Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.” – Genesis 26:12

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:1-6, 12-22

INTRODUCTION: ‘Kingdomnomics’ is a contraction for “Kingdom Economics”. Simply put, economics is the study of the use of scarce resources to satisfy unlimited human wants. The term kingdom, in this context, refers to the realm in which God’s will is fulfilled. It is the domain of God’s operations over His people (those who are born again). While there are basic economic principles in the world system, people of God are expected to also understand and live by the economic principles of the kingdom which will not only make them profitable in this world but also lay imperishable treasures for them in Heaven.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. ENTITIES IN KINGDOM ECONOMICS
2. BIBLICAL ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

1. ENTITIES IN KINGDOM ECONOMICS

There are three key entities in kingdom Economics: God (the Creator), Man and resources (everything man can use of interact with in this world, including time, talent, and treasure). We can think about each of these entities as being a circle. You relate to God and to your resources, and these circles must relate to each other.

Some approach their resources based on their beliefs about God while others approach God based on their resources needs. For some these two circles never even intersect, having nothing to do with each other.

Jesus said that one of these “circles” will actually become the master of the other-you will serve God or money (Matthew 6:24). How you relate to these two circles will make a far-reaching statement about who you are, how you live, and who you are becoming.

2. BIBLICAL ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

Principle No.1: Godliness – The foundation of success in any economic endeavour is godliness (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Psalms 37:25; Matthew 6:33; 1Timothy 6:6-11).

Principle No.2: Obedience – Do whatever God lays on your heart to do in line with the word of God (Genesis 12:1-4; Deuteronomy 28:1; Isaiah 1:19; Isaiah 30:21; John 2:5; Hebrews 3:15).

Principle No.3: Creativity – God has given unto everyone gifts/talents, creative abilities and grace to acquire skills (Ex.31:3,6; Ex.35:30-35; Matthew 25:14-15; Luke 19:12-13).

Principle No.4: Giving and Generosity – The more you give the more you get (Psalms 112:9; Proverbs 11:24; Proverbs 19:17; Luke 3:11; Luke 6:38; 2Corinthains 9:7).

Principle No.5: Sowing and Reaping – Seed time and harvest time shall not cease (Genesis 8:22; Ecclesiastes 3:2b); the quality and quantity of what you sow determines what you reap (Galatians 6:7; 2Corinthians 9:6).

Principle No.6: Risk and Faith – Those that are afraid of taking risk will not attempt new things (Proverbs 22:13; Proverbs 26:13; Ecclesiastes 11:4-6).

Principle No.7: Investment – Believers should tap into the various investment opportunities around them (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; Isaiah 32:20).

Principle No.8: Labour/Diligence – There is dignity in labour (Proverbs 6:6, 10-11; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24,27; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 18:9; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 22:29; 2Thessalonians 3:10).

Principle No.9: Effective time management – Time is irredeemable resource given to man (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Ephesians 5:16).

Principle No.10: Favour and Relationship – Favour flavours labour and birds of the same feather flock together (Psalms 102:13; Proverbs 13:20; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Romans 9:16).

CONCLUSION: Use your time, talent, and treasure for God’s kingdom. You will not only experience a life of opportunity, impact, and legacy here on earth but you will also be laying up for yourself treasures in the kingdom of Heaven.

MEMORY VERSE: “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” – Psalms 22:26

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 5:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

The beatitudes describe the ideal disciple and his rewards, both present and future. Having discovered that the beatitudes are a series of eight blessings spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5, we shall do some exposition on verses 5 and 6 in this study.

LESSON OUTLINES:

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST

1. BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

‘Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth’ (Matthew 5:5).

The word ‘meek, from the original Greek language ‘praus’ refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit or humility. It was used to describe ‘reining in a stallion’. It is the idea of a horse being controlled by a bit and bridle. The horse is choosing to submit to authority.

This is meekness. It is power under constraint. “Meekness” is a humble attitude that expresses itself in the patient endurance of offences. Meekness is humility toward God and toward others. In other words, it is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else (Eph. 4:1-2). It is power under control.

Meekness is not weakness. A weak person cannot do anything but a meek person can do something but chooses not to (Prov.16:32; 25:28).

Being too hasty in word and deed are possibly two of the most frequent weaknesses in people. A meek person would consider his actions before he acts hastily (James 1:1 21: 3:13). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col.3:12; 1Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt.11:29), Abraham Gen.13:8-12: 16:5-6), Moses (Num.12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10,12), and Paul (1Cor. 9:19)

Peculiar promises are made to the meek. (Matt. 5:5 Isa 66:5). The humble would receive far greater than the arrogant and prideful. Not only do the meek enjoy more of life on earth because of their ability to be content, but they will possess the earth after Jesus’ return and triumphant entry. The meek are blessed.

2. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled’ (Matt.5:6). An ardent desire for anything is often represented in the Scriptures by hunger and thirst (Ps.42:1). As the body has its natural appetites of hunger and thirst for the food and drink suited to its nourishment, so has the soul (Ps.63:1-2). When the soul be- gins to hunger and thirst after righteousness or holiness, which is its proper food, we know that it must be purified by the Holy Spirit, and be made a partaker of that living bread (John 7:37-32), or perish everlastingly.

A desire for the blessings of pardon and peace; a deep sense of sin, and want, and wretchedness, is also represented by thirsting (Isa.55:1-2). Those who hunger and thirst, after the full salvation of God, will be blessed, satisfied and well-fed.

Those that are lost sinners and strongly desire to be holy shall be filled. Christ has made provision to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy (John.4:14; John.6:35; Ps.17:15).

Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness are blessed.

CONCLUSION:

If you are meek, you will be satisfied with the blessings of God on earth and filled with heavenly blessings.

MEMORY VERSE: “For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.” – 2 Samuel 14:14 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 10:21-24

LESSON INTRODUCTION: As at January 2020, total world population stood at 7.75 billion, smart mobile phone users are about 5.19 billion, internet users 4.54 billion and active social media users 3.80 billion. Statistics also shows that every minute, about 1 million people log unto Facebook, 3.8 million searches are made on Google, 4.5 million videos are viewed on YouTube and 347 thousand users scroll on Instagram.

The Bible is clear that anyone who has a personal encounter with Jesus is called to be His witness (Mk.16:14-15, Acts 1:8). With the emergence of new digital technologies and internet/social media platforms, digital evangelism is an effective means of reaching the world with the Gospel.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. BIBLICAL VIEW OF DIGITAL EVANGELISM
2. OPTIMISING THE DIGITAL WORLD FOR EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP

1. BIBLICAL VIEW OF DIGITAL EVANGELISM

Simply put, digital evangelism is about strategically and intentionally using the internet and social-media platforms through communication gadgets like smart-phones, pads/tablets, computers, video cameras and other digital devices to preach the gospel or share our Christian experience with others. It is about extending our divine calling/ministry beyond the physical walls of the Church (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor.5:17-18). We can infer from Mark 5:18-19 that Jesus wants us to spread the gospel of salvation to our friends using the trending means.

Obviously, Jesus Christ did not follow merely one method of spreading the gospel. In various ways, He sought to gain the attention of the multitude. For instance Jesus used the boat of Peter as ‘platform’ to teach the multitude (Lk.5:1-3) and on another occasion, He climbed the mountain to gain enough coverage (Matt.5:1-2). While Apostle Paul, travelled from city to city and wrote many letters using the printing press available during the era of Reformation.

This means that we should study, plan, and devise methods to reach the people where they are using the means and tools available in this era (1Cor.9:21-23). In this era, through a simple communication device we hold in our hands, we can reach and teach the world (Matt.28:19-20).

2. OPTIMISING THE DIGITAL WORLD FOR EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP

There are definitely positive aspects of social networking. It has surmounted great hurdles and barriers of the most hostile communities of the world, even those against the gospel. For Christians, social media sites can be productively harnessed for ‘kingdom expansion’.

Reconnecting with old friends and increasing our sphere of influence can lead to evangelistic opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Social media allows us to re-enter the daily lives of people we may have lost contact with and open up new avenues for sharing Christ. As such, we can influence the views of others by what we post, bringing encouragement and spiritual guidance to others and using friends’ lists, Facebook/WhatsApp status updates or tweets to pray regularly for friends and their needs (Heb.10:24-25).

Social media and modern technologies have eased entry into the world of telling stories, sharing ideas, and expressing thoughts through creative visual content to a wide audience. We can all be writers, content-creators and publishers now. This means that when it comes to creating content for evangelism and discipleship, the role is no longer restricted to pastors, theologians, and other trained professionals. Therefore, making use of digital means to further the gospel work means that more church members can be missionaries. The presence of the Church online will be stronger, and more people will know of the saving love of Jesus.

CONCLUSION: Digital evangelism should be incorporated with traditional forms of evangelism. It does not replace traditional methods such as one-on-one, mass, tracts evangelism, etc. (Matt.28:19-20).

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 11:9-13

INTRODUCTION

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the experience of the Holy Spirit coming into a person’s life. The word that is translated baptism mere “to be immersed; to be totally covered” and can be understood by looking at the physical demonstration of water baptism. When vie come to be baptised in water after we have been saved, we go down into the water and the water completely covers us. We are immersed, totally under the water. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are totally immersed and covered and filled with the Holy Ghost. Jesus also used the word baptism in connection with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. He explained to His disciples that just as John was baptised with water, they would be baptised with the Holy Ghost. The word, baptised, gave His followers an idea of what they were to expect -that they would be immersed in the Spirit.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. How to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
2. The actual baptism, the baptizer and the evidence.

HOW TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The following steps will guide any sincere candidate for the baptism of the Holy Ghost:
1. Be born again (John 3:3; Acts 3:19).
2. Be desirous and thirsty for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 37:4; Psalm 42:1; Isaiah 55:1).
3. Believe that the promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you and all believers (Acts 2:33).
4. Identify the Lord Jesus christ as the right source of the baptism in the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11).
5. Have confidence also in His word, which will never fall to the ground but is forever settled in Heaven (John 7:37-39; Psalm 119:89).
6. Then ask Him and He will answer, for “He that asketh receiveth” (Luke 11:10).
7. Praise and thank God in advance for your baptism because He is the giver of good gifts (James 1:17; 1Thessalonians 5:18).

THE ACTUAL BAPTISM, THE BAPTIZER AND THE EVIDENCE.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Baptiser (Matthew 3:11). The process of baptism in the Holy Ghost involves finding time to come before the presence of God, our Maker, in worship, praise, thanksgiving and with a right mind (Psalm 100:4; 66:18). The focus of attention at this time should be Jesus, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith and the rewarder of the faithful and the diligent (Hebrews 12:1-2; 11:6). After asking prayerfully and in faith, the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance which is evidenced in the speaking of tongues (Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46). This baptism initiates the believer into POWER, the divine ability to do exploits, “greater works than these” as Jesus prophesied (Luke 24:49; John 14:12).

CONCLUSION:
The baptism in the Holy Ghost is for you to make you strong, ride high in God and be perfect as God intends you to be. If you are born again then ask for the baptism in the Holy Ghost and the baptiser will do it now, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE: “Meditate upon these things: give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” 1Timothy 4:15  BIBLE PASSAGE: 1Timothy 4:6-16 INTRODUCTION Last week, we considered three of the ways by which one can obtain spiritual knowledge. Searching, seeking and studying. Apart from obtaining spiritual knowledge, we also learnt that studying the word of God leads to divine approval, holy living and learning from the mistakes of others. However, some mysteries of God cannot be known through mere searching, seeking or studying. In today’s lesson, we shall learn other ways of deepening our spiritual knowledge. OUTLINES 1. MEDITATION 2. WAITING ON THE LORD 1. MEDITATION Meditation is deeper than studying. Meditating on the word involves ‘eating’, ‘chewing’ and ‘regurgitating’ the word, so that it becomes part and parcel of our spirit and life. This is what God Himself recommended to Joshua in Jos.1:8. It is a sure way of being blessed by God Ps.1:1-3. Meditation takes time but then all good things take time and the sweetness which comes from meditating on the word of God compensates more for the time spent Ps. 104:34. One of the best times to meditate on the word is at night, Ps 63:6. Meditate on the works of God Ps. 8: 3-4 and the lessons that nature teaches us Matt.6:28-29. You begin to get a glimpse of the mystery of the new birth as you realise how mighty the King of kings is and how nothing shall be impossible unto Him. Meditate on the sufferings of Christ Heb. 12:3 and you may stop asking questions of the mystery of the Bride of Christ and just march on, being grateful that you are a part of it. Meditate on the end-of-life Deut. 32:7 and you will be grateful that when you enter you will be with Jesus Christ. 2. WAITING ON THE LORD Not all truths can be discovered by searching, seeking, or meditating on scriptures alone, some mysteries are revealed in God’s timeEccl.3:11. However, what you cannot obtain by searching or seeking you can get by simply waiting on the Lord in isolation accompanied sometimes with fasting Isa. 40:28-31. Seeking and searching may be tiresome. Waiting is refreshing and renewing. Moreover, the Lord promises to teach those who wait on Him Ps. 25:5. Even if you do not deserve the information, He will give it to you out of His abundant mercy Ps. 123:2. Therefore, learn to wait on the Lord and as you wait on Him, do so with the expectation of learning something mysterious, something deep, and something beneficial. He will not disappoint an expectant waiter Ps. 62: 5-6. CONCLUSION A combination of waiting on the Lord and meditating on His Word while you wait will surely open many locked spiritual doors and usher you into the secret rooms of spiritual knowledge Isa. 8:17. The ways of the Lord are marvelous, yet simple.

MEMORY VERSE: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39 BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:1-11 INTRODUCTION In the previous lesson we learnt about the desire of every maturing Christian to know more about the mysteries of God. The mysteries of salvation, of the bride of Christ, of godliness, of future life and of the incarnation of Jesus Christ are not taught to babies. To know these mysteries and similar ones requires that one should develop a close intimate personal daily walk with Christ. The resultant effect of this is that one will love Him more and glorify Him alone. Today, we shall be studying on how to increase in our spiritual knowledge in some details. OUTLINES 1. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES  2. SEEK AND STUDY THE TRUTH SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES How can we know the mysteries of eternal life? Jesus Christ Himself gives a clue: “Search the scriptures,” Jn. 5:39. Searching is indeed a way of obtaining spiritual knowledge since the scripture is the word of God 2 Tim.3:16. God has a purpose in causing His word to be put down in writing Ps.68:11. One of the reasons God caused His word to be written down is so that those who truly desire to know more about Him may search the scriptures and discover Him Rom.15:4. One of the things they will learn as they search the scriptures is that God is a consuming fire Heb. 12:29 and that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the living God Heb. 10:31. Consequently, they will learn to fear Him Deut. 17:19. This will lead them to the path of wisdom, since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Diligently searching the scriptures makes one wise 2Tim. 3:15. This in turn makes one become well equipped to bear spiritual fruits Jam. 3:17 which are necessary for abiding in Christ. Abiding in Christ enables c know Christ the more, and as we learnt last week, to know Christ is to know all. Moreover, those who search the scriptures will be one to protected from going astray from the truth Matt. 22:29. SEEK AND STUDY THE TRUTH A higher step than searching the scriptures is seeking after the truth. Searching may be done lightly, superficially, but seeking implies a very serious and determined search as if one is looking for a hidden treasure Prov. 2:3-5. Seeking surely brings good result. In fact, those seeking after spiritual knowledge cannot remain ignorant for long because the Bible says that only men of understanding e do any serious seeking Prov. 15:14. Many people of faith consider faith to be enough, but the scriptures encourage even those of ever faith to seek even much deeper knowledge in His word 2 Pet. 1:5. In fact, we are encouraged to spend not only our time but our money also in our quest for spiritual knowledge. We are to invest financial resources to obtain it if need be Prov. 23:23. The joy it brings is priceless Prov. 3:13. There are so much scriptural heresies and errors being circulated around the world today being paraded as truth 2Cor. 11:14. Even when you think that you have found the truth, it will be worth your while to study and search out the truth in order to be sure it is divine truth. Studying the Scriptures involves analysing it, comparing scriptures with scriptures, rightly dividing the word of truth. This may consume time, but its reward is ‘divine approval’ 2Tim 2:15. Also, the more you study the truth, the easier it will be for you to live holy day by day Ps. 119:9 because our souls are being constantly purified by obeying the truth 1 Pet. 1:22 CONCLUSION  In the search for spiritual knowledge, we begin to see why others failed and learn from their errors 1 Cor. 10:11.

MEMORY VERSE: “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by the reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” Hebrews 5:14 BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 5:12-6:2 INTRODUCTION Every healthy Christian who is developing in their walk with God will soon reach a stage when they are no longer satisfied with basics but needs more spiritual knowledge. This is important to our Christian journey if we are to continue to mature in our faith and fulfil the ordained purpose of God for our existence. LESSON OUTLINES 1. HUNGER FOR SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE  2. PREREQUISITES FOR SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE 1. HUNGER FOR SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE Children love milk and the Bible encourages ‘newborn babes’ in the faith to desire the sincere ‘milk of the Word’ to grow 1 Pet.2:2. However, no healthy adult would like to exist merely on milk alone Heb. 5:13. As we increase in our knowledge of God’s word and will, we realise that there is much more to be learnt. The Bible refers to mysteries which are hidden knowledge, wisdom, understanding and certain things Col. 2:2-3; 1 Cor.2:7. The Christian is born again experience is a mysterious process no one can fully explain Jn.3:8. Next to the mystery of the new birth is the mystery of the Bride of Christ Eph. 5:32. How many people make a Bride? How does one head function as a husband to a body of many parts? Then there is the mystery of the Gospel Eph.6:19; the mystery of godliness 1 Tim. 3:16, the mystery of the kingdom of God Mk.4:11 and the mystery of future life 1 Cor. 15:51. Why do we have all these mysteries? What are they? Why are they hidden? These are some of the reasons to hunger for deeper spiritual knowledge in Christ. 2. PREREQUISITES FOR SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE Anyone who wants to know the mysteries of God must satisfy certain conditions Rev. 10:7. To know the mysteries of God, you must know Jesus Christ and be known by Him Hos. 6:3; Phil.3:10, Jn. 10:14. No one would reveal their deepest secret to a total stranger or mere acquaintance. The more we grow our intimate relationship with Christ, the more our knowledge of spiritual things will grow 2 Pet. 3:18. Christ will become our source of spiritual wisdom 1 Cor.1:30, every mystery of God is hidden in Christ Col. 1:17, 19. To know Christ fully is to know all there is to know. The second prerequisite for spiritual knowledge is to fully always commit to do God’s will Rom.12:2; Eph.6:6; 1 Jn.2:17. The more you do His will, the more of Himself He will reveal, because doing His will implies that you love Him Jn. 14:15. Absolute surrender is a third prerequisite for those who want to know the mysteries of God Phil. 3:7-10. No one can truly do the will of the Lord if they are not willing to surrender all. Furthermore, unquenchable, and insatiable thirst, hunger, desire, passion and yearning to know Him more than anything is another prerequisite Matt. 5:6; Jer. 29:13; Prov. 25:2. Few people have exemplified their desire to pursue the knowledge of God like Paul the Apostle Phil 3:7-10 Finally, if one possesses deep spiritual knowledge, they will become meek Jam.3:13, having discovered their own gross insignificance in the light of the vast schemes of God. They will become more like Christ in humility daily Eph.4: 13. The more you know of Christ the easier it will be for you to stop glorifying yourself and start glorifying Jesus Christ. CONCLUSION To know Jesus Christ is to know the Truth, the Way, and the Life Jn. 146. To know Jesus is to know all.

MEMORY VERSE: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”- Psalm 90:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Numbers 8:23-26

INTRODUCTION: According to the common state of life, man has between seventy and eighty years to live on the general average (Psalm 90:10). We can therefore deduce that life is lived in four quarters. Twenty years each. “0 to 20” years is the first quarter (Formative years), “21 to 40” years is the second (Creative years), “41 to 60” is the third (Consolidating years, and “61 to 80” is the fourth (Retirement years). The body also starts to fall apart in the fourth quarter signalling the need to slow down or stop some activities, hence the need for retirement. Retirement, therefore, is the withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from one’s active working life.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. WHY AND HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN RETIRE?
2. WHAT TO DO IN RETIREMENT.

1. WHY AND HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN RETIRE?

The phase of Retirement can be more about what is in the next stage for our life. In our 50s and 60s and 70s, we should be fully committed to God’s Kingdom work and be an example of what a Jesus-saturated life looks like. We should be like the Apostle Paul in Phil 3:13-14. We must keep pressing on rather than looking at the past achievements or stages of our life. Our lives are not simply about us. Christians may be free to “retire” from their occupation, but as disciples of Christ we are not ever free to retire from serving God and others.  Retirement may mean a new season of life. We have been created by God for a purpose, our retirement status or age has nothing to do with that purpose.  All our personal and I gifts, whether we have much or little are good gifts from God that can be used in retirement for our joy , the   joy of others, 1 Cor. 12:11; 1 Pet. 4:10-11; 1 Tim. 4:14. There’s much that older Christians can contribute by being an excellent and God’s glory God role models or mentors of godly character. The Bible teaches the intrinsic value and dignity of work Gen. 1:31; John 5:17; Col. 3:23, 2 Thess. 3:12, and that doesn’t apply only to work for a salary but includes work for His Kingdom. Although there is no biblical principle that a person should retire from their work when they reach a certain age, there is the example of the Levites and their work in the tabernacle. In Numbers 4, the Levite males were numbered for service in the tabernacle from ages 25-50 years old, and after age 50, they were to retire from regular service. They could continue to “assist their brothers” but could not continue to work Num.8:24-26. Christians should, therefore, invest wisely in terms of their time and money in preparation for this next stage of their lives. They should save up for retirement years with the aim of living well, in good health and fulfilling Gods ultimate purpose for their lives. You should also work to leave an inheritance for generations to come Prov.21:20; 2Cor.12:14. As a believer, the greatest thing to “save up” is one’s spiritual heritage, which can be passed on to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christians should save money for perceived future needs, such as when they are no longer generating an income. Before retirement, a believer should plan to provide for oneself financially through work and proper planning 2 Thess.3:10; Prov.6:6-8. When considering how to save for retirement, it is good to pray over the matter, search the Scriptures the appropriate use of money and meet with a financial advisor Counselling on viable and trusted investment opportunities. WHAT TO DO IN RETIREMENT Even though we may retire from our vocations (even “full time Christian ministry), we should never retire from serving the Lord, although the way we serve Him may change. There is the example of two incredibly old people in Lk 2:20-30 (Simeon and Ann continued to serve the Lord faithfully, Anna was an elderly widow stored in the temple daily with fasting and prayer. Retirees who ministered can teach, counsel, fellowship, and mentor by relating how God has worked in their lives Tit. 2:2-5. Retirement is the perfect time connect with family and friends Prov. 18:24 to pass on the wisdom of their lives. Retirees can travel, visit some places for recreation to or do some light physical exercises like walking or working in the garden to help keep their body fit. Retirement can also be a perfect time to learn something new, rekindle an old hobby or do something that is of interest (but less strenuous). Retirees can also volunteer to continue to contribute in an area that matters to them and for the success of others. If you are done working for others, you can start your own business (in your field of experience) and have people work for you or carefully invest some of your retirement benefits in a business or charity organisations with proven integrity. This is another way of leaving a good legacy. The retirement years are not to be spent solely in the pursuit of pleasure 1 Tim.5:6. The goal is not a selfish enjoyment of a lavish life after years of work Lk.12:16-21; 1Tim.5:6. Our dependency should always be on God. We should also always think of giving back, in one way or another. Setting time aside to also pray and fast for your family and friends is never a wasted pursuit. A retiree can teach, counsel and mentor the younger ones. Generations of descendants can be impacted by the faithful prayers of an elderly family “patriarch” or “matriarch.” Prayer is perhaps the most fruitful ministry outlet for those who have retired. If you have not yet retired find time to think about what you would like to do in your older years so that when the time comes you will know exactly what you need to do. CONCLUSION The psalmist’s prayer should be our prayer as we age: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” Ps. 71:18.

MEMORY VERSE: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43 BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 16:19-26 INTRODUCTION Paradise is a place where the righteous go after death to await the second advent of the Lord. The word, paradise, is usually used as a synonym for “heaven” Rev. 2:7. Paradise is a place of rest for believers in Christ. It is a place where believers are united with Christ and His Father Lk.23:43. Jesus used “paradise” as a synonym for ‘heaven’. The apostle Paul wrote of someone (probably himself) who “was caught up to paradise” 2Cor.12:4. In this context, paradise obviously refers to Heaven. OUTLINES 1. THE NATURE OF PARADISE 2. THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE 1. THE NATURE OF PARADISE Paradise is the Father’s House Jn. 14:2. Jesus told the thief that he would be with Him in paradise that very day Lk. 23:43. Paradise is a place that is wonderful beyond description 2 Cor.12:4 Paradise of God is also said to be a high and holy place Isa. 57:15 where there is no sin Ps. 15:1-2; Rev. 21:27. The paradise of God has the tree of life for the health of nations Rev. 22:2. It is a peaceful place Isa.65:25. It is also a place that those who have faith in the Lord will enter immediately upon death Acts 7:55-56 Paradise is a place of unending bliss and happiness Ps.16:11. It would seem to be an intermediate place, as opposed to the final establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. 2 Pet. 3:10 13; Rev.21:1-7. There is no need to worry about what happens after death if you are born again and living in holiness because whoever believes in Jesus Christ and endures to the end will be saved Acts 4:12; Matt. 10:22. The inhabitants of the paradise of God are holy Rev.21:27. 2. THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE The paradise of God has the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations Rev.22:2, 14; Ezek.47:12. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him Rev 22:3. Saints will see the face of the Lord and His name will be on their foreheads Rev. 22:4; 1 Cor.13:12; 1 Jn.3:2. Night will be no more. There will be no need for light or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever Rev.22:5. There will be no more sin or the sorrow that sin brings. The greatest of these sorrows is death which has been conquered by Jesus Christ’s victory at Calvary Isa.25:8; 1 Cor.15:54. To have access to God’s paradise, repentance, confession of sin, and putting your trust in Christ is very essential. A fearful expectation of fierce judgement awaits those who are not on God’s side Rev. 20:11-15. CONCLUSION One thing is sure, if you miss heaven (paradise), you cannot mis hell. Be prepared.

MEMORY VERSE: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 33:1-11

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Simply put, restitution is the act of making right the wrong done against someone or an institution. God is a just God and He expects justice from everyone (Micah 6:8; Jeremiah 22:3). This is such a universal law of human relationships that even the world’s courts know that it is just and right to require that corrections be made for wrong actions of the past.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. KINDS OF RESTITUTION
2. SATISFACTORY COMPENSATION

1. KINDS OF RESTITUTION

There are two basic kinds of restitution, depending on what was taken/lost.

1. Restitution for material loss. This is to make material or monetary reparation, compensation, reimbursement or repayment (or the equivalent) to the victim for what was lost, forcefully taken, damaged, or injured due to our (wrongful or accidental) actions (1Sam.12:3; Lk.19:8).
2. Restitution for personal loss. When it comes to relationships, once it is realised that we have wounded another person, inadvertently or consciously, restitution is the act of retracing our steps for the purpose of attempting (as much as it is in our power to do so) to make right any offence, or restore any emotional or non-material loss endured by another due to our sinful or unintentionally hurtful actions, words or other choice(s) – (Gen.33:1-11; Gen.50:15-21).
   David actually asked God to test his heart for him so that God could point out his wrong (Ps.26:2; Ps.139:23-24).

2. SATISFACTORY COMPENSATION

Generally speaking, if making restitution will require that the person pays a great deal more than the thing is worth; it requires that satisfaction only be made. For instance, if you borrow someone’s car and wreck it, but replacing the exact make and model of car would cost way more than the car is worth, making satisfaction would mean that you pay the car’s owner an amount agreed upon that better represents the loss instead of the huge sum that an identical replacement would cost.

Knowing this guideline, do not loan out something that cannot be replaced unless you are okay with losing it. You may not be able to receive an exact replacement (such as something with sentimental value that makes the thing priceless to you). This teaches us that it is not just the borrower that needs to be sure they can afford to replace the thing loaned to them, but the lender must also do some calculations of their own (Isa.24:2).

Over-compensation, or the desire for it, is evil on the part of the one who has lost, in that it is greed and covetousness.

The completion of restitution will appease our conscience and give us peace of mind. It releases others from the temptation to withhold their forgiveness since the payment has been voluntarily made by the offender.

CONCLUSION: Understand your degree of offence and make efforts to compensate satisfactorily.