Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.” 1 Corinthians.14:10

 

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 29:3-9

 

INTRODUCTION

 

We live in a world of diverse, competing voices that are vying for man’s heart 1 Cor.14:10; e.g., voices of demons, friends, enemies 2 those who love or hate us etc. Also, different voices come with different impacts on our experiences in life. It is therefore expedien for all believers to evaluate the impact of the voices you listened to have had on their lives. This understanding is key to listening choosing the positive, life transforming voice of God over the destructive ones.

 

OUTLINES

 

1. THE IMPACT OF VOICES

 

2. LISTEN TO GOD ALWAYS!

 

THE IMPACT OF VOICES

 

 The voice(s) you listen to will greatly affect the trajectory of you destiny. Eve listened to the serpent Gen. 3:1-7, Samson listened to Delilah Judg. 16:6, 17, Amnon listened to Jonadab 2 Sam. 13:4 14, Saul of Tarsus listened to Jesus Christ Acts 9:1-6. Therefore, who you give your ears to affects:

 

1. Your mindset and invariably your thought pattern Prov. 23:7.

 

2. Your choices and decision-making 1 Kgs. 12:6-14.
3. Your emotion, feelings, and psychological well-being Num. 13:32- 33; 14:1-4.

 

4. Your lifestyle choices and the steps you take Jn. 4:25-29.

 

5. Your life’s outcome and the level of the fulfilment of your divine destiny Acts 26:13-16; Jer. 1:4-5.

 

LISTEN TO GOD ALWAYS!

 

1. To have a fulfilling life and destiny. The most important choices you will have to make in life are choices that will require God to assist you to have a fulfilled life. For example, the choice of who to marry Prov. 18:22, the business/career path to pursue Jer. 1:5, the place to live or settle Gen. 26:1-3, etc. These are decisions that will require God’s assistance as you put your trust in Him Ps. 37:4; Prov. 3:5-6.

 

2. To fulfil your life’s purpose and vision. This is the reason for living. It seemed God was telling Jeremiah, I planned for you, I prepared for you, I organised what you should do with your life before you came’ Jer. 1:5. In Acts 26:12-19, Paul narrates the details of his own assignment in life.

 

3. To obtain supernatural supply of divine provision. If God is the one leading, you do not need to struggle for ‘pasture’ Ps. 23:1- 2. God knows where your supply is, and He will direct you to the right place 1 Kgs. 17:2-6; Matt. 17:27; Lk. 5:4-7.

 

4. Receive supernatural power and authority. The voice of God comes with power Ps. 29:4. When God speaks to you, power rushes into you Ezek. 37:1-10. There is a boldness that is backed up by the voice of the Lord Ex. 3:1-10. You can face the future without fear Gen. 12:1-4.

 

5. Victory over enemy forces including afflictions, battles, or conspiracies Isa. 30:31, 1 Sam. 30:1-8, 18-19; 2 Sam. 5:17- 21. Many people are victims of battles, only because they do not know what God is saying, and what they ought to do.

 

6. Escape from danger and disaster Prov. 22:3; 1 Sam. 23:7-13.

 

7. The impartation of divine wisdom. When God guides, you wil obtain unusual wisdom that is not contestable Prov. 1:5; Lk 21:15. You need wisdom to handle the affairs of life successfully Eccl. 10:10.

 

8. Existence in peace and tranquillity. One of the top secrets o WOR peace is the voice of God Ps. 85:8. In Ps. 23:2’…beside stil waters, talks about peace, not ‘troubled waters.’ When you are disconnected from what God is saying, you become troubled and worried about everything.

 

CONCLUSION

  The voice you listen to determines your direction and destination you Listen to God’s voice so you can end well.

MEMORY VERSE:“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” Hebrews 4:12.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 2:1-5.

 

INTRODUCTION

God leads His children in definite ways. He loves to speak plainly with His own but when He speaks in codes or uses signs and symbols, it is important that the recipients seek for its interpretation so that the purpose of the communication is accomplished. It’s important to know the purpose of God’s word as its fruition becomes inevitable

 

OUTLINES

1. THE WORD IS FOR A PURPOSE

2. THE WORD IS SPECIFIC AND TIME BOUND

 

THE WORD IS FOR A PURPOSE

 The word God sends is for a purpose: it is to meet needs. For instance, God sends His word:

1. To heal physically, spiritually, and all-round Ps. 107:20.

2.To deliver from trouble, dangers, deaths, etc. Ps. 107:20.

3.To set us free from satanic bondages and self-indulgence Jn. 8:32, 36.

4.To bless and deal with frustration, failures, etc. Lk. 5:4, Mt. 17.2

5. To save from sin and its consequences Ps.119:9, 11,

6.To direct and show the way Ps. 119:105.

7.To comfort and encourage us Josh. 1:3, 5-6.

8. To protect Ps. 91:11-12; Ps. 105:14-15.

9. To instruct us Josh. 1:8; Prov. 1:10.

10.To correct us Prov. 3:11-12; 2 Tim.3:16.

 

THE WORD IS SPECIFIC AND TIME BOUND

God’s word instructs on what to do and how to do it Jn. 25; The word of God came in a very specific manner to Peter Lk. 54 Joshua Josh. 1:3, Jonah John.1:1-2 and the disciples Mk. 16:15 While some obeyed, others disobeyed but with dire consequence Jon. 1:3, 12.

 

God’s word must accomplish its purpose according to His plan, no iota of His word would go unfulfilled. Matt. 5:18, Lk. 16:17. The word sent also states when action is to be taken Eccl.3:1-3. The purpose will be defeated if action is not taken at the right time 2 Kgs. 5:9-14 Delay is dangerous Heb. 4:7. Jesus obeyed every word of God the Father, we must also follow in His step Jn. 9:4, 12:49.

CONCLUSION

The word is all-encompassing, stands sure forever and potent in power to meet all human needs physical, spiritual, social economic etc. Hearken to God’s word and it shall be well with yo Deut. 30:10-20, 1 Pet. 1:25

MEMORY VERSE: “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” Daniel 9:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 10: 2-3

INTRODUCTION

Fasting, in the Bible, is the total abstinence from pleasure or the voluntary giving up of legitimate activities for a set time for the purpose of devoting oneself to seeking God. While there are many ways believers could fas too often, the focus is on the abstinence from food. In this lesson we shall examine different types of biblical fasting, basic reasons for fasting and good practices to adopt.

OUTLINES

1. TYPES OF FASTS IN THE BIBLE

 2. GOOD FASTING PRACTICES

1. TYPES OF FASTS IN THE BIBLE

 1. Food fast – This is abstinence from food/drinks. It may take the form of: 

i Regular fast: This is done by abstaining from all foods, both solid and liquid 2 Chron. 20:3. The fast is usually broken daily or periodically Jer. 36:6-8.

Ii. Partial fast. This is inspired by Prophet Daniel. All meat and animal products are disallowed. The Daniel Fast involves feeding only on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and water. These guidelines are based on Daniel’s request of “nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink” Dan. 1:8-14.

iiiAbsolute or full fast: Where no food or water is consumed Est. 4:16 Acts 27:33. For instance, Moses, Elijah, and the Lord Jesus Christ did! forty-day absolute fast Deut. 9:9; 1Kgs. 19:7-8; Lk. 4:2.

2. Sexual intimacy fast – The Bible also refers to an intentional refraining from sexual intimacy among married couples by mutual agreement to allow them focus on God Ex. 19:15. Married couples can mutually agree to abstain from sex for a short period of time to devote themselves to prayers 1 Cor. 7:5.

3. ‘Pleasure’ fast – Another way is to confine or isolate oneself from

people and pleasurable things to a secluded place. While there, focus is on worship, studying the Bible and praying to God for a purpose Lk. 2:36-37; 5:16. Time alone with God requires discipline and avoiding distractions.

GOOD FASTING PRACTICES 

Fasting is far more about focus on God than abstinence from food or other things that give pleasure Zech.7:5. Also, people fast for various reasons. Some for spiritual strength Isa. 40:30-31, supernatural revelation, wisdom and understanding Ezr. 8:21; Dan. 9:22, supernatural breakthrough Zech. 8:19 repentance from sinful ways Joel 2:12-13; Dan. 9:3-5, spiritual hunger, and demonstration of love for God’s people and burden for souls 2 Cor. 11:27-28; Matt. 5:6 and sharing with the poor and destruction of wicked works, among others Isa. 58:6-7.

Believers should follow these good practices while fasting. For instance, fasting should be limited to a set time and for a clear purpose 1 Cor. 7:5; Est. 4:16. It is neither intended to punish the body nor a dieting method Isa. 58:5 but to redirect attention to God. It is a period to give up self- indulging activities for a deeper fellowship with God Matt. 4:1-2. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food for health reasons or their current medical conditions. However, everyone can temporarily give up something to draw closer to God Ex.19:15. Biblical fast is to be done in a spirit of humility and joyfulness Matt. 6:16-18. It should not be to manipulate God or do evil Isa. 58:4a; Acts 23:21. In concluding ‘absolute and long fasts’, it is strongly recommended that you consume warm liquids, rather than carbonated drinks. This should also be taken slowly to allow the body to get used once again to digesting food.

CONCLUSION

Ask God for wisdom Jam. 1:5 as regards how and for how long and what purpose He wants you to fast.

MEMORY VERSE: “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 22:39-46

INTRODUCTION :‘Plugged-in knees’ simply refers to a life of constant prayers. A consistent and persistent prayer life was a regular practice and more of a lifestyle by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This exercise was pressed upon us more frequently by our Saviour; thus, He encouraged His disciples to be fervent, consistent, and persevere in the place of prayer Lk. 18:1. He even propounded the parable of an unjust judge, who was overcome by an unrelenting widow, to do her justice contrary to his own inclination Lk. 18:1-7.

OUTLINES
1) THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS
2) HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY

1)THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS
‘Plugged-in’ is to engage wholeheartedly in a task or to be connected. The need for ceaseless prayers is therefore emphasised in the Bible 1 Thess. 5:17 for various reasons.
Some of these are:
To keep the communication line between God and His children open Ps. 55:17. 2.
To be filled with the power of the Holy Ghost and be bold Acts 4:31.
To be guided when there is a need to take a decision Acts 1:24 or find direction Gen. 24:12. 4. For believers in Christ to enjoy the fullness of joy promised them by God all the time Jn. 16:23-24.
To remain standing, though the days are evil Eph. 5:16 and full of sin, error, subtle heretical seducers, and sharp persecutions 2 Tim. 3:13-14; Matt. 24:12-13.
To stay connected to the parent stock, as a branch, and be fruitful. Jn. 15:5-6.
To be able to withstand and confront the forces of wickedness that sought to destroy God’s children Eph. 6:12-13.
To cast out unclean spirits Matt. 17:19-21.
For restoration Jdg. 16:28 and when agonized 1 Sam. 1:10.
To bring the flesh under Matt. 26:41; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 and always look up unto God Ps. 5:3.

2) HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY
We pray frequently when we take prayer as a daily task Ps. 141:2 .
Deliberately pray in the Spirit Eph. 6:18.
Live in the reality, that there is a need to pray without ceasing Mk. 14:38.
Put God first on any issue by contacting Him through prayers Ps. 37:5.
Be actively involved in praying always Col.1:9.
Give yourself to prayers Ps 109:4. Delight in God Job 22:26-27 when praying.
Pray with confidence that God hears, and answers will come 1 Jn. 5:14-15.
Pray everywhere 1 Tim. 2:8.

CONCLUSION
Constant prayer is a necessity for a close walk with God.

MEMORY VERSE: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” Romans 8:14-16

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:14-17; Ecclesiastes 9:8-10

INTRODUCTION

The life in Christ that glorifies Him can only be lived in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the earnest, the pledge (proof) of our adoption and inheritance. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit inside a believer that singles him or her out as a carrier of the Christ life. Life in the Spirit cannot be lived in the natural, but by those controlled fully by the Holy Spirit Rom. 8:14. Please note that whatever spirit resides in a person is what drives or leads such a person. If it is the spirit of Adam, the natural man that resides in a man, then he can only be led by the natural influences. Hence, it is of utmost importance to know what kind of life we are carrying. Is it the natural (Adamic) life? Or is it the spiritual (Christ) life? A vehicle can only be driven by the engine within. A miraculous life exchange, procured for us by Christ at the cross, is what deposits the Spirit of Christ into us. Have you been to Calvary for a definite life exchange? You can now if you are not sure. It is only when your adoption into God’s family has been confirmed that the counsel of Eccl. 9:8 can be relevant to you.

 

OUTLINES

1. LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

2 MINISTERING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

 

At Home. The home front is the first place to test what spirit is dominant in your life. A husband or a wife may be very fervent in the church, or in other forms of Christian service; if he or she is not at peace with the spouse, then all the fervency outside is counted by heaven as hypocrisy, even though the brethren may be commending him or her as a great servant of God Eccl. 9:9. How sad it is today, that many children of ministers of the gospel walk away from the faith, giving the excuse of not seeing or touching Christ in their parents. Indeed, we will all individually give account of our actions on the last day. However, it will not be pleasing to God that the parents’ home life would contribute to a Christless eternity for their children. Beloved, if we would be serious with God, let us begin from the home – the spouse, and the children, because our God is not mocked.

In the Church. Sacrificial service to God in dedicated ministry callings follows our successful connection to God in Salvation Eccl. 9:8-9. Complete dedication to service is expected. Please do not judge success in ministry by the size of that labour. Focus on investing all the might and grace given to you into that supposedly small labour that you have been assigned to. What you need is the acceptance of God in your life, your home, and in His labour in your hand. “Little is much when God is in it”, says the songwriter

 

In the community. Please bear in mind that most of the colleagues and acquaintances in the community around us are carriers of the natural life, as opposed to the Christ life which a child of God carries. A believer should be a sample, a specimen of the true spiritual life in God – life in the Spirit. All eyes are watching, and all hearts are yearning for our manifestation Rom. 8:18-25; Eccl. 9:10. A Christian who is not diligent at work, and who gets into trouble with the authorities for bad behaviour, is not an ambassador of the realm of heaven here on earth. He or she needs to go back to Calvary in deep repentance, so that they can be renewed to be a true Spirit-led child of God, and a true specimen of heaven in the community.

MINISTERING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 

No man receives any tangible spiritual ministry, except it be given unto him from above 2 Cor. 2:12, 1 Thess. 1:5, 2 Cor. 12:12. We receive ministry from the Holy Spirit not by human appointment or a political ballot election. And no man takes the honour of spiritual service to himself, by appointing himself. However, when our appointment is Divine, He takes responsibility to grant us open and effectual doors of ministry. Doors so open that no man can close. We are then empowered by the Holy Spirit, who releases His Divine gifts under the administration of the Lord Jesus Christ; with God the Father working out the operational diversities of these gifts 1 Cor. 12:4-6.

Oh, how we long again to see the gospel preached, not in words only, but in the power of the Holy Spirit!

CONCLUSION

No man can live the Christian life in his own power. Only Christ, by the empowerment of His Spirit indwelling us; can live His own life in and then through us. The output of our inner life, life at home, at work, or in ministry, all depend on that foundation of Christ living His life in and through us.

 

MEMORY VERSE: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall the cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;” Mark 16:17

 

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 19:1-6

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ declared that the ability to speak with new tongues shall be one of the signs that follow everyone who believes in Him Mk. 16:17. While every believer receives the Holy Spirit at the point of conversion Act. 2:38, believers are expected to continue to thirst and hunger for the infilling of the Holy Spir Lk. 24:29. Speaking in tongues is a divine language manifested when one is baptised with the Holy Spirit. The ability to speak in an unknown tongue is one of the outward (physical) pieces of evidence of the overflow of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer Acts 2:4. In this lesson, we shall attempt to answer some of the mind-boggling questions about speaking in an unknown tongue and its benefits.

 

OUTLINES

 

1. SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE AND THE GIFT OF DIVERSE KINDS OF TONGUE COMPARED

 

2. BENEFITS OF SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE

 

SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE AND THE GIFT OF DIVERSE KINDS OF TONGUE COMPARED 

 

The ability to speak in an unknown tongue, as well as the gift of diverse kinds of tongues, is given by the Holy Spirit. The distinct commencement of the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. These spiritual endowments can not to be bought with money or learnt. However, we need to distinguish between the two. While every believer is expected to speak in an unknown tongue Act. 19:1-6 not all may receive the gift of diverse kinds of tongues 1 Cor. 12:10. Note that both can take place simultaneously for some believers, as it happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost Act. 2:4-12. When a believer speaks in an unknown tongue, he speaks mysteries (unto God) which cannot be understood by men 1 Cor. 14:2, however, God can speak through one with the gift of diverse kinds of tongues to men with interpretations where necessary Act. 2:4-6. Speaking in an unknown tongue is for self-edification 1 Cor. 14:4 while diverse kinds of tongues (when interpreted) edify the church or those around Act. 2:7-10.

 

BENEFITS OF SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE 

The following are some of the benefits of speaking in an unknown tongue:

 

1. It improves a believer’s prayer life: supernatural ability to communicate with God effectively and intercede for others well Rom. 8:26; 1 Cor. 14:2.

 

2. Self-edification: it stirs up the believer’s faith 1 Cor. 14:4; Jude 20.

 

3. It brings our tongue under God’s control. No man can tame the tongue but God. By the Holy Spirit, the whole body can change including the tongue, Jam. 3:8.

 

4. It is a weapon of spiritual warfare 1 Cor. 14:2

 

5. It assists believers to sing, praise and give thanks to God 1 Cor.14:15.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Speaking in an unknown tongue is a fulfilment of the promise of God and it is for all believers who would not just desire it but fully tap into the benefits irrespective of their church denominations, tribes, or nations.

 

MEMORY VERSE: “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27

 

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Praying in the Spirit is a privilege that God grants to those in whom the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) dwells. At the creation of mankind, God deposited His Spirit into all human beings which provided the platform for us to be intimate with God. Following our regeneration experience, God provides His Spirit as a deposit in our heart guaranteeing his inheritance. Hence praying in the Spirit is, praying in accordance with the mind of God being in constant communion with the Spirit of God such that our prayers simply reflect what is on God’s heart.

It is however very important to note that praying in tongues is not synonymous with praying in the Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ was in constant communion with His Father Jn. 11:42, He knew what was in the Father’s heart and was indeed always praying in the Spirit. To pray in the Spirit is to be led by the Spirit to pray the mind of God Rom. 8:14. Praying in the Spirt brings about the establishment of God’s kingdom in the hearts of men and on earth.

 

OUTLINES

1. UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT’S INTENTIONS
2.  PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

 

1. UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT’S INTENTIONS

 The Holy Spirit is God’s seal of promise, the guarantee of our inheritance. He is a part of the Trinity, symbolised as the oil which sets alight the candlestick of man’s spirit and causes the man’s life to be ablaze with the life of Christ Prov. 20:27. The Spirit facilitates the utmost desires of God in us in the following ways:

 

1. God reveals things to man who love and are committed to spiritual maturity by His Spirit 1 Cor. 2: 9-10. God reveals His heart by His Word which the Spirit expands in a man’s heart. 
2. The Spirit “searches… the deep things of God” 1 Cor. 2:10. The Spirit searches specific deep thoughts of God out for the life of every person in Christ Jn. 15:26; 16:14.

 

3. The Spirit is not the spirit of the world Jn. 14:17. God’s Spirit does not admire, desire, or have any affection or allegiance to the things of the world. The Spirit does not measure a man’s spirituality by the physical assets that the world values.

 

4. The Spirit knows the thoughts of God 1 Cor. 2:11. By His Spirit, God can share His thoughts from His Word with each one of us.

 

5. We can receive from the Holy Spirit, what God has freely given us 1 Cor. 2:12. We have freely received salvation through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross of Calvary and this is strengthened in us as we pursue our discipleship.

 

6. The Spirit explains spiritual realities with words conceived by the Spirit Himself 1 Cor. 2:14. These words are meaningless and unacceptable to the person who does not have the Holy Spirit, they can only be discerned by the Spirit as He communes with our spirit.

 

7. The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us through groans that cannot be uttered Rom. 8:26-27. The Spirit intercedes for God’s people to birth the will of God in the lives of His people.

 

2. PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

 

The intentions of the Holy Spirit are always focused on the glorification of Jesus Christ and the execution of God’s will in His Kingdom. Praying in the Spirit, in essence, simply means praying in alignment with the will of God to bring about God’s purpose on the face of the earth.

 

God’s intentions are clear and are found in the Scriptures; the glorification of Jesus Christ Jn. 17:5, the establishment and expansion of His kingdom, and execution of His will Isa. 9:7; Matt 6:10, the salvation of all men 1 Tim. 2:4, and conforming them to the image of Jesus Christ Rom. 8:29. Jesus Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit throughout His earthly passage and was always praying in the Spirit Matt. 6:9-13, Jn. 17:1-26. In these two prayers, you will note how the focus of Jesus’ prayers is the establishment and expansion of God’s kingdom and the glorification of God. Praying in the Spirit is an avenue for building yourself up in our most holy faith Jude 20. Hence, as you pursue your discipleship and your growth in Christ, the Spirit will increasingly reveal the deep things in the heart of God as you pray continually in the Holy Ghost.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Praying in the Spirit is not about praying in tongues. It is about understanding that the Spirit reveals the thoughts and the burdens of God’s heart. Praying in the Spirit is about praying the heart of God. He wants a two-way communication with us that enables us to know His heart and pray the execution of His will on the face of the earth and that is what His Spirit makes possible.

MEMORY VERSE: “Now if any man have not have the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Romans 8:9b BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:1-11 INTRODUCTION Welcome to another Sunday School year which starts today, we trust that the Lord will visit you through the various pages of the manual as we study scriptural principles together. God bless and keep you in the very centre of His will and purpose for your life Amen. God is always seeking for those who are longing to have divine life through His Son – JESUS. The ideal candidate for God is the one who will not restrain or restrict the Holy Spirit from possessing them but seek to completely fulfil His Will. Such are willing to be channels for the release of His Life in purity and power. As the Lord is seeking children who will fulfil His purpose through the Power of The Holy Spirit, the devil is also seeking to work through any life that has not been brought under the control of the Spirit of God. A Spirt empowered life seeks to glorify Jesus; and is always controlled and made alive by the Holy Spirit Rom 8:11. OUTLINES 1. RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT 2. BROKENNESS-GOD’S TOOL FOR EMPOWERMENT 3. A SPIRIT EMPOWERED LIFE 1. RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT God is willing to release His Holy Spirit upon anyone who desires Him, the condition for receipt is to become truly born again 2 Tim. 2:19-22. You must hungrily seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit and be always thirsty for God’s Power. You must be humble to receive from Him through intentional prayers, faith in Him, and by the laying on of hands by the leaders who already have the Spirit of God in them Acts 1:8. Jesus also recognised His need for the Holy Spirit as the Son of Man on earth. He therefore prepared, appropriated, and yielded Himself to The Power of the Holy Spirit; for Him to be equipped for His life and His work here on earth. His death on the cross and His resurrection gave access to the Holy Spirit to live in us as His children. ONLY those who LOOK at Jesus upon whom the Spirit descended and rested can partake of His Spirit Jn. 1:32-33. These ones are baptised into His death, burial, and resurrection Rom. 6:35, they are filled with His love for righteousness can receive the in-filling of His Spirit. 2. BROKENNESS – GOD’S TOOL FOR EMPOWERMENT The Lord wants to bless the world through those who belong to Him. He wants to break open those who are His earthen vessels to enable the treasure within them to flow out 2 Cor. 4:5-7. By becoming the children of God, we have obtained the life of Jesus, but the Power of His life needs to be allowed to come forth. Reflecting on the story of the woman with the alabaster box Mk. 14:1-9, there is a need for us to be broken and released for His service, so the fragrance of the Life of Jesus can be released through us, to enable His Power to be at work in us wherever we are found 2 Cor. 2:14-15. Brokenness involves a submission of our human will to the will of the Holy Spirit so that we can be fruitful in God’s purpose. This reverses the fall of mankind in Gen. 3 and brings us back into harmony with God. 3. A SPIRIT EMPOWERED LIFE Evidence of the release of the Holy Spirit comes only upon those who love and obey God. Jesus received the Power of the Spirit as the reward of His obedience Acts 2:32-33. The Holy Spirit is the conscious presence of the glorified Jesus dwelling in our hearts. This can only be received when our souls are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. A Spirit Empowered Life therefore: 1. Always finds out the mind and intention of the Spirit. 2. Allows the Spirit to deal with every barrier to a Spirit filled life. 3. Consistently grows in intensity in the lives of those serving God. 4. Allows God to shine through dark situations and circumstances, without blaming others. 5. Allows the power of cross of Jesus to manifest in all areas of their life. 6. Lives in total victory over sin, self, and Satan. 7. Glorifies JESUS anytime, and at all costs. CONCLUSION The presence of the Holy Spirit is the confirmation of the Gospel, and the seal of our Salvation. We need to ensure that our bond with the Power and the Presence of God is intact and that we are always giving space for fresh infilling. We are to live a life of brokenness daily to enable the Holy Spirit to strengthen us. We must continue to live and walk in the Spirit’s empowerment til Eternity.

MEMORY VERSE: “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” – 1 Chronicles 12:32 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Orderliness is one of the characteristics of our God. There is time for everything and He has made everything beautiful in His time. Like the sons of Issachar, Christians must constantly pray for the wisdom and grace to understand the time and how to act accordingly in life (1 Chronicles 12:32).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES
2. IT IS NOT YET TIME TO REST

1. UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES

Apart from the list of events that characterise times and seasons in the third chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes, believers are clearly admonished in Scripture to watch and act wisely (Mk.13:33). For instance, God wants believers to discern:

1. The seed (sowing) time and harvest time (Gen.8:22; Gal.6:7-9).
2. The time of God’s favour (Ps.102:13; Isa.40:2).
3. The time to praise and trust God (Ps.34:1; Ps.62:8; Job 14:14).
4. The time to awake out of spiritual sleep or slumber (Rom.13:11; Eph.5:14; 1Cor.15:34).
5. The time to serve God diligently (Eccl.12:1; Jn.9:4).
6. The perilous time (2 Tim.3:1-7; 1 Tim.4:1; 2 Pet.3:3).
7. The time of judgment (2 Pet.2:9; 2 Pet.3:7).

2. IT IS NOT YET TIME TO REST

As believers, we must realise that we are sojourners here on earth and at the close of age we shall give account of our pilgrimage (Hebrews11:13; 1Pet.2:11). This is why our Lord, Jesus said “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (Jn.9:4). It is true that God is not against rest after labour (Mark 6:31; Eccl.5:12), however, believers should not rest before time (1Kings.13:7-9) or give up on their calling (1Kgs.19:4). The king’s business requires haste (1 Samuel 21:8).

Therefore, the hour to work is now (Ps.119:60; Eccl.12:1). It is dangerous to rest or give up in the battle front with the enemy around (1Pet.5:8; Matt.13:25) No matter the situation, God has the solution. He is beautiful for all situations (Psalm 48:1-2; Eccl 3:11).

CONCLUSION: To live daily in God’s will and fulfil purpose, a believer must understand the times and act appropriately.

MEMORY VERSE: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” – Haggai 2:8

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:14-17

INTRODUCTION: 

In the previous lesson, we learnt about entities in kingdomnomics which include God, Man (believers) and Resources as well as highlighted some Economic principles in the kingdom. Today, we shall be considering the Biblical position on the basic factors of production, with a view to guiding believers on what their disposition should be towards them.

LESSON OUTLINES

1.LAND AND LABOUR

2. CAPITAL AND ENTREPRENEUR

1.LAND AND LABOUR

In literary sense, land is regarded as soil. However, in economics, land refers to a natural resource that can be utilised to produce income. It is a useful factor of production and it is available in limited quantity. God owns all lands as well as the materials and the forces which nature gives freely for man’s aid, in land, water, air, light and heat (Ps.24:1; Ex.9:29; 1Cor.10:26). God gives land to man to explore and possess (Gen.13:14-17; Ps.115:16). It is important for believers to ask God for the appropriate location to dwell or do business (Gen.2:15; Gen.12:1; Gen.26:2, 12). Believers must put land into profitable use (Prov.12:11) and appreciate God for making the land fruitful (Ps.67:5-6; Lk.12:16-21). No land is barren; every land is created for a purpose (mining, agriculture, tourism, and so on).

However, we only have people who are barren in ideas on how to maximise the use of the land (2 Kgs.2:21).

Labour constitutes one of the important factors of production. This factor involves human services and efforts for the production of goods or services. In economic terms, a work, physical or mental, carried out for monetary purpose is called labour. God wants man to work (Gen.2:15; Eccl.9:10; 1Thess, 4:11). God promises sweet sleep and rest for a labouring believer (Ex.20:9; Eccl.5:12; Matt.11:28). In all labour, there is profit (Prov.13:11; Prov.14:23; Eph 4:28). The labour of the righteous adds value to lives (Prov.10:16). The Bible says that there shall be no labour loss (Isa.62:8). When we plant, we shall eat of the fruit thereof and when we build, we shall inhabit (Ps.128:2; Isa 65:21-23). Believers mustnot rule out God in their endeavours because only God can crown their labour with success (Ps.127:1). Above all, believers should labour to inherit the kingdom of God (jn.6:27).

2. CAPITAL AND ENTREPRENEUR
In this context, capital refers to money used for income creation purposes. God owns the gold, silver and every resource that can be converted to money (Hag.2:8; Ps. 50:10). Obviously, money is good. The Bible says money answers all things defence (Eccl 7:12). However, believers should guide against excessive pursuit of money (Pro.13:11; 22:1; 1 Tim.6:10).

Money should not be spent anyhow. There must be a plan (Luke 14:28-30). In kingdom economics, therefore, believers should put God first (Matt.6:33) in their daily pursuit for money and learn to acquire money legitimately and not at all cost. Remember, you cannot serve God and mammon (Matt.6:24).

An individual who creates an enteprise is called entrepreneur. A child of God is expected to be a creator/innovator of good things which include viable business endeavour (Eph.2:10; 2Tim. 1:7). He/she should equally be able to maximise the use of all other factors of production. A believer is expected to pay his workers as at when due (Deut. 24:14-15; 1 Tim.5:18; Lk.10:7). Believers should not be dubious in their dealings (Prov.11:1,3; Prov.28:8; James 5:4), for it is the blessing of God that enriches (Prov.10:22). The success or failure of an enterprise depends on the efficiency of the entrepreneur (Prov.22:29; Prov.27:23). An entrepreneur needs to be focused on adapting himself/herself according to the changes taking place in the national economy, industries and markets (Acts 16:14a).

CONCLUSION: God owns all factors of production (Ps.24:1). Put Him first in all your endeavours (Matt. 6:33). You will be profitable here on earth and also lay up treasures in Heaven.