C.A.C Sunday School Manual For May 5, 2024 Lesson 16: Topic – POWER FOR KINGDOM PROFIT-MAKING
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas
2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
UNIT 2: GOD GIVES GIFTS PURPOSEFULLY
THEME: SPIRITUAL POWER AND GIFTS FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST
LESSON Sixteen
May 5, 2024
TOPIC: POWER FOR KINGDOM PROFIT-MAKING
MEMORY SCRIPTURE
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (1 Corinthians 12:7).
The gifts you are given are to make profits for Christ’s kingdom. Never be lazy with the ones He gives you. He only rewards the faithful bountifully and accordingly.
BRIEF COMMENT
Paul emphasises the idea that spiritual gifts, which are P manifestations of the Holy Spirit, are given to individuals, not for their own benefit alone but for the greater good of the community of believers. It underscores the idea that these gifts are meant to build up and serve the Church as a whole, promoting unity and cooperation among believers. Also, it underscores the importance of using one’s spiritual gifts to serve and edify others within the body of Christ, highlighting the principle of unity and interdependence among believers. Believers are reminded of their responsibilities and encouraged to use their spiritual gifts selflessly, and in service to others within the context of the Christian community.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. Apr. 29: Prioritising Christ Is Most Profitable (Matt. 6:33)
Tue. Apr. 30: Profitability Of Selfless Service (Mk. 10:45)
Wed. May 1: Profitability Of Godly Togetherness (Acts 2:44-45)
Thur. May 2: Poverty: The Antidote Is God’s Grace (2 Cor. 8:9)
Fri. May 3: Productiveness Helped By Community Spirit (Acts 4:32-35)
Sat. May 4: Profitability Is Hampered By Selfishness (Php. 2:3-4)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
1. Believers must utilise their power and resources in alignment with God’s Kingdom values.
2. As believers, our faith should extend beyond personal beliefs and translate into meaningful interactions and positive impact on the world, aligning with our spiritual convictions.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: John 3:27.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
AIM: To highlight the significance of resource utilisation and the responsibility of believers in God’s Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should:
i. be showing signs of better understanding of the importance of being profitable in the things of God; and
ii. be more ready to use their respective gifts for profitability in God’s Kingdom business.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: MATTHEW 25:14-30
We thank God in heaven for helping us last week, to learn about one of the purposes of God’s gifts to His people, UNPRECEDENTED CHURCH GROWTH. May He help His Church further, so that she will continue to tap into the lessons learnt for the needed growth, in Jesus’ name.
For this week, we shall be dealing with the topic: POWER FOR KINGDOM PROFIT-MAKING. It centres on a parable told by Jesus in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, the master represents Jesus, and the servants represent believers or followers of Jesus. The talents symbolise the various resources and abilities that God entrusts to each person. It is a parable that Jesus told to illustrate important principles about the use of resources and the responsibility of believers in the Kingdom of God. The parable conveys important lessons about using one’s abilities and resources for the growth and advancement of the Kingdom. We shall be discussing the topic under two major sub-headings: THE PROFITABLE SERVANT and THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT.
May God help us to grasp the truth He has for us in this lesson in Jesus’ name. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
I. THE PROFITABLE SERVANT
II. THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
LESSON EXPOSITION
I. THE PROFITABLE SERVANT (Matt. 25:14-30)
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’ (Matt. 25:21).
a) vv. 14-15: Travelling afar, the lord entrusts different amounts of wealth to his servants, based on their abilities. God has given believers unique gifts that we should use wisely and responsibly for Kingdom advancement (1 Cor. 12:7,11).
b) vv. 16: went and traded with… The profitable servants took the initiative and put their talents to work. Believers should actively use their spiritual power and gifts to make positive impacts in the Kingdom (1 Cor. 12:7ff).
c) They took calculated risks by investing their talents. Investing spiritual power and gifts requires stepping out of comfort zones, taking risks for the Gospel’s sake with the Spirit’s boldness (cf. Acts 21:13).
d) vv. 16-17: Faithful stewardship is germane to profitability in the Kingdom business (cf. 1 Cor. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:10). These servants were faithful.
e) vv. 20,22: Lord, you delivered me…look…I have gained… They to were accountable for their actions and choices. Believers are held accountable for how they use their spiritual power and gifts.
f) v. 20,22: look, I have gained… more… God crowned their efforts, as it resulted in profit (Prov. 10:4b). We must produce spiritual “profit” by effectively using our spiritual power and gifts to bring about positive change in people’s lives.
g) vv. 21, 23: … Well done, good and faithful servant… Faithful use of our spiritual power and gifts leads to increased opportunities and influence along with a sense of fulfilment and joy in serving His purposes (v. 28).
g) Profitability is tasking but refreshingly rewarding; pay the price and yield the prize.
II. THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT (Matt. 25:14-30)
But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant… (ν. 26).
a) v. 25: And I was afraid… Kingdom profit-making involves taking initiative, stepping out in faith, and utilising our God-given abilities to serve and reach others. Fear led the unprofitable servant to play it safe by burying his talent (cf. Jdg. 4:8).
b) This servant didn’t use it for productive purposes. Beware of being inactive, or not utilising your gifts due to fear or complacency.
c) …and went and hid your talent in the ground. This servant’s fear paralysed him. Embracing our spiritual power and gifts and taking steps to make a positive impact requires overcoming fear and embracingt racing the boldness of the Holy Spirit (cf. Neh. 6:11a).
d) vv. 26-27: The servant was held accountable for not using his talent effectively. Similarly, we are accountable for how we utilise our spiritual power and gifts.
e) Just as the servants were expected to make profits with their talents, believers are called to actively engage, serve and make meaningful impacts with their spiritual resources (1 Cor. 2:2-5).
f) In May 1932, Joseph Ayo Babalola was unjustly jailed for o months in Benin. He represented God powerfully, leading to salvation, signs and wonders in the prison, unlike the unprofitable servant.
g) The fear of failure is a disease that must be annihilated for profitability to see the light of the day.
LESSONS DERIVED
1. We are called to use our God-given spiritual resources diligently and responsibly for the growth of God’s Kingdom (1 Cor Cor. 12:7).
2. Fear, laziness and slothfulness can lead to unprofitability resulting in shame, lack and destruction (Matt. 25:30).
QUESTIONS
1. Mention some recipes for profitability in the Kingdom business.
2. How can unprofitability be prevented?
SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
ANSWER TO QUESTION 1
* Profitability in God’s Kingdom business, often associated with Christian principles and values, goes beyond financial gain and emphasises ethical and spiritual considerations.
* Align with Kingdom values.
* Be initiative; take risks.
* Lead with humility, and a genuine desire to serve others.
* Be faithful and committed.
* View your resources as gifts from God and practise responsible and responsive stewardship. Manage finances wisely, avoid wastefulness, and consider sustainable practices.
ANSWER TO QUESTION 2
* Seek God’s guidance through prayer and study of the Scripture. Regularly connect with a faith community, or a provide spiritual guidance and accountability. mentor who can
* Be not fearful, avoid inactivity and complacency.
* View all your resources, including time, finances, and talents, as gifts from God. Be responsible in managing them, avoiding wastefulness, and prioritising their use for good and for God’s . purposes.
* Make sound financial decisions, avoiding excessive debt and living within your means. Save for the future and be prepared for unexpected expenses.
* Ensure that your work, or business practices align with your Christian values. Avoid unethical practices, or decisions that compromise your faith as a Christian.
* Be humble, and acknowledge that you are a servant of Christ. Be open to correction and willing to admit mistakes.
LIFE APPLICATION
Being a profitable servant involves faithfully and wisely managing the gifts, resources and opportunities entrusted to you by God. God. It means using your talents, skills and assets to serve God and others with diligence, integrity and generosity. This calling leads to both personal fulfilment and contributes to the advancement of God’s Kingdom, making a positive impact on the world. Be the faithful and profitable servant that is urgently needed for spiritual growth and societal betterment.
CONCLUSION
Praise God in heaven for seeing us through the successful completion c of this lesson on Power for Kingdom Profit-Making. May we be willing, ready and available for profitability in God’s Kingdom business, in Jesus’ name. Shalom.
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