CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL – Topic: A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR II: BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER – Above Only Daily Devotional 12 November 2023
Click HERE for Previous Above Only
CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
DATE: SUNDAY 12th NOVEMBER, 2023.
HYMN: S.S & S 642 “When We Walk With The Lord”
CENTRAL THOUGHT: Christ is our mentor and perfect example
TOPIC:
A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR II: BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER
TEXT:
Matt 5:1-16; 2Tim 2:19-21
INTRODUCTION:
Salvation and discipleship begin with call and response. It then proceed to the next stage, which is formation of godly characters, an important step in God’s sequence of making His disciples vessels of honour. Teaching and learning is instituted by God so that the believer can understand his call and respond appropriately. In Matt 5:1-16, Jesus taught on a range of character traits that put one in the pleasure of God and enable one to become a relevant instrument in the ministry of reconciliation. The revelational beatitudes, the metaphoric reference to “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” are great lessons for every believer at all times.
This second lesson on “A vessel unto honour” will therefore seek to identify some godly traits presented by our Lord Jesus Christ at the sermon on the mount.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
This study will;
- Examine why godly character is necessary for a believer
- List and explain the character traits presented in the beatitudes, and
- Discuss the significance of light and salt as godly characters
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1a. WHAT IS GODLY CHARACTER ?
The genetic identity of any plant is usually found in the fruit/seed of that plant. God has His divine attributes that are peculiar to Him, and there are others He has shared with humankind.
Godly character refers to those attributes and principles which God has directed man to uphold so as to sustain His pleasure and fellowship. They are behavioural patterns instituted by God for the benefit of humanity and for the greater glory of God. They are articles of personal conduct that imply a reasonable depth of relationship with God Almighty.
QUESTION 1b. WHY IS GODLY CHARACTER A NECESSITY FOR A BELIEVER ? (2Cor 5:17; Matt 5:48)
The call to salvation is not just a verbal profession of faith. It is an experience of renewal of the total man. This qualifies us for true fellowship with God and with His Son, Jesus Christ. Godly character underlines the genuineness of our salvation and qualifies us to be enlisted as labourers in God’s vineyard
Also Read:Open Heaven 11 November 2023– Topic: BECOMING GOD’S FAVOURITE
QUESTION 2. WHAT ARE THE SCRIPTURAL MEANS FOR BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER ?
There are several precepts presented to us from the scriptures for building godly character. Some are as follows:
I. TEACHING, PREACHING AND STUDY OF GOD’S WORD (2Tim 3:16-17). To teach is to instruct by precepts, concepts, examples and experience. It is to build a knowledge base for practical application. To preach is to proclaim the word of God publicly to support or oppose an idea or practice. To study could be personal or public and it involves searching out the truth. All these can contribute to building godly character.
II. THE FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS (Prov 27:17). Godly character can be built by constant fellowship with the body of Christ in devotion, study of the word and prayers. Young believers could also be disciplined and mentored (2Tim 1:6)
III. BY CONSECRATION UNTO GOD AND SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD (1Cor 15:33). Godly character can be built when we cut off the influence of the ungodly around us and we wholeheartedly submit to God.
IV. KEEPING CHRISTIAN COMPANY. Even in the church, we must prayerfully select our companions
V. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26), who serve as a guide, teacher and counselor to the believer
VI. Through fasting, prayers and other activities that discipline the flesh and promote fervency in spirit.
QUESTION 3. LIST THE CHARACTER TRAITS PRESENTED IN THE BEATITUDES (Matt 5:2-12).
The blessings of God is the pursuit of every believer. Here, our Saviour gives us eight character traits of blessed people.
I. The poor in spirit who are the humble and lowly in self esteem
II. They that mourn, are those who grieve and sorrow over the increase in ungodliness
III. The meek, are those who are gentle towards all men, are not inflamed by provocation and submit quietly to God
IV. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are eager to sacrificially bear/endure for the glory of God
V. The merciful, are those who show Christian empathy
VI. The pure in heart, are those with intensions of the heart that aims well and thinks clean.
VII. The peacemaker, are those who love and delight in peace and go any length to either preserve or recover it
VIII. Those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, are those who are unjustly punished for advocating and upholding the tenets of the Christian faith.
QUESTION 4a. EXPLAIN ‘SALT’ AS A METAPHOR FOR GODLY CHARACTER (Matt 5:13)
Salt is a catalyst in both domestic and industrial setting. It is great for its tasty influence on delicacies, its preservative prowess and its ability to inhibit the activities of putrefying bacteria (decay).
Comparatively, the be
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 DEVOTIONAL ⊗UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHESTDCLM DAILY MANNA ⊗ JOHN PIPER DEVOTIONAL ⊗
