COP 2017 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 38

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 38 – SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017.

CHILDREN’S WEEK

TOPIC: JESUS, STILL FRIEND OF CHILDREN

Main Text: Matthew 19:13-15

Memory Verse: Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. - Psalm 127:3

Introduction

As we celebrate Children’s Week, it is important to emphasize again the Lord’s deep love for children and their welfare. When the disciples wanted to drive the children away, the Lord wanted them on centre stage. As our world gets more depraved, children are made to bear the brunt of societal evils. The list of wrongs perpetrated against children is endless; physical abuse, sexual abuse, child trafficking and child labour. Children are recruited to fight in wars. Street children have become a common feature in most cities of the world with the attendant vices of drug abuse, robberies, and prostitution, among others. As individuals, families, Churches, corporate entities and governments, we all need to work harder to champion the welfare of children.

Questions for Discussion

1. Why did the parents bring their children to Jesus? Verse 13

2. What did the disciples do? Verse 13

3. What will happen to those who cause children to sin? Matthew 18:6

4. Mention some social evils perpetrated against children.

5. As individuals and communities, how can we help to eradicate these evils from our society?

Conclusion

It is important to bring children to Jesus as the parents did and commit them to the grace of God. Jesus declares that children also belong to the kingdom of God. Therefore, it is the duty of believing parents to nurture their children and inculcate in them the values of the kingdom of God. Parents are trustees of their children’s will and are empowered by God to guide and direct them. We see in our neighbourhoods, schools and streets children suffering all kinds of abuse silently. Let us be their voice and shout it loud from the mountain tops anytime we encounter a child subjected to any form of abuse. Jesus strongly warns of consequences for those who cause children to sin. In the same vein, those who bless children shall receive rewards from the Lord (Matt 18:5).

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 38 – SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017.

TOPIC: THE ROLE OF CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY

Main Text: Ephesians 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord - Colossians 3:20

Introduction

Fathers and mothers have divine responsibilities to raise their children in the fear of the Lord and care for them. Children also have the responsibility to respect and obey their parents in the Lord. This is pleasing to the Lord. Children who want God to be pleased with them have no other choice but to submit to and obey their parents in the Lord. Today’s study focuses on the role of children in the Christian family and how their obedience could be good examples to other children.

Questions for Discussion

1. What is the first command with a promise? Verse 2

2. What benefits do children derive when they obey and honour their parents? Verse 3

3. Mention some practical things children can do to demonstrate their obedience and respect for parents.

4. How can children who are Christians be good examples to others?

Conclusion

Parents have already gone through the stages of life which children are now struggling to walk through. The successes and failures of parents are indispensable experiences for training their children in the Lord. In view of this, children are expected to take instructions from their parents about life and godliness. They are also expected to take part in household chores, run errands and seek direction from their parents. Further, they are not to compare themselves to others or wrongly copy bad behaviours from the television and the internet. Since they are young, sometimes what appeals to them may not be right in the sight of the Lord. The Bible makes it clear that when children obey their parents, it will go well with them and they will also enjoy long life.

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 38 (Sunday 17^th September to Saturday 23^rd September, 2017)    

1. Sunday:          Hosea 1-4       
2. Monday:         Hosea 5-9       
3. Tuesday:        Hosea 10-14
4. Wednesday:   Joel 1-3
5. Thursday:      Amos 1-3
6. Friday:           Amos 4-6
7. Saturday:       Amos 7-9

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