2013 NOVEMBER WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 2

PEACE – A NEW LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Main Text: Galatians 5: 16, 22, 23

Memory Verse: Romans 8:6

Introduction

There are several physical marks which identify people, cultures and ideas. Tribal marks could tell where a person comes from; dress codes could identify a person with a particular tribe. All true worshippers have certain marks that distinguish them from all other false worshippers or unbelievers. These marks are the characteristics we exhibit in our daily lives which makes us exclusively unique from all others. We do not exhibit this naturally but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. One of such is peace.

Discussion Questions

1.    What is peace?

2.    How can we produce the lifestyle of peace? Galatians 5:22

3.    Can a man or woman of peace be described as spiritual? Discuss

4.    What two benefits do we derive from working for peace? Matthew 5: 9

Conclusion

Peace is the absence of hostility and the bridging of the separation between people and God; and between people and other people. It is a state of harmony and security, safety and freedom. This state of peace is only achieved when we accept Christ and put on the new self through the enablement of the Holy Spirit. A man or woman of peace; a girl or boy of peace would be blessed by God and called a child of God. That is one of the most important marks of a true believer.

2013 NOVEMBER WEEK ONE LESSON

Dear Cherished Reader,
We apologise for the break in serialising the Weekly Bible Study Outline on this blog. Sorry for the inconvenience this might have caused you.

We assure you that we are back for good and beginning this week, we shall be bringing you studies from the Bible Study Outline Volume 8.

Please do enjoy your studies. Thank you and may God bless you.

STUDY 1

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IN CONTRAST TO THE WORKS OF THE FLESH

Main Text: Galatians 5:16-25

Memory Verse: Galatians 5: 16

The theme being considered for the year 2013 by the Church is Worshipping in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23-24). The main import of this theme is that whatever we do as Christians should be considered as an act of worship-speech, eating, dressing, working etc. This study outline (volume 8) considers the marks of the true worshipper as captured by the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

In the main text, the works of the flesh stand in contrast to the fruit of the Spirit. The works of the flesh are lives that we lived as unbelievers. These works continue to show up in our lives even as Christians. Those who continue to live such lives as Christians will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21). However, we have a choice to either walk in these works or allow the Holy Spirit to produce the life of Christ in us (Gal. 5:16, 25).

The fruit of the Spirit is the life of Christ in the life of the believer, 'Christ who is our life' Col. 3:1-4. The Bible says, 'if any man be in Christ he is a new creation' 2 Cor. 5:17. Having accepted Jesus as Saviour and Lord, the life of Jesus must flow through us to mark us out as “Christ-ians”.

Discussion Questions

1.    How do you understand the works of the flesh? Verse 16

2.    What are the manifestations of the works of the flesh? Verse 19-21

3.    Do we have control over the works of the flesh? Verse 16-17

4.    What is the fruit of the Spirit?

5.    How can we bear this fruit? Verse 16, 18.

 

Conclusion

The carnal man is at enmity with God. If we do not walk in the Spirit then we will descend down to the works of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit stands in complete contrast to the works of the flesh; it is the life of Christ in the life of the believer. In the following weeks, we are going study some of the fruit of the spirit: peace, love, kindness, self-control and joy as marks of true worshippers. As you yield yourself to the Lord, may God the Holy Spirit shine out the life of Christ through you.

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  WILL YOU SURVIVE THE SPIRITUAL RETIREMENTS? (PART 4)

Sermon by Pastor William Boachie-Ansah

TEXTS: Ezek 34:1-10, 1KINGS 19:1-16

'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I WILL REQUIRE MY FLOCK AT THEIR HAND; I WILL CAUSE THEM TO CEASE FEEDING THE SHEEP, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I WILL DELIVER MY FLOCK FROM THEIR MOUTHS, that they may no longer be food for them." (Ezek 34:10)

INTRODUCTION

In the previous discussions, we have been considering why God had to retire Elijah prematurely when he was at the apogee of his ministry. We have also been reflecting on how God is doing same to church leaders of our time. In this final discussion, we want to explore t we can do in order to avoid being retired prematurely in ministry as He did to Elijah.

HOW TO AVOID GOD’S COMPULSORY RETIREMENT

WORK HARD

If you are working for God, you need to work hard. Put all your energy into the work. God rewards people who work hard in the kingdom business with promotions and higher callings. Additionally, you need to work hard on your character and known weaknesses.

STOP COMPLAINING

Almost everywhere you go, you encounter Christians who are complaining. You don’t have to complain. We see pastors complaining about where they had been posted to work, especially those who are posted or transferred to rural areas. We encounter other church leaders who complain about members not being obedient to them. We additionally encounter leaders who are not satisfied with their salaries and allowances every day. If any leader keeps on complaining will God not be right when He also calls such fellow home instantly? Instead of complaining we should rather be prepared to accept new challenges, and be grateful and appreciative to God for all His benefits.

AVOID FOOLISH COMPARISONS.

Don’t compare yoCustomizable keys! To set tap and hold on the key.Tap undo Customizable keys! To set tap and hold on the key.Tap undo Customizable keys! To set tap and hold on the key.Tap undo urself to others. God knows the reason why he called you to be a Christian. He knows why he called you into leadership. He will only use you to accomplish what He has in mind about you; nothing more, nothing less. He called somebody to heal. He called somebody to teach. Don’t compare yourself to any other leader because God will never let you know His master plan right from the beginning. He will keep on unfolding it systematically.

DON’T BE COMPLACENT

Stop boasting about your achievements. Don’t demean any person you seem to have performed much better in leadership and ministry. Until you reach heaven, you haven’t arrived yet!

LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING

Saul did that and suffered the consequences all the days of his life. He taught he could offer sacrifices to God safely because he was the king. In the end he as rejected outright. Ministry is not about what you think; it is about what the Lord says. Keep watching your footsteps in in walk with God so that you don’t miss His way.

BE FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS

Faithfulness and integrity cut across every sphere of the Christians life. It is either you are found faithful in all things, or you are not faithful. 

DON’T TAKE THE GRACE OF GOD FOR GRANTED

Never ever entertain the thought that the grace of God abounds for you all the time. If you turn the grace of God into any thing, God is capable of turning you into anything.

CONCLUSION

God’s warning still stands. He is against certain shepherds and ready to retire them from His business. Are you one of them? Will you survive this serious exercise? If God says He will stop some people from being His shepherds, then there is the need for us to critically examine how we are shepherding the flock of God, otherwise we may be part of those whose names are on the next batch of God’s retirement list. May the Lord God Almighty have mercy upon all of us, Amen.

CONTACTS:           PASTOR WILLIAM BOACHIE-ANSAH

   THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST (ADOAGYIRI DISTRICT)

          P.O. BOX 203 NSAWAM

         Boachieansah@gmail.com

          copadoagyiri@gmail.com

                       http://boachieansah.webs.com

               0244137880    0208519520

2013 AUGUST WEEK THREE LESSON

STUDY 31

CONFESSION III – FOR ACTS OF WICKEDNESS AGAINST OTHERS

Main Text: 2 Samuel 12:13-20
Memory Verse: I John 1:8

This lesson concludes the discussion of confession. In the two previous lessons we looked at how the need for confession arises when we over-step our boundaries, and when we grossly neglect to do what we are directed to do. Today we shall look at the tendency to cover our sins by other sins leading to delayed confession.

Adultery like any other sin stinks before God. Those who are privileged to enjoy fellowship with Him should watch out they do not carry any garbage of sin before God. For, sin must be exposed and confessed readily to receive pardon. To admit and confess one’s sins is to give reverence to God (Joshua 7:19). Yet God is satisfied when He punishes the sins committed, having forgiven the sinner. This is the reason believers sometimes go through periods of discipline after they have confessed their sins and received forgiveness.

Study Questions

1. What sin did David admit he had committed? 2 Samuel 11:2-17; 12:9-10
2. Why didn’t David confess the sin of adultery when it happened? 2 Samuel 11:4-5
3. How would it have helped David if he had confessed the sin of adultery the moment it happened?
4. What moved David to finally confess his sin? 2 Samuel 12:11-12
5. What should be your attitude when:

·         You realize you have sinned against God?

·         A sin you committed in secret is becoming public?

·         You are tempted to cover one sin with other sins?

Conclusion

Sin stinks in the sight of God. It is forgiven if confessed, though there are consequences. We can save ourselves and loved ones a lot of pain and shame if we are careful to stay away from sin and to confess it when it happens (2 Chronicles 7:14). But the best thing to do is to watch out for all appearance of evil and stay away from them.

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2013 AUGUST WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 30

CONFESSION II – FOR NOT DOING WHAT IS DIRECTED

Main Text: I Samuel 15:10-25

Memory Verse: I John 1:8

In this second slot on our study on confession we shall look at how some people fail to confess their sins because of arrogance and pride. To confess our sins is to agree with God that we have fallen short of His standard by our thoughts, words, and deeds, and ask for grace to overcome similar challenges in future.

We need to admit our human weaknesses and frailties as we interact with people daily. Similarly we should be careful how we treat the word of God. He expects us to obey whatever He tells us as a way of acknowledging Him as the owner of all things and ruler of the entire universe. Any departure from God’s word is sin, and this must be admitted and confessed. Strangely, those who delight in going contrary to the word of God are the very people who find it difficult to admit their sins though confession. Often their confessions come rather too late to forestall a disaster.

 

Study Questions

1. What specific instructions did God give Saul? I Samuel 15:1-3
2. How did Saul carry out what God commanded him to do? I Samuel 15:7-9
3. How did Saul expose himself as someone who was not ready to admit his faults? I Samuel 15:12-15, 20-21
4. When did Saul admit that he had sinned? I Samuel 15:22-25
5. What do you do when:

·         Your interests go contrary to the word of God?

·         Your sins are exposed by the word of God?

Conclusion

It takes humble and honest people to readily admit their faults and ask for forgiveness. Those who are proud often decide to admit their faults only when that would bring them some perceived benefits. They lose heavily. Truly it is not a sign of strength in the sight of God when we pretend we are without weaknesses and frailties. Such pretence is deceptive, devilish, and dangerous.

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2013 AUGUST WEEK ONE LESSON

STUDY 29

CONFESSION I – FOR DOING WHAT IS FORBIDDEN

Memory Verse: I John 1:8

Main Text: I Samuel 13:8-14

For the next three lessons we shall look at the confession. This is the genuine acceptance of our sins before God and any other person for offences committed against them and thereby bringing some loss, harm or displeasure. It involves the readiness to accept responsibility for the consequences of the offences committed, and the preparedness to suffer the appropriate punishment.

For believers, the basic steps to holiness are ready acceptance of sins when they occur, confession of the sins committed (I John 1:8-9), asking for forgiveness, and a determination not to practice sin (I John 3:7-9). But many of us delight in blame-shifting (Genesis 3:11-13), and at times even deny responsibility for our sins (Genesis 4:8-9). For these reasons confession of sins is painfully overlooked.

 Study Questions

1.    What was wrong with Saul offering the burnt offering and the peace offering?

2.    Which group of people did Saul blame for his action?  I Sam. 13:11-12

3.    How did Saul take responsibility for his action? I Samuel 13:12

4.    What influence did Saul’s attitude have on his future? I Samuel 13:13-14

5.    What do you do when:

·         You are given instructions to follow?

·         You come under pressure to set aside the word of God?

Conclusion

When we fail to admit our faults through confession we prepare ourselves to do worse things in future. For whoever pretends he is infallible only succeeds in forfeiting the grace of God to overcome future temptations. It is far better for us to stand by the Word of God for others to see it as a sign of weakness than to disobey it for God to punish us for being morally weak.

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2013 JULY WEEK THREE LESSON

STUDY 28

FORGIVENESS V – DEALING WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN

Main Text: Luke 5:17-26

Memory Verse: James 5:14-15

This lesson is the final one on our studies on forgiveness. In previous lesson we looked at forgiveness that arises as a result of hatred and wickedness. Today we shall look at the sovereignty of God to forgive sins, and how through forgiveness He deals with the consequences of sin.

Sin affects people in several ways. God disciplines his erring children in ways which include sickness (James 5:14-15); death (I Corinthians 11:28-30); destruction (I Corinthians 5:1-5) shame and pain (II Samuel 12:6-12). Yet his love works out grace for us to receive pardon and restoration. In forgiving sins God expresses his sovereignty as the only righteous judge who has the antidote for sin.

Study Questions

1. What did Jesus see as being wrong with the man? Luke 5:20
2. What did the Scribes and Pharisees see wrong with Jesus’ pronouncement? Luke 5:21
3. What did Jesus imply by pronouncing forgiveness on the sick man? Luke 5:24
4. What does Jesus say of himself to all who are under the power of sin and Satan? Luke 4:16-19
5. How has God demonstrated his readiness to forgive and save all who come to him? II Corinthians 5:21
6. How do you think God will deal with you

·         If you confess sins committed by mistake?

·         If you continue to sin deliberately?

Conclusion

Even though sickness, death, destruction, and pain can be the cause of several factors, we need to examine ourselves always to assure ourselves that we do not carry these loads as a result of personal sins not confessed. God has made adequate provision for the forgiveness and salvation of all who come to him through Jesus Christ.

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2013 JULY WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 27

FORGIVENESS IV – DEALING WITH HATRED AND WICKEDNESS

MAIN TEXTS: Genesis 45: 1-15; 50:15-20

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 8:28

This lesson is part of our studies on forgiveness. In the previous lessons we looked at the necessity for forgiveness due to disobedience, ingratitude, and rebellion. Today we shall look at forgiveness that arises as a result of hatred and wickedness.

If we can learn to accept whatever other people do against us as part of God’s plan for our lives, we can easily forgive them unconditionally (Genesis 45:1-8). The time that people genuinely ask for forgiveness is not the time to recount the evil they did against us; rather it should be a time to soothe their sorrows and heal their wounds (Genesis 50: 19, 21) with words of love.

Study Questions

1.    What did Joseph’s brothers do to him? Genesis 37: 28-34

2.    Why did Joseph forgive his brothers? Genesis 45:4-8

3.    In what practical ways do we show that we have forgiven those who sin against us? Romans 12:17-21

4.    How often should we thank God when others offend us? 1 Peter 4:14-16

5.    To what extent should we love those who maltreat us? Matthew 5:43-48

6.    How does God feel when:

·         You genuinely forgive those who offend you?

·         You fail to forgive those who offend you?

Conclusion

A closer walk with God helps us to know him and to love him as we should. This helps us to know his will for our lives, and to be thankful to him in all things. As his light shines on us we can truly live as the light of the world as we readily forgive those who trespass against us. At the same time we should be careful how we treat other people. Hatred and wickedness should not be found in our hearts.

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2013 JULY WEEK ONE LESSON

STUDY 26

FORGIVENESS III – DEALING WITH REBELLION

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 12:3

MAIN TEXTS: Numbers 16:1-12

Today we shall continue with our studies on forgiveness. In our previous lesson we looked at forgiveness that arises when we treat others with ingratitude. In today’s lesson we shall look at how God is ready to forgive us when we become rebellious, and how we fail to turn to Him for pardon, cleansing and restoration.

Man can at times allow pride and discontentment to lead him astray. Those who are thus deceived receive from God the just punishment. However, God forgives those who humble themselves before him when he reproves them of sin; those who harden their heart forfeit the forgiveness that God provides out of His abundant mercy. (Numbers 16:19-21)

Study Questions

1.    What specific ministry did God commit to the sons of Levi? Numbers 16:8-10

2.    Why did Korah and his colleagues rise against Moses? Numbers 16: 8-10

3.    Who joined Korah in his attack on Moses and Aaron? Numbers 16: 1,2

4.    How did God see the action of Korah and his colleagues? Numbers 16: 23-26

5.    How did Korah and his colleagues forfeit the forgiveness that could have been theirs? Numbers 16: 12-14

6.    How did God punish Korah and his colleagues? Numbers 16:28-33

7.    How can you avoid going the way of Korah?

 

Conclusion

God knows us and has placed us in specific areas in his vineyard. We should guard against pride and discontentment. If we slip into rebellion we should be humble enough to accept correction; for God is ready to forgive his erring but humble children.

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2013 JUNE WEEK FOUR LESSON

STUDY 25

FORGIVENESS II – DEALING WITH INGRATITUDE

Main Text: Genesis 16:1-9

Memory Verse: Genesis 16:9

Today’s lesson is a continuation of study one in which we looked at the destructive nature of the sin of disobedience and the need to seek forgiveness from God when we sin against Him or our fellow humans. However, we shall focus our attention on one of the causes of sin – ingratitude, and how to deal with its consequences.

Man’s ingratitude often results in offences committed against other people. Such offences usually sour existing relationships and sometimes results in enmity. To heal wounds of this nature, it is necessary for parties involved to work towards reconciliation. The offender must be willing to accept their fault and the offended must be willing to forgive as necessary. This necessary step calls for true humility on the part of both parties.

Study Questions

1. Why do you think some people are always ungrateful to others?
2. How did Hagar show ingratitude to Sarai? Gen 16:3,4
3. How did Sarai deal with Hagar’s ingratitude? Gen 16:5,6
4. How do people express their need for forgiveness? Gen 33:1-4
5. How does God deal with broken relationships? Gen 16:9
6. How can you be reconciled to someone with whom you have a grudge?

Conclusion

We should be guided by the love of God to seek after reconciliation with our fellow men. Yet it is only when we allow the love of God to fill us that we can truly forgive those who trespass against us. On the other hand we need humility to admit our faults against others. In this way we prepare ourselves for forgiveness, reconciliation, and meaningful fellowship with God and our fellow humans.

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2013 JUNE WEEK THREE LESSON

STUDY 24

FORGIVENESS I – DEALING WITH DISOBEDIENCE

Main Texts: Genesis 2:15-17; 3: 8-13

Memory Verse: Romans. 3:23

This study looks at the destructive nature of the sin of disobedience and the need to seek forgiveness from God when we sin against Him or our fellow humans. In seeking forgiveness we genuinely accept responsibility for things done or said which have brought any form of pain and displeasure to our fellow humans and ultimately to God.

God is holy and hates sin. He requires those who draw to him in fellowship to share in His righteous nature. Similarly He expects all men to live responsibly in keeping with the purpose for which He created us. Thus though He punishes sin, (Gen 6:5-7) God is also ever seeking to save through forgiveness, all those under the burden of sin (Gen 3:14-15).

Study Questions

1.    How does God expect man to live at peace? Gen 2:16-17

2.    What is sin? Gen 3:11

3.    What does sin do to man’s fellowship with God? Gen 3:8-10

4.    How does sin affect man’s relationship with his fellow humans? Gen 3:12

5.    What is forgiveness? 2 Chronicles 7:14

6.    How can we receive forgiveness of sins? I John 1:8-10

7.    How do you express your need for forgiveness?

Conclusion

God expects us to walk in obedience to His word to maintain constant fellowship with Him. He loves us, and is ever ready to forgive us our sins. But we should not take His love for granted to walk in disobedience. For He will always punish disobedience in keeping with His holiness. Yet when we turn from our wicked ways God restores us to Himself in fellowship. When we genuinely ask for forgiveness He hears us, and guides us to continue to enjoy meaningful fellowship with Him, and with those we might have offended.

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2013 JUNE WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 23

LIVE BY THE WORD

 

Main Text: James 1:19-25

Memory Verse: James 1:22

Introduction

Beyond meditation is the ability and the discipline to obey the word. Listening to the word, reading it, studying it and meditating upon it are all useless if whatever we have leant has not been put into use or practiced. It is in vain to hold a touch light in the dark if you don’t intend using it. The essence of the word lies in how we can apply it to our daily lives.

Study Questions

1.  What are the two main hindrances to the reception of the word, as hinted in James 1:21?
2. How should we receive the word? James 1:21
3. What role does the word play in our salvation? James 1:21
4. How does the Bible describe the person who hears the word but does not live by it? James 1:22-24
5. What will happen if one is able to continue in the word of God? James 1:25
6. Why do Christians find it difficult to live the word of God if it contains so much blessing?
7. What will be your attitude towards God’s word from now?

Conclusion

Some of us, especially leaders in the church and Bible studies leaders are eager to study the word to go and teach others. It is good but the most important thing is for you to apply it to your life first before teaching others (Read Ezra 7:10). Ezra prepared his heart to; (1) seek the law of the Lord, (2) do what is written in the law and (3) teach Israel to follow his example. All Christians are expected to be examples onto the world.

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