NBC Sunday School Manual For August 27, 2023 :Topic – GOD’S AUTHORITY AND POWER
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON(NBC)
Sunday, August 27, 2023
GOD’S AUTHORITY AND POWER
Devotional Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8
Background Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; Ephesians 1:15-23
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
GOLDEN TEXT : When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28
Objectives:* By the end of the lesson, church members should be able to;
I. Explain the guarantee of believer’s resurrection according to Paul in the passage.
II. Discuss the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to believers.
III. Journal some steps they would take to show their confidence in the plans of God for their lives.
INTRODUCTION
One issue about the Christian faith that unbelievers often contend with is the resurrection. People like Muslims, Buddhists, Marxist and atheists still have doubt about resurrection from the dead. Similarly, some Christians in Corinth denied that Christians already had eternal life and that the body had no spiritual significance (v. 12). They believed that death is the end of humans. Paul however rejected their view and affirmed that the resurrection of Jesus is real, and it is the basis for future resurrection of believers who died in Christ. He supported his argument by comparing the first man Adam, and Jesus, the second man. Therefore, he explained that if there is no hope of resurrection for believers, the entire Christian message would be vain and he would have no reason to be a minister. In addition, the death of Christ would have been in vain and believers in Christ would have been the most pitiable of all people. Though some of the Jews believed in the resurrection of the body (the same body that had died) but to the Greeks, it is the soul that is immortal and so, the issue of resurrection seemed incredible to them (Acts 17:32). Paul declared that Christ’s resurrection implies resurrection for Christians but the body which is raised will be better than the body which is buried because the old was physical, and the new will be spiritual and immortal.
The resurrection of Jesus is an established fact of history. The fact that some of the Corinthian church leaders denied the resurrection (v. 12), is an indication of the extent to which false teachings, have infiltrated the church. Paul insisted that except for the hope of resurrection, there is no basis for Christianity (vv. 13-19). The focus of today’s lesson is the resurrection of Christ, as hope and victory for believers.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. Christ’s Resurrection: Hope for Believer. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23*
Paul’s explanation on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as hope for the believer’s resurrection was comprehensive. He described the truth of Jesus’s resurrection with evidence of those who saw Him including himself (vv. 3-8), and that formed the basis of his message. He became specific in verse 20 that Christ’s resurrection is an assurance that those who slept in the Lord (believers who have died) will also be raised. His assertion is based on the fact that, “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (vv. 21-22). Christ has been raised first and then, those who believe in Him will be raised at His coming. By implication, all those who are born again will be resurrected in due time to live and reign with Christ in His glory.
The resurrection of Christ is the guarantee for the believer’s resurrection from death. Jesus died and rose on the third day as He predicted and appeared to different persons at different occasions (v. 5). This made Him the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep (v. 20). The Scripture says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). The resurrection of Jesus Christ completed the work of salvation and reversed the penalty of sin, which is death that the first Adam brought. There is assurance and hope of resurrection for those who believe in Christ. Even though they die, they will live again and reign with Christ forever. Jesus confirmed this when He said to Martha, “… I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Why is a believer’s death regarded as sleep?
2. Explain why Christ is regarded as the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep?
B. Christ’s Resurrection: Victory for Believers. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28*
After establising the fact that those who identify with Christ by faith before they die will be raised at His second coming, Paul also affirmed believers’ victory. He said when the time comes (probably Jesus’ second coming), He will overcome and destroy all spiritual rulers, authorities and powers, and will hand over the kingdom to God the Father. The reason for the destruction is stated in verse 25, “For he must rule until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” The last enemy of man to be destroyed is death, which will occur at the end of the age. The Bible says, “For he has put everything under his feet…” (v. 27) The phrase ‘everything’ does not include God who puts all things under Christ. When Jesus hands over all things to God, He will subject Himself to His Father who put everything under Him, so that God may be all in all. Certainly, this is assured victory for believers who remain in Christ till the end of age.
The summary of Paul’s statement is that believers’ victory is dependent on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Regardless of what anyone may think or believe, the resurrection of Christ has made Him the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep, and a certainty of believers’ resurrection at Jesus’ second coming. The resurrection of believers alongside Jesus will mark the beginning of His reign, power, and authority over everything (v. 24). The final stage of victory will be when Christ subject Himself to the Father who has put everything under His feet so that God will rule completely over all (v. 28). Therefore, Christians should understand that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and has conquered death. This is the victory we have in Christ Jesus. So, death is like a passing from one phase of life to another, but this time, eternity.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Why is death described as the last enemy to be conquered?
2. Discuss Paul’s assertion in verse 27 in relation to those who claim to I have authority in their churches and communities.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity: Class members should distinguish between God’s authority and the so-called authority of people who are highly placed in the society. Make a list of the differences and pray for our leaders.
Take Home: Write down some lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson?
Commitment: Make a personal commitment to remain faithful to God as you look forward to a glorious life after death.
REVIEW FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST
Thanks be to God Almighty who has graciously taken us through eight months of the year. It has been interesting learning about God’s Eternal Reign. I am convinced that we have truly been blessed. If yes:
▪︎ Which aspect of the lesson challenged your faith in Christ?
▪︎ What questions do you have about the life guided by the Holy Spirit?
▪︎ What lessons did you learn about believer’s promise of resurrection?
▪︎ What impact did the lesson of August 27; “God’s Authority and Power’ make in your life?