Vol.

79
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 CONTENTS
LESSON PAGE

OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES

1015 - SONGS OF DELIVERANCE AND THANKSGIVING.5

1016 - PREEMINENCE OF GOD'S LAW..........................11
1017 - SECURITY OF GOD'S PEOPLE ...........................17
1018 - BLESSEDNESS OF OBEDIENCE AND UNITY .... 22
1019 - THE PRACTICE OF PRAISE................................ 29
1020 - THE CRY FOR DELIVERANCE ........................... 36
1021 - THE PREEMINENCE OF PRAISE......................... 41

NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES

1022 - THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT....... 46

1023 - NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH ....................... 51
1024 - THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST..................55

SPECIAL STUDIES

1025 - SUPREMACY AND SUFFICIENCY OF THE NAME

OF JESUS......................................................... 61
1026 - GROWING IN CHRISTIAN VIRTUE ..................... 66
1027 - CONSECRATION AND SUBMISSION IN THE
CHURCH .......................................................... 71
1028 - DAILY CHRISTIAN SERVICE...............................77

3 3
1029 - REDISCOVERING THE FORGOTTEN PATH OF
BLESSING........................................................... 84
1030 - THE ACT OF SOUL-WINNING................................ 89
1031 - FULL PARTICIPATION FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT....95
1032 - FOLLOW-UP AND DISCIPLESHIP..........................99

4
 SONGS OF
DELIVERANCE
1015 AND THANKSGIVING

Memory Verse: “The LORD is my strength and

song, and is become my salvation” (Psalm
118:14).

TEXT: Psalms 110:1-7; 111:1-10; 112:1-10; 113:1-9;

114:1-8; 115:1-18; 116:1-19; 117:1,2; 118:1-29

T he set of Psalms under consideration can be divided into

two parts. Psalm 110 deals with prophecies concerning
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, while Psalms 111-118 deal with
praises and prayers to the Almighty. These Psalms show us
the good pleasures of God to mankind. “Gracious is the
LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful” (Psalm
116:5). This goodness of God to man is through the provision
of Jesus Christ who paid for the forgiveness of sins of the
whole world. He deserves our highest and loudest praise. In
times of distress, discomfort and dissatisfaction, we should
trust and pray to God who answers prayers and we will rejoice
and see reasons to praise Him all the day long. “I called upon
the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me
in a large place. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me,
and art become my salvation” (Psalm 118:5,21).

PROPHECIES CONCERNING CHRIST (Psalm 110:1-7; Luke

24:44,45; Matthew 22:43,44; Mark 12:36,37; Hebrews 8:1,2;
Acts 2:32-36; 7:54-56; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28; Revelation
6:12-17; Hebrews 7:22-28; Revelation 19:11-21)

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right

hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm
110:1). Here, the word “LORD” stands for the Almighty God

4 5
while “Lord” stands for Jesus Christ. “God is the LORD,
which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords,
even unto the horns of the altar” (Psalm 118:27). “But to us
there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things,
and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all
things, and we by him” (1 Corinthians 8:6). Psalm 110 has
many prophecies concerning Christ, which are yet to be
fulfilled.

Question 1: Mention the prophecies concerning Christ in

Psalm 110.

The prophecies concerning Christ in Psalm 110 are His: (i)

exaltation (verse 1; Act 7:56). (ii) final dominion over the
wicked (verse 1,2). (iii) judgment of the kings and heathen
(verses 5,6; Revelation 20:1-7). (iv) Priestly ministry (verses
3,4; Hebrews 7:22-28). (v) victory over all His enemies (verses
6,7; Revelation 19:11-21). Truly, Jesus Christ is the Messiah
sent from God the Father for the redemption of mankind from
sin. He has power to make all who received and believed Him
pure and righteous. “Thy people shall be willing in the day
of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of
the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth” (Psalm
110:3).
This redemption by God was first demonstrated for the
children of Israel from the land of Egypt. “When Israel went
out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange
language” (Psalm 114:1). There, He manifested His power
over nature and delivered them. This is the reason He
deserves the praises of His people. Believers today must sing
songs of deliverance and thanksgiving for the redemptive
work of Christ in their lives. “By him therefore let us offer
the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit
of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

PRAISES AND PRAYER TO OUR CREATOR (Psalms 111:1-

9; 113:1-9; 115:1-3,17,18; 116:17-19; 117:1,2; 118:1-4,21-
29)
“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my

6
whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the
congregation” (Psalm 111:1). The God of heaven and earth
appreciates His creatures giving Him praises and thanks.
Praising God is a heavenly command (Isaiah 43:21). This is
why the psalmist consecrated his life to praising Him with his
whole heart in the assembly of the upright and great
congregation.

Question 2: Why should we praise God according to our

text?

“The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them
that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and
glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever” (Psalm
111:2,3). There are many reasons for praising God. Some,
according to our text, are: (i) the works of God are great (verse
2). (ii) His works are honourable and glorious (verse 3). (iii) His
righteousness is forever (verse 3). (iv) He is gracious and
compassionate (verse 4). (v) His provision for those who fear
Him (verse 5). (vi) He is ever mindful of His covenant (verse 5).
(vii) His commandments are true (verse 7). (viii) His plan of
redemption for all mankind (verse 9). (ix) His name is holy and
reverend (verse 9). (x) His praise endures forever (verse 10).
“Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth
and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the
going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised”
(Psalm 113:2,3).
“Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on
high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are
in heaven, and in the earth!” (Psalm 113:5,6). From this
reference, youths should learn to be humble despite their
promotion or position in life. This godly virtue brings
promotion and fruitfulness (1 Peter 5:5).
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name
give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake” (Psalm
115:1). Our praise, thanksgiving and glory must be to the
Lord only because “he hath done whatsoever he hath
pleased” (Psalm 115:3). Hence, we should develop a grateful
heart to praise the Lord as the dead cannot praise Him (Psalm
115:17,18). We should offer sacrifices of thanksgiving even

7
when He is yet to answer our requests. The psalmist said, “I
will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will
call upon the name of the LORD” (Psalm 116:17). This
shows that our prayer should go together with praise to the
Lord who can do all things.
“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye
people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and
the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the
LORD” (Psalm 117:1,2). This Psalm looks short and brief but
reveals two reasons for praising God. One, the merciful
kindness of the Lord is great. Two, His truth endures forever.
Remember, through His mercy and truth of the gospel, we are
saved. “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the
fear of the LORD men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6).

PROMISES FOR HIS CREATURES (Psalms 111:10; 112:1-

10; 114:1-8; 115:1-18; 116:1-16; 118:5-20; Proverbs 1:7-33;
9:10)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good

understanding have all they that do his commandments:
his praise endureth for ever” (Psalm 111:10). This Scripture
reveals the true source of godly wisdom and understanding,
which is the fear of the Lord.

Question 3: What does it mean to fear the Lord?

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart
from evil. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the
Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is
understanding” (Proverbs 3:7; Job 28:28). To fear the Lord
means to depart from evil and wickedness. There are promises
for those who fear the Lord (Proverbs 8:3).

Question 4: What are the promises for those who fear the
Lord?

“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the

LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His
seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the

8
upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his
house: and his righteousness endureth for ever” (Psalm
112:1-3). There are promises for those who fear the Lord and
delight in obeying Him. Some of these promises include: (i)
the seed1 of those that fear the Lord shall be mighty (verse 2).
(ii) They will possess wealth and riches (verse 3). (iii) They will
possess righteousness forever (verses 3,9). (iv) They will
receive divine guidance and illumination (verse 4); (v) They
will be remembered in eternity (verses 5,6). (vi) They will not
be afraid of evil tidings (verses 7,8). (vii) They will be blessed
and increased by God (Psalm 115:12-16). (viii) They will be
helped and protected by the Lord (Psalm 118:5-20). From the
above, the Lord calls on all youths to trust, and fear Him and
be blessed. “He will bless them that fear the LORD, both
small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and
more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD
which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 115:13-15).
“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and
my supplications” (Psalm 116:1). The Scripture affirms that
the Lord is gracious, righteous and merciful; therefore, He
listens to the prayer of those who call on Him for deliverance.
This He does by helping, providing bountifully and delivering
from death and things that cause tears (Psalm 116:6-8).
These blessings should stir up commitment in us to serve
Him more (verses 9-16). This we should do by praising,
worshipping and serving Him all our days. “What shall I
render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I
will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of
the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the
presence of all his people” (Psalm 116:12-14).
In Psalm 118:5-20, we learn the following: (a) there is
assurance of answer to prayers for those who fear the Lord
(verses 4-7). (b) it is better to trust in the Lord than to put
confidence in man (verses 8,9). (c) believers enjoy divine help
and victory over enemies (verses 10-14). (d) we should make
declaration of faith in troublous times an attitude (verse 17).
When all these blessings are upon the children of God, they
will appreciate the Almighty God by singing songs of
1
children or decendants

9
deliverance and thanksgiving. “Thou art my God, and I will
praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give
thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy
endureth for ever” (Psalm 118:28,29).

SUN Luke 9:1-11 Ezekiel 21:1-32

MON “ 9:12-22 “ 22:1-32
TUE “ 9:23-36 “ 23:1-26
WED “ 9:37-50 “ 23:27-49
THU “ 9:51-62 “ 24:1-27
FRI “ 10:1-16 “ 25:1-26:21
SAT “ 10:17-28 “ 27:1-36

10
10
 PREEMINENCE
1016 OF GOD'S LAW

Memory Verse: “Through thy precepts I get

understanding: therefore I hate every false
way” (Psalm 119:104).

TEXT: Psalm 119:1-176

T he book of Psalms is unique and special in many ways with

God's purpose demonstrated. Psalm 119 is the longest
chapter with the highest number of verses in the Bible. It has
176 verses broken down into twenty-two sections with eight
verses in each section. The major theme of the Psalm is the
word of God. As we study this Psalm, our prayer should be like
that of the psalmist: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may
behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18).
In this psalm, the Scripture is described in various ways to
show its power and what it can do in the life of a youth. Youths
face many experiences which can be a threat to their faith, but
with the help of the Scripture, they can stabilise their faith. The
psalmist shows us the right attitude expected of every
Christian youth to enjoy the benefits from the law of God. This
helps believing youths to experience the power of God’s word in
their lives’ endeavours. Therefore, Christian youths should
permit the Word to rule their hearts and lives. “Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

THE POWER AND PROFITS OF GOD'S WORD (Psalm 119:1-

24,65-72,97-104,161-168)

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law

11
of the LORD” (Psalm 119:1). The Psalm begins with the word
“Blessed” which means happiness, joy or gladness. This means
the word of God brings happiness and joy to those who accept
and believe it. This is illustrated in the messages of Jesus on the
Mount (Matthew 5:1-11). To enjoy the benefits of the word of
God, He commands His children to keep His precepts
diligently. “Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts
diligently” (Psalm 119:4).

Question 1: What are the characteristics of those who are

blessed through the word of God?

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek
him with the whole heart” (verse 2). The characteristics of
those who are blessed through the word of God include: (a) they
are undefiled (verse 1); (b) they walk according to the law of
God (verse 1); (c) they keep His word (verse 2); (d) they do no
iniquity (verse 3); (e) they pledge their allegiance to obey His
precepts (verse 8).
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by
taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9).
The world is full of evil. This is because sinful people, including
youths, have contaminated it with evil actions and activities. To
be free from defilements, believing youths need to take heed to
the word of God.

Question 2: What is the secret of daily victory over sin?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin
against thee” (Psalm 119:11). God’s word is the only secret to
experience daily victory over sin. Daniel, Paul, Timothy, John
and others in the Bible day exemplify this. To experience daily
victory over sin, we must seek God and His word (verse 10), hide
the Word in our hearts (verse 11), be prompt to obey it (verse 5),
daily meditate on it (verse 15), love the truth, keep away from
evil of any form and delight in the word of God with all our
hearts (verse 16). The Scripture says, “I have refrained my
feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word” (Psalm
119:101).
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things
out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy

12
commandments from me” (Psalm 119:18,19). The word of
God is a spiritual compass that gives direction in a world of
darkness and evil. The word of God is also profitable for gaining
wisdom and understanding (verses 97-104). Therefore, we
should allow the Lord to teach us His word in order to possess
godly wisdom. “I have not departed from thy judgments: for
thou hast taught me” (Psalm 119:102).
“Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according
unto thy word” (Psalm 119:65). To understand the dealing of
God and His purpose for your life, meditate on His word always
for its revelation. The word of God gives spiritual knowledge,
good judgment, correction, restoration of backsliders and
keeps us in the way of righteousness. Anyone who keeps away
from the word of God will soon get into afflictions. “Before I was
afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word”
(Psalm 119:67). “It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. I
hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love” (Psalm
119:162,163). Those who have great delight in the word of God
prefer it more than gold and silver (verse 72), riches and great
spoils (verse 162). They hate lying but love righteousness. They
have the privilege of enjoying great peace from God. “Great
peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall
offend them” (Psalm 119:165). Today, the Lord calls on
youths who are nonchalant about His word to change and
seek, meditate on, delight in, believe and love His word (verses
1,4,10,15,16,66,97).

THE PRAYER AND POSSIBILITIES THROUGH GOD'S

WORD (Psalm 119:25-48,73-88,105-112,129-136,145-
160,169-176)

“My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me

according to thy word. I have declared my ways, and thou
heardest me: teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:25,26).
Here, the psalmist prayed to the Lord to get the best from His
word. He asked Him to quicken him. He wanted God to make
His word alive in him and revive his spiritual life. Through
prayer, God can quicken us according to His word, way and

13
righteousness (verses 25,37,40).

Question 3: What are the benefits of praying before and

after reading and hearing the word of God?

“Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I

talk of thy wondrous works” (Psalm 119:27). The benefits of
praying before and after reading or hearing the word of God are
great and with lasting effects. One, it quickens the heart (verse
25). Two, it cultivates the heart to be in the proper position to
receive the Word (verse 26). Three, it helps to give
understanding of the Word (verse 27). Four, it brings strength
to the soul (verse 28). Five, it keeps a believer from a lying way
(verse 29). Six, it grants access to the laws of God (verse 29).
Seven, it enlarges the heart to receive His word (verse 32).
Eight, it gives power to obey God’s word promptly to the end
(verses 33,34,44,112). Nine, it keeps the heart from
covetousness and concentrates on the word (verse 36). Ten, it
turns away reproach and fear (verse 39). Eleven, it gives
boldness and courage to preach the saving word (verse 46).
Twelve, it aids meditation (verse 48).
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me
understanding, that I may learn thy commandments”
(Psalm 119:73). It is great wisdom when we recognise God as
our Creator, have readiness to accept and give Him His rightful
place in our lives. This leads to divine guidance which makes us
avoid unnecessary pitfalls in life and attract His favour and
comfort (verses 74,76,77,79). It will also make His corrections
beneficial (verse 75). In verses 81-88, the psalmist expresses
His desire and hope in the Word which is faithful. “All thy
commandments are faithful: they persecute me
wrongfully; help thou me” (Psalm 119:86).
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my
path” (Psalm 119:105). The word of God is a light and lamp that
is capable of directing youths away from evil. To fulfil this
purpose, the believer must have determination to obey and
keep the Word regularly.“I have inclined mine heart to
perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end” (Psalm
119:112).
The possibilities of God's word know no bound. The Word
brings wonders to our lives, light to the simple, keeps one from

14
evil and makes God’s face to shine on the believer. “Make thy
face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes”
(Psalm 119:135). “Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto
me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name”
(Psalm 119:132). The psalmist prayed for divine help to keep
the Word. “Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy
precepts” (Psalm 119:173). Every Christian youth must learn
to do the same in order to be blessed by God's word.

THE PURSUIT AND PASSION FOR GOD'S WORD (Psalms

119:49-64,89-96,113-128,137-144)

“Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my

pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the
night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy
precepts” (Psalm 119:54-56). The word of God is a set of
precepts for His children. It is our duty to passionately keep
these precepts.

Question 4: How should believers show their passion for

the word of God?

“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which

thou hast caused me to hope” (Psalm 119:49). Believers can
show their passion for the word of God by hoping on and
remembering it (verse 52), not forsaking it (verse 53), having
the word as their portion (verse 57), seeking His favour (verse
58), being a companion of those who fear God and keep His
precepts (verse 63).
“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy
faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established
the earth, and it abideth” (Psalm 119:89,90). The source of
authority of the Scriptures is God, who gives the Word power
and authority, and confirms its integrity always. It preserves
the Word on the earth, delivers from affliction and perfects the
soul (verse 91-96).
From verses 113-128, the psalmist continues to express
his passion for the Word. This enables him to hate vain
thoughts, keep evil doers from him, keep him safe and fear His
judgments. It is important to know that those who reject the
Word will be punished. “Thou hast trodden down all them

15
that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood”
(Psalm 119:118). Hence, the psalmist said, “Therefore I
esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right;
and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128).
Also verses 137-144 describe God and His word as from
everlasting. God is righteous and His word is the same.
“Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy
judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded
are righteous and very faithful” (verses 137,138). The Lord is
pure and His word is without any dross (verse 140). As
Christian youths, we need understanding to live as God
desires. “The righteousness of thy testimonies is
everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live” (Psalm
119:144). When we understand this and pray for His grace, we
will live a purposeful, profitable and peaceful life.

Question 5: What should we do with the word of God?

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it”

(Psalm 119:140). In conclusion, we are to accept, believe,
choose, delight in and esteem the word of God. Therefore,
Christian youths must endeavour not to forget but hide the
Word in their hearts in order to keep, learn and mediate on it
regularly. As we are nourished by the Word, we must zealously
share it with others and defend the legacy of the word by our
lives.

SUN Luke 10:29-42 Ezekiel 28:1-26

MON “ 11:1-13 “ 29:1-21
TUE “ 11:14-28 “ 30:1-26
WED “ 11:29-36 “ 31:1-32:1-16
THU “ 11:37-54 “ 32:17-32
FRI “ 12:1-12 “ 33:1-33
SAT “ 12:13-21 “ 34:1-32

16
 SECURITY OF
1017 GOD'S PEOPLE

Memory Verse: “The LORD shall preserve thee

from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The
LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy
coming in from this time forth, and even for
evermore” (Psalm 121:7,8).

TEXT: Psalms 120:1-7; 121:1-8; 122:1-9; 123:1-4; 124:1-

8; 125:1-5

T he assurance of security, protection and peace is

essential to every individual, family, church or nation.
This brings progress and orderliness in every sphere of life.
The lack of it brings turmoil and chaos. The Psalms in this
lesson show the attitude of a believer when in distress or
trouble and his expectations in prayer as he trusts God for
deliverance. A songwriter properly captures this thus:

“What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Ev'erthing to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer.”

Therefore, Christian youths should always take their trials,

temptations, problems, challenges, failures and difficulties to
God in prayer for divine help, support, solution and
intervention. “For we have not an high priest which cannot
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in
all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us
therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”
(Hebrews 4:15,16).
17
PRAYER AND PROMISES FOR OUR SECURITY (Psalms
120:1-7; 121:1-8; 91:1-16; Luke 10:19)

“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard

me” (Psalm 120:1). Here, the psalmist cried to God in his
distress for security and deliverance from enemies and
persecutors. He described these enemies as people with lying
lips and deceitful tongues with sharp arrows, who hate peace
(verses 2-7). Any youth in David’s situation is in a state of
insecurity, which calls for prayer for protection and
deliverance. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from
whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD,
which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1,2).

Question 1: What are the assurances of security as

promised by the Lord in Psalm 121?

“He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that

keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth
Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy
keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand”
(Psalm 121:3-5). The assurance of security and protection as
promised by the Lord are: divine help and stability in troubles
times, constant watchfulness from the Lord over His people,
preservation from evils and guarantee of daily security. “The
LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
from this time forth, and even for evermore” (Psalm
121:8).

PRAYER OF PEACE FOR THE NATION (Psalm 122:1-9;

Isaiah 2:2,3; Psalms 73:1-17; 55:14; 84:10; 1 Timothy 2:1-4;
Jeremiah 29:4-7; Psalm 125:5)

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the
house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1). First step in enjoying
peace from God is to have an intimate relationship with Him
by faith. In this Psalm, the writer was glad and happy to
attend fellowship in the house of God. This shows his Faith in
God; Expectation from God; Love for God; Loyalty to God;

18
Obedience to God; Walking with God; Sincerity with God;
Humility before God; Interest in God and Prayer to God.

Question 2: What are the benefits of going to the house of

God?

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek

after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the
days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to
enquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). There are uncountable
benefits for those who go to the house of God punctually and
regularly. Some of them are: (a) the privilege of learning the
word of God. (b) the chance of praising and worshipping Him
as our Creator.“When I remember these things, I pour out
my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went
with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and
praise, with a multitude that kept holyday” (Psalm 42:4).
(c) Receiving and experiencing His presence and glory. (d) A
place to present our supplication before God. (e) A place to get
spiritual refreshment. Furthermore, fellowship brings Favour
with God, Extraordinary power with God, Liberty and
redemption from God, Light to the soul, Overcomer's strength
from God, Wonders from God, Supernatural gifts, Healing
and health from the Lord, Inspiration from heaven and the
Presence of God. Therefore, we must stop dragging our feet
when it is time to go to the house of God for worship.

Question 3: Should Christian youths pray for the nation?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper

that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity
within thy palaces” (verses 6,7). As believers, we are to pray
for the peace of the nation we live in. This is because our
progress, prosperity and protection depend on the peace of
the nation. “And seek the peace of the city whither I have
caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the
LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace”
(Jeremiah 29:7). Apart from praying for the peace of the
nation, we are to seek peace (1 Peter 3:11), follow peace
(Hebrew 12:14), allow peace to prevail (Colossians 3:15),
19
preach peace always (Ephesians 2:17), live in peace (2
Corinthians 13:11), believe in peace (Romans 15:13),
maintain peace (Luke 1:79), and speak peace (Zechariah
9:10). Our prayer should be: “For my brethren and
companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy
good” (verses 8,9).

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION THROUGH HIS MERCY

(Psalms 123:1-4; 124:1-8; 125:1-5; 121:1-8; Lamentation
3:22; Genesis 39:21)

“Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the

heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the
hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto
the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD
our God, until that he have mercy upon us” (Psalm
123:1,2). Prayer becomes simple and interesting when we
know who God is and who we are before Him. He is the
Creator of the universe with absolute power and authority as
Master and Lord. On the other hand, we are His creatures in
search of direction and sustenance from Him. From the
Scripture above, we are to look up to Him for all things. We
can get them through His mercy as we depend upon Him by
faith. “Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us:
for we are exceedingly filled with contempt” (Psalm
123:3).
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now
may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on
our side, when men rose up against us” (Psalm 124:1,2).
This is the testimony of the Israelites when God protected
them from danger. He still does that today for His children
who trust in Him. As we pray and trust Him, He will protect
us. “Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey
to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the
snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are
escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made
heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:6-8).

Question 4: How can saved youths enjoy the privilege of

divine protection and security?

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“They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion,
which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the
mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is
round about his people from henceforth even for ever”
(Psalm 125:1,2). Mount Zion and Jerusalem were
surrounded by mountains for her security and protection. In
the same way, God surrounds His people against attack from
the enemies. We can only enjoy this privilege by trusting the
Lord. The Scripture says, “What shall we then say to these
things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans
8:31). Therefore, He will not allow the rod of the wicked to
“rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put
forth their hands unto iniquity” (Psalm 125:3).
“Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them
that are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside
unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth
with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon
Israel” (Psalm 125:4,5). Here, the Lord makes the difference
between the righteous and the wicked. God will always do
good for His people, while the wicked will receive appropriate
punishment from Him. Are you a righteous or wicked youth?
Today, you can make a difference by repenting and believing
on the Lord Jesus Christ. He waits at the door of your heart so
you can open for Him to come in.“Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the
door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me” (Revelation 3:20). He will justify and forgive you;
then His goodness from heaven will rest upon you
abundantly.

SUN Luke 12:22-34 Ezekiel 35:1-36:15

MON “ 12:35-48 “ 36:16-38
TUE “ 12:49-59 “ 37:1-28
WED “ 13:1-17 “ 38:1-23
THU “ 13:18-30 “ 39:1-29
FRI “ 13:31-35 “ 40:1-27
SAT “ 14:1-14 “ 40:28-49

21
 BLESSEDNESS OF
OBEDIENCE AND
1018 UNITY

Memory Verse: “The LORD shall bless thee out

of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of
Jerusalem all the days of thy life” (Psalm 128:5).

TEXT: Psalms 126:1-6; 127:1-5; 128:1-6; 129:1-8;

130:1-8; 131:1-3; 132:1-18; 133:1-3

T he blessings of God are great and wonderful because of

His mercy and faithfulness. This is seen in all the
deliverances of the children of Israel. “When the LORD
turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that
dream” (Psalm 126:1). Psalm 127 gives the foundation for
success in life, showing that it is vain for anyone to depend on
his strength to make lasting progress. It also deals with the
fruitfulness in the family of those who trust God. With all the
physical blessings from the Lord, forgiveness of sins is the
greatest. His promises of pardon are for everyone. “Let Israel
hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and
with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem
Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:7,8).
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). The blessings in the
Psalms of today’s lesson affect everyone. These blessings will
last long and multiply when there is unity among brethren.
Therefore, the Lord calls on every youth to unite with Him and
one another to keep and increase in His blessings.

DELIVERANCE FROM CAPTIVITY AND FOUNDATION

FOR SUCCESS (Psalms 126:1-6; 127:1-5; 128:1-6;
Galatians 6:7-9; Psalms 34:8-17; 115:9-15)

22
 “When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,
we were like them that dream” (Psalm 126:1). The purpose
and plan of God for His people is total deliverance,
redemption and restoration from all kinds of captivity. Any
time the children of Israel disobeyed God's commandment,
He allowed them to be taken captive. When they cried to Him,
in His mercy and compassion, He sent deliverance to them.
In our text, He did the same and it seemed to them as a
dream. This deliverance brought laughter, singing, gladness
and joy to the people of God. “Then was our mouth filled
with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said
they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great
things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us;
whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:2,3).

Question 1: What represents captivity in the life of a

youth today ?

“Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the

south” (Psalm 126:4). The psalmist cried to the Lord to turn
or remove captivity from them. Youths today may not be in
physical captivity but might have oppressions that represent
captivity. These may be in form of sinful habits (Romans
7:23; 2 Timothy 3:6), sicknesses (Job 2:7,8), satanic attack
and oppression (Luke 13:11-17), poverty (1 Chronicles
4:9,10), etc. Today, Jesus is the great Liberator of all
captives. He is available to deliver anyone who calls upon
Him for freedom. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the
poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to
preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised”
(Luke 4:18).
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth
forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with
him” (Psalm 126:5,6). Sowing and reaping are demanding
tasks. Apart from farmers, everyone sows and reaps
something in life. What you sow serves as a foundation for
reaping in the future. First, an oppressed person as seen in

23
Psalm 137:1-4 cannot have strength to sow anything good. It
is a free and liberated person that has the strength and right
faculty to sow.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a
man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Those
who sow negative things like lust of the flesh, pride of life and
lust of the eyes will reap corruption and punishment. On the
other hand, those who bear the fruit of the Spirit like love,
meekness, faith, peace, gentleness, goodness, temperance,
joy and longsuffering will reap success both on earth and in
eternity. The choice is yours either to sow positive or negative
things.“I call heaven and earth to record this day against
you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing
and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy
seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Second, we can apply
sowing and reaping to soul-winning. Preaching the gospel is
sowing the seed of the word of God; the positive response of
sinners is the reaping of harvest (John 4:35-38).
Psalm 127 gives us the way to lay good and proper
foundation for a successful life. “Except the LORD build the
house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD
keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain
for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of
sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep” (Psalm
127:1,2). Anyone who removes God in his or her life cannot
achieve any meaningful success. Jesus said, “I am the vine,
ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye
can do nothing” (John 15:5). Salvation and abiding in Christ
bring better things into the lives of the believer. “But,
beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and
things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak”
(Hebrews 6:9). This will include better hope (Hebrews 7:19),
better covenant or relationship (Hebrews 8:6; 7:22), better
promises (Hebrews 8:6), better sacrifices (Hebrews 9:23),
better substance in heaven (Hebrews 10:34), better country,
i.e heaven (Hebrews 11:16) and a better resurrection
(Hebrews 11:35). From the above blessings, would you
decide for Christ today? “For whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

24
Question 2: From our text, what are the blessings for
those who fear and trust in the Lord?

“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that

walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine
hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee”
(Psalm 128:1,2). Having a solid foundation in the Lord brings
great blessings. From our text, those who fear and trust in
Him will have better and fruitful family (Psalm 128:3,4),
peace (Psalms 127:3-5; 128:6), victory over enemies (Psalm
127:5) and enjoy goodness all the days of their lives (Psalm
128:5). “Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that
feareth the LORD. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion:
and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of
thy life” (Psalm 128:4,5).

DELIVERANCE FOR SUFFERING SAINTS (Psalms 129:1-8;

130:1-8; 131:1-3; Proverbs 16:6; 28:13; Isaiah 55:6,7)

“Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may

Israel now say: Many a time have they afflicted me from
my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me” (Psalm
129:1,2). Afflictions, persecutions and trials are common for
those who believe in the Lord. However, these things do not
overcome them because “The LORD is righteous: he hath
cut asunder the cords of the wicked” (Psalm 129:4). For the
wicked, the Psalmist said, “Let them all be confounded and
turned back that hate Zion” (Psalm 129:5). However, for the
people of God, he pronounced blessings: “… The blessing of
the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the
LORD” (Psalm 129:8). Deliverance is sure for those who
believe the Lord despite persecution and affliction when they
pray with clear conscience. Praying without receiving
forgiveness from the Lord is a fruitless activity. “If thou,
LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall
stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou
mayest be feared” (Psalm 130:3,4).

Question 3: What can build up hope in a suffering saint?

25
 “Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there
is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he
shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:7,8).
Total trust in God who gave salvation freely builds up hope
that He will surely deliver in times of trouble. “I wait for the
LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My
soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for
the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the
morning” (Psalm 130:5,6). Such saints are expected to live
humbly (Psalm 131:1,2). The psalmist said his heart is not
haughty (proud), eye lofty or seek things too high for himself.
The Scripture commands us thus: “And seekest thou great
things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring
evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give
unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest”
(Jeremiah 45:5).
“Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for
ever” (Psalm 131:3). The hope of eternal life and to live with
God is one of the greatest benefits of receiving salvation. This
hope enables us to endure persecutions and trials till we see
the Lord in glory. Let your hope be sure, steadfast and
anchored fast in Christ alone. The Scripture says, “To whom
God would make known what is the riches of the glory of
this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

DEVOTION TO GOD AND FAVOUR FOR UNITED SAINTS

(Psalms 132:1-18; 133:1-3)

“LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: How

he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God
of Jacob” (Psalm 132:1,2). David was a saint; his devotion,
consecration and commitment to the Lord were great and
challenging. Here, he prayed that God should remember him
and he vowed that he will not give himself rest or sleep until
the house of God was ready. “I will not give sleep to mine
eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place
for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob”
(Psalm 132:4,5). This he did with all his heart (1 Chronicles
29:1,2).

26
 The Scripture says, “For God is not unrighteous to
forget your work and labour of love, which ye have
shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to
the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). David's
sacrificial service brought favour on him and his house.
These blessings include: (1) the Messiah came from his
lineage (Psalm 132:11). (2) The Lord chose Zion as a place of
His habitation (Psalm 132:13,14). (3) Abundant provision
and satisfaction for ever (Psalm 132:15). (4) Salvation and joy
for his people (Psalm 132:16). (5) Shame for his enemies
(Psalm 132:18). (6) His kingdom through Jesus will flourish
for ever (Psalm 132:18). Truly, it pays to serve God
wholeheartedly. The blessings are glorious and splendid.
May God grant you grace to serve Him acceptably till the end.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). The expectation
of God for all saved youths is to stay united in truth and in
sincerity. The Scripture says it is good and pleasant. In such
a place, God commands His blessings. “As the dew of
Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the
mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the
blessing, even life for evermore” (Psalm 133:3). Those who
lived in disunity such as the brethren of Joseph (Genesis
42:21,22), Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25 and 28), the
Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 6:1-8), etc., received the
impact. On the other hand, those who lived together in unity
such as Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16,17), Jonathan and David
(1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:4,35-42); the Rechabites (Jeremiah
35:2-5,18), the early church (Acts 2:44,45), etc., received
favour and blessedness.

Question 4: In which areas should Christian youths be in

unity with others?

We must not be in unity against God, His word and plans

(Genesis 11:1-9). The basis of our unity is salvation in the
Lord and on His word. Some areas Christian youths are
called to be in unity include: doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16),
fellowship (Hebrews 10:35; Psalm 113:1; Acts 2:40-47), soul
winning (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 3:1), service (Acts 13:1-2)

27
and prayer (Acts 12:1-6). We should also join forces in
building the house of God and edifying the body of Christ. Are
you in unity with the teachings of the Bible? We need to pray
and make deliberate effort to achieve scriptural standard of
unity. The example of the Lord Jesus Christ is “I and my
Father are one” (John 10:30). His prayer for us is:“Neither
pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall
believe on me through their word; That they all may be
one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they
also may be one in us: that the world may believe that
thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I
have given them; that they may be one, even as we are
one” (John 17:20-22).

SUN Luke 14:15-24 Ezekiel 41:1-26

MON “ 14:25-35 “ 42:1-26
TUE “ 15:1-10 “ 43:1-27
WED “ 15:11-24 “ 44:1-31
THU “ 15:25-32 “ 45:1-25
FRI “ 16:1-13 “ 46:1-24
SAT “ 16:14-31 “ 47:1-23

28
 THE PRACTICE
1019 OF PRAISE

Memory Verse: “I will praise thee; for I am

fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous
are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right
well” (Psalm 139:14).

TEXT: Psalms 134:1-3; 135:1-21; 136:1-26; 137:1-9;

138:1-8; 139:1-24

T he set of Psalms in this lesson centres on the call,

command and commitment to praise the Lord, Creator of
heaven and earth. “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
and bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and
earth bless thee out of Zion” (Psalm 134:2,3).

Question 1: What makes up the practice of praise to the

Lord?

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his

mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 136:1). The practice of
praise to the Lord involves worshipping Him, singing spiritual
songs and hymns to His glory, giving thanks and adoration to
His name, praising Him in prayers and supplications, giving
testimonies about His mighty acts, etc. Therefore, everyone
created by God is enjoined to praise Him (Revelation 5:13,14).
In Psalm 137, the children of Israel called on the Lord to
avenge their enemies who afflicted them during captivity.
“Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of
Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the
foundation thereof” (Psalm 137:7). However, Psalm 138
shows the attitude and commitment to practice praise to the
Lord. “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the
gods will I sing praise unto thee” (Psalm 138:1). In Psalm

29
139, the last in the series shows us the greatness of the Lord
who knows and sees everything under the heaven. The
Psalmist in absolute submission to the Lord asked Him to
examine and lead him in the ways of everlasting goodness
and joy (Psalm 139:23,24).

COMMAND TO PRAISE THE LORD (Psalms 134:1-3; 135:1-

26; 136:1-21; 1 Chronicles 9:33; Psalm 128:5,6; 1 Peter
2:5,9)

“Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD,

which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up
your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD” (Psalm
134:1,2). The call and command to praise the Lord comes to
all His saints, servants and those who fear Him. “Bless the
LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the
LORD” (Psalm 135:20). Like the Levites, we are to praise and
adore Him daily by lifting up our hands, voices and strengths
to bless His holy name. “And these are the singers, chief of
the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers
were free: for they were employed in that work day and
night” (1 Chronicles 9:33). As we praise Him, He blesses us
the more. “The LORD that made heaven and earth bless
thee out of Zion” (Psalm 134:3).

Question 2: Why does the Lord command His people to

praise Him?

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD;

praise him, O ye servants of the LORD” (Psalm 135:1).
There are many reasons the Lord commanded His people to
praise Him daily. Some of them are: (1) He created the heaven
and the earth (Psalm 134:3). (2) His name is worthy of our
praise (Psalm 135:1). (3) It is good and pleasant to praise Him
(Psalm 135:2,3). (4) He has chosen the redeemed as His
peculiar treasures (1 Peter 2:9). (5) He is great and high above
all gods (Psalm 135:5,15-18). (6) He performs His will as it
pleases Him in heaven and on earth (Psalm 135:6). (7) He
causes His mighty acts to show forth for us to see (Psalm
135:7). (8) He shows wonders and judgments over the

30
enemies of His people (Psalm 135:8-12). (9) His memorials
endure through all generations (Psalm 135:13). (10) He is
merciful and compassionate in all His acts and actions
(Psalm 136:1-26). We must not have any reason not to
praise, worship, sing, adore and bless the Lord with all our
beings. Remember, only those who are alive can praise Him.
You are alive today; why not praise Him? “The dead praise
not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But
we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for
evermore. Praise the LORD” (Psalm 115:17,18). Another
Scripture says, “Let every thing that hath breath praise
the LORD. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 150:6).

CONDEMNATION OF PERSECUTORS BY THE LORD

(Psalm 137:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10; Ezekiel 39:23;
Jeremiah 30:1-3; Ezekiel 25:12)

Babylon and Edom were singled out as the persecutors

and enemies of the children of Israel in this Psalm. “By the
rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when
we remembered Zion” (Psalm 137:1). The children of Israel
were in captivity because of their backsliding. Similarly,
when a believer backslides, he is exposed to satanic
afflictions and oppressions (Hosea 8:3). The children of Israel
wept in distress because of the captivity in Babylon. To
increase their burden and depression, they were asked by
their captors to sing Zion's songs in the strange land, which
they refused. “How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a
strange land?” (Psalm 137:4).

Question 3: How can a person get into captivity today?

“And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel

went into captivity for their iniquity: because they
trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from
them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so
fell they all by the sword” (Ezekiel 39:23). The children of
Israel went into captivity as a result of sins and evils. Today,
sin brings a person into different forms of captivities such as
sickness, satanic attack and oppression (2 Timothy 2:25,26).

31
The only remedy is repentance and restoration through God's
mercy and grace. This He has promised those who call on
Him. “For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will
bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah,
saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land
that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it”
(Jeremiah 30:3). Wisdom demands that all sinners and
backsliders come to Christ today for Satan not to waste their
lives and for them to enjoy the best from the Lord.“Moreover I
will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant
them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and
move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness
afflict them any more, as beforetime” (2 Samuel 7:10).
“If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget
her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue
cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem
above my chief joy” (Psalm 137:5,6). Forgetfulness leads to
failure in academic endeavours and in life generally. Ability to
remember brings great joy after success. The above Scripture
shows the danger of forgetting God, His word or the place He
put His great name.

Question 4: How can a youth develop the ability to

remember important things in life?

“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence

covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just
is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot” (Proverbs
10:6,7). The Lord blesses everyone who knows and seeks Him
with understanding, wisdom and discretion. “Evil men
understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD
understand all things” (Proverbs 28:5). To remember what
you have read and studied, you must apply some principles.
One of them is: “REMEMBER” which means Read always,
Establish a goal to be achieved, Meditate on what you have
studied, Exceed the target, Master the subject, Build on what
you know, Epistle (write down) what you learn, and Review
what you have studied. “Consider what I say; and the Lord
give thee understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7).

32
 “Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of
Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the
foundation thereof” (Psalm 137:7). Edom was another
nation which hated and persecuted Israel. They were not
merciful to them. They also rejoiced at the fall of the great city
of Jerusalem where God put His name and wanted it to be
destroyed (Ezekiel 25:12,13). Hence, the psalmist prayed for
God's vengeance on them. When God fights for His people,
they will rejoice and be happy at the end.

CONSECRATION TO PRAISE THE LORD (Psalm 138:1-8;

139:1-24)

“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods

will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy
temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and
for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all
thy name” (Psalm 138:1,2). It takes consecration,
commitment and grace from the Lord to obey Him
satisfactorily. Here, the psalmist made a commitment to
devote his whole heart to worship and praise His great name.
As we praise Him, prayers will naturally follow passionately.
A grateful heart will always put its confidence and trust in
God. “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and
strengthenedst me with strength in my soul” (Psalm
138:3). When we pray, divine strength comes to move us
forward to serve Him.
“All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD,
when they hear the words of thy mouth” (Psalm 138:4).
The greatest honour we can give to God is to accept, believe
and obey His word. This devotion to Him will bring trust and
confidence when there is trouble, trial or tribulation in life.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive
me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath
of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me” (Psalm
138:7). As you trust Him, He will settle every problem of your
life. “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me:
thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the
works of thine own hands” (Psalm 138:8).
“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me” (Psalm

33
139:1). God knows the condition of our hearts and none can
hide from Him. The word of God also has the capacity to reveal
the true state of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The true believer
should, therefore, allow the searchlight of God and the
Scriptures in His heart. “Search me, O God, and know my
heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).
When the true condition of the heart is revealed by God and
the Word, it leads to total transformation and renewal.
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee
from thy presence?” (Psalm 139:7). None can escape the
searching eyes of the Lord. Nothing is hidden from Him.
Trying to hide evil from God is self-deception and folly.
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his
sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes
of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).

Question 5: How should believers live in the world since

God knows everything?

“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity

and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers
served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and
serve ye the LORD” (Joshua 24:14). We must live before God
in sincerity, truth and clear mind since He sees and knows
everything about us.
“I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine
enemies” (Psalm 139:22). The Scripture does not permit a
believer to hate anybody. Hatred is a sin. “Whosoever hateth
his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer
hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15). However, a
believer loves righteousness but hates evil and wickedness.
“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the
oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Hebrews 1:9). Therefore,
the psalmist by aligning with that of God expresses his
position that we should hate wickedness rather than a
human being. This is because wicked people speak against
God, take His name in vain, hate His word and fight against
Him (Psalm 139:20-22).
As the psalmist ended the Psalm, he cried out in prayer

34
before God to search, examine and try him if there is any
wicked way in him. “Search me, O God, and know my
heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be
any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting” (Psalm 139:23,24). How sincere are you before
the Lord? How truthful is your devotion and worship before
Him? When His sharp eyes look at you, what does He see?
Remember, you cannot hide from Him. A familiar chorus
says,:
“You cannot hide it from God (2ce)
Though you cover your sin, that no one should know
You cannot hide it from God”.

SUN Luke 17:1-10 Ezekiel 48:1-35

MON “ 17:11-19 Daniel 1:1-21
TUE “ 17:20-37 “ 2:1-23
WED “ 18:1-14 “ 2:24-49
THU “ 18:15-30 “ 3:1-30
FRI “ 18:31-43 “ 4:1-37
SAT “ 19:1-10 “ 5:1-31

35
 THE CRY FOR
1020 DELIVERANCE

Memory Verse: “Keep me, O LORD, from the

hands of the wicked; preserve me from the
violent man; who have purposed to overthrow
my goings” (Psalm 140:4).

TEXT: Psalms 140:1-13; 141:1-10; 142:1-7; 143:1-12;

144:1-15

D avid understood that prayer is the most effective weapon to

secure deliverance and protection from the wicked. Thus,
he cried to the Lord: “make haste unto me: give ear unto my
voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before
thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the
evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:1,2). He had engaged in many
battles and encountered activities of wicked men which
prompted him to call upon God for help. His unwavering faith in
God because of past victories gave him assurance of deliverance.
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning: for in
thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should
walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee” (Psalm 143:8). He also
acknowledged the sinful nature of man and the need for genuine
repentance as essential ingredient for preservation and
prosperity. “It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who
delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword” (Psalm
144:10).

PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE AND PROTECTION (Psalms

140:1-13; 141:1-10; Isaiah 26:3,4; 2 Corinthians 1:9,10; Joel
2:32; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)

“Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me

36
from the violent man; which imagine mischief in their
heart, continually are they gathered together for war”
(Psalm 140:1,2). At different situations, the psalmist had
experienced deliverance from the enemies through prayer of
faith in God. As a result, he had learnt to have absolute trust in
Him. His prayer for deliverance from evil men was based on the
faithfulness of God.

Question 1: Why should Christian youths develop their

prayer life and faith in God?

“Keep me O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve

me from the violent man, who have purposed to overthrow
my goings”. Christian youths should not be ignorant of the
activities and actions of wicked people. Today, violence and
other wicked activities are on the increase. There is need to pray
for deliverance from the wicked. Even our Lord Jesus Christ
taught the disciples to pray for deliverance from evil and victory
over temptation. Despite the trap set for David by the wicked to
hinder him from achieving the purpose of God for his life, his
assurance in God helped him to accomplish the divine plan. “I
know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted
and the right of the poor” (Psalm 140:4, 12).

Question 2: What should Christian youths do to experience

deliverance from the wicked?

“Set a watch O Lord before my mouth, keep the door of my

lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice
wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not
eat of their dainties'' (Psalm141:3,4). For believers to
experience daily victory, there is need for effectual prayer and
watchfulness. Christian youths need to watch their words,
thoughts, actions, characters and habits to maintain victory
over sin, self and worldly pursuit. This will help them to stay
away from evil practices and ungodly relationship.

37
PRAYER FOR REFUGE AND GUIDANCE (Psalms 142:1-7,
143:1-12; Isaiah 4:5,6; Proverbs 3:5,6)
The painful experiences of David show that the life of man is full
of challenges and troubles which require divine direction and
intervention. “Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the
morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Teach
me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead
me into the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:8,10). His prayer
signifies the helplessness of man when confronted by the
wicked. However, seeking the Lord in prayer for divine
protection and guidance is the only way for a child of God. To
overcome life challenges, intimate relationship with God and
willingness to follow divine guidance is necessary. David
reminded himself of the wonder working power of God towards
him in time past which encouraged his faith in the Lord. “I
remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works: I
muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands
unto thee, my soul thirsteth after thee as thirsty Land”
(Psalm 143:5,6). Christian youths should develop strong faith to
please God in all situations for them to experience divine
guidance.

Question 3: Why should Christian youths seek God's

guidance?

“I cried unto the LORD with my voice, with my voice unto he

LORD, did I make my supplication. I poured out my
complaint before him: I showed before him my supplication.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,then thou
knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they
privily laid a snare for me” (Psalm 142:1-3).The psalmist
recognised God as his refuge and acknowledged the fact that,
one must be guided to escape from the trap of the wicked. He
realised the need for guidance in taking the right decision. Some
youths have complicated their problems because they failed to
pray for divine guidance. Bible characters who accomplished

38
great things did so with divine support and guidance.
Therefore, Christian youths should seek God's guidance in all
their endeavours.

Question 4: In which areas do Christian youths need God's

guidance?

“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy
soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be
like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose
waters fail not” (Isaiah 58:11). Christian youths need to seek
God for guidance in all areas of life. They should endeavour to
follow God's blueprint in choice of friendship, career, fellowship
and relationship as the need arises.

PRAYER OF PRAISE (Psalms 144:1-15; 18:16; 128:3; Hebrews

2:6-18; Deuteronomy 28:12,13; 33:29)

“Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my

hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my
fortress, my high tower and my deliverer; my shield, and he
in whom I trust: who subdueth my people under me” (Psalm
144:1,2). The deliverance enjoyed by David serves as an
assurance for all children of God and affirms His faithfulness in
delivering His children. David offered the prayer of praise to
appreciate the goodness of God towards him. It is important
that we should praise God in appreciation of His faithfulness
and answers to our prayers.

Question 5: Mention Bible characters who experienced

deliverance from God through prayer and praise.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang

praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And
suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the
foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all

39
the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed”
(Acts 16:25,26). Many saints of old experienced deliverance
through praise. They include Paul and Silas (Acts 16:23-26);
Jehoshaphat with the Levites (2 Chronicles 20:17-22); Joshua
and his army (Joshua 6:20,21). Other Bible characters that
experienced deliverance through prayer are Moses, Esther,
Daniel, Elisha and the early Church. No matter the threat of the
enemies as we journey to heaven, there is assurance of God's
power to deliver and preserve His children. Through prayer of
faith, we secure consistent victory over satan and his agents.
Besides, the psalmist asked God to “deliver [him] from the
hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity,
and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood” (Psalm
144:11). He also prayed for prosperity (Psalm 144:13,14). Our
prayer should always be comprehensive, covering all areas of
our life.
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even
his prayer shall be abomination” (Proverbs 28:9). For sinners
to enjoy preservation and prosperity, there must be sincere
repentance and absolute trust in God. God's desire is that every
child of His should excel in all their endeavours. Christian
youths should engage in profitable activities that will promote
them in life with honesty and godly fear. God has promised ''to
bless all the work of thine hand'' (Deuteronomy 28: 12).

SUN Luke 19:11-27 Daniel 6:1-28

MON “ 19:28-48 “ 7:1-28
TUE “ 20:1-8 “ 8:1-27
WED “ 20:9-18 “ 9:1-27
THU “ 20:19-26 “ 10:1-21
FRI “ 20:27-47 “ 11:1-28
SAT “ 21:1-19 “ 11:29-45

40
 THE
1021 PREEMINENCE
OF PRAISE

Memory Verse: “Every day will I praise thee;

and I will praise thy name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
and his greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm
145:2,3).

TEXT: Psalms 145:1-21; 146:1-10; 147:1-20; 148:1-14;

149:1-9; 150:1-6

T he book of Psalm is full of appreciation to God for His

wonder-working power of deliverance, mercy, faithfulness
and kindness experienced by the psalmist based on creative
work and the redemption plan of God. The psalmist recognised
God's unsearchable greatness and decided to praise Him every
day. This is why the Scripture says, “Every day will I bless
thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is
the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is
unsearchable. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy
majesty, and of thy wondrous works” (Psalm 145:2,3,5).
David declared the need for every living soul to praise God due
to His marvellous and wondrous works. The nature of God
prompted the psalmist to affirm that men should declare His
wonders to show His benevolence toward them. “And men
shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will
declare thy greatness” (Psalm 145:6).

41
RECOGNISING THE PURPOSE OF PRAISING GOD (Psalms
145:1,2; 146:1-10; 8:1-5; 25:1-12; Revelation 4:11)

“Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise

upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven
with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who
maketh grass to grow upon the mountains” (Psalm
147:7,8). The mighty works at creation are the evidence of
the greatness of God and His power. The stars, moon, seas,
atmospheric heaven, earth and even man point to His
wondrous works. God, the Creator of all things is to be
appreciated by man. “Both young men, and maidens: old
men, and children: Let them praise the name of the
LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above
the earth and heaven” (Psalm 148:12,13). David expressed
his amazement by declaring that all men should praise God.
The creation of the world with its beauty and glory is the
manifestation of God's unsearchable riches. Praising Him is
the best way to acknowledge His faithfulness to humanity.
The sustainability of all things created by God is beyond
imaginations. “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy
name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the
heavens? When I consider thy heavens, the work of their
fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast
ordained” (Psalm 8:1,3).

Question 1: Why should Christian youths praise the

Lord?

“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over
all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD;
and thy saints shall bless thee” (Psalm 145:9,10). After
creation, God blessed man and empowered him to rule over
everything He created. His protection, provision and
preservation for man should be recognised. Our God should
be praised, “Which executeth judgment for the
oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD

42
looseth the prisoners: The LORD preserveth the
strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the
way of the wicked he turneth upside down” (Psalm
146:7,9). David's service to God was not complete without
praising Him. Offering praises to God attracts His favour and
blessings of God upon our lives. It assures answer to our
prayers and victory over the wicked. Also, recognising that
the duty of man in heaven will be to praise God continually,
every saved youth should cultivate the habit of praising God
now.

RENDERING PRAISES TO GOD FOR HIS MIGHTY ACTS

(Psalms 147:1-20; 149:4-9; Isaiah 40:28)

“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his

understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5). Our God is great
in power and might, this is noticeable in the creation of the
world. His mighty acts reflect His infinite understanding. As a
result of God's might and greatness, every youth is expected
to reverence Him at all times. We are also to fear Him always
because we are His creatures. “Let Israel rejoice in him that
made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those
that hope in his mercy” (Psalms 149:2; 147:11).
“He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his
word runneth very swiftly. He sheweth his word unto
Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel” (Psalm
147:15,19). God's might is reflected in His word. His word
transforms, reforms and redeems souls of men. No nation or
religion has a body of commandments with such impact on
man. “He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his
judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the
Lord” (Psalm 147:20). Christian youths are expected to
honour and reverence God's word as they get involved in
praise/worship and never jest with it. God will not spare
anyone who tampers with His word.

43
Question 2: How should Christian youths render praises
to God?

“Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a

twoedged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance
upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people”
(Psalm 149:6,7). Christian youths should know that “...the
LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the
meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let
them sing aloud upon their beds” (Psalm 149:4,5).
Christians youths, therefore, are expected to render praises in
joyful songs to the glory of God with reverence, fear and
holiness.

RESOUNDING COMMAND TO PRAISE GOD (Psalms 148:1-

14; 150:1-6)

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the

heavens: praise him in the heights” (Psalm 148:1). The
command to praise God is relevant and appropriate,
therefore, it is emphasised in Psalms 146:1; 147:1; 148:1-3;
149:1 and 150:1.

Question 3: Who are those commanded to praise God and

how should we praise Him?

“Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his

hosts” (Psalm 148:2). From the passage, the following are
commanded to praise God: angels (verse 2), various creatures
(verses 2-10), kings, princes and judges of the earth (verse 11).
Youths are not exempted from this command (verse 12). All
saints are commanded to praise God (verse 14). We are
commanded to praise the Lord in His sanctuary (Psalm
150:1). We are to praise Him according to His excellent
greatness (Psalm 150:2), and with musical instruments
(Psalm 150:3-5). Lastly, everyone alive is expected to praise
God. “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.

44
Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 150:6).

SUN Luke 21:20-28 Daniel 12:1-13

MON “ 21:29-38 Hosea 1:1-2:23
TUE “ 22:1-13 “ 3:1-4:19
WED “ 22:14-20 “ 5:1-6:11
THU “ 22:21-30 “ 7:1-8:14
FRI “ 22:31-38 “ 9:1-10:15
SAT “ 22:39-46 “ 11:1-12:14

45
 THE GREAT
1022 WHITE THRONE
JUDGMENT
Memory Verse: “And I saw a great white
throne, and him that sat on it, from whose
face the earth and the heaven fled away; and
there was found no place for them” (Revelation
20:11).

TEXT: Revelation 20:11-15

T he great white throne judgment is one of the teachings on

the events of the last days also known as eschatology. It is
part of the doctrines of the Bible. “And I saw the dead, small
and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:
and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and
the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation
20:12). In this teaching, God graciously reveals His programme
for this present evil world. Also, He wants us to know that the
time will come when wicked and ungodly boys and girls will face
final judgment.“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Prior to this judgment, at the end of the millennial reign,
the devil will be released from the bottomless pit to deceive
many people and gather them to fight against Jesus Christ the
King and His saints. “And I saw an angel come down from
heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great
chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old
serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a
thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and
shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should

46
deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should
be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season”
(Revelation 20:1-3). This is called the battle of Gog and Magog,
but Christ shall defeat and destroy them by the fire of His wrath
(Revelation 20:7-10). After this, the great white throne
judgment will be set. “And I saw a great white throne, and
him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the
heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them”
(Revelation 20:11).

THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE (Revelation 20:11; Genesis 18:22-

26; Psalms 50:6; 58:10,11; 94:1,2; Deuteronomy 10:17;
Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14; Acts 10:38-42; Romans 2:16)

One of the main features of the Great White Throne

Judgment is the righteous Judge. The Scripture says, “And I
saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose
face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was
found no place for them’’ (Revelation 20:11). He will judge the
world in righteousness, “Because he hath appointed a day, in
the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that
man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the
dead” (Acts 17:31). The final judgment of the dead, both small
and great, will be passed by God (Hebrews 9:27). At that time,
everyone will give account to Him. “So then every one of us
shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Question 1: Will a true believer face this judgment?

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain

salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that,
whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with
him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9,10). No true believer whose name is
written in the Book of life will face the great white throne
Judgment because their judgment as sinners was
accomplished by Christ on the cross (John 3:17-19,30; Romans
8:1; John 5:24).

47
Question 2: Who will be the Judge during this final ruling?

Jesus is the great Judge during the great white throne

judgment. He will sit on the throne so white, magnificent and
terrible at sight. The whole earth and heaven will tremble and
flee from Him. All those who died without repenting from the
time of Adam till the time of the final judgment will be
resurrected to get their sentence. This is called the second
resurrection (Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15). They will all stand before
God to give account of their deeds.
The Scripture describes God as the Judge of all the earth
(Genesis 18:22-26), the Judge of the earth (Psalm 94:1,2), the
God who judges the earth (Psalm 58:10,11) and the Judge of all
(Hebrews 12:23). However, He will transfer all judgment into the
hands of Jesus Christ His Son. “How God anointed Jesus of
Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went
about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the
devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all
things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in
Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God
raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all
the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even
to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the
dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and
to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the
Judge of quick and dead” (Acts 10:38-42). This is not strange
because Jesus is also called the Judge of the quick and dead,
the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8) and the Judge of the secret
things (Romans 2:16).

THE FINAL JUDGMENT (Revelation 20:12-15; Daniel 7:9,10;

12:1; Romans 2:1-6; 1 Peter 4:17,18; Genesis 6:5-7)

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and
the books were opened: and another book was opened,
which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of
those things which were written in the books, according to
their works” (Revelation 20:12). In this final judgment of all
sinners and wicked men, there are five things in the passage
above to be considered.

48
Question 3: Who will appear before the great white throne
judgment ?

1. The classes of people (Revelation 20:12; Genesis 19:9-11;

Numbers 16:26-33; 1 Samuel 5:7-9; Matthew 27:24,25). The
classes of people who will face the judgment are the small (boys
and girls) and the great (men and women). The congregation
will consist of (i) all sinners (dead and alive) for neglecting the
salvation of God through Jesus Christ, the Saviour (Hebrews
2:3). (ii) All backsliders who denied their faith in the Lord Jesus
(Exodus 32:33). (iii) All who denied the deity of Jesus Christ
such as sceptics, atheists, idol worshippers and religious
hypocrites (John 3:18,36; Matthew 23:27). (iv) all rulers who
used their powers to oppress the people.
2. The books of record (Revelation 20:12; Daniel 7:9,10). God
has record of all sinners with their deeds in heaven. In
righteousness, He will judge all unrighteous deeds of boys and
girls (1 John 5:17; Romans 1:28-32), unpleasant words such as
gossiping, backbiting, etc. (Matthew 12:37), the secret
conducts (Romans 2:16; Matthew 10:26; Hebrews 4:13), etc.
3. The Book of life (Revelation 20:12; Daniel 12:1; Malachi
3:16-18; Philippians 4:3). The names of all born again youths
are written in the Book of life in heaven. Therefore, they will not
be victims of this judgment. The question is: “Is your name
written there? On the page white and fair; In the Book of God's
Kingdom, Is your name written there?”
4. The judgment (Revelation 20:12,13; Jeremiah 17:9,10;
Romans 2:2-12; Job 34:18-22; Revelation 21:8). God will judge
every sinner and backslider who fail to repent. His judgment
will be fair, without partiality or respect of persons. The Bible
says, “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of
lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth
not persons, nor taketh reward” (Deuteronomy 10:17).
5. The place of punishment (Revelation 20:14,15; 21:8; Mark
9:43-48; Luke 16:19-28; Psalm 9:17). The place of those whose
names are not in the Book of life is the lake of fire. Without
partiality, “whosoever was not found written in the book of
life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). The
people to suffer that fate, include “the fearful, and
unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,

49
shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and
brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

THE WAY OF ESCAPE (Revelation 20:14,15; Luke 13:3,5; Acts

17:30,31; Hebrews 2:3; 12:29; Acts 4:12)

Jesus said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall

all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

Question 4: What is the way of escape from this final

judgment?

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he
hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world
in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained;
whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he
hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:30,31). The only way
of escape from the great white throne judgment is repentance
from sins. This will bring forgiveness of all past sins and the
grace to live righteously. Remember, forgiveness and salvation
can only come through Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the new
covenant. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there
is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Sinful youths should,
therefore, seize this opportunity and give their lives to Jesus
Christ.

SUN Luke 22:47-53 Hosea 13:1-14:9

MON “ 22:54-62 Joel 1:1-20
TUE “ 22:63-71 “ 2:1-32
WED “ 23:1-12 “ 3:1-21
THU “ 23:13-25 Amos 1:1-2:16
FRI “ 23:26-43 “ 3:1-4:13
SAT “ 23:44-56 “ 5:1-27

50
 NEW HEAVEN
AND
1023 NEW EARTH

Memory Verse: “And I saw a new heaven and a

new earth: for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no
more sea” (Revelation 21:1).

TEXT: Revelation 21:1-27

A fter the great white throne judgment, which is the final

judgment on evildoers, the Lord will create a new heaven and
a new earth. This will be a fulfilment of Scriptures as the present
world will be burned up. “But the day of the Lord will come as a
thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away
with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent
heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be
burned up” (2 Peter 3:10). This present world is full of evil,
darkness, ungodliness, lust, murder, lying and all manner of
evil.
Also, the atmospheric heavens are polluted by the activities
of the devil. The godly groan under the harsh and hard
conditions of the world and look forward to the new heaven and
earth where righteousness and holiness reign. At the creation of
the new heaven and the new earth, the plan of God to replace this
polluted world will be ushered in to match His glory,
righteousness and holiness. This He revealed to prophet Isaiah
long ago. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth:
and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into
mind” (Isaiah 65:17). The prophecy in this lesson demands
wisdom of every youth because the glories of men that we see
today will be burnt up by fervent heat. Therefore, Christian
youths should not lay up their treasures on earth but in heaven
(Matthew 6:19-21).

51
DESCRIPTION OF THE HOLY CITY (Revelation 21:1-6; 2 Peter
3:7-14; Isaiah 25:8; 65:17; 66:22)

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first
heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was
no more sea” (Revelation 21:1). John the beloved saw a new
heaven and a new earth because the old earth and heaven
passed away. This new heaven and new earth are called “the
holy city, new Jerusalem”. It will come from God, out of heaven,
as a bride adorned for her husband. “And I John saw the holy
city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation
21:2). In this new holy city, God Himself will live with those who
are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

Question 1: Describe the new heaven and the new earth in

your own words.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things
are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). This new creation is free
from sin and evil. The consequences of sin are not in it. In the
new holy city, there is no death, sorrow, pain, tears or separation
from God. This city is great, holy and eternal; and Jerusalem is
the capital. The city is referred to as the bride because of its
virgin nature and beauty, free from sin. This is where Christ and
all His saints will be forever.
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all
things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are
true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5). In this new creation, all
things will be new. God has power to create it. At this time, the
promise of Christ will be fulfilled. “In my Father's house are
many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go
to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that
where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2,3).

DIMENSION OF THE HOLY CITY (Revelation 21:9-26)

“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high

mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy

52
Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God” (Revelation
21:10). The holy city is called the New Jerusalem and is beyond
human description in its beauty. The Scripture describes it as
having the glory of God, clear as crystal, like clear glass, pure
gold, transparent glass and no night there (Revelation
21:11,18,21,25).

Question 2: How would you describe the beauty of the holy

city?

“Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a
stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as
crystal” (Revelation 21:11). The length, breath and height are
the same and have 15,000 miles each. It has 2.25m square miles
in one layer of mansion. The city has a good design and perfect
symmetry. It has 12 gates with 12 angles, 12 tribes, 12
foundations, 12 apostles, 12 pearls, 12 thousand furlongs, 12 by
12 cubits (Revelation 21:12,14,16,17,21).
“And the foundations of the wall of the city were
garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first
foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a
chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald” (Revelation 21:19). The
foundations are garnished with precious stones which reflect the
glory of God. The city wall is of pure gold, clear as glass. It is
without any temple. The Lord Almighty and the Lamb are its
temple. “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God
Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had
no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the
glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof”
(Revelation 21:22,23). The redeemed shall bring their glory and
honour into it. The city gate will not be shut. The pure river of the
water of life proceeds out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The tree of life by the side of this water bears twelve manners of
fruits every month. The fruits and the leaves are for the healing of
the nations. “And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day:
for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the
glory and honour of the nations into it” (Revelation 21:25,26).

DECISION TO ENTER THE HOLY CITY (Revelation 21:7,8;

Luke 13:3,5; John 3:3,5-7,15-17,36; Hebrews 2:1-3)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and

53
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters,
and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth
with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”
(Revelation 21:8). As we have seen in the word of God that the
new heaven and the new earth are holy, not everyone will live
there. In verse eight of our text, various people are mentioned
who will not enter the new city. It is only for the overcomers.

Question 3: How can the following people enter the new

city?
a) Sinners and backsliders
b) Believers

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his
God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7). To partake in
the new city, sinners and backsliders must repent of their sins
and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Their names must be in the Book of life. Believers must be
overcomers on daily basis. They must overcome the worldly
system, self, Satan, false prophets and their teachings, sins,
temptations and persecutions.
In this new city, the life of the redeemed will be glorious. It will
be a life of fellowship with God, rest, full knowledge, holiness,
joy, service, abundance, glory and worship (1 John 3:2;
Revelation 14:13; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Revelation 21:27,4;
22:3; 21:6; Colossians 3:4; Revelation 5:12). Finally, in the light
of today's study, believers must remain faithful and steadfast to
the end. This is because “there shall in no wise enter into it
any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh
abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in
the Lamb's book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

SUN Luke 24:1-12 Amos 6:1-7:17

MON “ 24:13-32 “ 8:1-9:15
TUE “ 24:33-43 Obadiah 1
WED “ 24:44-53 Jonah 1:1-2:10
THU John 1:1-18 “ 3:1-4:11
FRI “ 1:19-28 Micah 1:1-2:13
SAT “ 1:29-42 “ 3:1-4:13

54
 THE IMMINENT
RETURN
1024 OF CHRIST
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward
is with me, to give every man according as
his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).

TEXT: Revelation 22:1-21

T he first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ was to save us

from sins and all its consequences. “And she shall bring
forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he
shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The
second coming of Christ will be to receive the saints and
institute His reign. The second coming is divided into two
parts. The first part is the rapture of the saints. This is the
sudden catching away of the saints to meet the Lord in the air.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump
of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we
which are alive and remain shall be caught up together
with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and
so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians
4:16,17). On the other hand, the second part of His second
coming is when Jesus will set up His reign forever. This will be
fulfilment of prophecy (Isaiah 9:6,7). This second part of His
coming is the pivot of today's lesson.
Our text introduces us to the nature and manner of life in
the new city called heaven and the requirements of entering it
(Revelation 22:1-6,8-11,17). It also gives us the certainty of
Christ's second coming. “And, behold, I come quickly; and
my reward is with me, to give every man according as his
work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). The passage also gives
warnings to everyone on the consequences of adding or
subtracting from the word of God (Revelation 22:18,19).

55
DESCRIPTION OF LIFE IN HEAVEN (Revelation 22:1-6,8-
11; Ephesians 5:25-27; John 4:14; 1 Peter 2:24; Revelation
21:22,23; Matthew 5:8; Daniel 7:14,18,27; 1 John 3:1-3)

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear

as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the
Lamb” (Revelation 22:1). The text describes heaven. To be
part of those who will enjoy this, youths must receive Christ
who is the Source of life. Also, the word of God is the spiritual
water that cleanses us to qualify for heaven. “That he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
word” (Ephesians 5:26).
“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of
the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve
manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and
the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations”
(Revelation 22:2). In the midst of the street, there is the tree of
life, which bears twelve manners of fruits every month and it
is for the healing of the nations. To be a partaker, one must be
saved by repenting of his sins. The tree produces eternal life,
healing and health.
“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of
God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall
serve him” (Revelation 22:3). In the new city, there is no
curse because God and the Lamb will be on the throne. The
saints are His servants who will serve Him there. We have to
serve the Lord here on earth before we can serve him in
heaven. The saints will see God face to face in heaven and His
name will be on them.“And they shall see his face; and his
name shall be in their foreheads. And he said unto me,
These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of
the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his
servants the things which must shortly be done”
(Revelation 22:4,6).
As John the beloved saw this vision, he fell down to
worship the angel that showed him these things. He was
commanded by the angel to worship God only. “And I John
saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard
and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the

56
angel which shewed me these things.Then saith he unto
me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of
thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the
sayings of this book: worship God” (Revelation 22:8,9). This
is a warning to those who worship angels or other things
except God. Also, John was commanded not to seal the
sayings of the prophecy because the time is at hand. “And he
saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of
this book: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 22:10).

Question 1: Who are those that will be allowed entrance

into the new city?

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he

which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is
righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy,
let him be holy still” (Revelation 22:11). The Scripture here
gives us warning concerning those who are still living in sins.
The consequences are clear in the word of God (Revelation
20:11-15). It therefore means only those who are saved and
sanctified by the blood of the Lamb will live in heaven. The
rapture will occur unannounced and it is imminent.
Therefore, sinners and backsliders must repent and return to
the Lord without delay. The saints of God are to be watchful
and prayerful, lest that day comes upon them unprepared.
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but
we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of
an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and
the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51,52).

THE CERTAINTY OF CHRIST'S RETURN (Revelation 22:7,

12-16,20; 1:3; Psalm 1:1-3; Revelation 3:11; 21:8,27; 1
Thessalonians 1:7)

The Lord Jesus will be coming with the saints to reign on

the earth. “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that
keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book”
(Revelation 22:7). He pronounced blessings on those who
keep the saying of the prophecy of the Scripture. There are

57
blessings from the Lord for reading, hearing and keeping the
word of the Lord. Therefore, develop a good habit of obeying it.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words
of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written
therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).
In the book of Revelation, Jesus repeated the certainty of
His return about six times (Revelation 2:5,16; 3:11;
22:7,12,20). When He comes, He will give reward to everyone
according as his works shall be. In His second coming, Christ
will reign on the earth for 1,000 years with the saints. This
reign will be in peace, prosperity and blessings on the earth
(Isaiah 11:1-9). Also, the saints who do His commandments
will have the right to the tree of life. “Blessed are they that do
his commandments, that they may have right to the tree
of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city”
(Revelation 22:14).

Question 2: What will be the fate of sinners and

backsliders at the second coming of Christ?

“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers,

and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and
maketh a lie” (Revelation 22:15). Sinners and backsliders
will not be allowed into heaven. They must repent and believe
on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for them if they must get
there. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man
hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,
and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).
To confirm that this vision was from heaven, Jesus Christ
said, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you
these things in the churches. I am the root and the
offspring of David, and the bright and morning star”
(Revelation 22:16).

DECISION TO ACCEPT THE GREAT INVITATION

(Revelation 22:17-21; Isaiah 1:18-20; 55:1,6,7; Deuteronomy
4:1; Proverbs 30:6,7).

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that
heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And

58
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely”
(Revelation 22:17). This is the greatest invitation anyone can
receive on earth. God was the first to give the great invitation
to man for His salvation. “Come now, and let us reason
together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). When Jesus
came the first time, He gave similar invitation to all mankind.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In the last book
and chapter of the Bible, the Spirit of God repeats the same
invitation (Revelation 22:17). The Scripture says, “How shall
we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed
unto us by them that heard him” (Hebrews 2:3). As
Christian youths, we are to extend this gospel invitation to
everyone around us prayerfully, persuasively, patiently,
perseveringly and purposefully.

Question 3: What are the consequences of adding or

subtracting from the word of God?

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of

the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these
things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are
written in this book: And if any man shall take away from
the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take
away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy
city, and from the things which are written in this book”
(Revelation 22:18,19). As the book of Revelation ends, the
Lord warns that none is permitted to add or subtract from His
word .“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them
that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words,
lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs
30:5,6). The consequences of adding and subtracting from
His word are: one, the Lord will add the plagues in His word
unto that person. Two, his name will be out of the book of life.
Three, the blessings in the word of God will not be upon him.
As the Lord concludes this vision, He reminds everyone of His
coming again. “He which testifieth these things saith,

59
Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus”
(Revelation 22:20). He finalised the book with His grace upon
those who believe on Him. “The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you all Amen.” (Revelation 22:21).

SUN John 1:43-51 Micah 5:1-6:16

MON “ 2:1-12 “ 7:1-20
TUE “ 2:13-25 Nahum 1:1-2:13
WED “ 3:1-12 “ 3:1-18
THU “ 3:13-21 Habakkuk 1:1-2:19
FRI “ 3:22-36 “ 3:1-19
SAT “ 4:1-12 Zephaniah 1:1-18

60
 SUPREMACY AND
1025 SUFFICIENCY OF
THE NAME OF
JESUS
Memory Verse: “That at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the
earth” (Philippians 2:10).

TEXT: Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 1:17-23

T he world is filled with conflicts that have the tendencies to

create fear and trouble in the minds of young people. New
Testament believers are not to succumb to fear despite the
prevailing circumstances to the point that they forget the
power and authority in the name of Jesus and who they are in
Christ (Ephesians 2:6). They are to be constantly conscious of
divine promises, provisions and protection available to them
in Christ. No disease, principality or power can overcome a
child of God who is seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Question 1: What is the scope of supremacy and

sufficiency of the name of Jesus?

The supremacy and sufficiency of the name of Jesus is

not limited to a particular country or continent, or to national
and supranational 1 boundaries. Everything on earth,
underneath the earth, visible and invisible, in heaven, is
subject to the authority in the name of Jesus. He has the final
authority and power over our lives.

1
International

61
PRECEPTS AND PRINCIPLES FOR CHRIST'S DISCIPLES
(Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 3:17,23; 2 Thessalonians
1:11,12; 3:6,7; 2 Timothy 2:19-21)

Christ is our perfect Example in all things. The Scripture

says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). We are commanded to imbibe the
attitude of Christ as we live and prepare for His coming. The
principle here is that we are to make Him our Model in all
things and to conduct our lives in accordance with His word.

Question 2: In what ways is Christ our perfect Example?

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon

him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of
men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death
of the cross” (Philippians 2:7,8). One, humility should be the
hallmark of every true believer. There cannot be something
like a 'proud' or 'arrogant' Christian youth. Genuine salvation
takes away the haughty spirit from believers and makes them
little christs. None can be said to be genuinely converted who
is not like his Master in “lowliness of mind”, gentleness,
meekness and selflessness.
Two, Christ did not seek to be a famous personality whose
ego must be manipulated and pampered. He never sought
publicity on account of His position, power and prestige.
Three, He “became obedient unto death…” It was a
characteristic of the Redeemer to submit to the will of the
Father. It follows then, that if Christ did, His followers should
do the same in order to enjoy the full benefits of their
redemption. Four, He is united with the Father in all things.
The believing youths should be united as we confront our
common adversary, the devil. There should be no division or
disagreement among us.
Five, whatever we do as followers of Christ must be done
“heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians
3:23). We cannot afford to be part of the defilements,
disorderliness and desecration of the society and expect the
name of Jesus to work for us. If we exalt and promote the

52
6
name of Jesus in whatever we do, His power will work mightily
in our lives and situations. In all things, saved youths should
preserve, promote and proclaim the power in His name.
To enjoy divine protection, everyone must seek to come
under the umbrella of the Most High. We must ensure we
belong to Him and follow His principle and precept of
humility, meekness and submission to the will of the Father.

PROMISE AND PROVISION IN CHRIST'S MIGHTY NAME

(Philippians 2:8-10; Acts 4:12; Matthew 1:21; John 1:12;
14:12,13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 John 5:13-15; John 17:15;
14:27-29; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 91:1-16)

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of

things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under
the earth” (Philippians 2:10). The name of Jesus guarantees
the security of believers who put their trust in Him. It is a
tower which the righteous runs into and is safe (Proverbs
18:10).

Question 3: What are the promises and provisions

available to Christian youths in Christ's name?

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is

none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). One, it is only
through Christ's name we have the promise of full, free and
final salvation. He is the only One chosen by God to give
salvation to sinners through the remission of sins. He makes
the sons of men to become the sons of God; the enemies of God
to become the friends of God; and turns them from darkness
to light. Two, the name of Jesus gives us protection and
preservation (Exodus 12:13). God will not allow any harm to
happen to His people. Three, we have the privilege of receiving
answers to our prayers (John 14:13). Four, we have spiritual
strength to stand firm when men's hearts begin to fail them.
Five, there is sufficient grace and power to endure in all
circumstances. Six, He promises to give peace to those who
believe in Him (John 14:27; 16:33). Seven, we are kept from

63
evil (John 17:15; Hebrews 7:25).
“For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength
to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a
shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones
is as a storm against the wall” (Isaiah 25:4). God is a fortress
and stronghold for those who seek refuge in Him. They shall
be protected from the blast of the terrible.
Finally, at the mention of the name of Jesus, temptations
lose their power, Satan's hosts flee, and sicknesses and
diseases disappear. His name grants us healing, health,
holiness and heavenly inheritance.

THE POWER OF PRAYER IN HIS MATCHLESS NAME

(Philippians 2:10,11; Matthew 18:18-20; Mark 16:15-20;
Luke 10:17-19; John 14:12-14)

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of

things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under
the earth” (Philippians 2:10). The name of Jesus is
incomparable on earth and in heaven. The whole creation
acknowledges the matchless name of Jesus. There is
absolute, mighty, heavenly and unlimited power in the name
of Jesus. No challenge, difficulty or situation can withstand
the power and authority of His name. What the name did in
Bible day can still be redone in our midst today. The apostles
and disciples of Christ wrought mighty works, miracles, signs
and wonders through His name. “And his name through
faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see
and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him
this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts
3:16).

Question 4: What are the privileges saved youths stand

to enjoy in prayer through the matchless name of Jesus?

One, heaven stands at attention when God's children present

their requests in the name of Jesus. Two, purity of heart and
power of the Spirit are received through His name. Three,
deadly or poisonous substances lose their potency at the
mention of the name of Jesus. Four, demons submit to God's

64
children through His name. Five, greater and unprecedented
miracles, signs and wonders are wrought in His name. Six,
healing, provision and breakthrough are for believers in His
name. Seven, daily and continual victory is guaranteed to
those who pray in the name of Jesus. Believers can begin to
activate the power of God for every situation, today, because of
the privileges in the matchless and powerful name of Jesus.

SUN John 4:13-26 Zephaniah 2:1-15

MON “ 4:27-38 “ 3:1-20
TUE “ 4:39-54 Haggai 1:1-15
WED “ 5:1-16 “ 2:1-23
THU “ 5:17-30 Zechariah 1:1-21
FRI “ 5:31-38 “ 2:1-13
SAT “ 5:39-47 “ 3:1-10

65
 GROWING IN
CHRISTIAN
1026 VIRTUES
Memory Verse: “And beside this, giving all
diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge; And to knowledge
temperance; and to temperance patience; and
to patience godliness; And to godliness
brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness
charity” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

TEXT: 2 Peter 1:1-21

G rowth is an increase in size, number, value or strength of

living things. It is an important aspect of man's life. A
Christian is one who has been quickened by Christ from dead
works and unrighteouness (Ephesians 2:1). A born-again youth
has Christian virtues imparted to him by Christ. Consequently,
he is expected to grow, increase, and abound in them.

Question 1: What do you understand by Christian virtue?

According to the dictionary definition, a virtue is the quality

of being morally good or righteous disposition to do what is right
and good. Christian virtues are admirable moral attitudes,
innate quality or ability and behaviours of genuinely converted
believers. Christian youths are expected to grow in virtues and
grace. The second epistle of Peter was written to “them that
have obtained like precious faith with us through the
righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter
1:1). This implies that the recipients of this epistle were saved.
To this end, Peter wrote to them to “…add to your [their] faith
virtue; and to virtue knowledge…” He exhorted them to grow
in their faith so that they could be fruitful in the Lord. He did not
only exhort them to grow, he also prayed that “Grace and peace

66
be multiplied…” in their lives.

SAVING GRACE AVAILABLE FOR ALL SINNERS (2 Peter 1:1-

4; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:7; Acts
13:39)

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,

to them that have obtained like precious faith with us
through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ” (verse 1). Simon Peter, the writer of this epistle, was a
servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He was not a servant of sin
and of Satan because he was saved and had obtained “like
precious faith”.

Question 2: Explain the word “salvation” in your own

words and how sinning youths can receive it.

Salvation is the gracious work of God through which a

sinning youth receives pardon and forgiveness of sins and is
made a saint in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:9). Salvation removes
the wall of barrier that exist between God and man. It reconciles
man with God and establishes a Father-son relationship.
Salvation makes us come alive in God. It also grants us
admission into the kingdom of God when we leave this world. No
youth can be saved by burning candles or incense, putting on
holy garment, observing religious pilgrimage, giving alms to the
beggar, working for God or through any religious sacrifice. It
comes from Christ through grace.

Question 3: What is grace?

Grace can simply be defined as God's riches, righteousness

or redemption made available at Christ's expense. You do not
merit salvation. Jesus paid for it on the cross and you can
obtain it through faith. However, to be saved, you must
acknowledge and confess your sins and ask Him for
forgiveness. Then, you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the
only sacrifice and Saviour of the world. To remain saved, you
must promise the Lord and make up your mind that you will not
go back to your sins anymore.

67
Question 4: What are the benefits of salvation?

Salvation opens the gates of God's blessings. When you are

saved, you will be given: (1) all things that pertain to life. These
are the things that saved youths will need to keep spirit, soul
and body together. It includes promotion, success, peace of
mind, healing, health, provisions, sustenance, etc. (2) all things
that pertain to godliness. These are the things that Christian
youths need to continue to live a godly life. It includes grace,
fruits of the Spirit, Christian virtues, etc. (3) exceeding great and
precious promises. These promises that every child of God can
claim, relate to healing and health (3 John 2), abundant life
(John 10:10), being the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy
28:13), good success (Joshua 1:8), provision (Philippians 4:19),
etc. (4) the privilege of partaking of the divine nature. This will
come when we pray for sanctification and purity of heart. (5) the
ability to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust
(2 Peter 1:4,5).

STEADY GROWTH EXPECTED OF ALL SAVED YOUTHS (2

Peter 1:5-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Philippians 3:12-15)

Salvation is the beginning of the Christian faith (2 Peter

1:5-7). You cannot grow spiritually when you do not possess
spiritual life. Growth does not occur by chance. Even in physical
life, there are things that you must do such as eating balanced
diet, doing regular exercise, observing personal hygiene, etc. in
order to grow. In the same vein, for Christian youths to grow, he
or she must explore the means of growth.

Question 5: What are the things a Christian youth should

do in order to grow?

To grow in faith and in the Lord Jesus Christ, a Christian

youth must first, desire, read, meditate and obey the word of
God (1 Peter 2:2). Second, he should maintain a regular and
fervent prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Third, he should
observe a regular quite time (Mark 1:35). Fourth, he should
always be in fellowship with the people of like precious faith
(Hebrews 10:25). Fifth, he should be involved in soulwinning
(Matthew 28:19).

68
Question 6: Mention specific areas identified in our text
that we should grow in.

We must obtain other Christian virtues and receive more

grace that will enhance our relationship with God and make us
fit for His eternal kingdom. The apostle in our text highlighted
the following areas in which Christians are expected to grow.
They are (i) Faith - this is the saving faith. It is the basis of
growth (ii) Virtue - this is conformity to a standard of godliness.
(iii) Knowledge - we must grow in the knowledge of our Lord,
Jesus Christ. (iv) Temperance - this means moderation or self-
restraint in thoughts, action or words. Knowledge puffs up;
hence, we are not to allow what we know to make us be out of
control. (v) Patience - this is the quality of being patient during
provocation, misfortune or pain without complaint, loss of
temper or irritation. (vi) Godliness - this is living like God in
holiness in the world despite pollutions. (vii) Brotherly
kindness - is an expression of Christlike kindness towards
fellow believers. (viii) Charity - this is showing love and affection
divinely imparted in the heart to God in worship and to fellow
youths by doing things that benefit them.
There are lots of benefits Christian youths enjoy when they
grow in Christian virtues. Steady spiritual growth will make
youths fruitful, faithful and fulfilled (verse 8). Lack of steady
spiritual growth will lead to compromise, backsliding and sin
(verse 9). “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always
in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and
be established in the present truth” (verse 12). The apostle
here reiterated his commitment to always remind the believers
the spiritual truth they have heard and learnt so that they could
grow in it. Youth leaders must remind youths of the word of God
through: (1) visitation (2) counselling and (3) teaching and
preaching.

SCRIPTURAL GLORY REVEALED TO ALL SAINTS (2 Peter

1:17-21; Matthew 17:1-5)

As Peter encouraged the believers to grow, he went further

to remind them of the authenticity of the word which they have
believed so that they would not be shaken in faith. He affirmed
that his message as well as those of other apostles did not

69
originate from fables (verses 16-18).

Question 7: What can Christian youths learn from Apostle

Peter and other believers decision not to follow cunningly
devised fables?

There are many lessons for youths in this regards. First, we

must not join those who tell stories about their church. Jesus
only should be our message. Second, it is not a Christian virtue
for ministers to tell lies or give false testimonies to impress their
audience or make them believe. Paul the apostle stated that he
would not “…dare to speak of any of those things which
Christ hath not wrought by [him], to make the Gentiles
obedient, by word and deed” (Romans 15:18). Third, our
preaching should be accompanied and backed up by the power
of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 2:4).
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto
ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a
dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in
your hearts” (verse 19). The Scripture is a sure word of
prophecy. It is steadfast, fixed and unchanging. Our duty as
Christians is to take heed to its command and obey it.
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of
any private interpretation” (verse 20) All the truths and
mysteries revealed in the Scriptures are true. They do not
emanate (originate) from any human being. “All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works” (1 Timothy 3:16).

SUN John 6:1-14 Zechariah 4:1-14

MON “ 6:15-21 “ 5:1-11
TUE “ 6:22-43 “ 6:1-15
WED “ 6:44-59 “ 7:1-14
THU “ 6:60-71 “ 8:1-23
FRI “ 7:1-13 “ 9:1-17
SAT “ 7:14-24 “ 10:1-12

70
 CONSECRATION AND
SUBMISSION IN THE
1027 CHURCH
Memory Verse: “Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let
each esteem other better than themselves”
(Philippians 2:3).

TEXT: Numbers 6:1-9; 1 Peter 2:9; Acts 4:32-37; 1

Thessalonians 5:12,13; Hebrews 13:7

O rderliness, peaceful co-existence and progress are

prevalent attributes wherever there is submissiveness.
Rancour, confusion and crisis, however, characterise
wherever self reigns supreme and everyone sees himself as
somehow great. The church of God, the body of Christ, is an
assembly of the called-out ones, who have tasted of God's
saving grace, who have come out from sin into the marvellous
light of the gospel. Ekklesia, the Greek word for the church, is
used one hundred and fifteen times in the Bible. Generally
speaking, it refers to the body of believers, the universal
church.

Question 1: What do you understand by the word

“Church”?

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,

an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of
darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). A
gathering of the company of believers who meet regularly for
Christian fellowship, edification, revival and worship is
referred to as a church. For a church to be wholesome,
effective and established, the membership has significant

71
parts to play. These parts, depending on how they are played,
determine the success or failure of the church. The degree of
success achieved by the early Church was not without
consecration and submission, the two attributes we are
considering in this study.

CONSECRATION AND SUBMISSION AMONG BELIEVERS

(Ephesians 5:21-24; Romans 12:10,16)

Our memory verse says: “Let nothing be done

through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let
each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians
2:3). A church, to a large extent, is what the members make it.
A church whose members are consecrated and submissive
will experience a great degree of growth, success and
holiness.
The church has a two-fold task: to the outside world
and to individual members of the church. This cannot be
effectively carried out without consecration and submission
on the part of the members. Although all believers are equal
before God, yet there are those He has appointed to exalted
positions of specific calling. This presupposes there must be
leadership and followership in the church. To ensure smooth
operations among the leaders and followers, therefore, there
must be consecration and submission. The Bible frowns at
pride, arrogance, selfishness, unco-operative attitudes and
insubordination. “Obey them that have the rule over you,
and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as
they that must give account, that they may do it with joy,
and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you”
(Hebrews 13:17).

Question 2: Mention two major factors that make the

church successful.

There are certain essentials which make a church

wholesome, effective and established. More than any other
factor, the membership of any church is the greatest factor
that determines the success or failure of that church. Many
encomiums have been showered on the early church because

72
of the degree of success they experienced. The two essentials
we are considering today are the factors which made the early
Church as well as other Bible churches to achieve great
success. These two essentials are consecration and
submission.
There is a widespread notion among believers concerning
what constitutes the strength and stay of the Church. Many
believe that it is the pastor or minister that makes the church
what it is. This is true to a certain extent. However, the
attitude and contribution of members go a long way in making
the church what it is.

Question 3: (a) What is consecration? (b) Give examples of

young people who were consecrated in the Bible.

God expects every member of a Bible Church to be

consecrated. Consecration is the act of setting apart anything
or person to the worship or service of God. Consecrated
persons are those who despite position, achievement and
wealth yielded their lives unreservedly to the service and glory
of God. When the call to consecration comes to the believer
and he responds to God by laying all on the altar, he becomes
a consecrated believer (1 Chronicles 29:5; Psalm 118:27).
From thenceforth, he becomes committed to God, to the
church and to the progress of the gospel. Examples of
consecrated youths in the Bible include Joseph, Ruth,
Samuel, David, Esther, Daniel, Timothy and Philip's
daughters. You too can become one of them, today.

SCRIPTURAL PATTERN OF CONSECRATION AND

SUBMISSION (Numbers 6:1-8, 13-21; Mark 10:42-45; John
15:15; Matthew 8:9; Luke 17:10)

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who

have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow,
considering the end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7).
Divine blueprint for consecration and submission has been
given in the Scriptures. Irrespective of the social standing of
any believer, everyone is expected to esteem others better
than himself. Unlike in the world where masters lord it over
others, the Christian leader is not to arrogate power or respect

73
to himself. Rather, believers are given the divine injunctions
mandating everyone to honour the Lord and the spiritual
leader. The Lord lays so much emphasis on the need to
honour Christian leaders that He puts a stamp of authority
on it. Another express command to all heaven-bound pilgrim
is “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit
yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that
must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not
with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews
13:17). The fact that disobedience to God's instruction no
longer attracts immediate punishment does not mean that
offenders will ultimately escape His punishment.
In the Old Testament, a special group of people referred to as
the Nazarites were separated unto the Lord. It is evident, in
our text, that they were bound by a vow to be set apart from
others for the service of God. Having vowed “a vow of a
Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord,” they
were devoted to God during the time of their Nazariteship,
and their time was spent in service and commitment to God.
Their whole life and conduct were characterised by
separation and consecration.

Question 4: Who are Nazarites today?

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts to the

believer. In the dispensation of the gospel, all true Christians
are a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. The believers
now are what the Nazarites then aspired to be, through
consecration. In the economy of God's programme for the
church, every believer is a priest to God, separated from sin
and sinners, consecrated to God, and offering – as it were –
spiritual services to God through faithful and consecrated
involvement in the ministry of the local church. God's
standard for the church is clearly demonstrated and taught
in the Scripture. The church cannot be patterned after
secular institutions. The world's concepts of leadership,
obedience and commitment will not work for the church. The
Bible has outlined instructions and procedures to guide you
as a believer.

74
CONSECRATION AND SUBMISSION IN PRACTICE (James
1:22; 2:1-4; Galatians 5:16,26)

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). In the presence of
Christ, carnal glory and earthly distinctions disappear.
Consecration and submission transcend mere profession.
Every member of the church must show by his actions that he
is consecrated and yielded to the Lord and to the church.
When someone becomes consecrated to the Lord, he
repudiates all claims to personal liberty, opinion, and
personal preferences. At the time of conversion, one becomes
a newborn baby no matter one's social status, age, experience
and achievement in life. As one continues in the Kingdom one
needs to manifest a sense of insufficiency and dependence on
God as well as be in subjection to church leadership. Truly
consecrated and submissive Christians always see to it that
they sink their egos, personal opinions and differences, and
accept unreservedly and wholeheartedly the leadership and
authority of the church. God places a high premium on
obedience and submission. Disobedient Christians or
incorrigible believers are contradictions in terms.
According to our text, the early believers were entirely
consecrated and submitted to the Lord and the church. They
were neither rebellious nor possessive. They even submitted
their property and wealth for common use. They were loyal
members who gave proper regards and co-operation to the
leadership of the church.

Question 5: What is the place of obedience in the

command to honour and respect church leadership?

The pastor of the local church is the spiritual father of all

the members of the church. He should be highly esteemed
and honoured as a servant of the Lord and leader of God's
people. There is a reward for honouring and co-operating
with church leadership (Matthew 10:41). We are specifically
commanded to esteem very highly those who labour over us
in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:12,13). Ministers are to be
revered and respected by church members. If we respect our
superiors in our schools, how much more those who are

75
preparing us for heaven. Obedience to leadership is the mark
of respect. Any respect, so-called, without sincere obedience
falls below God's standard. Every member of the church
should obey pastors and ministers whom God has appointed
as leaders over them. It therefore means that the total
membership of a Bible church will obey all instructions given
by the pastor, follow the directions to which the church is
moving and accept wholeheartedly as well as carry out the
visions that God gives the pastor from time to time. This
leaves no room for anybody to project a dissenting voice, or a
rebellious front. The one who fails to obey and submit
himself to the leadership of the pastor stands to incur the
displeasure of God. There is blessing in obedience.
The Lord knows those who are denying the church of
complete loyalty, consecration and submission (2 Timothy
2:19; 1 Peter 4:17). God watches our attitudes in and toward
the church. Anyone who despises church authority is
despising the authority of the living God.

SUN John 7:25-36 Zechariah 11:1-17

MON “ 7:37-44 “ 12:1-14
TUE “ 7:45-53 “ 13:1-9
WED “ 8:1-11 “ 14:1-21
THU “ 8:12-37 Malachi 1:1-14
FRI “ 8:28-48 “ 2:1-17
SAT “ 8:49-56 “ 3:1-4:6

76
 DAILY CHRISTIAN
SERVICE
1028
Memory Verse: “I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God which is your reasonable
service” (Romans 12:1).

TEXT: Romans 12:1-18

T here are three main characteristics of Christian calling.

These are consecration, submission and service.
Consecration and submission entail completely yielding
oneself to God and the church leadership. A consecrated and
submissive life finds its manifestation in a daily life of
commitment in Christian service. The age we are living in is
one where selfishness, inordinate1 ambition and affection are
exalted. People are occupied with the pursuit of self-
attainment, education, pleasure, property, power,
popularity, prominence and pride. “This know also, that in
the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be
lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are
good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but
denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2
Timothy 3:1-5). It is therefore, important that believing
youths examine their lives to ensure that their hearts are
yielded fully to God and His service. This is a selfless cause
that God rewards if done in sincerity.

1
Beyond normal limits.

77
PATTERN OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE (Romans 12:1-18;
Hebrews 8:5; 2 Timothy 2:1,2)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of

God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”
(Romans 12:1). Christian service in the church must follow
defined scriptural pattern. Even though our daily life of
service as Christians varies, it can be neatly summed up in
four unmistakable areas: service to God (verses 1,2); service to
ourselves (verses 3-8); service to our brethren or the church
(verses 9-16) and service to the world (verses 17-21).
In all its various forms, the most compelling of our daily
service is EVANGELISM. Evangelism is the deliberate,
purposeful and prayerful effort of sharing the gospel with
another person with the intent of winning him to the Lord.
When we evangelise or witness, we are serving God by helping
others appreciate the most important decision in their lives.
We help them to come out of darkness into light. A former
2
fanatical communist, George North, later found Christ and in
his new zeal declared: “Picture your town; if every believer gave
out gospel tracts every evening; if every weekend they held
large open-air meetings or indoor rallies; told their workmates
every day about Jesus; gave every spare coin to His cause, and
invested every spare minute in prayer... If you cannot preach,
give. If you cannot give, distribute tracts. If you cannot
distribute tracts talk to your friends...”. This is the pictorial
expression our daily life of evangelism should have.

Question 1: Why must we preach the gospel?

Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). “For the Son of man
is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke
19:10). “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel
them to come in, that my house may be filled” (Luke
14:23). Evangelism is every believer's daily service and we
must obey the instructions of the Lord to evangelise, as well as
draw souls out of hell into heaven.
2
Excessive enthusiasm for and devotion to cause or idea.

78
Question 2: Mention some types of Christian services
believers can engage in daily.

The church has many areas of work in which we can get

involved and exercise our God-given gifts. Paul the apostle
thus exhorts, “Having then gifts differing according to the
grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us
prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or
ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that
teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on
exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy,
with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8). Some are given the gift
of care, love and leadership. They can serve as house
fellowship leaders. Some have the gift of praying; they can be
involved in the “Prayer Team”. Some Christians are mature
and seasoned by reason of their development and exposure.
They may be chosen to be missionaries or ministers.
Some are chosen to sing or play instruments. Others are
blessed with naturally strong physique and they will make
good ushers. Some have much spare time, which they could
spend in the cleaning of the church premises. Some have
given themselves to the study of God's word and acquisition of
wisdom; as such, they make good counsellors and Bible
teachers in the school fellowship. Still, others have been
blessed of God with material things – money, mansion and
means – so that they can support church projects and the
needy, “Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to
hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Though we get involved in these
services as Christian youths, we must not forget our academic
studies, which is our primary duty. “Not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

Question 3: Answer TRUE or FALSE:

(a) Christian youths should stop attending classes
because of preaching the gospel.
(b) Christian youths should become full-time workers
because there is much work to be done in the church.
(c) Christian youths should balance serving the Lord with
their studies.
(d) Christian youths who pass their examination make

79
God glad.
(e) Christian youths will promote God's glory more when
they excel in their academics.

PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE (Romans 12:2-13;

Matthew 4:17-20; Acts 1:4,8; 6:3-8,10)

The principles of Christian servants are worthy of

consideration. There are conditions we must meet before we
can serve. The conditions are as applicable under the New
Testament as they were in the time of old. God, in the Old
Testament told Zechariah, “If thou wilt walk in my ways,
and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also
judge my house, and shalt keep my courts, and I will give
thee places to walk among these that stand by” (Zechariah
3:7). The word “if” shows the conditional nature of Christian
service. It is, therefore, a misrepresentation of truth to
assume that there are no moral or spiritual conditions for
Christian servants.

Questions 4: What are the spiritual and moral

qualifications a youth should satisfy before getting
involved in the service of the Lord?

The first essential requirement before a youth can get

involved in Kigdom service is that he or she must “be first
partakers of the fruit”. You should not invite a friend to
follow the Saviour you have not fully followed. Jesus said, “If
any man serve me, let him follow me”. A Christian who
professes to possess a solid relationship with the Lord must
follow Him, do the things He says and walk as He walked.
Secondly, servants of the Lord must live holy,
unblameable lives. “If a man therefore purge himself from
these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and
meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good
work” (2 Timothy 2:21). God's perfect plan and purpose is
that “we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies
might serve him without fear, In holiness and
righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke
1:74,75). This implies that self must be dead for our service to

80
be acceptable and profitable.
Thirdly, we should serve with the attitude of sobriety1. A
sober disposition cancels the air of self-importance or self-
conceit2. Sobriety discourages an excessively good opinion of
oneself. Paul the apostle, in our text, puts it this way: “For I
say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that
is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he
ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God
hath dealt to every man the measure of faith… we should
live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world” (Romans 12:3; Titus 2:12).
Fourthly, our daily Christian service must be carried out
with fervour and zeal. A lukewarm, half-hearted service is as
good as worthless. A careless, grudging disposition or a lazy
attitude in the matters of divine service must be avoided,
because it is unprofitable. We must, at all times, remember
that this is the Lord's service and it requires our best.
Fifthly, our daily Christian service must be backed with
the principle of love. Love is the motivating factor that is
essential and needful for service. It is the greatest
constraining power in the world. Christ came to the world out
of love for lost humanity. “Greater love hath no man than
this, that a man lay down his life for his friends… God
commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us” (John 15:13; Romans 5:8).
We must love God, the church and sinners before we can
serve them. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that
which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).
Sixthly, we must saturate our service with all types of
supplication. Prayer directs and puts profit on our services.
Jesus' service to the world was backed with constant prayer,
supplication and communion with God. Our little effort
becomes much when it is soaked in prayer. We must be found
“continuing instant in prayer” for effectiveness in whatever
area we find ourselves serving. Finally, our service must be
done in the power of the Spirit of God. The secret of
unceasing, continual successful service is serving in His
power and abiding in Him. “Abide in me, and I in you. As
the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in
1
A manner that is serious and solemn; abstaining from excess.
2
An overwhelming opinion of one’s power or endowments.
81`
the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me”. Much can
be done when the Spirit of God has His full control of our lives.
Jesus knew this and said, “But ye shall receive power, after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and
in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts
1:8).

THE PROMISES TO CHRIST'S SERVANTS (Malachi 3:16-

18; John 14:1-3; 15:16)

The promises to Christ's servants are rich and gracious. Some

of them are temporal while others go beyond the present into
eternity. First, there is a promise of reward for servants who
do enduring works. “If any man's work abide which he hath
built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. And ye shall
serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread,
and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the
midst of thee” (1 Corinthians 3:14; Exodus 23:25). Second,
servants of the Lord have the promise of eternal abode with
the Master, Jesus Christ. “If any man serve me, let him
follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be:
if any man serve me, him will my Father honour” (John
12:26). Christ is on the right hand of the Father now; you will
also be there to enjoy the joy, bliss and glory of heaven if you
follow and serve Him to the end.
Third, servants of God shall be honoured by Him. His
honour is not like earthly bestowal of respect or rewards. It is
the true, lasting and highest honour. A measure of it is
received here. An immeasurable will be heaped on faithful
Christian servants in heaven. “Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding
in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your
labour is not in vain in the Lord. For God is not
unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which
ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have
ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire
that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the
full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not
slothful, but followers of them who through faith and

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82
patience inherit the promises” (1 Corinthians 15:58;
Hebrews 6:10-12).

SUN John 9:1-13 Genesis 1:1-19

MON “ 9:14-23 “ 1:20-31
TUE “ 9:24-41 “ 2:1-25
WED “ 10:1-8 “ 3:1-24
THU “ 10:9-21 “ 4:1-15
FRI “ 10:22-30 “ 4:16-26
SAT “ 10:31-42 “ 5:1-20

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 REDISCOVERING THE
FORGOTTEN PATH TO
1029 BLESSING
Memory Verse: “But seek ye first the kingdom
of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

TEXT: Ezekiel 36:11,25-27,37; Matthew 6:33

T he path to divine blessings has been forgotten by many

youths today. God has given us His promises and the
prophecies of what He intends to do and how He will do them.
He promises to bless youths in ways that are beyond human
reasoning. He says, “For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the
LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts
than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8,9). But He cannot fully and
richly bless anyone in the state of dirt and defilement except
such is completely cleansed by the blood of Jesus, our
Saviour. This is the reason God says: “Then will I sprinkle
clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your
filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you”
(Ezekiel 36:25). This refers to the experience salvation.

Question 1: What is salvation?

Salvation comes with conversion through repentance

and faith in the death of Jesus Christ and it brings cleansing.
Those who profess to be saved but are not living a righteous
life must first be cleansed from sin in preparation for better
things God wants to do in their lives. After salvation
experience, there is another work of grace, which many

84
youths are ignorant of today. They feel the initial experience
of salvation is enough; they forget God's promises for
sanctification (holiness or purity of heart) and a third
experience which is the baptism in the Holy Ghost. With
these experiences, we will fulfill the totality of God's will.
Though God has given us His promises, we must pray to
obtain them. “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this
be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I
will increase them with men like a flock” (Ezekiel 36:37).
Believers should seek His face and pray to Him in order to
enjoy His promised blessings. However, God wants His
children to give His Kingdom and righteousness a priority in
their lives. This is why our memory verse challenges us to
“seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew
6:33).

PRIORITISING THE REIGN OF THE MOST HIGH KING

(Matthew 6:33; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12; Luke 12:15-21; Psalm
119:36,37; Ruth 1:15-18; 4:13-18; Proverbs 23:26)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew

6:33). To have all that we desire, we must seek first the
kingdom of God. Unfortunately, many youths do not know
the path that leads to blessings. Solomon neither asked for
riches nor wealth. Instead, he asked for “wisdom and
knowledge...” (2 Chronicles 1:10) to reign over God's people
in a proper and perfect way that will satisfy Him. Because he
put God first, the Lord said, “I will give thee riches, and
wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had
that have been before thee...” (2 Chronicles 1:12).

Question 2: What is the path to God's blessings?

“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes

observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26). Believers should
prioritise their relationship with God and submission to Him.
Those who fail to put God first in all that they do should
consider Christ's parable of the foolish man who failed to
prioritise the kingdom of God and make heaven his desire. All

85
he concerned himself with was materialism. “But God said
unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required
of thee...” (Luke 12:12:20). The prayer of a person who cares
about God and His glory should be: “Turn away mine eyes
from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way”
(Psalm 119:37). Ruth put God first and vowed that “thy
people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth
1:16). She understood the pathway to blessings. She knew if
she was to get the greatest of blessings from the Lord, she
must put God first.
Most youths only adorn their body and neglect their souls
and spirits. But we need to take care of our spirits and souls as
well because at death, the body remains in the grave while the
spirit and soul go to God. As believers, we must be conscious
of the truth that every kingdom has a reigning king. Jesus
Christ is the reigning King in God's kingdom. So, everyone
must prioritise entrance into it through repentance and faith
and have Christ reign in their hearts and life. All must
prioritise the reign of the Most High King.

PURSUING THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF HIS HEAVENLY

KINGDOM (Matthew 6:33; Zephaniah 2:3; Jeremiah 45:5;
Isaiah 51:1,2; Genesis 13:5-15; 20:3-8,14,17,18; Matthew
5:6,20; Colossians 3:1-6,14-16)

“But seek ye first… his righteousness; and all these

things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Having put
God first, we should pursue “his righteousness” so that His
blessings will be added to our lives. Our righteousness should
be practical, active, personal and behavioural. Many do not
understand the path to the blessings of God by seeking “great
things” for themselves when the Bible says, “seek them not”
(Jeremiah 45:5). They fail to understand that God has created
them for a purpose. The Lord wants us to be saved and
sanctified, and to surrender our soul, spirit and personality to
Him in order to fulfil His purpose for our lives. As believers, we
should “Look unto Abraham” whom God “called… alone,
and blessed him, and increased him” (Isaiah 51:2). We must
not emulate Lot who failed to pursue God's righteousness and
eventually lost everything in Sodom and Gomorrah.

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Question 3: What is the importance of righteousness in
our lives?

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins

may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord; Unto you first God,
having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in
turning away every one of you from his iniquities” (Acts
3:19,26). There is need to follow the path of repentance,
restitution and righteousness before we can have the
blessings of the Lord. Righteousness at all times should be
our pursuit. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst
after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
God wants us to thirst and hunger after righteousness and
“seek those things which are above” (Colossians 3:1). We
must allow His doctrines on repentance, restitution,
righteousness, holiness and sanctification to dwell in us
richly.

POSSESSING THE RICHES OF HIS HOLY KINGDOM

(Matthew 6:33; Daniel 4:34-36; 2 Kings 20:3-6; Proverbs
3:1,2,9,10; 1 Kings 17:11-16; Malachi 3:10-12; Isaiah 58:8-
11; Hosea 10:12)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his

righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you” (Matthew 6:33). As believers, we do not need to be
running after material things. All we need to do is pray, centre
our affection on Him alone and make God's kingdom and His
righteousness our priority and pursuit. Nebuchadnezzar put
God first, his kingdom was established “and excellent
majesty was added unto [him]” (Daniel 4:36). Hezekiah also
got additional fifteen years because he “walked before [Him]
in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that
which is good in [His] sight” (2 Kings 20:3). When we keep
God's commandments, honour and make Him the priority of
our lives, He adds many good things to us. The woman of
Zarephath “…did according to the saying of Elijah: and
she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.” (1 Kings
17:15).

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Question 4: What should be our priority concerning
riches?

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all

things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious
promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in
the world through lust” (1 Peter 1:3,4). As a believer, put
righteousness above riches; purity before prosperity; and
holiness before healing. Be faithful in all that you are called
to do. Do not be like Ananias and Sapphira who lost their
lives because of unfaithfulness. When you do what God
requires, “all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be
a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi
3:12).

SUN John 11:1-17 Genesis 5:21-32

MON “ 11:18-29 “ 6:1-22
TUE “ 11:30-36 “ 7:1-24
WED “ 11:37-44 “ 8:1-22
THU “ 11:5-57 “ 9:1-17
FRI “ 12:1-11 “ 9:18-29
SAT “ 12:12-22 “ 10:1-20

88
 THE ACT OF
SOUL-WINNING
1030
Memory Verse: “The LORD gave the word:
great was the company of those that published
it” (Psalm 68:11).

TEXT: Acts 16:1-10

T he synoptic gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke and John) open

the New Testament. These books vividly explain the
earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ as He “went about
doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the
devil” (Acts 10:38), and preaching the word of God. At the end
of each of these four gospels, Christ gave the Church an
important task which should be the central activity of every
member of the church.

Question 1: What is the main task Jesus gave to

Christian youths?

As Christ got to the end of His ministry on earth, He

reemphasised evangelism to His disciples. This is also called
the great commission. This task imposes on the Church the
responsibility of going into all the world to preach the gospel
to every creature. Failure on the part of any Christian youth to
evangelise other sinning boys and girls carries great
punishment from the Lord (Ezekiel 3:18). The book of Acts of
the Apostles gives accounts of the activities of the church in
response to Christ's command on evangelism. They preached
Christ as the focal point of the gospel message. Today, the
Lord expects that the Church takes the challenge of
spreading the gospel. The importance of the gospel is stressed
by all the four Gospels (Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15,16;
Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21). Mark's gospel emphasises the
eternal destiny of anyone who heard and believed the gospel.

89
Those who reject the gospel will be damned. The assignment
of the church to the world will not be complete without the
preaching of the gospel of repentance and salvation from sin.
Hence, the sole activity of the early Church as seen in the
Acts of the Apostles was not in the building of their meeting
places, or of mere church administration and social
involvements in the various places where the disciples were
scattered but on evangelism.

QUALIFICATION OF SOUL-WINNERS (Acts 16:1-5; 6:4; 1

Timothy 3:1,7; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22; 2 Timothy 4:1-5;
Jeremiah 26:2; Proverbs 11:30)

“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a

certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of
a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but
his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the
brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would
Paul have to go forth with him...” (Acts 16:1-3). Paul and
Silas were now set to accomplish the task of the gospel. They
came to Derbe and Lystra where Paul met Timothy who was
recommended by the church to accompany Paul on the
gospel work. Having realised how enormous the work was, he
sought for partners to carry the gospel to every creature as
Christ commanded. Paul was careful in bringing in Timothy
who was now a convert and had good report of the people.

Question 2: Should we engage sinning boys and girls in

evangelism because the work of evangelism is
enormous?

An early salvation experience by Timothy under the

tutelage and instruction of his mother, Eunice and
grandmother, Lois, had both grounded him in the knowledge
of the Scripture and prepared him for the ministry (2 Timothy
1:5,6; 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). We learn from Paul's
choice of Timothy that God pays great attention to the
character of preachers and ministers of the gospel. God will
not permit sinners to bear His holy word (Psalm 50:16; 2
Timothy 2:21; Isaiah 52:11). Therefore, any sinning youth
who wants to be part of this great work of soul-winning must
repent of his own sin first, then, he will be fit to be involved.

90
 “Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took
and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in
those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a
Greek” (Acts 16:3). Paul's wisdom in circumcising Timothy
has great lessons to would-be successful soul-winners. Paul
took precaution in order for him to be able to penetrate the
Jews who strongly believe in the law of Moses and
circumcision as the anchor. It was not done in weakness or
compromise. It was necessary for the furtherance of the
gospel to the targeted people. How we need to be wise today!
Paul's action was not a weakening of his belief in total
salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians
2:8,9). He said, “I am made all things to all men, that I
might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

Question 3: Answer Yes or No.

a. Christian youths should have no dealings with other

boys and girls because they are sinners.
b. Christian youths should lend their study materials
and explain difficult topics only to fellow Christian
youths.
c. It does not matter if a born again girl goes to preach to
a sinning boy all alone in the room, after all Paul made
himself all things to all men.
d. Saved youths could be friendly with sinning youths in
order to win them to Christ.
e. When attempting to win sinning youths to Christ and
he is trying to make you sin, it is wise to withdraw.

Christian youths should express godly interest in and

friendship with people (Romans 15:24; Philippians 1:3-8; 1
Thessalonians 2:17; Proverbs 17:17; 18:24). A real soul-
winner, like Paul, cannot be unfriendly. It is, therefore, not a
good practice to stay away from people on the grounds of their
sins. A soul-winner loves sinners, though he hates their sins.
He, like Jesus Christ, loves and delights to see and help
sinners find the way of salvation as well as help confirm and
establish new converts in Christ (Luke 19:5-10; 1
Thessalonians 3:5-7; Mark 16:15). Christ's command is, “go
into all the world, (the world of sinners) and preach the
gospel to every creature.” If indeed you have been saved and

91
know the truth, then you must take the saving gospel to
wherever man is found. Go and tell somebody about the
Saviour. Talk about Him lovingly, simply, but firmly. Be
enthusiastic about it. Speak of the gospel like you would tell a
lovely and delightful story.
At the close of his first missionary journey, Paul had to
visit Jerusalem, the seat of the apostles and elders, to clarify
some doctrinal issues as it pertained to atonement for sins.
There, a decree, or a letter was sent to the churches of the
Gentiles. On his return, in full obedience to the charge of the
apostles and elders in Jerusalem, the churches were
established in the faith (Acts 16:5). Christian youths should
present the total gospel of repentance and remission of sin
which is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. We do
not change the message to elicit support or faith in our local
assembly or church. We must not present a pastor or any
man as Saviour. Jesus only is our message. Preach the word
of salvation in Christ and nothing else.

THE COMPANION OF SOUL-WINNERS (Acts 16:6-9; Ezekiel

3:17; Matthew 28:20; Acts 8:28, 29; Acts 1:8; Luke 4:43)

Question 4: Who is the companion of the soul-winner?

The soul-winner is sent by the Lord Jesus to go and preach to

the entire world and make them converts to Him. He should
always be conscious of the fact that he is not in the field of
evangelism alone. He should make effort to talk to the one
that sent him on the progress of the work committed into his
hand. He should take directives from the Holy Spirit. The
choice of where and to whom to preach the gospel at a given
time is the decision of the Holy Ghost.
Evangelism is like gathering the fruits of a tree. Some
fruits may be ripe enough for the harvest; others may not be
ready. To indiscriminately pluck down all the fruits on the
tree, whether ripe or unripe, is unwise. This was the lesson
Paul was to learn that though the gospel is meant for every
creature everywhere, all people and places are not ripe for the
gospel harvest at the same time. Only the Holy Ghost knows
who is ripe for the gospel at a given time; so, the soul-winner
needs the guidance of the Spirit to know when to throw in the

92
sickle for the harvest. Note that a fruit that is unripe for
harvest today will become ripe another day. For instance,
Galatia, Bithynia and the rest of the then Asia to which Paul,
Silas and Timothy “were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to
preach the word,” eventually received the gospel, and many
people in those regions were saved (Acts 19:10; 1 Peter 1:1-5;
Galatians 1:1-4).

THE PASSION OF SOUL-WINNERS (Acts 16:10; Galatians

1:16; Matthew 14:14; 9:36; Micah 7:18, 19; Ezekiel 33:11;
Luke 9:6; John 9:4; 4:34, 35)

Paul, the apostle, and his companions were always

sensitive to the dictates of the Holy Spirit. When He allowed
or deterred them, they just obeyed. This should be emulated
by all soul-winners. This was one of the secrets of Paul's
success as a soul-winner. “And after he had seen the
vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia,
assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to
preach the gospel unto them” (Acts 16:10). He acted
promptly after receiving the vision. Paul had godly passion
and Christ-like compassion. Passion and compassion on the
sinful and dying world are indispensable qualities which
every soul-winner must possess. As believing youths, we
must exhibit same characteristics to the dying world. When
we repent of our sins and are converted to Christ, the Spirit of
God imparts in us the nature of God and our Lord, Jesus
Christ (John 1:12,13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 4:4-7;
5:22,23; Romans 8:29).

Question 5: What motivated Paul the apostle in his

evangelistic activities?

The secret and motivating force of Paul's evangelistic

activities was his passion for souls. His passion overlooked
the hazards associated with the preaching of the gospel.
Although he was aware of the dangers of returning to the
regions of Galatia, where, in his first missionary outreach, he
had been opposed and expelled (Acts 13:44,45,50), stoned
and beaten (Acts 14:19), Paul determined to “go again and
visit our brethren in every city where we have preached
the word of the Lord, and see how they do.” Christian
93
youths who want to excel in evangelism like Paul must have
Christlike passion. Paul, a follower of Jesus Christ, set his
priority only on fulfilling the ministry which he has received
from Christ. Jesus declared in John 9:4 that, “I must work
the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work”. The priority of preaching
the gospel was never in doubt in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
He stopped at the well on the way to Samaria knowing that the
woman would come for water, He was ready to provide living
water; “Give me to drink,” the Saviour asked her, not only to
quench His thirst, but also to open a conversation to preach
the gospel to the adulterous woman. In the conversation
between the Lord and the woman, she, in her blindness to the
truth, unwittingly was distractive. She spoke about the Lord
“being a Jew” and she “a woman of Samaria”, thereby
pointing to the racial discrimination between them. She spoke
about Jacob and his cattle drinking from the well; she also
spoke about the right place of worship, etc. But none of those
could dissuade the Lord from the priority of preaching the
gospel so the woman could be saved. Paul followed Christ's
style of evangelism. Christian youths should also endeavour
to do the same. There are rewards for those who obey the Lord
and do all He has commanded on soul-winning. Get involved.

SUN John 12:23-33 Genesis 10:21-32

MON “ 12:34-41 “ 11:1-9
TUE “ 12:42-50 “ 11:10-32
WED “ 13:1-20 “ 12:1-20
THU “ 13:21-30 “ 13:1-18
FRI “ 13:31-38 “ 14:1-24
SAT “ 14:1-7 “ 15:1-27

94
 FULL PARTICIPATION
FOR MAXIMUM
1031 BENEFIT

Memory Verse: “Gather my saints together

unto me; those that have made a covenant
with me by sacrifice” (Psalm 50:5).

TEXT: Matthew 14:13-22; Mark 8:1-9

W ell-organised programmes for youths are moments of

unforgettable encounter before the great God of
heaven. Spectacular and abundant blessings abound as we
gather before His presence. “And I will make them and the
places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the
shower to come down in his season; there shall be
showers of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26). The Lord has made all
things ready. He has provided in abundance all things that
pertain unto life and godliness (2Peter 1:3). During such
programmes, there will be salvation, healing, deliverance,
holiness and power. He will saturate our lives with heavenly
blessings. An end has come for the devil to afflict the lives of
God's people.

Question 1: Mention youths' programmes in our church.

“Gather the people together, men, and women, and

children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that
they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the
LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this
law” (Deuteronomy 31:12). Some of the youths' programmes
in the church are the National Youth Success Camp (NYSC),
Deeper Life Entrepreneurship School (DLES), Retreats,
Success Academy for Youths (SAY), Achievers' Summit,
Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), etc.
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COMMITMENT OF SINCERE SEEKERS (Matthew 14:13;
15:32; Mark 6:31-33; 1 Kings 10:1-6,13; Acts 8:26-39; John
12:20-23; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Psalms 63:1,2; 27:4,8; Isaiah
45:19,22; Matthew 6:33)

“When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into

a desert place apart: and when the people had heard
thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities”
(Matthew 14:13). Our texts reveal to us the sterling quality of
great commitment in the lives of the followers of the Lord
Jesus Christ.

Question 2: Describe the commitment of Christ's

followers in Bible day.

“And when it was evening, his disciples came to him,

saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past;
send the multitude away, that they may go into the
villages, and buy themselves victuals” (Matthew 14:15).
Their commitment was reflected as follows: (i) They followed
the Lord on foot out of their cities (verse 13). (ii) They were in
the desert place outside the conveniences of their homes
(verse 15). (iii) They made grasses their seats (verse 19). (iv)
The passage suggests also that regular meals were not served.
(v) Children and youth were in Jesus' retreat in the
wilderness.
The sacrifice and investments in our programmes will
move Jesus Christ to compassion to heal the sick and deliver
the oppressed. It follows from the foregoing, therefore, that
the Lord expects every sincere seeker to demonstrate the
same commitment by (a) residing with Christ at the camp (not
off and on, if residential); (b) looking away from normal
temporary inconveniences; (c) giving full attention and
obedience to the word of Christ; (d) focusing on his/her
individual needs and praying for God's touch; (e) deciding to
wait on the Lord if need be. If all participants adhere to this
scriptural advice, they will not miss the Lord's visitation.

96
THE COMPASSION OF OUR ALL-SUFFICIENT SAVIOUR
(Matthew 14:14; Psalms 78:38; 111:4-6; 145:8-12; Matthew
20:34; Mark 1:40-42; 6:33,34; Luke 7:11-17; 15:17-22;
Exodus 3:7,8; Deuteronomy 30:1-6)

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and

was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed
their sick” (Matthew 14:14). The Saviour's compassion
reached out to the participants who attended His retreat in
the wilderness. The all-sufficient God healed all the sick and
provided for these diligent seekers. “And he commanded the
multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five
loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he
blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples,
and the disciples to the multitude” (Matthew 14:19).

Question 3: How can youths benefit during special

programmes today?

The Saviour, as usual, is mightily present to meet all needs

during our special programmes through His compassionate
love. He heals the sick, delivers the oppressed, saves penitent
sinners, revives the lukewarm and will not overlook anyone
who, in faith, calls upon Him. To enjoy the benefits offered
during special programmes, Youths must come to Christ in
full assurance of faith (Hebrews 4:15,16; Philippians 4:19)
and seek Him with all the heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

COOPERATION FOR SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY (Matthew

14:16-22; Mark 3:1-5; Exodus 15:26; 2 Kings 5:10-14; Job
36:11; Isaiah 1:19; Jeremiah 7:23; John 2:1-11; 9:1-7; 11:39-
44)

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his

riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). For the
Lord to supply abundantly all your need according to His
riches in glory, there must be divine-human partnership. It is
expected that every youth cooperates with God and His
appointed servants who will be sent to convey His love to us.
“And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into

97
the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth,
Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye
inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God,
so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall
ye prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20).

Question 4: How important is obedience to the word in

our lives?

“His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he

saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5). The Lord expects prompt
obedience to the various instructions in His word, which are
meant to bring the blessings of God to us. Obedience brings
blessings while disobedience attracts the wrath of God.
Whatever the Lord says to you, do it. This is the divine path to
heavenly blessings. If you diligently follow this path, the
promise of the Lord is: “I will make them and the places
round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower
to come down in his season; there shall be showers of
blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26).

SUN John 14:8-21 Genesis 16:1-16

MON “ 14:22-31 “ 17:1-27
TUE “ 15:1-11 “ 18:1-15
WED “ 15:12-17 “ 18:16-33
THU “ 15:18-27 “ 19:1-11
FRI “ 16:1-16 “ 19:12-20
SAT “ 16:16-24 “ 19:21-29

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 FOLLOW-UP AND
DISCIPLESHIP
1032
Memory Verse: “And some days after Paul said
unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our
brethren in every city where we have preached
the word of the Lord, and see how they do”
(Acts 15:36).

TEXT: Acts 14:21-28; 15:35,36,41

T he great commission consists of evangelism and follow-

up. The command from Christ to all believers is: “Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations...” (Matthew 28:19,20). The
command means believers are to go and make disciples of all
nations. Hence, the great commission does not end with
winning souls but continues with training converts through
follow-up till they become disciples. This entails getting them
mature enough to stand and teach others. Therefore, the
great commission demands that new converts should be
nourished and trained in Scriptures until they are
established in faith and fully integrated into the body of
Christ.

Question 1: What is follow-up?

Follow-up has been described as the conservation,

maturation and multiplication of the fruit of evangelism
through consistent exposure to the truth of God's word. It is
the care from a spiritual parent to a new convert (babe in
Christ) with the aim of bringing him/her to spiritual maturity
and fruitfulness.

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PURPOSE AND PRACTICE OF DILIGENT FOLLOW-UP
(Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 15:36; 14:21,22; Mark 3:14;
Philippians 2:19-22; 1 Thessalonians 3:10)

“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go

again and visit our brethren in every city where we have
preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do” (Acts
15:36). The purpose and practice of scriptural and diligent
follow-up by soul-winners is very vital to kingdom expansion
and achieving of heaven's goal.

Question 2: What is the importance of follow-up?

For new Christians to attain spiritual maturity and

fruitfulness, follow-up is necessary for the following reasons: (1)
Nourishment (John 21:15) – The new converts need to be
nourished with the word of God. It is the responsibility of the
soul-winner to feed these lambs of Christ. (2) Protection (John
10:10,12) – The new converts need protection from false
teachers and preachers. (3) Encouragement – The new
converts need encouragement during persecution and difficult
times because of their decision to serve the Lord (Acts
14:21,22). (4) Guidance – Although most of the converts'
questions may sound childish to mature believers, the soul-
winner should be around to answer and guide them as they
need instructions on basic Christian principles (1 Corinthians
8:1-13). (5) Training – The converts need training on the
fundamentals of the Christian faith and how to develop good
Christian habits (Proverbs 22:6). (6) Intercessory prayer (Luke
23:31,32; Colossians 1:3,4,9-11) – Personal intercession is an
aspect a soul-winner should not overlook. Prayers must be
offered without ceasing for them. Paul's letters to the
Thessalonians reveal the importance he placed on personal
intercession (1 Thessalonians 1:2; 3:10). (7) Fellowship (Acts
2:42) – The new converts need fellowship with the body of
Christ. Hence, they are to be integrated into the church for
worship.
Jesus Christ, our Master, Lord and the greatest Soul-winner
evolved the best follow-up method. He kept the converts with
Him for a period of three and a half years, taught and prayed for
them. By that, He teaches us that after conversion, the soul-

100
winner must continue to teach, pray for, encourage and
demonstrate the Christian lifestyle before the converts. The
soul-winner should also supervise the new converts to
ensure that they do not derail while making sure that they
become productive in the kingdom of God.

Question 3: Mention some methods of effective follow-up.

“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse

cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous
of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the
gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye
were dear unto us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7,8). The following
methods can be used for effective follow-up. One, personal
contact. This is one of the most effective ways of establishing
new converts. The closer the soul-winner is to the converts,
the closer they are to safety. Two, prayer. Intercessory prayer
was another method adopted by the early church (1
Thessalonians 1:2-6; 3:10). Paul the apostle spent much time
interceding for new converts. A man of God once said that “it
is better to spend ten minutes praying for new believers every
day than to spend one hour praying for them in their crisis
situation”. Three, delegation. Representatives of the soul-
winner can be sent to follow-up new converts where the soul-
winner is not able to personally have a personal contact (1
Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:19-24; 1 Corinthians 4:17;
Philippians 2:19-24). In the case of Paul the apostle, when he
was unable to personally visit new believers, he sent a trusted
representative like Timothy to help him do the necessary
follow-up. Four, use of correspondence. Writing letters to new
converts to encourage, teach, warn and guide them was a
method adopted for follow-up in the New Testament (Acts
15:20,23-29; 2 Corinthians 13:10; 2 Peter 3:1; Luke 1:3,4).
We can likewise do this through email, WhatsApp, text
message, etc. This method is appropriate where distance
tends to be a barrier.
As physical parents are responsible for loving, feeding,
protecting, and training their children until they reach the
age of maturity, so it is with spiritual parents. As soon as the
salvation of the convert is ascertained, he or she must be

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taught the importance of water baptism. Also, follow-up
should progress on the wheels of visitation and caring.
Therefore, our visitation must be purposeful and goal
oriented. Some of these goals are: (1) the soul-winner must
teach the convert that his sins are forgiven by God if he has
sincerely repented and accepted Jesus Christ by faith (1
John 1:9; Romans 8:16). (2) The convert must be taught how
to live a new life and imbibe principles of spiritual growth,
which are in the word of God (Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 2:1-3). (3)
The convert should be guided on how to maintain personal,
private devotion (Quite Time) every day (Mark 1:35; Joshua
1:8). A copy of the Bible should be made available to him for
this purpose. (4) The convert should be encouraged to share
his or her testimony with others regularly (Mark 5:19; John
1: 40-46; 4:28-30). (5) The convert should also be encouraged
to attend school fellowships and weekly meetings regularly
(Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42-47).

PERCEPTION AND PRINCIPLES OF DISCIPLESHIP AND

FELLOWSHIP (Matthew 28:19, 20; 16:24; Luke 14:25-33)

Shallow spiritual life and low standard of Christian living

are the products of inadequate biblical teachings today. A
young convert may be unwilling to bear anything that will
cause pains. But when he becomes mature enough as a
disciple, he knows how to bear his cross and follow Christ
because he has learnt of Him. He waits on the Lord and prays
that His will be done in his life.

Question 4: Who is a disciple?

A disciple is a believer who learns the basic principles of

Christian life. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest
unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Having on us the yoke of
the Lord means that we are to allow God to control our lives
for the benefits of the Kingdom. Therefore, to become a
disciple, you must consecrate all to God. New converts are
not to remain babes forever. They are to grow into maturity
spiritually. Hence, the great commission demands that a
young Christian be trained in basic spiritual concepts to

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bring stability into his spiritual life and fruitfulness to his
Christian service. A model life lived in accordance with sound
doctrines is the secret of a strong, stable, and steadfast
Christian life. This is how a Christian can be nurtured in
righteousness and true holiness, rooted and established in
the faith (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 2:7).

Question 5: What are the principles of true discipleship?

There are a lot for a new convert to learn from Christ.

Discipleship makes demands on the disciple. He is to prefer
God and his relationship with Christ above other things. He
possesses a greater love for God and His word than any advice
from people. He prefers the Lord's work and worship to even
his family tie. As an obedient student, he is studious and
excels in his examinations without compromising his stand as
a believer. There is no selfishness in him but total
consecration to and affection for Christ.
The true disciple is completely submitted to the lordship of
Christ (Matthew 16:24; Philippians 3:7; Galatians 2:20). He
has a willingness to forgo pleasure, possession or position in
life if they threaten to dethrone Christ and exalt self. He does
not meddle with things that becloud thoughts about hope for
heaven neither does he participate in activities that promote
self above spiritual matters. A disciple endures the cross in
the form of ridicule, persecution, abuse and bears every
difficulty without complaining, as long as it is for the glory of
God (Luke 9:23). Again, the disciple consistently follows in
Christ's footsteps (Luke 9:23; John 4:34; 5:30; 7:18; 8:29,31).

PROFIT AND PERSEVERANCE DURING FOLLOW-UP (2

Timothy 3:15-17; 2:1,2; Acts 11:25,26)

Follow-up and discipleship training have multiplier effects

in church planting. They equip members for the task of world
evangelisation. Our efforts to reach the lost will be mere day-
dreaming without serious consideration for follow-up and
discipleship development. Only serious-minded and
committed disciples can accept the responsibilities of the
great commission.

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Question 6: What are the benefits of follow-up and
discipleship?

Consistent follow-up will lead to the multiplication of

disciples. For example, if each of us wins a soul for Christ and
trains the convert to go and win another soul every six
months, in few years time, we would have evangelised our
community. John the Baptist led Andrew to Christ (John
1:35-40), and Andrew in turn led Peter to Christ (John 1:40-
42) and Peter at Pentecost led about 3,000 souls to Christ
(Acts 2:37-41) and those converts of Peter led multitudes to
Christ (Acts 11:19-21). It is only when we get to heaven that
we will be able to ascertain the number of converts that came
into the Kingdom through the ministry of John the Baptist.
The mission of multiplication and evangelisation can only be
realised through the vision of making disciples. Paul the
apostle, in his missionary endeavours, exemplified the
challenge of discipleship and breakthrough in evangelism
(Acts 19:9,10). Spiritual training is a life-long process. After
the disciple has been integrated to the service of the Lord, this
should not be seen as an end in itself. Further training for
constant improvement will definitely be necessary. This calls
for consistency and perseverance in the part of trainers.

SUN John 16:25-33 Genesis 19:30-38

MON “ 17:1-5 “ 20:1-18
TUE “ 17:6-19 “ 21:1-21
WED “ 17:20-26 “ 21:22-34
THU “ 18:1-11 “ 22:1-24
FRI “ 18:12-23 “ 23:1-20
SAT “ 18:24-40 “ 24:1-13

104