Weekly Bible Lessons. Sunday School 2025, Jan 26

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2025

RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD IN THE NEW YEAR.

Key Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

This Week: 1st Month, 4th Week - Jan 26, 2025

Theme: – Taming the Tongue

Memory Verse: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you should answer everyone. Colosians 4:6 

Objective: By the end of the lesson, Readers should –

Content:

Introduction:

Believers must always consider what effect their words and actions have on unbelievers. Outsiders may know nothing more of Christianity than what they see in us or hear from us. If we are not wise we may offend them unnecessarily. If we do not take the opportunities God gives us to speak to them of Christ, their blood may be on our hands – Acts 20:25-27. 

When we do speak to them our way of speaking should be gracious, courteous, pleasant. And, of course, our message to them should always put emphasis on God’s grace. Ps 45:2; You are fairer than the sons of men. Grace is poured into your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Luke 4:22. And all testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which came from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 

The word “salt” may suggest two things. Salt makes things tasty. Our way of speaking should make people want to hear more. Salt preserves from corruption. We do not need to adopt the corrupt way of speaking common among men. Compare Eph 4:29. "Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouth, but what is good and useful for edification, that it may minister grace to those who hear it".

Main Lessons:

1. The Power of Words: 

A biblical analysis of the words Christians use should start with the understanding that words have power, both to build up and to tear down. Scripture frequently addresses the importance of speech, emphasizing that it reflects our character and faith. Below is a study on this theme:

Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." Words can bring life (encouragement, hope, and truth) or death (despair, division, and harm). Christians are called to use their words wisely to glorify God and edify others. James 3:5-6: "The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!" This passage warns of the destructive potential of uncontrolled speech. It teaches Christians to tame their tongues and exercise restraint.

2. Speaking Truth and Love: 

Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Christians are instructed to avoid harmful language and to focus on words that uplift, encourage, and align with God’s purposes. Colossians 4:6: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Our words should reflect grace and wisdom, bringing flavor and preservation to relationships.

3. Words as a Reflection of the Heart: 

Matthew 12:34-37: "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks... I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak." Jesus reminds us that our words reveal the condition of our hearts. Righteous speech flows from a heart transformed by God. Proverbs 4:23-24: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips." This connection between the heart and speech highlights the importance of spiritual integrity.

4. Avoiding Harmful Speech: 

James 1:19: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." Christians are encouraged to practice patience and thoughtful communication, avoiding impulsive or harsh speech. Exodus 20:7: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." This commandment reminds Christians to honor God with their speech and avoid using His name carelessly or disrespectfully.

5. Encouraging Others with Our Words: 

Hebrews 10:24-25: "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... encouraging one another." Christians are called to use their words to inspire love and action in the community of faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." Encouragement is a hallmark of Christian speech, aimed at strengthening others in faith.

Application:

1. Examine Your Speech: Regularly reflect on the words you use. Are they pleasing to God and edifying to others?

2. Pray for Guidance: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your speech and give you wisdom in challenging conversations.

3. Practice Listening: Being slow to speak often leads to more thoughtful and meaningful communication.

4. Speak Scripture: Incorporate biblical truths into your conversations to bring encouragement and spiritual growth to others.

By aligning our words with God’s Word, Christians can reflect Christ’s love and truth in their daily lives.

Questions: Note your questions here

1_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Bible Lessons. Sunday School 2025, Jan 19

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2025

RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD IN THE NEW YEAR.

Key Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

This Week: 1st Month, 3rd Week - Jan 19, 2025

Theme: – Loving and Serving Others

Memory Verse: “And the second is like it, namely this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these”. - Mark 12:31

Objective: By the end of the lesson, Readers should –

1. Learn to love

2. Learn to serve others

3. Be convinced that their service is not complete without loving and serving

Content:

Introduction:

Our God is Love. If you don't love you don't know Him at all. 1 John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." A practicing Christian should be an embodiment of love. Love should reflect in everything we do as Christians. The ten Commandments were summarized into two by Jesus Christ. Matthew 22:37-40: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” This reflects the essence of the Ten Commandments: love for God (Commandments 1-4) and love for others (Commandments 5-10). 

At home, at work, in the community, love should be read in us. Retaliation or revenge should be avoided, for God says revenge is mine. Apostle Paul emphasised this in Romans 12:19: "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." This verse reminds believers to trust God to bring justice instead of seeking revenge themselves. It references Deuteronomy 32:35, where the same principle is emphasized. 

Main Lessons:

1. Man is made in the image of God. 

Since man is made in the image of God, Genesis 1:27: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This highlights humanity's unique reflection of God's character and attributes, such as rationality, morality, creativity, and the ability to form relationships. If you agree with this, then love being an embodiment of God's nature, should be humans main attribute. Jesus when in earth preached love, acted love even to the point of death. So, as His followers, an obedient one at that, love should be written all over us. 

2. Forgiveness as an act of love. 

 Luke 23:34: "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." This was one of Jesus' statements on the cross, showing His immense love and forgiveness even in the face of suffering and injustice. 

Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” from Luke 23:34 highlight the heart of Christ’s mission: forgiveness and reconciliation.

This statement is extraordinary because:

i, Forgiveness Amid Suffering: Jesus was praying for the very people who were crucifying Him—Roman soldiers, Jewish leaders, and bystanders—demonstrating divine love and mercy.

ii, Ignorance of Sin: His words reflect compassion for their ignorance. While they knew they were crucifying Him, they didn’t fully grasp that He was the Son of God or the eternal consequences of their actions.

III, A Model for Believers: Jesus set an example for His followers, teaching that forgiveness should extend even to one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44).

This verse challenges us to rise above bitterness and forgive those who wrong us, trusting God to work in their hearts.

3. Reconciliation as an act of love. 

Reconciliation as an act of love is beautifully expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."

i, God's Initiative in Love: Through Christ, God initiated reconciliation, bridging the gap caused by sin to restore our relationship with Him.

ii, Our Role: Believers are called to extend this love by being agents of reconciliation—mending broken relationships and sharing the Gospel of peace.

iii, Love in Action: Reconciliation requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to restore harmony, which reflects God’s love for us.

Application:

As Christians we should: 

1. Love God Wholeheartedly. Prioritize your relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

2. Love One Another: Treat others with kindness, patience, and humility, even when it’s challenging. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

3. Love Your Enemies. Forgive those who hurt you, pray for them, and show them compassion. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

4. Serve Others. Use your time, gifts, and resources to meet the needs of others. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)

5. Be Agents of Reconciliation. Promote peace, resolve conflicts, and share the Gospel of Christ’s love. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

6. Sacrificial Love: Follow Jesus’ example by putting others’ needs before your own. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

7. Love in Truth and Action: Back up your words with deeds—help the poor, comfort the hurting, and stand for justice. “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

Questions: Note your questions here

1_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor Olufemi Samuel Ogundele

(Grace Deliverance Bible Ministries.) 

www.hiswordsandyou.com

e-mail – olufemi@hiswordsandyou.com

               olusamdel@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +234 803 473 0895

Weekly Bible Lessons. Sunday School 2025, Jan 12

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2025

RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD IN THE NEW YEAR.

Key Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

This Week: 1st Month, 2nd Week - Jan 12, 2025

Theme: – Gratitude Journaling 

Scriptural Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Memory Verse: “Giving thanks always for all things to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” Ephesians 5:20

Objective: By the end of the lesson, Readers should –

1. Cultivate attitude of thanksgiving 

2. Learn to attribute all happenings to God

3.Align with the notion that thanksgiving brings more blessings and more reasons to be thankful..

4. Know different ways man can express gratitude to God

Content:

Introduction:

The Yoruba culture (and I think it will be the same with most cultures in the world, especially in Africa) pays due cognizance to the act of appreciation with so many adages confirming this: 1. “Eni ti a se loore ti ko dupe, bi olosa ko ni leru lo ni” (ingratitude is synonymous with stealing). 2. “Eni dupe oore ana, a ri t’oni gba” (appreciation opens door for more blessings). Every human loves appreciation, although few do not like it done openly, they still want to see traces of it.

The bible encourages us to show appreciation to God always. In fact, God is jealous when men show appreciations to whoever or whatever other than Him. He will not love anyone giving his glory to another person. This is classified as idolatry.

It is understandable that showing gratitude to God improves your mental wellbeing, increases your faith in the almighty and enhances positive living. Why not try and make it part of you and see the changes in your life.

Biblical gratitude journaling focuses on cultivating thankfulness rooted in Scripture and a relationship with God. It is an intentional practice of reflecting on God’s blessings, His character, and His work in your life, as well as aligning your heart with His will.

Main Lessons:

Why?

Why Practice Gratitude Journaling?

Showing gratitude between humans has its benefits to the giver and the receiver in the following ways: It strengthens relationship and appreciation between those concerned. Outlook to life is positive when we give and receive appreciation. The act of giving becomes interesting, the feeling of wasting resources will not be there and one feels good when you know help will come as needed. Worries, anxieties and depression reduces resulting in improved mental health graduating to better physical health and emotional strength.

Also, when human shows gratitude to God, it shows that the human recognizes Gods involvement in all areas of his life, which deepens faith in God. Realizing God is the factor to recon with in life makes one more committed to him resulting in frequent worship, praise and adoration which end up building a God-centered perspective. Reliance on God promotes contentment, shifting one’s expectation from human to God and moves our focus from worldly desires to God’s sufficiency,

When and How?

While momentary appreciation of God's doings is recommended, it is important to have time to list out his daily impact in your life and appreciate him for them. This act later increases in frequency until you become a mobile and consistent appraiser. 

If possible, choose a consistent time each day, preferably after the day's activities, before sleepingsleeping, ruminating over happenings in the day's activities and God's intervention - what he prompted, promoted, stopped or cancelled. Keeping a diary of these is synonymous with counting ones blessings, write freely like pouring your mind out. Use scriptures that tally with what you have experienced to pray in gratitude. Use God's attributes to praise him. Bury yourself in praise and worship till you feel holy Spirit has joined you. Retire to bed in this mood and see how your sleep and dreams are affected. 

By the time you do this daily and it becomes part of you, your relationship with God would have gotten a boost. 

What?

What to Include in Your Entries

1. Daily Blessings: List specific ways God provided, protected, or guided you that day.

2. Answered Prayers: Record how God has responded to your prayers, even in unexpected ways.

3. Scripture Reflection: Note verses that remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

4. Gratitude in Trials: Acknowledge how God is using challenges to shape your character (James 1:2-4).

5. Worship and Praise: Write down your prayers of thanksgiving directly to God.

Scriptural Prompts for Gratitude

“What can I thank God for today based on Psalm 100:4-5?”

“How has God shown His steadfast love to me recently (Lamentations 3:22-23)?”

“What does Philippians 4:19 reveal about God’s provision in my life?”

“How can I give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)?”

“How has God worked all things for good in my life (Romans 8:28)?”

Application:

Create time daily, basically to show appreciation to God, other prayer points can be added. 

Read the scripture to find out what God is capable of doing from what he had done. 

Accept the fact that nothing can be, without his permission. Also, no power can operate or appear to rival him unless he permits it. 

Cast all your cares upon him. 

Questions: Note your questions here

1_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor Olufemi Samuel Ogundele

(Grace Deliverance Bible Ministries.) 

www.hiswordsandyou.com

e-mail – olufemi@hiswordsandyou.com

               olusamdel@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +234 803 473 0895

Weekly Bible Lessons. Sunday School 2025, Jan 05

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

 Jan & Feb 2025

RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD IN THE NEW YEAR.

Key Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

This Week: 1st Month, 1st Week - Jan 5, 2025

Theme: – Seeking God First

Scriptural Reference: Matthew 6:33

Memory Verse: “And My God Will Supply All Your Needs According To His Riches In Glory By Christ Name” Philippians 4:19

Objective: By the end of the lesson, Readers should –

1. Realize the importance of prioritizing God in all areas of life.

2. Understand how Bible reading and worship can be incorporated into daily routines.

3. Be able to generate ways they can seek God each day

Content:

Introduction:

Just as Elisha instructed; “Do mine first” God is calling out on you today to “DO HIS FIRST”, and all you have been laboring about will simply start falling into places right before your eyes.

“So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, just then the widow woman was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a jar, so that I can drink”. And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand”. 

And she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have a loaf, but only a handful of flour in a barrel, and a little oil in a jug. And, look, I am gathering two sticks, so that I can go in and prepare it for myself and my son, so that we can eat it, and die”. 

And Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have said, but with it make for me a little cake first, and bring it to me, and afterwards make for yourself and for your son. 

For thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘The barrel of flour will not be exhausted, and the jug of oil will not fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth”.” 

1 Kings 17:10-14

And so it is that the widow never lacked bread till the famine was over. God will always cater for His own as a matter of priority over others.

Main Lessons:

1. Prioritize Spiritual things above worldly things 

Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”

Whatever happens in the physical is first settled the spiritual. Physical is just an extension of the spiritual. Know this: Joseph’s being a Governor has been sanctioned in the spiritual when he had the dream of the brothers bowing down to him, he remained focused and eventual found himself there as second in command of the whole Egyptian kingdom. In journey that lies in between, he remained focus, prioritizing God’s wish and commandment, ignoring worldly pleasures. Worldly pleasures will only drag you father away from God’s presence. The farther you are from God, the more doomed you become.

We should be committed to eternal values above temporary gains. We must seek God’s will and purpose in all aspects of life. We must align our actions with faith and nurturing our soul through prayer, scripture study and worship.

Please note that this mindset does not dismiss worldly responsibilities but ensures they are managed in a way that glorifies God.

2. Pray Often

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing”. Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God”

Communication is key. Can two walk together unless they agree? Can two agree without communication? Communication with God is key to a worthy relationship with Him.

How do we communicate with God? By talking to Him in prayer. Prayer, shows our commitment to Him. Prayer expresses our appreciation of Him. Prayer puts through our requirement and requests to Him. Prayer expresses our mood. Prayer exposes our fears and our troubles. Prayer presents us as we are to God. We are actually our words at the end. So, our prayer reveals us to God.

Since our prayers analyze us to Him, we should (a) Start and end our day with prayer – dedicating time to God in the morning and before we sleep. (b) Pray in the moment – whisper a prayer in response to daily blessings, challenges or decisions. (c) Set reminders – schedule moments for prayers during your day. (d) Pray with others – join in family or group prayers in church. (e) Use scripture to pray – use biblical passages to align your requests with God’s words

3. Learn Directly From The Scripture

Psalm 119:105 “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Joshua 1:8 “Keep this book of the law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night”.

Study His words. Read the bible often, meditate and ponder on the words, build your world around the words. When you do this often, your knowledge in his words increase, then you grow spiritually, you get guidance and wisdom whenever required, you are encouraged and comforted in difficult times. His words correct and convict

Here are some tips: (a) Set a consistent time – make it an habit. (b) Pray before reading – ask for understanding and wisdom. (c) Start with a plan. (d) meditate on key verses (e) Take notes (f) Use bible tools for deeper understanding (g) Share with others.

4. Be In HIS Presence Always

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Consider yourself as if you are always in His presence. Being in His presence always gives you (a) Peace in chaos – calms fear and gives assurance during trials. (b) Strength and Renewal (c) Clarity and guidance (d) Transformation – you are changed as you align with Him (e) Joy and fulfillment – true joy is found in communion with God.

Staying in His presence requires (i) Prayerfulness 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ii) meditating on scripture Psalm 1:2 (iii) Praising and worshipping Him Psalm 22:3 (iv) Living obediently John 14:23 (v) Gratitude – thank Him for everything, attribute everything to Him 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (vi)Fellowship with believers Matt 18:20 (vii) Be Still – create quiet moment to rest in His presence and listen to His voice Ps 46:10

Application:

1. Create time daily for prayer; talk to father frequently

2. Read the scripture frequently

3. Always know that He is with you always, you are always ih His presence.

Questions: Note your questions here

1_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor Olufemi Samuel Ogundele

(Grace Deliverance Bible Ministries.) 

www.hiswordsandyou.com

e-mail – olufemi@hiswordsandyou.com

               olusamdel@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +234 803 473 0895