Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For January 4, 2026: Title - January Review

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

JANUARY PREVIEW

We give thanks to God for the privilege of witnessing a new year and for His unfailing love toward us. As we begin this year, we pray that God’s grace, mercy, and divine favour will be abundant for every one of us as we commit ourselves afresh to studying and obeying His Word.

The theme for the month of January is “Grace and Reconciliation”, drawn from selected passages in the books of Genesis, Mark, Romans, and John. Throughout the month, our lessons will focus on the following key Christian themes:

Sin

Repentance and Faith

Prayer

Christian Growth

Sin is destructive and dangerous. It brings guilt, shame, and fear, and its ultimate consequence is spiritual death—eternal separation from God. However, God, in His mercy, has provided a way of escape for humanity through Jesus Christ, through whom we receive forgiveness and salvation. God has also given us the Church, our spiritual family, to nurture us and help us grow into maturity in faith and service. Through Christ, we now have the privilege of approaching God boldly in prayer and receiving grace to live victoriously.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will help us understand, accept, and apply the lessons of this month, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Teachers are encouraged to pray earnestly, prepare diligently, and use appropriate teaching methods to ensure that class members are edified and that God’s name is glorified.

TEACHING SCHEDULE

January 4 – Panel Discussion

Two class members should be assigned sub-topics ahead of time and prepared to lead a discussion during the lesson.

January 11 – Drama

The church drama unit may dramatise the parable of the prodigal son, highlighting forgiveness and faith, or depict Peter addressing the crowd on repentance, forgiveness, and faith.

January 18 – Inductive Teaching

This session should be handled as an interactive Bible study. The teacher should outline key words and concepts and encourage class participation.

January 25 – Group Discussion

Class members should discuss how Christians can balance daily responsibilities with the call to follow Jesus and spread His message.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026

TOPIC: SIN

Devotional Reading: Isaiah 51:1–8

Background Scripture: 1 John 1:5–2:6

Lesson Scripture: 1 John 1:5–2:6

GOLDEN TEXT

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

— 1 John 1:9

LESSON OBJECTIVES

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

Explain the relationship between confession of sin and forgiveness and how both contribute to a healthy spiritual life.

Appreciate God’s forgiveness and grace in their personal lives.

Confess their sins and commit to living in obedience to God’s Word.

INTRODUCTION

The book of 1 John, traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, was written toward the end of the first century to early Christian communities facing doctrinal confusion and moral challenges. Some false teachings, influenced by early Gnosticism, denied the reality of sin and downplayed the physical incarnation of Jesus Christ. These distortions threatened the foundation of the Christian faith.

John wrote this letter to reaffirm the truth of the gospel and to give believers assurance of their relationship with God. He frequently used contrasts such as light and darkness, truth and falsehood, and sin and forgiveness. These contrasts invite believers to examine their lives in the light of God’s holy nature. Today’s lesson helps us understand the seriousness of sin, the necessity of confession, and the transforming power of God’s light in the lives of believers.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Walking in the Light (1 John 1:5–10)

John declares that “God is light”, meaning that God is holy, pure, and completely free from sin. Anyone who desires fellowship with God must also walk in the light—living in truth, righteousness, and obedience.

John warns against the contradiction of claiming fellowship with God while living in darkness. Such a claim is deceptive because genuine fellowship with God cannot exist alongside a lifestyle of sin. However, as believers walk in the light, they become more aware of their sins and shortcomings. At that point, God calls them to confess and turn away from sin.

When believers confess their sins sincerely, God—who is faithful and just—forgives them and cleanses them from all unrighteousness. This passage calls Christians to live transparent, honest lives, continually examining their actions and aligning them with God’s truth. Confession and repentance help maintain close fellowship with God and allow believers to experience His cleansing power.

Discussion Time

What is the connection between confession of sin and forgiveness, and how do they promote spiritual health?

What practical steps can Christians take to ensure their daily lives reflect walking in the light?

B. The Propitiation for Sin (1 John 2:1–6)

John encourages believers not to sin deliberately, knowing that sin disrupts fellowship with God and robs believers of joy. Yet he also acknowledges human weakness and offers reassurance: when believers sin, they have Jesus Christ as their Advocate before the Father.

The word advocate refers to one who speaks in defence of another. Jesus Christ is our perfect Advocate, standing before God on our behalf. Through His sacrificial death, He became the propitiation for our sins, fully satisfying God’s righteous judgement and restoring our relationship with Him. This provision is not limited to a few but is available to the whole world.

Nevertheless, believers must respond by living in obedience to God’s commands. Claiming to know Christ without obeying Him is self-deception. True knowledge of Christ is reflected in a life that mirrors His character.

This truth challenges Christians today to live in gratitude for Christ’s saving work and to extend grace and forgiveness to others, so that the world may come to know Him.

Discussion Time

How does seeing Jesus as our Advocate influence our attitude toward sin and repentance?

What practical commitment can you make this week to grow in obedience to God?

FELLOWSHIP AND MINISTRY-BUILDING ACTIVITY

Allow class members time for personal confession and prayer, asking God for forgiveness and renewal.

TAKE HOME

Write down three (3) lessons you are taking away from today’s study.

PRAYER POINTS

Ask God to guide your steps this week and help you live a life free from sin.

Pray for those still walking in darkness, that they may experience God’s saving grace.

Intercede for specific individuals, as well as for your church.

COMMITMENT

Based on today’s lesson, commit yourself to continually walk in the light, living to the glory of God.