RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL
STUDENT'S MANUAL
LESSON TWENTY-NINE
SUNDAY, 18TH MARCH 2018
TOPIC: MARTIAL INTIMACY: THE PERSPECTIVE OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God" - Romans 15:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:24-33

INTRODUCTION:
The marriage of a man and a woman is a mirror of the relationship that exists between Jesus Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:23, 32). In examing matital intimacy, therefore, it is important that we explore the path that Jesus Christ took in procuring intimacy with the Church.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Shared responsibilities
2. Shared results

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Jesus Christ has always been with His Father from the very beginning (John 1:1-2) but He left that age long relationship in order to be joined to the Church - the believers (Galatians 4:4). The Church must also be ready and willing to let go of every "father and mother" relationship for the purpose of an intimate relationship with Christ (Matthew 10:37).
2. Jesus Christ left His exalted place of glory and honour and took on the position of a servant in order to bridge the relationship between Himself and the Church (John 10:17-18; Philippians 2:5-8 ). The Church must also sacrifice self (ego, personal achievements and glory) to pursue intimacy in relationship with Christ (Matthew 16:24-25; 19:21-22).
3. Jesus Christ demonstrated a selfless love for the Church (John 15:12-13; Romans 5:8; 1John 3:16). The Church must, in like manner, demonstrate a selfless love to Jesus Christ and also to the brethren (Luke 10:27; Matthew 25:31-40).
4. Jesus Christ shared with the Church every secret that gave Him the comparative advantage over her, and in doing so, He transformed the Church from being servant to being His companion (John 15:15-16). He invested time and resources in refurbishing the Church to match His worth in glory and holiness (Ephesians 5:25-27).

SHARED RESULTS
The process of intimacy has been completed and oneness between Jesus Christ and the Church achieved. Therefore, they both enjoy:
1. Shared persecutions (2Timothy 3:12; John 15:18-19).
2. Shared peace (John 14:27; Colossians 3:15).
3. Shared power and authority (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 10:19).
4. Shared victory (John 16:33; 1John 5:4-5).
5. Shared inheritance (Matthew 19:27-29; Romans 8:16-17).

CONCLUSION:
Jesus Christ showed us a perfect example of how to develop a mutually benefitting intimacy in our marriages. May God help us in following His example in Jesus' name (Amen).

QUESTIONS
1. Mention the shared responsibilities between Christ and the Church.
2. What are shared results of the intimacy between Christ and the Church?