NBC Sunday School Manual For June 23, 2024 : Topic – FULL ASSURANCE.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme for the Month: “EXPERIENCING HOPE.”
DATE: SUNDAY, 23RD JUNE, 2024.
TOPIC: FULL ASSURANCE.
Devotional Reading: Psalm 23.
Background Scripture: Hebrews 6:9-20.
Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 6:9-20.
GOLDEN TEXT:
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● Give examples of people who received their inheritance through faith and patience;
● Discuss the importance of faith and patience as key for God to fulfil His promises;
● Resolve to trust more in God, as they wait patiently for His promises.
INTRODUCTION
The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Christian Jews who were probably being persecuted and began to waver between Christianity and Judaism. The purpose of writing the book was to warn the people against the temptation of losing their faith and becoming lazy (Hebrews 5:11; 6:12), after becoming Christians. It was also to encourage them to continue in the faith, despite the severe persecution, thus the author of the book referred to the letter as a “Message of Encouragement” (Hebrews 13:22). The author spoke confidently that there is no hope for them, if peradventure they deliberately reject Jesus and deviate from the faith. The consequence is the impossibility of bringing them back to repentance because they have crucified the Son of God the second time (v. 6).
The warning of the author to his recipient not to abandon the faith in chapter 6 of the book of Hebrews is our focus for today’s lesson. It is an encouragement for believers of this age not to lose hope but to have full assurance in the faithfulness of God.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
[Hebrews 6:9-12]
In the first few verses of chapter 6 of the book of Hebrews, the author admonished the recipients on the importance of growing to spiritual maturity and leaving behind the elementary teachings about Jesus Christ. From verse 9, he expressed confidence that they would produce fruit in accordance with their salvation. He encouraged them not to give up because God is not unjust to forget their labour of love and service to the saints. Thereafter, he admonished them not to be lazy but to emulate those who inherited what has been promised to them through faith and patience. The fact that God is just and will not forget their labour and love for their fellow Christians should spur them to be more diligent to the end. By implication, they should persevere and not relent in their good works towards their fellow brethren so that their hope will be realised. He warned them in verse 12 against laziness saying, “We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God had promised.” Invariably, faith and patience are fundamental keys if we must receive the promises of God. The two virtues made the ancient heroes stand out and eventually, their faith was commended (Hebrews 11ff).
We should remember that God is ever faithful and not unfair that He would forget our labour of love. We should also note that the grace to love others and care for them is not a one-time Christian responsibility; it must continue as long as there is life. It is by so doing that one will be fully rewarded by God (v. 11; 1 Corinthians 15:58). The assurance of God’s faithfulness should encourage us to trust Him absolutely in order to inherit His promises for us (v. 12). More importantly, we should remember the fact that God recognises our sacrifices and this should motivate us to be more committed to Him and be willing, at all times, to minister to the needs of others around us.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. What can we learn from verse 10, as followers of Jesus Christ?
2. Discuss the challenge that verse 12 poses to us today, as Christians.
B. REASSURANCE OF GOD’S PROMISE
[Hebrews 6:13-20]
One of the things that distinguish God from humans is that God keeps His promises always, unlike human beings who are often not faithful to their promises. The Scripture makes us know that God’s promise of many descendants to Abraham was with an assurance (an oath) of fulfilling the promise by Himself since no one is greater than Him (Genesis 22:16-18). He said to him, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” (vv. 13-14) Abraham waited patiently and thereafter received the promise (v. 15) because God is dependable. Thus, He confirmed it with an oath to Abraham. God’s promise that Abraham would have descendants (all who believe in Christ), and the oath by which He confirmed it can be linked to the two witnesses as required by the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 17:6). The author declared with confidence that hope is an anchor (support or strength) for the soul. By Jesus’ sacrifice of entering into the Holy of Holies on our behalf, we have access to all of God’s promises. As a result, He (Jesus) has become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (v. 20).
The example of God’s faithfulness as seen in the life of Abraham is a pointer to the fact that anyone who waits patiently on God will surely receive His promises. There should be no doubt in our heart if we must partake in the promise of God. We must exercise faith and full assurance in God through Christ. You can rest assured that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promises (2 Peter 3:9a).
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. What do you understand about the unchanging nature of God’s promise, according to verse 17?
2. Discuss in practical ways how Christians can maintain full assurance in God’s ability to fulfil His promises, notwithstanding the situations around them.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
Ask class members to make a list of God’s promises and encouraged themselves to trust God for their fulfilment.
Take Home:
Write down three lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson?
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Based on today’s lesson, make a personal commitment to remain in the faith and be patient with God for the fulfilment of all His promises.
Happy Sunday in Advance.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!