Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “ Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.” John 13:23.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 19:25-27.

INTRODUCTION

John the Beloved, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, stands as a figure of deep faith and unparalleled devotion. He was born c. AD 6, in Galilee.He was one of the sons of Zebedee Matthew 4:21 and a brother to James. He and James were originally fishermen on the Lake of Gennesaret ie. Sea of Galilee Luke 5:1-10. His mother’s name is Salome. He was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. He died c. AD 101, in Ephesus, Asia Minor. His life, marked by visions and profound writings, reveals a heart dedicated to love, truth, and the hope of eternal life.

OUTLINES

1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS

John the beloved’s character:
John wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles (1st,2nd and 3rd John),and the Book of Revelation. Jesus nicknamed him and his brother James “Boanerges”, which means ‘sons of thunder’ Mark 3:17, indicating his fiery personality. Both, though were concerned for the honour of Jesus, were impatient and over- zealous Luke 9:53-55. He was equally over- ambitious for spiritual honour and glory Mark 10:35-40. A man of great revelations. Revelation 1:1-2, 9-10. Prayerful and courageous. Acts 4:16-19; Mark 14:33; Luke 9:28, lover of God’s presence.

John the beloved’s achievements:
He was one of the three disciples on the Mount of
Transfiguration with Jesus Matthew 17:1. He was also one of the three witnesses of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane Matthew 26:37. He had access to some ‘classified’ information from Jesus that others could not have John 13:23-26.He was the only disciple at the foot of the Cross with the women and Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Jesus commended Mary into his care John 19:25-27. Generally, he was believed to be the “other disciple” who ran with Peter to see the empty tomb John 20:2-4. He was among the 120 who were baptized with the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost Acts 1:13-14; 2:1-4. He was with Peter at the healing of the lame man in the temple Acts 3:1-3. He went with Peter to visit the new disciples at Samaria, they both imparted the people with the Holy Spirit Acts 8:14- 17. John the beloved was exiled to the Isle of Patmos Revelation 1:9, and there Christ appeared to him, took him up into heaven, and showed him “ things which must be hereafter” Revelation 1:1-3; 4:1. He was known as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” John 13:23.

2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

Several lessons can be learned from the life of John the Beloved. As believers, we should be:

1. Zealous for good works i.e. God’s work Revelation 1:9; Galatians 6:9.
2. Loyal and ready to help John 19:25-27: Galatians 6:2.
3. Concerned for the honour and glory of God and not our own Mark 10:35-40: 1 Corinthians 10:31.
4. Encouraged to stay close to Christ even when things go against us. God reveals great spiritual secrets to those who abide in his presence. Revelations 1:9-10; Romans 8:28; Acts 10:9-11.
5. Hard working and resourceful. John was a fisherman before Christ called him and he wrote five books of the New Testament Luke 5:1-2, 10.

CONCLUSION

The faith, devotion and deep close walk with God by John the beloved is profitable qualities worthy of emulation.

FURTHER READING

Sun: John 13:23.
Mon: John 19:26.
Tues: John 20:2.
Wed: John 21:7
Thurs: John 21:20.
Fri: Revelation 1:1-3
Sat: Revelation 4:1.

MEMORY VERSE: “ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.” Acts 5:12.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 16:17-20.

INTRODUCTION

What is a miracle? It is an extraordinary event where the divine supernatural intervenes in extraordinary ways to interrupt the natural sequence of human affairs. Miracles are ‘out of the ordinary’ occurrences that can only be attributed to the supernatural work of God demonstrating His involvement in the lives of people. Miracles are an essential part of the Christian faith, which shows God’s power and love. In this lesson, we will explore examples of miracles in the Old and New Testaments, distinguishing between genuine and fake miracles and reinforce our belief in miracles.

OUTLINE

1. MIRACLES IN THE BIBLE
2. WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

1. MIRACLES IN THE BIBLE

One of the greatest miracles is God’s creation of the world and everything it contains. Genesis 1:1-31. Consider the working of the brain, the respiratory system, digestive system, etc. in fact, the creature called man is a miracle. Some of the miracles demonstrated in the Old Testament are: Parting of the Red Sea Exodus 14: 13-16, 21-31. Manna and Quails Exodus 16:4, 10-15. Water from the Rock Numbers 20:2-13, the suspension of the orbits of the ‘Sun and Moon’ Joshua 10:1-15, the release of fire from Heaven to consume a water soaked sacrifice 1 Kings 18:20-40, Daniel’s deliverance from death in the Lion’s den Daniel 6:1- 28 Naaman’s complete healing from leprosy 2 Kings 5:14, Well in the desert Genesis 21:14-19.

Miracles in the New Testament are performed through human intermediaries such as the apostles, but most significantly through Jesus Christ. In all the four Gospels, miracles play a critical role in Jesus’ ministry Mark 1:32-34: 3:7-10. Jesus performs miracles of healing John 4:46-53, provision of food Mark 6:30-44, and control over nature Matthew 14:32-33. The New Testament miracles consistently display God’s miracle power which confirms and demonstrates the salvation in Jesus Christ John 11:38-46. The Gospels record about 37 miracles of Jesus, although the apostle John stresses that these only scratch the surface of all that our Saviour did John 21:25.

2.  WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

It is true that there are many fake miracles in our time just as there are a few examples of such miracles in the Bible. For instance, the Egyptian Magicians performed magic to counter God’s ordained miracles through Moses Exodus 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18-19, Simon Magus used sorcery to bewitch the whole of Samaria Acts 8:9-10. However, the same Jesus Christ in the Bible is the same Jesus Christ today Hebrews 13:8, His name still works wonders John 16:23-24. The same Holy Spirit that worked through Jesus Acts 10:38 is the Holy Spirit released on the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4. We are now in the era of the Holy Spirit and God’s power is still very much available John 14:26; 20:22. Anyone can still experience the power of God today Acts 1:8.The lame can walk, the dead can rise, God can meet our needs, if only we call on God with faith Psalm 65:2; John 16:23-24. There is a satanic agenda to make mockery of miracles 2 Corinthians 11:14. However as children of God, we still believe in Miracles 1 John 5:14.

CONCLUSION

The power of God is still available today, miracles still happen, pray to receive yours Jeremiah 33:3.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Psalm 77:14.
Mon: John 14:12.
Tue: Job 5:9
Wed: Luke 18:27
Thurs: Mark 9:23.
Fri: Jeremiah 32:27.
Sat: Exodus 15:26

MEMORY VERSE: “ For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:2-4.

INTRODUCTION

The law, according to Scripture, refers to the detailed standard God gave to Moses, beginning in Exodus 20:1-17 with the Ten Commandments. Basically, the Law was given to separate God’s people – the Israelite from the evil nations around them and to define sin Ezra 10:11; Romans 5:13; 7:7.

OUTLINE

1. THE NATURE OF THE LAW
2. THE PLACE OF GRACE

1. THE NATURE OF THE LAW

God gave ‘laws and commandments’ written in tablets of stone to the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness to the Promised Land Exodus 24:12. The law and commandments were expounded (supposedly by Moses) to include God’s statutes, judgements, testimonies, etc and written in a book called the “laws of Moses” to guide and hold the Israelites accountable whenever they disobey God’s commandments 1 Kings 2:3; Matthew 19:7-8. Jesus summarised all the laws as “loving God” and “loving your neighbour” Matthew 22:36-40.

God’s commandments are not grievous or burdensome 1 John 5:3 but the nature of sin in mankind made it difficult for them to simply comply. Also, the Law was not evil: it defines the condition of a person’s heart Romans 7:7. The Law exposes the inability of man to obey God’s commandments Romans 7:14-16. While the law itself was good, holy and just Romans 7:12, it was weak in that it lacked the power to change a sinful heart Romans 8:3; Acts 13:39. Setting
aside the commandments of God, some religious leaders also hijacked the law and added their own rules and traditions Mark 7:7-9.

2.  THE PLACE OF GRACE

God is full of grace Joel 2:13, and people have always found grace and salvation by faith in God who remains unchanged between the Old and New Testaments Malachi 3:6a. The same God who gave the law through Moses also gave grace through Jesus John 1:17.Jesus was born ”under the law” Galatians 4:4-5 and became the final sacrifice to bring the Law to fulfilment and establish the New Covenant Matthew 5:17; Luke 22:20.

If properly understood, there is no conflict between grace and the Law: Christ fulfilled the Law on our behalf and offered grace through the power of the Holy Spirit,who motivates a regenerated heart to live in obedience to God Romans 8:1-4. Hence, in place of the Old Testament’s law and its penalty, Christians are now under the law of grace through Christ Romans 6:14; Galatians 3:10-14, 22-28. In this dispensation of grace, God’s commandments remain sacred and to be obedient is to love God 1 John 5:3. However, any attempt to obey the commandments through the Old Testament Law will take away the liberty of the believer Romans 8:1-3. This is because “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty
of all” James 2:9-12. By grace, we can do what is pleasing and acceptable to God Ephesians 2:7-10. This is why it is unnatural for anyone that is genuinely born-again to habitually and deliberately practice sin 1 John 3:8-9 AMP.

CONCLUSION

In Christ, we have the grace to resist sin and live in holiness.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Romans 6:14.
Mon: Ephesians 2:8-9.
Tues: Galatians 3:24.
Wed: John 1:16-17.
Thurs: Romans 3:20.
Fri: James 2:9-12.
Sat: 1 John 5:3

MEMORY VERSE: Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 14:1-5.

INTRODUCTION

Prophecy is a spiritual ministry gift through which God communicates His heart. mind. and will to His people. It can come in diverse forms to meet the specific needs of individuals and the church. Prophecy is a vital aspect of Christian living, enabling believers to receive guidance, encouragement, and edification.

OUTLINE

1. UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY
2. THE BENEFITS

1. UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY

Divine prophecy is the act of speaking God’s words under divine inspiration that releases insightful understanding to our human spirit Job 32:8. It serves as a method or medium through which God’s truth, plans, and purposes are revealed to mankind Numbers 12:6. Prophecy is not rooted in human imagination but in God’s authority and wisdom 1 Corinthians 14:3. In Ezekiel 37:1-14, the prophet was instructed by God to speak life to dry bones, demonstrating the transformative power of prophecy. Prophesy is inspired by God and directed toward His purposes 2 Peter 1:21. The book of Revelation 19:10 highlights that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” indicating that prophecy ultimately points to Christ and His will. Prophecy manifests different forms, depending on God’s intention for the message. For instance:

Foretelling: Predicting future events as revealed by God. Examples include prophecies about the Messiah and end-time events lsaiah 7:14;Matthew 24:1-31.

Forthtelling: Proclaiming God’s comforting truth through preaching or declarations to specific audience under the inspiration of God Nehemiah 8:8-10. Divine Prescription: This involves being divinely inspired to address or confront current negative situations and offer solutions to them 2 Kings 4:1-7; 2 Kings 6:25; 7:1. Forthtelling can also serve as a means of divine correction 2 Timothy 3:16.

Discernment: Providing insight into hidden truths or circumstances often to bring clarity 2 Kings 5:20-26; Acts 16:16-19.
Believers should note that not all prophecies are from God, it is vital to evaluate every prophetic word against Scripture and godly principles 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; Deuteronomy 18:20-22.

2. THE BENEFITS

Prophecy serves several key purposes that contribute to the growth and strengthening of the church:
a. Edification: Prophecy builds up and strengthens the body of Christ, boosting spiritual growth and unity 1 Corinthians 14:4.
b. Exhortation: Prophecy encourages and challenges believers, motivating them to stay faithful and pursue righteousness 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
c. Comfort: Prophecy provides reassurance and peace in times of distress, reminding believers of God’s faithfulness and love 1 King 17:13-16.
d. Guidance: Through prophecy, God offers direction and wisdom for decision-making, helping His people align with His will 2 Kings 6:8-12.

CONCLUSION

The Prophetic ministry is important for the edification of the body Christ and the assurance that God supports His own people always.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Amos 3:7.
Mon: 2 Peter 1:21.
Tues: 1 Corinthians 14:1.
Wed: Hebrews 1:1-3.
Thurs: Ephesians 4:12.
Fri: Acts 2:17.
Sat: Isaiah 7:14

MEMORY VERSE: “ For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” Ephesians 5:9.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

INTRODUCTION

For every believer in Christ Jesus, it is essential to be able to distinguish between the spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit, this would help them optimise their roles in a believer’s life. Both come from the Holy Spirit but serve different purposes: one focuses on service and edification, while the other reflects character and spiritual maturity.

OUTLINE

1. YOU NEED BOTH!
2. FURTHER DISTICTIONS BETWEEN THEM

1. YOU NEED BOTH!

Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to equip believers for ministry and service in the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit distributes them according to His will and specific purposes of each believer to whom at least one gift is given. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. These gifts include prophecy, healing, teaching, serving, giving, and leadership, and many more Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church, encourage others, and glorify God 1 Corinthians 14:26. The Holy Spirit determines who receives each gift, ensuring the diversity and unity of the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:11. While gifts are freely given, they require active use, growth, and stewardship through practice, prayer and learning to keep flourishing in the life of the believer. 1 Timothy 4:14.

The fruit of the Spirit represents the character traits and virtues that grow in believers as they walk closely with God Galatians 5:25. It reflects the character of Christ as we walk in close relationship with Him and include joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, righteousness and truth Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5-9. The fruit produced in believers reflect His nature John 15:4-5. The fruit of the Spirit is a sign of spiritual growth and maturity 2 Peter 3:18, A believer’s life is recognised by the presence of these virtues Matthew 7:16-20. Growth in the fruit requires intentional obedience to God’s word,prayer, and avoiding sinful influences Psalm 1:1-3.

2. FURTHER DISTICTIONS BETWEEN THEM

Both spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit are essential for a balanced christian life. However, spiritual gifts empower believers for ministry, while the fruit of the Spirit shapes them into Christ-like individuals. Spiritual gifts focus on abilities for service while the Fruit of the Spirit focuses on character and maturity of the believer. Spiritual gifts are given to each believer uniquely whereas all the key components of the fruit are expected to be evident in every believer. A believer is given Spiritual gifts to edify others, but the fruit is produced to reflect Christ’s nature. Spiritual gifts are diverse and specific to roles given to each believer. However, the fruit of the Spirit are unified and holistic traits.

CONCLUSION

Spiritual gifts will help the believer to be effective in service while the fruit of the Spirit ensure that the work of the believer is rooted in godly character.

FURTHER READING

Sun: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Mon: Romans 12:6-8.
Tue: Colossians 3:17.
Wed: 1 Timothy 1:6.
Thurs: Galatians 5:22-23.
Fri: Romans 14:17
Sat: Ephesians 5:9

SECOND QUARTERLY REVIEW

MEMORY VERSE: “ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:16-20.

INTRODUCTION

In the Old Testament, the temple of God was a physical structure in Jerusalem, a sacred place where God’s presence dwelled. The Greek word for “temple” is ‘naos’ meaning the dwelling place of God. in the New Testament. however the temple is no longer a building but the physical body of every believer. When we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, our body becomes His temple, and our heart becomes His throne 1 Corinthians 3:16.

OUTLINE

1. THE BELIEVER’S BODY
2. REASONS BELIEVERS ARE GOD’S TEMPLE

1. THE BELIEVER’S BODY

The Apostle Paul profoundly describes the Church as the body of Christ and a sacred temple where God dwells among His people. He calls the Church “a holy temple in the Lord,” emphasizing its unity as a spiritual family and dwelling place for God’s presence Ephesians 2:19-22

As believers, we are not just part of this collective temple but are individual temples of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us, “ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” 1 Corinthians 6:19. He warns that defiling God’s temple invites His judgment 1 Corinthians 3:17.

We become God’s temple through the experience of spiritual rebirth, as His Spirit comes to dwell within us John 3:3-7; 2 Corinthians 6:16. This transformation makes us new creations in Christ’ called to glorify God both in body and spirit 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

It is a dangerous deception to believe that God only cares about our hearts while our bodies are inconsequential. Such thinking leads to practices that dishonour the temple God has made sacred. Our lives: body, soul, and spirit, must reflect His holiness, as His presence within us calls for reverence and obedience.

2. REASONS BELIEVERS ARE GOD’S TEMPLE

Here are some reasons believers are God’s temple:

a. God’s spirit dwells in believers thus, making their bodies a sacred dwelling place 1 Corinthians 3:16.
b. Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased by Christ’s sacrifice 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
c. God lives among His people, making them His temple and dwelling 2 Corinthians 6:16.
d. Like living stones, believers are built into a spiritual house where God’s Spirit resides Ephesians 2:22.
e. As God’s temple, believers serve as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 1 Peter 2:5.
f. Being God’s temple calls believers to live holy lives, reflecting God’s holiness 1 Corinthians 3:17.
g. As God’s dwelling place, believers are transformed into His likeness, with His glory revealed through them 2 Corinthians 3:18.
These points emphasize the profound identity and responsibility of believers as God’s temple, highlighting the sacred connection between God and His people.

CONCLUSION

Being the temple of God is not merely a symbolic idea; it is a profound reality that demands we live in purity, honour, and submission, offering ourselves as vessels for His glory.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Romans 12:1;
Mon: 1 Corinthians 6:13;
Tues: Romans 12:2;
Wed: 1 Timothy 4:8;
Thurs: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5:
Fri: Matthew 10:28;
Sat: Ephesians 2:22

MEMORY VERSE: “ Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil has come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 14:12-17.

INTRODUCTION

The world we live in is not a playground, rather it is a battleground. Therefore, the Christian life is a life of warfare. We have a terrible enemy who wants to destroy us: that enemy is Satan John 10:10a; Revelation 12:10. This is why Christians are called to be “good soldiers” of the Lord Jesus Christ 2 Timothy 2:3 and “to war a good warfare” 1 Timothy 1:18. Satan and his fallen angels are spirit- beings. We cannot see them, but they are very real enemies of every child of God Ephesians 6:11-12. We need to study the enemy’s tactics to understand how to resist him.

OUTLINE

1. SATAN’S STRATEGY
2. HOW TO RESIST

1. SATAN’S STRATEGY

Satan’s terrible three -fold mission against man is to steal, kill and destroy John 10:10a. He knows that he has been both defeated, and condemned eternally to the lake of fire,but he wants to take as many people as possible with him Revelation 20:7-10: 2 Peter 2:4. He does this by using some strategies such as:
Lies/Deception .The Devil is called a liar and the father of all lies 1 John 2:22; John 8:44 who always attempts to counterfeit God’s principles and instructions through deception Genesis 3:4-5; 13; Revelation 20:10.
Fear/Intimidation. Satan uses fear to keep people in bondage and makes them stagnant 1 Peter 5:8: 1 John 4:18.
Creating confusion through the spread of false doctrines among the community of believers 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
Temptation and accusation. Satan Specialises in using temptation to yield to our human urges, lustful desires to trap people in addictions and later accuse the same people before God Luke 4:13;1Thessalonians 3:5 Revelation 12:10.
Strife/discord. The Devil understands that perpetuating strife is a potent weapon to subduing the limitless power possible where unity reigns. He is delighted when there is conflict Genesis 13:7:1 Corinthians 11:18: Acts 1539.
Discouragement/depression. Satan effectively Uses the tool of discouragement which eventually graduates to depression on many on believers when all else fails 1 Kings 19:4.
Affliction/illness. Satan afflicts people with sickness to hinder them from being productive Job 2:7. He can also gain access to a man’s life through unconfessed sin to afflict and make sick Psalm 107:17; 119:67.

2. HOW TO RESIST

When you are tempted, submit yourself to God and command the devil to leave James 4:7. Use the scriptures Just as Jesus did to subdue him and identify the way out of temptations Matthew 4:4-11; 1 Corinthians 10:13. When Satan lies to you, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth and search the scriptures John 8:32: 16:13. When there is conflict and strife that can degenerate into discord among brethren, seek to make peace immediately without delay even if you are the victim Hebrew 12:14; Romans 12:18. To overcome the strategy of discouragement/ depression, engage yourself in serving others; work hard and avoid idleness, listen to godly music, recount your blessings and encourage yourself in the place of prayer like David did Ephesians 5:19; 1 Timothy 5:13; 1 Samuel 30:6. If you are afflicted with sickness, request for prayer from Elders in the Church or matured believers and exercise your faith in God’s ability to heal James 5:14-15.

CONCLUSION

The Word of God is one powerful tool given to believers to overcome the strategies of Satan.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Ephesians 6:11-16.
Mon: 1 Peter 5:8- 9.
Tues: James 4:7.
Wed: Colossians 2:15.
Thurs: Zechariah 3:2.
Fri: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Sat: 2 Corinthians 11:14

MEMORY VERSE: “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness or transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 11:1-6.

INTRODUCTION 

Integrity comes from the Latin word “Integritas” which means Wholeness, entireness or unbroken state. It is the state of being honest, just, upright or pure. Integrity covers the whole moral character. It is one of the dire needs of every believer and the society at large.

OUTLINE

1. ANATOMY OF INTEGRITY
2. INTEGRITY KILLERS

1. ANATOMY OF INTEGRITY

Integrity is a personality trait that does not make a person to waiver when it comes to accountability for anything they have the oversight over. Isaiah 33:15. It provides an avenue to demonstrate our reliability to all 1 Samuel 12:3-4. People of integrity honour commitments and keep promises Joshua 2:12-14; 6:22-23; they recognise their fallibility; take responsibility for failures and try to rectify their mistakes Genesis 26:9- 11; they are also naturally consistent in every area of life Luke 16:10.

The Bible has records of people who exhibited integrity. They include Abimelech, the King of Gerar Genesis 20:3-7, Joseph Genesis 47:14, Samuel 1 Samuel 12:3-4, King David 1 Kings 9:4, Job the man who God complimented Job 2:3, 9-10. Apostle Paul Acts 20:33-34 and our Lord Jesus Christ John 14:30.

2. INTEGRITY KILLERS

1. The quick-fix mentality for worldly gains 2 Kings 5:20-23.
2. Preoccupation with gratifying desires of our human nature resulting in lust 1 John 2:16-17.
3. Crave for material wealth at the expense of loyalty Matthew 26:14-16.
4. Inability to maintain a consistent stand on an issue Galatians 2:11-14.
5. Misappropriation of God’s mercy and grace as an excuse for careless living and moral laxity Romans 6:1-2.

CONCLUSION

Integrity keeps us from claiming to be upright while living in pretence Genesis 39:9.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Psalm 26:11.
Mon: Proverbs 20:7.
Tues: Job 31:6.
Wed: Romans 6:1.
Thurs: Acts 8:20.
Fri: 2 Corinthians 7:2.
Sat: Job 27:5.

MEMORY VERSE: “ And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 13:13-17

INTRODUCTION 

The ear is a sensory/sensitive organ of the human body with two main functions: hearing and balance. It is mainly concerned with detecting, transmitting and transducing sound while the semicircular canals and vestibules of the inner ear work together to keep the body balanced. The ear is the organ which enables us to receive information from the world around us. A gate is a means of access or entrance. The gate of the ear is a sensor to be used to select what we allow into our soul and what we do with the information we receive; we can either run with or discard it

OUTLINE

1. ‘SPIRITUALLY DULL EARS’
2. ‘SPIRITUALLY OBEDIENT EARS’

1. ‘SPIRITUALLY DULL EARS’

Hebrews 5:11 discloses that some people are spiritually dull in their ears. These people lack interest in yielding to divine instructions and have difficulty in running with God’s command because their heart is not open to God Matthew 13:15. They lack understanding about the things of Christ and are not excited to surrender to the voice of the living God Matthew 19:16-22.
Other characteristics displayed by people who are spiritually dull of hearing include:

1. Rebellion: They willingly revolt against divine instructions Ezekiel 12:2
2. Would not pay attention: They do not listen attentively, so they find it difficult to comprehend and follow directions Zechariah 7:8-11.
3. Immaturity: They are spiritually immature and cannot handle hard and sound teachings Hebrews 5:11-12.
4. They prefer to listen to fables instead of the truth of God’s Word 2 Timothy 4:3-4. They love to hear teachers who will tell them what they want.
5. Their Spiritual ears are neither ‘circumcised’ or sanctified unto God so, they struggle to hear God’s mind on things Acts 7:51; Acts 28:27.

2. ‘SPIRITUALLY OBEDIENT EARS’

A major trait of people with obedient ears is that they completely obey the undiluted word of God without holding anything back Exodus 24:7 and believe in divine works of God Psalm 44:1. They submit to corrections Proverbs 25:12 and their obedience helps them to eat the good of the land as stated in Isaiah 1:19. Furthermore, they hold on tenaciously to the truth of God’s word and run away from the lust of the world Joshua 24:24-25: 1 Peter 1:14. They are not hypocrites Ephesians 6:5-6. They take delight in doing the will of God Psalm 40:8. They are quick to hear and slow to speak James 1:19. They align fully to God’s purposes always Deuteronomy 13:4 and they are His people Psalm 100:3.
It is a blessing to obey God’s commandments Deuteronomy 11:26-27. Jesus also comes into the lives of those who hear His voice John 10:27 and gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey Him Acts 5:32.

CONCLUSION

Although the reception of forms of information including spiritual one is voluntary and within our power to choose, we must intentionally give heed to godly instructions to prosper and record good success in life

FURTHER READING

Sun: Deuteronomy 11: 26-27.
Mon: Psalm 100:3.
Tues: Acts 5:32.
Wed: Psalm 44:1.
Thurs: Zechariah 7:8-11.
Fri: Matthew 19:16-22.
Sat: 2 Timothy 4:4.