-An Essential Ingredient To a Miraculous Ministry.
In Matthew 4:18-25, we discover that the Lord did no miracles until he had settled with Satan. You must have victory over Satan before you can move on to a miraculous ministry. You have to conquer Satan. In Matthew 4:11 Jesus Christ dealt with Satan in the wilderness and got victory over him.
In other words, before he began his miraculous ministry, Jesus had gotten victory over Satan. The following are the steps that Jesus took to his miraculous ministry
Baptism in water
This represents our own conversion and baptism in water. Jesus needed not to repent because he never sinned.
Holy Spirit Baptism
As He was coming out of the water after being baptised in water, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit came upon hin and he was baptized in the Holy Spirit. This represent our baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is the same spirit tha baptized Jesus Christ that baptized us.
He fasted and had over Satan
The Holy Spirit directed Him to the wilderness after fasting for 40 days and 40 nights to be tempted by Satan. This implies that the disciple must have his flesh crucified. Also, if there is a need for deliverance, the disciple must undergo deliverance. The disciple also must be sanctified in order to live a life of holiness. After these 3 steps, miracles can then begin to follow your ministry.
All the miracles Jesus performed were related to the temptations He overcame in the wilderness. There are three major temptations the devil brought before Him.
For example;
1.) In Matthew 4:3-4, the devil had told the Lord to satisfy his fleshly desire by turning stones to become bread, and the Lord declined. In Matthew 14:13-21, the same Jesus who refused to turn stones to bread was able to multiply 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed multitudes.
2.) In Matthew 4:5-7, the devil asked the Lord to defy the laws of nature by jumping down from the pinnacle of the temple. This particular law of nature was the law of gravity. Our Lord Jesus refused, he passed the exam.
But in Matthew 14:22-23, the same law of gravity was set aside when Jesus had to walk on water to meet his disciples on the other side of the shore. There is a link between the temptation to defy the law of gravity and Jesus’ walking on water.
3) In Matthew 4:8-10 the devil asked Jesus Christ to worship him. The Bible tells us that the devil was the one who had power over death. The one who had power over death said to Jesus bow down and worship me’ Jesus said ‘No way’.
But in John 11:41-44, when the time came for Jesus to raise Lazarus from dead. Because he had not bowed down to the power of death he was able to defeat death When Jesus Christ called Lazarus to come out of the tomb he simply said ‘Lazarus, come forth’. He did not say ‘death leave my friend alone’ He ignored death.
Later on, Satan through Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from dying for us. In Matthew 26: 39,42, Jesus yielded to His Father’s will. Jesus Christ gained complete and perfect victory and control over Satan because he did His Father’s will in dying for us and was raised from the dead.
According to Hebrews 2:14-15, because Jesus tasted death for every man, He is able to deliver those who are in the bondage of fear and death. Revelation 1:18 tells us that Jesus not only defeated Satan by submission to His Father’s perfect will which cost Him his life but took all authority from Satan. For he said that He now has the keys of death and of Hell. He is the one who was dead but is now alive forever more, Amen. He has the keys of death and of hell. A key is a symbol of authority.
Matthew 28:18, says that all power in heaven and on earth has been given unto Him. This means all authority, all ‘ecclesia’ (Greek) has been given unto him. This is why Philipians 2: 8-11 is forever settled. This speaks of how God highly exalted Jesus, giving Him a name that is above every other names, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, both things in heaven, under the heaven and beneath the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
In Luke 13:11-16, we see that because the Lord refused to submit to Satan, Jesus was able all the time to command Satan to loose all his victims. If he had submitted to Satan, he would have become the slave of Satan and a slave cannot command his master. That is why in John 8:36 the Bible says that whosoever the Son shall set free shall be free indeed. Jesus gives physical and spiritual freedom.
Before Jesus was able to perform all these miracles, He had to conquer Satan first, which he did. He conquered him for the masses. He conquered him over the question of gravity and so could push aside the law of gravity by walking on water. He refused to bow down to the one who had the power of death and was able to raise the dead anytime he wanted to. And because he is not a slave to Satan, he could command the devil to loose all his captives.
The question now is ‘what about we disciples? The Bible says that our victory has been handed over to us by Christ. According to Romans 4:7-8; 5:1-2; 4:24-25, the Bible makes it clear that we can claim all the victory that Jesus won by faith, because He is our champion. And if your champion wins you have won, if he loses you have lost.
The Bible also tells us in Colossians 2:10-15 that we are complete in Christ. Through him and through His blood we are complete. We have a direct link with the Almighty God. In other words, I can tell satan that I am a victor because my Captain has defeated him, likewise I have defeated him.
In 1 Peter 3:18, the Bible says:
“For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened in the spirit.
He has already suffered for our sins. As many of us that have received him and are washed in his blood, we have already been brought into direct contact with God.
Anytime you want to perform a miracle and the devil questions your authority and ability, tell him that by the special grace of God, you have won the same victory that Jesus Christ won. The three steps he took before he performed these miracles have also been taken by you. You are born again and baptised in the same spirit that baptised Jesus, and you have overcome the devil because your captain overcame him.
His victory is your victory, so you can begin to perform miracles in Jesus’ name.
Action Point
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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.
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“And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of E-li-jah? And when he also had smitten the water, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.”
This is the story of where Elisha stood by River Jordan, and with the mantle of Elijah he smote the river and asked “Where is the God of Elijah?” God answered him and said “Here I am my son, by your side.”
In John 14:16-18, we see a comparison between us and our Lord Jesus Christ, just as Elijah had a mantle which he handed over to Elisha and it was a visible mantle. The Lord Jesus Christ told us that our own mantle which we are going to collect from him is an invisible one but is more powerful and more enduring because it is the Holy Spirit. He said that we will get the Holy Spirit after he has gone; just as Elisha got the mantle after Elijah left.
In 2 Kings 2:15, when the mantle of Elijah fell on Elisha, it transferred the spirit of Elijah unto Elisha.
In Acts 1:8, when the Holy Ghost falls on us, it is the Spirit of Christ that falls on us which means we now have our mantle in the form of the Holy Spirit. You will discover that Jordan parted for Elisha because the mantle of Elijah was with him.
“As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”
In 1 Kings 17: 1, you discover that Elijah had the fantastic power that he had because God was with him. He said:
“As the Lord God liveth before whom I stand, there shall be no rain, nor dew until I call for it:”
The basis of the power of Elijah was that God was with him. Now the power of Elisha was directly proportional to that of Elijah. As a matter of fact in 2 Kings 2: 9, Elisha asked for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. In other words, the power of Elisha doubled that of Elijah.
The power of Elijah was because God was with Elijah. In Acts 10:38, we discover that our Lord Jesus Christ was with power because God was with Him. This verse says: “How God anointed Jesus Christ of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.”
The source of the power of our Lord Jesus Christ was because God was with Him. Jesus is our own Elijah, it follows then that our own power is also directly proportional to that of Christ Jesus who is our leader and brother because Jesus is the first born of our Father. He is the Head of a supernatural generation. This is clearly stated in Colossians 1:15-18. The same Spirit that indwelled him also indwells us. He said himself that the works that he did we also will do. He even went further to say ‘greater works than those He did shall we do’, just as Elisha did greater works than those of Elijah.
You will notice in 1 Kings 18:40-46, Elijah defeated the devil on Mount Carmel and after that, he called for the showers of blessing, which a period of draught to flood. Our own Elijah, Jesus Christ in Matthew 4:1-11 defeated the devil in the wilderness. Almost immediately after that, he was invited to a wedding in Galilee in John 2:1-11. There he brought in joy, relief, abundance, by changing water to wine. He changed the emptiness of the people to fulfillment. He changed the shame of the people to glory; their defeat to victory.
What Elijah did was what Elisha continued. Likewise we are also to continue what the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘Our Elijah’ did on earth. By the power of the Holy Spirit we are to change sorrow to joy, defeat to victory by bringing people to Jesus Christ. We are to turn their emptiness to fulfillment, we are to bring them into a period of abundance and relief but this can be done not by power, nor by might but only by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our own mantle. We must ask God to drop His mantle afresh upon us.
Action Point
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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.
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According to Colossians 2:3, all the wisdom, knowledge and ability needed to be creative are embedded in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is residing in you, so all you need to become a creator resides in you. For example, the knowledge of all Jesus Christ had done is in you. According to Acts 10:38, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and power and he went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed by the devil because God was with Him.
You also know what He is doing now. Right now, He is interceding for you at the right hand of God. He is highly committed to your welfare.
You also know what He can do through you in particular. Because according to Philippians 4:13, you cart do all things through Christ that strengthens you. You know that through you Christ can do anything.
You also know what He plans to do this year by the revelation of His word to you or your leaders.
You also know who you are, according to 1 John 3:1, you are a child of God. The Bible says:
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
You also know what you can be. 1 John 3:2 says:
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:
In addition to all this, you have the wisdom to utilise this knowledge. Because all wisdom, all knowledge, all power are embedded in Christ and Christ is dwelling in you. According to Romans 1:20-22, it is clear that darkness is ignorance. It is ignorance both physically and spiritually. Darkness and ignorance go together. I John 1:5 says that our God is total light, there is no darkness in Him. In other words, God’s knowledge and wisdom are total. There is no trace of darkness or ignorance in him. Therefore all the knowledge you need to be creative is inside of you. All the wisdom you need to create is likewise in you.
HOW CAN I BECOME A CREATOR?
Anyone who is not doing something for God, who is not productive or fruitful, might be cut down like a fruitless tree. Start something for Jesus Christ. You are a creator, you ought to create.
According to Colossians 1:19; 2:6-10, it is sin to rely on sense knowledge when you have the entire power of God lieing in you. God is dwelling in you in all wisdom, in all power, in all ability and in all knowledge. Why do you want to rely on your senses.
Starting something however, does not mean breaking out of your church in rebellion. You could start a house fellowship in your house, under your church. It can even grow and become a branch of your church. Don’t become a rebel. You can work for God within your church.
WHAT CAN I CREATE?
Can I create new eyes for the blind? Or bones for the lame? Or a new womb for the barren? According to John 16:14, the Holy Spirit will guide you. John 14:26, he will also teach you all that you need to know.
In Ephesians 3:14-20, the Bible says,
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
This is the prayer that Paul prayed for believers. I am also praying for you, that the purpose of God for your life shall be fulfilled in Jesus’ Name.
SUPERNATURAL BEING
What do we mean by supernatural being? Every disciple is supposed to be a supernatural being because they are filled with the Holy Ghost and power. They also have the support and backing of God the Father, God the Son. And God the Holy Spirit. Therefore from now on you are to live as a supernatural being.
In John 11:41-42 when Jesus wanted to raise Lazarus from the dead, we find that the faith of Jesus was based on the fact that God was constantly with him. He said,
Father, I know that you always hear me. He didn’t say that God may hear him.
That is why Jesus said, with God all things are possible God is in you, so with God in you all things are also possible for you. You too can say as Jesus said ‘Father I know you always hear me. God is right inside of you.
Before you even begin to pray He has already heard you God was always with Jesus. That is why he prayed in Matthew 26:39, 42 saying:
“… O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”
He was referring here to the cup of separation between himself and God on the cross as he carried the sin of the World. This was to be so because the eyes of God are too holy to behold iniquity.
That single separation on the cross made him cry My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me.’ Matthew 27:46. This was the cup that Jesus feared.
But the Almighty God has promised to never leave nor forsake you; that there will never be a brief separation between yourself and him. That is why God said in Isaiah 65:24 that before you call He will answer.
That is a promise from someone who can never lie. The Bible says in Isaiah 65:24,
“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”
There is no reason then for us to be uncreative because all we need to do is to tell him that we want to create something, and be productive.
Tell Him to let you know what to create and how to create it. He will answer you.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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The offspring of a dog is a dog. Also, the offspring of a goat is a goat. There is no way the son of a snake will be a bird. It therefore follows that the son of a Creator is a Creator. The Lord Jesus Christ said to Paul on the road to Damascus that He and His disciples are one. In Acts 9:1-5. He said:
“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 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.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and there shined round about him a light from Heaven; And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
“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.”
‘ME’ here is referring to His Disciples. This means that the disciples and the Master are one.
DISCIPLES HAVE DIVINE NATURE
The disciples have the same nature with the Divine One. 2 Peter 1: 3-4 says that we are partakers of the divine nature. In John 1:4 talking about Jesus, the Bible says: ‘In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.’ The divine nature is life, and we as disciples being one with Him have the divine nature because we have the same life as Jesus Christ.
In John 8:12, Jesus said: “…, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
In other words, the divine nature is light.
In Matthew 5: 14 Jesus told the disciples that;
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”
That is to say that Jesus and his disciples are one, and both possess the divine nature. The disciples of Christ have the nature of light. As soon as you have the nature of God, then creative ability follows.
In Genesis 1: 3, 6, 11 you discover that the first thing God said was ‘Let there be light’ God first created light before creating any other thing. The divine nature which is light must first be in you before you can stand as the son of the creator of all things in creation. The power to create is already in everyone that is born again because once you are born again and a disciple, the nature of Christ is in you, and according to Ephesians 3: 20, the Bible says God can do exceedingly above that which we can ask or think according to the power that works in us.
The Power that God will use to do great and mighty things is already embedded in us. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the power to create.
HOW DO WE CREATE?
Hebrews 11:3 makes it clear that everything that was created was created by the spoken word. God spoke and it was so! If your words begin to move the same way the word of God moves, then you are on the way to creation. As a disciple, as soon as you were born again, you discovered that your language changed. Negative exclamation like ‘Oh my oh my’ now changed to ‘Glory to God’. Immediately you become born again, one of the first things that will be affected is your language – the words of your mouth. Everything now becomes new as the Bible says in 2Corinthians 5:17.
WHY MUST A DISCIPLE BE A CREATOR?
The Almighty is a wise leader. Corinthians 3:7-9 says that our Father works by delegation of duties. For example in the Garden of Eden after God had created all things, he called on Adam it is time for you too to do some work. All the animals will be named by you’. God could have named the animals by Himself but He chose to delegate duties to His people.
In John 15:1-5, Jesus said that He is the Vine and His Father is the husbandman and we the disciples are the branches. This infers that we, the branches, also must be creators, because the vine carries the branches and the Husbandman keeps the vine but it is the branches that bear the fruit. In other words, God distributes work. Jesus Christ will carry us, we are to bear fruits and God the Father backs up His Son.
In 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, we discover that we already have the things needed for creation (power and wisdom). We have because Jesus Christ is the power and wisdom of God. He is the power of God to bring to pass what God wants done, and the wisdom of God to make sure that what is created is the right thing.
Wisdom plays a very important role in creation. The fact that God is in power does not mean we can do just about anything, we need wisdom to know what exactly to create. Creating a four-headed cow will be senseless when you could get four cows each with a separate head.
When you create, it must be with wisdom and backed with power. Both wisdom and power have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:13 says;
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
When you are creating something, for example, in building a house, the first thing is that there must be a desire for something pleasant within you. Also there must be a plan. This also comes from within. Strong determination to carry out the plan is also needed and it comes from within. The power to back the will up also comes from within. The Bible now says that it is God who works within us to do all these things.
Ephesians 3:16 says, the spirit of the Almighty God in us strengthens us. This is where the ability to do a thing comes from. All the things needed to create are given to us in Colossians 1: 9-11,
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
Knowledge:
Whenever you want to do something, you need knowledge. For example, you need to know the type of foundation to construct for a storey building or a bungalow depending on the choice of house you want to build. You must also know the strength of the materials to be used.
Wisdom:
You also have need of wisdom to wisely use the materials you have appropriately. For example, you need to know the correct measure and ratio of sand and cement to make concrete for the building.
Understanding:
You also need to understand how the materials work together to give the desired result
Strength:
You must have the strength to carry out the plan.
Patience:
Patience is needed until the final result is achieved. The foundation cannot be rushed. It must be solidified before anything can be built on it.
Long suffering:
Whatever it will take, you must keep on and not quit until the final result is achieved.
Joyfulness:
You should rejoice in the Lord always. His joy must be your strenght.
All these things and more have been given unto us. In Colossians 1: 9-11, the bible says,
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God”
In addition to knowledge, wisdom and understanding, you must also increase in good works.
Verse 11 says that: “…You will be Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
These are the things you need to create; knowledge, wisdom, understanding, strength, patience, longsuffering, joyfulness.
These are all available to the disciples.
Whatever it is that you are going to create, it must be done with joy so that you can do it to the end.
Psalms 100: 2 says;
“serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing.”
That is what you need to do as a disciple.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
MEMORY VERSE: “And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?” – 2 Kings 7:3 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Kings 7:1-5 (KJV)
1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.
2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.
5 And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: In Bible times, people suffering from skin diseases like leprosy were treated as outcasts. There was no cure for the disease, which gradually left a person disfigured through loss of fingers, toes, and eventually limbs. It is, therefore, surprising and challenging how God decided to use these categories of people to bring relief to the nation of Israel during the famine, despite their limitations (1 Corinthians 1:27).
LESSON OUTLINES:
LIVING ABOVE LIMITATIONS
LESSONS TO LEARN
1. LIVING ABOVE LIMITATIONS
Limitations are obstacles on our way to the fulfilment of God’s plans and purposes for our lives. These can come from various sources: spiritual (Daniel 10:12-13), human misdeeds or errors (2 Samuel 4:4), natural occurrences (Exodus 14:10), afflictions (Exodus 3:7), etc. In our Bible passage, 2 Kings 7:1-5, leprosy confined and restricted the purpose of these men’s living because lepers were treated as outcasts; they stayed outside the camp (Numbers 5:2-3), could not live among their brethren (Leviticus 13:45-46), and stayed at the entering of the gate (2 Kings 7:3).
We are bound to encounter setbacks, even as Christians: being Christians does not exempt us from the challenges of life (Jeremiah 1:19). The good news is that God has assured us of being more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). However, we have a lot to learn from the case of the lepers in 2 Kings 7:1-5, who asked themselves a fundamental question “Why sit we here until we die?”
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share any experience where they succeeded in spite of difficulties.
2. LESSONS TO LEARN
Unity: The lepers were united. Unity is strength and it is easy to accomplish a feat when we are unified (Amos 3:3; Psalms 133:1-3).
Purposefullness: They were determined to achieve their goal and this helped them to conquer their fears despite their condition (2 Kings 7:4; Daniel 1:8).
Understanding: They were able to analyse and interpret the situation they found themselves in. This informed the decision they made and there was no strife amongst them (Proverbs 20:3).
Daring: They were audacious. They made up their mind to go to the camp of the enemy irrespective of the odds (Esther 4:16; 2 Kings 7:4).
Resolute: Twilight is a period of obscurity or haziness but the lepers were not deterred. Even in this period of uncertainty, they still went ahead with their plans. Do not give up on your dreams (2 Kings 7:5a, Daniel 3:15-18).
Saving Culture: Do not eat with “10 fingers!” After eating to the full they still kept some behind. Savings is important to grow big (2 Kings 7:8; Proverbs 21:20).
Compassion: They rebuked themselves and went to report their findings to the king’s household so that everyone could benefit from the booty (2 Kings 7:9; 1 Peter 3:8).
Stop Procrastinating: Immediately they decided to tell the porter of the city their discovery they followed it with a decisive step. They did what they thought in their mind (Proverbs 13:4; 2Kings 7:10a).
Share Information: They did not wholly withhold information about all that they saw at the Syrian camp. They took the good news to the right source; the king (Hebrews 13:16; 2 Kings 7:10).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should mention other lessons that can be learned from the lepers other than the ones stated above.
CONCLUSION: As believers, we must see beyond our limitations and fulfil our purpose (Philippians 4:13).
QUESTIONS:
Mention three sources of limitation.
Mention two lessons believers can learn from the four lepers.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five people in the Bible who overcame their limitations and fulfilled their destinies. (2×5=10 marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to turn my weakness into strength as I learn from the four lepers
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?” – 2 Kings 7:3 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Kings 7:1-5 (KJV)
1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.
2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.
5 And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: In Bible times, people suffering from skin diseases like leprosy were treated as outcasts. There was no cure for the disease, which gradually left a person disfigured through loss of fingers, toes, and eventually limbs. It is, therefore, surprising and challenging how God decided to use these categories of people to bring relief to the nation of Israel during the famine, despite their limitations (1 Corinthians 1:27).
LESSON AIM: To teach students lessons from the biblical four lepers.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to: a. Understand that one can live above limitations. b. Know practical values that can help one to live above limitations.
TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:
a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignment. b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, and mark attendance and assignment. c. Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignment to the students.
TEXT REVIEW: 2 Kings 7:1-5.
A. In this passage, Prophet Elisha prophesying concerning the famine experience in Samaria says: i. Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel. V1a. ii. And two measures ………………………..….V1b.
B. But a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said: i. Behold, if the LORD would ……………….V2a. ii. And Elisha said, Behold, thou shalt see ………..………………V2b.
C. Meanwhile, there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? V3. i. If we say ……..…….……………………V4a. ii. Now therefore come, and let us fall …………V4b. iii. And they rose up save ………………..……..V5a. iv. And when they were come to …………..V5b.
LESSON OUTLINES:
LIVING ABOVE LIMITATIONS
LESSONS TO LEARN
1. LIVING ABOVE LIMITATIONS
A. Teachers should explain the meaning of limitations as: i. Obstacles on our way to the fulfilment of God’s plans and purposes for our lives especially as Christians. ii. Setbacks, stagnations, and losing out in the battles of life.
B. The sources of limitations may include but are not limited to: i. Spiritual (Daniel 10:12-13). ii. Human misdeeds or errors (2 Samuel 4:4). iii. Natural occurrences (Exodus 14:10). iv. Afflictions (Exodus 3:7).
C. In our Bible passage – 2 Kings 7:1-5, leprosy (among other diseases) confined and restricted the purpose for living of some men: i. These lepers were treated as outcasts; they stayed outside the camp (Numbers 5:2-3). ii. They could not live among their brethren (Leviticus 13:45-46). iii. They were confounded to the entering of the gate (2 Kings 7:3; Luke 17:12).
D. We are bound to have challenges as Christians (Jeremiah 1:19). i. The good news is that God has assured us of being more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). ii. However, we have a lot to learn from the case of the lepers in 2 Kings 7:1-5, who asked themselves a fundamental question “Why sit we here until we die?”
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share any experience where they succeeded in spite of difficulties.
2. LESSONS TO LEARN
The teacher should ask the students to mention the lessons that can be learned from the actions of the four lepers. He/she should then explain the lessons as follows:
Unity: The lepers were united. Unity is strength and it is easy to accomplish a feat when we are unified (Amos 3:3; Psalm 133:1-3).
Purposefulness: They were determined to achieve their goal and this helped them to conquer their fears despite their condition (2 Kings 7:4; Daniel 1:8).
Understanding: They were able to analyse and interpret the situation they found themselves in. This informed the decision they made and there was no strife amongst them (Proverbs 20:3).
Daring: They were audacious. They made up their mind to go to the camp of the enemy irrespective of the odds (Esther 4:16; 2 Kings 7:4).
Resolute: Twilight is a period of obscurity or haziness but the lepers were not deterred. Even in this period of uncertainty, they still went ahead with their plans. Do not give up on your dreams (2 Kings 7:5a, Daniel 3:15-18).
Saving Culture: Do not eat with “10 fingers!” After eating to the full they still kept some behind. Savings is important to grow big (2 Kings 7:8; Proverbs 21:20).
Compassion: They rebuked themselves and went to report their findings to the king’s household so that everyone could benefit from the booty (2 Kings 7:9; 1 Peter 3:8).
Stop Procrastinating: Immediately they decided to tell the porter of the city their discovery they followed it with a decisive step. They did what they thought in their mind (Proverbs 13:4; 2 Kings 7:10a).
Share Information: They did not wholly withhold information about all that they saw at the Syrian camp. They took the good news to the right source; the king (Hebrews 13:16; 2 Kings 7:10).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should mention other lessons that can be learned from the lepers other than the ones stated above.
CONCLUSION:As believers, we must see beyond our limitations and fulfil our purpose (Philippians 4:13).
QUESTIONS:
Mention three sources of limitation.
Mention two lessons believers can learn from the four lepers.
EVALUATION: Teachers should ask the students to explain how they can fulfil their purpose in the face of limitations.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to fulfil my purpose irrespective of limiting circumstances around me.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five people in the Bible who overcame their limitations and fulfilled their destinies. (2×5=10 marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
As soon as a disciple is clearly branded for Christ, he will immediately be clearly noted in hell, and almost immediately, enemy action will begin.
The devil will say, “this is an enemy, let us go and get him”. For example, Saul of Tarsus got born again on his way to Damascus. Three days later, he got baptised in the Holy Spirit and began to preach. Immediately he got converted , he made it known to everybody that he was for Christ. The devil knew, this person who used to be a disciple for the devil is now a disciple of Jesus. He moved to kill him.
“And straightway, he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the son of God. But all thaty heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and come hither for that intent , that he might bring them bound unto the Cheif Priests ? But Saul increased the more in Strength , and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus , proving that this is very Christ. After that many days were fulfilled , the Jews took counsel to kill him . But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night , and let him down by the wall in a basket”.
I mean this fellow has already changed sides. There are many of us disciples, who have been born again now for many years, and the devil has not made a single attack on us. There must be something wrong somewhere. Because the moment you become completely identified with Christ, the devil must try.
But what if you say you are for Christ, and the devil cannot say ” that’s true” , rather He says, “he is for Christ and he is committing sins? Look at the way he dresses. Look at what he is eating, what he is drinking, listen to his language, don’t mind him”. He will say don’t worry about this one, he is still one if us”. But when you say you belong to Christ, everything changes. The Bible says in 2/Corin 5:17,
” Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things passed away ; behold all things become new”.
As soon as everything becomes new, the enemy will move. You will remember the story of Daniel, Shedrack, Meshach and Abrdnego in Daniel 1: 8-16, Why is it about people that got into trouble? Very simple. As soon as they got to Babylon, the King said ” these young men were looking handsome. Let us begin to feed them. Let us train them specially. Let us begin to feed them with our own kind of food”. – Delicious meal from the king’s table, meat that the king are, the wine that the king drinks. There are some news that were included in the group.
Daniel, Shedrack, Meshach, and Abednego said, no way. We will not ear king’s meat, we will not drink the wine. Other said, we are in a strange land, when in Rome, we must do like Romans ; Daniel said no way. Shedrach said no way, Meshach said no way and Abrdnego said no way. So, they sent to the head usher, please give us beans and water.
Those who want to eat the animal that has been slaughtered to idols can eat them. Those who want to drink the one that has been poured in liberation to idol can drink it..
After 10days he came back and looked at the three. They were looking more robust than all the others. Which is another way of saying beans and water must be very good food. I think every disciple must be eating plenty of beans and plenty of water. Now seriously speaking, as soon as the devil was these four boys, he said, it means you are ready to be branded for Jehovah. I will deal without. I will finish the three if you quickly. It was the devil who brought the dream to the king.
In Daniel 2, verses 1-49, the king had a dream and forgot it. And said he would kill all the wise men unless they could remember the dream and give him it’s interpretations. The devil was only after the four people – Daniel, Shedrach, Meshach, Shedrach, and Abednego. And he was willing to kill as many other people so that these four would die. But glory be to God, He rescued these four and they got promoted.
Then the devil said, alright, I failed that test number one, I will try to attempt number two! Do he spoke to the king, and said a king like Nebuchadnezzar should be a god, and everybody mist now down to that idol. He knew that these four people who had been branded for Christ would not bow (Daniel 3).
I don’t know where Daniel was when they arrested Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego who were not vowing to the udol. But you know the rest of the story. ;the three boys said ” We will not bow. We are for Jehovah, not for any other ifol”. They were thrown into fire but they came out alive and they git promoted.
In the mean time, the devil said, What about Daniel? Where was he when these three boys were thrown into fire? Let us give him his own attack. That is what landed him in the lion’s den in Daniel 6. But glory be to God again. Daniel came out alive and he got printed, and his enemies were silenced.
When you are branded for Christ, you will be noted in hell, hell will be angry, they will attack you, but will not win, you will be more than victorious.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
MEMORY VERSE: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” – James 3:2 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 10:19-21 (KJV)
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Words are powerful and can make or mar (Proverbs 6:2). Words can save or put one in trouble. It takes forte, maturity, and self-discipline to be a person of few words (spoken in wisdom). Therefore, being in a rush to speak always is a sign of weakness and foolishness.
LESSON OUTLINES:
THE FOOL’S MOUTH
BEING SLOW TO SPEAK AND ITS BENEFITS
1. THE FOOL’S MOUTH
A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently. However, one of the downfalls of a fool is his mouth which is very quick to expressions. According to Proverbs 18:7, a fool’s mouth is his destruction and his rash words are a trap to his soul. This is because no bridle is employed to keep the mouth shut and to speak only when necessary.
A fool’s mouth is used to engage in ceaseless and unprofitable arguments (Proverbs 18:6) which may end up in a fight. The mouth of a fool runs without control thus bringing about restlessness (Proverbs 17:28). A fool is not trusted because of irregularity in speech (Proverbs 19:1). A fool utters his entire mind (Proverbs 29:11) because he believes he is always right and hates accountability.
The talk of a fool will destroy him because he does not take to instruction and rejects responsibilities (Ecclesiastes 10:12). A fool argues and expresses frustrations openly and thus cannot cease from strife (Proverbs 20:3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The students should share with the class instances where they were quick to talk and the outcome.
2. BEING SLOW TO SPEAK AND ITS BENEFITS
Being slow to speak is never a sign of weakness. Apostle James, in the book of James 1:19, admonishes everyone to be slow to speak. To be slow to speak, we must learn to do the following:
Think before talking (Proverbs 23:7; 29:20).
Choose and use words wisely (Proverbs 25:11).
Let our words be gracious (Colossians 4:6).
Avoid being rash with words and decisions (Proverbs 15:1; Acts 19:36).
Speak with wisdom (Psalms 37:30).
Talk less (Proverbs 15:28) and listen actively and attentively to others (Job 29:9-10).
Ask the Lord to set a guard at your mouth (Psalms 141:3; James 3:2).
Being slow to speak has a lot of benefits. For instance, it shows we are knowledgeable (Proverbs 17:27; 15:2). Also, it depicts understanding (Proverbs 10:13; 17:28b) and the right use of words (Proverbs 8:8). If we ‘bridle’ our tongues, we will command attention and respect (Proverbs 12:14). Our words will be sound and seasoned (Titus 2:8; Proverbs 15:23). We will avoid needless arguments, troubles, battles, and keep safe (Proverbs 13:3; 21:23).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The students should share any experience where they were slow to speak and its outcome.
CONCLUSION: We can create unneeded tension if we are rash with our mouths. Relationships grow by listening actively and speaking slowly.
QUESTIONS:
Mention three characteristics of a fool’s mouth.
Mention three benefits of being slow to speak.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify five Bible characters who made hasty decisions and these landed them in trouble. Give a Bible reference for each point (2×5=10 marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
OPENING PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be slow to speak.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” – James 3:2 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 10:19-21 (KJV)
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Words are powerful and can make or mar (Proverbs 6:2). Words can save or put one in trouble. It takes forte, maturity, and self-discipline to be a person of few words (spoken in wisdom). Therefore, being in a rush to speak always is a sign of weakness and foolishness.
LESSON AIM: To teach students that there is strength in quietness.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to: a. Understand the disadvantages of ‘running one’s mouth.’ b. Know how to be “slow to speak.” c. Discover the benefits of quietness.
TEACHING PLAN:
To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should: a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignment. b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment. c. Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson, and give an assignment to the students
TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 10:19-21.
The above text discourages excessive talk and rates highly a controlled tongue in clear terms that: i. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. V19. ii. What does the text say about: a. the tongue of the just? ………………………………………V20a. b. the heart of the wicked? …………….V20b. c. the lips of the righteous?…………….V21a. d. fools? ……………….. ……………………….V21b.
LESSON OUTLINES:
THE FOOL’S MOUTH
BEING SLOW TO SPEAK AND ITS BENEFITS
1. THE FOOL’S MOUTH
A. The teacher should explain the following truths about a fool: i. A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently. ii. One of the downfalls of a fool is his mouth which is very quick to expressions. iii. According to Proverbs 18:7, a fool’s mouth is his destruction and his rash words are a trap to his own soul.
B. The nature of a fool among others is such that: i. No bridle is employed to keep the mouth shut and to speak only when necessary. ii. A fool’s mouth is used to engage in ceaseless and unprofitable arguments (Proverbs 18:6) which may end up in a fight. iii. The mouth of a fool runs without control thus bringing about restlessness (Proverbs 17:28).
C. A fool is not trusted because of: i. Irregularity in speech (Proverbs 19:1). ii. A fool utters his entire mind (Proverbs 29:11). iii. A fool believes he is always right and hates accountability.
D. The talk of a fool will destroy him because: i. A fool does not take to instruction and rejects responsibilities (Ecclesiastes 10:12). ii. A fool argues and expresses frustrations openly and thus cannot cease from strife (Proverbs 20:3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The students should share with the class instances where they were quick to talk and the outcome.
2. BEING SLOW TO SPEAK AND ITS BENEFITS
A. Being slow to speak is never a sign of weakness. Apostle James, in the book of James 1:19, admonishes everyone to be slow to speak. In order to be slow to speak, we must learn to do the following:
Think before talking (Proverbs 23:7; 29:20).
Choose and use words wisely (Proverbs 25:11).
Let our words be gracious (Colossians 4:6).
Avoid being rash with words and decisions (Proverbs 15:1; Acts 19:36).
Speak with wisdom (Psalm 37:30).
Talk less (Proverbs 15:28) and listen actively and attentively to others (Job 29:9-10).
Ask the Lord to set a guard at your mouth (Psalm 141:3; James 3:2).
B. Being slow to speak has a lot of benefits. For instance:
It shows we are knowledgeable (Proverbs 17:27; 15:2).
It depicts understanding (Proverbs 10:13; 17:28b) and the right use of words (Proverbs 8:8).
If we are able to ‘bridle’ our tongues, we will command attention and respect (Proverbs 12:14).
Our words will be sound and seasoned (Titus 2:8; Proverbs 15:23).
We will avoid needless arguments, troubles, battles, and keep safe (Proverbs 13:3; 21:23).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The students should share any experience where they were slow to speak and its outcome.
CONCLUSION: We can create unneeded tension if we are rash with our mouths. Relationships grow by listening actively and speaking slowly.
QUESTIONS:
Mention three characteristics of a fool’s mouth.
Mention three benefits of being slow to speak.
EVALUATION: What should be the right attitude of believers to talking?
CLOSING PRAYER: God, help me to know when to talk and to be quiet in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify five Bible characters who made hasty decisions and these landed them in trouble. Give a Bible reference for each point(2×5=10 marks).
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself_ (KJV)
Central Truth
Our love for God is demonstrated by our service to others._
The Lesson Outline
1. Love the Lord A. “What Should I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?”
Luke 10:25-26
B. “Love the Lord…and Your Neighbour”
Luke 10:27-28
2. Love Your Neighbour
A. “Who Is My Neighbour?”
Luke 10:29- 35
B. “Go and Do the Same”
Luke 10:36-37
3. Love Without Distraction
A. Where ls Your Focus? Luke 10:38-40
B. Set Proper Priorities Luke 10:41-42
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Perceive the importance of love of God and others, and see such love as the motivating factor of life.
2. Demonstrate love for God and others in their daily lives.
3. Show love for all, regardless of ethnicity, economic status, and other areas that sometimes cause division.
Introducing the Lesson
It is common for Christians to wonder whether or not their lives are truly pleasing in God’s sight. Some believers even find themselves troubled by this, feeling like they need to be better and do more for God to make Him pleased with them. Yet this reflects a misunderstanding of! Christianity, a perspectlve that ís too focused on our own efforts. The truth is that God is pleased when we love Him, and then love others in response to that love. As Our lives are motivated by such love, we will in turn live in His ways.
Jesus made this clear when He was approached concerning the greatest commandment and the true meaning of the Law. Our Saviour’s answer to these questlons was always the same: Love God with all your heart, then love, others as yourself.
The Holy Scriptures
Luke 10:25 `“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26. He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27. And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30. And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
33. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34. And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37. And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.“`
Commentary and Application
1. Love the Lord
A. “What Should I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?”
Luke 10:25-26
Luke 10 records a situation in which an expert in the Law put Jesus to the test (verse 25; “lawyer,” KJV).
More specifically, he was a Jewish Scribe, or one who concerned himself with interpreting the Law. The scribe’s motive for the question was likely not sincere; he may have even been sent by the scribes and Pharisees to trap Jesus into some kind of statement that could have been interpreted as blasphemy against God or the Law. However, the man’s question to Jesus was an important one: “What should I do to inherit eternal life?” (verse 25, NLT).
Jesus did not directly answer the question, but instead asked questions of His own (verse 26).
Jesus apparently wanted to search His questioner in order to compel him to think about what the correct answer might be. It is important to note that, in turning the man’s question back on him, Jesus appealed to the authority of all the Scriptures in existence at that time (see also Matthew 22:40) and, more specifically, the Law.
What follows in Luke 10:27, then, can be seen as a summary of every command in the Law. All that God commnands, then, can be in some way derived from what is about to be stated.
Questions for Application
If someone asked you how to get to heaven, how would you respond?_
Why do you think the religious leaders of the day were so intent on trapping Jesus regarding the Law?
B. “Love the Lord…and Your Neighbour”
Luke 10:27-28 The scribe’s answer to Jesus’ qestion of what the law of Mosessaid proved to be right on target. Clearly, the man knew and understood the Law (Luke 10:27).
Yet while Jesus acknowledged the correctness of his response, the Saviour did not leave it at that. To simply say, “”You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself” was inadequate. The difference was found in what the man knew versus what he did: “”Right! Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you wil! live!” (verse 28, NLT). Just knowing what is right is not enough. The scribe was responsible to live the truth that he understood. God’s commands are to be acted upon.
The two-fold response of the scribe reflected two very familiar passages of the Law. The first, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, is often referred to as the shema. The Hebrew word shema literally means “hear or “listen,” and is the first word of the passage. “Hear, O Israel (verse 4, KJV). God told the nation of Israel to focus on the heart of His commandments. The heart of the Law required that the nation love the Lord their God supremely (verse 5).
Jewish thought has long regarded the soul to be the essence of the human being. It was considered to be the place of a person’s understanding, emotions, and will.
The soul was viewed as the essence of life and personhood. So, loving the Lord with all one’s soul meant with the entire substance of his being. Without love, obedience to the commandments of the Lord would be little more than a legalistic exercise. But love can transform duty into true, sincere commitment. God desires that our walk with Him be accompanied by joy, finding pleasure in being His people.
With regard to the second portion of the scribe’s response, in Leviticus 19, God provided a list of various regulations about how the Israelites were to treat one another. Leviticus 19:9-19 lists’ a variety of instructions, joined together by the repeated refrain, “I am the Lord” (verses 10, 12, 14, 16, 18).
This was a strong reminder that these commands came from God himself, so the people were accountable to God if they mistreated one another. It is easy to forget that God’s commands are more than just restrictions. We are not just to avoid certain behaviours, such as stealing, lying, or defrauding someone. The heart of His commands is positive, even as it is restrictive. When we understand them properly, we recognise that we must seek to love people and treat them with godly compassion.
Just knowing the truth is not enough. We must put into practice what we know to be true. Scripture continues to say to us what Jesus said to the scribe: “Do this and you will live” (Luke 10:28, NLT).
Right thinking is good, but it is meaningless uniess a person’s lifestyle reflects his or her understanding. What the world needs from Christians is not just words of truth. The world needs actions that demonstrate these beliefs. When those who say they are followers of Jesus live like followers of Jesus, they will become salt and light to a lost and dying world.
Question for Application
What are some practical ways that we show our love for God?
How will loving others impact the way you live?
*2. Love Your Neighbour* A. “Who Is My Neighbour?”
Luke 10:29-35 Jewish religious teaching at that time had twisted the teaching of Leviticus 19:18 and restricted the obligation of pious Jews to only those who deserved their love and compassion. Jesus made this point when He said on another occasion, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy’ (Matthew 5:43, KJV).
Those who said this were ignoring the teachings of Leviticus 19, which calls upon people to show the same love for the foreigner as for the fellow Jew. (See Leviticus 19:33-34; note that a common practice in debating the Law in New Testament times involved citing a portion of a larger passage, where the unquoted part of the passage is the greater focus of the quote. The scribe knew very well the verses that answering the question as to who is one’s neighbour.)
To answer the scribe’s question Jesus responded with one of His one most familiar parables, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35). The parable conveys a vivid contrast. The two people who failed to carry out the true meaning of the Law were religious men.
One was a priest and the other a Levite. Both men likely were on their way to perform religious duties. While their way, they chose not to help a person (generally regarded as a Jewish person) who was in desperate need. They failed the test of loving one’s neighbour. But then the parable introduced another man, a Samaritan. He was from a group of people despised by the Jews, even as they themselves despised the Jews.
The Samaritans were those Jews who were left behind when the Northern Kingdom of Israel was taken into Assyrian captivity. The Samaritans intermarried with Gentile people groups and mingled the worship of God with the worship of idols (see 2 Kings 17). As a result, the Jewish people saw the Samaritans as detestable.
The Samaritan’s actions, then, demonstrated the command to love one’s neighbour as one would love oneself -a fundamental command of the Law. Note the irony in Jesus parable. The most devout of the Jews, who would have seen themselves as a far more righteous than the Samaritan, failed in the most basic of commands, even as the Samaritan obeyed those commands.
There is a powerful message here for Christians today. The community of faith is to be a place of love. Then, as a result, the love of God will flow from us through loving actions to the world around us-those near to us and those who might be seen as hostile-testifying to the transforming love of God.
Question for Application
Why do you think the command to love can be difficult even for Christians?
What are some practical ways that we demonstrate love for our neighbours?
B. “Go and Do the Same”
Luke 10:36-37 This parable is extremely important for us as believers today, as is its clear message as to who exactly is our neighbour, and how we are to treat that person. We need to show compassion and mercy to anyone in need, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what their spiritual background might be. Only in this way can we obey the Command to love our neighbours as ourselves. Religious titles mean nothing. It is our willingness to show mercy and assist others that pleases God even if we think of that person as an enemy. We must ask ourselves, “What kind of neighbours will I be to others?”
We are also reminded that Jesus summarised the Old Testament Law as loving God with one’s whole being and then loving others as oneself. We must not dismiss the teachings of the Old Testament as antiquated, for they inform us about the heart of God, and His desire for a relationship with people is rooted in love. The Christian life is relational. We must live in a right relationship with God and other people. When we embrace this truth and live accordingly, we will grow spiritually.
Question for Application
What might Jesus be saying to you today through the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
What groups of people might qualify as “modern – day Samaritans” for Christians, and how can we minister love to them?
3. Love without Distraction A. Where Is Your Focus?
Luke 10:38-40
It was Jewish custom. to welcome travellers into one’s home for a meal and a place to sleep. So, when Jesus made His way into the village of His friend Martha, she followed custom and invited Him to be a guest in her home (Luke 10:38). She knew what was expected in this situation: Fix a meal, provide something to drink, and make sure the guest was comfortable. This was simply part of being a Jewish Woman in New Testament times.
Most likely, Jesus wasn’t the only guest in I Martha’s home. Jesus’ disciples were likely present, as well as others who would have gathered to hear Jesus’ teaching. As a result, it would seem reasonable to expec that Mary join her sister in caring for their guests. But this was not the case. Instead, Mary sat with those who were listening to Jesus teach (verse 39). Mary made no effort to care for His needs. She just made herself comfortable and listened to His words.
Martha and Mary were focused on two different things. Martha was focused on the preparations that needed to be made. Mary was focused on what Jesus had to say.Martha, in what appeared to be frustration with both her sister and to help her with the I hostess’ duties Jesus, appealed to Jesus s to tell Mary (verse 40).
It is easy to sympathise with Martha. Most people know the stress of having unplanned visitors. Martha just wanted some help from her sister. Indeed, Christians living in Western society often relate better to Martha than to Mary.
Our culture encourages people to be “doers often, the focus is placed on the outer development of a person, minimising the development of the inner being. This can even happen in the church, where the unspoken message is, “How would the work of the church ever get done if everyone just sat around and communicated with God”?
In Jesus’ response to Martha’s question, discussed below, we see that there is a time to focus on moments with Jesus and there is a tine for service. ldentifying these proper times will help us keep the right perspective in our walk with God.
Question for Application
Do you ever feel that your life is out of balance, and that you are more focused on “doing” than on spending time lis tening to Jesus? Explain._
How can Christians find the balance between doing and listening?_
B. Set Proper Priorities
Luke 10:41-42
Jesus responded to Martha with a gentle rebuke (Luke 10:41). She was allowing the urgent to get in the way of what was truly important. At that point in time, the priority was spending time with Him, listening to His words (verse 42). This is why Jesus commended Mary for the choice she made. There would be time enough later to be busy seeing to the needs of the guests.
We can often struggle with our priorities today, as well. We must make certain that we don’t become so involved in the tasks of the Kingdom that we ignore the King.
Christians might become so focused on service that they fail to develop their relationship with Jesus. The incident with Martha and Mary points us to the truth that both devotion and service are commendable. But we must be balanced, and part of this rests on trusting God that the Kingdom work will be done. Let us take time to be with Jesus and learn from Him before we engage in service on His behalf. Such service needs to flow out of a relationship with the Lord.
Question for Application
_How might an overemphasis on “doing” reveal a lack of trust in God?_
_What will happen if we focus too much on doing and neglect fellowship with Christ?_
Call to Discipleship
Jesus taught that love must be the motivating factor in our lives. Loving God and loving others requires us to prioritise both our time and our resources. Being busy must not distract us from loving God or from reaching out to the needy among us.
Ministry in Action
Spend extra time this week worshipping and loving God for who He is. Reach out to someone outside your family and usual circle of contacts to demonstrate love to them.
Look for some way you can volunteer to help the needy in your church or community regulary.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
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My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)
Focus Every day, the students in your class confront challenges that could have profound impact on their lives – for good or bad. And in the years ahead, they will yet face many major decisions. If your students can learn to recognize God’s voice, they can avoid a lot of confusion and stress.
God speaks in diverse ways: audible voice, inward witness, His Word, signs and wonders, fulfilled prophecies, and His Holy Spirit. But no matter how He chooses to speak, what matters is that your students know the voice of God and choose to obey. Samuel was probably much younger than your students when God’s voice awakened him. So, they, too, can learn to recognize God’s voice.
Perhaps your life has become overcrowded with distractions and you find it hard to “tune in” God’s voice. As you prepare for this study, take time to not only speak to God but to listen. Trust Him to help you and your students to hear His voice more clearly as He speaks.
The Basic Message: Explain to students…
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Christ’s followers can learn to hear and recognize God’s voice.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? Christians who learn to discern God’s voice and confirm it with His Word can avoid being misled.
HOW DO I LIVE IT? Spend time away from distractions, listen to God, then confirm His instructions and obey them.
Illustration Option: TUNING IN
Bring a radio to class and tune it to static. Set the volume just loud enough to be distracting while you greet students, give announcements, and introduce the study. Then adjust the radio to get a clear signal. (Be sure to select a station that is appropriate to play in class.) Explain that distractions or being “out of tune” spiritually can keep us from hearing God’s voice clearly. We stay in tune with God by spending time with Him and listening to what He says.
Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers…
• What we can learn from Samuel’s response to God’s voice. • Ways God speaks to us and ways He confirms His message to us. • How we must be bold in delivering God’s message.
Inform and Discuss
a). It’s for You 1. Read or have volunteers read 1 Sam 3:1-5. How did Samuel respond when he heard his name? What did his response reveal about him? [Hint: Samuel responded immediately – he ran to Eli, and this was sometimes in the middle of the night. Samuel was a willing, responsive, and quick-to-obey servant.
Guide: Explain that our response to requests, especially under less-than-ideal circumstances, can reveal a lot about our hearts. Some requests don’t come at convenient times or involve things we are particularly interested in. Samuel’s actions showed he was ready to serve.
2. What qualities does God look for when choosing a person to speak to?
Hint: Obedience, a willingness to listen, and a servant’s heart are characteristics often found in those God calls. Although God graciously calls out as well to those who oppose Him.
3. In what ways would it have been more difficult to live for God then than it is now?
Guide: Point out that God speaks today in most of the same ways He always has. The advantage we have now is access to his written Word the Bible – and the examples and instructions He provides in it. The people in Samuel’s time didn’t have the Bible in the form we do today.
b). Who’s There? 1. Read or have volunteers read 1 Sam 3:6-10. How can we become accustomed to God’s voice?
Hint: After mistaking God’s voice for Eli’s three times in a row, Samuel may have felt nervous, excited, or even doubtful, since messages from God were rare – 1 Sam 3:1. But he later got it right. Spiritually, we become accustomed to God’s voice in much the same way we become familiar with a friend’s voice on the phone. At first, however, we can feel a lot like Samuel, mistaking it for another person’s voice because we can’t figure out who is calling us.
2. What are some common distractions that can prevent people from hearing God?
Hint: These could include busyness, stubbornness, preoccupation with other things, persistent in sin, etc.
Guide: Explain that when you’re praying about a particular need – especially for wisdom or direction – God often says the same thing repeatedly to make sure we know He’s behind it. Some refer to having a “growing knowing” on the inside as a person becomes more sure that they’re hearing from God.
3. What are some of the ways God confirms He is speaking to us?
Hint: God never contradicts the directions He has revealed through His Word – the Bible. God also uses other believers to guide us and confirm that we’ve heard correctly. Situations also may reveal the way God wants us to go, but God can override circumstances.
4. Read or have a volunteer read John 10:27. Why is it important for us to act on what we already know God has told us? [Hint: God wants us to do more than learn to hear His voice. He expects us to respond with obedience. Sometimes that means learning to follow the example of our spiritual mentors.
Guide: Explain that it was good that Samuel had Eli as a mentor. Eli, in spite of some personal failures, was the person who helped Samuel recognize God’s voice. As such, he had a big influence on the future prophet.
c). Speak Up 1. Read or have volunteers read 1 Sam 3:11-21. How do you think Samuel felt having to tell Eli God’s judgment on his family?
Note: God’s message from Samuel confirmed an earlier message to Eli from another man of God (1 Sam 2:27.) Eli knew that it was God who had spoken to Samuel and it was futile to resist.
2. Why are we sometimes afraid to tell people the truth?
Hint: We’re Scared of how they will react. Or, maybe we’re not sure that we are Correct.
3 Why does God challenge, rebuke, and punish people?
Hint: We may not know God’s reasons for each of His actions, but we can be sure that He has a purpose. It is His desire that all would know Him.
Guide: Explain that God will continue to speak to trustworthy people. If we comply with His plan, God will continue to use us for His glory. If, however, we fold our arms stubbornly and resist, He will look for someone else who is willing to be used.
Inspire Them: Remind students “The Basic Message” of this study (pg. 103), 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: LISTEN Challenge your students to make a habit of spending a few moments alone with God. Although the classroom may not be the ideal location, have them close their eyes and silently ask God to speak to them, and then to quietly focus on Him. If a thought or idea keeps recurring, they can ask God if it’s of Him. They may want to write it down, so that if God confirms it, they will have a record of when He spoke to them and what they thought they heard. Encourage them to do the same outside the class as well. They might take a walk somewhere they can get away from distractions.
Invitation Option: ANSWERING THE CALL
If you have students who don’t have a relationship with God, take time to pray with any who would like to answer God’s call to follow His Son, Jesus. Lead them in prayer as they confess their faith in Jesus and begin to have a personal relationship with Him.
Conclude by praying that students will desire to spend more time learning to hear God’s voice and obediently carrying out His will.
Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…
1. Do students understand that they can learn and prepare to hear from God? 2. Can they identify some common distractions? 3. Could they recognize some of the ways God confirms His directions to us? 4. Have they had opportunity to listen to God for themselves in class today?
Daily Dew Drops:
Mon: God Still Speaks – Hebrews 1:1-2 Tue: This Is How to Find God – Jeremiah 29:13 Wed: Learn to Hear Him – Psalms 32:8-9 Thu: A Devoted Heart – Psalms 16:8 Fri: Willing Heart – Psalms 119:112 Sat: Speak for the King – Jeremiah 1:7
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
The Devil’s battle cry is a kind of standing battle order for all demons against the dicsiple. It is an order that Satanm has given to all the demons concerning youn is, break the fellowship between him and the Lord. Break that Fellowship.
Every time Devil goes to report to Satanthat a particular Pastor, Evangelist or disciple is troubling the kingdom of the devil, the devil will tell him, Go and break the fellowship between him and the Lord, by sin or by diosobedience, It is not a new method; he has been using that method from time immemorial. He succeeded in the Garden of Eden, he succeeded against Abraham, he succeeeded against David, so we just want to look at two classical examples where this battle cry of the devil was very successful.
BALAK/BALAM EPISOODE AS A CASE STUDY
The first concerns the nation of Israel. You will find story in Numbers 23:25. The children of Israel were going to the Promised Land and they were conqwuering all the way.
Anyone who faced them, they destoryed and they got to the land of a certain king called Balak who had heard about all that the children of Israel had done to all other kings.
There was a certain prophet name Balaam . Whatever he spoke came to pass. So Balak sent for Balaam and said, “There is a great people, greater than me and my nation; If I dont do something about them, they will overpower us, come and curse them, I know they will be destroyed. And if you do that, I will pay you a lot of money”. Balaam said, “God, shall I go?” God said, “no, how can you go against my people?”. So he sent back to the king and said “I am sorry I’m not coming”. The king sent again, Balaam asked God, Shall I go? God said I have already told you that you should not go but if you want to gom go”.
So Balaam went. When Balaam arrived and he named his price and asked the King, “Bring me this , bring me that, so I can curse the nation of Israel”. The king provided all he demanded for the sacrifice. When Balaam opened his mouth to curse Israel, instead of curses , blessings were flowing forth and so Balak became angry. I asked you to curse them , I dont say bless them . He tried the second time, instead of curses came blessings. He tried the third time, blessings. So at a stage, Balak had to say to him, listen , if you are not going to curse them, dont bless them”.
Matthew 24:12-19, You see , before Balam left he said , “Alright, nobody can curse these people because God has blessed them”.
He said, let me teach you a method, if you can cause these people to go against their own God, if there can be a seperation between the two of them, if you can break the fellowship between them and their God , then you will not even need to fight them, it is their God who will finish them.
So, the children of Israel were invited to a Peace feast. A lot of food and drinks were prepared and the enemies scantly dressed daughters served the children of Israel. The men of Israel were looking at beautiful ladies. Gradually, they began to touch them. Before king, they were commiting adultery with them, God had earlier warned them not to take a wife from among them (Numbers 25:9). Without Balak raising his sword, look at what happened. When God became angry with the Isrealites (verse nine), twenty four thousand died and the devil kept laughing. Balak did not raise a sword , all he did was he succeeded in breaking the fellowship between the nation of Israel and their God.
SAMSON AS A CASE STUDY
Another example is the case of Samson. When Samson was in fellowship with his God, there was no enemy strong enough to stand. In Judges 14:5-6, when the lion roared against him, he took the lion and tore it into small pieces like a small goat. In Judges 15:11-15, this man single-handedly killed a thousand men. In Judges 16:1-3 , Samson was in the city , the city of Gaza, the gates were shut and the gate of the city in those days were very mighty. They said we will kill him when it is in the morning.
At midnight, because God was with him, when he got to the gate, he uprooted the gte and carried it to the long distance before dropping it. When the demons there reported to Satan, They said, . look at what Samson is doing to us. The devil kept on saying, Break hisb fellowship with God. You still remember the story in Judges 16. After the hair was removed, Delilah said the Philistines are in the house and Samson said I will arise as before, I will go out and destory them. And the Bible said , He didnt know that God had left him.
So when the fellowship between an man and his God is broken, troubkle comes. Then you see one thing about Samson. After some time, after they removed his eyes, they put him into the kitchen to be grinding corn. This mighty man of God , after he started dancing for the idols of the enemy, was sorry. He cried to God to help him. “Let the fellowship be restored once more”. And the Bible said the hair of his head started growing again. As soon as his fellowship was restored , trouble came for his enemy again. In fact, the Bible says that people that he killed in his death were more than those he killed in his life.
When the fellowship was restored, power came agaihn. IS YOUR FELLOWSHIP TO YOUR GOD INTACT? Or is it about to break? Or is it broken already? You know yourself, you can talk to him now. If it is already broken, cry to him for restoration, if it is not very steady, you better be careful. If there is fellowship between you and Him and everything is intact, you better pray that nothing will tamper with that fellowship.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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Key Verse: James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV)
Focus Anxiety exacts a high price- even in the lives of teens. And worry can rob people of health, peace of mind, and joy. God never intended for His children to carry the weight of their needs alone. He wants us to make a habit of talking to Him about our concerns. In this study, students will consider the prayer of Hannah (Samuel’s mother) as she asked God for a son. After years of humiliation in a culture where childlessness was thought to be a curse, Hannah’s persistence demonstrated extreme faith.
Your students are probably accustomed to the usual emphatic challenge: “You need to pray more.” But try to show them the value of prayer so that it becomes a daily desire, not just a sense of duty. The way you lift up the needs of your students in prayer can be contagious; for “prayer is something better caught than taught.”
As you prepare for this study, ask God to renew your passion for prayer. Spend time recalling the answered prayers in your life. If you don’t keep a prayer journal of requests and answers, consider starting one. Your faith, as well as your students’ faith, will be built up by a record of God’s faithfulness in your life.
The Basic Message: Explain to students…
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Take all concerns to God, and remember that persistent prayer pays off.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? Anxiety diminishes faith, while persistent prayer builds it.
HOW DO I LIVE IT? Bring your needs to God, persevere as you wait for answers, and follow through on any commitment you make to God.
Activity Option: PERSISTENT PRAYER
Part of Hanna’s grief came from the fact that Penninah taunted her, and nothing Elkanah said or did seemed to console her. So Hannah went to the temple to pray. Guide: Ask students to suggest things that might cause us to pray desperately for an answer. Point out that persistent prayer is not about begging God to do something He would prefer not to do. But it’s often a matter of repeatedly acknowledging our dependence on God until answer is realized.
Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers…
• How to identify and combat hindrances to prayer. • Not giving up when prayers aren’t immediately answered. • The need to follow through on our promises to God.
Inform and Discuss a). Don’t Worry! 1. Read or have a volunteer read 1 Sam 1:10-11. What was Hannah concerned about? What did she do about it? [Hint: Hannah was upset about not being able to have a son. She prayed.
2. How does worrying about things affect them? [Hint: It usually doesn’t do anything but make them worse.
3. What are some negative effects of worry? [Hint: Worrying about things doesn’t do anything but make them worse. Also, it can have emotional, physical, and spiritual consequences.
Guide: Point out that it’s very rare for anything good to come from excessive anxiety. In contrast, prayer allows us to give those things we can’t fix on our own to God; He knows the best answer for each of our concerns.
4. In what types of situations might believers -or even unbelievers -pray, “Lord, if you get me out of this, I’ll… “? Why do you think people try to back up their requests with a vow?
Guide: Explain that people usually make such a plea when they are desperate. Emphasize that, as a rule, God doesn’t want rash or hasty vows – He wants a willing heart that will follow through on what has been promised. As Hannah prayed, she vowed to dedicate her son to the Lord’s service for life. That was a serious, but sincere commitment.
b). Don’t Give Up! 1. Read or have volunteers read 1 Sam 1:12-16. What is the “right way to pray”? [Hint: Prayer is a relationship; it’s simply talking to and with God- expressing dependence on Him and asking Him to work as He sees best in a given situation. It demands that we focus completely intensely on the target of our prayer–God, and His ability to meet our needs.
Note: Persistent prayer is about depending on God. He can say “no.” (See 2 Cor 12:6-9′ 2 Sam 12:16-18.) God can also say “wait.”
2. Read or have volunteers read James 5:16. What should we do before praying for someone else? [Hint: Confess our sins and repent. God says the prayer of the righteous is effective.] Guide: Remind students that we don’t have to be perfect or feel that everything is in order before coming to God. In fact, when we don’t feel worthy is often when we need to pray most, but we need to get our hearts and motives in the right place.
3. Read or have volunteers read 1 Sam 1:17-20. What attitudes of Hannah showed that she prayed with faith? [Hint: After intensely seeking God in prayer, Hannah talked with Eli, began eating, and no longer looked so sad. She knew that God had heard her and she trusted Him with the outcome.
Guide: Point out that God later answered Hannah’s prayer by granting her desire. She named her son Samuel, “Because l asked the Lord for him.” No matter how difficult or desperate the request, God knows our desires and is able to fulfil them. We don’t need to give up when the answer doesn’t arrive when we thinkit should.
c). Don’t Forget to Follow through
• Read or have volunteers read 1 Sam 1:21-22, 24-28. What can we learn from the faithfulness of Hannah in following through on her vow to God? [Hint: As believers, we should follow through on our commitments to God. If we’ve made a promise to do something, we need to keep it.
Guide: Explain that Hannah not only did her part in response to the answered prayer, but she gave glory to God, not to her ability to pray. The Book of 1 Samuel 2 goes on to not only record Hannah’s celebration of God’s faithfulness, but also recorded that God blessed her with five more children.
Involve Them: PRAYERWHERE?
Start a discussion about students starting and leading a prayer or Bible group at school. What would be some advantages of coming together at school for a time of prayer and/or Bible study? What are some of the needs they could pray for? If their schools already have prayer groups, have teens pray for the groups.
Inspire Them: Remind students “The Basic Message” of this study (pg. 99), 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: POPCORN PRAYER Explain to the class they are going to pray “popcorn style.” That is, everyone who is willing should pray a short, simple prayer for something that concerns them at the moment. (Encourage full participation, but allow shy students or quest to pass.) This activity can help break down some walls of fear in regard to praying in front of peers.
Conclude by reminding students that God never intended us to be weighed down with worry. Give your concerns to God through persistent prayer and spend time listening for His answer. When the answer comes, be willing and prepared to do your part to carry out God’s plan for your life.
Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself… 1. Do students understand that they can replace worry with prayer? 2. Are they prepared to pray persistently for the needs that concern them? 3. Do they understand that the conditions of their hearts can affect the outcomes of their prayers? 4. Have they had opportunities to practice prayer or hear prayer modelled?
Daily Dew Drops
Mon: God Is Here for You – Philippians 4:6-7 Tue: He’ll Carry You – 1 Peter 5:7 Wed: You Worth Much More – Matthew 6:33-34 Thu: Just Be Strong – Joshua 1:9 Fri: Be Fervent – Romans 12:11-12 Sat: Don’t make Empty Promises – Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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________________________ _The harvest is truly pretentious, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into into his harvest_ (KJV). ________________________ *Central Truth* ________________________ _God is calling His people to wholehearted involvement in service and evangelism_ ________________________ *The Lesson Outline* ________________________ *1. Workers Needed* A. Messengers Sent *Luke 10:1* B. A Great Harvest *Luke 10:2* ________________________ *2. Followers Commissioned* A. Going by Faith *Luke 10:3-9* B. Handling Rejection *Luke 10:10-12* ________________________ *3. Reasons For Rejoicing* A. Jesus the Source of Power *Luke 10:17* B. Belonging To Jesus *Luke 10:18-20* ________________________ *Learning Objectives* ________________________ At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Acknowledge the urgency in reaching the lost with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Make a wholehearted Commitment to the service of God and His Kingdom.
3. Determine to be a good and faithful follower of Jesus Christ to the end. ________________________ *Introducing the Lesson* ________________________ Jesus’ earthly mission was an urgent one. He had to preach the gospel to the lost sheep of Israel. He stayed only a short time in each place so no part of the country was neglected. He preached in cities, villages, and the open country. Uppermost in Jesus’ mind every moment was the lost condition of people. With Him were individuals He had chosen to help spread the good news. They, too, could stay only a short time in each place. Time was important and nothing was allowed to distract them from their work.
Rather than the Twelve who became apostles, this week’s lesson looks at a group commonly referred to as the “other seventy.” Their names are not listed, but their mission was vital. ________________________ *The Holy Scriptures* ________________________ *Luke 10:1* “`After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
2. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
3. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
4. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
5. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
6. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
7. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
8. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
9. And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
10. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
11. Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
12. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
13. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.“` ________________________ *Commentary and Application* ________________________ *1. Workers Needed* A. Messengers Sent *Luke 10:1* Jesus’ instructions to the “other seventy were similar to those He gave the Twelve when He sent them out, for their task was the same (Luke 9:1-6). Luke is the only Gospel writer who recorded the mission of these unnamed 70 disciples.
Chapter 10 marks a break in the narrative, hence it is introduced with the phrase, “After these things,” Chapter 9 records a variety of activity and teaching, culminating in Jesus’ encounter with three individuals who seemingly wanted to follow Him but did not comprehend the full meaning of discipleship. This providesa good background for Jesus’ commission of the seventy who did understand meant to commit themnselves to Him in chapter 10. In some ways Jesus’ sending out this large number fore-shadowed the Church’s great missionary movement of the future. They had one goal: Introducing lost people to the one and only Saviour. ________________________ *Question for Application* ________________________ _Why did Jesus send these’messengers out in pairs instead of individually?_ ________________________ This was common practice among Jews and was adopted by the Early Church (Acts 13:2; 9:22). It provided companionship and support, especially when difficulties and discouragement were encountered. Travel in those days was sometimes dangerous and a robber was less likely to attack two people than one who was alone.
The task of the 70 missionaries was simple. If the populace of a community had already heard of Christ and His message before they saw. Him in person, they would be better prepared to listen to Him. Introducing the people to Him was the only reason for those disciples to make their journey. ________________________ B. A Great Harvest *Luke 10:2* ________________________ *Question for Application* ________________________ _Why did Jesus use agricultural illustrations so often?_ ________________________ Palestine was a iand of harvests – several of them each year. When Jesus and His followers walked the roads, they constantly saw both sowers and reapers. On some occasions a farmer would be sowing barley; at another time it was wheat. At different times he. would be reaping the two crops. Grapes were also an important crop, and the time they were gathered was an occasion of great joy and celebration. The same was true of the season when olives were harvested.
Jesus’ audiences were familiar with these scenes. Such familiar illustrations made spiritual truths more easily understood. Preparing the soil, sowing the seed, getting rid of weeds, caring for the growing crop, and harvesting grain or fruit- all these aspects of farming clearly presented the work Christ wanted His followers to do.
To Jesus the multitudes who kept coming to hear Him presented a picture of waving fields of ripening grain. The spiritual harvest He saw everywhere was great. Jesus knew that what is true of the natural harvest is true of the spiritual. The grain must be cut neither too soon nor too late. When the grain has ripened to maturity, no more time should pass before it is reaped. What a tragedy for a farmer to labour strenuously for so long to have a good crop and then lose it at harvest time.
However, t the crop could be lost if there is a lack. No matter how promising the e harvest is, it wil be lost if it is left: standing in the field. Bringing it into the barn is hard Work. In those days far more human hands were needed than in our time when machines have made farm work so much more efficient.
We should note that Jesus refers to His Father as the Lord of the harvest and calls it His harvest. None of us are in competition with other workers. We are all working together in His harvest. It is important that Jesus connected the sending forth of labourers with our prayers. When We pray earnestly for labourers to be provided, it makes us more sensitive to our personal responsibility in the harvest. We will be less inclined to assume someone else is doing it. The Holy Spirit will cause us to feel the burden to work in our own section of the harvest field. ________________________ *2. Followers Commissioned* A. Going by Faith *Luke 10:3-9* The mission of the Seventy was important, but it was also dangerous. They had to be prepared for hostilfty which might present physical danger to them. Jesus drew parallel between them and sheep who grazed in country where wolves roamed. The entire group must beprudent and watchful. Even though they had an urgent mission, they must not provoke unnecessary confrontations. However, they should not be paralysed by fear, for they were not defenceless. They were God’s sheep and were under His care and protection. ________________________ *Question for Application* ________________________ _Should Jesus instructions in verse 4 be considered binding on all who go out to preach?_
This was a unique situation with the atmosphere of an emergency. The seventy were ordered to travel light, not being burdened with baggage that would have slowed them. They were not even to take extra food. While on the road they had to refrain from greetings they would ordinarily have given. Greetings in the days of the Bible were more than just a simple “hello” and “good-bye.” They were very repetitious and time-consuming. The restriction for refraining from greetings would enable the disciples to use every moment for fulfilling their task.
For the Seventy, their journey was also a step of faith. Instead ot being concerned about food and lodging, they were to depend on the people where they ministered. Jesus prepared them for the fact some doors would be slammed in their faces. In such cases they simply move on until they found a family that would receive them.
Moving from one house to another in the same town wouldinvolve valuable time, so they were to make their headquarters in the first home that took them in. While there they were not to make special demands, but accept whatever hospitality was extended to them. Jesus’ statement, “The labourer is worthy of his hire,” seems to be an assurance their necessities would be met.
The Important point in this account is that these men were going under Jesus’ authority. With this authority they Were given power to heal the sick in His name. This would link their ministry with His, for He would do the same when He came.
B. Handling Rejection *Luke 10:10-12* In addition to preaching in whatever town that would receive them, the Seventy also had to be prepared to be rejected, not just by individuals but by entire communities. In such cases they were not to engage in heated debate, but move quickly to another town. However, before they left, they were to warn the populace about what they had done and the resulting judgement. Receiving the message of Jesus would have meant life for them: rejecting it meant doom. These disciples carried a life-and-death message. Hostility toward them was not a rejection of them personally, but a rejection of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Shaking the dust from their feet was a gesture symbolising their total abandonment of the community. While doing this, the disciples were told to remind the people that whether they responded favourably or not, the kingdom of God had come near them. They had been given their opportunity. Proclaiming the message was the disciples’ responsibility. Receiving or rejecting it was the listeners’ responsibility. This principles is just as true for people today as it was for people then. ________________________ *Question for Application* ________________________ _Why would it be more tolerable’ for Sodom in the day of judgement than for cities that rejected the message of the Seventy_
Sodom was unspeakably wicked, but it had not received the light of the gospel. The severity of judgement will be worse for those who have had greater spiritual privileges and opportunities. This truth will apply just as much to nations today who have been saturated with the preaching of the gospel, but have spurmed it and abandoned themselves to wilderness. ________________________ *3. Reasons for Rejoicing* A. Jesus the Source of Power *Luke 10:17*
The power to cast out demons seems to have brought these disciples the greatest sense of victory. If they did not realise it before, they knew then that twO spiritual kingdoms are struggling to control the world. They saw they were part of the kingdom of righteousness, of which Jesus is the Head. He had given them power to overcome the power of Satan’s kingdom.
The disciples Would not have dared to face such evil forces in their own strength. They had seen what happened when Jesus himself cast out demons. And when they went out under His authority, they witnessed the same results in their own ministry. We note that in their rejoicing they made it clear that the submission of the demons was through the Name of Jesus. Like all of God’s servants, they were channels through which Christ’s power flowed. He uses people. He uses human hands, feet and lips. Yet, it is God who is alway the Source of power. ________________________ *Question for Application* ________________________ _What is significant about using the name of Jesus against Satan_ ________________________ It means more than a mechanical “in Jesus name” to our prayers (as if adding this name the same as s using magic words to make a magic formula work). It shows a recognition of Christ’s authority over us and over Satan. It confirms our identification with Him, and it acknowledges that we serve under Him and do not depend on ourselves. ________________________ B. Belonging To Jesus *Luke 10:18-20* ________________________ *Question for Application* ________________________ _What did Jesus mean by His statement in verse 18, “I beheldSatan as lightning fall from heaven?_ ________________________ As the Son of God, Jesus was aware of all the activities of these men as they travelled. Verse 18 indicates His joy over their victories. Demons are part of Satan’s kingdom. Each time one is cast out it is another defeat for that ingdom. It was as though Satan fell suddenly like a bolt of lightning. His control over another person was removed each time a demon was cast out.
In verse 19, Jesus repeated His assurance of the power His servants would have in their ministry. Serpents and scorpions represent the hamful, destructive powers of evil. To be sure they understood how triumphant they would be over spiritual opposition, Jesus used the expression. “over all the power of the enemy. To reassure them they had nothing to fear from those who opposed the gospel. He said, “Nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Knowing the tendency of human nature to focus so much on its own success. Jesus then told the disciples to keep their values in perspective. Knowing they belonged to Him, that their names were on the roll of the redeemed, was more important than having power to cast out demons. ________________________ *Call to Discipleship* ________________________ The Lord expects every Christian to be out in the harvest field, gathering Souls into His kingdom all of his life. We cannot excuse ourselves fom the responsibilities because, we feel we lack the talents other people have. God has made each of us to fili our own place in His kingdom.
This lesson is aimed at Christians than the unsaved, however, this does not mean attention should not be given to urging unsaved students to accept Christ. The Scripture passages for this lesson emphasises Christ’s power toward those who believe and His judgenent for unbelievers. This can be the basis for both the saved and unsaved to share in His love and salvation. ________________________ *Ministry in Action* ________________________ As Children of God, it is important that we make ourselves always available to be used by God in the harvestof souls.
The work of planting and harvesting reaquires many things to carry it out, it is not different from evangelism. It also requires many human hands and material resources to do the work.
We must avoid the misconception that winning souls is the work of only those God calls to a pulpit ministry.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
141. End of the year shame and reproach, go back to your smder, in the name of Jesus.
142. Angel Gabriel, arise and tear my garment of shame to pieces, in Jesus name.
143. Fire of God, consume my shoes of shame, in the name of Jesus.
144. I rise to the top, never to come down again, in the name of Jesus.
145. I reclaim my seat among honoured, respected, dignified and praised men and women,. in the name of Jesus.
146: Dangerous powers from the coven of darkness plotting to use night time to suck my blood, collapse and die, in the name of Jesus.
147. Covenant of blood assigned to suck my blood through dreams , break, in the name of Jesus.
148. Powers that wants to use my dream to kill me, die instantly, in the name of Jesus.
149. Arrows of darkness fired at night to to give me strange sickness , go back to your sender, in the name of Jesus.
150. God of Elijah, pursue and turn my night attackers to victims of the attavk of the host of heaven, in the name of Jesus.
151. Powers plotting to use my sleep to steal my glory,l run mad and die, in the name of Jesus.
152. The evil effigy on an altar of darkness as a representation of me, so that powers of darkness can have access to me, catch fire and burn to ashes, in the name of Jesus.
153 Chains of darkness used to tie people in their sleep, I decvlare that I am too hopt for you to hold and tie up, in the name of Jesus.
154. I close every door and entry joint that the powers of darkness may want to use to enter into my life and attack me when I am asleep, in Jesus name.
155. Powers opening me up for satanic attack at night, perish in Jesus name.
156. Every evil gate of darkness surounding my home, I seal you up by the fire of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus.
157. Sword of the Holy Ghostm cut down every evil hand that always presses my neck at night, in the name of Jesus.
158. Satanic birdsthat are crying for my blood at night, be consumed by fire, in the name of Jesus.
159. Evil gates opening and closing on my glory when I sleep, I break you into pieces, in the name of Jesus.
160. Rage of destruction planning to conume me at night, conume the plotter, in the name of Jesus.
161. My head, hear the word of God, you shall not accept evil load at night when I am asleep, in the name of Jesus.
162. Wild animals and domestic animals sent to attack me in my dream, in order to steal my glory to give me sickness or to place evil mark on me, die by holy ghost fire, in the name of Jesus.
163. Powers of the oceans and rivers that visits me with marine power, dry up, in the name of Jesus.
164. Strong powers using my sleep to limit my destiny and delay my life, persih, in the name of Jesus.
165. Witches that tie down my soul and punish me every night , my God will judge you instantly, in the name of Jesus.
166. Powers saying that night will not favour mw, are you my God? Perish now, in the name of Jesus.
167. Lion of the tribe of jusah, kill the Lion of the wicked attacking my destiny at night, in the name of Jesus.
168. Angels of war, visit the host of darkness collecting sacrfices to make my life miserable in the name of Jesus.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
MEMORY VERSE: “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:5-8 (KJV) (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 19 November 2023)
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Pleasing God is or should be, the goal of all believers-all who call upon the name of Christ for salvation. The requirements for all who want to please God are that they must seek God by faith, walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and walk worthy of their calling in obedience and submission to the will of God.
LESSON OUTLINES:
WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
LIVING BY FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
1 WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
Paul reminds the believers in Rome that they who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8). So, the first step in pleasing God is to accept the sacrifice for sin that He provided in the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Only then are we “in the Spirit” and not “in the flesh.” We do this by faith because “…without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).
In Romans 8, Paul explains the difference between the sinful nature and the nature of those regenerated by the Spirit. Those who are still in their sin have their minds set on sinful desires, whereas the ones regenerated by Christ have a completely new mind that is controlled by the Spirit and desire to live by following Him (Romans 8:6-8). So the first step for believers in pleasing God is to be sure we are walking in the Spirit, not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: From today’s Bible passage, share in your dialect how you can please God.
2. LIVING BY FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
Furthermore, we must live by faith (Hebrews 10:38; 11:6). God cannot be pleased with those who draw back from Him because they have no confidence in Him (Hebrews 10:39) or they doubt the truth of His declarations and promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), or who do not believe that His way is right and holy and perfect (Psalms 18:30). The requirement of faith and confidence in God is not unreasonable; it is just what we require of our children and spouses, and it is an indispensable condition of our being pleased with them. So it is with God.
Therefore, pleasing God is a matter of living according to His preceptsand commandments, and doing so in love (John 14:15). The Epistles are God’s plan for believers and are filled with exhortations to display throughout our lives the behaviour that is pleasing to God: Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. (1 Thessalonians 4:1).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss why Christians are to live by faith.
CONCLUSION: God wants us to please Him, and He makes it possible for us to please Him. We do these things by the power of His Spirit who lives in our hearts.
QUESTION
What does it mean to walk in the spirit to please God?
Explain the role of faith in pleasing God. ASSIGNMENT: Mention five instances you exercised faith in God and He was glorified. (2×5=10 marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to please You always.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:5-8 (KJV)
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Pleasing God is or should be, the goal of all believers-all who call upon the name of Christ for salvation. The requirements for all who want to please God are that they must seek God by faith, walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and walk worthy of their calling in obedience and submission to the will of God.
LESSON AIM: To study the concept of pleasing God.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
Through the lesson, students should be able to:
a. Understand how to please God.
b. Know what is required to please God.
TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, teachers should:
a. Allow the students to read the Bible passage, recite the memory verse, participate in the class activities and do the assignment.
b. Allow the Assistant teacher to conduct the class, mark attendance and assignment, grade performance and close the class session with the closing prayer.
c. Lead the opening prayer, review the previous week’s lesson, teach the lesson outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give an assignment to the students.
TEXT REVIEW: Romans 8:5-8.
In pleasing God, Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans and by extension every believer distinguishes between walking in the flesh and in the Spirit. He stated thus:
i. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. V5a.
ii. For to be …………………………………….V6.
iii. Because the carnal …………………..V7.
iv. So then they ………………………………V8.
LESSON OUTLINES:
WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
LIVING BY FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
LESSON OUTLINE 1: WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
Paul reminds the believers in Rome that “they who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8).
i. So the first step in pleasing God is to accept the sacrifice for sin that He provided in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
ii. Only then are we “in the Spirit” and not “in the flesh.”
iii. We do this by faith because “without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
B. In Romans 8, Paul explains the difference between the sinful nature and the nature of those regenerated by the Spirit.
i. Those who are still in their sin have their minds set on sinful desires, whereas the ones regenerated by Christ have a completely new mind that is controlled by the Spirit and desire to live by following Him (Romans 8:6-8).
ii. The next step for believers in pleasing God is to be sure we are walking in the Spirit, not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: From today’s Bible passage, share in your dialect how you can please God.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: LIVING BY FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
We must live by faith (Hebrews 10:38; 11:6). God cannot be pleased with those who:
i. Draw back from Him because they have no confidence in Him (Hebrews 10:39).
ii. Doubt the truth of His declarations and promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).
iii. Do not believe that His way is right, holy and perfect (Psalm 18:30).
B. The requirement of faith and confidence in God is not unreasonable; it is just what we require of our children and spouses, and it is an indispensable condition of our being pleased with them. So it is with God.
C. Therefore, pleasing God is a matter of living according to His precepts, and commandments, and doing so in love (John 14:15).
i. The Epistles are God’s plan for believers and are filled with exhortations to display throughout our lives the behaviour that is pleasing to God: “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” (1Thessalonians 4:1).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss why Christians are to live by faith.
CONCLUSION: God wants us to please Him, and He makes it possible for us to please Him. We do these things by the power of His Spirit who lives in our hearts.
QUESTIONS:
What does it mean to walk in the spirit to please God?
Explain the role of faith in pleasing God.
EVALUATION: How can one please God?
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to walk in the Spirit all the days of my life, that my life might be pleasing to You.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five instances you exercised faith in God and He was glorified. (2×5=10 marks).
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit_ (KJV).
Central Truth
The gratitude we owe the Saviour should inspire us to greater love and service_
The Lesson Outline
1. Sincere Devotion
A. An Invitation Accepted
Luke 7:36
B. Outpouring of Love
Luke 7:37-39
2. Sinful Pride
A. Exposed by A Parable
Luke 7:40-42a
B. Rebuked by Christ
Luke 7:42b-46
3. Forgiveness
A. Expressed by Love
Luke 7:47
B. Received by Faith
Luke 7:48-50
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Recognise that a contrite attitude brings Christ’s forgiveness.
2. Determine to surrender fully to Christ.
3. Understand what it means to give all to the Master.
Introducing the Lesson
The account for this week’s lesson occurs early in Jesus’ ministry. Already many were following Jesus, believing what John the Baptist had preached about Him. Opposition from the Pharisees and other religious leaders had surfaced but had not reached the intensity it would later. Yet Jesus did not shun the religious leaders- He accepted social invitations from them. They had every opportunity to accept Him as Messiah, but we observe them steadily hardening their position against Him.
This week’s passage is an example of Jesus teaching at a social occasion in a Pharisees house. Jesus ministered wherever He found spiritual needs and hungry souls. He had come to seek and save
the lost, including Pharisees.
The Holy Scriptures
Luke 7:36. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
37. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38. And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
41. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
42. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
43. Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
44. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
45. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
47. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
49. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
50. And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Commentary and Application
1. Sincere Devotion
A. An Invitation Accepted
Luke 7:36
Question for Application
Why did Jesus accept an invitation to a meal at a Pharisee’s house?_
He knew the hearts of all people and was aware of the harsh legalism and hypocrisy of most of the Pharisees. However, He came to reach out to and minister to all the lost, which include men like this. Jesus was aware the Pharisees Would eventually become some of His fiercest enemies, but they would not be able to say they had not heard the truth.
Question for Application
How were banquets like this different from similar occasions in our day?
The meal was served in a large open room with couches rather than chairs around the tables. Guests reclined on one elbow as they ate. The meal was leisurely interspersed with a great deal of “table talk.”
At a gathering such as the dinner Jesus attended there would be a crowd, so many would hear Jesus’ teaching. The evening would also
include various kinds of entertainment. It was a time of celebration in a relaxed atmosphere. On this occasion, however,
something would happen that strayed from the usual.
B. Outpouring of Love
Luke 7:37-39
It was a common practice at the time to allow people who were not invited to wander about in the room and help themselves to the leftovers. This included the poor, who often did not have enough to eat in their own homes. The presence of someone like the woman with the alabaster jar of ointment would not be surprising. She had come in with the others.
Luke immediately tells us of the woman’s bad reputation in the community. Describing her as “a sinner indicates she was a prostitute. Although the Gospel record does not tell us directly, it seems reasonable to assume this Woman had seen or met Jesus before. She brought with her an alabaster box of ointment. This Suggests she came with the intention of anointing Jesus’ head to express her deep love and respect for Him.
It is hard for us not to conclude that this woman had already believed in Jesus and felt in her heart she was forgiven of her sins. But what courage she had to come to the home of a Pharisee! However, the deep love and gratitude she felt toward Jesus prompted her to take this unusual step. She must have felt that she had to see Him again no matter what effort was required. Since she heard He was at the Pharisee’s house, this is where she came.
Jesus was eating, so it would have been difficult to anoint His head. However, His feet
were extended behind Him in the couch, so the woman broke open the sealed alabaster container and began to pour out the perfumed ointment on His feet. Before the anointing, however, she had washed His feet with tears of joy and gratitude. Then she loosened her hair and used it to wipe the tears from Jesus’ feet which she kissed repeatedly.
Structure worship has its proper place, but nothing is more heart-warming than spontaneous expressions of love for Christ such as we see in this passage. The forgiven sinner’s devotion welled up in her spirit and overflowed in a way that some disdained because it seemed so undignified! The ointment was expensive, but she did not hesitate to use all of it to show Jesus how much she loved Him.
In contrast to the loving devotion of this woman, verse 39 explains the attitude that Simon, the Pharisee in this account, held. We must now suspect this Pharisee’s true motives in inviting Jesus to the meal. Simon felt no joy in watching the woman’s expression of love. He was a cold, rigid, unfeeling individual, wrapped tightly in his self-righteousness. Luke tells us his thoughts (known, of course, to Jesus), which were very critical and judgemental. “Jesus claimed to be a prophet, but prophets knew the character of people. If He were really a prophet,” Simon thought, “it would have been revealed to Him that this Woman was too unclean to touch Him!”
2. Sinful Pride
A. Exposed By A Parable
Luke 7:40-42a
Having known Simon’s thoughts, Jesus related a parable to show the Pharisee his real spiritual condition. When Jesus said, “I have somewhat to say unto thee,” the unsuspecting Simon assumed he was about to hear the kind of discussion usually associated with rabbis. Actually he was about to have the coldness and self-righteousness of his heart exposed in a way that must have startled him.
Lending and borrowing went on among the Jews all the time, since many were poor, while others were well off. In Jesus’ parable, one man owed a small debt; the other owed ten times as much. The important point was that neither was able to repay what he owed.
Question for Application
How does this parable illustrate salvation by grace?
People are inclined to categorise sin. Some sins they say are very bad, while other sins are labelled insignificant. But sin is a spiritual debt regardless of its appearance to human eyes. No one can offer God enough good works or religious ritual to cancel the debt. The “respectable” sinner is as helpless to pay the debt as the murderer. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God does not categorise sin. All of it is rebellion against His laws. It is a debt charged against each sinner’s account.
The creditor in the parable was a gracious individual. Solely on the basis of his own mercy he cancelled the debts of both men. This is what happens when a sinner accepts Christ as his Saviour. The debt is cancelled even though the sinner could not repay it. Someone else has paid it the Lord Jesus by His death on the cross.
B. Rebuked by Christ
Luke 7:42b-46
Now comes the real impact of the parable. When Jesus asked which debtor would love the creditor most, the only logical answer seemed to be: “The one who had the bigger debt cancelled” (NIV). This was how Simon replied and he trapped himself by his own words. Jesus complemented him by saying, “Thou has rightly judged.”
Question for Application
How does the parable expose Simon’s dishonest motives?
When Jesus turned the sportlight on Simon’s heart, he confirmed the dishonest motives he had in inviting Him to the meal. Simon’s lack of hospitality amounted to an actual insult. Having been a host many times, he had not just overlooked the courtesies. His rudeness was surely deliberate.
When a guest first entered the house, he would have been met by a servant who washed the dust from his feet and wiped them with a towel. The host would have greeted the guest with a kiss on the cheek. Then he would anoint his head with perfumed oil kept in the house for such occasions. Simon had done none of this for Jesus, although it is probable he did it for the other guests. In contrast, the woman had washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her long hair. She had constantly kissed His feet after anointing them with ointment she had brought. The woman Simon condemned in his heart for her sinfulness had exposed his true nature by her overflowing acts of devotion.
3. Forgiveness
A. Expressed by Love
Luke 7:47
Jesus did not deny that the woman had been guilty of many sins.
However, after acknowledging her sins were “many,” He quickly
announced she was forgiven. “She loved much” – what a beautiful testimony to the forgiven because she loved. She knew she was forgiven, therefore she loved. Her past life had made it difficult to know the true meaning of love. Her relationships had been the kind that destroy the capacity to love. She had been merely an object to be used. Now all of that was changed. She had found Jesus. There seems little doubt she already had assurance of forgiveness before she came to the banquet room. She had brought her ointment to express a love which had become so full and overflowing it could not be contained.
Question for Applications
Did Jesus’ statement, to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth Iittie’ mean we must be great sinners before we can really love him?
The answer is an unequivocal “No.” To be forgiven of any sin is reason to love Jesus with all our hearts because any sin is reason enough to deserve the judgement of hell. He was aiming His remarks at the Pharisee’s smug self-righteousness. Simon had no sense of forgiveness because he had no sense of being a sinner and needing forgiveness. For this reason he could not love Jesus as the woman did. If Simon ever came to the point of seeing himself as a lost sinner and turned to Christ for forgiveness, he, too, would love much.
It is possible even for Christians to develop a spirit like Simon’s. One who has been converted but has always led a respectable life may look condescendingly at those whose sins were flagrant and glaring. They may congratulate themselves that they had never sunk so low. Unconsciously they may lose their sense of deep love for the Lord because they have lost the realisation that all are equally lost regardless of how their sins appear to other people.
B. Received by Faith
Luke 7:48-50
Jesus’ assurance that the woman’s sins were forgiven (verse 48) confirmed what had already happened in her life. It was important to make the statement publicly because of the attitude of Simon and other Pharisees in the crowed. All were probably thinking the same thing Simon was. They were waiting for Jesus to sho His revulsion at the sinful character of the woman. How Wonderful that He saw her differently. She was one of the lost sheep He has come to save. He would not be deterred by the hostility and criticism of hypocritical legalists.
Question for Application
Why did Jesus’ statement about forgiveness arouse so much discussion among the guests?_
Since those people did not recognise Jesus as the Son of God, they could not accept His authority to forgive sin which only God could do. The most they could acknowledge about Him was that He was another rabbi, a teacher. Forgiveness of sins was outside the prerogative of any man, and they considered Him only as a man.
To answer their critical murmurings. Jesus spoke again to the woman. Her response of faith in Him had brought her the salvation for which she had longed. She must leave the banquet hall, but she would go with God-given peace in her heart. Her spiritual position was a sharp contrast to critics she was leaving behind.
Call to Discipleship
The woman who anointed Jesus, was showing her devotion in a way that demonstrated her feelings the best way she knew, we do not need to copy others. but we must be sure we do not forget to express our love for Christ every day.
We must not have the selfish, prideful altitude the Pharisees demonstrated. Even if we have contact with people whose conduct are repugnant and their personalities irritating, we must see them as Christ does and respond to them as He would. We must understand that all have sinned and all need Jesus to be saved. The salvation of the sinful woman should encourage believers to know Jesus forgives. This is a golden opportunity for anyone yet to accept Jesus Christ into their lives to urgently yield to the call and be saved.
Ministry in Action
You must be ready to express your love to Christ every day, by your deeds as well as in words. Like the woman in this lesson did, be moved to show compassion to others. Live a life that will speak the gospel to the people around you, and draw souls to Christ.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
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Key Verse: Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. (NIV)
Focus
In today’s culture, it is easy for teens to think the marks of success are money and fame. These worldly ideals are promoted in everything from celebrity magazines to TV talent competition, but these are hollow achievements. Whether they realize it or not, what most people hunger for is significance. We want to know that for all our toiling and striving, we’re somehow making a difference.
Thankfully, Christians have every opportunity to live a life of significance. We are Jesus’ messengers and ambassadors, called to represent Him and take His life-changing gospel to the world. By doing so, we can impact countless other lives for eternity. Perhaps you sometimes wonder whether you’re making a difference in the lives of your teens. Just remember God promises to fulfill His purposes when His Word is taught (Isa 55:10-11).
As you prepare for this study, pray that God will open your eyes to the work He is doing in your students’ lives. Also ask Him to make you aware of additional opportunities to communicate to them His love and truth so they can also discover their own lives of significance in Christ.
The Basic Message: Explain to students…
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? God intends for you to have a strong, positive impact in your world.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? Our culture needs Christians to be consistent in their faith, both through their words and their actions, to discover what it means to follow Christ.
HOW DO I LIVE IT? Put your commitment to Christ on display through your respect for authority, your love for others, and your commitment to live with eternity in view.
Activity Option: LEAVE YOUR MARK
Distribute to students lumps of modelling clay. Encourage them to create something without letting anyone else see it. After a few minutes, collect the sculptures in a paper sack. Then show each one to the class and have them guess who made it. Explain that God wants us to make an impression for is kingdom. By living for Christ and standing up for what’s right, we can help shape our world and leave a unique mark for Jesus. Our lives should reflect our Creator in every way.
Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers..
• Why Christians should respect authority. • What true Christian love is all about.
• Why it is important to look forward to and prepare for Christ’s return.
Inform and Discuss a). Respect Authority
Christians should be obedient to God. But yielding to His will also means submitting to the human authority He has placed over us.
1. Read or have a volunteer read Rom 13:1-2. What does it mean that all authority figures have been established by God?
2. Does that mean all authority figures are godly? Explain.
Guide: Explain that God has allowed these people ascend to positions of influence. That doesn’t mean everyone who has authority is a godly person, nor does it mean their actions are always sanctioned by God. They will ultimately answer to Him for how they exercise their power. But we will have to answer to God for our attitudes towards those in authority. All the same, there are rare instances in which we should not obey an authority figure e.g., when someone tells us to do something that is clearly in violation of God’s Word.
3. Read or have a volunteer read Rom 13:3-7. How can submitting to authority bring peace of mind and a better life? [Hint: When we break the rules – whether God’s commands, our parents’ instructions, or government laws – our wrong choices will eventually catch up with us and we will have to suffer for the consequences. By choosing to live a life of obedience we can save ourselves a lot of worry and trouble.
4. Ask students to list some possible consequences of rebellion. [Hint: Answers include: grounding, loss of privileges, school detention, fines, or even jail term. Of course, the most serious consequence of persistent rebellion is separation from God.]
b). Love the People around You 1. Read or have a volunteer read Rom 13:8-10. According to these verses, what’s the best way to keep God’s commandments? [Guide: Explain that sin could be avoided if we loved perfectly. Sin arises out of selfishness and rebellion. When we are guided by principles of love God and others, doing no harm to our neighbours, we have no trouble keeping God’s commands– Matt 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31.
2. When is it difficult to love?
Hint: It’s easy to love those who love us and are kind to us – Luke 6:23. But it can be tough to love those who don’t seem to care about us at all. It’s harder still to love those who dislike us, criticize us, and seek our harm. And yet Jesus says in Matthew 5:44 we should love even our enemies. He goes on to say in John 13:35 that love is what sets us apart from the world.
3. How is it possible to express love to people who don’t love us?
Hint: This doesn’t come naturally. We need the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives to help us see people the way God sees them. We should ask God to change our hearts so we can love others as He would have us love them.
>Guide: Explain that, unlike what is obtainable in today’s culture, Christian love has nothing to do with romance; and it doesn’t happen by chance. It takes a deliberate effort on our part, even as God works in us, to express Christ to a world desperately needing to know His love.
c). Look for Christ’s Return 1. Read or have a volunteer read Rom 13:11-12. What do you think it means to wake up from slumber?
Hint: When we don’t maintain our relationship with God through prayer, Bible reading, and right choices, we’re in danger of “falling asleep” spiritually. In such state, we’re not alert to Satan’s schemes, the needs of others, or our own spiritual condition.
2. Why is it important that we do this right away?
Hint: there is an urgency in this passage as we are warned that a new day is about to begin. This is referring to the return of Christ. Paul believed this event could happen at any moment. We too must maintain that hope and belief. Otherwise, we could be caught spiritually asleep and unprepared.
3. What are “deeds of darkness”?
Hint: These are behaviours and thought patterns associated with the old, sinful way of life. As we say “no” to sin and compromise and allow God’s Spirit to transform our hearts and minds, we will live as Christ, instead of following the pattern of those who do not know Him.
Guide: Read or have a volunteer read Rom 13:13-14. Explain that when we view this life as temporary and fleeting in the light of eternity, we won’t be consumed with pursuing worldly pleasures and indulging sinful desires. Instead, we will be spiritually alert so that we don’t miss the most important event of all: the return of our Lord.
Involve Them: FOLLOW THE LEADER
Distribute paper and pens or pencils. Have students write a letter to someone in authority over them, such as a parent or pastor. Encourage them to thank that person for their guidance and leadership, commit to pray for them, and express willingness to submit to their authority. Challenge them to deliver the letter this week and follow through on their commitment. Also encourage them to submit their lives to the authority of Jesus.
Inspire Them: Remind students “The Basic Message” of this study (pg. 94), explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in the study.
Invitation Option: GET READY
Remind students of Jesus’ warning that some will be unprepared for the Rapture. Offer to pray with anyone who does not have a relationship with Christ or is unsure of their spiritual readiness for His return. Also pray, asking God to help both you and your students to live each day with eternity in view.
Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…
1. Do students know that God wants them to submit to authority? 2. Can they explain what it means to love others in a biblical sense? 3. Do they understand the urgency of preparing for Jesus’ imminent return?
Daily Dew Drops Mon: Honour Authority Figures – Romans 13:1-7 Tue: Pray for those in Authority – 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Wed: Submit for Christ’s Sake – 1 Peter 2:13-14 Thu: They Keep Watch Over You – Hebrews 13:17 Fri: Shun Irresponsibility – Proverbs 15:5 Sat: Please the Lord – Col 3:20
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
113. Arrows of embarassment and shame assigned against my destiny helpers, burn to ashes, in the name of Jesus.
114. Embarassment assigned to my name and personality , go back to your sender, in the name of Jesus.
115. Battles saying no to my honour and glory, persih now, in the name of Jesus.
116. My destiny, be free from reproach and shame today, in the name of Jesus.
117. Demonic presence sending my helpers away, be consumed by fire now, in the name of Jesus.
118. Powers holding me down from getting to the next level, by using shame and embarassment to spoil my name at the edge of breakthroughs , be destroyed, in the name of Jesus.
119. Tongues of the wicked speaking evil about me all around, to make me a subject of ridicule and reproach, be cut off, in the name of Jesus.
120. Powers using me as an instrument of family shame and ancestral disgrace, be destroyed , in the name of Jesus.
Action Point
Get A Professional Account In Your Business Name. Go Moniepoint.
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.
Fact Check Policy
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.
