SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS

TOPIC: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MATTERS ARISING

TEXT: Gal 5:19-22        MEMORY VERSE: Gal 5:16

Introduction: After we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Savior, we are saved from God's wrath and eternal damnation. The Lord then expects us to influence our surroundings as he has done to us. He likens us to salt and light. These two iconic things have distinct qualities that make them easily recognizable. Salt flavors, seasons, preserves etc; light no matter how small it is overcomes darkness, exposes works of darkness and illuminates! The true Christian cannot be inert. He/She is expected to exert enormous influence in his/her surroundings. Is this the true picture in our time? Instead of the Church influencing the world; it is rather the way round. Paul said that some sins should not even be mentioned in the assembly of the saints but these days these supposedly unmentionable things are so pervasive in the body of the Church.

Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church in Galatia, still addresses the Church today. We will critically examine all the attributes of the flesh listed that would prevent the Christian from entering the Kingdom of God. We will then study the fruit of the Spirit which underscores the true character of the Kingdom. He was emphatic that, anyone who does these (works of the flesh) would not inherit the Kingdom! The works of the flesh are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and the likes.

1. Adultery: We erroneously think that adultery means extramarital affair only! But it entails more than that! Infidelity, disloyalty, falseness, treachery, betrayal, deceitfulness and faithlessness are other words that could be used in the place of adultery. When we deal with our married partners in any way as listed, it is tantamount to adultery! How do we handle the monetary, intimate (sexual), business and other issues between spouses? If we are found to be wanting in any of these, we are guilty of adultery and stand condemn. So rethink you definition adultery and repent!

2. Fornication: Sex before marriage is the order of the day in our time. Under the pretext of courtship/relationships, most young people find themselves in this snarl. Sex sells. It is therefore not surprising that, Christians are in the fray! It is evident in our language, dressing, advertisements, TV programmes and musical shows. It is unimaginable to comprehend the extent of this rot in the Church today! Whiles we are admonished to flee fornication and the likes, our conduct and thinking seem to be on the contrary.

3. Uncleanness: It denotes filth, squalor, pollution, muck, dirt, mire, muckiness, murkiness of the body, soul and the spirit. How clean are we in our minds? Wouldn't it be very embarrassing, if people could see and read our thoughts? For most of us, we read and watch all things. Pornography still haunts some Christians today. Can you freely allow unrestricted access for your Pastor or Christian friend to your audio and video cassette and discs? Some of us not only are we unclean but are active polluters as well. Our words and deeds are so profane!

Reflection: Most of us in the Church today are registered and confirmed candidates for hell by our thoughts and conducts. The Bible is very emphatic about these…those who do these things will not inherit the Kingdom.  Repent and seek help if you have been unsuccessful in your battles with these alone!