DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 22/6/2017

Follow After Righteousness

Isa. 51:1-3

The righteous has a model to look up to – Abraham. Abraham was called from a pagan background; he had an unshakable faith in God that was credited to him as righteousness. His life so much pleased God that He made a covenant with him; the covenant is still valid till today. The covenant resulted not only in blessing for Abraham, but also in a blessing to all nations of the earth through Abraham. The righteous has the privilege of looking at how God dealt with Abraham as an example of what God does for those who choose to live righteous lives. God promises to comfort those who choose righteousness, turn their desert into gardens of the Lord where joy and gladness will be found. Since God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, He is committed to fulfilling His promises to the righteous.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God blessed Abraham because Abraham was righteous.

PRAYER POINT: I overcome every challenge that wants to undermine my faith; I will grow in righteousness in Jesus’ name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 23/6/2017

Exceed Righteousness of Scribes

Matt. 5:17-20

There is the natural resistance to obeying rules and regulations. Man wants to range free and not be constrained by God’s commandments. Jesus’ disciples would have loved to be free of following the laws which God had given. But Jesus made it clear that He had not come to abolish the laws. The laws were meant to lead man to righteous living. Rather than relax the laws, Jesus made His disciples to know that He was calling them to a higher order of righteousness than the laws demands. The scribes and Pharisees loved to teach people the law, but they were not willing to submit themselves to obeying the laws. God is not interested in playing religion; He demands that those who call the name of the Lord should depart from iniquity and put into practice all that laws demand. The righteousness of the Christian should go beyond verbal profession.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: The righteousness of the Christian should go beyond verbal acclamation.

PRAYER POINT: Father, establish us in practical righteous living.

BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 1: Our Spiritual Condition (Lessons 1-4)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 154, 243

Devotional Reading: ISA. 55:1-7

Topic For Adults

MAKE RIGHTEOUSNESS YOUR TOPMOST PRIORITY

Topic For Youths

SECURE YOUR DESTINY WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

Topic For Intermediates

LIVE TO PLEASE GOD

Scripture Lesson

ROM. 3:20-26; 1 TIM. 6:7-12; MATT. 5:6

MEMORY VERSE

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matt. 6: 33 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

The foundational requirement for all godly living is to hunger and thirst after righteousness. To thirst and hunger after righteousness is one of the most important issues in the sermon delivered by Jesus on the ‘Beatitudes’. The spiritual condition of Christians will depend on how they thirst and hunger after righteousness. It is important for you to commit this week’s lesson to heart in order not to be destroyed by worldly anxiety and deceit.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH (ROM. 3:20-26)

No one can achieve right standing with God by trying to obey His commandments. The carnal nature is too weak to obey all the commandments of God. Everyone has sinned and come short of the glory which God bestows. The sword of God’s judgment hangs on every person who sins. To help man escape the impending judgment, God has made a way available for man to fulfil His demands – through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The righteousness that can save is that imputed on the Christian through the atoning death of Jesus. Some people trust in their own righteousness because they are morally better than other people around them. Others trust in their religious activities. But our righteousness is like filthy rag before God (Isa. 64:6).

PART 2: PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS (1 TIM. 6:7-12)

One of the problems plaguing the society is the love of money, which is making many people do ungodly things. Many believers have forsaken the faith in Jesus to pursue wealth, fame, power and pleasure. At the same time they assume they are still in right standing with God. Righteousness regulates one’s ways of life; it is not a topic for debate, but a lifestyle. Righteousness does not happen by accident; people do not become righteous because there is an irresistible force coming upon them. The one who will be righteous must strongly desire to become righteous. He needs to hunger and thirst after righteousness. He needs to get fed up with living the life of sin, and pant after righteousness as a deer pants for water after a long chase. While others pursue worldly and temporal blessings, the Christian should pursue righteousness.

PART 3: BLESSINGS OF SEEKING RIGHTEOUS-NESS (MATT. 5:6)

Worldly acquisition and achievements give temporary satisfaction. The thirst for satisfaction is assuaged only for a short time. This is the reason why men run from pillar to post desiring more and more things to quench this thirst. Those who make money their ultimate goal never acquire enough; those who desire posi-tion and power never get enough; those who pursue pleasure never get complete satisfaction. In the end, the experience can be summarised as “it is all vanity and grasping for the wind” (Eccl. 2:26; Jn. 4:13).

God ensures that the person who thirsts after righteousness is satisfied. God fills him with the living water such that he will no longer thirst. The person is filled with the Holy Spirit in such a measure that He becomes a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life (Jn. 4: 14). The satisfaction a man is look-ing for cannot be obtained by accumu-lating more wealth, objects; etc. The void inside each individual person cannot be satisfactorily filled with material things or achievement, but by God Himself.

Another blessing for the righteous is that of being at peace with God. Anyone who has forsaken righteousness lacks this peace and is like a weed tossed to and fro by the waves of the sea. The one who has peace with God does not need to fear any opposition or attack from the wicked.

CONCLUSION

A Christian should have his priority right; he needs to take righteousness as number one on his priority list. In the world where all around him have chosen unrighteousness in order to enjoy the goodies of the world, the Christian should be committed to living a righteous life. God will reward the righteous with satisfaction and all other things the unrighteous are running after.

QUESTIONS

Why does the carnal nature lack the power to obey God?

What is the only way available for man to be righteous?

Explain why righteousness doesn’t happen by accident.

Why are people who pursue worldly acquisition not satisfied but those who thirst after righteousness are?

Mention the blessings for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 26/6/2017

“Sell All Your Possessions”

Lk. 18:18-23; Exo. 16:16-20

It is the will of God that His children greatly prosper and be blessed with the wealth of the earth. In these last days, God will command the wealth of the nations into the hand of His people (Isa 2:2-3). “But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God” (Jam. 1:17). Believers are only custodians and caretakers of divine wealth. Jesus had instructed the ruler what to do with his wealth. Jesus knew everything about his secret life, he knew the things he held in high esteem and he knew what his priorities were. The revolution of materialism and battle for survival in some quarters will produce in a lot of people greed, self-centeredness and selfishness. Believers must watch out, else, we lose our focus on heaven, If we desire to be rich towards God (Lk. 12:21, 33-34), we must begin to pity the poor (Prov. 19:17).



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Giving out to the poor is an act of mercy. In so doing we are storing up treasures in heaven.

PRAYER POINT: Dear father of grace, help me to fix my eye on You. Deliver me from greed, and selfishness.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 28/6/2017

Mercy Preserves from Judgment

Jam. 2:12-13

One of the blessings of showing mercy to others is that God’s mercy will win out over His judgment towards us. If God’s mercy can prevail over His judgment, how much more the verdicts or judgment the wicked ones might have cast over those who show mercy. These scriptures reveal that showing mercy is a seed planted, which has a due season for harvests. The harvest of mercy is manifested by the annulment of any form of punishment that was due to such who shows mercy. Therefore as believers, we must not be tired or wearied in well doing, even when it looks like it doesn’t pay or our acts of mercy are not recognized. God’s judgment was certain upon the disobedient human race before Jesus brought mercy for the forgiveness of the sins of the people.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Showing mercy to others is like a seed that is planted and has its season of harvest. Never be tired of sowing the seed of mercy.

PRAYER POINT: As I sow in mercy, every pronounced or written judgment against me is turned around for my good, in the name of Jesus Christ.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 29/6/2017

Making a Difference

Jude 1:22-23; 1 Cor. 9:19-23

Crave for evangelism, soul-winning and intercession for the unsaved in the heart of each believer is a signal, a measure and a pointer to the content and genuineness of mercy the believer possesses and professes to have. The heart of mercy should drive every genuine believer into the act of intercession on bended kneels for the lost. We must rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still many to whom we need to show mercy with every sense of urgency (Jude 23). There is a very great opportunity to make a difference in these difficult times by our compassion for the unsaved. Mercy on the lost driven out of compassion made the Apostle Paul to state that “I am made all things to all men”. This should drive every believer too to seek the salvation of some by any possible godly means.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Intercession for the lost is an act of mercy.

PRAYER POINT: In the name of Jesus, I receive a fresh burden to reach out to the unsaved.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 1/7/2017

Mercy Preserves

Lam.3:21-23; Act 9:36-41

Many believer sometimes are so confident and make boast of the long hours they spend in prayers, or the number of vigils, fasting and commitment to self-disciplines they have subjected themselves to. Our preservation and salvation from destruction is not dependent on self-righteousness, it is a function of God’s mercy and grace. The testimony about Dorcas is that of a believer who was always doing kind things for others, especially for the poor. Giving to the poor is lending unto God. He is not unfaithful to owe any man. Good deeds will not only preserve a man, hopeless situations and the valley of dry bones in a life can still become great and mighty army due to investments made by showing mercy.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: There is no hopeless situation for anyone who shows mercy.

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, I receive help to be sensitive to the needs of the people around me and I receive divine supplies to meet such needs in the name of Jesus Christ.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 3/7/2017

Purity of Heart Needed In God’s Holy Place

Ps. 24:1-6

Notwithstanding the fact that some people do not believe that God exists or that He is relevant in the events happening in the world, the Scripture declares that the whole world and all the people who dwell in it belong to Him. Man’s belief or lack of belief in His existence does not diminish His claim to the ownership of creation. There are prerequisites to having personal relationship with God or making requests. God is pure and demands that those who would relate with Him must possess pure hearts. Human relationships rely mostly on external appearances, but God looks deeper into the heart of man. Without a pure heart, a person cannot enjoy fellowship with God neither can a person approach the presence of God. In essence, anyone without a pure heart is not a member of the commonwealth of God’s children.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: You cannot draw near to God without a pure heart.

PRAYER POINT: I pray that the blood of Jesus will cleanse my heart and make me worthy to come into God’s presence.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 5/7/2017

Keep Yourself Pure

1 Tim. 5:17-25

The epistle of 1 Timothy was written to Timothy – the Pastor of the church. The instructions are however not for ministers only but for all believers. There are people within the congregation who live double lives – public life of apparent holiness, but secret life of sin. When exposed, such people seek for sympathisers so that they are not shamed. Those who endorse their lifestyle become partakers in their sin. Any heaven bound Christian will be careful not to give support to sin. The church is not a place for politics where one would support another person blindly. The Christian needs to keep himself pure, and not to be a partaker of someone else’s sin. There are people who appear pure, but whose sin will be revealed at the throne of judgment.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do not share in other people’s sin, keep yourself pure.

PRAYER POINT: I refuse to share in other people’s sin; I receive wisdom to keep myself pure.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 6/7/2017

Love Fervently With Pure Heart

1 Pet. 1: 22-25

Every born-again Christian was once deep in sin with a deceitful heart. The goal of the death of Jesus on the cross is to deliver those who come to Him from the power of sin, to purify their hearts and to make them worthy of entering the kingdom of heaven. The fruit of being saved is expected in the lives of those who have been saved. God expects the saved ones to love one another with sincere love coming from pure hearts. But there are still those who, though they profess to be Christians, have not surrendered their hearts to be thoroughly purged of sin. This is often the reason why there is little of genuine love in the church, there are so many prayers unanswered, and unbelievers cannot see much difference between themselves and many so-called Christians.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God demands from Christian genuine love from a pure heart

PRAYER POINT: Holy Ghost fire, consume all seeds of sin which defile my heart.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 8/7/2017

Be Without Spot And Blameless

2 Pet. 3:10-15

Many people do not value the offer of salvation which God gives because of what they can gain from the world system. They compromise their righteousness and purity of heart so that they can gain worldly treasures. The irony is that all the beautiful and precious things we run after now will eventually be destroyed by fire; and those who have put all their hope in these things will end up having nothing. It only makes sense to keep this fact in mind and prepare for the here-after. To qualify to partake of the new world, which God is going to reveal, it is imperative to keep oneself without spot and be blameless. The purity which God demands is not that of physical washing with soap and water, but an inward purity attained by washing of heart with the blood of Jesus.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Be diligent to be found in Christ in peace, without spot and blameless.

PRAYER POINT: Count me worthy O Lord to be partaker in Your kingdom.

9/7/2017 LESSON 6

BLESSINGS FOR THE PURE IN HEART

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 2: Our Virtues (Lessons 5-9)

(RESPONSIBILITY MONTHS)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 28, 62

Devotional Reading: PS. 24:3-6

Topic For Adults

PURE HEART, PURE MOTIVE

Topic For Youths

PURE HEART, PURE MOTIVE

Topic For Intermediates

LET YOUR THOUGHTS BE PURE

Scripture Lesson

MATT. 15:10-20; PS. 51:1-11; MATT. 5:8; PS. 24:3-6

MEMORY VERSE

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Matt. 5:8 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

The need for those who have been delivered from the power of sin by God’s grace to strive to please Him by living a holy life, necessitates Jesus to admonish them to have the same attribute of heart that God has. This week’s lesson teaches us the need to make our minds, wills and emotions to be in tune with God so that we can dwell in His presence and see Him both now and in His future kingdom.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: SPIRITUAL POLLUTION (MATT. 15:10-20)

The heart is the spring of all that a man does. His actions, words and thoughts are products of what is in the heart. The condition of the heart is also determined by what is fed into the heart. Those who feed their hearts with ungodly materials often think that they have immunity from the effects of what they take in. But they are totally wrong. These things pollute the heart; just like the smoke being inhaled by a cigarette smoker whose effect later is lung cancer. No matter how spiritual a man may be, if he feeds his heart with the wrong stuff, he will end up with spiritual cancer.

Things that can pollute the heart of a man include lustful desires, ungodly passion, worldly ambition, illicit sexual desire and fantasy, uncontrolled fits of anger and desire for revenge, spiritual covenants, worship of idols directly or indirectly, willfully committing sin, unbroken ancestral entanglement, etc. Name other actions that can spiritually defile a person. These activities often open the door of a person’s life to influences from the demonic world.



PART 2: TRUTH IN INWARD PARTS (PS. 51:1-11)

David called Uriah from the war front and tried to be nice to him by feeding him and asking him to go and sleep in his house. Out of loyalty to the king, Uriah refused to go to his wife. David then sent him back to the war front with a letter which was in fact his death warrant. David’s treatment of Uriah was the highest form of deceit from a polluted heart. When confronted, David knew that God had found him out. Though he was described as the man after God’s heart, at that point in his life, his heart was contaminated with the spirit of adultery and murder. He knew that no outward show of piety would please God. What God desires is inner purity; a heart washed clean of lust, hatred, malice, deceit, anger and all other forms of work of the flesh.

Many come to church with a show of piety, but harbor all manners of sin in the heart. In our dealing with other members of the congregation, or in serving God, or in relating with spouses, or in dealing with others, God desires that we deal with purity in our inward parts – in our hearts. Deeds and actions which do not spring from a pure heart are contaminated before God and have no reward.



PART 3: BLESSINGS OF A PURE HEART (MATT. 5:8; PS. 24:3-6)

God commanded the Israelites to follow some form of ceremonial cleansing; anyone who violates the commandments is to be cut-off from the congregation. Those who have polluted their hearts are in the same manner cut-off from the presence of God. Nothing can be more disastrous for a Christian than to be excluded from the presence of God. Someone excluded from the presence of God loses all the rights to His blessings of peace, joy, guidance, protection, provision, and assurance of salvation. One of the blessings of a pure heart is to be counted worthy to ascend the hills of the Lord and to stand in His holy place. This privilege is reserved for those who have pure hearts and clean hands.

Another blessing of a pure heart is that one has closed the access route to Satan. Balaam’s effort to curse the Israelites was futile because God “has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel”. The person who has impure heart opens the doors of his life to the devil and his agents to freely operate.



CONCLUSION

God desires and demands pure hearts from His children. Anyone who harbors impurity cuts himself off from the presence of God. God creates a desire of necessity of love and devotion in the heart of those who have experienced a new birth through the Lord Jesus Christ. Purity of heart is an essential ingredient for anyone to please God since the heart is the knowledge faculty where people know things, also a centre of feeling and volitional activity. The heart that is yielding and devoted to seeking the Lord must be ‘pure’.

In view of this, Christians should keep God’s word in their hearts, trust in the Lord with all their hearts in order to experience the love of God poured into their heart (i.e. to become pure in their hearts)



QUESTIONS

Why is it mandatory for those who want to please God to feed their hearts with godly materials?

Name some things that can pollute the heart of men.

Mention the defilements that one can be exposed to through demonic materials.

Explain how God wants us to deal with others in our inwards part.

Mention the blessings God sets for those with pure heart

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 11/7/2017

Settle Conflicts With Your Neighbour

Prov. 25:8-10

We may have disagreement or conflict with our neighbors. If not well managed, the disagreement can degenerate into a fight or serious conflict. There have been cases where neighbors have taken themselves to court. The Christian may be the one at fault or the neighbour. The Christian who claims to be a child of God should imitate God the Father. When man strayed away from and disobeyed God, it was God who took the initiative to reconcile man to Himself by sending Jesus Christ to seek for man and to save man. The Christian should therefore, seek to resolve thorny issues with his neighbors. When there is a quarrel between two people, it is the more spiritual that should take the initiative to find a solution. You are the sons of your heavenly father if you do what is right.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: You are a child of God if you are a peacemaker.

PRAYER POINT: Heavenly Father, please help me to live my life as a child of God.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 12/7/2017

Seek Peace And Pursue It

Heb. 12:14-15, Ps. 34:14

Christians should always be eager to look for the peace with other people and their well-being. The Bible enjoins us to seek peace in order to live as a child of God. In obeying this injunction you portray yourself as a lover of peace. You need to go out of your way to ensure that those around you enjoy the grace of God that you have had opportunity to receive from God. David decision to spare the life of King Saul when he had the opportunity to kill him as evidenced in (1 Sam. 24:4-7) shows how Christians should pursue peace with all men. God delivered him from all his enemies.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: God delivers peacemakers from their enemies.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me to be at peace with everyone.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 13/7/2017

Abigail Made Peace With David

1 Sam. 25:18-35

David had protected the sheep of Nabal, husband of Abigail, from robbers in the wilderness. David requested food from Nabal, but the latter, instead of repaying the good David had done to him, insulted David. David made up his mind to punish Nabal; made up his mind to kill all males in Nabal’s household. When Abigail heard of it, she hurried to make peace with David. She took with her provisions of food and drink which David had requested. She humbled herself before David and appealed to David’s sense of righteousness, honor and gallantry. By so doing she delivered her household from the impending disaster. She first warded off the disaster before apportioning blame. Don’t be quick to apportion blame, first seek to enthrone peace.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Seeking peace with people can save you from unnecessary problem.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: I receive the grace to humble myself to seek for peace in Jesus’ name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 15/7/2017

Live Peaceably With All Men

Rom. 12:14-21

Conflicts may arise because one party knowingly or inadvertently does something that displeases the other party. People may offend us out of their malicious intention. Offence can also occur because people misinterpret our actions and intentions. There are several steps the mature Christian can take to resolve conflict. The Christian can approach the offending or offended party with the goal of making peace. This requires humility and self-effacement. The Christian can go a second mile to make peace without pre-conditions when it is the other party that has offended him. The mature Christian should also avoid taking revenge on the offending party. Rather, he should seek to repay evil with good. The Holy Spirit will readily give necessary grace to these if we are willing.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: As much as it lies within your power, live peaceably with all men.

PRAYER POINT: I receive the spirit of humility to be able to live at peace with all men in Jesus’ name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 17/7/2017

Losing One’s Life For Christ’s Sake

Matt. 10:32-39

The natural reaction to ridicule, persecution and trouble is to run away from it. The natural man wants to protect himself from unpleasant situations. When a Christian allows the natural instinct to dictate what he does in the face of ridicule and suffering, the Christian cannot profess his faith before others and is likely to deny his faith at moments when he is likely to be persecuted for standing for his faith in Jesus. Fear of ridicule or of suffering is one of the factors which make a believer forsake his faith. Another source of fear is that of rejection by those whose love we value especially when we profess our faith in Jesus. Decision to protect oneself against ridicule or suffering is what Jesus referred to as loving one’s life. Are you scared that something nasty will happen to you, should you let others know that you a Christian?



POINT OF EMPHASIS: He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

PRAYER POINT: Father, strengthen me to stand by my decision to live for You.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 19/7/2017

Rejoicing For Suffering For Jesus

Acts 5:26-28, 40-42

The disciples were arrested for preaching the gospel and were imprisoned (Acts 5:17-19). An angel miraculously set them free. They immediately went back to preach again, and again they were arrested and brought before the council. They were beaten and warned not to preach the gospel any more. A Christian of this generation will find it difficult, understanding the disciples, who rejoiced for being counted worthy to suffer for Jesus Christ. Many Christians of this generation will hang their heads in shame and self-pity when and if they find themselves is such a situation. The difference between the disciples and the Christians of today is that the disciples were heaven-focused while many Christians of this generation are earth-bound. Earth-bound Christians cannot bring themselves to suffer any form of inconvenience for God. Are you heaven-bound or earth-bound?

Point of Emphasis: Heaven-bound Christians are not ashamed of preaching the gospel.

Prayer Point: In the name of Jesus, I reject the spirit of timidity and of feeling ashamed.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 20/7/2017

Suffering But Not Ashamed

2 Tim. 1:812

A weapon used by the devil to cower Christians is to raising unbelievers who will taunt and ridicule them with derogatory epithets. Christians are called derogatory names to make them feel ashamed and to make them dissociate themselves from other believers. This weapon has been deployed since the time of Jesus. This is the reason why Jesus warns “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels” (Lk. 9:26). Some choose to be secret disciples because they are afraid or ashamed of being counted among Christians. Though in some societies, it has become fashionable to claim to be “born-again”, the true test of one’s commitment is to stand and be counted along with other Christians when they are being booed, maltreated and traumatised.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do not hide your Christian identity because of shame.

PRAYER POINT: In the name of Jesus, I receive the grace to boldly stand for God daily.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 21/7/2017

Endure Hardship As A Soldier Of Christ

2 Tim. 2:3-13

Paul suffered a lot as he went from one place to another preaching the gospel to Gentiles. He suffered beating, imprisonment, shipwreck, etc. Such experiences would have made many people to forsake their commitment to God. Instead, Paul took them as part of the hardship that a soldier must be prepared for when enlisting in the army. He endured all things for the sake of the elect. Many Christians have grown “soft”, expecting that life will go on smoothly without any suffering or challenges. Even in Jesus’ time, many of the disciples stopped following Jesus because His teaching was too tough for them. The Christian that will make heaven has to endure some hardship which the journey demands. Those who deny Christ because the going gets tough will have no part in His kingdom.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.

PRAYER POINT: Father, give me the courage to endure every hardship in order to reign with You.

23/7/2017 LESSON 8

BLESSINGS FOR THOSE PERSECUTED FOR BEING RIGHTEOUS

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 2: Our Virtues (Lessons 5-9)

(RESPONSIBILITY MONTHS)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 100, 217

Devotional Reading: MATT. 5:11-12

Topic For Adults

STAND FOR THE TRUTH IRRESPECTIVE OF CHALLENGES

Topic For Youths

DON’T BE INTIMIDATED

Topic For Intermediates

KNOW THE Truth

Scripture Lesson

2 TIM. 2:1-13; 1 PET. 4:12-19; 2 COR. 4:16-18; ACTS 7:54-60

JAM. 1: 2-4

MEMORY VERSE

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17 (NKJV)

BACKGROUND

Jesus taught that Christians are to expect persecution. Faithfulness to God does not give believers freedom from suffering in lives. There are examples of Godly men in the Bible who experienced persecutions. God does not forsake those on His side and He blesses those who are ready to stand for righteousness irrespective of what it costs them. This week’s lesson focuses on the blessing that God promised those who are persecuted for righteousness.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: IF WE SUFFER WITH HIM, WE SHALL REIGN WITH HIM (2 TIM. 2:1-13)

Messages which tell Christians to expect suffering for Christ’s sake are no longer popular. Christians want to be free of any form of suffering, while choruses like “me I no go suffer” are the popular ones. Christians expect that once they give their lives to Christ, the journey to heaven should be smooth and sweet. Jesus warns ahead of time that His followers will experience persecution (Jn. 15:18-19; 16:1-4). Christians fall away because they refuse to heed Christ’s warning. They are deceived into expecting life of ease and pleasure.

Reasons why suffering is inescapable:

Satan hates those who have the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore wages war against them (Rev. 12:17).
¨ People of the world have sold themselves to the devil and will, therefore, do his bidding – they will hate Christians because they hate Jesus Christ.

¨ God allows suffering sometimes to purge the Christian of sin in his life (Isa. 48:10-11).

¨ Sometimes suffering comes as a form of collateral damage because we live in the world with unbelievers who incur punishment for sin committed.

When we suffer for Christ, we identify with Him and His work of atonement. Sharing with Him in suffering counts us worthy to share in His glory. But if we run away from suffering for His sake, we disqualify ourselves from sharing in His glory.

PART 2: SUFFERING FOR GOD’S GLORY (1 PET. 4:12-19)

A song composer says “Trials on every hand and we cannot understand the way that God is leading to the blessed Promised Land… We will understand it better by and by”. Sometimes the suffering is only slight while at other times the suffering is so immense that one thinks it is strange for a child of God to go through. The Christian should however ensure that the suffering is not self-inflicting. If a Christian is not watchful, he can bring a lot of suffering upon himself, and at the same time blame others for his suffering. What actions can a Christian take which will bring suffering upon him?

Suffering for God’s glory happens when a Christian is living a God-glorifying life but suffers because people around him detest his godly life. Many believers have gone through suffering because of their stand for Christ, because they refused to compromise their faith and because they appear as a threat to the ungodly world system. A Christian deciding not to turn away from suffering because of his faith brings glory to God because the Christian ensures that God’s eternal agenda cannot be frustrated by the devil. It proves that there are some children of God who have caught the sight of the glory to be revealed, and are willing to suffer so as not to forfeit it.

PART 3: EFFECTS OF SUFFERING ON THE OUTWARD AND INWARD MAN (2 COR. 4:16-18; ACTS 7:54-60)

The sufferings that a Christian goes through are preparing him for an eternal glory which does not fade. For the Christian to be counted worthy to come into his inheritance, he might need to be molded or panel beaten into the form that is capable of carrying the glory of God. The suffering may weaken the physical body, but the inner man is being renewed daily. As dross is removed from gold to make it shine brighter, so sometimes, God uses suffering to purge the Christian of sin that would disqualify him from inheriting the glory.

Sometimes, God uses the experience we gather from our suffering to minister to others. The death of Stephen worked in some way to bring Paul to salvation. The suffering of Jesus Christ brought us salvation. The experience we gather as we go through suffering, if we do not rebel, becomes useful in counseling other people who are going through similar experiences (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Our suffering also works out godly character traits in us—perseverance, character, hope, realization (Rom. 5:3-5).

CONCLUSION

Anyone who has decided to live holy will suffer persecution and will be ridiculed. Jesus already warned ahead of time that we shall pass through tribulations on the journey to possess our eternal glory. Fear of suffering, rejection, or persecution will make many to turn back. Only those who endure to the end will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

QUESTIONS

Why is persecution inescapable for Christians?

What does suffering for Christ denote.

Why should suffering not be strange to a child of God?

When does suffering for God’s glory happen?

5. Mention the effects of suffering on the outward and inner m

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 25/7/2017

Grieved By Slander

Ps. 31:9-15

It is always a difficult situation to be in where people spread around false information about one’s character, motive and actions. Those who slander the Christian do not leave room for such Christian to defend himself. Unfortunately, people find it easier to believe negative information about one’s character than the positive ones. Church members with evil intentions can easily spread and negative information about a minister, and majority will believe without trying to cross-check its veracity. Such evil rumors neutralize the ministry of a minister and render him ineffective among the members of his congregation. Such information were carried about to tarnish the character of David, such that he became a reproach among his neighbours. It caused him grief and sapped his energy.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Slander is like a dagger striking one on the side.

PRAYER POINT: Father, protect me from the destructive tongue of the wicked

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 26/7/2017

Slander Among Brethren

Ps. 50:12-23

Speaking evil of righteous people does not come only from unbelievers outside the church, even from those who are members of the church of God. People who should spend quality time praising God to glorify Him, gather together to discuss and propagate falsehood about other people within the church. At the same time they take side with those who should be rebuked because of their ungodly lifestyle; partaking in their sin. Meanwhile those who are spoken evil of become objects of ridicule without cause. Through such falsehood, some ministries have been brought into disrepute. God looks on as if unconcerned; but His retribution for such slanderers will eventually come. If men whom you trust as fellow believers slander you, take heart because God will defend your case and He will eventually prove your innocence.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Slanderers persist because God keeps silent; but He will eventually judge.

PRAYER POINT: Father, strengthen Your saints who are being slandered and persecuted.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 28/7/2017

Jesus Accused Of Perverting The Nation

Lk. 23:1-5

Jesus had proclaimed the coming of the kingdom of God. His ministry had been attested to by miraculous signs and wonders. The dead were raised to life, the sick were healed, multitudes were miraculously fed, huge storms were calmed by His rebuke, etc. The religious leaders felt threatened by the popularity of Jesus among the populace; they determined to eliminate Him but were constrained by the fear that the people might react against them. They then used the weapon of false accusation against Him. They even got people who were ready to commit perjury by saying they heard Jesus say He would destroy the temple. When they could not accomplish their purpose, they accused Him falsely of subverting the state before the Roman governor. Their persistent falsehood eventually got them their heart desire to get Jesus crucified.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: The unconverted man is a ready tool in the hand of Satan to blackmail a righteous person.

PRAYER POINT: Father, teach us what to do when faced with false accusation against our person

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 29/7/2017

False Accusation Against Stephen

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen was one of the first deacons elected by the church to distribute food to widows. He was however so filled with the Holy Spirit that God did great wonders and signs among the people through him. The unbelieving Jews could not withstand the wisdom God gave him. His opponents ganged up to accuse him of “blasphemous words against Moses and God”. Their main goal was to eliminate Stephen, who they perceived had become a threat to their religion. The reason why people ridicule or testify falsely against a righteous person is to silence their conscience that they are doing things wrong. If they can malign the righteous person or discredit him, they feel good. To achieve this goal, they are ready to go as far as physically eliminating the offensive person if he will not compromise his righteous stand. Stephen ended up losing his life.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Some religious people are ready to ridicule other people to prove to themselves that they are right.

PRAYER POINT: Father, arise to justify all Your children that are being falsely accused

30/7/2017 LESSON 9

BLESSINGS FOR THOSE RIDICULED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 2: Our Virtues (Lessons 5-9)

(RESPONSIBILITY MONTHS)

MEMORY VERSE

For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry Lk. 23:31 (NKJV)

BACKGROUND

Our age has a peculiarity of being one in which compromise seems to be the most acceptable religion. People don’t want to be alone or be the only dissenting voice or view, they don’t want to be laughed at or labeled outdated or untrendy, more so the cruel or harsh treatment meted out to those who choose to be different might be perceived unnecessary. Therefore people try to swim with the tide and gain acceptance of the society to avoid unpleasant situations. They downplay, and colour or better still swallow the truth and speak what is acceptable to people around them, sometimes for no just course, while at other times for monetary, material or positional gains. Note that every compromise makes you lose your voice when it really matters. Jesus promised us more than what would be lost if we follow Him and accept being ridiculed for His name and the truth. This week’s lesson enjoins us to joyfully accept the unpleasant treatments attached to being a follower of Jesus because of the exceeding weight of glory awaiting believers.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: JESUS SLANDERED (MK. 3:20-27; MATT. 11:9, 13:23-26)

Many things said about Jesus and His ministry were to ridicule Him and undermine what He did. Even His family members did not believe in His ministry and thought He was out of His mind. The Jewish leaders alleged that He cast out demons with diabolical powers. If anyone suggested that God was working through Him, the leaders were ready to cast the person out of the synagogue. Because He did not go on extended fasting, they accused Him of being a glutton. When He dined with tax collectors they inferred He could not have been from God because He associated with sinners. The leaders regarded Him as a sinner because He healed the sick on a Sabbath. Finally to get Him crucified, they brought false allegation against Him before Pilate.

Jesus our perfect example endured much slander from religious leaders, ignorant people who one day shouted Hosanna and another day cried out “crucify Him”. Those who knew Him closely did not believe His ministry and made derogatory statements about Him and what He claimed to be.

How did Jesus handle these actions taken to ridicule Him and undermine His ministry?

PART 2: OLD PROPHETS RIDICULED (JER. 20:7-10; EZRA 4:11-16)

Jeremiah is a classic example of prophets who were ridiculed by those to whom he ministered. God gave him the message to prophesy of imminent invasion by the enemy. The people made jest of him for bringing an unpopular message; they threatened him for prophesying doom and spreading all manners of false rumors about him (Jer. 20:10). At the same time, God appeared not to be in a hurry to bring to pass the prophecies sent through him. He became the laughing stock of all people around him. He oscillated between periods of strong faith in God who sent him (Jer. 20:11) and periods of depression because of what he went through in the hands of his people (Jer. 15:10).

How did the ridicule Jeremiah experienced affect his ministry and personal life?

PART 3: DON’T GET DISCOURAGED (MATT. 5:11)

Christians today still face persecution in form of false accusations, being lied against, and verbal threatening. Christians are called derogatory names. Everyone is painted with the same brush when a few do some ungodly things. When a minister falls into adultery, every minister is labeled an adulterer and a phoney. When one minister mismanages funds, every minister is labeled a thief. Christians are generally labeled hypocrites by all and sundry. Under such attack, many Christians try to hide their identities and become secret disciples. Some even backslide.

If Jesus Christ was maligned and ridiculed, the disciples should not expect to experience anything less. The Apostles counted it an honor to go through the same experience which Jesus Christ passed through. They did all these things to Jesus Christ because they hated Him. They will do similar things to any Christian who lives faithfully to his faith in Jesus. If you are comfortable with the world and the world is comfortable with you, it is very likely that you are for the world and not for Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION

Christians should bear it in mind that they must prepare for ridicule because Jesus experienced the same thing from the people. He kept us informed in His teaching of the beatitude of what will confront us as a result of our belief in Him. We must not count it strange when people ridicule us for Christ’s sake.

QUESTIONS

Mention some things that people do to ridicule Jesus.

Why should Jesus be our perfect example when people ridicule us for His sake?

How did the ridicule Jeremiah experience affect his ministry and personal life?

How did Jesus handle the actions taken to ridicule Him and undermine His ministry?

Why should Christians not expect anything less than what Jesus experienced in terms of ridicule?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 1/8/2017

Christians In Antioch

Acts 11:26

Early Christians in Antioch really deserve commendation for being able to live differently as salt with the people noting that these ones are special and positively different. The word “Christian” was an appellation given to them because they lived a different lifestyle in the gentile city of Antioch where ungodliness would have been the order of the day. They didn’t say “at least we are in a new terrain”, “when you are in Rome, you do as the Romans”. God doesn’t want us to be like chameleon in nature, trying to get adapted to every situation, but we must know who we are and stand for what we know as salt of the earth. What shows us as Christians is our possession of the characters of Christ.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: What shows us as Christians is our possession of the characters of Christ.

PRAYER POINT: Help me Lord to be salt, living Christ-like life everywhere I find myself.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 2/8/2017

Triumph In Christ

2 Cor. 2:14-17

We are God’s ambassadors as the salt of the earth, extending God’s influence and dominion of the earth. We are living in the victory that Jesus has given us on the cross which we access by redemptive and adoptive rights. There are so many unpalatable bad odors emanating from the world we live and God, through us, wants to showcase the aroma of life leading to life. Everywhere you get to, you must stem the tide of evil, bad odors, unpleasant and ungodliness with the aroma of life, the sweet fragrance of God’s knowledge in every place. Get deeply rooted in the word of God. God expects us to be His ambassadors anywhere we find ourselves, He blesses on a daily basis with the joy of His knowledge which helps us and furnishes us with the expertise for every circumstance. This causes us to have victory over “rotten smell” and trouble situations.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Our Father in heaven wants us to represent Him everywhere.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, please grant me the grace to be able to diffuse Your sweet fragrance everywhere.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 3/8/2017

Reward For Following Jesus

Mk. 10:28-30

Being the salt of the earth has far reaching blessings both in this present age and hereafter. To become one, you must have dropped a lot of things for the higher calling of being a child of God and salt of the earth. You might be tempted to think that you will lose a lot by being a child of God, by following Jesus and identifying with His views and values. Jesus will definitely give you much more than you would have lost if you follow Him and shun the world. In this world, you gain a lot as a salt, you are preserved from the ravaging decadence hitting the people who are living sinful lives. You are protected from corruption that ensues because of the love of the world, the lust of the flesh the pride of life and the cares of life. Eventually you are sure of making heaven the final abode of those distinguishing themselves on the earth.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Jesus will definitely give you much more than you would have lost if you follow Him.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, please help me to follow You till the end

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 5/8/2017

Have Salt In Yourself

Mk. 9:50

The salt in you is important, it scavenges for anything that may corrupt you and destroy it. The salt in you is the quality controller, it helps you to remain balanced and also aid your growth. Before you can be the salt of the world, you must also have salt in yourself. The winner outside has won inside. You cannot grow your inner man and outwardly appear as a weakling. Build salt within yourself. Dwell on the word of God richly. The word of God is the sincere milk for growth. It builds you up and grants you access to the truth always. Pray fervently. Live in the spirit and you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: You must also have salt in yourself.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, please grant me salt in my life.

6/8/2017 LESSON 10

BLESSINGS FOR BEING THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 3: Our Impacts (Lessons 10-12)

(STEWARDSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY MONTH)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 9, 36

Devotional Reading: LK. 14:28-35

Topic For Adults

PRESERVING CHRISTIAN VALUES

Topic For Youths

ENRICHING YOUR SOCIETY

Topic For Intermediates

ADD FLAVOUR TO YOUR WORLD

Scripture Lesson

MATT. 5:13; ROM. 12:1-2; ACTS 8:4-8; 2 COR. 2:14-17



MEMORY VERSE

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Matt. 5:13 (NKJV)

BACKGROUND

Cooking and confectionery thrives with the proper application of condiments which eventually bring out the taste of importance among the few is salt. Salt is a natural substance especially used to season, preserve, enrich and flavor food. The world is tasteless. Christians are the tastemakers putting salt to halt the fast paced decadence in the society and also to make a difference wherever we are because salt makes all the difference. However, the strength, quality and value of salt is its taste. The Christian faith is antique, contemporary and also futuristic. The old path that is honorable should be preserved. Those of us living contemporarily should enrich what we inherited and not make it sour and those who are coming up should also add flavor. That is how the “soup” can continue to be tasty and blessed. You can’t be useful as salt and not get blessed; being salt attracts heaven’s applause and also attracts the blessings of God. This is the simple message of today’s lesson.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: SALT PRESERVES (MATT. 5:13; ROM. 12:1-2)

Salt has some antimicrobial properties which means it has the ability to restrict the growth or action of microorganisms. This is the singular reason why it is used to preserve food items. Salting as a means of preserving food has been in practice for a long time as an old method and will continue for a long time based on this ability to preserve. Why has Jesus called us believers the salt of the earth and what blessings accrued unto us simply because of this?

The moral decadence, erosion of values and distortion of views away from godliness is so fast paced and alarming. As salt of the earth, we must stand as terminators in the cycle to police and arrest the progression in the small cocoons God has placed us to exert our influences; our families, our work places, our neighborhood and generally in the society. We must preserve our world from decay in standards, morals, values, view and straying from God and godliness.

Sin works by distorting relationship and access to God. It infects our mind with evil which is played out as ungodliness. As salt of the earth, we are impermeable, we are preserved from the distortion occasioned by evil infestation of the mind, we are preserved from the corruption brought about by sin which can break our relationship with God. This is a blessing for us and our world. Our relationship with God is preserved and our world is also secured for God.



PART 2: SALT ENRICHES (MATT 5:13; ACTS 8:4-

An important ingredient present in salt is iodine. People clamour for its inclusion in foods because of its functions in the body especially as anti-yoitre – a body deforming feature.

Our presence in our society should strengths like salt does. When Philip got to Samaria, there was great joy in the whole city. He lived as salt and enriched his world. What is your contribution to your world? There is great blessing attached to living as salt. Our lives, families and all that God has endowed us with should add value to the world. Being a salt; enriching your world, turning people to righteousness, showing them the way of salvation and evangelising by all means possible have great blessings. So many people want to be stars and shine trans generationally but have employed crooked means to achieve this whereas there is a simple route to achieving it by simply living as salt. Dan. 12:3 writes, “And the teachers and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever.



PART 3: SALT FLAVOURS (MATT. 5:13; 2 COR. 2:14-17)

The strength, the quality and value of salt is its taste. Salt is known as tastemaker as most of the known seasonings have salt as their major component.

Flavour has to do with the senses of smell and taste. As believers living as tastemakers, we must also be of good aroma. We are blessed to have the treasure of giving taste and fragrance to our society. We are a plus, a very essential part of the society and we must not fail God. Our Father in heaven wants us to represent Him everywhere, He blesses us daily with the savor of His knowledge that helps us and equips us with the know-how for every circumstance. This causes us to triumph over “bad odours” and stinking situations with the fragrance He diffuses through us.



CONCLUSION

As salt is valuable to give flavour, strength, and at the same time preserve from decay and corruption; so is a heaven-bound Christian. He or she must be a godly example worthy of emulation and possess the positive effect of preserving others from being corrupt. He or she must resist worldly influence and never be trodden upon under the foot of men by the ungodly values of the world.



QUESTIONS

Why does Jesus call believers salt of the world?

As salt of the world, what must we do to avoid being influenced by the moral decadence in the world?

What should the presence of Christians in the world do?

Explain the term “we are blessed to have the treasure of giving taste and fragrance to our society”.

Enumerate the blessings which the ‘salts’ in the world receive from God

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 8/8/2017

Light Dispels Darkness

Gen. 1:1-3

The primary purpose of the light God created was to serve as signs and seasons. It was used to fill and illuminate the void in creation and it separated the light from darkness. The light of God is used to dispel darkness from the life of a believer. God promised His light to His followers who are obedient, just and benevolent, and those who witness and worship Him in truth and in spirit. Life without God is life in the dark. There is a reason why God filled the dark void with light and pronounced it good. It is simply because light dispels darkness and brings illumination and perspective. If God had entered your dark world and His light has been lightened in you then the Lord will be your everlasting light and you will be able to overcome the darkness around you and not vice-versa. The potency of God’s light which fills the emptiness in the Universe can shine through you to fill the darkness and emptiness in the world.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: The shining light of God through you will dispel the darkness and emptiness around you.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, Let Your shining light illuminate through me and dispel the darkness around me.