SUNDAY SCHOOL
July 20, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12-22
++GOLDEN TEXT++
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
July 20, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12-22
++GOLDEN TEXT++
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
**THE LESSON EXPLAINED**
A. GOD’S PROVISION TO ESCAPE TEMPTATION (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Paul did not relent in his effort in dealing with the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. He was prompted to give this exhortation because some of the brethren already though they were standing firm (v. 12). Thus, he recounted the history of the Israelites in the wilderness as a warning to them because the temptation that caused them to fall was similar to the temptation to the brethren in Corinth faced (vv. 1-6). So, the first admonition is against the attitude of overconfidence “… be careful that you do not fall” (v. 12), perhaps like their forefathers who continuously sinned against God as they journeyed through the wilderness. Well, as used in this passage, to be careful is to be cautious or watchful. Paul also stressed the universality of temptation as well as the faithfulness of God and His ability to provide a way of escape (v. 13).
Self-confidence has always been the problem of man, especially amongst seemingly mature believers. Paul, in these words of admonition, enjoined the Corinthians to have the right attitude to temptation if they will always overcome. There are two biblical implications in this passage, which are common to humankind.
First, God sometimes allow Christians to be tested in their spiritual journeys. However, these tests are not meant to cause them to fall into sin because God always provides a way of escape.
Second, God in His faithfulness limits the temptation that He allows according to each individual’s capability. Therefore we should know that no temptation is so powerful and insurmountable that we cannot bear it.
**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Share practical experience of how God provides escape route from temptation.
B. FLEE TEMPTATION (1 Corinthians 10:14-17)
It is obvious that Paul was passionate about the spiritual stability of the Corinthians since they had known the Lord. Therefore, he did not relent in his effort as he continued to warm and persuade them to avoid idolatrous practices. However, he was insistent in verse 14 when he said, “Therefore, my dear friends flee from idolatry.” “To flee” as used in this context is to run away as someone escaping a life-threatening situation or whatever thing, person or situation that may likely bring an enticement to do wrong. The only remedy is in wholly shunning (2 Corinthians 6:16-17). To further buttress his point, he gave an analogy saying, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?” The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? (v. 16). Consequently, he made a submission that even though we are many, we are unified in the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 17). The metaphors, body and bread, both signify that we are all partakers of the one bread who is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 6:35).
According to biblical history, Corinth was an idolatry city. However, in his view, Paul admonished the new converts to completely shun idolatry that they were probably involved in before they became saved. Based on verse 13, Paul maintained that idolatry could be avoided because God had given them a way of escape. Furthermore,, he spoke about the true fellowship believers have in Christ, which is not merely an outward gathering but an intimate fellowship with Christ. Notice that Paul uses the word “we” in both statements.
**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Let a member share an experience of hoe he/she was able to escape temptation recently
C. JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES (1 Corinthians 10:18-22)
Paul condemns the practice whereby some Jews participate in eating what is sacrificed to idols while also taking part in the service of God (Leviticus 7:6). Biblical history has it that when a sacrifice was made in ancient Israel, the one who offered the sacrifice and the priest who administered the sacrifice would have directly or indirectly partaken in the sacrifice. So such Jews were actually participating in idolatry. Paul thus charged the Corinthian church that Christians should not have anything to do with pagan sacrifices because all sacrifices are to Satan and not to God (v. 20).
A basic reason why Christians should avoid double allegiance is that, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons”. This kind of hypocrisy can provoke the Lord into jealousy (v. 22). This provocation is similar to that of the Israelites in the wilderness.
Participating in the Lord’s Table is not just taking part in the Lord’s Supper; it includes participating in all sorts of fellowship with God as well as their communion and fellowship with other brethren as they are bound together with Christ by His body and blood.
God hate double dealings. Just as participation in the Lord’s Supper identifies as worshippers of God, so does participation in pagan sacrifices to idols identify such participants (including believers who participate) as worshippers of those idols and by extension worshippers of the demons that are behind idols (v. 19).
This explanation has two implications:
* As long as one wishes to maintain fellowship with God, a believer should note that God is a jealous God and will not tolerate communion and fellowship with other gods. (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 32:21).
* Believers should continually walk in unity since they are already united with Christ through His body and blood which they share.
{==TAKE HOME==}>
> Christians can overcome temptations through the power of the Holy Spirit.
> The Lord’s Supper signifies the believer’s communion and fellowship with God.
> God detests idols.
> The Lord Jesus Christ bought us with His blood and we belong to Him. Therefore, we are not free to do just anything we choose or to believe just anything we want.
> We must never invent teachings that contradict the Scripture just because we want to satisfy the flesh.
> Idolatry can lead a person back into sin and then face the chastisement of God.
> Only the One True God, as revealed in the Scripture is worthy of our worship.
> Any food sacrificed to idols is also sacrificed to demons.
> Idols have no power.
> Any Christian who exposes himself/herself to an idolatrous act is exposing the entire Christian community to demonic powers.
> All believers are united in Christ.
> Satan has no authority over true Christians.
**…PRAYER POINTS…**
I. Lord, destroy every power of darkness that is setting destructive temptations against me.
II. Lord Almighty, give me strength to withstand and overcome every temptation.
++{==NEXT==}++
July 27, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: SEEK THE GOOD OF OTHERS
Lesson Scripture: 1Corinthians 14:13-26
**THE LESSON EXPLAINED**
A. GOD’S PROVISION TO ESCAPE TEMPTATION (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Paul did not relent in his effort in dealing with the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. He was prompted to give this exhortation because some of the brethren already though they were standing firm (v. 12). Thus, he recounted the history of the Israelites in the wilderness as a warning to them because the temptation that caused them to fall was similar to the temptation to the brethren in Corinth faced (vv. 1-6). So, the first admonition is against the attitude of overconfidence “… be careful that you do not fall” (v. 12), perhaps like their forefathers who continuously sinned against God as they journeyed through the wilderness. Well, as used in this passage, to be careful is to be cautious or watchful. Paul also stressed the universality of temptation as well as the faithfulness of God and His ability to provide a way of escape (v. 13).
Self-confidence has always been the problem of man, especially amongst seemingly mature believers. Paul, in these words of admonition, enjoined the Corinthians to have the right attitude to temptation if they will always overcome. There are two biblical implications in this passage, which are common to humankind.
First, God sometimes allow Christians to be tested in their spiritual journeys. However, these tests are not meant to cause them to fall into sin because God always provides a way of escape.
Second, God in His faithfulness limits the temptation that He allows according to each individual’s capability. Therefore we should know that no temptation is so powerful and insurmountable that we cannot bear it.
**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Share practical experience of how God provides escape route from temptation.
B. FLEE TEMPTATION (1 Corinthians 10:14-17)
It is obvious that Paul was passionate about the spiritual stability of the Corinthians since they had known the Lord. Therefore, he did not relent in his effort as he continued to warm and persuade them to avoid idolatrous practices. However, he was insistent in verse 14 when he said, “Therefore, my dear friends flee from idolatry.” “To flee” as used in this context is to run away as someone escaping a life-threatening situation or whatever thing, person or situation that may likely bring an enticement to do wrong. The only remedy is in wholly shunning (2 Corinthians 6:16-17). To further buttress his point, he gave an analogy saying, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?” The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? (v. 16). Consequently, he made a submission that even though we are many, we are unified in the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 17). The metaphors, body and bread, both signify that we are all partakers of the one bread who is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 6:35).
According to biblical history, Corinth was an idolatry city. However, in his view, Paul admonished the new converts to completely shun idolatry that they were probably involved in before they became saved. Based on verse 13, Paul maintained that idolatry could be avoided because God had given them a way of escape. Furthermore,, he spoke about the true fellowship believers have in Christ, which is not merely an outward gathering but an intimate fellowship with Christ. Notice that Paul uses the word “we” in both statements.
**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Let a member share an experience of hoe he/she was able to escape temptation recently
C. JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES (1 Corinthians 10:18-22)
Paul condemns the practice whereby some Jews participate in eating what is sacrificed to idols while also taking part in the service of God (Leviticus 7:6). Biblical history has it that when a sacrifice was made in ancient Israel, the one who offered the sacrifice and the priest who administered the sacrifice would have directly or indirectly partaken in the sacrifice. So such Jews were actually participating in idolatry. Paul thus charged the Corinthian church that Christians should not have anything to do with pagan sacrifices because all sacrifices are to Satan and not to God (v. 20).
A basic reason why Christians should avoid double allegiance is that, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons”. This kind of hypocrisy can provoke the Lord into jealousy (v. 22). This provocation is similar to that of the Israelites in the wilderness.
Participating in the Lord’s Table is not just taking part in the Lord’s Supper; it includes participating in all sorts of fellowship with God as well as their communion and fellowship with other brethren as they are bound together with Christ by His body and blood.
God hate double dealings. Just as participation in the Lord’s Supper identifies as worshippers of God, so does participation in pagan sacrifices to idols identify such participants (including believers who participate) as worshippers of those idols and by extension worshippers of the demons that are behind idols (v. 19).
This explanation has two implications:
* As long as one wishes to maintain fellowship with God, a believer should note that God is a jealous God and will not tolerate communion and fellowship with other gods. (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 32:21).
* Believers should continually walk in unity since they are already united with Christ through His body and blood which they share.
{==TAKE HOME==}>
> Christians can overcome temptations through the power of the Holy Spirit.
> The Lord’s Supper signifies the believer’s communion and fellowship with God.
> God detests idols.
> The Lord Jesus Christ bought us with His blood and we belong to Him. Therefore, we are not free to do just anything we choose or to believe just anything we want.
> We must never invent teachings that contradict the Scripture just because we want to satisfy the flesh.
> Idolatry can lead a person back into sin and then face the chastisement of God.
> Only the One True God, as revealed in the Scripture is worthy of our worship.
> Any food sacrificed to idols is also sacrificed to demons.
> Idols have no power.
> Any Christian who exposes himself/herself to an idolatrous act is exposing the entire Christian community to demonic powers.
> All believers are united in Christ.
> Satan has no authority over true Christians.
**…PRAYER POINTS…**
I. Lord, destroy every power of darkness that is setting destructive temptations against me.
II. Lord Almighty, give me strength to withstand and overcome every temptation.
++{==NEXT==}++
July 27, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: SEEK THE GOOD OF OTHERS
Lesson Scripture: 1Corinthians 14:13-26
