_LESSON: THIRTEEN_
_DATE: SUNDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2023_
_TOPIC: FIRST INTERACTIVE SESSION AND QUARTERLY REVIEW_ *(SUMMARY OF LESSONS 1-12)*
*_LESSON: ONE_*
_TOPIC: CETHER_
MEMORY VERSE: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty”. –Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 91:1-16
INTRODUCTION
“Cether” is a Hebrew word translated as “Secret place.” It literarily means “to hide or be concealed.” Other words for a Secret place include shelter, covering, or a dwelling place. One who abides in the secret place of God dwells in a place of rest, lifted up above principalities and powers (Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6). It is a place of his holy concealment in all things, where God reveals heavenly secret to us. How then can we enter the secret place and enjoy the benefits?
LESSON OUTLINES
1. ACCESS TO THE SECRET PLACE.
2. BENEFITS OF THE SECRET PLACE.
ACCESS TO THE SECRET PLACE
The secret place of the Almighty is available to any believer who is willing to pay the price. We can enter through:
1. A continuous life of holiness (Psa. 15:1-5): This simply means absolute obedience to God’s word.
2. Praise, Thanksgiving and prayer of faith (Psa. 100:4; Jer. 33:3): We must endeavor to always praise God by faith.
3. A desire to remain in God’s presence (Psa. 27:4): God loves fellowship and we must not be in a hurry in his presence.
4. A life of absolute dedication to the Lord and avoidance of worldly entanglement (1Jh. 2:15; 2Cor. 6:17-18).
5. A pure heart and thought (Psa. 24:3-4): We must avoid wandering thoughts.
6. Quietness and trusting confidence (Isa. 26:3).
7. Avoidance of distractions (Matt. 6:6).
8. Transparent honesty to God (Psa. 139:7-12).
9. A consecrated life (Lev. 20:7).
BENEFITS OF THE SECRET PLACE
The benefits of dwelling in God’s secret place include:
1. A closer fellowship with God (James 4:8).
2. Access to classified information (Num. 12:8; Amos 3:7).
3. A focused gaze on Christ and things of eternal value (Heb. 12:2; Matt. 6:19-21).
4. A self-assessment of faith will be enhanced (2Cor. 13:5).
5. The fruit of the spirit will take root, and be growing (Gal. 5:22-23).
6. Divine Protection and deliverance (Prov. 18:10).
7. Divine authority and attention (1Kgs. 17:1; 18:37-40).
8. Access to supernatural breakthroughs (Exo. 14:21-22).
9. Divine provision made available (Psa. 84:11).
CONCLUSION
To enjoy the benefit of the secret place of the most high, we must remain on the side of God.
*_LESSON: TWO_*
_TOPIC: DIVINE LEADING (PT 1)_
MEMORY VERSE: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with my eye”. – Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALMS 37:3-7
INTRODUCTION
Divine leading is about being directed by God. Being led or guided by God is a necessary key for Christians. It is the only way to fulfill God’s will and every of our decision-making processes (2Kings 3:11). Therefore, we need to learn the avenues through which God leads and guides His people. Moreover, in this dispensation, the leading and guidance of the holy spirit are both inevitable and indispensable.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. AVENUE FOR DIVINE LEADING
2. RECOGNISING DIVINE LEADING
AVENUE FOR DIVINE LEADING
It is important to note that God, in his sovereignty, can adopt any or several means to lead and guide those who put their trust in him. Here are some of them:
1. Through the word of God (1Samuel 3:21; Hebrews 1:1-2).
2. Through a witness of the spirit (Romans 8:14; 16). The witness of the spirits can also come in form of god’s peace the passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. Through the voice of the spirit. This is beyond just a witness; it is hearing. This hearing can be inward (which means no one else, around you, hear it). The Bible calls it is ‘still small voice’- like the sound of a gentle whisper (1Kings 19:12). Sometimes the voice comes in the midst of a godly thought (Acts 10:19) the voice of the spirit can also be outward, in which case you will look around as if you heard or somebody else heard what you are hearing (1Sam. 3:3-5; Acts 9:3-5)
4. Though revelations – dreams, visions, trance (Joel 2:28). Dreams can come from your thoughts (Eccl. 5:3) or the devil – scary and tormenting (nightmares) or from God – insightful, instructional, or revelational (Job 33:14; 17). Dreams happen when you are fully asleep (day or night). Vision can come when you are awake and see something like a still or motion picture (day or night) – *Daniel 2:19.* Trance is like the average between a dream and a vision (you are half awake, half asleep) when the physical senses seem to be suspended (Acts 10:10-11).
5. Through ordain situation or circumstances (Proverbs 24:30-34; Jeremiah 18:1-6). God can take you by all through a happening to give you a clear direction for Life.
6. Through prophetic utterances and confirmations (Hosea 12:10). However, believers are cautioned against living at the mercy of prophecy (1John 4:1)
7. Through diverse means as deemed fit by God (Hosea 12:10)
RECOGNISING DIVINE LEADING
The Holy Spirit takes on the role of a guide and counselor, leading us in the way we should go and revealing God’s truths (Luke 12:12). One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit guidance is to be familiar with God’s word. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2Timothy 3:16), and believers are to search the scriptures (John 5:39), meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Psalm 1:2). The word is the “sword of the spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and the spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12-14) to review God’s will for our lives. He will also bring specific scriptures to mind at times when we need them the most (John 14:26).
Therefore, we must always test our inclinations against the scriptures. This is because the Holy Spirit will never push us to do anything contrary to God’s word (1Corinthians 14:33). If it is conflicts with the Bible then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored. It is also necessary for us to be in continual prayer with the father (1Thessalonians 5:17) not only does this keep our hearts and minds open to the Holy Spirit’s leading but it’s also allows the spirit to speak on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).
CONCLUSION
If you are not lead and guided by God, you will wonder and get lost in the wilderness of life. Let God lead you.
*_LESSON: THREE_*
_TOPIC: DIVINE LEADING(PT 2)_
MEMORY VERSE: “]It happened after this that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron”. – 2Samuel 2:1
BIBLE PASSAGE: HABAKKUK 2:1-2
INTRODUCTION
The Bible is full of records of believers who yielded to the leading of God. While it may seem difficult for some people in our contemporary world to allow God in their pursuit, Christians that meet the requirements will walk in the path of God.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING
BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING
*Genesis 12:1-4*, God ordered Abram out of his country to a promised land and he obeyed. *Numbers 9:17-23* narrate how Israelites obeyed the instruction of God to travel with the cloud. God instructed Jacob to return to his fatherland. *Genesis 31:3:* just as He told Elijah in *1Kings 18:1* to show himself to a Ahab as He would open the heavens for the rain to fall. According to *2Samuel 5:19,* David inquired from God whether to go against the Philistines or not. *Matthew 2:9-12* tells us that God guided the wise men to the place of birth of Jesus Christ. *Acts 9:10-11*, the Lord gave and guided Ananias to a specific address of Saul of Tarsus.
Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit can forbid you to perform a task, though, it may seem like it would please God (Acts 16:6).
REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING
1. Delights in the Lord Psalm 37:4-5; 1Corinthians 2:9).
2. Passion for God’s will (Luke 22:42). The will of God does not leave you miserable or regretful but rather it takes you to the expected end (Jeremiah 29:11)
3. The willingness to be led (Romans 8:14; Psalm 23:1-2).
4. The attitude of meekness (Psalm 25 9) : meekness equals being teachable.
5. The attitude of enquiry (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:7)
6. The attitude of hearing and listening – activate the listening mode (Psalm 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1-2).
7. The attitude of patience (Isaiah 28:16). Do not force yourself to hear what God is not saying
8. Soak in and meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:105).
9. Pay attention to godly leaders over you (1Samuel 3:9).
10. Obey previous instructions (Mark 4:24b). If you have not harkened to previous instructions, you may not hear the next move of God
CONCLUSION
If God is the One leading you, you can never miss the mark. Ask for the grace to understand the mind of God and be guided in the right direction. If you think you have gone far in the wrong direction and refuse to turn back, you will only end in the wrong destination
*_LESSON: FOUR_*
_TOPIC:QADASH_
MEMORY VERSE: “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours”. –1Corithians 1:2 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: JOHN 17:17-19.
INTRODUCTION
“Qadash” is a Hebrew word that is translated as”sanctified”. In the Old testament, sanctification frequently denotes the ceremonial or ritual consecration of any person or thing to God. Thus, the Hebrews as a people, were holy unto the Lord, through the covenant with it’s rites and atoning sacrifices (Exo. 31:13). In the New Testament, sanctification is the second work of Grace after salvation that every believers must experience. Hence, every believer is called to a wholly sanctified life
LESSON OUTLINES
1. SANCTIFICATION – CONCEPT AND PROCESS
2. PRACTICES OF A SANCTIFIED LIFE.
SANCTIFICATION – CONCEPT AND PROCESS
To sanctify means to make holy or set apart from God (Exodus 29:44). Sanctification is making truly and perfectly what was defiled and sinful (Colossians 2:13). It is a progressive work of Divine Grace upon the soul justify by the Love of Christ (Romans 3:24). It is the advanced work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer from the moment of salvation to perfection (1Corinthians 6:11). It is gradual cleansing from the corrupt nature to a spotless nature (John 15:3; Jude 24). Every Christian should be holy has God is holy (1Peter1:15-16).
Sanctification and truth are inseparable. Those who love to be sanctified must love the truth which is the word of God (John 17:17). The Holy Spirit does the work of Sanctification through God’s word (2Thessalonians 2:13). The blood of Jesus cleanses the believers from all sin (1John 1:7). In addition, faith is in the Lord Jesus is an important ingredient in the work of certification (Galatians 2:20)
PRACTICES OF A SANCTIFIED LIFE.
Here are some of the notable practices of a sanctified life:
1. They live holy (Leviticus 11:44)
2. They are bonded to Christ (Romans 8:35)
3. They walk straight and are transparent in their dealings (Psalm 15:2)
4. They live by the standard of God’s word (Psalm 119:11)
5. They have direct access to God (Psalm 15:1)
6. They are filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
7. They have overflowing joy (Psalm 64:10)
8. They are peaceful (1Peter 3:11; Hebrews 12:14)
CONCLUSION
Believers must live a sanctified life, to have continuous fellowship with God both here on earth and in eternity
*_LESSON: FIVE_*
_TOPIC: SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES_
MEMORY VERSE: “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. –1Peter 2:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: HEBREWS 13:15-16
INTRODUCTION
Spiritual sacrifices replaced the material sacrifices of the old covenant (Exodus 29:36). No longer do we offer bulls, goats and lambs on the altar (Hebrews 10:1-11). Our worship today involves the offering of spiritual sacrifices. What are the spiritual sacrifices and who qualified to offer them acceptably?
LESSON OUTLINES
1. SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES DESCRIBED
2. OFFERING ACCEPTABLE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES
SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES? DESCRIBED
Spiritual sacrifices are continuous offerings from believers to God in faith. They are words or deeds motivated by a desire to glorify God alone (Hebrews 13:6). Just as the smoke of the incense ascended in the sanctuary under the the Old covenant, so our spiritual sacrifices ascend to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). These include the believers prayers, praises, will, body, time, treasures, talents and spiritual gifts.
Therefore, the fact that the incense was always burning means we should always pray (Luke 18:1). Fasting is also a spiritual sacrifice that aids the believers prayer (Daniel 9:3). God created us to praise Him, and we must offer the ‘sacrifice of praise’ to Him continually (Hebrews 13:15).
Just as Jesus surrendered His will to the Father’s (Luke 22:42), so should we, though it’s an ongoing battle (Romans 7:18-20). Our talents and spiritual gifts are from God and should be offered for the perfecting of the Saints, the work of the ministry, and the edification of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7, 11-12). Our treasures (financial/material) contribute to the spiritual sacrifices to be offered to God, the kingdom work on earth, the ministers of God, and the people in need (Philippians 4:18; Proverbs 19:17; Galatians 6:10). The apostle Paul also charges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices unto God (Romans 12:1).
OFFERING ACCEPTABLE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES
Believers constitute the new priesthood (1Peter 2:9). Therefore, to offer acceptable spiritual sacrifices, we must appear before God sanctified (Psalm 24:3-4; leviticus 10:1-3). We must present our bodies as ‘living sacrifices’ (Romans 12 12 Galatians 2:20). Our bodies are the Temple of the lord (1Corinthians 6:18). The believers body is yield to God as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:12-13; 8:11-13). This implies that we are to maintain good sexual boundaries (Ephesians 5:3), refuse to use our bodies for theft, or to bring up to another person (1Peter 4:15 colossians 3:12-13).
Spiritual sacrifices must be offered obediently (1Samuel 15:22); willingly (2Corinthians 9:6); cheerfully (2Corinthians 9:7); timely (Ecclesiastes 11:6); and in reference to God (Malachi 1:8).
CONCLUSION
Sacrifice is part and parcel of worship. Jesus promised us rewards for every kind action done in His name (Mark 9:41)
*_LESSON: SIX_*
_TOPIC: SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE_
MEMORY VERSE: “And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom”. – 2Kings 6:12 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 7:9-15
INTRODUCTION
Generally, Spiritual intelligence is defined as the human capacity to ask questions about the ultimate meaning of life and the world in which we live. From a Christian perspective, it can be defined as reasoning ethically and morally to live life according to Scripture through the Holy Spirit. It is also a process of gaining Spiritual in sight into events yet to happen. Spiritual intelligence includes having a foreknowledge of the adversaries’ activities before they are carried out (2Kgs. 6:8-11). All over the world , it is a well-known fact that one of the key tools for any effective.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
2. PROCESS AND BENEFIT
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
All through the Bible we see instances where intelligence was employed in order to gain an advantage over the enemy. Some of these instances are mentioned below.
1. Prophet Elisha offered intelligence service to the king of Israel. This made the king escape assassination (2Kgs. 6:8-13).
2. Jesus has advanced knowledge of the plan to forcefully make Him a king. He was able to isolate Himself (Jn. 6:14-15).
3. David’s knowledge of King Saul’s plot to kill him aided his escape (1Sam. 19:11-12; 1Sam. 23:6-13).
4. Paul’s Awareness of the plot to arrest and kill him led to the brethren helping him out (Acts 9:23-25).
5. Gideon’s divine intelligence led to victory over Israel’s enemies (Judges 7:9-15).
PROCESS AND BENEFIT
God reveals deep secrets to His children (Dan. 2:22). To become spiritually intelligent, believers must: develop intimacy with the Holy spirit (Jn.14:26); live a lifestyle of unceasing prayer, and be watchful (James 5:17; Habakkuk 2:1-2); be committed to obeying God’s word and be spiritually disciplined (1Kgs. 13-11-22).
A believer who is spiritually intelligent will gain dominance over the enemy and put the enemy at his/her mercy (1Sam. 24:9-16). Such a believer will overcome temptation and the resultant sin (Gen. 39:9). Spiritual intelligence helps believers to escape the snares of the enemy (Psa. 91:1-3) and be protected against the hidden wickedness of man (Isa. 8:9-10); this will frustrate any satanic agenda against them (Isa. 54:17).
CONCLUSION
No child of God is redeemed to be dominated. For believers to take over, they must spiritual intelligence over their adversaries through prayers in the Holy Ghost and a life of holiness.
*_LESSON: SEVEN_*
_TOPIC: BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION OF SIN_
MEMORY VERSE: “Whosoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness”. – 1John 3:4(NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: ROMANS 5:12-15
INTRODUCTION
Sin is best described in the Bible as the transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7). Sin had it’s beginning with Lucifer who was not content with his position; he desired to be higher than God, and that was his downfall (Isaiah 14:12-15). Since the time of Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God, sin has been passed down through all the generations of mankind and we (Adam’s descendants) have inherited sin from him (Romans 5:12).
LESSON OUTLINES
1. TYPES OF SIN
2. REDEMPTION FROM THE PENALTY OF SIN
TYPES OF SIN
1. *Inherited sin:* Through Adam, the inherent inclination to sin entered the human race, and we became sinners by nature. When Adam sinned, his inner nature was transformed by his sin of rebellion, bringing to him spiritual death and depravity which would be passed on to all who came after him (Romans 5:12). We are sinners not because we sin, rather, we sin because we are sinners (Romans 5:19a). This passed on depravity is known as inherited sin. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful nature from Adam (Psalm 51:5).
2. *Imputed sin:* The Greek word ‘ellogeo’ translated “imputed” means “lay to one’s charge or credit to one’s account. “Before the law of Moses was given, sin was not imputed to man, although men were still sinners because of inherited sin (Romans 5:13). After the law was given, sins committed in violation of the law were imputed (accounted) to them (Romans 5:20a). Even before transgressions of the law were imputed to men, the ultimate penalty for sin (death) continued to reign (Romans 5:14). After Moses, humans were subject to death both because of inherited sin from Adam and imputed sin from violating the laws of God.
God used the principle of imputation to benefit mankind when He imputed the sin of all to the account of Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for that sin – death – on the cross (1 John 2:2). It is important to understand that sin was imputed to Him, but He did not inherit it from Adam. He bore the penalty for sin, but He never became a sinner (2 Corinthians 5:21).
3. *Personal sin:* This refers to the sins committed every day by human beings. We have inherited a sinful nature from Adam, we commit individual sins, everything from seemingly innocent untruths to murder (1 John 5:17a). Those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ must pay the penalty for these personal sins, as well as inherited and imputed sin (Romans 6:23).
REDEMPTION FROM THE PENALTY OF SIN
The only just penalty for sin (inherited, imputed, and personal) is death; physical and eternal (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15). Thankfully, all three types of sin have been crucified on the cross of Jesus, and now by faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour we have redemption (Ephesians 17; 1 John 3:5). Once we confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness for them, we are restored to perfect fellowship and communion with Him (1 John 1:9). Believers have been freed from the eternal penalty of sin and now have the power through Jesus to refuse to sin (1 John 3:9).
CONCLUSION
God imputed the righteousness of Christ to believers and credited our accounts with His righteousness, just as He had credited our sins to Christ’s account (2 Corinthians 5:21).
*_LESSON: EIGHT_*
_TOPIC: SONSHIP (PART 1)_
MEMORY VERSE: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”. – John 1:12 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Galatians 4:4-7
INTRODUCTION
In the family of God, gender does not define sonship (Gen. 1:27). Anyone who is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, adopted through grace is a son of God (Eph. 1:5). Sonship in our context refers to a relationship with the Almighty God through Jesus Christ which makes Him Father to all believers (Rom. 8:15). Sonship is a very important source of authority and dominion which distinguishes sons from others (Jn. 1:12; Gal. 4:7). Beginning from Jesus, the Father always deliberately robes His sons with power (Jn. 5:27; Acts 1:8). This is to empower them to operate fully at his representatives on earth. This lesson focuses on Jesus as the son of God as well as believers.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. JESUS, THE SON OF GOD
2. BELIEVERS AS SONS
JESUS, THE SON OF GOD
The Holy Scripture acknowledge s the sonship of Jesus severally because the Scripture itself is about Him (Jn. 5:39; Luke 24:44). Jesus’ sonship was acknowledged by God, the Father (Matt. 3:16-17); Himself (Jn. 10:36); devil’s (Luke 4:41); His disciples (Jn. 6:67-69); His accusers (Matt. 27:54); a Jew (Jn. 1:49) and the angelic host (Luke 1:35). Also, Jesus’ miracles distinguished Him as the only begotten son of the Father (Jn. 11:4). His outstanding teaching ministry confirming Him as the Son of the most High God (Matt. 7:29; Luke 4:31-32). The prophetic declaration of his birth established the truth about His sonship (Isa. 7:14; Luke 1:32).
BELIEVERS AS SONS
Having established Jesus’ sonship, the Bible indicates that all believers regardless of gender are “sons” of God (Gal. 3:26-29) in the same degree as jesus. This truth resonates throughout the New Testament and is at the very heart of the gospel (1Jn. 3:1-2). The Holy Scripture has several proofs for our sonship, some of which include:
1. Our adoption as sons (Rom. 8:15).
2. The fact that we were given the same spirit as Jesus (Gal. 4:6).
3. Being divinely led by the spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).
4. Prophetic support (2Cor. 6:18).
5. Jesus’ assertion (Jn. 20:17).
6. Expectation of God’s creatures (Rom. 8:19).
7. The fatherhood of God in Jesus’ prayer model (Matt. 6:9).
In addition, just like Jesus, the Scriptures establish the fact that we too as sons have power and authority (Luke 10:19). We have essentially the same mandate (Jn. 14:12). We are in this same world as Jesus is (1Jn. 4:17). We have the same fate (Jn. 15:20). The disciples of Jesus, down the ages, have demonstrated same power and authority (Acts 3:6-8).
CONCLUSION
You must be born again to attain the “sonship statues.” (Jn. 1:12).
*_LESSON: NINE_*
_TOPIC: SONSHIP (PART 2)_
MEMORY VERSE: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father”. – John 14:12 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: John 14:10-14
INTRODUCTION
In our previous lessons, we established the fact that like Jesus- the only begotten son, all believers in Jesus Christ are God’s adopted sons and have equal status with the begotten son. Just as Jesus demonstrated divine power and enjoyed direct access to the Father during His earthly ministry, believers are entitled to the same flow in the family of God. Today, we will attempt to consider some of the privileges that the “sonship status” confers on us as well as the right mindset for this reality and the attendant responsibilities.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. THE PRIVILEGES OF SONS
2. THE MINDSET AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SON
THE PRIVILEGES OF SONS
Becoming the “son of God” is the greatest achievement anyone could have because the “sonship status” confers so many privileges on the believers which include: Uncommon divine revelations (Jn. 15:15); Stewardship of God’s estate (Jn. 17:10); Heir-ship of God (Gal. 4:7); Divine honour (Jn. 12:26); Eternal life (Jn. 3:15-16); Access to authority (Luke 10:19); Supernatural preservation (Jn. 17:12); Supernatural stamina (Eph. 3:16-17); A place in God’s kingdom (Jn. 14:2-3); Freedom from sin and it’s attendant slavery (1Jn. 3:8-10); Appointment unto Glory (Jn. 17:22); Intimacy with the Father (Matt. 6:9, 31-32); Access to royalty (1Pet. 2:9).
THE MINDSET AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SON
To operate in and maximize the status of sonship, we must develop the right mindset and be committed to the responsibilities attached. These include:
1. Total surrender and obedience to the Father’s will (Philip. 2:5-8).
2. Openness to correction and chastening (Heb. 12:5, 7, 11).
3. Power and authority consciousness (Mark 16:17-18).
4. Awareness to divine presence (Heb. 13:5).
5. Courage and boldness (Eph. 3:11-12).
As sons we must also have a sense of responsibility towards the kingdom (Matt. 6:33). Intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit (1Jn. 2:27). Absolute trust in the father (Prov. 3:5-7). Passionate love for the Father (Mark 12:29-30); Love and compassion for humanity (1Jn. 3:15-17, 1Jn. 4:20); Commitment to holiness (1Pet. 1:15-16).
CONCLUSION
To fully enjoy all the privileges of sonship, believers must develop the right mindset and undertake the accompanying responsibilities.
*_LESSON: TEN_*
_TOPIC: HONOUR GOD_
MEMORY VERSE: “A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?”. – Malachi 1:6(NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1SAMUEL 2:29-30
INTRODUCTION
Honour (from the Hebrew word ‘tiph’arah’) means esteem,’ ‘value,’ or ‘great respect.’ To honour someone is to bestow value upon him or to highly esteem another. It is very important to note that all authority and honour belong to God alone (1Tim. 1:17; Rev. 5:13). This lesson points us to why and how we should honour God.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. REASONS FOR HONOURING GOD
2. WAYS TO HONOUR GOD
REASONS FOR HONOURING GOD
God deserves all honour (Rev. 4:11). There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone in any position of power or of influence who can claim such an honour (1Tim. 6:16). God alone is the creator and the one that sustains the heavens and the earth (Rev. 14:7).
Therefore, as believers, we honour God for who He is (Isa. 45:5-6); because he is our father (Matt. 6:9b); in our recognition that the gift of eternal life and the salvation of our souls come through Jesus Christ and him alone (Jh. 11:25; Acts 4:12; 1Tim. 2:5); for his goodness and wonderful works (Ps. 107:15); for all his benefits we enjoy (Ps. 63:19).
All true believers are to honour God (Ps. 134:1), through our acknowledgement and confession that he is the one and only God (Exodus 20:3).
WAYS TO HONOUR GOD
Below are some of the ways to honour God.
1. Through our adoration and obedience to His will (1Sam 2:29-30).
2. To totally commit our lives to him and devote our possession to His service and glory (Matt. 22:37-38; Colossians 3:17).
3. By giving Him our substances (firstfruits, tithes, offerings, etc.) wholeheartedly (Proverbs 3:9-10).
4. By living holy because he is holy and we are created in his image (1Pet. 1:15-16).
5. Honouring God has great rewards: God will honour those who honour him (1Sam. 2:30) and give them overflowing blessings (Proverbs 3:9-10).
CONCLUSION
God deserves all honour and it must be given to him.
*_LESSON: ELEVEN_*
_TOPIC: HONOUR MEN_
MEMORY VERSE: “Honour all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king”. – 1Peter 2:17(NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: ROMANS 13:7-8
INTRODUCTION
In our previous lesson, we learnt why and how we should honour God. We also learnt the meaning of honour which is to bestow value upon someone or highly esteem another. The Bible exhort us to give honour to whom it is due (Romans 13:7). In this lesson, we shall attempt to categorize those who deserve honour and how we can attain honour as well.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHO DESERVE HONOUR?
2. PEOPLE DESERVING HONOUR
PEOPLE DESERVING HONOUR
The idea of honoring people is Biblical and can be showcased in many of our basic relationship. Here are some of them:
1. Citizen-Authority relationship. We are to honour especially those in authority through obedience and demonstration of respect, irrespective of their age or qualification. This comes from the fact that they representative God’s intimate authority (Romans 13:1-2)
2. Laity-Clergy relationships. The Bible speaks of the relationship of the church as deserving ‘double-honour’ (1Timothy 5:17)
3. Employee-Employer relationship. We are equally commended to honour one another in our Employee-Employer relationships (Ephesians 6:5-9).
4. Husband-Wife relationships. In a marriage relationship, the husband is expected to love and show appreciation to his wife while she reciprocates with reverence (Ephesians 5:33).
5. Children-Parents relationships. The command to honour our parents comes with a promise (Exodus 20:12). To do otherwise is to attract untimely death (Matthew 15:4)
On the whole, the Bible admonishes us to honour all men (1Peter 2:17).
ATTAINING TRUE HONOUR
The Bible teaches that true honour is found in God (Deuteronomy 26:19). Anyone who wishes to attain true honour must, first of all, have a cordial relationship with God (Psalm 91:14-15). Therefore to attain honour, we must be righteous (Proverbs 21:21); humble (Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 15:33); wise and intelligent (Proverbs 4:7-8); hardworking and delight (Proverbs 22:29); faithful and maintain integrity (Psalm 41:12; Proverbs 20:7), among others.
CONCLUSION
If we honour those promoted by God, He will honour us too. Do not look down on anyone.
*_LESSON: TWELVE_*
_TOPIC: MINISTRY OF MENTORS_
MEMORY VERSE: “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel”. – 1Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2Timothy 2:1-2
INTRODUCTION
A mentor is person who gives a younger or less experience person help and advice over a period of time, especially at work, school, Church, ministry, family, etc. The person is an experienced and trusted adviser (Exo. 18:17-21). The ministry of a mentor is an active office of someone who is intentionally committed to raising those who aspire to be guided into them into becoming whom God has wired them to be in life. It is glaring that there is a scarcity of genuine mentors everywhere, hence, there is a need to understand the place of mentorship.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. PURPOSE OF MENTORSHIP AND COMMON MISTAKE
2. ACCESSING MENTORS
PURPOSE OF MENTORSHIP AND COMMON MISTAKE
Mentorship is a relationship involving two individuals, where one serves as mentor and the other as the mentee (Exo. 18:20; 1Kgs. 19:16). A mentee is an individual who has submitted to the tutelage of a mentor to learn from his/her vast arrays of insight (Acts 22:3). While it is good to be mentored by an experienced individual, the purpose of mentorship should be well understand (1Kgs. 19:16). Mentorship is to: bridge the gap of knowledge existing in a sphere of life; maintain certain ordinance that has been in existence; have men who will continue legacies; raise a platform where the young can glean from the knowledge of the old and provide a platform for trans-generational impact.
Certain mistakes should be avoided in mentorship. These include not being intentional.
Certain mistakes should be avoided in mentorship. These include not being intentional about the mentorship process; being egocentric on the side of the mentee (that he/she knows more than the mentor); thinking mentorship is slavery in disguise; having over-familiarity syndrome; mentors not fully opening up to their mentees for fear of being betrayed or rising above them.
ACCESSING MENTORS
Ideally, mentoring ought to be intentional – the mentor carefully and prayerfully chooses whom to mentor. However, in present-day reality, the reverse seems to be the case – people now search for whom to mentor is as important as finding one. You can as well be coaches by proxy through books, tapes and other materials.
There are formidable steps that can be used as yardsticks for finding or selecting mentors for yourself. You need to understand yourself and your purpose in life. You must also understand the field of expertise in which you want to function and search for the Individual with proven records in that sphere. A godly behavioral lifestyle is very essential in the chosen mentor. Make the mentorship process official so as to have the best kind of communication between you and the mentor. Choose someone that would be available to guide you to your goal. This is very important.
CONCLUSION
A mentorship relationship is not friendship. The mentee must not become irresponsible in handling certain aspects of his/her life in the process of mentorship.
