NBC Sunday School Manual For August 4, 2024 : Topic – PREVIEW FOR AUGUST
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme for the Month: “ETERNAL HOPE.”
PREVIEW FOR AUGUST
The theme for this month is “Eternal Hope.” The texts shall be taken from the books of 1 Thessalonians, 1 John and Titus. The lessons will consider facets of the promised future God is preparing for those who call on His name, and describe what hope looks like as we await Jesus’ second coming in His glory to finally set things right. Some other issues we shall be discussing are:
● The nearness of Christ’s return.
● The anticipation of Christ’s return when we will become like Him.
● Paul’s appeal to live with hope rooted in God’s grace, made certain in His death and resurrection.
● Salvation according to God’s mercy and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
It seems the brethren in Thessalonica did not understand the saving work of God in return, and the hope of eternal life. When Paul could not visit the brethren in Thessalonica, he sent Timothy to encourage them to be self-controlled, upright, and godly in preparation for the blessed hope of Christ’s return.
Suggested Teaching Methods: These suggested teaching methods can be used during the general opening or in the classes.
August 4 – Panel Discussion: Assign the three sub-topics to class members ahead of the class and ask them to prepare to discuss the lesson.
August 11 – Soliloquy: A class member should soliloquise 1 John 3:1 before other class members.
August 18 – Recitation: Write the Golden Text on cardboard and place at a strategic place. The attention of the class members should be drawn to it while they read in unison.
August 25 – Memorisation: Write the Golden Text (Titus 3:4-5) on a cardboard from different versions of the Bible and let three class members stand in front of the class and read in unison.
DATE:
SUNDAY, 4TH AUGUST, 2024.
TOPIC:
HOPE IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.
Devotional Reading:
Psalm 121.
Background Scripture:
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.
Lesson Scripture:
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.
GOLDEN TEXT:
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● Mention the benefits and dangers of accepting or rejecting the gospel message;
● Discuss the role of mature Christians to younger believers, like the case of Paul to the brethren in Thessalonica, in today’s passage;
● State two things they will do this week that will give hope to their fellow brethren in the Lord.
INTRODUCTION
Whenever and wherever the message of the Gospel is preached, people respond differently. While some ask questions about the means and importance of salvation, some reject the message outrightly while a few others accept the message as God’s Word. Such people are determined to live by the Word of God, notwithstanding the challenges that may come their way. Even during Jesus’ earthly ministry, there were mixed responses to the message of the Gospel. Some people accepted the good news of the kingdom wholeheartedly and were saved but others rejected it, even in Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth. As a result, He did not perform many miracles there because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:57). The early church suffered a great deal of persecution to the extent that the believers were scattered throughout the provinces of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1-2). As the persecution continued, the Sadducees made great effort to hinder the spread of the message of salvation by arresting some of the apostles.
One of the apostles, James, the brother of John was executed, Stephen was stoned to death, and Peter was held in prison, awaiting trial. Apostle Paul was severely persecuted in his effort to spread the gospel message Philippi and other cities (1 Thessalonians 2:1-3). There was also strong opposition from certain Jews in Thessalonica who were jealous of his success, especially among the Gentiles who were already interested in God’s Word before he was forced to go to Berea.
Today’s lesson focuses on Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica. He testified of how the brethren in Thessalonica received the Word of God and became imitators of churches in Judea. Paul, obviously, wrote the letter during the time of persecution– he wrote to encourage them to be firm in their faith, despite their suffering, and to be hopeful in Christian fellowship. Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica was exemplary by all standard. He frequently expressed his love for them, like a caring and nursing mother who wishes her children to grow to maturity. He confessed that the brethren in Thessalonica were his joy, pride and hope through Christian fellowship.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. PAUL’S COMMENDATION AND CRITICISM
[1 Thessalonians 2:13-16]
From the beginning of chapter 2, Paul explained how, with the help of God, they were able to preach the Gospel to them, even in the face of strong opposition-how they spoke as men approved by God and entrusted with the Gospel (vv. 1-4). In verse 13, he gave thanks to God because the brethren in Thessalonica received the Word of God not as human words but God’s Word and its impact on the lives of those who believed. Therefore, they have become imitators and prototypes of Christ in churches in Judea. He explained further how the brethren had suffered persecution from their own people who rejected God’s truth. He made it clear in verse 15 that the Jews killed Jesus Christ and the prophets as well as rejected them. Their action, of course, displeased God because they were prevented from reaching the Gentiles who were eager to receive the message so that they may be saved. Unfortunately, their ungodly attitude attracted the wrath of God upon them.
The message Paul and his companions preached was God’s Word. It was powerful and potent for transformation because it was not just human idea. The benefits and dangers that are associated with accepting or rejecting the message of the Gospel is obvious from the passage. They will face condemnation because the anger of God will surely come upon them (v. 16). The brethren in Thessalonica were commended for receiving the gospel message from Paul and his companions, and God was at work in them. Moreover, they became role models to the churches in Judea and faithful followers of Jesus Christ. The lesson should serve as a reminder to believers that the task of preaching God’s Word has never been easy since the days of Jesus and the apostles. Nevertheless, we should not be discouraged, even in the face of persecution and intimidation by enemies of the truth, rather we should be determined to reach out to the people who are yet to know the truth like Paul who dared to share God’s Word with the brethren in Thessalonica in the face of strong opposition (v. 2).
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Apart from the few mentioned in the passage, identify the benefits and consequences of believing or rejecting the Word of God.
2. How can bellevers be encouraged not to be deterred because of severe persecution from the enemies of the cross?
B. PAUL’S LOVE FOR THE THESSALONIANS
[1 Thessalonians 2:17-20]
Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica was fruitful probably because of the ideal Christian fellowship he maintained with the brethren. This is reflected in verses 7 and 8. In his admonition, he said to them, “Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” Even though Paul and his colleagues were physically and temporarily separated from the brethren, the cordial relationship that had long existed between them made him hopeful to see them. Unfortunately, Satan hindered their planned journey (v. 18). Again, the author of the book of Acts stated that on different occasions, Paul was prevented by the Holy Spirit from travelling to where he planned to go (Acts 16:6-7). Furthermore, he expressed his love to them thus, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (vv. 19-20) In other words, the brethren in Thessalonica are their testimony of fruitfulness in the ministry, despite the challenges they faced.
It is certain that Paul was an ideal mentor who worked hard for the spiritual maturity of the brethren in Thessalonica. This underscores the need for mature believers to mentor younger Christians to spiritual maturity through constant care for them, whether physically, financially, spiritually, or any other means. Even though they were far apart, Paul always thought of them. He reaffirmed his desire to frequently see them and ascertain their welfare. He restated that the brethren there are their hope, joy, and crown when Christ comes. Contemporary believers should emulate Paul and prioritise the welfare of other believers; by this, hope can be restored to them. We should pay attention to both the physical and spiritual needs of young believers in our churches and communities. We should visit and strengthen them in the areas of their weakness, encourage and assist them, and pray for them because they are products and fruits of our spiritual labour (Matthew 25:31-40). This is important because their growth in the Lord is our joy, hope and strength to continue in the journey of faith.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss how churches in the 21st century can increase the pace of mentorship for the sake of continuity of the Gospel.
2. Mention some of the contemporary obstacles and barriers that have hindered the spread of the Gospel and how to overcome them.
C. PAUL’S CONCERN FOR THE THESSALONIANS’ FAITH
[1 Thessalonians 3:1-5]
The voice of Paul in the passage echoes like a father who wishes his children to succeed in the journey of life. The severity of the persecution in Thessalonica forced Paul to leave for Athens. However, young Timothy whom he described as a brother and co-worker in God’s service was sent back to Thessalonica for two reasons: to strengthen and encourage them in their faith (v. 2). Supposedly, Paul was concerned about the spiritual stability of the brethren in the face of strong persecution so that they will not become weary and fall from the faith. He affirmed, in verse 3, that such persecution is part of God’s will for them (Philippians 1:29). This implies that persecution is inevitable in the journey of faith, and Christians are expected to continue to endure until Christ returns. The early church held on to this belief that persecution is inescapable, and that what Paul told them about it was true (vv. 3-4). Ultimately, they advance God’s purpose.
Persecution and suffering are expected in the journey of faith. Jesus confirmed it when He said, “… in this world you will have trouble ….” (John 16:33). Paul understood this principle; hence he continually encouraged the brethren in Thessalonica to be hopeful. His concern was that their spiritual labour over the brethren should not be in vain when they were tempted by the tempter (Satan). He sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen them in the faith. In our contemporary time when persecution is widespread, Christians, individuals and denominational leaders must rise to the task of encouraging their fellow brethren to endure persecution, particularly young Christians. They should let them know that in the journey of faith, persecution is inevitable. Our joy is that we can be empowered by the Holy Spirit to face such challenges boldly, as we wait patiently for the appearance of Christ.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss some of the ways Christians who are being persecuted can be encouraged, based on today’s lesson.
2. Persecution is inevitable in the journey of faith. Discuss.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
Identify some characteristics of an ideal friendship and probably how to sustain 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 be a source of hope to other brethren in their challenging moments.
Happy Sunday in Advance.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!