NBC Sunday School Manual For April 24, 2022 : Topic – FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS.

By | April 24, 2022

NBC Sunday School Manual For April 24, 2022 : Topic – FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION

NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE

DATE: SUNDAY, 24TH APRIL, 2022.

TOPIC: FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS.

Background Scripture: John 8.

Lesson Scripture: John 8:31-38.

GOLDEN TEXT: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36.

OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
• State some reasons why spiritual bondage is more terrible than physical bondage;
• Distinguish between a slave and a son, according to the passage;
• Renew their commitment to Jesus who can give true and enduring freedom.

INTRODUCTION:

Many continents of the world and nations celebrate their independence or freedom from their colonial masters. For instance, Nigeria was under colonial rule until she gained her Independence in 1960. Since then she used to celebrates her Independence every October 1 as the day she ceased to be under the rule of the British colony and become a free nation. Before then, they were, more or less, in physical bondage because the political, economic, social and educational sectors of the nation were under the control of the British. Furthermore, the language, food, dressing and even greeting were all influenced of the colonial masters. The joy of Nigerians knew no bounds as the independence afforded the nation the opportunity to take their destiny in their own hands and chart a new course for the development of the nation. However, the extent to which we have enjoyed the dividends of freedom is still a subject for discussion.

Many African nations are still in bondage suffering from social, political, religious, economic and cultural crises, coupled with the problem of tribalism, corruption, self- centeredness, ethnicity,
murder, moral and spiritual decadence and the like.

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines freedom as the quality or state of being free. It also means the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. Ultimately, true freedom can only be found in Jesus because you can experience it, no matter the sort of government you live under. Besides, the freedom that Jesus offers lasts forever. Psalm When Jesus was addressing the Jews who took a step of faith to follow Him, He told them that they would be His disciples indeed if they continue in His Word. He assured them that they will know the truth and the truth will set them free. This is the import of today’s lesson.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED…

A. TRUE FREEDOM EMPHASISED:
[John 8:31-34]

The passage is a dialogue between Jesus and the Jews who had believed His teachings. Jesus addressed them saying, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (vv. 31-32) The truth as used in the passage is not truth in general but the truth about God as revealed through Jesus Christ, His Son (John 14:6). The Jews claimed that as Abraham’s descendants, they have never been enslaved by anybody, and so, they need no freedom. They did not know that being descendants of Abraham does not guarantee that they are God’s people (Matthew 3:9; Galatians 3:7). Apparently, these people lacked the understanding of Jesus’ teachings and it was a demonstration of their superficial faith (John 2:23-25). Jesus clarified their misunderstanding by saying, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (v. 34)

Actually, the Jews whom Jesus addressed about knowing the truth were ignorant of the true meaning of freedom. They thought He meant physical freedom, thus they insisted they had no need of it. Jesus made it clear that what is most important is spiritual freedom, stating that whoever commits sin is a slave to sin, which implies spiritual bondage. Even in our contemporary time, many people do not know that spiritual bondage (living in sin) is worse than physical bondage; spiritual bondage can lead to slavery, deception, false lifestyle and eternal destruction. Knowing the truth is redemptive. Believers are, therefore, encouraged to seek Jesus and study His Word, thereby
knowing the truth that can set free.

DISCUSSION TIME:
What was the major problem of the Jews in relation to Jesus’ teaching? Discuss the word “Truth” within the context of the passage.

B. THE TRUE LIBERATOR:
[John 8:35-38]

Having declared that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, in verse 34, Jesus distinguished between the privileges of being a son and a slave. He said that a slave does not belong to a family permanently, whereas a son does. Thereafter, He acknowledged the fact that even though the Jews are descendants of Abraham, they made attempts to kill Him because they were indisposed to His teachings. Jesus reaffirmed that His teachings are based on God’s Word, unlike the Jews who rely solely on what their fathers had told them. Ironically, the Jews with whom Jesus had a dialogue were slaves to sin and they stood the risk of being cast off, if they are not set free by knowing the truth. On the other hand, children (those who have believed the truth) have the right to remain in God’s family. Christ, by His death and resurrection, has become the true liberator.

Today, many people are enslaved through sexual sin, drug abuse, and drunkenness, fighting, and smoking. God has given us freedom through Him; therefore, we must not remain under the power and dominion of sin. The passage has made it clear that the major problem of the Jews was that their minds were closed to the Truth of Jesus’ Word. Rather than embrace the Truth (Jesus) and receive the gift of freedom that has been made possible for all who believe, they chose to do what their father told them (v. 38). They became hostile to Jesus to the point of seeking to kill Him. Their attitude was an indication that their spiritual father is neither Abraham nor God, as they claimed but the Devil. After all, the Scripture says that Abraham was a friend of God and he fellowshipped with Him in love and obedience. No one should claim to be a child of God because his/her parents are Christians, except by faith in Christ Jesus. We must personally accept the Word of God, repent and come to Jesus in order to be free from the bondage of sin.

DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss some ways believers are enslaved today and the best way to seek freedom.
2. Identify the various ways people are enslaved in the society and how you think the situation can be minimised?

Commitment:
Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment to your church to work with the evangelism committee to proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ this season of Easter.

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activities:
• Let class members write down specific ways they would seek freedom this week, exchange what they have written and pray for one another.

Prayer:
• Pray that you will not lose your freedom in Christ.
• Pray for your family members who have not experienced the freedom in Christ to do so.
• Pray for those coming to your church who are not born again, to encounter the freedom of Christ.

Take Home: Write down three lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson.
• __________
• __________
• __________

REVIEW:
It is interesting to have had the opportunity to study God’s Word throughout the month of April, particularly about the liberating power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So:
1. What are the new lessons you learned about freedom in Christ Jesus?
2. How did the resurrection of Jesus bring eternal hope to you?
3. Which aspect of Jesus’ leadership style interested you the most and why?
4. Which aspect of the lesson did you struggle to understand and what did you do?

Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!

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