C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR , MAY 15 & 22, 2022 UNIT THREE, LESSON NINE : TOPIC – ALL GROWTH IN KNOWLEDGE IS BY GOD’S GRACE

So now brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:33).

God desires us to grow in grace, again and again, and again, until we reach the full stature of Christ in every way.

There is no doubt about the fact that every growth in true knowledge can only be obtained through the grace of God. The kind of growth in question doesn’t come by chance, neither is it a product of human efforts. The grace of God is the divine power that equips man to live and become what God has purposed for him. It is God in action in man to accomplish His eternal desire and plan. It is not enough to seek God’s grace, but the most essential part of it is to be willing, and to put effort in getting to know the God of grace better. To enjoy His grace and the privileges He offers feely, God’s knowledge and complete trust in Him are the inevitable tools. Both true physical and spiritual knowledge flows from God, the Source of them all.

Apostle Paul, at the verge of departing God Ephesus after a 3-year successful ministerial stay there, charged the leaders of God’s people there to remain steadfast in the Lord. Obviously with the knowledge of what the devil had in mind for them and the flock of Christ under them, Paul prayerfully committed them to “God and to the WORD of His grace…” (emphasis added). They needed to be empowered, assisted, equipped to grow up in the right knowledge that would help them to counter the devil’s devices against them and the flock of Christ. The grace Paul commended them to is that” which is able to build you up…”, i.e. help you grow and mature. Maturity comes wit knowledge of the right things needed at the right time. Here Paul impliedly premises the experience of growth in God’s knowledge on the work of God’s grace in the Christian’s life. May we be enabled to experience this, so that we can be immediately and ultimately given “an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Amen.

Mon. 9: The Lord Owns The Church (Rev. 2:1)

Tue. 10: The Lord Commends His Church’s Faithfulness (Rev. 2:2,3)

Wed. 11: The Church Leaves Her First Love (Rev. 2:4)

Thur. 12: The Church Counselled To Make Amends (Rev. 2:5)

Fri. 13: The Church Hates False Knowledge (Rev. 2:6)

Sat. 14: The Church Must Heed God’s Counsel (Rev. 2:7)

1. Growing unto Christlike maturity is not about what we do (works), but what God does in us, by His grace as we cooperate with Him

2. Growing in Christian life is not about what we do, but about what God does in us by His grace. Have the knowledge of what God is doing and exactly why He is doing it, so that you can work along (cooperate) with Him for His best in your life, now and externally.

3. God has played the major role for our salvation; our salvation comes only through the urging of God’s Spirit in us.

AIM: To help and reveal to the learners that God is the source of knowledge and that such knowledge can be received through God’s grace alone.

OBJECTIVES: At the end of this lesson, it is expected that learners should:

i. be able to discuss how grace works in, and for our redemption and salvation;

ii. be more passionately seeking to know God, the Source of all knowledge;

iii. have put solid measures in place, and be committed to them, to grow in the knowledge of Christ and His Word; and

iv. be more prayerful for the grace to end well in Christ, the odds of life, notwithstanding.

We thank God for all He has imparted in us in His Word, in the previous Sunday School lessons. We ascribe all glory and honour to His Holy name, forever. Amen. The previous lesson with the topic, GOD’S KNOWLEDGE WOULD FILL THE EARTH, revealed to us that a time is coming, when Christ would reign eternally, and His kingdom would cause peace to reign globally. Peace would be restored, the devil, his cohorts, and their works would be totally vanquished, and it shall be a glorious time when God’s knowledge would bring total and true peace everywhere. May we not be found wanting in God’s kingdom. Amen.

This current lesson, the ninth in the series, and the first in the third unit, teaches that every true growth in the knowledge of our Lord is only obtainable by the grace of God, made available through the atoning, substitutionary death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is grace at work, bringing us to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we first believed. This same grace helps us to accept his lordship and live in, and for Him, all the days of our lives. The grace of Christ also helps us to grow, and grow in Him. We are enabled by it to desire and pursue knowing Him in more personal, dynamic, and result-oriented ways, so that as we grow more in Him, we would eventually end well, by the same grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. May His grace be fully our portions, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is a 2-week lesson, and it is divided into two sections, I and II. Each of the division is further divided into A and B respectively.

This section showcases God’s great purpose for His people for their eternal calling and wonderful redemption. We are called, not just to get out of the devil’s clutches and sinfulness, but to the infinite fullness of God’s Son, Jesus Christ through the grace in God the Father. It further stresses how difficult it is for natural/mortal man to accept the Lordship of Jesus without the grace of God. This shall be studied based on the following Bible passages: John 6:41-44; Ephesians 2:1-9; Titus 2:11-12.

DIVISION II: GRACE AND GROWTH AGAIN, AND AGAIN

In this division, heavenly-minded Christians are encouraged and implored to keep growing in Him. We are asked to have a deep knowledge and understanding of the Person of Jesus, more and more (2 Cor. 3:18). Even in our weakness, God’s power and grace is enough to sustain and uphold us to the end (Jas. 4:6).

I. GRACE WHEN WE FIRST BELIEVED (John 6:41-44; Ephesians 2:1-9; Titus 2:11-12)

Without exception, we have all sinned and inherited the sinful nature, but it is only through the grace of God alone that we can join our lives with Christ’s perfect life to be alive (quickened).

A. GRACE BRINGS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST (Eph. 2:1-9; Tit. 2:11-12)

Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Eph. 2:5).

i. vv. 1-2: We were once dead in sin, due to the force ww allowed to control our lives (the world and the devil). There is a powerful spiritual connection between disobedience to God and slavery/bondage to Satan.

ii. There was a universal condemnation (Rom. 3:23; 6:23), and a universal righteousness is needed, made available through Christ’s grace, and obtainable by faith in Him. By it, we are made alive (Rom. 6:23b; 10:13). Grace is God’s unmerited favour that enables the sinner to break free from the sinful nature to follow Jesus.

iii. vv. 3,4: We shall once conducted ourselves in the lust of our flesh (v.3), …of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 Jn. 2:16), …dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), but God, who is rich in mercy… (v.4), lavished His grace on us — redemption and salvation (vv. 5ff; Jn. 3:16).

iv. v. 5: even when we were dead in trespasses (v.5a). God should have just done away with man due to the disappointment man gave Him in Eden (Gen. 3:1ff) and the subsequent wickedness that has continued to characterise humanity (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9). But God has chosen to redeem and justify us, by grace… (v. 5bff).

v. vv. 8,9: It is God’s grace that brings us to the knowledge of Christ, by His Spirit. Salvation is by grace; hence, it is the gift of God. We never deserve it. Mercy removed sin’s wages; grace released redemption to us.

vi. Tit. 2:11-12: God’s grace that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us how to enter in Christ’s salvation, live rightly for Him. Hallelujah!

vii. Tit. 2:11: This saving grace enables us to live a life that glorifies God. It also strengthens us to be able to resist temptation and be self-disciplined, upright and live holy lives.

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day (v. 44).

i. Jn. 6:44: The religious leaders of the Jesus’ days on earth had taken offence at His claim to divinity; they murmured (vv. 41-43). Jesus’ response teaches us relevant lessons.

ii. Jesus makes it very clear that no one can come to accept His lordship without the Father in heaven drawing such. He is saying, The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to me that’s the only way you’ll ever come (TBCL)

iii. The ‘drawing’, here, carries the idea of grace. All knowledge and spiritual renewal begin and end with God. He is the One who reveals the truth to us and enables us to respond positively (cf. Jer. 31:3).

vi. It is not easy for the natural man to come terms with Christ’s lordship, just like that. God has been the One reaching out to man, right from the beginning. His Light illuminates (cf. Saul’s experience; Acts 9:1ff); His Spirit convicts (Jn. 16:8); He brings in contact with His life-transforming Word at the appointed time, exposing man to the Truth that sets free (Jn. 8:31ff). This is grace in action.

v. Grace made that man to leave ninety-nine sheep to get one that was lost (Lk. 15:4ff). That same grace reached the Ethiopian Eunuch on his way back home from Jerusalem (Acts 8:26ff). Grace helps to accept Jesus’ lordship.

vi. The grace of God is stretched out to all who are willing (Jews, gentiles, weak, strong, poor, rich, rejected, etc.) to access and remain in it, through, and in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. God’s grace brings man face to face with the knowledge of His only begotten Son, as foundation for his salvation.

2. God’s grace assists man to accept His offer of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Read John 6:44. Does it mean that God is partial in selecting those that will benefit from the gift of salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ?

* According to what written in John 6:44, the Bible passages is not portraying God as partial in selecting those that will benefit from the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.

* This verse of the scripture, John 6:44, says No one comes to me except the father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. This can simply be translated, ‘No one has the power to save himself, except by the divine grace of God.’ Grace is a sacrificial gifts given to anyone who doesn’t deserve, and can’t pay it back. Jesus promises to draw all men to Himself (Jn. 12:32).

* John 3:16: For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. This verse of the Scripture gives us a clear indication that the call unto salvation is to all and sundry, no exception (Rom. 10:11-16).

* ‘Whoever’ means that anymore who is willing (no force is applied) to belive, accept, desire life can come and be saved.

* Let us note at this junction that there is different between redemption and salvation. This is implied in John 3:16a, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, refers to the gift of God for All-redemption. If is the ready-made provision of God to ransom the lost man.

* However, 16b implies the part of man–whoever believes in Him should not perish buy have everlasting life. God has played His part, impartially. He doesn’t expects us to play that part. In fact, we couldn’t have even done it for ourselves.

* Likewise, He wouldn’t do our part. Each individual must personally believe, accept and confess Christ’s lordship before salvation comes, i.e. the balm of redemption must be properly applied to the sickly, sin-infested situation of man, by faith in Christ.

* Therefore, God is not and will never be partial in His gift of salvation. The only requirement for salvation is in Romans 10:9-10.

II. GRACE AND GROWTH AGAIN, AND AGAIN (2 Corinthians 11:1-9; Philippians 3:8-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Our efforts at keeping the law, self-discipline, carrying out religious rights and obligations cannot makes us right wit God, if we fail to know, understand, and walk in the righteousness God makes available in Christ Jesus. God expects us to continue growing in Christ till eternity. Knowing Christ is worth the sacrifice.

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (v.10).

i. v. 10: Paul had an undying passion for knowing Christ. No wonder he counted the former gain (Grk. kerdos, meaning “that which is gained or earned, a gain, profit”), as “loss” (Grk. zemia, meaning “damage, disadvantage, loss, forfeit”), rubbish ” (Grk. skybalon, meaning” dung muck,” as excrement) that he wouldn’t return to (vv. 7,8).

ii. vv. 8b-10: His new passion and supreme desire was to know Jesus Christ. This kind of knowledge doesn’t consist in having a Christian name, or growing up in Church (2 Tim. 3:5). Neither is it joining oneself with believers (Acts 8:13-21), nor going to seminary or Bible school. It is not head (intellectual) knowledge of the Scripture (cf. 1 Cor. 8:1-2).

iii. This knowledge is of 2 different dimensions: Grk. epignosis (cf. 2 Pet. 1:2, 3,8), meaning “to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know well”; and Grk. Gnosis (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5), meaning “a seeking to know, an inquiry, investigation.”

iv. The knowledge Paul sought can therefore be summed up as getting that information (gnosis) necessary to truly and fully know (epignosis) Jesus (cf. Matt. 16:15-16). This is more than intellectual (book); it is a relational one. It carries the idea of intimacy of the highest order (cf. Gen. 4:1).

v. v. 10: Paul’s exclamation, here, means knowing Him as Saviour (Acts 9:1ff), and Lord in a relationship so real and strong that it influenced who he would be and how he would live.

vi. vv. 10, 11: He wanted to deeply know and understand more about the Person Christ in a real and personal way that changes man (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18), the Passion of Jesus (fellowship of His sufferings, cf. Acts 1:3), and the Power of Christ’s resurrection.

vii. No one knows this and remains the same. We must add knowledge to faith and virtue (2 Pet. 1:5) in a growing relationship with the infinite God (Jn. 17:3; cf

Jer. 9:23-24). It all begins at conversion (Acts 9:1-6; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 15:3-5), and continues as we mature on, till eternity (cf. Eph. 1:16-19; 6:18; Col. 1:9-11).

viii. Growing in Christ’s knowledge requires being fruitful, receiving directions from God for daily living, and to remain steadfast in searching His Word, will and way.

ix. Growing in Christ is a life-long process not is a school you don’t graduate from till eternity when we would have perfectly assumed Christ’s absolute holiness and righteousness.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7).

i. 2 Cor. 12:1-6: Paul was the one who saw the great vision in vv. 1-4. His not presenting it as if it was himself was a way of humbling himself — not boasting (vv. 5,6). He saw it as a great grace and privilege to have attained to that (cf. Jn. 3:23; 1 Cor. 4:7).

ii. vv. 7-8: God specifically deposited a thorn in Paul’s flesh (cf. Gal. 4:13-15), not as an act of wickedness or taking pleasure in man’s pain, but to help Paul not to be exalted above measure (v.7) — grace in action. This helped Paul to overcome the danger of pride (Jas. 4:6).

iii. The thorn kept reminding Paul of his need for God’s presence, help, and more. God was seen at work in his life and this in turn, blessed the people around him.

iv. v9: God’s power is displayed in our weaknesses — grace in action. That really worked for Paul throughout his lifetime. The skill, talent and energy you possess are useless without God’s grace and power.

v. 2 Tim. 4:6: It is this grace that helped him to live his life as being poured out as a drink offering until when his time of departure was at hand. It sustained him through the thick and thin of life and ministry (cf. 2 Cor. 11:16ff), helping him to fight the good fight of faith (v.7).

vi. vv. 7-8: Even with death starring him hard in the face, he was confident, not in himself, but that grace had helped him to pursue the knowledge of Christ (Phil. 3:10ff), fought the good fight, and finished the race (2 Tim. 4:7).

vii. v. 8: Finally, he was confident that grace had laid up for him the crown of righteousness in heaven. What a great way to face death with the hope of eternity with our gracious Christ (cf. Acts 7:55ff)! This is not for Paul alone, but also for all who would rely on God’s grace in Christ Jesus.

viii.Having the end with, and in Christ in view helps to be more committed to Christ and His holiness. You can’t hold on to worldliness and still remain in Christ. The more lost you are in the knowledge of Christ, the more discovery of His love you make, and the prepared you are for His Second Coming and eternal bliss with Him. Stand firm and continue to live for Christ.

1. Knowing Christ involves entering into a very intimate/cordial relationship with Him, by His grace.

2. It is God’s grace that sustains the Christian till the end; not human power or efforts (cf. Zech. 4:6).

1. How does grace help us to know and come to Christ?

2. What is the place of grace in remaining steadfast in the Lord till eternity?

* Refer to division I.

* Refer also to ANSWER IN WORK TO DO.

* We can come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ only through the grace of God.

* God has given us the grace through the Lord Jesus (Jn. 3:16)

* Accept God’s offer in Jesus (Rom. 10:9).

* Believe and confess your sins to God (Rom. 10:10).

* Live a new life and forsake the old lifestyle (2 Corinth. 5:17).

* Grow in God’s grace.

* Read and meditate in the Word of God daily.

* Pray constantly without ceasing.

* Don’t forsake the gathering of the brethren. To grow in grace is to grow in the understanding of what Jesus did and to grow in our appreciation of the grace we have been given.

* Refer to division II:

* The place of grace in remaining steadfast in the Lord till eternity can never be over-emphasised. The mortal man has no power to remain steadfast; it is only through the grace of God that he can be sustained, and remain steadfast.

* Grace helps us to:

* break free from our sinful nature

* possess the strength for the race

* become mature Christians

* be saved

* be sanctified

* be justified, and

* be ultimately glorified in heaven, with Jesus

It is the joy of every farmer to see that what has been planted is gradually growing. This is because a lot has been invested for its survival and fruitfulness (1 Cor. 9:7). The same is applied to those who have received the grace of God and have been brought into the knowledge of Christ to remain growing and steadfast in Him, yielding fruits of His righteousness and Spirit.

In our Christian race, growth and consistency (steadfastness) are indispensable, for these show and reflect our reflect our stand in Christ. God’s grace is for all who are willing to accept it through Jesus Christ. We can thereafter begin to strive for growth in Him. To remain consistently growing in the knowledge of God, we must be studying and meditating on the Word of God, praying ceaselessly, and following the leading of the Spirit.

GRACE is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. All growth in knowledge is obtained through the grace of God alone. The grace has been offered in the acceptable and knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, no more no less. The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will appreciate all He has done, His love and sacrifice for us, and access His never-ending grace.

Mon. 16: God’s Grace Alone Makes Successful (Eccl. 9:10-12)

Tue. 17: God’s Grace Alone Helps The Helpless (Zech. 4:1-6)

Wed. 18: Grace Makes Mountains Plain (Zech. 4:7)

Thur. 19: Grace Would See Zerubbabel Through (Zech. 4:8-19)

Fri. 20: Grace Attracts God’s Mercy And Compassion (Rom. 9:14-15)

Sat. 21: God’s Grace Is All We Need (Rom. 9:16-18)