Church of God Mission International 6 APRIL 2024 – FOCUS ON CHRIST FOR OVERFLOWING JOY AND TESTIMONIES
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
In Christ Jesus, there are abundant joy and testimonies
DATE:
SUNDAY 7th MARCH 2024.
HYMN: S.S & S 642 “When We Walk With The Lord”
TOPIC:
FOCUS ON CHRIST FOR OVERFLOWING JOY AND TESTIMONIES
TEXT: Psa 16:11; 105:1; Jn 15:11; Rev 12:11
INTRODUCTION:
God’s overflowing joy remains in us, only when our faith is properly placed in Him and the cross. Abundant life, fulfilment, delight and joy are found in the presence of the Lord. Being in relationship with God will bring real overflowing to our lives whatever our circumstances. Joy is desirable but difficult, especially when facing life challenges. However, this is ought not to be so for the believer in Christ. This lesson is set out to look at overflowing joy (1Thess 5:16) and testimonies and how they characterise the life of the believer.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, we should be able to:
- Briefly define each of the following concepts, “focus on Christ: overflowing joy and testimonies”
- Distinguish between joy and happiness
- Identify believer’s need for overflowing joy
- Explains the believer’s need for overflowing joy
- Examine how joy leads to testimonies
- Explain how a believer can be joyful at all times
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1. BRIEFLY EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING: FOCUS ON CHRIST OVERFLOWING JOY AND TESTIMONY
A. FOCUS ON CHRIST: The Lord Jesus is the author and finisher of the Christian faith (Heb 12:2). It becomes essential for a believer to concentrate his attention or energy on His leadership and direction to have a successful Christian life. When we fix our eyes on Him, we receive direction in times of confusion, strength in times of weakness and encouragement in times of discouragement. Focusing on Christ involves believing, trusting and surrendering totally to His will, that is our willingness to allow His will to prevail in our lives.
B. OVERFLOWING JOY: Overflowing joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. It is joy unspeakable or unexplainable as it looks at life from God’s perspective. When things are going well, we feel elated but when hardship comes, we may seek into depression. But true and overflowing joy transcends these waves of circumstances. Overflowing joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of living with Him gives us strength to follow Him (Neh 8:10b, Jude 24; 1Jn1:4)
C. TESTIMONY: Our testimony must pertains to the fact that the object of our faith is the finished work at the cross and the cross alone. This gives the Holy Spirit the latitude to work in our lives. Our confession should be established on the steadfastness of our ‘faith confession’ in Christ’s triumph. The confession of the promise and authority of God’s word (the word of their testimony Rev 12:11) is the key to overcoming Satan and his cohorts. Take time to share God’s word and what He has done for you, in you, through you and others as a witness to those that have not encountered Jesus Christ.
QUESTION 2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JOY AND HAPPINESS ? (Psa 16:9-11; 4:7)
Joy is far different from happiness. We can feel joyful in spite of our deepest troubles. Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence. As we contemplate His daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future He has for us, we will experience overflowing joy. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust in God. Overflowing joy defeats discouragement.
Happiness, on the other hand, comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances. It is shallow in nature as it disappears at the presence of unpleasant circumstances
QUESTION 3. WHAT IS THE BELIEVER’S SOURCE OF JOY ? (Acts 8:5-8; 1Pt1:8; Gal 5:22; 1Jn1:4). Generally, every believer is joyful when there is a manifestation of God’s power through the impartation of His word. The word of God through Philip brought healings, deliverances and salvation to the people of Samaria which brought them unspeakable joy. The revelation of the person of Jesus Christ through His word/preaching to an individual can result in rejoicing to the fullest in His glory. Words of counsel, encouragement, admonition express through words of mouth, text messages, letters, can also bring joyful experiences. Understanding and obeying of scriptures bring joy also to our lives. The fruit of the Spirit which include joy is the work of the Holy Spirit in us. These character traits which are found in Christ can only be obtained if we surrender our lives to Him (Jn 15:4-5). To obtain joy from the Lord, we must know, remember and imitate Him, love God and our fellow man. Another source of joy is by participating in Christ’s sufferings (1Pt 4:13).
QUESTION 4. WHY DO BELIEVERS NEED OVERFLOWING JOY ? (Neh 8:10; Isa 55:12-13; 30:29).
Every believer in Christ need overflowing joy in the journey of life which sometimesay involve anguish, pain, discouragement, disappointment etc. This kind of joy stabilizes us in our christian race. A few of the importance of overflowing joy in a believer’s life are:
a) It enables us to be strengthened to do the will of God
b) It teaches us to acknowledge God in our successes
c) The joy of the Lord is a source of spiritual strength to all believers in Christ
d) We are encouraged to rejoice because God is pleased with us for our obedience to His words
e) It helps to prevent depression, insanity, suicidal thoughts and other health complications from a believer’s life.
QUESTION 5. READ HABAKKUK 3:17-19) AND CRITICALLY EXAMINE HOW JOY LEADS TO TESTIMONIES
The prophet affirmed that even in the times of starvation and other hardship, he would still rejoice in the Lord. His feelings were not controlled by the events around him but by faith in God’s ability to give him strength. When nothing makes sense and trouble seems more than you can bear, remember that God gives strength. Take your eyes off the difficulties and focus on God. God always give His people surefooted confidence through difficult times. He is alive and in control of the world events. We cannot see all that God sees, doing or will do but we can be sure that He will do what is right that we will testify about. The prophet concluded in testimony that (vs 18) though it may seem that the righteous is at the mercy of the wicked, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation”
QUESTION 6. WHY DO SOME FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BE JOYFUL IN TIMES LIKE THESE ? (2Tim 3:1-4)
In these last days of perilous times, in which heartbreaking news, information and events are stirring in our faces, a lot of people including some believers in Christ are losing their joy. Apart from the economic downturn in the world which have impoverished the people to the extent that basic necessities of life are not accessible toany people. There are a lot of reasons why many people find it difficult to be joyful in these times.
I. Some people feel and get discouraged that God often seem indefferent in the face of evil in the society. They ask why do evil people seem to go unpunished and the innocent punished
II. Injustice in the land is still rampant and in some cases, justice is delayed against the innocent.
III. Unanswered prayers in relation to their expectations may cause some people to lose their joy.
IV. Persistent I’ll health, loss of loved ones, jobs, materials and other valuable can snuff out the joy in the affected person.
V. Failure in programs, projects, examinations can make some individuals find it difficult to be joyful
VI. LET THE CLASS ENUMERATE OTHER REASONS
QUESTION 7. HOW CAN THE BELIEVER BE JOYFUL IN DIFFICULT TIMES ?
A. FOCUS ON ETERNITY (1Pt 1:6). Remember that the circumstances trying to rob you of your joy is temporal and for a season. Weeping may endure in the night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psa 30:5). Go through the unpleasant situations in joy and keep eternity in view.
B. FOCUS ON CHRIST SOVEREIGNTY IN THE TRIAL: Whatever the trial of your faith may be, remember that God has complete power to govern every situation and circumstance. His will is supreme over all rulers, events and hostile forces. Christ can deliver us in ways we cannot imagine. If we trust His sovereign power and love, no opposition can stop the manifestation of our joy.
C. HOLD UNTO YOUR FAITH (1Pt 1:7). We should accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities, preparing us to meet Christ. Our trials, struggles and persecutions strengthens our faith and make us useful to God. When our faith in Christ rises, there will be an Overflowing joy that follows. Trials of faith teach us patience (Rom 5:3-4) and helps us grow to be the kind of people God wants us to be.
D. FOCUS ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST ? (1Pt 1:8-9). To be joyful in difficult times, devote yourself to loving Jesus. Loving and believing in Him with faith releases overflowing and unspeakable joy and glory in your life. Understand that the goal of your faith is salvation. You are part of God’s chosen and special people, the church, therefore, praise Him who brought you out of the darkness of sin and death into the light of freedom and life.
E. OTHER RHINGS THAT A BELIEVER CAN DO TO REMAIN JOYFUL ALWAYS: Every believer must endeavour to standstill and see the salvation of the Lord that can lead to joyful moments (Exo 14:13)
I. Don’t let your concerns cause you to doubt God or rebel against Him
II. Recognize His long-range plans and purposes and realise that God is doing right even if you do not understand why He work as He does
III. Noted that there is no unrighteousness in God. (Rom 9:6)
IV. When circumstances around you become almost unbearable, and wonder if God has forgotten you, remember He is in control over the whole universe.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
In this present world, various situations abound which can snuff out the joy of many, especially unbelievers. When we focus on Christ the Lord, His grace, promises and sufficiency, we will experience true joy which will lead to testimonies. Let the joy of the Lord continue to be your strength even in the face of difficulties.
MEMORY VERSE:
Neh 8:10c(NKJV)
“…..Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
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