NBC Sunday School Manual For November 26, 2023 :Topic – LIVE AS YOU WERE TAUGHT.
Read previous NBC Sunday Schoo Manuals here
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)
Sunday, November 26, 2023
DO WHAT IS HELPFUL
Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8, 10: 23-11:1
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
GOLDEN TEXT
I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. I Corinthians 10:23a
Objectives: By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
I. Explain some of the ways believers can use their freedom well according to the passage;
II. Discuss the consequences of abuse of freedom by believers;
III. Renew their commitment to do what is helpful always especially to those whose faith is weak.
INTRODUCTION
Laws about foods and drinks are common in many communities around the world. Eating of certain meat or food are forbidden in some communities, not because of their poor dietary content but largely due to the custom and belief of the natives. The controversy about eating meat from pagan temple affected the Church in Corinth so much that the local assembly was about to be split apart. Paul’s teachings was an intervention to address the issue. The conflict started when Gentile converts joined the Jewish believers in fellowship. Based on their culture, Jews have nothing to do with such meat offered to idols, but the newly converted Gentiles have no
problem eating such meat. Meanwhile, much of the meat sold in Gentile market had been previously offered to pagan gods in the temples, and the Jewish Christians believed that they would be guilty of idolatry if they ate such meat. The Jerusalem Council had already made decision on this when they requested that the converted Gentiles should abstain from meat sacrificed to idols (Acts 15:29).
The focus of today’s lesson is Paul’s encouragement to the Christians in Corinth to do what is right as far as eating food sacrificed to idol is concerned for their conscience’s sake (v. 25).
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. The Believer’s Freedom. 1 Corinthians 10:23-30
Apostle Paul was explicit in his encouragement to the brethren in Corinth. He admonished them to flee idolatry, and that they should not be partakers of food sacrificed to pagan gods because of its connection with demons. His reason was that they cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too (vv. 14 -21). Paul affirmed that though he has the right to do anything, not everything is beneficial and constructive (v. 23). Consequently, he instructed that believers should not seek their own good, but the good of others. He became more emphatic in verses 25 and 26 when he said, “Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, ‘For the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” The summary of his recommendation is that believers should exercise caution especially when there is prior information that the meat to be eaten has been offered to idols. Nevertheless, he concluded that no one should be criticised for eating food for which thanksgiving has been offered.
Apostle Paul’s counsel is that though the strong believer has “the right to do anything”, he or she must exercise caution for the sake of believers who are not as mature. Therefore, if the eating of meat offered to idols would make a believer especially the weak to derail, then it is better not to eat it. We should take caution about our lifestyle in the community and the church so that our freedom will not mislead others.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Identify some social practices that are controversial among Christians today and the possible ways to maintain balance.
2. Give examples of some things that are “lawful” but not “helpful”.
B. Encouragement to Please God. 1Corinthians 10:31-33; 11:1
The fact has been established that the church in Corinth was a combination of both Jews and Greek (Gentiles) with diverse opinions and levels of faith in Christ Jesus. As a result, Paul saw the need for harmonious living in the interest of the unity of the church. Having encouraged them to use their freedom wisely, he also cautioned them to do everything (their eating and drinking inclusive) for the glory of God. According to verse 32, nobody should cause anyone to stumble whether Jews, Greeks or the church. He made two important things clear in verse 33, his effort to please everyone by all means and his selfless ministry so that many may be saved. Consequently, he encouraged them to follow his example as he has followed the example of Christ (11:1).
The import of Paul’s message was to maintain peace and unity in the church in Corinth. Even though he was ready to please everyone in every way, it was his desire that none of them through what they eat and drink should cause any other believer to stumble (vv. 32-33). By implication, they should not use their freedom in Christ to cause another believer to backslide or cause disunity in the Church of God. Paul’s expectation was that all people will be brought to the saving grace of Christ (Ephesians 2:8, Acts 15:11). His admonition in verse 31 is very essential to contemporary Christians. We should do all things to the glory of God whether in our private or public life. After all, God sees our activities both in the open and in the secret and He will reward us accordingly.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Discuss ways through which “stronger” Christians can seek the good of “weaker Christians so that they will not backslide.
2. What should be the attitude of Christians who eat meat offered to them by a Muslim during their religious festival?
Building Fellowship and Ministry Activity: Let each member write at least five (5) ways in which they have rendered help to othersthe expense of their comfort.
Take Home: Write down there (3) lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson.
Commitment: Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment to do what is right, and helpful to others.
REVIEW FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER
We are grateful to God for the privilege to learn under the theme: “Christ Frees, Law Enslaves.” I know that God has truly blessed and enriched our lives through these insightful lessons. Based on this:
● What are some new things you learnt about what is required for salvation?
● What do you intend to do about some traditions that may have hindered your relationship with other brethren ?
● What impact did the lesson of November 19 “Live as you were taught” make in your life?
● How did the Holy Spirit help you to apply Paul’s advice not to seek your good but the good of others?