NBC Sunday School Manual For October 22, 2023 :Topic – THE SUPERIORITY OF THE GOSPEL.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION (NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE)
Theme for the Month: “FAITH TRIUMPHS, LAW FAILS.”
DATE: SUNDAY, 22ND OCTOBER, 2023.
TOPIC: THE SUPERIORITY OF THE GOSPEL.
Devotional Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14.
Background Scripture: Galatians 3:1-18.
Lesson Scripture: Galatians 3:1-14.
GOLDEN TEXT: “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?” Galatians 3:2b
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● State why believers were redeemed by to verse 14.
● Christ Jesus according Discuss ways that the Gospel is superior to the law.
● Make a commitment to hold on to the true Gospel to the end without wavering.
INTRODUCTION:
Apostle Paul was one of the best | legalists and a devoted Jew in his days. Before his conversion experience, he persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ. So, by all standards, Paul knew everything about the law. Therefore, if anyone could reach God through the observance of the law, he would have been one, being a strict Pharisee. This same Paul, after his encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus was able to confront the Galatians that God’s love is not conditioned by the number of rules they obey. He used further arguments to put the entire Old Testament law into a new perspective, that the law was never intended to be a way to God (vv. 11, 21). The Bible confirms that through the law, nobody would be justified (Romans 3:20), but justification and salvation are received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is clear, however, that the breaking of the law brings about some punishments and condemnation, which support the fact that the law fails but faith triumphs.
The central truth of today’s lesson is that all who have faith in Christ have been redeemed from the law of sin. Due to this fact, we should learn to appreciate Paul’s teaching in Romans 8:1ff that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Him, the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death. It is in Christ that all believers are set free. Paul in today’s lesson argues that the Gospel is the only way to obtain salvation, anyone that put his faith in Christ will be saved. Therefore, the Gospel is superior to any other method to get salvation. Christ is the only Source of salvation and no one else.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED…
A. PAUL’S PERTINENT QUESTION:
[Galatians 3:1-5]
The central truth of today’s lesson is that all who have faith in Christ have been redeemed from the law of sin. Due to this fact, we should learn to appreciate Paul’s teaching in Romans 8:1ff that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Him, the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death. It is in Christ that all believers are set free. Paul in today’s lesson argues that the Gospel is the only way to obtain salvation, anyone that put his faith in Christ will be saved. Therefore, the Gospel is superior to any other method to get salvation. Christ is the only Source of salvation and no one else.
Paul expressed surprise that the Galatians who had previously received the true message of the death and resurrection of Jesus were easily led astray. His surprise led him to ask them a pertinent question: “…Did you receive God’s Spirit by doing what the law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it?” (v.3). He asked whether they were saved by obeying the demands of the law or not. Definitely, the answer to the question is “no”. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that believers are free from the law. All the questions asked in verses 3-5 point to the fact that since salvation is a free gift from God, and it is accepted through faith. After all, the Spirit of God given to them and all the miracles were not done because they obeyed the law but because they heard the Gospel and believed it. Apparently, Paul meant that the strict observance of the law and faith in Christ Jesus cannot work at the same time.
Paul’s voice in the passage sounded the same when he rebuked Peter because of his hypocritical lifestyle publicly (Galatians 2:14). The reference to them as foolish does not mean they are mentally deficient, but because they failed to hold on to the truth of the Gospel which they had received. He made them understand that they cannot begin the Christian race by the Spirit and end by the flesh since they did not receive anything by their own effort (vv. 3-5). Paul wanted them to hold on to the fact that Christ alone is the Source of their salvation. Believers today need to be secured in their faith and not allow trendy or false teachings to make them doubt the message of the Gospel, which they have received. We should hold firmly to our faith in Jesus Christ and be convinced about our salvation.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Mention some trending teachings that easily distract believers from their faith.
2. Discuss reasons why some believers are insecure in their faith and what the Church can do to help them.
B. THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM:
[Galatians 3:6-9]
Paul refuted the argument of the Judaizers and convinced the Galatians about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. He made reference to Abraham as a prototype to show that the most eminent of the patriarchs was not saved by the deeds of the law but by faith. The Scripture says that, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:1-6). Interestingly, those who believe are children of Abraham (v.7). This is contrary to the belief of the Jews who talked about making the Gentiles sons of Abraham through the rite of circumcision. Gentile Christians are already Abraham’s sons and heirs because they share his faith (vv.7, 29). By faith in Christ, we are all God’s children, regardless of our race or status.
God is interested in the salvation of the heathen if only they will have faith in Christ Jesus. No wonder Paul’s concern throughout the book of Galatians focused on God and His desire to save both Jews and Gentiles based on their faith in Christ alone. Of course, Abraham’s lifestyle is an example. The foundation of this promise is found in him since God promised to bless the whole human race through him and his descendants (Genesis 17:4-6). God fulfilled His promise to Abraham not necessarily because he obeyed the law but because he believed (Romans 4:13). His belief brought about his obedience to God. All those who embrace faith in Christ are promised the blessings of God (v.3).
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. What does it mean to obtain salvation through faith in Christ?
2. Does one need to be a Jew to enjoy the blessings of Abraham? Explain according to the lesson.
C. FUTILITY IN RELYING ON THE LAW:
[Galatians 3:10-14]
Paul was passionate about the spiritual state of the brethren in Galatia. This led him to continue in his explanation on the difference between faith and the observance of the law. He states clearly the condition of those who are under the law. He quoted from the Old Testament in verse 10, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Literally, “the Law” as it is stated in the Old Testament involves all the rules and regulations that God gave to His people, Israel through His servant Moses. Therefore, as far as the law is concerned, no one can be justified before God. Only those who live right with God through faith in Christ shall be justified. Because Christ has become a curse for us by being hung on the tree, He has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings (v.12). Christ did this to fulfil the promise of the blessings that God made to Abraham.
To be under God’s curse is to be condemned by God for disobeying His commandments. Unfortunately, breaking one of the commandment brings one under condemnation and it is not possible to keep all of the commandments without defaulting in any (Romans 3:20-24). The testimony is that Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for those who believe in Him. It is clear from this passage that the law can only bring condemnation since no one can fulfil its requirements. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it (James 2:10). Therefore, to rely on the law for justification is futile because it will only bring condemnation and curse. The only way out of the curse is to believe in the Gospel of Christ and put our faith in His finished works. This also gives us access to the blessings of Abraham.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. How is the Gospel superior to the law?
2. What are the What are the things that can be regarded as laws today for believers?
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
● State at least three reasons why Christ redeemed us according to Paul in the lesson.
Take Home: Write down some lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson?
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment to uphold the truth, which you have received through Christ Jesus.
Happy Sunday in Advance.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!