2015 NOVEMBER WEEK FIVE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 29, 2015.

WEEK 48

WHY ARE WE NOT PREACHING THE GOSPEL?

Main Text: Jonah 1:1-3; 4:1-3

Memory Verse: 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.

Introduction

Though we know many reasons why we should share the gospel, unfortunately, however, many people do not share the Gospel. We give many excuses for not witnessing about Jesus. Jonah is an example of a man who was given the Gospel but refused to share it. When he repented, God spared his life so he could go and witness.  May his life challenge us to rise from our “slumber” and go out to share the good news of Jesus Christ. You can pause and ask yourself, “when was the when was the last time I shared Christ with somebody”? What excuses are you giving?

Discussion Questions

1. Who was Jonah and what was the message he was given?

2. How is the wickedness of Nineveh similar to our world? Verse 2

3. Why did Jonah decide not to go to Nineveh? 4: 2-3

4. What excuses do we give for not responding to God’s call to witness?

5. What are the consequences of refusing to share the gospel? Ez. 3:17-21; Mark 8:38; Daniel 12:3.

6. How is the kingdom of God affected by your refusal to share the Gospel?

Conclusion

Jonah’s decision to flee instead of sharing the gospel affected so many people. The implication of neglecting to evangelize includes; the loss and waste of ripened harvest, requirement of sinners’ blood from negligent soul winners, loss of soul winners’ reward, spiritual decline and stunted growth of the local churches, and delay in answer to prayer. Every believer must therefore wake up to this great responsibility of sharing the Gospel. NO EXCUSES.

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NNAWƆTWE A ƐTƆ SO NAN OBUBUO 2015

NNAWƆTWE 47 – ƐDEƐN NA ƐWƆ ASƐMPA NO MU?

Twerεsεm Titire: 1 Korintofoɔ 15 :1-4
Sua Go Wo Tirim: 1 Korintofoɔ 15:3

NNIANIMU
Asεm baako a agyedifoɔɔ de yiyi wɔn ho ano  sε wɔntumi nka asεmpa no  ne sε, “Mennim deε εsε sε meka.” Kasafua “Gospel” aseε ne asεmpa. Yei nkyerεaseε pefee ne bɔnefakyε a εnam Yesu  Kristo mpatawuo so ba. Ɛyε Onyankopɔn nhyehyεeεε pa a Ɔnam so regye wɔn a wɔde wɔn werε bεhyε ne ba a Ɔwoo no koro no mu sεdeε εbεyε a ɔne Onyankopɔn a Ɔyε pε na Ɔyε kronkron bεnya nkakom. Twerε Kronkron da nnoɔma pa a εwɔ saa nkwagyeε asεm yi mu adi pefee kyerε yεn. Nsεm titire a εwɔ asεmpa no mu ne onipa bɔnesu, ɔgyeε a εnam Onyankopɔn ba Yesu Kristo wuo ne ne wusɔreε so ba, nsa a wato nsa afrε wɔn a wɔgye di nyinaa εne daa nkwa ho bɔhyε. (Yohane 3:16)

NSUSUHO
1. Nnipa a wɔnni Kristo no gyinabea te sεn? (Rom 3:23)
2. Asotwe bεn na εwɔ hɔ ma wɔn a wɔnnye Kristo nnie? (Rom 6:3)
3. Ɛdeεn na εkanyan Yesu maa ɔbaa asase yi so? (Yoh 3:16)
4. Deεbεn na Yesu yε ma yεn wɔ yεn bɔne ho. (1Kor 15:3)
5. Ɛdeεn na εma Yesu di mu sε ɔbεwu ama yεn bɔne? ( 1 Pet 2:21-24)
6. Ɛdeεn na εtoo Yesu nansa akyire no? (1 Kor 15:4)
7. Ɛdeεn na nipa nyinaa nyε ansa na wɔagye wɔn nkwa. ( Yoh 1:12; 3:16, Asamafo 16:32)

AWIEEƐ
Sε obi bεnya nkwa a, εsε sε ɔgye to mu sε ɔyε ɔdebɔneyεni na ɔntumi nnye ne ho, ɔgye to mu sε Yesu wuu wɔ asεnnua no so na ɔpae mu ka sε Yesu yε n’Awurade ne n’Agyenkwa berε a ɔto ne nsa ferε Yesu sε ɔmmεtena n’akoma mu. Yei ne asεm a εsε sε yεde kɔ wiase de kɔma nnipa nyinaa. Ɛnyε asεm a εyε den na mmom εyε asεm a εmu da hɔ. Yesu ahyε wo bɔ sε Ɔbεka wo ho asεmpa ka yi mu. Wonyε ankonam.

2015 NOVEMBER WEEK FOUR LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 22, 2015.

WEEK 47

WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL?

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Memory Verse: John 14:6 “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me”

Introduction

One of the excuses believers give for not sharing the gospel is “I don’t know what to say”. The word “gospel” means good news, and it is best defined as the message of forgiveness of sin through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is essentially God’s rescue plan of redemption for those who will trust in His divine Son in order to be reconciled to a just and holy God. The essential content of this saving message is clearly laid out for us in the Bible. Essentially, the Gospel message is made up of Man’s sinfulness, God’s redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the free invitation to all who believe and the promise of eternal life (John 3:16).

Discussion Questions

1. What is the condition of all people? Rom. 3:23

2. What is the punishment for our sins? Rom. 6:23

3. What motivated Jesus’ coming to earth? John 3:16

4. What did Jesus do for us with respect to our sins? Verse 3

5. What qualified Jesus to die for us? 1 Peter 2:21-24

6. What happened to Jesus after three days? Verse 4

7. What must ALL do to be saved? John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 16:31

Conclusion

To be saved, one must Admit that he is a sinner, Believe that Jesus died on the Cross and Confess Jesus as Lord and Savior by inviting Jesus into the heart. This is the message we are to send to the world and to all people. It is not a complex message but a simple one. Jesus has promised to be with you in the presentation of this Gospel. You are not alone.

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2015 NOVEMBER WEEK THREE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 15, 2015.

WEEK 46

STEWARDS OF THE GOSPEL – Why Should We Evangelize?

Main Text: Matt 28:18-20

Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 4:1 “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God”

Introduction

From today’s reading, it is obvious that the Lord Jesus deliberately committed the preaching of the gospel and the discipling of nations to his followers. Therefore every believer by the nature of his calling is a steward of the gospel. Every other Christian activity should be driven by this duty to reach every person with the gospel of Jesus. Being a steward of the gospel denotes, experiencing the new birth for oneself, living the Christ like life, understanding the message of Jesus Christ and seeking at every opportunity to spread that message.

Discussion questions

1. What is the gospel?

2. From today’s text, what did the Lord charge his disciples to do? Matt 28:19

3. Who are stewards of the mysteries of God? 1 Cor 4:1 Discuss

4. What does it mean to walk worthy of the gospel? Eph. 4:25-32

5. How many souls have you won for Christ this year?

Conclusion

Being a steward of the Gospel means that God has made us an exhibition of what the Gospel can do in transforming lives. As a result, we should live the gospel in our homes, workplaces, in our marriages and everywhere we go. The fragrance of the gospel should be felt around us to draw souls into the Kingdom.

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2015 NOVEMBER WEEK TWO LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 8, 2015.

WEEK 45

QUALITIES OF A STEWARD – Faithfulness

Main Text: Matthew 24:3-14, 36-50

Memory Verse: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV).

Introduction

There are good stewards and there are also bad stewards. To be a good steward is a requirement for every Christian. What distinguish them are the qualities that they demonstrate. One of the qualities of a good steward is faithfulness. God has entrusted us with life, positions, children, opportunities, time, business, health and spiritual gifts. This list could go on and on. God expects us to be good care- takers of all the resources he has given. One ingredient we need to handle these resources is faithfulness. To be faithful means being loyal and holding on to the teaching and practices of the master no matter the circumstances. The love of money, the desire of material possession and lust are deeds of unfaithfulness.

Discussion Questions

1. What is faithfulness? Verse 13

2. How would you know that one is faithful?

3. What are the deeds of unfaithfulness? Verse 10

4. What are the current threats to our faithfulness? Verses: 4-7, 9.

5. What is the ultimate reward of being faithful? Verse: 13.

6. How can you remain faithful?

Conclusion

God desires that we remain faithful stewards unto the end. The Bible clearly indicates that in the last days many believers will turn away from the faith. It means that, some stewards would be found wanting on the Day of Judgment. Our faithfulness must impart others in our community, the assembly where we worship and at our place of work. When we are faithful we do not only please our Lord but even the people around us as well. Being faithful does not mean one does not sin. Rather as faithful stewards, we accept your sin, confess it and repent. A faithful steward is faithful in all he/she does; faithful in tithing, in giving, in paying debt, in handling money and in relationship.

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2015 NOVEMBER WEEK ONE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 1, 2015.

WEEK 44

LORD’S SUPPER DAY

There is no study outline provided for today. The day could be free or the District/Local could introduce any study that is relevant and peculiar to them.

2015 OCTOBER WEEK FOUR LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 25, 2015.

WEEK 43

QUALITIES OF A STEWARD – Preparedness

Main Text: Matthew 25:1-13

Memory Verse: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13” (NIV)

Introduction

The parable of the ten virgins indicates that all the ten virgins were aware of the coming of the bridegroom, all did not know the specific time and all were waiting patiently for the coming of the bridegroom. The major difference is that five were waiting in readiness and made preparation in case the bridegroom delayed. While the other five were not adequately prepared for any delay. Many Christians can be caught up in this scenario. You may be involved in doing things for the Church, but how ready you are is more important. Readiness means staying in Christ, living a daily righteous life. Paul encourages us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Salvation should not be taken for granted. Living in readiness is demonstrating through your life that Christ will come in a twinkling of the eye for those who truly abide in him.

Discussion Questions

1. What is your understanding of living in readiness?

2. Why were the five foolish virgins shut outside? Verses: 7-10

3. What happens to people who are not ready for the coming of the bride? Verses: 11-12, 30

4. What shows that the five wise virgins were ready and how can we apply that to our lives? Verses: 7-10

5. How can we keep watch for the coming of our Lord for His saints?

Conclusion

We don’t have the power to postpone the coming of our Lord for His saints; neither do we have the technology to determine his specific date of coming. One thing we have the means to do, is to keep watch, avoid living a double life and be always ready for His coming.

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2015 OCTOBER WEEK THREE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 18, 2015.

WEEK 42

THE QUALITIES OF A STEWARD – Having An Abiding Faith

Main Text: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Memory Verse:” But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 20 (NIV)

Introduction

As stewards of the Lord we need to have an abiding and deep faith in the teachings and practices of the Master. Then we would be able to follow him steadfastly and not be tossed by any kind of doctrine. Gifts can be transferred but as stewards, it is our responsibility to develop strong faith in the Lord. No one can transfer that to us. There is the need to develop our individual spiritual life. A good steward must be rooted in the faith. Having an abiding and strong faith makes us productive.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you understand by having an abiding and strong faith?

2. Why should a good steward have an abiding and strong faith? Verse 10

3. How does a good steward develop deep faith?

4. What is the benefit of having an abiding and strong faith? Verse 11.

5. Are there circumstances in life that makes believers not to have strong faith?

Conclusion

The Bible warns us that in the last days there will be scoffers, deceivers and false prophets and above all the love of many disciples shall wax cold. It is therefore imperative that we have an abiding and strong faith to overcome temptations. To have an abiding and strong faith means know Christ through consistent personal, Bible study, reading of and meditation on the word of God and Prayer life. It is through these activities that we can also develop our faith in the Lord.

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2015 OCTOBER WEEK TWO LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 11, 2015.

WEEK 41

SLANDER

Main Text: 2 Sam 16: 1-6, 19: 24 – 30

Memory Verse: Leviticus 19:16 – Do not go about spreading slander among your people.

Introduction

The word “Slander” is mentioned more than forty (40) times in the Bible. Slander means to say something false and malicious about somebody with the intention to damage his reputation. In Matt. 15:19, it is listed among the vices that proceed from a man’s heart and makes him unclean. The slanderous word may be true of the person like a past sin or weakness in his life, but it is still slander because the intention is to deliberately harm the person and damage his reputation. In today’s reading, Ziba, a crooked character slanders his master Mephibosheth because he wanted to have favour with David. He lied and presented his master in very bad light. Slander is an especially ugly sin because the victim is usually not there to defend himself or herself. When we slander people, we seek to make others hate, isolate, or punish them as people unfit for respect or recognition. In Chapter 19, David returned to Jerusalem and found out the truth about Ziba’s wicked schemes. Let’s study together.

Discussion Questions

1. What is slander?

2. Who was Mephibosheth? Who was Ziba? 2 Sam 9: 1-6

3. What did Ziba tell David about Mephibosheth? 2 Sam 16:1-3.

4. What did Ziba get from his lies? 2 Sam 16:4

5. What was the proof of Mephibosheth’s loyalty to David? 2 Sam 19:24

6. Have you ever been slandered by, or slander somebody before? What happened?

7. How can we free ourselves from the spirit of slander? Ex. 23: 1-3, Prov. 6: 1

Conclusion

The scripture has much to say about slander. In the Psalms, David is distressed by those who slander him, (Ps. 31:13, 38:20, 41:6, 54:5). Slander does to the spirit what a murderer’s sword does to the body. The slanderer can concoct any story and spread it without the victim being aware. When we are tempted to malign somebody, we should remember the Lord’s Golden rule, “Do unto others as you want them do to you”. Slander is akin to false accusations and Satan is the accuser of the brethren. Let us not join him.

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2015 OCTOBER WEEK ONE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 4, 2015.

WEEK 40

LORD’S SUPPER DAY

There is no study outline provided for today. The day could be free or the District/Local could introduce any study that is relevant and peculiar to them.

2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK FOUR LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015.

WEEK 39

HEALTHY LIVING (II)

Main Text: Acts 27:33-38

Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come”.

Introduction

For many Christians, practising a healthy lifestyle seems more difficult than doing ‘spiritual things’. Many Christians do not spend enough time to check on their health. For some circumstances such as jobs, frequent travels among others force them to eat and even sleep on the go. As much as the soul and the spirit prosper, the body must also prosper. The body prospers when we take good care of it and make sure it gets the best of fresh air, quality food and potable water.

Discussion Questions

1. For how many days did the sailors go without food and why? Acts 27:33

2. Why did Paul urge the sailor’s to eat? Acts 27:34

3. What do you make of the statement “eat to live don’t live to eat”?

4. What bad health practices should be avoided?

5. What healthy practices should be encouraged?

6. What practical healthy living practices /lessons have you learnt?

Conclusion

Your body is the container of your spirit and soul when it is affected, the spirit will also be affected. As much as possible try to eat organic foods, avoid refined foods and be moderate on fatty foods. Avoid environments that are devoid of fresh air. Stuffy rooms are not good for your health. Moderate bodily exercise is profitable. It helps to keep you physically fit. It could be in the form of walking, jumping, jogging, or other less rigorous exercises. It is recommended that you allow an interval of about three hours between your supper and the time you go to bed. It is recommended that you go to bed between 9 and 10 pm. It is said that every hour of sleep gained before midnight is worth two hours of sleep after midnight. Sunlight is good for your body. It could reduce the risk of breast cancer and decrease blood pressure. It is recommended that you take between 7 and 8 glasses of water daily. Grieves, bitterness, anger and malice are not good for your health. Remember that you have direct control of almost every aspect of your body, so make sure it does not suffer from neglect.

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2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK THREE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015.

WEEK 38

HEALTHY LIVING (I)

Main Text: 1 Samuel 4:12-18

Memory Verse: I Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own”

Introduction

Healthy living is making a conscious effort to ensure that, one’s body remains strong and vigorous enough for all the days God has given him or her. Fitness, well-being, strength and vigour are other words, for health. To be healthy means to be physically fit, well, strong, vigorous and hale and hearty. Man is a tripartite being. He has a soul, spirit and body. Many people including Christians tend to focus more on the development of the soul and the spirit to the detriment of the body. We must not take care of one and neglect the other. Our memory verse says; our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Paul prayed for not only our spirit and soul but also our bodies to be sanctified. It is pertinent that we cultivate the habit of healthy living.

Discussion Questions

1. Why should we take care of our body? 1Corinthians 6:19

2. What was Eli doing when the Benjamite arrived? 1Samuel 4:13

3. Is physical exercise important for the Christian? Explain your answer.

4. What happened to Eli when he heard about the ark of God? 1 Samuel 4:18

5. Why did he go through that experience? 1 Samuel 4:18

6. Can poor health affect a Christian’s life?

Conclusion

Eli, though was an aged man (98 years) could have lived longer if he had lived a healthy life. We learn from the study that he was old and heavy. This presupposes that he was a man of very little physical activity. Smokers are liable to die young so avoid smoking like you would avoid a plague. Overeating will result to overweight which may in turn lead to early death; beware! Indiscriminate use of drugs will damage your system and could end your life abruptly. Premarital intimacy between boys and girls is dangerous and deadly; it wrecks spiritually and may earn one with the deadly HIV. Avoid eating junk food and any food short of balanced diet. Remember your spirit and soul live in your body, so take good care of your body.

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2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK TWO LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015.

WEEK 37

STEWARDS OF OUR BODIES (II)

Main Text: 1 Cor 6:19-20

Memory Verse: “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer them to God” Romans 6:13

Introduction

A steward has been described as an official who controls the affairs of a household-supervising and directing the staff, and regulating the expenditure of the household. However, the Bible indicates that, we as Christians have been made stewards of much more than just households. God has made us stewards and caretakers of our bodies. Today’s text teaches that our physical bodies belong to God, and He expects us to take good care of them.

Discussion Questions

1. According to the text, what is the purpose of the body? 1 Cor 6:20

2. Who do our bodies belong to? 1 Cor 6:19

3. Why should we honour God with our bodies? 1 Cor 6:20

4. In what ways can you take care of your body?

5. “Do not offer your bodies as instruments of wickedness” Rom 6:13. Explain

Conclusion

Our physical bodies are God’s gift to us to be the dwelling place of His Spirit. Our responsibility is to take good care of the body through exercise, good eating habits and clean sexual behaviour. Any activity that leaves our bodies less physically fit, less mentally alert and less morally sensitive cannot be good for us.

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2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK ONE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015.

WEEK 36

LORD’S SUPPER DAY

There is no study outline provided for today. The day could be free or the District/Local could introduce any study that is relevant and peculiar to them.

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2015 AUGUST WEEK FIVE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 30, 2015.

WEEK 35

STEWARDS OF OUR BODIES (I)

Main text: Romans 1:18-27

Memory Verse: Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship” (NIV)

Introduction

Our bodies belong to the Lord, thus we are to take care of our bodies for the Lord. The Christian therefore needs to give himself to the Lord before giving all other things such as talents, gifts, money and home. Since the body is God’s, we are entreated to present it to God as a living sacrifice as stated in our memory verse. In a postmodern world, even truth has become relative. People use their bodies for all kinds of vices. In our study today, we will look at how we can be good stewards of our bodies and not exchange it for evil desires.

Discussion questions

1. How is the truth of God suppressed? Rom 1:18

2. How can people who know God have their hearts darkened? Rom 1:21

3. What happens to those who exchange the glory of God for images? Rom 1:24

4. How do people abuse their bodies? Rom 1:26-27

5. In which ways do people abuse their bodies?

6. What should people do to become good stewards of their bodies?

Conclusion

One of the greatest hindrances to God’s work is the failure of Christians to avail themselves as ready vessels. Some do not take good care of their bodies and therefore are not healthy while others suffer from physical weakness. For this reason, they do not fit into tasks that call for healthy workers. Other things like personal hygiene, what and how we eat show how we serve as good stewards of our bodies. As good stewards of our bodies, we should refrain from back-biting, slander, cursing and raining insults on people especially our children. The same goes with what we look at, and what we do with our bodies. Job said in Job 31:1: “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl” (NIV). We must make a covenant with our bodies not to abuse them through sexual immorality, gluttony and stress.

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2015 AUGUST WEEK FOUR LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 23, 2015.

WEEK 34

THE RIGHT WAY OF PRE-MARITAL RELATIONSHIP

Main Text: Genesis 24

Memory verse: Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Introduction

Today’s passage describes how Eliezer, the servant of Abraham got a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son. Though the context is not very common today, the principles are good for our study. The intention of God for creating Adam and Eve was for them to keep the earth and be a companion for each other. They were also to give birth so there would always be people on earth. Again, they were to instruct their children about the will of God and remind them of God’s instruction. Relationships that are intended to lead to marriage must have this focus and prospective couples must strive towards this. The time for premarital relationship is not therefore for sexual exploitation but for prayer and planning. This is to ensure that the couple can fulfil the primary will of God in future generations.

Discussion Questions

1. As a Christian how do you understand verses 3-4 concerning who to marry?

2. What lessons do you learn from Eliezer? Verse 12-14, 26-27

3. What qualities did Rebecca portray in the passage? Verse 15-20,

4. How does the family of Rebecca get involved in the pre-marital arrangements?

5. How does Isaac become an example to young people today? Verse 62.

6. What dangers must be avoided during pre-marital relationship?

7. From the discussions, what have you learnt about the right way of pre-marital relationship?

Conclusion

Pre-marital relationship is a period of praying, planning and preparing actively to enter into marriage. In the passage above, we see the role of Abraham ensuring that his son did marry from his own relatives because the Canaanites were idol worshippers. In our case as Christians, it’s not about tribe but Faith. Is the person a Christian? We see good virtues from Rebecca like diligence, respect and chastity among others. We also learn that Isaac was meditating in prayer while a wife was being sought for him. Today, depending on the culture, one’s level of maturity, financial ability and legal issues, the age to enter into pre-marital relationship may vary from place to place. People may enter into premarital relationship when they are mature to marry and the relationship must be within an appreciable time – not too short and not too long. Some of the dangers associated with prolonged pre-marital relationship are: pre-marital sex that leads to unwanted pregnancies, change of minds, broken hearts, among others. Avoid being alone in dark places, kissing, and anything that has the potential of leading you into sexual sin. Commit yourself to prayer and make pleasing God a priority not neglecting proper planning for the future.

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2015 AUGUST WEEK THREE LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 16, 2015.

WEEK 33

DANGERS OF PREMARITAL SEX

Main Text: 2 Samuel 13:1-15

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body”

Introduction

Sex is a great gift from God to mankind. It is a gift that brings psychological, social, emotional, spiritual and health satisfaction when it is between the right people. However, sex could be devastating, bringing conflicts ruining families when it takes place outside marriage. Sex has been abused in all places for many generations now. Any sex between people who are not married either by the consent of the two or even the families is premarital sex and is against the ideals of God as spelt out in Scripture. It is wrong for a man and a woman to engage in sex when they have not been bonded in a marriage that is culturally acceptable in the light of scripture. In today’s passage, we will learn about the dangers of pre-marital sex.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did Amnon pretend he was sick? Verse 2, 5

2. Who encouraged Amnon to do what he did? Verse 3-5.

3. According to Tamar what will be the consequence of Amnon’s action? Verse 11-13

4. Could Amnon have had Tamar for a wife if he had controlled himself? Verse 13

5. What was the outcome of Amnon’s illicit sex with his half-sister? Verse 14-15

6. What lessons can you learn from the passage?

Conclusion

Amnon claimed he was in love with his half-sister and pretended he was sick just to lure her into sex even against her wish. Amnon could have exercised self-control and married Tarmar before sleeping with her. His rush to have sex with her made him hate and despise her. When people claim they are in love and want sex before marriage, they may end up losing respect and trust for each other and a lot of such relationships do not last. When we claim we are in love, then like Jacob, we must have the patience to wait no matter how long it takes.

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2015 AUGUST WEEK TWO LESSON

SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 9, 2015.

WEEK 32

MEDIA PRE-MARITAL RELATIONSHIP

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Memory Verse: Prov. 14: 12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.”

Introduction

The media is defining a new form and understanding of pre-marital relationship for this present generation. This media model comes with a moral code that is not only alien and unacceptable to the Bible but also to the cherished indigenous cultures of the world. In most Western movies, Mexican Soap Operas / Telenovela’s and in recent time African movies, sex has been popularized and almost all characters that depict pre-marital relationship are not without sexual connotations. Therefore, pre-marital relationship has been portrayed as a period of sexual exploration and exploitation, instead of a period of prayer and planning. Christians should not be guided by what the media present but by what the Bible says as expressed in the previous lessons.

Discussion Questions

1. What does Paul tell us about the purpose of our bodies? Verse 13b

2. What do you learn about from verses 15 and 19?

3. According to verse 16 what happens when someone engages in sexual act?

4. From verses 18 and 20b, what commandments are given to Christians?

5. Why do you think that it is not advisable to learn from the “sex-driven” movies?

6. Can you share any example of sexually-driven premarital relationship and the consequences?

7. Why must we stay out of sex during pre-marital relationship?

Conclusion

What we watch in movies and on other media platforms especially about sex in pre-marital relationship is neither biblical nor culturally acceptable in most of the world’s indigenous societies. Movie makers and stars are in for money and would do anything that will attract the attention of the youth. Though movies may portray successful marriages that have grown out of sex-driven courtship, the stories are never real but fictitious. Sex during courtship destroys trust for each other and increases the tendency for couples to be suspicious of one another. It again, takes away the presence and blessings of God.

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