Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson For November 16, 2025 , Lesson 43: Title - MAXIMISING LEADERSHIP INFLUENCE BEYOND THE CHURCH WALLS

Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson For November 16, 2025 , Lesson 43: Title - MAXIMISING LEADERSHIP INFLUENCE BEYOND THE CHURCH WALLS 

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Nigeria and Overseas 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON PREVIEW CLASS 

THEME: PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE FOR LEADERSHIP 

JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2025

NOV. 16, 2025 

LESSON  43

Unit 6: Leadership Preparing Issues In The Contemporary World 

Topic: MAXIMISING LEADERSHIP INFLUENCE BEYOND THE CHURCH WALLS

 Memory Scripture

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Leaders should extend their godly influence beyond church walls, promoting godliness in their relationships, businesses and vocations to positively impact communities and challenge godless norms.

Please note: you can't know the value of light in the midst of multiple light until it stand alone in the midst of darkness. If you're truly a light you must show this when you're in the midst of unbelievers. You can't be a light when you're with your colleagues and still be a darkness when you're with unbelievers.

BRIEF COMMENT

Jesus urges believers to radiate as beacons of light, distinguishing themselves in a challenging world. Our conduct should diverge from worldly norms, as the world applauds arrogance and embraces secular values. It is imperative for believers to illuminate Christ's light through righteous character, prompting others to witness our good deeds and glorify God. Failure to shine renders Christians indistinguishable from unbelievers. As believers, we must perceive ourselves as God's ambassadors in every sphere, showcasing divine attributes to those who do not believe, i.e. beyond the church walls.

OUR DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS stated that:

1. Your lifestyle directly or indirectly affects and influences others.

2. Sons of light shine through good works, while those with evil deeds hide in darkness. Shine brightly everywhere, lest darkness engulf you when you fail to shine.

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:8-9

 COMMENT

4:8 What we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, Internet, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God's Word and pray. Ask God to help.ste you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.

4:9 It's not enough to hear or read the Word of God or even to know it well. We must also put it into practice. How easy it is to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said. How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently. How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning. Exposure to God's Word is not enough It must lead to obedience. 

INTRODUCTION

 TEXTUAL SOURCE: GENESIS 41:37-45; 42:25; 47:14-20; EXODUS 3:1-10; RUTH 1:16-17; ESTHER 4:14; DANIEL 1:8; 6:1-4; MATTHEW 5:13-16; JOHN 17:16; ROMANS 12:2; PHILIPPIANS 2:14, 15; COLOSSIANS 3:23; 1 PETER 4:9*

This week's lesson focuses on, "Maximising Leadership Influence Beyond the Church Walls." Christian's engagement in secular affairs is crucial to both God and humanity. While believers are distinct entities in this world, we are called to live godly lives amidst its darkness and perversity. Let us glean insights from biblical characters on navigating this journey.

LESSON OUTLINE

 I. CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN THE SECULAR SPHERE 

 II. BIBLE FIGURES SET APEX GEAR

Please note the following terms: 

1. “SECULAR SPHERE” simply refers to the area (society) not connected to religion or spiritual matters. for example government offices, public schools, businesses, or everyday, non‑religious activities.

2. APEX GEAR means the highest level leaders/government 

LESSON EXPOSITION

 I. CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN THE SECULAR SPHERE (Matt. 5:13-16; Jn. 17:16; Rom. 12:2; Php. 2:14,15; Col. 3:23; 1 Pet. 4:9)* 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

a) Jn. 17:16: As believers, although we are born into this world and interact with its people daily, we are not defined by its values or standards. Our priority is to live godly lives everyday.

b) Matt. 5:13-16: Christian leaders in secular spheres should be salt and light, showing others God's Kingdom values and reflecting Jesus' teachings in their actions.

 COMMENT

5:13 If a seasoning has no flavor, it has no value. If Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God. If we are too much like the world, we are worthless. Christians should not blend in with everyone else. Instead, we should affect others positively, just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food.

5:14-16 Can you hide a city that is sitting on top of a mountain? Its light at night can be seen for miles. If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. We hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others. Be a beacon of truth-don't shut your light off from the rest of the world

c) v. 16: Believers' good deeds show Christ's light to the world, just as Jesus did good to everyone (Acts 10:38).

COMMENT

Note "Good Deed" simply means you're living a godly lifestyle anywhere you are both in the Church and outside the world. Your outfit (dresses) is also very important it talks about you more than your message. How you use your mobile phone also talk about you more. Stop dancing and showing video of your body on your social media. You must always see things from spiritual aspects not from worldly aspects.

I saw a lot of people online during praise and worship session doing a self-video and posting it even in the presence of God. Have you forgotten that John 4:24 stated that "God is a spirit and those that will worship Him must worship Him in truth and spirit"? Those of us in this regard are not in the presence of God you're only satisfying your your personal and worldly desires! A true light don't go out of her house without a bra and dresses that can destroy another family.

d) Rom. 12:2: Christian leaders are called to renew their minds according to God's will and bring His purposes into secular settings by applying Kingdom principles. Are you ready for that?

 COMMENT

12:1, 2 God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey him. Because he wants only what is best for us, and because he gave his Son to make our new life possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for his service.

12:2 Paul warned Christians: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world" that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Wise Christians decide that much worldly behavior is off-limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than just behavior and customs; it must be firmly planted in our mind: "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our mind are we truly transformed (see 8:5).

e) Php. 2:14,15: Do all things without complaining and disputing (arguing NIV; grumbling NASU; fault-finding AMP; questioning ESV). Christian leaders display integrity and faithfulness, serving as ethical role models, striving to embody qualities such as blamelessness, innocence and purity in all circumstances (cf. Gen. 17:1; Dan. 1:8,10; Job 1:1,8; 2:3; Prov. 11:5,20; 28:18; Lk. 1:5-6).

 COMMENT

Phil. 2:14-16 Why are complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about a church is that its members constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they get a false impression of Christ and the Good News. Belief in Christ should unite those who trust him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ. Stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church; instead, let the world see Christ.

2:14-16 Our lives should be characterized by moral purity,re patience, and peacefulness, so that we will "shine brightly" in a dark and depraved world. A transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God's Word. Are you shining brightly, or are you clouded by complaining and arguing? Don't let dissensions snuff out your light. Shine out for God. Your role is to shine until Jesus returns and bathes the world in his radiant glory.

f) Col. 3:23: They excel in their work, reflecting God's glory, representing Christ and attracting others to Him. They bring glory to God with their exemplary lives (Prov. 22:29; Php. 4:9; 1 Pet. 2:12)

g) 1 Pet. 4:9: Christian leaders should show kindness to everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, without showing bias or grumbling. This shows the kindness of the God they serve.

h) Believers should stand out as morally upright in this corrupt and wicked world. Our lives should reflect the qualities of our heavenly Father, showing peace, patience and moral purity as a guide for others.

The idea "this does not mean anything" is one of the easiest way to slip out of grace! How can you say drinking just one glass of alcoholic does affect your Christian journey or looking for alternative when your spouse doesn't satisfy you on bed or financially does mean anything? How can you says walking in the public with half-naked does not mean anything as long as you don't sleep with another man? How can you tell me that piercing your hear more including your noise is doesn't mean anything? How can you tell me that you as a male barbing your eair like those who doesn't come to church doesn't mean anything? All this lifestyle are exported from the kingdom of darkness to destroy the church. Are you not been affected too?

II. BIBLE FIGURES SET APEX GEAR (Gen. 41:37-45; 42:25; 47:14-20; Exod. 3:1-10; Ruth 1:16-17; Est. 4:14; Dan. 1:8; 6:1-4)

So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him (Daniel 6:4).

 COMMENT

If you are very smart before men what about God? Ushers that always enriched himself through church offerings are you also faithful like Daniel? A leader with nepotism ideas, are you also faithful before God? Those of us that still visit herbalist and other source for power, are you also faithful like Daniel? What of those of us fighting because of position in the Church, are you also faithful like Daniel? Pastor that come with the idea of "I'm the one in charge whatever I does is final and because of this the laid down principles have been destroyed, are you also faithful like Daniel? What of you that vow that you will never forgive your pastor, husband/wife/parents/Teacher/neighbors etc, I also pointed at those of us planing the downfall of our leaders in the Church, are will also faithful like Daniel? Ruth that lost her husband prematurely remain faithful until God's appointed time, what of you that killed your husband so that you can inherit his money and properties as quickly as possible, are you also faith? etc. Many situations we have ignorantly or intentionally involved our self is the reasons why we are missing the presence of Holy spirit in our prayers today. You can't be like Abraham, Joseph, Esther, Mary, DORCAS, Paul, Daniel etc. if you're not ready to be faithful like them.

a) Gen. 41:37-45: Joseph's rise to power, despite being unjustly jailed, demonstrates his integrity and wisdom in faithfully serving Pharaoh. His leadership benefited all Egyptians, and by extension, the whole world in the end.

b) 42:25; 47:14-20: His actions here in dealing fairly with his brothers and managing Egypt's resources responsibly further illustrate his honesty and integrity in leadership. Christians can hold public offices without succumbing to corruption.

c) Exod. 3:1-10: Moses, through his leadership in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, showed boldness and faith in God's promises, setting the apex gear for future courageous leadership.

d) Ruth 1:16-17: Ruth's loyalty and dedication to Naomi reveals servant-leadership and the importance of selflessness in influencing others positively. This stresses the impact of genuine care and dedication to others

Living a selfless life will give you endless happiness if you can choose to focus on God's leadership instead of man's leadership.

e) Est. 4:14: Esther's courage in speaking to the king to rescue her people showed leadership by taking risks for a noble course and standing up for what is right, inspiring others to do the same.

f) Dan. 1:8: Daniel's obedience to God's laws in Babylon shows leadership with honesty and sticking to what the Bible teaches, even in a foreign land, where he stood out because of his good and godly character.

You must established God's will over man's will as a Christian anywhere you find yourself. You must try to change the rules through divine guidance in ungodly environments instead of believing in the general saying "when you're in Rome do like Romans" Daniel, Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego are typical examples that stood out in ungodly environments. You can be the next if only you can make up your mind today instead of helping the kingdom of darkness to achieve their plans.

g) 6:1-3: He became one of 3 governors under King Darius. His outstanding leadership qualities prompted King Darius to intend promoting him further. It caused discontent among the other governors (cf. 2 Tim. 3:10ff).

i) Do not succumb to greed, pride, favouritism, corruption, or other vices while in public office. Your actions reflect on your faith as a Christian, influencing how others perceive it. Choose to make a positive impact starting from today.

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Believers should prioritise doing good work for all, as it brings glory to God.

2. Follow the examples of Bible characters who have exemplified faithful and truthful Christian leadership styles in public office.

QUESTIONS

1. Mention the characters required of a Christian leader in public office.

2. Point out Daniel and Joseph's characters as discussed in this lesson