NBC Sunday School Manual For March 17, 2024 :Topic – RIGHTEOUS AND HUMBLE ACTIONS.
Read previous NBC Sunday School Manuals here
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme for the Month: “FAITH-FULL VERSUS FAITH-LESS.”
DATE: SUNDAY, 17TH MARCH, 2024.
TOPIC: RIGHTEOUS AND HUMBLE ACTIONS.
Devotional Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8.
Background Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-17.
Lesson Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-17.
GOLDEN TEXT: “For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:17
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● Explain God’s expectation from believers when they suffer for righteousness’ sake;
● List some attributes that are needed for a cordial relationship with other believers;
● Resolve to act righteously and humbly, even when they suffer for good deeds.
INTRODUCTION:
Billy Graham, in one of his articles “10 Guidelines for Christian Living” states, “Whether we are playing a game, driving a car, or baking a cake, there are certain rules that must be followed for our safety as well as our success.” The statement confirms the importance of obeying specific rules and regulations (whether at home, school, workplace, church and the larger society) for a steady relationship with other people. Having addressed slaves, wives and husbands, Peter encouraged all believers to exhibit good behaviour in order not to discredit the Gospel among non-believers (1 Peter 3:16).
Apostle Peter’s letter was written to the early Christians who were scattered all over the northern part of Asia Minor. The main purpose of the letter was to encourage the people who were being persecuted to endure trials with patience and humility. He stated some guiding principles, which can help Christians to respond positively to persecution or accusations, Christians can only experience spiritual growth when they follow specified instructions, according to the book of Peter. The focus of today’s lesson is Peter’s admonition to his recipient to be one, loving, and humble. He stated that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil because Christ also suffered as a righteous One to bring us to God.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED…
A. DO WHAT IS RIGHT
[1 Peter 3:8-12]
Having encouraged cordial relationship between husbands and wives so that nothing will interfere with their prayers, Apostle Peter appealed to the brethren to do what is right. He encouraged the persecuted believers to be ready to suffer for doing what is right, rather than for doing evil. He gave some practical instructions that should guide their relationship. For example, they were expected to do the following:
● Have the same attitude and feelings towards one another.
● Love one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
● To be kind and humble towards one another.
● Not to avenge evil for evil. Instead, they should pay back evil with good because God has called them to bless. He substantiated it with the Scripture that says, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongues from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” (v.10)
● Turn away from evil, do good and strive for peace. The need for the brethren to exhibit the above attributes became necessary because God watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers but opposes those who do evil (v. 12). Undoubtedly, the above instructions are necessary for the growth of the body of Christ, and to maintain a cordial relationship with one another. They can also empower Christians to live righteous and humble, especially in times of suffering.
Apostle Peter’s encouraging words in the passage can be likened to Jesus’ teaching on the mount (Matthew 5:38-42). Jesus concluded with the command, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (v. 48) Believers have been called for the divine purpose of inheriting a blessing. “… because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (v. 9b) Christians should be spurred by Peter’s words that God listens to those who do good but His face is against the wicked. When we are committed to doing what is right, we will enjoy the blessings of God on earth as well as the gift of eternity.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. According to the passage, what should our attitude be towards those who repay evil for good?
2. What are the benefits for the righteous and the repercussions for the wicked, as seen in verse 12?
B. SUFFER FOR WHAT IS RIGHT:
[1 Peter 3:13-18]
Peter further told the believers not to be afraid, as a response to the question of who will cause them harm when they are eager to do good. He said emphatically that they will be blessed, if they suffer for what is right and, therefore, encouraged them with these words:
● They should not be afraid of threats and intimidations.
● They should reverence Christ as Lord in their hearts.
● They should give corresponding answers to anyone regarding the reason for the hope they have, with gentleness and respect.
● They should keep a claear conscience so that those who speak wickedly against their good behaviour in Christ will be ashamed. He said, “For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (v. 17) After all, Christ suffered for the unrighteous so as to bring them to God. Christ was put to death in the body but was made alive in the Spirit (v. 18).
Jesus suffered, not because He was guilty of any sin but for the salvation of humankind. Similarly, His disciples suffered persecution as they spread the gospel message and became martyrs. In the same way, believers should be ready to suffer, if need be, for doing what is right. They should rise up and defend their faith because, according to Peter in verse 17, it is more beneficial to suffer for doing what is right, if it is the will of God. Such suffering may include losing a job, unemployment, abandonment by family members, ill-treatment, and so on. God expects Christians to respond to suffering by doing what is good with a positive attitude (good conduct). The assurance of blessing for those who suffer for doing right is stated in verse 14.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. How would you encourage believers who are suffering for their faith, based on today’s lesson?
2. Give a biblical example of someone who suffered for doing what was right and the lessons he/she learned from it.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
● Class members should give examples of people who once suffered for doing what is right, and their disposition to it.
Take Home: Write down three lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson?
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment to always do what is right and noble.
Happy Sunday in Advance.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!