CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL – Topic: A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR IV: ALMSGIVING, FASTING AND PRAYING – SUNDAY 26th NOVEMBER, 2023
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
DATE: SUNDAY 26th NOVEMBER, 2023.
HYMN: S.S & S 680 “Stand Up! Stand Up!! For Jesus”
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
It is expected of believers to give, pray and fast rightly
TOPIC:
A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR IV: ALMSGIVING, FASTING AND PRAYING
TEXT: Matt 6:1-18; 2Tim 2:19-21
INTRODUCTION:
Some duties and functions are incumbent on believers as result of their faith in Jesus Christ. Some of these duties relate with humanity, while others relate to God. The presence of the less-privileged around us are sometimes embarrassing and distasteful. It is in our human nature to resent all forms of inconvenience to our comfort. With God, the presence of the needy persons around us could be a divine arrangement. It could be a test of faith to us.
The Lord Jesus taught us on the subject of almsgiving, and how to explore it to our advantage. He also taught about the divine principles of fasting as well as of praying.
In this study, we shall be concluding a four-lesson series on “A vessel unto Honour” with an inquisitive look at the subjects of almsgiving, praying, forgiveness and fasting as expounded by Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
This study will
- Discuss the scriptural practice of almsgiving
- Explain the principles of prayer
- Explain the place of forgiveness in prayer and
- Discuss the principles of fasting as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ
Also Read: Open Heaven 25 November 2023 – WHEN GOD PURIFIES II
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1a. WHAT IS ALMSGIVING ? Almsgiving is the voluntary release of money, food or other basic needs of life to the less-privileged, for relief and comfort. It is an act of charity by which someone identifies with the poor, based on obedience to God or as act of love for fellowman.
QUESTION 1b. HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DO ALMSGIVING ? (Matt 6:2-3).
The Christian should approach almsgiving as a duty done in obedience to God, according to ones leading and ability. It should be a private undertaking, less noisy and not designed to violate the self-esteem of the recipients. The aim should be to win the acknowledgement of God and to glorify His name.
QUESTION 1c. IN WHAT WAYS CAN THE PRACTICE OF ALMSGIVING BE ABUSED ? Almsgiving is abused when it is done neither in obedience to God nor out of love for man. When one is consumed by pride and vain glory the alms is in vain. When someone craves for human applause and commendation, and thinks that his alms deed will suffice for repentance and righteous living, the concept has been abused.
QUESTION 2a. WHAT IS PRAYER AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS IN PRAYING RIGHT ? Payer is the means by which we fellowship with God in adoration, confession, requests, supplications, thanksgiving, etc. By prayer, we address the needs of the body, soul and spirit of man. By prayer we relieve pressure and tension from the body, make our ways right with God and have our spirit remain connected to God.
QUESTION 2b. WHAT ARE THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER ? (Matt 6:5-8).
An effective prayer must be hinged on faith in God and in His word. Also, a humble and a contrite disposition before God, specificity of requests and a willingness to allow God’s will to prevail are necessary.
Use of empty and meaningless expressions should be avoided. Prayer should not be unnecessarily long but must be long enough to convincingly address an existing burden. We must not pray to impress and must not pray to oppress.
QUESTION 2c. WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF PRAYER AS PRESENTED IN THE LORD’S MODEL PRAYER ? (Matt 6:9-15)
The Lord’s prayer is a model prayer done openly while teaching His disciples how to pray. It gives us the ideal structure of a complete prayer. The key elements are:
- prayer should be addressed to God our Father
- Reverence, worship and glory be given to God
- submission to the reign and will of God
- present our requests for the now
- supplications for our sins and errors
- guidance and protection against the evil one
- thanksgiving, worship
- a seal of faith.
Also, in supplication for our sins, our receiving forgiveness is based on the condition that we too are willing to free those who have offended us by dispensing forgiveness to them. The Lord’s prayer is not intended for rigid recitation for every situation.
QUESTION 3. LIST SOME HINDERANCES TO PRAYERS (Psa 66:18; Jas 1:6-7; 4:3)
God responds to every prayer in the form of either yes, have it, or wait, it’s not time, or NO, you can’t have it.
Prayers are hindered and less effective due to unbelief and faithlessness in the heart of those who pray. Anxiety and fear are symptoms of unbelief. Sin and disobedience to God are hinderances to prayers. Prayersade to satiate greed and lust do not receive positive attention from God. Neither does God answer prayers that are against His will for us. Pride and ingratitude could also hinder prayers of believers. Resort to self-help and not willing to wait for God’s timing can prevent us from receiving God’s best.
QUESTION 4. EXPLAIN YHE PRINCIPLES OF FASTING AS PRESENTED BY OUR LORD JESUS
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