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MEMORY VERSE: “Man that is in honour, and understand not, is like the beasts that perish.” Psalms 49:20

BIBLE PASSAGE: 3 John 2-4

INTRODUCTION

After we surrendered our lives to Jesus, He gave us our redemption package. Inside this package is everything that will make life enjoyable to us. These things make Christianity delightful and beautiful. It is therefore, expedient that we unfold our redemption package to fully enjoy its benefits.

OUTLINE

1. BARRIERS TO ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

2. UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

BARRIERS TO ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

There are some barriers that might limit Christians from enjoying the full benefits of redemption. Ignorance of biblical truths 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; 3 John 2. 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.

UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

Some of the things that accompany salvation can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Deliverance: This is being set free from the powers of kingdom darkness. This includes:
2. Deliverance from curses and evil covenants Galatians 3:13; Romans 8:1 
3. Deliverance from the spirit of fear 2 Timothy. 1:7.

Fear is a torment 1 John 4:18.

iii. Deliverance from demonic oppressions Isaiah 49:24-26; Luke 10:19

6. Deliverance from the wrath of God Romans 5:9; Ephesians 5:6.

2. Victory: This means triumphing, dominating, winning, succeeding, and conquering 1 Corinthians 15:57. In the victory package is victory over 

9. Sin Romans 6:14; 1 John 3:8-9.

19. Enemies Isaiah 59:19.

vii. Devil Revelation 12:11.

viii. Sickness and diseases Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:4-5.

1. Death (both physical and spiritual) – Isaiah 28:18a.

3. Prosperity: Abundant provisions have been made for us Psalms 118:25.

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. Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 8.

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 2 Corinthians 9:8.

MEMORY VERSE: “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 15:1-7

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

Violence can be defined as “extreme force, action intended to cause destruction, pain or suffering, widespread fighting, injustice, wrong etc. While domestic violence is an act or threatened act of violence upon someone with whom the perpetrator is or has previously been in intimate relationship (Prov.27:4; Eccl. 7:9).Other terms used for domestic abuse include domestic abuse, battering and family violence. This ranges from use of abusive/derogatory, physical assault to the use of dangerous weapons. It has been observed that some family members, in spite of the proclaim, still engage in acts of violence against one another. Therefore, we need to find out why this is so and remedies to this act.

 LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: FORMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

8. Physical Violence: This include flogging, bullying, battering, stoning, strangling, pushing, kicking, slapping, punching, hitting, confinement, assault with weapons, destruction of victim’s personal property/possessions or treat to do so, and murder. Gen. 4:8.
9. Verbal Abuse: This include verbal threats or intimidations to gain compliance, instilling fear or further violence, yelling or screaming, constant harassment and name calling.1 Sam. 20:30.

iii. Sexual violence: This include sexual assault (forcing someone to participate in unwanted/unsafe or degrading sexual activity), sexual harassment (ridiculing another person to try to limit their sexuality). Sexual exploitation (such as forcing someone into sex hawking). 2 Sam.:12-14.

23. Psychological Violence: Such as smoking, imitating, isolating, threatening, intimidating and exclusion from meaningful events. 2 Sam.13:22-23.
24. Emotional Violence: Such as rejection, pretending not to notice one’s presence. Gen. 21:9-11.
25. Economic Violence: This include withholding economic resources (such as money), stealing from or defrauding a partner, withholding physical resources such as food, clothes, necessary medications or shelter from a partner or children, preventing a spouse from working or choosing an occupation. 1 Tim. 5:8

vii. Religious Violence: This include preventing one’s spouse from practicing his/her religious or spiritual belief, forcing the children to be reared in a faith that a spouse has not agreed to, using a spouse religious or spiritual belief to manipulate him/her. Dan. 3:14, 20

2: CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1. Economic hardship, unemployment, stress, provocation by the spouse.
2. Emotional/psychological issues such as depression, desperation, feeling of insecurity, suspicion and fear. Sexual infidelity, etc.
3. Character defects (jealousy, anger) alcohol and drug related issues, insincerity and deception/failed expectations.
4. Complex issue (inferiority/superiority).
5. Failure to yield to divine instructions. Gen.4:4-8.
6. Third party/interference from family, friends, colleagues, etc.
7. Environmental factors, spiritual attack, generational curses, etc.

CONCLUSION: If there is no peace in the home, the society will also be void of peace. Let us identify the root cause of violence in our families and deal with it prayerfully.

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 35

DEALING WITH ADDICTION

MEMORY VERSE: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”- 1 Cor. 6:12 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-7

LESSON INTRODUCTION: 

Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviours that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Addiction leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. Today, many youths are suffering from different forms of addiction. What is the way out?

LESSON OUTLINES

1. TYPES AND SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS
2. THE WAY OUT

1. TYPES AND SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS

1. Substance addictions (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11-12; 28:7-8) e.g. drug abuse (cocaine, opioids-heroine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, tramadol, codeine, crack, inhalants, etc.), alcoholism, smoking (cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine), caffeine (coffee, coke, cola), etc.
2. Behavioural or process addictions (1 Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3; 1 Peter 4:3): This is addiction to mood-altering behaviours such as gambling, cell phone and social media, the internet, love and relationships, sexual activity
   (masturbation, sex, pornography, etc.), eating disorders, spending, shopping, watching television, video games, etc.
3. Power addiction is a kind of addiction associated with power, influence and affluence (Proverbs 28:15). People who are addicted to power tend to feel most powerful when they are dominating other people, with little patience for
   anything that stands in the way of their upward path. They are often extremely competitive and have a devastating need to be right. Examples are King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1;8-10) and King Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:1-8).

Some signs of addiction may include: developing a strong desire to use substances or engaging in the problematic behaviour, appearing dirty, inability to fulfil obligations at school, work or home, previously enjoyed hobbies are abandoned in favour of use of substances and withdrawal symptoms.

A person with power addiction may experience obsession, extreme restlessness and in extreme cases, may resort to irrational, destructive behaviour such as manipulation or bribery to achieve goals and maintain the ‘high’.

2. THE WAY OUT

1. Take a stand. You must first of all acknowledge that addiction is an affliction and you are already caught up in its web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage while acknowledging that you cannot help yourself (Psalm 51:14).

2. Seek help (James 5:13-16). You must open up to God (Proverbs 3:4.5;1 Peter 5:7) and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies (Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy).
3. Avoid relapse. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance (Matthew 12:43-45; 2 Peter 2:20-22).
4. Keep your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) and renew it daily (Romans 12:1-2; Eph. 4:22-23). Addiction is really a battle of the mind.
5. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:15-20; Ephesians 5:11-12).
6. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Hebrews 10:24-25).
7. It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away the victim at this critical time (Psalm 38:11) but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is won (2 Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).

CONCLUSION: Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. You can overcome with the help of God.

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention the types of addiction known to you?
2. Is it possible to overcome addictions, how?

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