Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:8.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 3:1- 7

INTRODUCTION

The Holy Spirit is the third person in Trinity (The Godhead), and He works in dynamic ways. The primary guidance that all believers in Christ, whether past or present, have is the Holy Spirit. He is the driving force behind the Christian life.

OUTLINE

1. BELIEVERS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
2. WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

1. BELIEVERS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

When the Holy Spirit demonstrates His power through believers, many people would believe in Jesus Acts 2:2-6, 37, 41. Everyone who believes in Jesus can have the power of the Holy Spirit in them Acts 11:15, John 1:12. The Holy Spirit, after descending on the disciples of Jesus at Pentecost, aided their evangelistic work Acts 2:37-41. Therefore, the Holy Spirit empowers believers today to be true witnesses of the gospel and in any place Acts 1:8 and to do diverse miracles Acts 3:1-7; 9:39-41; Hebrews 2:4.

To be effective as God’s children, the Holy Spirit releases His power in form of spiritual gifts to help them 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:11. He also guides and shows them how to live in the way God wants John 16:13. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are sanctified and made to be Christ-like 1 Corinthians 6:11. They are strengthened in their weaknesses and limitations Romans 8:26; Ephesians 3:16; Judges 14:6. He empowers to establish God’s will Numbers 27:18;1 Samuel 16:13 .He makes our body HiS temple 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The Holy Spirit seals us till the day of Redemption Ephesians 4:30.

2. WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

For believers to walk in the Spirit, they must allow God’s Holy Spirit to guide them Romans 8:14. Believers who walk in the Spirit, are given divine ability to know, obey, and declare God’s will 1 Corinthians 2:14- 16. To walk in the Spirit is to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5.22-23.

Walking in the Spirit also means being sincere to acknowledge and confess our sins and faults and asking for God’s forgiveness 1 John 1:7-10; James 5:16a. It is the eagerness to be restored back to a better relationship with God after a fall 1 John 2:1-2.

CONCLUSION

The power of the Holy Spirit is still very much available today and you can experience it Acts 2:39.\

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Job.5:17;
MON: Colossians 1:22;
TUES: 2 Corinthians 11:2;
WED: Romans 8:28;
THUR: Revelation 1:5;
FRI: Romans 6:6;
SAT: Romans 12:1

MEMORY VERSE: “ Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” 1 John 2:22.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

INTRODUCTION

Antichrist implies opposition to Christ. The Bible really does not say anything specific about where the Antichrist will come from. Many Bible scholars speculate that he will come from a confederacy of ten nations and/ or a reborn Roman empire Daniel 7:24-25; Revelation 17:7. Others see him as having to be a Jew to claim to be the Messiah. All of these are just speculations since the Bible does not specifically say where the Antichrist will come from or what ethnicity he will be. However, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 tells us how we will recognise the Antichrist. His appearance is one of the eschatological events.

OUTLINE

1.  OTHER NAMES OF THE ANTICHRIST
2.  THE MISSION AND END OF THE ANTICHRIST

1.  OTHER NAMES OF THE ANTICHRIST

There are many speculations about who the Anti- Christ is/would be: some people think he is currently one of the popular world leaders, some even believe he is/would be one of the world’s richest men. The Bible has names for him as stated: The little horn Daniel 7:8; Man of Sin and son of perdition 2 Thessalonians 2:3; The Beast Revelation 13:2-8; The king who sets up the abomination of desolation Mark 13:14; Daniel 9:27; The man of lawlessness 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; The rider on a white horse – representing his claim to be a man of peace Revelation 6:2; Vile Person Daniel 11:21 The Wicked 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

2.  THE MISSION AND END OF THE ANTICHRIST

The antichrist will be empowered to rule the world Daniel 7-25- 26. Among other things, the antichrist will Work great miracles to deceive people Revelation 13:11-13. Will position his images in strategic and holy places and force people to worship them 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15. Will speak about great things and blasphemies Revelation 13:5. Will make war with the saints Revelation 13:7. Will speak and prophesy lies to confuse people Daniel 11:21. Will persecute the remnant that remain faithful to God and even kill them Revelation 12:17. Will take control of both the political and economic powers of the world Revelation 13:16-17. Will give identification numbers to those who will accept him. The number is coded as ‘666’ – this number will allow people to buy and sell. Those who reject the number will be killed Revelation 13:18.

At His second coming, Christ will bind the antichrist and cast him alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone Revelation 19:20. Those that accept the mark of the beast (the antichrist) will be “…slain with the sword of Him that sat upon the horse…” and their corpse fed to the birds Revelation 19:21.The Ancient of Days will take away the kingdom from the antichrist and establish His Holy Kingdom forever Daniel 7:26-27.

CONCLUSION

Believers must be watchful to avoid missing the rapture and fall prey to the antichrist.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Daniel 7:24- 27.
MON: Matthew 24:24.
TUES: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12.
WED: 1 John 2:18- 22.
THURS: 2 John 7.
FRI: Revelation 13:1-10.
SAT: 1 John 4:3.

MEMORY VERSE: “ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, i will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

INTRODUCTION

To gamble means to risk something of value on an outcome that depends on chance. Other related activities to gambling are betting, scratch cards/lottery, gaming, casinos, ‘money doubling’ and & ‘get rich quick’ schemes, among others. Although, some people often equate lot casting in the Bible with gambling, they are not the same. The scriptures do not specifically mention gambling or betting, rather, it warns us to stay away from the love of money 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5. The Bible also encourages us to stay away from attempts to *get rich quick’ Proverbs 13:11; 23:5. Gambling is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Jesus warns us against letting riches get in the way of our spiritual growth Mark 4:19; 10:25.

OUTLINE

1. GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING
2. QUIT GAMBLING NOW!

1. GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING

Gambling and lot casting involves the concept of chance. However, lot casting in the Bible was used for religious or divine leading John 19:24; Acts 1:26 whereas gambling is basically related to the games of chance for entertainment and possible monetary or material gains Judges 14:12- 13.

The instances of lot casting mentioned in several portions of the Bible are not synonymous to testing of luck or to gain material wealth. They have to do with random selection, seeking divine guidance and deciding. It was often employed to determine God’s will Proverbs 16:33 or make choices such as selection of leaders Acts 1:26, division of lands Joshua 18:10 or atonement Leviticus 16:8-9.

2. QUIT GAMBLING NOW!

The Love of money make people test their luck with numbers with the hope of making lot of money without sweat. But such hopes are mostly empty Ecclesiastes 5:10. Those who are desperate and covetous of getting rich quickly end up being deceived, ensnared, and destroyed 1 Timothy 6:9; Proverbs 1:32. Those who engage in get- rich quick schemes stand the risk of losing everything Proverbs 23:5. Studies show that many lottery winners ended up in worse financial situation after the jackpot 1 Timothy 6:10.
God wants His people to prosper Psalm 35:27; 3 John 2 and to earn their money honestly by working hard 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 10:4. Believers must choose between serving God or money Luke 16:13. Proceeds from gambling/lottery/betting do not last Proverbs 13:11. Money should not be wasted or gambled away. Save for the future and give generously to the needy and the Lord’s work Proverbs 19:17; Exodus 35:5. Money and material wealth should not be the primary pursuit of a believer, rather, it should be the kingdom of God and His righteousness Matthew 6:33. Seeking a professional counsellor or an accountability partner will help an addicted gambler Proverbs 24:6. it is important for anyone struggling with gambling to cry to God for deliverance Psalm 71:2; John 6:37.

CONCLUSION

Do not gamble your money, materials, and life. Be content with what you have, work hard, and believe God for increase.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Matthew 6:21;
MON: Proverbs 13:11;
TUES: Ecclesiastes 5:10;
WED: Psalm 37:16-17;
THURS: Hebrews 13:5;
FRI: Matthew 6:24;
SAT: 1 Timothy 6:10.

MEMORY VERSE: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”1 Corinthians 6:19.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:16-20.

INTRODUCTION

The very fact that God created humanity as “male and female” reveals that we are created as sexual beings Genesis 1:27. Sex is a channel to fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” Genesis 1:28. Sex was designed to consummate the lifetime union between a man and woman Genesis 4:1. Purity reflects God’s own character. Hence, sexual purity is a treasure to be guarded and valued. However, sex has been misused and abused Romans 1:24, 26-27 in the world because of sin Romans 3 23.

OUTLINE

1.  SOME SEXUAL PERVERSIONS
2.  CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT

1.  SOME SEXUAL PERVERSIONS

There are many forms of sexual perversions apart from adultery which is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse Exodus 20:14. Other examples of this sinful acts include fornication, which is sexual sins between unmarried people. The world has also invented so many other sexual acts or practices contrary to God’s intended purpose Here are some of the sexual perversions that believers must guard against.
1. Homosexuality: Refers to sexual acts between people of the same gender. A man having sex with another man is gay while woman and woman sexual relationship is termed lesbianism Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26- 27. According to scriptures, this abominable act led to the destruction of the people of Sodom Genesis 19:4-5, 12-13.
2. Incest: Sexual activities between family members Leviticus 18:7-18
3. Paedophilia: Perverted sexual attraction towards children.
4. Bestiality: Having sexual relations with an animal Leviticus 18:23
5. Rape: Forceful sexual intercourse with an unwilling partner 2 Samuel 13:10 6. Pornography: The explicit literary or visual display of materials of erotic nature e.g. videos, pictures, graphics, or writings designed to provoke sexual lust.
7.Masturbation and use of sex toys
8. Cyber/Phone-sex: Sex-oriented messages or conversations over the Internet or using of phone to have improper sexual conversations or to listen to explicit erotic messages for the purpose of sexual perversion. It also involves fantasising about that which is immoral and impure Philippians 4:8.

2. CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT

Failure to repent from sexual vices can lead to addiction 2 Peter 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:18, and the destruction of destinies Proverbs 6:25-28; Genesis 49:3-4. Strange sicknesses and diseases (STl and STDs) can be contracted. The body can be defiled, and the fulfilment of God’s purposes hindered 1 Corinthians 6:15-16. It takes away spiritual covering and brings God’s wrath 1 Corinthians 10:8; Numbers 25:1-11.Guilt and self-condemnation set in Psalm 51:3. Sexual sin can destroy marriages and families Matthew 19:9.

To overcome sexual vices, you must take the following steps.
1. Confess your sins to God 1 John 1:9 and ask Him to cleanse, renew and transform your mind Romans 12:2
2. Get rid of all triggers. Avoid being alone or being in a dark and lonely place with the opposite sex.
3. Speak out about your struggles and see a good and godly counsellor Proverbs 11:14.
4. Study, meditate and confess God’s word. Fast and often pray Psalm 119:9-11.
5 Practice self-control with the help of the Holy Spirit Genesis 39.7 Galatians 5:16

CONCLUSION

Sexual vices are destructive. Flee to avoid God’s wrath 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: 1 Corinthians 6:18;
MON: 1 Corinthians 5.1.
TUES: 1 Corinthians 7:2;
WED: Ephesians 5:3;
THURS: 1 Corinthians 6:13;
FRI: 1 Thessalonians 4:3;
SAT: 1 Corinthians 6:9

MEMORY VERSE: “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.” Isaiah 52:11.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-6.

INTRODUCTION

Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. It can result in loss of willpower and self-esteem, loss of or shift in focus, social and emotional disconnect, poverty, death, etc.

OUTLINE

1. TYPES OF ADDICTION
2. OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS
   1. TYPES OF ADDICTION

There are two main groups of addiction: Substance and Non-substance addiction. Substance addiction is also known as substance use disorder. it refers to a condition in which an individual is unable to control their use of a substance despite experiencing negative consequences. Substance abuse is the excessive use of psycho-active drugs/substance such as skunk, marlin kush, molley, Cocaine, opioids-Heroine, amphetamines, benzoic, diazepam, codeine, Colorado, ice, alcohol, cigarette, tobacco, marjuana, nicotine, dequadin, caffeine, zombie, laughing gas etc. These substances could lead to physical, social, and emotional harm Genesis 9:21,1 Corinthians 3:17.

Non-substance addiction (Behavioural or process addiction) is addiction to mood- altering behaviour such as gambling. Sexual activity – masturbation, sex, pornography 1 Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3, eating disorders, reckless spending Luke 15:13-14, shopping, watching television, etc. It could also be an acute addiction for abuse of higher position. The addict enjoys their power or affluence at the expense of others. Some examples of power addicts in the Bible include King Saul 1 Samuel 20:30-31 and King Herod Matthew 2:1-3, 16,

2. OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS

The following are guidelines to overcome addiction:
i. Take a stand. You must first acknowledge that addiction is an affliction, and you are already caught up in its Web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage. Luke 15:17-18.
ii. Seek help. Acknowledge that you cannot help yourself. You must open to God and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit James 5:13- 16; 1 Peter 5:7. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and spiritual therapy.
iii. Avoid relapse. Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome.You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:11-12. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance 2 Peter 2:20-22, Matthew 12:43-45.
iv. Keep your heart with all diligence and renew it daily Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-23 because addiction is a battle of the mind.

V. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:24-25.

CONCLUSION

It is important that the brethren do not to cast away the victim at this critical time Psalm 38:11 but to show them love and encouragement until victory is attained 2 Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Revelation 18:4;
MON: 2 Corinthians 6:17;
TUES: Jeremiah 50:8;
WED: Leviticus 22:2;
THUR: Hebrews 13:5;
FRI: 1 Corinthians 6:19;
SAT: 1 Corinthians 5:6

MEMORY VERSE: “ Fear thou not; for I am with thee be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:2-4, 9-10.

INTRODUCTION

Loneliness has been recognized as a significant social and public health issue. The Hebrew word translated “desolate” or “lonely” in the Old Testament means “one alone, only; one who is solitary, forsaken,wretched.” Loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected from others, even when surrounded by people. It can lead to feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness. This universal human experience can affect us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It is therefore necessary for us to explore the issue of loneliness and the guidance on overcoming it.

OUTLINE

1. UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS
2. GETTING OUT OF LONELINESS

1. UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS

Loneliness creeps quietly into people’s lives (regardless of age, gender, or background) changing their perception about life and the people around them. Chronic loneliness has been linked to increased stress: depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of certain physical health problems. This rampant phenomenon becomes fatal when it leads to the death of the victim. Emotional and social disconnection play a significant role in luring people to loneliness. Hence, one can be successful yet lonely Elijah 1 Kings 19:10, David Psalm 25:16 and Paul 2 Timothy 4:16 are some Bible characters who showed signs of loneliness.
One of the strategies Satan and his agents have used successfully against people is to give them reasons to believe everybody hates them. Elijah said “…i, even i only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” Some people fall into loneliness and depression because they spend their time hunting for enemies thereby, finding it difficult to trust anyone, even their spouse: they suspect people around them Ecclesiastes 7:21- 22. Being alone without positively engaging one’s time can make the flesh or the devil to engage us. Secret sins thrive in lonely moments Psalm 19:12.
Other reasons people become lonely are being too introverted, inferiority complex, inability to manage failure or fear of failure; stigmatisation, inability to bond, lack of or a break in fellowship with God, etc.

2. GETTING OUT OF LONELINESS

Anyone feeling lonely must be intentional about getting out of it. Find reasons to be alive and happy Nehemiah 8:10. Stop seeing yourself as a failure, you can do all things Philippians 4:13. Stop feeling like the whole world is against you, everybody has their own problems Galatians 6:5. Learn to forgive yourself for past errors, you are not the worst person on earth Isaiah 1:18. Stop feeling abandoned by God, he will never leave you Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 49:15-17. Hold on to your faith: with God all things are possible Luke 1:37. Do not stay away from friends and family, you need people around you Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 18:24. Watch your mind gate: do not allow evil thought to play on your mind Proverbs 4:23. Be filled with the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22. Excessive usage of social media is also associated with feelings of loneliness and social isolation, hence, relate more with people physically.

CONCLUSION

If you or someone you know is feeling lonely, reaching out to friends, family, or seeking professional support can make a big difference. Also, remember that whatever the cause of loneliness, for the Christian the cure is always the same -the comforting fellowship of Christ.

FURTHER READINGS:
MON: Genesis 2:18;
TUE: Ecclesiastes 4:9;
WED: Genesis 28:15;
THURS: John 14:18;
FRI:Psalm 19:12;
SAT: Romans 12:1-2;
SUN:Genesis 1-12

MEMORY VERSE: “Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is.” Mark 13:33.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 24:38-44.

INTRODUCTION

Watchfulness is the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger. In this context, watchfulness refers to the quality of (spiritual, emotional, and physical) preparation and readiness of a believer to ‘make heaven’ Matthew 25:14. Not all who are expecting the rapture today are well prepared. It is expedient that believers are prepared and take some necessary cautions to avoid disappointment.

OUTLINE

1. BE PREPARED
2. BE CAREFUL

1. BE PREPARED

God gives everybody equal chances to operate during our lifetime Matthew 25:1. Only those that are well prepared will escape being rejected on the last day Matthew 25:1-13. There are certain things we believers must be found doing to qualify us for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of these include:
1. Living righteously to maintain purity in thoughts, conversation, and actions. Avoid falling into temptations Psalm 24:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:5- 10; 1 Corinthians 10:12-14.
2. Studying, meditating, and obeying the word of God daily Psalm 119:11;1 John 2:5.
3. Having a consistent prayer life and fasting Luke 21:36; Matthew 9:14-15.
4. Being emotionally stable. Do not be controlled by emotions but allow the Holy Spirit to always guide you Romans 8:14; Philippians 4:6-7.
5.Saturating your mind and spirit with spiritual songs and hymns Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.
6.Obedience to the command to preach the gospel i.e. evangelise Mark 16:15; Daniel 12:3.
7.Willingness to forgive, love and live peaceably with all men Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:14.
8. Staying humble no matter the height you attain to in life Matthew 18:4.
9. Investing your time, energy, and resources in Kingdom business 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:15.
10. Constantly fellowship with the brethren wherever you have the opportunity Hebrews 10:25.

    2. BE CAREFUL

The day of reckoning will come for all men 1 Peter 4:17-18. Punishment awaits anyone left behind because of worldly pleasures 2 Peter 2:4-9; Revelation 13:9- 10. God warned His children to take heed lest they are caught unawares. Here are some cautions for believers 2 Timothy 4:1-5:
1. Watch your words Matthew 12:36; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 4:6
2. Watch your action. Action speaks louder than words. This has to do with your activities, what you do or fail to do 1 Samuel 2:3; Titus 2:7-8.
3. Watch your thoughts Proverbs 23:7; 24:12.
4. Watch your character. This has to do with integrity, reputation, probity, honesty and having strong moral principles 2 Timothy 3:1-6.
5. Watch your habit which is a fixed and regular way of doing things. Prayerfully strive to get rid of any bad habit you have found so difficult to leave 1 Corinthians 10:31.
6. Do not be overconfident in yourself 1 Corinthians 10:12
7. Watch out for deceivers and false prophets Mark 13:5, 22-23.

CONCLUSION

Watch out for all forms of corrupting vices capable of hindering you from making the rapture. Deal with them before it is too late.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Matthew 25:1-4.
MON: Matthew 25:4- 9
TUE: Matthew 25:10-13.
WED: Matthew 25:14-19.
THUR: Matthew 25:20-30
FRI: 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
SAT: Hebrew 10:37-39

MEMORY VERSE: “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:11-14

INTRODUCTION

In the Old Testament, God was particular about the quality of animals offered to Him for sacrifice and offerings. He specifically told Moses in Numbers 28:3 that he should tell the children of Israel to bring an offering of lambs without spot. Jesus Christ came as the spotless Passover Lamb who came to shed His blood for our sins 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19. How can we also present ourselves without spot? What do we stand to gain by being spotless?

OUTLINE

1.  THE PRICE
2.  THE GAINS

1.  THE PRICE

To live a blameless life that brings glory and honour to God comes with a huge price. We must be determined to live a daily life of sacrifice, keeping the flesh under, and dying daily 1 Corinthians 9:27; 15:31; Galatians 2:20, It is a life of complete obedience to God when it is convenient and when it is not 1 Samuel 15:22; 1 Timothy 6:14. Any form of contamination that can bring about stain must be avoided Philippians 2:15. Adequate attention must be paid to the gate of the eyes Proverbs 4:25, the ear gate Ecclesiastes 7:21, and the gate of our mouth Proverbs 4:24 to do away with defilements.

We must be set apart as a vessel for the Master’s use Isaiah 52:11; 2 Timothy 2:21. Foolish decisions that will bring the name of the Lord to disrepute must be avoided 2 Timothy 4:10a. Sin must be ‘no – n0’ 1 John 3:9, The garment of righteousness must be preserved till the coming of the Lord Ecclesiastes 9:8. Being steadfast in faith is a condition Job 11:15; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Our conscience must be purged from dead works Hebrews 9:14. In it all, it is a life of diligence and holding on tenaciously to the faith till the end 2 Peter 3:14b,

2.  THE GAINS

Some of the benefits that accrue to those who live a blameless life Christ Jesus include:

1. Boldness: The person can stand among the multitude to declare his/ her transparent lifestyle 1 Samuel 12:3-4.
2. Divine attention: The eyes of the Lord are upon such people and His ears are open unto their prayers 1 Peter 3:12.
3. Intimacy with God: They delight in God and His word Job 22:26; Psalm 1:1-2.
4. Good life: They enjoy a good life and see good days 1 Peter 3:10.
5. Their words are pleasant to God’s hearing Proverbs 15:26.
6. Divine security: They are free from every harm 1 Peter 3:13.
7. Fearlessness: They have nothing to fear as they look forward to the end of their days 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
8. They are part of the glorious Church of Jesus He will receive at His appearance Ephesians 5:27.
9. They shall receive a crown of life James 1:12.
10. In the end, they have eternal life as their greatest gain of all Romans 2:7; 2 Peter 3:12-13.

CONCLUSION

Living a blameless life is a journey in righteousness, Believers are therefore to run this race by removing every blemish and staying spotless to walk worthy of the Lord till He comes again.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: 1 Corinthians 1:8;
MON: 1 Thessalonians 5:23;
TUE: 1 Timothy 5:7;
WED: Philippians 2:15;
THUR: 1 Peter 3:12 14;
FRI: Numbers 19:2
SAT: Numbers 28:9

MEMORY VERSE: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 9:57-62

INTRODUCTION

The term “disciple” originally means a pupil or an apprentice to a teacher or master craftsman. It is another word for a follower of Christ, one who is learning to be like his Master Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 2:21-22 Discipline is the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled Way which involves obeying rules or standards. We shall examine what a disciple’s attitude to sin should be and the key disciplines of true disciples.

OUTLINE

1. A DISCIPLE’S ATTRIBUTE
2. KEY DISCIPLINES

1. A DISCIPLE’S ATTRIBUTE

The starting point in following Jesus’ exemplary life is the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation to God through Jesus’ death. Then, a disciple of Jesus enters a life-long learning process to live the same life as Jesus lived Luke 6:40. Just as their Master, the disciples of Christ must: commit to doing all of God’s will while giving up own will Luke 22:42; Hebrews 10:5- 7; live a sin-free life and overcome lust Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:21-22 be willing to suffer Romans 8:17- 18; Hebrews 5:7-8; love unconditionally in the face of adversity Matthew 5:43-45; be diligent in and zealous for the things of God John 17:4; Hebrews 6:10-11, have burden for soul winning Matthew 9:36-38; Acts 4:16- 20; live sacrificially 2 Corinthians 8:9; 12:15; remain humble and obedient Philippians 2:5-8.

    2.KEY DISCIPLINES

Anyone that will follow in the examples of Jesus successfully must be disciplined because discipline is the hallmark of success. Some of the key disciplines every disciple of Christ must have been listed as follows:

1. Purposefulness: Concentration is the secret of power. The first discipline of discipleship is to be purposeful, determined, single- minded and focused on our pursuit of the Lord and His kingdom Philippians 3:13; Matthew 6:24
2. Perseverance: Like our Master- Jesus, disciples must stay focused on the task and avoid distractions. Be persistent in always proclaiming the word, in well doing and avoiding discouragement Matthew 10:22-23.
3. Promptness (readiness): The ability not to put off for tomorrow what must be done today is a great gift to be sought from God. It is the gift to joyfully run to what God instructs without delay. There is a peril in procrastination Psalms 95:6-8; Proverbs 27:1.
4. Permanence: When we accepted Christ, there are some things that We used to do that we have no business doing now. Things like harmful habits, ruinous relationships, perilous pleasures, etc. We need to give up our former ways and not look back Hebrews 12:1- 2; Luke 9:58-62.

CONCLUSION

The role of every disciple is to stay committed and true to his Master. This will lead to great success

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Hebrews 10:36.
MON: Psalm 110:1
TUES: 1 Peter 3:22.
WED: Philippians 2:8.
THURS: Luke 12:19.
FRI: 1 Timothy 6:17.
SAT: John 17:8.

MEMORY VERSE: “But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” John 10:38.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 14:6-11.

INTRODUCTION

While it may be difficult for some people to believe or accept the fact that Jesus is God, the evidence cannot be denied. Being in the form of God and equal with God Philippians 2:6, He performed diverse miracles and demonstrated that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

OUTLINE

1. THE MIRACLE JESUS PERFORMED
2. THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

1. THE MIRACLE JESUS PERFORMED

A miracle is an event that involves the direct and powerful action of God, transcending the ordinary laws of nature and defying common expectations of behaviour. Miracles are extraordinary occurrences that can only be attributed to the supernatural work of God and demonstrate His involvement in human history Exodus 14:21-22; Joshua 10:12-14.

Many miracles were performed by Jesus as proof that He is God. For instance, He turned water to wine John 2:7-9, walked on water Matthew 14:25, multiplied a meal John 6:11-13, healed the blind John 9:7, the lame Mark 2:3, 11, and the sick Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:40-42, and even raised people from the dead John 11:43-44; Luke 7:13-15. Moreover, Christ Himself rose from the dead Matthew 28:5-7; Acts 10:41. No other religion can claim the resurrection of their founders.

2. THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

Jesus used the definite article to distinguish Himself as “the Way. the Truth and the Life” John 14:6. A way is a path or route leading somewhere. There is no other path to Heaven except Jesus, through His saving grace John 14:1-3; Acts 4:12.

Jesus, as the incarnate Word of God John 1:1 is the source of all truth John 8:32. According to Psalm 119:142, truth represents the law of God.Jesus came as the law personified. When He taught His followers,during the sermon on the mount, He reminded them of the basic points law and gave new commands Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32, 33-34 38-39, 43-44, thereby equating Himself with God as the authoritative standard of righteousness. Jesus said He came to fulfil the demands of the law and the prophets Matthew 5:17.

Jesus spoke of His authority over life being the source of life John 10:10b; 14:19. He promised to lay down His life for His ‘sheep,’ and then take it back again John 10:17-18. He promised true deliverance from a life of bondage to sin and death to a life of victory over sin and freedom in eternity John 3:15-16; 10:28.

CONCLUSION

There is no controversy that Jesus Christ is God. Anyone who disagrees does it at his own peril.

FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Romans 3:31.
MON: Galatians 3:24
TUES: John 6:37.
WED: Colossians 1:17.
THURS: Philippians 2:6.
FRI: Psalm 19:9.
SAT:Nehemiah 3:13.