Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For August 3, 2025 Title - Preview for August

Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For August 3, 2025 Title - Preview for August 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION

NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE

Theme for the Month: CHRISTIANS AND SACRIFICE

 

DATE: SUNDAY, 3RD AUGUST, 2025

PREVIEW FOR AUGUST

The theme for this month is "Christians and Sacrifice." The Bible passages are taken from 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Hebrews and 1 Peter. The lessons will explore what it means to offer sacrifices in the new covenant. Other points to be discussed are as follows: Believers (the church) as God's temple: Christians, individually and collectively, are to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Our bodies belong to God: Paul advises the Romans and encourages believers to be "Living sacrifices."

Jews and Gentiles form one temple: Paul emphasises that God has one temple, and Jews and Gentiles are included in it.

Sacrifices of praise and good works: An encouragement for believers to continue to make sacrifices of praise and good works rather than animals.

" Living stones in a spiritual temple: Peter describes how each believer is a "Living stone" built into a spiritual temple for God's glory.

In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul advocates a way of life governed by a conviction that our bodies belong to God. Therefore, as Christians, we should be ready to offer our service unto Him. Sunday school teachers and class members should prepare their hearts to be blessed by the lessons.

Below are the suggested teaching methods to prepare and teach the lessons. They can be used during the general opening or in the class:

August 3 - Discussion:* Let three class members discuss the sub-headings. There should be room for questions, suggestions, observations and contributions.

August 10 - Music:* Allow class members to open the hymnal, BH 357 then introduce the topic to them, and let them sing along.

August 17 - Questions and Answers:* Prepare five questions from the chapter and involve class members to answer the questions within the allotted time.

August 24 - Brainstorming:* Use the introduction to open the lesson by giving two class members to react.

August 31 - Group Discussion:* Let two or three volunteers discuss the sub-topics and give room to contributions, questions, and answers. They should prepare ahead. 

TOPIC: BELIEVERS (THE CHURCH) AS GOD'S TEMPLE.*

Devotional Reading:

 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

Background Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:1-23.

Lesson Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:10-23.

GOLDEN TEXT:

_"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." *1 Corinthians 3:11.*_

Objectives:

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

● Identify in summary, the problems of the church in Corinth;

● Identify the foundation laid by Jesus and promise to be a builder on the same foundation;

● State two reasons people yield their bodies as instruments of evil.

INTRODUCTION

Samuel Stone's hymn, BH 380 "The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord", reflects the response of Bishop Gray of Capetown. The hymn, written in 1866, affirms that Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. Beyond differences in biblical interpretations, variances of nationalities, and traditional backgrounds, the body of the believers is one body of Christ. The unity of the church in Christ is proclaimed through baptism, the Word and the Lord's Supper. Stanzas 3 and 4 are prayers that divisions might cease and that the church would experience true unity. Unity is oneness; being together as one. The Three in One is confessed, and this can only be realised

through fellowship with God. Today's lesson focuses on the church in Corinth, which is characterised by divisions and immoralities. Among the problems in the Corinthian church were claims of spiritual superiority over one another, suing one another in public courts, abusing the communal meal, and sexual misbehaviour. Other issues were confusion about food and worship practices and controversy surrounding Jesus' resurrection. Paul said these issues can be resolved because Jesus is alive. He emphasised that Christian life demands higher ethical and moral standards. 

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

*A. BUILDING THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, THE FOUNDATION* 

[1 Corinthians 3: 10-15] 

The teaching makes us understand that Jesus Christ is the strong foundation, which has already been laid, and no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid. As such, everyone must be careful as to how he builds because if any man builds on this foundation using precious metals, the day will bring it to light, in the end, it will be revealed by fire, which will test the quality of each man's work. If what he built survives, he will receive his reward, but if not, he will suffer loss. He himself might be saved, only as one escaping the flaming fire. The temple was an esteemed place because it was a place of worship. It is considered the symbol of God's presence with His people. Christ, who is the embodiment of God, now dwells in the lives of believers. In spite of their separation by culture, background, religion, and nationality, Christ has come to join them to become one community. Thus, God dwells in the life of each believer, who is the church of the New Testament (the body of Christ). They are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and the works of the grace of God that saved them when they accepted the proclaimed Gospel message delivered by Paul, which was the foundation of their faith and lives. The foundation is Christ and it is proclaimed to the people, and acceptance of Christ has brought the people together as one. Rewards are guaranteed for those who faithfully lead people to become an integral part of God's building. Those who know Christ but fail at performing an excellent job as builders of God's people may not lose the grace of eternal life but will not be rewarded, no matter how they are praised on earth. A church that exists in name and neglects to be an arena for demonstrating God's power is a failure. Always remember to put Christ first. He is the only foundation for the redemption of all sinners. Value your salvation, for it is the work of grace and not a merit. We were all sinners; we needed Christ to be saved; only those who accepted Jesus Christ are members of the church for which Christ laid down His life and is coming back to glorify her. Be sure that you are saved. Share the Gospel with other people who are still living in the bondage of sin to be saved and free, for your reward will be in heaven.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. Discuss the possible problem that can emanate if anyone tries to lay another foundation apart from the one already laid by Christ. 

2. Highlight some of the challenges when trying to build a solid church today.

B. YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD

[1 Corinthians 3:16-17] 

The temple was highly valued in the Old Testament; the significance of the temple to the Israelites cannot be over-emphasised. The writer made use of the imagery of the building to present the message of what the church is today: believers are the body of Christ (the church). The individual believer is what makes up the building, a local assembly. The blood of Jesus Christ is an inseparable component of the structure that binds believers together. As the temple of God, He has assigned believers a great task, and it is a glorious thing to be a part of the church of God, where the Holy Spirit resides. God shall examine the qualities of materials used (your works) to construct the building with fire. Whatever the circumstances, the temple of God cannot be destroyed. It is the work of each one that would either stand or be destroyed.

We must value our identity in Christ. We are not just ordinary; we are carriers of God's grace. We are set apart, and God's Spirit dwells in us. We cannot be destroyed if we are indeed part of the components of God's church. However, we have the responsibility to examine ourselves continuously. We must be sure that our anchor holds and it is built on Solid Rock.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. Explain what your roles should be as a careful builder who is building on Christ's foundation. 

2. Discuss some of the destructive lifestyles that some church members are presently involved in. 

C. THE BUILDER'S WISDOM

[1 Corinthians 3:18-23]

Man's wisdom is different from the wisdom of God. A church cannot be managed the same way a business is run. This does not mean the church should forbid sound business principles. Even when the same code is applied, the operation will differ. The wisdom of God reveals that no one can save himself, and no sound quality of work can be achieved with human wisdom. In contrast, the world depends on position, prestige, and the influence of money and connectivity with people. The church depends on prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit, humility, thanksgiving, sacrifice, and service. In addition, humility is required for whoever will be successful in God's business. These principles are indispensable factors for building a solid church. Without them, the builder builds in vain. Good foundation, solid structure and steadfast growth towards maturity in faith are works of God, and no man should boast even when they exhibit them.

God has a master plan of what to accomplish through His church. The great task assigned to Christians is stated in Matthew 28:19-20. We must search the Bible to know God's intents, purposes and goals. We must endeavour to do what He structured us to do. Many buildings are collapsing because the suitable materials are neglected. We must admit that our wisdom is not enough in building the church of God. Our genius ideas that God does not inspire will fail. We should depend on God through the power of the Holy Spirit to build the church of Christ.

DISCUSSION TIME:* 

1. Has your church depended on human wisdom in its activities and ministries or on the knowledge of God? Class members should share their opinions. 

2. What steps should be taken if your church will benefit from the wisdom of God?

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:*

● Let class members discuss what the characteristics of a church that is grooming God's people should be. And share what they intend to do to reposition their church to be more committed in doing good works, which God desires.

Prayer:*

● Pray against every foundation of men that is hindering people from the truth of God's kingdom that they should be consumed by fire.

● Pray that the Lord will help us have the right attitude to build God's church and not destroy it.

Take Home:* 

Write down three lessons (3) you are taking home from today's lesson: 

● ____________________________ 

● ____________________________ 

● ____________________________ 

Commitment:* 

● Based on today's lesson, commit yourself to be an instrument for building the church of God.

*Happy Sunday in Advance.*

Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!