DATE: SUNDAY, 26TH FEBRUARY 2023
LESSON: 26
TOPIC: END OF SECOND QUARTER / INTERACTIVE SESSION
HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM:
1. I Love This Family Of God,
So Closely Knitted Into One,
They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
And `am So Glad To Be
A Part Of This Great Family
2. I Bless This Family Of God,
So Greatly Prospered By The Lord,
They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
And ´am So Glad To Be
A Part Of This Great Family
3. I Know This Family Of God,
So Deeply Rooted In The Word,
They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
And ´am So Glad To Be
A Part Of This Great Family
4. I See This Family Of God,
So Highly Lifted Above All,
They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
And ´am So Glad To Be
A Part Of This Great Family
5. Come, Join This Family Of God,
So Highly Favoured By The Lord,
They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
And ´am So Glad To Be
A Part Of This Great Family
*SUMMARY OF LESSONS (14 – 25)*
*LESSON: 14*
*TOPIC: SAYING NO*
*MEMORY VERSE: “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil”. Matthew 5:37
*BIBLE TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18-20*
18. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19. 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?
20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
Saying no is an act of standing your grounds and not letting people take advantage of you. Bible makes us to understand that we should let our yes be yes and no be no. Matthew 5:37. Sometimes you end up disappointing people because you were not able to say no when you should have. So it is important to learn not to be A yes person all the time. Saying no does not make you less than you are. Sometimes, when we stand our position, it is a plus to our personality and characters.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINES ONE:
PHOBIA OF SAYING NO
The fear of saying no also stems from the urge to:
1. Avoid alcohol
2. Also because we do not want to be confrontational
3. Because we also do not want to hurt the other person’s feelings
4. Because we do not want to loose relevance and association
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
HOW TO SAY NO WITHOUT HURTING EITHER OURSELVES OR THE OTHER PARTY
1. Appreciate them but let them know that you will not be able to honour their request.
2. Let them know who you are and the choices you have made in your other commitments and would not be able to compromise your position.
3. Always check with your LORD in prayer before ever saying yes to any request.
4. Instead of saying yes, tell the other party to give you time to think about it and you give an answer.
LESSON OUTLINE THREE
EXAMPLES OF THOSE THAT REFUSED TO SAY NO
1. Remember King Jehoshaphat who nearly lost his life when he refused to say no to demonic offer, 1 Kings 22:4-32.
2. Remember Balaam that received gain of deception for not saying no, Numbers 22.
3. Gehazi refused to say no to flesh prompting to sin and later got Leprosy, 2 Kings 5:20-27
4. Esau refused to say no to unquenchable hunger, he lost his birthright, Genesis 25:32
5. Absalom refused to say no to his ungodly ambition, he died shamefully, 2 Samuel 15:3-6
*ACTIVITY:*
Assess your life and see what you need to say no to.
*SUMMARY:*
Unquenchable thirst for mundane things is deadly.
*CONCLUSION:*
It iste do not make ourselves yes men and women and at the end we are then seen and regarded as unreliable people. It is important to always say no to sin and anything that looks like sin, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, James 4:7.
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*LESSON: 15*
*TOPIC: SHE CRIES AT THE GATE*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.” Proverbs 8:1-3.
*BIBLE TEXT: PROVERBS 1:20-33*
20. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21. She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23. Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25. But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
The Bible passages for today personified Wisdom; Jesus Christ is the power and the wisdom of God. It says that she cries out to you and I in the streets, in the market and at the entrance of the city gates she speaks. The believers and the unbelievers need the wisdom to live in this world in order to succeed in life. Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is a Principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding”.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINES ONE:
WISDOM CRIES:
1. Wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding.
2. The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight according to 1 Corinthians 3:19 and it cannot help us to achieve God’s purpose for our lives.
3. The first principal of biblical wisdom is that man who humbles himself before God in reverence and worship, obedient to His commands. Proverbs 1:7
4. When we seek for wisdom, we are seeking to know the mind of God.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BENEFITS OF GODLY WISDOM
1. We have security
2. We will enjoy peace like a river
3. We will be blessed and be a blessing to others
4. We will see beyond others
5. Our problems are solved by wisdom
LESSON OUTLINE THREE
WHEN WE DO NOT LISTEN TO HER CRIES, PROVERBS 1:26-28
Those who refused to listen to wisdom, a time will come that wisdom will also ignore them and they are fools. Whoever lacks wisdom, lacks God’s direction and can never attain something tangible in life. Cannot stand in the sight of God, Psalms 5:5. You will eat the fruits of your own way. Wisdom mocks you when her time is passed.
*ACTIVITY:* Let members give examples of how and when to apply godly wisdom.
*SUMMARY:* Ignoring wisdom when necessary brings future mockery.
*CONCLUSION:* You must listen to Wisdom’s Cry to and dwell securely in this life and next. You can be at ease now and in eternity. Hear Christ and obey His voice!
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*LESSON: 16*
*TOPIC: HOW TO AVOID THE DEVIL*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. James 4:7
*BIBLE TEXT: JAMES 4:6-8*
6. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
Devil is depicted by sin and falsehood, and he is representing anything that is against God. As much as possible, he must be avoided. To avoid the devil, therefore, one needs to avoid anything that represents him. To this however, as a child of God, you must be ardently obedient to God’s words and commandments.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINES ONE:
SUBMIT TO GOD AND RESIST THE DEVIL
In order to keep the devil at bay, the following are important.
1. Decide to be for God by being genuinely saved and totally committed to Jesus Christ Acts 3:19.
2. Come out of the world, where the devil reign supreme 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
3. Study and memorize the word of God, you will need it to avoid the devil 2 Timothy 2:15, Colossians 3:16.
4. Put on the whole armour of God. Ephesians 6:10-18, Acts 1:8.
5. Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh Galatians 5:16
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
FLEE FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL
We must follow the following if we are to flee from the devil.
1. Be contented with what God gives you 1 Timothy 6:6-8
2. Identify his resemblance and avoid them.
3. Do not be deceived by the evil prosperity of the wicked, they will soon come to destruction Psalm 73:1-12, Jeremiah 17:11.
4. Cut off relationships with all ungodly friends and associates 2 Corinthians 6:16-18.
*ACTIVITY:* Give examples of those that died by yielding to satan’s wiles.
*CONCLUSION:*
The devil will come to children of God without invitation, so we must always at alert of his pranks by engaging him with the word. “It is written” at any time 1 Peter 5:8, but our victory is certain if we abide in Christ Jesus.
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*LESSON: 17*
*TOPIC: REST FOR YOUR SOUL*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.
*BIBLE TEXT: PROVERBS 3:5-6*
5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
To rest means to cease from work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength. To be at rest means to be at peace with yourself, with God and your environment, to get a break from multiple struggles and stress. Many things can be a burden to us: financial difficulties, troublesome work environment, painful family situations and our health. Often, we may feel completely worn out, not just outwardly tired but inwardly exhausted from struggling to bear these burdens. In Matthew 11:28, the Lord Jesus sounded a call with these gracious words “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
HOW CAN WE FIND REST FOR OUR SOULS?
1. By heartening to the voice of the Lord. Jesus said “come unto me” He said you must come. What a simple but important word for your freedom. The word come is found in the Bible in at least 1900 times. So, whoever you may be the Lord wants you to come to Him for solutions to all life challenges and you will find rest for your soul.
2. By invitation – inviting Jesus into your life and situation. Jeremiah 33:3, call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not”.
3. We are serving a God that does not sleep nor slumber, a solution provider, the ever present God. He has promised to answer us when we call upon His name.
4. By studying the word of God. This is another factor that will give rest for your soul. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. Studying and meditating on the word of God gives peace and rest of mind.
5. Through prayers and supplication – Philippians 4:6, communicating with God through faith in His word, promises and through total trust in his faithfulness and in His love. The lasting rest we all need is given to those who call on Him in the place of prayer. Rest for our souls come and abide because of personal encounter with the Lord. This should give added motivation to us to spend time with Him invthe place of prayer.
*ACTIVITY:*
Members should study David’s approach to situation in 1 Samuel 30.
*SUMMARY:*
Trusting God keeps you out of unnecessary anxiety.
*CONCLUSION:*
Our great revelation of Matthew 11:28 is that the rest your soul desires, Jesus has promised you. He has promised to give you rest and indeed, He has given you. But you can only find the rest as you follow His directives. Come unto Him and you will find rest for your soul.
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*LESSON: 18*
*TOPIC: ISSUANCE (SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL)*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD”. Proverbs 21:31
*BIBLE TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:16-18*
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
Insurance is a thing provided against a possible eventuality. The Bible makes us understand that safety is of the LORD, Proverbs 21:31. Also, our Bible reading gives us a guide to how to get the supernatural Insurance which is more than any form of insurance than man can provide, Proverbs 5:8.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
PHYSICAL INSURANCE
We see people going about with mobile policemen with AK47 guns and yet still get killed. In 1 Samuel 17:39-51, Goliath trusted in his might, and his military appliances but David trusted in God and got victory with one stone and a sling.
People who put their trust in the hands of men and end up disappointed.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
PHYSICAL INSURANCE VERSUS SPIRITUAL INSURANCE
Physical insurance can fail because your life and belongings are in the hands of man and the arm of flesh will surely fail – Psalms 9:10, Isaiah 42:17. While the spiritual insurance depends on the power of your God. The Gid of Israel can never fail. For example, 2 Chronicles 20:15-22. All those who go from one native doctor to another seeking protection where there is no help, at the end, lose everything and end up in hell.
*ACTIVITY:*
Choose to pray for all nations for Christ to reign and declare His peace.
*CONCLUSION:*
God is the only sure protection and safety. It is important to know God and rely on Him for everything, 1 Chronicles 5:20.
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*LESSON: 19*
*TOPIC: KNOW YOUR ENEMY*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light”. 2 Corinthians 11:14
*BIBLE TEXT: REVELATION 12:10*
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
We are living in a world where there is so much pretence, where people pretend to be what they are not. You will be amazed to discover that the person you call a friend in every sense of it is actually not. Nevertheless, our number one enemy is Satan the devil and the flesh. If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
YOUR ENEMY SATAN – JAMES 4:7
We should not be ignorant of the devil’s schemes nor should we be surprised when we see the destruction he leaves in his work. We do not have to give him much rope to hang us with. His nature is to steal, kill and destroy.
Five things to know about Satan:
1. He is evil, wicked, calculating and void of any good, John 10:10
2. He hates God and God’s image in this world and works tirelessly to destroy all that God created as good.
3. He hates you and me and all humanity because we are crowning creatures in God’s world and we are His image bearers, Genesis 1:26
4. He is not equal with God but is created by God and under ultimate authority of our sovereign Lord.
5. His destiny is eternal destruction in hell.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
YOUR ENEMY (FLESH)
Flesh is not the body, but the sinful nature that dwells in our body. One form of the flesh is SELF, Romans 8:5-8
Three things to know about the flesh:
1. Flesh will never obey God. Flesh hates God and hates his son, Romans 8:7
2. Flesh is a sin. It houses stealing, telling lies, disobedience, fighting, hatred, pride etc, Mark 7:21-23
3. Flesh is controlled by Satan inside of us.
Here are some ways flesh expresses itself:
a. Self-Pride – Flesh says “I am number one people should look up to me and honour me”.
b. Self-Love – The person I love more than anyone is myself.
c. Self- Pity – Self is always grumbling and complaining, never satisfied.
d. Self – Righteousness – Self is quite satisfied with it’s own goodness and morality.
e. Self-Will – Self always wants to have its own way. It is not subject to the law of God, So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God, Romans 8:1.
*ACTIVITY:* Carefully work on your weak areas with the help of the Holy Spirit.
*SUMMARY:* Be sober, vigilant, your adversary is on the mission of destruction.
*CONCLUSION:*
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. Romans 8:1
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*LESSON: 20*
*TOPIC: HOW TO FIGHT*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight”. Psalms 144:1
*BIBLE TEXT: ZECHARIAH 4:7*
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
Matthew 11:12 reveals that only the violent can possess the blessings that God has made available for His children. We need to understand the elements of acceptable prayers for effective results. Jesus told His disciples that many pray and do not get answers because they do not pray correctly (praying amiss) James 4:2-3. Our Lord Jesus during His earthly ministry taught His disciples how to pray (fight) and obtain desired answers (results). John 14:13-14, Matthew 21:22, Matthew 7:7
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
ELEMENTS OF ACCEPTABLE PRAYERS
To fight and overcome in the place of prayers, we must pray as prescribed for us by our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Approach God’s presence with praise and thanksgiving, Psalm 100:4-5
2. The prayers must be in the name of Jesus, John 14:14
3. You must pray in faith, Matthew 21:22
4. Your request must be according to God’s will, Mark 14:32-36
5. You need the Holy Spirit to help channel your requests correctly, Romans 8:26-27, 1 Corinthians 14:2
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
HINDRANCES TO EFFECTIVE PRAYERS
Jesus told His disciples that when we do not pray correctly, our prayers will not achieve desired results. Likewise, Daniel 10:12-13 also reveals that prayers can be hindered by the devil and his cohorts, 1 Peter 5:8
a. Unbelief, James 1: 6-7
b. Wrong motives James 4:3, 1 John 5:14
c. Sin, 1 Isaiah 59:1, Proverbs 28:9, 1 Peter 3:12
d. Pride, James 4:6
e. Unforgiveness, Mark 11:11-15
f. Disharmony in the home, 1 Peter 3:7
g. Lack of knowledge of God’s Word, Hosea 4:6, Hebrews 4:12
*ACTIVITY:* Kindly allow members to share their testimonies of prayers answered.
*SUMMARY:* Effective fervent prayers of righteousness man avail.
*CONCLUSION:*
As children of God, we have the assurance that our Lord Jesus has already fought and won our battles for us, Colossians 2:13-15. What is required of us is to believe and claim our victories in place of prayers by the blood and the name of Jesus. Revelation 12:11
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*LESSON: 21*
*TOPIC: THE EVER-PRESENT GOD*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD”. Jeremiah 23:24
*BIBLE TEXT: GENESIS 28:10-18*
10. And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.
11. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
14. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
15. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
16. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
17. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
18. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
In the world today, many people do not believe in God because they do not see Him. Yet as believers, we know Him as the God that is universally present (Omnipresent) and also personally present, dwelling with His people. The Bible tells us that man can only know God based on what He reveals to him.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
LET US IDENTIFY SOME OF THE WAYS GOD REVEALED HIMSELF TO MAN IN THE BIBLE
1. Through creation, Romans 1:19-20, Psalms 19:1-6.
2. Through covenants and promises to His people Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 9:8-17
3. Through divine visitations, Exodus 3:1-6, 1 Samuel 3:6-11, Acts 9:1-9.
4. Through His interventions and wondrous acts.
God is Omnipresent God therefore being in the presence of God will entail:
A. God opening our eyes, ears and heart to see and sense His nearness in a tangible way, Genesis 28:16
B. Manifestations that can make one tremble and stand in awe of God, Psalms 114:7, Exodus 40:34.
C. Seeking God through prayer, praise or study of the word of God, as an individual or as a group draws His presence 2 Chronicles 5:14.
*ACTIVITY:* Give examples of areas God has revealed Himself as Omnipresent.
*SUMMARY:* Effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails.
*CONCLUSION:*
There is nothing like the presence of God. In His presence we find rest, fulness of joy, covering, healing, peace, favour, deliverance, spiritual growth and other numerous blessings.
Why not begin to draw close to Him more than you have been doing.
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*LESSON: 22*
*TOPIC: TIME AND CHANCE*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all”. Ecclesiastes 9:11
*BIBLE TEXT: ROMANS 8:28, JOB 14:14
ROMANS 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
JOB 14:14
If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
The Almighty God is the Lord over “Time and Chance”
God is timeless because He lives in eternity. He has been in existence before the creation of the Heavens and the Earth. A thousand years is but a day before God because He operates in Kairos while we operate in Chronos.
God has an appointed time for everyone to fulfill his/her purpose in life. This can only be achieved by being at the right place, at the right time and doing the right thing by waiting in the place of prayer. This book of Job 14:14 says “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come”.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
DEFINITION OF TIME AND CHANCE
TIME: A measurable period during which an action or condition exits or continues.
It is a portion of duration which God has given to man. Time can also be referred to as opportunity.
CHANCE – Incident or Occurrence of events in the absence of obvious intentions or cause Ecclesiastes 9:11 explains to us that it is not the fastest runner that wins in a race nor the strongest man that wins in a battle. But Time and Chance happen to them all. It means that nothing happens in life by accident, the Almighty God is the force that controls ‘Time and Chance’.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO EXPERIENCED TIME AND CHANCE
1. JOSEPH – He wanted the butler to help him immediately he (butler) was released from the prison but it did not happen until after two years, Genesis 41.
2. DAVID – He obeyed his father by going to see his brothers then he saw Goliath terrorising the Army of Israel, 1 Samuel 17
3. ESTHER – She became a queen in order to save Jews from destruction, Esther 6.
4. Hannah – She needed a son and God needed a Prophet to replace Eli, 1 Samuel 1-2.
5. WOMAN WITH ISSUE OF BLOOD – She got the chance and perfectly use it, Mark 3:25-34.
6. RAHAB, THE HARLOT – Utilised the chance and got better offer, Joshua 6.
7. RUTH, THE MOABITRESS – She got covenanted to David’s dynasty.
*ACTIVITY:* Let members study those that refused to wait for their time and the repercussions.
*SUMMARY:* Time and Chance happens to all issues of life.
*CONCLUSION:*
There is time for everything. Doing things at the wrong time would lead to disaster. God has an appointed time for our miracles but be sensitive to positive chance that can bring newness to the journey of your life.
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*LESSON: 23*
*TOPIC: BLESSING AND RESPONSIBILITY*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things”. Ecclesiastes 10:19
*BIBLE TEXT: LUKE 8:1-3*
. And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
2. And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3. And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
If wishes were horses, beggars might ride. Wishes have never made and can never make a poor man wealthy. God is ready to bless His children but that blessing that He trusted into your hand is meant to be used for the growth of His Kingdom on earth.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
BLESSING, A NECESSITY FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM
God is ready to bless His children:
1. A genuine blessing comes from God, Hab 2:8
2. With the condition of their readiness, Isaiah 1:19
3. It is He that giveth power to get wealth, Deuteronomy 8:18
4. God can also cause our blessings to cease, 1 Chronicles 29:12, Ecclesiastes 5:18, Hosea 2:11. The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich 1 Samuel 2:7
The children of the Kingdom can provoke His blessings by:
1. Believing and trusting in God, Romans 10:10
2. Being diligent, Proverbs 22:29
3. Giving and sowing especially in the life of the needy and in the house of God, Luke 6:38, Isaiah 55:10. Abraham sowed his only son Isaac, Genesis 22:15-17
4. Showing kindness to others. Remember the good Samaritan.
It is commonly said that nothing goes for nothing. Money is meant to be spent. God has blessed you so that His work will no longer suffer any lack on the earth.
LESSON TWO
THE KINGDOM CHILDREN’S RESPONSIBILITY
The children of the kingdom are blessed in order to use their wealth for the Kingdom’s advancement, Luke 8:1-3. Like Peter who gave his boat to Jesus to use – Luke 5:3. Your car, your boat, your home as centre for house fellowship, your talents, your time, your substance etc. can be used for the King’s work. Tabitha, called Docas used her blessing to help the poor and widows, Acts 9:36-39. Let us not be weary in well doing Galatians 6:9, in the church, those that believed were together and had all things together Acts 2:44-45.
*ACTIVITY:* Mention few people in the Bible who refused to show gratitude to God for blessing obtained.
*SUMMARY:* Don’t be like the dead sea that never gives, it is profitable to give.
*CONCLUSION:*
You will only be remembered for what you have done for God and when you get to heaven you shall enjoy the life of service for our master.
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*LESSON: 24*
*TOPIC: SEEKING RECOGNITION AND ACCEPTANCE*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath”. Esther 3:5
*BIBLE TEXT: ESTHER 3:2-5*
2. And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
3. Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
4. Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
5. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
Recognition is the act (behaviour, actions, utterances) a man undertakes for him to be noticed, given attention, acknowledged, respected or celebrated. Seeking acceptance is the desire, actions taken to be perceived as adequate, valid, or suitable.
Every man/woman belongs to a family, city, town, country, profession, etc. and seeks to be recognised and accepted as part of the family, group, nation, etc. that he/she belongs to.
The questions are
1. Should a Christian seek to be recognised and accepted by all?
2. What are the dangers of seeking the recognition and acceptance of men?
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
SEEKING RECOGNITION AND ACCEPTANCE
When a man’s purpose for rendering services to God is to seek recognition, he is walking in error. Colossians 3:23 tells us that whatever we do should be with joy to the glory of God. Some of the reasons why we should not seek recognition are:
1. God will not share His glory with any man, Isaiah 42:8
2. We have no power or ability of our own, John 15:1-5
3. We are making man our source, John 5:44
4. To avoid pride and destruction, Acts 12:21-23
5. There will be no reward from God, Matthew 6:1
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
WE SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK GOD’S GLORY
Seeking glory is for men to recognition the greatness, goodness, love, power and merin all we do and all that pertains to our lives. This we should do by:
1. Acknowledging and thanking God for everything, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
2. Always doing everything for God’s glory, Colossians 3:23
3. Always testifying of God’s goodness, mercy and blessings, Psalms 89:1
4. Readiness to be used as vessels unto honour 2 Timothy 2:20
5. Not compromising the position we undertake, avoid afflicting others.
*ACTIVITY:* Let members mentioned dangers of projecting oneself rather than Almighty God.
*SUMMARY:* Pride comes before destruction, haughty spirit before a fall.
*CONCLUSION:*
To avoid the wrath of God, we should always seek God’s glory in all we do and God will continually bless and exalt our horns in Jesus Name, John 3:30, 1 Samuel 2:30.
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*LESSON: 25*
*TOPIC: SELF-CONTROL*
*MEMORY VERSE:* “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”. 1 Corinthians 9:27
*BIBLE TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 11:14-17
14. And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
15. And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
16. And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.
17. And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.
*LESSON INTRODUCTION:*
Self-control is an aspect of inhibitory control, the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts and behaviour in the face of temptations and impulses. Ability to stop, thinking before acting. In today’s Bible reading, King David could not control his lust for Uriah’s wife which led to the killing of Uriah at the war front, 2 Samuel 11:14-17.
*LESSON OUTLINES:*
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
FOUR TYPES OF SELF-CONTROL
1. SELF-CONTROL OF PHYSICAL MOVEMENT – This is the ability to constantly seek to control the movement of your body, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 2 Samuel 11:4
2. SELF-CONTROL OF EMOTION – This is the ability to manage one’s feelings or mental state, whether anger, sadness, happiness or excitement. To some people, disappointment is too much for them to emotionally handle, 1 Samuel 30:6
3. SELF-CONTROL OF CONCENTRATION – The ability to focus one’s power, one’s effort and one’s attention for a given period of time, 1 Samuel 30:8
4. SELF-CONTROL OF IMPULSES – The ability to manage sudden unplanned actions, Mark 7:28-30
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BENEFITS OF SELF-CONTROL
1. GREATER CHANCE OF SUCCESS – A person who has self-control doesn’t get distracted easily. This enable them to manage their time and resources, Mark 7:28.
2. DECISION MAKING – It makes decision making easier. Being able to stop, think and decide, 1 Samuel 17:37
3. SELF-CONTROL CAN BEAT AND OVERCOME TEMPTATIONS, Daniel 1:8
4. SELF-CONTROL CAN MAKE YOU EXCEL – It helps students perform better in exams and stay mentally sharp
5. IT ALSO HELP IN MINISTRY- And our work with God, Daniel 1:15-20
6. IT GRANTS YOU ACCESS TO FULFILLMENT ON YOUR DREAMS – Remember Joseph and Potiphar’s wife
7. IT MAKES YOU WINNER OVER ALL OPPOSITION – Nehemiah 4:11
*ACTIVITY:* Check the activity to be done for the end of the second quarter and plan ahead.
*CONCLUSION:*
Self-control is the act of making the right choices without feeling conflicted. A self-controlled person focuses only on his/her goal and makes decisions, keeping the end goal in mind. Self-control is the skill that keeps you on the right track.
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GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: Praise and thank God for seeing us through the second quarter of the RCCG year. Appreciate His faithfulness.
TUESDAY: Psalms 103:1-5, praise and worship God. Do not be ungrateful.
WEDNESDAY: Self-control is a great gain.
THURSDAY: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, pray without ceasing. Prayer still works.
FRIDAY: The best and eternal recognition and acceptance is from God.
SATURDAY: It is not enough to be blessed, be a blessing.
SUNDAY: Jesus is the wellspring of wisdom, Proverbs 15:33
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