LEARN FROM THE MERCIFUL GOD
A. “Teach Me Your Ways” – Psalm 86:11-13
B. “Have Mercy On Me” – Psalm 86:14-17

3. GOD REIGNS SUPREME FOREVER

A. “Let All That I Am Praise The Lord” – Psalm 146:1-2
B. Have Confidence In God – Psalm 146:3-10.

LESSON NUGGETS
1. COMMUNE WITH THE INCOMPARABLE GOD

Psalm 86:1-10
️ Psalm 86 opens with a prayer similar to what we studied in Psalm 113:6, as God is said to stoop low to engage with his people. Here, the Psalmist pleads, “Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer.” Such a request recognizes God’s exalted position as well as the Psalmist’s desperate need to hear from Him. This is similar to the place we often find ourselves when we go to prayer. we can see from the prayer of Psalmist (David) who has a proper perspective by looking unto God during his troubles.

 

While he finds himself in a difficult situation he remains confident that God hears and is able to save him. He is sure that even though his situation is dire, his God is bigger and desires to show mercy to those whom He loves. David believes that God hears and answers prayers. Despite the fact his enemies continued to threaten him, David maintained his confidence in the unchanging righteous character and loving mercy of the Lord.

 

The psalmist is still in distress, but his thoughts turn again to the greatness of his God. Note that the psalmist lived in a day when the nations round about Israel each worshipped its own national gods — Baal, Asherah, Bel, Dagon, etc. These so-called gods are nothing compared to the true God; non of their supposed works are anything like our great God deeds.

 

Now the psalmist declares that all the nations that once served these false gods will come to worship before the true God and bring Him glory. David declared that our God does “wondrous things” ie an act that go beyond human understanding and reason.

 

Still today, miracles testify to the reality of our God. They reveal a God who is able to do even the unimaginable on behalf of His people. As believers, when we declare our incomparable God to an unbelieving world around us, we can do so knowing He will do great things, and even miraculous, as we place our trust in Him.

 

 

2. LEARN FROM THE MERCIFUL GOD
Psalm 86:11-17

️ Because David knew who God is and his natural reaction was to submit himself to this great, gracious God and to ask Him to teach him.

 

David’s desire was to be taught God’s way. Could this be our desire cum request on a daily basis? Oftentimes, when we pray, we are concerned about deliverance, help, guidance, financial breakthroughs, and so much related issue. But we are not nearly as concerned to be taught God’s way and to be helped to serve Him with an undivided heart.

This determination to teach God’s way gave integrity to David’s request. He wanted to be taught so that he could live and then walk in God’s truth. This David’s request to teach God’s way and to walk in His truth wasn’t merely to satisfy intellectual curiosity or to win arguments; it was to live for Him in all ramifications.

 

Many people today, study God’s word just to win arguments and nothing more. Let our desire be like that of Psalmist: “Teach us Your ways, O Lord, that we may live according to your truth! Grant us purity of heart, that we may honor you.”

 

️ David thought about God’s past deliverance in his life. The merciful God who rescued him before would rescue him again. David encountered numerous life threatening challenges from his enemies and the victory he got was as a result of God’s mercy.

 

As believers, we must know that the life battles are too fearful and our victory can only come through God’s mercy–not by our strength, not by our technical know-how and not by who we know. Through all that David went through, he never approached God on the basis of what he deserved. Anything he received from God, he would receive on the basis of mercy.

 

David appeals to God’s mercy, grace, and steadfast Love to deliver him. God’s mercy and grace is essential to the salvation of all men. Without it, we would have “no hope” of being saved. God gave David the strength to deal with his challenges and overcome them.

 

With God’s grace he could have victory each day. We can have this same assurance today because we trust and serve the same God that was with the Psalmist. By His mercy, we are victorious in Christ!

 

3. GOD REIGNS SUPREME FOREVER
Psalm 146

️ The Psalmist made a declaration of praise to God: “Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord.” David called upon his own soul to give God praise, and others to give praise as well.

 

When we praise God, we vocalize our appreciation to God. We adore Him, verbally, for who He is, what He
has done and what He is yet to do. At the centre of our praise is Jesus – He must be the focus of our adoration.

 

The Psalmist went on to caution us against confidence in man. “Do not put your trust in princes.” God is to be praised and not man. No man is worthy of praise. We are sure to be disappointed when we put our trust in a man for whom there is no help.

 

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5). Only our matchless God deserves our total praise.

 

️ “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help.” Men are full of disappointment, but God never disappoints the one who hopes in Him.

 

The singer gives us more reasons for confidence in God. When we trust in the LORD as the Creator of all things, we realize He has the power to help us and deliver us that even great men do not have. God can also be trusted because He is a moral and upright God.

 

He champions justice for the oppressed and also cares for those who are in need. For the hungry He provides food and for prisoners He provides freedom.

 

God shows great love and compassion to the poor, afflicted, and needy. Yet the Lord also brings justice against the wicked and turns their way upside down.

 

In all this, we see a God of power, holiness, and love. This is our God who can be trusted with full confidence. The LORD shall reign forever, even to all generations. Praise the Lord!

 

Lesson Action Word:
We are duty-bound to magnify our incomparable Lord and trust in His character.

Lesson Prayer Point:
Father, we magnify and lift Your Name high above all other gods.

Remain blessed as you join us in our Sunday school both online and at any Assemblies Of God Church close to you as we study together under the Feet of the Master.

 

 

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Memory Verse: Psalm 147:1
He has made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion (KJV).

*Central Truth*
God is gracious and compassionate.

The Lesson Outline

1. Reasons for Wholehearted Worship
A. God’s Deeds Are Amazing
Psalm 111:1-4
B. Everything God Does Is Just and Good
Psalm 111:5-10

2. Lead a Grace-Filled Life

A. Fear the Lord

Psalm 112:1

B. Find Joy in a God-Fearing Life
Psalm 112:2-10

3. Exalt the Uplifting One

A. The Lord Is Exalted

Psalm 113:1–4

B. Who ls Like the Lord Our God?
Psalm 113:5-9

*Learning Objectives*
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Better understand what Scripture teaches concerning the glory and majesty of God, and how that impacts their worship.

2. Grasp the biblical concept of “the fear of the Lord,” and respond with a commitment to humble reverence of Him.

3. Make the exaltation of God a central part of their worship, both within individual and church settings.

Introducing the Lesson

The primary focus of the The Christian life is to worship God. Indeed, there are many reasons for doing so. He has created us, and desires for us to have fellowship with Him. He has redeemed us from sin, walks with us each day, and
promises us eternity in His presence.

All of these blessings can be traced back to His grace, motivated by His love. He has given us more than we can imagine, and certainly more than we could deserve.

The Holy Scriptures

Psalm n 111:1. Praise ye the e LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

 

2. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honorable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever.

9. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name.

10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.

112:1. Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

4. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5. Goodman showeth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

6. Surely he shall not be moved forever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

8. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

9. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth forever; his horn shall be exalted with honor.

113:1. Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

2. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.

3. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.

4. The LORD is high above all nations, and
his glory above the heavens.

5. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

6. Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Commentary and Application

*1. Reasons for Wholehearted Worship*
*A. God’s Deeds Are Amazing— Psalm 111:1-4*

As we consider Psalm 111, keep in mind that this psalm was recited at celebrations after the people of Judah returned from the Babylonian exile. These words were significant for God’s people. They had felt the sting of exile-the tragic consequences of persistent then experienced the great joy of deliverance and return to the Promised Land.

The psalm opens with thanksgiving directed toward the Lord (verse 1). This verse provides a description of corporate worship and thanksgiving. The verses that follow describe the motivation for praise that God’s people have as they gather together: They praise the Lord for His incredible works.

Verse 1 also provides an important description of God’s people: They are “the assembly of the upright” (KJV). The “upright” honour God with their lives. They walk in obedience to His commands. This reminds us that our praise is to be accompanied by the love for and pursuit of godliness. Similarly, this gathering for praise is made up of those who love and follow the One they are praising. The Psalmist probably recalled how generations of his ancestors had called themselves God’s people, and went through the actions of praise, but they rejected Him with their lives and ended up in judgment.

After defining the character of the worshippers, the Psalmist focuses on the content of their
praise. God’s deeds are amazing and worth pondering (verse 2). Why
are they amazing? Because they testify of His greatness in creating, sustaining, and governing the entire
universe. As we, His people, think about all He has done in making us, saving us, and helping us, we can be moved to even higher levels of praise.

The Psalmist reminds his readers in verse 3: “Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails” (NLT). God is righteous and good; His
righteousness is consistent. This is why we can always trust Him. He never goes back on His Word and never fails to do what He has promised. He is faithful to His righteous character.

It is not surprising, then, that the congregation of the godly’ is reminded of His Works. We, too, see the great things He does every day. We recognise His love at work in us. We observe His mercy changing lives that seemed unchangeable. We read the promises of His Word and know that our hope is real. Truly, God’s works are amazing, for we see our amazing God at work in big and small ways.

Questions for Application

Describe something amazing God has done in your life. In what sense is living according to God’s commands an act of praise?

B. Everything God Does Is Just and Good

Psalm 111:5-10

In Psalm 111:5, the writer focused on God’s covenant promises to His people, which unfolded through the Law. First, the Psalmist recalled God’s desire to care for the needs of His people. Indeed, care for the hungry and needy was a non-negotiable command from the Lord (see. Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 15:7-11). .It was part of their identity as God’s people (see Isaiah 58:6-10).

 

We also see God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises in the expansion of the nation of Israel (Psalm 111:6). God promised Abraham that he would become a great nation and bless all nations (Genesis 12:1-3). This promise became a reality throughout the history of Israel. It even remained true when God’s people forsook Him and were sent into exile. They had failed to live worthy of a just and good God.

However, the Lord has never failed to be good and just (Psalm
111:7). His Word will surely come to pass, and therefore must always “be obeyed faithfully and with integrity” (verse 8, NLT). This was a challenge for God’s people throughout the Old Testament; it remains a challenge to God’s people today. Too often, the world casts doubt on God’s commands, claiming they are antiquated or intolerant, irrelevant to the current human situation. Such. claims accuse God of being unjust, calling into question His goodness. As His people, We must stay true to the conviction that God’s ways are always just and good.

The Psalmist declares the reality that God has redeemed His people(verse 9). This verse could be the capstone of this psalm. Redemption has always been at the heart of God’s dealings with humanity. In the Old Testament, He brought His people out of Egypt, and rescued them from enemies, plagues, and trials. He then led them out of the Babylonian Exile.

 

Because we fear the Lord, we have a solid foundation from which to gain “true wisdom” (verse 10, NLT). How fitting it is, then, to declare with the Psalmist that God is good and just in all His ways. Let us say with
the Psalmist, “Praise him forever! (NLT).

Questions for Application

How would you respond to someone who said that the BIble shows God is unjust or not good?

From what has God redeemed us through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection?

2. Lead a Grace-Filled Life*
A. Fear the Lord–Psalm 112:1

Joy and fear are not usually found together, yet Psalm 112 begins by declaring that those who fear the
Lord are exceedingly joyful. As we examine this psalm, we realize why fearing the Lord will, in fact, produce
great joy.

Verse 1 lays the groundwork and provides the proper perspective for this very practical and encouraging psalm. To understand this, however, we need to grasp the meaning of fearing God. To fear God means to
revere Him and give proper respect to His exalted and sovereign position. Scripture is clear that while God is certainly our Friend, He is not Our peer or our equal. He is worthy to demand, and receive, the highest honour and reverence a human being could possibly give.

 

The latter half of verse 1 seems quite natural and appropriate, then,In declaring that God’s people “delight in obeying His commands” (NLT). Obedience isn’t a drudgery or a burden when we recognize God to be all that He really is: Lord, omnipotent God, mighty Saviour and Redeemer, and loving Father who desires relationshíp with His
children. Out of such a relationship, God’s people enjoy the marvelous and gracious promises described in
the remainder of the psalm.

Questions for Application

How would you define the term fear of the Lord” to someone who struggles to understand what It means?

How might we show that we “delight” in obeying the Lord, rather than view obedience as drudgery?

*B. Find Joy in a God-Fearing Life- Psalm 112:2-10*
As we read Psalm 112, we quickly recognize three practical and timeless aspects:

(1) it teaches the importance of godly living as a reflection of the One we serve;

(2) it realistically portrays everyday experiences of life and human interaction; and

(3) it reminds the reader that strong faith is the key to overcoming difficult times and hardships.

Godly men and women have the responsibility to leave a spiritual legacy (verse 2). While this is certainly true of parents and grandparents, all who impact the lives of children have the opportunity to mentor them in the ways of the Lord.

In verse 3, the Psalmist explained that God’s blessings are reflected in the life of the God-fearer. Here the focus is not on material blessings. “Wealth and riches” are often used in a non-material sense (Proverbs 8:18-19; 13:7). The “good deeds” (Psalm 112:3, NLT) describe how God’s people have ordered their lives according to God’s Word. This blessing will continue as their family continues to follow in the godly person’s steps.

 

 

Circumstances might not always be favourable to those who are godly. They may experience “darkness” (verse 4). But the light that shines in ) the darkness offers them hope. They can discern spiritual truth- God’s divine will. Instead of drawing back in adversity, the hope that comes from God causes the godly to be “generous, compassionate, and righteous” (NLT). The God-fearer recognises the needs of others and looks for ways to meet those needs.

 

Those who fear God recognize His blessing on their lives and they, in turn, bless others. They are honest in all their dealings with others (verse 5). The fact they are “not overcome by evil” (verse 6, NLT) may mean that
they do not retaliate against those who wrong them. If someone wrongs them, they act fairly toward that
person. It could also mean that those who fear God find security in Him.

 

They persevere through the adversities of life. Their steadfastness in difficult times is a testimony to God’s presence and strength in their lives. People will notice this steadfastness as an example of what it means to faithfully serve God. Even when “bad news”
(e.g., difficulties, adversities) comes, they are steadfast and “confidently  trust the Lord to care for them” (verse 7, NLT) and “can face their foes triumphantly” (verse 8, NLT)

Verse 9 is similar to verse 4 in that the God-fearer recognizes when people are in need, and he or she responds accordingly. This quality is always important, for needy people will always be present around us. How will we respond? The Psalmist is clear in saying that generous sharing is the proper response.

 

Perhaps the greatest contrast between God-fearer and unbeliever is brought to light in verse 10. When
an unbeliever sees a believer acting in a godly way, the response is often anger, perhaps motivated by envy,
guilt, or simple animosity toward the people of God. Such a response should not surprise the God-fearer. Rather, we can find consolation in knowing that God will bless us for eternity. Tragically, the unbeliever who persists in unbelief has a future of sadness and judgment.

Questions for Application

How do you most often respond when you see someone in need and how does that response compare to the words of the Psalmist?

What is the best response when an unbeliever expresses animosity toward you because you are living out your faith?

*3. Exalt the Uplifting One*
*A. The Lord Is Exalted—Psalm 113:1-4*

 

Psalm 113 summons God’s people to praise with a call to “praise the name of the Lord” (verse 1, NLT). As is often the case in Scripture, the Lord’s “name” is a reference to His character, reputation, and attributes. It points to the entirety of His being. When the worshipper exalts the name of the Lord. he or she is focusing on His character, goodness, and sovereign power
over all of His creation.

 

The “blessed” in verse 2 focuses on bowing down. The name of the Lord is blessed when we bow down in worship and in humble submission to Him. Such submission begins when we first follow Him and continues throughout our lives. The honour, exaltation, and submission we offer God is to be a lifestyle. It
ought to characterize every part of our lives.

 

In verse 4, the Psalmist describes why the Lord is to be praised. Each nation of Canaan had
its own god. There were many local gods to which the surrounding
nations entrusted their well-being. By saying that God is exalted above the nations, the Psalmist pointed out that only the one true God can be
trusted. The other nations were looking for power and security in unworthy places. Only the Lord is worthy of the highest praise.

Questions for Application

What “other gods” do people trust today, and why?

What are some practical ways to show submission to God?

*B. Who Is Like the Lord Our God?– Psalm 113:5-9*

The Psalmist asked a rhetorical question: “Who is like unto the Lord?”

(Psalm 113:5, KJV). The obvious answer is no one. He is unique and unsurpassed. As Creator of heaven and the Earth, nothing in His creation compares with Him. This is what is known as the “transcendence of God,” meaning that He is far above Creation in status and glory. Yet the Psalmist proclaimed the immanence of God,” a reference to His nearness to us. He “stoops” (verse 6, NLT) or “humbleth himself (KJV) on our behalf, to lift up those who are poor and needy, temporally and spiritually. Then He exalts them, moving them from the pit to the pinnacle (see 1 Samuel 2:8). Psalm 113:5-9 provides a picture of God’s Work of compassion and stooping low on our behalf, as is seen in

Christ. While we praise Him for reaching down to help us day by day, our ultimate praise can focus on the greatest spiritual reality: The Almighty, creator God, King of kings, has done what we could not do to make the way for us to know Him.#Blessed be the name of our Lord!

Questions for Application

Why is it important for a Christian to understand both the transcendence and immanence of God?

What are some ways God has “lifted you up” from the pit to the pinnacle?
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Call to Discipleship

The grace of God is clearly at work in the lives of His people. His highly exalted status reminds us that He is above any circumstance. anticipated has a plan for our lives. So, we must never neglect to worship God even in the hard times of life.

Ministry in Action

Find a friend who is struggling this week and encourage them in the Lord. Give of yourself in a tangible way, through time, finance, or other resources, to help someone in need this week. Set aside a specific time each day this week to acclaim God, giving glory to Him as your exalted Lord. Use Psalms 111-113 as a guide in your worship.

 

 

 

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Memory Verse: Psalm 147:1

 

_Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake_ (KJV).

______________________
*Central Truth*
____________________
_Glorify the living God, who is sovereignly active in the affairs of humankind._
_____________________
*The Lesson Outline*
_____________________
*1. Glorify the Living God*
A. Our Loving God
*Psalm 115:1-2*
B. The Futility of ldols
*Psalm 115:3-8*
_____________________
2. Glorify the Mindful Master
A. God Our Helper and Shield

*Psalm 115:911*
B. God Blesses Those Who Fear Him
*Psalm 115:12-18*
_____________________
*3. Glorify the Awesome Provider*
A. God Provides for
Our Spiritual Needs
*Psalm 65:1-8*
B. God Provides for
Our Physical Needs
*Psalm 65:9-13*
_____________________
*Learning Objectives*
_____________________
At the end of this lesson, students will
be able to:

1. Contemplate God’s active concern for us and appreciate how thorough the care is that He provides.

2. Identify the ultimate superiority of God over any idols or competing
beliefs or world pursuits.

3. Thank God accordingly and, in so doing, build the believer’s faith and confidence in God.
_____________________
*Introducing the Lesson*
_____________________
Psalms 65 and 115 describe two different aspects of life. In Psalm 65, David rejoiced in God for answering
prayer and forgiving sins, He praised God for His great power and
blessings. Psalm 115, on the other hand, describes those who are going
through adversity. They know God is sovereign and resides in heaven, but the physical evidence is not there.
The Psalmist provided hope in adversity. The people needed to trust
God and praise Him because of who He is even in difficult circumstances. Both psalms remind us that we are to glorify God, our Sovereign King, in all
circumstances.
______________________
*The Holy Scriptures*
_____________________
*Psalm 115:1*. “`Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.

2. Wherefore should the heathen say, where is now their God?

3. But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

4. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.

5. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

6. They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

7. They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

8. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

9. O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is thair help and their shield.

10. O house of Aaron, trust in the, LORD: he is their help and their shield.

11. Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

12. The LORD hath been mindfuf of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of lsrae; he will bless the house ofAaron.

13. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.

15. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

65:1. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion:
and unto thee shall the vow be
performed.

2. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee
shall all flesh come.

3. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our
transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

9. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it:
thou greatly enrichest it with the river of
God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided
for it.

10. Thou waterest the ridges thereof
abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers:
thou blessest the springing thereof.“`
______________________
*Commentary and Application*
_____________________
*1. Glorify the Living God*
A. Our Loving God
*Psalm 115:1-2*

The people of Israel were
experiencing adversity. The Psalmist does not tell us what that adversity was, but the people recognised that ít
somehow reflected on God’s ability to protect and provide for His people. Thus, they prayed, “Not to us, O
Lord, not to us” (Psalm 115:1). They were not asking God to deliver them from their adversity for their sake to
relieve their distress. They were calling on God to do something to
restore honour and glory to His
name. God had promised Moses of His “unfailing love and faithfulness
Exodus 34:6). It did not seem that God was fulfilling His commitment toward His people.

lsrael’s adversity and God’s seeming inability o or lack of desire to
help His people brought a sarcastic response from the nations around
Israel (Psalm 115:2). These nations knew of God’s great power. They had heard how God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt (see Joshua
3:9-11; 6:1; 5:1). Perhaps some of these nations had experienced
defeat at the hands of the Israelites.
The nations’ taunting remark in Psalm 115:2 reflected not only on

God’s people and their relationship with Him, but on His abilty to help
and defend His people.
God’s people were asking God, “Why are you letting these rnations dishonor you?” They Could not
understand why God would not respond to the taunt of these ungodly
people and defend himself.

When we are experiencing
adversity, we may wonder, Where is
God in our adversity? Those who know we believe in God’s power to
save and deliver may question God’s
integrity and ability to help.
_____________________
*Questions for Application*
_____________________
_What examples can you give that demonstrate the loving and kind nature of God, either from your life personally or from what you have seen God do in someone else’s life?_

_Why is it good for us that God does what He pleases?_

_Why is it important that God’s throne is not on the Earth, but in the heavens?_
_____________________
B. The Futility of ldols
*Psalm 115:3-8*
Psalm 115:3-8 presents a great contrast between the God of Israel
and the idols of the heathens. The heathens could see their idols; they could not see Israel’s God. The Psalmist thundered back in defence by proclaiming the sovereignty of God. God is not an unmovable, impersonal God. He has a heart of love that is moved to action on behalf of His children. The unseen God is all-powerful. He is in heaven and “he does as he wishes” (verse 3, NLT). He cannot be manipulated. Even if ít
seems He is withholding help from His people He is not powerless to help.

The heathens’ idols are man-made, unlike the invisible God who created the heavens and the Earth.
These idols are helpless. They have human characteristicS-mouths,
eyes, ears, hand, feet, and throats. But unlike their human counterparts, these parts have no ability to function in a meaningful way (verses 4-8; see
also Isaiah 44:9-20). The God of’heaven hèars, sees, and speaks
(Psalms 34:17; 33:13; 85:8). The enemies of God had ridiculed Him
and intimidated those who followed Him. Those who make and trust in idols are just like them and just as
foolish as their idols (Psalm 115:8). While the heathen insinuated that
Israel’s God was powerless or unwilling to help, they foolishly
believed that man-made idols could help them.

The apostle Paul explained the futility and ultimate demise of those who worship idols (Romans 1:22-32). Rejecting God leads one
further and further into sin. We live in a time when people often ridicule us for believing in God. They claim that
God is a crutch for the weak. The Bible, however, declares that God is the Creator of heaven and the Earth. He is the Sovereign God over all creation. As such we can trust Him, even in adversity.
____________________
*Questions for Application*
____________________
_What are some things people worship today that are as powerless and unable to respond as ancient idols?_

_How do these verses about God help yOu see Him in a personal way?_
____________________
*2. Glorify the Mindful Master*
A. God Our Helper and Shield
*Psalm 115:9-11*
The Psalmist followed his description of the foolishness of idols
and those who worship them with a call to trust God (Psalm 115:9-11).
How different is the worship of God
from the worship of idols. The Psalmist’s call went out to three
groups:

(1) The whole nation was to trust God. God had called them to be
His special people (Deuteronomy 26:17-19). They were not to forsake Him.

(2) The prieststhe spiritual leaders–were to trust God. At times
the priests were unfaithful to their
calling and the nation suffered Ezekiel 22:26: Malachi 2:7-9).

(3) “All you who fear the Lord” (Psalm
115:11, NLT) —Which would even include those outside of the covenant
of Israelwere to trust God.

Three times the Psalmist
provided the reason people are to trust God: “He is your helper and your shield” (Psalm 115:9-11). The ídols
mentioned in Psalm 115:4-7 could
not help anyone. They were lifeless. But the living God will help all who put their trust in Him.

God would be their “shield” to protect them from their enemies. The
people of lsrael had faced the Red Sea when Pharaoh and his army
were advancing, but God did not forsake them. This was a constant
reminder to God’s people of His faithfulness. They could trust in Him.

God’s promise of help and protection is coupled with the command to trust Him. As believers,
we need to trust God when the way seems uncertain. We cannot trust in uncertain riches (Proverbs 11:28; 1 Timothy 6:17). We cannot trust in governments, We can only trust in the God who dwells in heaven.
____________________
*Questions for Application*
____________________
_Name one or two situations from your life where you can say that God has been your Helper and Shield._

_Discuss the role of trust in the believer’s life. How has your trust grown, or how does it need to grow?_
____________________
B. God Blesses Those Who Fear Him
*Psalm 115:12–18*
The Psalmist began Psalm 115 with the lament that God had seemingly forsaken Israel. However, he concluded this psalm with words of encouragement. God has indeed remembered His people (verses 12-13). Just as the Psalmist named three groups of people in verses
(9-11, he named three groups here: “the people of Israel,” the priests,”
and “those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly.” God makes no
distinction among the laity, the priesthood, and the social outcasts.
All who place their trust in Him are His people and receive His blessings.

Even though God’s people may experience adversity, God does not
forget them, They are His covenant people and “He has remembered his
promise to love and be faithful to Israel” (Psalm 98:3, NLT). He promised to bless them through
delivering them from their aflictions and fulfilling His promises toward them.

Psalm 115:14–18 is a prayer for God’s blessing. God’s blessings are
for all generations (verse 14). As Creator, God has the power and
ability to bless His people. He sovereignly rules over everything He
created (verse 16). Even though God is in heaven (verse 3), He is still
concerned about people on the Earth. He has assigned humanity to
rule over and care for the Earth (see Genesis 1:28; 2:15). Everything we do is to serve and honour God.

In Psalm 115:14-18, the
Psalmist prays a blessing over God’s
people. In verses 17-18, the people have the opportunity and
responsibility to bless God through praise. Even in adversity the Psalmist taught that God is their Helper and Shield. Even if He has not yet delivered them, they can still praise Him.

Praise is an important part of our walk with Christ. We need to learn to Pralse God even during the difficult
times. Even when we do not see Him at work, He is still God. For this He
deserves our praise.
____________________
*Questions for Application*
____________________
_How does the blessing of the Lord impact the lives of our children and their children? What is our responsibility in teaching future generations to fear the Lord, whetheror not we have children?_

_How does “fear of the Lord” differ from fear of illness or injury?_
____________________
*3. Glorify the Awesome Provider*
A. God Provides for Our Spiritual Needs
*Psalm 65:1-8*
The people of Israel had come to Jerusalem (Zion) to worship God in
His temple (Psalm 65:1). God had answered their prayers and they
committed to fulfilling their “vows. Their “vows” were their promises to
worship God because of who He is and for His provision (see Psalm
56:12; 61:8; 66:13-15). While God’s people recognise God’s majesty and power, the scope of worship extends
beyond the nation. “All of us” (Psalm 65:2, NLT) or “all flesh” (KJV) refers
to “all humanity.”

One of the reasons the Israelites came to Jerusalem was to offer
sacrifices for forgiveness. They had
experienced the overwhelming guilt
of sin (verse 3; see 32:1-7). God is faithful to forgive, in spite of their sin. Because they found forgiveness,
they could worship with joy as they “dwell in his holy courts” (Psalm 65:4,
KJV). In the same way, when we dwell in God’s forgiveness and
presence, we will experience His joy
and worship Him.

God also provides security and salvation (verses 5-8). God ís our
“Savior.” God has displayed His majestic power through “awesome deeds.” We can see God’s mighty
power through creation (verse 6).
The “raging oceans” posed no threat
because God had created them
(verse 7). Israel’s history is full of accounts where God delivered His
people from their enemies, adversity,
and provided for thenm in times of famine. God “silenced the shouting
of the nations” (verse 7, NLT).

Yet God’s mighty power was not for Israel alone; it was for the other
nations as well (verse 8). Israel was to be a testimony of God’s
faithfulness and proclaim His faith-
fulness to other nations so they too could experience God’s salvation and provision.

For Israel, God was “the hope of everyone on earth” (verse 5, NLT). In
the same way, Jesus is the hope of our world. Through Him we find
forgiveness of sin and stand in awe of His mighty power on our behalf. Like the Psalmist, with joy we praise
Him and proclaim His name to all nations.
____________________
*Questions for Application*
____________________
_How does it build your faith to know God answers prayer? Share some answers to prayer with your class to help build the faith of others._

_Why is it important that God forgives sin?_
____________________
B. God Provides for
Our Physical Needs

*Psalm 65:9-13*
Ancient Israel was largely an agricultural society. They learned to
trust God for His care of them by His care of the land (Psalm 65:9).
Everything we read in this psalm describes God’s abundance. The
streams are full of water. He makes the ground “rich and fertile” (verse 9, NLT). While they prepared the fields, they could depend on God to supply the water to grow their crops. Thus
He drenches “the plowed ground with rain” (verse 10, NLT). The early
rain gave cropsa good start and the latter rain helped the crops mature
and produce abundant harvests (verse 11). In an arid land where grass was often scarce, the rain transformed the wilderness into “lush
pasture” (verse 12, NLT) to supply food for their sheep (verse 13). The
Psalmist depicted the e Earth as rejoicing at God’s abundant blessing on it.

The abundant outpouring of God’s care and provision is a sign of
His gracious mercy through the forgiveness of sin. While lsrael were
God’s special people who were chosen to receive His blessing, the
appeal of this psalm reaches far beyond lsraeldesires that a
beyond Israel to everyone in the world (verse 2). God desires that “all fiesh” (KJV) experience His saving
grace through Christ. He wants to restore all humanity to His original
purpose for which He created this world. Our responsibility is to tell
about God’s saving grace, the forgiveness of sins, and the blessings God desires to pour out on those who serve Him (Matthew 28:19-20).
____________________
*Questions for Application*
____________________
_In what ways is God’s provision of something as commonplace as water essential as a blessing?_

_The blessings mentioned in this psalm end in joyful shouting and singing. What contemporary worship song, or traditional hymn, also reminds you of the blessing of the basic provisions of God?_
____________________
*Call to Discipleship*
________________________
Unlike the gods of the world, our God is alive and active in our lives. He is aware of us, is Master of all, and cares for us. He provides for our spiritual needs and our physical needs, and He desires that we walk in relationship with Him.
________________________
*Ministry in Action*
________________________
Look for ways you can refocus your thoughts away from things that could become idols to you and turn your thoughts toward God.
Keep a daily gratitude journal, noting at least three blessings or
provisions from God that you are thankful for.
Find ways to be generous to three people you don’t know to celebrate God’s generosity to yau. (Buy them a gif, give them money, etc

 

STUDY 1: GOD: THE ONE AND ONLY

 

TEXT: Exodus 20:1-17; Isaiah 44:12-19

KEY VERSE: Exodus 20:3

You shall have no other god before me. (NIV)

>Focus
The problem most people have with the Ten Commandments has a little to do with the content of the laws, or even the fact that they are associated with a “religion.” Instead, the problem most people have, whether they realize it or not, is with the SOURCE of the commands. Due to satanic influence on society, God Himself has become a topic of contention.

 

The devil knows that if he can undermine God’s authority in people’s minds, they’ll willingly disregard His laws and expectations.

It is no coincidence that God’s commands regarding our relationship with Him are at the top of His list. He alone is God; we must look to no other. Anything that displaces Him in our lives is unacceptable.

 

As you prepare to challenge students with this foundational truth, examine your own life to expose hidden “idols” – i.e., things that detract from your relationship with God.

 

Re-evaluate your respect for God and regard for His powerful name. Then pray that God will help you to graciously convey His primary commands to students for whom He wants only the best.

 

The Basic Message: Explain to students…

 

• WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
God expects us to have first place in our lives.
• WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Obeying the first commandment is the foundation for obeying all God’s other laws.
• HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Re-evaluate and remove things from your life that could be “idols” or “false gods; “and allow God to reclaim top priority.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers…
• That the first three of the Ten Commandments tell us that God expects top priority in our lives.
• How we must not allow anything in our lives to become an “idol.”
• Why and how we must always give proper respect to God and His name.

Inform and Discuss

a). No Other Gods

>>Teacher Hint: Explain that the Israelites had just come out of 400 years of slavery in Egypt, where worshipping false gods was common. There were so many Egyptian gods that rivalries arose concerning which was most powerful. It’s interesting that, through the ten plagues and the dividing of the Red Sea, God proved Himself to be the one true God; and therefore demanded they throw off any affinity toward other gods.

1. Read or have a volunteer read Exo 20:1-3. What does the first commandment mean for us today? [God is not saying there are other gods, but that anything can become a “god” if we’re not careful.]

2. What “gods” does our culture encourage teens to worship? What happens when these things take priority over God in a person’s life?

Hint: The things we admire, depend on, or set up as priorities (and even people) can constitute “gods.” When these things take priority over God in a person’s life, they compromise the individual’s purpose and desensitize him or her to God’s care and direction.

 

Note: God is not saying we can’t have things like money, nice possessions, certain activities, or relationships with other people.

 

But we must not give them priority over Him with our attention and affection – we must relate with these things in a way that honours Him and follows His priority for our lives.

 

3. Why is it critical to keep God first and serve Him alone? [Hint: Depending on things other than God for satisfaction leads to hopelessness or false security. Only God who created you can give you peace, satisfaction, and ultimate purpose.

 

4. How can you be sure that God has top priority in your life? [Hint: Spend time listening to Him in prayer, learning what He says in His Word, and living what you hear and see from Him.

 

b). No Other Image
Teacher Hint: Read or have a volunteer read Exo 20:4-6. Explain that our view of God must be shaped by His Word and by how He revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus.

 

1. Read or have volunteers read Isa 44:12-19. Does the issue of idolatry really apply to most modern cultures? If so, how? [Hint:

 

Most people consider themselves to be too cultured or “enlightened” to engage in the worship of man-made images. Yet, people continue to set up idols and false images in their lives by allowing material things, activities, or people to detract from them or take the place of God in their lives.

 

2. Why is God’s jealousy appropriate (Exo 20:5)? [Hint: God loves us completely. As our Creator and Redeemer,

 

He has the right to expect complete devotion. Hence, He won’t tolerate anything that persistently opposes our relationship with Him.

 

c). No Other Name
• Read or have a volunteer read Exo 20:7. What does it mean to “misuse” or take God’s name “in vain”? [Hint: This includes making a false promise by it (Lev 19:21); pronouncing it insincerely or thoughtlessly, or cursing and blaspheming (Lev 24:10-16).

 

>Guide: Explain that God’s name is the Name above all names (Phil 2:9-10), and must be honoured and respected as HOLY and SACRED. God’s name carries His personal identity-all He is and does.

 

The way we use His name shows how we really feel about Him. We must respect His name, using it appropriately in prayer, praise, and worship, rather than cursing or jest.

 

involve Them: FIRST THINGS FIRST

Enlarge, reproduce, and distribute to students copies of the table below. In the first column, have students list the top few items that get priority in each of the four categories.

 

In the middle column, have them briefly describe how each item listed relates to their relationship with God. In the last column, have them indicate whether each item should be more or less of a priority in their lives than it is now.

 

Guide: Explain that if anything is more important or of greater value to us than God, we’ve made it a god before Him. Putting God first isn’t always easy. We may have to break down some idols in our lives in order to put God first.

Inspire Them: Remind students of “The Basic Message” of this study (pg 53), explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in the study.

 

Ministry Activity: SMASHING IDOLS

Ask. students to silently consider things in their lives that could be considered idols. If you used the “First Things First@ table, they can refer to it now. Encourage them to spend time in prayer, asking God to help them in these areas, restoring God to His rightful place in their lives.

 

Invitation Option: MAKING THE ONLY GOD YOUR GOD

As you close, invite those who have not made God the Forgiver of their lives and the Leader of their lives to do so now.

Teacher Hint: Ask yourself…

1. Do students understand why they should put God first?
2. Can students explain how material things, activities, or other people can become idols?
3. Have students had a chance to consider what things in their lives could be considered idols?

Daily Dew Drop

Mon: One God – Isaiah 45:18
Tue: None Besides Him – Deut 4:35; 1 Sam 2:2
Wed: Honour His Authority – Isaiah 25:1
Thu: Put Away Every idol – Colossians 3:5
Fri: I belong to God – Romans 14:8
Sat: Grow in Obedience – Jeremiah 7:3

 

 

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Memory Verse: Psalm 56:12
_______
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee (KJV).
________
Central Truth
________
Praising God can lift us up in any situation.
_______
The Lesson Outline
_______
1. Trust God when Afraid
A. When We Find Ourselves under attack
Psalm 56:1-7

 

B. The Lord Is Greater Than Our Fears
Psalm 56:8-13
_______
2. Praise God When Overwhelmed
A. The Lord ls Our Refuge
Psalm 61:1-4

B. We Will Praise God in Song and in Action
Psalm 61:5-8
_______
3. Rely on God When Opposed
A. What if the Lord Were Not on Our Side?
Psalm 124:1-5

B. Praise God for Preserving Us
Psalm 124:6-8
_______
Learning Objectives
_______
At the end of this lesson, students will
be able to:

1. Recognise the reality of trials even in the lives of God’s people.

2. Describe what the Book of Psalms teaches about why we can worship God amid hard times.

3. Appreciate the value of praise at a means of redirecting their focus toward God when they fee burdened or overwhelmed.

_______
Introducing the Lesson

_______

In the Old Testament, the root meaning of the word worship is “to bow,” a reference to giving due honour and acknowledgment to an individual (most often toward God). When applied to God, the word speaks to external acts that reflect internal attitudes and values. For this reason, while this word only appears seventeen times in the Psalms, worship to God is present throughout this book, seen in responses such as trust, praise, glory, acclaim, and
magnification directed toward God. As we move through this unit, note the many ways we can show our heartfelt worship to Him. Today we begin this journey by examining worship amid times of trial.
________

The Holy Scriptures
_______

Psalm 56:3. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

4. In God I will praise his word, in God I have
put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

5. Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6. They gather themselves together, they hide, and they mark my steps when they wait for my soul.

7. Shall they escape by iniquity? In thine anger cast down the people, O God.

8. Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

9. When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this | know; for God is for me.

13. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

61:1. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my

2. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

4. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

5. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

8. So will I sing praise unto thy name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.

124:1.If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

2. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side when men rose up against us:

3. Then they had swallowed us up quickly when their wrath was kindled against us:

4. Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

5. Then the proud waters had gone over our souls.
________
Commentary and Application
_______
1. Trust God When Afraid
A. When We Find Ourselves Under Attack.

Psalm 56:1-7
Danger from enemies and the fear that results is a common theme in the Book of Psalms. Often,
These enemies are foreign rulers and armies. However, in psalms such as Psalm 56, the threat is individual. As a result, the fear and danger can be more subtle, yet just as real. Commentators note that the attacks mentioned here often come from people who do not take the Lord or His Law seriously, and it shows in how they speak to and treat the people of God. Just as real as attacks of an invading force, these are aimed at our faith in God. Our attackers can present real dangers, whether they are physical or dangerous to our reputation, emotional well-being, or even our faith.

 

This psalm of David records the cries of his heart as he desperately fled to Gath while Saul pursued him. There, he felt threatened by the king of Gath and fled yet again (see 1 Samuel 21:10 through 22:1). And so, we find David pleading to God for mercy, fearful of the bold attacks of his enemies (Psalm 56:1-3, NLT). It’s worth noting that the term rendered “man” in Verse 1 is not the usual word for man. The term used here usually emphasises the weak
and mortal aspects of the human race. (Note its use in Isaiah 13:7; 24:6, KJV.) In short, the Psalmist provided
a reminder that while his attackers were real, they were weak in comparison to the Almighty God.

 

It is not surprising, then, that David can proclaim his trust in the Lord; he does not need to fear whatever human flesh can do to him (Psalm 56:4). Mere mortals are no match for God. This is not to say that the battle is not real. David’s enemies twisted his words and looked for opportunities to bring him trouble and harm (verses 5-7). Yet he held tightly to the confidence that God would not let them get away with their wicked schemes, but would inflict real consequences upon them for their wickedness.

David included danger. of physical harm in his lament. While we may not face this kind of danger, we know what it means to have our words twisted and our beliefs attacked by those who reject the power and authority of our God.
When attacks come, and fear arises, we can rest in the knowledge that God is greater than any foe.
_______
Questions for Application
_______
What are some specitic ways believers are attacked today?

How can the trust in God expressed in Psalm 56 help us endure those attacks?
_______
B. The Lord Is Greater than Our Fears
Psalm 56:8-13

Psalm 56:8 provides beautiful imagery and illustration to the incredible compassion of our Lord. David calls upon God to remember his sorrows and recall the tears he has shed. This, of course, was not so that God could reopen the wounds of the past that David had endured. Rather, such remembrance would testify to God’s faithful care through the difficult times of life.

 

At this point, the psalm becomes a kind of celebration of trust in God-of recognizes that God is greater than David’s enemies: “My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!” (verse 9, NLT). David’s proclamation reminds us of Paul’s exaltation, in Romans 8:31-39, that nothing can separate us from God’s love, because if He is for us, nothing can stand successfully against us.

 

Such an assurance (be it from David or Paul) is rooted in the promises of God: promises that can
be trusted. Psalm 56:10-11 is quite similar to verses 3-4, and serves as a kind of poetic refrain for what is contained in the passages bracketed by these pairs of statements. David recognized that his enemies were real. Had he been left to fend for himself, there was genuine reason for fear. He would no doubt have
been overwhelmed by his enemies and their wickedness. But he trusted God to intervene. Such trust reassured him that no mortal could take away God’s promises.

From there, the psalm ends with David accepting his responsibility to respond properly to the loving and trustworthy God he served (verses 12-13). David vowed to faithfully follow God’s commands. It is critical,however, that we see David’s commitment in the context of what has come before. He would obey with an attitude of heartfelt praise. This is the nature of what it means to walk with God. Life as His follower is not a cold transaction of service-for-protection. It is a relationship built on a recognition of who God is, gratitude for all He has done, and joy in walking in His presence daily. Such a life can be gloriously free of fear.

________
Questions for Application
________
Why is it important to recognize that spiritual battles cannot be won without the intervention of the Lord?

What are some ways we can respond to God for His gracious intervention?________
2. Praise God when Overwhelmed
A. The Lord Is Our Refuge
Psalm 61:1-4
In Psalm 61, David began with a statement that can resonate with every follower of God: “O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help (verses 1-2, NLT). He projects a sense of desperation, capped by the phrase “from the ends of the earth.

This refers to remote places that are far from his known surroundings. For a king such as David, this could take the form of leading his forces in a faraway military battle in an unknown land. For other God-followers, it can be more personal|and more unseen, with the unknown comes uncertainty, and even anxiety, as one struggles to grasp the battles he or she is facing. Believers today confront a wide range of uncertainty, whether financially, relationally, or culturally with political and social upheaval. In’ these unfamiliar settings, the heart of the believer instinctively cries out to God.

 

These cries are well-founded and rooted in God’s past blessings: “For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me” (verse 3, NLT). David had often enjoyed the safe harbour of God’s refuge amid the storm of life. God had protected him from the murderous intentions of Saul and provided him with great military
victories. It is important to highlight, then, that the fortress of verse 3 is unreachable by any human, including David himself. Even this great king knew that only God could protect him. It is no surprise, then, that David would pray to live forever in God’s sanctuary, “thy tabernacle” (verse 4, KJV), where God’s people met God. David longed to rest safely in God’s presence.

 

There is a temptation in the overwhelming moments of life to adopt the battle as our own trust our own instincts and strength in a struggle to figure out, or even fight, our way to victory. We do well to learn from David. The battle belongs to the Lord. He desires that we seek out the refuge that only He can give. Instead of filling our hearts with anxious and fearful thoughts, we can choose to fill our hearts with praise.
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some common issues that cause the believer to feel overwhelmed?

How do you normally respond when life overwhelms you, and how might you better respond?
________

B. We Will Praise God in song and in Action
Psalm 61:5-8
Psalm 61:5 is a natural continuation of verse 3 (NLT): “For you are my safe refuge…” —and “For you have heard my vows (verse 5, NLT), God’s mércies do not exist in a vacúum, Rather, they exist in a relationship between God and His people, While “vows” can seem like a daunting term, it basically refers to a commitment to God, Here, David did not take such commitments lightly;, instead, he honored God. This healthy communion with God gave David the
assurance that he had been given the inheritance of the Lord” an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name” (NLT).

 

 

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are especially important for Christians today, for they foreshadow the everlasting reign of the Messiah, who would arise from the line of David. God’s promises of preservation are rooted in the hope we hold so dear in Christ.

And so, what began as a
heartfelt cry from a lonely, distant place in the beginning of the psalm became an intimate moment with
God in the sanctuary. of His presence. Despite whatever overwhelming circumstances David
may have faced, God’s precious promises were unmoved. The future
was secure. God would preserve King David and his line, ultimately
fulfilling His unfailing love for humanity through Christ.

Verse 8, then, serves as a fitting capstone on this psalm. for it
describes worship by voice and by action: “Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day” (NLT). An ongoing
relationship with God is a relationship of praise unto Him. David offered praise to God by prayer
and by song. Yet as he did, he also lived a life of commitment to God that
reflected such praise. He fulfilled his commitments to God as an act of praise, recognising that God was always near to him. God’s presence and His promises would never leave David.

Likewise, the Christian life today is a life of praise to the Lord. This
praise is offered in word and song, and it is demonstrated by faithfulness to the commitment we have made to God as His children. Both of these
forms of praise can be challenging at
times. Sometimes words do not come easily when life is hard. But in
such moments we can reflect upon
God’s faithful promises. Likewise, living for Him can be challenging in
the face of temptation to sin, or even fear of what may happen to us for
serving Him. Then, yet again, we find peace and security in knowing that
the Lord is near, and He is faithful to His promises.
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some of your favourite songs for worshipping the Lord, and why do they mean so much to you?

How do you dermonstrate your praise to the Lord through your lifestyle?
________
3. Rely on God When Opposed
A. What if the Lord Were Not on Our Side?
Psalm 124:1-5

Psalm 124 is a Psalm of Ascent. That is, this psalm was sung by God’s
people as they made their way through Jerusalem toward the
temple to worship. (The fifteen Psalms of Ascent are Psalms 120-134.) The people would pass
through the Kidron Valley, ascend toward the temple steps, and then
climb those steps to the entrance of the temple. These psalms, which are
usually quite joyful, extol and exalt the Lord, recognising His might, His grace, and His mercy— a fitting prelude to a time of corporate praise in His presence.
Psalm 124 is believed to have been written upon return from the
Babylonian Exile, a fact that adds to its rich meaning and beautiful poetry. God’s people were well aware of the
horrors that an evil enemy could
inflict upon them. They, or their
immediate ancestors, had
personally witnessed what happens
when God is not on their side.

Psalm 124:1-2, then, is a rhetorical question with a terrifying answer. They knew beyond any doubt that all was lost if God were not on their side.

Note the vivid imagery of verses 3-5. They contain two analogies that compare common dangers that faced God’s people living in Israel to
the dangers of their enemies. The first analogy is wild animals that stalked a person who wandered out alone. When the Jordan River
overflowed its banks during the rainy season (see Jeremiah 12:5, KJV),
Wild animals —especially
Iions —would venture from their normal hunting grounds looking for food. If not for the Lord, God’s people
would have become like the helpless prey of ravenous animals. The second analogy is the flash floods brought on by seasonal rains in the mountains. The powerful floods could sweep people away and drOwn them. So the Psalmist was saying that their lives were being overwhelmed by their enemies, similar to being swamped by raging
flood waters.

 

We, too, face dangers in our world. We are opposed by enemies
of the faith in ways that could impact our relationships, our standing in a community, and even our livelihood.
Like the Psalmist, we need to ask ourselves in those moments,
“What if the Lord were not on my side?” Such
a question can compel us to trust Him and remind us that since He is with us, we have nothing to fear!
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some forms of opposition that confront Christians today, and what would happen to us if God were not on our side?

How can you find reassurance that God is indeed on your side?
________
B. Praise God for Preserving Us

 

Psalm 124:6-8
God was not merely a passive, impersonal force to His people. He was deeply involved in their lives, helping them and blessing them. They knew that their enemies could have torn them to pieces and destroyed them. But God intervened, and for that, they offered exuberant praise (Psalm 124:6).

God’s people recognised that their enemies had the ability to ensnare them. Without the Lord’s help, they could find themselves in a trap, the prey of a crafty hunter. But the Lord had broken that trap, providing reason to praise the Lord.

 

Verse 8 forms a fitting conclusion to the psalm, in stark contrast to the opening in verse 1. While God’s people could not defeat their enemies on their own, they had the help of the Lord, “who made heaven and earth.” No trial is any match for the Almighty Creator, So, while the trials of life are real, they pale in comparison to the One who made us. He is worthy of all our praise.
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some specific reasons to praise God today?

 

How can recalling that God is the Maker of Heaven and the Earth help us endure trials?
________
Call to Discipleship
________

 

Being a child of God does not always spare us from trials, but our position in Christ gives us the peace and confidence of knowing that God is with us. So, if you are struggling with a trial today, take time to praise God-not as a way of denying the trial, but to recognize that God walks with you and sustains you.
________
Ministry in Action
________

 

Identify someone in your life who is enduring a trial. This week, take time to tell him or her that you are praying and offer to help if possible.

 

If you are enduring a trial or feeling overwhelmed, ask someone in the class to join you in prayer throughout this week.

Spend some time in corporate praise, and continue in that attitude of praise throughout the week.

 

 

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To become a reference point in the blogging space by the year 2030. We want to be among the first 30 blogs in Nigeria.

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Memory Verse: James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (KJV).
________
Central Truth
________
Christians are set free from the power of Satan through victory in Jesus Christ.
________
The Lesson Outline
_______
1. Utilise Spiritual Weapons
A. Mighty Through God
2 Corinthians 10:1-4

B. A Spiritual Battle
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
_______
2. Authority and Power of Christ
A. Complete in Christ
Colossians 2:9-10

B. Evil Spiritual Powers
Disarmed
Colossians 2:11-15
_______
3. Submit to God: Resist the Devil
A. Humble Yourselves
Before God
James 4:4-10

B. Resist the Devil
1 Peter 5:6-10

_______
Learning Objectives
_______

At the end of this lesson, students will
be able to:

1. Find comfort in the promise of Scripture that Jesus is mightier than all evil powers.

2. Recognise that evil powers are defeated only through Christ.

3. Give glory to God for the victory they have in Christ
._______
Introducing the Lesson
_______
When we are saved, everything changes. However, everything does
not change immediately; some things change in due course, amid
inevitable challenges. Certainly, Christians are new creatures in
Christ. The Holy Spirit creates a new nature in us when we are born again. One result of this new creation is the
inevitable conflict that exists between our new nature and our old one. Such conflicts will exist throughout our lives. But we will emerge victorious as we are careful
to satisfy the desires of the new and refuse the desires of the old.

________
The Holy Scriptures
_______

 

2 Corinthians 10:3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Colossians 2:9. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.

13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.

14. Blotting out the handwriting of
ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them
openly, triumphing over them in it.

James 4:6. But he giveth more grace.
Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the
proud, but giveth grace unto the
humble.

7. Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;
and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.

9. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning.
and your joy to heaviness.
________
Commentary and Application
_______
1. Utilise Spiritual Weapons
A. Mighty Through God
2 Corinthians 10:1-4

 

As a matter of background, Paul began 2 Corinthians 10 by communicating on a personal level. His appearance of meekness (rooted in following Christ) led his enemies to accuse him of being weak and lacking boldness in his communication (see 2 Corinthians 10:1). Note how Paul corrected this notion: His tone and approach in their presence reflected the meekness and humility of Christ, not the attitudes of the world. Paul made it clear that he preferred meekness over boldness.

 

 

One definition of meekness is strength under control. In meekness, Paul strongly urged them to correct their ways. Otherwise, he would demonstrate boldness in his next visit. His attention to proper responses offers a good example of
how Christians should interact in conflict.

Paul used the military to illustrate the importance of his meek approach. Believers have spiritual battles in this world, but they must not fight those battles using worldly tactics and worldly weapons, but spiritual tactics and spiritual weapons.

 

There is an important observation to be made from verses 3-4. We must recognize, as Paul stated, that the weapons of spiritual battle are unique. We do not gain
spiritual victory by asserting our own bold declaratíons or actions. Such victory is not a matter of winning arguments by human reasoning, nor does it come through personal charm. We are, in fact then, rather passive in the matter of winning. The victory comes from the Lord, for the battle is won through “God’s mighty weapons” (verse 4, NLT).

_______
Questions for Application
_______

Why do you think Christians can be taken captive by human philosophies, even when such philosophies stand in opposition to the gospel?

How can Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 1 shape the way we respond to people who mock us or bring our beliefs into question by attacking us?

_______
B. A Spiritual Battle
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
While Paul does not specifically identify the weapons of spirituál warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6, he does address them elsewhere in his Corinthian epistles (1 Corinthians 1:17-25; 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6). Spiritual weapons find their foundation in the message of the gospel.

 

The gospel has the power to destroy worldly arguments against the knowledge of God (that is, the gospel). Human philosophy and reason cannot stand against divine truth. Such philosophies appeal to the flesh and are limited by the imagination and abilities of the flesh, for they are human creations. Godly truth pulls down these obstacles to truth. Furthermore, such teaching is rooted in human pride, which is utterly at odds with the humble, selfless submission to God that ought to characterise believers. This is why God’s people must view the proclamation of the Word as a spiritual battle. Rebellion must be replaced by obedience to Christ, and such life change only comes through spiritual transformatíon.

 

At the root of Paul’s argument, then, there is much more than philosophical debates and arguments. Paul was intent on defeating all ungodly teaching (verse 6), and Would enact discipline upon those who put forth such teachings. Once the Corinthians showed
themselves willing to hear the truth, Paul would deal strongly with the false teachers.

________
Questions for Application
________

Do you think it is important for Christians to respond strongly to false teachings ? Explain. How do you define a strong response?

How do you think false teaching is defeated?
________
2. Authority and Power of Christ
A. Complete in Christ
Colossians 2:9-10
There are many philosophies in
the world today that are very contrary to Christianity. A number of these are similar to-or even had roots
in -false teachings of New Testament times. One such philosophy was known as Gnosticism, and an early form of this was confronted by Paul in
Colossians. This false teaching promised special, secret spiritual
knowledge to those who would be “enlightened,” supposedly by God.
Note Paul’s staterment, in Colossians 1:9: “We ask God to give you
complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding” (NLT). In response to human philosophies (2:8), God gives us all we need in Christ.

The false teachings confronting the Colossians (as well as many believers today) depend upon human ideas and philosophies
rather than upon the revelation of
Scripture-even as these false teachings sometimes twist Scripture. Simply put, we will find all we need
for our new lives in Christ within the teachings of and about Christ-the
reality of His life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

Since Jesus Christ is all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily
form (verse 9), He is the source of everything the believer requires,
Believers are “complete in him” (verse 10, KJV): The word “complete” is rooted in a nautical
term. It can embody the idea of a ship fully rigged and equipped for a
voyage. This applies to Christians who are ready for the voyage of life.
We find everything we need in Christ, our Captain. We can rest in Him as our Source of life and Sovereign Lord. No power can snatch us from His hand.

Paul continued on with a
marvellous description of what it means to have this fullness or
completeness in Christ (verse 10). We have experienced the breaking
of the power of the sinful nature. As a result, while we struggle with
temptation, and will on occasion fall into sin, we are no longer slaves to
the power of sin. Through the Spirit we can live in victory. To further bring light to this, Paul referred to spiritual
circumcision and water baptism (see verses 11-12). Through salvation, his readers had discarded their old,
sinful lifestyles, Furthermore, sin had
been removed from their lives, a blessing which was depicted in the outward sign of baptism.
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some common ways people might be tempted to feel they need somnething other than Christ to complete their lives?

How does your life demonstrate that you are no longer in bondage to the sinful nature, even though you are an imperfect person?
________
B. Evil Spiritual Powers
Disarmed
Colossians 2:11-15
Beginning with Abraham, we see circumcision to be a sign of God’s
covenant with His people (see Genesis 17:13), and this continued in the Law (see Leviticus 12:3).
Circumcision spoke to Israel’s relationship with God and their holy
status as a separate people who forsook the sins of the surrounding
peoples. Now, as New Testament Christians, Paul said that we have
undergone spiritual circumcision of the heart (see Romans 2:25-29).

Christians are a holy people, called to put off the sinful nature and
live in full obedience to the Lord. This can only happen by the power of God who lives within them. Itis the workof
the Spirit, but it requires the ccoperation of believers. Water
baptism, as it is mentioned in
Colossians 2:12, is a public declaration of the believer’s having
identified himself or herself with Jesus as the One who cleanses and
saves. It is an outward declaration of
the inner work of the Spirit. Christians declare that they have died, have been buried, and are now
raised with Jesus Christ to a new way of living.

We, as Christians, must see ourselves as having a new spiritual
identity as we seek to live out that identity. Water baptism does two
important things. It is a physical reminder of what it means to be a
new creation in Christ, and it is a public affirmation n of our desire to make Him the Lord of our lives.
The Cross is the means by which God
triumphed over all powers and authorities (verses 13-15). Through
the sacrifice of Christ, the guilt of our sins was removed and we can stand clean before God. Furthermore, the
powers of darkness that seek to deceive us and derail our spiritual
journey have been defeated. Jesus has triümphed over them.
________
Questions for Application
________
Why should we see baptism as an important part of the Christian life?

How would you describe what It means to have a new ldentity In Christ?
________
3. Submit to God; Resist the Devil
A. Humble Yourselves
Before God
James 4:4-10
Throughout the Old Testament prophets confronted God’s people
with their spiritual adultery (Deuteronomy 31:16; Jeremiah 3:20). The people attempted to
divide their affections between the one true God and pagan gods.
James made it clear that a person cannot be friends with the world as
well as friends with God (James 4:4). A Christian cannot live a double life.
Either he will find contentment in God, or he will be dissatisfied with what God provides and seek fulfilment elsewhere.

God does not tolerate divided hearts that crave carnal desires
(verse 5). Instead, He expects Our total commitment, and He will pursue a spiritual adulterer so that he or she might return. But He will not dwell in
them if they choose to pursue another source of satisfaction.

People who commit themselves to God will not immediately be free
from the desire to find satistaction in other a arenas. But God will give us the strength to stay committed to Him.

James went on to provide seven keys to aligning oneself with God and finding genuine, godly personal
fulfilment. The first key is to humble, or submit, oneself to God (verse 7).
As Christians, we are to wilfully submit to God, humbling ourselves
before Him, recognising His sovereign authority, and choosing to
live according to His will and purpose for our lives.

The second key is to resist the devil (verse 7). Throughout our lives
the devil will try to draw us back into his grasp. He will often tempt us in
areas of personal weakness –an
activity, thought, or ambition where
we have an especially strong desire. Resisting temptation can be difficult. But it is easier to resist if we have
submitted those areas to God and recognised that a relationship with God is more important than temporary personal fulfilment that is sought for the wrong purpose.

The third key is to draw near to God (verse 8). God promises to never leave or forsake believers (see Hebrews 13:5). If wayward believers will lay aside their desires and seek God, He will be there and readily receive them back into a right relationship.

Fourth, Christians are to
“cleanse (KİV; or “wash,” NLT) [their] hands” (verse 8). One might imagine a farmer in a field, with dirt sticking to his hands. They will need cleansing.
In the same way, when people seek fulfilment through worldly means,
some of that worldliness attaches to them. A follower of God must forsake sinful things, as well as surrender to
God the good things that have taken on an improperly high level of
significance in their lives.

The fifth key is to purify one’s heart –the seat of our affections
(verse 8). We cannot be double –minded when it comes to our loyalties. God does not allow us to
share our affections. We must follow Him only.

The sixth key is to grieve over sin (verse 9). James indicated that Christians must recognise how
double-minded ways impact their relationship with God. No one who
truly loves God can come to the recognition of how their acts of worldliness affect their relationship
with Him and not have
Sorrow.

The final key is to humble oneself (verse 10). Humility leads to
submission. Believers often feel that they know what is best for them. But humility acknowledges that God is wiser than us. Sincere humility demands genuine trust in God.
________
Questions for Application
________
What is wrong with attempting to serve God while also seeking undue satisfaction in relationships, status, or material objects?

Do you think true humility is difficult Explain.
________
B. Resist the Devil
1 Peter 5:6-10
Peter also addressed the issue of finding victory in our spiritual walk.
He urged Christians to humble themselves before God, reminding
them that God would “exalt” them in “due time” (verse 6, KJV). Note the contrast. Humans seek exaltation;
God calls us to humility. Humans tend to want to see immediate
results. But spiritual growth takes time. God will indeed exalt us-lift us
up –in His timing.

Growth may produce
challenges, but we must not allow these challenges to turn us aside from the pursuit of Him. Rather, we must let go of worries, concerns, and problems that hold us back, placing them in God’s hands, for He calls us to spiritual growth –part of which is the realisation that we are under His care (verse 7).

As we live in submission to God, we must, through the power of the
Spirit, resist the devil (verses 8-9). Why? Because the devil is focused on our spiritual destruction. Intentionally pursuing spiritual
growth is an active pursuit. We must
stand firm for God, resolved to walk
with Him. Through it all, we find comfort in knowing that others have
successfully pursued the goal of spiritual growth as they faced the
same challenges we face. We have the assurance that our pursuit will be rewarded by God, who will make us
strong and steadfast in Him (verse 10).
________
Questions for Application
________
What does it mean to submit to God?

What is the biggest challenge to spiritual growth that you are now facing?
________
Call to Discipleship
________
Victory is possible, not because of our strength and ingenuity, but
because we serve a God who provides the weapons and power we need through the Holy Spirit to successfully fight the enemy of our souls.
________
Ministry in Action
________
Find a fellow believer who is facing a spiritual battle, and commit to
Supporing that person as he or she moves forward in Christ.

Take the initiative to tell a trusted Christian friend about your spiritual battles, and ask him or her to pray for and with you.

Pray that God will prepare you to face struggles in the future so that you might experience victory in Christ.

 

 

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INTRODUCING THE LESSON ON GOD TO THE RESCUE

 

The events of 2 Kings 18 – 19 follow decades of spiritual dacay in Judah. King Uzziah, who ruled in the first half of the eighth century BC, had done right in God’s eyes, although he did not tear down pagan shrine (see 2 Kings 15:1-4), but his grandson, Ahaz, thoroughly turned his back on God and even made Judah pay tribute to Assyria (the nation that took the Northern kingdom into captivity during Ahaz’s reign). Tribute was a payment from one nation to another as a sign of submission or a plea for protection ( Note 2 Kings 16:8). The reign of Ahaz carried Judah to a low point of immorality and idolatry.

 

Then Ahaz died and his young son Hezekiah came to the throne. King Hezekiah led the nation into revival. But this revival faded, and many of the people returned to their sinful ways, which would ultimately lead to God allowing King Sen-nacherib of Assyria to attack Judah. But in the very attack of Sennacherib, the Judah stood firm in their trust in God and they became victorious in their challenges.

 

 

LESSON OUTLINE
1. GOD’S PEOPLE THREATENED

A. Whom Are You Trusting? – 2 Kings 18:17-27
B. Who Will Rescue You? – 2 Kings 18:33-36.

2. HEZEKIAH TURNS TO GOD

A. Hezekiah Responds In Humility – 2 Kings 19:1-3
B. “Perhaps The Lord Has Heard” – 2 Kings 19:4.

3. ALMIGHTY GOD RESPONDS

A. “Do Not Be Afraid” – 2 Kings 19:5-19
B. God Honoured His Promise – 2 Kings 19:32-37.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Recognise that there will be trying times as they move through the life of faith.

2. Understand that they need not fear their enemies as they trust in
God.

3. Find comfort in praising God through the hard times of life.

The Holy Scriptures

2 Kings 18:18,25,33,35

[18]And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
[25]Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

[33]Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
[35]Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?
2 Kings 19:1-3,6
[1]And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
[2]And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
[3]And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
[6]And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

Commentary and Application

*1. God’s People Threatened*

*A. Whom Are You Trusting?– 2 Kings 18:17-27*
It is important to read 2 Kings 18 in light of the history surrounding these events. The northern kingdom of Israel had been overrun by the Assyrians and taken into captivity. And now, Judah, the Southern Kingdom, seemed to be facing the same future. King Ahaz, the predecessor to King Hezekiah, emptied Judah’s coffers (including the riches of the temple), to appease the Assyrian king.

 

But it wasn’t enough, and Assyria invaded Judah. King Hezekiah a good and godly king (see 2 Kings 18:1-4) was forced to strip off even the gold from the temple in an attempt to appease King Sennacherib (verse 16). To this, Sennacherib delivered a terrible message in verses 17-25, designed as an attempt to break down the people’s trust in the Lord. This was a frightening message from a human standpoint, as Sennacherib and the Assyrian Empire had immense power to overcome whatever nation they chose to conquer.

 

The passage opened with the chief advisors of Sennacherib confronting the representatives of King Hezekiah in Jerusalem (verses 17-18; note that “Rabshakeh” [KJV] is likely a reference to Sennacherib’s chief of staff). At this point, Assyria had demonstrated complete domination over other armies, and Hezekiah would have little reason to believe Judah could overcome him. Sennacherib was also aware of Hezekiah’s devotion to and trust in the Lord, although Sennacherib thought that the Israelites worshipped God at the pagan shrines that Hezekiah had torn down (see verse 23).

 

 

So this evil Assyrian king’s message begins with a question: “What are you trusting in that makes you so confident?” (Verse 19, NLT). Words could not defeat the Assyrians (verse 20). Alliances with other nations, such as Egypt, would fail Judah as well (verses 20-21). Then the chief of staff mocked Israel! He challenged them saying
that if he were to give Israel two thousand horses, even with the help of Egypt’s chariots, they could not defeat “the weakest contíngent of my master’s troops’ (verses 23-24, NLT).

 

 

Yet verse 25 was perhaps the most ominous and the most sacrilegious-of all the claims in Sennacherib’s message. It was common for ancient kings to claim that the gods of the people they attacked had sent them to do it. This served as a type of psychological warfare. But in this case, a pagan king claimed the one true God to be on his side. Thus, according to him. Judah could not even trust God.

 

It is understandable, then, that Hezekiah’s men wanted to use Aramaic in their conversation (see verses 26-27). While Aramaic was the language of commerce and communication between nations in Old Testament times, the people of Jerusalem listening to it would not understand what was being said. But Sennacherib’s men sought to make their sinister intentions clear: The people of Judah would be best served to succumb to the Assyrians. There was no use in even trusting.

God, they claimed, for He had Supposedly sided against His own people.

Questions for Application

*What are some ways that the powers of darkness seek to intimidate God’s people and send them into despair?*

*Have you ever been mocked in some way for trusting God? How did you respond, or how would you respond, in such an instance?*

*B. Who Will Rescue You?–2 Kings 18:33-36*
Assyria’s threats continued in 2 Kings 18:33. Hezekiah had tried to assure the people that they could trust in the Lord. This was the declaration of the prophet Isaiah, whose ministry was taking place at that time: “l will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. Yes, I will defend this city” (Isaiah 38:6, NLT; see all of chapter 38). Sennacherib mocked the notion that Judah’s God would be able to help them, pointing to the failure of the gods of nations he had conquered.

 

 

For instance, Hamath and Arbad were references to cities in what is now Syria, while Sepharvaim, Hena, and lvvah were cities in Mesopotamia. These population centres were conquered by Assyria.
(The great city of Babylon was even destroyed by Sennacherib in 689 BC.) It would have been inconceivable to the Assyrian king that the God of Judah could be greater than the gods of Assyria. No wonder Sennacherib felt at liberty to boast, “So what makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem from me?” (2 Kings 18:35).

 

As we move forward, it is important to keep in mind that the people representing Judah had no response. for Sennacherib’s men because Hezekiah had instructed them not to respond (verse 36). Their silence Would represent a new stand of faith. They would trust in the Lord God to rescue them. Moses gave a similar instruction to the people of Israel when they were caught between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today” (Exodus 14:13, NLT).

Questions for Application

How does adversity impact our ability to trust God? Explain.

Why was Sennacherib so confident that he could defeat the nation of Judah?

2. Hezekiah Turns to God

*A. Hezekiah Responds in Humility–2 Kings 1:1-3*
Clearly, the people of God acted in faith when they refused to bend to
the demands and arguments of Rabshakeh (thus, in essence, to Sennacherib himself). However, the king’s threats were certainly frightening, in light of the battles he had already won. Furthermore, Sennacherib had issued a terrible insult to God.

 

King Hezekiah responded
rightly, however, as he retreated to the temple the dwelling place Lord- having torn his clothes and put on sackcloth (2 Kings 19:1). Tearing his garments represented his grief over the blasphemy against God that he had just heard. And by covering himself with sackcloth, the king of the Lord’s people humbled himself before the Lord.

 

Apparently, God gave no direct answer to Hezekiah, so he sent officers and priests to the prophet Isaiah, telling him that this was a day of trouble (verses 2-3). Note that the latter part of verse 3 was a proverb of the time, which basically taught that all human power had been exhausted. Truly, if measured only by human strength and potential, Judah held no chance to defeat King Sennacherib and the Assyrians.

Questions for Application

Why might God sometimes allow His people to find themselves in a situation where there is clearly no hope within themselves?

Have you ever been in a situation where there seemed to be no hope? Explain. How did you respond?

 

B. “Perhaps the Lord Has Heard.”– 2 Kings 19:4

Clearly, King Hezekiah recognized that this crisis was ultimately rooted in spiritual issues. As a result, he knew that Isaiah, the great and influential prophet to the kings, would have a message for the king at this momentous time in history. Perhaps the Lord had heard the vile message of Rabshakeh, and indeed of Sennacherib himself, and
would enact judgment upon Assyria as punishment (2 Kings 19:4).

 

It is true that Hezekiah had restored the worship practices among the people back to the standard prescribed in the Law. However, the king may have fallen short in the way in which he pursued relations with other nations. Perhaps he had been too much like Ahaz, seeking human wisdom and military force to confront an enemy. Perhaps he had forgotten that God wins victories Over the enemies of His people. But now, Hezekiah clearly recognized the problem that he and the nation faced. And so, he asked Isaiah to seek the face of God on their behalf.

 

Questions for Application

Why is it sometimes hard for Christians to recognize that spiritual issues might be at the root of the battles they face?

 

How do you normally respond to difficult battles? Is God the first source of help that you seek? Explain.

3. Almighty God Responds

A. “Do Not Be Afraid,”– 2 Kings 19:5-19

King Hezekiah was rewarded for his confidence in Isaiah-which ultimately represented the king’s trust in God. Isaiah did indeed have a message for the king and for the nation: Fear was not the answer. They did not need to be dismayed nor intimidated by the blasphemous words of Sennacherib and his underlings (2 Kings 19:5-6). Instead, Israel could find great hope in the Lord, for He was about to do something amazing.

 

God told Hezekiah that He would intervene on behalf of His people by
“send[ing] a blast upon” Sennacherib (verse 7, KJV; “move against him,” NLT). The Hebrew word here is the familiar Hebrew term ruach, a word often translated “spirit” or “wind.”

 

Some Commentators see this as a reference to a spirit of fearfulness gripping Sennacherib. Regardless, it is most important to note that God intervened; Sennacherib’s flight would not be because of the might of God’s people, but because of the saving actions of the Lord himself.

 

Isaiah did not reveal how all this would take place. It was enough for Hezekiah to know that God was going to do a great thing on behalf of His people. He would deal with the Assyrian threat. Even yet, however, Sennacherib continued his psychological warfare, as revealed in the following verses. These same verses (8-13), clearly indicate that Hezekiah sent a negative response back to Sennacherib, The difference was that after the exchange found in these verses, King Hezekiah went to prayer (see verses 14-19), He had faith that God would deliver Israel. And, Hezekiah was not disappointed.

Questions for Application

Why might God have withheld telling King Hezekiah all the details as to how He would deal with Assyria?

What are some barriers you face in times when you need to place your faith in God to protect or provide during difficult circumstances?

B. God Honoured His Promise–2 Kings 19:32-37

In 2 Kings 19:32-34, the prophet Isaiah provided some additional words of hope and encouragement to King Hezekiah and the people.

 

Sennacherib’s army would not enter Jerusalem, or even fire an arrow upon the city. The king would instead return to Assyria. For the Lord’s own honour and for the sake of His promise to David, that his kingdom would continue (see 2 Samuel 7), for He promised that He would protect His people. That very night, the angel of the Lord brought sudden death to 185.000 of Sennacherib’s troops. While the means of their death is not described, we are told that the rest of the army awakened to find themselves surrounded by corpses (2 Kings 19:35). One can only imagine the terror that erupted among them amid this gruesome
sight.

 

It is noteworthy that this particular event is recorded in secular history, outside of Scripture, by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. He attributed the shocking defeat of Assyrians to a multitude of field mice descending and destroying materials of war such bowstrings, leaving them vulnerable.

 

Some have concluded that Herodotus was alluding to a rodent-borne plague. But regardless of secular speculation, we know from Scripture that this was the hand of God at work through His angel. And while God does use natural means to enact His plans, this particular event was entirely supernatural, as seen in
its description.

 

In response to the horrors of seeing his army decimated, King Sennacherib immediately returned to the Assyrian capital of Ninevah (verse 36). We know from history that approximately twenty years later, the remainder of this prophecy of Scripture was fulfilled. On October 20, 681 BC, the mighty King Sennacherib of the powerful Assyrian Empire was murdered by two of his sons in a coup that left another son, Esarhaddon, as the new king (verse 37). This is a good reminder to us even today that while God’s programme may seem to tarry, even for years, His plans are ultimately accomplished.

 

And so, God did rescue His people, protecting His promise David as He answered the prayers of Hezekiah. Although we will never line up against the murderous forces of a pagan kingdom, we will face enemies that can seem insurmountable. In those moments, we do well to remember that the battle always belongs to the Lord. We can trust Him for the victory.

Questions for Application

God answered Hezekiah’s prayer in two phases–one immediately
and one approximately twenty years later. What were those two phases?

What are some other biblical examples you know of where God demonstrated His power over the enemies of the people of God?

Call to Discipleship

In a situation that seemed hopeless, with his enemies mocking him, King Hezekiah depended on God. He placed all his hopes, his confidence, and even his very life in the Lord’s hands. What pressures are you facing today? Do you have any difficult decisions coming up?

 

Are there conflicts, within your heart or with those around you, that need resolution? Always keep a proper perspective: God is there with you, ready to take on the battle you cannot face yourself. You can always be confident in entrusting your future to Him.

Ministry in Action

Seek God on behalf of your battles each day for the next week.
Encourage others by sharing God’s answers to your prayers.
Pray for wisdom to recognize spiritual battles for what they are.

 

 

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BIBLE TEXT: Nehemiah 8:1-18; 9:1-10; 10:39; 12:27-43

MEMORY VERSE:
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

 

TARGET:

To help the child know what made the people of Judah happy and the things that can give him/her joy of the Lord that becomes his/her strength.

OBJECTIVES:

During and after the lesson, each child will show that he/she understands the lesson by:
1. Repeating the memory verse correctly to one another.
2. Mentioning things God has done for him/her and ways to show thanks to God.
3. Praying and confessing his/her sins and thanking God for forgiveness.

*OUTLINE:

1. The People Read from the Word of God – Nehemiah 8:1-18.
2. The People Confess Their Sins – Nehemiah 9:1-10; 10:39.
3. The People Dedicate the Walls – Nehemiah 12: 27-43.

*INTRODUCTION:*
The people of Judah have gone back to their cities because the rebuilding of the wall and gates of Jerusalem had been completed and the people are happy. Their enemies can no longer attack them. Today we shall see how they dedicated the walls of Jerusalem, which they built. Their joy knew no bounds.
Now what about you? What do you do when you are happy, sing, shout, smile, scream, laugh, and jump up and down? When the people of Judah were happy that day they might have done all this, but in addition, they listened to the Word being read to them. They were sorry for their sins and confessed them. The joy of the Lord was indeed their strength.

*LESSON COMMENTARY*

1. The People Read from the Word of God – Nehemiah 8:1-18
Sometime after the completion of the wall, the people of Judah gathered together in the open square were men and women of all ages, that is, all who were old enough to understand the Word of God. They told Ezra to bring the book of the law and read to them. Ezra brought the book. All sat down on the ground. Ezra, himself, climbed a very high wooden platform where the people could see and hear him. Everyone was quiet. They were waiting to hear God’s Word.
Carefully, Ezra unrolled the Bible scroll. When he opened it, all the people stood up, Ezra thanked God for His Words. All the people bowed their heads and worshipped God with Ezra. Then Ezra read from the scroll. The people listened. Ezra read from morning till noon. Ezra’s helpers went among the people and helped them understand what was being read. Many of the people were sorry that they had disobeyed God in many ways. So they began to cry. Ezra and Nehemiah told the people not to cry. Rather they should eat and rejoice for the day was a special day to God.
The people stopped crying. They went back to their houses to eat and drink. They shared food and drink with others who didn’t have any. Everybody was happy. The next day the people came together and celebrated a great feast known as the Feast of Tabernacles. Over and again Ezra read God’s Word to the people.

2. The People Confess Their Sins – Nehemiah 9:1-10; 10:39
On the eight day of the feast, the people again showed their sorrow. According to the customs of that day, they wore clothes made of hair, put dirt on their heads and did not eat any food.

 

The people listened as the Word of God was read. All of them, including the priest and the Levites confessed their sins. They remembered God’s goodness and thanked Him for leading their ancestors out of slavery in Egypt. They thanked Him for protecting them.

 

The Levites continued to list the blessings that God gave to His people.
As the people of Israel in Jerusalem heard all these things that day, they became really sorry for their sins.

 

And to show God that they were truly sorry, they made several promises. Among other promises, they promised to obey all God’s commands, to give the best of their crops and fruits to the Lord.

 

 

3. The People Dedicate the Walls – Nehemiah 12:27-43.

The wall has been rebuilt. It is now celebration day. The people of Judah are excited and ready to dedicate the wall to God.

 

They made special plans for this. On the celebration day, people from villages all around Jerusalem came. Nehemiah quietened the people as they were noisy and told them to line up for a big parade.
The Levites came to the front to lead the parade because they were good singers. The priest followed and more Levites with musical instruments got into line.

A large crowd of people was part of the parade. These were divided into two groups. Ezra took one group and started marching to the left around the wall. It was a very big procession. As the groups passed each of the great gates, they gave thanks to God. They dedicated the wall to God.

 

At last, the two met each other again at one of the gates., Nehemiah and Ezra led the people into the Temple yard to offer sacrifices to God. There was great rejoicing among everybody men, women, and children.

 

 

APPLICATION:

There is a song we sing in the words of the Memory Verse:

The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength

 

Indeed, the joy of the Lord gives us strength just as it gave Nehemiah and the people of Judah. The following are some of the things we learn from the lesson that gives us joy:

1. Reading and listening to the Word of God and obeying it.
2. Praising and thanking God often for who He is and what He does for us.
3. Dedicating ourselves to God.
4. Confessing our sins and joining in worshipping God.
5. Showing respect for God and His Word.

 

QUESTIONS:

1. Where did the people of Judah gather after the completion of the wall? They gathered at the:

(A) National stadium
(B) Temple
(C) Mountain
(D) In the open square of the city.

2. Why did the people begin to cry when the Word of God was being read?

(A) The priest punished all the people.
(B) They were in great suffering.
(c) They were sorry that they had disobeyed God in many ways.
(D) They disobeyed the king greatly in the past.

 

3. How did the people show their sorrow according to the customs of that day?

(A) They tore their clothes made of hair.
(B) They put on clothes made of hair, put dirt on their heads, and did not eat any food.
(C) They walked on bare foot and cut their hair.
(D) All of the above.

 

4. What did the groups do as they passed each of the great gates while they were matching round?

(A) They gave thanks to God.
(B) They gave thanks to the king.
(C) The gave thanks to Nehemiah and Ezra.
(D) None of the above.

 

*THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GENERAL COUNCIL SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA*

 

 

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Study 1: GOD’S HONOUR ROLL

 

Text: Prov 4:1-13; 9:9-10; Dan 1:1-20; Col 3:23-24

Key Verse: Proverbs 4:13
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. (NIV)

Focus

Learning opportunities surround us. Some, like learning a new song or game, are fun. Others aren’t – or don’t seem to be. Some students enjoy school. They like learning new things about themselves and the world. Other students have difficulty appreciating their educational opportunity – they see school as a forced captivity; they’re just serving their time.

 

Students who feel this way may be frustrated because they don’t see the reason why they are taught. Others struggle because their learning styles don’t match their teachers’ presentation methods. Some may be overwhelmed by the seemingly constant challenges facing them as Christian in an environment that has anti-Christian values and cultures. As you prepare for this study, consider your own attitude about education. Are you seeking to learn new things every day? Ask God to give you a student’s heart, as well as a heart for students.

 

The Basic Message: Explain to students

• WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
Working hard in school can be a way to honour God and improve yourself.

• WHY DOESIT MATTER?
God expects us to take our spiritual and intellectual growth seriously.

• HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Accept the challenge to study hard, make good choices, and honour God with your attitude toward education.

Activity Option: LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

As students arrive, ask them a few rounds of questions from a trivia game. Then discuss these questions:
• Where or how did you learn the answers to the questions?
• How do you think your life would be affected if you didn’t have the opportunity to get an education?

 

>Guide: Explain that learning opportunities surround us. Some we may enjoy, like playing or learning new games. On the other hand, studying for a test may not be much fun at all. Regardless of how you view school, let’s look at ways you can make the most of it.

 

Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers

• What it means to value instruction.
• How being a diligent learner brings honour to God.
• The rewards associated with learning.

lnform and Discuss

a). Doing Your Best

1. Read or ask a volunteer to read Prov. 4:1-6. Why is learning important? [Hint: Learning, especially those things that are intellectually stimulating, keeps the brain alive and active. It exposes the mind to knowledge (which is a fundamental resource of life that enables us to live life intelligently)and enhances our institutions and communities.

 

2. What do you think is difficult about school and the learning that takes place there? [Guide: Explain that there are things about school that can be tough, but school is still a necessary part of life. Choosing to make the best of an imperfect or tough situation is one of the ways to honour God with our attitude.

 

3. Read or ask a volunteer to read Daniel 1:1-7. What might have been some of the reasons that Daniel and his friends chose to be cooperative? [Hint: Possibilities include wanting to honour God, fear, and recognizing the opportunity before them. Regardless, they decided to do their best, despite the circumstances.

Guide: Explain that even though Daniel and his friends were in a situation not of their choosing, with God’s help they acted wisely and achieved greatness. Point out to students that the knowledge they’re gathering in school today might be helpful in the future to propel them into positions of leadership where God could use them to influence an entire nation or even the world.

 

b). Dealing with Challenges

1. Read or ask a volunteer to read Prov. 9:9-10. According to this passage, what’s the connection between learning and wisdom? Does learning automatically produce wisdom? [Hint: We gain wisdom by being teachable. God encourages lifelong learning. But wisdom is knowing what to do with knowledge, particularly as it relates to honouring God. Putting God’s Word into action is the first step toward gaining true wisdom.

 

2. Read or ask a volunteer to read Dan 1:8-14. What situations at school could tempt you to compromise your values as a Christian? How would you respond? [Note: Not all the choices students make at school deal with education issues. Other issues will arise, giving the opportunities to make wise choices – demonstrated by actions – that reflect their faith.

 

Guide: Encourage students to emulate Daniel, who worked within the existing boundaries of the culture where he was, but continued to give God the first priority. He followed the channels of the authority and respectfully made his request.

 

Teacher Hint: DEFILED FOOD? [The problem wasn’t that the food was full of dirt. The problem was that it wasn’t prepared according to the teachings of Israel’s Law (and may have been offered to idols). Keeping to God’s standards is one of the main ways we show our devotion to God (1 Sam 15:22; John 14:15, 23).

 

c). Learning Has Rewards

1. Read or ask a volunteer to read Pro 4:7-13. What determines a person’s success? [Hint: Students are likely to mention such things as luck, education, and knowing the right people. Hopefully, some will mention God and hard work. Although true success is hard to define, God’s Word tells us what is important – take hold of God’s instruction and consistently do our best out of love for God.

 

2. Read or ask a volunteer to read Dan 1:15-20. How might working hard in school improve your chances for the future? [Hint: It brings self- improvement, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and boosts your confidence. | It brings favour; for God rewards hard work and dedication even if no one else notices. | It usually leads to somewhere good; for there is often a direct link between hard work and opportunity.

 

Guide: Point out that hard work isn’t necessarily efficient work. In many cases, hardworking students could benefit from improved study habits. Students who struggle despite good study habits can ask God for help. He knows how important learning is and wants to help them as He helped Daniel. If they remain faithful and work diligently, God will help them.

 

3. Read or ask a volunteer to read Col 3:23-24. What do you think God expects of you in all areas of your life including academics? [Hint: God expects His children to value instruction and to do their best, working as if they are working for Him.

 

lnvolve Them: BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL

Explain that developing good study habits is one way to honour God. Have students write at least one good study habit they would like to develop or improve and how they plan to go about it. Then split the class into groups and have teens share school related needs and then pray with their groups for these need and their plans to develop or improve their study habits.

 

lnspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (pg 23), explaining WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters, and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.

 

Ministry Activity: Discuss the students’ relationship with fellow Christians at school. Encourage them to think of these friends as family members in God’s family, who will help them to promote a good witness at school and lead unbelievers to the truth. Have them offer prayers for these friends.

 

Conclude the study by reminding students that the most important study they can undertake is the study of God’s Word. Remind them that God cares about every aspect of their lives including their struggles at school. Urge them to seek God’s help. And remind them their best is good enough.

 

Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…

1. Do students understand the importance of making the best of their school situations?
2. Are they aware of the reward of giving education their best?
3. Have they had an opportunity to pray and commit to God their school-related challenges?

 

Daily Dew Drops
Mon: Delight in the Lord – Psalm 37:4
Tue: When God Be With You – Gen 39:2-6
Wed: Commit Your Work to God – Prov 16:3
Thu: Walk in Obedience – 1 Kings 2:3
Fri: Be Your Best – Luke 16:10-11
Sat: Just Remember God – Deut 8:18

 

 

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Memory Verse: Acts 11:18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life (KJV).

Central Truth
The gospel is for all people everywhere.

The Lesson Outline
1. Evangelising Both Jews and Gentiles
A. Empowered by God’s Hand– Acts 11:19-21
B. Encouraged to Be Faithful– Acts 11:22-26

2. Persecution and Deliverance
A. James Martyred; Peter Spared–
Acts 12:1-11
B. Rejoicing and Judgement– Acts 12:12-23

3. Gentile Believers Help Jewish Believers
A. Prophesied Famine– Acts 11:27-28
B. Relief Provided– Acts 11:29-30; 12:24-25

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Learn how Gentiles came to faith in Christ though the witness of Jewish believers.

2. Share God’s desire to reach every people group for Christ.

3. Be encouraged to seek God for opportunities to cross cultural boundaries with the gospel.

*Introducing the Lesson
The Book of Acts begins with Jesus’ command for His followers at first, all Jews–to tell the world about Him.

Major themes include the extension of the gospel to non-Jewish people and the relationship of Gentile and Jewish Christians. Today’s lesson begins with Jewish believers, scattered by persecution, sharing their faith with Gentiles. They discovered that God’s promise of power was the same for every believer, not only the apostles.

*The Holy Scriptures
Acts 11:19-21,25-26
[19]Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
[20]And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
[21]And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
[25]Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
[26]And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 12:1-3,7,21,23
[1]Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
[2]And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
[3]And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
[7]And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
[21]And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
[23]And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Acts 11:27,29
[27]And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
[29]Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Acts 12:24-25
[24]But the word of God grew and multiplied.
[25]And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

1. Evangelising Both Jews and Gentiles
A. Empowered by God’s Hand–Acts 11:19-21
Acts 8:4 states that the believers driven from Jerusalem by persecution preached Christ “wherever they went (NLT).
Luke then focused on Philip and his witness to Samaria. After recording Saul’s conversion and Peter’s ministry to Cornelius, Luke returned to the witness of those scattered, who had made it all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Syrian Antioch (11:19). The capital of Syria, Antioch would be the starting point for all three of Paul’s missionary journeys.

The scattered believers spoke at first only to Jews. Many of these witnesses, although Jews, had been born and had spent their lives outside of Israel and been exposed to other peoples and cultures. Afterward they had been part of the church at Jerusalem, having accepted the gospel.

This lifetime of preparation readied them for the next step: on arrival at Antioch, they crossed the same barrier Peter had crossed earlier and began telling Gentiles about Jesus Christ (verse 20).

God was pleased with this outreach; “the hand of the Lord” was with the believers in their ministry (verse 21, KJV). “

The hand of the Lord” is a frequent biblical expression meaning God’s power or God’s Spirit, sometimes manifested miracles (Ezra 7:6,8-9; Ezekiel 1:3: 3:21-28). God did not limit His power to the witness of the apostles in the Book of Acts (Acts 6:8; 8:6; 9:17-18); nor does He do so today (see John 14:12). This display of God’s power in Antioch through ordinary disciples resulted in many committing their lives to Jesus Christ.

Questions for Applicationq
What barriers can you ask God to help you cross in your witness for Christ?

*How can the example of “ordinary” believers in Acts serve to encourage “ordinary” believers today?

*In what ways have you seen the hand of the Lord at work in your Iife?

B. Encouraged to Be Faithful–Acts 11:22-26
The news of fruitful evangelism in Antioch reached the church at Jerusalem.

Barnabas- seen earlier in generous giving, and in helping Saul toward acceptance- was sent by the church to Antioch (Acts 11:22). He rejoiced on finding the large number of Gentiles who had recently accepted Christ (verse 23).

Although we are not told the reason he was sent, Barnabas’ name, meaning “the Son of Encouragement,” suggests that his fellow disciples knew he could, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help the new believers start strong in their life in Christ (verse 24), Even so, his ministry in Antioch only began with encouragement, It also resulted in a new surge of evangelism, with many more coming to Christ.

Barnabas, knowing that the many new disciples in Antioch would require teaching, went to Tarsus to locate Saul (verse 25). Saul had been commissioned by Christ to take the gospel to the Gentiles (9:15).

He would thus spend an entire year with Barnabas teaching the Gentile converts in Antioch (11:26), This would serve as training for Saul’s Gentile missions, which began in
Acts 13.

Luke made note that Jesus’ followers were called “Christians” first in Antioch. This was likely an insult or pejorative coming at them from unbelievers. With time, however, “Christian” would become not a taunt, but a joyful designation that the children of God accepted for themselves (see 1 Peter 4:16).

Questions for Application
In what way can you encourage those who have recently accepted Christ as Saviour?

Why should the title “Christian” shape your behaviour not only publicly but privately as well ?

2. Persecution and Deliverance
A. James Martyred; Peter Spared–Acts 12:1-11
King Herod Agrippa l, grandson of Herod the Great, wanted to be seen as a devout Jew. He arrested some of the early disciples with the intention of mistreating them (Acts 12:1).

One of those arrested- then executed by the sword was the apostle James (verse 2). He and the apostle John, his brother, were two of Jesus’ earliest followers (Matthew 4:21-22). Called “Sons of Thunder by Jesus for their forceful manner, they wanted to be elevated to important positions in Christ’s kingdom (Mark 3:17, NLT; 10:35-45). Jesus emphasised, however, that greatness came by service, and that James and John would join Him in the service of suffering.

Having pleased his Jewish subjects by the death of James, Herod followed up by arresting Peter during Passover week (Acts 12:3). Likely knowing about Peter’s previous escape from prison, he took no chances, placing him under the guard of four rotating squads of four soldiers each (verse 4; see 5:1 7-20).

The turning point of the account is Acts 12:5. Although Peter situation looked hopeless especially in light of James’ martyrdom- the Church was praying “very earnestly” (NLT) or “without ceasing” (KJV) for him. The same Greek term refers to Jesus’ praying before His arrest and crucifixion (Luke 22:44).

On the eve of his trial, under heavy guard, Peter was awakened by an angel (Acts 12:6-7). Released from his bonds, Peter got dressed and followed the angel out of his cell (verses 8-9). As part of the miracle, neither the soldiers to whom he was chained, nor those who stood guard outside his cell, were aware of his departure (verse 10).

Peter himself thought that his experience with the angel was vision; only after the angel had led him into the city did he realise that he had, for the second time, been delivered from prison (verse 11). Those who celebrated the death of James would find that Peter had been rescued from the same destiny.

Questions for Application
Is It likely that the Church prayed for James, as they did for Peter? Why or why not?

How can we remember to face our challenges -both great and small by taking them before the Lord in prayer?

B. Rejoicing and Judgement– Acts 12:12-23
Peter went immediately to the home of Mary, whose son, John Mark, would later accompany Saul and Barnabas in ministry (Acts 12:12; see 13:4-5).

The sister of Barnabas (see Colossians 4:10), Mary appears to have been wealthy: her house was large enough to be a meeting place for a number of believers. Further, the fact no mention is made of John Mark’s father suggests that Mary was a widow.

Peter’s knocking at the gate was answered by Rhoda, a servant girl (Acts 12:13). The fact she recognised Peter’s voice may indicate she was also a member of the church. Surprisingly, her joyful report was met by unbelief (verses 14-15).

The disciples’ statement that Rhoda had seen Peter’s angel reflected a popular Jewish belief that each person had a guardian angel that could become visible, resembling the individual.

When finally admitted into the home, Peter testified of his rescue (verses 16-17). Although performed through an angel, Peter gave God the glory for his rescue. He wanted this experience to bolster the faith of the entire church and told those assembled to relate the good news to others.

Herod, his persecutor, had the prison guards executed for their perceived failure to hold Peter (verses 18-19). Afterward, Herod went to Caesarea. There, representatives of Tyre and Sidon sought him out to promote peaceful relations (verse 20).

Although Herod was angry with these cities, there is no indication that they were at war with him. However, their large population and limited land made it necessary for Tyre and Sidon to secure food from outside.

On the day he met with them, Herod put on a garment that historian Josephus reported was made of silver, and reflected the sunlight in a striking manner (verse 21). His listeners responded to his speech by calling his voice the voice of a god (verse 22). Herod, although desiring to be seen as a devout Jew, ignored the truth that God will not share His glory with anyone else (lsaiah 42:8). God’s judgement on Herod was instant and complete (Acts 12:23).

Questions for Application
Mary opened her home as a meeting place for the church. What resources do you have that God can use in the work of the ministry?

Compare Peter, glorifying God, to Herod, who readily accepted glory for himself. What happened to each?

3. Gentile Believers Help Jewish Believers
A. Prophesied Famine– Acts 11:27-28
During the year that Barnabas and Saul spent teaching the new believers in Antioch, prophets who arrived from Jerusalem joined them (Acts 11:27).

The term “prophet” throughout Scripture is used for individuals who spoke for God. Their purpose was to declare what God had revealed to them, whether regarding the future or His truth regarding the present. Prophets along with others who equip and build up the Church, have been given to the body of Christ by Christ himself (see Ephesians 4:11-13). Prophecy itself is a spiritual gift to be exercised for that benefit of the Church as God’s Spirit empowers (see Romans 12:6: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

A prophet named Agabus, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, foretold that a sweeping famine would affect the entire Roman world (Acts 11:28). Luke, the author of Acts, noted that this prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius Caesar (AD 41-54). The historian Josephus recorded that Judea suffered famine during the reign of Claudius in which many died.

Questions for Application
How can a church make room for the ministry of prophecy, whether by prophets or by others in the body of Christ?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1. Why is it vital to test prophecies?

B. Relief Provided– Acts 11:29-30: 12:24-25
The believers in Antioch took little time in their response to the message delivered through Agabus.

The record of their giving, “every man acoording to his ability” (Acts 11:29, KV), llustrates an important principle taught by Jesus himself. In comparing the giving of the rich to the giving of a poor widow-as observed one day by Him and His disciples Jesus said that the widow had given more than all of the rich together (Luke 21:1-4). In the same way, God sees the giving of each believer and is alone qualified to judge the level of sacrifice each has made for Him. Acts 11:30 records that the Christians of Antioch relayed their gifts to their fellow believers by sending them with Barnabas and Saul to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. The involvement of mature Christian leadership in this act of benevolence helped ensure the integrity of their ministry of giving (see 2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

Luke recorded that after the death of Herod-who failed to give God the glory when others called his voice “the voice of a god, not of a man” (Acts 12:22)- the word of the true God “continued to spread, and there were many new believers” (verse 24, NLT). The love of God spread as well, displayed in the generous giving of the Christians in Ăntioch toward those in Judea.

Having delivered the gift entrusted to them, Saul and Barnabas returned to Antioch, with Barnabas’ nephew, John Mark (verse 25).

Questions for Application
If God alone can judge the level of your giving, how should knowing that affect how you give?

What can happen if money is handled in a church in a way that lacks purity and integrity?

How can believers and churches helping one another materially serve as a witness to the world?

Call to Discipleship
Believers who want to grow deep in their faith in Christ cannot ignore His mandate to share the saving message of His life, death, and resurrection with the entire world.

Each person who has accepted Christ was reached by someone who obeyed Jesus’ command to reach every creature for Him (see Mark 16:15).

At times this involves moving beyond culture and even prejudice to reach others unlike us. Believers must face the reasons they avoid extending the love and truth of Jesus Christ across Cultural boundaries, and ask God to help them move beyond these obstacles for Him. Those who yield to God in this way will find that the One who empowers them will work with them for the gospel every step of the way.

Ministry in Action
Examine your heart for dis-comfort around others that may indicate poor attitudes or prejudices and trust God to help you overcome them.

Pray that God would empower you to witness to whomever you encounter in your daily life this week.

Look for opportunities to cross cultural boundaries with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

 

 

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PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

CRMNuggets is committed to fact-checking in a fair, transparent and non-partisan manner. Therefore, if you’ve found an error in any of our reports, be it factual, editorial, or an outdated post, please contact us to tell us about it.

 

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OUR VISION

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Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 1:15 – This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief (KJV).

Central Truth:
Anyone who repents and believes in Christ will be saved.

 

INTRODUCING THE LESSON

Saul’s journey begins with strict adherence to the Jewish law. As he continued, he heard about Jesus, considered Him a threat to the proper exercise of Jewish religion; he committed himself to stamping out the mention of Jesus’ name. Saul’s journey came to a stop as he travelled to Damascus to persecute believers. Suddenly, from heaven, the direction of his life’s journey would be forever changed.

LESSON OUTLINE
1. PERSECUTOR OF CHRISTIANS

A. Searching, Arresting, Imprisoning –
Acts 7:58; 8:3; 9:1-2; 22:4, 19-20
B. Opposing The Name Of Jesus –
Acts 26:9-11.

2. APPREHENDED BY CHRIST
A. A Persecutor Made Helpless – Acts 9:3-9
B. Helped By Ananias – Acts 9:10-18.

3. TRANSFORMED BY JESUS
A. Before And After – Acts 9:19-25
B. Meeting The Church At Jerusalem – Acts 9:26-31.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain the story of Saul’s conversion from enemy to apostle of Jesus Christ.

2. Rejoice in the power of God to save even the hardest of sinners.

3. Trust God to work through them to reach many for Christ.

The Holy Scriptures
Acts 9:1-2
[1]And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2]And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Acts 22:4
[4]And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Acts 26:11
[11]And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Acts 9:3-6,17-18,20,26
[3]And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
[4]And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
[5]And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6]And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
[17]And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18]And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
[20]And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
[26]And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

Commentary and Application

1. PERSECUTOR OF CHRISTIANS

A. Searching, Arresting, Imprisoning– Acts 7:58; 8:3; 9:1-2; 22:4,19-20
Many readers have divided the Book of Acts into the story of two main characters. The apostle Peter and his ministry dominate chapters 1 through 12; the apostle Paul, chapters 13 through 28. However, the first mention of Paul, here called Saul, occurs before he became a Christian. In Acts 7:58, Saul was a young man guarding the clothes of those who stoned Stephen-outer garments they had taken off for freedom of movement as they performed this wicked act (see Acts 22:20).

Saul immediately became the central figure in the persecution of the Church, systematically seeking out believers in each house and synagogue (Acts 8:3; 22:19). While taking a more active role in the Church than they had in Judaism, believing women also became targets for bitter persecution (Acts 9:2: 22:4). Luke wrote “men and women” repeatedly, highlighting Saul’s cruelty regardless of gender.

 

Acts 9:1 further describes Saul’s cruelty, as he was “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” (KJV). His cruelty did not end with seeking out, arresting, and imprisoning believers. He also beat them, and sought to bring them back to Jerusalem, where they could be tried by the Sanhedrin and sentenced to death (verse 2; 26:10).

For the first time, in Acts 9:2, the experience of knowing and following Christ is referred to as “the Way” (NLT). Jesus referred to himself in John 14:6 as “the way, the truth, and the life. Calling Christians those of “the Way”‘ may have originated in the saying of Christ, or perhaps in His teaching that eternal life can be entered only by those who follow the “narrow” way (Matthew 7:14).

Questions for Application

Why was Paul so obsessed with capturing and persecuting believers?

How can you respond in love-and in truth-to those who claim there is more than one way to salvation?

 Opposing the Name of Jesus–Acts 26:9-11*
In Acts 26, Saul explained his lifelong commitment to God to King Herod Agrippa. Accused by the Jews of words and actions against the Law and temple, Paul pointed to his history of strict observance of the Law and faith in the future resurrection of the dead (verses 4-8).

The centre of Saul’s controversy with his fellow Jews was the identity and authority of Jesus Christ. Saul explained that his earlier
understanding of God’s requirements had led him to oppose the name of Jesus (verse 9). From
the beginning of the Church, salvation had been preached in His name alone (see 4:12), bringing heated opposition from Jews who did not accept this message. Saul, among that number, imprisoned Christian believers in Jerusalem (26:10).

Paul also testified that he cast his vote against believers. We have no clear evidence that Saul was a member of the Jewish ruling body the Sanhedrin, so his vote may have been in a trial that was held in the synagogue prior to a trial by the Sanhedrin.

In his violence against believers. Saul attempted to make them “blaspheme” (verse 11, KJV). Cursing God’s name was punishable by death (see Leviticus 24:10- 16). However, this verse may indicate that Saul was attempting to get Christians “to curse Jesus, their Messiah” (see Acts 26:11, NLT).

Saul’s obsession with those who followed Christ caused him to travel even to foreign cities in his pursuit of them. On one such journey his life would be changed forever.

Questions for Application

Can a person be sincere in attempting to serve God, yet be wrong about what pleases Him?
Explain.

In what ways does faith in Christ separate those who have accepted Him from those who have not?

Họw do you suppose Saul (Paul) looked back on his actions after his conversion?

 

2. Apprehended by Christ

A. A Persecutor Made Helpless– Acts 9:3-9
With written authorisation from the high priest, Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Christ; but the Christ he opposed arrested him first. Acts 9:3 states that “a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him” (NLT). God’s sudden, surprising light in Saul’s life would have a permanent impact much like His sudden sound did on the Church on the Day of Pentecost (see 2:2). Saul fell to the ground at the supernatural visitation (9:4; see also Daniel 8:17).

A voice from heaven called Saul by name, and asked, “Why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4, NLT). In keeping with Jewish tradition, Saul likely thought the voice was divine; still, he asked, “Who are you, lord?” (verse 5, NLT). After all that Saul had believed and done, he heard, “l am Jesus, the one you are persecuting” (verse 5, NLT). Christ’s body is the Church. Later, Saul would write extensively about what it meant for the Church as a whole, and for each individual believer, to be identified this way (1 Corinthians 12:27). For now, Saul was discovering the truth that any action against any follower of Christ is an action against Christ
himself.

Jesus’ appearance to Saul was not primarily a reprimand it was a calling. He ordered Saul to continue to Damascus for further orders (Acts 9:6). His companions, not having seen Jesus, did not know what had happened to Saul (verse 7). What they did know was that this relentless persecutor of the Church was now blind, and needed to be led by the hand into the city (verses 8-9).

Questions for Application
List several reasons why it was important that Saul was accompanied by others on his way to Damascus.

How should the relationship between Christ and His body encourage you as you face opposition for being a Christian?

B. Helped by Ananias– Acts 9:10-18
In Luke’s writings–Luke’s Gospel and the Book of Acts–prayer is often seen in conjunction with visions (see also Luke 1:8-11,22; Acts 10:9-16). Saul was likely reflecting on his experiences on the Damascus Road as he prayed, and asking for forgiveness and guidance.

In response, he received a vision of someone named Ananias helping
restore his physical sight (verses 11-12).

Mentioned only here and in Saul’s later testimony, Ananias was a disciple of Jesus living in Damascus (verse 10; 22:11-16). Ananias also had a vision, in which Jesus gave him specific directions about visiting and healing Saul (9:9-12).

Even so, Ananias at first argued with Christ; Saul had done great harm to the church in Jerusalem and was authorised to arrest Christian believers, including those in Damascus (verses 13-14).

The Lord responded in a way entirely unexpected by Ananias. The chief persecutor of Christians would become His “chosen instrument” to carry the gospel both to Gentiles and Jews (verse 15, NLT). Further, this honoured status would not make him immune to persecution; Jesus affirmed that Saul would suffer greatly for His name (verse 16).

Ananias obeved the divine direction and found the house of Judas on Straight Street. Leaving no doubt, he announced that the Lord Jesus had sent him to bring about Saul’s healing, and to help him receive the Holy Spirit (verse 17). The laying on of hands for physical healing and for receiving the Holy Spirit occurs repeatedly in the New Testament (e.g. Luke 4:40; Acts 19:6).

Saul was immediately healed, and baptised in water (verse 18). The details of his Spirit baptism are not recorded here; but Paul later testifies to the Corinthians, “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you” (1 Corinthians 14:18, NLT), indicating he had been Spirit-baptised.

Questions for Application
How can believers maintain openness to God’s supernatural guidance, including visions?

Why is it important to test supernatural experiences by the written Word of God?

Ananias was an ordinary believer who is mentioned only twice in Acts. How can this encourage those who believe they are too “ordinary” to be used by God?

3. Transformed by Christ
A. Before and After—Acts 9:19-25
Saul was blinded in his encounter with Jesus Christ. He also stopped eating and drinking (Acts 9:9). He may have lost all desire for nourishment, or voluntarily begun a period of fasting to seek God to understand what had happened to him (see Daniel 10:12-14). After his healing and encouragement from Ananias, Saul ate again and was strengthened (Acts 9:19).

 

Immediately he began to proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God (verses 20-22). Jesus made the same claim at His trial. His accusers charged Him with blasphemy, punishable by death (Matthew 26:62-67).]

 

Saul’s listeners were astonished. They had fully expected him to carry out his mission of arresting disciples and taking them back to the chief priests in Jerusalem (Acts 9:21). However, in the same way that onlookers witnessed great physical miracles of healing and judgement in the Book of Acts, they were witnessing the spiritual miracle of Saul’s transformation from opponent of the faith to one who argued conclusively that Jesus is the Messiah (verse 22).

 

Saul’s powerful preaching brought opposition from those who did not believe; they banded together to kill him (verses 23-24). However, other believers rescued him by lowering him in a basket to the ground outside the city wall (verse 25).

 

Questions for Application

How can fasting-voluntarily abstaining from food-help us focus on God?

How is Jesus’ identity as the Messiah-the One anointed by God central to the gospel?

Why is it important for nonbelievers to see both miracles of physical healing, and miracles of lives turned entirely around?

B. Meeting the Church at Jerusalem–Acts 9:26-31

After three years, Saul went to Jerusalem to try to join himself in fellowship to some of the earliest Christian converts (Acts 9:26; see Galatians 1:18). His last appearance there was marked by violent persecution of the Church; not surprisingly, they feared he was masquerading as a disciple to bring them harm.

 

Saul, however, found a friend in Barnabas, a Levite from the island of Cyprus. Also called Joses or Joseph, the apostles called him “Barnabas,” meaning “Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36, NLT).

 

Having heard what Saul had experienced in his conversion, and how he had testified of Christ in Damascus, Barnabas took Saul to the apostles and shared this report (9:27).

 

This gave Saul opportunity to preach at Jerusalem as he had at Damascus (verses 28-29). This brought him into conflict with Hellenistic Jews (Jews who had adopted Greek language and culture). Again, his life was threatened; and believers in Jerusalem sent him to Tarsus, his birthplace (verse 30).

 

Luke concluded this section of the Book of Acts with a broad Summary statement about the state of the Church, now spread “throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria (verse 31, NLT). A lull in persecution resulted in a time of peace; believers grew spiritually: and the entire Church grew numerically with the help of the Holy Spirit.

 

Questions for Application
List the ways you can be an encourager of others who believe in Christ.

Barnabas was a bridge-builder between Saul and the earlier apostles. How can his action of introduction serve as a model for us today?

 

Call to Discipleship

The Bible states many times that nothing is impossible for God. One proof that He provides is the dramatic turnaround in the life of Saul (Paul). Christians can be encouraged to believe God for great things as they reflect on the story of Saul, and on the many other marvellous works God did in and through the Early Church. Are there individuals who reject the gospel, regardless of how it is presented?

 

Are there cities where it has been difficult to establish a church? Are there entire countries where sinfulness is praised as something good? God is able to change these situations for His glory, as we pray, put our trust in Him, and commit ourselves to working with Him.

 

 

Ministry in Action

ldentify people you know who need God’s power to save, heal, and transform.

Commit yourself to daily prayer for God to move in their lives and in yours. Make yourself available to God to be part of the answer to your prayers.

 

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