CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL – Church of God Mission International – TOPIC: CHRISTIAN HUMILITY AND SERVANTHOOD – DATE: SUNDAY 12th June,2022
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
DATE: SUNDAY 12th June,2022
(HYMN: S S & S 581 “NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE”)
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN HUMILITY AND SERVANTHOOD
TEXT: Philippians 2:1-30
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
HUMILITY IS GOD’S PATHWAY TO GREATNESS
INTRODUCTION
Humility is an attribute that many misunderstand for weakness or cowardice in everyday life, while servanthood is viewed as the lot of weaklings and the disadvantaged in the society. These views are encouraged and promoted by materialistic tendencies that form thick scales of blindness over the eyes of many.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was very clear and emphatic about both attributes and He left no one in doubt about their importance. By His own example, He presents both as admirable and treasurable qualities of immense benefits. In humility, Christ submitted to a divine plan by putting on the earthly body of a mortal man, so that He can restore humanity back to grace and fellowship with God. His servanthood was demonstrated in His ministry (Mk 10:45) by being available and accessible to both great and low. The end results of humility and servanthood is to earn the honour of God’s pleasure and glory.
This study will examine the virtues of exemplary christian humility and servanthood.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Explain the concepts of humility and servanthood among christians
- Discuss the exemplary humility demonstrated by the Lord Jesus Christ
- Identify the virtues that promote godly humility and servanthood
BIBLE TRUTH
QUESTION 1.
EXPLAIN THE CONCEPTS OF CHRISTIAN HUMILITY AND SERVANTHOOD
Both humility and servanthood are divinely instituted manifestations for effective service to God. Christian humility is the Christlike attitude of maintaining a sober, temperate, meek and compassionate disposition to others. It is conscious stepping down of pride and ego, the adoption of a gentle and beautiful mien in conducts and relationships. It is to project God and His glory high above self instincts and self worth.
On the other hand, servanthood is the attitude of service that makes one to function effectively in the role of an attendant to a master or to a cause. It is the spirit of devotion to a master’s interest and estate.
Also Read: Open Heaven 12 June 2022 Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Topic: WORKERS ARE BLESSED
QUESTION 2.
WHAT WERE THE VIRTUES THAT APOSTLE PAUL RECOMMENDED TO THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH ? Phil 2:1-4
Paul reminded this church on the need to manifest virtues of harmony in fellowship. He exhorted them to be like-minded, have same love for one another, be of one accord and of one mind. They were to be in one affection irrespective of their different estates. Believers are to be united on the primary articles of faith and love for one another should be mutual. Despite natural differences, believers must endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit . In brotherly love, there is consolation, true fellowship of the Spirit, compassion towards one another and immense ministerial joy. They are to play down on the spirit of opposition and pride, be more tolerant of the errors of others than of themselves and are to show concern on the general affairs of others as well.
QUESTION 3(a).
DISCUSS THE EXEMPLARY HUMILITY OF JESUS CHRIST Phil 2:5-8
The humility of the Lord Jesus was both exceptional and unrivalled. He had the full divine nature, and it was not impersonation for Him to assert His divine rights. But He voluntarily assumed human nature and chose to manifest, not as a prince to this world but as a servant, so as to minister effectively. He was birthed on earth through a family of mean social standing. He suffered and endured humiliation that ended with a cruel death on the cross. He submitted Himself to a cursed and shameful death as if He were a criminal. All these He did in obedience and total submission to the will of God the Father.
QUESTION 3(b).
WHAT WERE THE REWARDS FOR HIS HUMILITY AND TOTAL OBEDIENCE TO GOD ? Phil 2:9-11
The humble disposition and total obedience of Christ to the will of God brought exaltation to Him in so many ways. God exalted the total personality of Christ, consisting of His human nature and His divine nature by crowning Him with honour and power. He became the first-fruit and the pre-eminent one in the New dispensation of grace and was therefore accorded with Lordship and worship. By it, He obtained an all powerful and overwhelming Name unto wh all creation has become subjected. His authority extensively permeates both material world world and the world of spirits. Indeed, He is the true expression of God’s age and glory.
QUESTION 4.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING” ? Phil 2:12-13
To work out one’s salvation with fear and trembling is an emphasis on our show of seriousness and diligence in the christian race, and to have the welfare of our souls as of utmost priority. It means doing something at all times about our salvation and doing all that is to be done with perseverance and hope.
Our obedience to the truth of the gospel should not be because of the presence of human overseers or superintendents but should evolve out of a deep-seated personal conviction and conversion. The inclination of the believer should be towards the grace of God at all times.
QUESTION 5
WHAT WAS PAUL’S ADMONITION TO THE CHURCH ON PRACTICAL CONDUCT ? Phil 2:14-18
By way of sundry exhortation to the church, Paul emphasised the importance of a cheerful obedience to the commands of God’s word and a peaceful disposition and love towards one another. He urged them to always display blameless conduct in both action and intention and to distinguish themselves from the world by reason of good works. He called on believers to hold fast to the word of Life for their own benefits and to hold it forth for the benefits of others. Finally, Paul told the church to justify the exploits and sacrifices made by ministers towards their salvation through conduct that glorifies the name of the Lord
QUESTION 6(A)
WHAT COMMENDABLE QUALITIES WERE FOUND IN TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS ? Phil 2:19-30
Both were faithful disciples and co-ministers with Paul, who attended to Paul during his frequent imprisonment. Timothy was described as one with excellent spirit and tender heart whose service was sincere. He was a knowledgeable minister whose faithfulness to God, the church and Paul had been tried and confirmed. EPAPHRODITUS was described as one with a spirit of brotherliness, companionship and a willing worker for Christ. Mention was also made of his then health challenge and God’s healing grace on him.
QUESTION 6(B)
HOW ARE WE TO HONOUR MINISTERS AMONG US ? Phil 2:28-30
The greatest honour we show to ministers is not in the titles and appendages we ascribed to them, but in the way we receive and respond to their labours among us. We are to esteem and value their ministry by presenting ourselves as worthy fruits of such. We are also encouraged to uphold them through material provisions, words of motivation and continuous prayers.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATIONTo be a Christian is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour it is to be clothed with uncommon humility and a ready spirit to serve. Diligence, perseverance, circumspection and cheerful obedience were the outstanding characters of Jesus. For all these, He was highly exalted by God the Father.
Therefore, it behoves on us to draw inspiration from Christ and focus on the ultimate price of eternal life.
MEMORY VERSE
Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”
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