RCCG Sunday School Teacher's Manual 4 February 2018 Lesson 23 - Christianity And Socialisation

TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIALISATION [SUNDAY, 4TH FEBRUARY 2018]

OPENING PRAYER:

Father, help me to show moderation at all times to all men

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12-13 KJV

12: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

13: Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” - Philippians 4:5

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

To socialize simply means “to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way”. There are various ways of socializing, ranging from relating with people in the immediate environment, to getting involved in governance and community development activities. Christian socialization cuts across recreation, social interaction, cultural activities and political issues. While there may be diverse opinions on the extent of the involvement of Christians in social issues, it should be noted that moderation should be the watch word.

TEXT REVIEW: 1COR.6:12-13

The fact that something is facially good or morally acceptable or legally approved, does not mean that a Christian would swallow them hook, line and sinker. True believer are spiritual judges and not condemned in any situation by man.1 For.2:15.There several reasons for this:

i. Believers have the mind of the Lord Jesus Christ which reasons the way the Lord will reason and not the way the world will reason. 1Cor.2:16

ii. Believers have the Holy Spirit which can discern what is appropriate and what is not. He or she is taught the limit to everything.1Cor.2:13-14

iii. Believers have the word of God as lamp to their feet.They can not therefore slip into error in the guise of darkness to fulfill lustful demands.Ps.119:105

iv. Holding these three factors constant, believers are therefore constrained to do only those things:

a. That are profitable (expedient) to the kingdom of God.1Cor.6:12

b. That will not put him or her in the bondage or slavery and thereby revoking the benefit of spiritual freedom. 1Cor.6:12

c. That will keep or preserve their body,soul and spirit together and not engage in the life of gluttony.1Cor.6:13

d. That will make them glorify Jesus and not to satisfy the lust of sexual desires of formication. 1Cor.6:13.

LESSON OUTLINE 1:- BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF SOCIALISATION

i. Jesus and His disciples attended a wedding ceremony John 2:1-2

ii. Jesus attended dinner in the house of Zacchaeus- Luke 19:5

iii. Jesus had friends in Lazarus, Mary and Martha’s family. Luke 10:38-42

iv. Jesus paid condolence visit to the bereaved family. John 11:33-35

v. Jesus participated in Passover feast with His disciples. Mark 14:12-14; Ex 12:24-27

vi. Paul met with different people and preached at different for a. 1Cor 9:19-23

vii. Daniel was involved in governmental/political administration in Babylon. Daniel 1:18-21;6:1-3.

LESSON OUTLINE 2:- WORLDLY PERSPECTIVES, VERSUS BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES

i. Christians can recreate but not in night club or beer joint. 1Tim 4:8

ii. Christians can feast but not in the festival of demons or idols or devil. 1Cor 10:28

iii. Christians can celebrate but not carnivals of satanic motive or undertones. 1Cor 8:10-11; 10:19-21 ll

iv. Christians can sing songs, music or watch television programs but not immoral movies or songs adorned by nudity or seductive apparel. Phil 4:5; 1Cor 8:8-11.

SUMMARY:

There is a limit to everything [All things] 1Cor 6:12. Moderation is the limit to Christian socialization.

CONCLUSION:

Whatsoever we do to socialize should be to the glory of God and edification of the saints [1Cor.10:31]. Christians are to show moderation in social interactions.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, do not let me run beyond your limit, in the name of Jesus.

ASSIGNMENT:

Mention 5 things (control limit) which a bearer must do not to exceed the limit of the Holy Spirit on the matter of socialization.