Sunday School

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: “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:” – Proverbs 24:3 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 5:3-4 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: God, invented marriage for companionship, sexual intimacy, procreation and invariably fulfillment (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). However, what becomes of marriage depends primarily on the understanding of the couple on what marriage should be and the factors that positively or negatively influence such understanding (Proverbs 24:3-4). How a couple manage such influence(s) determines whether or not there will be happiness, peace, progress etc. We shall, therefore, address some of this marriage influencers in this lesson.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. NEGATIVE INFLUENCERS
2. POSITIVE INFLUENCERS

1. NEGATIVE INFLUENCERS

1. Friends in toxic relationship: Couples must protect their marriage from failure by avoiding destructive relationship patterns sponsored by third parties whose marriages seem not to be working (1 Corinthians 15:33; Psalm 1:1).
2. Inordinate pursuit of money or career: Money is needed to run the affairs of the home but when it is being pursued at the expense of the marriage, it may affect the togetherness of the couple (1 Timothy 6:10).
   3 Undue attention to social media: Communication becomes hampered when spouses pay more attention to social media activities than to each other (Matthew 6:21). This has destructed family intimacy.
3. Character defects: One of the factors that make marriage beautiful is changed. However, when spouses refuse to admit the need for a change in a defective lifestyle, such marriage suffer needless tensions (Matthew 7:3).
4. Close relationship with ex-lovers opposite sex: Failure to redefine and detach fully from previous or present intimate relationship with the opposite sex can trigger unforeseen sexual immorality (Proverbs 5:3, 15,20).
5. Excessive jealousy: This happens when a partner is over possessive. This is dangerous and can lead to destructive behaviours (Proverbs 6:34).
6. Addictions: Habits like gambling, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and the like, are some moral vices that can draw the heart of either of the partners away from the marriage.

2. POSITIVE INFLUENCERS

1. Trust and understanding (1John 4:18; 1Peter 3:7).
2. Selflessness and mutual support (Galatians 6:2; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
3. Praying together and keeping Christ at the centre of the relationship (Matthew 18:19; Psalm 127:1).
4. Building a new home and family culture together (Genesis 2:24).
5. Spending quality time together (Proverbs 31:28).
6. Guarding hand managing your thoughts (Proverbs 4:23; 23:7)
7. Finding work-family balance (Romans 12:11; Psalm 127:2).
8. Never go to bed angry (Ephesians 4:26)
9. Speaking kind and uplifting words to each other (Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:6). Do not nag Proverbs 21:19
10. Being reasonable with family finance and budget (Proverbs 16:21)

CONCLUSION
Every marriage is a work-in-progress. Therefore, we must be intentional to make it work.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.” – Proverbs 5:19 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 5:15-20 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: To be ravished is to have a feeling of delight; being filled with wonder and enchantment. So, to ravish your spouse is to give him or her an atmosphere full of passion and fascination. The husband, as well as his wife, has crucial roles to play to enjoy a romantic and successful marriage.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. ROLES OF THE HUSBAND AND HIS WIFE
2. BENEFITS OF RAVISHING YOUR SPOUSE

1. ROLES OF THE HUSBAND AND HIS WIFE

Being a good husband is not something that comes naturally to some men. However, loving another person is the most selfless thing anyone can do. Therefore:

1. A husband who loves his wife should celebrate her always (Prov.31:28b): be her best friend, appreciate her and share in her feelings (Gen.26:8).
2. A good husband should be protective and shield his wife from being disrespected by others (Eph.5:29).
3. He also respects her opinions, wishes, beliefs and communicates without using abusive words (Col.3:19; 4:6).
4. He does not force her to give up on her dreams to follow his, rather, they talk things through to see what works for both of them (Rom.12:10).
5. The husband should focus on the strength of his wife and talk less about her weaknesses (discuss the grey area and pray together for a change) -1 Pet.3:7; 4:8.
6. Do not lose the romance. (SOS.1:2; Prov.5:19). To be romantic, a husband should keep in mind important dates (wedding anniversary, birthdays, etc.)- Rom. 12:15.
7. As a good husband, be humorous and know how to cheer up your wife especially when she feels low (Prov.15:13; 17:22).

On the other hand, married women should note that:

1. To ravish your husband is a divine assignment given to you by God – to be your husband’s helper (Gen.2:18; Prov.12:4).
2. They should be women of virtue (Prov.12:4; 14:1).
3. To ravish your husband, you must be submissive to him (Eph.5:22; 1Pet.3:1-2).
4. As a wife you should be spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and recreationally knitted with your husband (Prov.12:25).
5. They must be caring and manage the home well (Prov.31:15).
6. Meeting your husband’s sexual needs is vital: do not use sex as a weapon of denial (SOS 1:13; 1Cor.7:4-5).
7. The husband must be celebrated and honoured as a king: in fact, he is your king.

2. BENEFITS OF RAVISHING YOUR SPOUSE

When a husband and his wife are knitted, there will be intimacy and mutual trust (Mk.10:8). Their love will be unquenchable (SOS 8:7). There will be joy, peace and progress in the home (Ps.128:1-6). It contributes to good health (Prov.14:30). Without a doubt, God will be present in such a loving home and their prayers will receive quick answers (Matt. 18:19; 1Pet. 3:7).

CONCLUSION: Sweeten your relationship with your spouse and the bliss will be long lasting.

MEMORY VERSE: “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” – Proverbs 31:11 (NKJV)‬

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 6:2-7 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION: The five-letter “trust” occurs in 139 verses in the Bible (KJV). While there are various root words translated ” trust”, in this context, it means reliance on the integrity, strength, or ability of a person or thing. Trust can be dependent or relational. Dependent trust is between man and God in which an individual completely trusts God while relational trust deals with human relationships and signifies the trust one reposes in another person. We shall focus on the attribute of a trustworthy person and how to be one.

LESSON OUTLINE:

1. ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON
2. BEING TRUSTWORTHY

1. ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON

There a trustworthy people are:

1. Tenacious: Trustworthy people are stubbornly unyielding to untruthfulness (Dan. 1:8).
2. Resolute: This means they are unwavering (Ruth 1:16).
3. Unbendable: They are always determined to do the right thing (Esth. 3:2).
4. Steady: They are straightforward (2Chr. 24:11-12).
5. Tested: They have proved their trustworthiness through thick and thin (1Sam. 12:3).
6. Accountable: They are always answerable for whatever task they engage in (Neh. 13:13).
7. Wholistic: They can be wholly trusted with time, money, the opposite sex, work, etc.
8. Reliable: They have your back and do not betray a trust or leak a secret for any reason (Prov. 14:23).
9. Weighty: Trust is weighty but not burdensome as a result; the carrier is conscious of carrying something important and does not misbehave (Gen. 39:9).
10. Solid: They are always firm (Job 17:9).

2. BEING TRUSTWORTHY

Being trustworthy is an intentional, planned, and decisive resolve an individual makes (Dan. 5:17). Trust is consciously earned by an individual (Prov. 31:12); it is not entrusted to anyone. There is a price tag of sacrifices to be paid by anyone who chooses to be trustworthy (Gen. 39:10). We need to ask God for help as we take time to study and obey His words because trust is the bedrock of a lasting relationship.

Some of the rewards of being trustworthy are peace of mind, boldness, a crown if honour, and an asset while the consequences of distrust include: shame, dishonour, and loss of opportunities.

CONCLUSION
Trust is significant and essential to any relationship we may build because it is this trust in one another that forms the foundation of a strong relationship.

TOPIC: The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit I

MEMORY VERSE: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” – Ephesians 5:9 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: One of the reasons Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit is to help us learn how to be more godly (John 16:12-15). The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sin (John 16:8) and guide us in choosing well when faced with temptations, thus producing godly characteristics within us (Ephesians 3:16; John 16:13). This is what the Bible describes as the ‘fruit of the Spirit.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. WHY “FRUIT?”
2. THE OPPOSITE OF BEARING FRUIT

1. WHY “FRUIT?”

The Bible uses a lot of agricultural metaphors because they were easily understood by the highly agricultural culture of the time. The “fruit of the Spirit” refers to the “results” we should see in our lives after receiving the Holy Spirit and working on our hearts over time (Romans 8:9;12:1-2). The Apostle Paul gives us the component of the ‘fruit’ as “……love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self control…… Galatians 5:21-22.

The ‘fruit’ metaphor helps us see our faith as a tree with branches that may or may not produce fruit, depending on how well we take care of the tree itself. If we give the tree nourishment (God’s word) -1Peter 1:23;2:2, then it will grow bigger. If we clear away weeds and insects (sinful tendencies) -Ephesians 4:22-31; Colossians 3:8-10, then keep the tree healthy. If we consult the ‘professional’ Gardener (God) -1Chronicles 16:11- then we will ensure we are on the right track.

2. THE OPPOSITE OF BEARING FRUIT

If you are a Christian, and you are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in your life, at best, you will experience stagnation-no growth (James 2:14-26). At worst, the result of “bad fruit” is death (Romans 6:20-23; Proverbs 14:12). Notice that Galatians 5:22 start with the word “But.” The Apostle Paul tells us that the opposite of these spiritual fruit. Let us take a look at the verses just before the fruit list: “Now the work of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred , variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: if the which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” -Galatians 5:19-21. This is a list of things that someone who does not have the Holy Spirit’s influence would have problems with.

CONCLUSION
On one hand, our sinfulness produces rotted, poisoned fruit, which reflects our sinful nature and hurt us in the end. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit produces beautiful, nourishing fruit that reflects God’s nature and will ultimately benefit our lives.

MEMORY VERSE: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:5 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 13:15-16 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Christian faith, like every other religion, involves components like a temple, altar, and sacrifices (Gen.4:3-4; 8:20; 1Sam.1:9). Spiritual sacrifices, however, replaced the material sacrifices of the Old Covenant (Ex.29:36). No longer do we offer bulls, goats, and lambs on the altar (Hebrews 10:1-11). Our worship today involves the offering of spiritual sacrifices. What are these spiritual sacrifices and who qualifies to offer them acceptably?

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES?
2. OFFFERING ACCEPTABLE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

1. WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES?

Spiritual sacrifices are continuous offerings from believers to God in faith. They are words or deeds motivated by a desire to glorify God alone (Heb.13:16). Just as the smoke of the incense ascended in the sanctuary in the Old Testament, so our spiritual sacrifices ascend to God (Ps.141:2; Rev.5:8). These include the believer’s prayers, praises, will, body, time, treasures, talents, and spiritual gifts.

Therefore, the fact that the incense was always burning means we should always pray (Lk.18:1; 1Thess.5:17). Fasting is also a spiritual sacrifice that aids the believer’s prayer (Dan.9:3). God created us to praise Him, and we must offer the ‘sacrifice of praise’ to Him continually (Heb.13:15). Just as Jesus surrendered His will to the Father’s (Lk.22:42), so should we, though it’s an ongoing battle (Rom. 7:18-20). Our talents and spiritual gifts are from God and should be offered for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edification of the body of Christ (Eph.4:7, 12). Our treasures (financial/material resources) contribute to the spiritual sacrifices to be offered to God, the kingdom work on earth, the ministers of God, and the people in need (Phil.4:18; Prov.19:17; Gal.6:10).

2. OFFFERING ACCEPTABLE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

Believers constitute the new priesthood (1Pet.2:9). Therefore, to offer acceptable spiritual sacrifices, we must appear before God sanctified (Ps.24:3-4; Lev.10:1-3). First, we must present our bodies as ‘living sacrifices’ (Rom.12:1-2; Gal.2:20). Our bodies are the temple of the Lord (1Cor.6:18-20). The believer’s body is yielded to God as an instrument of righteousness (Rom.6:12-13; 8:11-13). This implies that we are to maintain good sexual boundaries (Eph.5:3), refuse to use our bodies for theft, or to bring harm to another person (1Pet.4:15; Col.3:12-13). Second, spiritual sacrifices must be offered obediently (1Sam.15:22); willingly (2Cor.9:6); cheerfully (2Cor.9:7); timely (Eccl.11:6) and in reverence to God (Mal.1:8).

CONCLUSION: Sacrifice is part and parcel of worship. Jesus promised us rewards for every kind action done in His name (Mark.9:41).

MEMORY VERSE: “Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.” – Job 34:4 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:8-13 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Simply put, choice is the act of picking between two or more possibilities. The power of choice is the strong will to make a decision in the midst of several options. While it is generally opined that man is a choice being, Scriptures clearly establish that God has given man the power to choose (Josh.24:15). However, we live with the consequences of the choices we make whether good or bad. The onus, therefore, lies on us to make the right choices which in turn determine the course of our lives.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. COMMON CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES
2. WATCH OUT FOR CHOICE INFLUENCERS

1. COMMON CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES

There are several choices we make in life with their attendant consequences. For instance, the choices we make about food and exercise influence our physical health (Prov.25:16). The choices we make about our academic pursuits often affect our careers and occupations. The choices we make in reaction to life’s adversities affect our psychological well-being (Prov.24:10).

Other major choices we make in life include:

1. The choice of where to live/settle may determine the peace or discomfort, blessings or troubles we will have (Gen.13:8-11; 19:13; 26:1-2, 12-13);
2. The choice of who we marry will determine the bliss we enjoy or the blows we endure (Prov.18:22; 31:28; Prov.21:19; 1Kgs.11:4).
3. The choice of the friends we keep will determine how far we go and the quality of life we live (Prov.13:20; 18:24; 2Sam. 13:5; 10-14, 28-29).
4. The choice we make to be different will determine whether or not we will stand out from the crowd (Dan.1:8, 19; Heb.11:24-26).
5. The choice we make whether to serve God or not will determine the eternal reward we will get (Josh.24:15; Rev.22:11-12)

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What can be done to forestall the consequence of a wrong choice that is already made?

2. WATCH OUT FOR CHOICE INFLUENCERS

Many factors influence the choices we make in life. We need to crave for the right knowledge in order to be well informed (Prov.18:15). Self-control will help guide our choices and prevent us from making irrational decisions (Jam.1:19; 1Sam. 25:10). We must make good plans and be guided by a good vision before we make a choice (Ruth 3:1-4; Prov.16:3, 9). More importantly, prayers will enable us to key into the mind of God (1Sam.30:7-8; Ps.37:5, 23).

Conversely, pride, hypocrisy, doubt and negative thoughts among others, will hinder us from making the right choices (Prov.11:2; Ps.10:4; Isa.32:6; Jam.1:8). We must strive to always have the correct mind frame all the time (Prov.4:23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss other factors that influence people’s choices.

CONCLUSION: If we have made a wrong choice in the past, it is time to forgive ourselves and move on with life as we make necessary corrections to avoid any repetition of such.

MEMORY VERSE: “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” – James 3:18 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Galatians 5:16-18 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The life of the Christian is a constant battle between our sinful nature and our new nature in Christ (Gal.5:17). Unfortunately, just because we have accepted Christ does not mean we are automatically immune to sinful temptations (Rom.7:14-25). Sometimes, it may feel like we are trapped in a desire to reach for the sinful thing rather than the godly thing. This does not always have to be the case. We can overcome the flesh.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. CHOOSE TO BEAR THE FRUIT
2. WORK AT IT

1. CHOOSE TO BEAR THE FRUIT

Now that we are in Christ, we have the power to conquer the sinful desires of the flesh (2Cor.5:17; Rom.8:37). The very presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts means we can now choose godliness over sinfulness (Phil.1:22). The choice is 100% OURS (Deut.30:19). We are no longer a slave to our sinful nature (Rom.6:14, 18). We can choose love over hate, patience over hostile frustration, faithfulness over disloyalty, self-control over lustful desires…etc. This is the beauty of having the Holy Spirit-He gives us the POWER to fight (Phil.2:13; 4:13). All we must do to tap into that power is to practice obedience to God’s word and His direction (Jn.15:4, 10, 14; Col.3:16; Ps.1:2-3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss the thin line between our emotions and exhibiting the fruit of the spirit.

2. WORK AT IT

Some Christians have asked if it is possible to produce all the components of the fruit of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This seems like a lot to work on. First, we should remember that God will not give us a load we cannot bear (Matt.11:29-30). Second, the ‘yoke’ of bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit is not just possible, it is mandatory (Lk.1:37; Matt.5:48). However, since the enemies of our salvation – the devil and the flesh – will not give up easily on us, we are bound to face the temptation of yielding to sin occasionally (1Pet.5:8-10).

We must continue to work at attaining perfection (Phil.2:12), surrender totally to the dictates of the Holy Spirit and resist the devil (Jam.4:7). The Apostle Paul charges believers to make no provision for the flesh (Rom.13:14). Let us keep working at bearing all the components of the fruit of the Spirit; it is possible (Phil.4:13). We must daily, take steps to nurture our relationship with Jesus so that we can grow to look more like Him in His manner, attitude and actions (Heb.12:2; Phil.2:5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should mention other practical steps a believer can take to produce all the fruit of the Spirit.

CONCLUSION: Though we may struggle and fail, we will surely conquer the flesh and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We ought to daily strive for, work for, and yearn for the fruit of the Spirit.

MEMORY VERSE: “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” – 1 Timothy 3:9 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 11:3-11 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to please God. Pleasing God is accomplished by faith (Heb.11:6). Faith is the foundation of the Christian life and the principle that brings us to Jesus Christ. An understanding of what faith is will help us grow in our walk with the Lord.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. WHAT IS FAITH?
2. STAGES OF FAITH

1. WHAT IS FAITH?
   Faith is the currency of believers (Mk.9:23): when God created the heavens and the earth in Genesis 1:1, as well as everything we see (the stars, moon, and light), we understand by faith (Heb.11:3). Faith works where we cannot see (Heb. 11:1), It the substance of things hoped for. Faith is predicting your future (Ps.27:13): it is shaping your future by speaking and confessing it (Mk.11:24). Faith is the act of declaring and decreeing (Mk.11:23; Job 22:28): it is the vehicle that moves God (Matt.8:9-1 0; 15:25-28). Faith is the pillar for salvation (Eph.2:8; Rom.10:9-10): pursuing a Christ-like life is a demonstration of faith (Heb.10:38-39).

1. STAGES OF FAITH
2. The faith that secures our salvation and makes us followers of Jesus. This is the fundamental theology and the core of what we believe as Christians (Rom.10:4; Jn.14:6; Eph.1:13). It is what makes us believers (Jn.1:12). It is what separates Christianity from other religions (1Jn. 4:1-3).
3. The faith that is an act, art and the science of believing. It is the practical aspect of our profession as Christians that makes us hold on to the word or promises of God against all odds (Rom.4:18-21).
4. The lifestyle of faith. This is when faith has become our lifestyle, we live it. At this stage, it is impossible not to believe in God. We do not stagger at what we see or experience (Dan.3:16-18; Acts 21:11-13).

CONCLUSION: Faith is both a gift and fruit of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.12:9; Gal.5:22). It is the fuel that keeps us going as believers.

TOPIC: THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY

MEMORY VERSE: “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Mystery simply means something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained. It takes its root from the Latin word ‘mysterium’ and the ancient Greek word ‘musterion’ meaning a secret or secret rite. Iniquity from its root word ‘anomia’ (in Greek) means illegality, i.e. violation of law or wickedness: transgression of the law, unrighteousness or lawlessness. Therefore, the mystery of iniquity is a system of lawlessness for which believers are warned and expected to be on guard.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY 
2. BE WATCHFUL DEAR BELIEVER

1. THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY EXPLAINED

The mystery of iniquity is the working of lawlessness in the world, leading to a worldwide rebellion against God (Matthew 24:12; 2Timothy 3:1-4). It is all about controlling people, systems, finance, etc. (Genesis 11:4). It is an interwoven series of complex systems that have slipped into politics, entertainment, sports, education, religion, media, etc. (Romans 1:21-22). It is also revealed through the spirit of seduction, and doctrines of the devils (2Timothy 3:13; 1Timothy 4:1). It showcases sinful behaviours and diabolic practices in human beings (Acts 8:22-23; Matthew 23:28).

Iniquity relates more to the inner character (Mark 7:21-23) and points to an international desire to twist God’s holy standard (Jude 4). It drives human beings to twist God’s word (Titus 1:11). It will one day culminate in the appearance of the Antichrist, whose spirit is already at work in the world but is being restrained for now so that the world is not as evil as it could be (Thessalonians 2:7-8; 1John 4:3).

BE WATCHFUL DEAR BELIEVER

With the Spirit of lawlessness everywhere in the world, believers must:

1. Search, rend and guard their hearts diligently and always (Joel 2:13; Proverbs 4:23).
2. Confess any known sin (1John 1:9) I repent to receive forgiveness from the Lord (Acts 3:19).
3. Not conform to this world’s system (Romans 12:2) and be diligent to keep God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 11:22).
4. Watch and pray (Matthew 26:41) and ask for new heart (Psalm 51:10).
5. Put on the new Man (Colossians 3:10) and be constantly renewed by the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).
6. Depart from iniquity (2Timothy 2:19) and remove the old yeast of sin (1Corinthians 5:7).
7. Purge themselves (2Timothy 2:21) and let their garments be spotless (Ecclesiastes 9:8)

CONCLUSION
Believers must know that the Spirit of lawlessness is already operating in the world presently and they must ensure that they keep the profession of their faith to the end.

QUESTION

1. What is the mystery of iniquity?
2. Mention four (4) things believers can do to be on the watch.