Topic: LIVING FOR CHRIST  – Church of God Mission International  –CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL – DATE: SUNDAY 5th June,2022

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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL

DATE: SUNDAY 5th June,2022

(HYMN: S S & S 115 “WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDEROUS CROSS”)

TOPIC: LIVING FOR CHRIST
TEXT: Philippians 1:12-30

CENTRAL THOUGHT:
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD SHOW FORTH THE LIFE OF CHRIST ON DAILY BASIS

INTRODUCTION
The christian race is a call on believers to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It transcends oral profession of faith and outward religious activities. The expectations are far above titles and ecclesiastical robes. Every believer is actually an ambassador and a representative of Christ here on earth. We have been equipped and issioned to carry on with the ministry of reconciliation every where we find ourselves.
To accomplish this task, we must consistently look into Jesus for motivation and encouragement, andust pattern our lives after the character of Christ. With the goal of eternity in mind, weust live with Christ and for Christ.
This study is the first in a series on the book of Philippians and will focus on the practical manifestation of our decision to follow Christ.

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this lesson are to:

1. Explain what it means to live for Christ
2. Discuss Paul’s commendation of the Philippian church
3. Discuss the right attitude of a Christian towards suffering or death
4. Identify some spiritual attributes we need to truly live for Christ.

BIBLE TRUTH
QUESTION 1.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN 17; Rom 12: TO LIVE FOR CHRIST ? Jn 3:3; 2 Corin 5:17; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Corin 15:58
Living for Christ begins with an acknowledgement of the mission of Christ as Lord and Saviour of mankind, followed by a genuine repentance from sin and reconciliation with God.
To live for Christ means to pattern our lives by the standard of the word of God and to hold dearly to the person and character of the Lord Jesus in our daily walk on earth. It is to live a life that is pleasing unto God and to let God’s will prevail self will. Living for Christ is to be at the centre of God’s purpose for creation and a true reflection of the glory of God. It is to be a dependable agent of God’s kingdom here on earth.

Also Read: Open Heaven 5 June  2022 Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Topic: TEACH THEM TO STUDY 

QUESTION 2.
WHY WAS PAUL GRATEFUL TO THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH, AND WHAT PRAYERS DID HE OFFER FOR THEM Phil 1:3-11
There are two major reasons Paul express gratitude to the brethren at Philippi. The first was their true and consistent fellowship in the gospel of Christ. This means that their faith in Christ and their acceptance of the message of salvation was practical, sincere and without pretence. They were decisive and progressive in matters of the gospel.
The second reason is that they continued to identify with the challenges and travails of his ministry through prayers and materials support, which was a proof of their love.
Consequently, Paul prayed that their love may grow in knowledge and practice, and that they may be able to distinguish between good and evil. He also prayed that they will not give up in the face of difficulties, and that they may be filled with the fruits of righteousness in Jesus Christ, and to the praise of the Father.

QUESTION 3(a).
WHAT WAS PAUL’S ATTITUDE TO SUFFERING FOR THE GOSPEL ? Phil 1:12-14.
Apostle Paul viewed suffering for the gospel from the higher perspective of God. To him such travails are intended by God for the furtherance of the gospel and they are God’s mysterious means of penetrating everywhere. It is also a testimony to the authenticity of the gospel message, and this should stand as a motivation for all believers to stand firm in the Lord. Paul never gave room for regret or spiritual capitulation but was delighted to be privileged to suffer for the Name of Christ.

QUESTION 3(b).
HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN VIEW DEATH ? Phil 1:22-26
The natural view of death is that of calamity. But by the standard of Scriptures, death is designed to work out the purpose of God (Heb 9:27). To a faithful believer, death is gain because it marks the end of labours and painful travails of life, and ushers in a new dispenation of glory and immortality. It is a final victory over earthly forces of darkness and the beginning of eternity with God.
However, to the unbeliever death is catastrophic, because it marks the beginning of eternal damnation

QUESTION 4.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT MOTIVE FOR PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ?
Phil 1:15-18; 3:18-19; 2Corin 5:14-15.
Today there are so many wrong motives associated with preaching the gospel. Some of such ungodly motives include material benefits, power and fame, rivalry and jealousy, and sometimes immoral tendencies. Some are without commission and focus, and have conscripted themselves into gospel business for a living.
The true gospel of Christ must be motivated by burden for the salvation of souls, obedience to God’s call, goodwill and a burning desire to be part of God’s kingdom. It should be motivated by the love of God, the depth of His mercy and the terror of His judgement

QUESTION 5
READ PHIL 1:27-30 AND LIST PAUL’S ADVICE TO THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH.
The advice of Paul to the Philippian church is summarised as follows:
I. Believers lifestyle and conduct should truly reflect the gospel they preach
II. Good reports should the be the hallmark of the believers
III. Believers are not to be terrified by the ferocity of the enemy
IV. Suffering for the name of Christ is part of our duty to God
The advice above is still very appropriate and relevant to the church of today. This will help to stem the increasing rate of verbal profession of faith without corresponding fruits. They will also serve to stabilise the faith of many in view of the resurging cases of persecutions of believers around the world today.

QUESTION 6
WHAT CAN HELP BELIEVERS LIVE FOR CHRIST TODAY ? Ps 119:105; 1Thess 5:17; Heb 10:25; Acts 1:8; Jn 14:26
God has made adequate provisions so that His people can truly live for Christ. The very common ones are listed below:
I. The word of God will always serve as both lamp and light to every believer. What is expected is a sound knowledge and a right application.
II. A prayerful lifestyle backed by fervency and motivated by the love of God
III. Being in communion with God and fellowship with the brethren. There is no room for self isolation and hesitation
IV. In-filling and in-dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit
V. Others include faith in God, hope of eternal life, and being fervent in spirit.

   DAILY LIVING APPLICATION

There are many benefits in living for Christ, both here in this world and in eternity. Believers will receive rewards here on earth for every sacrifice made in the process of living for Christ (Matt 19:29). But most importantly, such a believer will be entitled to unspeakable treasures in heaven. Other benefits includes peace that comes through obedience, divine access to the supernatural, answered prayers and healthy living. The ultimate of it all is to spend eternity in the presence and comfort of God

MEMORY VERSE
Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.”

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