| Pastor Bryan Pr...'s profileKemp Chapel Baptist Chur...PhotosBlogLists |  Tools  Help |
|
|
Sunday School Lesson May 20, 2007Spiritual Error Is Rampant
Biblical Truth:
Believers are to recognize spiritual error and, take a stand
for the spiritual truth.
Background Passage: 2 Peter 2: 1-22
Believers are to beware of false prophets who teach destructive heresies and lead many people astray. They exploit people with deceptive words for their own personal gain. Their judgement will be swift and sure in God’s timing.
The Bible’s true record of God’s judgement of angels who sinned, the wicked in Noah’s day, and Sodom and Gomorrah all attest to God’s judgement of sin. False teachers are bold, arrogant, and wicked; and they speak blasphemy to draw people away from God’s true way of righteousness.
Identify Spiritual Error
2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privitly shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgement now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Denounce Spiritual Error
2 Peter 2:12-14
Buy these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Stand Against Spiritual Error
2 Peter 2:17-22
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lust of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing into the mire.
What About You
The Bible makes it very clear that the conditions Peter described are not new. The Devil has been deceiving people since the beginning of time. My wife, Martha, and I were walking along the streets of Basel, Switzerland, one Christmastime.
We were approached by two-fine looking young men dressed in dark trousers and white shirts. They were from the United States, doing inter-national missionary services, but not one on behalf of Jesus Christ. We had an interesting conversation, but neither they nor we were changed in what we believe.
Recently, I was working in my yard when two well-dressed women and a boy walked up to me. They wanted to give me some printed material about their movement. I took their literature and talked to them about Jesus. Many churches experience disruption because members or leaders pervert biblical teachings and practices, whether intentionally or in ignorance.
Because spiritual error is rampant, dangerous, and destructive, we as believers must be sure that we believe is based on the inspired Bible. We must also be willing to take a strong stand for spiritual truth and to confront those who would undermine the faith of others by false teachings.
We must continue to learn God’s Word and keep being filled with the Holy Spirit so we can rightly represent our Lord Jesus Christ wherever He leads us. I pray that you will join me in being willing to pay the price to learn what the Bible really teaches and to stand up for the Lord against those who distort and deny His Word. Sunday School Lesson May 13, 2007God’s Word Is Essential
Biblical Truth:
Paying attention to God’s Word facilitates spiritual growth.
Background Passage: 2 Peter 1: 12-21
Knowing that he would soon depart this life, Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to remind believers of the truth. Peter’s message about the Lord Jesus Christ was not a clever myth, but a report of his personally experiencing the Lord’s Glory. The prophetic word has been strongly confirmed and demands attention because it came from God as men were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak God’s message.
Most Believers know something of what the Bible teaches, but evidence shows that many do not remember even the most basic facts or grasp the principles enough to reflect biblical truth in their lives. They live relatively good moral lives; but the morality of many Christians is based on a secular worldview rather than a biblical view worldview.
This lesson reminds us that God’s Word is a key element in understanding God, His Truth, and His Ways. Applied biblical knowledge is essential for spiritual growth. God expects His people to give close attention to His divinely inspired Word.
Wake Up
2 Peter 1: 12-15
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put of this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
Have Confidence
2 Peter 1: 16-18
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
Pay attention
2 Peter 1:19-21
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your heart: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
What About You
This Mother’s Day is a good time to reaffirm our devotion to the sacred scriptures which Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice taught him. These scriptures are able to instruct you about salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training, in righteousness, so that man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Have you been born again through the living and enduring word of God. If not, now would be the best time to believe in Jesus and to be saved. Once you are born again, like a new born infant, you should desire the unadulterated spiritual milk of God’s Word so that you may grow by it in your salvation. Where could you find a better offer?
I hope you will join me in regularly meditating on the Word of God, which means all of the following: spending time every day in the Bible, having an earnest desire to put God’s Word into practice in your life, and being willing to obey it’s teachings.
Meditation includes considering ways to obey the Word. These may include Thanking god for promised blessings, praising Him for the truth revealed about Himself, repenting of sins brought to light, mending a broken relationship, expressing appreciation to someone, and listening to what God says so you can bring your life in line with His will and purpose.
Underline any of the following you are practicing or feel led to start: asking the Holy Spirit to guide you each time you read the Bible; adopting a consistent plan to read the Bible through; using study helps to guide you in understanding the Bible; writing notes on what you read and how it applies to your life; writing prayers or songs based on passages you study; and sharing with others the truths you are discovering. List other ideas the Spirit brings to your mind.
May God Bless You as You dig deeper in to His inspired Word, so You may be more like His Son, the Living Word. Sunday School Lesson May 6, 2007Growth Is Intentional
Biblical Truth:
God expects believers to avail themselves of all He has
provided to enable them to grow spiritually.
Background Passage: 2 Peter 1: 1-11
Faith that is obtained through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the foundation for Christian living. Growth in grace and peace is available through the knowledge of God and of Jesus, our Lord.
By his divine power God has provided all that is necessary for Christian living through knowing Him. Through His promises we share in his divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world through evil desires. On the foundation of faith, we should seek to develop the following elements of Christian living: Goodness, Knowledge, Self-Control. Endurance, Godliness, Brotherly Affection, and Godly Love.
These qualities will lead to fruitfulness in Christian living and eventually result in Honor and Abundant Reward in the Lord’s Eternal Kingdom.
Begin With Faith
2 Peter 1: 1-2
Simon Peter, a servant and an a apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of god and our Savior Jesus Christ: Grace and Peace be multiplied through the knowledge of god, and of Jesus our Lord.
Trust God’s Provisions
2 Peter 1: 3-4
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Build your Character
2 Peter 1: 5-7
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to faith virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly charity.
Confirm your Salvation
2 Peter 1: 8-11
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from His own Sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly in to the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What About You
Are you satisfied with the level of your spiritual development? If not, like Jeremy, you need to be sure you have been born again, confess and forsake any known sin, and determine to take aggressive steps to develop all the Lord has provided to enable you to grow spiritually.
He will not give you spiritual new birth and then abandon you. He has given you everything required for life and godliness, and He will enable you to supplement your faith with the godly characteristic that will confirm your calling and election. You can be sure, satisfied, and solid in your Christian experience. Sunday School Lesson April 29, 2007Act with Humility
Biblical Truth:
All believers should carry out their Christian responsibilities in a spirit of humanity.
Background Passage: 1 Peter 5: 1-14
Peter urged the pastors to serve God’s people as shepherds and overseers freely, willingly, and humbly, being examples for them. Such leaders can anticipate receiving unfading crowns of glory when Jesus, the chief Shepherd, appears.
Young men and others in the church should be subject to the pastors with humanity. God resist the proud, but He deals graciously with the humble. We all should humble ourselves and cast all our cares upon God, knowing He cares for us.
Believers must be aware of and resist the Devil. They can do that by God’s grace, Knowing Jesus will deliver them after they have suffered for Him.
Lead by Example
1 Peter 5: 1-4
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Put others First
1 Peter 5: 5-7
Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward another, because God resist the proud, but gives to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of god, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.
Always Be Alert
1 Peter 5: 8-14
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen
What About You
Faye’s husband and daughter both died. Some people would have given up to the sorrow of two such great losses. With the love of her church and the gracious ministry of the Lord Jesus, Faye has grown greatly as a Christian.
With unselfish humility, she gives her time to serve the Lord by serving others. One day I got a phone call from a woman thanking me for that lady, form our church who volunteered to take her home from the hospital. I learned that Faye had gone out of her way to minister to this stranger.
Who do you know in your church who demonstrates the attitude of humility in serving others? If someone were to take a poll of the people who reflect the humble service demonstrated by Jesus, how highly would you rate? Sunday School Lesson April 22, 2007Stay Focused on God’s Purposes
Biblical Truth:
God expects His People to stay Focused on Him and His Purpose.
Background Passage: 1 Peter 4: 17-19
Because the end of all things is near, believers should be Clear Headed, Prayerful, Loving, and Hospitable as they use God’s gracious gifts with discernment to glorify Him through Jesus Christ.
Christians who suffer for their faith should not be surprised, but they should rejoice to share Christ’s sufferings because god’s Spirit is with them.
All who suffer as Christians can glorify God as they continue doing good, and entrust themselves to God as the Faithful Creator.
Serve with God’s Strength
1 Peter 4: 7-11
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praised and dominion forever and ever. AMEN
Share in Christ Sufferings
1 Peter 4: 12-14
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is Glorified.
Seek God’s Glory
1 Peter 4: 15-19
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as a evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first began at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
What About You
This lesson has encouraged us to focus our lives on god’s will and live wholeheartly for Him. As we do so, we will find that other people will not always appreciate that, and some will cause us to suffer because we are Christians.
One of Satan’s ploys is to distract believers from spiritual matters with peer pressure, desires for pleasure, wealth, and prestige and other worldly pursuits. He seeks to cause Christians to lose their focus on the Lord. And His will for their lives. This loss of focus may result in indifference, resentment, anger, and unforgiveness toward others. This may lead to dropping out of church or failing to use spiritual gifts to build up the body.
The Lord wants His people to trust Him, to glorify Him, and to stay focused on Him and His will regardless of their circumstances. How about You? How Focused are You on God’s will? In what ways have You suffered for standing up for Christ and identifying with Him and His church?
The Holy Spirit resides within You because of Your Faith in Jesus. Ask Him to Help You strengthen Your Focus on God’s will and enable You to not be Ashamed, but to Glorify God as a Christian Each Day of Your Life. Sunday School Lesson April 15, 2007Prepare for Suffering
Biblical Truth:
Christians are to prepare themselves to suffer for living according to God’s will.
Background Passage: 1 Peter 3: 13-22
1 Peter 4: 1-6
Although ordinarily people will not harm you if you do good, you can be confident that you are blessed even if you should suffer for righteousness. Rather than being afraid, you can worship Jesus as the Messiah and Lord. Always be ready to witness and explain the hope you have in Christ, but do so with gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience.
When believers suffer unjustly, they can be strengthened to remember that Christ suffer to bring us to God. Afterward, He raised from death and ascended to heaven to assert His ultimate authority and power.
Resolve, as Christ did, to live according to God’s will. You have been changed and must now live for God, being aware that God will judge all wicked people.
Prepare Your Heart
1 Peter 3: 13-15a
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteous sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But a sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
Prepare Your Witness
1 Peter 3: 15b-16
and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, wheras they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Prepare Your Attitude
1 Peter 3: 17-22
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evildoing. For Christ, also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven and is one the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Prepare Your Resolve
1 Peter 4: 1-6
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased form sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when walk in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according t omen in the flesh, but live according to God in the Spirit.
What About You
Because of some things she experienced while growing up, Sharon had grown bitter and said she could not believe in a God who allows such things to happen. Her friend, Rose, was a dedicated Christian who sought to share Christ in all she did. When Rose was falsely accused by a jealous coworker of making a mistake that cost her company a great deal of money, she maintained a Christian attitude. Pressure was so great that she was forced to resigned that job. With confidence in the Lord, Rose was able to find another job.
Sharon closely observed Rose’s consistent Christian faith and commitment in all of this. One day after a long talk with Rose, Sharon decided to receive Christ as her Savior also. What if Suffering come your way because you are a Christian? Recall Jesus unjust suffering on your behalf and reflect on your life. Are you willing to commit t olive faithfully for Christ regardless of the cost? What are you doing to prepare to live in God’s will and trust Him to provide all the resources you need to bear the suffering in such a way as to help others turn to Christ for Salvation. Sunday School Lesson April, 8 2007Happy Easter
Share New Life
Biblical Truth:
People who receive the risen Lord, are to bear
witness about the new life He offers.
Background Passage: Luke 24: 1-49
Women followers of Jesus came to his tomb early Sunday morning, only to discover the tomb was empty. Two angels announced that Jesus had been resurrected, as He had predicted. The women reported these events to the 11 remaining disciples, who did not believe them. Peter ran to the tomb and was amazed at the sight.
Later that day Jesus met with two disciples on the way to Emmaus, taught them how the scriptures predicted His death and resurrection, and revealed that He was indeed alive. They hurried back to Jerusalem, where Jesus had appeared to Simon. As they were talking, Jesus appeared to all those present and proved He was Alive.
Jesus taught His followers about the Messiah’s death and resurrection according to the Scriptures and enabled them to understand the truth. The truth included the urgency for repentance and forgiveness to be proclaimed in His name to all nations. Informing them that they were witness of these things, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them.
Listen Up
Luke 24: 1-6a
Now upon the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye living among the dead? He is not here, but is Risen.
Look Here
Luke 24:36-43
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a Spirit. And he said unto them, Why are you troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them.
Be Transformed
Luke 24: 44-47
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
Go and Tell
Luke 24: 48-49
And ye are witness of these things, And, Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
What About You
Have you come to a point in your life when you realized that Jesus is alive and accepted Him as your Savior? If so, I know you rejoice in knowing and serving the Loving Lord. If not, I urge you to seriously consider the difference knowing and following Jesus could make in your life. Knowing Him brings about salvation by providing a new birth in your innermost being.
The Bible teaches that all of us are made to have a relationship with God, and we never be fully at rest until we come into a personal relationship with Him. We have all sinned, and sin constructs an insurmountable barrier between us and God. When we believe in Jesus, He transcends the barrier and transforms us into God’s dear Children, Jesus own brothers and sisters in spirit.
You can receive Him now if His Spirit is moving you to do so. Simply pray to confess Him as your Lord and Savior. If you need help, call your Sunday School teacher or Pastor.
Once we receive Jesus, we are responsible for telling other about Him. Ask the Lord to help You be a witness for Him to help others know Him as the Living Lord. Wherever we go, whatever we do, in whatever conversation we are involved, believers can be witnesses for Jesus and of the good news of Salvation. The Holy Spirit will assist You. Sunday School Lesson April, 1 2007Exercise Submission’s Power
Biblical Truth:
Christian submission is a powerful means of advancing God’s kingdom.
Background Passage: 1 Peter 3: 1-12
Christian wives are to submit themselves to their husbands as a positive witness for Jesus. The inner beauty of their pure, reverent lives should attract their husbands to Christ. Such living reveals a quiet
trust in God.
Christian husbands will find their own spiritual lives enhanced when they honor their wives
as co-heirs of the grace of life. Christians will manifest the same humble, loving, submissive spirit in the church as in the home. In doing so, they will be blessings to others and will be blessed by God.
Power To Convince
1 Peter 3: 1-6
Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adjourning let it not be that outward adjourning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Power To honor
1 Peter 3: 7
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Follow Christ Example
1 Peter 3: 8-12
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue form evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
What About You
Peter indicated that the world will view Christians as strange as the live for Christ in the power of the holy spirit and exercise Christlike, submissive attitudes under God’s direction. This powerful witness will influence the four major areas of human experience: civil society, the workplace, the family, and the church. This lesson emphasizes exercising submission’s spiritual power for advancing God’s kingdom in the areas of the family and the church. Prayerfully consider these two vital areas of your life. Reflect on the past month. How would you rate the effectiveness of your Christlike submission in your home? How about the relationship in the church? Jot down ways you could become more effective in exercising submission’s spiritual power for advancing God’s kingdom, both in your home and in your church. Talk to the Lord about your desires to honor Him. He will help you. Sunday School Lesson March 25, 2007Practice Christian Submission
Emphasizes following Christ example of relating to other people unselfishly, graciously,
respectfully, righteously, and redemptively.
Biblical Truth:
Christians are to practice Christian submission.
Background Passage: 1 Peter
Gods wills for Christians to submit to governmental institutions and leaders, whose duty it is to
Punish Evil and Encourage Good. Spiritual freedom in Christ encourages honor for others and is never used to conceal Evil.
Christians please God when they respectfully submit to persons in authority over them, regardless
Of how they are treated. The act of doing good to others even when mistreated is Christlike.
Though Jesus suffered unjustly, He did not retaliate, but commit Himself to God. In doing so, He
Bore our sins and provided our salvation.
Christians are citizens of heaven and demonstrate that fact by the way they live in the world. Through doing good, including submitting to human authority, Christians honor the Lord, and influence other for him. Believers should be the best, most gracious citizens possible. As we follow Christ example, we will relate to others unselfishly, gracious, respectfully, righteously, and redemptively.
Submit to Officials
1 Peter 2: 13-17
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye mat put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King.
Submit to Superiors
1 Peter 2: 18-20
Servants. Be subject to your masters wit hall fear; not only to the good and gentile, but also to the froword. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what the glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
Follow Christ Example
1 Peter 2: 21-25
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepard and Bishop of your souls.
What About You
If someone were writing about you, what would they likely say? How are you facing problems that come into your life? To what degree do you confront suffering and difficulties with Positive Faith in God and respectful submission to authorities?
As you follow Jesus example, you will relate to other people unselfishly, respectfully, righteously, and redemptively. Christ will be honored; other will be blessed; and you will have the ultimate satisfaction of knowing you are pleasing your Lord. Sunday School Lesson March 18, 2007Display a New Identity
Biblical Truth:
Believers are to live out their identity as God’s people.
Background Passage: 1 Peter
Believers who have experienced God’s goodness should rid themselves of wickedness and desire spiritual nourishment so they will grow in their salvation.
As living stones, individual priest who are part of God’s house of faith, believers are to draw near to Christ as the eternal Living Stone in whom they find their identity as God’s special people who seek to proclaim His praises.
Many people rejected Christ, but He has become the corner stone of our faith. As God’ people, believers will reject evil and glorify God through good works.
Nurture Your New Identity
1 Peter 2: 1-3
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Understand Your New Identity
1 Peter 2: 4-10
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God of Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which is disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Demonstrate Your New Identity
1 Peter 2: 11-12
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
What About You
Reflect on your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you have been born again by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, you have been changed. If the people with whom you work and associates most closely were given a survey to assess the impact of your Christian witness on them, how would they respond?
To what degree would they agree that you have turned away from worldly practices and demonstrate Christlike qualities in your everyday decisions, speech, and action? Would they be
able to discern ways you give evidence that you belong to a holy priesthood, a chosen race, a holy nation, and a people of God’s own possession? If so, what evidence would they cite? If not, what would you need to do to change their perception?
If god were to visit people who may have spoken evil of you for living for Jesus by convicting them of their need to repent and believe in Jesus, how would they probably respond: by believing in Him or just by rejecting Him? How much would your life have influenced their decisions? Sunday School Lesson March 11, 2007Accept A Challenging Standard
Biblical Truth:
Believers are Called to Holy Living.
Background Passage: 1 Peter
Peter challenged believers to strive continually for holiness, with God’s holiness as their example and standard. Holy conduct is the proof of holy thinking. We must always remember that Christ redeemed persons from sin with the purchase price of his own blood. His sacrificial death was planned by God from the beginning, but only revealed to people in the fullness of God’s time. Jesus Christ is supreme worthy of our glory and praise.
Peter further called on believers to live in purity, with God’s Holy Word as their foundation. He contrasted the belief time span of person’s who are born and die after relatively short lives, with God’s Word, which last forever.
Call to Holiness
1 Peter 1: 13-16
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto us you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is Holy, so be ye Holy in all manner conversation; Because it is written, Be ye Holy; for I am Holy.
Reason for Holiness
1 Peter 1: 17-21
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your Fathers; But with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained of the world but was manifest in these times for you, Who by Him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your Faith and Hope might be in God.
Expression of Holiness
1 Peter 1: 22-25
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned Love of the brethren, see that ye Love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
What About You
How do you think the person who knows you best would rate your holiness? Suppose your child or another child in the church came to you and said; In Sunday School last week, we learned a Bible verse about God saying; Be Holy, because I am Holy. What does; Be Holy Mean? What would you tell the child?
Write a brief statement about this. End it with a note asking God to help you be so Holy that other people will realize something different about you. Be prepared to tell them what know a Holy God means to you and how He has changed the way you live. Ask the Holy Spirit to Help You Keep Growing as God’s Holy Child. Sunday School Lesson March 4, 2007Acknowledge A Secure Salvation
Biblical Truth:
People who Recive Christ have a Secure Salvation
Background Passage: 1 Peter
Identifing himself simply as "an apostle of Jesus Christ," Peter addressed the Jewish Belivers who were undergoing persecution. He affirmed that they had been chosen by God's foreknowledge and set apart by the Spirit to be Cleansed by Jesus Blood. He prayed for God's Grace & Peace for them. Peter Praised God for the new Birth He had Provided and the Guaranteed Eternal Inheritance it Afforded.
Though trails may come, Belivers can Rejoice to Know that their Lives will Bring Praise, Glory, and Honor to the Lord at His second coming. The Salvation prophesied by the inspired prophets has now been preached by the good news of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Positive Identification
1 Peter 1: 1-2
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the stangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through Santification of the Spirit, unto obedience and Sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and Peace, be Mutiplied.
Certain Hope
1 Peter 1: 3-5
Blessed be the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritence incorruptible,and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be reaved in the last time.
Glorious Joy
1 Peter 1: 6-9
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, through now for a season, if need be , ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being muce more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye Love; in whom , though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Marvelous Salvation
1 Peter 1: 10-12
Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and search diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of timethe Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that they have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
What About You
Are you certain about your Salvation? You can be. You can turn your fears and anxieties over to the Lord if you have been born again through faith in Jesus. If you have not, you can receive Him as Savior by faith and be born again right now. Then you can affirm your confidence about the security of your salvation by celebrating your positive identification, your certain hope, your glorious joy, and the marvelous salvation you have received by faith in Jesus. Do not let any Person or Experience Rob You of that Certainty. Rejoice and Live Each Day with Confidence in the sovereign God, who saved you and keeps you. |
|
|
