Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE:
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
.”- 1 Corinthians 3:17
BIBLE PASSAGE:
1 Corinthians 6:15-20

INTRODUCTION: Sexual immorality is any habit or act that contradicts God’s in down plan, principle and practice concerning sexual intima Adultery and fornication are forms of sexual immorality forms of sexual immorality are various perversions of natural sexual relationships including pedophilia, bestiality, incest, rape, masturbation, pornography, lustful desires and immoral thoughts.

Adultery and fornication are not just sinning against God according to 1Cor. 6:19-20, but also against one’s soul and body 1Pet. 2:11 1Cor. 6:18. In this lesson, we shall attempt to understand the meaning and causes of adultery and fornication, consider their inherent dangers as well as how these can be prevented

LESSON OUTLINES

1. THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY!
2. ESCAPE THE TRAP OF ADULTERY

1. THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY!
Adultery can simply be described as marital infidelity. Adultery is any illicit sexual relationship between a married person and other persons apart from his or her spouse. Also, adultery could mean the sexual relationship between a married person and someone that is engaged. Adultery and fornication are listed among the works of the flesh Gal. 5:19. “Thou shall not commit adultery” is among the first 10 commandments given to Israel Ex. 20:14.

In the Old Testament times, adultery was regarded as a serious sin punishable by death Lev. 20:10; Jn. 8:4-5.
Adultery starts from the heart facilitated by the lust of the eyes Matt. 5:27-28; 2Pet. 2:14 Sexual intimacy between unmarried couples is ‘fornication’. Fornication has sadly become commonplace among youths and young adults in recent times due to the influence of social media 1 Cor.5:1.The temptation to commit fornication or adultery is common to all, but you do not have to fall for it1 Cor.10:12-13

Some of the likely causes of adultery are: untamed lustful desire Jam. 1:13-14; covetousness Ex. 20:17; lack of contentment or satisfaction of a party 1Cor.7:2-5. The prevalence of separation, divorce, and remarriage are gateways to adultery Matt. 19:9; Rom. 7:2-3. Also undefined boundaries in relationships 1 Cor. 7:2 as the well as unnecessarily prolonged courtship 1Cor. 7:9 makes people are susceptible to sexual immorality.

2. ESCAPE THE TRAP OF ADULTERY
Some of the dangers inherent in engaging in fornication and doing adultery are the loss of dignity and honor Prov. 6:32-33; exposure 2:11 to the potential curse of affliction from the aggrieved party Gen. 49:3 the 4. Other dangers include exposure to deadly diseases and their unwanted pregnancies; untimely death as well as the potential of eternal destruction due to the separation from God if one does not repent of this sin 1Cor. 6:9; Heb. 13:4b.

To be free from the bondage of fornication or adultery, the believer should: have a consciousness of sin and fear God Gen. 39:9; Rom. 6:12-14; abstain from all appearances or anything that would lure you to the act of sexual immorality 1Thess. 5:22; 1Cor. 6:18; Gen. 39:10-12. Get married as soon as you are matured to do so 1 Cor. 7:2; Heb. 13:4a; married couples should strive to mutually satisfy infiltration of strange women and men 1Cor. 7:3-5; Prov. 5:18-20; the sexual needs of each other in all things and guard against always meditate on the word of God and depend on the strength of the Holy Spirit to exercise self-control Phil. 4:8, 13.

CONCLUSION

Sex before or outside marriage is totally forbidden by God Eph 5:3. Saints must abstain from fornication Acts 15:20, 29. Adultery, as well as fornication, kills.

MEMORY VERSE:

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”1Timothy 6:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Deuteronomy 28: 1-13

 

INTRODUCTION

Money is the major means of catering for our everyday needs, and it is capable of meeting virtually all physical needs. One major reason a couple might get divorced is financial disagreement. This is exceedingly difficult to believe until one begins to feel the strong tide of financial tensions in the home. Usually, the conflict may not appear to be directly about money, but a closer look would reveal that it is linked to disputes about spending priorities, values, dreams, and trusts which are all linked with finances. The Bible warns us about our attitude towards money 1 Tim.6:10.

 

OUTLINES

 

1. OURS VERSUS YOURS AND MINE

 

2. HONESTY AND TRUST

 

1. OURS VERSUS YOURS AND MINE

God owns all riches Hag. 2:8. It is His desire that His children prosper 3 Jn. 2; Ps. 1:3. He gives us the power to get wealth Deut 8:18; Isa. 45:3. Money in marriage should not be individually owned Whatever God has joined together, money should not separate Matt. 19:4-6; Eph. 5:29-32. Whatever the husband earns belongs to the wife and vice versa. This is because the husband and his wife are one flesh Eph. 5:31; Gen 2:24. In marriage, one’s financial policy or principle should be entirely different from when one is single. There are new financial demands apart from providing for two instead of one. Our order of priority in terms of needs would change. Therefore, in Christian marriage, money should no longer be YOURS AND MINE BUT OURS.

 

2. HONESTY AND TRUST

Financial success in marriage demands honesty and total trust between the spouses 1Cor.13:7. There should be no lies about income and expenses Col. 3:9 or withholding of spending information. For some, shared bank account and pay cheques to remove doubt and encourage mutual trust. For others, separate accounts with openness and sincerity, work Matt. 19:5-6. What is important, irrespective of the class of account couples decide to adopt, is to relate with one another in honesty, openness, trust, and understanding.

 

CONCLUSION

Money, if rightly handled and managed in marriage, will act as a lubricant to the overall success of the marriage. The mishandling or mismanagement of money will wreck the home and could be the root of a broken marriage 1Tim. 6:10.

 

FURTHER READINGS – Mon: Matt.19:6. Tues: 1 Tim.4:1. Wed: Rom. 13:9. Thurs: 1 John 1:6. Fri: Rev.21:8. Sat: Jas. 5:12. Sun: Ex.23:2.

 

 

MEMORY VERSE: “Neither give place to the devil” Ephesians 4:27 BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 INTRODUCTION: God is the author of marriage Gen.2:24 He designed it to bring glory to His name and for mankind to enjoy. However, many marriages today are not conforming to this original purpose of God. Rather than bringing pleasure, many marriages are full of pains and tales of woes because of human choices made contrary to biblical blueprints. In this lesson, we shall unravel some of the gaps prevalent in some man relationships as opposed to a blissful enjoyment among couples. leading to painful endurance of OUTLINES 1. CATEGORIES OF MARITAL GAPS GAPS 2. SOME PRACTICAL WAYS TO BRIDGING THE GAPS 1. CATEGORIES OF MARITAL GAPS (a) Distance gaps. Long periods of absence from home due to travel, work, military service greatly reduces the opportunities for couples to bond properly. Biblical examples are Portiphar Gen.39:5-7 and Uriah 2 Sam. 11. Long-distance marriage is not ideal. (b) Emotional gaps. The feeling of insecurity and loneliness, whether emotional, physical, or sexual, can create a gap between couples. This might lead to the search for excitement to escape boredom and experimenting with new things that would affect the relationship between spouses. (c)Poor personal boundaries: In our various spheres of relationships, we must make clear what is acceptable or unacceptable to marital gap. (d)  Revenge: The desire to pay back the wrong done to us by partner in the same coin’ can result in marital gap. (e) Sexual gaps. Many partners in a marital relationship are. enjoying sexual intimacy as often as they would have liked to external pressures. You must be sensitive to your spouse’s needs or risk infidelity. (f) Financial gaps: When the financial orientation of the differs and both parties fail to agree on how to budget money, there are bound to be conflicts that may negatively affect the union (g) Physical physiological gaps. There are also situations the union couple does not create time to pay attention to each other or grow their relationship. Eventually, one or both might become into extramarital affairs. Mal.2:14-16. (h) Communication gaps. Communication is one of the fundamental components of a successful relationship. If you can talk to your spouse and listen to what he or she has to say, y will have a hard time making it through the difficult hurdles in marriage. Not being able to share secrets, stories, and feelings with their spouses can lead some people to open up to others emotionally you (i) Excessive use of the internet and social media. Connecting with other people at the expense of your spouse can create a gap in your relationship. 2. SOME PRACTICAL WAYS TO BRIDGING THE GAPS You can take your relationship to the next level by taking these practical steps to bridge the gaps. 1. Avoid living separately in the name job offer or searching for ‘greener pasture’. 2. Understand your spouse’s love languages i.e. ask and do things that make them want to be with you the more e.g. holding of hands. 3. Go out together on dates, visit other families, friends, and colleagues together. 4. Commend the good things your spouse does. 5 Condemn what is bad in love (not the person but the act) and apologize genuinely. Give no room to the devil Eph. 4:27 Handle matters discreetly and immediately they arise. 6. Celebrate each other, exchange gifts regularly, and create a conducive atmosphere for God’s presence in your homes Ps. 133:1. CONCLUSION Marriages succeed on intentional effort and purposeful choices made by the partners to make it heaven on earth. FURTHER READINGS – Mon: Job 11:14. Tues: Ps.103:12. Wed: Prov. 10:19. Thurs: Job 8:11. Fri: Prov.6:27. Sat: Isa.35:10. Sun : Hos.2:7.

MEMORY VERSE: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in sight of all men.” Romans 12:17 BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:7-9 INTRODUCTION: A family is defined as a group of people related by blood, marria adoption or custom. Generally, conflict can be defined as stro disagreement between persons or groups that often results heated arguments. Conflict management is the practice of be able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly, and efficient Conflict is inevitable. No relationship is perfect or conflict but conflict when managed biblically can serve as a catalyst change and opportunity for a good family growth. OUTLINES 1. SOURCES OF CONFLICT IN THE FAMILY. 2. BIBLICAL WAYS OF MANAGING CONFLICT WITHIN THE FAME 1. SOURCES OF CONFLICT IN THE FAMILY 1. Misunderstanding among members of immediate or extend family, ii. Conflicting interests among family members Amos 3:3. iii. Incompatibility iv. Unresolved disagreement Eph.4:26-27. v. Lack of trust Prov. 31:11. vi. Unforgiveness 2 Cor. 2:10-11. vii. Communication gap Heb.13:16. viii. Untruthfulness or disloyalty Gen. 27:41-46. ix. Financial challenges 1Tim. 6:8-10. Lack of genuine love Col.3:19; 1Pet. 1:22. 2. BIBLICAL WAYS OF MANAGING CONFLICT WITHIN THE FAMILY 1. Examine yourselves Ps. 26:2; 2Cor.13:5. Love God and put Him at the center of your family Deut. 6:4-5, . Forgive one another Lk. 17:3; Eph. 4:26. v. Communicate effectively and resolve all conflicts as fast as possible Rom. 12:17-18. v. Determine to be open and sincere with one another Gen. 2:25. vl. Live a life of humility Prov.29:23; Jer.13:18. vil. Love one another 1 Pet. 1:22. vill. Never seek to revenge for wrongs done against you ix. Commit your ways to the Lord Ps. 37:5. x. Take every matter to God in prayers Jam. 5:16. CONCLUSION According to the word of God, all old conflicts must be resolved while there should not be occasion for a new one for God to accept our worship. Matt. 5:23-25 FURTHER READINGS – Mon: Prov. 11:2. Tues: Prov.23:29-30. Wed: Phil.2:14. Thurs: Col.3:13. Fri: Matt. 18:7. Sat: Acts 24:16. Sun: Phil.1:10.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40

BIBLE PASSAGE: Titus 2:6-8

INTRODUCTION: Marriage is the legal relationship between a husband and his wife that should last for a life time (Genesis 2:21-23). The ceremony is conducted to establish a legal marriage is called ‘Wedding’. How the wedding ceremony is conducted varies from culture to culture. However, there is a Christian culture (biblical practices common to Christianity) that intending couples and all believers should imbibe in other to be distinguished from worldly/ungodly practices. Today, we can hardly differentiate between the wedding ceremony among the ungodly and those who claim to be believers because of the perceived freedom or creativity. Our focus, therefore, is to provide a clue to what a Christian wedding ceremony should look like.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. BASIC COMPONENTS
2. BENEFITS OF THE CHRISTIAN WEDDING CEREMONY

BASIC COMPONENTS

A Christian wedding ceremony can be individually tailored, but ought to include expressions of worship, reflections of joy, celebration, respect, dignity, and love (Philippians 4:4-5). Since, the bible gives no specific pattern or order to define exactly what should be included, there is room for your creative touches. The primary goal should be to give each guest a clear impression that you, as a couple, are making a solemn eternal covenant with each other before God. Your wedding ceremony should be a testimony of your lives before God, demonstrating your Christian values (Philippians 4:8-9).

A Christian couple who truly want to glorify Christ through their wedding should have started the preparations, beginning with biblical premarital counselling with their pastor. The wedding affirms before God and Friends and family that the couple’s desire is to live according to God plan for the family.

The wedding ceremony should also be a reflection of the couple’s commitment to bring glory to God. Every part of the service, from the music to the vows to the message delivered by the officiating minister, should reflect that commitment.

Music: Music should be reverent and Christ-honouring, not worldly or frivolous.

Vows: Vows should be taken with the couple’s full understanding that the words they speak to one another constitute a lifetime commitment and with the knowledge that what they promise to one another, they are promising to God.

Message: The message delivered by the pastor should reflect these truths and commitment.

Dressing: The bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses should be modest and appropriate for standing before God (Philippians 4:5). There is no room for low cut/revealing clothing in a Christ-honouring ceremony.

Reception: If there is a reception, it should be equally Christ honouring ceremony. Alcohol should not be permitted at a Christian wedding reception.

The primary difference between a Christian wedding and non-Christian wedding is Christ.

BENEFITS OF THE CHRISTIAN WEDDING CEREMONY

Churches are special places and there are some things about a church wedding that you just cannot get anywhere else. A church wedding will add a spiritual dimension to your marriage. God’s blessings is the main attraction for many couple’s, whatever their beliefs. Christian wedding establishes a spiritual foundation for the couple’s children. Indeed a Christian wedding-whether large or small-should signify that Christ will become the centre piece of the new home and that both partners resolve to become more like Christ so they can develop a strong and vibrant Christian marriage.

A Christian wedding that is supported by prayer and careful planning may result in young people seeing God’s divine plan for marriage and give married couples an opportunity to renew their vows as they watch the bride and groom pledge their solemn oaths to each other. A couple whose wedding is Christ honouring will remember the beauty and seriousness of the wedding for a lifetime and will find it a wonderful way to begin their life together.

CONCLUSION
When biblical principles are applied to a Christian wedding ceremony, those principles follow the couple throughout their lives and provide a strong and lasting foundation for life.

MEMORY VERSE:“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” – Proverbs 13:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:11-27 KJV

INTRODUCTION:In the parable of the talents in Luke 19:11-27, Jesus makes it clear that He expects his followers to be faithful stewards of the resources that He has put at their disposal. Good stewardship includes wise investments. Many believers find it difficult to adopt a practical theology for money management and investing for a distant and uncertain future. The Bible, however, offers practical wisdom on investing the resources we have with insight and foresight.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Biblical Principles For Investments And Savings
2. Reasons For Investments

1. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR INVESTMENTS AND SAVINGS

Investing’s is actually commended if done wisely. lt’s about putting money and/or other resources into real businesses that employ people and deliver products or services to customers. Hopefully, the companies we invest in do well and provide a return commensurate with our investments (Proverbs 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6).

However, believers should invest only on businesses (real estate, contracts, ventures, stocks, shares, bonds) they understand or have experience in (Proverbs 24:3-4). We are to avoid get-rich-quick schemes at all cost (Proverbs 13:11, 21:5). Do not invest in what you do not have. It is better not to invest at all than to invest what you cannot afford to lose. Do not accumulate debt in the name or investment. Prov. 22:7. Guard against Investing just because a Christian offers it; that is not a guarantee against loss.

Investing in your education and those of your children is a wise decision to make. By doing so you are preparing yourself for opportunities that will surely come your way and securing your future.

It’s equally important to also note that saving for future needs is biblical (Genesis 41; Proverbs 6:6-11, 21:5). Saving honours God because as it rightly values money as a gift that He has given to us (James 1:16-17) Instead of unplanned, impulsive, or foolish spending, wise saving demonstrates the importance of stewarding His gifts (Luke 12:47-48). Saving may also allow you to leave an inheritance, blessings for yours so they can then be a blessing to others (Proverbs 13:22).

2. REASONS FOR INVESTMENTS

i. Wealth Creation: investing your money will allow it to grow and compound. You earn money on the money already earned and create wealth over time.

ii. Beat Inflation: Returns from investment help to maintain the purchasing power at a constant level. If you do not beat the inflation rate, you will be losing money, not making money.

iii. Retirement Mass Creation: You should invest while you are earning so as to create a mass of funds that can be used when you retire. This provides security to maintain a comfortable style even after retirement.

iv. Accomplish Financial Goals: Investing can help you reach bigger financial goals. This return on your investments can be used towards financial goals, such as buying a home, buying a car, starting a business, or putting your children through school.

v. High Returns: Investing would help to achieve high returns as compared to banks savings account which provides little return.

CONCLUSION: Investing into the future is not an act of anxiety, everyone must save for the raining day. In order to build wealth, you should invest your money.

MEMORY VERSE: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” – 2 Peter 3:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 21:1-5

INTRODUCTION: In Noah’s day, the world was destroyed with water, but God has promised that He would not more destroy the world with flood (Genesis 9:11). The end of the world described in 2Peter 3:10 as the day of the Lord will occur after the final judgment by God (Revelation 20:7-10). This scripture reveals that the universe will be destroyed by fire. Therefore, believers should bear in mind that this present world will not last forever (Matthew 5:18;24:35).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. The Passing Away Of The Heavens And The Earth
2. Emergence Of The New Heaven And The New Earth

1. THE PASSING AWAY OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH

The prophet Isaiah foretold the passing away of heaven and earth (Isaiah 34:4;51:6). This refers to the physical heaven and earth-the material world and all it contains- but not to inhabitants of heaven and earth. To “pass away” is to disappear or be no more.

The “heavens” in 2 Peter 3:10 refers to the physical universe-the star planets, and galaxies-which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and wipe out all matter as we know it. All the elements that make up the universe will be melted in the “fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12). This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a “roar” (NIV), a “great noise” (KJV), a “loud noise” (CEV) and a “thunderous crash” (AMP). There will be a no doubt as to what is happening. Everyone will see and hear it because we are also told that “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”

2. EMERGENCE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

In Revelation 21:1, John writes of a new heaven and a new Earth in the eternal state, having seen that “the first heaven and the first earth has passed away” (Isaiah 65:17; 2Peter 3:13). God will create a “new heaven and a new Earth” (Revelation 21:1), which will include the “New Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2), the capital city of heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven to the new Earth. This is the city where the saints-those whose name were written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8) – will live forever. Peter refers to this new creation as “the home of righteousness” (2Peter 3:13).

Knowing that heaven and earth will pass away gives us perspective in life. This world is not our home. “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2Peter 3:13). Jesus tells us to have the proper priorities (Matthew 6:19-20). Also Peter, after reminding us of the temporary nature of this world, says, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” (2Peter 3:14).

CONCLUSION: Believers should remain faithful to the end because there is hope of eternal life with God beyond this present world.

Sunday School Lesson 50

END TIME PROPHECIES

MEMORY VERSE: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” – 2 Peter 3:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 13:6-22

INTRODUCTION: The event usually referred to as “the end of the world” (eschaton) is described in 2 Peter 3:10 This is the culmination of a series of events called “the day of the Lord,” The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. Following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. FROM RAPTURE TO THE GREAT TRIBULATION
2. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN TO THE END

1. FROM RAPTURE TO THE GREAT TRIBULATION

Christ will remove all born-again believers from the earth in an event known as the “rapture” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). At the judgement seat of Christ, these believers will be rewarded for good works and faithful service during their time on earth or will lose their rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and disobedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Antichrist (the beast) will come into power and will sign a covenant with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven years period of time is known as the “tribulation”. During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin, evil and Wickedness.

About half way through the seven years, the antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against it. The antichrist will commit “the abomination of desolation” and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 9:27); 2 Thessalonian 2:3-10), which will have been rebuilt. The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).

2. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN TO THE END

At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in “the battle of Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16;19:19-20). Jesus Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist and his armies, and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will then bind Satan in “the Abyss – bottomless pit” for one thousand years. Christ will rule His earthly kingdom for this thousand years period. (Revelation 20:1-6)

At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released and will deceive many. He will be defeated again and then cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:7-9) for eternity. Christ then judges all unbelievers at the great white throne judgement, casting then all into the lake of fire. Death and hell will also be cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:10-15). Christ will then usher in a new heaven and New earth and the new Jerusalem – the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death. (Revelation 21-22)

CONCLUSION: The knowledge of this end time events is for believers to be well prepared.

Sunday School Lesson 49

THERE IS NO PURGATORY

MEMORY VERSE: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” – Hebrews 9:27

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

INTRODUCTION: Some church denominations believe that all who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified are indeed assured of their eternal salvation but will undergo the process of purification which they call purgatory, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. According to them, Purgatory is also a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God’s grace, are not entirely free from forgivable faults, or have not fully paid the price due to their transgressions. Is this doctrine of purgatory in agreement with the bible? Absolutely not!

LESSON OUTLINES:

1.WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PURGATORY?
2.DEBUNKING THE WRONG CONCEPT

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PURGATORY?

The doctrine of purgatory was falsely formulated by reference to biblical verses that speak of purifying fire (1Corinthians3:15 and 1Pet.1:7) and to the mention by Jesus of ‘forgiveness in the age to come’ (Matthew 12:32). The analogy made in 1Corinthians 3:11-15 affects only believers that have made it to heaven and are awaiting their rewards at the judgement seat of Christ. Sinners or unbelievers are not included here, they go straight to hell.

The eternal destination of everyone is determined instantly after death (2Corinthians 5:6-8). Apostle Paul wrote that believers are “builders” whose quality of works, on the foundation of Christ, shall be tested “by fire” on the day of Judgement (2Corinthians5:10) 1Corinthians3:11-15 does not say that believers pass through the fire for cleansing. Rather, it is the believer’s works that will pass through the fire. Fire, in this context, is symbolic of the test of motive or objectivity behind the believer’s works.

The statement made by Jesus”… it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world , neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matthew 12:32)was a proverbial expression among the Jews for a thing that will never be done. This scripture does not paint a picture of a chance of forgiveness of sins after death. God’s wrath shall overtake any sinner who refuses to genuinely repent before death (Psalm 9:17; Matthew 13:49-50). Hence, it is baseless to pray to God for the forgiveness of sins on behalf of the dead.

2. DEBUNKING THE WRONG CONCEPT

Purgatory, like many other heretical beliefs, is based on a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ’s sacrifice. The proponents of purgatory fail to understand that Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice was absolutely and perfectly sufficient (Hebrews 7:27). They view meritorious works as contributing to salvation due to a failure to recognize that Jesus’ sacrificial payment has no need of additional “contribution” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Similarly, Purgatory is understood by them as a place of cleansing in preparation for heaven because they do not recognise that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are already cleansed (1John 1:7-9). They also base their teaching on the practice of praying for the dead because they fail to recognise that Jesus’ death was sufficient to pay the penalty for ALL of our sins. Jesus, who was God incarnate (John 1:1, 14), paid an infinite price for our sins. Jesus died for our sins (1Corinthians 15:3). Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1John 2:2; Romans 5:8, Isaiah 53:5). The idea that we have to suffer for our sins after death is contrary to everything the Bible says about salvation.

CONCLUSION: There is no basis for purgatory in the bible. Therefore, make your ways right before you die.

Sunday School Lesson 48

PERILOUS TIMES ARE HERE NOW!

MEMORY VERSE: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” – 2 Timothy 3:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

INTRODUCTION: The translated word for “perilous” in 2 Timothy 3:1 is ‘chalepos’, which means troublesome, dangerous, harsh, fierce, full of risk, hazardous, harmful, dreadful, threatening. The term, “last days, refers to the period between second coming. “Perilous times” constitute part of the last days. “The last days is not just a prophecy, it started from the days of the Bible (Hebrews 1:2; 1 John 2:18-19).

The importance of the prophecy and warning against the perilous times cannot be over emphasised because we are living in the fulfilment of the perilous times. The purpose of this study is to carefully consider the writing of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 on the things that characterise the ‘Perilous Times’ and the position every believer in Christ should take.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. The Characteristics Of Perilous Times
2. Caution For Believers

1. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERILOUS TIMES

According to Paul, the conduct of the people will create the perilous times. Some people will be ‘lovers of their own selves’ (2 Timothy 3:2) i.e. They will be self-centred (Phillippians 2:21); ‘covetous’- having just of the eyes, craziness for wealth and materialism (Luke 12:15; 2 Peter 2:3); ‘boasters’- expressing vain glory (Psalm 10:3); ‘proud’- valuing themselves above all others (Proverbs 21:4); ‘blasphemers’- those who speak immorally of God and sacred things (Mark 3:29); ‘disobedient to parents’ – disrespect and dishonoring parents both physically and spiritually (Ephesians 6:1-2); ‘unthankful’ – not appreciating God and others for good deeds (Romans 1:21); ‘unholy’ – not pleasing God (Jude 18).

Furthermore, 2 Timothy 3:3 says some people will be ‘without natural affection’- no family affection and lack of tender love (Romans 1:31); ‘trucebreakers’- treacherous and betraying true friendship (Romans 1:31); ‘False accusers’ – character assassination (Proverbs 10:18); ‘incontinent’- without self control or unrestrained (2Peter 2:14); ‘fierce’-wild or violent, having or displaying an intense, ferocious aggressiveness (Psalm11:5); ‘despisers of those that are good’- All forms of lies, evil speaking against true believers and godliness (Romans 1:30; Nehemiah 2:19). 2 Timothy 3:4 also make mention of the ‘traitors’- a betrayer of trust (Acts 7:52); ‘heady’- to be rash, reckless or head strong (Proverbs 21:29a); ‘highminded’- those who are full of themselves, puffed-up (1Timothy 3:6); ‘lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God’- All forms of immorality and ungodliness that satisfy the flesh (Phillipians 3:19).
In addition, 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks of them as ‘Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof’- Being religious but not victorious above sin, outwardly looking good but inwardly rotten in unrighteousness (Matthew 23:27)

2. CAUTION FOR BELIEVERS
Scriptures admonish all believers living in this ‘last days’ to turn away from all ungodly practices in order not to be caught in the web of the perilous times (2 Timothy 3:5). As true believers, we must therefore receive the prophecies/warning and be conscious of it at all times. We must separate from the company and fellowship of people with the characters above (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). We must avoid all forms of carnality and false doctrines (Romans 8:6-7; Ephesians 4:14). We must be watchful and be prayerful to guide against deception and temptation to sin (Matthew 26:41; 2 Corinthians 2:11). We must release ourselves to the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to his leading (James 4:7; Romans 8:14).

CONCLUSION
This is a perilous time; every believer that wants to get to Heaven must heed the warning, careful to live a separate life from the world and false brethren in order to please God.

QUESTIONS

1. What events will characterize the perilous times?
2. What scripture cautious are believers to adhere during perilous times?