Nigeria Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For February 8, 2026: Title - Outer Expressions of Inner Truths

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Theme: Outer Expressions of Inner Truths

DEVOTIONAL READING

John 1:29–34

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES

Matthew 3:13–17; Matthew 28:19–20;

Acts 2:38, 41; Romans 6:1–14

LESSON SCRIPTURES

Matthew 3:13–17; Matthew 28:19–20;

1 Corinthians 11:23–29

GOLDEN TEXT

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:19–20

OBJECTIVES

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

Explain the outward expressions of the Christian ordinances and the inner spiritual truths they represent.

Reflect on how a deeper understanding of these ordinances has shaped their attitudes and faith.

Develop a personal plan to share the Gospel within their community before the next service.

INTRODUCTION

Christian ordinances are visible practices that communicate profound spiritual truths. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are not empty rituals; they are meaningful outward expressions of deep inner realities.

Baptism symbolises a believer’s spiritual transformation—death to the old life and resurrection into new life in Christ. It is a public testimony of an inward change brought about by faith in Jesus Christ.

Likewise, the Lord’s Supper reminds believers of Christ’s sacrificial death and the new covenant sealed by His blood. The bread and the cup point to the reality of redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life.

In today’s lesson, we explore how these outward expressions help believers understand and live out the inner truths of their faith, strengthening their commitment to Christ and His mission.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. THE INNER TRUTH OF JESUS’ BAPTISM

Matthew 3:13–17

Jesus’ baptism by John marks the beginning of His public ministry and reveals an important spiritual truth. Though sinless, Jesus submitted Himself to baptism to identify fully with humanity. His baptism was not an act of repentance but an act of obedience and solidarity.

At His baptism, God publicly affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. This moment revealed the divine approval and empowerment for Jesus’ mission.

For believers today, baptism goes beyond immersion in water. It represents entry into a covenant relationship with God, a public declaration of faith, and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Jesus experienced God’s presence at His baptism, believers receive spiritual affirmation and empowerment to live out their calling.

Inner Truth: Baptism invites believers to live as God’s children, walking in obedience, identity, and divine purpose.

DISCUSSION TIME

What is the outward act of baptism, and what inner truth does it represent?

How can the Church help believers understand and experience the spiritual benefits of baptism?

B. THE INNER TRUTH OF THE GREAT COMMISSION

Matthew 28:18–20

The Great Commission is Jesus’ final charge to His disciples and, by extension, to all believers. With full authority, Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations.

This commission goes beyond evangelism alone. It calls believers to nurture others into mature disciples through teaching, mentoring, and obedience. Baptism plays a vital role in this process, serving as the believer’s public entry into the Christian community and a symbol of commitment to Christ.

The inner truth of the Great Commission challenges the Church to embrace a holistic approach to ministry—one that includes evangelism, discipleship, baptism, and ongoing spiritual growth.

Inner Truth: Every believer is called to actively participate in God’s mission by sharing faith, mentoring others, and encouraging obedience to Christ.

DISCUSSION TIME

What does a holistic approach to gospel ministry look like in the Church today?

How can your local church apply this understanding in its outreach efforts?

C. THE INNER TRUTH OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

1 Corinthians 11:23–29

The Lord’s Supper is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ for His Church. Through the bread and the cup, believers remember Christ’s body broken and His blood shed for their salvation.

Paul instructs the Church to observe the Lord’s Supper with reverence, self-examination, and unity. The ordinance proclaims Christ’s death until His return and reminds believers of their shared fellowship in Him.

Participating in an unworthy manner—without reflection, repentance, or love for fellow believers—brings spiritual consequences. Therefore, the Lord’s Supper calls believers to humility, reconciliation, and renewed commitment.

Inner Truth: The Lord’s Supper deepens faith by calling believers to remember Christ’s sacrifice, examine their hearts, and live out the Gospel in love and service.

DISCUSSION TIME

What are some common misconceptions about the Lord’s Supper?

What inner truths from this ordinance deepen your appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice?

FELLOWSHIP AND MINISTRY-BUILDING ACTIVITY

Take time as a class to thank Christ for the inner truths revealed through Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Take Home: Write down three lessons you are taking from today’s study.

PRAYER POINTS

Pray for grace to live according to the truths symbolised in Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Pray for commitment and boldness to make disciples for Christ.

COMMITMENT

In response to today’s lesson, commit to living worthily as one redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice and called to share His message with others.