CGMI ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL By ARCHBISHOP M. E. BENSON IDAHOSA DATE: 3RD NOVEMBER, 2024 | TOPIC: A FRUITFUL APPRAISAL
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CGMI ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
Diligence, patience and discipline
are divine virtues that lead to
fruitful-ness.
DATE: 3RD NOVEMBER, 2024
HYMN: S. S & S. 789.-Must I go and empty handed”
TOPIC: A FRUITFUL APPRAISAL
TEXT: Luke 3:7-9; 13:6-9;
John. 15:1-2
INTRODUCTION:
Appraisal as a concept involves assessment, introspection or
retrospection of conduct over a period of time to identify and reward achievement and to
specially note shortcomings. A dimension of appraisal could be in
quantity or in quality of output. It is done to initiate a desired change and to strengthen existing models
of duty. It serves informative, comparative and evaluative purposes.
To be fruitful is to be productive according to one’s line of duty. As a believer, to be fruitful is to show qualities of life recommended by the scriptures and to produce
character empowered by the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ taught a valuable lesson to us in Luke13:6-9 with a fig tree.
Despite all the care and provisions, the tree could not produce expected fruit. It became a nuisance in the plantation so that the only option left was to cut it down.
In this study we shall examine the need for fruitfulness and the place for appraisal as believers in Christ Jesus.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
- explain the term fruitful appraisal;
- discuss the state of the fig tree in the text:
- discuss the conduct of the vine dresser:
- state the consequences of unfruitfulness; and
- discuss how a believer can become more fruitful
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. EXPLAIN THE TERM ‘FRUITFUL APPRAISAL’
First, to be fruitful is to be abundantly productive and bring forth good results that are beneficial and profitable.
For Christians it means to live a life that produces good works and reflects the character of Christ.
Secondly, appraisal is the act of formal or informal assessment of the performance of someone or
something over a period of time.
Therefore, in the context of this study, fruitful appraisal refers to the activity of evaluating the fruitfulness or otherwise of someone, especially as a believer in Christ, on regular basis and with the Scriptures as benchmark.
Q2.a. WHAT WAS THE STATE OF THE FIG TREE PRESENTED IN LUKE 13:6-9?
According to the passage, the fig tree was well catered for by the vine dresser. For three consecutive seasons, the owner’s expectation for fruits was always disappointed. There were no fruits! It occupied a reasonable portion of land space, was alive and perhaps leafy and
healthy-looking. But the ultimate vision and expectation of the master was never realized. The fig tree had no justification for continued existence and receipt of
further attention.
Q2.b. IS THERE ANY PARALLEL BETWEEN THE STATE OF THE FIG
TREE AND THE STATE OF SOME BELIEVERS?
The situation of the fig tree is a symbolic illustration of the case of some believers.
They may be loaded with salvation and grace, as well as numerous blessing that pertain to life and godliness, yet the good works are not visible and the character of
Christ is poorly presented by them. They may have the language of the Church but the fruit of the Spirit is totally absent. The Master and Lord of the vineyard is not
enthusiastic about the continued survival of such a barren plant, because there is room for fruitfulness.
- EXAMINE THE CONDUCT OF THE VINE DRESSER TOWARDS
THE FIG TREE
The vine dresser is optimistic that the fig tree can still be fruitful. He resorts to extra measures to activate the fruitfulness of the fig tree. He supplicates with the Master for a little more patience, one last chance for the tree to
justify its existence. This is the primary meaning of discipleship- to intercede for God’s mercy, and to bring all kinds of support to the weak to activate the manifestation of godly fruits.
Q4. STATE THE CONSEOUENCES OF UNFRUITFULNESS
The end result of unfruitfulness is rejection and imminent death. The
unfruitful will be cut off from among the living and will be denied access to any source of additional nourishment to mitigate further wastage. So let us take head, and strive to be fruitful.
Q5. HOW CAN A BELIEVER IN CHRIST BECOME MORE
FRUITFUL? John. 15: 1-5.
A be liever’s fruitfulness is anchored on how firm he abides in Christ over time. To abide and be
firm in Christ will involve: –
(I). being fervent in the fellowship of the word of God, to study, teach, recite and obey it. Rom.12:11
(ii). partaking in the fellowship of praise and worship to God.
(iii). submitting to the leadership and control of the Holy Spirit. Rom.8: 14
(iv). being instant, fervent,
and constant in prayers.1Thess 5:17.
(v). dutiful participation and
commitment to the activities of a local Church assembly Heb.10:25.
(v). being diligent, patient and resourceful in our revealed callings. ICor. 12:28.
(vii). working in unity with other brethren and giving due recognition to God’s order of
leadership. Rom. 12:4-8, Eph.4:11-13
DALY LIVING APPLICATION:
God has blessed us with times and seasons that serve as cycles of input and output. Goal setting is useful at the start of a season to direct our focus and to establish
recognizable standards of
progress. Appraisal is useful at the end of a season to evaluate our performance and indicate how much we have remained on course. Besides formal appraisal, every
believer should develop a system of assessing the level of fruitfulness achieved over a
well -defined season.
MEMORY VERSE:
John.15:2
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, thạt it may bring forth more fruit.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: Jesus the true vine. John.15:1.
TUE: Examine yourselves.
2Cor. 13:5.
WED: Let not sin reign in
your body. Rom.6: 12.
THU: Cast away the unprofitable servant. Matt.25:30.
FRI: Abide in Christ for fruitfulness. John. 15:4.
SAT: Good and faithful
servant. Matt.25:21.
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