LESSON 7 TRUE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

 

LESSON 7

TRUE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

MEMORY VERSE: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.” – John 4 vs 24.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 4 vs 19 – 24

INTRODUCTION: Worship is a state (an attitude) of the spirit. Since it is an internal, individual action, it could /should be done most of the time (or all the time) in our lives, regardless of place or situation (John 4 vs 21). Therefore, Christians worship all the time, seven days a week. When Christians formally gather together in worship, still the emphasis should be on individually worshiping the Lord. The nature of Christians worship is from the inside out and has two equally important parts. We must worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4 vs 23 – 24).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Worshiping in the Spirit

2. Worshiping in Truth

WORSHIPING IN THE SPIRIT

Worshiping in the spirit has nothing to do with our physical posture. It has to do with our innermost being and requires several things:

1. We must be born again (John 3 vs 3). Without the Holy Spirit residing within us, we cannot respond to God in worship because we do not know Him (1 Corinthians 2 vs 11b). The Holy Spirit within us is the one who energizes worship because He is in essence glorifying Himself, and all true worship glorifies God. 

2. Worshiping in spirit requires a mind centered on God and renewed by Truth (Romans 12 vs 1 – 2). Distractions of many kinds can flood our minds as we try to praise and glorify God, hindering our true worship.

3. We can only worship in spirit by having a pure heart, open and repentant. When King David’s heart was filled with guilt over his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), he found it impossible to worship. He felt that God was far from him, and he “groaned all day long feeling God’s hand heavy upon him (Psalms 32 vs 3, 4). But when he confessed, fellowship with God was restored and worship and praise poured forth from him (Psalms 51 vs 17). Praise and worship toward God cannot come from hearts filled with unconfessed sin.

WORSHIPING IN TRUTH

The second part of true worship is worshiping “in truth.” All worship is a response to truth, and that which is truth is contained in the word of God. Jesus said to His Father, “They word is truth” (John 17 vs 17b). Psalms 119 say, “Thy law is truth” (vs 142b) and “Thy word is true” (vs 160a). To truly worship God, we must understand who He is and what He has done, and the place He has fully revealed Himself is in the Bible. Worship is an expression of praise from the depths of our hearts toward a God who is understood through His word. If we do not have the truth of the Bible, we do not know God and we cannot be truly worshiping.

CONCLUSION

Worship is an attitude of the heart. A person can go through the outward motions and not be worshiping (Psalms 51 vs 16 – 17; Matthew 6 vs 5 - 6). God sees the heart, and He desires and deserves sincere, heartfelt praise and worship.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the basic requirements for true worship in spirit?

2. What does it mean to worship God in truth?

LESSON 6 12/03/2023

THE GREAT COMMISSION

MEMORY VERSE: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

BIBLE PASSAGES: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20

INTRODUCTION: A commission is something that has been entrusted to someone to be done by a higher authority, backed up with the power from such leader. It is compulsory that the person delegated to do the task carries it out. Failure to do so will carry disastrous or bad repercussions/effects. Important and compelling as a commission is in the world, it is more serious in spiritual life.

Jesus gave all believers an important duty before He ascended into Heaven. We have to carry it out because He is the King of kings. If a king or president of a nation or governor commissions someone to do a certain task, it is obligatory to perform the task. How much more when the Lord of Hosts, the Owner of Heaven and earth commands us to do certain a work for Him. We have to do it no matter what comes our way.

So, in this series, we shall look into Christ’s great commission and how we should carry it out. It is our prayer that as you study this lesson, the Holy Spirit will minister to you and give you the strength to obey this great command.

Outlines

1. WHAT IS THE GREAT COMMISSION?

2. WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE GREAT COMMISSION?

WHAT IS THE GREAT COMMISSION?

The Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ is to preach the gospel to the whole world – Mark 16:15. The command is “go and preach.” This is the only assignment which our Lord gave to all believers at the time of His ascension and the instruction is valid till His second coming. Obedience to this command is not voluntary. It is not a matter of choice. It is absolutely compulsory. Failure to do it will attract serious consequences.

In the plan of God, every believer is supposed to be a soul winner. In Mark 1:17, Jesus commands, “…Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” We are commands to go and preach to every creature, irrespective of race, colour or nationality - Acts 1:8. We are asked to be witnesses of Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and into the entire world. This is a call to witness around us. That is, our immediate neighbourhood, in our village, town or district (which may mean Judea): in our states and nation (which symbolizes Samaria) and finally throughout the world. This is a call for world evangelism. Wherever God directs, we should be able to go without questioning Him on why we should be sent there. So, if there is any command binding on us as believers and very dear to the heart of the Saviour, it is the salvation of the lost which could be guaranteed by obeying this divine commission.

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE GREAT COMMISSION?

There are three dimensions to the Great Commission:

(a) Personal Evangelism: This call for each believer to bring and lead a sinner or someone who is ignorant of the saving grace of our Lord to make him know and accept Jesus Christ as his own Saviour and Lord and follow Him faithfully – John 10:11; Romans 5:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3. This involves an individual believer testifying about Christ to people, face-to-face or heart-to-heart talk, house-to-house in the locality or anywhere he finds himself. This is great responsibility that calls for urgent action on all born again Christians. This is the most effective method of winning souls for Christ.

(b) Mass Evangelism: This could be in form of open-air crusade, radio or television programme, seminar, newspaper publication, Christian literature and Christian magazine to make the gospel reach many people both near and far. Jesus Christ used many methods to make sure that many people heard His message – Mark 2:1-12; 3:1-5; Luke 9:11. This was also practiced in the early church – Acts 2:14, 41; 17:22; 7:1-2.

(c) Follow-Up: This is a form of evangelism in which a believer gives the newly converted Christian necessary spiritual guidance to make him understand the steps that he will take to reach spiritual maturity in Christ – Mathew 28:19-20; Proverbs 27:23; Acts 20:28.

Conclusion

Are you obeying this Great Commission every day? Do you find time for personal evangelism? Know that you will be rewarded for the number of people you have brought to the Lord. When you witness to others, you are making your faith firmly established. Pray to God to make you faithful to the Great Commission. God reckons on you to do the work. The main reason our Lord has not returned is that the gospel has not been preached to everybody – Matthew 24:14. If you are lazy in preaching the gospel, you are delaying the second coming of Jesus Christ. Pray to the Lord now to make you obedient at all times to this main task. If you have not known the Lord as your Saviour, you cannot be a soul winner. Pray for the conversion of your soul now.

Questions

1. What do you understand by “a commission”?

2. What is the Great Commission?

3. What are the main aspects of this Great Commission?

4. How can I become an effective soul-winner?

LESSON FIVE

 

SANCTIFIED VESSELS

MEMORY VERSE: “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour,” 1 Thessalonians 4:4

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

INTRODUCTION: Sanctification means separation from evil – 2 Chronicles 29:5 – and separation unto God – Leviticus 27:16. Sanctification means being made holy or purified. It is the will of God that every vessel, (believer) should be sanctified – 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Only sanctified vessels can be used by God – 2 Timothy 2:21.

Outlines

1. HOW CAN A VESSEL BE SANCTIFIED?

2. BENEFITS OF SANCTIFICATION.

HOW CAN A VESSEL BE SANCTIFIED?

The Trinity is involved in the work of sanctification: God the Father – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, God the Son – Ephesians 5:26 and God the Holy Spirit –Titus 3:5.

Vessels can be sanctified by the word of God – John 15:3; 1 Timothy 4:5. Meditate in the word of God day and night to make your way prosperous and have good success – Joshua 1:8. Sanctification is also obtained by the blood of Jesus – Hebrew 13:12; Hebrew 10:29. Sanctification is obtained by receiving a new heart – Ezekiel 36:26, that is, replacing the stony heart by fleshy heart to become a vessel unto honour for the use of the Lord. To be sanctified, you must be prepared to purge yourself of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit – 2 Timothy 2:21, 2 Corinthians 7:1. If you are ready to receive the heart of flesh, God will give you. You must be prepared to keep God’s company and be in His presence.

BENEFITS OF SANCTIFICATION

Once sanctified, to live a holy life becomes easy. You now become a vessel unto honour fit for the master’s use and prepared unto every good work – 2 Timothy 2:21. Then, you will start to bear fruits – Romans 6:22; Galatians 5: 22-23. Be free to copy the work of your Master – John 14:12. You will be a carbon copy of Jesus and receive the power to do greater works – Hebrews 10:14. You will become a representative of Jesus here on earth. You will also have a guarantee of an inheritance in Heaven – Acts 26:18.

Conclusion

To remain a clean apprentice of Jesus you must be sanctified. Are you sanctified? If no, work towards it so that you can be used by Jesus to do exploits.

Questions

1. What is sanctification?

2. Is it necessary for a believer to be sanctified?

3. What are the benefits of Sanctification?

JESUS CHRIST: OUR BAPTISER

 LESSON 3

TOPIC: JESUS CHRIST: OUR BAPTISER

MEMORY VERSE: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 2:1-21

INTRODUCTION: The period from creation to the birth of Jesus Christ is generally referred to as the age of the Father while from the birth of our Lord to His ascension is the age of the Son. The period from the ascension to the second coming of our Lord is the age of the Holy Spirit. As such, we should not be ignorant of His existence and operation. Jesus Christ is the only baptizer with the Holy Spirit – Mat. 3:11; Mark 1:8. Therefore, in this lesson, we shall study about the baptism. May the Lord baptize us with His Divine Power and make us useful instruments in His hands as we go through this lesson.

Lesson Outlines

1. THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

2. RESULTS OF THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is the endowment with power for effective Christian service. Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8 and fulfilled it in Acts 2:1,2 evidenced by speaking in tongues in fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32. This experience took place on the day of Pentecost.

 Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an operation of the Holy Spirit distinct from salvation. A man who is saved (born-again) by the act of the Holy Spirit may not be baptized until he undergoes this experience.

 The divine nature of God is imparted at salvation – 2 Pet. 1:4 – but in baptism with the Holy Spirit, the divine power or dynamo is imparted into the life of a believer for effective and result-oriented Christian service. It makes the believer spirit-filled, spirit-motivated, spirit-controlled and spirit-empowered. How can one receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

1. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the one who will give as He had promised – Acts 2:38; 10:44; Gal. 3:2,5,14

2. Thirsting after God’s righteousness – Matthew 5:6.

3. Earnest prayer of faith and importunity – Luke 11:11-13; Luke 18:17.

4. Absolute surrender in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. God gives the Holy Spirit only to those who obey Him – Acts 5:32.

5. In realization of the fact that the Holy Spirit is for every believer, Jesus promised the Comforter to every believer – John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7. Therefore, do not let the devil rob you by whispering to you that again, you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You are only indwelt with the Holy Spirit at conversion but at baptism with the Holy Spirit, you are empowered and energized by the Holy Spirit.

6. Sanctified life. Your heart must be pure and holy – Matthew 5:8; Ephesian 4:24.

RESULTS OF THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

(a) Baptism with the Holy Spirit gives the Christian boldness in service and testimony. The Lord does not give us the spirit of timidity but the spirit of boldness of power and of a sound mind – Acts 4:29, 31, 33.

(b) The supernatural power of God is imparted for effective and efficient Christian service – Acts 1:5,8. Without the baptism, there cannot be power for effective profitable service for the Lord. So, seek for the baptism today – Acts 2:41

(c) At baptism, the Holy Spirit bestows different gifts to believers to make them useful vessels – 1 Cor. 12:4-10 – and unless you are baptized, you cannot know your gifts clearly not to talk of using them for the Lord.

(d) The Holy Spirit empowers a believer to make him have a godly life. He quickens his spirit and produces in him a holy living – John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Conclusion

You may not know the usefulness of the Holy Spirit until you have the power. Ask for the Holy Spirit from the Father today and He will give you as He has promised – Luke 11:9-13; Matthew 7:7. If you have been baptized, are you experiencing the result of the baptism everyday of your life? Ask the Lord to strengthen you with the power of the Holy Spirit so that you can become an effective instrument for Him today. Talk to Him about it now. The Holy Spirit is still available to you today.

Questions

1. Why is it necessary to know about the Holy Spirit today than ever before?

2. What is baptism with the Holy Spirit?

3. How can one receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

 THE EARLY CHURCH:

A MODEL FOR TODAY

MEMORY VERSE: `”And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”. Acts 2:42.

BIBLE PASSAGE: ACTS 2:42-44 

INTRODUCTION: A close study of the daily life of the first Apostolic church reveals certain peculiarities worthy of note.  This seems to run contrary to some trends noticed in some churches today.  We need to examine what the early church looked like and practice in order to re-align ourselves with the will of God for His church.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Some short-comings of the present-day church

2. The qualities of the early church

SOME SHORT-COMINGS OF THE PRESENT-DAY CHURCH

(i) Human philosophies and motivational talks have replaced the Apostles’doctrines.1 Cor.2:4; Col. 2:4,8.  

(ii) Monetary rewards and other forms of compensations have replaced selfless services. Acts 20:35; Gal 6:9

(iii) True, genuine and agape love has been replaced by suspicion. 1 John 3:18; Heb. 10:25

(iv) Sacrificial giving is gradually fading away. Acts 2:45; Psalms 69:9

(v) Pride, competition, egoistic tendencies, rivalry among leaders and followers have replaced complementary and submission to one another and God. 2Cor. 10:12; Phil. 2:5. 

(vi) Envy and strife, suspicion and hatred have found their ways to the church. James 3:14, 15

(vii) Gimmicks resulting in fake miracles, lies, exploitation, intimidation, evil packaging, deception etc. 

1Tim. 6:3-7, Eph. 4:14; 2 Cor.12:16-17

THE QUALITIES OF THE EARLY CHURCH

 

(i) Steadfastness in Apostle’ doctrines, fellowship, prayers and breaking of bread from house. Acts 2:42-44

(ii) Warm, truthful and loving fellowship. 2 Cor. 2:13; Phil 4:10

(iii) True signs and wonders were common in early church. Acts 2:43; 4:14; Mark 16:20

(iv) Unity in love and togetherness. Acts 2:44; John 17:21

(v) The early church members were generous. Acts 2:45; 4:34-37

(vi) The early church enjoyed favour with all people. Acts 2:44

(vii) The early church experienced tremendous growth on daily basis. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14

CONCLUSION 

While we cannot rule out the need for innovations and creativities that make the church of God lively today, the present day church must be modeled after the early church.

QUESTIONS

1. Mention four short-comings of the modern days church

2. Mention four qualities of the early-christian church

LESSON 2

THE NEW BIRTH

MEMORY VERSE:“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

BIBLE PASSAGE: JOHN 3 : 1-13

INTRODUCTION:

Simply put, the new birth is the creation of a new life in a man by the Holy Spirit. 

The new birth also referred to as being born again, is to be born of God with His seed (Christ the Word) dwelling in man. John 3:3, 5; 1 John 3:9; 1 Peter 1:23.

 Everyone born of a woman is born unclean. Psalms 51:5. Therefore, to become clean as well as enlist as a member of the family of God, a new birth becomes necessary.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. Reasons for a new birth

2. Steps to a new birth

REASONS FOR A NEW BIRTH

The whole world should experience the new birth because of the following reasons.

(i) Because we were all born sinners. Psalms 51:5, Romans 3:23

(ii) Because the heart of all sinners (un-generated persons) is deceitful and desperately wicked. Jeremiah 17:9

(iii) Because men’s hearts cannot be tamed like domestic animal through training and secular education. Jeremiah 13:23

(iv) Because new birth is the only channel through which human beings can live a godly life and have constant fellowship with    

      God while on earth. Psalm 4:3; Galatians 2:20

(v) Because it is only through new birth human being can make it to heaven. John 3:3-5

(vi)  Because it is only through new birth we can follow peace with all men and be holy to God. Hebrew 12:14; 1 Peter 1:16

STEPS TO A NEW BIRTH

The following steps are crucial to experience a new birth

(i) Hear the word of God. Romans 10:9-10

(ii) Acknowledge that you are a sinner, helpless and hopeless and that you need the mercy of God. Romans 6:23; 1 Thess. 5:9

(iii) Believe the word of God. 1 Peter 1:25

(iv) Believe that God came in the flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ to save all mankind from their sins. Titus 2:11; John 1:14; 

Acts 4:12; John 3:16-18

(vi) Confess your sins to God. Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 1:9

(vii) Genuinely repent of your sins. Acts 2:38; 3:19

(viii) Request the Lord Jesus to come and dwell in your heart, Revelation 3:20

CONCLUSION

The new birth is a necessity for all. Without the new birth experience, it is impossible to live godly in this world let alone reigning with Christ in Heaven eternally

QUESTIONS

1. Why must human beings be born again?

2. Mention two steps to a new birth