Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “And He ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.” Mark 3:14

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 3:13-14

INTRODUCTION

What does God first do to anyone He might choose to send forth to preach His Word? God makes no mistake – He will not send out a man He has not made ready for the task. The place where He makes men is at His feet where his servants learn of Him. We see Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus to learn of Him, of whom the Lord said, “…but one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” Luke 10:42. God approves a ‘workman’ irrespective of gender or age who has studied at the feet of the Master, and who is able to rightly divide the Word of truth 2 Timothy 2:15. This means that a workman who is not approved of God will wrongly divide the Word of truth. How then does a workman become approved unto God? What does God do to His workmen before they qualify to be sent out to preach? This study will help us see what God is looking for, and how He makes His workmen worthy of preaching the Word of Life effectively.

OUTLINES

1. CALLED TO BE WITH HIM FIRST

2. FIT FOR GOD’S USE

CALLED TO BE WITH HIM FIRST

 The Lord expects those He uses to first be with Him as their primary calling. As they learn of Him, He makes them, and then decides whether to send them out to preach. He first called His disciples to be with Him in fellowship and communion Luke 5:10-11. After a while of growth and development, He sent them out to preach, heal and cast out demons Luke 9:1-7 They came back rejoicing with great results as demons were subject to them, but the Lord pointed out that their rejoicing should rather be that their names are written in the Book of Life Luke 10:20.

The Lord is looking for men and women who can be with Him, not those who can do things for Him. For someone’s name to be written in the Book of Life, being with Jesus and being personally known by Him is a Many do things in His name without Him knowing them They will confront Him on that day saying they preached and healed in His name, but He will say He never knew them. Matthew 7:22-23. What does it mean to be with the Lord? It means to come aside from the busy schedules of life to study and meditation of the Word of God, and to be In the place of prayer.

1. Call to Communion – To commune with the Lord is to have a dialogue with Him and reason together in discussion as Moses did Exodus 24:18; Exodus 31:18.

2. Make a priority the one thing that is needful – Being with the Lord requires one thing: persistently sitting at His feet to learn of Him more than you would of any other person. Mary prioritised this despite being called to do other urgent things; this must be your daily pursuit too Luke 10:41-42

FIT FOR GOD’S USE

The only life that can preach the Word of God is one who bears the Life of Christ Matthew 11:28-29. Only Christ in an individual can preach the Word of God effectively. Jesus calls out to anyone struggling with the issues of daily life to come to Him first for rest by receiving His Life. After this, you should begin the learning of Him by taking His yoke or burden of responsibility for the Kingdom of God. Learning of Christ means learning His life of gentleness, meekness, and lowliness of heart. By doing so, we become effective ministers of God’s Word like Apostle Paul Galatians 2:20. Christ Himself is the Word of life; without Him indwelling in any preacher, there is no way such preaching of the Word of Life can shine forth with the light of the spiritual Life inherent in the Word into the darkness that continues to hold people bound John 1:1-5.

CONCLUSION

The only way a man can preach the Word of God is first to allow Jesus Christ to break His Word into their life in the place of communion and study of the Word.

Without Christ’s Life in us, there is no way we can serve God 2 Timothy 2:15.

MEMORY VERSE: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 
BIBLE PASSAGES: Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
INTRODUCTION
The devil the adversary of mankind has since inception has set himself against all humanity using various schemes and weapons for pulling down man since his fall 1 Peter 5:8. So potent is the devil’s weaponry that he makes easy prey and captives of ignorant people who fall for the many tricks of the devil Isaiah 49:24-26. To this end, believers cannot afford to be unacquainted with and unguarded by their spiritual armoury to stand against schemes of the devil. Without putting on the whole armour of God, we are easy prey for the devil. In this study, we will focus on one part of that armoury that believers have at their disposal, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God Ephesians 6:17.
OUTLINES

1. THE BATTLE LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN
2. THE EFFICACY OF THE WORD OF GOD AS A WEAPON OF WARFARE 
3. WIELDING THE (S)WORD AS A WEAPON OF WARFARE

THE BATTLE LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN

For us today, this strategy of the devil remains the same. Satan is relentless in his goal of setting believers against God’s will thus subjecting them to a lifetime of temptation, persecution, and the worship of self-Genesis 3:15(NASB); Ezekiel 28:16-19. Just as armies of the world do not go into battle without proper knowledge of the enemy they will confront, the believer cannot afford to be ignorant of the enemy that duels for their soul round the clock. For this reason, the Bible urges, lest Satan takes

advantage of us, we should not be ignorant of his schemes or wiles 2 Corinthians 2:11. If as believers, we are familiar with the devil’s tactics we can overcome them and be more than conquerors every time we are confronted. However, the believer failing to be acquainted with the dev and his tactics will struggle to grow into the fullness of Christlikeness.

THE EFFICACY OF THE WORD OF GOD AS A WEAPON OF WARFARE 

Today, believers are confronted by an experienced adversary with centuries of experience using tricks and schemes to make mankind fall All Glory to God who has given us superior resources to overcome the devil always, a few of these will be discussed here.

1. The Author: God is the author of the Word, He is omnipotent-unlimited in power Ephesians 1:19. His Word is indeed mighty and powerful exudes superseding greatness over all things and always destroys the devil’s schemes against His children Isaiah 55:11. You might want to pray: O LORD, open my eyes that I may see and know the reassuring power in your Word 2 Kings 6:15-17.

2. Spiritual Intelligence: The Word of God reveals Spiritual Intelligence about the devil’s tactics which is one of the most treasured assets in warfare 2 Corinthians 2:11. The Bible says the secret things belong to the Lord who will make those secrets available to His children as we read in Scripture Deuteronomy 29:29. Divinely inspired strategies fo victory can be found on the pages of scriptures as revealed by the Ho Spirit Joshua 6:1-6; 20-21; Judges 7:13-23; 1 Samuel 30:1-8. God who made such intelligence available to men and women we read about the Bible will surely make such available to His children today.

3. Superior Armoury: God’s Word as a weapon of warfare can dwa the devil’s weapons in all superiority. Just as the snake from Moses staff consumed those of Pharoh’s magicians, when we confront the devil in battle, we can be assured that God’s Word consumes the devi weapons. God seeks only people who will wield His Superior Armour to victory notwithstanding the opposition confronting them at any time Judges 8:10; 2 Kings 19:35-37. God’s Word is a ‘Sword’; but not that a Gladiator! It is not the sword of an entertainer. It is the SWORD, and cuts. Hebrews 4:12 ESV.

WIELDING THE (S)WORD AS A WEAPON OF WARFARE

If we will be victorious against the devil, we must know how to wield God’s Word during warfare. God never relies on the mastery of trained soldiers and their physical weapons for His battles. Unlike a physical sword. God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit requiring requisite spiritual training for its use. Therefore, we need to recognise the devotions that make the heart ready to wield the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word. Each of us must develop a personal longing like David to receive God’s counsel Psalm 16:7.

It is no wonder that in choosing David as king, God in turn shows His unrelenting and unchanging requirement for a heart that has cultivated a devotion to obeying His Word during even in the most trivial of daily circumstances 1 Samuel 16:7. This heart requirement is crucial to wielding God’s Word in warfare. In Christ, we find the complete example of total submission to divine will John. 6:38. Only a resolute heart that is devoted and has learnt to treasure God’s instructions can make this statement.

So, what is the state of your heart? Is it hardened or like a stony heart that God’s Word can’t take root? Is it a thorny heart? Or do you have a good heart? Matthew 13:23

Whatever the state of your heart now, God’s promise is to give you a new heart if you sincerely desire this Ezekiel 36:26-27. Therefore, let us assume a perpetual state of soberness and vigilance, constantly seeking to “lay aside every weight” (whether it be thorns or stones or hardness) “…which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1; 1 Pet. 5:8.

CONCLUSION

The life of the believer is not always a smooth experience. Our battle in this world is a spiritual one. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, we learn to engage the Holy Spirit in our daily battles when we learn to engage God’s Word for our day-to-day living. Ephesians 6:10-11.

FURTHER READING: Mon: 2 Corinthians 2:11. Tue: Ephesians 1:4.

Wed: Deuteronomy 20:1. Thurs: 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Fri: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. Sat: 1 Peter 5:8. Sun: Psalm 18:39

MEMORY VERSE:“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts.” 2 Peter 3:3

BIBLE READING: Jude 1:11-18

INTRODUCTION

The word ‘scoffer’ in Greek, is ’empaiktés’ and it simply translates in English to mean a mocker. A scoffer is one who does any of the following in relation to the word and work of God. They make a mockery of sin by deliberately misinterpreting or mis-representing God’s word for their own selfish goals. They oppose the Christian faith and are scornful to the things of God’s Kingdom. Believers are encouraged to be watchful and be on guard against such people.

OUTLINES

1. IDENTIFYING SCOFFERS

2. BIBLICAL RESPONSE OF BELIEVERS

IDENTIFYING SCOFFERS

 There are some peculiar traits that scoffers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ have in common. They deny the truths of Scripture and entice others to go along with their error Jude 4. They refuse to accept the word of the God as written in the Holy Bible as the final authority on all matters and despise God’s ministers 2 Chron. 36:16. They question the second coming of the Lord Jesus, pointing out the lapse of time and mock those who still wait and yearn for Jesus appearing 2 Pet. 3:4. They follow their own ungodly desires and create divisions in the church 2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 1:17-19. They have a form of godliness but deny its power 2 Tim. 3:5. They present highly philosophical arguments to justify their non-biblical stance on issues such as gender and sexuality to lead people astray 2 Pet. 2:1. They ensnare people into abominable acts that gratify the flesh Prov. 20:8, Gal 5:19-21. They are people who deceive others into scriptural errors by deliberate falsehood Isa. 28:14-15.

BIBLICAL RESPONSE OF BELIEVERS

The proliferation of scoffers is a sign of the last days. 2 Pet. 3:3. With this in mind, all believers in Christ must do the follow things:

1. Take seriously the commands to study and meditate on God’s word Ps. 1:1-2; Josh. 1:8.

2. Remain in Christ spotless and blameless 2 Pet. 3:14; Eph. 5:27.

3. Continue to eagerly look for the appearance of the Lord Tit. 2:13.
4.  Weigh every teaching against the word of God Acts 17:11.

5. Know that God is not slack concerning His promises 2 Pet. 3:9.

6. Be established in their holy faith Jude 20 and remain steadfast to the end 1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Tim. 6:12.
7.  Test all spirits using the gift of spiritual discernment and grow in grace 1 Jn. 4:1-2, Pet. 3:18.

CONCLUSION

Beware of scoffers and refuse to be one Ps. 1:1.

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:“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me. it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 10:13-16.

INTRODUCTION: According to the Merriam Webster’s dictionary, a child is “a young person. Child abuse is when a child is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child – it can be over a time frame or can also be a one-off action. It can be physical, mental, sexual, or emotional and it can happen in person or online. It can also be a lack of love, care, and attention this is neglect. The Bible tells us that whosoever harms a child is asking for God’s anger Mark 9:42.

OUTLINES

1. FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE

2. IDENTIFYING AND PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE

1. FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE

 Children are precious to God and must be well taken care of Ps. 127:3. Basically, child abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional.

PHYSICAL ABUSE: Can be causing physical harm to a child as an act of discipline or chastisement, throwing objects, poisoning. child exploitation (trafficking, child enforced labour), neglecting to give the child necessities of life such as food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, etc. It also includes use of drugs, alcohol or any substance that will cause the child distress 1 Kgs. 3:19, 25-26.

SEXUAL ABUSE: This is when any person engages a child any sexual activity such as fondling a child’s sexual organs engaging the child in any immoral activity such as pornography rape, defilement of the child, etc. 2 Sam. 13:10-15. 

EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE: Includes teasing,bullying, threatening, verbal abuse (such as cursing, belittling,constantly finding fault), etc. Col. 3:21.

2.IDENTIFYING AND PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE 

These are some of the signs that a child is being abused:

a) unexplained changes in behaviour or personality b) becoming withdrawn

c) seeming anxious

d) becoming uncharacteristically aggressive e) lacks social skills and has few friends, if any/low self esteem

f) poor bond or relationship with a parent

g) knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age h) running away or going missing

i) always choosing to wear clothes which cover their body

i) Sleeping difficulties 

k) unexplained bruises, burns or swellings,

l) lack of concentration

m) Inclination to do bad things

Child abuse most certainly will influence the child’s health education, and relationships.

Prevention of child abuse can be achieved by:

1. Government parenting skills.

2. Improved quality of childcare. 
3. Break the silence, call it out immediately, report any abuse.
4. Early and quick involvement of Social Services
5. 5. Improved quality of childcare
6. Train a child in a godly way Prov. 22:6.
7. When a child does something wrong the child should be corrected in love and not by severe punishment.
8.  Parents should always pray over their children daily.

CONCLUSION

Child abuse is one of the shames of our society and it should be stopped at all costs. Our children are our future, and they should be cherished and loved, to produce well balanced adults of tomorrow that we will be proud of.

MEMORY VERSE: “And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.” – Malachi 2:15 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Malachi 2:13-16 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Anyone considering divorce must have experienced months or years of struggle with their spouse. They are familiar with emotional distance, insecurity, fear, depression, anger, and perhaps betrayal. Life has become so difficult that divorce seems like the only path toward peace and happiness. Our High Priest empathises with believers in such state (Hebrews 4:15). However, God clearly explains His reasons for esteeming marriage so highly. He says it was He who “made them one” (Malachi 2:15). Marriage was God’s idea and any deviation from His design is detestable to Him. Marriage is not just a contract; it is a covenant. This is why God hates divorce and the consequences can be grievous.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. GOD HATES DIVORCE
2. DIVORCE HAS GRAVE CONSEQUENCES

1. GOD HATES DIVORCE

Marriage is a picture of the covenant God has with His people (1Cor.6:17) and He wants us to understand how serious it is. When a husband or wife chooses to violate the covenant of marriage, it mars and makes a mockery of the God-created concept of covenant relationship. (Rev.19:7-9; 2 Cor.11:2). God never intended divorce to be a part of human experience and it grieves Him when we harden our hearts and break a covenant that He created (Matt.19:4-8).

Malachi 2:15 gives us another reason God hates divorce. He says He is “seeking godly offspring.” God’s design for the family was that one man and one woman commit themselves to each other for life and rear children that will understand the concept of covenant as well. Children reared in a healthy, two-parent home have a far greater likelihood of establishing successful marriages themselves.

2. DIVORCE HAS GRAVE CONSEQUENCES

There is a direct correlation between the way a man treats his wife and the effectiveness of his prayers. God does not listen to the pleas for blessing from those who have broken the covenant of marriage (I Pet 3:7).

Divorce is associated with many negative outcomes. Here are some;

1. Divorce is a death of a union, and therefore the death of a dream, a promise and a family unit. Everyone involved -even a perpetrator- will feel grief and loss during a divorce. If there are children involved, they will experience severe grief over the loss of being with both parents together and living under the same roof.
2. Divorce marks a pivotal moment in a person’s life, especially for children; life as they know it changes forever and they become different versions of themselves, adapting to new routines and new versions of their parents (who have also changed).
3. Children of divorced parents are more likely to experience poverty, educational failure, early and risky sexual activities, non-marital childbirth, early marriage, cohabitation, marital discord and divorce.
4. Following a divorce, parents and children often experience emotional and psychological problems, that can last for years, even for the rest of their lives. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, distrust, insecurity, lack of intimacy, confusion over sexuality and/or gender, guilt, faithlessness, loneliness, bitterness, and rebellion manifest themselves in children who have lived through divorce of their parents.
5. Divorce matters can lead to a poor sense of judgment especially on marital issues, increase in crime, drug/alcohol addiction and even suicide attempt.
6. The productivity of divorcees/divorced men may reduce at work and in their service to God.
7. There is a chance of another divorce. Research shows that about 60% of divorcees/divorced men who remarry will divorce again. Realistically, most people carry the unresolved issues from their last failed marriage into the next marriage.

CONCLUSION: If God hates divorce, believers should do everything possible, including consulting with the Author of marriage – God, to make the marriage work.

MEMORY VERSE: “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” – 1 Chronicles 29:12 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 12:15-21 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Wealth is the abundance of valuable possessions or money. When we have wealth, we have more than we need to sustain a normal life. The Bible contains several examples of people blessed by God with great wealth; Abram (Gen. 13:2), Jacob (Gen. 30:43), Solomon (1Kings 10:23), Joanna (Luke 8:3) and Joseph of Arimathea (Matt. 27:57) among others. We shall consider what the Bible says about wealth and what should be believers’ disposition towards it.

LESSON OUTLINES
1 BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
2 BELIEVERS’ APPROACH TO WEALTH ACQUISITON 

1. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES

The view of Christians on wealth should be derived from the scriptures. This is because wealth and honour come from God (1Chronicles 29:12). God often blesses his children with wealth when they please him (Deut. 28:1-5). The Bible establishes the facts that wealth and riches shall be in the house of the man that fears God (Ps. 112:1-3); money answers all things (Eccl. 10:19); to enjoy one’s wealth is a gift from God (Eccl. 7:12) and it makes many friends (Prov. 19:4).

However, the Bible also contains several warnings about wealth, among which is the fact that the love of money is the root of all evil (1Tim. 6:10); riches should not be trusted (Prov. 23:5; Luke 12:15); wealth gotten through the wrong means shall diminish (Prov. 13:11); all men will die and leave their wealth to others (Ps. 49:10); those who pursue wealth at the expense of other core values of life will never be satisfied (Eccl. 5:10a).

2. BELIEVERS’ APPROACH TO WEALTH ACQUISITON 

Christians should note that wealth has never been an accurate barometer of a person’s standing with God. Some righteous people are poor (Luke 16:20-23) while some wicked people are rich (Ps. 73:3, 12). How then should believers handle wealth? While it is not sin for wealthy believers to enjoy their riches (Eccl. 5:19; 3John 2), they should also see wealth as an investment entrusted to them by God (1Chronicles 29:12). This wealth must be used to enhance good and pursue God’s purposes.

Wealthy believers can initiate charities and scholarship programmes, promote care for orphans, widows and less privileged (1Jn. 3:17-18; James 1:27), and be instrumental in advancing God’s kingdom (Luke 8:3; Rom. 16:3). It is important that believers prove themselves as faithful stewards, by channeling their wealth to godly legacies (1Corinthians 4:2; Matt. 6;19-20).

CONCLUSION
In a bid to be wealthy, believers should always note their first care should be for God’s kingdom and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33).

MEMORY VERSE: “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” – 1 Peter 2:17 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 13:7-8 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION: In our previous lesson, we learnt why and how we should honour God. We also learnt the meaning of honour which is to bestow value upon someone or highly esteem another. The Bible exhort us to give honour to whom it is due (Romans 13:7). In this lesson, we shall attempt to categorize those who deserve honour and how we can attain honour as well.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. WHO DESERVE HONOUR?
2. HOW CAN WE ATTAIN TRUE HONOUR

1. WHO DESERVE HONOUR?

The idea of honoring people is Biblical and can be showcased in many of our basic relationship. Here are some of them:

1. Citizen-Authority relationship. We are to honour especially those in authority through obedience and demonstration of respect, irrespective of their age or qualification. This comes from the fact that they representative God’s intimate authority (Romans 13:1-2)
2. Laity-Clergy relationships. The Bible speaks of the relationship of the church as deserving ‘double-honour’ (1Timothy 5:17)
3. Employee-Employer relationship. We are equally commended to honour one another in our Employee-Employer relationships (Ephesians 6:5-9).
4. Husband-Wife relationships. In a marriage relationship, the husband is expected to love and show appreciation to his wife while she reciprocates with reverence (Ephesians 5:33).
5. Children-Parents relationships. The command to honour our parents comes with a promise (Exodus 20:12). To do otherwise is to attract untimely death (Matthew 15:4)
   On the whole, the Bible admonishes us to honour all men (1 Peter 2:17).

2. HOW CAN WE ATTAIN TRUE HONOUR

The Bible teaches that true honour is found in God (Deuteronomy 26:19). Anyone who wishes to attain true honour must, first of all, have a cordial relationship with God (Psalm 91:14-15). Therefore to attain honour, we must be righteous (Proverbs 21:21); humble (Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 15:33); wise and intelligent (Proverbs 4:7-8); hardworking and delight (Proverbs 22:29); faithful and maintain integrity (Psalm 41:12; Proverbs 20:7), among others.

CONCLUSION
If we honour those promoted by God, He will honour us too. Do not look down on anyone.

MEMORY VERSE: “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.” – Proverb 14:8 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:12-26 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Simple put, financial intelligence is to be financially wise. It is the knowledge and skills gained from understanding finance and accounting principles in the business world and how money is being used (Proverbs 18:15). To be highly successful, extra efforts, skills, intelligence and God’s leading will be needed. It is not only organizations and business owners that need financial intelligence. It is also needed for personal finance.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. WHAT IS PERSONAL FINANCE?
2. HOW TO BE FINANCIALLY INTELLIGENT

1. WHAT IS PERSONAL FINANCE?

Personal finance is the term that covers planning (Proverbs 21:5; 30:25) and managing personal financial activities such as revenue generation, expenditures, budgeting, savings, investments and other financial related actions (Matthew 25:20). As an individual, your personal finance is a reflection of the level of your financial intelligence, that is, your ability to make smart decisions, plan poverty especially in the aspect of finance and live a good life (Proverbs 10:4). Your net worth and what you are able to do with your money is considered a success (Matthew 25:22) and not necessarily so much cash at your disposal. A personal financial statement (Assets-Liabilities) shows the sold and all debts paid, and the liabilities are greater than the assets, the financial statement indicates a negative net worth. But, if the individual has more assets than liabilities, it is positive net worth.

2. HOW TO BE FINANCIALLY INTELLIGENT

To be financially intelligent, you need to do the following:

1. Develop a personal success- drive and be intentional about the wellbeing of your finance (1Kings 11:28).
2. Seek knowledge and be informed (Proverbs 1:5). Invest in yourself (Proverbs 19:20), read (2Timothy 4:13), make researches (Act 17:11), ask questions, and open your ears and eyes to the happenings around you.
3. Practice what you learn and use the knowledge gained to execute the purpose for which it was acquired (Proverbs 6:6; 10:4).
4. Keep track of your spending. Identify where you need to make amends and where you need to intensify efforts (Proverbs 16:21a).
5. Have a proper and detailed records of your income and expenditure (2Chronicles 34:16-18).
6. Surround yourself with the right people who share the same opinion (Proverbs 13:20; 27:17).
7. Pray for divine wisdom and direction on what and when to invest your resources (James 1:5; Isaiah 30:21).

CONCLUSION
Financial intelligence is needed in order to stay on top of your financial game because hardly would you find a financially intelligent person who is not successful.

MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.” – Proverbs 19:7 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 6:9-11 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Generally, poverty can be described as a state of being extremely poor. Poverty can take different forms: mental, spiritual, material or financial. In the context of material/financial possessions, poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. Scriptures clearly state that even brethren of the poor hate him (Proverbs 19:7) and that poverty can destroy the poor (Proverbs 10:15). What then causes poverty and how can a believer break free from it?

LESSON OUTLINES

1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY

1. CAUSES OF POVERTY

While poverty can be in categories of degrees, several factors can be responsible for it:

1. Personal attitude which includes laziness/idleness (Proverbs 10:4;19:15); poor work ethics (Proverbs 14:23; 2Thessalonians 3:10); lack of self discipline (Proverbs 12:27); stubbornness (Proverbs 13:18); drunkenness and gluttony (Proverbs 23:21); worldliness and frivolous persuits (Proverbs 21:17;28:19); limitation mentality (Proverbs 23:7a) etc.
2. Natural disasters (famine, floods, etc.)- Genesis 12:10, health challenges (Mark 5:25-26), fire outbreaks (Job 1:16), death of a benefactor (2Samuel 4:4).
3. Oppression of others. Examples of oppression that can cause poverty include delayed wages (Leviticus 19:13; 1Timothy 5:18), exorbitant interest rates on loans (Exodus 22:25).
4. Spiritual causes of poverty include the repercussion of sin (Deuteronomy 28:15-21) and wrong spiritual concepts as some believers equate poverty to holiness.

2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY

You need to discover your purpose of living and diligently pursue it (Proverbs 22:29). Gather sufficient information on how to improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation or trade (Proverbs 18:15; 24:4). Be intentional about creating multiple streams of income (Ecclesiastes 11:2). Find a problem around you that you can solve that will earn you good money. Acquire additional skills: re-skill and up skill (Proverbs 9:9). Believe in yourself and have the ‘I can’ attitude (Phil 4:13).

Essentially, breaking free from poverty requires giving (Proverbs 11:24): pay your tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10-12), first fruit (Proverbs 3:9-10), and give to those that are less privileged. Pray and study the word of God to know his perfect will for you in all your life’s endeavours (Psalm 37:23). Stop living on debts, borrow only to invest (Proverbs 22:7).

CONCLUSION
Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).