Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For August 24, 2025 : Title - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Works

Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For August 24, 2025 : Title - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Works

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Sunday, August 24, 2025

SACRIFICES OF PRAISE AND GOOD WORKS

Devotional Reading: Psalm 146

Background Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-21

Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 13:9-21

GOLDEN TEXT

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15

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

I. Compare how the author of Hebrews instructs believers to show love with Jesus's model of love and the way it is among believers today;

II.  Renew their commitment to love God and others as a sacrifice that pleases God; 

III. Mention at least two attitudes that are against good works.

INTRODUCTION

It takes deliberate efforts to give a sacrifice of praise to God in the present world where men are driven by their passion to get their desires. There are also busy schedules, social distractions, and daily work activities to meet the demands of life. Offering quality praise requires determination. As Joni Eareckson Tada says, "A sacrifice of praise will always cost you something. It will be a difficult thing to do. It requires trading our pride, our anger, and, most valued of all, our human logic. We will be compelled to voice our words of praise firmly and precisely, even as our logic screams that God has no idea what He is doing. Most of the verses about praise in God's Word were penned by men and women who faced crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander, and scores of other intolerable situations." Our challenges should not hinder us from praising God. Today's text focus on the necessity of sacrifices of praise and good works.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Sacrifice that Pleases God. Hebrews 13:9-15*

The greatest sacrifice that has ever been offered is the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. He was offered as a sacrificial Lamb outside the tabernacle. By the Jews, whatever was done outside the camp was unholy. Jesus offered Himself to be crucified outside Jerusalem, which is alluded to as outside the tabernacle. He died a shameful death but, His death had several advantages for all Christians, especially the Gentile believers. The Gentiles, who were considered unholy, now have access to the same grace of God as the Jews. The actual city for all the pilgrims is not Jerusalem, but a better city which is to come - the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 11:10; 16; 12:22). The wall of barrier separating the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem temple was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died physically, this is a symbol of the pulling down of the structure that separate Jews and Gentles.

The proper response from Christians should be sincere and unhindered worship since the ultimate sacrifice has been offered through Christ (Hebrews 10:12). Voluntary services in a local church, helping the needy as Christ's hands with the intention of calling people's attention to God is an aspect of offering sacrifices of praise to God. In addition, sacrificial giving and engagement in singing and offering praises to God through prayer are some of the other ways believers ought to respond to the love shown by God.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Why is it often difficult for some worshippers to actively participate in worship by singing songs of praise to God?

2. What other acts apart from singing could be described as an act of worship to God? List them.

B. The Right Attitudes for Christians. Hebrews 13:16-21*

Good works do not save anyone. Good works are expected as an attitude of gratitude for what God has done for us. Sincere appreciation is an aspect of sacrifices of praise to God. The attitude of appreciation must be shown through one's lifestyles of obedience to leaders who are God's representatives, who are also described as shepherds (v. 17). Steady prayer to under-guard the ministries of those who are actively serving in the work of the church is essential because of the nature of the responsibilities. Apart from praying for the leaders, the right attitude is to also pray for other believers. Praying for others, obedient to both spiritual and temporal leadership and works of hospitality, when done with a heart of gratitude to God, should be seen as a sweet offering of praises to God.

Singing songs of praise is not the only way to give sacrifice of praise to God. Believers are expected to live selfless lives as an aspect of appreciating God. Any effort that is carried out with a sense of pride; "I am better than other people", is not acceptable to God. All our religious duties must be carried out with selflessness and humility as a means of appreciation to God. We must see our service unto God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. In addition to a lifestyle of praises, we must also set aside quality moments to glorify God through songs of praise.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Is prayer for the leaders an aspect of praise to God? Discuss.

2. Why is it desirable to have a list of people you are to pray for? Explain

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:

Give a few minutes for testimonies of answers to prayers in the lives of some of your class members.

Prayer: Appreciate God over His church and leadership.

Appreciate God for all of His goodness over your household.

Appreciate God over our nation, Nigeria, and commit all national leaders to His leadership and guidance.

Take Home: Write down three lessons you are taking home, based on today's lesson.

Commitment:

Based on today's lesson, make a personal commitment to always pray for your leaders and other believers.