SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS

Transcription

1 THE CHURCH OF GOD SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS 4 th QUARTER October, November, December

2 JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE Lesson 1 For week ending October 1, 2016 The most basic of all experiential teaching of the Bible is the doctrine of justification by faith alone. It is only by our unreserved faith in the atonement for our sins that was made through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we receive justification, the imputed righteousness of Christ whereby we have a right relationship with the Eternal God. KEY TEXT: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand... (Romans 5:1,2a). 1. There is a basic problem that we all share with every human being who has ever lived. That is that we all have sinned and therefore are worthy of death and eternal separation from God. Discuss this scriptural certainty from Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23 and Psalms 51:5. 2. In that most ancient of books of the Bible, Job was moved to ask the question whether it is possible for man to be justified before God. Consider this abiding question of the ancient patriarchs (Job 9:2; 25:4). 3. The Law of Moses was given by God as a means of revealing sin to His people; however, it did not have the ability to bring justification because it could not change the heart of man. Evaluate the effect of the Law as you read Hebrews 10:1; Galatians 3:8-14,24,25; and Romans 3:27, Since the Law revealed sin and made all the world guilty, there had to be a solution to the human dilemma of separation through sin from the presence and fellowship of God. Analyze this solution as you read Romans 3: What is meant by the fact that the righteousness of God apart from the law is witnessed by the Law and prophets? 5. God made provision for us to receive His righteousness through our faith (Romans 5:8,9; II Corinthians 5:21). Consider the implications of the teaching that God s righteousness is imputed to us for our faith (Romans 4:3-5; Galatians 3:6). 6. Confirm the truth that both the death and resurrection of Jesus purchased and sealed our redemption (Romans 4:25; I Corinthians 15:17-20). Page -1-

3 THE JOY OF WORSHIPING GOD Lesson 2 For week ending October 8, 2016 When we consider that the primary purpose for which man was created in the beginning was to praise and worship Yahweh, the Creator, we begin to understand the great responsibility that we have to equip ourselves to become more skilled in offering the kinds of praise and worship that please the Father and bring His favor. KEY TEXT: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him (John 4:23). 1. Psalms 95:1-3,6 contains an excellent outline for the means and attitude of worship. Analyze this passage of scripture and discuss the following: singing, joyful noise, thanksgiving, psalms, worship, bow down, and kneel. 2. The formula which Jesus gave for true worship is worship in Spirit and in truth. Analyze this formula and show how worship that lacks the Holy Spirit is ineffective (Revelation 3:15,16; Romans 12:11). Notice the word fervent means to boil. 3. Worship that is not grounded in scriptural authenticity becomes vain. Expand upon this as you read Matthew 15:8,9. 4. The meaning of the words for worship can help us understand the proper attitude of worship. Shachah (Hebrew) and proskunetes (Greek) both mean to bow one s self down, to fall down flat, to prostrate oneself in homage to. Evaluate the importance of reverence in worship (Revelations 7:9-12). 5. The system which God designed for man to worship Him is Judaism, which means a system of praise. Discuss the New Testament motive and method for observing this system in the light of Acts 24:14. Through Jesus Christ, no longer is our worship motivated by fear and the devotion to ritualism but rather by voluntary spiritual worship (I Peter 2:5). 6. Outline some of the means which we can employ in worshiping God and discuss the ways in which He reciprocates His blessings upon us through the Spirit (Psalms 150:1-6; Ephesians 5:18-20). Page -2-

4 "THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES Lesson 3 For week ending October 15, 2016 th Tabernacles is the 7 and final feast given to Israel by God. It is the most joyful and festive of all Israel's feasts, as it came at harvest time, when the hearts of the people were naturally glad! The joyous nature of this feast takes on new symbolism when we compare it with the Second Coming of Christ, and the ingathering of the saints that will take place. What a feast that will be! KEY TEXT: "And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labors, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field" (Exodus 23:16). 1. In Leviticus 23:34-44 the observance of Tabernacles is detailed. One of the primary purposes of this feast was to rejoice after the harvest was reaped (vs 39-41). We could refer to it as the Thanksgiving of the Bible. The Israelites were also commanded to dwell in booths as a reminder of their sojourn from Egypt to Israel. 2. The Church of God believes that Tabernacles is significant in Bible history because of the great events that occurred during this feast time. Consider the following examples: a.) Noah's Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4); b.) the dedication of Solomon's Temple (I Kings 8:2); and c.) the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1 :5,23,36; Isaiah 9:3,6). 3. In Jesus the Messiah, we see the fulfillment of Tabernacles: Jesus, who is very God, tabernacled among men. Read John 1:14 and discuss the importance of Jesus' birth during this feast. 4. Consider what Jesus did at the Feast during the ceremony of the water drawing: As water was brought in a golden flask from the Fountain of Siloam and poured into the basin near the altar, Jesus stood and cried (John 7:37-39). Discuss how the feasts of the Lord stay relevant regardless of time. 5. Joy of the Harvest is the theme of Tabernacles (Isaiah 12:1-6). Discuss the harvest of souls that will be gathered in during this time (Matthew 13:36-43). There is a future celebration of Tabernacles for the saints of God to look forward to described in the New Testament (Revelation 21:3-7). And, according to Zechariah 14:16-21, the Feast of Tabernacles will one day be observed by all nations during the Millennial Reign of Jesus upon this earth. Page -3-

5 PROPHECY AND THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST Lesson 4 For week ending October 22, 2016 One of the exciting things about prophecy as it pertains to Jesus Christ is that the same prophets that prophesied of His first coming also prophesied of His return. The fact that Jesus so precisely fulfilled every prophecy that was written of His first coming is confirmation to us that He will also fulfill the prophecies concerning His return to earth. KEY TEXT: Behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days...and there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13,14). 1. There are many dual prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. In His first coming, He came as a servant to be the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. When He returns, it will be to triumph over all His enemies as King of kings and Lord of lords. Discuss this dual nature of the Messiah as you read Isaiah 9:6,7. 2. Christ Himself brought our attention to that dual coming when He read from a prophecy found in Isaiah 61:1-2. This account is found in Luke 4: Jesus leaves off reading this passage in the middle of Isaiah 61:2. The first half of the scripture deals with the first coming of the Messiah in which He would show signs to Israel. The second part of this verse,"and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn" deals with His second coming. 3. One of the lessons we can learn from Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah is that God s Word is true. Consider this as you read II Peter 3:9,10. What did Jesus say about the fulfillment of God s Word (Matthew 5:18)? 4. Consider some of the prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled by the Messiah when He comes again: [1] He is coming with His saints to execute judgment (Daniel 7:21,22; Jude 14,15), [2] He is coming back to be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:1-9), [3] He is coming to judge the world in righteousness (Psalms 9:1-8), and [4] He will rule with His bride on this earth for a thousand years (Isaiah 11:1-9; Revelation 20:1-4). Just as surely as Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of His first coming He will return to fulfill those concerning His coming again! Page -4-

6 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL JEW AND GENTILE Lesson 5 For week ending October 29, 2016 There are many allegories and types and shadows recorded in the events and circumstances of the Old Testament that help us to understand divine truths about the Dispensation of Grace. One of these is the blessings that God pronounced upon the seed of Abraham, both Isaac and Ishmael, which reveal to us God's far-reaching blessings upon both Jew and Gentile. KEY TEXT: "And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 26:4). 1. In the eyes of God there are only two kinds of people on the earth: Jews and the Gentiles. The Jewish nation is made up of the children of Abraham through Isaac. All the rest of the peoples of the world are the Gentiles. Consider this truth in the light of Romans 9: God promised to Abraham that all nations of the world would be blessed through him (Galatians 3:8). The way in which all the nations of the world would be blessed in Abraham would be through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:29). 2. The manner in which the blessing of God upon Abraham would be transferred to all nations through Christ is revealed in allegory in Isaac and Ishmael. Discuss God's revelation of spiritual truths through allegories and types and shadows of the Old Testament (Galatians 4:24; Hebrews 10:1). The blessing of God upon Isaac was symbolic of His blessing upon the Jewish people who would accept the true Isaac, Jesus. Confirm the fact that the true seed of Isaac are believers in Christ (Romans 9:7,8). 3. The other blessing of God upon the seed of Abraham was upon Ishmael, the progenitor of the Arab peoples. Study Genesis 17: What is meant by the statement that Ishmael might live before thee"? Isaac, through Jacob, fathered twelve sons the 12 Tribes of Israel. This reveals Jesus and the Twelve Apostles of the Early Church. What is the revelation in Ishmael and his twelve princes (Genesis 25:13-16)? 4. Isaac and Ishmael reveal the Jewish and Gentile churches. What is the proper relationship between Jew and Gentile today (Romans 11:11,31)? In the true Isaac--Jesus Christ, the Seed of God both Jew and Gentile are called; however, the prophetic work which God would do among Jew and Gentile is allegorized in the natural seed of Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael, and the blessings God pronounced upon them. According to Galatians 6:15,16, who is God s Israel today? Page -5-

7 THE BLESSING OF THE PURE IN HEART Lesson 6 For week ending November 5, 2016 In a world that is full of contamination and pollution, pureness of heart is an attribute that comes from God which stands out like a beacon piercing the darkness. Purity of motive, purity of thought, purity of action all these are qualities to which all Christians should aspire by seeking the Lord to cleanse us. By His grace, all these impurities can be removed that He may shine through us. KEY TEXT: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8). 1. Pureness of heart is not something to which humans naturally come. Because of sin in the world, we are shaped from the womb in iniquity, and true pureness of heart is far removed from us (Psalms 51:5; Job 14:4). 2. Only an act of God can bring pureness of heart to us. When we believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, we are cleansed from our sins, and we are given a clean heart (Titus 3:3-7; I John 1:9). Consider further how having a pure heart effects the life of a believer as you study Titus 1: God encourages us to draw near to Him through faith in Jesus to have our hearts cleansed (Hebrews 10:20-24). While we are initially cleansed from our sins at rebirth, we must continue to purge ourselves from elements in our lives that are unlike God (II Timothy 2:19-21). 4. The maintaining of a pure heart is not only a putting-off of impure thoughts and motives, but is also a putting-on of the attributes of Christ and of godliness (II Peter 1:3-10; Philippians 4:8). Discuss the battle that must be waged in order to have a pure mind (II Corinthians 10:4,5). 5. For the pure in heart, God has laid up in store many pure and wonderful things (Zephaniah 3:9; Revelation 21:18-21; 22:1). Discuss the meaning of the beatitude that says the pure in heart shall see God. Page -6-

8 LORD, SEND THE RAIN! Lesson 7 For week ending November12, 2016 The Bible speaks about a great Last Days outpouring of the rain of God. This life- giving rain of God s Holy Spirit is necessary if we are to be effective in our work for the Lord. He will give this rain to those who seek and obey Him. God s Spirit will be poured out like the former and latter rains that brought life to the land of Israel. KEY TEXT: O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is (Psalms 63:1). 1. Rain in the scriptures is symbolic of the outpouring of God s Spirit and Word upon this earth (Deuteronomy 32:2; Acts 3:19). Without this refreshing rain in our lives, we will dry up and perish in our Christian experience. It is God s Spirit that brings life. Discuss why Jesus told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem before they went out to reach the world for Christ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). 2. If we want a continual supply of God s Spirit, we must walk in obedience to His Word. Discuss the nature of the land of Canaan as a land in which the children of Israel would have to depend upon rain to survive (Deuteronomy 11:10-17). What did God require of His people in order that He might give them rain in due season? Discuss this further in the context of Zechariah 14:16, The Prophet Elijah set a good example for what it takes to break through a drought into an abundance of rain. First, Elijah spoke prophetically in the time of drought and said, There is a sound of abundance of rain. Then, he sought the Lord earnestly until the rain came (I Kings 18:42-45). How much more should God s church be prophesying and seeking for the outpouring of God s Spirit so that we might be empowered to do His work? Discuss the power of God s Word as you read Isaiah 55:10, It is the Holy Spirit working through us that gives us the power we need to effectively minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joel prophesied of a great Last Days revival in which God would pour out His blessings upon the church (Joel th 2:23-29). The thing that brings about this revival is found in the 24 verse, Turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. Let us seek the Lord, for there shall be showers of blessing! Page -7-

9 IT IS WORTH IT ALL Lesson 8 For week ending November 19, 2016 The choice to follow Jesus will not always be the easiest way to live; however, it is the most rewarding! It takes dedication and sacrifice. It will set you at odds with the world and may cause you to be persecuted. It may cost you your reputation, your friends, your job, your house and maybe even your life. However, if we remain faithful until the end, it will be worth it all! KEY TEXT:...If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:17b- 18). 1. If there was any one who knew what it was to suffer for the cause of Christ, it was the Apostle Paul (II Corinthians 11:23-28). After looking at how many things Paul suffered one might be moved to ask, Why would a person be willing to suffer so much? Paul gives his answer to this question in II Timothy 4:5-8. Discuss the strength that comes from knowing that Jesus will return again one day to reward the righteous. 2. Paul s attitude reflected his belief that serving Jesus Christ is worth it all. One of the reasons Paul was so willing to lay down his very life for Christ was because of his belief in the Resurrection. Discuss this blessed hope as you read the following scriptures: Philippians 3:10-14; I Corinthians 15:19-23, 51-53; and Hebrews 11: Living for Christ in this world will take some endurance (Matthew 10:22). When Paul had come to the end of His journey here on earth he said, I have fought a good fight. Paul encourages us in his writings to also remain faithful in our fight to keep the faith of Christ (II Timothy 2:3,4; I Timothy 6:6-12). What did Peter say would be the end of your faith (I Peter 1:3-9)? 4. There is great reward coming to those who are faithful in following Jesus. Analyze the conversation Jesus had with His disciples in Mark 10: Everything that we go through in this life for the sake of Jesus will be well worth it in the end. Discuss the importance of patience in waiting on the promises of God (Hebrews 10:33-39; Romans 8:24,25). When we see Jesus, it will be worth it all (Matthew 25:21)! Page -8-

10 THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE Lesson 9 For week ending November 26, 2016 There is no greater treasure that one can find in life then that of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that we have been given the gift of eternal life and made a part of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is the only way to be saved! When we find Him, we must be willing to give up everything to have Him. Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price! KEY TEXT: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:8). 1. Jesus used parables to teach us great spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God. The parable of the pearl of great price is found in Matthew 13:45,46. Like the parable, men are still seeking all over for goodly pearls. They are looking for something of value to add meaning to their lives. This is why there are so many different religions in the world today. Discuss why it is so important that men find Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12). 2. One of the things that we should never take for granted is the freedom that we have been afforded through the blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:5-9). However, this freedom did not come without a price. Consider how precious the blood of Jesus should be to us as believers as you read I Peter 1: One of the qualities that sets something apart as valuable is its rareness. One of the qualities found in Jesus life that was so rare that no other man could claim it, is that He was without sin. Why was it so important that Jesus be without sin (Hebrews 4:14,15; Romans 3:23-26)? 4. The message that Jesus is conveying in this parable is that finding Him and making Him ours is more valuable than anything or other treasure in this world (Matthew 16:25,26). Anything that is worth having is worth paying a price for. Though salvation is a free gift, there is a price that we must pay in order to be a follower of Jesus. Discuss this price as you study Luke 14: Why did Moses forsake the riches of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-27)? Page -9-

11 CAN A CHRISTIAN FALL? Lesson 10 For week ending December 3, 2016 Falling the act of backsliding, or being overtaken in any trespass or sin is something that we generally do not like to discuss in Christian circles; however, falling is sadly a reality of life. And, except for the grace of God, we are all vulnerable to this device of Satan. The truth is that Christians are susceptible to falling, and if they do, it is our responsibility to seek to restore them to God. KEY TEXT: Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (I Corinthians 10:12). 1. Should the possibility of falling be a concern for a child of God? Are we exempt from falling? Consider what Proverbs 24:16 has to say about falling as it relates to the just. 2. There are Christians who think that they are too holy, righteous, knowledgeable, and full of the Spirit, to be vulnerable to falling. Discuss some of the other reasons that Christians believe will keep them from falling: Age, experience, knowledge of Scripture, maturity, etc. How should we react to someone who has fallen (Galatians 6:1)? 3. We are more prone to fall if we deceive ourselves into thinking that we alone can avoid a fall. God is the only way to prevent or deliver us from a fall. Discuss Psalm 56:13. Discuss the role that deception will play in the Last Days (Daniel 8:25; Matthew 24:24). Are the people of God exempt from this onslaught? 4. We must allow the Lord to order our steps and trust Him to keep us from falling (Psalm 37:23,24). What should we do to avoid falling (James 1:12-16; II Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8)? What should we do when we fall? What should we do when others fall? Someone once said, Falling does not make you a failure, but staying down does. Discuss Psalm 69: It is possible to walk without falling? Notice what Peter says in II Peter 1:4-10. Note what he says about the one who does these things: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. While the devil has traps, pitfalls, and stumbling blocks to hinder and impede our progress, we can avoid these things if we simply follow God and keep our eyes on Him. Discuss Psalm 141:8-10. Page -10-

12 THE TRUTH ABOUT GOSSIP Lesson 11 For week ending December 10, 2016 Webster s Dictionary defines gossip as revealing personal or sensational facts, rumor or report of an intimate nature. The Bible defines gossip as sin, whether you are the gossiper or the listener! Telling secrets about others, spreading rumors about others, and perpetrating lies about others has no place in God s Church and will not be a part of His kingdom. KEY TEXT: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29, NIV). 1. Has someone ever come up to you and said something like, This is just between you and me and wanted you to keep it confidential? While there is a time and place for confidentiality (Proverbs 11:13), such as in a counseling situation, we should be careful about the promises we make to one another (Ecclesiastes 5:5,6). Most of the time when such a statement occurs, someone is getting ready to share with you some gossip. What does God think about gossip? See Romans 1:28-31, Proverbs 6:16-19, and II Timothy 2: GOSSIPING IS SIN! Jesus said that what comes out of our mouths causes us to be unclean (Matthew 15:10,11,17-20). Gossip can sometimes be disguised as a prayer request. James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults one to another, not someone else s faults! When we gossip about someone, we are injecting our own opinion and judgment about their situation. When we listen to gossip, we are forced to make an evaluation and form an opinion about the person or circumstance. What does the Bible say about judging others (Matthew 7:1,2)? 3. People who have nothing better to do, tend to be gossipers (II Thessalonians 3:11-13; I Timothy 5:13). Read I Thessalonians 4:11 for a good picture of how we should be conducting ourselves in this area. How would you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12)? How should you react when you have been gossiped about (Romans 12:14; Ephesians 4:32)? 4. Words can either inflict pain on others, or bring healing and life (Proverbs 12:18; 15:4). What does God say about slander (Psalm 15:1-3; Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 101:5)? When a brother or sister in Christ is found in a fault, instead of spreading the story around, what should our reaction be (Matthew 18:15; I Peter 4:8)? We will give an account for every word we say (Matthew 12:36,37). Our desire should be that all of our words be pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 19:14). Page -11-

13 THE PLAN OF SALVATION Lesson 12 For week ending December 17, 2016 It was not the will of God to leave fallen man in a state of sin and separation from Himself; therefore, He devised the plan of salvation so that He could redeem fallen man and restore him to fellowship with his Creator. The plan of salvation was conceived before the foundation of the world, so that you and I could spend eternity with Jesus Christ. Have you accepted Him as your Savior? KEY TEXT: "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times" (I Peter 1:20). 1. The only atonement for sin which God accepts is blood. Discuss the concept of the offering of a life for atonement for sin, the penalty for which is death (Hebrews 9:22; Romans 6:23). 2. From the key text we can see that God devised the plan of salvation before the world was created. The first manifestation of that plan occurred in the sacrifice of an animal to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness (Genesis 3:21). 3. The plan of salvation was first covenanted to Abraham when Yahweh chose to be the God of Abraham (Genesis 17:4,5,7; Galatians 3:16,17,29). This covenant was based on faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). It brought God's blessing to both Jew and Gentiles (Galatians 3:8). 4. The time of Moses brought a major development in the plan of salvation in that for the first time, God placed a choice before the people of life or death (Romans 5:14; Deuteronomy 30:19). Consider this concept of choice. Moses delivered the Law to Israel as an outline of God's will for human conduct. This furthered the plan of salvation by revealing sin and by keeping Israel in check until Jesus Christ came upon the earth (Romans 7:13; Galatians 3:19 24). 5. The plan of salvation was fulfilled in the spiritual dimension when God sent His Son to be the eternal sacrifice for sin. Confirm this truth from I John 4:9,10; Hebrews 1:3; 9:15; 2:9; and Romans 8:3,4. The plan of salvation will be completed when the last enemy, death, is conquered through the resurrection of the believers, who will receive new bodies, completing the salvation of man (Romans 8:23; II Corinthians 5:1-4). Page -12-

14 BY FAITH Lesson 13 For week ending December 24, 2016 One of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit is faith. The Bible tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. As Christians, we must place our trust fully in God and realize, by faith, that He is able to take care of us. God promises that if we are faithful, He will guide our footsteps. KEY TEXT: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). 1. What is faith? Read and discuss Hebrews 11:1-3. Discuss the faith that is necessary to believe in the Biblical account of Creation and the formation of everything that we see around us today. 2. Read Ephesians 2:8. The act of salvation requires faith. John 3:16 tells us that we are saved if we believe. Discuss the word believe and the action that accompanies this word. Are we saved if we merely confess with our mouth (James 2:19)? The opposite of faith is unbelief. Can we limit the power of God in our lives by our lack of faith? How was the ministry of Jesus hindered because of unbelief (Matthew 13:54-58)? 3. The Bible instructs us that we should live by faith (Romans 1:17). Is it possible to live by faith and not pay our tithes and give offerings (Malachi 3:10,11)? When we do not give of our finances to the Lord, who are we placing our trust in? 4. True faith in Jesus Christ creates deeds or works. Can we believe that Jesus Christ is God of the universe and then disregard His instructions to us? Read James 2: Verse 18 tells us that we can see what people believe by what they do. 5. How can we get more faith? Read Romans 10:17. Discuss the necessity of daily reading the Bible and feeding our spiritual man as we do our physical man. Can we depend on the Word of God for direction (Psalm 119:105)? "Faith in God sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible." Page -13-

15 HE THAT ENDURETH UNTO THE END Lesson 14 For week ending December 31, 2016 Through faith we know that our eternal victory has already been won by Jesus Christ; however, if we are to receive that crown of life, we must continually claim that victory in Christ to be an overcomer and to endure faithful until the end. Perseverance is a quality that we must cultivate in order to be declared the good and faithful servant of God. KEY TEXT: And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:12,13). 1. Messiah Yahshua, the Son of God, has already won the battle over sin and death (Revelation 1:18). We have the promise that we shall be saved from eternal death by our faith in Him (Romans 5:1,8,10). The fact that our victory has already been won is not, however, license for us to live in sin or in disobedience to God (Romans 6:1,2)! We must persevere in living a holy life, enduring in righteousness until the very end. 2. While many believe in eternal security regardless as to one s condition, the truth is that we are only eternally secure as long as we remain in obedience to God s Word. Confirm this truth from John 8:31; 10:28; 15:4-9. Discuss the importance of maintaining faith in God as you evaluate the story concerning Peter in Luke 22:31,32. Keeping faith in God and His Word is essential to our living an overcoming life and enduring to the end. 3. Patience is another quality that goes hand-in-hand with faith in producing endurance. Study Hebrews 10:35-39 and evaluate the importance of confidence and patience in securing for us the promise of eternal life and helping us to avoid being among those who draw back unto destruction. 4. The kind of people who will be prepared for the coming of the Lord will be those who have patiently maintained their separation from the world (Revelation 16:15; Luke 12:35-37; Galatians 6:7-9). 5. Regardless as to how difficult the circumstances may be, we are assured that through faith in God and His Word, we can not only endure but we can also be conquering victors. Confirm this truth from Romans 8: Page -14-

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