hebrews

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

Sunday School Lesson 12

Overcoming Temptation

MEMORY VERSE: “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” – Hebrews 2:18

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 4:14-16

INTRODUCTION: Just as we cannot stop birds from flying over our heads but can stop them from nesting in our hair, so also can we not stop temptation from coming. However, we need not accept them or allow them to take a stronghold. The consequence of yielding to temptation can be disastrous whereas resisting it births victory.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. The Results Of Temptation
2. How Can One Overcome?

1. THE RESULTS OF TEMPTATION
   There are two possible outcomes of temptation. We either yield to it or we resist it and overcome. If a Christian yields to temptation, it becomes sin (1Timothy 6:9). The result then is that the Christian’s testimony is badly affected and he becomes spiritually weak (Matthew 26:41). If the
   temptation is resisted, the Lord is glorified and the Christian grows spiritually stronger (in faith and maturity) and will be able to resist other temptations in the future (James 1:2-4). God is happy because the determination of the Christian to obey Him is confirmed (Genesis 22:15-18).

2. HOW CAN ONE OVERCOME?
   There are several ways of overcoming temptations. We shall mention some of them:

2. We can rely on God’s faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13) and on
   Jesus Christ who is constantly praying for us (Luke 22:31-32).
3. By memorising, meditating and recalling the word of God like Jesus did in Matthew
   4.
4. By constant prayer and carefulness (Matthew 26:41).
5. By fleeing (2 Timothy 2:22). When Joseph found himself cornered by Potiphar’s
   wife, he fled.
6. By resisting (James 4:7). Stay strong in the lord and do not yield to sin Ephesians
   6:10).

CONCLUSION: Avoid falling into temptation whenever it comes. To fall is easy but the scars often remain. Remember, we can do all things through Christ, including resisting temptations.

QUESTIONS:

1. List four possible ways of escape from temptation?
2. What are the results of temptations?

FURTHER READING:
MONDAY: 1 John 2:16
TUESDAY: Numbers 22:17
WEDNESDAY: Job 2:9
THURSDAY: Matthew 4:6
FRIDAY: Matthew 4:9
SATURDAY: Rev. 3:10

SUNDAY: 2 Peter 2:9