Posted by Admin on 11:06 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on PRAISING THE LORD – PART 1, JULY 13th, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHT God dwells in the praises of His people. TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 16:7-14 INTRODUCTION:To praise is to say or write good things about someone. It is to express thanks, love or respect for God. Praise commends, glorifies, exalts, celebrates, lauds, worships or magnifies, especially by the attribution of perfections. God has awesome attributes which impacts the lives of men on earth. He is the creator of man, who sent man into the world to emancipate and bear fruits. He watches over man and influences his life in diverse ways such as in protection, provision, promotion, preservation and salvation. He gives grace to those who please Him, and these are those who honor Him with praises, Psalm 50:23. For man to get the best from God, he must praise Him for His goodness. Even then, God has shown that He created man for His own glory, Isaiah 43:7. We should not forget that God is in everything that affects us to ensure that it ends in our good, Romans 8:28. Man is obligated, therefore, to habitually praise God. It is no surprise that David requested God to open his lips so that he could praise Him more and more, Psalm 51:15. Praising God should be expressive and demonstrable, which should easily evolve from how much God means to us. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To understand why we should praise God. 2. To identify those that are to praise God. 3. To know where we can praise God. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHY SHOULD WE PRAISE GOD?Praise is delightful and shows appreciation and approval. It is motivational and impresses for further favorable action. For instance, “when a man’s ways pleases the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him”, Proverbs 16:7. Again, in the pleasure of God, He has bequeathed His Kingdom to His faithful ones, Luke 12:32. “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him”John 8:29. We should expect God to be motivated to do good to us if we please Him through praise. Specifically, when we praise God for the following reasons:-He Created and Established Us, Psalm 148:5-6: Without Him we would not be alive, nor would we be what we are today.-For His Attributes: His majesty and glory, Exodus 15:11-His Omniscience: He declared the end from the beginning; and Ephesians 1:4, He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.-His Exclusiveness, Isaiah 45:5-7: He is unique. There is no one like Him, nor can any act like Him. He thus cannot give His glory to any other or His praise to graven images, Isaiah 42:8. No one can restrain God.-For His Goodness and Love, Psalm 107:15-16: He satisfies man with His love.-For His faithfulness, 1 Chronicles 16:15-17: He is faithful to His covenant. When He promises, He perfects it, 1 Thessalonians 5:24. He does not lie nor does He change His mind on any issue, Numbers 23:19.-For His Mighty Works, Deuteronomy 8:10; Luke 19:37: His works means favor and goodness to man.-For His Pleasure in His People, Psalm 149:4: He delights in His people such that it gives Him pleasure to do them good.-For His Special Privileges for the Believer, 1peter 2:9-10: The Christian is peculiarly...
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Posted by Admin on 12:44 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on MEANINGFUL QUIET TIME, JULY 6TH, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTWe are created to have communion with our God. TEXT: GENESIS 19:27; LUKE 6:12-13, 11:1-4, PSALMS 63:1-6. INTRODUCTION: Different English dictionaries define the word ‘quiet’ as a state of being free from noise or uproar, absence of bustle, free from tumult, peaceful etc. Quiet time therefore refers to a time that is set out for any activity that requires no noise or distraction of any kind.Our focus is on quiet time for the purpose of reading the word of God, meditation and prayers. This could be by an individual or a group of persons, especially family members, with a view of enhancing our relationship with God. Communication is essential in any relationship that is expected to be valuable and grow.A Christian that observes daily quiet time consistently grows steadily in the Lord. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE PHRASE “MEANINGFUL QUITE TIME”?Quite time refers to a time set aside for communion with God to enhance the spiritual growth of the participants. For it to be meaningful, it must have a well spelt out objective, and this should be, reading, studying and meditation on the word of God with prayers. It must be regular and consistent, in a venue free of any distractions, truly quiet, and conductive to all participants, in the case of a family. Participants should be given the opportunity to read the Word, and make contributions where necessary. It should be for the teaching and exposition of the word of God, and prayers. This will result in increase in the knowledge of the Word and growth in personal relationship with God as evidenced by the sustained love for God, and of God, among the brethren. QUESTION 2) DISCUSS THE PURPOSE OF QUITE TIME (a) Fellowship (1 John 1:3)We have fellowship with God and other brethren during Quiet time in a family setting. Our fellowship is grounded in the testimony of God’s word. As we study and discuss the Word of God during quiet time, our fellowship is renewed daily.(b) Strength for the dayDavid declared “The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” (Ps. 27:1). This truth of Psalm 27:1 can only be discovered as we study and meditate on the word of God during quiet time. As we consistently maintain our daily quiet time, it becomes real to us, and knowing that God is our strength, we are emboldened to face the challenges of Christian life and faith with confidence. (c) To hear from God. (Psalm 46:10)The most common way we can hear from God is through His Word. From the scripture passages we read during our quiet time, we hear/discover God’s promises to us, His warnings and the truth of His word through the ministration of the Holy Spirit, who interprets the Word to us in the language we understand.(d) Bible study (Psalm 119:9-16)A meaningful quiet time gives us the opportunity to study the Bible regularly and consistently, especially if we have access to a good Bible study aid.(e) Prayers ( Phil.4:6)As we diligently maintain our quiet time, we develop habits of constant prayers, both as individuals and as a family. Truth discovered during quiet time will always prompt us to pray. Some of the good Bible study aids suggest prayer points as a fall...
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Posted by Admin on 12:26 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on LIKE THE MEN OF ISSACHAR PT. 2, JUNE 29TH, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTA good understanding of God’s purpose for us is very crucial. TEXT: 1 CHRON. 12:23, 32; JER. 29:11-13; PROV.19:21INTRODUCTION:In the first part of this study, we discussed the fact that timeis an important and crucial factor in life. Understanding thetimes is the ability to discern the season we are in.In the second part of this study, after the death of Saulwhen David was not yet established on the throne, therewas a leadership vacuum in Israel, and everybody did wasright in their own eyes. However, the men of Issacharunderstood the times and the purpose of God for Israel.This invariably guided them in their daily lives. How thispurpose was achieved and the lessons derivable is thefocus of this study. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT WAS GOD’S PURPOSE FOR ISRAEL AT THE TIME AND HOW DID THE PEOPLE ALIGN THEMSELVES WITH DAVID TO ACHIEVE THIS PURPOSE? (1 CHRON. 12:23, 38)God’s purpose for Israel at the time was for the number of armed warriors of the different tribes of Israel to come to David at Hebron, ready to fight if necessary. They were both united and determined to make David king over Israel, just as the Lord had said. The various warriors from the tribes of Israel, namely Benjamin, Judah, Gad, and Manasseh all defected to David at Ziklag while he was hiding from Saul until he had a great army. QUESTION 2A) DISCUSS HOW THE PEOPLE ANOINTED AND CELEBRATED DAVID’S CORONATION (2 SAM. 5:1-5; 1 CHRON. 12:38-40)All the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron to tell him that they were his own flesh and blood. They also reminded him of how in the past, when Saul was their king, David was the one who really led the people of Israel to battle. The people also reminded David that God had told him that he would be the shepherd of His people Israel. Therefore, he was going to be their leader. “So, all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel” (2 Sam. 5:3).All the men came in battle array to Hebron with the sole purpose of making David king over Israel. Everyone in Israel agreed that David should be their king. The people were with David three days eating and drinking because their brethren had prepared for them. Also, people as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. There was great joy throughout the land of Israel. QUESTION 2B) READ 1 CHRONICLES 13:1-4 AND COMMENT ON DAVID’S FIRST STEP AS KING. ANY LESSONS? David’s first step as king was that he consulted with all his officials including the generals and captains of his army. He addressed the whole assembly of Israel and told them that if they approved and it was the will of the Lord their God, they should send messages to all the Israelites throughout the land, including the priests and Levits who were in their cities and suburbs, to invite them to come and join them. David told the people that it was time to bring back the Ark of God. All the people consented to it because they saw that it was the right thing...
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Posted by Admin on 11:25 pm in Slider | Comments Off on Month of July Prayer and Fasting 2025
Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International Invites you to join us as we begin our annual month of July Prayer and Fasting. July 1st-31st, fasting from 6am-6pm (or as directed by the Holy Spirit). This year’s theme is taken from:JEREMIAH 23:19-20“Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. JEREMIAH 30:23-24, “Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, until he hath done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.” May that grievous whirlwind locate and visit everything that is against HIS plan and purpose for our lives. MZGTI Month of July Fasting and Praying, fasting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Be on the lookout for various daily prayer points. https://www.facebook.com/share/1EvqkL2pRt Elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should apply their hearts unto wisdom. Fasting with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For those who would like to join us in our prayers our prayer line will be open every night in the month of July at midnight:7164271426 conference code 568693# God bless you...
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Posted by Admin on 11:36 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on LIKE THE MEN OF ISSACHAR Pt. 1, JUNE 22ND 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHT Understanding the times we are in will enable us to order our lives well. TEXT: 1 CHR. 12:32; 2 TIM. 3:1-8; ROM. 13:11-14 INTRODUCTION: As we all know, we have limited time to live here on earth. Therefore, time is an important factor in life. For us to be able to make optimum use of the time at our disposal, it is imperative that we have a good understanding of the times we are in. Understanding the times is the ability to discover and discuss the season we are in. we should also try to find out what the future has in stock for us on the basis of the happenings of the present times. Failure to understand the times and use it appropriately is likely to result in not achieving our set goals which may lead to unpleasant consequences in life. Bearing in mind that God is the One that controls time, we must therefore seek to have good understanding of the times we are in to live acceptably before Him. This study will help us understand the times we are in and what we should be doing. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know who the men of Issachar were Examine what the Bible said about the men of Issachar, and the importance of time to man Find out why other tribes brought with them men of war, arms, and all instruments of war. Examine why we think David needed the men of Issachar as part of his team and what we can learn Describe the times we are living in, the dangers of operating without being mindful of the times we are in Understand the times we are living in and how it will help us shape our lives BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHO WERE THE MEN OF ISSACHAR? 1 CHRON. 2:1-2; 7:1-5To start with, Issachar was one of the sons of Jacob. He was the fifth son that Leah gave birth to for Jacob (Gen. 33:17-18). The men of Issachar expanded to become one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The total number of mighty warriors from all the clans of the tribe of Issachar were eighty-seven thousand. All of them were listed in their genealogical records.QUESTION 1B) READ GENESIS 49:14-15. WHAT CAN YOU MAKE ON THE PROPHECY CONCERNING THE MEN OF ISSACHAR?(Hint: Donkey denotes submission).The prophecy concerning the men of Issachar described them as a tough donkey. We know that a donkey is a beast of burden. Amplified translations say, “Issachar is a strong-boned donkey crouching down between the sheepfolds. And he saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear (his burdens) and became a servant to tribute”.The men of Issachar got to a place of rest and did not realize that that was not their final destination. They saw that the place was good and pleasant, they gave up their freedom and decided to work as slaves under forced labor. QUESTION 2A) WHAT DID THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE MEN OF ISSACHAR? (1 CHRON. 12:32)The men of Issachar were men who had understanding of the times, with knowledge of what Israel ought to do. Their leaders were two hundred and all their relatives were at their command. In other words, they had a firm...
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Posted by Admin on 11:14 pm in Uncategorized | Comments Off on THE PURPOSEFUL FAMILY, JUNE 15TH, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTThe family is a unit that has great influence on the society. TEXT: JOSHUA 24:13-15; GEN. 1:26-28; PROV. 22:6 INTRODUCTION:A family is made up of parents and children as core members. God’s desire for mankind is that parents should nurture and build up godly families that will comply with the divine mandate for creation. The family is a simple institution with complex outcomes. God has ordained it to be an influential unit of human existence.Purpose refers to the reason for which something was done or manufactured, while to be purposeful is the art of being deliberate, determined, and focused on a given goal.The family is an agency with divine mandate, whose existence is primary to the survival of the human race. Any attack on this institution or display of negligence by members is a direct confrontation against the purpose of God. In this study, we shall attempt to present the scriptural principles on the essence of a family so as to function properly. LESSON OBJECTIVES Discuss the origin and purpose of family Identify the principles of a purposeful family List the hindrances to a purposeful family Give some scriptural examples of purposeful families Explain the benefits of a purposeful family BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS THE ORIGIN AND PURPOSE OF OTHE FAMILY?GEN. 1:26-28; PROV. 22:6The family is an institution, God’s design. He conceived it and established it for divine purposes. The father (male), the mother (female), and children are the core members of this agency. However, there could be others whose presence and membership in the family are circumstantial, such as extended family members, domestic staff, and apprentices. The first family in the Bible was made up of Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Seth, and some other unnamed sons and daughters.The purpose of the family is mutual comfort, childbearing, child-rearing, and divine fellowship. The family is the kernel of the society, the first agent of socialization, and the vehicle for the full actualization of God’s mandate.QUESTION 2) WHAT IS A PURPOSEFUL FAMILY? JOSHUA 24:15To be purposeful is to be deliberate, determined, and focused on a clear goal. God has a unique vision for the family. The purposeful family is one that understands the mandate of God and is focused on ensuring that such mandate is achieved. It is a family that is aiming to fulfill destiny and make a positive impact to the glory of God.QUESTION 3A) WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES IN ESTABLISHING A PURPOSEFUL FAMILY? EPH. 6:10-19; PHIL. 4:8-9There are spirit-inspired principles in the establishment of a purposeful family. It begins with a cordial relationship with God, which is manifested in personal salvation of each member of the family, love for God, and love for one another. The right knowledge of God’s word and will, as well as thirst for continuous growth in spiritual matters are important. Being a prayerful family and the presence of the Spirit of God in the home are also important. Members of the family must be committed in their obligations to God and to His church. They should not be ashamed to proclaim the gospel of salvation in their society.QUESTION 3B) WHAT ARE THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES IN ESTABLISHING A PURPOSEFUL FAMILY? PROV. 22:6The family is also a social and economic institution by the mandate of God. Proper development for the full...
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Posted by Admin on 10:29 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on BE THE DIFFERENCE, JUNE 8, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHT The believer should be light to the dark world. TEXT: PROV. 4:20-27; ROM. 12:1-3; 2 COR. 6:14-18 INTRODUCTION: Be the difference in another rendering means “be ye separate”. The world today is swallowed up in falsehood, deceit, vanity, corruption, and evil. This has been since the fall of man; evidenced in the incident of the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:2-8) and now on the increase because of the technological development and as a fulfillment of Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:1-5). It takes the understanding of the Word of God and His grace for the believer to “be the difference” and be separated to God. This study will help the believer to answer the call of God to “be the difference” and thus be separated to Him. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To know the meaning of “be the difference” 2. To understanding how to be the difference 3. To identify those ingredients that will help one to be the difference 4. To highlight the danger of refusing to be the difference BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE INJUNCTION “BE THE DIFFERENCE” 2 COR. 6:14-18 “Be the difference” in the dictionary context is making someone or something peculiar from another i.e “not like something, someone, or not like before”, “the condition of being unlike, dissimilar, or diverse”. The believer is said to be different, when he/she is not doing what others are doing that are not in line with the word of God, such as in thought, word, or action. Such a person adheres strictly to Biblical standards and not what is done “in our Church”. QUESTION 1B) WHY ARE WE ENJOINED TO “BE THE DIFFERENCE”? Matt. 5:13-14 The believer is enjoined to “be the difference” in order to illuminate, season, and preserve the earth. This means that the believer is to preserve his/her generation, and point the people to God here on earth. He/she gives taste to the dying world and seasons the co-believer for effective service. QUESTION 1C) WHERE ARE WE TO “BE THE DIFFERENCE”? Eph. 5:11-12 Simply put, the believer is called to “be the difference” anywhere he/she finds themselves/ at salvation the believer is spiritually separated from the world i.e being freed from sin, the world, and the “unfruitful works of darkness”. Furthermore, he reads the Word daily, prays, and follows the Lord who has become his/her Master, and fellowships with brethren for spiritual growth. This helps him/her not to look back or go back to the world. It helps for continual trust in God and hope for eternity. In these last days also, the believer has to: be the difference” among members of the church (2 Tim. 3:1-5). “… set an example for the believers in speech, life, love, faith, and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). QUESTION 2) HOW CAN PARENTS HELP THEIR CHILDREN TO “BE THE DIFFERENCE” IN OUR SOCIETY? GEN. 18:17-19; DEUT. 6:7-9, PROV. 22:6 It is the responsibility of parents, especially in Christian homes, to assist their children to be the difference in our corrupt society. There are many ways of helping them, a few of which are: a.) Living by example: An adage says “example is the best teacher”. Parents should prove their faith in God by total obedience to God’s word in the very presence of their...
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Posted by Admin on 10:22 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on ANOINTING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH, JUNE 1ST, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTEvery believer has an anointing from the Lord. TEXT: MARK 6:12-14; 1 JOHN 2:20-27; JAMES 5:12-16 INTRODUCTION:It is commonplace for television announcements to invite people to “anointing services”. It does not seem to matter if it was a “mainline” denominational church or one of those that had broken off of the “mainline” and called themselves “non-denominational” or “inter-denominational”. This practice with the oil bottle seemed to be there. Sometimes we hear it being referred to as an “insurance for the month”, “insurance against the devil”, etc. Some teachers have even gone so far as to regard anointing oil as the Holy Spirit “in the bottle”!The Scriptures inform us that God’s people could perish for lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6). Besides, the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding, (Pro. 9:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”.It is the responsibility of the individual who has come to the Lord to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. From Scriptural examples, it is obvious that believers will gain entry into heaven on an individual basis, never as groups or as denominations. “Remember Lot’s wife”, the Lord Jesus reminded us. The two thieves on the cross could have been friends or acquaintances in crime, but at the critical stage each chose his eternal destiny.In this study, we shall endeavor to motivate brethren to carefully check the Scriptures concerning anointing and anointing oil. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand the meaning of “anointing” To examine the Scriptural uses of anointing oil To critically examine misuses of anointing oil in today’s Church To understand the place of the anointing in the believer’s life BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS MEANT BY THE WORD ANOINTING?To “anoint” literally means to pour or rub oil on a person or thing. In the Old Testament, the practice of anointing could be used in secular situations (such as finalizing a legal contract or preparing a shield for battle) or for religious purposes. Regarding the latter category, objects were anointed such as the temple and its furnishings (Ex. 40:9-10), garments (Lev. 8:30), and sacred vessels (Ex. 30:26). Religious anointing was also used for certain types of people, such as kings (1 Kings 1:39; 2 Kings 9:6), priests (Ex. 29:29; Lev. 4:3), and prophets (1 Kings 19:16; 1 Chr. 16:22; Ps. 105:15). The person anointed was symbolically set apart as holy and consecrated to the Lord. In other words, they were His and to be used according to His purposes. In the New Testament, anointing the sick is connected with the preaching of repentance. Mark 6:12-14 states that “they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad): and he said, ‘That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in Him”. James 5:14, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” this is in the same vein as the Mark passage. QUESTION 2) GIVE SOME OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLS OF...
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Posted by Admin on 10:15 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on LACK OF SELF-CONTROL PT 2, MAY 25TH, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTBe self-controlled and alert. TEXT: 1 PETER 5:6-9; 2 PETER 1:5-11; REV. 22:12- 15 INTRODUCTION:We continue in our study of lack of self-control today by following on its manifestations in the church, itsconsequences, and the rewards of self-control. LESSON OBJECTIVES To identify the manifestations of lack of self-control in the churchtoday To identify the consequences of lack of self-control To understand the rewards of self-control To know how to grow in self-control BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) HOW DOES LACK OF SELFCONTROL MANIFEST IN THE CHURCH TODAY?A. LAWLESSNESS IN LEADERSHIP:Some Christian leaders are accountable to no one for their actions including the use of church resources. Some feel at liberty to dip their hands into the church account without respect for laid down procedures and thereby bring curse upon themselves like Eli’s sons. Every leader is a servant accountable first to God and then the people he/she leads.Lawlessness among leaders also extends to their relationship with the opposite sex. Some ministers areinvolved in various immoral acts with staff and members of their congregation without any sense of remorse or guilt.This type of behavior destroys the integrity of the minister and, in some instances, has ruined some congregations.Leaders must also avoid having a “know-it-all” attitude in order to see the other point of view which may help reach a better decision.B. LACK OF SELF-CONTROL IN THE HOME:Some parents live hypocritical lives and expect their children to be saints. Some Christian men still beat their wives or verbally or psychologically abuse them. Even house help/servants are to be treated with consideration.Some Christian women are busy bodies in other people’s affairs. Some nag their husbands so badly that they stay away from home as much as possible and many have developed hypertension. Many Christian young men and women do not show respect for their parents. The list is endless. Each member of the Christian home must study the word to know the role God expects of him/her and seek God’s help to walk in that role. Our homes were designed to be a foretaste of heaven if we would submit it to theLord and exercise self-control in our thoughts, words, and actions.C. LACK OF SELF-CONTROL IN DRESSINGA dress is meant to cover our nakedness and give us dignity. Clothes that reveal the erogenous parts of the body (eg. Part or most of the female breasts, thighs, lower abdomen), tight dressing that makes a man or women look sexy, or transparent clothes are not befitting of children of God. It is the trend in the world which many believers are actively copying, but we are warned not to “confirm to the fashion of this world” and that to love the world is enmity with God (Rom. 12:2; James 4:4). QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF LACK OF SELF-CONTROL?We open ourselves to the devil to steal, kill, and destroy when we do not exercise self-control in any area of our life.We lose fellowship with God as He hates sin. We cannot approach God for help and may find that thingsdon’t go well with us. We open ourselves to the risk of eternal damnation in hell if we do not repent and mend our ways.Discuss the effects of lack of self-control on our individual lives, families, and the church with practical examples. QUESTION 3) WHAT...
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Posted by Admin on 10:38 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on LACK OF SELF-CONTROL (INCONTINENCE) PT 1, MAY 18TH, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTWe must each grow in the fruit of self-control (self-restraint, continence) daily. TEXT: GAL. 5:22; 2 PETER 1:5-6; 1 TIM. 4:1-5; 2 TIM. 3:1-5 INTRODUCTION:God made man a rational being with free will, unlike theanimals that are controlled by their instincts and bodilydesires. God built into man a capacity to make choices andthus regulate his thoughts, words, and actions. It was lackof self-control that led to the fall of man. The devil, byarousing lust of the eyes and the pride of life, made man eatthe forbidden fruit and brought death upon man.An ever-worsening lack of self-control is one of the signsof the end times (2 Tim. 3:1-3). It reflects how distant theworld has moved from obeying God. We do not need tolook far to see its manifestations: fornication, adultery,corruption in and out of government, hypocrisy in thechurch, and so on. The purpose of this study is to highlightthis malady and help us escape its ominous consequences. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand what lack of self-control means To understand the cause of lack of self-control To understand why lack of self-control is prevalent today BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT IS LACK OF SELF-CONTROL?The oxford dictionary defines self-control as control overoneself, temper, emotions, and desires; self restraint, selfcommand. For us Christians, self-control involves theexercise of the human will to ensure that our thoughts,words, and actions are appropriate, in agreement with thewill of God for our lives. It means ensuring that we are notcontrolled by desires for food, sex, sleep, material things orthe emotions: fear, anger, jealousy, and so on. Lack of selfcontrol therefore means the absence of the capacity toexercise restraint in such issues as we have enumerated. QUESTION 2) WHAT MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THELACK OF SELF-CONTROL?The desire to please self at the expense of obedience toGod’s word (or the voice of the Holy Spirit) and the goodof others is the reason for all lack of self-control. This maybe because of the immediate pleasures and benefits ouractions will bring. It may also be due to the unwillingnessto suffer, be in need, suffer loss, fail an examination, notget a job or a contract, and so on. Hence, the individualgives in to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and thepride of life. When the desire is to please God, theindividual exercises his will by refusing to conform to thepattern of the world as the case may be (Rom. 12:1-3) and God enables him, if he is a child of God, to overcome and do His will. QUESTION 3) DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWINGSHOWED LACK OF SELF-CONTROL.CAIN: GEN. 4:3-8Cain was angry because God accepted Abel’s offering andrejected his. This was not Abel’s fault but his. He allowedhis anger to lead to murder and was cursed because of it.He could have prevented this along the line. He could havefaced the fact that it was his fault that God did not accepthis offering.Cain could have refused to give in to the suggestions in hismind to kill his brother, having tricked his brother to go tothe field, he could still have controlled his emotions and notlay his hands against his brother.Anger is a terrible emotion that consumes the person thatharbors it and can make any action seem rational, but theBible admonishes us to “Be angry but sin not” (Eph. 4:26).Are you easily angered? are...
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