In the mid 80’s, Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka defined a flexible and all-inclusive product development strategy where the development team works as a unit to reach a common goal. They described an innovative approach to product development that they called a holistic or “rugby” approach, “where a team tries to go the distance as a unit, passing the ball back and forth.” They based their approach on manufacturing case studies from various industries.
Takeuchi and Nonaka proposed that product development should not be like a sequential relay race, but rather should be analogous to the game of rugby where the team works together, passing the ball back and forth as they move as a unit down the field. The rugby concept of a “Scrum” (where a group of players form together to restart the game) was introduced in this article to describe the authors’ proposal that product development should involve “moving the Scrum downfield”.
Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland elaborated on the Scrum concept and its applicability to software development in a presentation at the Object-Oriented Programming, Systems, Languages & Applications (OOPSLA) conference held in 1995 in Austin, Texas.
Since then, several Scrum practitioners, experts, and authors have continued to refine the Scrum conceptualization and methodology. In recent years, Scrum has increased in popularity and is now the preferred project development methodology for many organizations globally.
Some of the key benefits of using Scrum in any project are:
Adaptability—Empirical process control and iterative delivery make projects adaptable and open to incorporating change.
Transparency—All information radiators like a Scrumboard and Sprint Burndown Chart are shared, leading to an open work environment.
Continuous Feedback—Continuous feedback is provided through the Conduct Daily Standup, and Demonstrate and Validate Sprint processes.
Continuous Improvement—The deliverables are improved progressively Sprint by Sprint, through the Groom Prioritized Product Backlog process.
Continuous Delivery of Value—Iterative processes enable the continuous delivery of value through the Ship Deliverables process as frequently as the customer requires.
Sustainable Pace—Scrum processes are designed such that the people involved can work at a sustainable pace that they can, in theory, continue indefinitely.
Early Delivery of High Value—The Create Prioritized Product Backlog process ensures that the highest value requirements of the customer are satisfied first.
Efficient Development Process—Time-boxing and minimizing non-essential work leads to higher efficiency levels.
Motivation—The Conduct Daily Standup and Retrospect Sprint processes lead to greater levels of motivation among employees.
Faster Problem Resolution—Collaboration and colocation of cross-functional teams lead to faster problem solving.
Effective Deliverables—The Create Prioritized Product Backlog process and regular reviews after creating deliverables ensures effective deliverables to the customer.
Customer Centric—Emphasis on business value and having a collaborative approach to stakeholders ensures a customer-oriented framework.
High Trust Environment—Conduct Daily Standup and Retrospect Sprint processes promote transparency and collaboration, leading to a high trust work environment ensuring low friction among employees.
Collective Ownership—The Approve, Estimate, and Commit User Stories process allows team members to take ownership of the project and their work leading to better quality.
High Velocity—A collaborative framework enables highly skilled cross-functional teams to achieve their full potential and high velocity.
Innovative Environment—The Retrospect Sprint and Retrospect Project processes create an environment of introspection, learning, and adaptability leading to an innovative and creative work environment.
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Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it, (KJV).
Bible Text: Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7,12.
Central Truth: Christian husbands are to love their wives as Jesus Christ loves the Church.
INTRODUCING THE LESSON
“I love you.” Those words have been spoken countless times and in every language. Many a man has made that declaration to the woman he believed would meet his deepest needs. Many have followed those words with, “Will you marry me?” Sadly, many men have failed to understand the depth of meaning behind “I love you,” and as a result, failed to meet the obligations of marriage when that proposal was accepted.
Every day young couples, even Christian couples, go into marriage with almost no idea of what it means to be a godly husband or wife. This lesson offers solid biblical guidelines for being a Christian husband, but even wives can benefit from some of the key principles.
As Christians, both husbands and wives are to model their lives after Jesus Christ. So, while this lesson describes the pattern Christ has established for the husband, elements of that pattern will enrich a wife as well.
THE LESSON OUTLINE
1. LOVE YOUR WIFE A. Sacrificial Love – Ephesians 5:25 B. Beneficial Love – Ephesians 5:26-27.
2. CARE FOR YOUR WIFE
A. Golden Rule – Ephesians 5:28-30 B. Priority Relationship – Ephesians 5:31-33.
3. HONOUR YOUR WIFE A. Sowing And Reaping – Colossians 3:19 B. Spiritual Yardstick – 1 Peter 3:7,12.
Learning Objectives At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand an appreciate God’s sacrificial love as a model for the man.
2. Reappraise our priorities in relationships; husbands making rooms to be a blessing to the wife.
3. Realise the truth that husbands are responsible to God on how they treat wives and how it affects their relationship with God.
The Holy Scriptures Ephesians 5:25-33
[25]Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26]That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27]That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28]So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29]For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: [30]For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31]For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. [32]This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. [33]Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Colossians 3:19 [19]Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
1 Peter 3:7,12 [7]Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. [12]For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Commentary and Application
1. Love Your Wife A. Sacrificial Love-Ephesians 5:25
Question for Application
What kind of feelings come to mind when contemplating being in love?
When we ask someone what it is like to be in love, we often get an idealistic answer focusing on companionship, shared happiness, and an unbroken chain of pleasant experiences. These are the most Common descriptions of love in the popular media.
The Bible calls for a love from the husband for his wife that is modelled after the love of Jesus for the Church (Ephesians 5:25). And if there is one word that encompasses what Christ’s love is, it is sacrifice. This kind of love requires a ‘what- can-l-give?” mentality.
When we think of the length to which Jesus Christ “gave himself for it [the Church],” we find a tall order for every husband. The husband seeking to express this kind of love to his wife will be prepared to make any sacrifice for her benefit.
B. Beneficial Love- Ephesians 5: 26, 27
Sacrifice needs to be qualified, however. The Bible does not call the husband to become a slave in order to provide a selfish wife with every luxury A godly attitude of self-sacrifice has godly goals in mind.
The benefits described in Ephesians 5:26, 27are specifically connected to the relationship between Christ and the Church. If that point is not clear, some husbands can overestimate their role in the wife’s walk of faith. Every person is individually responsible for his or her salvation decision.
Christ’s action on behalf of the Church is clearly intended to be a model for some aspects of a husband’s relationship with his wife. Verse 28 begins with “So ought men to love their wives” (KJV) or “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives” (NIV), and points back to the statements in verses 26 and 27. What Christ personally accomplished for the Church, a husband can encourage in his wife’s life.
Vers 26 focuses on the spiritual cleansing Jesus brings about in the believer’s life. A husband who promotes spiritual disciplines in the home creates an environment in which his wife can thrive spiritually. If he is committed to Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians, she will be encouraged to pursue these goals as well.
Verse 27 speaks of the perfect union between Jesus and His spotless Bride, the Church. Christ and the Church enter this heavenly marriage in complete purity.
Question for Application How can fallen humans mirror this ideal picture of marriage?
Man and woman come together in marriage as imperfect human beings. But they are to pursue holiness in every aspect of their relationship, including sexual intimacy.
While modern society makes a joke out of the idea of a virgin bride, the Bible’s call for sexual purity is clear. Christian couples are to observe sexual abstinence during courtship and remain faithful during marriage. Unfortunately, the world contradicts this kind of commitment.
The husband who sees his wife as holy before God will promote her welfare constantly. During their most intimate moments, he will not debase her or treat her as an object.
Holiness must permeate the Christian marriage. Husbands must interact with their wives in a manner that draws them closer to Christ. All of his activities – from daily chores, to hobbies, to entertainment and vacations – must be entered into by the husband in such a way that his wife will be positively affected, so she will “be holy and without blemish” (verse 27).
2. Care for Your Wife A. Golden Rule- Ephesians 5:28-30
Questions for Application If a husband is committed to meeting his wife’s needs, how can he receive any benefit from marriage himself?
We tend to look at marriage in terms of what we can get out of the relationship.
Questions for Application What qualities were you looking for in your dates, and by extension, in your future spouses?
There is nothing wrong with looking for desirable qualities in a wife. But the priority in a healthy marriage must be on what the husband can do for his wife to nurture those qualities. The husband who truly loves his wife with a Christlike love builds her up emotionally and spiritually. He then enjoys the fruit of a relationship with a partner who has been nurtured in these areas.
“But I just don’t understand my wife and how to meet her needs,” men might object. The Bible offers a surprisingly simple key to successful marriage based on the similarities between the sexes. Ephesians 5:28 calls on husbands to treat their wives like they treat themselves. This requires the kind of selfless love described in the previous verse. It also reveals the balance in God’s equation for a healthy marriage. For a husband to treat his wife according to this guideline, he must also care for his own needs.
Jesus applied this principle to all relationships, “Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 19:19). The husband who loves his wife as his own body, as called for in Ephesians 5:28, is loving the person closest to himself.
Some men might try to twist this concept and claim they need to meet their own needs first in order to be good husbands.
The end of verse 28 helps husbands keep a correct perspective, “He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” Husbands, who first focus on their wives and their needs, will bring blessing into their marriage relationship and to themselves.
In verses 29 and 30, the relationship between Christ and the Church enters the picture again. The Church is not only Christ’s bride, but also His body. Just as people seek to meet their physical needs, Christ meets the needs of the Church as His body.
An important aspect of marriage is the husband’s ability to provide for his wife’s needs. Husbands can fall.into the trap of trying to give their wives every comfort at the expense of building a rich personal relationship. Christ’s love and provision for the Church are understood in the context of His unity with the Church (verse 30).
Everything He provides for the Church enriches His relationship with the Church. In marriage, the unity of the relationship is far more important than a wealthy lifestyle.
Priority Relationship-Ephesians 5:31-33
Ephesians 5:31 to the class is one of the most popular verses of Scripture read in marriage ceremonies. But reading the verse at one’s wedding and applying its truth in one’s home are two different tasks entirely.
Question for Application What does verse 31 tell us about the priority of the marriage relationship?
Our closest relationships during our formative years are with our immediate family. The marriage relationship must be so close that even the bonds to a loving father or mother fall behind it.
This doesn’t mean a husband no longer honours his parents. But he makes sure that his wife can trust him to prioritise her needs over those of anyone else – even those who have been the dearest to him throughout his life. Every other relationship must make way for the needs of the marriage partnership.
Discussing which night of the week to get together with friends may seem like a mundane matter, but everyday events, such as going out with friends, create the climate of a marriage. The husband must approach every part of marriage with the attitude of being a blessing to his wife.
Paul’s conclusion in verse 33 is respect their husbands. As a follower of Jesus, a Christian wife will respect Christlike character in her partner.
3. Honour Your Wife
A. Sowing and Reaping- Colossians 3:19 Ephesians repeatedly calls for a husband to love his wife and describes the marriage relationship in terms of Christ relating to the Church. When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he again called husbands to love their wives (Colossians 3:19).
But Paul went further in this epistle. (Ask another student to read the second half of the verse.) He included a warning with his command- do not be bitter (KJV) or harsh (NIV) with your wives.
Paul is warning husbands that how they treat their wives can. directly affect the marital relationship. Over time, the husband who is harsh to his wife can transform a loving partner into an embittered foe, turning his home into a battleground. Once the transformation takes place, it is not easily undone.
Building a successful marriage is a lifelong process of sowing and reaping. Husbands who sow discord with their wives will very likely reap a miserable marriage’ or possibly a divorce. Husbands who faithfully sow Christ’s love with their partners have a good chance of reaping the wife exemplified by the Church.
B. Spiritual Yardstick– 1 Peter 3:7, 12 Marriage has the tremendous potential for great sorrow in daily life. It also has an enormous impact on our spiritual lives. Peter warned the reader of his first epistle that an unhealthy marriage relationship can adversely affect one’s relationship with God.
Question for Application Why would Peter connect the health of one’s marriage with the effectiveness of one’s prayers (1 Peter 3:7)? The husband who treats his wife harshly is disobeying the standard of love established by God and illustrated by Christs own love for His Church. This is sin, pure and simple. Husbands who insist on whitewashing abusive treatment of their wives are making excuses for their own sin. Unconfessed sin always creates a barrier between the believers and God.
The major thrust of verse 7, however, is one of encouragement. Peter wanted his readers to focus on the positive results of a loving marriage relationship. He encouraged husbands to treat their wives with consideration, and he did so using two key ideas. First, he pointed to the natural weakness of the woman compared to the man. This is an unfashionable truth today.
The “battle of the sexes” has been played out in countless public arenas, from athletic events to popular sitcoms. But the fact remains, God created men with the physical strength and those traits that facilitate their role as protectors and leaders in the home and in society at large.
Question for Application Does this statement make men better than women in God’s sight? Anyone who doubts the Biblical teaching of a woman’s complete equality with a man needs only to read the next phrase in verse 7. Women are not just “the weaker vessel,” but are “heir together [with their husbands] of the grace of life.”
God created women to Complement the characteristics of men. When Christian men and women join together in a lifelong marriage relationship, they build a partnership in which the strengths of each partner counter-balance the weaknesses of the other.
Husbands are responsible to God for how they treat their wives. According to verse 12, it will affect their relationship with God. Husbands have a choice. They can either pursue the Christlike path building up their wives and reaping both a happy marriage and God’s blessing. Or they can selfishly pursue their own dreams and goals regardless of the cost to their partner. They may even bully their way to a certain degree of success with an intimidated wife. But the harvest they reap spiritually and perhaps for eternity, will be grim.
Call to Discipleship
The worship chorus, “To Be Like Jesus”, includes the line “all l ask is to be like Him” Perhaps few couples think of this song when evaluating where their marriage is heading, but that line summarises the key to every marriage’s success.
A husband who commits himself to being like Jesus every day will build a foundation for his marriage strong enough to withstand any attack. He will remain faithful to his wife, will lovingly meet his wife’s needs, and will give his very life for her if necessary.
Just as Christians must rely on Christ’s work in them in order to live for Him. Husbands must rely on Christ to model His behaviour in their marriage.
The Biblical pattern for husbands is not achievable by any man in human strength alone. But the man who takes hold of all that Christ has to offer will find that his own inner transformation makes possible an outer expression of abiding love to his spouse.
1. How can a husband’s Christlike love win an unsaved wife to Christ? 2. List some practical ways a Christian husband can express his love for his wife.
3. What do you think is your greatest responsibility as a husband? What does your wife think it is?
Ministry in Action Some students in your class may be dealing with marital discord or even facing the dissolution of their marriage because they have never made Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives. Invite them to make that decision today.
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Text: Exodus 20:1-20; Matt 7:12; 19:16-21; Rom 12:17-21;Gal 5:13-14;Eph 5:1-2
Key Verse: James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right. (NIV)
Focus
Humanity is fast abolishing any common standard for ethical standards by substituting “Absolute truth” with “relativism” and “tolerance.” It’s no wondersome of your students may not know what to believe when it comes to moral or ethical issues. Presently, there are lots of contentions in the Western world over the definition of who is a woman.
Yet, in the Bible, God has set out guidelines for life and conduct. These guidelines have lasted for generations and are still applicable to our lives today. God desires that we follow these guidelines, not as mere obligation but because of our love for Him.
To a world which has seen hypocrisy, infidelity, dishonesty, and abuse in the Church, obligatory obedience to a set of guidelines only seems like “nonsense” they can do without. On the other hand, by making ethical decisions that are founded in love-love for God and others-Christians can demonstrate God’s unfailing love to a world in desperate need of it.
In this study, your students will realize that the Bible is the only standard by which we can measure our ethical decisions and base our actions. They will realize that God has established these rules to help us live in peace, not to, simply “spoil our fun. “instead, God has given us these guidelines to help us live in peace with each other.
The Basic Message: Explain to students…
• WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? God’s Word must be our standard for determining right and wrong.
• WHY DOES IT MATTER? Those who don’t know God often define right and wrong in ways that conflict with the standards we see in God’s Word.
• HOW DO I LIVE IT? Define right and wrong based on God’s Word, not human standards, and let God’s commands guide your attitudes and actions.
Activity Option: MORAL DILEMMA
Write the following statement on the board: • Everyone should be able to live the way they want as long as they aren’t hurting anyone. • Lying, in all cases, is wrong. • Just because it is wrong for one person, doesn’t mean it is wrong for someone else. • In extreme cases, euthanasia is an act of mercy.
Discuss students’ reactions to these statements. Avoid deep discussion on the issues themselves. Instead, focus on the standards by which the students responded to the statements.
Guide: Explain that different cultures have bought into the belief that right and wrong are relative. In the opinion of those that uphold such cultures, there is no more absolute truth. Therefore, there is no standard by which every person’s actions can be judged. As for Christians, the Bible should be the standard by which all actions and attitudes are measured.
Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers… • How God’s standards of right and wrong are the ultimate standards. • Why our motives should be considered, not simply the issue of right and wrong. • How our actions must be motivated by our love for God.
Inform and Discuss a). Accept God’s Standards of Right and Wrong
Guide: Read or ask volunteers to read Exodus 20:1-20. Explain that rules and guidelines bring structure and order. Even those who campaign for personal freedom in ethics agree to the need for some standards in the society. Without the structure provided by some form of behavioural standard, the world would end up in chaos. Then point out that the Ten Commandments were given by God to the Israelites as they were becoming established as a nation. These laws became the basis for conduct for the entire nation, and they still influence our laws today.
1.Why do some people reject the Bible as a standard of conduct
Hint: Some reject the idea of God in general. Others don’t understand the content. Some simply don’t want to be told what to do.
2. Read or ask volunteers to read Matt 19:16-21. What was Jesus answer to the young ruler’s question? [Hint: Obey the commands. Referring to the commands of the Old Testament.
Guide: Explain that Jesus’ sacrifice atoned for our sins, making the need for the Old Testament animal sacrifices obsolete. However, nothing in His life or teaching claimed to abolish both the standards for ethics and the behaviour in the Old Testament. The same directives for ethics that God gave in the Old Testament still apply today.
b). Check Your Motives
Guide: Read or ask a volunteer to read Matt 7:12. Explain that this verse, commonly known as the Golden Rule, creates a problem for some people. We all want to be treated well by others, but we may not always want to do what’s right.
1. What are some situations in which it might be difficult to do the right thing?
Hint: Lying or cheating when you know you won’t get caught, treating with kindness someone who has wronged you, deciding not to take revenge when you have the chance.
Guide: Read or ask a volunteer to read Rom 12:17-21. Explain that when we learn to treat others the way we want to be treated, and learn to treat even our enemies with kindness rather than revenge, then we can begin to live in peace.
2. What do you think might happen in our society if everyone determined to live by the Golden Rule? [Hint: There would be no more crime; everyone would get along; hunger and homelessness would be abolished.]
c). Love Must Motivate Our Action
Guide: Read or ask a volunteer to read Eph 5:1-2. Explain that motivation for our ethical choices should be love-love for God and love for others. As Christians, our choice to follow God’s command should come from a desire to imitate Him and His righteousness. We pursue righteousness because God is righteous.
1. What example did Paul give of God’s love for us in verse 2?
Hint: Christ gave Himself for us. His sacrifice for us was the ultimate act of love. As Christians, we should reflect the love of God to the world around us.
2. Discuss practical ways students can demonstrate God’s love to the people they come in contact with daily. Encourage them to give specific, concrete examples.
3. Read or ask a volunteer to read Gal 5:13-14. What is the command that Paul used to sum up the entire Law? Hint: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Guide: Explain that Paul is referring to more than just Christians here. He is giving us a challenge to live a life of love to everyone. As Christians, we represent the love of God in every relationship and circumstance.
Involve Them: WHAT IF…?
List the Ten Commandments on the board. Then read them one after other. As you read each commandment, have students describe briefly what happens when that law is broken. Then discuss the following question with students:
• Do you believe the Ten Commandments are less relevant, equally relevant, or more relevant today than in the Old Testament? [Allow responses]
Guide: Explain that the guidelines established by God thousands of years ago are still very relevant to our society today. God has established guidelines to allow us to live in peace and demonstrate His love toward one another.
Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study(pg 39), even as you explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.
Ministry Activity: UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
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Explain that they need not write their names on the cards. When all the students have finished, collect the note cards. You may choose to read them out aloud, or simply take them home and read them in private. You may use the issues from the cards to develop deeper studies on these topics, addressing them in the future.
Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…
1. Do students understand the need to establish ethical standard in line with the Bible?
2.Can they recognize appropriate motivations for ethical choices?
3. Can they explain the importance of showing love in ethical decisions?
Daily Dew Drops:
Mon: Follow the Light – John 3:19-21 Tue: Don’t Be Deceived – Prov 14:12 Wed: Be God Focused – Col 3:17 Thu: No Double Standard – Rev 3:14-16 Fri: Love: The Summary – Rom 13:8-10 Sat: Search It Out – Acts 17:10-11
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CRMNuggetsis 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.
A Scrum project involves a collaborative effort to create a new product, service, or other result as defined in the Project Vision Statement. Projects are impacted by constraints of time, cost, scope, quality, resources, organizational capabilities, and other limitations that make them difficult to plan, execute, manage, and ultimately succeed.
However, successful implementation of the results of a finished project provides significant business benefits to an organization. It is therefore important for organizations to select and practice an appropriate project management methodology.
Scrum is one of the most popular Agile methodologies. It is an adaptive, iterative, fast, flexible, and effective methodology designed to deliver significant value quickly and throughout a project. Scrum ensures transparency in communication and creates an environment of collective accountability and continuous progress.
The Scrum framework, as defined in the SBOK™ Guide, is structured in such a way that it supports product and service development in all types of industries and in any type of project, irrespective of its complexity.
A key strength of Scrum lies in its use of cross-functional, self-organized, and empowered teams who divide their work into short, concentrated work cycles called Sprints.
Scrum Cycle
The Scrum cycle begins with a Stakeholder Meeting, during which the Project Vision is created. The Product Owner then develops a Prioritized Product Backlog which contains a prioritized list of business and project requirements written in the form of User Stories.
Each Sprint begins with a Sprint Planning Meeting during which high priority User Stories are considered for inclusion in the Sprint. A Sprint generally lasts between one and six weeks and involves the Scrum Team working to create potentially shippable Deliverables or product increments.
During the Sprint, short, highly focused Daily Standup Meetings are conducted where team members discuss daily progress. Toward the end of the Sprint, a Sprint Review Meeting is held during which the Product Owner and relevant stakeholders are provided a demonstration of the Deliverables.
The Product Owner accepts the Deliverables only if they meet the predefined Acceptance Criteria. The Sprint cycle ends with a Retrospect Sprint Meeting where the team discusses ways to improve processes and performance as they move forward into the subsequent Sprint.
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MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” – 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Jude 3-4
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The English word apology comes from a Greek word that means “to give a defense.” Christian apologetics, then, is the science of giving a defense of the Christian faith. Many sceptics doubt the existence of God and/or attack belief in the God of the Bible. Some critics attack the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16) while false teachers promote false doctrines and deny the key truths of the Christian faith. The mission of Christian apologetics is to combat these movements and instead promote the Christian faith and truth.
LESSON OUTLINES:
REASON AND BIBLICAL INSTANCES WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT 1. REASON AND BIBLICAL INSTANCES
There is no excuse for Christians to be completely unable to defend their faith (Jude 3-4). Christians should know what they believe, why they believe it, how to share it with others, and how to defend it against lies and attacks (Colossians 4:6). We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15). The only way to do this effectively is to study why we believe what we believe (2 Timothy 2:15). This will prepare us to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” as Paul said we should (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Jesus was His own apologetic, as He often stated that we should believe in Him because of the evidence He provided (John 10:25; 10:38). In fact, the whole Bible is full of divine miracles that confirm what God wants us to believe (Exodus 4:1-8; 1 Kings 18:36-39; Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
Paul practiced what he preached; in fact, defending the faith was his regular activity (Philippians 1:7). He refers to apologetics as an aspect of his mission in the same passage (v.16). He also made being an apologetic a requirement for all believers (Titus 1:9). Jude, an apostle of Jesus, wrote, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Apart from the above reasons, why do you think a Christian should defend his/her faith in this end time?
2. WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT
Defending the Christian faith as apologetics should never involve being rude, angry, or disrespectful (2 Timothy 2:24). While practicing Christian apologetics, we should strive to be strong in our defense and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation (Matthew 10:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:7). If we win a debate but turn a person even further away from Christ by our attitude, we have lost the true purpose of Christian apologetics (2 Corinthians 6:3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you had any cause to defend your faith lately, how did you do it?
CONCLUSION: We are commanded to use apologetics in as many or more places as we are told to preach the gospel.
QUESTIONS:
Give three examples of people in the Bible that defended the faith. How should believers defend the faith? ASSIGNMENT: Mention five things you can do to defend the faith (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 PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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: Father, help me to promote and defend the Christian faith in Jesus’ Name.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” – 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Jude 3-4 (KJV)
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The English word apology comes from a Greek word that means “to give a defense.” Christian apologetics, then, is the science of giving a defense of the Christian faith. Many sceptics doubt the existence of God and/or attack belief in the God of the Bible. Some critics attack the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16) while false teachers promote false doctrines and deny the key truths of the Christian faith. The mission of Christian apologetics is to combat these movements and instead promote the Christian faith and truth.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
Through the lesson, students should be able to: a. Know what apologetics means. b. Explain with the Scripture why the Christian faith needs to be defended, c. Understand how to go about the defence of our faith.
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 previous week’s lesson, teach the lesson outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignment to the students.
TEXT REVIEW: Jude 3-4. In the above text, Jude exhorts his readers in very clear terms to be contenders for the faith. He wrote: i. Beloved, when I gave all diligence ………. V3. ii. For there are certain men crept in ………..V4.
LESSON OUTLINES:
REASON AND BIBLICAL INSTANCES WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT 1. REASON AND BIBLICAL INSTANCES
A. There is no excuse for Christians to be completely unable to defend their faith (Jude 3-4). i. Christians should know what they believe, why they believe it, how to share it with others, and how to defend it against lies and attacks (Colossians 4:6). ii. We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15). iii. The only way to do this effectively is to study why we believe what we believe (2 Timothy 2:15). iv. This will prepare us to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” as Paul said we should (2 Corinthians 10:5).
B. Jesus was His own apologetic: i. He often stated that we should believe in Him because of the evidence He provided (John 10:25; 10:38). ii. In fact, the whole Bible is full of divine miracles that confirm what God wants us to believe (Exodus 4:1-8; 1 Kings 18:36-39; Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
C. Paul practiced what he preached; in fact, defending the faith was his regular activity (Philippians 1:7). i. He refers to apologetics as an aspect of his mission in the same passage (V.16). ii. He also made being an apologetic a requirement for all believers (Titus 1:9).
D. Jude, an apostle of Jesus, wrote, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3).
2. WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT
i. Defending the Christian faith, as apologetics, should never involve being rude, angry, or disrespectful (2 Timothy 2:24). ii. While practicing Christian apologetics, we should strive to be strong in our defence and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation (Matthew 10:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:7). iii. If we win a debate but turn a person even further away from Christ by our attitude, we have lost the true purpose of Christian apologetics (2 Corinthians 6:3).
CONCLUSION: We are commanded to use apologetics in as many or more places as we are told to preach the gospel.
QUESTIONS:
Give three examples of people in the Bible that defended the faith. How should believers defend the faith? EVALUATION: Mention at least two people who defended their faith in the scriptures.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, create in me the zeal to wisely and persuasively defend this Christian faith.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five things you can do to defend the faith (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 PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
A DISCIPLE has to be like His master in The Lord Jesus Christ was the Humility. Th Lord Jesus Christ was the embodiment of humility. He washed the feet of his disciples. He was born in a manger. He ate with people considered as “untouchable” like Zaccheaus, prostitutes etc. He also live with the poor.
Why Must We Be Like Our Lord In Humility?
This is because the way to conquer is the way to stoop. If you want to win, you must humble yourself. There is an example in 2 Kings 12:1-16, 6-8. This Story of a young king who went to seek the advice on how to answer the people who had come to inquire of him how his rule will be. The elders advised humble himself before the people and give them reply.
The king went again to seek the advice of the young men of his age and they advised him to tell something that would let them know how important he was. They advised him to tell them that if they thought his father was harsh, they hadn’t seen anything because he would do worse. He refused to humble himself and he later lost the kingdom.
But in the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, He went down seven steps in order to reach the highest point in the universe. Philippians 2:4-11.
STEP 1:In Philippians 2:4-11, the Bible says that even though Jesus was equal to God, He made Himself of no reputation – verse 7a.
STEP 2: He took upon Himself the form of a servant, verse 7b.
STEP 3: Even though He was God, He was made in the likeness of men – verse 7c.
STEP 4: He humbled himself even lower than the very creatures He created verse 8, John 1:1-3. Even being the creator, He didn’t come as a king among men, He chose to be born in a manger and into a poor family.
STEP 5: He became obedient. Someone who had been giving orders now had to take orders – vs. 8b.
STEP 6: He became obedient unto death. Many people can be obedient but not unto death.
STEP 7: His obedience was not only unto death but unto death on the cross. This is a shameful death, full of agony and pain (Galatians 3: 13).
Jesus Christ took seven steps down. The Bible says a result of this, God began to take Him seven steps up Philippians 2:9-11.
STEP 1: God highly exalted Him – verse 9a
STEP 2: God gave him a special name
STEP 3: God gave him a name that is above other name. eve
STEP 4: God gave Him the name Jesus, at the mention of which every knee in heaven should bow.
STEP 5: God gave Him the name Jesus, to which every knee on earth must bow.
STEP 6: God gave Him the name Jesus, to which every knee under the earth must bow
STEP 7: And that every tongue must confess the Jesus Christ is Lord.
WHY WE SHOULD HUMBLE OURSELVES
Humility is the way to go up. The way up actually the way down. The number of humble sty you take down will determine the number of steps O will lift you up. We discover that the humble can des any enemy. The easiest way to knock down a man b bend down and grab his feet. That is why the Jesus has to go down to the lowest part of the earth defeat Satan completely. In Revelation 1:18, the lord Jesus described this total victory saying,
@I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I an alive for evermore, Amen and have the keys of hell and of death”
In other words. He has it all. He conquered not only death but also Satan who held the key of death. That is why the Bible said if they had known, they would not have killed the Lord of glory. The lower the centre of gravity, the more stable the object. That is why the saying goes that he that is down needs fear no fall. The foundation is the lowest part of a house. When the be use falls, the foundation remains. Even when a house burns down, the foundation escapes the fire. That is why the Bible says in Psalm 11.3 that when the foundation is affected everything is lost. Jesus is our Foundation and Chief Cornerstone (Revelation 21:14:1 Corinthians 3:111).
WHY IS THE HUMBLE INDESTRUCTIBLE?
The humble man, like the foundation, is quiet. The foundation is neither seen nor heard, yet it carries the greatest weight of the whole house. So is the humble man
In Isaiah 53 :5-6. Jesus is the burden bearer, bearing our sin and shame. Also in Proverbs 11:12. the Bible tells us that it is the empty vessel that makes the loudest noise: “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour but a understanding holdeth his peace.”
A man of understanding will hold his tongue, he doesn’t talk too much. ‘Silent rivers run deed’ Proverbs 17:27 says that:
“A man of knowledge spareth his words.” Verse 28 says: “Even a fool when he holds his peace is counted wise. And he that shutteth his lips is
esteemed a man of understanding”.
A humble man knows this and so he doesn’t want to be heard. When you talk too much, you reveal your secrets to the enemy. As seen in the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel. He said he heard the sound of much rain, and that was why he had to pray seven times before it was actualised.
When we say that the humble man is silent, we mean that he is silent to men, but he is vocal to God. Isaiah 40:31, the humble man is waiting upon the Lord, praising Him, thus renewing his strength (Isaiah 40:31).
HOW CAN ONE BECOME HUMBLE?
There are two ways in which you can become humble:
(1) Voluntarily:
John 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
If the Bible says humble yourself, it means that it is possible for you to be humble by yourself. You can do i by yourself.
(2) By Force:
(Deuteronomy 8:3) However, if you don’t want to be humble voluntarily, God can make you humble by force. The Bible says that God caused the people of Israel to wander for 40 years in order to humble and prove them. It is up to you to either humble yourself or be humbled by force. God can get you walking in circles until you know what humility is.
Take a decision to humble yourself. Ask for His Grace.
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
THERE must be love among disciples, and this love goes hand in hand with discipline. If you are in a denomination and you are so big that the leaders of such a denomination cannot correct you, you must relocate to where you can be corrected.
In a congregation where there is genuine, divine love, the following ‘brethren’ must not be spared:
(1) Those indulging in sin (2 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Timothy 5:20)
(4) Hinderers or those who slow down the propagation of the gospel (Acts 13:6-12)
(5) Deceivers and hypocrites (Acts 5: 1 – 11 )
WHY WE MUST BE FIRM WITH THESE PEOPLE
We must be firm with this kind of people because if we are not, they will gradually destroy the entire congregation. They will gradually introduce the killer germ’ into the congregation hence, they should be gotten rid of before they destroy the whole church.
Any of these brethren is like cancer in the body. If you locate cancer, and the affected area is removed, then there is hope for the rest of the body. That is what the Holy Spirit did to Ananias and Sapphires, so that the rest of the church can continue to grow, Jesus Christ said if your right hand will cause you to sin, cut it off, so that the rest of your body can go to heaven. He said you should do the same with your right eye.
Any brother or sister that will cause himself to be a cancer in the body of Christ must be dealt with.
The question now cones, Is it wise to put oneself under someone who can discipline you rather than enjoy your freedom?
The Bible let us know that it is wise to put yourself under someone who can punish you when you go wrong because of the following reasons.
DISCIPLINE BRINGS WISDOM
If anyone does wrong and is punished for his wrong doing, He will become wise. In Proverbs 29:15, the Bible says:
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself bringeth his mother shame.”
In Proverbs 15:5, the Bible says:
“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction:but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.”
Proverbs 25: 5 also says:
“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.”
If you take discipline whenever it becomes necessary, you must be a prudent fellow. As a matter of fact, the Bible says discipline is a desirable thing.
In Psalm 141:5, David said:
“Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil which shall not break my head.”
The Bible says if you are wise and somebody disciplines you, you will love the fellow. However, if you are foolish, you will hate him for it. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Reprove not a scorner lest he hate you, rebuke a wise man and he shall love thee.”
If you are disciplined and you hate the person who disciplines you, then you must know the type of person you are a scorner! but if you are a wise man, whoever disciplines you becomes your friend.
Those who are under a leader must joyfully receive discipline from him, and they must even fall in love with him for doing so.
HOW CAN THE LEADERS BE DISCIPLINED?
Now the question arises, ‘What about the leader himself? From whom will he receive his own discipline?’
Unfortunately, there is none except God. This is one of the reasons you must always pray for your leaders. If you make a mistake, your leader will punish you and God will leave you alone. In the case of your leader, there is nobody to punish him
For forty years, Moses led the children of Israel in the wilderness. Whenever they sinned, he would run to God to go and beg and God will forgive them. When Moses sinned only once, there was nobody to beg for him. And that was the end of his own story. In Revelation 2/1 God says that leaders are like stars in His hand. He is holding them like stars in His palm; they have nowhere to run to. If they make a mistake, all He has to do is close His hand. That will be the end of such a leader. He said, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand…”
The seven stars stand for the seven leaders in the Seven churches. God does not need to search for the leaders before He can catch then. It must be a good idea if only for two minutes, you pray for your leader, so that God will not destroy him.
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
Taking the definition of a disciple as an imitator, it follows logically that all disciples must follow Jesus the leader in all ways without any reservation. We must be like Him in love, simplicity, humility, boldness, holiness, in power, in zeal and in all ways. We must try to be like Him and even desire to be higher. We must start somewhere.
BEING LIKE JESUS IN LOVE
As an imitator of Christ we must be like Him in love. God is love, hence we take love first. Jesus is merciful, because He is love. All His characteristics is love. When Jesus came, He demonstrated love in many ways. For example, He carried little children and patted them in love.
As parents, we must love and care for our children as well as other people’s children. Our Lord had time for.
a weeping widow. He loved the lepers (Matthew 8:1-3). He touched the lepers with love. We must learn to shake hands with people of lower esteem than us. differentiate in love We must not
In Acts 10:38 the Bible says,
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”
in John 10:10 and Isaiah 53:5, Jesus Christ lived for us. He came and gave life abundantly. He died, that we may live. He became poor that we might be rich (II Corinthians 8 :9).
He is love as the Father is love (John 13: 35). As disciples of Jesus, it is only love for one another that makes us different from other people. Love can be demonstrated by giving, touching, embracing, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
CHASTISEMENT AS AN ASPECT OF LOVE
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.“Revelation 3: 19.
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not. Hebrews 12: 6-7
God demonstrates His love by chastening. We must be chastened as true children of God. At times we are not chastened either because:
(a) We are too young in faith. For example, when a child wets his napkin, we treat him with love. When spiritual babes make mistakes we can overlook.
(b) We are bastards, that is, God has given up the person. Hosea 4:17 says, Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Love and discipline always go together. We must not always remain a baby in the Lord. The moment we want to be disciples, it means we want to be object of love and must be ready for discipline. DISCIPLE is derived from the word DISCIPLINE.
John 15:13-15; To be a disciple is to be a friend of Jesus. To be His friend means He will always scourge and discipline us. True discipline comes from a deep genuine love. The love of a father to the children which nobody can copy. A disciple must be a son and God must deal with him as a son. He must follow the father’s foot path (Hebrews 12:9-10).
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” Hebrews 12/6 – 7
God demonstrates His love by chastening. We must be chastened as true children of God. At times we are not chastened either because:
(a) We are too young in faith. For example, when a child wets his napkin, we treat him with love. When spiritual babes make mistakes we can overlook.
(b) We are bastards, that is, God has given up the person. Hosea 4:17 says, Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Love and discipline always go together. We must not always remain a baby in the Lord. The moment we want to be disciples, it means we want to be object of love and must be ready for discipline. DISCIPLE is derived from the word DISCIPLINE.
John 15:13-15; To be a disciple is to be a friend of Jesus. To be His friend means He will always scourge and discipline us. True discipline comes from a deep genuine love. The love of a father to the children which nobody can copy. A disciple must be a son and God must deal with him as a son. He must follow the father’s foot path (Hebrews 12: 9 – 10 )
DISCIPLINE AMONG DISCIPLES.
WHY MUST HE CHASTEN US?
(a) Like father, like son. He wants us to partake of His holiness, no compromise at all (Proverbs 13:24:23:13- 14. Psalm 89:30-33).
(b) It is the justice of God that no man shall suffer twice for the same offence (II Corinthians 5:14). Among disciples, there is always a spiritual head that has to discipline those who commit offences. If he disciplines someone here on earth, the sin is already stricken out in heaven. It is better to accept the chastisement and suffer here than to spend eternity in hell. Ezekiel 22/29 – 3 says that God’s people has offended Him but nobody to whom He can report, that He has to discipline them.
The real purpose of discipline in the church is that the spiritual leader could say: “Please Lord don’t mind them, I have punished them.” Little fellowships are sometimes endangered in this case because everybody is his own master, no discipline. A small fellowship is like a gathering without Break (1 Corinthians 5:7). There must be discipline becatite God is a consuming fire (II Corinthians 13:10).
Prayer! I am sorry for all the wrong things I have done in the past and for which I was not disciplined, let us forget the past let’s start afresh.
Father have mercy upon me and help me to be upright with you for evermore
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
A KING the definition of disciple as an imitator, it follows logically that all disciples must follow Jesus the leader in all ways without any reservation. We must be like Him in love, simplicity, humility, boldness, holiness, in power, in zeal and in all ways. We must try to be like Him and even desire to be higher. We must start somewhere.
BEING LIKE JESUS IN LOVE
As an imitator of Christ we must be like Him in love. God is love, hence we take love first. Jesus is merciful, because He is love. All His characteristics is love. When Jesus came, He demonstrated love in many ways. For example, He carried little children and patted them in love.
a weeping widow. He loved the lepers (Matthew 8:1-3). He touched the lepers with love. We must learn to shake hands with people of lower esteem than us. We must not differentiate in love.
In Acts 10:38 the Bible says,
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”
In John 10:10 and Isaiah 53:5 Jesus Christ lived for us He came and gave life abundantly. He died, that we may live. He became poor that we might be rich (II Corinthians 8 :9).
He is love as the Father is love (John 13:35 ) . As disciples of Jesus, it is only love for one another that makes us different from other people. Love can be demonstrated by giving, touching, embracing, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
CHASTISEMENT AS AN ASPECT OF LOVE
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” Hebrews 12:6 – 7
God demonstrates His love by chastening. We must be chastened as true children of God. At times we are not chastened either because:
(a) We are too young in faith. For example, when a child wets his napkin, we treat him with love. When spiritual babes make mistakes we can overlook.
(b) We are bastards, that is, God has given up the person. Hosea 4:17 says, Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Love and discipline always go together. We must not always remain a baby in the Lord. The moment we want to be disciples, it means we want to be object of love and must be ready for discipline. DISCIPLE is derived from the word DISCIPLINE.
John 15:13 – 15 To be a disciple is to be a friend of Jesus. To be His friend means He will always scourge and discipline us. True discipline comes from a deep genuine love. The love of a father to the children which nobody can copy. A disciple must be a son and God must deal with him as a son. He must follow the father’s foot path (Hebrews 12:9 – 10 )
WHY MUST HE CHASTEN US?
(a) Like father, like son. He wants us to partake of His holiness, no compromise at all (Proverbs 13:24;23:13. 14; Psalm 89:30 – 33 )
(b) It is the justice of God that no man shall suffer twice for the same offence (II Corinthians 5:14). Among disciples, there is always a spiritual head that has to discipline those who commit offences. If he disciplines someone here on earth, the sin is already stricken out in heaven. It is better to accept the chastisement and suffer here than to spend eternity in hell. Ezekiel 22/29 – 3 says that God’s people has offended Him but nobody to whom He can report, that He has to discipline them.
The real purpose of discipline in the church is that the spiritual leader could say: “Please Lord don’t mind them, I have punished them.” Little fellowships are sometimes endangered in this case because everybody is his own master, no discipline. A small fellowship is like a gathering without break (I Corinthians 5:7). There must be discipline because God is a consuming fire (II Corinthians 13:10). Prayer: I am sorry for all the wrong things I have done in the past and for which I was not disciplined, let us forget the past let’s start afresh.
Father have mercy upon me and help me to be upright with you for evermore.
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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: “Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” – Psalm 49:20 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 3 John 2-4
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
LESSON INTRODUCTION
After we surrendered our lives to Jesus, He gave us our redemption package. Inside this package is everything that will make life enjoyable. These things make Christianity delightful and beautiful. It is, therefore, expedient that we unfold our redemption package to enjoy its benefits.
LESSON OUTLINES:
REASONS FOR NOT ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
1. REASONS FOR NOT ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
Certain factors may be attributed to the inability of a Christian to enjoy the benefits of redemption. Ignorance is one of them (John 8:32). These benefits are written all over the pages of the Bible. We must search them out to know them (John 5:39; Acts 17:11). Until we discover them, we cannot enjoy them (Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6).
Another reason is that some Christians have been wrongly taught to be content with their present state. Sometimes you hear them say, “Thank God, I am saved: at least, I am going to Heaven.” Some Christians may decide to live and die like Lazarus: sick, afflicted, and poor; while others decide to live and die like Abraham; rich and healthy (Luke 16:20-21; Genesis 25:8-10). Do not be content with your present state, if it is not a pleasant one. We must revolt against lack, want, sicknesses, affliction, and any other thing that does not bring glory to God in our lives.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How can one enjoy the Redemptive package?
2. UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
Some of the things that accompany salvation can be broadly categorised as follows:
Deliverance: This is being set free from the power of darkness. This includes:
i. Deliverance from curses and evil covenants (Galatians 3:13; Romans 8:1).
ii. Deliverance from the spirit of fear (2 Timothy. 1:7). Fear has torment (1 John 4:18).
iii. Deliverance from demonic oppressions (Isaiah 49:24-26; Luke 10:19).
iv. Deliverance from the wrath of God (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 5:6).
Victory: This means triumphing, dominating, etc. (1 Corinthians 15:57). In the victory package is victory over:
i. Sin (Romans 6:14).
ii. Enemies (Isaiah 59:19).
iii. Devil (Revelation 12:11).
iv. Sickness and diseases (Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:4-5).
v. Death (both physical and spiritual) – Isaiah 28:18a.
Prosperity: Abundant provisions have been made for us (2 Corinthians 8:9; Job 36:11). However, some Christians are suffering, not because they are not saved, but because they are not meeting the conditions of the covenant of prosperity (sowing, giving, tithing, etc. -2 Corinthians 9:6).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share with the class what changed in their lives since they gave their lives to Christ.
CONCLUSION: If we, as Christians, look mournful and sickly, it may be that we have not been claiming our redemption benefits. We must claim our redemption package. It is our covenant right.
QUESTIONS
Mention three reasons believers do not enjoy the redemption package.
Mention two benefits that believers can get from the redemption package
ASSIGNMENT: Write five redemption package benefits that you are enjoying. (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 PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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: Father, open my eyes of understanding to your redemptive package in Jesus’ name.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” – Psalm 49:20 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 3 John 2-4 (KJV)
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: After we surrendered our lives to Jesus, He gave us our redemption package. Inside this package is everything that will make life enjoyable. These things make Christianity delightful and beautiful. It is, therefore, expedient that we unfold our redemption package to enjoy its benefits.
LESSON AIM: To study the nature of the redemptive package giving to believers at salvation.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
Through the lesson, students should be able to:
a. Know the constituents of the believers’ redemptive package.
b. Identify the benefits of the redemptive package.
c. Understand why some do not make most of the redemptive package.
TEACHING PLAN:
To achieve the above-stated objectives, teachers should:
a. Allow the students to read the Bible passage, recite the memory verse, review the previous week’s lesson, 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 assignment to the students.
TEXT REVIEW: 3 John 2-4.
In this passage, the testimony about Gaius’ faithfulness prompted John to write about the joy he feels and his desire to see him- Gaius (and by extension every faithful believer) prosper. It says:
i. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.V2.
ii. For I rejoice …………………………………..V3.
iii. I have no ……………………………………..V4.
LESSON OUTLINES:
REASONS FOR NOT ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
1. REASONS FOR NOT ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
Certain factors may be attributed to the inability of a Christian to enjoy the benefits of redemption.
A. Ignorance is one of them (John 8:32).
i. These benefits are written all over the pages of the Bible.
ii. We must search them out to know them (John 5:39; Acts 17:11).
iii. Until we discover them, we cannot enjoy them (Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6).
B. Another reason is that some Christians have been wrongly taught to be content with their present state.
i. Sometimes you hear them say, “Thank God, I am saved: at least, I am going to Heaven.”
ii. Some Christians may decide to live and die like Lazarus: sick, afflicted, and poor; while others decide to live and die like Abraham; rich and healthy (Luke 16:20-21; Genesis 25:8-10).
iii. Do not be content with your present state, if it is not a pleasant one.
iv. We must revolt against lack, want, sicknesses, affliction, and any other thing that does not bring glory to God in our lives.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How can one enjoy the Redemptive package?
2. UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE
Some of the things that accompany salvation can be broadly categorised as follows:
Deliverance: This is being set free from the power of darkness. This include:
i. Deliverance from curses and evil covenants (Galatians 3:13; Romans 8:1).
ii. Deliverance from the spirit of fear (2 Timothy. 1:7). Fear has torment (1 John 4:18).
iii. Deliverance from demonic oppressions (Isaiah 49:24-26; Luke 10:19).
iv. Deliverance from the wrath of God (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 5:6).
Victory: This means triumphing, dominating, etc. (1 Corinthians 15:57). In the victory package is victory over:
i. Sin (Romans 6:14).
ii. Enemies (Isaiah 59:19).
iii. Devil (Revelation 12:11).
iv. Sickness and diseases (Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:4-5).
v. Death (both physical and spiritual) – Isaiah 28:18a.
Prosperity: Abundant provisions have been made for us (2 Corinthians 8:9; Job 36:11). However, some Christians are suffering, not because they are not saved, but because they are not meeting the conditions of the covenant of prosperity (sowing, giving, tithing, etc. – 2 Corinthians 9:6)
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share with the class what changed in their lives since they gave their lives to Christ.
CONCLUSION: If we, as Christians, look mournful and sickly, it may be that we have not been claiming our redemption benefits. We must claim our redemption package. It is our covenant right.
QUESTIONS:
Mention three reasons believers do not enjoy the redemption package.
Mention two benefits that believers can get from the redemption package.
EVALUATION: Why do some believers not make the most of their redemptive package?
CLOSING PRAYER: If you have given your life to Christ, pray for the grace to enjoy the blessings of the redemption package Christ gave to you. If you are yet to receive Him as your Saviour, ask for the redemption package now.
ASSIGNMENT: Write five redemption package benefits that you are enjoying. (2×5=10 marks).
NOTE:
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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 PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
What evidence do we have that God values the family? His Word offers so many examples of His care and concern – from Genesis account of creation, in which God gave life to a husband and wife and commanded them to have children, to Revelation’s description of the return of Christ for His Church in language reminiscent of a wedding celebration.
The narratives spanning these books include a wealth of stories about people’s everyday lives and the way in which they relate to one another. Father, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, and a host of cousins, in-laws, and other relatives all interact in the pages of Scripture. Their lives are recorded to provide guidance for our own.
God does not just offer His Word as a guidebook for family living, however, and expect us to do all the reading and application for ourselves. He desires to be our partner in building our marriages and raising our children. When His participation is sought, healthy families are built. God not only values the family; He invests Himself in it.
LESSON OUTLINE 1. CHOOSE TO SERVE GOD
A. Example Of Righteousness – Joshua 24:14-15 B. Response Of Commitment – Joshua 24:16-18,24
2. GOD BUILDS THE HOME
A. Don’t Try It Alone – Psalm 127:1-2 B. Trust In God – Psalm 127:3-5.
3. GOD BLESSES THE HOME
A. Rewards of Faithfulness – Psalm 128:1-4 B. Impacting Our World – Psalm 128:5-6.
*Learning Objectives* At the end of this lesson. students will be able to:
1. Make early and timely decision to lead and inspire their family to live for God and serve the interest of His Kingdom.
2. Show and Maintain consistency in following God’s footsteps in building the home: Without Him, every home is destined for disaster.
3. Understand that God rewards and blesses our faithful work with Him.
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES Joshua 24:14-18 [14]Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. [15]And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. [16]And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; [17]For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: [18]And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.
Psalms 127:1-5 [1](A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. [2]It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. [3]Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4]As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5]Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Psalms 128:1 [1](A Song of degrees.) Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
Commentary And Application
1. Choose to Serve God A. Example of Righteousness–Joshua 24:14, 15
When Joshua called the Israelites together near the end of his life, the gathering should have been a great celebration. In the years Joshua had led the armies of Israel through Canaan, God had granted them repeated victories. More and more of the Promised Land came under Israel’s control.
God had promised that victory in Canaan would be a gradual process so His people could take over farms, vineyards, and homes that were maintained rather than inherit a wasteland (See Deuteronomy 7:22).
With much of Canaan under Israel’s control and with a lifetime battle record that included only one defeat, Joshua could have been expected to offer a glowing speech of lsrael’s gratitude for God’s blessings. Sadly, Joshua could only half meet such an expectation.
In Joshua 24:1-13, Joshua reviewed God’s protection and provision for His people, God had remained faithful. But Israel’s victories in battle had not led to day-to-day spiritual victories.
When God outlined lsrael’s battle campaign in Deuteronomy 7, He called for the complete removal of Canaan’s inhabitants and their false gods. But in recounting lsrael’s victoríes over their enemies, the Book of Joshua also records their disobedience (17:12,13).
Joshua was well aware of Israel’s compromise, and his speech reveals that the problem stretched back to the days of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt. Not only was Israel influenced by the idolatry that remained in Canaan, they had never totally removed the idols of Egypt (Joshua 24:14). Joshua’s statement in verse 15 is tinged with bitter irony.
Question for Application
Was Joshua really inviting the Israelites to live in idolatry?
Joshua was pointing Israel to the only correct choice they could make. They had to give up their false gods and serve the true God who had proven His faithfulness to them. Joshua’s own commitment to God is clear in his statement of determination to serve the Lord regardless of the path lsrael might choose (verse 15).
Godly parents today can find themselves in Joshua’s position. After years of living a Christian testimony before their children and encouraging them to make a commitment to Christ, the final decision remains with those children. When grown sons and daughters decide to pursue their own paths and exclude God, grieved parents must still proclaim their own undying devotion to the Lord. Their faith may be the means of drawing a child back to God, or salvaging the lives of grandchildren being raised in a home where Christ is not welcomed.
*B. Response Of Commitment–Joshua 24:16-18, 24
The people’s response to Joshua’s plea was what he had hoped for. They identified themselves as faithful servants committed to living for God. To forsake God in order to serve idols Would be the farthest thing from their minds (Joshua 24: 16). They acknowledged that God had delivered them from slavery and protected them during their journey.
to Canaan (verse 17). He was the One who was responsible for their victories over their enemies, and they committed themselves to serve Him (verse 18). “He is our God,” they proclaimed.
History proves the fleeting worth of Israel’s promises. It wasn’t too many years after Joshua died, that the Book of Judges recorded one act of rebellion after another. But where a human reading of Joshua 24:16-18 in light of Judges would dismiss the value of the Israelites’ promises, God’s view of the human heart takes into account human failure. His grace seeks to work in sinful lives at whatever point they are opened to Him.
Parents must never forget this in their struggle to bring up their children to live for the Lord. The parent who gives up on a child in that child’s times of rebellion may be cutting off the child’s greatest reason to ever come back to God the parent’s own unwavering encouragement to live a holy life.
Joshua knew the Israelites’ longstanding tendencies when it came to their obedience to God. That obedience came and went (verses 19, 20). But he continued to goad the lsraelites into making a firmer commitment to God, a commitment they voiced again in verse 24. Had Joshua given up and let the lsraelites go their way, idolatry would have overrun the land. As it was, his encouragement and example led to a revival that lasted for some years after his death (see verses 25-31).
Parents who commit to raising the children to serve Christ are headed for years of hard work, fervent prayer, and maybe some challenging confrontations. That is reality. But they are not called to undertake this task alone. God is the divine Builder of every home.
2. God Builds the Home
A. Don’t Try It Alone–Psalm 127:1, 2 Every picture-perfect family we may encounter has gone through a lot of challenges to achieve whatever measure of order we observe. Young married couples move into their years of establishing a household with the uncertainty of fledgling independence.
The challenge in the formative years of a marriage is to remain independent enough to develop personal life skills without overlooking the wisdom offered by people with many years of experience. In pursuing healthy adult independence, we must be especially careful to maintain our dependence on God. Without Him, any home is destined for disaster.
Psalm 127:1 , 2 identifies God as the indispensable member of any team, whether the project is home construction or community oversight. At every level of organisation, God is the One who gives the needed strength and wisdom.
The context of this psalm shows that the references to building include the establishment of the family. Building a family is a task spanning many years and includes countless difficulties as well as vast rewards. When parents attempt to look too far ahead, they can become discouraged at the scope of their responsibilities. yet the primary mistake is relying exclusively on human effort to meet needs. Just as verse 1 proclaimed about the
builders and the watchmen, verse 2 shows that no amount of human effort will prove fruitful without God’s assistance.
*Question for Application* ls Psalm 127 calling for inactivity on our part?
By no means are these verses ridiculing human industry. Rather, they are stressing that all such effort will help them reach worthy goals only when carried out in cooperation with God.
Couples receive so many conflicting messages from the world when establishing their homes and raising their children. If one were to believe every ad, no family could be happy without living in a mansion, driving a fleet of new cars, or owning closets full of the latest fashions.
When materialistic messages are allowed to take root, parents find themselves working extra hours or taking on extra jobs in order to “adequately provide” for their children. This comes at the sacrifice of the most crucial provision of all -a loving relationship built through quantity as well as quality time together. No amount of possessions can substitute for a healthy parent/child relationship. It is Just such a relationship that will most strongly Influence children to put their trust in their loving Heavenly Father.
B. Trust God-Psalm 127:3-5
Just as parents can fall for the myth of “more is better” in terms of materialism, they can also fall for the myth of “less is better’ when it comes to building their families. Contrary to popular belief, large families are not a threat to our planet but are an avenue for God’s blessing (verse 3). However full your quiver may be (verse 5), the key to this blessing is the kind of trust in God that is the basis for this entire psalm. Whether you have numerous sons (and certainly daughters) or few, if they are raised to fear God, they will grow up to be a support to you and a blessing to the community (verses 4,5).
In the final analysis, however, Psalm 127 calls for a reorientation of focus. The tasks needed to house and clothe and feed a family have to be carried out. But rather than focusing on these tasks first, godly parents must focus on God first (see MatthewW6:25-34). Daily communion with Him sets the stage for accomplishing those tasks at work and around the home to meet the needs of the family.
3. God Blesses the Home A. Rewards of Faithfulness– Psalm 128:1-4
Psalm 128:1 issues a call for daily consecration. God’s blessings do not materialise in an instant like wishes from some genie in a bottle. He works with the believer day by day, blessing that person’s life in response to faithful obedience. Parents who want to experience God’s blessings In their home need to be consistently obedient. They cannot pick and choose from God’s Word what they find attractive. They cannot make excuses for or attempt to hide besetting sins. Their lives must be laid before God submission. This is what it means to “walk in his ways” (verse 1. NIV).
It is no accident that the perspective of psalm 128 is from that of a husband. As the leader of the home and family, the husband bears the particular responsIbility of modelling godly character before family members. Verse 1 refers to “all who fear the Lord,” so no one is exempt from the principle. But the husband sets an example that is vital to a family’s spiritual health.
The rewards for obedience are evident in verses 2 and 3. There are few better examples of peace and unity in the home than a shared meal. The food itself represents God’s provision. The wife and children around the table represent the web of positive family relationships that are built within the home.
Such relationships require special care, illustrated by the use of plant imagery, in an agricultural society, the value of the wife and children is wonderfully illustrated by the images of prized plants that need faithful care and attention if their growth is to be healthy and complete.
Verse 4 drives home the point again – all of the blessings listed come about as a result of “fearing.” or consistently serving God. While the God-fearing individual is the focus here, there is a definite cause- and-effect ripple throughout the believer’s community as well.
B. Impacting Our World–Psalm 128:5, 6
Families do not typically live in isolation. They develop reputations among their neighbours and mingle within broad social circles. The Christian family bears a heavy responsibility as a ministry team representing Christ to a lost world.
Question for Application What contemporary application can we find in Psalm 128:5?
God’s blessings “from Zion” refer to His blessings from His presence. Zion – the holy hill on which the temple, which housed the ark, was built – symbolised God’s dwelling. Christians understand even better than Old Testament believers that God’s presence abides within everyone who accepts Christ as Saviour.
For Jews to “see the prosperity of Jerusalem” meant that life in their homeland would be marked by peace and prosperity. Any believer would wish the same for his homeland. The person who has prayed for the blessing of a prosperous homeland is the same one who has guided his household according to God’s Word. Though not stated explicitly, the blessed homeland is an outgrowth of the blessed home.
Verse 6 bears this out. Parents who raise their children to live for God are very likely to see those children raise up other children to live righteously. A multiplication of godly citizens within any community serves to counter the decay of public morality and promote the well-being of a nation.
Call to Discipleship It is one thing to contemplate God’s presence and help when experiencing a relatively calm period in life. The test of faith is to remember His presernce and help are also realities in life’s dark places.
When children become rebellious, Christian parents need to rely on God’s WIsdomn in applying discipline. When finances dwindle, Christian families must trust God to supply every need. When marriage relationships become strained, husbands and wives must remember that God is the third Partner in their union.
With every challenge God allows to cross a family’s path, He supplies a means of gaining victory. His perspective is eternal, and He has in focus His eternal plan for every family member. Believers who structure their family life around God’s Word will find God’s help and encouragement at every challenge they encounter.
1. List the area ofyour family life that may need to be more focused on the Lord. 2. How can your family bea witness of God’s grace? *Ministry in Action* Encourage your students to be mindful of the attention their families receive in their neighbourhoods’, in their communities, and as they travel on vacations. They may never know when the most mundane activities they share with their children will prove to be an inspiration to someone who is lost.
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
Text: Psalm 8:3-8;Rom 1:18-20;13:1-2; Gal 4:4-6; Col 1:15-20 Key Verse: Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is Impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.(NIV)
Focus A person’s worldview is a crucial component of his or her life. It will determine how he or she views his or her circumstances and choices, and ultimately how he or she determines his or her actions. Many people don’t take the time to consciously dissect their world view. Too often, it ends up being ”pieced together” by influences and experiences throughout life. Your students are faced with a barrage of non-Christian, even anti-Christian, world views that seem to have become the mainstream thought of today’s culture. As Christians, we must determine that our worldview is based on God and His Word. Those two components are non-negotiable.
The key to influencing our society is to hold steadfast to our Christian worldview- our belief that God exists and that He has a plan for His creation. In this study, your students will learn that the bedrock of a Christian’s worldview – the very existence of God – must be accepted on faith. Once that is established, the rest of the components-His creation of the universe and His active role in it- are easily accepted. Challenge your students to stand strong in the face of opposition to their worldview, but to do so with the care and compassion Jesus would show.
The Basic Message: Explain to students…
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Our definition of reality must begin with faith that God created the universe for a purpose.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? We often meet people who deny God’s existence or reject that He’s in control of the universe.
HOW DO I LIVE IT? Look to God for your definition of reality and encourage doubters to make Him the Lord and Loader of their lives.
Activity Option: SEE NO EVIL,HEAR NO EVIL
Before class, prepare two or three identical bags with some sort of food item inside (e.g., crackers, cupcake, cooked spaghetti noodles, etc.).The more interesting the food, the more fun the activity will be. Ask two volunteers to work together to determine what is in each bag and describe it to the class. However, one student can only use her eyes and hands. (She can look, touch, etc., but cannot speak.) The other student can only use his ears and mouth. (He can speak and taste, but cannot look or touch. You may want to blindfold him to make it easier.)
Guide: Explain that a person’s perspective, especially a limited one, has a great impact on how they view the world. And how a person views the world greatly impacts the choices and decisions that person makes.
Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers…
• How a Christian worldview is based on belief in God through faith. • That the universe, and everything in it, has a purpose. • How in spite of the seeming bad things that have happened in history, God has been present through it all.
Inform and Discuss
a). Who Is God? 1. Read or ask a volunteer to read Heb 11:6. How would you answer someone who asked you to prove that God exists? Answers might include: share personal testimony, argue science, etc.
Guide: Explain that although those are great ways to try to convince someone of the existence of God. But the Bible itself doesn’t try to prove that God exists. Instead, that truth is accepted as fact from the beginning.
2. How would your relationship with God be different if you could prove scientifically that He exists?
Guide: Focus on the fact that God has established that faith is what pleases Him.
3. Read or ask volunteers to read Gen 12:1-9;Heb 1:8-10.Discuss the role faith played in these passages.
Guide: Explain that a Christian’s belief in God is the foundation of his or her worldview. Because a Christian accepts God’s existence by faith, every experience is viewed through this truth.
4. Read or ask a volunteer to read Rom 1:18-20. What did Paul mean when he wrote that ”men are without excuse”?
Hint: Creation gives us evidence of God – by simply observing creation we can see proof of God’s existence.
5. Why do you suppose some people still choose to reject the existence of God?
Hint: If they accept God’s existence, they would have to accept His Word and His commands.
b). What ls the Universe? 1. Read or ask a volunteer to read Psalm 8:3-8. What are some different views about how the world (and universe) came to be? What does this passage say about creation?
Hint: Creation, evolution, big bang theory, and aliens are some of the different views about how the world(and universe) came to be. However, the Psalmist clearly credits God with the work of creation. A Christian’s worldview includes believing that God created the universe and has a purpose for His creation- even humans.
2. What purpose do evolutionists say the universe has? What purpose do you think God has given to humans?
Hint: According to evolutionists, there is no intention to the accidental “evolution” of life. On the other hand, the Bible clearly states people were made rulers over God’s creation. It is our job to take care of the earth and all who inhabit it. We might even assume that spiritual well-being is included along with the physical. We were also created to have fellowship with God.
3. Read or ask a volunteer to read Col 1:15-20.Discuss Christ’s involvement in creation, based on this passage.
Hint: He is the firstborn of all creation; He has always existed; He created all things; He holds all things together.
Guide: Explain that Christ’s role in creation establishes the fact that He is God. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross provided for our salvation and reconciliation to God, our Creator. God’s purpose for His creation is still as vital as it was the day He spoke the universe into creation.
c). What about History 1. Read or ask volunteers to read Rom 13:1-2. How does this passage explain that God is in control of everyday events? [Hint: Paul explains that the authority of every leader, even those who make poor choices, exists only because God has allowed it.]
Guide: Explain that if we believe that God created the universe for a purpose, then we must believe that God is in control of that universe. We may not always understand why He allows some things to happen, but we know He is aware-and in control-of what is going on.
2. Read or ask a volunteer to read Gal 4:4-6. What do you think the phrase “when the time had fully come” means?
Hint: It was in God’s perfect timing, the circumstances were perfect for Christ’s coming, etc.
Guide: Explain that the world was certainly ready for Christ’s coming. Most of the world spoke a single language (Greek) when Jesus came to earth, making it an ideal time to spread the gospel. But Christian worldview would say that Christ came at the perfect time in God’s plan because God has a plan.
3. What evidence is there to show that God is still at work in our lives?
Hint: Salvation, healing, provision, deliverance, Students may wish to share personal testimonies here.
Involve Them: Have two volunteers role-play a discussion between a person with a Christian worldview and a person with a non-Christian worldview. The person taking the non-Christian role should begin the conversation with the following questions: • How can you prove there is God? • What makes you think the world didn’t simply evolve?
After a few minutes, instruct the volunteers to switch roles. Then ask them: Was it easy or difficult to explain your worldview? Why or why not?
Guide: Explain that as Christians we view the world through the lens of our knowledge of God and His Word. But we must acknowledge that we live among many people who do not have the same perspective. We must holdfast to our faith, without hating those with differing worldview but share the gospel with them in love.
Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study(pg 31), even as you explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.
Ministry Activity: Divide the class into groups. Allow students to share encounters they’ve had with individual who have a different worldview. Instruct each group to spend a few moments in prayer for those people. Conclude by challenging students to consider how to allow their worldview to influence their daily lives. Encourage students to allow those truths to impact their decisions, thoughts, and actions in the coming days.
Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…
1. Are students able to articulate their belief in God’s existence through faith? 2. Do they recognize worldviews that are contradictory to God and His plan? 3. Are students compassionate (instead of judgmental) toward others with differing worldviews?
Daily Dew Drops Mon: His Word Lives – Heb 4:12 Tue: Worthy Passion – Psalm 27:1-4 Wed: Worthy Thoughts – Phil 4:8 Thu: Understanding Spiritual Things – 1 Cor 2:12-16 Fri: Unavoidable Appointment-2 Cor 5:10 Sat: We Shall Be Changed – 1 Cor 15:51-57
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
A Guide to the Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK™ Guide) provides guidelines for the successful implementation of Scrum—the most popular Agile project management and product development methodology.
It provides a comprehensive framework that includes the Principles, Aspects, and Processes of Scrum. Scrum, as defined in the SBOK™ Guide, is applicable to the following: · Portfolios, programs, and/or projects in any industry · Products, services, or any other results to be delivered to stakeholders · Projects of any size or complexity.
Scalability of Scrum To be effective, Scrum Teams should ideally have six to ten members. This practice may be the reason for the misconception that the Scrum framework can only be used for small projects.
However, it can easily be scaled for effective use in large projects. In situations where the Scrum Team size exceeds ten people, multiple Scrum Teams can be formed to work on the project. The Convene Scrum of Scrums process facilitates coordination among the Scrum Teams, enabling effective implementation in larger projects.
Large or complex projects
Large or complex projects are often implemented as part of a program or portfolio. The Scrum framework can also be applied to manage even programs and portfolios.
The logical approach of the guidelines and principles in this framework can be used to manage projects of any size, spanning geographies and organizations.
Large projects may have multiple Scrum Teams working in parallel making it necessary to synchronize and facilitate the flow of information and enhance communication. The Convene Scrum of Scrums is the process ensuring this synchronization.
The various Scrum Teams are represented in this meeting and the objectives are to provide updates about progress, discuss challenges faced during the project, and coordinate activities. There are no set rules regarding the frequency of these meetings.
The factors determining the frequency are the amount of inter-team dependency, size of the project, level of complexity, and recommendations from the Scrum Guidance Body.
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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: Father, help me to grow spiritually and be like Christ always.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” – 1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV)
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Spiritual maturity is consciously leaving the longings for continuous “milk and baby steps” and growing to be like Christ. This involves feeding on “strong meats” and living for Christ alone. Every believer is expected to grow up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
LESSON AIM: To teach the students about spiritual maturity in Christ.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
Through this study, students are expected to:
a. Understand the meaning of spiritual maturity.
b. Recognise signs of spiritual Immaturity.
c. Know how to attain spiritual maturity.
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 outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson, and give an assignment to the students.
TEXT REVIEW: Hebrews 5:12-14.
Apostle Paul expresses his disappointment in some brethren who have refused to grow spiritually. He made the following remarks:
i. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. V12.
ii. For everyone that ……………………………………………….V13.
iii. But strong meat ……………………………………………..V14.
LESSON OUTLINES:
SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
The following are some of the signs that a believer in Christ is not growing in the faith as expected by God:
Selfishness – Like babies, such a believer cares about him/herself alone (2 Timothy 3:2; Philippians 2:21).
Gifted but lacking the corresponding fruit of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Quick to speak, slow to hear (Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19).
Given to complaining and murmuring at all times (1 Corinthians 10:10).
Quick at judging others and justifying him/herself (John 8:7; Matthew 7:1).
Inability to endure sound doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3): loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing.
Controlled by sights/emotions/feelings (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Engaging in envy, strife, heated arguments, and disagreements (James 3:14-16).
Gets upset over petty things (Proverbs 19:11).
Flowing with the world (1 John 2:15-17).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss how they can know a believer is mature spiritually.
2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
A. The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14).
i. It is about feeding intensely on the word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), and doing what the word says (James 1:25).
ii. Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).
B. Spiritual maturity also entails:
i. Forgiving and growing to forget (Colossians 3:13).
ii. Taking to corrections and heeding instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:13).
iii. Managing our emotions and living beyond our feelings (Proverbs 16:32).
iv. Having integrity and not going with the ‘current’ of the world (Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7).
v. Doing away with strife (Proverbs 20:3);
vi. Being humble (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6);
vii. Putting on the righteousness of Christ to produce pure fruits always (Ephesians 4:24).
The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14). It is about feeding intensely on the word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), and doing what the word says (James 1:25). Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).
Spiritual maturity also entails forgiving and growing to forget (Colossians 3:13); taking to corrections and heeding instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:13); managing our emotions and living beyond our feelings (Proverbs 16:32); having integrity and not going with the ‘current’ of the world (Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7); doing away with strife (Proverbs 20:3); being humble (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6); putting on the righteousness of Christ to produce pure fruits always (Ephesians 4:24).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share how higher dimensions in their walk with God began.
QUESTIONS:
Mention three signs of spiritual immaturity.
How can believers become spiritually mature?
EVALUATION: Mention five signs of spiritual immaturity.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to grow in my walk with you in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: Write out five names of Christians around you who exhibit spiritual maturity (No mark).
NOTE:
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 PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 5:12-14 [12]For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13]For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14]But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
MEMORY VERSE: For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:3.
INTRODUCTION: Spiritual maturity is consciously leaving the longings for continuous “milk and baby steps” and growing to be like Christ. This involves feeding on “strong meats” and living for Christ alone. Every believer is expected to grow up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
OUTLINES: 1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY 2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY The following are some of the signs that a believer in Christ is not growing in the faith as expected by God: 1. Selfishness – Like babies, such a believer cares about him/herself alone (2 Timothy 3:2; Philippians 2:21). 2. Gifted but lacking the corresponding fruit of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7). 3. Quick to speak, slow to hear (Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19). 4. Given to complaining and murmuring at all times (1 Corinthians 10:10). 5.Quick at judging others and justifying him/herself (John 8:7; Matthew 7:1). 6. Inability to endure sound doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3): loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing. 7. Controlled by sights/emotions/feelings (2 Corinthians 4:18). 8. Engaging in envy, strife, heated arguments, and disagreements (James 3:14-16). 9. Gets upset over petty things (Proverbs 19:11). 10. Flowing with the world (1 John 2:15-17). Students should discuss how they can know a believer is mature spiritually.
2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14). It is about feeding intensely on the word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), and doing what the word says (James 1:25). Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24). Spiritual maturity also entails forgiving and growing to forget (Colossians 3:13); taking to corrections and heeding instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:13); managing our emotions and living beyond our feelings (Proverbs 16:32); having integrity and not going with the ‘current’ of the world (Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7); doing away with strife (Proverbs 20:3); being humble (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6); putting on the righteousness of Christ to produce pure fruits always (Ephesians 4:24).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share how higher dimensions in their walk with God began.
CONCLUSION: Although spiritual maturity is a journey, we must never remain on the same level; we must make noticeable progress in our Christian walk.
QUESTIONS: * Mention three signs of spiritual immaturity. * How can believers become spiritually mature?
ASSIGNMENT: Write out five names of Christians around you who exhibit spiritual maturity (No mark).
RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 4th February 2024 || Lesson 23
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN 1. 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.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friend friendship suits me well, Both young and will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds be black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. 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 PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
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 can 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 said, “…Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” (NIV)
Focus Last week’s study focused on Noah, a righteous man, who obeyed God and built an ark to escape the tragic Flood. This week’s study relates to the story of another construction project-the Tower of Babel. But unlike the ark, the Tower was a self-serving and self-glorifying plan/project. Its builders, in their pride, didn’t want to honour God or follow His instructions. Of course, it is a dangerous decision to ignore God, and few people would presume to do it deliberately.
And yet, in subtle ways, we put God off when we neglect personal time in His Word, reduce prayer to a pre-meal grace, or simply don’t apply to our lives what He has already shown us through the Word and prayer. As much as we may want to experience God’s perfect plan for our lives, it will be nearly impossible to discover it if we’re not taking time to listen to Him.
If it seems that you haven’t been hearing from God as clearly as you would like, take a personal retreat. Get away to a quiet place for even a brief time and do nothing but sit in His presence, open your mind and your Bible, and let Him do the talking. Ask God to search your heart and show you what He sees. Allow Him to replace any misguided motivations with godly humility so that He gets the glory, not you. Then, take immediate action on what He shows you during this time.
The Basic Message: Explain to students…
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Pride keeps people from listening to God.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? Trying to do things our own way leads to failure and confusion.
HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Ask God to remove pride from your life, and commit to discovering and following His plans.
Activity Option: TOWERING LANDMARKS
Display pictures of famous towers or buildings from around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Empire State Building, and NECOM House. (You should be able to locate pictures on the Internet.) Quiz students to see how many of these famous landmarks they can correctly identify.
Guide: Explain that today’s study is about a tower-building project that came to an abrupt halt because it was situated on a foundation of human pride. People often value, celebrate, and pursue things that will not last. Even structures that remain standing for centuries will someday crumble. In the end, only God’s truth will remain. The things we build into our lives will make an eternal difference only if we listen to God and follow His instruction.
Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers… • How the people of Babel pridefully rebelled against God. • How God confused the language of the world. • Why we must listen to God rather than doing things our own way.
Inform and Discuss a).Monument of Pride 1. Read or ask a volunteer to read Gen 11:1-4.Why did the people want to build a city and tower? Do you think that the people’s reasons were right or wrong? Why? [Hint: In Genesis 9:1, God had given a command to fill the earth. But the people were ignoring God’s words in favour of banding together to “make a name” for themselves. Instead of being concerned about obeying God and exalting His name, their pride led them to promote their own interest.
2. Ask students to suggest some ways in which teens sometimes try to “make a name” for themselves (e.g., through popularity, money, possessions, relationships, activities, abilities, rebellion, etc.
Guide: Explain that it’s natural to desire success and the admiration of others. But these aren’t the most important things in life. When we want things more than we want a relationship with God, they become monuments of pride-like the Tower of Babel. Ultimately, such things lead to spiritual catastrophe. Thankfully, we don’t have to dismantle these “monuments” on our own. As we draw closer to Jesus, He will begin to change our desires. We’ll start looking for ways to bring Him honour, instead of wasting our energy on things that won’t last.
3. Read or ask a volunteer to read James 4:6,10. Why would God oppose the proud? How and why can pride be destructive? 4. What does it mean to humble yourself before the Lord? How might He “lift you up” if you do so? (Hint: To ‘be humble before God means to recognize your position in relation to His and to acknowledge your total dependence on Him for strength and guidance. When you do this, God will honour you with the help you need and more-the ability to succeed in accomplishing His highest purposes for your life.
Guide: Explain that prideful people often refuse to hear God’s Word because they don’t want to acknowledge their need for guidance and discipline. God opposes such people. Their prideful pursuits will amount to nothing because they have rejected the One who can truly bring purpose and meaning to their lives. But God gives us grace when we confess our sins and submit our lives to Him. James 4:10 says He will “lift” the humble, providing the help we need to accomplish great things for His glory.
b). Inspection Time Guide: Explain that God inspected the structures that the people of Babel were building(Gen 11:5).He sees everything we do as well-both the good and the bad. More importantly, He sees our hearts and examines the motives behind our actions. We may not be able to detect every hidden flaw or wrong motivation, but God can.
1. Read or ask a volunteer to read Gen 11:6-9. What similarities do you see between what the people said in verse 4 and what God said in verse 7?
Hint: God used the same words the people had used: “Come, let us…This may have been used to draw attention to the difference between God’s plan and the people’s plan.
2. Whose plan failed? Whose plan triumphed? What can we learn from this?[Hint: The people’s plan failed, but God’s plan worked flawlessly. If we want to succeed in God’s kingdom, we must first humble ourselves and determine to take directions from Him. Only when our plans line up with God’s plans is victory assured.
3. Read or ask a volunteer to read Prov 8:13. How do people usually act toward things they hate? What do you think it means to hate evil?
Hint: People usually avoid and resist things they hate. Those who hate evil will do everything possible to avoid sin and temptation. They won’t regard sinful behaviours as entertaining, interesting, or fun.
What do pride and arrogance have to do with evil?
Hint: Pride leads to rebellion against God. When we stop paying attention to God’s instructions and start believing we can get along without Him, we risk repeating the mistakes of Adam, Eve, Cain, and the people of Babel. By denying God’s rightful place in our lives, pride opens the door to every kind of sin.
Involve Them: Ask students to name some questions that teens often have concerning their futures. Which tertiary institution will I be admitted into? Who will I marry? What will I become? What should my priorities be? List their suggestions on a board. Then discuss the following questions: Why is it important to listen to God before making these decisions? [Hint: Some of these decisions can’t be undone, so it’s important to consult God first. He has ultimate plan for every person’s life. Maintaining a relationship with Him is the only way to discover that plan.
What happens when people refuse to listen to God?
Hint: They miss out on God’s blessings; they make mistakes; and they risk eternal separation from God.] How can you keep pride from getting in the way of your relationship with God? [Guide: Encourage teens to trust God for ability and guidance and to give Him glory for every good thing in their lives. Point out that pride often comes when we stop spending time in God’s presence and lose sight of our total dependence on Him.
Guide: Explain that there is nothing wrong with feeling confident in your abilities or experiencing a sense of accomplishment for a job well done. But we must acknowledge that everything we have comes from God. We make serious mistake when we refuse to include Him in our lives.
Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (pg26).even as you explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.
Ministry Activity: Have students bow their heads and prayerfully consider whether there is some part of their lives that they haven’t yet surrendered to God. Encourage them to seek forgiveness for the times they’ve failed to listen to God and tried to do things their own way, Move around the room and take time to pray with each student, asking God to accomplish His will in that student’s life.
Invitation Option: You may have students who have never accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Provide an opportunity for them to do so al this time. Explain that the first step in discovering God’s will is offering Him your life and accepting His forgiveness. Pray with any students who respond.
Conclude the study by challenging student to set aside time to come into God’s presence each day and listen to what He has to say. (For guidance, see the Prayer Calendar below
Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself… 1. Can students explain how people of Babel sinned? 2. Do they understand how pride can damage a Christian’s relationship with God? 3. Have they been offered an opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness for any sins of pride they may have committed?
Daily Dew Drops Mon: He Is Near – Psalm 145:18 Tue: When Pride Comes – Prov 11:22 Wed: Heart Stuff – 1 Sam 16:7 Thu: If You Must Boast – 2 Cor 10:17-18 Fri: Made by Satan – 1 John 2:16 Sat: Trust Not in Uncertain Riches – 1 Tim 6:17-19
MEMORY VERSE: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:31 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 47:13-14 (KJV)
13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true Christianity. It is largely characterised by some spiritual practices and rituals that are often chosen by the participants to fit their individual needs. In this lesson, we shall attempt to highlight some of them and scripturally view what our perspectives should be as believers.
LESSON OUTLINES:
ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
1. ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
Astrology and the Zodiac is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the starry hosts (and planets) exert on human destiny (Isaiah 47:13; Daniel 2:27). According to astrology, the sign you were born under, like Aquarius, Pisces, etc. impacts your destiny. Crystal sphere is the belief that a precious stone has an inherent power that can be used to man’s benefit like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy thus bringing good luck. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirits of the dead to magically reveal the future or influence the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called “divination,” “sorcery” and “spiritism” (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 17:17).
Others include practices like palm reading, spiritual bathing, playing some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination, visiting websites that promise to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims, perfumes and cosmetics capable of bringing good luck or warding off bad luck, visiting false prophets, using charms, amulets, or talismans, etc. (Leviticus 19:26).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other ungodly spiritual practices prevalent in their community.
2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Astrology, crystal sphere as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for “signs” and “seasons” (Genesis 1:14). To “worship the starry host” is a clear violation of God’s law (Deuteronomy 4:19). The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet, Daniel (Daniel 1:20; 2:27).
Our wisdom comes from God, not the dead (James 1:5). Also those who are dead, either go to Heaven to rest or to hell for condemnation. Anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirits. Likewise, anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorised as witchcraft. Witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behaviour (Galatians 5:19-21). All the aforementioned practices involve demonic manipulations and open the one who practices them to demonic attacks. It is worshipping created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).
The word of God is and must remain our guide through life (Psalms 119:105).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share any alternative spirituality they engaged in previously and its implication on their lives.
CONCLUSION: Every spirituality outside the will of Christ is false and demonic. It should not be embraced by true Christians.
Give two examples of alternative spiritual practices that people get involved in.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five reasons Christians seek after other forms of spirituality outside Christ. (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?
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OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me not to be ignorant of the tricks and gimmicks of the devil in Jesus’ name.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:31 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 47:13-14 (KJV)
13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true Christianity. It is largely characterised by some spiritual practices and rituals that are often chosen by the participants to fit their individual needs. In this lesson, we shall attempt to highlight some of them and scripturally view what our perspectives should be as believers.
LESSON AIM: To teach the students about other forms of spirituality prevalent in the world and the scriptural stand on them.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Explain what it means to engage in alternative spirituality.
b. Distinguish between biblically acceptable and unacceptable spirituality.
c. Name some of the alternative spirituality.
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: Isaiah 47:13-14.
Concerning God’s judgement on the Babylonians (by extension everyone that put trust in wisdom, sorceries, magic, etc. instead of the Holy One of Israel), the prophet Isaiah declares:
i. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.V13.
ii. Behold, they shall …………………………………………V14a.
iii. The fire ………………….……………………V14b.
iv. They shall ……………………………..V14c.
v. There shall ……………………………………V14d.
LESSON OUTLINES:
ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
1. ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
The teacher should explain some of the alternative powers people seek after today:
A. Astrology and the Zodiac is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the starry hosts (and planets) exert on human destiny (Isaiah 47:13; Daniel 2:27). According to astrology, the sign you were born under, like Aquarius, Pisces, etc. impacts your destiny.
B. Crystal sphere is the belief that a precious stone has an inherent power that can be used to man’s benefit like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy thus bringing good luck.
C. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirits of the dead to magically reveal the future or influence the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called “divination,” “sorcery” and “spiritism” (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 17:17).
D. Others include practices like:
i. Palm reading, visiting false Prophets, spiritual bathing, etc.
ii. Playing some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination
iii. Visiting websites that promise to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims
iv. Perfumes and cosmetics capable of bringing good luck or warding off bad luck
v. Using charms, amulets, or talismans, etc. (Leviticus 19:26).
2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
A. Astrology, crystal sphere as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14).
i. Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for “signs” and “seasons” (Genesis 1:14).
ii. To “worship the starry host” is a clear violation of God’s law (Deuteronomy 4:19).
iii. The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet, Daniel (Daniel 1:20; 2:27).
B. Our wisdom comes from God, not the dead (James 1:5).
i. Those who are dead, either go to Heaven to rest or to hell for condemnation. Anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirits.
ii. Anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorised as witchcraft.
iii. Witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behaviour (Galatians 5:19-21).
C. All the aforementioned practices involve demonic manipulations.
i. They open the one who practices them to demonic attacks.
ii. It is worshipping created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).
D. The word of God is and must remain our guide through life (Psalm 119:105).
QUESTIONS:
Mention three reasons believers should avoid any spirituality outside Christ.
Give two examples of alternative spiritual practices that people get involved in.
EVALUATION: The teacher should ask the students to mention three alternative spirituality they know and state what the scriptures say about them.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I come out of every ungodly and satanic spiritual practice in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five reasons Christians seek after other forms of spirituality outside Christ. (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?
Fact Check Policy
CRMNuggetsis 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.
