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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 18

The Spirit Of Fear

MEMORY VERSE: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 3:6-10 KJV

INTRODUCTION: Generally, fear can be described as a strong uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger threat. It is a basic survival mechanism that signals our body to respond to danger with a fight or flight response. The key word for fear in
Greek language is ‘phobos’ from which the common word ‘phobia’ originates. People have phobia from different things and for different reasons. Some people are said to be ‘aquaphobic’ – fear of water, ‘acrophobic’-fear of height, ‘nyctophctic’-fear of darkness, ‘gerascophobic’-fear of ageing, ‘anthropophobic-fear of insects, etc. What does the Bible say about fear? What are the common causes of fear? Getting answers to these questions and many more shall be the focus of this study.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. What Does The Bible Say About Fear?
2. Biblical Instances of The ‘Spirit Of Fear In Action.

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FEAR?
   Scriptures clearly reveal that fear is a spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). It is a spirit that puts people in
   bondage and torment (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18). Believers are sometimes tempted to fear
   (Psalm 55:5) but are delivered from it (Proverbs 1:33; Isaiah 14:3) by trusting in God (Psalm
   27:1). A guilty conscience leads to fear (Genesis 3:8,10; Psalm 53:5; Proverbs 28:1). Fear seizes
   the wicked (Job 15:24; 18:11) and characterises the wicked (Revelation 21:8). Fear is the
   consequential opposite of faith (Matthew 14:28-31). One can also be a victim of his fears (Job
   3:25).
   For the righteous, the Bible admonishes that they should fear not’ (KJV) in several passages and
   for seven key reasons. This is to assure them of the blessings in the journey of life (Genesis
   26:24); supplies in Famine (1 Kings 17:13) protection in peril (2 Kings 6:16); strength in
   weakness (Isaiah 41:10) companionship in trial (Isaiah 43:1-3); overshadowing care (Matthew
   10:30-31); and life beyond the grave (Revelation 1:17-18).

2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF THE ‘SPIRIT OF FEAR’ IN ACTION
   There are instances in the Bible where the spirit of fear operated in or through the lives of some
   characters. Adam, in hiding from God and attempting to shift responsibility for his sin upon Eve
   (Genesis 3:8-12). Abraham, in calling his wife his Sister (Genesis 12:11-19; 20:2-12). The
   Israelites, when Pharaoh and his host pursued in the wilderness before the red sea (Exodus
   12:10). Aaron, in yielding to the Israelites, when they demanded an idol (Exodus 32:22-24). The
   ten spies, in dissuading the Israelites from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13:28, 31-33).
   The Israelites, in the battle against Goliath (1Samuel 17:24). David, in fleeing from Absalom
   (2Samuel 15:13-17). Parents of the blind man, who sight restored to (John 9:22). The disciples,
   during the storm at sea (Luke 8:25), When they saw Jesus walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25-
   26) and when Jesus was apprehended (Matthew 26:56). Pilate, in condemning Jesus, through
   fear of the people (John 19:12-16). Peter and other Christians, at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14).
   If you are truly a believer, resist any attempt at being a victim of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

CONCLUSION: Fear is not a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, therefore refuse to
entertain fear in your life.

QUESTIONS

1. What does the Bible say about fear?
2. Mention scriptural instances where the spirit of fear manifested.

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Proverbs 3:24-26
Tuesday: Psalm 91:4-6
Wednesday: 1 Peter 3:12-14
Thursday: Hebrews 2:14-15
Friday: Luke 12:32,
Saturday: Isaiah 41:13
Sunday: 2 Timothy 1:7

Sunday School Lesson 17

Potency Of The Blood Covenant

MEMORY VERSE: “Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.” – Hebrews 9:18.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 9:15-28

INTRODUCTION: Promise, vow, bond or oath is used interchangeably as declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen. However, blood covenant is the most binding agreement in that it involves cutting and shedding of blood. Hence, in this study, we shall attempt to consider the significance and the saving power in the blood of Jesus.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Significance Of The Blood Covenant
2. The Saving Power In The Blood Of Jesus

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BLOOD COVENANT

We cannot speak of spiritual covenants without speaking of blood. Every spiritual covenant is enacted through the shedding of blood. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.” (Hebrews 9:18-NKJV). The difference between a covenant and a partnership is that covenant involves blood. The covenants of the Old Testament were sealed with the blood of circumcision (Acts 7:8) and the sacrifices of animals but in the New Testament, by the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14). Hence, the blood covenant is the seal of the Bible (Hebrews 9:18; Luke 22:20). When we understand the blood covenant and who we are, as well as what we have in the Lord Jesus, we are then no longer bound to our feelings but can stand with boldness (Hebrews 4:15-16). This blood covenant, made on our behalf, by Jesus Christ is a steadfast promise and an unbreakable covenant (Genesis 17:7; Galatians 3:17).

2. THE SAVING POWER IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Every human being has the opportunity to be reconciled to God through the blood covenant with the body of Christ, the Savior, who died for us. The blood of Jesus personifies the covenant of salvation (1Corinthians 11:25). We receive God’s righteousness, not because of our own worth, but because of a covenant made long before we were ever born. God and Jesus created a platform for the redemption of mankind (John 3:16). Every sinner is deformed (Romans 5:12), dethroned (Romans 3:23) and awaiting death (Romans 6:23). The blood of Jesus has brought forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), restoration (Hebrews 9:15) and salvation (Acts 4:12; 11Timothy 2:5-6) to as many as will receive Him (1John 1:8- 9) thereby making them apart of God’s family (John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9). God has also given us an inheritance (Acts 26:18). The saving power in the blood of Jesus neutralises and destroys every evil covenant entered into knowingly or ignorantly (Colossians 2:13-14).

CONCLUSION: The blood of Jesus is the covenant of God for the remission of sin. To enjoy the full benefits of this covenant, you must accept the sacrifice that Jesus offers through His blood (Hebrews 9:28).

QUESTIONS

1. How significant is the blood covenant? Explain.
2. How can the blood of Jesus deliver sinners and those under the captivity of other blood covenants?

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Genesis 17:7
Tuesday: Acts 7:8
Wednesday: Luke 22:20
Thursday: Colossians 2:13-14
Friday: Galatians 3:17,
Saturday: Hebrews 9:11-14
Sunday: 1 Corinthians 11:25