Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” – Job 17:9 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Some People think that it is not possible to live righteously in this perverse world. However, the Bible admonishes believers in Christ to make righteousness a way of life (Philippians 4:8-9) God instructed Abram to walk up rightly (Genesis 17:1) just as Job admitted that if anyone continues on the way of righteousness, their our lives will get better and shine brighter (Job 17:9; Proverbs 4:18). It is, therefore, important for us to understand what it means to live a righteous life and its attendant benefits.

LESSON OUTLINES

1.UNDERSTANDING A RIGHTEOUS LIFE

2 DIVIDENDS OF RIGHTEOUS LIVING

1. UNDERSTANDING A RIGHTEOUS LIFE

Righteousness is ‘the character or quality of being right or just.’ It refers to the state of one who is as he ought to be before God and man (Acts 10:35; 24:16). It is holy and upright living by God’s standard. Righteousness reviews genuine salvation (1John 2:29). Works of righteousness include love for each other (1John 3:10). It produces spiritual and visible fruit (Matthew 7:16). We must leave the kind of life that reflects Jesus Christ everyday (Philippians 2:5; 4:8).

Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9). This is because God’s character is the source of all righteousness (Genesis 18:25; Romans 9:14) and it takes great pleasure in righteousness (Jeremiah 9:24). Righteousness require a voluntary change (Ephesians 4:24). It combat sin (Psalm 119:10-11). It’s requires discipline as productive (Hebrews 12:11).

2. DIVIDENDS OF RIGHTEOUS LIVING

Righteous living makes you a partner with the Almighty God (Genesis 18:17-19) and the moment you become God’s partner, certain things will begin to run away from you this includes sickness, and diseases (Exodus 15:26), Devourers (Malachi 3:10-11), sorrow (Proverbs 10:22), and fear (Proverbs 28:1).

Also, righteous living attract certain things to you this includes:

• The good of the Land (Isaiah 1:18-19)
• Overwhelming blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
• Victory without a fight (Deuteronomy 28:7)
• Continuous success (Psalm 92:12; Jeremiah 17:7-8)
• Dominion (Deuteronomy 28:9-10,13)
• Living in abundance Deuteronomy 30:9; Leviticus 26:4).
• Answer to prayers (1Peter 3:12)Eternal life (Matthew 25:46).

CONCLUSION

The danger of unrighteous living is that whatsoever holiness drives away, sin attracts. Therefore, God expect us to live a righteous life

MEMORY VERSE:“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

BIBLE PASSAGE: Leviticus 19:9-10

INTRODUCTION

God’s relationship with man is characterised by His holiness, justice, love, and mercy among others. Our relationships with one another and the society must be patterned according to the character of God Matt. 22:36-39. Therefore, it is our responsibility as God’s people to care for those around us 1 Jn. 3:10. The efforts and activities of the church to show love and alleviate the sufferings of the people in her immediate environment/community is termed Christian Social Responsibility.

OUTLINES

1. MEANING AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
2. BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

MEANING AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) is a faith-based obligation to meet societal needs through the demonstration of love that positively impacts communities and individuals. CSR has its roots in Christianity and the Church is meant to be an example for the world to follow Matt. 5:16. It is an initiative for community relations and to partner with the government in achieving the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

CSR could be in the areas of provision of basic social amenities, daily sustenance like food parcels to the needy in society, healthcare deliver facilities, education, media, business support, art/entertainmen governance, sports, etc. It involves strategically assessing the needs of the community and developing appropriate structure programmes to cater for them. CSR is a core part of the ministry of the Church. It is not a 21st century concept; it has its origin in the Bible. For instance, Lev 19:9-10; 23:22 instructs us to always make provisions for the needy out of our income. In Matt. 25:31-46, Jesus taught it as essential to entering the kingdom of God. Furthermore, in Matt 14:15-21, He demonstrated the need for CSR when He fed five thousand men (besides women and children). Also, the Christians in the early Church distributed their wealth to take care of those in need Acts 2:44-45.

 BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

The benefits of Christian Social Responsibility to the Church and the world are numerous: 

1. It enables people to see and know the meaning of the love of God 1 Jn. 3:16-18.

2. It meets the needs of the less privileged in the society.

3. It promotes evangelism and entrenches the Church of God in the hearts and minds of the people we come across Matt. 5:16.
4. It embraces responsibility for sustainable actions and encourages a positive impact on the environment Mk. 12:33.

5. It compliments government’s efforts in improving and sustaining the standard of living of people in their immediate community Jam. 2:14-16.

6. It will enable the church to build a good relationship with the community Gal. 6:10.

7. It helps the believer to represent Jesus physically in their community Prov. 13:17; 2 Cor. 5:20.
8. It can open the door for the individual Christian and even the Church to share the Gospel of Jesus and thus win people to the kingdom.

CONCLUSION

Christian Social Responsibility is not to seek commendation from men but to show the love of Christ and be a blessing to our community. 

TOPIC: Political Engagement (Lesson 21)

MEMORY VERSE: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2 Samuel 23:3 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 23:1-4 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: In our previous lesson, we highlighted some misconceptions held by some Christians in some circles. We also examined some of the reasons Christians should be involved in politics from a biblical perspective. In today’s lesson, we shall attempt to guide Christians with genuine intentions on how to be practically involved in politics and avoid pitfalls.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. . GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS
2. THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN POLITICS

1. GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS

Christians should note that it is their Civic right and responsibility under the law (Titus 3:1, 1Peter 2:13-14) to vote and be voted for (Deuteronomy 1:13). Therefor every eligible Christian should register with the relevant electoral body in order to participate during elections. In addition, it is important for Christians to be ‘card-carrying’ members of any political party of preference. By so doing, Christians can contest and be voted into elective positions or influence the choice of their representatives for elective positions (Exodus 18:21).

To join a political party, you need to get information. Visit the website of the parties available in your country or the respective party secretariat within your locality. Go through their detailed profiles to know the party’s ideology and manifesto. Fill out a party registration form and provide supporting documents/payments as may be required. A membership card will be issued to you as confirmation. Attend party meetings regularly and actively in order to be a voice to be reckoned with.

Christians aspiring for elective leadership positions should be sure to have a leading, burden or passion to serve the people and solve problems 1Samuel 17:29; 34-37; Nehemiah 2:1-5). In order to succeed in politics, Christians should read books and attend seminars/conference on leadership/politics (Proverbs 16:16). It is also important to be mentored by a seasoned Christian political leader (Proverbs 1:5).

Christians may also prayerfully join or support and advocacy group (Esther 4:8,13-14) or form a political party with people of like-minds (1Samuel 22:2; Daniel 2:49).

2. THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN POLITICS

Christians, who are into politics, or aspiring to hold political post, should be prayerful and watch out for pitfall to avoid soiling their garments (1Corinthians 15:33). They should therefore:

1. Desist from any thoughts or act of wickedness. Politics is not a do-or-die affair (Proverbs 16:12).
2. Avoid prayerlessness (James 5:16b-18; Psalm 91:15, Daniel 6:10). our adversary is not resting, be sober and vigilant (1Peter 5:8).
3. Shun all foolishness: get the necessary qualifications or experience (James 15:1; 1Samuel 17:34-37) and act wisely (Matthew 10:16).
4. Never dabble into politics without a godly burden or passion (Nehemiah 2:1-5).
5. Avoid compromising: stand By Your godly virtues and principles (1 Corinthians 10:31).
6. Distinguish yourself and do not be hypocritical (1Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2).
7. Do not be lured into cultism or bad caucus in the name of ‘belonging’, seeking relevance or power to outwit others (1Corinthians 15:33).
8. Beware of the negative influence of political godfathers (Proverbs 12:5; 25:26).
9. Be resolute in the face of persecution and propaganda. (Nehemiah 4:3,6; Nehemiah 6:5-7; Daniel 6:11-14).
10. Avoid abuse of power do not be tyrannical (2 Chronicles 26:16-18).

CONCLUSION

Join a political party today and be a Christian of influence.

MEMORY VERSE:“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all me especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatian 6:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 9:36-41

INTRODUCTION

All believers in Christ are expected to be generous to those within our immediate communities when they are in need. This support could be a donation of materials or services as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility to the less privileged. More importantly, the Bible encourages us to offer a helping hand to support members of the Church or fellow believers at their times of need Gal. 6:10.

OUTLINES

1. WHO NEEDS OUR HELPING HAND?

2. HOW SHOULD WE HELP? WHO NEEDS OUR HELPING HAND?

1. WHO NEEDS OUR HELPING HAND?

The following people should be helped: the committed brethren in need Gal. 6:10, the elderly Lev. 19:32, the widows/widowers Jam.1:27, orphans Ps. 82:3, the poor Prov. 19:17, the specially challenged (emotional, physical, mental, etc.) 2 Sam.9:3, 13. Our help should span from our needy family members (which Include our parents) 1 Tim.5:8, members of the household of faith Gal. 6:10, then to members of our society regardless of their background. It is very necessary to help brethren by connecting them to people or places to get good jobs, pay hospital bills, get scholarship for children’s school fees, etc.

While this gesture should not be an excuse for some people to be lazy, feel entitled or become parasites on others, believers should note that everything we have is given to us by God Ps. 68:19; 1 Cor. 4:7. Therefore, we should be encouraged to give to people in need or offer helpful services as God has given us the grace to do Prov. 22:9. Providing a helping hand without expecting anything back from the recipient is a great way to be Christ-like Lk. 6:34-35.

2. HOW SHOULD WE HELP? 

As believers, it is important to know that the help we offer should be rooted in love 1 Cor. 13:3, this allows us to serve God better 2 Cor. 9:8. Our giving is an outward sign of our love for others 1 Jn. 3:17 and we should give from what we have as a principle whilst expecting God to provide for our own needs too Lk. 6:38. Sometimes, our giving can be a measure of our depth of faith in God and love for His Kingdom Mal. 3:10. However, the state of the heart of the giver is of greater importance to God than the gift Lk. 21:1-4.

While encouraging the believers in Corinth to give generously, Paul did not want them to give beyond their means, “reluctantly or under compulsion” 2 Cor. 8:12. More importantly, he wanted them to rely on their inner convictions 2 Cor. 9:6-7. No one should give under pressure or coercion. However, giving even when you do not have surplus can be a way of stretching your faith in God.

CONCLUSION

God loves it when we give 2 Cor. 9:7b and He will always pay back in ways we least imagine.

FURTHER READING: Mon: Ex. 25:2. Tue: Prov. 11:25. Wed: Matt. 6:12. Thurs: Lk. 21:3. Fri: 1 Pet. 4:10. Sat: 2 Cor. 9:6. Sun: Gal. 6:7-10.

MEMORY VERSE: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” – Proverbs 29:2 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Nehemiah 5:14-19 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Generally, politics can be described as the methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organisation or a movement. Politics is all about influence. It is this influence that further births positive or negative changes in the lives of the people. The involvement of Christians in politics is neither secular; nor beyond the ideologies of Christianity because it is the desire of God that believers take charge and have influence here on earth (Gen.1:28; Matt. 5:13-16).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT POLITICS
2. WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

1. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT POLITICS

Some Christians believe that, since our kingdom is not of this world, we do not have to be involved in any political activity in the world we presently live in (Jn.17:14). This is not the whole truth but a misconception aimed at robbing us of our godly heritage of dominion (Ps.8:6; 1Pet.2:9; Rev.5:10). Here are some reasons for the misconception or wrong notions about the involvement of Christians in politics;

• Politics is a dirty game and a worldly affair.
• Political involvements will take one to hell.
• All politicians are liars, corrupt and promiscuous.
• It is an opportunity to embezzle money or amass wealth unlawfully.
• Most politicians are fetish or occultic.

2. WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

In order to disabuse our minds as Christians about our active involvement in politics, we need to consider the following reasons objectively:

It is the desire of God that believers take charge and have influence here on earth (Deut.28:13). We are to take the lead and allow kingdom values to shape our society (Matt.5:13-16).

The leaders we elect or fail to elect, have a great influence on our freedom, well-being and the fulfilment of our God-given mandate. They can choose to protect our rights to worship and spread the gospel, or prevent us from exercising such rights (Est.4:14; Dan.6:7).

Politics like other sectors of national developments (health, finance, etc.), should be explored to “teach all nations” in order to demonstrate the exemplary life and flavour of godliness (Dan.6:1-3; Matt.28:19-20).

The involvement of godly Christians in politics will reduce corruption, disorderliness, mischief and other socio-economic vices in the society (2 Chron.14:1-6; Prov.29:2).

To effect positive and lasting changes that will benefit society (Gen.41:33-40; Prov.14:34).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What can believers do to eliminate the fear of failure or defeat in politics?

CONCLUSION: God is still looking for the righteous few in order to uplift our nations (Gen.18:32).

TOPIC: Political Dominion 

MEMORY VERSE: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:10 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 1:26-28 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The word Dominion means “rule or power over” God has sovereign power over his creation and has also delegated the authority to mankind to have dominion over the works of his hands (Genesis 1:26 psalm 8:6). However, some Christians are passive and do not see that God wants the church to take charge of and revamp their societies. Instead, they only see the command for believers to preach the gospel as in Matthew 28:19-20 and wait for God to implement social reforms Himself.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. THEOLOGY OF DOMINION
2. CHRISTIANS AND POLITICAL DOMINION

1. THEOLOGY OF DOMINION 

Dominion theology refers to a line of thought with regard to the role of the church in contemporary society; it holds that biblical Christians should rule all areas of society personal and corporate by the law of God. This belief is based on Genesis 1:28, which says, “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the Earth, and subdue it: and have Dominion…..”. This verse is a divine mandate to claim Dominion over the earth, physically, spiritually, economically, politically, etc (Luke 19:13). This theological idea about Christian having political Dominion has his root in the nature of God and reality the importance of Justice, the value of freedom, and a rich understanding of the human person has created in the image of God (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34), made for flourishing (Ps. 92:12-13), and called to an eternal destiny (Romans 8:30).

2. CHRISTIANS AND POLITICAL DOMINION

The political docility of Christians of the early church could be traced to the fact that Israel and some gentile Nations were under the colonial rule of the Roman empire and Christians were thought to be in subjection to the authorities that be (Romans 13:1): at best, they were to pray for those in power and could not participate in the politics of their time (1Timothy 2:1-2). This might have been responsible for Christians hesitate to be actively involved in the politics of our days, whereas, the God will believe and serve is interested in the way the world is governed (Genesis 1:28).

Satan stole the “key of Dominion” when he deceived Adam and Eve. Then, when Christ gave the “keys of the Kingdom” to Peter in Matthew 16:19 it was a sign that Dominion had been returned to man. Now it is our job to “take back” what is rightfully ours. Political Dominion is a must for Christian, not an option because the Earth is our place of Dominion, not heaven (Ps. 115:16). Christians have to occupy strategic political positions in order to be at the helm of affairs for positive influence.

While it is true that we belong to a heavenly Kingdom that is not of this world, we are still numbered among the people in this world and are subjected to the rules and system of its government (John 17:15-16). It is true that we are seeking another home a city “with foundations” (Hebrews 11:10, 14;13:14) but that should not be an excuse to be nonchalant about our present abode and refused to take responsibility for its governance (Psalm 115:16). It is also true that the world is passing away (1Corinthians 7:31) but we should not forget that we will also give an account of how it is manage before it passes away (1John 2:17).

Therefore, it should be of concern to Christians to be a part of ‘high-level’ decision-making processes to ensure that Justice is done, biblical principles are upheld and the Christian Faith survives and is preserved (Psalm 33:5 Micah 6:8). As the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), when we engage ourself in politics and government, we speak out for those who cannot speak and defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9).

CONCLUSION

All Christian are political, whether we realise it or not. If we choose not to engage in politics, it is a vote for the status quo-the way things are.

MEMORY VERSE: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” – John 17:3 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 17:22-27 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Within all of us, there exists a strong desire to be known and to know others. More importantly, there is a void in every individual – a quest to know their creator, even if they are not professed believers in God. The apostle Paul expressed his desire to truly know God (Philippians 3:10). It is therefore, important to address the issue of seeking and truly knowing God.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. SEEKING GOD IS INEVITABLE
2. KEYS TO TRULY KNOWING GOD

1. SEEKING GOD IS INEVITABLE

Our desire to seek and know more of God is the essence of true life (John 17:3; Jeremiah 50:4). The thoughts of God should be paramount in our minds because they will determine the value and direction of our lives (Psalm 48:9; 63:6). Seeking God, then, is an ongoing responsibility and privilege for all Christians (Job 5:8). Therefore, Scriptures admonish us to seek God wholeheartedly (Deuteronomy 4:29); early in life (Psalm 63:1; Eccl. 12:1); continually (Psalm 105:4) with joy (Psalm 70:4); by prayer and supplications, with fasting (Daniel 9:3); through His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) and by studying His word (John 5:39).

Assuredly, those who seek God under the conditions stated above shall find Him (Jeremiah 29:13) and be satisfied (Matthew 5:6); they shall understand all things (Proverbs 28:5 and shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10).

2. KEYS TO TRULY KNOWING GOD

In an attempt to know God, we must:

1. Receive Jesus Christ into our lives (John 1:12): Jesus makes it clear that He alone is the way to Heaven and personal knowledge of God (John 14:6-9).
2. Understand that the Bible is God’s word and a revelation of Himself, His promises, and His will (John 1:1; Psalm 119:105). The Bible is essentially a love letter written to us from a loving God who created us to know Him intimately (2Timothy 3:14-17)
3. Be committed to obeying what we read in the Scriptures (Titus 1:16; John 15:14). We were created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Not only must we read and understand God’s word, but we must also apply doctrines obediently and remain faithful (James 1:21-22).
4. Be committed to prayer, personal devotion, fellowship with brethren (Hebrews 10:25) and always worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
5. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us always (Revelation 8:14, 26-27). Then, our lives can be filled with God, and we can experience knowing Him intimately.

CONCLUSION: If we genuinely hunger and thirst to know God, He will reveal Himself to us.

MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.” – 2 Samuel 2:1 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Habakkuk 2:1-2 (KJV) 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Bible is full of records of believers who yielded to the leading and guidance of God. While it may seem difficult for some people in our contemporary world to allow God in their pursuit, Christians that meet the requirements will walk in the path of God.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

In Genesis 12:1-4, God ordered Abram out of his country to a promised land and he obeyed. Numbers 9:17-23 narrates how the Israelites obeyed the instruction of God to travel with the cloud. God instructed Jacob to return to his fatherland (Genesis 31:3) just as He told Elijah in 1 Kings 18:1 to show himself to a Ahab as He would open the heavens for the rain to fall. According to 2 Samuel 5:19, David enquired from God on whether to go against the Philistines or not. Matthew 2:9-12 tells that God led and guided the wise men to the place of birth of Jesus Christ. In Acts 9:10-11, the Lord gave and guided Ananias to a specific address of Saul of Tarsus. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit can forbid you to perform a task, though, it may seem like it would please God (Acts 16:6).

2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

1. Delights in the Lord Psalm 37:4-5; 1Corinthians 2:9).
2. Passion for God’s will (Luke 22:42). The will of God does not leave you miserable or regretful but rather it takes you to the expected end (Jeremiah 29:11)
3. The willingness to be led (Romans 8:14; Psalm 23:1-2).
4. The attitude of meekness (Psalm 25 9) : meekness equals being teachable.
5. The attitude of enquiry (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:7)
6. The attitude of hearing and listening – activate the listening mode (Psalm 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1-2).
7. The attitude of patience (Isaiah 28:16). Do not force yourself to hear what God is not saying
8. Soak in and meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:105).
9. Pay attention to godly leaders over you (1Samuel 3:9).
10. Obey previous instructions (Mark 4:24b). If you have not harkened to previous instructions, you may not hear the next move of God.

CONCLUSION

If God is the One leading you, you can never miss the mark. Ask for the grace to understand the mind of God and be guided in the right direction. If you think you have gone far in the wrong direction and refuse to turn back, you will only end in the wrong destination.

MEMORY VERSE: “I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:” – Isaiah 45:5 

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Some people, called atheists, do not believe in or intentionally deny the existence of God. The Bible calls them ‘fools’ (Ps. 41:1). There are other who believe in the existence of many gods and consult with them based on peculiar needs; they are called polytheists. The Bible unequivocally teaches that there is only one God who created all things, sustains all things, and transcends all things. This is what we believe as Christians. It is worth noting that we do not worship or serve the same God with the people of other religions who also believe that there is only one ‘God.’ Who then is our God and what make him unique?

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. OUR GOD IS THE UNCREATED CREATOR.
2. OUR GOD IS UNIQUE.

1. OUR GOD IS THE UNCREATED CREATOR

As revealed to us by the Bible, we believe that they is only one God who created the Heaven and the Earth (Genesis 1:1). Our God is the creator of both visible and invisible creatures (Colossians 1:16). Our God created all living things (humans, animals and plants) and non-living things (sun, moon, rivers, stars, mountains, etc.)- Ps. 8:3; John. 1-13. Our God is the uncreated creator (Colossians 1:17; Ps. 90:2). In our God, every creature receives life (John. 5:26; Genesis 2:7). Also, our God created and controls times and seasons (Gen. 1:14; Daniel 2:21a).

2. OUR GOD IS UNIQUE

The uniqueness of our God is evident in many of his attributes. Our God is the Supreme being and ruler of all that is (Ps.103:19; 115:3). He is the self existent one (Isaiah 45:5-6). Our God is perfect (Ps. 18:30) in holiness (Lev. 11:44; Ex. 15:11) power (Ps. 62:11), goodness (Ex. 34:6) and wisdom (Rom. 11:33), etc. Our God is everywhere -Omnipresent (Jer. 23:24), All-powerful -Omnipotent (Rev. 19:6) and, All-knowing -Omniscient (1John 3:20). Our God is a spirit (John 4:24; 2Cor. 3:17). Our God is all light (1John 1:5) and glory (Ps. 19:1). Our God is love (1John 4:8, 16) and loves us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).

The sovereignty of our God is expressed in the fact that He does whatever pleases Him (1Chr. 29:11; Ps. 115:3). No one can query him (Isaiah 29:16; 45:9). Our God is eternal (Deut. 33:27; Rom. 1:20).

CONCLUSION: Every Christian must believe and declare boldly that our God is the only God.

MEMORY VERSE: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” – Psalm 32:8 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 37:3-7 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Divine leading is about being directed by God. Being led or guided by God is a necessary key for Christians. It is the only way to fulfill God’s will and every of our decision-making processes (2Kings 3:11). Therefore, we need to learn the avenues through which God leads and guides His people. Moreover, in this dispensation, the leading and guidance of the holy spirit are both inevitable and indispensable.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. HOW GOD MIGHT GUIDE YOU 
2. RECOGNISING DIVINE GUIDANCE

1. HOW GOD MIGHT GUIDE YOU

It is important to note that God, in his sovereignty, can adopt any or several means to lead and guide those who put their trust in him. Here are some of them:

1. Through the word of God (1Samuel 3:21; Hebrews 1:1-2).
2. Through a witness of the spirit (Romans 8:14; 16). The witness of the spirits can also come in form of god’s peace the passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. Through the voice of the spirit. This is beyond just a witness; it is hearing. This hearing can be inward (which means no one else, around you, hear it). The Bible calls it is ‘still small voice’- like the sound of a gentle whisper (1Kings 19:12). Sometimes the voice comes in the midst of a godly thought (Acts 10:19) the voice of the spirit can also be outward, in which case you will look around as if you heard or somebody else heard what you are hearing (1Sam. 3:3-5; Acts 9:3-5)
4. Though revelations – dreams, visions, trance (Joel 2:28). Dreams can come from your thoughts (Eccl. 5:3) or the devil – scary and tormenting (nightmares) or from God – insightful, instructional, or revelational (Job 33:14; 17). Dreams happen when you are fully asleep (day or night). Vision can come when you are awake and see something like a still or motion picture (day or night) – Daniel 2:19. Trance is like the average between a dream and a vision (you are half awake, half asleep) when the physical senses seem to be suspended (Acts 10:10-11).
5. Through ordain situation or circumstances (Proverbs 24:30-34; Jeremiah 18:1-6). God can take you by all through a happening to give you a clear direction for Life.
6. Through prophetic utterances and confirmations (Hosea 12:10). However, believers are cautioned against living at the mercy of prophecy (1 John 4:1)
7. Through diverse means as deemed fit by God (Hosea 12:10)

2. RECOGNISING DIVINE GUIDANCE

The Holy Spirit takes on the role of a guide and counselor, leading us in the way we should go and revealing God’s truths (Luke 12:12). One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit guidance is to be familiar with God’s word. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2Timothy 3:16), and believers are to search the scriptures (John 5:39), meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Psalm 1:2). The word is the “sword of the spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and the spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12-14) to review God’s will for our lives. He will also bring specific scriptures to mind at times when we need them the most (John 14:26).

Therefore, we must always test our inclinations against the scriptures. This is because the Holy Spirit will never push us to do anything contrary to God’s word (1Corinthians 14:33). If it is conflicts with the Bible then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored. It is also necessary for us to be in continual prayer with the father (1Thessalonians 5:17) not only does this keep our hearts and minds open to the Holy Spirit’s leading but it’s also allows the spirit to speak on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).

CONCLUSION

If you are not lead and guided by God, you will wonder and get lost in the wilderness of life. Let God lead you.