Document From Engr-1

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THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA

(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
2018
BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
THEME:
LIVING TO PLEASE GOD
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FOREWORD
The Church of Nigeria Bible Study is meant to serve the purpose, in Ephesians 4:12-14,
of equipping the Church for growing together in “faith and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we
should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of
doctrine…” We have been making progress as we systematically consider different Page | 2
themes in our studies of different years.
Last year, under the theme, “I will heal their land” (2Chron. 7:14), we noted that there are
pre-requisites for Divine healing of our land and concluded that the Divine healing,
which is evidenced in the transformation and wellbeing of the people, needs to be
preserved or sustained. The key to both engendering and maintaining the Divine healing
is pleasing God.
It is therefore meet and proper for the theme of this year to be “LIVING TO PLEASE
GOD”. Living to please God should be the goal of every Christian. We should be like
our Lord Jesus Christ who declared thus about himself: “He who sent Me is with Me. The
Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” Paul
passionately prayed for the Colossian church in Colossians 1:10 that they might walk
worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing
in the knowledge of God. He also said of himself: “For do I now persuade men, or God?
Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of
Christ.” (Gal. 1:10).
We can please God by “being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the
knowledge of God” as Paul puts it. By not conforming to the world and being
transformed by the renewing of our mind, we prove what is good and acceptable and
perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). God has not hidden His requirement for man. He clearly
spelt out in the Scripture what is His will and pleases Him. Deuteronomy 10:12-13, for
instance, explicitly states:“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you,
but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord
your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of
the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?”
Pleasing God, however, cannot be done in one's own strength. It is only by means of the
indwelling Christ that the believer can exhibit the fruit of the Spirit and have a walk that
pleases the Lord.
Once again, we commend this Bible Study Outline to the entire people of God in the
Church of Nigeria as a very rich and relevant spiritual resource that must be availed of.
We continue to appreciate the good work the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee led by
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba is doing.
God bless you.
Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh

Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
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THE PREFACE
The year 2018 is a new dawn. God desires that we honour and glorify Him no
matter the circumstances and situations that confront and surround us as
individuals, families or a Community.
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It is important that we be reminded that Jesus Christ, the Son of God is
coming back again, and the signs of His coming are very evident. The need for
the moment is that every believer must be prepared. In spite of the challenges
of our time, the heartbeat of God and His desires is that we live to please God.
Therefore, this year’s Bible Study is an indebt study on “LIVING TO PLEASE
GOD”.
Like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Paul and Peter and many saints who
have gone before us just as they lived to please God, in the same way, God
desires that our lives be a sweet aroma offered unto Him. It takes a sincere
hearing from God’s Word and a total obedience to the guidance of the Holy
Spirit to please God. It takes walking in holiness and a heart set to please God
in righteousness to please God. May we understand how we ought to walk and
to please God. It is evident that God’s will is that His children live a sanctified
life and abstain from sexual immorality, and corruption that are in the world.
We remain grateful to Almighty God, for His enabling grace. We are thankful to
the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh LLD, the Primate of all Nigeria for his
fatherly support and the opportunity to serve. We thank the team of Writers
and our Co-ordinators especially Bro. Kiki Briggs, Ven. Charles Fakiyesi,
Rev. Cephas Okarefe, Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Ajulo(The Pioneer Bishop of
Okene Diocese) and so many others whom God used. We invite you to study
the Word of God this year with an earnest desire to walk with God and to
please Him. May you be richly refreshed, renewed and blessed by the Lord
Jesus Christ! Amen.
The Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba

Chairman, Liturgy and Spirituality
Committee of the Church of Nigeria
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BIBLE STUDY TEAM
APPRECIATION
We appreciate the writing-team for their labour of love and contribution. God has blessed us
through your personal time with God and the inspiration you received. Thank you ever so much Page | 4
and may the LORD renew and replenish your strength.
The Team Leaders:
1. Bro. Kiki Briggs

2. Ven. Charles Fakiyesi
3. Rev. Cephas Okarefe
4. Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Ajulo(The Pioneer Bishop of Okene Diocese)
The Consultants:
1. The Most Revd Emmanuel S. Egbunu
2. Rt. Revd James Oladunjoye
3. Rt. Revd Emmanuel Ugwu
4. Rt. RevdSosthenesEze
5. Most. Revd Michael O. Fape
6. Rt. Revd Prof. Emmanuel Ajulo
7. Most. Revd Henry C. Ndukuba
8. Ven. Dr. Princewill Ireoba
9. Revd Canon Oliver Okeke
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GUIDELINES TO ORGANISING/
LEADING BIBLE STUDIES
These are actually guidelines as indicated above. We trust the Holy Spirit to use them to enrich
your time together. Page | 5
 Leaders should spend much time in prayer and preparatory before any study.
 Emphasis should be on small and effective groups of between 10 and 20 persons

depending on the size of the congregation and spaces available to teachers.
 Where possible, separate youths from adults so lessons can be more appropriately
applied.
 All leaders should meet a day or more to the study to preview. Individual leaders are
encouraged thereafter, to still go through the studies on their own.
 Good time management can be done by assigning time to each section of the study and
limiting the number of persons that contribute to each section.
 If you begin the study by reading the text, then only make passing reference to it in the
study when it occurs again. Do not read it again.
 The memory verse and conclusions as well as “food for thought” are important since they
capture the essence of a study. Therefore, endeavour to go through them.
 The introduction is to be briefly handled. Do not use it as a medium for lengthy teaching.
 Work out ways of stimulating peoples’ interest for Bible Studies. Adopt the time most
suitable for your congregation and change when so desired, but with the approval of the
Church leadership.
 Leaders must be sensitive to contributions and ensure they address the questions or issues
raised. Find out polite and effective ways of bringing contributions to focus on the study.
 Find out from your vicar seasons of the Church year and explain them in two or three
sentences to your class at the beginning of the study.
 Leaders of small groups should know their members very well, visit and encourage them
to bring others to their groups. Appoint assistant leaders for each group who should
become the leader when the group splits with growth.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
STUDY 1: 1st Sunday in Epiphany January 7, 2018.Introducing the Theme/Series.

STUDY 2: 2nd Sunday in Epiphany January 14, 2018. The God we are called to please.
STUDY 3: 3rd Sunday in Epiphany January 21, 2018. We are created for His purpose. Page | 6
STUDY 4: Septuagesima Sunday January 28, 2018. Living as light.
STUDY 5: Sexagesima Sunday February 4, 2018. Living a holy life: in body.
STUDY 6: Quinquagesima Sunday February 11, 2018.Living a holy life: in soul (mind).
STUDY 7: 1st Sunday in Lent February 18, 2018. Living a holy life: in spirit (heart).
STUDY 8: 2nd Sunday in Lent February 25, 2018.Loving God above all.
STUDY 9: 3rd Sunday in Lent March 4, 2018.Loving yourself.
STUDY 10: 4th Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday) March 11, 2018.Loving your family.
STUDY 11: 5th Sunday in Lent March 18, 2018.Loving the brotherhood of Christians.
STUDY 12: Palm Sunday March 25, 2018.Loving your enemies.
STUDY 13: Easter Sunday April 1, 2018.Holiness in the home.
STUDY 14: 1st Sunday after Easter April 8, 2018.Holiness in the Church.
STUDY 15: 2nd Sunday after Easter April 15, 2018.Holiness in the market place.
STUDY 16: 3rd Sunday after Easter April 22, 2018.Doing good to all people.
STUDY 17: 4th Sunday after Easter April 29, 2018.Total Obedience.
STUDY 18: 5th Sunday after Easter May 6, 2018.Total Submission (yielded-ness).
STUDY 19: 6th Sunday after Easter May 13, 2018.Passionate purity.
STUDY 20: Sunday after Ascension May 20, 2018.Exposing and destroying satanic
kingdom.
STUDY 21: Pentecost Sunday May 27, 2018.Steadfastness in faith.
STUDY 22: Trinity Sunday June 3, 2018.Lusting after evil things.
STUDY 23:1st Sunday in Trinity June 10, 2018.Persecuting the saints/Church.
STUDY 24: 2nd Sunday in Trinity June 17, 2018.Tolerating the works of darkness.
STUDY 25: 3rd Sunday in Trinity June 24, 2018.Indulging in the works of darkness.
STUDY 26: 4th Sunday in Trinity July 1, 2018.Sexual immorality.
STUDY 27: 5th Sunday in Trinity July 8,2018.Sexual Perversions.
STUDY 28: 6th Sunday in Trinity July 15, 2018.Neglecting one’s family.
STUDY 29: 7th Sunday in Trinity July 22, 2018.Idolatry and syncretism.
STUDY 30: 8th Sunday in Trinity July 29, 2018.Walking by the flesh.
STUDY 31: 9th Sunday in Trinity August 5, 2018.Relationship and Fellowship with
unbelievers.
STUDY 32: 10th Sunday in Trinity August 12, 2018.Relationship and Fellowship with
Satan.
STUDY 33: 11th Sunday in Trinity August 19, 2018.Expanding the Kingdom: The
basis.
STUDY 34: 12th Sunday in Trinity August 26, 2018.Expanding the Kingdom: The
basics.
STUDY 35: 13th Sunday in Trinity September 2, 2018.Expanding the Kingdom:
Means & Methods.
STUDY 36: 14th Sunday in Trinity September 9, 2018.Expanding the Kingdom: The
Challenges and Costs.
STUDY 37: 15th Sunday in Trinity September 16, 2018.Engaging in Kingdom projects
& programmes.
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STUDY 38: 16th Sunday in Trinity September 23, 2018.Introduction: Concept and
Basis.
STUDY39:17th Sunday in Trinity September 30, 2018.Relationship and Fellowship with
God.
STUDY40: 18th Sunday in Trinity October 7, 2018.Relationship and fellowship with
believers.
STUDY 41: 19th Sunday in Trinity October 14,2018.Pleasing God through power Page | 7
manifestation: An Introductory Study
STUDY 42: 20th Sunday in Trinity October 21, 2018.Power manifestation in living
(as believers).
STUDY 43: 21th Sunday in Trinity October 28, 2018.Power manifestation over
situations and circumstances.
STUDY 44: 22th Sunday in Trinity November 4, 2018.Power manifestation to relieve
others.
STUDY 45: 23th Sunday in Trinity November 11, 2018.Power manifestation in
ministry/teaching.
STUDY 46: 24th Sunday in Trinity November 18, 2018.Faith for healing and miracles.
STUDY 47: Sunday before Advent November 25, 2018.Peace and joy in The Holy
Ghost.
STUDY 48: Advent Sunday December 2, 2018.Total victory in Christ.
STUDY 49: 1st Sunday in Advent December 9, 2018.Not suffering by the second death.
STUDYY 50: 2nd Sunday in Advent December 16, 2018.Longevity and painless
transition.
STUDY 51: 3rd Sunday in Advent December 23, 2018.Delivered, celebrated and
promoted.
STUDY 52: Sunday after Christmas December 30, 2018.Eternal life with God.
EXTRA STUDIES ON THEME
STUDY 53 – SUB-THEME/6:Relationships and fellowships that please God.

TOPIC: Relationship and fellowship with yourself.
STUDY 54 – SUB THEME/8:Benefits of a life that pleases God. TOPIC:

Imperishable and glorious reward
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THEME: LIVING TO PLEASE GOD Page | 8
STUDY 1: 1st Sunday in Epiphany January 7, 2018.
SUB-THEME /I: Introductory Studies

TOPIC: Introducing the Theme of the Series.
TEXTS: Eph. 5:1-15; 1Thess. 4:1-8.
AIMS:
i) to understand the theme and
ii) to get the right direction for the rest of the study.
INTRODUCTION: Our theme – “Living to please God” – calls for a life that
pleases God by fleeing from all manner of sin including evil associations and
habits, and pursuing both righteousness and divine purposes. The text Eph.
5:1-15 tells how a Christian should live a life that pleases God. On the
contrary, contemporary society is filled with all manner of corrupt and ungodly
practices prone to bringing God’s anger on mankind, including His people.
Therefore, Christians should be careful of the Satan’s deceits through ungodly
teachings and corrupt associations (Eph.5:6-12).
STUDY GUIDE
1. What does “living to please God” mean to you? Eph. 5:1 &10
2. Discuss the following from our texts:
a. Living as God demands: It means living a sanctified life, 1Thess. 4:3;

Eph.5:2-5;Self-control, 1Thess. 4:4-6; Purity, Matt.5:8; Living in the
light and exposing the works of darkness, Eph. 5:8-11.
b. Serving God acceptably: It means developing the right attitudes; doing
what God desires.
3. From the following scriptures, discuss the reasons why Christians should
live to please God: 1Pet. 2:9; Tit.2:13-14.
4. Discuss the dangers/disadvantages of not living to please God, Gen 6:11-
13; Gen.13:13; 19:13; Eph.5:5-6.
5. Why then do some find it difficult to live lives that please God?
CONCLUSION: As Christians, let us always ask ourselves whether our present

or intendedactions will please God or not. If yes, continue and if no, refrain.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Happy are those whose ways please the Lord
(Psa.1:1).
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MEMORY VERSE: Eph.5:1.
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STUDY 2: 2nd Sunday in Epiphany January 14, 2018.
SUB-THEME/1: Introductory Studies

TOPIC: The God we are called to please.
TEXT: Psalm 115:1-18.
AIMS:
i. to appreciate the difference between the only true God and the heathen
gods;
ii. to appreciate better the glorious attributes of the God we are to please.
INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of the living God we serve as Christians is

hidden to unbelievers and the heathen. The unbelievers serve man-made gods
informs of images and idols made with earthly materials, whereas Christians
serve the invisible God in heaven. The God we are to please is the immortal,
invisible, and ever-loving God who created all things but Himself was not
created. He is also the Judge (Heb.12:23), who punishes iniquities (Heb.12:6)
and all forms of unrighteousness regardless of who is involved (Acts 10:34).
STUDY GUIDE
1. How would you compare God and the gods?Gen.31:19, 30; Exod.12:12;
15:11.Psa.96:5; Isa.37:19.
2. Mention some of the attributes of the God we are to please from Gen.1:31;
Psa.90:1-2; 100:5; Isa.40:28; Rev.4:8.
3. Do some Christians take God for granted? Why and with what
consequences? II Sam 6:3-7; Jonah4:1-3; Acts 5:1-5.
4. How has our generation neglected God for the gods in their different forms?
Explain in your own word and in the context of 1Kings.11:33; Jer.2:19;
Rev.2:14.
CONCLUSION: There is great temptation to take the God we are to please for
granted. He can’t be seen with the physical eyes like the heathen gods or idols
but His presence and power can be perceived by all who draw near Him. He
has glorious attributes that readily show who He is and the Bible helps us in
this regard. The perishable idols exist only because He allows them.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The god you can see and touch is not the true God.
MEMORY VERSE: Isa.40:28.
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STUDY 3: 3rd Sunday in Epiphany January 21, 2018.
SUB-THEME/1: Introductory Studies.

TOPIC: We are created for His purpose.
TEXTS: Gen 1:26-28; Ex. 8:1; Ps.8:3-8; Rev. 4:11 (KJV).
AIMS:
i) to realise the whole essence of our creation/existence and
ii) to also realise the need to seek to please God earnestly.
INTRODUCTION: Christians should ask themselves: “Why was I created?”

Many don’t seem to know the reason(s) for their existence and so, they live as
they please or as situations or men dictate. God created man in His image with
specific purpose in mind (Gen.1:27-28; 2:15; Psa.8:4-8; Rev.4:11). God acts
with purpose and He usually makes His purposes known to those concerned.
He made known His purpose for the Israelites’ freedom from the Egyptian
bondage in Exo.8:1; made known what Samson would do as well as the
purpose for sending His only Son into the world. Despite these, mankind still
ignore or abuse the purpose of God for their lives.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a) From our texts, what do you think are God’s purposes in creating man?
b) Why and how may we achieve these purposes? Why? - Prov.4:4; John
14:23; 15:10, 14; How? – Hab.2:2; Luke 5:4; John 4:35.
2. How are the purposes of God for mankind being abused in our
contemporary world? Exo.32:1-4; Deut.8:11-17; Rom.1:21-23; 25.
3. Discuss practically the factors and forces that militate against our fulfilling
God’s purposes and what we must do to prevail against them? Cf. John
10:10a; II Peter 1:9; James 1:25.
4. What are the consequences of living outside the purpose of God for
mankind? Deut.8:19-20
CONCLUSION: Beside the general purpose of God in creating mankind, there

are more specific purposes for individuals especially, those regenerated by faith
in Christ. The primary purpose of God in creating us is to worship Him and
then rule over all other creatures. When we fail in these, we are likely to incur
His wrath or expose ourselves to the wiles of the Devil.
SONG: Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory honour and power. For Thou has
created all things and for thy pleasure they art, and were created
(Rev. 4:11)
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When we fulfil God’s purpose is when we to receive
God’s blessings.
MEMORY VERSE: Gen.1:26.
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STUDY 4: Septuagesima Sunday January 28, 2018.
SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

TOPIC: Living as light.
TEXTS: Eph. 5: 8-14; Matt. 5: 14-16.
AIMS:
i. To understand the concepts of “light” and “living as light” especially in a
world full of darkness;
ii. To strive to live as light in this dark world;
iii. To realise that the thicker the darkness, the brighter the light should shine.
INTRODUCTION: Light, as opposed to darkness, illuminates. Darkness exists

only when light is absent. Light has the power to drive away darkness. Both
don’t cohere. In our text (Eph. 5: 8-14), we see that the light of God’s presence
and righteous activities represent truth, goodness and God’s redemptive work.
Light symbolizes purity and divine revelation. As light is a force that
transforms environments, so Christians by their lifestyles are expected to be
beacons of light to the unbelievers around them.
STUDY GUIDE
1. In your own words, how would you describe ‘light’ physically, socially,
mentally, psychologically, etc. Cf. Eph.5:8, 13b; John 1:4; 8:12.
2. What is the source of true light; what does this light do as in?John 1:4-5;
8: 12
3. What does it mean to live as children of light as in Eph. 5: 8-14?
4. Why must we walk in the light and what are the consequences of shunning
the light? Psa. 9:17; Matt. 5: 14-16; Col. 1: 13; 2 Pet. 2:14-17.
5. How can one who has truly received the Light influence the world of
darkness to the glory of the Father? Prov.6:23; Matt.5:16; Rom. 13: 12; I
Peter 2:12.
CONCLUSION: The present age of darkness is passing; the new day of Christ’s
return is dawning. Christians’ hope in the Lord’s return should motivate them
to consistently live godly lives in order to expel the darkness around them.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The more Christians shine, the faster darkness
recedes and the more God is glorified.
MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 5:16.

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STUDY 5: Sexagesima Sunday February 4, 2018.

TOPIC: Living a Holy life: in body.
TEXTS: I Cor.6:15-20; 2Cor.6:14-17.
AIMs:
i. to have a correct and balanced view of the human body;
ii. to realise the need to keep the human body holy;
iii. to dislike the unholy and carnal.
INTRODUCTION: To be holy is to be free from moral ills as a result of a

personal experience of faith in Christ. It results from receiving the Godhead
into one’s life. This experience provides the strength that enables a Christian to
keep his/her body under control. The body without this experience is generally
earthly, lustful, and inclined to fleshy desires; it actually dictates the cravings
of the carnal man (Eph. 2:3). The Scriptures reveal that the holiness of the
now indwelling Godhead enables God’s children to develop holiness (Lev. 11:
44-45; 19:2; Heb.13:21). This study promises to provide exciting and
challenging details.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a) What makes the human body have social, physical and emotional
significance according to Gen. 1:26; 2:7, 17; Rom. 8:11
b) What are God’s expectations of Christians concerning our body according
to I Cor.6:15-20
2. Differentiate between the carnal and the spiritual persons and mention
some of the characteristics of unholy living according to Gal. 5: 17-18, 19-
23; 1Cor.6:7-11.
3. How does unholy living affect the physical and spiritual life of a Christian?
Judg. 16:1, 4, 16-21; Matt. 27:3-5; John 12:4-6.
4. How can a Christian continue to live a holy life in a wicked environment
that is filled with ungodly habits? Psa.1:1; 119:9, 11; II Cor.6:17; 1John
2:15-17.
CONCLUSION: Though our contemporary world is filled with all kinds of

immorality, nevertheless, Christians are called to live holy in all aspects of their
lives. Your body matters much to God so, keep it holy!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Keep your body holy, it is God’s temple.
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MEMORY VERSE: 2Cor. 6: 17.
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STUDY 6: Quinquagesima Sunday February 11, 2018.

TOPIC: Living a holy lifein soul (mind).
TEXTS: Rom 8:1-8; Eph 4:17-23; Col 1:21.
AIMS:
i. to understand the true nature of the human mind;
ii. to realize how a person’s thoughts can affect his/her life;
iii. to discover how the Christian’s mind gets defiled and can be purified.
INTRODUCTION: There are diverse concepts of the human soul. But since the
most prominent part of it is the mind, we will use both interchangeably in this
study. The mind is the thinkingpart of a person, where many emotions and
desires emanate. The mind is taken to be synonymous with a person’s thought.
This is because thoughts are the chief products of the human mind. Our
thoughts affect our holiness and eternity.
STUDY GUIDE
1. Define and compare the soul, mind and heart and discuss how each can
contribute to either holy or unholy living.Rom.8:1-9
2. How do what we hear, read, watch, listen to and associate with affect our
minds (thinking)? Prov.4:23; Matt. 15: 18-20; Rom. 10: 17; 1 Cor. 15: 33
3. From the following passages, where is the source of evil deeds in our
society? Gen.6:5;Matt.15:18-20; Col.1:21; 1 John 2: 15-17; Jam. 1: 12-
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4. How can the mind be purified, renewed or transformed into right thinking
so as to please God? Ps. 119: 9-11; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph.4:22-23; Phil. 4: 4-
8; Heb. 10:22.
CONCLUSION: As Christians, we serve aholy God. To have eternal fellowship

with Him, we need to be holy.This can however, be achieved mainly through
clean thoughts that stem from a renewed soul and a pure heart.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When the mind is pure, the entire body becomes holy.
MEMORY VERSE: Phil.4:8.
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STUDY 7: 1st Sunday in Lent February 18, 2018.

TOPIC: Living a holy lifein spirit (heart).
TEXTS: Gal.5: 16-25; Rom. 8: 1-11.
AIMS:
(i) to understand the concept of walking/living in the Spirit;
(ii) to yield our spirit to the control of the Holy Spirit so as to manifest His fruit;
(iii) to differentiate between living by the spirit and living by the flesh.
INTRODUCTION: There are three distinct types of ‘Spirit’ in the Bible – the
human spirit; good (angels) and evil (demons) spirits; and the Spirit of God (the
Holy Spirit). In our texts, Paul contrasts walking by the flesh with walking by
the Spirit. “Walk” refers to lifestyle, and walking by the flesh is living according
to the sinful nature and selfish dictates of one’s desires under the influence of
evil spirits or the carnal human spirit. On the other hand, “walking by the
Spirit” describes a life yielded to the control of God’s Spirit.Itis keeping steps
with the Spirit.
STUDY GUIDE
1. What does it mean and entail to “walk in the Spirit”? According to Gal.5:16-
18; Rom.8:2-5
2. What differentiates those who live in the flesh from those who live by the
Spirit?Rom. 8: 5-11; Gal. 5: 16-23
3. How can a Christian keep his/her heart from defilement so as to keep it
pure always?Prov.4:23 with Mark 7:21-23; Rom.2:29; Col.2:11;
Heb.10:22
4. What are the rewards for those who please God by being holy in
heart?Psa.24:3-4; Matt.5:8; Rom.8:1, 13-17
CONCLUSION: Until and unless the human heart is totally submitted to the
Holy Spirit and purged thoroughly, holy living remains a challenge. Discover
the state of your heart and get it circumcised and controlled by the Holy Spirit
through daily consumption and application of God’s word. Then it will be
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liberated from the grip of sin and the law, then it will be a lot easier to please
God.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It is better to live by the Spirit as children of God than
to be slaves to sin and the flesh.
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MEMORY VERSE: Heb. 10:22.
STUDY 8: 2nd Sunday in Lent February 25, 2018.

TOPIC: Loving GOD above all.
TEXTs: Exo.20:1-5; Deut.6:5; 1John 2:15-25.
AIMS:
i. to appreciate the love of God for mankind;
ii. to realise why Christians should love God above all else;
iii. to discover and deal with the factors that compete with our wholehearted
love for God.
INTRODUCTION: Throughout the Bible, we are assured of God’s love and

reminded that the ultimate proof of God’s boundless love is Christ’s death for
us (Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4: 9-10). Therefore, if God has so loved us, we are under
obligation as Christians to love Him dearly in return. We need to note however
that our God is jealous (Exod. 34:14) and so demands our first and full
attention, devotion and love. He has done for us what no person(s) can do for
us. This study encourages us to shun the things that compete with God’s love
in our hearts.
STUDY GUIDE
1. How would you explain the love of God for mankind?John 3:16; Rom.5:8;
1John 4:9-10
2. What does it mean to love God above all else?1John 2:15; John 21:15;
Exo.20:1-3
3. What things make it difficult for some Christians to love God above
all?Matt.10:39; 1Tim.6:10; 1John 2:16
4. In practical terms, how should we handle our time, treasure and talent;
fame, favour and favourites to show we really love Him above them? Matt.
10:37; Luke 9:57- 62; 14:26; John 14:15, 23; 21:15
5. How can we love God above all other things? Deut. 30:6.
CONCLUSION: Every true Christian has a measure of love for God. To love Him
wholeheartedly (Luke 14:26) is what He demands. It’s either we give Him all
15
our devotion or He receives none from us. Loving God above all demands that
we deal decisively with all that compete with Him in our lives/hearts. Let’s go
to Him in prayer and ask Him to circumcise the foreskins of our hearts.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: He who loves deserves to be loved.

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MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 2:15.
STUDY 9: 3rd Sunday in Lent March 4, 2018.

TOPIC: Loving yourself.
TEXTs: Lev. 19:18; Eph. 4: 15-17
AIMs:
i. to have a very objective view of who we are as humans;
ii. to get the correct meaning of loving ourselves;
iii. to realize when loving self falls short/outside of God’s expectation; and
iv. to appreciate ways by which someone can love himself or herself appropriately.
INTRODUCTION: The Bible is replete with the command to love our

neighbours as ourselves (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 19:19; Rom. 13:9etc). God really
desires that we love one another even as He has loved us (John 13:34). The
basis of our doing this, as He desires, is hinged on our loving ourselves and
correctly too. This means that we cannot love others well if we fail to love
ourselves and that correctly. Many a man claims to love himself but their
actions contradict that claim. The best way anyone can love himself is to
remain in fellowhip with God as His child. This study will challenge us with
facts.
STUDY GUIDE
1. Who/what is man in the eyes of God? Jer.31:3; Hos.11:4; Mal.1:2.
2. What does it mean to love oneself and how can we do so correctly?Isa.
1:18; Psa. 51:1-3; James 4:8
3. Is it possible for a person to hate or devaluehimself or herself? Discuss in
line with Gen.9:20-21; Prov.11:17; 15:32; Matt.27:3-5. How well do such
persons really love themselves?
4. a) In a world of disappointment and frustration, how best can you love
yourself? Psa.34:12-14; Prov.16:17;Heb.2:13.
b) What are the evidences that our love for ourselves is short of God’s
expectation?
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CONCLUSION: “Love thy neighbor as thyself” does not give room for
selfishness. It however tells us the bitter truth that unless we love ourselves
and correctly too, we can’t love others as God desires. Failure to love others is
clear evidence that the love of the Father is not in us.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Loving ourselves correctly is the basis for loving others
God’s way.
MEMORY VERSE: Prov.16:17.
STUDY 10: 4th Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday) March 11, 2018.
TOPIC: Loving your family.
TEXT: Col. 3:18-25.
AIMs:
i. toappreciate the biblical concept of family;
ii. to learn the principles for Christian family life;
iii. to learn and practise living in love as members of the same family.
INTRODUCTION: A family is a group of persons related by marriage and blood

ties and generally living together in the same household. Members are either to
love one another (referring to the couple) or are a product of a love relationship
(referring to the children and relations living with the couple). Love is the
central thing and the binding force. However, the fall of Adam has since
jeopardized this today. In this study, we state that a person brought up in a
good family will definitely love the family.
STUDY GUIDE
1. In Col. 3:18-25, identify the rightful members of a family and their
respective (individual) obligations.
2. (a) How can we love our family as recorded in Josh.24:15; 1 Cor. 11: 11-
12; Eph.6:4;Col.3:18-25; I Peter 1:22; 3:8.
(b) How should husbands and wives demonstrate their love to each other?
Prov. 31:10-12; 1 Cor. 7: 1-5; Eph. 5: 33
(c)Why are children to be loved in the family? Psa.127: 3-5.
(d) What can promote love in a Christian family? Deut.30:6; John 15:12,
17; Rom.13:8.
(e) What things/forces war against true love even in Christian homes?
3. In a decadent society where the fear of God is diminishing, how best can we
raise godly and loving families?Deut. 6:5-9;Josh.1:8; Prov.22:6;1Tim.3:1-
5
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CONCLUSION: The decadence in our society is agravated by ungodly and
unloving families. When we raise families God’s way, and teach family
members the commands of God, His love will grow in their hearts for one
another. Then God will be pleased and consequently rain His blessings upon
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both the family and the church/society.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A loving family isbedrock for a loving church and
society.
MEMORY VERSE: I Peter 3:8.

STUDY 11: 5th Sunday in Lent March 18, 2018.

TOPIC: Loving the brotherhood of Christians.
TEXTS: Acts 2: 40-47; 1Pet.2:17.
AIMS:
i. to understand the concept of brotherhood of Christians;
ii. to explore the basis of the love of the brotherhood of the first Church; and
iii. to appreciate how best Christians can love the brotherhood.
INTRODUCTION: The community of the followers of Christ, both male and

female, who fellowship in love as Christ loves His Church, is referred to as the
brotherhood in Christ (1 Pet. 2:17). The first Church in Acts 2:40-47 was a
local assembly of believers who demonstrated this great love for one another,
without restriction to locality, time, race or status. They lived as one entity and
shared whatever they had in common, so everyone’s need was met. This
spiritual family had preeminence in their lives and reckoning over their earthly
families. Today’s Church has certainly fallen short of this ideal.
STUDY GUIDE
1. (a)From your understanding, explain the term ‘brotherhood of Christians’.
(b) What was the basis for the brotherhood practised in the early
Church?Acts 2: 40-47; I Peter 3:8; I John 4:11
2. What are the causes of the differences between the brotherhood of the first
Church and that of the contemporary Church? Acts 4:32-35; Rom.13:13;
1Cor.3:3; II Tim.3:1-7.
3. In a love-less community, how are Christians to maintain the
brotherhood?Gal. 6: 10; Eph. 4: 1-3; 1Pet.1:22; 2:17-18; 1John 4:20-21
4. Why should we remain inand love the brotherhood? John 13:35; 17:21;
1John 2:10.
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CONCLUSION: Christians are commanded to love members of the household of
God more than both their natural families (Matt. 12:46-50) and the world
(Gal.6:10). The love we have for other Christians provides the assurance that
we have moved from the way of darkness and death to the way of light and life.
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It also confirms that we are true Disciples of Christ. Are you?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Brotherly love is to be the badge, and hallmark of a

Christian.
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Peter 1:22.

STUDY 12: Palm Sunday March 25, 2018.

TOPIC: Loving your enemies.
TEXTS: Matt.5:43-48; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:57-60.
AIMS:
i. to understand the stipulated biblical attitude toward an enemy;
ii. to learn from the fact that we too were once enemies of God;
iii. to appreciate why we should love our enemies.
INTRODUCTION: An enemy is one who deliberately opposes or mistreats

another basically out of hatred and may go any length to harm if able or
opportuned. Incidentally, there is undue attention paid to enemies today
probably out of fear. The desire in many of such cases is to wish them evil, or
“suffer not a witch to live” (Exod. 22:18). The NT seems different from the OT
on this matter perhaps because of Jesus’ declaration in Matt. 5:43-44. We too
were once enemies of God (Col.1:21-22); how did He treat us then? The
enemies to be overcome today are primarily spiritual and not physical in
nature,Eph. 6:12.
STUDY GUIDE
1. (a) Who is an enemy?Exo.15:9;Matt. 13:25; Rom. 8: 7; Jam. 4:4.
(b) Who is the real enemy of any Christian?1Cor.15:26; Eph.6:12; James
4:4; 1Pet.5:8
(c) Should a Christian be in enmity with any person?Matt.5:43-48
2. Should Christians pray for enemies to die? Matt.5:44; I Peter 3:9.
3. Why are Christians to love their enemies?Matt. 5: 45-48; Luke 6: 32-36;
Rom. 12: 17-21
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4. In a world full of evil, oppression, hatred and intimidation, what should be
Christians’ attitude to enemies and their activities? Psa.37:1-9; Isa.50:7-9;
Rom.8:31
CONCLUSION: A genuine relationship with Christ will be evident in our

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personal relationships with others including our enemies. We are to obtain
grace from God to love them, pray for them, bless them, learn to live peaceably
with all and repay evil with good; and wait patiently on God and trust Him.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: By loving your enemies, God will put them under your
feet.
MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 5: 44.
STUDY 13: Easter Sunday April 1, 2018.

TOPIC: Holiness in the home.
TEXT: Lev. 20: 17-26.
AIMS:
i. to be able to define holiness with respect to the Christian home;
ii. to inculcate the practice of holiness in individual members of the Christian
home,
iii. to handle decisively the challenges to holiness that usually arise in homes.
INTRODUCTION: The word “holiness” means “set apart”. It however has the
connotation that the set apart object becomes free of moral/ceremonial
impurities in the process. There is a great temptation to consider the church as
sacred but forget that the Christian home is also a sacred place. According to
1Pet.2:9, the Christian home is a holy place set apart for God’s righteous
purposes. Therefore, it is expedient we take heed to our ways, words and
relationships in the home and keep off all that will make us unholy or profane.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a) How will you define ‘holiness’ with respect to the Christian home?
b) What are some expected practical actions, habits and attitudes to
holiness in the home?Acts 16:14-15; 21:9.
2. Highlight some abominable practices that defile homes, according to Lev.
20: 17-26
3. How grave is it when a supposed Christian home is detestable before the
Lord? See 1Sam.2:12, 17, 22, 30-36.
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4. What is God’s desire for His people in a corrupt society?Ex.19:6;
Lev.20:26;1Thes.4:3-7how best may we handle the challenges that arise
from our living holy? John 17:14; I Thes.3:3; 2 Tim.3:12;
CONCLUSION: The Christian home must provide a vital, living example and
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standard to the contemporary society. However, true holiness at home is only
possible where the fear of God prevails in all domestic affairs.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The holy home chooses God and His desires.
MEMORY VERSE: Lev. 20: 26.
STUDY 14: 1st Sunday after Easter April 8, 2018.

TOPIC: Holiness in the Church.
TEXTs: Eph. 5: 1-15; Lev. 19: 2.
AIMS:
i. To be able to relate holiness to the Church;
ii. to perceive the need for holiness in/of the Church;
iii. to join the war against unholiness in the Church.
INTRODUCTION: The ‘church’ is an assembly of believers, the body of

redeemedmen, women, and children from all nations and all ages who follow
Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. As Israel was the elect of God in the Old
Testament, (Exod.4:22) so is the Church in the New Testament. God
commanded Israel to be holy (Lev.19:2) and so He commands the Church of
Christ to be holy in every way and age (Eph.5:1-15). Since the Head (Christ) is
holy, so the Body which is the Church must be holy (I Peter 1:15).
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. How would you define ‘holiness’ with regard to the Church?
b. According to Lev.19:2; Acts 20:28 and 1Pet.2:9, why should Christian
assemblies be holy?
c. Analyse and discuss some of the actions that can affect the holiness of
God’s Church. (seeEph.5:2,3,4,5; Col.3:5-9).
2. a. Mention some common sins in the Anglican Communion/Worldwide
today especially your parish and the factors that are fostering them.
b. In what ways can the church help members to stay away from unholy
practices? 1 Tim. 5: 20; 2Tim. 4: 2-5.
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3. Why and how can God’s Church combat with unrighteousness in her? (e.g.
1 Cor. 5:4-5; 2 Cor. 13:10) or individually (e.g. Num. 25:6-8)
CONCLUSION: The Church is God’s spiritual edifice for believers sanctified by

God and called to be godly standard for the world. Therefore, the Church ought
to obey God’s word regarding holiness and shun everything that stands in the Page | 22
way of her living Holy.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A Holy Church will have and help a better world!
MEMORY VERSE: Lev.19: 2.
STUDY 15: 2nd Sunday after Easter April 15, 2018.

TOPIC: Holiness in the market place.
TEXTs: Lev.19:11-14; Amos 8:1-8;
AIMS:
i. to understand the concept of the marketplace and its challenges;
ii. topresent the expected Christian norms in the marketplace;
iii. to be able to survive the challenges there and please God.
INTRODUCTION: The Market place is the environment where we earn our

living and where we relate with customers, employers, employees and
authorities. The text today reveals the wickednes of the Israelite business
persons (Amos 8:4-6) and God’s plan to punish them (Amos 8:1-2,7-8).
Chrstians are expected to show righteousness as the basic norm in doing
business with people. Unbridled desires for wealth with associated vices area
challenge to Christians.We need God’s grace to overcome it as we honestly seek
to do so.
STUDY GUIDE
1. Analyse and discuss the unholy attitudes oftraders in Amos 8:4-6, and
relate themto what goes on in today’s market place?
2. Can a Christian be rich and holy? Gen.13:2; Job 1:1-3; Matt.27:57-58.
What was the problem with the rich and wealthy in Amos 8:4-8 and how is
it in today’s world?
3. What is God’s commandregarding:
a. corruption, fairness, honestyLev.19:11-14;
b. weights and measures, Lev.19:35-36; Deut.25:14-15;
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c. swearing falsely, Lev.19:12; Ja.5:12;
d. labourers, Lev.19:13; Jer.22:13; 1Tim.5:18, and
e. the physically challenged, Lev.19:14.
4. How can a Christian be godly in a corrupt world? Prov.15:16; 1Tim.6:6.
CONCLUSION: We live and operate in a corrupt world where false weights and Page | 23
measures, ungodly utterances,and extortion of people are rampant. Christians
should discipline themselves so as to provide the standards and examples to
unbelievers.We should remember that godliness with contentment is great gain
(1 Tim. 6:6).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Unholy living gives birth to unholy rewards.
MEMORY VERSE: Prov.15:16.
STUDY 16: 3rd Sunday after Easter April 22, 2018.

TOPIC: Doing good to all people.
TEXT: Acts 9:36-43.
AIMS:
i) to learn good ways and God’s purposes for these;
ii) to learn how best to follow good ways;
iii) to be encouraged by the rewards from God for such acts.
INTRODUCTION: God created every human being and loves them all.This is
enough reason for all men to learn and practice the good ways of life.
Godblesses a person in order for him to bless others whatever their tribe, faith
or social class may be. The text today shows us the goodness of Dorcas to
people. The result of her goodness washer restoration to life from death.
STUDY GUIDE
1. What is God’s command to Christians in Gal.6:9-10 Relate this with the
attitude of Dorcas in today’s text.
2. a) According to Matt. 6: 1-4, how are Christians supposed to perform their
acts of goodness?Matt. 6:2; Rom.12:8; 2 Cor.9:6-7
b) What are some divine purposes for acts of goodness? Matt.10:8; Acts
4:35.
3. What do good works of a believer in Christ entail? 1Tim. 2: 1-4; Jam. 2:
15-16; 1John 3:16-18.
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4. What can we learn from the act of the woman in 2Kings 4:8-10? How was
she rewarded? 2Kings 4:15-17, 32-37
5. Who are some likely beneficiaries of our acts of goodness as Christians?
Gal. 6:10; Acts 5:12. Why? (Gal.6:6; I Tim.6:18-19; Titus 3:8); and what
other things motivateacts of goodness? Eccl. 11:1-2
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CONCLUSION: As Christians, the more we do acts of goodness to people

around us without prejudice or bias, the more we shine our light and the more
God will be pleased with us. We can be sure that our good acts will be
rewarded both on earth and in heaven.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Let us do good acts to all men not for any rewards we
may receive.
MEMORY VERSE: Gal.6:9.
STUDY 17: 4th Sunday after Easter April 29, 2018.
SUB-THEME/3: Personal Attributes that please God.

TOPIC: Total Obedience.
TEXTS: Exodus 23:20-33; I Sam.13:8-14; 15:20-23.
AIMS:
i. to reckon with the concept and implications of Total Obedience;
ii. to realise the promises of God to those who obey Him implicitly;
iii. to differentiate between partial and total obedience.
INTRODUCTION: Total obedience is doing everything we are asked to do. It is

usually not easy to obey God totally. God’s commands are not a burden and so
Christians who yield themselves to obeying God’s commands are able to do so,
Christians can learn a great lesson from the example of the obedience of men
who serve in the military services. I Samuel tell two instances King Saul failed
to obey God’s command totally and the terrible consequences that followed. In
the Exodus text, God instructed the Israelites to listen to all His commands
through the guardian angel that He had sent to them (vs.20-22). The promises
of God in verses 24-33 show how God would be pleased with us when we obey
Him totally.
STUDY GUIDE
1. How can you explain ‘total obedience’ and ‘partial obedience’ according to
our text?
2. Give some biblical examples of people who totally obeyed God’s instructions
and those who obeyed only partially. Gen. 19:17 & 26; 22:1-3, 9-10;
Ex.14:15-16, 21-22.
3. From the above passages, what are the benefits to Christians of total
obedience to God and the consequences of partial obedience?Deut.28:1-14.
24
4. Give some reasons why some Christians have difficulty in obeying God
totally as in 1Sam.15:1-3, 9-11; Acts 5:1-2.
CONCLUSION: Priests and Prophets of God are like His angels, sent to deliver
God’s message and instructions to all men. The more men obey God totally,
the more God will be pleased with them and so, grant them His favour. Page | 25
Whichever way, the results of total obedience of God’s commands are great.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Total obedience to God gives total blessings from God.
MEMORY VERSE: Deuteronomy 28:1.
STUDY 18: 5th Sunday after Easter May 6, 2018.

TOPIC: Total Submission (yieldedness).
TEXT: Luke 22:39-44.
AIMS:
i. to learn the meaning and significance of total Submission;
ii. to appreciate the challenges of total submission to the will of God;
iii. to appreciate God’s blessings that follow yielding totally to His will.
INTRODUCTION: Total submission to the will of God is a personal decision we

make to accept God’s will in any matter of our life. It is based primarily on
recognition and acceptance of God’s sovereignty over us, and shows the degree
of our yieldedness to God’s Word and will. Submission to God is not easy,
especially at the beginning, but it pays a very high dividend. The text presents
Jesus as a good example of total submission to God. When He submits to the
will of His Father, an angel was sent to strengthen Him (Luk.22:43).
STUDY GUIDE
1. Explain total submission as presented in today’s text? Compare 2Cor. 12:7-
9.
2. What was the result of total submission by Jesus Christ to God in today’s
passage? (Luke 22:43) compare Phil. 2:8-11; Rev.19:16.
3. Mention other people in the Bible who submitted to the will of God and the
blessings they received, Exodus 1:15-20; Job.2:9-10; 42:12-13; Dan.3:16-
21.
4. What challenges do Christians have in submitting to the will of God?I Kings
22:21-28; Jer.20:7-10; Dan.3:16-18How can Christians overcome them?
25
CONCLUSION: Total submission to the will of God is a test of the degree of our
yieldedness, the death to our flesh and the world and our love for Him. The
flesh detests our submission to God; our spirits yearn for it just as God calls
for it. Our resolve to submit totally to Him today may cause us pain now, but it
will certainly earn us eternal blissin heaven. Page | 26
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When we bow to God’s will, we win; and when we
submit to Him, we please Him.
MEMORY VERSE: Luke 22:42.
STUDY 19: 6th Sunday after Easter May 13, 2018.

TOPIC: Passionate purity.
TEXT: Psalm 15.
AIMS:
i. to appreciate both the concept and significance of passionate purity;
ii. to understand how to be pure and
iii. to be willing to pursue purity practically in all its ramifications;
INTRODUCTION: Merriam-Webster says ‘purity’ is “lack of dirty or harmful

substances” and that ‘pure’ is “not mixed with anything else; clean and not
harmful in any way.” Living a pure life is ensuring that our thoughts and
attitudes to life’s situations meet with God’s requirements for eternity. The
challenge this poses can be seen in today’s text. But how many Christians
desire earnestly a pure life? Why is this so? How many Christians have pure
hearts?
STUDY GUIDE
1. What does ‘passionate purity’ mean to you from Ps.15 in relation to Psalm
24:3-4 and Matt. 5:6?
2. Mention the characteristics of those who are pure in Psalm 15:2-5 and
relate them toIsaiah 58:2-8, and discuss why we should be pure.
3. Why must Christians be passionate about purity?Matt. 5:6; Heb.12:14; I
John 3:2-3
4. a. Discuss the two aspects of purity in Psalm 24:4 and the things that
defile the hearts of Christians, Mark 7:20-23; Matt. 5:28; Prov.6:14.
b. How can our hearts and lives be made pure? Ps.119:9-11
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CONCLUSION: Prosperity, deliverance and similar teachings and desires have
taken the centre stage of Christianity today. This is sadly at a great cost to
men’s souls, because we have now relegated the more important matters of
purity and holiness to the far back.Christians are called to strive after holiness
as we have the opportunity to do now. Page | 27
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We need the circumcision of our hearts to purify us.
MEMORY VERSE: Matt.5:6.
STUDY 20: Sunday after Ascension May 20, 2018.
SUB-THEME/3: Personal attributes that please God.

TOPIC: Exposing and destroying satanic kingdom.
TEXTS: Acts 8:4-24; 16:16-18.
AIMS:
i. to recognise the schemes of the Devil;
ii. to learn the various ways of exposing satanic devices;
iii. to learn how to effectively destroy demonic strongholds.
INTRODUCTION: The two texts show related activities of Satan. Observe that
in Acts 16, the girl’s utterances were true and may have made the undiscerning
to appoint her as head of the Prayer or Deliverance team. Satan’s work was
exposed and terminated in the girl’s life. In the second text, Acts 8, Satan’s
presence was also detected and dealt with. Genesis 3:1 tells us one trait of
Satan to note; Peter exposed the devil (Acts 8:18-23) and the devil submitted
to the supreme power of God (Acts 8:24).
STUDY GUIDE
1. Explain the difference between the children of God and agents of Satan in
the text. How will these scriptures help you recognise satanic
agents/presence: Acts 8:18-19; John 10:10; Rom. 8:9; II Cor.3:17; I
John 2:22; 2 John 1:7
2. How was the kingdom of Satan exposed and destroyed in the following
passages?Acts 5:1-3 & 9-11; 13:8-12; 16:16-18
3. a. How best can Christians expose satanic presence and what precaution
do we need? Add I Peter 5:6-9.
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b. Read Acts 19:13-20 and explain the outcome of exposing and
destroying the kingdom of Satan (vs.17-20).
4. How can Christians combat the works of Satan in the contemporary world?
Acts 13:9-10: Eph.6:16-18.
CONCLUSION: As children of God, we need the Spirit of discernment to be able Page | 28

to recognise and expose the devil or his agents whenever they are operating or
manifesting around us. We have been enlisted into Christ’s army to fight the
Devil to a stop; no going back, no giving up, no getting tired. Fight on dear
soldier of the Cross!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A satandoesn’t give up we should resist him until we

win.
MEMORY VERSE: Eph. 5:11.
STUDY 21: Pentecost Sunday May 27, 2018.

TOPIC: Steadfastness in faith.
TEXT: 1Peter 5:8-10.
AIMS:
i. to be encouraged to stand firm in the faith without compromise;
ii. to appreciate the basis and significance of steadfastness of believers
INTRODUCTION: Apostle Peter admonished believers that whatever they suffer

had been experienced by others before them. Jesus Christ told His disciples
that they were bound to experience tribulations but they should be of good
cheer because He (Christ) had overcome the world (John 16:33). If we can be
of good cheer in tribulation, it will make us steadfast, stand immovable and
remain focused because of the glory that lies beyond our present situations (2
Cor.4:16-18).
STUDY GUIDE
1. Mention some of the challenges Christians face today and how toencourage
them according to 2 Cor.4:17; 2 Thes.3:3; 1Pet.5:8-10.
2. Mention some of the heroes of faith who remained steadfast in the face of
tribulations, Dan.3: 17-18; 6:10; Acts 4:18-21. What helped them go
through their trials and tribulations? Cf. Heb.12:2; 13:8.
3. How were the above heroes justified by God?Dan.3:28-30; Dan.6:25-28;
Acts 4:31-33. Encourage one another by the same today!
4. In a world ‘filled with idolatry and polutions’, what is the hope of a steadfast
Christian?Matt.10:22; Rom.8:18; 1Cor.15:58; 1Pet.4:13.
28
CONCLUSION: For Christians, the journey to eternity may be rough, painful
and agonizing. However, following the examples of the heroes of faith gone
before us, we should be steadfast to the end so as to win the imperishable
crown of glory in God’s eternal Kingdom.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: As we start the Christian race right and keep going
right, let’s aim to finish right and in glory.
STUDY 22: Trinity Sunday June 3, 2018.
SUB-THEME/4: Personal Attributes that displease God.

TOPIC: Lusting after evil things.
TEXT: Num.11:4-10.
AIMS:
i. to grasp the concept of lust and lusting after evil things;
ii. to discuss some of the evil things Christians lust after today and
iii. to show us the dangers of lusts and how we can avoid them.
INTRODUCTION: Generally speaking, to lust means “to have a strong longing

for, desire after, crave or hunger for something”. Evil things on the other hand
are those things that are offensive to God, that do not agree with His nature or
word. Whatever is evil is sinful. If it is not godly and spiritually healthy, then it
must be evil. This study serves as a clarion call to all Christians to watch
against Israel’s error of lusting after evil things.
STUDY GUIDE
1. What does it mean “to lust after evil things”; and why was God not pleased
with the Israelites’ in our text (Num.11:4-10)?
2. a) Discuss some of the things the Israelites lusted after, Num.11:4-6. Were
those things really evil in themselves? If not, why did Israel get into God’s
trouble?
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b) What are the consequences of lusting?Num.11:31-34; Psa.106:13-15; 1
Cor.10:5. What can we learn from this? 1Cor.10: 5-10; Jam.4:3.
3. Mention some of the things Christians lust after today and their causes
(Jude 1:15)?
4. As Christians, how can we avoid Israel’s mistake in a world of
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discontentment and lusts? Rom.8:5-8, 13; 1 Tim.6:6; Heb. 2:1; 11:6;
13:5.
CONCLUSION: Sometimes, what we lust after may not necessarily be evil, but
when such constitute an affront to God, or is a product of unbelief, it becomes
evil. The Israelites’ example should serve as a warning to Christians so that we
don’t plot to risk our eternal destiny.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Lusting after ungodly and
unrighteousthingsdispleases God.
MEMORY VERSE: I Cor.10:6.
STUDY 23: 1st Sunday in Trinity June 10, 2018.

TOPIC: Persecuting the saints/Church.
TEXT: 1 Thes.2:14-16.
AIMS:
i. to understand what it means to persecute the Saints or the Church,
ii. to expose the causes and effects of persecution and
iii. how to endure persecution.
INTRODUCTION: Persecution means: “to treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly; to
constantly annoy or bother (someone); to cause one to suffer because of one’s
belief.” This is usually deliberate in the form of harassment, maltreatment,
bullying, singling out for punishment, hounding, deprivation or discrimination.
In extreme cases, persecution can, and does, lead to bodily harm or even
death. The Church in our text suffered persecution. Incidentally, church
members and even leaders persecute fellow members or leaders. Those who
make themselves instruments of persecution displease God.
STUDY GUIDE
1. Describe persecution in your own words, from your own experience, and
the effect it has on you. Cf. I Thes.2:14-16.
30
2. a) What were the causes and effects of persecution? With reference to
Acts4:1-3; 5:14-18, 40; 9:1-2; I Thess. 2:16.
b) Why is there (interpersonal, intra- and inter-church) persecution in the
church today? Cf. James 4:1-4.
3. What can help us to endure persecution and persecutors? Read
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Matt.10:22-23; Acts 16:25-29; Heb.12:2.
4. How does God handle persecutors? Gen.12:3; Exo.14:24-28; Deut.30:7;
Psa.105:15; Acts 12:1-3 and 20-24.
CONCLUSION: Naturally, agents of persecution can be from relations, fellow

believers, religious or political establishments. God may or may not intervene.
But we have a duty to pray, conduct ourselves in a worthy manner, and
patiently wait on God. Ultimately, the destiny of unrepentant persecutors is
eternal destruction.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Discipline or Persecution? Leaders need to be plain.
MEMORY VERSE: Psa.105:15.
STUDY 24: 2nd Sunday in Trinity June 17, 2018.

TOPIC: Tolerating the works of darkness.
TEXT: Rev. 2:18-23.
AIMS:
i. to understand the expression “works of darkness”;
ii. to be able to explain acts that constitute works of darkness and why they
thrive in the church;
iii. to note the dangers of indulging in or tolerating such.
INTRODUCTION: “Works of darkness” are actions or activities which people

indulge in that they cannot come out to attest to boldly and plainly; these are
things that bring shame to the name of Christ. Incidentally, people who do
works of darkness are among us. Some of these may not be totally hidden from
people, including Christian/church leaders. Why would some Christians and
even church leaders tolerate them?
STUDY GUIDE
1. From the key text, identify the sins for which the Church in Thyatira was
rebuked by God.
31
2. Identify ungodly acts or sins which are being tolerated in the Church today,
and state some of the reasons for such unholy tolerance. See Prov.28:21;
29:25; Ezek.2:6; 22:27;1Cor.5:6-11.
3. What are some dangers in tolerating the works of darkness?Est.4:14;
Jer.1:17; 1 Cor.5:6; Rev. 2:22-23
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4. Discuss how we can avoid the sin of tolerating the works of darkness 1Cor.
5:6-7; Eph.5:7, 11; Rev.18:4.
CONCLUSION: As Christians, we sometimes we fail to see what the Bible

describes as evil in our lives or in our midst. It is up to every church
congregation to discover every work of darkness among them and repent of it.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Evil tolerated is evil promoted.
MEMORY VERSE: Rev.18:4.
STUDY 25: 3rd Sunday in Trinity June 24, 2018.

TOPIC: Indulging in the works of darkness.
TEXTS: Rom.1:20-32: 13:11-14.
AIMS:
i. to discover what lures people into the works of darkness,
ii. to realize the dangers of getting involved in works of darkness
iii. to avoid getting involved in them.
INTRODUCTION: indulging in “works of darkness” means being actively
involved in ungodly habits or actions that can bring shame to the name of
Christ. One of the texts reveals how people with the knowledge of God forsook
Him for vain glory (Rom. 1:20-24). Their rejection by God led them to satanic
acts (Rom.1:25-31). What else draws church people into works of darkness?
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. What does it mean to indulge in works of darkness? (Psa.106:20;
Rom.1:23) with reference to Aaron in Ex.32:1-8 and King Saul in
1Sam.28:8-10
b. In your own understanding, how are contemporary Christians involved in
works of darkness? Rom.1:23; Ezek.8:7-12; Jer.2:11.
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2. Name and discuss some things or even persons who lure people into the
works of darkness, Ezek.8:7-12; Rom.13:11-14.
3. What are the dangers of Christians’ involvement in works of
darkness?Ex.32:9-10; 1Sam.28:17-20; Rev.21:8.
4. How can Christians AVOID getting involved in the works of darkness,
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Psa.26:4; Prov.4:14-15; 2 Cor.6:14; Eph. 5:11; James 5:16?
CONCLUSION: Christians are warned to steer clear of such deeds that can
bring shameto the name of Christ or that can lead other Chritians away from
the way of salvation because God’s wrath is reserved for all culprits. Besides,
these works are not only “unfruitful”, they are in every way harmful to those
who indulge in them.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Whoever does the works of darkness will perish by
them.
MEMORY VERSE: Eph.5:11.
STUDY 26: 4th Sunday in Trinity July 1, 2018.

TOPIC: Sexual immorality.
TEXT: 1 Cor.5:1-11.
AIMS:
i) To understand the concept of immorality in general;
ii) To discover the dangers of sexual immorality;
iii) To note the way out of it.
INTRODUCTION: Morality deals with or relates “to principles of right or wrong

in behaviour.” ‘Immorality’ is the quality, practice or act that is morally wrong
or inappropriate. ‘Sexual immorality’ is the act of indulging in sex outside
marriage or inappropriately. The Bible condemns sexual immorality generally,
but much more in the Church as made clear in our text. This is because it falls
clearly outside the will of God (1 Thess. 4:3) and what sane societies accept.
But more than that, it is fraught with a wide range of dangers.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. Explain ‘sexual immorality’ in your own words.
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b. What is the difference between fornication and adultery? Why are they
evil, considering their physical, social, emotional, spiritual, etc dimensions?
2. Why and how did God warn against sexual immorality (fornication or
adultery) in the Bible? Rom.6:12-13; 1 Cor.6:15-20; Heb.13:4.
3. What are some causes of sexual immorality in society and in churches?
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Job 31:1;1 Cor.6:15-20
4. How can sexual immorality be curbed in the church?Job 31:1; Matt.5:27-
28; 1 Cor.5:1-7, 13; 7:1-9.
CONCLUSION: Sex outside marriage, especially in the church, certainly

displeases God. The warnings against it and the dangers of indulging in it
should make Christians to avoid and flee from it. Church authorities can help
members to overcome the temptation of sexual immorality.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Is the fleeting pleasure of sexual immorality worth all
the troubles that it brings to us?
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Cor.6:18.
STUDY 27: 5th Sunday in Trinity July 8,2018.

TOPIC: Sexual Perversions.
TEXTS: Gen. 19:1-9; Lev.18:22-23; Rom. 1:22-30.
AIMS:
i) To properly understand what constitutes sexual perversion;
ii) To recognise those who indulge in it and/or promote it;
iii) To realise God’s position on and the dangers of sexual perversion.
INTRODUCTION: Sex was ordained by God as a lawful and decent act of

expressing love and increasing intimacy between a man and a woman who are
lawfully/legally joined together in holy matrimony. Sadly, in the name of
civilisation, liberty and human rights, there are all kinds of sexual perversion
which are even being legalised in some countries. Its spread across the globe
and God’s wrath will come on those who engage in sexual perversion, unless
they repent.
STUDY GUIDE
1. Define and discuss “sexual perversion” in your own words. Gen. 19:1-9.
34
2. What are the various forms of it?Lev.18:22-23; 20:11-17; Rom 1:26-27; I
Cor.6:9.
3. From contemporary experience and the scriptures, identify and discuss the
traits of those who practise or promote these acts, Rom.1:22, 24, 26-30;
Isa.3:9.
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4. Why must sexual perversion be condemned?What are its dangers? Gen.
19:11-13; Lev.20:13.
5. Read Judges 19:22-30; Howdo you respond to what is in verse 30?
CONCLUSION: Sexual perversion is only an evidence of depravity and rejection

by God by people steeped in sin and who refuse to repent. It is expedient
therefore, to seek to deal with the matter from its roots. Mere verbal attacks
will not achieve much. Those engaged in it need desperate help.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Those trapped by sexual perversion need deliverance.
MEMORY VERSE: I Cor.6:9.

TOPIC: Neglecting one’s family.
TEXTS: 1 Sam. 2:11-17, 22-23; 3:11-14; 7:15 – 8:5; 1 Tim.5:8
AIMS:
i) To review the concept of a family;
ii) To understand the meaning and implications of neglecting one’s family;
iii) To realise the causes and cure for neglecting one’s family.
INTRODUCTION: It has been said that an important issue Christians need to

consider as they seek to finish the Christian race well is paying attention to
their families. Some Christians, in spite of the experiences of Eli and Samuel,
have not been wise in this regard. In all probability, Eli and Samuel were very
busy and great servants of God (1 Sam.7:16). But by the end of their highly
mobile ministries, they had no faithful children to succeed them. The sad
commentary is in 1 Sam.2:12; 8:3 (S of S 1:6b). Both Eli and Samuel paid a
heavy price for neglecting their families.
STUDY GUIDE
35
1. Explain your understanding of ‘the family’ from the biblical point of view.
Ex. 12:3-4 (compare NKJV/NLT); Col. 3:18-22.
2. Discuss what it means to neglect the family, especially in terms of social,
economic and spiritual responsibilities. 1 Sam. 2:29; 3:13; 1 Tim.5:8
3. What are the dangers of neglecting one’s own family, especially from God’s
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perspective? Cf. 1 Sam.2:27-36; 3:11-14; and 8:1-5.
4. In spite of the above biblical and, modern day examples of the dangers of
neglecting the family, why is neglect of family prevalent among Christians?
See also Deut.4:9; I Kings 20:38-40; Prov.3:1; Matt.13:25; Eph.6:10-12.
5. Discuss how neglect of family can be stopped so that we can avoid its awful
consequences, Deut.6:7; Psa.34:11; Prov.20:6.
CONCLUSION: Neglecting the family has a great prize. God gives a cane, not a
pat, on the back to those who neglect their families. One reason for the neglect
of the family, is the spiritual dimension of satanic onslaught against the
Christian home. This calls for a concerted effort by the Church, and serious
vigilance by all Christians.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Whatever takes priority over your family other than
your relationship with God should be reconsidered?
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Tim.5:8.

TOPIC: Idolatry and syncretism.
TEXTS: Ezek. 14:3-11; 1 Cor. 10:1-7.
AIMS:
i) To understand the meaning of idolatry and syncretism;
ii) To perceive how God feels about it;
iii) To recognise its dangers and how we may avoid it.
INTRODUCTION: An idol is a god or anything human beings worship (or deify)

in place of God. Paul was distressed to see that the city of Athens was full of
idols (Acts 17:16). John urged Christians to keep away from idols (1 Jn.5:21).
The practice of worship any being/things other than God is known as idolatry.
Syncretism on the other hand refers to the combination of different
philosophies, thoughts, religious beliefs or practices with the teaching and
practice of the Christian faith, for example. In Christianity, this is idolatry
mixed with the worship of God/Christ (Ezek.20:27-30). To such persons, faith
in Christ isn’t sufficient.
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STUDY GUIDE
1. Explain the meaning of idolatry and syncretism from your own
understanding.
2. Do Christians engage in syncretism?Ezek.14:3-4; Rev.2:9; 3:9. If yes, list
and explain some of the ways we are probably doing this in the Church
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today, Ezek.8:7-12.
3. a) How does God feel about and respond to the above?Ex. 20:3-4; 32:7-10;
2 Chr. 25:14-16; Ezek.14:3-8.
b) Knowing this, why do Christians, and in some cases, entire churches,
appear to condone these practices?
4. Why and how might individual Christians and entire churches put away
these practices?Ezek.14:3-6; Acts 5:29; Rom.1:32.
CONCLUSION: God does not only frown at, but also detests, idolatry and
syncretism, because both cast doubts on God’s supremacy and Person. In
many parts of Africa, there is an unholy mixture of culture with biblical
tradition, especially in such areas as marriage, burials, mourning for the dead
or even in prayers! We must sincerely abhor idolatry and syncretism.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Like God, the Church should abhor and reject
syncretism.
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Jn.5:2.


TOPIC: Walking by the flesh.
TEXTS: Rom.8:5-14; Gal.5:16-21.
AIMS:
i) To understand what it means to walk by the flesh;
ii) To grasp the implications of walking by the flesh; and
iii) To have the right alternative to walking by the flesh.
INTRODUCTION: The word of God states clearly that without faith it is

impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). To walk by the flesh is to walk by sight
contrary to the position of the Scripture that ‘we walk by faith’ (Hab.2:4). It
also implies being ‘carnally minded’ which, unfortunately, leads to death!
(Rom. 8:6a). Walking by the flesh is being controlled by the senses and
contrary toGod’s injunction to Christians that they be led by His Spirit. It is
therefore obviously why God is not pleased with a lifestyle that is given to the
flesh. If we want Him to be pleased with us, then we must study His Word and
allow Himtransform us.
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STUDY GUIDE
1. Explain the meaning of a Christian “walking by the flesh”?
2. From the two key texts above, list some of the attributes of a life by the
flesh. Discuss examples found in your congregation.
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3. What are some implications of a life that is lived by the flesh? Note
especially Rom.8:5-6, 8, 13; Gal.5:17, 19-21; 6:8; Heb.11:6.
4. Discuss how a Christian should rather live from Rom.1:17; 8:6b; 13:14; 2
Cor. 4:18; 5:7; Gal.5:16.
CONCLUSION: To live by the flesh is to imprison oneself, and this displeases

God. But more than that, it is like a man shooting his own foot. It is to allow
oneself to be blindfolded by natural reason, physical senses, human pleasure,
and artificial and momentary happiness. But there is something more
worthwhile than these: a lifelived by the Spirit and a walk by faith.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: To live by the flesh is to place a limitation on one’s life.
MEMORY VERSE: Rom.8:8.
STUDY 31: 9th Sunday in Trinity August 5, 2018.

TOPIC: Relationship and Fellowship with unbelievers.
TEXTS: 1 Cor.15:33; 2Cor. 6:14-18.
AIMS:
i) To come to terms with the concept and implications of intimate relationship
and fellowship with unbelievers;
ii) To strive to respect scriptural boundaries in our relationship with
unbelievers;
iii) To be a light to impact lives and situations of unbelievers.
INTRODUCTION: The figure of a “yoke” used in 2Cor. 6:14 teaches us clearly

that there is a limit to how we should live as Christians. The yoke is a bar that
joins two animals together. In this case, the two animals will move at the same
pace and go in the same direction. It is not possible for the animals to go in
different directions. Scriptures thus condemn the idea of believers and
unbelievers having intimate relationship. Certainly, one will corrupt the other
and in most cases, it is the unbeliever that prevails over the believer (I Cor.
15:33).
STUDY GUIDE
38
1. a. How will you describe an unbeliever? Gal.4:8; Eph.2:11-12; 4:17-19.
b. From the scriptures above and our texts, what do you think should be
the extent of the Christians’ relationship with unbelievers?
c. Using the concept of a ‘yoke’ in I Cor. 6:14, why do you think the
scriptures warn against intimate relationship with unbelievers?
d. Mention and discuss practically, examples of relationships with Page | 39
unbelievers that should be avoided.
2. Discuss the dangers of fellowship with unbelievers in the light of the
following:1Cor. 15:33; 5:6. What therefore?Isa.52:11.
3. How and why should we be light to shine in this dark world and be
examples to challenge unbelievers to Christ, Matt.5:13-16; I Tim.4:12;
CONCLUSION: God knows that relationship and fellowship with unbelievers

will endanger our relationship with Him and thus warns us ahead of time to
avoid them. Let us not think we are smart; the Spirit in us detests that in
unbelievers. Heed the word of God if you truly want to serve Him.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Give a distinct distance between you and unbelievers.
MEMORY VERSE: Isa.52:11.
STUDY 32: 10th Sunday inTrinity August12, 2018.

TOPIC: Relationship and Fellowship with Satan.
TEXTS: Matt. 6:24; 2Tim. 2:19-20.
AIMS:
i) To understand the meaning and implications of the topic;
ii) To hate any possible relationship with Satan;
INTRODUCTION: “No one can serve two masters” is a clear and direct
statement from the Lord Jesus. This statement stresses the impossibility in
trying to do so, much more than caution against doing so. Fellowship with
Satan is a more subtle thing than having a significant relationship with him.
This is all the more critical and tempting when a life is in danger or there is
some other type of frightening challenge. When the heavens are closed over
some Christians, some resort to seeking Satan’s help (I Sam. 28:3-8).
STUDY GUIDE:
1. a. Define and differentiate between “relationship” and “fellowship” with
Satan?
39
b. Discuss some ways some Christians dine with the devil today (see I Sam
2:3-8; Psa.50:18-20; Rom.1:32; 2 Cor. 11:14-15; 1Tim. 6:10; 1John
2:15-16).
2. What are the consequences of having fellowship with the world or Satan?
(or: Why should Christians refuse to have fellowship with Satan?) Matt. Page | 40
25:41; 1Tim. 6:9-10; I John 2:16-17.
3. a. Discuss some of the subtle ways Satan deceives believers today in the
light of the following passages: Matt. 24:24; 2Cor. 11:14.
b. What are believers therefore expected to do? 1Cor. 16:13
4. Narrate any experience where you have been deceived in disguise and
later realized Satan was the one at work.
CONCLUSION: That the Devil is subtle has made him successfully draw some
persons to himself including Christians. Therefore, be on guard against the
devices of the Devil and gather enough spiritual strength to resist him.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do not underestimate Satan’s schemes against you.
MEMORY VERSE:1Cor. 16:13
SUB-THEME/5: The Work that pleases God.

TOPIC: Expanding the Kingdom: The basis.
TEXTS: John 3:16; Matt. 28:18-20.
AIMS:
i) To realise God’s concern about the expansion of His Kingdom;
ii) To appreciate God’s command to expand His Kingdom and the basis;
iii) To realise that any act of Kingdom expansion which does not have soul
winning as its basis cannot possibly please God.
INTRODUCTION: God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to the world to
die for the remission of our sins and to save us from going to and languishing
in the lake of fire (John 3:16). This act of love by God to all mankind formed
the basis for the building of the Kingdom of God on earth. Jesus Christ
personally emphasised His primary purpose on earth as the proclamation of
the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:42-43) and began it; after His work of redemption,
He commanded His disciples to continue it (Matt. 28:18-20).
STUDY GUIDE
40
1. Examine the fact that God initiated the expansion of His Kingdom on
earth:John 3:16; Rom.5:8; 1John 4:9-10, 19. Why?
2. Explain the basis for the Kingdom’s expansion from Jesus’ command in
Matt.28:18-20 (cf. Acts 6:7; 12:24).
3. Neither notional increase in church population nor “proliferation through
splinter churches” is an acceptable basis of true Kingdom expansion. Page | 41
Discuss this. Rom. 16:17-18; I Tim.6:5; 2 Peter 2:3.
4. Mention some dangers of Kingdom expansion and show if they are carnal.
Mat 7:21-23; Phil. 3:18-19.
CONCLUSION: As God based the expansion of His Kingdom upon faith in

Christ through honest preaching by His people, so the Church must always
base their expansion strategies on genuine soul-winning.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Whose interest?Do your efforts to expand God’s

kingdom serve?
MEMORY VERSE: Acts 6:7.
Sub-Theme/5: The work that pleases God.

TOPIC: Expanding the Kingdom: The basics.
TEXTS: John 3:1-8; Acts 9:18-21
AIMS:
i) To understand the basics of expanding God’s Kingdom;
ii) To appreciate how best to engage the basics today, to Kingdom advantage.
INTRODUCTION: Having seen the basis of Kingdom expansion last week, we

want to proceed today to consider the basics of God’s Kingdom expansion. We
will thus be examining the very important and most vital requirements for
Kingdom expansion. From Acts of the Apostles, we can quickly identify these to
be: 1. the work of the Holy Spirit through yielded human vessels, 2. preaching
and teaching and 3. Prayers that can heal the spiritual blindness of sinners (2
Cor.4:4).
STUDY GUIDE
1. List and discuss what you understand as the basics of God’s Kingdom
expansion.
41
2. Examining the biblical basics of Kingdom expansion:
a) How did the move, power and manifestation of the Holy Spirit affect the
expansion of the Kingdom?Acts 2:4, 14, 40-41; 4:8, 13-14; 5:12-16;
9:32-35.
b) In what ways did preaching and teaching impact on sinners and sweep
them into the Kingdom?Acts 5:21. Page | 42
c) What effect did prayers have on both preparing the hearts of sinners and
convicting them of their sins?Matt. 9:38; Acts 4:23-24, 31; 2 Thess.
3:1-2.
3. What assurances do we have that the basics of Kingdom expansion can
facilitate the spread of the gospel today?Matt. 4:23; with John 14:12; Acts
1:8.
CONCLUSION: The Apostles began the race and Kingdom expansion; we of the
latter days have the biblical assurance to do much more than they. They amply
manifested the basics of Kingdom expansion. Let us follow in their footsteps for
faster and greater results.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Help make the glory of the latter house greater.
MEMORY VERSE: Acts 1:8.
STUDY 35: 13th Sunday in Trinity September 2, 2018.

TOPIC: Expanding the Kingdom: Means & Methods.
TEXTS: Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 13-19, 36-41; 44-47; Mark 16:15-18.
AIMS:
i) To appreciate the role of the Holy Spirit and engage His power in expanding
God’s Kingdom.
ii) To appreciate the different methods used by the Apostles in propagating the
gospel;
iii) To perceive the need for different methods in expanding the Kingdom of God
today.
INTRODUCTION: The Person and works of the Holy Spirit are related but in
our last study, we considered His works; in this study, we will examine His
Person in the expansion of God’s Kingdom on earth. We will compare how He
worked with the early Church, with the ways He desires to work with us. There
are other ways and methods we can adopt to great advantage as we work with
the Holy Spirit. We have the advantage of increase in knowledge, the experience
42
of the saints of old as well as that of ICT.We must rely and partner with Him
always.
STUDY GUIDE
1. What was the promise of Jesus Christ to the Apostles concerning the spread
of the Gospel?Luke 24:49; John 14:26; Acts 1:8. How related and useful Page | 43
is it to us today?
2. How did the Holy Spirit facilitate the expansion of the early church?
Compare Luke 12:11-12 with Acts 4:18-20; 4:31-33. Read also Acts
2:37; 8:29; 13:2-4; 10:44.
3. What were the methods Jesus used in expanding the Kingdom on earth?
Matt.4:17; Mark 6:6; Matt.10:7; Luke 4:42-44.
4. What methods did Jesus ask the apostles to use for Kingdom
expansion?Matt.28:19-20; Mark.16:15-18.
5. Mention and discuss some other useful methods Christians can use today
in order to enlarge the Kingdom of God.
6. Why do we need to use different and Bible based methods?
CONCLUSION: Your means and methods determine both your success and
God’s acceptance of your result. To keep in step with the Holy Spirit and to set
your heart on pleasing God are vital to your joy and reward.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The foundation has been laid; let each man take heed
how he builds on it.

TOPIC: Expanding the Kingdom: The Challenges and Costs.
TEXTS: John 16:1-4 & 33; Matt 10:37-39; Mark 8:34-38.
AIMS:
i. To understand the meanings and implications of challenges and costs in
expanding God’s Kingdom;
ii. To note Jesus’ prediction of challenges for believers in the course of expanding
the Kingdom;
iii. To come to terms with what it costs to expand the Kingdom of God.
INTRODUCTION: There are challenges and costs to expanding God’s kingdom.

Both challenges and costs can adversely affect Kingdom expansion. For
example, persecution has been a major challenge to Kingdom expansion the
Church of God has faced through the ages. But because Jesus saw it ahead,
and had His own share, we should neither be dismayed nor be afraid of them.
Our Lord Jesus made it clear to His disciples that following Him will often
43
require carrying our cross. Taking up the cross involves forsaking all to follow
Christ (Mark 10:37-39). Only those who are ready to carry their cross do well
in expanding the Kingdom of God and please Him.
STUDY GUIDE
1. How has persecution been a major challenge to the Christian faith? Page | 44
2. Mention various contemporary challenges we face in our efforts to expand
the Kingdom and what should be our consolation as Christians amidst
them. John 16:33; Rom.8:35-39; 2Cor. 11:21-27.
3. How should Christians respond to persecution?Matt. 5:10-12; 10:23; 1
Cor.15:58; Acts 4: 23-24; 2 Cor. 12:10; James 1:2-4, 12.
4. What is the cost of following Christ and expanding the Kingdom?Matt.
10:37, 39; 16:24; Mark.8:34; Acts 7:59-60; 12:2-3.
5. a) What will be our reward from God for denying ourselves and taking up
our cross for the Kingdom’s sake? 2Tim.4:6-8; Rev.7:13-17; Rev.21:7.
b) What will be the lot of those who abandon the cross? Rev.21:8; Luke
9:26.
CONCLUSION: Challenges have often been aimed at discouraging or stopping

Kingdom expansion but they have instead, often produced a bumper harvest of
souls. Costs have spread the Christian ministry and gladdened Christ’s heart.
Be willing to follow these golden Christian steps!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: You want to wear the glorious crown,then you must be
willing to wear the crown of thorns now. No cross, No crown!
MEMORY VERSES: Matt. 5:11-12.
STUDY 37: 15thSunday inTrinity September16, 2018.

TOPIC: Engaging in Kingdom projects & programmes.
TEXTS: Luke 7:1-9; Acts 9:36-42.
AIMS:
i) To identify some projects that promote the gospel/Kingdom;
ii) To learn how pleased God can be with people who take on Kingdom projects
in humility and godliness;
iii) To learn how to engage Kingdom projects and programmes in ways that
pleases God.
INTRODUCTION: In the first text, there are the virtues of the centurion as
extolled by the Jewish elders (Luke 7:5). Though he built synagogues of
worship for them, he was still very humble and full of faith (Luke 7:6-8). Jesus
was pleased with his virtues and noted them in verse 9(read it). Dorcas was
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another character we read about. She was a woman full of good deeds and
almsgiving (Acts 9:36 and 39). God was so pleased with her works that He
brought her back to life. This study will consequently focus on how we in the
Church today can emulate these two examples of workers of good works.
STUDY GUIDE Page | 45

1. Discuss the values of the good works (projects) by the Centurion and Dorcas
from our texts (Luke 7:5; Acts 9:36 and 39).
2. Discuss the projects and programs in the scriptures below to challenge your
involvement to promote God’s work on earth: Neh.8:1-9; Exod. 36:1-7;
1Cor. 16:1-4; I Kings 6:1-4; Neh. 3:1ff.
3. What can we learn as Christians from the virtues of the Centurion and
Dorcas in Luke 7:5-8 and Acts 9:36 and 39.
4. What are the attitudes of some wealthy believers in today’s Church towards
giving to Kingdom projects? How best should such rather behave? Read
1Tim.6:17-19.
5. What may be responsible for the seeming negligence or nonchalance of some
brethren?
CONCLUSION: It is a glorious privilege for Christians to engage in various

forms of physical, spiritual, social, etc projects and programmes that will edify
the Church as well as expand the Kingdom of God on earth. Our attitude to
them matters and will determine what reward we get there from. Do all with
God in view!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: All we have is from God, and all we do for the
promotion of His work is only a token of all He has given us.
MEMORY VERSES: Luke 7:4, 5.
SUB-THEME/ 6: Relationships and fellowships that please God.

TOPIC: Introduction: Concept and Basis.
TEXTS: Acts 2:42-45; Rom. 12:9-10.
AIM:
i) To have a good grasp of the concept and basis of relationships and
fellowships that pleases God.
Introduction: Merriam-Webster defines ‘relationship’ as “the way in which two

or more people, group, countries etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with
each other; the way in which two or more people or things are connected.”
There are natural, social and spiritual relationships. On the other hand,
‘fellowship’ is defined as, “a friendly relationship among people; the relationship
of people who share interests and feelings.” This may be professional, Christian
45
or even demonic. In line with our sub-theme however, we will focus on
fellowships that please God, that is, koinania, in this series.
STUDY GUIDE
1. Using the concept of a “yoke” in 2Cor. 6:14, how would you describe Page | 46
Christian fellowship? Psa. 133.
2. What do you perceive as the strength and significance of Christian
relationship and fellowship from Acts 2:42-45; Rom.12:9-10; I Tim. 1:5;
I Peter 2:17.
3. What are the bases and basics of godly relationship and fellowship from
these human examples?I Sam. 18:1-4; Esther 2:7, 11; I Tim. 1:2-3 with I
Cor. 4:17.
4. How can we promote Christian relationship and fellowship today (inter- &
intra-church, interpersonal etc.)? Prov.17:17; 18:24.
CONCLUSION: God’s instructions to all Christians on this issue are clear in

the scriptures. All who believe in Christ are expected to learn and practise the
relationships and fellowships that please Him. It is not in our own interest to
offend God.We are to bring Him glory by the way we live and relate. Don’t break
faith; don’t stay away from Christian relationship and fellowship!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Is God pleased with all your relationships and
interactions?
MEMORY VERSE: Rom. 12:10.
STUDY39: 17th Sunday in Trinity September 30, 2018.
SUB-THEME/6: Relationships and fellowships that please God.

TOPIC: Relationship and Fellowship with God.
TEXTS: Mk.3:14; 1 John 1:3-4; 3 John 1-4.
AIMS:
i. To understand what relationship and fellowship with God mean/entail;
ii. To understand how man can begin/have relationship and fellowship with
God;
iii. To appreciate the need to have fellowship with God.
INTRODUCTION: God desires that His children (those who have a living
relationship with Him) be in sweet fellowship with Him. In Jeremiah 13, He
says, “For as a belt is bound round a man’s waist, so I bound the whole house of
Israel and the whole house of Judah to me, declares the LORD, to be my people
for my renown and praise and honour…” (v.11). The level of intimacy God wants
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to have with His children is here likened to the closeness of the belt to a man’s
waist. It is at this point that believers can truly glorify Him. God can initiate
this sometimes by drawing His children to Him (Jer.31:3) or even by allowing
them to face one challengeor the other that will move them to draw near and
seek Him. (Isa.54:7-8).
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STUDY GUIDE
1. What does it mean, and how are we expected, to have relationship and
fellowship with God? Gen. 5:22-24 (Cf. 2 Kings 20:3); Mk.3:14; John
17:3 with Eph.2:8-9; I Thess. 1: 9.
2. a. From 1 John 1:8-9, what should be the primary basis for Christians’
relationship with God?
b. What is generally the outcome of such relationship? Vs. 4.
3. Discuss the advantages of having fellowship with God in the light of the
following passages: Gen. 5:22-24; 1Sam. 30:8; Ps. 42: 1-4, 8; 27:4-6;
91:1-8.
4. Discuss the disadvantages of ignoring relationship with God in the light of

1Sam. 28:4-8.
CONCLUSION: There is no alternative to having a personal relationship and

fellowship with God, because that is where we derive the strength to live the
Christian life. Just as our fathers in the faith did and drew strength to
triumph, so we should do with conscientiousness.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: More time with God in fellowship makes us more like
Him.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 42:1 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so
my soul pants for you O God.”
STUDY40: 18th Sunday in Trinity October 7, 2018.

TOPIC: Relationship and fellowship with believers.
TEXTS: 1John 1:6-7; Heb. 10:25; Eccl. 4:7-12.
AIMS:
i. To understand the concept of having fellowship with other believers;
ii. To realise the benefits of relationship /fellowship with other believers;
iii. To realise the dangers of not having fellowship with fellow Christians.
INTRODUCTION: The Christian life is not to be lived in isolation. The high

priestly prayer (John 17:11, 22-23) of our Saviour highlights the need for all
His disciples to be one. It was an earnest desire of His heart as He looked
forward then to His departure. By this, Jesus Himself teaches and encourages
mutual relationship and fellowship. Our study today urges believers to pursue
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relationship and fellowship with other believers, no matter what. There is much
more in these than in solo efforts (Psa. 133; Eccl. 4:7-12; Matt.18:19-20).
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. What can you learn from the principles for relationship set forth by Jesus
in John 17:20-22? Page | 48
b. Explain some ways fellowship with other believers take place or can be
done for mutual benefit: Acts 2:42-47; Gal.5:13; Heb. 10:24; I John 1:3.
2. Discuss the benefits of having fellowship with other believers in the light of
the following scriptures: Eccl. 4:9-11; Matt.18:18-20; Heb. 10:24-25;
1John 1:7.
3. Discuss the challenges and hindrances to meaningful relationship and
fellowship among believers. Acts 6:1; 1 Cor. 1:10; 3:3-5; Gal.2:11-14; 2
Thess. 3:6-12.
4. What are the dangers of staying away from fellowship with other Christians?
Eccl. 4:7-12 (consider the other side of the text).
CONCLUSION: Though there will be challenges in the process, our fellowship

with other believers is not optional. It is one crucial way to improve on our
relationship with God too. Let us avoid self-seeking and concentrate on how to
build each other up in the faith and to encourage mutual relationship.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A threefold cord is not easily broken: what about a
single cord?
MEMORY VERSE: I John 1:3.
STUDY 41: 19th Sunday in Trinity October 14,2018.

SUB-THEME: By Power Manifestation.
TOPIC: Pleasing God through power manifestation: An Introductory Study
TEXTS: 1 Cor.4:20; 1 Thess. 4:1; Heb.11:6.
AIMs:
i) To understand that manifestation of God’s power is an essential part of
our salvation package;
ii) To learn how to manifest His power;
iii) To challenge us to dare to walk in the supernatural dimension.
INTRODUCTION: Walking by power of the Spirit is an essential attribute of

those who truly belong to God (1 Cor.4:20). In I Thessalonians 4:1, we are
charged ‘to walk and to please God’; andHebrews 11:6 shows us how. The
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‘faith hall of fame’ in Hebrews 11 is a long list of men and women who
demonstrated their faith in God by their lives and accomplishments, thus
manifesting God’s power in very special and peculiar ways.
STUDY GUIDE
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1. Every Christian is expected to walk by and manifest divine power. Discuss
from Mk.16:17-18; Luke 10:18-19; Rom.8:19; 1 Cor.2:4; 4:20; 12:7-11;
I Thess. 1:5.
2. a. Why are some Christians not manifesting the supernatural power of God?
Num.11:4-6; Matt.13:58; Luke 9:37-41.
b. What is God’s response to our failing to manifest His power? Matt.17:14-
17.
3. How can we walk by or manifest God’s power today?Matt.17:20-21;
Mk.11:23-26; Rom.1:17; Heb. 11:6; 1 Peter 1:13-16.
CONCLUSION: It will be to God’s glory and honour if we refuse to settle for less
of every spiritual blessing He has provided. We should not settle for less! By
faith, let us receive and live our lives by faith through the Holy Spirit.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God’s mighty power will remain elusive to those who
are in church but not in His Kingdom!
MEMORY VERSE: I Thess. 4:1.
STUDY 42: 20th Sunday in Trinity October 21, 2018.
SUB-THEME/7: By power manifestation.

TOPIC: Power manifestation in living (as believers).
TEXT: 1 Samuel 2:12-22, 26
AIMs:
i) To understand that it takes God’s power to live victoriously as Christians
in all environments and circumstances we may find ourselves;
ii) To discover how we may access this power today.
INTRODUCTION: It is a common experience ofChristians that are living a

quality Christian life in this sin- and evil-infested world, is not easy. The
Christian walk carries a big challenge.Testimonies abound of men and women,
in ancient times and now, whose garments have remained white and unspotted
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even in the most hostile environments. How have these ones been able to move
and maintain their testimonies?
STUDY GUIDE
1. From the key Bible text, briefly describe the nature of the environment
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which Samuel, a ‘Faith General’ (Hebrews 11:32), was raised.
2. Identify other examples of people who have had a victorious walk with God
even in very trying circumstances: Gen.5:21-24 (Heb.11:5-6); 1 Kings
19:13-18; Rev.2:12-13.
3. How, in your own view, were the above people able to achieve this feat?
Psalm 119:9, 11; Rom.1:16-17; Heb.11:32-34; 3 John 11; Rev.12:10-11.
4. What challenge do we have from such lives? Heb. 12: 1-3
CONCLUSION: Many have failed. Many more have missed the mark. But there
are many who have passed the test that have successfully walked with God
and pleased Him through His mighty power at work in their lives. We too can
be among such God’s heroes/heroines.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It is possible to walk with God victoriously. Better

believe it!
MEMORY VERSE: Heb.12:1-2.
STUDY 43: 21th Sunday in Trinity October 28, 2018.

TOPIC: Power manifestation over situations and circumstances.
TEXT: Heb. 11:30-38.
AIMs:
i) To realise that the manifestation of God’s power over situations and
circumstances is an act of faith;
ii) To understand that power manifestation pleases God; and
iii) To view power manifestation from God’s perspective rather than ours.
INTRODUCTION: Christians’ walk with God does not insulate them from
challenging situations and circumstances of life. The Bible is full of the
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accounts of very challenging situations of the children of God. The Bible
records in very many places that Christians will have hard times; Jesus
Himself tasted some. In many of these, however, there have been mighty
deliverances or manifestations of His power, and God has been glorified. Such
Christians also prove Satan wrong that men serve God for what they will get
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from Him (Job 1:8-11).
STUDY GUIDE
1. Identify some of the situations and or circumstances, (including the
characters that were involved) over which God’s power was manifested from
the text.
2. In what ways did God demonstrate that He was pleased with His children
that were involved in the situations or circumstances?Dan.3:18-25; 6:16-
22; Luke 10:17-21
3. a. What lessons about God do the following Scriptures teach us in relation
to this topic?Heb.5:6-8; Phil.2:8; John 21:19.
b. Comparing the above with Heb.11:11, 17-19, 32-37, how would you
view hard times and lives?
CONCLUSION: God is pleased with us when we demonstrate His power over

situations and circumstances. It must be noted, however, that it is not in all
cases that such manifestations can result in what we may call ‘success’ or
‘victory’ today. The testimonies of those who defied the wickedness of their day,
even at a cost to their lives, and what happened thereafter are also
manifestations as we saw in Heb.11:36-38.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: That God is glorified in our situations and

circumstances is of greater importance than the nature of our experiences.
MEMORY VERSE: John 21:19.
STUDY 44: 22th Sunday in Trinity November 4, 2018.

TOPIC: Power manifestation to relieve others.
TEXTS: Mark 6:7, 12-13; Luke 10:1-3, 17-24.
AIMS:
i) To appreciate God’s delight when we manifest His power to bring succour
to others;
ii) To be motivated to seek positive action in this regard;
iii) To realise the qualities needed to manifest God’s power, and note the
necessary caution.
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INTRODUCTION: The Old and New Testament scriptures are full of instances
when God showed His power to deliver people-God worked through men to
minister to men. In fact, our texts above show us that Christ is indeed happy
when His children demonstrate His power to deliver others. This explains why
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He equips those He sends on assignment with power. We dare not focus on
ourselves alone. We will surely fallshort of His expectations when we fail to use
His power to help others.
STUDY GUIDE
1. From the texts, what charge did Jesus give to those He sent on missions,
and how were they equipped?
2. Would you want Jesus to respond to your outreaches also as He did in the
Luke text (verses 17-24)? What should you do?Mark 6:12-13; Luke 10:3.
3. Identify and discuss how we can be used by God to others, Mk.9:14-24; 28-
29; Acts 3:11-16; 19:13-16.
4. Read Matt.10:8; I Tim.3:3, 8-9; Titus 1:7 and point out qualities and
caution we should exercise so as to manifest His power ingivingsuccour to
others.
CONCLUSION: God expects us to trust Him to intervene in situations where we

call on Him to help those in need. However, we must be genuine children of
God given to prayer, and pleasing Him in our life. When He answers contrary to
our expectations we should not be discouraged. He is the Lord!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It is normal for God’s people to demonstrate His power
to help others; the contrary is abnormal.
MEMORY VERSE: Mark 6:7.


TOPIC: Power manifestation in ministry.
TEXTS: 1 Cor. 2:1-5; Eph.4:11-14.
AIMs:
i) To understand what it means to teach with power and divine authority;
ii) To note some evidences of power manifestation while teaching;
iii) To be inspired and provoked to hunger for the manifestation of power in
the different areas of ministry or teaching.
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INTRODUCTION: Whether in teaching or in diverse ministration, the difference
can be clear in the Church between those done by the power of the Holy Spirit
and those done without the Holy Spirit power. Faking is common but not
allowed by God; discerning Christians can tell the difference. As we go through
this study, may God open our eyes of understanding and provoke us to cry to
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God for ourselves and other servants of God until He fills us with power from
on high.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a) What did Paul reveal about his ministry and teaching in the texts above?
b) What does it mean to teach with power?Matt.7:28-29; Mark 6:2; Acts
8:34-36; 28:23.
c) What are some biblical evidences that we are manifesting God’s power in
our ministration?Mark 16:20; Luke 5:17; Acts 2:37.
2. From Eph.4:11-14, what important truth determines one’s effectiveness
and power in any given area of ministry? See also Gal.1:1, 11-12.
3. “The penchant for self-assigned ministry (or ministries) is the bane of the
Church and the observed powerlessness in some Quarters today”. Discuss.
4. How may we manifest marked grace in our assigned ministry or teaching in
the Church? Ezra 7:10; Acts 2:17-18, 37; I Cor.6:11; Eph.5:18.
CONCLUSION: Paul manifested grace in ministry because his calling was of

God. It would do us much good in the Church if we all can individually and
collectively identify our areas of calling and stick with it until otherwise
directed by God. There is no limit to the grace that can flow in a Spirit-filled
Christian who operates only in his or her assigned area.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Ask and you will receive power from God to minister.
MEMORY VERSE: Gal.1:1.

TOPIC: Faith for healing and miracles.
TEXTS: Matt 8:17; Mk 6:1-6.
AIMs:
i) To be inspired to faith for healing and miracles in the Church;
ii) To be inspired to receive requisite grace and develop same for results.
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INTRODUCTION: Healing and miracles are a common heritage in Christ. Jesus
went about ‘doing good’ and ‘healing all that were oppressed of the devil’ (Acts
10:38).’ He stated clearly that we can do more than Him (John 14:12). As we
believe God for other things, we should also believe Him for the miraculous,
including divine healing. This was included in the job description Jesus gave
His disciples as He sent them on missions (Mk. 6:7) and they demonstrated Page | 54
divine power in healing (Mark 6:13; Luke 10: 17-19), to His pleasure.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a) What is divine healing? Jer.30:17; 33:6; Ja.5:13-15.
b) What is the basis of healing and miracles?Matt.8:17; Mark 9:23; 1
Pe.2:24.
2. How can faith for divine healing and miracles be activated? Ps 32: 5; Mk 9:
23; Ja.5:13-15.
3. How might Christians develop the grace and anointing for miraculous
healing?Eph.4:15b; 2 Peter 3:18.
CONCLUSION: It is the will of God that we demonstrate His power over

sickness. We need faith, while also ensuring that there is no covered up sin,
unforgiveness or an unconfessed affront to God or His servants that could
provoke divine wrath in our lives. After all, God Himself could punish with
disease or even death! We should not also under rate the critical role of the
prayer of faith made by the saints.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Trust God to heal both body and soul for His greater
glory and man’s eternal benefit.
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Pe.2:24.
STUDY 47: Sunday before Advent November 25, 2018.
SUB THEME: Benefits of a life that pleases God.

TOPIC: Peace and joy in The Holy Ghost.
TEXT: Romans 14: 14-20.
AIMs:
i) To grasp the biblical concepts of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost;
ii) To find out the things that make for joy and peace;
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iii) To understand that there can be no true peace and joy in a life that is not
yielded to the Holy Spirit.
INTRODUCTION: Peace is a condition or sense of harmony, wellbeing and

prosperity (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary). It is a state of tranquillity,
serenity or inner contentment. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep feeling or state Page | 55
of great delight, happiness or contentment.
“Peace and joy in the Holy Ghost” is an expression which defines a pleasant,
desirable and blissful state of being that is activated, enhanced and sustained
in a life inhabited and ruled by the Holy Spirit. In other words, true peace and
joy are the hallmark of a life that is pleasing to God. Note that both are fruits of
the Holy Spirit.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. Explain in your own words the expression “Peace and joy in the Holy
Ghost”. Rom. 14: 17.
b. How would you differentiate the peace and joy in the Holy Ghost from
that which the world offers?
2. Who is the Chief Source of these qualities, and what are the conditions for
to access and enjoy them?Neh.8:10; John 14:27; Rom. 14: 17; Gal. 5:
22; Col. 3:15.
3. In what sense can we describe peace and joy as benefits of a life that pleases
God?Matt. 6: 25-33; Rom. 14: 17; Gal. 5: 22, 1 Pet. 1: 8.
4. Why do peace and joy elude many even when they would very much love to
enjoy them? Isa. 48:22; Rom.5:1; Phil.4:7.
CONCLUSION: Peace and joy in the Holy Ghost mean a great deal to every
child of God. Any religious inclination which does not guarantee these
blessings would be aptly described as fake. It is equally worthy of note that the
Holy Spirit is the One who ultimately dispenses and sustains them in the lives
of God’s children.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Life without Christ-the Prince of peace-ultimately ends
in crises and in a Christless grave.

STUDY 48: Advent Sunday December 2, 2018.
SUB THEME: Benefits of a life that pleases God.
TOPIC: Total victory in Christ.
TEXT: Romans 8: 31-39.
AIMs:
i) To develop a correct and balanced concept of victory;
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ii) To realise that total victory over life’s challenges is possible but only
through Christ Jesus;
iii) To learn the way to total victory in Christ.
INTRODUCTION: Victory is: To conquer, overcome and prevail (according to

Page | 56
Vine’s Expository Dictionary). Therefore, there cannot be victory without
challenges to overcome. The Bible is very clear that there will be myriads of
challenges on the paths of Christians as well as unbelievers but for different
purposes and on different grounds. This truth, rather than the ‘bread and
butter gospels’ should be believed. We can stand on the fact that Jesus has
already fought and won the battle against Satan on our behalf.This assures us
of Total Victory—victory on all fronts. Romans 8:37 attests to this. This study
will show how it all plays out in our march to a glorious eternity.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. What do you understand by the phrase “total victory in Christ”?
b. What are expected of us to be victorious in Christ?Prov. 3: 5, 6, Mark
11:22-26; Heb. 11:6; 1 John 5:4, 5.
2. What guarantee do we have that living a life that pleases God will bring
total victory in Christ Jesus?Psa. 34:19; Rom. 8:37; Heb. 7:25; 1 Jn.
4:4.
3. Are Christians who please God insulated from Satan’s attacks and other
challenges of life?Psa. 34:17, 19; Prov.24:16; John.16:33; 2
Tim.3:12.Cf. Job 1:8-12.
4. Read again Rom. 8:37-39 and discuss this statement: “Nay, in all these
things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us’’ in the
light of 1 John 4:4.
CONCLUSION: Living to please God draws God nearer and makes Him dwell in
us. Thereupon, God empowers us in a way that enables us triumph over the
challenges which may come up from time to time. So while man may be helped
to overcome certain challenges, total victory is only possible in Christ.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Christ suffered to secure total victory for us.
STUDY 49: 1st Sunday in Advent December 9, 2018.
SUB THEME/8: Benefits of a life that pleases God.

TOPIC: Not suffering the second death.
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TEXTs: Revelation 2: 11; 20:13-14; 21:8.
AIMs:
i) To understand the biblical concept of second death;
ii) To appreciate how and why not being hurt by second death is a benefit.
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INTRODUCTION: The ‘second death’ is ‘being cast into the lake of fire.’ It is a
divine judgement reserved exclusively for the unsaved and all whose lives are
not consistent with the scriptures at the time of the judgement. But for those
whose lives are pleasing to God, they will “not be hurt by the second death
because on such the second death has no power.’’
STUDY GUIDE
1. Read the following scriptures and discuss what you understand by the
second death, Rev. 2: 11; 20: 6, 14; 21:8.
2. What meaning does the statement “he that overcometh shall not be hurt
by the second death’’ (Rev.2:7, 11; 20:6) convey to you?
3. What will enable a person to escape the second death?Rev. 2:11; 20:6;
cf. John 3: 3, 5, 16-18.
4. What will then be the blessedness of Christians who escape the second
death? Isa.61:6; Rev. 5:10; 20:4, 6.
CONCLUSION: Be glad and expectant.Living to please God will secure for us

a part in a blissful eternity with God. On the other hand, living contrary to
God’s standards is an express invitation to the second death. The choice
lasts only while we still live on earth. When the books are opened, whoever
does not have his name written in the book of life, will be liable to the
second death.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Now or never: Is your name in the book of life?
MEMORY VERSE: Rev. 2: 11.
STUDY 50: 2nd Sunday in Advent December 16, 2018.

TOPIC: Longevity and painless transition.
TEXTS: Genesis 5: 21-24; I Cor.15:52-58.
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AIMS:
i) To discover the divine promise of a long and blissful life;
ii) To understand the concept and, to discover the secret of painless
transition;
iii) To also discover the requirements to have longevity and painless
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transition.
INTRODUCTION: Longevity refers to long duration of life, while ‘painless

transition’ implies leaving this realm of life for eternity without spiritual,
physical or psychological pain. The Bible assures all who live to please God
both of them. For such, the pangs of death have been taken care of by Christ’s
death (I Cor. 15:55-57). In this world, as well as in the great beyond, they will
enjoy the riches of Christ, Who is the Author of life.
STUDY GUIDE
1. Explain what you understand by ‘longevity’ and ‘painless transition’.
2. From the following scriptures, identify and discuss some of the factors that
make for longevity and painless transition: Gen. 5:24; Ex. 23:25-26, 1
Kings 3:14; Psa. 91:14-16; I Cor.15:50-52.
3. Discuss these Scriptures that promise Christians full life on earth and
eternal bliss hereafter and find out how we may enter, remain in and enjoy
them, Psa. 91:14-16; 118:17; Isa.57:1-2; Luke 2:26.
4. In the light of the sub-theme and the topic of this study, how would you
explain some cases where Christians’ lives were terminated through
persecution or accident: e.g. John the Baptist, Jesus, the Apostles and
many contemporary cases? Cf. Isa.57:1-2; 2 Tim.2:12; Rev. 6:9, 20.
CONCLUSION: Though there have been exceptions, which are under God’s
sovereignty, His perfect will for us is longevity and painless transition as have
been the lot of many who walked faithfully with God unto the very end. The
scriptures are replete with divine promises and assurances that we can and
should rely on. In all, what matters most is that we follow the Lord to the very
end.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: While longevity is God’s reward, early transition
should not be ruled out.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 91:16.
STUDY 51: 3rd Sunday in Advent December 23, 2018.

58
TOPIC: Delivered, celebrated and promoted.
TEXT: Daniel 3:16-30.
AIMs:
i) To realise that God rewards absolute faith in, and loyalty to, Him;
Page | 59
ii) To strive to please God so as to be rewarded thus.
INTRODUCTION: The dangerous decision of Shadrach, Meshach and

Abednego (The Three Hebrews) to defy the king’s command to bow down to his
brazen idol was not out of a carnal desire to become famous. It was based on
their conviction that only Jehovah deserves their worship, and; they were ready
to die for it. That pleased God and evoked His intervention. God’s intervention
overawed Nebuchadnezzar and caused him to acknowledge the God of Israel.
The Three Hebrews became heroes and were exalted above their peers as we
find similarly in I Sam.2:30; Psa.91:14.
STUDY GUIDE
1. What do you think was the strong motivation for the extremely dangerous
choice of the Three Hebrews?Dan. 3: 16-18; Cf. Heb.11:24-27.
2. The Three Hebrews believed in the power of God to deliver as well as His
sovereign will to let them die in that fire. What lesson is there for us in our
walk with God?
3. What can we learn from the effect of their deliverance on King
Nebuchadnezzar? Dan. 3: 24-30.
4. Read Dan. 3:30 again.
a. Does enduring persecution necessarily lead to divine blessing? Matt.
19:29; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Pet. 5: 10; Rev.2: 10.
b. If they had died in the fire, do you think it would have affected the
Almightiness of God adversely? Cf. Acts 7:58 and 8:1-3 with 22:20;
Mark 15:39.
CONCLUSION: The true Christian spirit recognizes the sovereignty of God and
would not readily sell out even at the greatest threat to one’s life, welfare or
wellbeing. Those who choose to suffer with Him, He honours. The three Hebrew
youths understood this, decided to go with God, and have thus left us a very
significant example as follows.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The greater the risk, the greater the glory.
MEMORY VERSE: Dan. 3: 17, 18.

STUDY 52: Sunday after Christmas December 30, 2018.

TOPIC: Eternal life with God.
59
TEXTS: John 3:16; Rev.21:1-4, 22-27; 22:1-5.
AIMs:
i) To understand the practical concept of eternal life with God;
ii) To strive to please God so as to enter therein.
Page | 60
INTRODUCTION: The word ‘eternal’ means “without end in time”. The

Dictionary of Theology defines ‘eternal life’ as “life everlasting in the presence of
God”. Eternal life with God is dwelling with God and having a very close and
enduring personal fellowship with Him. Eternal life with God begins the
moment a person exercises faith in Christ and receives the new birth; and
continues as our current possession (Jn. 3: 36) until we reach its final state at
the resurrection of believers, when Christ returns to take His Church home.
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. What do you understand by the term ‘eternal life with God’? John 3:16;
17: 1-3.
b. How would you describe eternal life in the light of the following
scriptures?John 3:14-18, 36; Rev. 20:14, 15; 21:1-4, 22-27; 22:1-5?
c. How is this life different from the natural life? Cf. John 3:5-6.
2. a. How does one qualify for eternal life?John 3:16, 36; 6:47-51, 54;
Heb.5:9; 1 John 5:11-13.
b. What are the true qualities of eternal life?Rom. 8:1, 5-11; Heb. 5:9; Gal.
5:16-18, 22-25.
3. In what sense can eternal life be described as one of the benefits of a life
that pleases God? John 6:40, Rev. 21: 6-7. Cf. Luke 9:62.
CONCLUSION: Eternal life, a gift of God that comes only through Jesus Christ,
is the core benefit for a life that pleases God. We receive it by receiving Christ
into our hearts as Saviour and Lord. But all who have got this life must strive
to keep it by faith unto the end so as to enter the fullness of it. Be so
determined!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Look beyond your present experience to the bliss at
the consummation of your faith.
MEMORY VERSE: John 17: 3.
APPENDIX
STUDY 53
60
TOPIC: Relationship and fellowship with yourself.
TEXTS: Neh. 5:6-8; Psalm 13:2; 103:1-5, 22.
AIMS:
i) To demystify and understand this concept; Page | 61
ii) To learn how to arouse one’s inmost being (secret to self motivation);
iii) To prepare to reflect deeply within (secret to objective self counsel);
iv) To get oneself to face reality and consequently act aright.
INTRODUCTION: This study promises to challenge us to get our main faculties

to reason together, and to ponder on issues. Generally, man acts based on the
working of his mind. But Nehemiah acted differently, he called himself to a
meeting (Neh. 5:7 KJV & NKJV).
From Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary’s definition of RELATIONSHIP and

FELLOWSHIP (in the Introductory study in this series), we see that Fellowship
is relationship. But rather than two independent people, we want to focus on
the different parts of man; ensuring that we get them to have meaningful
interaction. It is often taken for granted but it has been found to be non-
existent or few and far between, as important as it is, as we will soon see.
Fellowship with yourself is therefore making conscious and concerted efforts to
get your whole being to commune; it means having your spirit, soul and body
relate, share and together consider issues before actions are taken.
CONCEPT CLARIFICATION
a. Nehemiah (Neh. 5:7): undertook a deep, personal reflection; got his whole
being to consider the crucial national challenge. This demands
introspection, self-examination, a reflective inward looking that critically
examines challenges vis-a-vis resources available to us and to our enemies.
b. Job (Job 31:1): had a challenge possibly with his eyes. He got his entire
being ruminate over it, and together resolved to deal with it.
c. David (Psalm 13:2): This is self-questioning – a critical tete–a-tete. He could
then see the consequences of his action. He called himself to order.
d. David (Psalm 103:1-5, 22; 104:1; 146:1): sensitized himself, or ‘flogging
himself up’ to do the needful. This is needed when we find ourselves slack,
slow or sitting still rather than rising to act to please God. “He calls on his
soul, and all its faculties and powers”, “He wakens his dullness.”
STUDY GUIDE
1. Discuss this concept in your own words. How is this possible?
2. a. Discuss hindrances to fellowship with oneself (1Cor. 6:18); Prov. 15:19.
b. What is the outcome of having fellowship/relationship with oneself?
Mark 12:30, 31.
3. How may this affect both our fellowship with God and others?
61
CONCLUSION/FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Since we can only love our neighbours
as we love ourselves, we must learn to relate well with ourselves.
MEMORY VERSE: Mark 12:31 “Love… yourself.”
Page | 62
STUDY 54

TOPIC: Imperishable and glorious rewards.
TEXTs: Luke 19: 12-27; Hebrews 11: 6.
AIMs:
i) To understand the nature of the rewards that await the faithful Christian;
ii) To strive to receive as many crowns/rewards as possible.
INTRODUCTION: There are various rewards – being with God and dwelling
forever with Him, crowns, the tree of life and others are only a few of those we
can know now. There are innumerable here on earth, whether they are
perishable or not. We don’t serve our Father because of rewards but we should
have them in mind in our pilgrimage on earth. Though outside the scope of this
study, let’s know that there is retribution for wrongs done here and hereafter.
Men reap what they sow!
STUDY GUIDE
1. a. Explain what you understand by reward? Cf. Gal. 6: 7b.
b. Discuss the two main types of reward in Rom. 2: 6-11 and what manner
of persons we ought to be in order to receive them?
2. What are the factors, conditions, or requirements for earning divine
rewards? Psa. 19: 9-11; 62:12; Eph. 2: 8-10; Heb. 11:6.
3. The business mogul in Luke 19:12ff dispensed the talents according to the
servants’ abilities and rewarded each of them accordingly. How does this
scenario play out in our relationship with God? Jer. 17:10; 32:19; 1 Cor.
3:8.
4. The number and type of rewards we receive from God depend on us.
Discuss this from 2 Tim. 2:19-21; Rev. 22:12.
CONCLUSION: God rewardsthosewho diligently seek Him. Those who live to

please Him will have all the resources of heaven at their disposal and great
62
things will they do even here on earth. Work hard, keep faith, set your hope
on God! You will not be disappointed.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God rewards all men – either with good or evil; you
determine what you receive.
Page | 63
MEMORY VERSE: Heb. 11:6.
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THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA

Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh

The Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba

The Team Leaders:

1. Bro. Kiki Briggs

 Emphasis should be on small and effective groups of between 10 and 20 persons

STUDY 1: 1st Sunday in Epiphany January 7, 2018.Introducing the Theme/Series.

EXTRA STUDIES ON THEME

STUDY 53 – SUB-THEME/6:Relationships and fellowships that please God.

STUDY 54 – SUB THEME/8:Benefits of a life that pleases God. TOPIC:

STUDY 1: 1st Sunday in Epiphany January 7, 2018.

SUB-THEME /I: Introductory Studies

a. Living as God demands: It means living a sanctified life, 1Thess. 4:3;

CONCLUSION: As Christians, let us always ask ourselves whether our present

SUB-THEME/1: Introductory Studies

TEXT: Psalm 115:1-18.

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of the living God we serve as Christians is

MEMORY VERSE: Isa.40:28.

SUB-THEME/1: Introductory Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Christians should ask themselves: “Why was I created?”

CONCLUSION: Beside the general purpose of God in creating mankind, there

MEMORY VERSE: Gen.1:26.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

INTRODUCTION: Light, as opposed to darkness, illuminates. Darkness exists

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 5:16.

STUDY 5: Sexagesima Sunday February 4, 2018.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

INTRODUCTION: To be holy is to be free from moral ills as a result of a

CONCLUSION: Though our contemporary world is filled with all kinds of

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Keep your body holy, it is God’s temple.

STUDY 6: Quinquagesima Sunday February 11, 2018.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

CONCLUSION: As Christians, we serve aholy God. To have eternal fellowship

MEMORY VERSE: Phil.4:8.

STUDY 7: 1st Sunday in Lent February 18, 2018.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

STUDY 8: 2nd Sunday in Lent February 25, 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout the Bible, we are assured of God’s love and

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: He who loves deserves to be loved.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 2:15.

STUDY 9: 3rd Sunday in Lent March 4, 2018.

INTRODUCTION: The Bible is replete with the command to love our

MEMORY VERSE: Prov.16:17.

INTRODUCTION: A family is a group of persons related by marriage and blood

MEMORY VERSE: I Peter 3:8.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

INTRODUCTION: The community of the followers of Christ, both male and

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Brotherly love is to be the badge, and hallmark of a

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Peter 1:22.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

INTRODUCTION: An enemy is one who deliberately opposes or mistreats

CONCLUSION: A genuine relationship with Christ will be evident in our

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 5: 44.

STUDY 13: Easter Sunday April 1, 2018.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

MEMORY VERSE: Lev. 20: 26.

STUDY 14: 1st Sunday after Easter April 8, 2018.

SUB-THEME/2: How to live a God-pleasing life.

INTRODUCTION: The ‘church’ is an assembly of believers, the body of

CONCLUSION: The Church is God’s spiritual edifice for believers sanctified by

MEMORY VERSE: Lev.19: 2.

STUDY 15: 2nd Sunday after Easter April 15, 2018.