2012 APRIL WEEK FOUR LESSON

PRIDE

Main Text: Philippians 2:3-8

Memory Verse: Prov 29:23

The dictionary defines Pride in the context of our discussion as an unjustifiable high opinion of one’s self or one’s achievement and usually results in arrogance. Many who’ve judged others to be proud by their actions are probably yet to understand what really constitutes pride from the Bible’s perspective. Interestingly, quiet and soft spoken People are usually mistaken to be humble whereas the outspoken and loud normally referred to as being proud.

·         The Bible admonishes believers to have a quiet, meek and contrite Spirit.

·         Pride as seen in Scriptures has very little to do with one’s temperament or appearance. 

·         God resists the Proud and pride also precedes a fall. 

·         Thus we are expected to examine the Bible’s position on Pride and make the necessary adjustments to reflect our new life in the Lord.

Consequences of Pride

1.    God hates pride-Prov. 6:16-17

2.    Pride causes contention-Prov. 13:10

3.    Pride leads to destruction-Prov. 16:18

Points for Discussions:

1.    What is the Bible’s definition of Pride?

2.    What are some of the sources of Pride?

3.    How does Pride influence a believer’s lifestyle?

Can Pride be exorcised once and for all? Or its needs to be managed on a daily basis?

2012 APRIL WEEK THREE LESSON

Resolving Church Conflict

Main Text: Matthew 18:15-17

Memory Verse: Romans 12:17

Conflicts occur in the church from time to time. When they occur they tend to adversely affect unity among the members of the church and sometimes between individual members. For the church to remain vibrant and effective in worship, mutual edification, and evangelism, it is necessary that church leaders take pains to resolve conflicts when these occur.

Conflicts occur in the church at three basic levels, namely: Inter-personal Level (between individual members), Group Level (among groups) , and Corporate Level(involving the entire church) 

Jesus Christ established some guidelines for conflict resolution at the inter-personal level.

·         First point out the offence to the offender privately

·         If he listens and confesses his fault you forgive the offence and win back your brother

·         If he fails to listen and remain unrepentant go back to him with one or two others as witness

·         If he still refuses to listen call him before the church (the presbytery or the executive committee)

·         If he defies the church leadership treat him as an outcast, a pagan, or a corrupt tax collector.

At the Corporate/Group Level-Acts 15:1-2, 6-7, 22-23

·         The issue is discussed at the Presbytery/Leaders level

·         The Leaders take decisions based on Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit

·         A Circular letter written to communicate the Church’s decision to the Church

·         Sometimes chosen men are sent along to explain the letter.

Points for Discussion

1.    What issues cause offence among brethren?

2.    What do you do when you are offended?

2012 APRIL WEEK TWO LESSON

Church Conflict

Main Text: Romans 12:14-21

Memory Verse:  Romans 12:18

Conflict is a struggle between two or more persons that creates a tension that must be resolved. Conflicts are inevitable in institution and the church is no exception. As conflicts come, they are to be resolved to bring peace and decorum.

Sources of Conflict

In the church some sources of conflict could be marriage conflict, predecessor-successor issues, issues of review and appointment, Church and Community conflicts, doctrinal, instigations by opinion leaders and the finance-related issues.

In the New Testament, some conflicts that emerged were:

1.    Paul and Barnabas separate over John Mark – Acts 15:36-41

      2. Teaching that is in conflict with the Apostle’s teachings Rom 16:17-18

      3. Wrong teaching over the resurrection by Hymenaeus and Alexander (2 Tim 2:15-18)

      4.  Doctrine that go not conform to godliness 1 Tim 6:3-5

Point for Discussion

1.      What false teachings are propagated in our time?

2.      How do Church Conflicts resolved (Matt. 18:15-18)

2012 APRIL WEEK ONE LESSON

Church Government and Administration

Main Text: Efesofo 4:11-12

Memory Verse:  Heb. 13:17a

Government is the exercise of authority over an organization, institution, state, district, etc. to offer direction, control, rule and/or management. It involves, people, territory and leadership. As people come together, they need to be organized by a structure with a set of rules and policies. Some people are appointed, selected or elected to have responsibility of ensuring that the organization functions by the set rules at the various levels.

The church therefore has a governing and administrative system that has been established at all levels. Acts 6:1-4

·         Government is God ordained and so it is biblical

·         Government is needed to prevent anarchy/chaos  Judges 17:6

·         There are divinely ordained realms in government; Heavenly, Home, Nation & Church

Types of Church Government

Episcopal: This is the form of government where decisions are taken mostly by one person who is usually the founder and leader of the church. In some of this kind of Church government, there is a continuation of a class of superior clergy – bishops. It is based on the development of tradition in the early church.

Congregational: the congregational type is fully democratic in nature where every member has a stake in the decision of the Church. Every member has a vote. Authority lies in the direct action of the people themselves. Churches in such an institution are united not organically but on the basis of voluntary fellowship.

Presbyterial: It is the form where authority is vested in a representative chosen by the people, both clergy and laity, who act in their name – representations are at all levels. This is the form of government the Church of Pentecost upholds. Here, decisions are taken by the Presbytery at all the levels.  The presbytery is made up of ordained Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses. At the District level, the highest decision making body is the District Presbytery and at the Area Level, the Area Presbytery. The general council is the highest decision making body of the Church.

Points for Discussion

1. How is the Church of Pentecost organized?

2. How is the church administered at the District Level?

3. How is the church organised at Local level?

4. How should members relate to their leaders?