INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND QUARTER

DECEMBER 2023 - FEBRUARY 2024

THEME: CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Christianity is a way of life and not just a religion. Tenzin Gyalso put forward a rhetoric question in
defining what life is. The meaning of life. To be happy and useful. Christians are expected to be useful
and happy in carrying out their responsibilities. Anyone claiming to be a Christian and refuses to carry
out his or her responsibility has denied the faith. You will be recognized as a Christian by your fruits
(Matt. 7:16).
In order not to be influenced negatively by worldly virtues and values, one must take into cognizance
the following (1) We are God’s creatures. We are responsible to Him (2) Our minds and consciences must
be educated and enlightened in the law and love of Christ (3) Our wills must be strengthened to do what
the Scriptures teach (4) We must realize that our structure is designed as a robot, doing what it is
programmed to do always. We have freedom to make choice. We must therefore give ourselves to the
control of the Holy Spirit. There is assurance that the Lord works within the Holy Spirit controlled life to
carry out His will.
A Christian has dual citizenship, each believer is expected to carry out his or her responsibilities
toward God and others without neglecting himself or herself. Infact, no one can be responsible toward
God and others if such does not care for him or herself positively. We must rely on God to work in us (2
Cor. 1:3). We must continue to work on our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12-13) on daily
basis in order to act according to God’s good purpose.
Christianity is not at variance with good norms. There is no justification for neglecting our
responsibilities. This quarter’s lessons are divided into three units viz.
Unit 1: Social Responsibilities Toward God [Lesson 1-3]
Unit 2: Social Responsibilities Toward Self [Lessons 4-8]
Unit 3: Social Responsibilities Toward Others [Lessons 9-12]
A Christian who willingly desires the purity of the heart and inwardness of morality to love God and
others will not find it difficult to perform his or her social responsibilities toward God, self and others.
Our good intentions and due diligence in carrying out our social responsibilities affect the moral worth of
our society. When others see our obedience and simplicity of mind to do what is right; this will invariably
propel them to accept Christ. Let’s have a good motive and conscience to do the right thing. The fact that
we are accountable to God should prompt us to base our actions on Biblical standards and not on what is
in vogue in the world.
We should please make optimal use of our gains from these lessons to discharge our responsibilities
voluntarily. Be responsive. Acting according to the aim and learning objectives of this quarter’s lessons
will make us to turn the world upside down again like the days of the early Apostles.

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 LESSON 1: Dec. 3, 2023
THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE
Suggested Hymn: G.H.B. 158, 160
Devotional Reading: Mk. 8:34-38
Topic For Adults: You Are More Valuable Than All Material Possessions
Topic For Youths: Honour All Men
Topic For Intermediates: You Are God’s Dwelling Place
Lesson Scriptures: Gen. 1:26-31, Gen. 9:1-7,Ps 8:3-9, Rom. 12 :1-10, Phil. 2:1-4, Rom. 13:7, 1 Pet.
2:17, Mk. 8:34-38, Lk. 15:1-10, Lk. 19:1-10, Jn. 4:5-40

MEMORY VERSE: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male
and female He created them”. Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON: 27/11/2023 YOU ARE VALUABLE GEN 1:24-31
After God had created every other thing including the light, firmament, water, land, plants, birds, animals,
living creatures in the waters, He said “let us make man in our image” Gen 1:26a. Since God has
inestimable value, you who was created in His image also have inestimable valuable. No matter your
age, sex, position in the society, academic or financial attainment, you are a person of worth and dignity.
You are more valuable than things. Stop looking down on yourself or others.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: You are a person of worth and dignity.
PRAYER POINT: Father forgive me of the sin of despising myself and others; help me henceforth to treat
myself and others with honour and dignity.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 19-20; Evening: Lk. 23

TUE. 28/11/2023 GOD LOVES ALL ROM. 5:1-10, JN. 3:16

The human life is so important to God that He gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins. It was His
love for human life that made Him to do this.
Therefore, if you have received Him as your Lord and Saviour, live in obedience to Him thereby
glorifying Him. But if you have not done so, acknowledge your sins today, repent of them, forsake them
and invite Jesus into your heart. He loves you because you are valuable to Him as His creature.
Point Of Emphasis: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Prayer point: Help me Father never to despise the offer of the free gift of salvation through Jesus.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 21-22; Evening: Lk. 24

WED. 29/11/2023 GOD CAN NEVER FORGET YOU ISA. 49:14-20

While in captivity in Babylon, the people of Israel felt that God had forgotten them. However God
assured them that He could never forget them and that He kept them in perpetual remembrance. He told
them that at the right time, He would arise for them and put an end to their plight. I don’t know what you
are passing through that is making you to doubt whether God still loves you or whether He still answers
prayers. I wish to encourage you that God, is always with you. He loves you more than you can ever love
yourself. He has you in mind. He still answers prayers. At the fullness of time, He will arise for you.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: God can never forget you
PRAYER POINT: Help me to continue to put my trust in You regardless of my situations.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 23-24; Evening: Jn. 1

THURS. 30/11/2023 DON’T TERMINATE HUMAN LIFE GEN 9:1-6

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God has created man in His is Image. Each life is a gift from Him (Ps 127:3). Human beings are of great
value to Him. There are no ordinary people. Each life is special and unique. Therefore, to end human
life is an affront to God, the Maker, though the society suggests that the value of life is based on its
usefulness and quality such as education, financial power, beauty, family background and so on.
However, the word of God has a different approach in that life is valuable as God’s creation and
something for which He sacrificed His Son in redemption. Therefore, you don’t have the right to
terminate your life or to abort an unborn baby (life begins from conception; Judg. 13:5) or the life of any
person. Understand that all human lives have absolute and equal value though they may not be enjoying
the same quality of life.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS: Life is a gift from God
PRAYER POINTS: Help me father never to do anything that will terminate any life.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 25-26; Evening: Jn. 2

FRI. 1/12/2023 CARE FOR THE NEEDY MATT. 25:34 -40; GAL. 6:10; PROV. 21:13
One of the major sins in our society is selfishness. It is wrong to claim that we are holy and on our way to
heaven while we ignore the hungry, the poor, the under privileged, the vulnerable, the physically
challenged, the destitute, the abandoned, the victims of various attacks and victims of human trafficking.
Failure to attend to the cry of the poor will not allow God to hear one’s cry (Prov. 21:13) Failure to help
when one can, may hinder one from going to heaven (Matt 25:44-46) “Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” Gal 6:10.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: As much as you can, help your neighbours
PRAYER POINTS: Father, create in me a heart of compassion.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 27-28; Evening: Jn. 3

SAT. 2/12/2023 YOU ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS GAL. 3:20-29
Discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, physical features, academic or social attainment, family
background is very common in our society. However, the word of God makes us to understand that every
human being has the same value regardless of the social or economic status. This is because we were all
created in the image of God. It is a sin to discriminate against someone because he is poor (Jam. 2:1-11).
It is even sad that some men are not happy if they have female children. This is wrong. There is nothing a
man does which a woman cannot do. We see examples in our world - women becoming Presidents,
Governors, Vice Chancellors, Preachers and so on. More importantly, every life is a gift from God, and
must be celebrated including the children born by mad people and prostitutes.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Every life is a gift from God.
PRAYER POINT: Help me not to be partial in my dealings with people.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 29-30; Evening: Jn. 4: 1-26

SUN. 3/12/2023 LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER 1 JN 4:7-21

One of the major ways to show that we recognize the value of human life is by loving one another in
practical ways. God is love. Whoever does not love is not born again. He does not know God. If you
don’t love the brother you can see, how can you claim that you love God whom you have not seen. (1 Jn
4:20b). Love is not just a feeling but action. It is deliberate, It is intentional. Be kind to people. Seek to
help as many as you can. The good Samaritan recognized the dignity in that victim of robbers, and he
took care of him (Lk. 10:25-37). Speak evil of no one. If you love, you will not backbite. You will not
lie against your neighbours.
If you are born again, love is in you, all you need to do is to let it flow to others (Rom 5:5).
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Love others as Christ has loved you.

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PRAYER POINT: Help me O God to demonstrate love to others including difficult and hard-to-please
people.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 31-32; Evening: Jn. 4: 27-54

BACKGROUND
Ignorance of God’s word makes many people to be hopeless, dejected and frustrated in life. Also, many
people look down on others because of their disadvantaged physical appearance, social, economic or
academic status. It is encouraging to know that every human being is valuable in the sight of God and
must be treated with respect, honour and dignity.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE - GEN. 1:26-31. GEN. 9: 1-7, PS. 8:3-9
No human being is ordinary. God intentionally created man in His own image to be fruitful, to
multiply and dominate. God has crowned man with glory and honour (Ps. 8:5). That God created man in
His image does not mean that God is in human form rather, it means we were made to resemble God
mentally, morally and socially.
Mentally, man was created a rational, volitional person. This means human beings can reason and
choose. That is why man can invent machines, write books, engage in discussions, calculate sums etc.
These are reflections of God’s image.
Man is also a free moral agent. He can make a choice. Morally, man was created in righteousness and
perfect condition. Our conscience is a vestige or trance of the original state. The fact that we feel guilty
when we do something wrong or uncomfortable to do evil and feel happy to do what is right confirms that
we were made in God’s image. Socially, we were created for fellowship (Gen 3:8). This reflects God’s
triune nature and His love.
Unfortunately, the image of God was corrupted or marred when man fell. That marred or corrupted
image was passed to everyone that come to this world (Rom. 3:23; 5:12). Though today we still bear the
image of God, we also bear the scars of sin. Glory be to God, when a person is born again, the process of
restoration to the original image of God begins (Eph. 2:8-9; 4:24; 2 Cor. 5:17) and continues through
transformation into the image of Christ from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18). However, the perfection will
come during the rapture. Since we were created in the image of God, we should treat one another with
respect and dignity. We should therefore avoid the following: Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse, Sexual
exploitation and sexual perversion, Drug Abuse, Domestic Violence, human Trafficking, War and
exploitation, Violence Against one another, Shedding of Innocent blood, Rage, Kidnapping, Abuse of
office and authority etc.

PART 2: CULTIVATING A HEALTHY SELF ESTEEM - GEN. 1:26-31, ROM. 12:1-10, PHIL.
4:1-4, ROM 13:7, 1 PET. 2:17
Many people feel inferior in life. They are filled with the thought of inadequacy, discouragement,
failure, backwardness and despair. This is wrong. It is contrary to God’s plan and purpose for man.
Many people have committed suicide because of low or wrong self-esteem.
You can cultivate a healthy self-esteem through the following:
 See yourself as a person created with worth, dignity, honour, potential and in the likeness of God.
 Don’t be discouraged or weighed down by the demeaning criticisms of others. Always remember
that God loves you regardless of what you are passing through
 Appreciate the fact that you are gifted with intellectual abilities, freedom to choose, wisdom to
discern truth from errors, capacity to love and be loved.
 Remember that man was described as crowned with glory and honour.
 Understand that you have potentials, promises and power of the Holy Spirit.
 If you believe in God, you must believe in your own worth and dignity.
 Learn to maximize God’s gifts, grace and resources in you to bring blessings to others.

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 Don’t mind negative opinion that imply that you are just like any other person among the multitude.
You are unique and special. There is no other person exactly like you all over the world. You are
original. Celebrate this awareness.
 Live up to your full potential in Christ by investing time, energy, education, prayer and efforts to
make the most of every opportunity.

PART 3: WORTH MORE THAN EVERYTHING ELSE – MK. 8:34-38, LK. 19:1-10, JN. 4:5-40
Life is sacred. The sanctity of life implies that human life is relevantly more valuable than everything
in the whole world added together. The value of human life demands that we relate with people with
respect, acceptance, consideration, appreciation, affection, empathy and love.
The soul of a man is so unique and of unparalled value that God had to give Jesus to die for our sins.
Jesus came, lived, healed the sick, delivered the oppressed because of this.
Jesus was so compassionate about souls that He went from place to place seeking souls. He said in Lk.
19:10, “For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”. He defied hunger and
weariness to attend to the Samaritan woman in Jn 4:5-40.
The parable of the lost coin and the lost sheep demonstrated the value of even a single soul.
As a result of the above, as followers or disciples of Jesus, we must intentionally, passionately and
consistently reach out to sinners where they are to win them for Jesus. Understand that every soul is
equally valuable regardless of the age, sex, social, academics, financial, political status. God loves all.
Jesus died for all including the rich, the poor, the vulnerable, the afflicted, the sick and so on.

CONCLUSION
Every life is valuable because we were all created in the image of God. Though the image was
corrupted and marred because of the fall, glory be to God as Jesus has come to restore the battered image.
Therefore, each person should receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour so that he or she can experience
transformation into His likeness.

QUESTIONS
1. Do you agree that human life is valuable? Explain.
2. Why did God give us Jesus?
3. How can we show love to one another?
4. Why is it good to treat one another with fairness without discrimination?

LESSON 2: DEC. 10, 2023

HAVE AN UNINTERRUPTED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
Suggested Hymns: G. H. B. 11, 75, 222
Devotional Reading: Deut. 6:4-12
Topic For Adults: Seek Him And You Will Find Him

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 Topic For Youths: You Can Know God Intimately
Topic For Intermediates: God Wants You To Know Him
Lesson Scriptures: Deut. 6:4-12; 1 Chro. 23:30; Ps. 43:1-2; 55:17; 119:9-16;
Mk. 1:35; Lk. 18:1-8; 1 Cor. 12:2-12; Eccl. 11: 4-6; Heb. 10:2

MEMORY VERSE: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and
departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed”
Mark 1:35 (NKJV)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 4/12/2023 KEEP YOUR FAMILY ALTAR VIBRANT DEUT. 6:4-12
One of the principal ways of walking with God and having an uninterrupted fellowship and relationship
with Him is through the family altar. The family altar is a place where the whole family gathers together
in the morning and the night to fellowship together with God in the word and prayers. It is the place of
receiving instructions for the family on daily basis. However, today, there are families without an altar;
there are others whose fire has gone out, where the father sleeps and leaves the altar to the mother and
their children. When last did you conduct family altar in your home, and how vibrant is your family altar?
Probe yourself.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Your closeness to God is a function of your devotion and family altar; don’t joke
with it.
PRAYER POINT: Father, release fresh fire on my family altar in Jesus name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Deut. 33-34; Evening: Jn. 5

TUE. 5/12/2023 HAVE SPECIFIC TIME TO SEEK HIM 1 CHRO. 23:30; PS. 55:17; MK. 1:35
The Bible attests to the fact that there is time for everything being done here on earth. God is the owner
and maker of time. He also keeps time and does everything according to His own set time. As men and
people who desire to have an uninterrupted fellowship with Him, we need to do that by setting specific
time (morning, afternoon and/or night) to seek Him in the place of Bible study, reading and memorization
of the word and also in the place of prayers and meditation. Saints through the ages who had cordial and
worthwhile relationship with God and attained to greatness in ministry and Christian walk were those
who fellowshipped with Him at specific times of the day. A walk with God that is haphazard, unplanned;
occasional and without focus cannot endear anyone to God. God desires to meet with you at a specific
time and He will be there for you at that same time every day.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Meeting God daily at a specific time is a virtue that all children of God should
acquire.
PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to be there whenever You are calling on me in Jesus name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 1-2; Evening: Jn. 6:1-40

WED. 6/12/2023 DIALOGUE WITH GOD IN PRAYERS LK. 18:1-8

The principal way we talk to God and make our desires and requests known to Him is through prayers.
This brings to remembrance a chorus that was popular in the eighties, which says; “Read your Bible, Pray
every day; if you want to grow”. A relationship where communication is absent or where it has become
monologue instead of dialogue cannot be said to be cordial or mutual. Many at times, we dash in and out
of God’s presence without receiving anything or hearing Him speak to us. We must learn to wait on Him,
speak to Him and spend quality time before Him to hear Him instruct us before going out to our daily
tasks.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Your prayer time should be a time of dialogue with God; take time to hear Him.

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PRAYER POINT: As I dialogue with you in my prayers oh Lord, speak to me and teach me to hear Your
voice clearly in Jesus’ name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 3-4; Evening: Jn. 6: 41-71

THUR. 7/12/2023 DON’T STARVE YOUR SPIRIT MAN PS. 119:9-16

Man is a tripartite being, made up of body, soul and spirit. To become fully mature, individual must grow
in these three ways. As man needs the physical food and exercise to grow physically, so also does he need
the spiritual food to grow, develop and mature spiritually. There are saints of many years that grow
physically, but are weak, frail; infirm and sick spiritually. They are both mediocre and spiritual babies.
The Spirit in us will grow when we feed on the word of God (the sincere milk of the word). Our spirit
man feeds as we also feed on the word of God while reading, listening, studying, meditating and
memorizing it. We need the word in our hearts and not only in our heads. The saints who experience
nightmares where they are pressed down should wake up to serious feeding on the word of God. A well-
fed spirit man can withstand and counter every demonic attack any day.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Your spirit man grows to maturity as you devote time to feeding on the scriptures.
Devote more time to it.
PRAYER POINT: I receive greater grace for regular and consistent feeding on the word of God.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 5-6; Evening: Jn. 7: 1-31

FRI. 8/12/2023 DEPLOY YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 COR. 12:2-12

Our God is a Spirit and those who worship and desire a closer walk with Him can only do that through
and in the spirit. God desires our close walk with Him and has given us of His Holy Spirit and various
spiritual gifts to enhance unadulterated and uninterrupted walk with Him. A carnal and unbroken man or
woman cannot have a meaningful walk with God. We must use our spiritual gifts for us to serve Him
acceptably and to grow the church. It is still true that only spiritual people can understand spiritual things
because they are spiritually discerned. The gifts of the Spirit enhance a smooth and cordial relationship
with God. Deploy your spiritual gifts.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: The gifts of the spirit are a necessity for a close walk with God; deploy your gifts.
PRAYER POINT: Father, draw me closer to Yourself as I use my spiritual gifts to serve You in Jesus’
name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 7-8; Evening: Jn. 7: 32-53

SAT. 9/12/2023 AVOID DISTRACTIONS ECCL. 11:4-6

Walking with God in a close relationship is not a thing that everyone can do. This is because it requires a
lot of efforts and personal discipline which many people cannot give. There will be the need to observe a
regular family altar, allot a specific time to meet God daily, dialogue with God in prayers, read and study
the scriptures regularly among others. However, there will be various distractions to avoid if one is to
attain this height. Keeping late nights, desiring to sleep more, attending to people, keeping busy schedules
etc. are some of the distractions to avoid. God desires your daily, consistent and uninterrupted fellowship;
do not crowd Him out of your daily schedule.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Give room for God in spite of your busy schedule.
PRAYER POINT: Father, let Your Spirit always remind me to give quality time to seek You daily no
matter how busy I am.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 9-10; Evening: Jn. 8:1-30

SUN. 10/12/2023 THE POWER OF JOINT FELLOWSHIP HEB. 10:25

This is the age when people claim to belong to the church on the television, the radio and the internet.
However, God has ordained us to belong to an organized body of saints called the church – an assembly

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of God’s people, where we share mutual love, companionship, experiences, sweet fellowship, use our
spiritual gifts, where we serve God together and where God meets and deals with us as His body. Willful
and deliberate absence from joint church fellowship and for whatever reason is a thing to be discontinued
because church fellowship has its own purpose. No excuse is tenable.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: The church is not complete when you are absent.
PRAYER POINT: My position in the church and the kingdom of God shall not be vacant in Jesus’ name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 11-12; Evening: Jn. 8: 31-59

BACKGROUND
God Almighty, the invisible, omniscient and omnipotent God is knowable. He loves and wills for us to
approach Him in fellowship and He desires to reveal Himself to us. We almost idolize the few men and
women who have been privileged to know God intimately today, whereas, God is not partial and any one
of us His children can know Him intimately. The lesson of this week is aimed at reminding us those
virtues we need to acquire for us to cultivate an uninterrupted fellowship with God.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: GOD IS KNOWABLE – JER. 9:23-24; JHN. 17:3
God Almighty, the all-knowing, all-seeing and invisible God is knowable. God desires to reveal
Himself to us so that we can have a very cordial and intimate relationship and fellowship with Him.
However, as much as He desires for us to know Him intimately, very few people have been able to pay
the price and endure the discipline to know Him. Moses was a man who got to a place in his fellowship
with God and cried out to God for a closer walk with Him. The Bible attests to it that while the people
desired to see the acts of God (miracles, signs, wonders and physical manifestations of God), Moses
desired to know His ways. Elijah the prophet was a man who knew God to the extent that God’s words
became his words. He locked the heavens against both the dew and the rain for three and a half years.
Hear him, “…as the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these
years, but according to my word” (see 1 Kg. 17:16;18:36). He did not see death but was transported to
heaven by chariots and horses.
Today, we almost worship and idolize the few that have paid the price to walk with Him in unbroken
relationship and fellowship. The truth remains that if you will devote yourself and time to seek and serve
Him in uninterrupted fellowship, He will surely make Himself available and known to you. God is not far
away, you are the one that is far from Him. At times, we look for God in the wrong places. He is
always…
- Not in the noise.
- Not in the earthquake.
- Not in the wind and storm, but alas; these are what we hear and rush out of His presence thinking we
have found and heard Him. No,
- He is in the still and quiet place. Majority of the time, we cannot pay the price of the patience and
discipline to tarry until we hear the still small voice.
We fail to know Him as we ought majority of the time because we:
- are unable to discern His voice.
- operate dry prayer altar.
- are satisfied and remain at the elementary level of salvation.
- show unconcerned attitude towards His work.
- disobey constituted authorities, etc. God wants you to know Him and serve Him in an uninterrupted
fellowship. Can you pay the price?

PART 2: HINDRANCES TO UNINTERRUPTED FELLOWSHIP – PS. 43:1-2

Walking with God in an uninterrupted fellowship should be the desire of all those who profess to have
given their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. However, this doesn’t come by butter and bread; it comes by

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personal discipline and effort. But not every Christian is able and willing to pay the price. At the same
time, the few that endeavor to pay the price will meet with those things that would pose as distraction to
obstruct and hinder them. Some of the distractions that may want to test your seriousness in this intimate
personal walk and fellowship with God will include but not limited to the ones listed hereunder.
- Dozing and sleeping while before Him.
- Divided heart.
- Lack of focus and expectation.
- Taking Him and His presence for fun.
- Lack of preparation. Preparation of heart and materials like Bible, writing materials, etc.
- Not having specific time to meet Him.
- Disobedience to His instructions.
- Turning your fellowship to monologue and not dialogue.
- The use of your smart phone, Ipad, other electrical gadgets and browsing the internet.
- African magic or watching your favorite programmes on television. etc.
It is sure that a man that wants to be much with God will have many things to avoid and forgo. What
others enjoy and term ‘it doesn’t-matter’, may matter if you are to please Him in an unbroken fellowship
and cordial relationship. To do this therefore, there must be…
- Devotion to God in serious reading, studying, memorization and meditation in the word of God.
- Maintenance of regular prayer time and intercession.
- Willingness to obey Him and His instructions promptly and without any reserved area of life.
- Broken, contrite, right and prepared heart.
- Prioritizing your time and not crowding Him out of your schedule however busy you may be.
- Maintaining a conducive and spiritual environment of praise and worship. If we can devote ourselves
to seek Him, we are sure that He will surely reveal Himself to us in a way greater and mightier than
how we know Him now. Take time to seek Him.

PART 3: BENEFITS OF UNINTERRUPTED FELLOWSHIP – LK. 18:1-8; JOSH. 1:8-9

We are all aware that God is not partial and He does not play favoritism. To become a favorite of God,
you must tighten your belt and walk with Him in an unbroken and uninterrupted fellowship. Mind you,
that will cost you some things. You will need to add the “extra” to what other people are doing – extra
Bible reading, studying and memorization, extra prayers, extra fasting, extra dedication and commitment
and so on. Gold and other precious stones are not found on the mere surface of the earth. You have to dig
deep into the earth before you can locate them. Likewise, working and serving God without interruption
must cost you something. The good news however is that; if you can pay the price, God will not
disappoint you. Some of the benefits of having such a fellowship with God are listed below.
 You will have direct access to divine or kingdom secrets (Deut. 29:29; Ps. 25:14)
 There will be prompt answers to your prayers (Jer. 33:3).
 Angels of God will be at your beck and call (Matt. 4:11).
 You will have a place by His holy side (Matt. 29:28)
 You will receive divine guidance and leading continually (Matt. 1:20; 2:13).
 There will be exposure of the secrets of the adversaries (2 Kgs. 6:1-12).
 You will enjoy divine coverage and protection (Ps. 46:1-3).
 Your spiritual life will be fresh continually (Col. 3:8-10).
 You will also have power with God and men (Acts 1:8).
 Above all, you will become a terror to the kingdom of Satan.

CONCLUSION
It pays to walk with and serve God in an uninterrupted fellowship. Anything disturbing you from
doing just that is an enemy that you must fight and conquer.

QUESTIONS

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1. What does it mean to have an uninterrupted fellowship with God?
2. Examine your fellowship with God. Can you say truly that your own fellowship with God is
uninterrupted? If not, what are the practical steps you will take after this lesson to correct it?
3. Mention some of the agents of uninterrupted fellowship with God.
4. What are those thing we do that hinders our sweet and uninterrupted fellowship with God and how
can we overcome them?
5. Mention some of the benefits of having an uninterrupted fellowship with God.

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 LESSON 3: DEC. 17, 2023
OBEDIENCE TO GOD
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 1, 10, 61
Devotional Reading: 1 Sam. 15:1-23
Topic For Adults: Obedience Is The Key
Topic For Youths: Learn To Obey
Topic For Intermediates: There Is Danger In Disobedience
Lesson Scriptures: Exo. 20:1-10; Job 36:11; Jam. 4:7-8; 1 Sam. 15:7-13; Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 28:1-13;
Isa. 1:19; Lk. 22:39-42; 23:44-46; Heb. 13:17-18; 1 Pet. 2:13-17

MEMORY VERSE: “If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their
years in abundance” Job 36:11 (NKJV).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 11/12/2023 LAWS ARE TO BE OBEYED EXO. 20:1-17
It is a popular saying that order is the first law in heaven, and that where there is no law; there is no sin.
God created the world and put men in charge, however He also gave them laws, instructions and rules to
guide them in their behaviours and relationship with both God and men and to put order in their society.
Inability to obey such laws of God is sin. We see disorderliness and total breakdown of law and order in
our society and nation today. Unfortunately, the church has become part of the problem instead of the
solution. Unlawful connection of electric light, bypassing meter for use of electrical appliances, driving
without vehicle license and particulars etc. are ways of breaking the laws of the land and sinning against
God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Be a true child of God; obey the laws of the land.
PRAYER POINT: Father, make me a solution to the problems of the land, not part of the problem.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 13-14; Evening: Jn. 9

TUE. 12/12/2023 DISOBEDIENCE IS A KILLER 1 SAM. 15:7-13

The Bible is replete with the record and examples of people who disobeyed God at one time or the other
and the punishment that followed. Men know how to cut corners and circumvent the laws, rules and
instructions of God. However, if you cannot obey men that you see, how then can you obey men God has
established as leaders and rulers over you? The kingdom of Saul as the first king of Israel could not
continue because of his disobedience to the word of God through Prophet Samuel. Gehazi lost his
prophetic ministry because of this, while Lucifer lost his position in heaven and became Satan, the devil.
Disobedience is a sin, a killer and destroyer of destiny; run away from it.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Obedience to God and His servants is the royal road to your blessings; trust and
obey Him.
PRAYER POINT: I receive the grace of total obedience to God and His servants in all things in Jesus
name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 15-16; Evening: Jn. 10

WED. 13/12/2023 GOD HATES PRIDE JAM. 4:7-8

There is an element of pride in man. You either kill or fan it. There are many servants of God that have
become spiritual casualties and ended ingloriously because of pride. Some others have failed miserably in
destiny fulfillment because they succumbed to pride. There are also saints that have lost beautiful
relationships and wonderful opportunities and careers because they gave in to the demon of this five-letter
word that kills – pride. You cannot amount to anything in the kingdom of Christ if you are proud, after

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all; what do you have that was not given to you by God? If God is the giver of whatever is making you
proud, beware and remember that He has the power to withdraw it.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Pride kills and terminates destinies; avoid it at all cost.
PRAYER POINT: O Lord, uproot any seed of pride in me today in Jesus’ name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 17-18; Evening: Jn. 11:1-27

THUR. 14/12/2023 OBEY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITIES ROM. 13:1-7

God has ordained for men to have leaders, rulers and administrators over His church, nation and over
every human organization. God did this for them to lead, organize and maintain both law and order.
Disobedience to those whom God has placed in position of authority is disobedience to the Almighty
God. Today, saints pay lip service; flagrantly and willfully disobey constituted authorities as if they were
not instituted by God. Payment of taxes, tenement rates, electricity bills, vehicle particulars and discharge
of other civic responsibilities are ways of showing our obedience to God and His constituted authorities.
Payment of tithes, giving good offerings, taking care of those in need and attending all services that
concern us also are means of obeying God. In what ways have you been disobeying constituted
authorities? It is time for repentance and restitution.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Human authorities are ordained by God, learn to obey them.
PRAYER POINT: I refuse to be a disobedient citizen; help me to perform my civic responsibilities in Jesus
name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 19-20; Evening: Jn. 11: 28-57

FRI. 15/12/2023 THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE DEUT. 28:1-13; ISA. 1:19

Many promises of God for blessings in the Bible are conditional promises. Meaning, when you do your
own part, then God will do His part by releasing the blessings. The Bible is full of passages where God
promised blessings, victory and the like for His people if only they obey His instructions, laws and
commandments. It is easy for man to cut corners, take the easy way out and do things their own ways
while sidetracking and circumventing the laws and commandments of God. A single disobedience turned
Lot’s wife to a pillar of salt and took the kingdom from Saul. The sword did not depart from the house of
David despite God’s love for him. Your situation may not improve until you learn to obey God to the full.
Remember, if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Some of your blessings are dependent on your obedience.
Prayer Point: I refuse and reject every form of disobedience today; make me obedient to You oh Lord.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 21-22; Evening: Jn. 12:1-19

SAT. 16/12/2023 DISOBEDIENCE ATTRACTS CURSES DEUT. 28:15-24

It is truly a hard thing to kick against the pricks and no one can fight his or her creator and go scot-free.
As obedience attracts blessings, the reverse is the case for disobedience. This same God that led Israel to
the Promised Land also gave them over to captivity and slavery due to their disobedience. He chose Saul
as the first king in Israel and rejected him. As much as God loved David and proclaimed him a man after
His heart, God did not hesitate to punish him when he disobeyed Him; the sword never departed from his
house. Beware, disobedience attracts God’s wrath and curses.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Beware, disobedience attracts curses.
PRAYER POINT: Father, forgive me in any way I have disobeyed You and take curses away from me.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Josh. 23-24; Evening: Jn. 12:20-50

SUN. 17/12/2023 JESUS DEMONSTRATED OBEDIENCE LK. 22:39-42; 23:44-46

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Jesus Himself being God, the only begotten Son of God and the Second person in the Godhead, did not
come to the earth in human form to be disobedient to God the Father. At a time when He was facing the
cruel Roman cross and about to pay the ultimate price for the sins which He had not committed, His
words were, “thy will be done”. So, Jesus obeyed to the point of death. He could have rejected the cross,
but He knowingly, willingly and deliberately submitted Himself to the will of His Father. He gave us a
perfect example of obedience and hence became a yardstick to measure our own obedience today. What is
God asking you to do that you have been neglecting and disobeying? Know that you cannot win God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Jesus is the perfect example of obedience; emulate Him.
PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to be like Jesus and a good example for others to emulate.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 1-2; Evening: Jn. 13

BACKGROUND
One of the greatest virtues in a Christian is obedience. The leaders lead by example and the people follow
without asking any question. This obedience has become a lost art in the body of Christ today. A lot of
factors which are out of this teaching can be advanced for this. Today, church leaders disobey those above
them; church members disobey their spiritual leaders while children also disobey their parents. This chain
reaction has dovetailed to the community and there is complete breakdown of law and order everywhere.
This lesson is meant to wake the saints at all levels in the church to go back to the first love of total
obedience to God and constituted authorities.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: GOD DEMANDS YOUR OBEDIENCE – EXO. 20:1-17; 1 SAM. 15:7-13
God instituted and established the world by laws. He created a beautiful and paradise-like garden
where He put our first parents with a command of what and what not to do. Their disobedience to that
command and the resultant repercussion still stares us in the face today. Men in the wisdom of God also
instituted laws to guide them in their day to day living and inter personal relationship. To punish those
who offend or run contrary to those laws, there are the law courts to try them and punishments ranging
from payment of money as fine or imprisonment for a period of time to death penalty. As the nation
expects us to obey the laws of the land, so does God expect us to follow Him obediently and regard His
rules and regulations. Disobedience to God, His revealed will and His servants have become the order of
the day. Mind you, wherever there is disobedience to God, there will be a resultant punishment. The Bible
recorded so many examples of people who disobeyed the instructions of God and suffered for it. See the
list below.
- Samson disobeyed his Nazarite vows and subsequently died with his enemies.
- Saul – the first king in Israel disobeyed the instruction of God-given by Prophet Samuel and lost his
dynasty.
- David disobeyed and conducted an unauthorized census in Israel and the sword did not depart from
his house.
- The young Prophet from Judah disobeyed his prophetic command and was killed by a lion.
- Israel as a nation disobeyed the laws of God and were given over to their enemies who carried them
away from their land into captivity.
- Gehazi disobeyed his master and went in search of what his master rejected. He lost his prophetic
ministry and became the grandfather of lepers.
God demands your obedience and will not compromise His standard. In what ways have you been
disobeying Him? Watch it, those who disobey Him never enter their Canaan land, they always die in the
wilderness.

PART 2: CARRY OUT YOUR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES – ROM. 13:1-7; HEB. 13:17-18; 1
PET. 2:13-17

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 Disobedience is seen in all strata of the church and has dovetailed to the entire nation today. The fact
remains that if all those who profess Christ live right and perform their civic responsibilities, our nation
will be better for it. The Christian is of dual citizenship. He or she is a citizen of his or her home country
as well as that of the kingdom of Christ. It is noteworthy that obedience is a way of life in the kingdom,
so the Christian should abide by the rules of God and of the nation or society he or she resides. Some of
our civic responsibilities includes but are not limited to the following: obeying the laws of the land,
payment of taxes and rates; renewal of driving licenses and vehicle particulars; payment of electricity
bills, right disposal of wastes; obeying traffic lights, maintaining order, praying for those in leadership
positions etc. It is a misnomer when Christians are found to default in payment of bills, renewal of vehicle
particulars, driving through red light and the like.
At a time when law enforcers encountered our Lord Jesus Christ, He authorized Peter to go the
riverside and catch a fish, open its mouth and bring out money to pay tax for Himself and Peter. Jesus did
not hide under the cloak of a Prophet, or that of the Son of God to undermine the law of the land.

PART 3: THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE – DEUT. 28:1-13; ISA. 1:19

Many promises of God for blessings in the Bible are conditional promises. Meaning, when you do
your own part, then God will do His part by releasing the blessings. When it seem as if the promises of
God fails or delays, man should take time to ponder, reflect and assess himself because God is never the
problem. His promises are always yea and amen. On closer observation, man is the problem; he is the one
that moves or fails and not God. He promises and fulfils His promises and He never fails. The Bible is
full of passages where God promised blessings, victory and the like for His people if only they obey His
instructions, laws and commandments. It is easy for man to cut corners, take the easy way out and do
things their own ways while sidetracking and circumventing the laws and commandments of God.
Everything and anything you desire is in the hands of the Almighty God, and He is more than willing
to give them to you, only if you will follow Him and obey Him without faltering and without failing. A
single disobedience turned Lot’s wife to a pillar of salt and took the kingdom from Saul. The sword did
not depart from the house of David despite God’s love for him. Your situation may not improve until you
learn to obey God to the full. Remember, if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the
land. So, what are the promises of God for you that are yet lagging and lacking? It is time to do a personal
appraisal and return to God in total obedience to Him and in all things.
CONCLUSION
Disobedience has become the norm in our society today. The place where we think that obedience
should be found is the church of God; but alas, the saints have gone the ways of the world. This is one of
the little foxes destroying our vine today and needs to be curbed. It is time for every Christian family to
go back to God and restore this virtue before it is too late. How obedient are you to God and constituted
authorities? Probe yourself.

QUESTIONS
1. Obedience has become a lost art among believers of our time. Do you agree with this? If yes or no,
justify your answer.
2. Mention the ways by which believers disobey their spiritual leaders today and proffer solutions to
them.
3. Mention Biblical characters who disobeyed God or their leaders and the punishments that followed.
4. In what ways are we disobedient to our civic authorities today?
5. Mention the ways by which we can restore obedience to both God and constituted authorities in our
church and society today.
LESSON 4: DEC. 24, 2023
LIVE IN HOLINESS
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 225, 236
Devotional Reading: 1 Pet. 1:13-16
Topic For Adults: Called To Be Saints

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 Topic For Youths: Holiness Is Possible
Topic For Intermediates: Be Holy
Lesson Scriptures: Rom. 12:1-12; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; 3:8-12, Heb. 12:14-15; 1 Thess. 4:7-8; Phil. 2:14-16

MEMORY VERSE: “For God did not call us to uncleanness but in holiness”
(1 Thessalonians 4:7) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 18/12/2023 YOU ARE CALLED UNTO HOLY LIVING 1 THESS. 4:7-8; 1 PET. 1:14-
16
Believers are called first to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purpose(s). Apostle Paul exhorts believers
in 1 Thess. 4:7-8 to abstain from sexual immorality and to live in a way that is pleasing to God. In the
same vein, 1 Pet. 1:14-16 enjoins believers to be holy in all their conducts; just as God is holy. To live a
holy life requires intentional effort and willingness to surrender all desires to the will of the Father.
Holiness is not just about following a set of rules but involves cultivating a heart that is devoted to God
and seeking to honour Him in every area of life. You are not exempted from holy living, endeavor to
yield to God’s call because without holiness no man shall see God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: You have been called to holiness, walk according to your calling.
PRAYER POINT: Help me Lord to yield and walk according to the calling where You have called me in
Jesus’ name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 3-4; Evening: Jn. 14

TUE. 19/12/2023 YOU NEED TO LIVE IN HOLINESS MATT. 5:20-25

If there is anything you need most at this time, it is holiness. No wonder Christ Jesus instructs everyone to
“seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness and all other things will be added unto you” (Matt.
6:33). We must not pursue anything that is against God’s kingdom (Holiness) and righteousness. Jesus
emphasized the importance of purity of heart and the need for reconciliation with others. True
righteousness goes beyond external acts of obedience but a genuine repented heart that desires to love
God and serve others. This involves seeking to align our hearts with God’s will and being honest.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: For children of God, holiness is a non-negotiable requirement to make heaven.
PRAYER POINT: O Lord make me holy in this corrupt world.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 5-6; Evening: Jn. 15

WED. 20/12/2023 YOUR HEART AND BODY ARE VITAL ROM. 12:1-2; MK. 7:20-23
Living a holy life requires two things: (i) Having a pure heart: Jesus said it is not what goes into a person
that defiles him, but what comes out of the heart. Living in holiness requires a commitment to guard our
hearts and minds, cultivating a heart that is pure and pleasing to God, and being transformed by the
renewing of our minds. (ii) Presenting your bodies as living sacrifices: It is a requirement. We must
present our bodies (every part) holy and pleasing to God. A sacrifice made today can get spoilt or stale
the next day in world setting. But a living sacrifice can be sustained when living holy and being
transformed by the renewing of the mind i.e. the living word of God. Thus, believers are called to present
their bodies as living sacrifices.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Both our heart and all the members of our bodies should be kept clean, holy and
acceptable to God as a living sacrifice.
PRAYER POINT: I receive a pure heart and I present all the members of my body as a holy sacrifice unto
You oh God.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 7-8; Evening: Jn. 16

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THUR. 21/12/2023 DENY ALL UNGODLINESS TIT. 2:11-15
The situation of the world presently drives some people to do what is ungodly, even Christians are not left
behind. Denying ungodliness and living a self-controlled, upright and godly life may seem difficult today.
The act of adding self-denial to a godly life could be greatly achieved through submission to the leading
of the Holy Spirit. This is the willingness to put aside anything that would hinder smooth relationship
with God and actively pursuing righteousness everyday. Believers must daily seek and trust in God’s
grace to overcome worldly lust and besetting sin. In this we have complete salvation.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: You need God’s grace to walk blamelessly, godly, soberly looking forward to
seeing Christ’s return.
PRAYER POINT: I daily deny ungodliness and worldly lust and I embrace sober and godly living.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 9-10; Evening: Jn. 17

FRI. 22/12/2023 BE CONTENDED 1 TIM. 6:6-10

Believers are to be content with what they have rather than constantly striving for more. We are presently
in the end time. Many indications have shown clearly towards this side that it is not untrue the world is
winding-off gradually. Thus, believers are warned against the love of money, dangers of pursuing wealth,
promotion, fame, etc. The economy of the nation and the world at large has melt down which has made
everything difficult to achieve or do. This is a side distraction to neglect God or obey His command fully.
In short to live a righteous life is difficult. However, children of God are enjoined to pursue godliness and
contentment no matter what. Contentment requires a trust in God’s provision and a willingness to be
satisfied with what God has provided for us. True wealth and gain comes from godliness and
contentment. Be warned against the love of money and the temptation to pursue wealth at the expense of
godliness as it will lead to foolish and hurtful desires that will ultimately cause harm and sorrow.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: There is great gain in contentment, be truly satisfied with all what God has given to
you.
PRAYER POINT: I reject the spirit of covetousness and I receive the spirit of contentment in Jesus’ name
(Amen)
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 11-12; Evening: Jn. 18

SAT. 23/12/2023 HYPOCRISY IS CONDEMNED MATT. 23:25-28

Living authentically and in integrity involves a willingness to address our own faults and shortcomings,
rather than simply putting on a show of righteousness. Jesus strongly condemned the hypocrisy of the
religious leaders during the time He was on earth. He then warned against the danger of outward piety
that masks inward corruption, calling the Pharisees “white washed tombs” who appear clean on the
outside but are full of dead men’s bones on the inside. The outward show of righteousness is not
sufficient for inward purity. Believers are besought to intentionally deal with all issues and characters that
won’t allow them to have a right standing with God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Don’t cover up your inward rots by outward show of righteousness, expose and
deal with all inward decay.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I open up myself to you who knows my inward part and can help make me truly
righteous inwardly and outwardly in Jesus’ name (Amen).
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 13-14; Evening: Jn. 19

SUN. 24/12/2023 CLEANSE YOURSELF 2 TIM. 2:19-22

Believers are to constantly and continually cleanse themselves by fleeing from ungodliness while they
strongly pursue after righteousness, faith, love and peace. Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to cleanse
himself from all impurities and strive for holiness in every area of his life. Living a holy life demands

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intentional effort to remove any barrier to our relationship with God. You must actively pursue
righteousness in thoughts, words, reactions, dressing and action. Daily cleansing is when you are willing
and able to confront sin and seek God’s cleansing and forgiveness.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Constantly and continuously cleanse yourself from all filthiness of body, soul and
spirit as you confront sin in your life.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I submit myself to You, cleanse me inwardly and outwardly.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 15-16; Evening: Jn. 20

BACKGROUND
Holiness is a must for every Christian who desires to see God and reign with Christ Jesus. Holiness
cannot be shortchanged in God’s standard. He called us to be holy because He Himself is holy. Holiness
is not only being separated from sin and worldliness but also to be set apart for God’s purpose(s). This
week’s lesson shows every believer that we can be spiritually healthy by being holy.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: THE CALL TO HOLY LIVING – 1 PET. 1:13-16; HEB. 12:14-15; 1 THESS. 4:7-8
Holiness is the foundational, irreversible and unchanging attitude of God. From the beginning till now
God has always been holy and will continue to be holy. Anyone who desires to be God’s child and His
favourite and seeks to reign with Him eternally must be holy. God’s mercy, faithfulness and love are
anchored on His nature of holiness. The reason God created man in the beginning was to fulfil His
purpose but man failed because of sin. Man lost holiness in nature and created a barrier in his relationship
with God. God’s love and mercy sent Jesus Christ to save man from sin, that through Him every
temptation and distraction would be resisted. Thus, anyone who wants to live for God on earth and reign
with Him eternally must yield to the call unto holiness.
The call to holiness cuts across race, gender, age and tribe. God wants everyone, man, woman,
preacher, disciple, bishop, pastor – to be holy (Rom. 6:22). He wants His children to be holy in
conversation, dressing and possess their vessels in sanctification and honour. Without holiness, no man
shall see God. Be holy as I am holy says the Lord of host. Have you answered the call? God will not settle
for something less. Decide now to be holy.
PART 2: HOLINESS OF HEART WITHOUT HYPOCRISY ENJOINED – MATT. 23:13-15; 25-
28
Hypocrisy is a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious belief or principles that one
does not really possess. To break it down, a hypocrite is someone who does not only fail to practice what
he or she says or preaches but does the opposite. Someone appears to stand for righteousness and justice,
however, in reality, he does the very same thing that he speaks out against. It is like a Father or Mother
who secretly commits adultery, yet, preaches to the children in the house that God detests fornication and
adultery. Jesus Christ strongly condemned the hypocrisy of the religious leaders during His ministry on
earth. He warned them of outward righteousness but on the inside they are filled with dead people’s bones
- that is all sorts of impurity. Christ Jesus called them “whitewashed tombs” – beautiful on the outside but
filled inside with dead people’s bones”. Thus, believers are warned to deal with all issues and character
that could stand as a barriers between them and God.
The following are characteristics of a Hypocrite, he or she:
1. Pretends to be holy when you are not.
2. Lives one way in public but another in private.
3. Makes rules but fails to follow the rules.
4. Demands things from others what they are unwilling to do themselves.
5. Says one thing to someone’s face but another thing behind their back.
6. Pretends to be wealthy even though their bank account is empty.
7. Looks at the speck of dust in other’s eyes and pays no attention to the plank in his own eyes.
8. Helps people for personal gain or interest.

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9. Promotes holier than thou image merely to offset reckless behaviour.
Everything that proceeds from the mouth centres from the operation of the heart either good or bad
(Matt. 15:18). God cannot be mocked or deceived, He knows those who are His. Anyone who claims to
know Him must depart from iniquity. To enjoy God, the act and practice of holiness must be without
pretense.

PART 3: HOLINESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE – 1 PET. 3:8-12; JAM. 1:22-27; MATT. 5:20
When some people hear the word holiness, they believe it has to do with certain group of people, type
of church, wearing certain types of clothes and talking in a certain way. The truth of the matter is,
holiness is not all about appearance alone but all about lifestyle both in the secret and public. It is not
what you practise when you are in the gathering of God’s people alone, it is what you do even in the
secret place. Some people claim to be born again but are not totally disconnected from old lives. They
never spend enough time hearing from God, reading the word of God themselves, praying or learning
how to listen to the Holy Spirit within. Any believer who is not under the leadership of the Holy Spirit
will always find it difficult to please God. Obedience leads to holy living and it all comes down to a
choice i.e. choosing to run away from things that are not pleasing to God and choosing to run full stride
towards those things that concerns God.
Holiness has nothing to do with days of the week to observe or particular season or period in a year. It
has to do with everyday life to measure up with God’s standard and have a right standing before Him.

CONCLUSION
God commands everyone to be holy. Holiness is not only separation from sin and worldliness but also
being set apart for God’s purpose(s). God lays emphasis on holy living because His ultimate intention is
to restore His relationship with man. Your readiness and answer to the call unto holy living prepare you to
live with Him in the world to come.

QUESTIONS
1. Explain what Holiness means.
2. Discuss briefly why God holds holiness in high esteem.
3. Mention and interpret the word Jesus used to qualify the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.
4. What is your stand as this lesson is concerned?

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 LESSON 5: DEC. 31, 2023
PAY YOUR TITHE
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 56, 61
Devotional Reading: Mal. 3:6-12
Topic For Adults: Don’t Rob God
Topic For Youths: Give Unto God His Due
Topic For Intermediates: Paying Tithes Brings Blessings
Lesson Scriptures: Lev. 27:30-34; Mal. 3:6-12; Hag. 1:5-10

MEMORY VERSE: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and
try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour
out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 25/12/2023 GOD, SOURCE OF ALL BLESSINGS PS. 104:27-29; DEUT. 8:17-18
There is the temptation for a person to think that whatever gain, income or profit that comes to him or her
is as a result of his or her efforts alone; and that he or she is entitled to take all the credit for his or her
success. This way of thinking makes many to feel that God should be left out of the picture; that God has
nothing to do with their success in life. A sober and deeper reflection will point one to the fact that God is
behind one’s success. There are people who are more brilliant and who worked harder but are less
successful than one. Things become rosy when God smiles on one while things turn awry when God turns
His back on a person. Those who make the best out of life are those who choose to give God the
acknowledgment He deserves.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: God is the source of your success, give Him the honour due.
PRAYER POINT: My God, I give You the honour You deserve for giving me success in life.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 17-18; Evening: Jn. 21

TUE. 26/12/2023 ABRAHAM PAID TITHE GEN. 14:16-20; HEB. 7:1-4

Abraham was a man who had a clear understanding of the impact of God’s power in his life. He had just
defeated the combined army of five kings who took his nephew, Lot, captive. He brought back a lot of
war booties. On his way back, he met Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, who blessed him. Out
of the booties he gained in the war, he gave a tenth unto Melchizedek. In paying tithe to Melchizedek,
Abraham was acknowledging that it was God who gave him victory and was therefore giving a tenth of
all he gained to God. He was also recognizing Melchizedek as the priest of God qualified to receive the
tithe on behalf of God. There was no prior command directing his action; but as one who had a close walk
with God, he knew what to do.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Abraham knew that God delivered his enemies into his hands and therefore gave a
tenth of all he gained.
PRAYER POINT: My Father, I receive a heart wholly committed to obeying Your commandments in every
area of my life.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Judg. 19-21; Evening: Acts 1

WED. 27/12/2023 JACOB PROMISED TO PAY TITHES GEN. 28:12-22

There is no biblical record that regular tithing was done by Isaac but in the scripture read today Jacob
gave a promise to give back to God a tenth of whatever he would acquire in Haran, the place he was
fleeing to. It is reasonable to assume he learnt this art of giving from his father. He fled Canaan with no
tangible possession and no sure prospect that his life would be safe or that he would acquire much in
Haran. His hope was only in God who promised him in the dream that He would prosper him. In

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anticipation of God’s goodness to him, he promised to give God a tithe. Tithing is an expression that the
tither is depending on God and also an expression of gratitude that God has blessed him. Choosing to not
pay tithe is therefore a sign of ingratitude.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Jacob promised to pay tithes as a sign of gratitude for God’s mercy.
PRAYER POINT: I am grateful to you O God for being so good to me; give me grace to always show my
gratitude.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Ruth. 1-2; Evening: Acts 2

THUR. 28/12/2023 GOD COMMANDS GIVING OF TITHES LEV. 27:30-34

God institutionalized the payment of tithes for the Israelites several generations after Abraham first paid
it. Most of the people were engaged in animal husbandry and crop farming. The tithes they were to give
were expressed in tenth of the crops harvested and one in ten of the increase by birth in their cattle, sheep
or goats. There is always the unwillingness or reluctance to give tithe to God. This is seen in people
thinking of borrowing from the tithe with a promise to repay at a more convenient time; or someone
taking a decision that what is to be given is not good enough for God and therefore exchanging it. The
commandment regarding tithe includes penalties for such actions in order to discourage default in
payment.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: God demands one-tenth of a person’s increase as His own, and frowns on
defaulters.
PRAYER POINT: Father, help all our members who do not pay tithes to have correct understanding of
your command.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: Ruth. 3-4; Evening: Acts 3

FRI. 29/12/2023 WHAT TITHE IS USED FOR NUM. 18:20-28

The tithes which the Israelites were commanded to give to God were for taking care of the Levites and
Priests also the fatherless and widows who served in the tabernacle. God would not eat the things that are
offered to Him as tithes. God chose the tribe of Levi to continually attend to the rituals and sacrifices in
the tabernacle. These people were not expected to engage in farming or rearing herds, but to be fully
engaged in the services in the tabernacle. The tithes were to be given by the rest of the people to cater for
the needs and wellbeing of the Levites. The church of today has no Levites, but there are priests and other
church workers whose salaries have to be paid. Besides, there are other needs within the church that tithes
are used to take care of.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Your tithe is needed to cater for pastors, workers in the church, and to cater for
other needs within the church.
PRAYER POINT: Father, give us clear understanding of the reason why You demand tithes from us.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 1-2; Evening: Acts 4

SAT. 30/12/2023 JESUS DID NOT ABOLISH TITHES MATT. 23:23-26

By the time Jesus was on earth the Israelites, especially the religious leaders, had distorted God’s
commands. Their practices were to demonstrate to people that they were very religious in order that they
might gain the approval of the people. They were very meticulous in giving tithes of vegetables and other
things, but overlooked cases of injustice and showing mercy to the poor. They liked to show off when
giving alms to the poor and when praying so that people might notice them. Jesus corrected them that
they should attend to matters of justice and mercy, while at the same time still obeying God’s command
of paying tithes. Jesus did not in any way imply that giving of tithes is wrong or no longer necessary.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Every believer should be concerned about the matters of justice and mercy and at
the same time still give tithes.
PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, reveal the truth about giving of tithes to those who have been misled.

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Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 3-4; Evening: Acts 5

SUN. 31/12/2023 NOT GIVING TITHES HINDERS GOD’S WORK NEH. 13:9-14
The Jews who came back from exile did not commit themselves to giving of tithes. The store rooms in the
house of God were empty and the rooms were being used for non-essential things. Because provision for
the Levites through tithes was inadequate, the Levites were not able to concentrate on their designated
responsibilities in the temple. Nehemiah challenged the leaders to be committed; this prompted the
followers to take the responsibility of tithes seriously. Those who managed the offerings and tithes
brought into the store rooms were faithful in their duties. Members should not forsake giving tithe
because they are not sure how the leaders are managing it. Leaders should be trusted to know they will
give account to God how they manage the tithes collected.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: When members do not give tithes, the work of God suffers greatly.
PRAYER POINT: God, give both the leaders and followers the spirit to be faithful in tithing.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 5-6; Evening: Acts 6

BACKGROUND
There are two different sides to the issue of tithe: man’s thought or ideas and God’s verdict but these
sides are contradictory and unfortunately, many are confused as to which side of the divide they should
follow while a few are in between the two opinions (those who pay but not completely). Clearing the air
and pointing us to the biblically acceptable verdict of God on this issue is the focus of our lesson for this
week.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: GOD COMMANDED GIVING OF TITHES - LEV. 27:30-34
Part of the laws which God gave to the Israelites deals with the giving tithes and offerings. Tithe is
one-tenth of whatever profit one makes in sales or one-tenth of one’s income as a salary earner. For the
farmer engaged in plant rearing, tithe is one-tenth of the harvest he gets, while for one engaged in animal
husbandry, tithe is one-tenth of the increase in his herd. Before the Old Testament laws were given,
patriarchs in their walk with God recognised that it was God who made them to prosper. They gave one-
tenth of their increase to God—Abraham (Gen.14:18-20), Jacob (Gen. 28:20-22).
Tithes are to serve two purposes: (i) a source through which the needs of those who are engaged in full
time service to God can be met; and (ii) a source from which sundry needs among God’s children or in
the house of God can be met. Those who give tithes demonstrate that they:
 Recognize God as the source of the good things flowing into their lives;
 Depend on God for their sustenance and put their trust in God fulfilling His promises; and
 They are committed to obeying God’s commands when it is convenient and when it is not.

PART 2: ROBBING GOD BY WITHHOLDING TITHES - MAL. 3:6-8

A high percentage of Christians do not give tithes or give less than one-tenth. It was the same among
the Israelites before the advent of Jesus. People give different reasons for not giving: some people claim
that tithes belong to the Old Testament regime and that Jesus has abolished giving of tithes; some give the
excuse that they do not have confidence in how church leaders manage the tithes collected and therefore
feel justified for withholding their tithes; some people feel that God understands that their income is
smaller than their needs and hence cannot afford to pay tithes; some people believe that as long as they
give whatever they can afford, God will accept; etc. God accuses defaulters of robbing Him of what
belongs to Him.
God’s claim to one-tenth of a man’s profit is not overbearing as one of servants of the nobleman in the
parable of Jesus accused the nobleman of being an austere man who collects what he did not deposit and
reaps where he did not sow (Lk. 19:20-21). Every discerning person will realize that God has sown

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immensely into his or her life and that what He is asking for is small and considerate. All that a man is
and all that he has are from God who has bountifully given them to him. For the man to consume the
nine-tenth which God has allowed and at the same time consume the one-tenth which God demands is
indeed robbery. No excuse will suffice or justify one before God.
People who say that Jesus’ condemnation of Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 implies that
payment of tithes is wrong do great injustice to the interpretation of the verse. Jesus is saying that justice,
mercy and faith should not be discarded because one is faithful in giving tithes; both social justice and
giving of tithes are equally important before God. Just as it is biblically correct to claim God’s promises
in the Old Testament so it is necessary to accept the obligation of giving tithes.

PART 3: REPERCUSSIONS OF NOT GIVING THE TITHE - MAL. 3:9-12; HAGG. 1:5-10
God’s verdict and judgment on those who do not give tithes is unequivocal. God places a curse on
those who rob Him of tithes due to Him. Since defaulters are unappreciative of God’s goodness towards
them, God sentenced them to a life of not having enough, no matter how hard they work, and not having
satisfaction in what they gather. Many who toil without commensurate harvest need to examine their
relationship with God, especially in the area of giving of tithes and offerings. When one experiences
happenings that make one spend one’s harvest on unexpected situations, one needs to again investigate
what is causing the devourer to operate in one’s life. When it appears that the heaven is closed against
one’s prayers, one should examine oneself. When a person is not faithful in the little given to him, the
little he has is taken from him and given to someone else who manages God-given resources better.
There are also blessings which God bestows on those who give tithes regularly and correctly. It is only
in the giving of tithes God challenges man to test Him if He is faithful to His word or not. Nobody is free
to accuse God. God promises to open the windows of heaven to pour His blessings on them so much so
that they are empowered to be more useful in God’s vineyard—not just for them to blessed but to become
sources of blessing to others; God promises to rebuke devourers on their behalf such that nothing will be
able to destroy the work of their hands; and they will be the envy of people around them.
CONCLUSION
God is the giver of all good things. From the abundance He has released into each person’s life, He
demands that the person give Him back ten percent. Those who refuse to give unto God the ten percent
disqualify themselves from continual enjoyment of God’s provision and protection. Those who faithfully
give tithes endear themselves to God and continue to enjoy His blessings unhindered.

QUESTIONS
1. What is tithe and who commanded its payment?
2. When we pay tithe, what does it say about our relationship with God?
3. Mention some people who paid tithe before the Law.
4. Mention three excuses by non-tithe payers.
5. What is God’s verdict on those who don’t pay tithe? Will you like this on you?

LESSON 6: JAN. 7, 2024

PRACTICE JUSTICE, FAIRNESS AND EQUITY
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 10, 223
Devotional Reading: Deut. 32:1-4
Topic For Adults: Treat People Justly and Fairly
Topic For Youths: Be Impartial In Dealing With People

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 Topic For Intermediates: Be Fear-Minded
Lesson Scriptures: Matt. 7:1-2; 23:23; Jam. 2: 1-4; 1 Jn. 1:7-8

MEMORY VERSE: “You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor
honour the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbour” (Leviticus 19:15)
NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 1/1/2024 GOD LOVES JUSTICE PS. 37:27-33
We live in a perverse world where injustice is seen every day and everywhere. Because God does not
reveal His indignation against the unjust and the wicked, men tend to assume that He does not mind. The
word of God does not leave us in doubt concerning the attributes of God and the things He loves. God
loves justice because He is a just God and there is no injustice in Him. He watches over those who are
just in their dealings with other people in order to preserve their lives. The wicked and unjust may appear
to be winning on the short run, but they will eventually be destroyed and their memory be forgotten
before long. It is therefore wise to decide to depart from evil, to be just and to be fair in dealing with
others.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: God loves justice and watches over those who are just.
PRAYER POINT: I receive abundant grace to be just and fair in my interactions with other people.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 7-8; Evening: Acts 7:1-36

TUE. 2/1/2024 GOD EXECUTES JUSTICE PS. 103:1-10

When people consider the height of injustice in the world among men and that there is so much suffering,
they have problem accepting that God is just and loving. People who are the cause of the suffering appear
to get away with their wickedness, while the innocent suffer. If we take pains to think about the attributes
of God which are revealed, we will come to the conclusion that He indeed executes justice. This attribute
is often moderated by His other attributes - patience, long-suffering, merciful, gracious, etc. However He
does not clear the guilty neither does He condemn the righteous or penitent. His judgments are true; He is
not impartial and He cannot be bribed to favor the guilty.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: God is just in all His dealings with men; punishing the guilty and clearing the just.
PRAYER POINT: Father, give me a clear understanding of Your ways and help me to trust You more.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 9-10; Evening: Acts 7:37-60

WED. 3/1/2024 LEADERS SHOULD BE JUST 2 SAM. 23:1-4

Rulers and men in authority are exposed to the temptation to wield power arbitrarily. They are surrounded
by people who would want the leaders to subvert justice in order to favor them. They take advantage of
the leaders’ weaknesses to make the leaders to give unjust treatment or to enact ungodly policies or laws
(Prov. 25:5). This is a major cause of societal decay and suffering. God wants rulers and men in authority
to rule justly. He taught King David that rulers must be just and must fear God. Christ followers should
not solicit leaders to meet ungodly requests. Many people think of themselves alone when they make
demands on leaders that will make leaders to be unjust.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Godly rulers are just, ruling in the fear of God.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Your mercy raise up for us just and godly leaders.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 11-12; Evening: Acts 8

THUR. 4/1/2024 GOD DEMANDS JUSTICE FROM ALL LEV. 19:12-17

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The command to be just and to be fair in all man does is not only for rulers and people in authority. The
law to be just in judgment is among other laws that God gave to regulate inter-personal dealings and
relationships. Both rulers and followers need to obey the law. Having unjust leaders in the society is a
reflection of the condition of the followers. When justice is part of the values that a society promotes, the
leaders are constrained to rule justly and to pass equitable judgment. People who complain of unjust
treatment from leaders complain only because they are at the receiving end. Such people often do worse
when elevated to become rulers. God demands that we be just in dealing with neighbors, clients,
colleagues and subordinates.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Decide to be just in your dealings with other people.
PRAYER POINT: Help us, O God, to be committed to justice, fairness and equity in our nation.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 13-14; Evening: Acts 9

FRI. 5/1/2024 PARTIALITY IN JUDGMENT IS NOT GOOD PROV. 24:23-25

One reason why unjust people do not change their ways is because there will always be sycophants who
will sing their praises. The sycophants make the rulers believe they are popular with the masses. Another
reason is because unjust people are able to enrich themselves with gifts from those who want them to
pervert justice. Most of the people in the society will feel the pain of injustice and will daily curse those
who caused the pain. No matter how popular the unjust person may appear to be, it is only for a short time
and his memory will soon be forgotten. God approves a person who will look a wicked man in the face
and rebuke him. Such upright persons preserve the society from decay.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: People continue to bless the memory of a just person for a very long time.
PRAYER POINT: Help me, O God, to be committed to practicing justice and fairness in all I do.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 15-16; Evening: Acts 10

SAT. 6/1/2024 JUSTICE PREFERRED ABOVE SACRIFICE PROV. 21:3; MATT. 23:23-25
Some people will bring tithes, offerings and sacrifices to church from the proceeds of unjust dealing,
money stolen or extorted from people, money gained through embezzlement etc. They expect that their
pastors’ prayers for blessing will override God’s displeasure or curse. God is much more interested in my
being just and fair in my transactions than in the offerings I bring to Him. Proceeds of injustice are
abomination to God; giving offerings from such proceeds do not attract God’s blessing (Prov. 21:27).
God has given the law for man to be just and fair in all he does; to obey God is better than sacrifice, to
hearken than the fat of rams (1 Sam. 15:22).
POINT OF EMPHASIS: You cannot bribe God with offerings if your actions are unjust.
PRAYER POINT: I submit all my ways to You, O God, ferret out any unjust thoughts or actions.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 17-18; Evening: Acts 11

SUN. 7/1/2024 GOD WANTS JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS ISA. 56:1-5

No matter how powerful the unjust may appear to be, God is always near to show His salvation to the
down-trodden. There are always groups of people in the society whose rights are trampled upon—
foreigners, the poor, widows, fatherless, etc. Victims of unjust treatments or policies are tempted to think
that God does not care about them; at the same time those who trample upon them feel they can act with
impunity. God’s salvation comes to the victims when they do not expect and judgment on their oppressors
is clearly seen as the act of God. People who choose to be just and fair in their day to day activities will
eventually rejoice because God will reward them amply for obeying His command.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Blessed is the man who does justly and is fair in treating other people.
PRAYER POINT: Father, move our spirits in this country to thirst and hunger after justice and fairness.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 19-20; Evening: Acts 12

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 BACKGROUND
In this World, it is no longer strange to see some “Christians” practice tit-for-tat, some would even quote
Scriptures wrongly to support their assertions but this week’s lesson is calling our attention to God’s
expectation from His own children (not for the general public). Pay close attention to this and God bless
you real good.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: GOD IS JUST, FAIR, AND IMPARTIAL - DEUT. 32:1-4; 1PETER 1:17-18; Ps. 73: 13-17
The definition of justice is “the quality of being just; integrity; impartiality; rightness; awarding of
what is due”. Many people find it difficult to accept that God is just, fair and acts equitably. They
consider so much injustice, wickedness and suffering prevalent over the world and ask questions like:
Why does God allow the wicked to cause so much suffering apparently with impunity? Why does God
allow the innocent to go through suffering? Why will God choose some people to be saved just because
they profess to believe in Jesus? And several others. These questions arise because man has wandered far
away from God. Those who choose to come close to God and to walk in His ways do come to understand
that these questions arise because man does not understand the nature and attributes of God.
God is just and fair in judging sinners and equitable in awarding the penalty for sin. No one is left in
the dark of His commands and the penalties for breaking the laws. His laws are not burdensome (1 Jn
5:3b). God is also just and fair in justifying those who believe in Jesus Christ because the atoning death of
Jesus has paid the penalty for sin. The summary is that God’s “work is perfect for all His ways are
justice; a God of truth and without injustice, right and upright is He”.

PART 2: BE JUST, FAIR, AND PRACTICE EQUITY - DEUT. 16:18-20; PROV. 16:10-12; JAM.
2:1-4
It is common knowledge that in many societies the law courts can no longer be relied upon to be the
last hope for the common man. Judgments are given to the highest bidder notwithstanding clear evidences
to the contrary. Judges, law makers, law enforcing agents and government officials have reduced
judgment and governance to “cash and carry”. Whatever goes on in the law courts and in government is
a reflection of the rot in the society. Justice and fairness have been trampled into the mud in the society—
in the market place, in business transactions, in employer-employee relations, etc. Though God does not
appear to intervene in daily person-to- person interactions, He does not condone injustice and unfair
treatment meted out to the helpless in day-to-day interactions. God’s command to judges and rulers is that
(i) Respect of persons should not be in consideration; the rich and influential citizens should not be
favored at the expense of the poor and commoners;
(ii) Bribe should not be given or taken to influence decisions either in law courts or governmental offices;
(iii) False testimonies should not be accepted to incriminate the just;
(iv) Penalties for crimes or faults should be commensurate with the gravity of the offences.
Each person will give account of his or her actions and the kind of treatment he or she metes out to
other people. God’s command for justice, fairness and equity is not to leaders in society alone, it is for
every person; and He is going to call each person to account—people you cheated by using dishonest
scales, by selling fake products, by not rendering good service to clients, etc.

PART 3: JUSTICE PREFERRED ABOVE SACRIFICE - PROV. 21:2-3; MATT. 23:23

People would bring the proceeds of unjust and unfair dealings with other people into the church either
as tithes or offerings. God’s blessings and favor cannot be bought with sacrifices and offerings emanating
as gains of unjust and unfair transactions. Some of the testimonies given in the church cannot stand the
scrutiny of justice and fairness. Human beings may be impressed by the generosity of the giver, but God
weighs the hearts and judges the means. If God were to approve the actions of a person who has been

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unjust or unfair, He would be aiding and abetting injustice. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
(Gen. 18:25b).
In several scriptural verses, God categorically says He prefers justice, fairness and equity above
sacrifices, tithes and offerings. A true child of God will not neglect any one of these things.

CONCLUSION
God is just in all His ways. He demands justice, fairness and equity from all His children without
which a person’s service to God becomes worthless. The believer should be an epitome of justice and
fairness in both private and public lives.
QUESTIONS
1. Is there a difference between justice and justification? Explain.
2. God is in agreement with the doings of the wicked, hence, He does not stop them. True or False.
Explain.
3. Is it possible to change God’s verdict with gifts (sacrifices)?
4. Explain how men try to change God’s verdict with their gifts (sacrifices).

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 LESSON 7: JAN. 14, 2024
USE YOUR GIFTS TO SERVE
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 27
Devotional Reading: Matt. 25:14-23
Topic For Adults: Identify Your God-given Gift
Topic For Youths: You Are Loaded To Serve
Topic For Intermediates: You Also Are Gifted
Lesson Scriptures: Lk. 19:12-15; Matt. 25:14-23; Jn. 15:16; 1 Cor. 12:4-7; Eph. 4:11-14

MEMORY VERSE: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use
them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith” (Romans 12:6) NKJV.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 8/1/2024 GOD, SOURCE OF ALL GIFTS EXO. 31:1-11
Bezalel was a man with exceptional ability in designing, fabricating and making artistic work—either in
precious metals or fabrics or wood work. God expressly stated that He gave Bezalel this skill. People who
have such spectacular skills and abilities are often so proud of their achievements and attribute their
skillfulness to self-improvement and hard work. It is true that not much can be achieved without self-
discipline and hard-work, yet it is God who is the ultimate source of such ability. Life is full of cases of
very “smart” and intelligent people who could not make head way in life. All glory must be given to God
for the ability and gifts He has given to each one of us.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: All good and perfect gifts come from God, the Father of lights.
PRAYER POINT: I am grateful, O God, for the gifts You have bestowed upon me.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 21-22; Evening: Acts 13

TUE. 9/1/2024 DIFFERENT GIFTS FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE 1 COR. 12:4-11

God gives different gifts to people through the Holy Spirit. The gifts may differ, but the source is the
same—the Holy Spirit. The ministry in which God wants people to work also differs — some in
ministering the word, some in praying and deliverance, some in evangelism and missions, some in
administration, etc. All these are meant to serve the same Lord and not self. How the same gift manifests
even differs from one individual to another, yet, the power comes from the same source—God. The
manifestation of the gifts is for the intent and purpose of building up the body of Christ, and not for the
recipient to vaunt himself or enrich himself. Whatever gift God has given you should be used to the
benefit of other Christians.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: God gives different gifts to different people.
PRAYER POINT: Father, fill me with gifts of the Holy Spirit and use me to bring glory to Your name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 23-24; Evening: Acts 14

WED. 10/1/2024 REASON FOR DIFFERENT GIFTS 1COR. 12:12-26

For a person to function properly, he needs different organs in his body—organs for seeing, for
perceiving odors, for moving from one place to the other, for carrying food nutrients to various parts of
the body, etc. If any of the organs malfunctions, the whole body suffers. In similar way the church needs
different ministries in order to fulfill God’s purpose. The whole church cannot just manifest the gift
needed for preaching the word, or the gift for praying and delivering the oppressed, etc. The needs within
the body of Christ are multiple and vary from time to time and from place to place. God’s gifts are diverse
in order to be effective whenever and wherever the needs arise. There is no need to envy one person for
the gift he possesses.

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POINT OF EMPHASIS: As the organs and their functions in the body are different, so are the gifts of God
in the church.
PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, begin and continue to manifest Your various gifts in our midst in Jesus’
name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 25-26; Evening: Acts 15

THUR. 11/1/2024 USE YOUR GIFTS TO SERVE ROM. 12:3-11

God’s gifts to His church extend beyond those listed in 1 Cor. 12:8-10. They include gifts that make one
supernaturally effective in serving other people, teaching, exhortation, giving to other people, leading in
the body of Christ, etc. Some of these gifts can be deployed in the secular world to enrich oneself, but
God wants them to be deployed in the church to serve Him. When a Christian demands for adequate
remuneration for rendering any of these services in the church, he should no longer look forward to some
other rewards from God. Of course it is not a sin to be remunerated for service done for the church.
Deploy your gifts and talents to serve God within the congregation where you worship.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Your natural ability is a gift from God, deploy it in serving Him in the church
where you worship.
PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, reveal to me the area in which You want me to serve in my church.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 27-28; Evening: Acts 16

FRI. 12/1/2024 STEWARD OF YOUR GIFT JN. 9:4-5; 1 PET. 4:7-11; LK. 19:15-24
No matter how extra-ordinary a person may be in manifesting his natural or supernatural ability, once the
person is dead that is the end of the gift. We are stewards of the gift God has given us while we are alive.
A time will come when each one of us will no longer be able to manifest the gift. While we are able, let
us utilize the gifts as faithful and diligent stewards. The gifts were not given to decorate or adorn us; we
are meant to use them to fulfill God’s purpose on earth. As we deploy the gifts, we assume the position of
God’s ambassadors, representing God as we touch the lives of people around us; and we also fulfill the
purpose for which God created us and endowed us with the gifts. He will demand an account of what we
have done with the gifts from us.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Manifest your gift as God’s representative to people around you.
PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, empower me to serve effectively and diligently.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Sam. 29-31; Evening: Acts 17

SAT. 13/1/2024 UNPROFITABLE RECIPIENTS OF GOD’S GIFTS MATT. 25:24-

28
There are people who are not ready to serve God within the body of Christ. Such people are always
dissatisfied; they complain about what God has not done for them; they are disgruntled that the church is
not showing enough love to them; they complain that the church is asking too much money from
members, etc. There is however no one whom God has not given any gift whatsoever. There is always a
gift each person can use in serving in the church if the person is willing. Those who parasite upon the
church are indeed unprofitable recipients of God’s gifts. Those who do not utilize their gifts to serve God
risk losing those gifts and being cast away from His presence.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Utilize the gift God has given you, notwithstanding how insignificant you think the
gift is.
PRAYER POINT: I receive the grace to utilize the gift You have given me and to be profitable in Jesus’
name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 1-3; Evening: Acts 18

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SUN. 14/1/2024 REWARD FOR PROFITABLE USE COL. 3:23-25; 1COR. 15:58
Many factors can discourage a person from serving God with one’s gifts: lack of appreciation from
church leaders; difficulties encountered in serving; ridicule from other church members; unresolved
problems in one’s own life; etc. God has rewards reserved for those who faithfully serve Him with the
gifts He bestowed. The prize to be won should be an encouragement for every Christian; it should make
one to serve God heartily, not unwillingly or grudgingly. Jesus has laid an example for us. Because of the
joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross and despised the shame (Heb. 12:2). Instead of holding
back from serving God, double up your effort and become more steadfast; your reward will
commensurate with all you have done.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, I receive grace to serve You better and become more effective in Your service.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 4-6; Evening: Acts 19

BACKGROUND
Do we all have the same gifts? Are we all to do the same thing? Can gifts or talents be synergized? A
man’s gift will make way for him and bring him before the great (Prov. 18:16). Many who are gifted or
talented have mandatorily monetized the ir gift or talent while others view monetisation of the gift or
talent as wrong. What is the correct view? Which approach is best in the deployment of our gift or talent?
The focus of this week’s lesson is to serve as a guide on how we make use of our gift or talent to the glory
of God and the blessing of humanity.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: REASONS FOR GIFTS - LK. 19:12-15; EPH. 4:11-14
Gifts are super-natural endowments from God to an individual person. A gift may be in the form of
ability to perform natural activities with supernatural ability, insight, or wisdom. It can also be in the form
of ability to perform spiritual activities that ordinary people are unable to. God is like an astute
businessman empowering His employees to carry out His business on His behalf. He is likened to a
nobleman (businessman) who gave substantial sums of money to his servants and asked them to do
business with the money until he came back. The gifts which God gives are meant to be utilized in doing
God’s business. It is important for each servant to be well informed about his master’s business.
God’s business involves mainly two parts: winning souls into God’s kingdom through preaching the
word; and making disciples of those who are won with the goal of making each attain the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ. Whatever secular or spiritual activity a Christian engages in should have
these two as the ultimate goals. Many churches spend a lot on erecting magnificent edifices, but little on
missions and evangelism. Many Christians expend all their energy in making wealth, but cannot boast of
one soul won for Christ.

PART 2: GIFTS GIVEN ACCORDING TO ABILITY - MATT. 25:14-18; 1 COR. 12:4-7

The gifts which God gives to His children differ from one person to another. He also gives different
measures to different people having the same gift. In giving gifts, God considers the capacity of the
recipient to utilize the gift, and also the ministry the recipient is designed to function in. There are cases
where one person envies another person because God has endowed the second person with greater
measure of the gift. One person was given five talents, the other two talents, while the third was given
only one talent. The person given two talents can develop himself and enlarge his capacity to operate at
the five talent level; then he would be given five talents. Many people do not invest the time and energy
to develop themselves; they complain that they have been treated unfairly. Be committed to developing
your ability; God does not bypass those who are so diligent.

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 God has designed where He wants each of His servants to minister. He equips each person to fit into
the ministry He has designed for the person. There is no need to envy those who have been given the gift
you do not have. Seek God’s face to know where He wants you to operate according to the gift He has
given you. Occupy your ordained position and develop yourself to become fruitful there.

PART 3: PROFITABLE USE OF GIFTS - MATT. 25:19-23; JN. 15:16

There was no competition between the servant given five talents and the one given two talents. Each
person was evaluated on the basis of how he performed with the gift he was given. In essence, each
Christian was chosen by God to go and bear some specific fruits. Either the person bears the expected
fruits or not depend on how profitable he utilizes the gift given to him. Many will not bear the expected
fruits because they are busy copying other ministries they consider successful, instead of waiting upon
God to learn how to deploy the gifts God has given them. Others will not bear fruits because they are
slothful and have neglected the gifts God has given them while searching for those God has not given
them. Others will not bear fruits because they are busy merchandizing the gifts God has given them;
focusing on worldly glory and pecuniary gains.
Those who diligently deploy the gifts God has given them enlarge their capacity and are therefore
given greater gifts. God’s commendation and rewards await those who deploy gifts given to them to serve
and do God’s business. Every Christian should be encouraged to abound in the work of the Lord; for the
labour will not be in vain, it will be amply rewarded.

CONCLUSION
God gives different gifts to different people just as He wills. Whatever gift He gives to an individual is
adequate for that individual to serve God in the present position. When the individual utilizes the gift
diligently, he gets promoted and God gives him greater gift. Faithfulness is required as a steward of the
gift.

QUESTIONS
1. State reasons why God gives gifts to His Children.
2. How would you translate the two main parts God’s business has into your secular work?
3. “Different gifts, different measures of gift” Explain.
4. What is the correlation between gift and performance?
5. What attracts God’s commendation and rewards?

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 LESSON 8: JAN. 21, 2023
SUBMIT TO GODLY LEADERS
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 235, 240
Devotional Reading: Heb. 13:12-17
Topic For Adults: Good Follower Becomes Good Leader
Topic For Youths: Follow A Godly Leader
Topic For Intermediates: Do Not Rebel Against Godly Leaders
Lesson Scriptures: Ezek. 33:6-9; Acts 20:17-28; 1 Cor. 4:10-16; 11:1;
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:12-17; 1Pet. 5:5-10

MEMORY VERSE: Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your
souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be
unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17) NKJV.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 15/1/2024 GODLY LEADER IMITATES CHRIST 1COR. 4:10-16;
11:1
Christians live under both secular and spiritual leaders. It is difficult to find one leader that is godly
among a thousand secular leaders. It is important to also scrutinize and ensure that one is following a
godly spiritual leader because the eternal destiny of the follower is highly influenced by the leader. A
godly leader is one who has faith in Christ, has deep commitment to his faith in Christ, and lives by that
faith. His commitment is evident in his lifestyle, his speech and his interaction with other people. In
essence, he takes Jesus Christ as his model and patterns his life to imitate Jesus. Apostle Paul is a good
example; he was so sure of his godly impact that he called his converts to imitate him as he imitated
Christ.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Can you boldly ask other people to imitate you because you imitate Jesus Christ?
PRAYER POINT: I receive the grace to walk close to Jesus so that I can become a model for other
believers.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 7-9; Evening: Acts 20

TUE. 16/1/2024 GODLY LEADER STRIVES TO BE BLAMELESS 1TIM. 3:1-7

No man is perfect; yet a leader to whom followers must submit must strive to live a blameless life. The
leader should not be a person whose character is so flawed that nobody respects him. The things that
tarnish the character of a person include greed for money, greed for sex, and greed for power. Greed for
money leads to stealing or embezzlement. Greed for sex leads to polygamy or extra-marital affairs or any
form of marital infidelity. Greed for power leads to envy and unhealthy rivalry. The presence of any of
these flaws or any other in a leader’s life robs the leader of his good testimony among his family
members, among his congregation, and among all people around him.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: A person with obvious character deficit has lost the right to ask followers to submit
to him.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me to live a blameless lifestyle.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 10-11; Evening: Acts 21

WED. 17/1/2024 GODLY LEADER, A WATCHMAN EZEK. 33:1-9

God appoints godly leaders over congregations in order to guide the people against imminent punishment.
Before God’s judgment comes over a sinner, He always sends a warning ahead of time; often through the
leader. A godly leader will spend time before God on behalf of his followers—in prayer and study of the
word of God. It is during this time the leader is able to hear from God a warning about imminent

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judgment coming against a wayward follower. A leader is therefore likened to a watchman who is
expected to stay awake while others sleep in order to warn those asleep of danger. A godly leader must
therefore be a person of prayer and of the word in order to be effective.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: You are a leader, God wants you to be a watchman.
PRAYER POINT: I receive abundant grace to be effective as a watchman.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 12-13; Evening: Acts 22

THUR. 18/1/2024 OBEY GODLY LEADERS HEB. 13:12-17

When we have godly leaders over us, it is our sacred responsibility to obey them and to be submissive to
them. The leaders are conscious of the grave charge which God has given to them to watch over the
followers to ensure that none gets lost or is devoured by the enemy. They are aware that they will give
account for every one under their charge. They labor to receive instructions from God which they pass
across to the followers. The job of the leader is made more difficult when the followers think they know
better than the leader; when the followers are not ready to obey the leader’s instructions; when the
followers display arrogance to the leader. Jesus gives us a perfect example of obedience in that He obeyed
the Father, even unto the death on the cross.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Don’t torment your leader by being disobedient or not submissive.
PRAYER POINT: I receive the mind of obedience and submission that was in Jesus Christ.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 14-16; Evening: Acts 23

FRI. 19/1/2024 GIVE DOUBLE HONOR TO LEADERS 1TIM. 5:17-20

Many a times spiritual leaders are not given the respect and dignity they deserve. People remember them
and rush to them when they are needed to pray or intervene in a particular situation; after which they are
forgotten as if they are disposable items. Leaders who labor hard to feed the followers with appropriate
spiritual food and who labor at the altar of prayer to intercede for the members deserve double honor.
First, they deserve to be honored by the followers in obeying their instructions and showing them respect.
Second, they deserve to be honored by the followers through material and financial gifts. Rather than
members always expecting the leader to give to them, they should give to the leader and not assume that
the leader has more than enough.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Our godly leaders deserve double honor, obey them and give to them.
PRAYER POINT: Use me, O Lord, to give necessary honor to our leaders.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 17-19; Evening: Acts 24

SAT. 20/1/2024 SUBMIT TO DEVOTED LEADERS 1 COR. 16:12-16

There are spiritual leaders who are devoted to the work of the gospel. They work hard to feed members of
the congregation with fresh spiritual meal every time; they spend long time in praying for the church
members; they expend much energy visiting and counseling members. Because of their devotion and hard
work they are ready instruments in God’s hand to bless the church. Many of them abandoned their
lucrative careers and businesses for the sake of the gospel. Stephanas was such a devoted minister. Paul
commended him to the church in Corinth that the members should submit to him. God has given such
leaders authority over the congregation. Members should submit to them.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Devoted leaders deserve honor; members should submit to them.
PRAYER POINT: Father, pour your grace and glory on all our devoted leaders.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 20-22; Evening: Acts 25

SUN. 21/1/2024 SUBMIT TO YOUR LEADERS 1 PET. 5:1-8

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Shepherding a flock involves feeding, tending, guiding and protecting the sheep. The shepherd has to
employ appropriate means and methods in order to be effective in shepherding the flock. Similarly
spiritual leaders have to employ appropriate means to reach out to the members. There will be disconnect
between the leader and the members when members do not feel they have something to gain from the
ministry of the leader. Leaders should strive to improve themselves in the way of delivery of the spiritual
message. Members should not be so proud or arrogant that they think they are superior to their godly
spiritual leader. Inability to submit to spiritual leader is often the result of spiritual pride.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Don’t let pride make you miss God’s blessings sent through your leader.
PRAYER POINT: Father, grant unto us the spirit of humility that makes one submit to one’s leader.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Sam. 23-24; Evening: Acts 26

BACKGROUND
One of the terrible banes of these days is the aspiration to become leaders without being followers; but
you cannot eat your cake and have it. If you are not a good follower you cannot be a good leader.
Leadership is in cadres; a husband is the leader to the wife, the mother is the leader to the children while
the first born is the leader to his or her siblings. If you are not submissive to the leadership you are under,
the table will turn one day when you also become a leader. Think about this as you partake in this week’s
lesson.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: CHARACTERISTICS OF GODLY LEADERS – 1 COR. 4:10-16; 11:1; 1 TIM. 3:1-7
Christians are instructed to submit to both secular and spiritual leaders. It is very difficult to find a
godly secular leader; hence the focus will be on godly spiritual leaders. Godly church leaders are those in
leadership positions who have in focus the goal of shepherding as many members of their congregation to
the Kingdom of God. It is a spiritual work which requires the leader to lead his congregation by example.
The members must be able to see Christ’s attributes in the life of the leader.
Paul was an exemplary leader to the churches. The members could see the image of Jesus Christ
stamped upon his character. The leader must:
 Not be a recent convert; must be someone with a steady walk with God; must be someone who
imitates Christ and can boldly ask his members to imitate him; willing to follow Jesus’ example of
servant leader;
 Have a good testimony among both believers and unbelievers; must not be seen doing things that
cannot be defended on the basis of the Bible; must make himself accountable;
 Be a man of prayer who is able to carry the burden of the members before the Throne of Grace;
waiting upon God to receive wisdom and courage for the work;
 Be a man who waits upon God to hear from God concerning his members and is able to transmit
God’s message to the members;
 Have a good control over his household in order to learn how to control the church of God; learning
to be compassionate and empathetic.
Of course no individual can be perfect; mistakes can be made by the leader. Church leaders should go
beyond demanding obedience from members on the basis of loyalty to the leader alone. Members should
see in their leader reasons to voluntarily submit just like believers voluntarily submit to Jesus Christ on
the basis of His attributes and what He has done for them. Fortunately our church has such credible
leaders and their examples should permeate down all the rungs of leadership in the church.

PART 2: DUTIES OF GODLY LEADERS - EZEK. 33:6-9; ACTS 20:17-28

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Leadership in the church is not a title but responsibility (1Tim. 3:1). Anyone who desires to bear the title
must be ready to roll up his sleeves and take on the responsibilities squarely. God wants the church leader
to:
 Hear a word of warning or a word of encouragement or a word of reproof and declare the word to the
members. Paul was able to declare before the leaders of the church in Ephesus that he had not held
back any of the counsels of God which he received;
 Be the watchman at the gates of the church to perceive imminent danger due to members’ wayward
ways, sinful acts and desires. The watchman is held accountable for any loss attributable to the
watchman’s negligence;
 Discipline erring members without partiality; redirect those who have strayed to the path of
righteousness;
 Equip and train members to serve God by promoting God’s kingdom on earth.
The work of the leader is not to tell the followers what they want to hear, but to feed them with the
true word of God that is able to bring them to salvation.

PART 3: DUTIES OF FOLLOWERS TO GODLY LEADERS - HEB. 13:12-17; 1PET. 5:5-10

Members of the church have their responsibility towards the leaders whom God has put over them.
Whether a church member will make heaven or not depends to a large extent on whether his leader is
godly or not. It is important for each member to ensure he is feeding from a leader who is under the
authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. God expects the follower to:
 Submit to the authority of the leader. The leader receives direction from God on where to lead the
congregation; receives the vision of where the church should be going—the spiritual focus, the
activities to be engaged in, etc. The member should believe in the vision of the leader and follow his
instructions. Where the member notices that the leader is deviating from Biblical teaching, the
member should humbly discuss his views with the leader.
 Submit to the discipline of the leader. In case a member falls into sin, the leader is to initiate
disciplinary measures with a view of correcting the member who has sinned and to show to other
members that the church does not condone sin. The member under discipline should willingly submit
to discipline instead of rebelling.
 Honor the leader of the church by showing respect to the leader, supporting the leader with his
worldly goods;
 Pray for the leader that the leader may continue to follow God’s will and commands.
Members should not make the work of the leader more difficult by being not submissive or not
supportive. The burden of leadership is heavy enough without the members being difficult or rebellious.
Anyone who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader. Your attitude towards leaders when you
are a follower will determine if God will consider you for the position of leadership in the future.

CONCLUSION
Godly leaders strive to please God in the way they live and serve. They are aware they will be called
to give account of those under their watch. Followers under godly leaders should submit to the leader’s
instructions and discipline. They should also support the leader in all ways they can.

QUESTIONS
1. Mention the characteristics of godly leaders.
2. Explain how a leader can earn submission from his followers.
3. State the duties of godly leaders.
4. List the duties of followers to godly leaders.
5. How are members making work difficult for godly leaders?

LESSON 9: JAN. 28, 2024

OBEY CIVIL AUTHORITIES

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 Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 259, 270
Devotional Reading: Rom. 13:1-7
Topic For Adults: Be An Ideal Citizen
Topic For Youths: Obey Civil Laws
Topic For Intermediates: Don’t Disobey Laws
Lesson Scriptures: Dan. 2:9-18; 3:13-18; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-16

MEMORY VERSE: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 22/1/2024 GIVE TO CAESAR WHAT IS CAESAR’S MATT. 22:15-
22
The Pharisees wanted to entrap Jesus by trying to make Him declare whether they should obey the law
demanding they pay tax to Caesar or not. The Jews who paid the tax did so grudgingly and expected
every patriotic Jew to say the tax should not be paid. The law by the Roman government demanding that
the tax be paid was clear; God’s law was also clear as to what He demanded from the people. Neither of
the two laws contradicts or annuls the other. Jesus taught that believers should not disobey civil laws
because they have a rebellious attitude or they consider the law inconvenient. Whatever laws God has
given must be obeyed; at the same time laws made by the government must be obeyed as long as they do
not go against the laws of God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Don’t show a rebellious attitude towards civil laws.
PRAYER POINT: Father, grant unto us the humble spirit that is ready to obey Your laws and the laws of
the land.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 1-3; Evening: Acts 27

TUE. 23/1/2024 BE SUBJECT TO RULERS TIT. 3:1-3

The passage read outlines some duties and character traits that the Holy Spirit works out in the life of a
redeemed Christian—submit to rulers, speak evil of no one; be peaceable; etc. A Christian that is
deficient in any of the qualities needs to re-examine himself or herself if truly he or she is in the Lord. We
therefore need to be reminded that one of God’s commandments is that we should submit to rulers and
those in authority over us and obey them in legitimate things which are lawful and honest. In the
community where a Christian lives, he should be an ideal member by being obedient to the laws and
regulations laid down in his community. His obedience should not be to escape being punished but as a
willing service to God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Be the ideal citizen in your community by obeying all laid down laws.
PRAYER POINT: Father, because of your mercy, deliver our nation from the spirit of lawlessness.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 4-6; Evening: Acts 28

WED. 24/1/2024 SUBMIT FOR THE LORD’S SAKE 1 PET. 2:13-16

We live under the dispensation of human government—God rules the world through the institution of
human government. Rulers and people in government are in essence God’s representatives to administer
justice and to punish evil doers. Christians should therefore submit to rulers for the Lord’s sake; that is,
submitting to rulers as God’s representatives. We should obey just laws and commands of rulers. Before a
law is adjudged to be ungodly it should be carefully examined in the light of the Bible; and be found to
contradict biblical injunctions. Christians should be adjudged to be ideal citizens because they obey the
laws of the land; this is the will of God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Submit to leaders as they are representatives of God on earth.

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PRAYER POINT: Father, help our leaders such that they will indeed represent you on earth.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 7-8; Evening: Rom. 1

THUR. 25/1/2024 JESUS PAID TEMPLE TAX MATT. 17:24-27

The people who collected the temple tax in Capernaum asked Peter if Jesus did pay the tax. God laid
down the law for every man among the children of Israel to pay a temple tax to make atonement for
themselves (Exo 30:12-16). Jesus, being the Son of God, did not need to make any atonement; hence,
should have been exempted from the tax. The tax was used to maintain the temple service by the religious
leaders who were the strongest antagonists to Jesus’ mission. There were enough reasons why Jesus
should not have paid the tax; but He paid to fulfill all righteousness. He serves as an example for us to
follow, even when we have grave reservations as to how our leaders expend the common wealth of the
nation.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Jesus is our shining example in submitting to civil authorities.
PRAYER POINT: Father, grant us the wisdom and courage to always do what is right concerning the laws
of the land.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 9-11; Evening: Rom. 2

FRI. 26/1/2024 SELFLESS OBEDIENCE JER. 34:8-17

Laws are made in a nation or a community for the common good—for peace to reign and for security and
for progress. People break the laws because of selfish reasons; they choose to go for short term personal
gains or their convenience instead of the common good. Zedekiah, the ruler over those who were left after
the Babylonians had carried away the Israelites into exile made the people agree to set their fellow
Israelites free from slavery. They all agreed to obey; but later changed their minds for their own selfish
gains. Note that God assumed authorship of the law that was passed; hence, the people’s disobedience
was a disobedience to God. We should not break the law of the land for selfish reasons.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Breaking godly laws for selfish reasons is tantamount to disobeying God.
PRAYER POINT: God, in Your mercy deliver our land from the spirit of selfishness which has brought
chaos into our land.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 12-13; Evening: Rom. 3

SAT. 27/1/2024 COMMITTED TO OBEY NEH. 5:1-13

Nehemiah was governor over the Israelites who returned from exile. Those who were well to do among
the returnees were oppressing the poorer ones and exacting usury on money lent. Nehemiah challenged
the nobles to return all they had seized from their poorer brethren. They decided to obey the governor and
did carry out that decision. It is good to note that Nehemiah himself served as a good example to the
nobles; he practiced what he preached. Disobedience to civil authorities is often because the rulers are
themselves undisciplined. Followers are easily made to fall in line when leaders show that they are law
abiding and are ready to punish disobedience.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Followers are committed to obey when they see their leaders to be law abiding.
PRAYER POINT: God, please raise up exemplary godly and disciplined leaders for us in this land.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 14-16; Evening: Rom. 4

SUN. 28/1/2024 DANIEL, FAULTLESS IN OBEDIENCE DAN. 6:1-10

Colleagues of Daniel conspired to eliminate him because he out-shined them. They sought for a charge to
bring against him before the king, but could not find any. Daniel was a believer who was committed to
obeying the laws of the land where he dwelt. The only way they could trap him was to make an ungodly

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law that no one should pray to God for a period of time. Daniel obeyed all the just laws of the land; but
when an unjust law was made that would prevent his access to God, he made up his mind to break that
law at grave risk to his life. The problem among believers today is not issue of unjust laws, but that of
believers breaking the just laws of the land. If colleagues or neighbors seek to bring charges against
Christians today, how many can stand scrutiny and not be found liable?
POINT OF EMPHASIS: They could not find any charge against Daniel unless one against him concerning
the law of his God.
PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to live a life where the enemy will not be able to find any fault in me.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 17-19; Evening: Rom. 5

BACKGROUND
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” is another express and direct instruction from
God Almighty. Even though, in different parts of the world we find ourselves under different
governments at point in time or the other; some godly, some satanic and others in-between. But in all,
whatever may the case, we should obey. Nevertheless, there is cause which we shall examine altogether
in this lesson.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: POWER OF CIVIL AUTHORITY IS FROM GOD - ROM. 13:1-4
God is the ultimate Ruler over all creation. From the time man was created till date God has ruled over
the affairs of man through various dispensations. In this present age, we are in the dispensation where
God rules through human administration. In essence, all in the positions of authority derive their power
from God, and are therefore God’s representatives on earth to administer justice. Anyone who resists
lawful authority is therefore working against God’s ordinance. It does not matter what form of
government is set up in a nation, if the rulers regard themselves as representatives of God and that they
are accountable to Him, there will be no problem. The problem with governance is not the form of
government—democracy, communism, socialism, monarchy, aristocracy—the problem is that those in
government have forsaken God; they wield power as if they are the ultimate source. This is the reason
why so many rulers become wicked and oppressive.
The position of authority to govern is from God; but sometimes ungodly people get to the position,
which does not take God out of the picture or control. The government is ordained to:
 bear the sword of justice to punish the wicked and to reward those who do the right things in the
society;
 organize the society to work for the common good; enact rules and laws that will guide the behaviour
of people in the society;
 provide security for members of the society.

PART 2: OBEY CIVIL AUTHORITY - ROM. 13:5-7; 1 PET. 2:13-16

Christians should not be found to disobey civil authorities as unbelievers do. Laws are made to ensure
smooth running of the society. People disobey godly laws for different reasons. Some are unwilling to
endure the inconvenience which laws impose. Some feel justified to disobey civil laws because the people
in authority do unlawful things. Others disobey civil laws because they are just anti-social.
Christians should obey civil laws for two reasons: (i) to avoid being punished if apprehended by the
authority; and (ii) to have a clear conscience before God that one is doing right. A Christian should not
silence his or her conscience while disobeying laws; such rebellious attitude hardens one’s heart against
God too. Some of the areas in which Christians are tempted to cut corners or disobey civil laws include:
giving and taking of bribes; obeying traffic rules and signals; paying correct taxes and custom duties;
telling the truth under oath; being diligent and trustworthy in the workplace; etc.

PART 3: WHEN LAWS ARE UNGODLY - DAN. 2:9-18; 3:13-18

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 There may arise cases where the civil authorities pass laws which are ungodly. As it happened in the
time of Daniel, such laws are passed when ungodly dictators rule a nation. Christians are targeted when
such laws are passed. What should the Christian do? Christians should not wait till draconian laws are
passed before praying earnestly for rulers and all people in authority that God will constrain them to do
right so that people may be free to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1Tim.
2:1-3). When such draconian law was made against the wise men in Babylon, Daniel sought God’s face
for intervention. God intervened by revealing the secret of the king’s dream and its interpretation. In
another case when another law was passed which required the three Hebrew young men to bow down to
an idol and there was no room to maneuver, the three Hebrew young men stood their ground instead of
compromising and at the risk of losing their lives. God permits such laws at times to test whether the
believer will compromise or will defend his faith.
When in doubt as to whether a law is ungodly or not, the Christian should carefully weigh the law in
the light of the word of God, and should also seek counsel from spiritually mature believers whose lives
are in consonance with the word of God. Such godly counsel will ensure that the Christian does not
disobey a law due to immaturity or bias.

CONCLUSION
The Christian should be law abiding in order to not expose himself unnecessarily to the wrath of
leaders and in order to have a clear conscience before God. The Christian has the duty to pray for civil
leaders that God may constrain them to rule in godly manner.

QUESTIONS
1. What should be Christian attitude towards the civil rule?
2. Government is ordained by God to do what?
3. Give two reasons why Christians should obey civil rules.
4. What should Christians do whenever ungodly laws are passed?
5. What steps should Christians take whenever they are in doubt as to whether a law is godly or
ungodly?

LESSON 10: FEB. 4, 2023

BE YOUR BROTHER’S KEEPER
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 223
Devotional Reading: 1 Jn. 3:11-18
Topic For Adults: Brotherly Love Must Continue
Topic For Youths: Remember The Golden Rule
Topic For Intermediates: We Are Brethren
Lesson scriptures: Gen. 4:6-10; 13:1-11; 1 Jn. 3:11-18; Heb. 13:1-3; Rom. 12: 9-10

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 MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the
Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 29/1/2024 LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF MK 12:28-31; ROM. 13:8-10
The first and greatest commandment is love. The old testament writers attest to this, the Lord Jesus Christ
teaches it and Apostle Paul confirms it when he writes; “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but
the greatest is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). We should love the brethren without any reservations, I mean; love
them with no condition attached to it, not because of what they do or what they do not do. If we truly
understand and completely follow the command to love one another, we would fulfill every social duty
and would especially observe those commandments that are fundamental in human relations (Rom. 13:9).
Therefore, love is a summary of God’s moral laws. True and biblical love enhances unity, progress and
prosperity among God’s people. God’s presence and power will manifest and this can bring about
spiritual awakening.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: But whoever loves his fellow man is “walking in the light” and can see his way
without stumbling around in darkness and sin (1 Jn 2:10) TLB
PRAYER POINT: Help us oh Lord to love you dearly and to love one another truly and deeply in the name
of Jesus Christ.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Kgs. 20-22; Evening: Rom. 6

TUE. 30/1/2024 DON’T PUT A STUMBLING BLOCK ON YOUR BROTHER’S WAY ROM. 14:1-13
Among Christians, there is room for tolerance and differences of strictness regarding such issues as eating
habits and observing special days in the Christian life. We should not form the habit of judging each other
with references to the practice of morally neutral issues since each individual is responsible to GOD.
Divisions in churches often occur when disagreement over lifestyles issues grow into major arguments.
Passing judgement or destructive criticism of younger believers whose faith is still young and growing
maybe dangerous to the body of Christ. Children in the family can be driven away from a close family
relationship and a living faith by a rigid, critical and judgmental approach to superficial lifestyle issues.
Therefore, we should learn to accept and love young believers until their faith matures.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: The church and the family should accept and be patient with members who are still
growing toward maturity. Do not put an obstacle on their way.
PRAYER POINT: Help us oh Lord to pursue the things that promote peace and unity in our family and
church in the name of Jesus Christ.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 1-3; Evening: Rom. 7

WED. 31/1/2024 BEWARE OF CONDEMINATION MATT. 7:1-6

There is nothing wrong with your personal opinion, criticism or the condemnation of what is morally
wrong, what the Lord Jesus forbids is censoriousness. This is the spirit of faultfinding that carelessly or
intentionally overlooks one’s own shortcomings while assuming the role of supreme judge with regard to
the sins and errors of others. Stop deceiving yourself by being strict on others and assuming that God
understands your own weakness and hypocrisy. Really, faultfinding is a satanic weapon to cause
confusion, promote conflict and distort the peace of God among believers. Jesus is very firm on them,
“you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck
from your brother’s eyes” (Matt 7:5). That is God’s prescription and solution to this problem. Therefore,
work very well on yourself until you set victory over every weakness and sin. Then, with love, politely
counsel and correct your brother or sister in Christ.

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POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do not criticize, and then you will not be criticized. For others will treat you as
you treat them (Matt 7:1-2) LB
PRAYER POINT: Purge Your church of the demons of faultfinding and help us to walk in love, holiness
and righteousness in the name of Jesus Christ.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 4-6; Evening: Rom. 8: 1-17

THUR. 1/2/2024 AVOID ENVY AND BITTERNESS GEN. 37:17-20

Joseph was the first son of Rachael, Jacob’s favourite wife and not surprisingly became Jacob’s favourite
son. His father loved him and made for him a tunic of many colours. Joseph had a dream of greatness and
mistakenly shared his dreams with his elder brothers who developed hatred, envy and bitterness against
him. It was the Almighty God that delivered him from assassination plan by his brethren. God raised
Joseph to become a great man. All his brothers fell down before his face and apologized for their wrong
doings (Gen. 50:18-21). Envy, hatred and bitterness have become satanic destructive weapon to cause
havoc among the brethren. It is time to break free and stop living with jealousy, envy, hatred and
bitterness. Be grateful to God and be generous to others, know your identity in Christ and celebrate the
blessings and achievements of others.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others
better than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3 NIV).
PRAYER POINT: Let the root of bitter hatred, envy and bitterness among us be destroyed in the name of
Jesus Christ.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 7-9; Evening: Rom. 8:18-39

FRI. 2/2/2024 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST COL. 3:12-17

Believers in Christ must put off old sinful lifestyle and yield their hearts totally to God. They must put on
Christ, focus their interest and ambition heavenward, and do away with some specific vices in their lives.
They should cultivate certain godly virtues and character. They should be able to forgive those that
offended them the way Christ forgave us. They must refuse to take vengeance or keep malice, refusing to
sustain consideration of the cause of the offense and refusing to allow the offense to affect the
relationship. There should be no hatred and bitterness among the brethren. Rather, they should develop an
attitude of love, unity and togetherness that promote peace among the people of God. These can only be
possible when we deliberately allow the word of God to dwell in us richly, reading, meditating,
practicing, preaching and teaching other believers by our conducts, character and conversation.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: “And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect
unity” (Col. 3:14 NIV).
PRAYER POINT: Bestow on us O Lord, the enabling grace and power to love the brethren and freely
forgive those that offend us in the name of Jesus Christ.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 10-12; Evening: Rom. 9: 1-13

SAT. 3/2/2024 WALK IN LOVE EPH. 5:1-7

One of the virtues every child of God should emulate from our Father (God) is love. God the Father loves
us and gave us His only begotten Son. The sacrificial way Jesus expressed His love for us is not only the
means of salvation but also an example of the way we are to live for the sake of others. Love without any
reason, love with no condition attached to it. Your love should be self-giving, others-conscious and self-
initiating. This is a kind of love that acts first for the good and welfare of other brethren. It is the type of
the love of God for His people as well as the love His people give back to Him which is expected to be
practised among the brothers and sisters in the household of faith. It is a love that freely forgives and
overlooks the faults or weaknesses of another.

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POINT OF EMPHASIS: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in
Christ forgave us” Eph. 4:32 NKJV.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me to always walk in love.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 13-15; Evening: Rom. 9:14-33

SUN. 4/2/2024 THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY JN. 13:35; 1 COR. 13:1-13
Love is the defining characteristic of God’s presence among His people, hence, it must be the identifying
characteristic of God’s people. When love is active among God’s people, it takes many forms such as
patience, kindness, humility, unselfishness, forgiveness, holiness, protection and trust because love is
very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude.
There is nothing that anyone can do for God that is acceptable in the absence of love. All the
manifestations of spiritual gifts mean nothing unless it is motivated by love. Our generosity or any other
service rendered in the household of faith is meaningless to God without love. In fact, the virtues of faith,
hope, and love are necessary in this age, but in the age to come, faith will give way to sight and hope will
turn into experience. It is love alone that is eternal, for God is love (2 Cor. 5:7; Rom 8:24; 1 Jn 4:8).
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Love is the key. Without love, no other gift matters. (1 Cor. 13:13)
PRAYER POINT: Let Your Holy Spirit move through the length and breadth of Your church to remove
hatred and give us love.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 16-18; Evening: Rom. 10

BACKGROUND
The attitude of Cain toward God made God to reject the sacrifice he offered. God gave him the
opportunity to repent and confess, yet this man had no thought of repentance, only revenge. Thus, he
became the first murderer.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: RELATIONSHIP MATTERS - GEN. 4:6-10; 1 JN. 3:11-12
Human beings are social beings. Blood, marriage, job or employment or neighbourhood connects us
with one another. We thereby need one another to do what God has created us to be or do what God has
wired us to do. There are four types of relationships namely; family relationships, friendships,
acquaintanceships, romantic relationships.
Healthy relationships share the following three-core components: mutual respect, mutual trust and
mutual love or affection. Healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, respect and open communication
between the people involved. These vital ingredients were missing between Cain and Abel; hence, the
acceptance of Abel by God provoked envy, jealousy, hatred and bitterness in his elder brother. Why
should I be sad because my brother is making it? Why should the success of my brother cause me anger?
Why should I kill my brother because God accepted his service or blessed his effort and rejected mine?
All Christians and family members should learn to live in love, harmony and peace and do away with
anything that can cause hatred and bitterness among us.

PART 2: ARE WE STILL BROTHERS AND SISTERS? - GEN13:1-11

The strife between Abraham and Lot was unnecessary and uncalled for because they were brethren.
They came from the same family background and had been living together for many years. It was the
blessings of God that made the land too small for their businesses. The conflict began with the herdsmen
of the two of them. However, because of the love, understanding and maturity of father Abraham, he saw
no reasons for the strife since they were together as brethren. The conflict was amicably resolved and two
families successfully separated and shared the landed properties peacefully. In the same way, there should
be no grudge, malice, strife or quarrel in the church of God today because we are brothers and sisters in
Christ. The precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ redeemed us. We should do away with anything that

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can cause or promote strife, hatred, disunity, envy, bitterness, malice, grudge, gossip and backbiting. We
should scripturally deal with those things. The way out of conflict and crisis is brotherly love. This is an
extension of the natural affection associated with siblings or next of kin. A step towards greater
community or fellow believers goes beyond the mere duty.

PART 3: LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE - HEB. 13:1-3; ROM. 12: 9-10; 1 JN. 3:11-18
God is love and He loves. Every believer in Christ need to love as God loves. We must love God and
love our neighbour the way we love ourselves. The Bible clearly teaches us that we must love even our
enemies and those that hate us because love is the believers’ identity card. It is also the evidence of being
Jesus’ disciples (Jn. 13:34-35). If truly you know God, if truly, you have enjoyed and experienced the
love of God, if truly the Spirit and the Word dwell in you, and if truly, you have been transformed by the
power of God, loving others becomes imperative and easy for you. You cannot help it because God has so
loved us that we begin to relate with others in a familiar manner. God loves us, we love Him and that love
flows into loving our brothers and sisters. The sacrifice of Christ is both the proof of His love and the
standard of our own love.
Love should show not only in heroic deed of self-sacrifice but also in a daily life of compassion.
Therefore, Christian must love because Christ demonstrated and commanded it. We must love God and
others with all our heart, soul and mind (Matt. 22:37). Our love must be with all sincerity and without
hypocrisy and it must extend to the rich, the poor, the strong, the weak, the lovable, and the unlovable.
We should practice the “Agape” which is the unconditional paternal love of God for man. A believers’
community without love is characterized by hatred, disunity, strife, suspicion, lack of peace and absence
of progress. God through Christ is our model of love because He loved us even when we were unlovable.

CONCLUSION
It is necessary and imperative that we should handle our relationship carefully to encourage brotherly
love, care and unity without any room for vices like hatred, envy, bitterness and any other attitude that
can destroy the Christian community.

QUESTIONS
1. How would you define relationship and what are the essential components of human relationship?
2. What are the likely causes of strife and conflict among believers in Christ?
3. How can we prevent or control them?
4. What is brotherly love?
5. Why should we love and how can we show our love for the brethren?

LESSON 11: FEB. 11, 2023

SHARING IS CARING
Suggested Hymn: G. H. B. 32, 56
Devotional Reading: 1 Jn. 3:10-18
Topic For Adults: Sowing Precedes Reaping
Topic For Youths: Be Generous And Do Good.
Topic For Intermediates: Generosity Births Prosperity
Lesson Scriptures: Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 1 Cor. 9:1-15; 16:1-4.

MEMORY VERSE: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their
possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need” Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 5/2/2024 THERE IS LOVE IN SHARING JN. 3:16-21

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God chose to love humanity unconditionally and the love compelled Him to offer His only begotten Son
as a sacrifice for the sin of mankind. This is an example of the will that denotes unconquerable
benevolence and undefeatable good will. God’s love (Agape) is made manifest in an infinite glorious
manner. Love is one trait that Christ clearly said would distinguish the loves of believers from the rest of
the world. God loves and God gives. You cannot love without giving, meeting the needs of one another,
showing practical love to the brethren, taking on the heart for Christ who wept at the tomb of a friend and
bringing together those who are truly transformed by the gospel so that they may share their lives. Truly,
there is love in sharing.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: True love shares and cares.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, let my love be in deed and in truth in Jesus’ name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 19-20; Evening: Rom. 11

TUE. 6/2/2024 WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND EST. 2:7; 8:15; 10:3
It should be made clear that your action, whether good or bad, will often have consequences because
things repeat in cycles. It is a universal, esoteric law. If you keep squeezing lemons into a glass cup, you
get lemon juice because whether you like it or not, you reap what you sow. Modecai adopted his niece
Esther who lost her parents at a tender age unknown to him that God would eventually use Esther as a
queen to change his level and status from a gateman to a great man and from obscurity to limelight.
Peradventure, Modecai had failed to take proper care of Esther when he had opportunity to do so, what do
you think would have been his lot and that of the other Jews when the enemies decided to extaminate
them? If you empty yourself out with good, then, it comes back to replenish your good energy. The same
with negative energy.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who
are of the household of Faith (Gal.6:10) NKJV.
PRAYER POINT: Father help us to help those that are in need in the name of Jesus Christ
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 21-22; Evening: Rom. 12

WED. 7/2/2024 PERFECT AND PURE RELIGION JAM. 1:26-27; 3:16-18

True and practical Christianity will manifest in practical living as it is exemplified in pure speech, pure
love and pure character. God desires that Christians should take care of the needy to the best of their
abilities. God has special love and tender compassion toward orphans and widows. The Church of God,
which is spiritual family, should not fail in doings this. When we care for the distressed, our actions are
pure, perfect, and faultless in God’s view because they reflect His heart. God places higher value on our
looking out for and defending the helpless because it brings great pleasure to Him. We must learn to give
our attention, time, ability, money and compassion freely to others especially the less privileged who need
them. Hold your possession in open hands ready to release them when needed by other people.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Take time to show someone somewhere everyday that you love, you care and are
interested in his or her well-being.
PRAYER POINT: O Lord, use us to ease the burdens of orphans, widows and the helpless in Jesus ‘name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Kgs. 23-25; Evening: Rom. 13

THUR. 8/2/2024 HELPING THE HELPLESS ISA. 58:3-11

Hypocritical fasting, praying and other effective religious activities without giving due consideration to
spiritual injunctions will amount to nothing other than religious affliction. There is nothing wrong with
self-denial through fasting and prayer since Jesus Christ Himself taught that fasting and prayers are
instrumental to miracles, signs and wonders. In fact, the Master-Jesus said that some critical issues can be
resolved only through fasting and prayer. However, some other activities can make our fasting effective.
We must be obedient to the instruction of the holy scriptures-sharing with the hungry, sheltering the

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homeless, clothing the naked, caring for our own families. Putting a stop to oppression of the poor and all
forms of political, economic and social injustice are essential attributes every Christian should possess.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Although fasting is a powerful and effective part of the Christian life, it becomes
offensive in God’s sight when we ignore the people close to His heart - the poor, the needy and the
oppressed.
PRAYER POINT: Bless the poor among your people oh God, deliver the oppressed and provide for the
needy in the name of Jesus Christ.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 1-3; Evening: Rom. 14

FRI. 9/2/2024 CLOTHING THE NAKED MATT. 25:31-46

The return of the Lord will usher in judgment which will divide the people. This judgment will be based
on moral character and character is revealed by charitable deeds or lack of them. Outward evidence
demonstrates inner righteousness or unrighteousness. Good works do not produce good character, rather,
good character produces good works. If you say that you love Christ whom you do not see, show that
practical love to His children or followers that you can see. Feed Jesus with your food, quench His thirst
with your water, cover His nakedness and warm Him with your clothes, visit Him on His hospital bed,
shelter Him in your own house and extend your love to Him in the prison. Your act of kindness,
benevolence and generosity to any of His children is indirectly to Him, it will not go unnoticed and
unrewarded.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: No gift is unimportant – a cup of cold water, a visit to prison –what we do for
anyone in need, we do for Him.
PRAYER POINT: Heavenly Father, make us a blessing to all Your people that are in need.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 4-6; Evening: Rom. 15

SAT. 10/2/2024 THE CHEERFUL GIVER 2 COR. 9:6-15

Financial giving is like the seed which is sown by a farmer. This implies that what we give is not lost,
rather it is a seed sown that will yield harvest and increase for life. It must be noted that not all giving is
acceptable to God. Terms and conditions apply. For instance, the amount we sow is directly proportional
to the bounty of the blessing we reap. In addition, the state of the heart of the one who gives is fully as
important as the gift given. Giving should take place freely without any kind of manipulation, with
individuals responding as the Lord blesses and directs. Genuine, free giving without regret is marked by
cheerfulness, liberally with an exhilarating experience. The joy of giving is an expression of thanksgiving
to God who has given us Christ, an indispensable and indescribable gift.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9) NIV.
PRAYER POINTS: Grant us the enabling grace to sow our seed bountifully and reap our harvest
bountifully in Jesus name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 7-9; Evening: Rom. 16

SUN. 11/2/2024 SOWING AND REAPING GAL. 6:6-10

The people that cannot make the kingdom investment will not experience kingdom enjoyment. Your
commitment to God and His kingdom will enable you to enjoy financial breakthrough. Sowing time,
though very demanding and difficult, always comes before reaping which is more exciting and rewarding.
unwillingness to give and build or expand the kingdom, neglecting the things of the Lord and placing
personal things above the kingdom priorities can cause or promote lack, hardship and poverty in a
Christian life. Therefore, we must learn to sow our seed to men of God who teach us the word of God,
men and women who have helped you before, the less privileged and people that are willing to labour,
toil, and empty themselves for the cause of the gospel and the project of your church.

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POINT OF EMPHASIS: A seed has a tiny beginning with a huge future. A
PRAYER POINT: Make me a committed sower oh Lord and bless my efforts with bumper and bountiful
harvest in Jesus’ name.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 10-12; Evening: 1 Cor. 1

BACKGROUND
Riches and wealth are not equally distributed among the people of God; some are more blessed than
others so that they may be a blessing to others around them. The principles of sharing and caring, sowing
and reaping and blessed to be a blessing are divine, spiritual and scriptural and we must imbibe them to
extend God’s blessings to other.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: SHARING IN ALL THINGS – ACTS 2:44-45; 4:32-37
Believers today have many things to learn from the early Church. There was a profound dimension of
spiritual unity among them, that is, they were of one heart and one soul. The results of this quality of
spiritual unity were both powerful and practical, that is, they had all things in common, shared everything
they had. This act was out of love, unity and benevolence and it brought down the working power of God
among them.
They were witnesses to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and great grace was upon them. Their
sharing and generosity put an end to lack among them as they voluntarily shared with those who had need
among them. There was no love of praise as a result of pretended generosity among them, neither was the
love of money in their midst.
Another big lesson for everyone of us is that the real kindness is when you are ready to give up what
you need for the comfort of others that are in need. When members of the early Church were adequately
cared for, the result was amazing. “Then the word of God spread and the number of the disciples
multiplied greatly in Jerusalem…” (Acts 6:7).

PART 2: COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS - 1 COR.16:1-4

Taking good care of the poor and the needy characterized the early church in Greece as they sent
financial aids to meet the needs of those distant believers in the church at Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-27).
Paul so strongly recommended this principle of sharing to the brethren at Corinth when he directed them
to make a special collection for the needy saints to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
However, he instructed that the collection must be systematic, individual, proportionate and carefully
administered.
Today in every living church, our concern should not be limited to the spiritual needs of our people,
other areas of needs such as financial, material, social, economic, academic, physical and marital
challenges of our people must also be our concern. If we fail to do this, some of our members may be
forced to leave our church and join churches where they show them care and concern. Therefore, proper
arrangement should be carefully made in every assembly to take care of certain group of people like
widows, orphans, admission seekers, job applicants, single parents, the sick, the aged and troubled or
discouraged people. Special counselling and visitation should be arranged for them.

PART 3: MUZZLE NOT AN OX WHILE IT TREADS - 1 COR. 9:1-15

Your Pastor and other ministers are gifts of God for you and the church at large (Eph.4:11-12). They
are called and anointed by God to convey God’s message to you and bring divine blessings upon
everyone. Honouring your pastor in anyway attracts God’s honour into your life. The teaching on sharing
and caring will not be complete without mentioning the care of the servants of God.
In the entire Bible, right from the time of the Levites and priests, God has been making special
provision and arrangements to take care of His faithful servants. Therefore, don’t blame or condemn your
pastor, rather, pray for him, honour him, don’t rebel against him, obey him, don’t conspire against him,

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support him, don’t spread unfounded rumors against him, acknowledge God’s grace in his life. Do not
talk about his weaknesses. Celebrate him, do not starve him, feed and finance him. Do not discourage
your pastor, instead, encourage him.

CONCLUSION
The early church is our model in sharing and caring. Liberality drove away financial lack and hardship
among them. The level of poverty and lack will drastically reduce in the church today if everyone of us
apply the principle of sharing and caring.

QUESTIONS
1. Explain the advantages of the spiritual unity in the early church. What can we learn from this?
2. Is there anything wrong in taking good care of poor members?
3. How did welfarism affect the early church?
4. How can we help our pastor and other servants of God?
5. What do you think will happen if the church fails to take adequate care of the members and ministers?

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 LESSON 12: FEB. 18, 2024
EVANGELISE THE UNSAVED
Suggested Hymn: G. H. B. 153, 155
Devotional Reading: Matt. 9:36-38
Topic For Adults: The Harvest Is White Already
Topic For Youths: Start a Conversation with a Stranger
Topic For Intermediates: Be Compassionate to Share
Lesson Scriptures: Zeph. 1:14-15; Matt. 5:13; 9:36-38; 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; 1 Jn.1: 9-10.

MEMORY VERSE: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” Mathew 28:19-20
(NKJV).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

MON. 12/2/2024 THE LORD’S OTHER SHEEP JN 10:11-18
Jesus is the good shepherd. Unlike the hireling who flees in the face of danger, the good shepherd cares
for his sheep to the point of giving His life for them. However, the Lord identified other sheep which are
still outside the fold. These are the missing sheep of the shepherd as well as the fainting and scattered
multitudes which are like sheep having no shepherd. The Lord is committed to bringing them to Himself
so that there will be one fold and one shepherd. As you go about your daily activities, lift your eyes and
behold these multitudes and then pray that the Lord will send labourers into these teeming harvest.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: The harvest is ripe, lift up your eyes and see.
PRAYER POINT: Lord send more labourers into Your harvest.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 13-15; Evening: 1 Cor. 2

TUE. 13/2/2024 OPEN COMMUNICATION LINES JN 4:1-9

To what extent will communicating with a stranger help to further our cause? Christianity as well as other
social concerns draws a lot of benefits from proselytizing (making new converts). Just as a business seeks
new customers that will benefit from its numerous products and services, so also does God seek new
worshippers whom He would set free to live abundant lives. Today’s passage shows that every stranger is
a potential worshiper. However, we pass by many would-be worshippers without a word to them or with
them. The Lord Jesus showed us how we can turn seemingly shy, or resistant neighbours to fervent
worshipper just by starting a conversation and steering it in the right direction. Open communication lines
and make new friends today and every day.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Stop bypassing and stereotyping potential worshippers. Focus on winning souls
and not winning arguments.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, give me the wisdom of a soul winner, and make me a fisher of men indeed.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 16-18; Evening: 1 Cor. 3

WED. 14/2/2024 GRACE FOR ALL TIT. 2:11-15

Our God is so magnanimous. The saving grace of God is available to all irrespective of tongue, race, and
creed. The Lord has called everyone from everywhere to come to Him for salvation. His purpose for
coming to the world is to save the world from their sin. So in today’s passage, the Lord is saying we
should deny ungodliness and worldly lust so that we might live soberly, righteously, and godly in this
present world. As Ambassadors of Christ, let us not in any way deny anyone access to the message of

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salvation, rather, let us labour daily to see that more and more people are reached with this glorious
gospel.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Labour daily for the salvation of souls for God is not willing that any should
perish.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, may my life like a magnet attract more and more souls into Your kingdom.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 19-21; Evening: 1 Cor. 4

THUR. 15/2/2024 THE CHIEF OF SINNERS 1 TIM. 1:8-16

What a gracious God we serve! God is marvelous in His deeds, He is full of compassion and abounding
in mercy. Paul looked back on his timeline and saw how wicked he had been. He was a blasphemer, a
persecutor, and an injurious fellow. As a matter of fact, Paul described himself as the chief of all sinners
whom Jesus Christ came to save. In spite of these deadly credentials, God approached him in His
boundless love and saved Paul. He further testified that his salvation was a demonstration of God’s
longsuffering and a pattern for others who will later also believe on the Lord for salvation. Oh that more
notorious sinners would see how God loves them and embrace His saving love today!
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Don’t rule out anyone from the saving grace of God for His mercy endures forever.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, arrest the blasphemers, persecutors, and the wicked in our midst after the order of
Saul of Tarsus.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 22-24; Evening: 1 Cor. 5

FRI. 16/2/2024 REACH OUT TO A THIRSTY SOUL LK 19:1-10

A keener look around us will reveal that there are many thirsty souls longing for the salvation of the Lord.
Zacchaeus was a highly placed publican who was very rich. Nevertheless, his social position and great
wealth could not fill the vacuum at the centre of his being. We should take note that both the rich and the
poor need the Saviour. God’s grace is equally available to both the rich and the poor for none can keep his
soul alive. Zacchaeus desirous of an encounter with Jesus climbed a tree for he was short of stature. The
Saviour did not allow his limitations to keep him out of the reach of grace. The Lord reached out to him
and Zacchaeus received Him gladly.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Only Jesus can quench the thirst of the human soul for salvation.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, open my eyes to the Zacchaeus in my neighbourhood and bless my effort to reach
out to him.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 25-27; Evening: 1 Cor. 6

SAT. 17/2/2024 RELIGIOUS BUT NOT RIGHTEOUS LK. 10:30-37

Many religious people pride themselves on their creeds but their works betray them. It is said that a hood
does not make a monk. Today’s passage justifies the Lord’s saying that “by their fruit you shall know
them.” There are some religious people who like the priest and Levite in today’s passage would rather
blame the wounded victim and cast aspersions on him than to render a helping hand to save a dying soul.
They would rather go on looking for faults than solve the problem on ground. The Lord is teaching us to
follow the example of the Samaritan who in the opinion of the Jewish priest and Levite may be despised
but was kind enough to have compassion on a dying soul at his own expense.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Let the compassion of Jesus flow forth from you to heal the wounds of the world.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, heal my hardness of heart and let Your compassion flow through me on a daily
basis.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 1 Chro. 28-29; Evening: 1 Cor. 7:1-24

SUN. 18/2/2024 TRUTH ABOUT ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP JN 4:20-24

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It is a pity many worshippers blindly belong to a religion because they were born into it. There is nothing
wrong in being born into a religion if the religion is based on truth. The Lord Jesus said that if the blind
leads the blind they will both fall into a ditch. In our passage of today, the woman of Samaria claimed to
know the mountain where her fathers worshipped but the Lord said, they did not know what they worship.
He revealed that God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. There are
many among our neighbours who may fall into the category of this Samaritan religious woman,
worshipped what they don’t know. Like Jesus, let’s make a difference by the truth we know in love.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do you worship in spirit and in truth? Or are you a blind follower of some creeds
you know nothing about?
PRAYER POINT: Lord reveal Yourself to me afresh in Jesus name, Amen.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 1-3; Evening: 1 Cor. 7:25-40

BACKGROUND
What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” This is a great question which everyone must consider
in his or her lifetime. Like John Wesley said many years ago, the world is our parish and none should be
left out of the reach of the gospel. The stark unbelievers, the atheists, the immoral, the pagans, the
nominal Christians, the cultists, and many other practitioners of other religions make up the vast harvest
waiting to be gathered to the great feast which the Lord had prepared. Among these there are sincere
seekers, while others are indifferent. There should be no excuse. Let us make a commitment to evangelize
the unsaved.

NOTES ON THE LESSONS

PART 1: SOUND THE ALARM OF WARNING – ZEPH. 1:14-15, MATT. 5:13
The Scriptures are full of warnings to mankind to amend his ways or face the consequences of
wickedness. God in His loving nature always send words of rebuke, warning and correction to the erring
ones long before the onset of calamities to prevent them from sudden destruction. In the passage above,
Prophet Zephaniah cried to the people of Judah that the great day of the LORD was near. His warnings
came long before King Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah and Jerusalem and carried them captive to
Babylon. “He, that being often rebuked hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without
remedy” (Pro. 29:1).
As Christians, God has set us as watchmen over our cities to give warnings to the people and nations
of the world of impending disasters if they continue in wickedness. Paul, a first century minister, testified
to how committed they were to preaching Christ, warning every man and teaching everyman in all
wisdom so that everyman may be complete in Christ (Col. 1:28). The Lord has left us here in the world as
salt to preserve creation from decadence. However, when salt loses its savour, of what good is it? It is
good for nothing, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men. If we fail to warn the people under
the guise of one excuse or the other, the Lord will hold us accountable because there are dire
consequences for neglecting our duties as watchmen as well as for the people who fail to hearken to
warning.

PART 2: COMPASSIONATE RESPONSE TO A DECAYING HARVEST - MATT 9:36-38; 28:19-

20
By using the word ‘harvest’ to describe the teeming multitudes who fainted, were scattered, and
without a shepherd, the Lord conveyed the urgency in the preaching of the gospel with the following
three points:
a) the precious value of the human soul. The whole essence of a farmer’s effort is for the harvest. If the
harvest is lost, his labour is lost. However, the soul of man is so precious that there is nothing in the
world that could be compared to its value.

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b) the precarious situation of the multitudes (fainted, were scattered, and without care) that needs timely
and compassionate response from the disciples.
c) There is a limited time frame during which harvesting could be done, otherwise, it would perish for it
is appointed unto men once to die, but after this comes judgment.
The Lord details specific action steps to be taken by the disciples to conserve the harvest:
i) We should pray to the Lord of the Harvest – the Almighty God - that He would send labourers into
the harvest. In the light of this, identify a soul, a community, a city, a mission field, a people group,
whose salvation you will passionately intercede for.
ii) As we pray, we should partner with the Lord in the harvest as sent people by going to where the
harvest is and giving our substance for the work of soul winning.
iii) We should proclaim the gospel of the Lord to them. Get involved in soul winning through sharing of
tracts, by sharing your testimony of salvation with your neighbours and friends and inviting them to
the Lord, by joining the Evangelism Team, etc.
iv) We should follow up on converts, bring them into fellowship and get them to be baptized.
v) We should teach them until they are mature in the Lord.

PART 3: THE COSTLY PRICE OF THE REDEMPTION OF SOULS - 1 COR. 15:1-4; 1 JN. 1:9-
10.
The salvation of mankind cost God His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus Christ to
the world was a marked demonstration of God’s love to humanity. Through this love, the plan and
provision of the salvation of mankind and the redemption of entire human race was perfected. This great
price is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God offered for the propitiation of
the sins of the whole world.
However, a person can only be saved and benefit from the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ if he or
she believes in the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ. This is why the preaching of the gospel is very
important. It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes: to the Jews first, and also to the
Greek. Therefore, we must not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should preach it in season
and out of season.

CONCLUSION
After over two thousand years of the New Testament Church, there are people all around us and in
remote places who are yet to come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, such
people live in the world without Christ, without God, having no hope, and are alienated from the common
wealth of Israel. It is our responsibility as spelt out in the Great Commission to proclaim the gospel to all
nations, and make disciples of them. This is our primary ministry to the world. Let us therefore arise and
sound the alarm of warning, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature.

QUESTIONS
1. Discuss the importance of warning as seen in the prophetic ministry of Scriptures.
2. Give some reasons for the urgency of the preaching of the gospel.
3. What practical steps should we take as co-labourers with God in the harvest?
4. Discuss the importance of the preaching of the gospel to the salvation of souls.
5. Briefly explain how God has demonstrated His love to mankind according to the scriptures.

SHARING AND ADMONITION – FEB. 19, TO FEB. 25, 2024

REVISION DAY I: LESSON 1 - THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE

Suggested Hymn: G.H.B. 158, 160
Devotional Reading: Mk. 8:34-38

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 Topic For Adults: You Are More Valuable Than All Material Possessions
Topic For Youths: Honour All Men
Topic For Intermediates: You Are God’s Dwelling Place
Lesson Scriptures: Gen. 1:26-31, Gen. 9:1-7,Ps 8:3-9, Rom. 12 :1-10, Phil. 2:1-4, Rom. 13:7, 1 Pet.
2:17, Mk. 8:34-38, Lk. 15:1-10, Lk. 19:1-10, Jn. 4:5-40

MEMORY VERSE: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male
and female He created them”. Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

DEDUCTIONS: Every life is valuable because we were all created in the image of God. Though the
image was corrupted and marred because of the fall, glory be to God as Jesus has come to restore the
battered image. Therefore, each person should receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour so that he or she can
experience transformation into His likeness.

LESSON 2: HAVE AN UNINTERRUPTED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Suggested Hymns: G. H. B. 11, 75, 222
Devotional Reading: Deut. 6:4-12
Topic For Adults: Seek Him And You Will Find Him
Topic For Youths: You Can Know God Intimately
Topic For Intermediates: God Wants You To Know Him
Lesson Scriptures: Deut. 6:4-12; 1 Chro. 23:30; Ps. 43:1-2; 55:17; 119:9-16; Mk. 1:35; Lk. 18:1-8; 1
Cor. 12:2-12; Eccl. 11: 4-6; Heb. 10:2

MEMORY VERSE: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and
departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed”
Mark 1:35 (NKJV)

DEDUCTIONS: It pays to walk and serve God in an uninterrupted fellowship. Anything disturbing you
from doing just that is an enemy that you must fight and conquer.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 4-6; Evening: 1 Cor. 8.

REVISION DAY II: LESSON 3 - OBEDIENCE TO GOD

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 1, 10, 61
Devotional Reading: 1 Sam. 15:1-23
Topic For Adults: Obedience Is The Key
Topic For Youths: Learn To Obey
Topic For Intermediates: There Is Danger In Disobedience
Lesson Scriptures: Exo. 20:1-10; Job 36:11; Jam. 4:7-8; 1 Sam. 15:7-13; Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 28:1-13;
Isa. 1:19; Lk. 22:39-42; 23:44-46; Heb. 13:17-18; 1 Pet. 2:13-17

MEMORY VERSE: “If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their
years in abundance” Job 36:11 (NKJV).

DEDUCTIONS: Disobedience has become the norm in our society today. The place where we think that
obedience should be found is the church of God; but alas, the saints have gone the ways of the world.
This is one of the little foxes destroying our vine today and needs to be curbed. It is time for every
Christian family to go back to God and restore this virtue before it is too late. How obedient are you to
God and constituted authorities? Probe yourself.

LESSON 4: LIVE IN HOLINESS

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 Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 225, 236
Devotional Reading: 1 Pet. 1:13-16
Topic For Adults: Called To Be Saints
Topic For Youths: Holiness Is Possible
Topic For Intermediates: Be Holy
Lesson Scriptures: Rom. 12:1-12; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; 3:8-12, Heb. 12:14-15; 1 Thess. 4:7-8; Phil. 2:14-16
MEMORY VERSE: “For God did not call us to uncleanness but in holiness”
(1 Thessalonians 4:7) NKJV

DEDUCTIONS: God commands everyone to be holy. Holiness is not only separation from sin and
worldliness but also being set apart for God’s purpose(s). God lays emphasis on holy living because His
ultimate intention is to restore His relationship with man. Your readiness and answer to the call unto holy
living prepare you to live with Him in the world to come.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 7-9; Evening: 1 Cor. 9

REVISION DAY III: LESSON 5 - PAY YOUR TITHE

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 56, 61
Devotional Reading: Mal. 3:6-12
Topic For Adults: Don’t Rob God
Topic For Youths: Give Unto God His Due
Topic For Intermediates: Paying Tithes Bring Blessings
Lesson Scriptures: Lev. 27:30-34; Mal. 3:6-12; Hag. 1:5-10

MEMORY VERSE: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and
try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour
out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10) NKJV.

DEDUCTIONS: God is the giver of all good things. From the abundance He has released into each
person’s life, He demands that the person give Him back ten percent. Those who refuse to give unto God
the ten percent disqualify themselves from continual enjoyment of God’s provision and protection. Those
who faithfully give tithes endear themselves to God and continue to enjoy His blessings unhindered.

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 LESSON 6: PRACTICE JUSTICE, FAIRNESS AND EQUITY
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 10, 223
Devotional Reading: Deut. 32:1-4
Topic For Adults: Treat People Justly and Fairly
Topic For Youths: Be Impartial In Dealing With People
Topic For Intermediates: Be Fear-Minded
Lesson Scriptures: Matt. 7:1-2; 23:23; Jam. 2: 1-4; 1 Jn. 1:7-8

MEMORY VERSE: “You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor
honour the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbour” (Leviticus 19:15)
NKJV

DEDUCTIONS: God is just in all His ways. He demands justice, fairness and equity from all His
children without which a person’s service to God becomes worthless. The believer should be an epitome
of justice and fairness in both private and public lives.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 10-12; Evening: 1 Cor. 10.

REVISION DAY IV: LESSON 7 - USE YOUR GIFTS TO SERVE

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 27
Devotional Reading: Matt. 25:14-23
Topic For Adults: Identify Your God-given Gift
Topic For Youths: You Are Loaded To Serve
Topic For Intermediates: You Also Are Gifted
Lesson Scriptures: Lk. 19:12-15; Matt. 25:14-23; Jn. 15:16; 1 Cor. 12:4-7; Eph. 4:11-14

MEMORY VERSE: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use
them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith” (Romans 12:6) NKJV.

DEDUCTIONS: God gives different gifts to different people just as He wills. Whatever gift He gives to
an individual is adequate for that individual to serve God in the present position. When the individual
utilizes the gift diligently, he gets promoted and God gives him greater gift. Faithfulness is required as a
steward of the gift.

LESSON 8: SUBMIT TO GODLY LEADERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 235, 240
Devotional Reading: Heb. 13:12-17
Topic For Adults: Good Follower Becomes Good Leader
Topic For Youths: Follow A Godly Leader
Topic For Intermediates: Do Not Rebel Against Godly Leaders
Lesson Scriptures: Ezek. 33:6-9; Acts 20:17-28; 1 Cor. 4:10-16; 11:1;
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:12-17; 1Pet. 5:5-10

MEMORY VERSE: Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your
souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be
unprofitable for you”
(Hebrews 13:17) NKJV.

DEDUCTIONS: Godly leaders strive to please God in the way they live and serve. They are aware they
will be called to give account of those under their watch. Followers under godly leaders should submit to
the leader’s instructions and discipline. They should also support the leader in all ways they can.

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Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 13-15; Evening: 1 Cor. 11.

REVISION DAY V: LESSON 9 - OBEY CIVIL AUTHORITIES

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 259, 270
Devotional Reading: Rom. 13:1-7
Topic For Adults: Be An Ideal Citizen
Topic For Youths: Obey Civil Laws
Topic For Intermediates: Don’t Disobey Laws
Lesson Scriptures: Dan. 2:9-18; 3:13-18; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-16

MEMORY VERSE: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1) NKJV

DEDUCTIONS: The Christian should be law abiding in order to not expose himself unnecessarily to the
wrath of leaders and in order to have a clear conscience before God. The Christian has the duty to pray for
civil leaders that God may constrain them to rule in godly manner.

LESSON 10: BE YOUR BROTHER’S KEEPER

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 223
Devotional Reading: 1 Jn. 3:11-18
Topic For Adults: Brotherly Love Must Continue
Topic For Youths: Remember The Golden Rule
Topic For Intermediates: We Are Brethren
Lesson scriptures: Gen. 4:6-10; 13:1-11; 1 Jn. 3:11-18; Heb. 13:1-3; Rom. 12: 9-10

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the
Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)

DEDUCTIONS: It is necessary and imperative that we should handle our relationship carefully to
encourage brotherly love, care and unity without any room for vices like hatred, envy, bitterness and any
other attitude that can destroy the Christian community.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 16-18; Evening: 1 Cor. 12

REVISION DAY VI: LESSON 11 - SHARING IS CARING

Suggested Hymn: G. H. B. 32, 56
Devotional Reading: 1 Jn. 3:10-18
Topic For Adults: Sowing Precedes Reaping
Topic For Youths: Be Generous And Do Good.
Topic For Intermediates: Generosity Births Prosperity
Lesson Scriptures: Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 1 Cor. 9:1-15; 16:1-4.

MEMORY VERSE: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their
possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need” Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV).
DEDUCTIONS: The early church is our model in sharing and caring. Liberality drove away financial
lack and hardship among them. The level of poverty and lack will drastically reduce in the church today if
everyone of us apply the principle of sharing and caring.

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 LESSON 12: EVANGELISE THE UNSAVED
Suggested Hymn: G. H. B. 153, 155
Devotional Reading: Matt. 9:36-38
Topic For Adults: The Harvest Is White Already
Topic For Youths: Start a Conversation with a Stranger
Topic For Intermediates: Be Compassionate to Share
Lesson Scriptures: Zeph. 1:14-15; Matt. 5:13; 9:36-38; 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; 1 Jn.1: 9-10.

MEMORY VERSE: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” Mathew 28:19-20
(NKJV).

DEDUCTIONS: After over two thousand years of the New Testament Church, there are people all
around us and in remote places who are yet to come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. As
a result, such people live in the world without Christ, without God, having no hope, and are alienated
from the common wealth of Israel. It is our responsibility as spelt out in the Great Commission to
proclaim the gospel to all nations, and make disciples of them. This is our primary ministry to the world.
Let us therefore arise and sound the alarm of warning, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ
to every creature.
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 19-21; Evening: 1 Cor. 13

REVISION DAY VII: 25TH FEBRUARY, 2024

PRAY ON THE TWELVE LESSONS
Reading The Bible Through in a Year: Morning: 2 Chro. 22-24; Evening: 1 Cor. 14.

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