Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true,and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God,and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 1:1-5, 14.

INTRODUCTION

Generally,a ’deity’; is a ‘god or goddess’- in a polytheistic religion (belief in many gods). A being of divine status, quality, or nature is called a deity. In the context of the Christian faith, the Deity is the Creator and Supreme Being. The argument about the Deity of Jesus Christ is common among people of other major religions (although they teach that Jesus was a prophet or a good teacher or a godly man). However, the Bible tells us that Jesus was infinitely more than the three combined Matthew 16:13-16. Jesus is God. He is Divine.

OUTLINE

1. THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST
2. REASONS THAT JESUS IS GOD.

1. THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST

Here are some proof from the bible that Jesus is God:

1. Jesus is a member of the Godhead Genesis 1:26a referred to as the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit).The Bible clearly states that the Godhead resides in Jesus Christ bodily Colossians 2:6-9. God the Father refers to Jesus as God Hebrews 1:1, 5, 8.
2. Old Testament prophecies of Christ announce His deity as the mighty God Isaiah 9:6.
3. Jesus says in John 10:30 “I and My Father are one” and “before” Abraham was, I AM” John 8:58. Jesus announcing His identity as “I AM” is a direct application of the Old Testament name for God Exodus 3:14. Several times in Scripture Jesus receives worship Matthew 2:11; 28.9; Luke 24:52 He never rebukes people for worshipping Him.
4. The apostles, through divine inspiration testify that Jesus is God. For instance, John 1:1 says “…the Word was God.” John 1:14 says ‘And the Word became flesh…” This clearly indicates that Jesus is God in the flesh. Thomas, the disciple in John 20:28, declared to Jesus,”My Lord and my God” – Jesus did not correct him. The apostle Paul describes Him as, ..the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ” Titus 2:13, The apostle Peter says the same, “…our God and Saviour Jesus Christ “ 2 Peter 1:1.

2. REASONS THAT JESUS IS GOD.

The provision of salvation only workS if Jesus iS God, hence the divinity of Jesus is the reason why He is the only way of salvation Acts 4:12; John 14:6. Jesus is God incarnate, the eternal Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8; 22:13. Jesus has the right to forgive sins. This is something only God can do Acts 5:31; Luke 5:20-24. Jesus is also said to be the one who will “judge the living and the dead,” 2 Timothy 4:1 and reward all deeds in the flesh Revelation 22:11-12; 1 Peter 5:4.

Some titles uniquely belonging to Jehovah (the formal name of God) in the Old Testament are used for Jesus. For instance, the Old Testament title “redeemer” Psalm 19:14; 78:35 is used for Jesus in the New Testament Titus 2:13-14; Revelation 5:9. Jesus is called Emmanuel– “God with us” Matthew 1:23.

Some actions that can be accomplished only by God are credited to Jesus. For instance, He created and sustains the universe John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17. He possesses attributes that only deity can have: Eternality John 8:58, Omnipresence Matthew 18:20; 28:20, Omniscience Matthew 16:21, and Omnipotence Luke 7:13-15.

CONCLUSION

Christians should not only believe in the Deity of Jesus but must be bold to proclaim and defend it scripturally

FURTHER READINGS

MON: Matthew 14:33.
TUES: Luke 24:52.
WED: John 9:38.
THURS: Isaiah 43:13.
FRI: 2 Timothy 4:8.
SAT: Mark 8:31

MEMORY VERSE: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”Matthew 6:33.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Chronicles 29:10-12.

INTRODUCTION

The kingdom of God is also called the kingdom of Heaven Matthew 19:23-24. The concept of the kingdom of God takes on various shades of meaning in different passages of Scripture. A general understanding of God’s kingdom programme will help every believer key into the plan and purpose of God for mankind. Moreover, the concept of the kingdom of God is generally considered to be the central theme of Jesus teaching.

OUTLINE

1. ASPECTS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
2. SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

1. ASPECTS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

God’s kingdom comprises three aspects: a Universal Kingdom, a Mediatorial Kingdom, and a Spiritual Kingdom.
Universal Kingdom: This is God’s eternal sovereign rule over all that exists – all the universe Daniel 4:3. In this kingdom, God rules in absolute sovereignty over all His creation Psalm 47:2, 7-8.
Mediatorial Kingdom: God uses divinely chosen human representatives to speak on His behalf and stand in the gap for His people. The Scripture records the special encounters and insights given to these representatives about God’s will for mankind and His provision to save sinners. The Mediatorial Kingdom will end with Christ’s thousand- year (millennia) reign upon the earth Revelation 20:4-6. This will be the concluding link between human history and the eternal kingdom Revelation chapters 21 & 22 .
Spiritual Kingdom: This kingdom is an invisible kingdom that exists in the hearts of believers in Christ Jesus Luke 17:20-21. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world John 18:36. He preached that repentance is necessary to be a part of the kingdom of God Matthew 4:17.The kingdom of God can be equated with the sphere of salvation that you come into by becoming born again John 3:5-7; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 is the spiritual realm over which God reigns supreme as the undisputed King over everything and divine will is completely fulfilled on earth Matthew 6:10.

2. SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes His audience first to seek the Kingdom of God and its righteousness Matthew 6:33. To seek the Kingdom of God is to, as a matter of priority, hunger and thirst for the rule and reign of God in our lives with Jesus in charge Matthew 5:6; 6:9-10. We must also be willing to submit totally and obey His will. When we come under the Lordship of Christ, and He is in control of our lives, that is the kingdom of God. The main benefit of the kingdom is the forgiveness of sins Acts 3:19; 5:31. It is not rules and regulations but “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” Romans 14:17.

CONCLUSION

We are equally commanded to witness the gospel of Christ to others that the kingdom of God is open to all who will surrender their lives to Jesus Matthew 3:2, Mark 16:15-16.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Acts 3:38.
MON: 1 Kings 3:13.
TUES: Daniel 2:44.
WED: Psalm 103:21.
THURS: Deuteronomy 7:21.
FRI: Luke 24:47.
SAT: John 6:15.

MEMORY VERSE: “i will praise thee, o lord my God, with all my heart: and i will glorify thy name for evermore.”Psalm 86:12.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 67:3-7 .

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the new year 2025, we want to give glory to the Almighty God for all He did for us in the previous years, we are confident that this will be a glorious year for each one of us in Jesus’ name Amen. Happy new year to you all, enjoy the lessons set out in this manual. In our day to day dealing with ourselves, appreciation and praises are considered very important especially when we receive help from anyone. This show of appreciation usually acts as an impetus to receiving similar help in the future. As Christians, we should know that God loves us more than our earthly parents. To reciprocate this love, we should praise God no matter the circumstances. One principle a Christian should learn is ho to develop the habit of praising God Psalm 34:1.

OUTLINE

1.REASONS FOR PRAISING GOD

2. ACCEPTABLE PRAISE

1.REASONS FOR PRAISING GOD

The attributes of God are sufficient reasons for us to praise Him. That is one reason the angels praise God continuously Isaiah 6:3. God’s holiness is linked with His glory Exodus 15:11. We should praise God for His goodness and His wonderful works Psalm 107:8, His righteousness psalm 7:17, His jealousy and His sovereignty over all things Exodus 34:14. He is the only God that should be worshipped Exodus 20:3-4.

If we want our lives to be full of miracles and wonders, it is necessary that we praise God Psalm 67:5- 7. When we praise God, we have victories over our enemies Psalm 18:3; 2 Chronicles 20:22. Praise is an acceptable sacrifice before God Hebrews 13:15.

2. ACCEPTABLE PRAISE

God iS the ultimate indisputable ruler over all mankind, yet He accepts praise only from those who draw near to Him in holiness and repentance James 4:8; Psalm 24:3-5; 1 Samuel 2:30; Proverbs 8:17. To offer an acceptable praise to God, it is necessary to be a child of God John 4:23-24. We must confess our sins to God and repent from them 1 John 1:8-9. It is after this that our sacrifice of praise can be acceptable to God Romans 12:1.

CONCLUSION

Praising God is one way we can please Him. So, give Him quality praise.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Luke 2:13.
MON: Acts 3:8-9.
TUES: Psalm 148:1-14.
WED: Psalm 150:1-6.
THURS: Psalm 145:11.
FRI: Proverbs 27:2.
SAT: Isaiah 60:18.

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”2 Corinthians 5:17.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 16:13-17.

INTRODUCTION 

Every true child of God must be able to clearly answer the question ‘who are you?’ with confidence and full conviction. It is important that we are clear about our identity because knowing who you are makes a difference in your life. Every child of God must be able to declare with boldness that ‘1 am a child of God’ Romans 8:16. Of course, the character of the person speaking must align with the declaration made.

OUTLINE

1. A NEW CREATION
2. A CHANGED PERSON

1. A NEW CREATION

A believer in Christ becomes a new creation by being born again John 3:1- 7. By ‘new’, we mean, our human spirit is regenerated and reconnected to God Titus 3:5. We then become different from our old nature because we have been recreated in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17. We were once dead in sin but now alive to God through the righteousness of Christ Ephesians 2:4-5; Romans 6:11b. We are new because our sins are forgiven, and the blood of Jesus has cleansed us 1 John 1:7; Romans 4:7-8.

A believer in Christ is not dominated or controlled by this world-system John 17:15-16. We are like a stranger and pilgrim 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13. We live in the world as one passing through, but the world is not passing through us 1 Corinthians 7:31.

2. A CHANGED PERSON

Several things change when a person gives their life to Christ. Being a new creature in Christ confers on such a believer a new identity. You become changed from being a sinner to a saint Philippians 4:21-22 1 Corinthians 6:11. There will be a change of focus and channelling of all our energy from the earthly things to a new focus and goal and Which is to attain heaven at all costs Colossians 3:1- 2. The lifestyle of a believer; their words, conducts and actions also change Ephesians 4:22-32 .The believer is determined to please God in all things.

CONCLUSION

Be proud and confident in declaring your identity in Christ.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Proverbs 22:1.
MON: Psalm 119:9.
TUE: Ezekiel 36:26.
WED: Psalm 119:105.
THURS: Proverbs 4:25-27.
FRI: Ephesians 4:22-24.
SAT: 2 Peter 3:18.

MEMORY VERSE: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 5:5-7.

INTRODUCTION 

Despite the magnitude of God’s creations Psalm 8:3-4, God still humble Himself to behold the activities of man on earth Psalm 113:5-6. A proud person is therefore repulsive to Him and He resists such an individual. Lucifer was cast out of heaven because of pride Isaiah 14:12-14. The Ancient Greek word ‘pride’ is ‘Hubris’: it describes a personality of dangerous overconfidence or an over inflated self- confidence synonymous with arrogance. God intentionally builds a wall of resistance against the proud.

OUTLINE

1.PRIDE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

2.ELIMINATING DIVINE RESISTANCE

1.PRIDE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

The Bible gives records of some characters who were filled with ‘hubris’. These include King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:30, King Belshazzar Daniel 5:20, Goliath 1 Samuel 17:41-44, the rich fool in Jesus’ parable Luke 12:16-20, and King Herod Acts 12:21-23. All these men were resisted and judged by God for their sin of pride. Nebuchadnezzar was
filled with pride when he boasted about Babylon but God brought him low, and he ate grass Daniel 4:30-32. Pride is rebellion against God and a bid to share in His glory Ezekiel 28:17; Jeremiah 13:15-16. Herod tried it when the people gave the glory due to God to him, but God reduced him to nothing as he was eaten by worms and died Acts 12:21-23.

God reserves the following punishment for the proud: He cuts them off by silencing them Psalm 12:3. He keeps His distance from them and ensures that they are kept in derision Psalm 138:6. He will destroy their house Proverbs 15:25. The proud are offensive to the Lord and would not go unpunished Proverbs 16:5. He will bring them down Isaiah 2:12. He will cause their arrogance to cease Isaiah 13:11. He is against them and will make them stumble Jeremiah 50:31-32. He will demean them Daniel 4:37 They shall be wasted like debris and straw Malachi 4:1.

2.ELIMINATING DIVINE RESISTANCE

God sets Himself in battle array against the proud Obadiah 1:2-4, James 4:6. He repels those who live in pride and self-sufficiency by trusting in themselves and despising others. Pride stirs up strife Proverbs 28:25. Pride is sin Proverbs 21:4, and thus, the proud is abominable to God Proverbs 16:5a.

Humility is the antidote for pride and a requirement to walk with God Micah 6:8. To be humble is simply a lack of pride -a state marked by meekness or modesty without any iota of arrogance Colossians 3:12. It is the attitude of having no special importance that makes you better than other Philippians 2:5-8.

Unlike pride which puts a barrier (a wall of resistance) between man and God, humble people receive grace from God 1 Peter 5:5b. He forgives their sins and heals their land 2 Chronicles 7:14. He hears when they call 2 Chronicles 34:27; Psalm 9:12. God will save them Job 22:29. He guides and teaches them His way Psalm 25:9. Furthermore, humility comes before honour Proverbs 18:12; Philippians 2:7-11 and it brings riches and life Proverbs 22:4.

However, being humble must be a conscious and deliberate resolve; Jesus says whoever humbles himself as a little child, is greatest in the kingdom of heaven Matthew 18:4. Humility must be worn like a garment every day 1 Peter 5:5b.

CONCLUSION

Pride goes before a fall Proverbs 16:18. Be humble.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Proverbs 18:12.
MON: Matthew 23:11.
TUES: Matthew 18:3.
WED: 2 Peter 1:10.
THURS: Isaiah 1:17.
FRI: Hosea 6:6.
SAT: Acts 1:18.

MEMORY VERSE: For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:7.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 6:16-19

INTRODUCTION 

A lie is a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive or convey a false impression. It is an intentional act of deviating from the truth. Lies have some terrible offshoots which when put on a scale are all sinful. We nowever need to look at these horrific subdivisions and do away with them if we want to live a good life, see good days, have a godly home and society, enjoying God’s presence always 1 Peter 3:10.

OUTLINE

1. THE CATEGORIES OF LIES

2. DANGERS AND CURE FOR LIES

1. THE CATEGORIES OF LIES

Some of the groups or subdivisions lies include the following:

FALSEHOOD: This is a false statement, a misrepresentation of the fact, the act of rendering something false by fraudulent changes such as documents or measures, Proverbs 11:1; 20:10; Job 21:34 or simply not telling the truth Psalm 144:8.

EXAGGERATION: This is a close relation to falsehood. It is the act of giving to overstatement, fabrication and needless embellishment of the truth or a bloated statement that does not exist Matthew 5:37; James 5:12

DECEIT: This is the act or practice of deceiving; concealment or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading, fraud, cheating, etc. Just like a liar, a deceitful person practices mischief and falsehood Without any form of restraint. Psalm 10:7; 50:19; 52:2-3. An individual who is untrustworthy, two-faced, or fraudulent is deceitful.

HYPOCRISY: An outright display of insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that one does not really have, Matthew 23:27- 30; 1 Timothy 4:1-2

HALF-TRUTH: A statement that is only partly true, especially one intended to deceive Acts 5:1-3, 8; Ephesians 4:25. It is another Way of lying.

GUILE: It is the practice of being crafty or the use of tricks to decel someone; usually to extract money from them Genesis 25:29-34, 29;16-30; 2 Corinthians 12:16-17.

FLATTERING: To praise dishonestly because of ulterior motives Psalm 78:36-37; 5:9. Praise singers who wish to attract favour flatter and end the relationship afterward.

2. DANGERS AND CURE FOR LIES

The penalties of these categories of lies include; getting cut off from Gol Job 13:16; Psalm 12:3, being detestable in His sight Proverbs 6:16 being susceptible to divine punishment Proverbs 19:5, being counted as people who practise hypocrisy and iniquity Matthew 23:28-29, short time joy Job 20:5, living unrealistic life Proverbs 12:17, not seeing good days 1 Peter 3:10; Job 32:22. No liar will make heaven Revelations 21:8,27.

There are several things a believer can do to avoid telling lies. These include Being precise in communications Matthew 5:37; Telling the whole truth; this is a virtue that brings honour Exodus 18:21; Not trying to be wise in your own eyes Proverbs 3:7; Avoiding hasty responses James 1:19, Proverbs 17:27. Employing God’s wisdom when speaking James 3:17. Putting a check on utterances Job 27:4 -5; 1 Thessalonians 2:5.

CONCLUSION

Be truthful.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Ezekiel 18:8.
MON:Acts 6:3.
TUE: Revelation 14:5.
WED:Proverbs 10:19.
THUR: Proverbs 28:21.
FRI:1 Peter 1:22.
SAT: Isaiah 46:4.

MEMORY VERSE: “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 7:18-22.

INTRODUCTION 

‘The world’ is our external enemy. However, we have another enemy which is an internal enemy. It is called “the flesh or our natural human nature.” Our enemy, Devil, has a ‘stronghold’ inside of us that cooperates with him in his battle against us Matthew 13:25, 39a. This stronghold is our sinful nature which the Bible calls “the flesh.” The one controlled by the flesh is also referred to as natural man, carnal man, or old man 1 Corinthians 2:13-14, carnal man Romans 8:6-8, or old man Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 6:6.

OUTLINE

1. DESCRIBING THE FLESH

2. VICTORY THROUGH GOD

1. DESCRIBING THE FLESH

“The flesh” is not our body, but our sinful nature that dwells in our body Romans 8:13. One form of manifestation of the flesh is ‘self’. Before we were saved, ‘self’ was on the throne of our heart dictating our every craving and desire whether good or bad Romans 7:5; Ephesians 2:2-3. The moment we received Christ as our Saviour, Christ came to live in us Galatians 2:20. However,’self’ did not move out. Not only is it still there but our ‘self’ wants to continue ruling in our hearts Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:18-19.

The Bible tells us three things about the flesh: ‘self’ will never obey God Romans 8:7; Sin comes from our sinful nature – the flesh Mark 7:21-23; the flesh is Satan’s “stronghold” for committing sin Galatians 5:19-21.

Here are some of the ways ‘self’ expresses itself in people:
a. Self-pride: Declares themself as first and above all and expect people to look up to and honour them Exodus 5:2.
b. Self-love: Affirms that the person that should be loved more than anyone else is themself Luke 12:16-20.
c.Self-pity: Believes that they are poor and not treated right. As a result, they are always grumbling and complaining never satisfied with anything that is done for or to them Exodus 16:2-3.
d. Self- righteousness: This nature is always quite satisfied with their own goodness and morality 1 Kings 19:14.
e.Self-will: Always wants to have their way. This nature will do what it wants to do and does not care whether it contradicts God’s will or not if it is satisfied. Judges 14:3.

2. VICTORY THROUGH GOD

Since no sinner can come into the presence of God. So, our old sinful life must come to an end, for us to become ‘a new person’. God loves us and through His love, did three wonderful things for us:

1.He ended our old Self-life and creates something entirely new i.e. something that sin cannot touch Romans 6:6-7.

2. He made us a new person in Christ. When Christ rose from the dead, we rose with Him as “a new person“ in God’s new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17.

3 He gave Christ to us as our new Master. In Christ we live to do the will of His Father John 5:30.

If we are in our body, we can never get rid of Self, but we can avoid been ruled by Self. As believers, we can take the following steps to subdue Self: Choose to crucify our Self on the cross Galatians 5:24; make Christ our King 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and live the Christ-life, bearing the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23.

CONCLUSION

Be in control of your flesh always with the help of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:16.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Romans 6:12.
MON: Galatians 5:25.
TUES: Job 21:15.
WED: James 1:15.
THURS: Matthew 26:39.
FRl: Deuteronomy 7:3.
SAT: Exodus 34:16.

MEMORY VERSE: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul”Genesis 2:7.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ezekiel 18:4-9.

INTRODUCTION 

God created the intangible being (soul), fashioned in the similitude of the godhead with the divine nature and ability of dominion over all other creation of God Genesis 1:26-27. However, the soul, on its own, could not handle or use the things in the physical world because he was intangible. This situation therefore requires that provision be made for a container (physical body) through which the soul can operate and relate with the physical world. Hence, the forming of man from the dust of the ground Genesis 2:7a. The man, now body and soul, was inactive until God breathed life into its nostril and man became a living soul Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4.

OUTLINE

1. GOD’S IMAGE

2. THE TRIPARTITE MAN

1. GOD’S IMAGE

God’s image imprinted on His creation, man before the fall, consists in these three things:
1.In the divine nature and constitution of the soul, (for God has no physical body). The soul bears God’s image. The soul is an intelligent immortal intangible being Man resembles God in creativity and will power.
2.In the positioning of mankind as head of all other creations in position and authority. Man is God’s representative on earth in authority
and dominion.
3.In mankind’s purity and integrity. God’s image upon uncorrupted man consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness Colossian 3:10. Man was made upright Ecclesiastes.7:29. He understood divine things clearly and there was no deficiency in his knowledge Genesis 2:19. Mankind’s will complied readily and universally with the will of God, without resistance. He had no inordinate appetites,passions, or vain thoughts.

2. THE TRIPARTITE MAN

The scripture suggests that man is a tripartite being – spirit, soul, and body 1 Thessalonians 5:23. These three dimensions of man are all important. The spirit of man is that breath that God released into the man He formed to make him alive. This is why that spirit (breath) returns to God the giver when man dies.

The soul of man is an intangible being. It gives a man personality, self- awareness, consciousness, ability to think rationally, and natural feeling It is with the soul that man receives salvation Mark 8:36; Psalm 19:7a The spirit will guide the saved/regenerated soul of man to worship God acceptably John 4:24. It is the soul that will stand in judgment Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10. There are two possible destinations for the soul; Heaven or Hell. When a true believer in Christ dies, the soul goes to Heaven while the soul of an
unrepentant sinner goes to Hell Daniel 12:2; Ezekiel 18:4c.

The human body is a physical being made from clay. It is temporal and becomes lifeless when the spirit (breath) is no longer active. It helps the soul to relate physically with the world. It is the body that gets tired and sleepy. When a man dies, the body (with time) decays in the ground Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:20. We move around using the body to propagate God’s kingdom here on earth.

CONCLUSION

The three dimensions of man are all important. However, it must be noted that it is the soul that will stand in judgment.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Genesis 3:13.
MON:Romans 5:12..
TUE: Ecclesiastes 1:13.
WED: 2 Corinthians 3:17.
THUR: 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
FRI: Genesis 1:27
SAT: Romans 12:2.

MEMORY VERSE: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. 3 John 2.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23.

INTRODUCTION 

Some Christians have grown up with the idea that it is better to focus on their spiritual life to the exclusion of anything else in this world, since it is the soul that journeys to eternity. This has resulted in the neglect of other functional aspects of their lives to the detriment of enjoying a wholesome lifestyle. However, the scripture makes it clear that we should live a balanced life 3 John 2. In this lesson, we shall attempt to consider some of the area’s believers need to create a balance and the potential benefits.

OUTLINE

1.DAILY LIVING OUT OUR FAITH

2. THE BENEFITS DAILY LIVING OUT OUR FAITH

1.DAILY LIVING OUT OUR FAITH

Your faith in God should be demonstrated by your willingness to trust and obey His word totally Proverbs 3:5-7; John 14:15. Family and relationships are vital and should be cherished. Therefore, make good and godly friends Proverbs 17:17. The people in our lives and relationships are important: they should be valued and esteemed appropriately 1 Timothy 5:8; Galatians 6:10; Proverbs 18:24a. Being a good steward over our finances takes a lot of discipline Luke 16:10-12. Living beyond our means, amassing material possessions, and accumulating irresponsible debt are unwise Proverbs 22:7. Keeping our bodies healthy by eating balanced diet, Genesis 1:29; Daniel 1:8, regular exercises, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene are parts of the life God calls us into 1 Corinthians 10:31; Proverbs 25:27; 1 Timothy 4:8a. It is important to aspire to reach the top in our career and be the best in what we do Proverbs 12:24; 19:15. Avoid depression, socialise and be happy Proverbs 17:22, 12:25; Hebrews 10:25.

2. THE BENEFITS 

Exercising faith in God will bring peace and confidence to weather the storms of life Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 56:11. We will grow and mature spiritually to please God and live victoriously Proverbs 16:7. Spending quality time with family and friends will create a bond and support-base for us Psalm 133:1-3. Financial| stability is a defence Ecclesiastes 7:12a: It stops us from unnecessary tension and anxiety. Adherence to healthy living enhances longevity and prosperity Job 36:11; Proverbs 23:21. Fulfilment and greater influence comes from reaching the peak in our chosen career, we will also be a blessing to many people Genes 41:40-41; 45:5. Being the best in what you do makes you a sought- after person Proverbs 22:29.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive Christian living should be the pursuit of every believer. Pay equal attention to your spirit, soul and body and ensure no aspects is denied the care needed.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 4:5-6, 11-12

INTRODUCTION 

Moderation is keeping our behaviour and lifestyle in check so that our actions, feelings, and habits can be within reasonable bounds .It is avoiding excesses in all we do. Moderation is a desirable virtue for a Christian. Good and legitimate desires can become sin when they go over lawful limits.

Living a life of moderation is demanding in today’s world. However the Bible teaches us that excess of anything is not good Ecclesiastes 2:10-11. It is expedient for Christians to understand how and why we should live in moderation.

OUTLINE

1. THE REASONS FOR MODERATION

2. HOW-TO LIVE-IN MODERATION

1. THE REASONS FOR MODERATION

Moderation aligns with biblical principle of self-control and avoidance of extremes Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-6. It helps people know where we stand on issues Philippians 4:5. It is associated with being honoured and valued by men Proverbs 17:28; Luke 14:8-11. It brings honour to God and makes us acceptable before men. The only area, in which we do not need to be moderate, is our love for God. We are to love without limits Mark 12:30.

2. HOW-TO LIVE-IN MODERATION

Moderation should reflect in every area of our lives. Christians should show moderation in speech James 1:19; Proverbs 10:19, appearance 1 Timothy 2:9-10, consumption of food Proverbs 23:20-21; 25:16, leisure/pleasure 1 Timothy 5:6; 2 Timothy 3:4-5, desires or goals in life Colossians 3:5, cares of life Luke 21:34, celebration of landmark achievements Matthew 14:6-10, Daniel 5:23-30, pursuit of money 1 Timothy 6:6-10, use of our legitimate liberty 1 Corinthians 8:9, personal convictions Romans 14:1-5, temperament Proverbs 16:32, choice of friendship relationships 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Proverbs 25:17.

To keep within lawful bounds,Believers should make no provision for the flesh to fulfil its lust Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:24. Do not follow the examples of the decadent societal cultures around us 1 John 2:15-16. Walk in the Spirit and be heavenly conscious always Romans 8:6; Galatians 5:16.

CONCLUSION

To enjoy a peaceful life, be moderate in all things.Those who want to win the race to eternal life must also be temperate in all things 1 Corinthians 9:24- 27.