C.A.C Sunday School Manual For October 20, 2024 Lesson 39, Topic - THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF MARTYRDOM
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Nigeria And Overseas
2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
UNIT 5: GOD GIVES ADMINISTRATIVE GIFTS AND MORE*
THEME: SPIRITUAL POWER AND GIFTS FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST*
20th October, 2024
LESSON:- THIRTY-NINE
MEMORY SCRIPTURE
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matthew 16:25).
The gift of martyrdom is the readiness to give one's life for the Gospel's sake as enabled by the Holy Spirit. Stephen and so many others are examples. We also have examples of martyrs in our contemporary world.
BRIEF COMMENT
The Apostles of old all laid down their lives for the sake of the gospel. Paul even declared, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Php. 1:21). In both life and death, he remained dedicated to Christ. It is believed that the blood of the martyrs acted as nourishment for the growth of the gospel, which has reached its current prominence. Similarly, some of our Patriarchs in CAC worked tirelessly and made sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. The impact of their efforts still benefits our mission today and will continue to do so for future generations. Lastly, Jesus our perfect example, proclaims, "I am the good Shepherd, the good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep" (Jn. 10:11). Christ is the first Martyr whose life and death bring salvation, and He promises that anyone who loses his life for His sake would find it in eternity (Matt. 16:25). This should be the attitude of, and encouragement for all Christians. Yet, there are those who have this uncommon special gift.
DEVOTIONAL DAILY READINGS
*Mon. 14:* The Martyr Surrenders Totally (Matt. 19:27-29)
*Tue. 15:* The World Unjustly Hates Christians (John 15:18-25)
*Wed. 16:* The Mindset Of The Martyr (Php. 1:19-26)
*Thur.17:* The Lord Encourages His Disciples (Joh 16:31-33)
*Fri. 18:* The Cry Of The Martyrs (Rev. 6:9-11)
*Sat. 19:* Tribulation Of Martyrdom Is Incredibly Terrible (Rev. 7:110)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
1. Jesus' spilled blood and that of the martyrs are the fertilizer for the Gospel to germinate and reach the entire world. What would you do for Christ?
2. Our Church fathers gave their all for the gospel in this mission and beyond, even to the point of death. Will you not deny Christ at gunpoint?
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:54-60
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
AIM: To unravel the mystery behind the spiritual gift called martyrdom.
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
i. explain martyrdom as a special, uncommon spiritual gift; and
ii. point out the importance and necessity of martyrdom in the Christian faith.
*INTRODUCTION*
*TEXTUAL SOURCE: MATTHEW 14:1-5; 16:24-27; JOHN 16:1-4; ACTS 7:54-60; 2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8,17-18*
Glory to God once again for the special privilege of benefitting from His Word on daily basis. May His name be exalted forever. Amen! The previous lesson featured extensively: *THE GIFTS OF EXTREME SELF-DENIAL,* and we were exposed to what these gifts are and what they represent in the body of Christ.
This week, the great Rabbi, through this lesson and the Sunday school teachers would be unveiling to us: *THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF MARTYRDOM,* another gift of self-denial. We are looking at the meaning, biblical examples and implications for the Church.
May we all be at the level of growth that God alone desires for us at the end of the lesson. Amen!
*LESSON OUTLINE*
*I. MARTYRDOM: THE GIFT EXPLAINED*
*II. MARTYRS: FEW EXAMPLES*
*LESSON EXPOSITION
*I. MARTYRDOM: THE GIFT EXPLAINED (Matt. 16:24-27; Jn. 16:1-4; 2 Tim. 4:6-8,17-18)*
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand (2 Tim. 4:6).
a) Matt. 16:24-26: Jesus hasn't minced words on the blessedness of believers losing their lives for His sake, and that underscores martyrdom. The true believer is ready to defend the course of the gospel, even in the face of death (cf. Rom. 1:16ff; 8:35ff).
b) Jn. 16:1-4 implies rejection and martyrdom. Jesus clarifies that a time would come when unbelievers and His haters would deliberately be killing His followers, thinking they offer God service (cf. Gal. 1:13,14).
c) vv. 1,4: Jesus says it; we should expect it. He has sent us His Holy Spirit to help us testify of Him, even under such 'hellish' condition, so to say (15:26,27).
d) Martyrs are those considered to have been slain for the Word of God and for the testimony which they held for Christ (Rev. 6:9). The gift is the divine enablement to undergo suffering and death for the Faith (2 Tim. 4:5-7). None is born with this gift but God grants it, as part of the allegiance, and as the need arises (cf. Lk. 12:11- 12).
e) 2 Tim. 4:6-8,17-18: Paul's valedictory words here show one who was ready for martyrdom (cf. Php. 1:19ff). He was eventually beheaded for Christ's sake by Emperor Nero in AD64. Before and since then, lots of believers have been martyred through sawing, stoning, crucifixion, burning, etc.
f) Matt. 16:25: Are you ready to die for Christ? Martyrs live with the willingness/readiness to lose their lives for the Gospel's sake to gain eternal life (cf. Php. 1:19ff).
g) v. 27: Those who aren't ashamed to suffer and die for Christ's sake (cf. Lk. 9:26) would be handsomely divinely rewarded (cf. Gal. 6:7ff; Eph. 6:8). Paul know this, hence his readiness to be poured out as a drink offering (2 Tim. 4:6,8,18).
h) Certain religions label Christians as infidels because of their differing beliefs and, tragically, don't hesitate to persecute, or even kill them, believing it will lead to rewards in their journey of heaven. This has resulted in the continued persecution and martyrdom of Christians by followers of these religions.
*II. MARTYRS: FEW EXAMPLES (Matt. 14:1-5; Acts 7:54-60)*
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59).
a) Matt. 14:1-5: John the Baptist fell out of favour with the wicked royal couple because of his godly stance. Are we surprised (2 Tim. 3:10ff)? Are you prepared for yours (Php. 1:29; 2 Tim. 4:5)?
b) vv. 9-12: Why these extrajudicial killing and disgrace? He stood for the truth. More importantly, his main assignment in life was to introduce Jesus to the world, which he had successfully done (In. 1:29ff). His time was up and must go home for eternal rest. The God-permitted way was martyrdom (cf. Psa. 115:3).
c) Yet, note that all through John's persecution, there is no record of him insulting or cursing his persecutors-characteristic of gifted martyrs (cf. Acts 7:60).
d) Acts 7:54: Stephen's offence was that he preached to his persecutors the bitter truth they didn't want to hear, or be reminded of. Such people are still there till date (2 Tim. 4:1-5).
e) vv. 55-56: Gifted martyrs are emboldened to die for the Gospel's sake by the clear divine assurance from the Lord Jesus who would never abandon His, even in death (cf. Matt. 28:20).
f) vv. 57-60: Martyrs are enabled by the Spirit to go through the worst of deaths in their persecutors' hands, for the Gospel's sake, and take it in good faith (v. 60).
g) In any case, please don't wait to be part of the martyrs during the Great Tribulation, anchored by the Antichrist after the Rapture (Rev. 6:9 7:17). It would be so unimaginably cruel and unbearable. Join the rapture train NOW (1 Thess. 4:13ff).
h) A woman was killed in Abuja, Nigeria, while preaching the Gospel. She is now considered a martyr for her faith. In today's world, many people as well as numerous missionaries globally, choose not to renounce their faith in Jesus, even at the cost of their lives.
*LESSONS DERIVED*
1. Martyrdom is a gift of the Spirit, and martyrs are extremely special gifts to the body of Christ.
2. Whenever you feel discouraged, remember the salvation you freely enjoy was perfected through Jesus' blood, and the martyrs gave their lives to reach you.
*QUESTIONS*
1. Who is a martyr? Do you covet the spiritual gift of martyrdom?
2. What should be the Christian's reaction to persecutions?
*SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS*
*ANSWER TO QUESTION 1*
* Refer to part 1 of the lesson exposition.
* A martyr is one who is ready to die for Christ's sake, a person who willingly chooses to endure suffering, persecution, or even death for their Christian faith and beliefs.
* Martyrdom is a result of unwavering commitment to Christ and one's Christian beliefs, often in the face of severe opposition.
* "Martyr" comes from Grk. "martus" (witness). Martyrs bear witness to their faith and the Gospel, often in challenging circumstances.
* Christian martyrs are not seeking suffering, or death but are steadfast in their faith, even when faced with the threat of persecution, or death.
* The desire to become a martyr is a complex and individual matter. While some may express a desire to to die for be willing their faith, this is typically a reflection of the strength of their convictions rather than a desire for suffering, or death.
* Coveting the spiritual gift of martyrdom should not be interpreted as a desire for physical harm, or death, but rather, as a willingness to stand firm in Christ and one's faith in Him and values, even in the face of the toughest adversity.
* Martyrs are honoured in Christian traditions as witnesses to the faith and as examples of steadfast commitment to Christ.
*ANSWER TO QUESTION*
* Like Stephen and other martyrs, Christians should not focus on their persecutors, but on Jesus who would grant them eternal rest (cf. Heb. 12:2).
* Jesus and Stephen prayed for their persecutors while persecuting them, that God should forgive them and save their souls. This should be the attitude of Christians to persecution.
* If Jesus had declared that all who persecuted Him be swallowed by wild animals and it had happened exactly, who then was He dying for?
* Christians should stop some hard prayers against their enemies. If God kills all enemies, then who are we to preach the gospel to? Remember, God does not take pleasure in the death of sinners. There is joy in heaven over a sinner that repents.
* If Joseph had prayed that the king's butler be killed for forgetting to mention him to the king after his freedom as he promised, and God had answered, who then would have eventually mentioned him to the King?
* If by hard prayers, we kill all the enemies we are meant to evangelise and win their souls for Christ, what crown are we expecting to have in heaven then?
* Jesus urged us to pray for o r our enemies, not to ask Him to kill them for us. And He showed this example on the cross.
* The enemies we are praying for God to kill, who knows if they would be God's great vessels tomorrow? Do not be a killer, but be a soul-winner.
LIFE APPLICATION
In the early days of the Roman Empire, Marcus was a devout Christian who fearlessly proclaimed his faith, despite the constant threat of persecution. When the Romans discovered his beliefs, they demanded that he abjure his faith, but he remained steadfast. As punishment, he was sentenced to a brutal death in the Colosseum. However, on the day of his execution, an extraordinary scene unfolded. The wild animals and gladiators bowed before him, and the spectators were left in awe. Marcus's gift of martyrdom transformed a savage spectacle into a profound testament of faith, inspiring many to embrace Christianity. His story demonstrates how unyielding faith can transcend fear, persecution, and even death, leaving an enduring impact on those who witness such acts of devotion.
CONCLUSION
Martyrs do not value their lives more important than the Gospel of Christ. They live as though ready to offer their lives as the needed fertilizer for the Gospel to grow further. If Christ gave His life for us, why then should we hide ours from Him? May God, give us the grace to stand for Him alone in all circumstances. Amen.
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