consequences

Sunday School Lesson 19

Dealing With Fear

MEMORY VERSE: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 41:10-14 KJV

INTRODUCTION: The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. First is the ‘fear of the Lord’ which is beneficial and is to be encouraged (Josh.24:14; Ps.111:10). It is a reverential awe of God, a reverence for His power and glory. It is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. The second type is harmful and is to be overcome (1 John.4:18). It is to be afraid of something or someone. The focus of this lesson is to learn how to deal with the detrimental type of fear.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Basic Constituents Of Detrimental Fear
2. Consequences Of Fear And How To Overcome

1. BASIC CONSTITUENTS OF DETRIMENTAL FEAR

Usually, the devil capitalises on our limited knowledge of the word of God and what the future holds for us (Jeremiah 29:10-11). The constituents of fear vary but usually include wild or negative imaginations (2 Kings 6:15 remembrance of a painful past event (Genesis 50:15-18); and a threat of harm (Genesis 20:9-11).

Fear is common among humans. The fear of; criticism (Matthew 26:69-73), losses (Job 3:25), old age (Psalm 71:9), ill-health/death (1 Kings 19:2-3), loneliness (Matthew 26:29), rejection (Genesis 32:3-8), failure/success (Proverbs 30:7-9) and defeat (1 Samuel 17:4, 10-11). The Bible also reveals the close associates of fear: discouragement (Deuteronomy 1:21; Joshua 1:9); Anxiety (Philippians 4:6); Worry (Matthew 6;25-34); Panic (Deuteronomy 20:3-4); etc

2. CONSEQUENCES OF FEAR AND HOW TO OVERCOME

When people live in constant fear, whether from physical danger in their environment or perceived threats, they can become incapacitated. Fear can cause emotional shock which is injurious to our health and can lead to death (Genesis 32:7; 1Samuel 4:13-18). Medically, fear can weaken our immune system and can also cause cardio-vascular damages. It can cause gastro-intestinal problems such as ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome and decreased fertility. It can lead to accelerated ageing and pre-mature death. Spiritually, fear stifles our thinking and actions (Matthew 25:25). It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation (Exodus 14:10-13). It puts its victims in perpetual bondage and torments (Romans 8:15;1John 4:18). Fear may lead to failure, pain and destruction of destiny (Genesis 36-10, Numbers 14:14). Fear creates doubt, blocks blessings and hinders prayer (James 1:6-8)

To overcome harmful fear, you must be sure of your salvation and stand firm in the faith (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:1). Put your trust in the Lord and rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit always (Psalm 1251-3; Proverbs 3:5-4). You need to confront your fears and refuse to be intimidated by the enemy, unfavourable situations or negative circumstances. (Psalm 27:1, 3; 56:11). Above all, constantly apply the word of God, engage in spiritual exercises and visualise the way out and solution through the lens of the word of God (John 5:39; Colossians 3:16). Finally strive to resist fear and break its hold over your heart (James 4:7; Revelations 12:11).

CONCLUSION: Fear cannot solve or improve but complicate situation. Reject every seed of fear and receive the spirit of courage and boldness (Proverbs 28:1)

QUESTIONS

1. What is the scope of detrimental fear?
2. What are the consequences of fear and the way out?

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Genesis 50:15-18,
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 4:13-18
Wednesday: Exodus 14:10-13
Thursday: Genesis 20:9-11:
Friday: Numbers 14:14,
Saturday: James 1:6-8
Sunday: 2 Kings 6:15

Sunday School Lesson 16

Forbidden Blood Covenants

MEMORY VERSE: “Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.” – Leviticus 7:26

BIBLE PASSAGE:Hebrews 9:14-22

INTRODUCTION: Having understood that life resides in the blood with biblical evidences (Lev.17:11) and that every spiritual covenant is sealed with the blood (Heb.9:18). Also, it should be noted that the blood of animals shed in the Old Testament could not cleanse the sins of man once and for all whereas the blood of Jesus shed as a covenant of redemption carries so much power to save man eternally. Covenants have the power of gathering, protecting and blessing people in all circumstances of life. On the other hand, any wrong use of the principle of covenant can bring about grave consequences. In this lesson, we shall attempt to discuss the instances of wrong approaches to blood covenant, the consequences and the way out.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Wrong Approaches To Blood Covenant
2. Consequences Of Unholy Blood Covenants

1. WRONG APPROACHES TO BLOOD COVENANT

The blood connects the physical and the spiritual world as well as the temporal and eternal world. Blood covenant is usually made when the blood of two individuals mingle. It could be done by cutting the palms of the individuals and then the shaking of hands to combine the blood. It could also be that a few drops of blood from each person is mingled in a glass of wine and then drunk by both. In either case, the blood is mixed, thus indicating that two lives were mixed. Incision (piercing or cutting of the body for ritual, protection or religious purposes) is another way of initiating an individual into a blood covenant with demons (1 Kings.18:28). Sometimes, an animal’s blood could be shed as representative of both individuals mingling their lives together. After all, “the life is in the blood. (Lev.17:11). Regardless of the form it takes, the Bible forbids the mixing or drinking of blood (Lev.7:26), cutting of the skin and incisions which leave permanent scars as a reminder of the covenant from that time on. The Satanic realm fully understands the power of the blood covenant and this is why as soon as a person starts to progress in the satanic order, he is introduced to blood oaths which become progressively harsher and more prescriptive.

Hence, anyone involved in ungodly soul ties as “lovers”, illicit sexual relationships, occult blood sacrifices, suicides, homicides, abortion, etc., enters into a deal with Satan. In this manner, people unite with demons either consciously or unconsciously (Gen.4:8-12). Every believer should avoid this kind of blood covenant at all cost.

2. CONSEQUENCES OF UNHOLY BLOOD COVENANT

Blood covenant among humans is scripturally forbidden. The Bible admonishes that our ‘yes’ should be ‘yes’ and our ‘no’ should be ‘no’ (Matt.5:34-37). If swearing is unscriptural (James 5:12), entering into a blood covenant is evil and can open doorways to demonic afflictions. It can also truncate the destiny of those involved and their descendants (2Sam.12:10-12).

Sexual intercourse also constitutes a blood covenant. Since marriage is a life-long covenant, those who are yet to marry must prayerfully choose who to marry (1Cor.6:16; 2Cor.6:14). This sharing of blood creates a special spiritual connection between souls. Blood diseases can also be sexually transmitted from one partner to the other. Sexual intercourse among the unmarried is a terrible sin (1Cor. 6:18). Generational curses can be transmitted through this blood covenant (2 Sam.12:10-11). In addition, the satanic realm is quick to exact the death penalty on their blood covenant victims (John 10:10). Such sudden death could be painted as accidents, heart attack, unclassified sicknesses, etc (2 Cor. 2:11).

There are many people that have entangled themselves through blood covenants. If you are one of them, the consequences may be deadly except you confess, renounce and cry unto God for total deliverance (John 8:32; Isa.49:24-26).

CONCLUSION: Avoid entering into any form of illicit blood covenant with anyone. It is evil.

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the wrong approaches to blood covenant?
2. What are the consequences of unholy blood covenant?

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Leviticus 7:26;
Tuesday: 2 Samuel 12:10-12
Wednesday: Genesis 4:8-12
Thursday: Isaiah 49:24-26
Friday: 1 Kings 18:28
Saturday: Leviticus 17:11
Sunday: Hebrews 9:18