Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” – Judges 13:5

BIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 13:1-5

 

INTRODUCTION:

Samson is one of the few in the scripture whose birth was divinely pre-announced to his parents (Judges 13:3). He shares this honour with Isaac, John the Baptist, and Jesus. Samson, whose name means “sunshine,” was born sometimes between 1045 BC and 1000 BC, during a dark period of Israel’s history. His father was Manoah of the family of Danites (Judges 13:2). Samson was born a Nazirite, meaning he was “separated” or “set aside” for God. This meant that he was not to drink wine or fruit of the vine. He could not go near or touch a dead body, human or animal, nor could he cut his hair (Numbers 6:2-6). After his death, he was buried between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. SAMSONS ACHIEVEMENTS AND FLAWS
2. LESSONS FROM SAMSONS  LIFE

1. SAMSONS ACHIEVEMENTS AND FLAWS

Samson was a judge in Israel. He Judged Israel for twenty years with landmark achievements though with flaw worthy of note. God’s purpose for Samson’s life was to begin the Deliverance of Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5). Samson was a powerful man with supernatural strength. With the Spirit of God upon him, he killed a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6); he killed thirty men (Philistines) and took their belongings (Judges 14:19); he killed a thousand men (Philistines) with the jaw bone of an ass (Judges 15:14-16); he lifted the gates of the city and took them up a mountain (Judges 16:3). He was also very intelligent with an unusual sense of humour (Judges 14:12-14). Samson enjoyed answers to prayers in fulfillment of God’s purpose (Judges 15:18; 16:28). He repented towards the end of his life and called upon the Lord and his strength returned, he slew more philistines at his death than he slew during his life (Judges 16:30).

Though he was set apart for special service to God (Judges 13:5), Samson ignored and violated his Nazirite vow of godly devotion and relied upon his own strength and abilities rather than God’s. He was courageous before men but weak when it comes to women (Proverbs 5:3; Proverbs 6:32; Matthew 5:28). His weakness for the Philistine women culminated in his fall (Judges 14:1-3; Judges 16:1-22). His passion for women was more important to him than God’s expressed will (Deuteronomy 7:3). While he had almost unlimited potential to deliver his people from the Philistines, his story ends in needless tragedy. He died with the enemies (Judges 16:30). Samson was swallow shallow and vengeful like the Philistines (Judges 15:10) which is the world’s mindset today and contrary to the teachings of Christ (Matthew 5:38). Summarily, Samson’s disobedience and love for strange women led to his defeat, disgrace and destruction.

2. LESSONS FROM SAMSONS LIFE

There are several lessons to learn from Samson’s life.

1. Though we may not be given great physical strength like Samson, God will give us great spiritual strength when we need it (Philippians 4:13).
2. Believers should watch out for things and people that can entice them to sin. We must not allow the yearnings of the flesh to control our lives (1John 2:15-17 2Corinthians 6:17)
3. The seemingly harmless sins some believers are committing and getting away with are simply baits from the devil to encourage them to go deeper. The devil is not stupid; he has planned a big downfall along the line (2Samuel 11:2-15).
4. When you sin no matter how grievous, repent and call upon God. He will always hear your cry of repentance and forgive you (Isaiah 1:18; Acts 2:21; Acts 3:19)
5. Spiritual gifts and not pointers to spiritual maturity. Believers should strive to bear the fruit of the Spirit to remain in tune with God (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9).
6. Perhaps the greatest lesson we learn is that God would rather forgive than Judge. In the final analysis, God saw Samson as a man of faith. This is evidenced by the fact that he is listed among those in the hall of faith (Hebrews 11:32).

CONCLUSION
Samson’s story is a strong warning to every Christian never to toy with sin.

MEMORY VERSE: “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.” – 1 Kings 4:29

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 9:22-28

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Solomon was born in Jerusalem 1000 BC to King David and Bathsheba. He was David sixteenth son. Solomon was a fabulously wealthy and wise king of a united kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father king David. He was one of the most powerful kings of the eastern lands. He is the author of 3000 proverbs and he composed 1005 songs (1 Kings 4:32).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. CHARACTER AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

1. CHARACTER AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
King Solomon ruled Israel between 970 BC and 930 BC. He wrote Song of Solomon (also called Song of Songs), Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. He asked the Lord for an understanding heart to judge His people that he might discern between good and evil (1Kgs.3:9). Because he did not ask for long life, riches and or the life of his enemies, the Lord gave him “a wise and an understanding heart” (1Kgs. 3:11-12). He built the house of the Lord, the temple, on Mount Moriah (2Chron.3:1). King Solomon was famously known for his wisdom (2Chron.9:22). He surpassed all of the kings of the earth in riches and honour in his days (1Kgs.3:13). His reign was the most peaceful as he did not fight any war (1Kgs.4:24). Towards the end of his life, he had 700 wives (Princesses) 300 concubines (1Kgs.11:3). He summed up all life had taught him in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes: “…Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl.12:13b).

2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
The wisest and the richest man that ever lived was Solomon. God revealed Himself to him physically and talked with him twice. King Solomon took many foreign wives for himself, which God had forbidden him to do, and they turned his heart to other gods, as God had warned Him. So, God tore the kingdom out of the hand of his son (1Kgs. 11:1-12). Here are some crucial lessons to learn from the life of Solomon:

1. If you need wisdom, ask God for it and He will give it to you – If you believe and do not waver (James 1:5-8).
2. Do not take things of the world unto yourself, or they may become a snare to you – keep yourself separate from them (1Jn.2:15-17).
3. Riches and wisdom will not keep you spiritually safe if you insist on disobeying God (Col.3:5-6).
4. We should not just know what is right, but do what is right (James 4:17).
   King Solomon had it all and failed in so many ways but he found restoration in the arms of God. He then shared his own journey and tried to encourage others to avoid such traps in the books that he authored. His sin led to the kingdom being divided in the hands of his son.

CONCLUSION: Solomon was human just like all of us and everyone makes mistakes. Thankfully, if we genuinely repent, we serve a redeeming God whose grace and love are unmatched.

MEMORY VERSE: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” – Romans 13:14

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 12:9-10, Proverbs 6:27-28

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Christian youths come together for diverse reasons such as academic activities, business/social engagements, spiritual exercises and so on. In the process, making friends with the opposite sex may be inevitable. This is not a sin as long as the motive is pure (friendship with no string attached). However, it becomes an issue of concern when we consider the common mistakes foreseeable. We shall attempt to unravel some of the mistakes as well as discuss some of the tips for a pure friendship with the opposite sex.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. COMMON MISTAKES IN A PLATONIC RELATIONSHIP
2. TIPS FOR PURE FRIENDSHIP

1. COMMON MISTAKES IN A PLATONIC RELATIONSHIP

Here are some of the common mistakes youths make as they relate with their friends of the opposite sex.

1. Ignoring proper boundaries.
2. Misinterpreting the attentions of the opposite sex.
3. Tolerating too much in the friendship and hanging on too long.
4. Giving a blind eye to danger signals such as emotional attraction, attempt to touching sensitive parts of the body, holding hands, cuddling, pecking, and so on (Prov.6:27-28; Rom.12:1).
5. Getting involved much too soon and going too far such as involvement in family functions, financial/business commitment and so on.
6. Ignorantly sending potential spouse away.

2. TIPS FOR PURE FRIENDSHIP

1. Define the friendship and set clear boundaries.
2. Never assume anything but ask questions when in doubt.
3. Do not allow anyone form a canopy over your life under the pretence of friendship.
4. Do not take advantage of your closeness to your friend to seduce him/her into any dirty game or romantic pleasure (1Thess.5:22; Col.2:21).
5. Differentiate friendship from intimacy.
6. Do not always seek to be in lonely places, dark corners, with a friend of the opposite sex.
7. Try and include others in activities instead of isolating yourself with one person.
8. Make a priority of same-sex friendship. Your bosom friend should not be of the opposite sex. You can have them as close friends but not as closest friend.
9. Seek opportunity to serve and not to be served or entertained. Real friendship is not on what you can get from others but on how to serve others. In service, we find true friendship (Rom.12:10-11).
10. If you are in a relationship leading to marriage, make sure your partner meets with your opposite gender friend.
11. Guard your heart. Do not allow premature romance ruin your heart, which is the centre of your destiny (Prov.4:23).
12. Keep everything strictly platonic (surface and plain friendship).

CONCLUSION: Prioritise same sex friendship. If you must have a friend of the opposite gender, know your boundaries and make sure you talk about them.

MEMORY VERSE: “Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.” – Acts 19:19

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 1:10-19

INTRODUCTION: Cultism can be traced to the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians had many magicians who practiced occultism and used occult means to acquire more powers. These magicians belong to groups that kept their activities secret (Ex.7:11). The spread and explosion of cultism to other nations of the world happened for diverse reasons. Cultism is otherwise known as secret cult or secret society.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. DESCRIPTION AND CONSEQUENCES
2. COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM

1. DESCRIPTION AND CONSEQUENCES

• A cult is a group of people who have extreme beliefs and ideas which only members have access to.
  Cultism is an association or organisation of people whose membership, initiation, policies and activities are done secretly.
  The activities are carried out at odd hours of the day and are at variance with the accepted norms of the society.
  Cultism cuts across all spectra of society. However, the youths are the most vulnerable.
  Occultic groups use signs and symbols such as green ribbons on berets, cross bones, human skull, axes and so on. They usually adopt some handgrip as means of mutual recognition among the members.
• A child of God must not allow anything or anyone to lure him/her into joining a cult group (Ps.1:1).Just like fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness, cultism should not be named at all among believers (Eph.5:3).
• COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM

A. Scripture warns us against fellowshipping with them (Eph.5:11) because their activities have negative effects on both members and non-members.

a. The activities of these cults take various destructive forms which include:
i. Consumption of alcohol and hard drugs that tend to give false courage.
ii. Stealing, Violent behaviours, Killing, Use of guns and dangerous weapons, Torture, Sexual harassment, Stripping to the pants, Flogging,
iii. Making destructive cult marks on the bodies of new members with red hot swords during initiation (Rom.3:15-18).
b. Regardless of the motives for setting up or joining a cult group, it is shameful to imagine the evil they perpetrate and the destruction they cause to themselves and their victims (Eph.5:12; Rom.6:21).

B. To avoid being lured into cultism, a Christian must take the following precautions:

1. Stand firm on your faith and do not allow situations or circumstances to dictate your position in Christ. This can lead one into bondage (Gal.5:1).
2. Dissociate yourself from friends, class/course/room-mates, family members, etc. whose ways of life are suspicious. Let them know your stand in the Lord (Prov.1:10; 1Cor. 15:33).
3. Let your fellowship with God and the brethren be strong (Matt.22:37-39). Spend your spare time with godly people (Heb.10:25).
4. Avoid misrepresentation of your person. Let people see you as a genuine child of God in your mode of dressing, use of language/slangs, gestures, etc. (2Cor.6:17-18).
5. If you are already a cultist, you must be ready to cut ties with the group and believe that Jesus can save you. It is important to seek counsel from a matured Christian. You must confess your sins, renounce your membership and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour (Rom.10:9-13; Prov.24:6).

CONCLUSION: Shun cultism. It only leads to destruction of lives and destinies.

MEMORY VERSE: “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” – Nehemiah 6:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 30:25-3

 

INTRODUCTION:

There are many possible situations where a potential entrepreneur does not get a chance to establish or fund his or her own business and has to work in an established organisation. In this case he/she is referred to as an ‘Intrapreneur’ i.e. an entrepreneur within an organisation.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. DESCRIPTION OF AN INTRAPRENEUR
2. CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF INTRAPRENEURSHIP

1. DESCRIPTION OF AN INTRAPRENEUR

Intrapreneurs are usually employees within a company who are assigned to work on a special idea or project and they are instructed to develop the project like an entrepreneur would. Intrapreneurs usually have the resources and capabilities of the company at their disposal. An intrapreneur is an inside entrepreneur, or an entrepreneur within a large company who uses entrepreneurial skills without incurring the risk associated with those activities. They are also entrepreneurs because they do not share the typical “employer employee” relationship with their bosses. Instead, they operate just as collaborators and are treated as visionaries in the organisation.

A Christian intrapreneur is, therefore, a self-motivated, proactive, and action-oriented believer who takes the initiative to pursue an innovative product or service within an organisation manifesting the characters of Jesus Christ.

An entrepreneur differs from an intrapreneur in that an entrepreneur enters a venture through a start-up model of business and tries to establish it. This is done while taking risks of bringing together the factors of production to address a cause and making a profit out of it at the same time. An intrapreneur works within an existing organisation to pursue the exploitation of business opportunities, probably because the intrapreneur does not have the required business capital, infrastructure or clear direction.

2. CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF INTRAPRENEURSHIP

Intrapreneurs are self-motivated, proactive and action-oriented people who take the initiative to pursue an innovative product or service. They are able to resolve specific issues such as increasing productivity or cutting costs. This requires a high level of skills namely leadership skills and thinking outside the box, directly applicable to the assignment. An intrapreneur also takes risks and drives innovation within a business to better serve the market through increased goods and services. A successful intrapreneur is comfortable being uncomfortable while testing his or her ideas until achieving the desired results. He or she is also able to interpret trends in the marketplace and visualise how the company needs to evolve to stay ahead of its competition. He or she conducts himself in a highly ethical manner putting his personal emotions aside and acts with objectivity by doing what is right. An intrapreneur recognises and encourages others for their involvement and contributions. Intrapreneurs are constant learners.

The benefits of being an intrapreneur are numerous to both the individual and the organisation. Intrapreneurship creates an entrepreneurial environment by allowing employees to use their entrepreneurial skills for the benefit of both the company and the employee. Intrapreneurs are tasked with using the company’s resources, while entrepreneurs use their own. It gives employees the freedom to experiment, as well as the potential for growth within an organisation. Intrapreneurships foster autonomy and independence, while attempting to find the best resolution. For example, an intrapreneur may require an employee to research and recommend a more efficient workflow chart to a company’s brand within a target group or implement a way to benefit company culture.

It is important for employers to recognise these employees. By not promoting intrapreneurship or recognising employees who demonstrate an intrapreneurial spirit can be detrimental to a brand or company. Employers who encourage intrapreneurship stand to benefit because it leads to the success of the department or the company as a whole. Keeping these employees can help lead to innovation and growth. Companies that do not promote them may lose intrapreneurs to other companies, or they may end up working for themselves.

CONCLUSION: Intrapreneurship is one step toward entrepreneurship. Intrapreneurs may use what they have learned as part of an organisation’s team to create their own company and reap the benefits of their hard work rather than letting another organisation profit from their ideas.

MEMORY VERSE: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” – 2 Timothy 2:19

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 37:3-9 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION: While there are many paths to success, not all of them are ethical or recommended for a Christian business owner because the way you define success is probably different from the way a non-believer defines it. To build a successful business, you must know the biblical principles for business success so that you can use them to achieve your business goals to the glory of God.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. BIBLICAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
2. CAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS

1. BIBLICAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES

Principle No.1: God owns it all. As a business owner, it is easy to think you are the boss and everything you own belongs to you. Knowing God owns it all, you will strive to do everything for His glory and shun business practices and ethics that are not pleasing to God (Hag.2:8; Ps.50:10; Deut.8:18). See your business as a means to further the gospel and the kingdom of God. Use it as a platform to witness to others.
Principle No.2: Be a Value-Giver: We should create great products and services that we would gladly purchase ourselves (Exo.28:6; Exo.31:4; Rom.12:11). Being excellent at what we do is a fantastic way to honour God and to love our neighbours. Do unto others as you want them to do to you (Matt.7:12).
Principle No.3: Take action and work hard. Do not just talk about starting a business or changing your current marketing strategy – take action (Prov.12:24; Prov.22:29). Also, do not just complain about something when it is not working well. Go and fix it. If you are trying to reach financial independence through starting a business, working hard will help propel you towards that (Prov.10:4,14).
Principle No.4: Wisdom. You need wisdom to make the right decisions for your business, so you can avoid making irreversible or costly mistakes (James 1:5). Do not be afraid to pray for wisdom or be too proud to seek God’s direction for your business (Prov.4:7; Ps.37:23).
Principle No.5: Humility. To relate well with people especially clients or customers, you must remain humble and approachable (Prov.11:2, James 4:6).
Principle No.6: The right business skills. To grow your business, you have to be skilful (2 Chron.2:8). Thankfully, it is possible to learn new skills, so there is no reason not to acquire the skills required.
Principle No.7: The right tools and resources. For example, are there tools that can increase your productivity? Do you need a website to reach more people? Do you need to invest in some business technology? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself from time to time if you want to keep growing your business (Prov.18:15).
Principle No.8: Make money honestly. Do not cheat, lie to, or scam people out of their money. Build up your business little by little (Prov.13:11). Do not be greedy of gain.
Principle No.9: Be bold and get ready to meet with people of like passion. You will need to relate with people in similar business and from other walks of life, various societal status/class, etc. You should be articulate in your presentations and negotiations (Prov.28:1; Eccl.8:1; 2Tim.1:7).

2. CAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS

Business ownership can become detrimental to one’s spiritual life if it becomes an idol or if the business owner is serving Mammon rather than God (Lk.12:16-21; Lk.16:13). Some business owners become so immersed in work that they neglect family, friends, their health, and the Lord. When anything takes our total focus for an extended period of time, it can shift our lives out of balance (1Tim.6:10). So Christian business owners must work to keep priorities straight and remember that a business with God’s blessing will fare better than one without it (Prov.10:22; 1Cor.14:40). The Lord will not tolerate our idols, so a business owner must work to keep success from becoming more important than anything else (Ex.20:4).

When a business owner’s motive is selfish or sin-based, the business will not enjoy God’s blessings and may become a hindrance to God’s plan for the owner’s life (Jer.18:9-10).

CONCLUSION: Christians need to take the lead and build the next Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.

MEMORY VERSE: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” – Proverbs 22:29

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 16:14-15

INTRODUCTION:

Entrepreneurship has been described as the capacity and willingness to develop, organise and manage a business venture along with any of its risk in order to make a profit. Christian entrepreneurs are needed to live out a Christ-like ethic in the business world. The Bible has many examples of entrepreneurs who in their time exhibited godly characters. It is important to know what should characterise an ideal entrepreneur.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF ENTREPRENEURS
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL ENTREPRENEUR

1. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF ENTREPRENEURS

There are many biblical entrepreneurs within scripture. For instance, Abraham was a prosperous business man trading in livestock, silver and gold (Gen.13:1-3). Isaac was an outstanding farmer that grew mightier than a whole nation (Gen.26:12-16). Jacob was a creative livestock manager (Gen.30:31-43). Elisha was a successful farmer before he was called into full time ministry (1Kgs.19:19). The Apostle Peter was a commercial fisherman. He was in partnership with his brother Andrew building a fishing business (Matt.4:18). The Apostle Paul had a tent making business (Acts 18:3.) Lydia, the first convert to Christianity in Europe, was a self-employed merchant, selling purple – expensive clothing materials (Acts 16:14-15). Job was a very industrious farmer. The livestock Job had in his enterprise would have allowed him to launch many business ventures (Job 1:2-3).

The epitome of biblical entrepreneurship is the Saviour of humanity, Jesus the Christ. Jesus used his entrepreneurial passion in the social area of life (Acts 10:38). Today, we call this area the “not-for-profit industries”. Jesus employed his purpose to transform humanity. Jesus was a change catalyst in the life-transformation industry.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL ENTREPRENEUR

1. Ability to recognise opportunity. Entrepreneurs try their hands on opportunities that are by-passed to others. These opportunities may include meeting the demand that is not currently met, pushing up a product that is much better than what is currently in the market and solving a problem or annoyance that consumers have.

Entrepreneurs recognise opportunities where they are and they utilise them by producing products or rendering services that will fill the vacuum identified.

2. Desire for independence. One of the consistent characteristics of an entrepreneur is his desire for independence. What it means is that an entrepreneur would want to work for himself/herself rather than work for others. They want to take decisions on their own (Prov.18:1).
3. Self-confidence. There are two characteristics of an entrepreneur that lead him into having self-confidence (1Sam.17:32-37).
   a.Self-motivation. Entrepreneurs set their own goals rather than having them set by their bosses. Since these goals are set by entrepreneurs, it means that they will be motivated to achieve those goals.
   b.Self-discipline: Every entrepreneur should have self-discipline, if not, the business will fail. These are confident people who believe in what they are doing and believe that the job is worth doing.
4. Willingness to take risks. Any entrepreneur is a risk taker; they take calculated risks whether formally or informally. Mostly they take risk informally because they make calculation within their brain on what to buy, keep and sell later. They equally try to figure out the probability of success of their business. Once they are convinced that it is high, they will go into such business. Entrepreneurs are not tired of trying. If they invest in a business and they fail, they can try again or venture into another business so that they can succeed (Prov.24:16; Eccl.11:1).
5. Constantly learning. There is always something you do not know and something else that has just been discovered. Both are essential for entrepreneurs. You cannot build a business around something you do not know about, and you cannot improve products and services using outdated methods. Entrepreneurs are always on the prowl to learn more about what they do and what the competitors are working on.

CONCLUSION: God wants His children to have dominion in the business world. Make up your mind to be a godly young entrepreneur.

MEMORY VERSE: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you going” -Ecclesiastes 9:10 BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-22 INTRODUCTION: One of the crucial challenges we all face is the discovery of our purpose for living. When the use of a thing is not known, abuse is usually inevitable. If you do not know what God has prepared you pr, you may not be able to optimize the entrepreneurial grace in you. Discovery of divine purpose and acquisition of the necessary skills to accomplish it in the contemporary, complex, and competitive world you live in is imperative. OUTLINES 1. DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY.  2. DEVELOP ESSENTIALS SKILLS 1.DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY  God is the first entrepreneur Gen. 1:1-31. God is the source of all creativity, and the originator of our ability to make something of value out of the raw materials of this world Jn. 1:3; Heb. 11:3. God reveals your purpose through prayer, Bible study, education, trainings, dreams, visions, instincts, inclinations, desires. counselling, inner stirrings, or yearnings in a particular direction Jer. 29:11; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 3:5-6. To be creative, you look at the world around you and see the unmet needs or the areas of dissatisfaction. Gen. 41:33-40; 46-57; 47:13-26. Add value; provide excellent service with your creative business idea that solves problems for others, Col 3:17.Ps.37:23. Being  regenerated is the prerequisite to discovering God’s f. 28; 1Jn. 1:7: Eph. 5:0. 2. DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS The following are the essential skills required from a creative entrepreneur:  1. Excellent Communication skills. This enables you to entrepreneur information about the product or concept clearly outlining its unique selling point, location, price etc Col 4:6; Ecc 10:12; Mk9:50;1 Pet3:15 2. Listening skills. This is the ability of the entrepreneur to be  attentive/responsive to questions or complaints about product/service being introduced to the potential  customers Jam. 1:19 3. Negotiation skills. Ability to strike a lucrative bargain with the wholesaler or retailer about placing orders, volume/quantity of  product, pricing, discount, and other incentives provided by the  company to optimize market reach. Lk.14:28; Gen 21:2831 4. Conflict management skills. The ability to settle disputes amicably between the company and its customer promptly when they arise is essential for the entrepreneur Heb. 12:14 5. Problem-solving skills. The entrepreneur should possess the ability to identify, analyse and offer appropriate solutions to various problems that might arise. They research relevant information from credible sources, analyse and interpret the information in line consumer behaviour/ purchasing models. 1 Kgs.3:16-28. 6. Interpersonal skills. The entrepreneur must be approachable cheerful, and relatable with potential customers 1 Sam. 22:1-2 7. Time management skills. Ability to prioritize urgent essential tasks over needful tasks in your to do list. Eccl.3:1. 8. Technical skills. Entrepreneurs should at least have a basic knowledge about the technologies that are to be used Dan.9.2. 9. Management skills. Must be able to delegate and manage different people such as clients, employees, co-workers, competitors, etc. Gen. 39:4, 9a. 10. Organisation skills: They should be highly organised and should be able to effectively schedule tasks 1 Chron.12:32. CONCLUSION Proper use of your skill is a gateway to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Be intentional. QUESTIONS FURTHER READING: Mon – Ex. 31:2-5. Tue – Jam. 1:5.Wed – 1Kgs 7:13-14. 1Chron. 12:3. Thurs – 1Kgs 3:11-12. Fri- Prov. 2:3 -8. Sat Matt. 7:7. Sun – Jn. 15:7.

MEMORY VERSE: “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.”- Proverbs 20:29

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 (KJV)

1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;

5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.

INTRODUCTION: Youthful stage is the period of human life between childhood and full adulthood. It is the state of being young. This is the period of human life in which everyone can exercise strength to the fullness of their capacity. The way you live your life as a youth will determine what will become of you at old age. In Ecclesiastes 12:1, the Bible says “Remember now your creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say “I have no pleasure in them.”

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. CHARACTERISTICS AND BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF A GLORIOUS YOUTH
2. MAXIMISING YOUR YOUTHFUL STRENGTH

1. CHARACTERISTICS AND BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF A GLORIOUS YOUTH

Glorious youths are not common people because they use their strength to achieve great results in their time. The word STRENGTH goes beyond physical power and emotional toughness. It is the totality of raw potentials given by God to fulfill specific purpose or to perform an assignment on earth (Jeremiah 1:5). This strength brings out the GLORY in a youth (1 Samuel 16:18). Your potentials and your strengths in life. If you want to soar higher in life, you must identify your potential and build your strength on it. Glorious youths are people who are willing to learn and act on what they have been taught (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

They have big dreams which they pursue relentlessly until they are fulfilled (Genesis 42:9). They are zealous and use their zeal creatively for the peace and progress of their nation (1 Samuel 17:32). They are people of great reputation (Genesis 39:9). Glorious youths are very creative and innovative in their chosen career (2Chronicles 2:14).

Youths in the Bible days did exploits and records of their works are noted for us to emulate today. Some of them include: Joseph (Genesis 41:38-46), David (1Samuel 17:19-37), Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18) Mary, (Luke 1:27-28) Timothy, (2Timothy 1:2-5) and Jesus (Luke 2:42-52). These are examples of young people who did not wait until they were all grown up to serve God. They were not the future. They were the presents. They made a huge impact in the world in their youth.

By the standard of the Bible, Christian youths are spiritually endowed to take the lead and subdue nations for Christ anywhere they find themselves in the world. Youths are to be in the fore front of revolutions (both physical and spiritual) in the time and age. Youths are to take control of every sector of leadership and economy of the world. Christian youths need to behave like children of Issachar, who understood the time and season.

2. MAXIMISING YOUR YOUTHFUL STRENGTH

The major prerequisite to serve God effectively in your youthful age is to give your life to Christ with no reservation. There are many areas of strength that every youth must harness and maximize for Kingdom profitability. Here are some of them:

1. Speech: Talk in a way that honours God (Ephesians 4:25-29). Stop telling lies: only use words that are true because God is truthful (Colossians 4:6). Use words that are gentle (Proverbs 15:1). Gentleness means to remain calm and kind, even when you are angry. Do not shout or use harsh words. Use word that are pure. No cursing or use of dirty words. Use words that are loving. Do not hurt people with your words nor talk about them behind their back. Use your words to encourage, teach, comfort, give good advice and build them up in the way of the lord (Ephesians 4:29).
2. Life: Imitate Christ with your action (1John 2:6). Read your Bible everyday so that you can learn what Christ is like. You cannot act like Christ if you do not know what he is like. Obey God’s word whenever you read the Bible. Also, in every situation of Life, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”, and then do it.
3. Love: Do everything with love. Being a Christian is all about love. Jesus said the greatest commandment is love (Matthew 22:37-40; 1Corinthians 14:1; 1Corinthians 16:14). Let Love be your highest goal. If you want to serve God in your youth, then, do everything with love. Make your life all about love (John 3:16).
4. Faith: Have unwavering confidence in God. Faith is confidence in God, that he is who he says he is and will do what he says he will do (Hebrews 11:1). The best and perhaps the only way to set an example of unwavering faith is in the face of trials. Trials are faith tests. When the storms of Life hit. Do not doubt God. Do not get angry with him (Romans 8:28).
5. Purity: Strive for total sexual purity. God’s will for our sexuality is to keep all sexual activities in marriage-visual, mental, emotional, and physical. This applies to single people and married people (1Thessalonians 4:35; Romans 12:1-2).

CONCLUSION: God wants you to serve him in your youth by duly committing yourself to him (Proverbs 3:5-8). Do not wait for adulthood. Rather, begin right. The best way to start serving God is by setting an example for others to follow. Be an exemplary Christian. Set an example of a fully-devoted Christian, and God will use you in a mighty way.

MEMORY VERSE: A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” Psalms 68:5 BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 21:8-19 INTRODUCTION A single parent is a parent without a marriage partner, widowed, separated, deserted, divorced, or never married; one who is alone, in charge of his or her household. Widowhood is the phase of existence of a married man or woman whose spouse is dead. God loves and cares very deeply for the widowed and or single parent. He, therefore, commands us to protect and care for this category of people in our churches and communities Ps.82:3. OUTLINES 1. GOD’S DISPOSITION TO THEM  2. OUR RESPONSIBILITY 1. GOD’S DISPOSITION TO THEM The reason for becoming a widow/widower is due to the death of a spouse while that of a single parent differs from one person to another. For some, it is a deliberate desire/preference while situations such as divorce, separation, abandonment, death of a partner/spouse, single-person adoption, unwanted pregnancy, rape, etc. force some others into it. On many occasions, the experiences of both single parents and widows/widowers are quite similar. God is extremely concerned about single-parents and widows. He is the Father to the fatherless and the Protector of widows Ps.68:5. God does not want them to be afflicted or badly treated. He hears them when they cry Ex, 22:23, God says anyone who maltreats them may await Hs wrath Ex. 22:22-24. To maltreat could be to neglect abuse or take advantage of them. God wants us to defend 1:17. He sustains and relieves widows Ps.146:9. God makes provisions for them in His law Deut. 10:18; 26:12-13. He preserves the fatherless children and expects widows to trust Him Jer.49:11  2. OUR RESPONSIBILITY  Irrespective of the cause, single parents and widows should be treated with love and acceptance within the church c eliminate their sense of isolation. Involve them in a com appropriate for them. Provision of an appropriate support system goes a long way in such as helping with repair projects, giving scholarships for the helping widows and/or single parents live a better life. Sharing children’s education, welfare support, etc. will words of encouragement via text messages, e-mail, or phone call will help them in their responsibility of raising godly children. are Encourage single parents and the widowed to discover their purpose from God’s viewpoint. Provide an environment for single parents and widows to learn skills that can help them sustain and provide for themselves and their children. Help them through love to develop a close relationship with God who can heal them from wounds, bitterness, and resentment they might be experiencing. Family members are enjoined to take care of them so that they will not suffer This is seen as proof of their commitment to God 1Tim.5:4. Widows and children of single parents should not be abused, stigmatized or enslaved but should be helped Jam.1:27. Finally, Christians should identify with the widow/widowers and single parents in the church by giving them necessary support Gal.6:10. CONCLUSION God’s intention for the church is that it becomes a family of faith, a real community where lives are shared, friendships are formed, and support is given as we journey in faith together.