SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)
Sunday, February 22, 2026
VALUES, MONEY, AND EXPERIENCES
Devotional Reading: Zechariah 8:18–23
Background Scriptures: Genesis 12:1–3; Deuteronomy 8:17–18; Romans 1:14–16
Lesson Scriptures: Acts 1:6–8; 2 Corinthians 8:3–9
GOLDEN TEXT
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:9
Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, participants should be able to:
Explain what a Christ-centred mission means.
Identify how their church demonstrates Christ-centred mission.
Commit to giving their best to the Lord through mission work.
INTRODUCTION
Values shape the direction of our lives. They influence our choices, priorities, and how we invest our time, money, and energy. Values such as honesty, justice, peace, generosity, and love guide how we treat others and make decisions.
Different people prioritise different things. Some value family and organise their lives around meaningful relationships. Others may focus on career goals and financial success. Our personal and moral values determine how we measure success and fulfilment.
Ultimately, our lives reflect what we truly value. Our resources—whether time, money, or talents—are invested according to our priorities.
Today’s lesson explores the relationship between values, money, and experiences, especially in the context of stewardship and mission. As missionary David Livingstone once said, “I place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the Kingdom of God.”
This statement challenges us to evaluate our own value system. Are stewardship and mission central to our lives? Do our financial decisions reflect our commitment to God’s Kingdom?
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. The Lord’s Supreme Value
Acts 1:6–8
This passage captures Jesus’ final interaction with His disciples before His ascension. After His resurrection, the disciples were filled with expectation. Although Jesus had instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit, they were still focused on a political restoration of Israel. They asked, “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Their question revealed their limited understanding. They were expecting a physical and national restoration, while Jesus had a greater spiritual mission in mind.
Rather than rebuking them harshly, Jesus gently redirected their focus. He told them that the timing of God’s plans was not for them to know. Instead, He revealed their true assignment:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus shifted their attention from political ambition to global mission. The progression—from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth—shows the expanding nature of the gospel mission.
This passage challenges believers today. Our values must align with Christ’s mission. Instead of pursuing personal ambition alone, we are called to be Spirit-empowered witnesses. Trusting God’s timing and prioritising His Kingdom must become central to our lives.
Discussion Questions
How can believers align their values with the mission described in Acts 1:8?
What practical changes must we make to prioritise this mission?
Since Jesus spoke of reaching “the ends of the earth,” how can our church expand its mission beyond our immediate environment?
B. Christ-Centred Stewardship
2 Corinthians 8:3–9
Stewardship means responsibly managing the resources God has entrusted to us. Apostle Paul highlights this principle through the example of the Macedonian believers.
Although they were experiencing extreme poverty, the Macedonians gave generously to support struggling believers in Jerusalem. Their giving was not determined by wealth but by willingness and grace.
Paul teaches that true stewardship is measured not by the size of the gift but by the spirit behind it. Genuine generosity flows from selflessness, joy, and love for Christ.
The greatest example of sacrificial giving is Jesus Himself. Though He was rich, He became poor for our sake. His sacrifice teaches us that real wealth is spiritual, not material.
Paul encourages the Corinthians—and us—to practise Christ-centred stewardship. Our giving should reflect gratitude for God’s grace and a desire to meet the needs of others.
As believers, we must evaluate how we support Christ’s mission. Like the Macedonians, we are called to sacrificial generosity that prioritises God’s Kingdom over personal comfort.
Discussion Questions
How should our understanding of stewardship shape our response to the needs of the less privileged in our community?
How does Christ-centred stewardship influence our relationships and responsibilities within the church?
Fellowship and Ministry-Building Activity
As a class, review your current giving patterns and develop practical strategies to increase support for missions and evangelism, following the example of the Macedonian church.
Take-Home Assignment
Write down three key lessons you learned from today’s study.
Prayer Points
Pray that your values will be centred on Christ and His Kingdom.
Ask God to help you become a cheerful and sacrificial giver.
Commitment
Based on today’s lesson, make a personal commitment to adjust your values and attitudes in support of your church’s mission efforts and the broader work of the Convention.
Review for the Month
We thank God for bringing us to the end of February. This month, we have studied the church and her teachings. Reflect on the following questions:
How will you use your spiritual gifts to strengthen your class and church spiritually and practically?
Is baptism by immersion required for full church membership?
What does Sabbath rest mean for Christians today?
In what ways have you aligned your values to support your church’s mission?
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