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MEMORY VERSE: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.” – Genesis 26:12

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:1-6, 12-22

INTRODUCTION: ‘Kingdomnomics’ is a contraction for “Kingdom Economics”. Simply put, economics is the study of the use of scarce resources to satisfy unlimited human wants. The term kingdom, in this context, refers to the realm in which God’s will is fulfilled. It is the domain of God’s operations over His people (those who are born again). While there are basic economic principles in the world system, people of God are expected to also understand and live by the economic principles of the kingdom which will not only make them profitable in this world but also lay imperishable treasures for them in Heaven.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. ENTITIES IN KINGDOM ECONOMICS
2. BIBLICAL ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

1. ENTITIES IN KINGDOM ECONOMICS

There are three key entities in kingdom Economics: God (the Creator), Man and resources (everything man can use of interact with in this world, including time, talent, and treasure). We can think about each of these entities as being a circle. You relate to God and to your resources, and these circles must relate to each other.

Some approach their resources based on their beliefs about God while others approach God based on their resources needs. For some these two circles never even intersect, having nothing to do with each other.

Jesus said that one of these “circles” will actually become the master of the other-you will serve God or money (Matthew 6:24). How you relate to these two circles will make a far-reaching statement about who you are, how you live, and who you are becoming.

2. BIBLICAL ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

Principle No.1: Godliness – The foundation of success in any economic endeavour is godliness (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Psalms 37:25; Matthew 6:33; 1Timothy 6:6-11).

Principle No.2: Obedience – Do whatever God lays on your heart to do in line with the word of God (Genesis 12:1-4; Deuteronomy 28:1; Isaiah 1:19; Isaiah 30:21; John 2:5; Hebrews 3:15).

Principle No.3: Creativity – God has given unto everyone gifts/talents, creative abilities and grace to acquire skills (Ex.31:3,6; Ex.35:30-35; Matthew 25:14-15; Luke 19:12-13).

Principle No.4: Giving and Generosity – The more you give the more you get (Psalms 112:9; Proverbs 11:24; Proverbs 19:17; Luke 3:11; Luke 6:38; 2Corinthains 9:7).

Principle No.5: Sowing and Reaping – Seed time and harvest time shall not cease (Genesis 8:22; Ecclesiastes 3:2b); the quality and quantity of what you sow determines what you reap (Galatians 6:7; 2Corinthians 9:6).

Principle No.6: Risk and Faith – Those that are afraid of taking risk will not attempt new things (Proverbs 22:13; Proverbs 26:13; Ecclesiastes 11:4-6).

Principle No.7: Investment – Believers should tap into the various investment opportunities around them (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; Isaiah 32:20).

Principle No.8: Labour/Diligence – There is dignity in labour (Proverbs 6:6, 10-11; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24,27; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 18:9; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 22:29; 2Thessalonians 3:10).

Principle No.9: Effective time management – Time is irredeemable resource given to man (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Ephesians 5:16).

Principle No.10: Favour and Relationship – Favour flavours labour and birds of the same feather flock together (Psalms 102:13; Proverbs 13:20; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Romans 9:16).

CONCLUSION: Use your time, talent, and treasure for God’s kingdom. You will not only experience a life of opportunity, impact, and legacy here on earth but you will also be laying up for yourself treasures in the kingdom of Heaven.

MEMORY VERSE: “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” – Psalms 22:26

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 5:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

The beatitudes describe the ideal disciple and his rewards, both present and future. Having discovered that the beatitudes are a series of eight blessings spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5, we shall do some exposition on verses 5 and 6 in this study.

LESSON OUTLINES:

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST

1. BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

‘Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth’ (Matthew 5:5).

The word ‘meek, from the original Greek language ‘praus’ refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit or humility. It was used to describe ‘reining in a stallion’. It is the idea of a horse being controlled by a bit and bridle. The horse is choosing to submit to authority.

This is meekness. It is power under constraint. “Meekness” is a humble attitude that expresses itself in the patient endurance of offences. Meekness is humility toward God and toward others. In other words, it is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else (Eph. 4:1-2). It is power under control.

Meekness is not weakness. A weak person cannot do anything but a meek person can do something but chooses not to (Prov.16:32; 25:28).

Being too hasty in word and deed are possibly two of the most frequent weaknesses in people. A meek person would consider his actions before he acts hastily (James 1:1 21: 3:13). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col.3:12; 1Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt.11:29), Abraham Gen.13:8-12: 16:5-6), Moses (Num.12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10,12), and Paul (1Cor. 9:19)

Peculiar promises are made to the meek. (Matt. 5:5 Isa 66:5). The humble would receive far greater than the arrogant and prideful. Not only do the meek enjoy more of life on earth because of their ability to be content, but they will possess the earth after Jesus’ return and triumphant entry. The meek are blessed.

2. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled’ (Matt.5:6). An ardent desire for anything is often represented in the Scriptures by hunger and thirst (Ps.42:1). As the body has its natural appetites of hunger and thirst for the food and drink suited to its nourishment, so has the soul (Ps.63:1-2). When the soul be- gins to hunger and thirst after righteousness or holiness, which is its proper food, we know that it must be purified by the Holy Spirit, and be made a partaker of that living bread (John 7:37-32), or perish everlastingly.

A desire for the blessings of pardon and peace; a deep sense of sin, and want, and wretchedness, is also represented by thirsting (Isa.55:1-2). Those who hunger and thirst, after the full salvation of God, will be blessed, satisfied and well-fed.

Those that are lost sinners and strongly desire to be holy shall be filled. Christ has made provision to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy (John.4:14; John.6:35; Ps.17:15).

Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness are blessed.

CONCLUSION:

If you are meek, you will be satisfied with the blessings of God on earth and filled with heavenly blessings.

Sunday School Lesson 47

SEEKING REVENGE

MEMORY VERSE: “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:18

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 12:17-21

INTRODUCTION: Retaliation is a violent response to an act of harm or perceived injustice. To retaliate is to do something harmful or negative, to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront. Both the Hebrew and Greek words translated “vengeance”, revenge, and avenge” have the idea of punishment in their root meaning. The question of non-retaliation or non-violence is often discussed in relation to Matthew 5:38-44.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. What Does The Bible Say About Retaliation?
2. The Proper Christian Action

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT REVENGE?

The Bible has much to say about revenge (retaliation, avenge or vengeance) that contradicts everything that feels right to many people (Isaiah 55:9). For instance, in Romans 12:19, believers are not expected to pay back any evil done against them. Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20 admonish us not to stoop low to the level of the offender. Believers should learn not to join their offenders in their errors (Romans 12:21; Matthew 5:39). Hebrews 10:30 also teaches us not to take matters out of God’s hands and insist on fixing things ourselves.

2. THE PROPER CHRISTIAN ACTION

Matthew 5:38-44 serve to drive home the point that a Christian, rather than avenging himself upon a brother who has done him a personal wrong should love his enemies, bless those that curse him, do good to those that hate him, and pray for those who despitefully use and persecute him. Self-vengeance has no place in the Christian life; we should allow God to bring His vengeance on our enemies rather than taking vengeance ourselves (Romans 12:19).

As believers, we must resist the impulse to retaliate but rather live at peace with all men as much as possible (Romans 12:18). Our job as Christians is to forgive, not retaliate (Luke 6:27-31). when we follow God’s commands to love, forgive, and do well to those who wrong us (Matthew 5:44), we can trust that our Defender will do what is right (Psalm 20:1; Zechariah 12:8). We can also set healthy boundaries in destructive relationships (2 Corinthians 6:17; Proverbs 22:24; Ezra 10:11) and make our ways pleasing unto God (Proverbs 16:7).

CONCLUSION: The scripture enjoins us to live peaceably with all men as much as possible. Romans 12:18.

Sunday School Lesson 37

JOSEPH: AN EXCELLENT YOUTH

MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pas from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field” . — Genesis 39:5 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 41:25-42

LESSON INTRODUCTION :Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachael, was born in Mesopotamia, (Genesis 30:22-24) in B.C. 1747. His name means “the Lord shall add to me another son”. He is memorable for the wonderful Providence of God, which raised him from prison to be the Prime Minister of Egypt and made him the honoured means of saving countless human lives. His history is one of the most pleasing and instructive in the Bible. It is too beautiful to be summarised. He died at the age of a hundred and ten, B.C. 1637. The story of Joseph spans through Genesis chapter 37-50.

LESSON OUTLINE
1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Joseph was a young man with an unwavering faith, self-control, patience, discretion and loyalty in all aspects of life. Although he was arrogant with his brothers (Genesis 37:3-11), he developed humility in Egypt (Genesis 43:30;45:1-5). Joseph was sold in to slavery by his brothers who were jealous of him (Genesis 37:12-28). He had great faith in God (Genesis 41:14-16). He had strong integrity and loyalty (Genesis 39:5-9). He believed that God would one day bring his dream to reality and did all he could to remain focused (Genesis 39:9). God gave him the ability to interpret dreams (Genesis 40:5-19;41:14-28). He was made second in charge over all Egypt by Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-45). He was certain it was not his brothers that had sent him to Egypt, but God (Genesis 50:20).

2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
1. Be humble. God sometimes bring adversities and trials into our lives to teach us humility (Genesis 37:28; Deuteronomy 8:3).
2. God can turn into good any evil that people do against you (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)
3. Have integrity. No matter how great the temptation and fierce opposition appears, stay loyal and obedient to God (Gen. 39: 9-12; Psalm 119:11).
4. Write down your God-given vision, dreams or plans, pray over it and be wisely guided in sharing with others (Genesis 37: 6-7; Habakkuk 2: 2-3).
5. Focus on God, not he situation. Do not complain about your predicaments, rather, see them as an opportunity to serve others and minister wholeheartedly to their needs (Gen. 39:3-4; Phillip 2:14).
6. Be God-dependent. Always acknowledge God as the source of your achievements and never take any credit for it (Gen. 45:8; 41:16; Prov. 3:5-6).
7. Manage success. When God honours you with success and prosperity, you must not forget to first honour others (Gen. 45:1-5).
8. Fully forgive. Set your heart to forgive those around you. This will heal your relationship and keep your heart free from bitterness and deep rooted resentment from the past (Genesis 45:5-8; Ephesians 4:32).

CONCLUSION
The Bible story of Joseph is one that teaches us to be courageous in the midst of some of life’s worst storms.

QUESTIONS
1. Highlight the key components of Joseph’s character.
2. Mention some crucial lessons that a Christian youth should learn from Joseph’s life

Sunday School Lesson 15

Life And Covenant In The Blood

MEMORY VERSE: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” – Leviticus 17:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: Exodus 24:4-8 KJV

INTRODUCTION: Biologically, blood is that vital liquid flowing in the bodies of many types of animals that usually conveys nutrients and oxygen. In vertebrates, it is coloured red by haemoglobin, conveyed by arteries and veins, pumped by the heart and usually generated in the bone marrow. Biblically, blood is used in the Old Testament to designate the life principle in animal (Lev.17:11a). In the New Testament, it is commonly used in relation to the atoning blood of Christ. Without the blood, life ceases to exist in the body physically. There is also a link between the cleansing power of the blood physically and spiritually. This is why it is important to understand the basic principles underlying blood covenant.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Biblical Evidences That Life Is In The Blood
2. Meaning And Biblical Instances Of Blood Covenant

1. BIBLICAL EVIDENCES THAT LIFE IS IN THE BLOOD
   The proof that the life of an animal (including humans) is in the blood can be found in the fact that the voice of Abel’s blood cried out from the ground (Genesis 4:10; Hebrews 12:24). It is also unlawful to eat flesh with the blood (Genesis 9:4). The shedding of man’s blood amounts to
   destroying God’s creation and image (Genesis 9:6; Psalm 106:38). It is the blood that activates the body to praise God (Psalm 30:9). More importantly, the blood of Jesus redeems and gives eternal life (John 6:53; Ephesians 1:7). The blood is a witness to the fact that God sacrificed His
   Son (Jesus Christ) to save the world (1John 5:7-9). That shed blood has the power to purge us from all sins (Hebrews 9:22; 1John 1:7)

2. MEANING AND BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF BLOOD COVENANT
   Generally, a covenant is a contract or agreement between two or more parties. It is a solemn promise made binding by an oath which may be either verbal or symbolic. Biblically, the Hebrew word ‘beriyth’ translated covenant means “to cut” which literally has the idea of a blood covenant (1Samuel 18:3; Hebrews 9:18). The divine covenants were ratified by the sacrifice of a victim to show that without atonement there could be no communication of blessings and salvation from God to man (Genesis 15:1-8; Exodus 24:6-8). In some parts of the world and most of the times, a blood covenant is the strongest type of covenant two people could enter into. In fact, every spiritual covenant is sealed with the blood (Hebrews 9:18).
   Blood covenant existed in diverse forms of relationships in the days of the Bible. Such instances
   existed between man and idols (1Kings 18:26-28); man and man (1Samuel 18:3); man and God
   (Exodus 12:13; 24:8).

CONCLUSION: The blood covenant is the strongest form of covenant. There is an existing blood
covenant between God the father and Jesus Christ which every believer benefits from.

QUESTIONS:

1. Describe the term blood biologically and biblically.
2. Mention five facts that establish blood covenant as a biblical principle.

FURTHER READING:
MONDAY: Genesis 9:4-10;
TUESDAY: Psalm 106:38;
WEDNESDAY: 1 John 5:7-9;
THURSDAY: Genesis 15:1-8;
FRIDAY: 1Kings18:26-28;
SATURDAY: Exodus.24:4-8;
SUNDAY: Exodus12:13.