OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

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.

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 MIND OF GOD ON ACCEPTABLE GIVING

THE MIND OF GOD ON ACCEPTABLE GIVING
Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
By Rev'd Dr. J. A. Aworinde

Our God is a giving God, He gives us life, He gives us Jesus Christ. He gives eternal life

Our God is the God characterised by His unfathomable attitude of giving

In God’s economy, there are several ways we can give

Acceptable giving presupposes that not all givings are acceptable to God

The core of Christian giving includes tithes, worship offerings, thanksgiving offering, pledges, donations etc

Tithes are not only specific they are also fixed on the other hands, offerings, pledges and donations are not fixed (Lev. 27:30-33, Malachi 3:6-12)

THE MIND OF GOD ON ACCEPTABLE GIVING
- It should be a response to the goodness and kindness of God to you (Genesis 14:18-20; Gen. 28:17-22; I Timothy 6:17)

You should give joyfully and generously to God as a sign of gratitude

What we have and what we are comes from God's mercy and it should not be taken for granted

- It should be in obedience to the revealed will of God

Giving as an act of obedience, failure to give is a sheer disobedience (Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:30; Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:6-12, Matt. 23:23)

- Giving reveals where your heart is (Matt. 6:24)

Where your treasure is, is where your heart will be

- Giving reveals who your King is (John 21:15)

If you love God, nothing will be too big to be offered unto Him

The reason why we find it to release our money to God is because we love our money more than God (I Timothy 6:9-11)

Instead of placing our faith in God, many place theirs in money and material things. At the end of it, they face disappointment

Your giving will reveal where your heart is

- Failure to give according to the revealed will of God is a robbery of God  (Malachi 3:8-9)

- Failure to give is to incure, provoke and invoke divine anger

Refusal to give to God makes one a victim of divine curse (Malachi 3:6-9; Haggai 1:2-6, 9-11)

- Acceptable giving invokes divine blessings (Malachi 3:10-12)

Giving is an acceptable way to curry God’s favour

If unbelievers do it profitably while not God’s own children?

Noah won divine favour through responsible giving (Genesis 8:20-22)
Abraham became a beneficiary of God’s supernatural favour as a result of meaningful giving (Genesis 22:11-12, 15-18)
A woman with an alabaster oil carved a good name for herself because of faithful giving (Mark 14:6-9)

- Acceptable giving should be characterized with:
* Humility (Matthew 6:1-4)
* Proportion or according to ability (I Corinthians 16:1-2)
* Sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 9:6; I Samuel 24 :24; Mark 10:28)
* Should be from our heart (2 Corinthians 8:5)
* Willingness (1 Chronicles 29:3-9)
* Cheerfulness (2 Corinthians 9:7; Deuteronomy 28:47)

- Acceptable giving is a worthwhile investment which yields eternal returns (Genesis 22:11-12, 15-18)

Do you know that you are here on transit on this planet earth? You are a sojourner

Have you brought yourself a purse that does not become old and sending your treasuries there to your eternal home through your giving tithes, worship, offering, thanksgiving & pledge?

Shalom!

LOVE BUILDS UP

SUNDAY SCHOOL

July 13, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: LOVE BUILDS UP
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8

++GOLDEN TEXT++
Take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
- 1 Corinthians 8:9

**THE LESSON EXPLAINED**
A. ONE GOD, THE FATHER (1 Corinthians 8:1-8)
In the previous chapters, Paul had addressed several issues in his response to the Corinthians questions. However, the question in Chapter 8 is about the liberty of Christians to eat food sacrificed to idols. Of course, the question became necessary because most of the meat sold in the markets had first been offered to idols. Therefore, some Christians believed that eating such meat would make them unclean. Furthermore, a clique among them had already claimed superiority of knowledge. Therefore, in his attempt to address the matter, Paul acknowledged the fact that we all possess knowledge (v.1), as he also compared knowledge that puffs up with pride and love that builds. He confirmed the non-existence of their so-called "gods" whether in heaven or on earth. Paul testified to the authenticity of the one true God, the Father and Lord, Jesus Christ through whom all things were created (John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-16). Unfortunately, not all the people understood this truth because some of them were already accustomed to idols. Paul, however, asserted that what ultimately matters not whether some foods are ritually clean or not because they have been sacrificed to the gods. Rather what matters is our relationship with God, who is the Creator of all things (v.8).

The message of Paul to the church of today is that one may well have freedom in Christ, but it must be used with discretion for sake of the weak. Christians are free to engage in social practices and customs not specifically forbidden by biblical commands, yet the Holy may prompt us to refrain from some legitimate practices just like Paul was kept from exercising his liberty for the sake of the weak in conscience.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Identify different areas of freedom that may constitute a challenge in the contemporary Christian community.
II. Discuss how best to rightly exercise such freedom.

B. EXERCISE YOUR FREEDOM RIGHTLY (1 Corinthians 8:9-12)
Paul begins this subdivision with a call to be watchful in exercising Christian freedom. Christians are no longer under the Law but should not assume that they are free to do anything just because the Scripture has not adjudged it wrong. Therefore, Paul cautions that our liberty in Christ does not one will be thoughtless of other believers who are weak in their conscience. He, therefore, maintained that what matters most is not whether eating of meat sacrificed to idols is right or wrong but its negative effect on fellow believers. There is no doubt that the people possessed great knowledge. Paul’s concern was that if anyone with a weak conscience sees them eat in the temple of idols, they may assume that there I no harm in eating things offered to idols (v. 10). Thus, such a brother whom Christ shed His blood for will be condemned. Invariably, their liberty should not be a means through which those who respect them for their superior knowledge are lured into partaking in things that are unwholesome.

Just as it was in Corinthian church, there are brethren among us who might not have the kind of knowledge with which we sometimes exercise our freedom. Therefore, when the weak among them eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols because other mature believers have approved of it, they might sin against God. The Bible says, “But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). As used in verse 7, conscience can be defined as “the internal court where our actions are judged and either approved or condemned” (Romans 2:14-15). However, our conscience becomes stronger as we increase in spiritual knowledge and act upon such knowledge.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. To what extent should we exercise our freedom as Christians?

C. EXERCISE YOUR FREEDOM IN LOVE (1 Corinthians 8:13)
Paul concluded his exhortation with an unyielding resolution saying “... if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again ...” (v. 13). In other words, rather than give room for a Christian to sin against his conscience and perish, I would not only abstain from all meats offered to idols, but I would also desist from eating meat again. Of course, his reason was that he would not cause his fellow brethren to stumble and thus fall into idolatry and ruin. The Bible says, “Everything is permissible -but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible -but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Therefore, a believer’s involvement in an activity is not only a question of whether it is right or wrong but also a question of what effect it would have on fellow believers.

According to J. Vernon McGee, “There is no point in arguing about whether something is right or wrong. It is a question of the effect upon the weak brother. It is a not a question of knowledge. All things are lawful for me. The LIBERTY OF A Christian is not pinned down by legality. He/she is not circumscribed by rules of conduct. His liberty is limited by love. His/her motivation should not be to offend hi9s/her fellow Christians but to be a blessing to him/her. That is how to determine Christian conduct. That is the motivation for Christian conduct. My knowledge can tell me that it is perfectly alright for me to do something, but my love for the weak brother will keep me from doing it.”

Paul’s resolution is a threefold admonition:
* Christians should not be stumbling blocks to the weak.
* Christians should be careful about other people’s conscience.
* Do away with anything that can cause other believers to fall, no matter its benefits.

Paul later admonished the Corinthians about their freedom to eat anything sold in market without asking any question because of their conscience. As the Scripture says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (1 Corinthians 10:25-26)

{==TAKE HOME==}>
> Knowledge is good but it must be expressed in love.
> Christians should know that the principle of love must take precedence over the principle of liberty.
> We should not be stumbling blocks to other brethren, especially the weak.
> We should put other Christians into consideration in whatever we do.
> We should exercise our freedom in Christ in a way that other believers would not be led into sin.
> We must be willing and ready to give up any action that is capable of causing young and immature believers to fall.
> Believers should work not only for their own good but for the good of others.

**DISCUSSION TIME**
I. Evaluate various ways believers can show love to one another.
II. What is the place of conscience in determining what you need to abstain from eating? See 1 Corinthians 10:25-26.

**…PRAYER POINTS…**
I. Lord, help me to use my freedom responsibly.
II. Lord, help our church to practise responsible autonomy which will build up our Convention at all levels.
III. Lord, help me to be a builder and not a destroyer. Destroy every power that wants to engage or employ me as an agent of destruction.

++{==NEXT==}++
July 20, 2014
Theme for the Month: LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
TOPIC: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
Lesson Scripture: 1Corinthians 10:12-22