Nigeria Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For Your Preparation February 9, 2025 : Topic - Resistance To The Kingdom

Nigeria Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For Your Preparation February 9, 2025 : Topic - Resistance To The Kingdom

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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION

NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE

Theme for the Month: "LIFE IN GOD'S KINGDOM"

DATE: SUNDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY, 2025.

TOPIC: RESISTANCE TO THE KINGDOM.

Devotional Reading: Matthew 10:31-42.

Background Scripture: Matthew 11.

Lesson Scripture: Matthew 11:7-15, 20-24.

GOLDEN TEXT:

"Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent." Matthew 11:20.

Objectives: 

By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

● Mention some features of a true prophet.

● Acknowledge the need for continual repentance;

● List three ways they can be persistent in the kingdom.

INTRODUCTION 

Resistance to change is a natural and common human response. Sometime in 1982, an evangelist was invited by the Gospel proclaimers who were natives of a village. The evangelist used to be a masquerader, a magician as well as a political thug. In the course of preaching, one evening, he talked about his past and how he met Christ. His testimony brought conviction to many at the crusade and they gave their lives to Christ. That same night, the head of the masquerade dancers in the village stood up, walked through the crowd, faced the preacher and started to chant incantations, point his finger at him. Instead of embracing the change that the gospel brings, the man hardened his heart and was ready to fight the evangelist because he felt he was destroying all that he stood for. His was a case of resistance to the Gospel.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. JESUS' ASSESSMENT OF A PROPHET 

[Matthew 11:7-10]

The disciples of John, whom he sent to inquire of Jesus to know if he was the Christ, had just left. Jesus then seized the opportunity to speak about John. So, Jesus explained that John was not weak and indecisive (v.15). Neither was he a man dressed in fine clothes, like those in the palace. The world wrongly assesses people by the way they dress. The applause from people and the crowd that follows a leader is sometimes used to assess them. John's clothes were ordinary animal skin, by worldly standards, John was not a reputable person, but Jesus affirmed that he was a prophet, and the proof of that is that he was a messenger sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah. John was a voice sent to prepare the way of the Lord. Jesus emphasised that no one was as great as John in God's scheme of things.

The crowd following a prophet or the affluence he displays is not a true test of being sent by God. What manifests as fruits in the life of a man of God is essential. The character of a prophet or a servant of God is more important than what he does. Though many people assess God's servants based on sentiment, the type of clothes and the adulation of the crowd, believers need to look beyond these for godly character and fruit of the Spirit.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. How can we identify true prophets? 

2. What are the dangers of assessing people by their outward look

B.THE PERSON OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

[Matthew 11:11-15]

Jesus Christ did not mince words about who John the Baptist was. He is the greatest of all those born of women, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him. He was born at a specific time in the history of humanity, for a specific purpose. He is the pointer to the Saviour of the world. John the Baptist had some peculiarities that set him aside; John grew up strong in spirit. He answered God's call and lived with clear direction. He did not let anything get in his way but kept his heart focused on Christ. He was both humble and firm, a strong leader. John lived solely to point others to Christ. Moreover, John the Baptist was brave and willing to speak the truth, even if it meant his death. Jesus explained to them that John the Baptist is more than a prophet because he is the Saviour's forerunner, the messenger that prepares the way for Jesus Christ. John the Baptist fulfilled what was written about him, in the prophets and the Law and he prophesied in the spirit of Elijah. Jesus stated that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence to underscore the intensity of the spiritual battle Christians are erigaged in and how this is necessary if one must prevail in God's Kingdom.

The sons and daughters of God are expected to live a life of definite purpose. We must be courageous and willing to stand by the truth, even if it means death. We must be firm and stable without wavering. God knows, sees and will repay our resilience in living for Him, if we stand firm like John the Baptist.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. What should be the believers' attitude to what Jesus said in verse 12? 

2. What makes the least in the kingdom greater than John?

C.THE NEED FOR GENUINE REPENTANCE 

[Matthew 11:20-24]

Jesus is emphatic about what should characterise the lives of those who will follow Him. They must repent from their sins. Jesus desired that His teachings, miracles and signs would bring positive changes in the lives of the citizens of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Capernaum and Sidon but they rebelled against the messages and the acts of the Prince of Peace. The word, "Woe" pronounced by Jesus means judgment, but it also includes pity and sorrow. These cities treated lightly their opportunities to see and hear Christ and be saved. The Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon, and the godless cities of Sodom and Gomorrah would have repented if they had seen the miracles that Jesus and His disciples performed. Capernaum had been "exalted to heaven" by being privileged to have the Messiah live there, yet her greater privileges only made her trivialise the divine and brought her stricter judgment. Five of the ten miracles recorded in Matthew 8 and 9 were performed in Capernaum.

The miracles we see which happen by the power of in the name of Jesus should cause us to live in awe of God more and then respond in daily repentance. The Christian life is primarily a life of humble repentance and appreciation of the gift of salvation made available by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians ought to continually experience the miracles and be agents through whom God performs miracles regularly. However, a life of total dedication and obedience to God is more important.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. How can believers daily bear fruits of repentance? 

2. What can make someone refuse to believe, even after experiencing great miracles? 

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:

Ask one of the class members to mention some activities of true and fake prophets. Discuss together what can be emulated from the lifestyle of John the Baptist. 

Prayer:

● Thank God for His infallible Word.

● Ask for grace to demonstrate unwavering faith in God. 

Take Home: 

State at least three (3) main lessons you are taking home based on today's lesson: 

● __________ 

● __________ 

● __________ 

Commitment: 

● Based on today's lesson, commit yourself to exhibiting a living faith in whatever circumstances you may find yourself.

Happy Sunday in Advance.

🌨 Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!