CGMI ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL DATE: 11TH AUGUST, 2024| TOPIC: THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST (2)
Click HERE for Previous Above Only
CGMI ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
DATE: 11TH AUGUST, 2024
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
Our Character/behavior/conduct
is a major way we can show to the
people of the world that though we
iive in this world we are in reality
citizens of the kingdom of CHRIST.
HYMN: S. S && S. 616 Take my life, and let it be
TOPIC: THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST (2)
TEXT: Rom.12:10-2 1;
Eph.2:12-22
INTRODUCTION:
It is good for every
believer to understand that our
salvation is by the grace of
GOD through faith in CHRIST.
It is certainly not of ourselves
and therefore there is no room
for boasting (Eph. 2:8-9).
There is no man held captive by
the devil who can free himself
from sin and the controlling
power of satan. Only the
LORD JESUS can set such an
individual free completely.
Therefore anyone who believes|
in the LORD JESUS is rescued
by GOD from the dominion of
the darkness of this present
world and brought into the
kingdom of HIS dear Son
Every kingdom
(Col. I:13).
has its principles (rules and regulations) that govern the
behavior of its citizens. While
the kingdoms of this world have
|theirs written in constitutions
and/or Oral traditions, the
principles of the kingdom of
CHRIST are revealed in the
Holy Bible. Life in the kingdom
of CHRIST is based on doing
what pleases the FATHER
|(Owner of the kingdom) and
gaining HIS approval.
It pays the Believer in
CHRIST to be conscious of the
fact that the system(s) of the
world have nothing in common
with the system, principles and
pattern of the kingdom of
CHRIST. Hence the purpose of
this lesson is to enable the
believer in Christ comprehend
fully his/her identity in
CHRIST and the implications
of belonging to HIS Kingdom.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to enable believers s in CHRIST
- appreciate the fact that this identity must reflect in our conduct here on earth
2.examine some ways in which the world may corrupt believer - appropriate the fact that believers can be free from the coruption and pollution of the world; and
- appreciate the fact that there are benefits in belonging to the kingdom of CHRIST.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. AS CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM 0F CHRIST, HOW ARE WE EXPECTED TO CONDUCTOURSELVES UNDER THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS ?
(1a) JOBS/BUSINESS/CAREER/VOCATION.
We read in the Holy Bible “Providing for
honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men'” (2 Cor. 8:21) and “Giving no offence in anything,
that the ministry be not blamed(2Cor.6:3). Also in Eph. 6:5-7″servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart as unto Christ, Not with eye service as men pleasers; but as the
the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:”
These scriptures should serve as guide to us as we discharge our duties in our various places of work/business e.t.c. When we
are faced with difficulties/trials in the course of doing our work, let us pray; fervently to God about the matter(s) and where necessary we can seek counsel from genuine Christian leaders. We must never compromise our faith.
(1b). STUDIES/EXAMINATIONS: Christian students are expected to be diligent/hardworking. The Bible says “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Prov. 22:29). Laziness or
slothfulness should not be a trait of Believers. Believers who are involved in academic study at any level should manage their time very well. It is profitable to always be at the right place doing the right thing at the right time. It is also important to state that as citizens of the kingdom of CHRIST, we should never be
associated with any form of examination malpractice.
While working hard, the Christian Student should be prayerful and rely on GOD’s
promises as recorded in His word (See Deut. 28:13: Jn.14:26; James. 1:5-6). He should
always seek to excel in his/her academics.
(1c). ACQUISITION OF MATERIAL
POSSESSION. (Luke. 12:15-2 1): It seems a natural desire to be comfortable in this life put living solely for the purpose of acquiring and accumulating material things may be dangerous to the soul. The scriptures remind us “for a man’s life consisteth not in the
abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke. 12:15); “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (1
Tim.6:9). As taught in Scripture, we should follow the path of contentment. The implication is that we are contented today while trusting
in GOD for a better tomorrow. We are admonished in Scripture: “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into this
world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Tim.6:6-8).
(1d). UTTERANCES (Matt. 12:36-
37; Eph.4:29; James.3: 1-13): Believers are expected to make proper use of their tongues. We should not be involved in “idle” speaking. Idle words will include words that are useless and do not edify the hearers. Backbiting,
gossiping, slandering e.t.c. are not practices for citizens of the kingdom of CHRIST, Colossians’ 4:6 says Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” Also “Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers”
(Eph.4:29).
(1e). RELATIONSHIP WITH
OTHERS.( Heb. 12:14;Rom. 12:18; 1Pet.2:11-12): Generally the scripture
admonishes us to live peaceably with all men. However in doing so, we are
not to compromise our faith. As we relate with people we are to shine as light so that they can behold our good works and giveglory to GOD
(Matt.5:16). We must also bear in mind that we owe every unbeliever who comes our way the message of the Gospel. This is our primary obligation to the unbeliever. This is the beginning of the demonstration of our love to him/her. In addition,
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, Go and come again, and
tomorrow I will give; when
thou hast it by thee”
(Prov.3:27-28).
Q2. DISCUSS HOW THE WORLD CAN POSSIBLY CORRUPT THE CHRISTIAN (Ecc.2:1-3, 7-13; 1Tim.6:9 -10; Lk.12:17-21):
The citizens of CHRIST’S kingdom must be wary of the system of the world. The enemy of our soul, satan,
keeps making the world attractive to the believer in divers ways including lust, greed, covetousness etc.
sometimes these manifest in unholy relationships in terms of marriage and business partners; the singular consideration being the material benefits from such relationships.
Howe ver the admonition in Scripture is still very apt. “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything
that goes on in the world wanting your own way, wanting everything for
yourself. wanting to appear important has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity” (1Jn.2:15-17 The Message Translation).
Q3. HOW CAN A CHRISTIAN BE FREE
FROM THE CORRUPTION AND POLLUTION OF THE WORLD? (PSALM. 1:1-2; 119:4-11, 37; 1COR.10:31-33: GAL.6.14; COL.3:1-2;
1PT.4:1-4)
A believer must first and foremost be committed to his faith. He/she should
maintain a mindset of loyalty allegiance to GOD on a daily basis. As the believer wakes up to a new day, he/she must be resolute in the
decision to please GOD, doing all things in HIS name and to HIS glory (1Cor. 10:3 1l: Col.3:17). A Christian must meditate on the word of GOD
day and night and as he does so, he inclines his heart to obeying the counsel received from GOD’S word (Psalm. 1:1-2). In addition the citizen of CHRISTS kingdom must be
prayerful. Daily communion with GOD in prayers is very vital because such communion draws us closer to GOD and exposes us to HIS ways. The
Christian must be watchful and
prayerful. In order to be free from the corruption and pollution of the world, we must learn to watch and pray. Our
priorities must be properly placed. There are places we cannot go and there are companies we cannot keep.
We should be ready to part with some relationships because of our desire to spend eternity with our MASTER,
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
(Matt.5:29-30).
Q4. WHAT ARE SOME OF
THE BENEFITS OF
BELONGING TO THE
KINGDOM OFCHRIST?
There are several benefits now and in eternity derived from being a member
of the Kingdom of CHRIST. Using the Scriptures attached the Class should discuss sone of the benefits listed below:
(a). Assurance of salvation and
eternal life (John.3: 16:
1John.5:12).
(b). Assurance of peace
(John.14:27: 16:33: Eph.2:14).
(c.)Assurance of joy
(IPeter.1:8)
(d). Access to GOD’S presence
(Matt.27:5 1:
Mark. 15:38-39;
Eph.2:13. 18-19)
(e). Access to GOD’S abundant
and unlimited promises.
(2Peter. l:3-4).
(f). Answers to prayers (1
John.5:14-15).
(g). Deliverance from the
kingdom of darknes
(Colossians. 1:13).
(h). Entrance into the kingdom
of light (Colossians.1:13)
(). Eternity with The LORD.
(John.14:1-4).
). Crown of righteousness.
(2Tim.4:7-8)
(k). Eating of the Tree of life.
(Revelation.2:7)
(I). Deliverance from hell, second death and eternal separation from GOD. (Revelation.2:11, 20:6, 14,
21:8).
DALLY LIVING APPLICATION:
Citizenship of the the Kingdom of CHRIST carrieswith it great privileges as well as great responsibilities.A very basic but great responsibility is
that we are expected to pattern our lives in line with HIS Word. Membership of the kingdom brings us under the rule, leadership and control of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
His beauty must be seen in us. The believer should put in a lot of effort to stay away from being corupted or polluted by the system(s) of the world. The Scripture admonishes us thus
in Philippians 2:12 (Amplified
Version) “so then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed (my instructions with enthusiasm), not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to
work out your salvation (that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity ) with awe inspired fear and trembling (using serious caution and critical
self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ)”
MEMORY VERSE:
COL.1:13.
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
ALSO READ: CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW US ON TWITTER ⊗ OPEN HEAVEN ⊗ JOEL OSTEEN DEVOTIONAL⊗ ABOVE ONLY ⊗ OUR DAILY BREAD ⊗ SEEDS OF DESTINY ⊗ JOYCE MEYER DEVOTIONAL ⊗ RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ⊗ JOHN HAGEE ⊗ MFM DAILY DEVOTIONALUTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST⊗DCLM DAILY MANNA ⊗ JOHN PIPER DEVOTIONAL ⊗