C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD FOR MAN FOR March 17th, 2019 , LESSON FIVE ; TOPIC - THE ETHICS OF ETERNITY.
C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD FOR MAN FOR March 17th, 2019 , LESSON FIVE ; TOPIC - THE ETHICS OF ETERNITY.
C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD FOR MAN.
March 17th, 2019
LESSON FIVE
THE ETHICS OF ETERNITY.
Holiness is the only key/path to Heaven. Without it, eternity with Christ in heaven can never be possible.
MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
BRIEF COMMENT
Jesus Christ was teaching the disciples the model of prayer that is accepted by the Father, against the teachers of the Pharisees who liked to stand in the synagogue and corners of streets praying, to everyone's sight. He went further to teach what they must do in prayer:
* Go inside your room and pray
* Shut your door.
* Pray to your Father in secret
* Do not use vain repetitions
In this same vain, He taught them the manner of prayer that is acceptable to the Father in vv. 9-13. However, our emphasis is on verse 10: Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We are studying the words in this verse closely.
Jesus was teaching His disciples, and by extension, the Christian at large, that we should always pray that the Kingdom of God will come. Every Christian should always pray to God for His Kingdom to come, like Daniel, in 9:2, also prayed for the deliverance of Israel. We pray for God's Kingdom to come so that everyone would come to the knowledge of the Son, embracing Him as his or her personal Saviour, and living Christian lifestyle. Also, we should always pray that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That is, the Christian should be obedient to all ordinances of the Kingdom and directly telling God to do with him/her as He pleases.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS FOR WEEK ONE
Mon. 11: God must be Panted After (Psa. 42:1-2)
Tue. 12: God's Kingdom's Law Should Govern Us (Matt. 7:21)
Wed. 13: God's Kingdom's Fruit is Righteousness (Matt. 21:42)
Thur. 14: God's Kingdom's Principle is Righteousness (Heb. 1:18)
Fri. 15: God Beyond the Pharisees' Righteousness' Level (Matt. 5:20)
Sat. 16: God's Heart: The Greatest Kingdom Virtue (Matt. 19:16-17)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
1. God laid-down standard that everyone aspiring to His eternal Kingdom must follow uncompromisingly; no two ways.
2. Following God uncompromisingly is living in line with the standard of His holiness. It is the key to eternal life, and is only possible through Jesus, the only way to the Father of eternal life.
3. The way to the Father is narrow. Only the righteous, made righteous by Christ, can successfully follow the path to eternal life.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Matthew 5,6 and 7
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
AIM: To discover the rules and conduct of Christian living that lead to eternal life.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this two-week lesson, the learners should:
i. be able to point out the conduct and the principles of the Kingdom;
ii. have been showing signs of the coming of the Kingdom of God being paramount to them;
iii. have begun to set their priorities right, having the will of God in Christ as premium; and
iv. have been more obedient to the commandments of God.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: MATTHEW 5-7; HEBREWS 1:8-9; JAMES 1:21-27
In the previous lesson, the fourth in the series, we examined the indescribability of God's love for humanity. We attempted some definitions but ended up discovering that love of God in Christ is better experienced than explained, since God didn't define love but actively demonstrates it. The height of this love is found in our Lord Jesus Christ. May those of us who have found this love never lose it. May those who are yet to experience it catch the fire of redemption that Christ brings. Amen.
As we venture into lesson 5, it is necessary to point out that, ethics of eternity, for the purpose of this lesson, refers to the guiding spiritual and moral principles of the Kingdom of God in the eternity that Jesus promised His followers (Jn. 14:2-3).
Jesus is not just interested in superficial, spiritual or ritual religious that does not take the heart relationship with Him (Matt. 5:17), but calls His followers to radical devotion and dependence on God, truly living for Him, and not for themselves, in this present world, to assure a good foundation for eternity. Jesus opens the eyes of His followers to a definite way of lifestyle in which they have to walk in, as heirs of His Kingdom.
As any secular organisation, institution or association has practising ethics upon which it is bound for acceptance, performance and approval, so the Kingdom of God where Christian will spend eternity, has its own, which must be strictly adhered to. In considering the ethics of the eternal Kingdom, we shall be concentrating on the gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7, God helping us.
INTRODUCTION TO EACH DIVISION
This two-week lesson is broadly divided into major parts, I and II, while each division is further subdivided into two parts, A and B.
DIVISION I: GOD'S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT:
God's Kingdom is different in the sense that, it talks about doing the will of God here on earth. Jesus taught the people about the Kingdom principles that every Christian must imbibe in his or her life. The Sermon on the Mount portray what the life of a true Christian should be. Being salt and light shows that a good Christian must be salting and lighting the world.
DIVISION II: GOD'S KINGDOM HAS ETHICS:
In any organisation, there are rules and regulations that keep the place intact. So also, there is Kingdom ethics that every Christian must follow if we are going to make it to the Kingdom. Jesus lays the rules of the Kingdom in Matthew (5-8) for His hearers then, and to us now, to learn and follow the teachings the rule to eternal life.
LESSON OUTLINE
I. GOD'S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT
A. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF THE KINGDOM
B. ETHICS OF ETERNITY IDENTIFIED
II. GOD'S KINGDOM HAS ETHICS
A. ETHICS OF ETERNITY FURTHER IDENTIFIED
B. ETHICS OF ETERNITY: ADMONITIONS
LESSON EXPOSITION
Mar. 17th, 2019
I. GOD'S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT (Matthew 6:10; Hebrews 1:8-9)
A kingdom is a state or people ruled over by a king or queen. More relevantly, it is a realm or area of activity in which a particular things is thought to dominate. Kingdom is the domain of a king -- king-domain=kingdom. There is hardly any king without a domain. God's Kingdom is His domain of rule as the King of kings and Lord of lords. There is Kingdom, and there are kingdoms. God's domain over His own people, through our Lord Jesus Christ, is different, because of its peculiarities. How?
A. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF THE KINGDOM (Matt. 6:10; Heb. 1:8-9)
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
i. It is important that we have the knowledge of the kingdom's principles so that we can live by it to maintain our residency (Matt. 7:21; Jn. 8:32).
ii. The structure and culture of the Kingdom do not fit some modern and contemporary principles of lifestyle, but it represents a consistent spiritual and moral pattern (Matt. 6:10; Lk. 1:49-53; 3:5-6).
iii. The Kingdom of God should be the primary concern for the Christian life (Matt. 6:33).
iv. The fruits of the Kingdom are the tests of persecution and perseverance (Matt. 21:42; James 1:3-4).
v. The governing principle of the Kingdom is righteousness (Heb. 1:8).
vi. These essential principles are enshrined in the Bible (God's Word) (Jos. 1:8; Ezr. 7:10; 2 Tim. 3:16,17).
vii. Jesus taught His hearers the principle of praying to the Father according to heavenly ethics. Every true Christian should not be too mindful of earthly kingdom, but must always be conscious of heavenly Kingdom. Hence, they must always pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be established on earth.
B. ETHICS OF ETERNITY IDENTIFIED (Matt. 5:1-16)
Then He opened His mouth and taught them saying... (v. 2).
* The Sermon on the Mount by Jesus Christ, presents ethical contents, relating to God's Kingdom. The Kingdom ethics is far more than mere rules for a future millennium.
* Matt. 5-7 reveal the ethics for our counsel and adherence as recipients of the Kingdom life:
i. 5:3-11: A desire and possession of God's heart and and character. The heart condition of the resident of the eternal Kingdom must be reveal being being poor in spirit, meekness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity, peace-making, and persecution for righteousness' sake. These conditions cannot be met by anyone, except those who possess the heart and character of God. Do you possess this heart and character?
ii. 5:13-16: Being godly models in the church and community. It is only when the quality of whom you are shines out that you influence your community, thus becoming a model to others. Are you true to Matt. 5:13-16?
iii. Jesus wants every Christian to be salt of the earth and light of the world. As salt and light, we are to be holy, pure, living distinctive lifestyles, salting and illuminating this wicked world, so that others will come to know God through us.
LESSON DERIVED
1. There are principles governing the Kingdom of God. Only those who abide by them would enjoy the Kingdom blessings now, and in eternity.
2. The ethics of God's Kingdom differs from the ethics of the world. Worldliness is far apart from godliness. Choose the latter.
WORK TO DO
Why is it difficult for people to live by the holy principles of God's Kingdom today, some Christians inclusive? Proffer solution.
Click to read previous CAC Sunday School Manuals here
SUGGESTED ANSWER TO WORK TO DO
i. Many so-called Christians are not really born-again.
ii. The fear of God is diminishing gradually in the Church.
iii. Many churches are not teaching their members the importance of living a holy life.
iv. When members are not filled with Holy Spirit, they cannot live by Christ's holy principles.
v. Some people believe and teach that to live a holy life is not feasible in life.
vi. Some leaders, who are expected to be positive role models, have disappointed their followers often times.
vii. The way out is to rediscover the passion for Christ's holiness, and preach it powerfully and regularly.
viii. Church leaders, regardless of who is involved in misdemeanour, should practise proper discipline.
C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD FOR MAN.
March 17th, 2019
LESSON FIVE
THE ETHICS OF ETERNITY.
Holiness is the only key/path to Heaven. Without it, eternity with Christ in heaven can never be possible.
MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
BRIEF COMMENT
Jesus Christ was teaching the disciples the model of prayer that is accepted by the Father, against the teachers of the Pharisees who liked to stand in the synagogue and corners of streets praying, to everyone's sight. He went further to teach what they must do in prayer:
* Go inside your room and pray
* Shut your door.
* Pray to your Father in secret
* Do not use vain repetitions
In this same vain, He taught them the manner of prayer that is acceptable to the Father in vv. 9-13. However, our emphasis is on verse 10: Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We are studying the words in this verse closely.
Jesus was teaching His disciples, and by extension, the Christian at large, that we should always pray that the Kingdom of God will come. Every Christian should always pray to God for His Kingdom to come, like Daniel, in 9:2, also prayed for the deliverance of Israel. We pray for God's Kingdom to come so that everyone would come to the knowledge of the Son, embracing Him as his or her personal Saviour, and living Christian lifestyle. Also, we should always pray that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That is, the Christian should be obedient to all ordinances of the Kingdom and directly telling God to do with him/her as He pleases.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS FOR WEEK ONE
Mon. 11: God must be Panted After (Psa. 42:1-2)
Tue. 12: God's Kingdom's Law Should Govern Us (Matt. 7:21)
Wed. 13: God's Kingdom's Fruit is Righteousness (Matt. 21:42)
Thur. 14: God's Kingdom's Principle is Righteousness (Heb. 1:18)
Fri. 15: God Beyond the Pharisees' Righteousness' Level (Matt. 5:20)
Sat. 16: God's Heart: The Greatest Kingdom Virtue (Matt. 19:16-17)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
1. God laid-down standard that everyone aspiring to His eternal Kingdom must follow uncompromisingly; no two ways.
2. Following God uncompromisingly is living in line with the standard of His holiness. It is the key to eternal life, and is only possible through Jesus, the only way to the Father of eternal life.
3. The way to the Father is narrow. Only the righteous, made righteous by Christ, can successfully follow the path to eternal life.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Matthew 5,6 and 7
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
AIM: To discover the rules and conduct of Christian living that lead to eternal life.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this two-week lesson, the learners should:
i. be able to point out the conduct and the principles of the Kingdom;
ii. have been showing signs of the coming of the Kingdom of God being paramount to them;
iii. have begun to set their priorities right, having the will of God in Christ as premium; and
iv. have been more obedient to the commandments of God.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: MATTHEW 5-7; HEBREWS 1:8-9; JAMES 1:21-27
In the previous lesson, the fourth in the series, we examined the indescribability of God's love for humanity. We attempted some definitions but ended up discovering that love of God in Christ is better experienced than explained, since God didn't define love but actively demonstrates it. The height of this love is found in our Lord Jesus Christ. May those of us who have found this love never lose it. May those who are yet to experience it catch the fire of redemption that Christ brings. Amen.
As we venture into lesson 5, it is necessary to point out that, ethics of eternity, for the purpose of this lesson, refers to the guiding spiritual and moral principles of the Kingdom of God in the eternity that Jesus promised His followers (Jn. 14:2-3).
Jesus is not just interested in superficial, spiritual or ritual religious that does not take the heart relationship with Him (Matt. 5:17), but calls His followers to radical devotion and dependence on God, truly living for Him, and not for themselves, in this present world, to assure a good foundation for eternity. Jesus opens the eyes of His followers to a definite way of lifestyle in which they have to walk in, as heirs of His Kingdom.
As any secular organisation, institution or association has practising ethics upon which it is bound for acceptance, performance and approval, so the Kingdom of God where Christian will spend eternity, has its own, which must be strictly adhered to. In considering the ethics of the eternal Kingdom, we shall be concentrating on the gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7, God helping us.
INTRODUCTION TO EACH DIVISION
This two-week lesson is broadly divided into major parts, I and II, while each division is further subdivided into two parts, A and B.
DIVISION I: GOD'S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT:
God's Kingdom is different in the sense that, it talks about doing the will of God here on earth. Jesus taught the people about the Kingdom principles that every Christian must imbibe in his or her life. The Sermon on the Mount portray what the life of a true Christian should be. Being salt and light shows that a good Christian must be salting and lighting the world.
DIVISION II: GOD'S KINGDOM HAS ETHICS:
In any organisation, there are rules and regulations that keep the place intact. So also, there is Kingdom ethics that every Christian must follow if we are going to make it to the Kingdom. Jesus lays the rules of the Kingdom in Matthew (5-8) for His hearers then, and to us now, to learn and follow the teachings the rule to eternal life.
LESSON OUTLINE
I. GOD'S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT
A. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF THE KINGDOM
B. ETHICS OF ETERNITY IDENTIFIED
II. GOD'S KINGDOM HAS ETHICS
A. ETHICS OF ETERNITY FURTHER IDENTIFIED
B. ETHICS OF ETERNITY: ADMONITIONS
LESSON EXPOSITION
Mar. 17th, 2019
I. GOD'S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT (Matthew 6:10; Hebrews 1:8-9)
A kingdom is a state or people ruled over by a king or queen. More relevantly, it is a realm or area of activity in which a particular things is thought to dominate. Kingdom is the domain of a king -- king-domain=kingdom. There is hardly any king without a domain. God's Kingdom is His domain of rule as the King of kings and Lord of lords. There is Kingdom, and there are kingdoms. God's domain over His own people, through our Lord Jesus Christ, is different, because of its peculiarities. How?
A. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF THE KINGDOM (Matt. 6:10; Heb. 1:8-9)
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
i. It is important that we have the knowledge of the kingdom's principles so that we can live by it to maintain our residency (Matt. 7:21; Jn. 8:32).
ii. The structure and culture of the Kingdom do not fit some modern and contemporary principles of lifestyle, but it represents a consistent spiritual and moral pattern (Matt. 6:10; Lk. 1:49-53; 3:5-6).
iii. The Kingdom of God should be the primary concern for the Christian life (Matt. 6:33).
iv. The fruits of the Kingdom are the tests of persecution and perseverance (Matt. 21:42; James 1:3-4).
v. The governing principle of the Kingdom is righteousness (Heb. 1:8).
vi. These essential principles are enshrined in the Bible (God's Word) (Jos. 1:8; Ezr. 7:10; 2 Tim. 3:16,17).
vii. Jesus taught His hearers the principle of praying to the Father according to heavenly ethics. Every true Christian should not be too mindful of earthly kingdom, but must always be conscious of heavenly Kingdom. Hence, they must always pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be established on earth.
B. ETHICS OF ETERNITY IDENTIFIED (Matt. 5:1-16)
Then He opened His mouth and taught them saying... (v. 2).
* The Sermon on the Mount by Jesus Christ, presents ethical contents, relating to God's Kingdom. The Kingdom ethics is far more than mere rules for a future millennium.
* Matt. 5-7 reveal the ethics for our counsel and adherence as recipients of the Kingdom life:
i. 5:3-11: A desire and possession of God's heart and and character. The heart condition of the resident of the eternal Kingdom must be reveal being being poor in spirit, meekness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity, peace-making, and persecution for righteousness' sake. These conditions cannot be met by anyone, except those who possess the heart and character of God. Do you possess this heart and character?
ii. 5:13-16: Being godly models in the church and community. It is only when the quality of whom you are shines out that you influence your community, thus becoming a model to others. Are you true to Matt. 5:13-16?
iii. Jesus wants every Christian to be salt of the earth and light of the world. As salt and light, we are to be holy, pure, living distinctive lifestyles, salting and illuminating this wicked world, so that others will come to know God through us.
LESSON DERIVED
1. There are principles governing the Kingdom of God. Only those who abide by them would enjoy the Kingdom blessings now, and in eternity.
2. The ethics of God's Kingdom differs from the ethics of the world. Worldliness is far apart from godliness. Choose the latter.
WORK TO DO
Why is it difficult for people to live by the holy principles of God's Kingdom today, some Christians inclusive? Proffer solution.
Click to read previous CAC Sunday School Manuals here
SUGGESTED ANSWER TO WORK TO DO
i. Many so-called Christians are not really born-again.
ii. The fear of God is diminishing gradually in the Church.
iii. Many churches are not teaching their members the importance of living a holy life.
iv. When members are not filled with Holy Spirit, they cannot live by Christ's holy principles.
v. Some people believe and teach that to live a holy life is not feasible in life.
vi. Some leaders, who are expected to be positive role models, have disappointed their followers often times.
vii. The way out is to rediscover the passion for Christ's holiness, and preach it powerfully and regularly.
viii. Church leaders, regardless of who is involved in misdemeanour, should practise proper discipline.
C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD FOR MAN FOR March 17th, 2019 , LESSON FIVE ; TOPIC - THE ETHICS OF ETERNITY.
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
March 17, 2019
Rating:
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
March 17, 2019
Rating:
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