Memory verse.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

(1 Cor.12:4)

A. INTRODUCTION.

Apostle Paul in his writings recognized that God in his infinite wisdom has not gifted us the same way. In fact, if He had done that, it would have been precisely the same thing that we would all be able to do for God and in the same way. That would have been so monotonous. He has gifted us differently to make for variety in the body of Christ.

B. DIVERSITY OF GIFTS.

i. List and describe the gifts mentioned in 1Cor.12:4-10.

ii. List and describe the gifts mentioned in Rom.12:6-8, 28.

iii. List and describe those that Apostle Paul mentioned again in Eph.4:11.

iv. If you carefully observe the church today, will you say that the gifts mentioned above are the only gifts, why?

C. PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

Spiritual gifts are given by God (Eph.4:11; 1Cor.12:6; Rom.12:6). The reasons why those gifts are given are stated in the following scriptures:

i. Why are there diversities of gifts? (1Cor.12:7)

ii. According to Eph.4:12, the gifts were given for what purpose?

iii. Read and explain Eph.4:12-14

D. CAUTION ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

There are several counsels to us from Apostle Paul in relation to the spiritual gifts.

i. What is the counsel in Rom.12:3-5.

ii. What is the lesson we should learn from 1Cor.12:12-21?

iii. What is your understanding of 1Cor.12:22-26?

iv. Is there really any spiritual gift that is not important?

v. In which area is your own gifting?

vi. Is there really any of the gifts that is superior to your own gift?

E. CONCLUSION.

One of the great lessons we learn from studying the life of Paul is in the area of spiritual gifts. He makes us to realize that God loves variety and this is manifested in the spiritual gifts which He endows believers with. Have you identified your own? Are you using it to benefit His church?

Flashback.

Memory Verse.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

A. INTRODUCTION.

Apostle Paul, more that anyone else made a clear distinction between walking in the flesh and walking in the spirit. In this study, we shall examine the characteristics of walking in either way.

B. CONTRARY TO ONE ANOTHER.

Apostle Paul makes us to realize that when you walk in the spirit, you will discourage the manifestations of the flesh. Read and explain the following scriptures;

i. Gal.5:16

ii. Gal.5:17

iii.Gal.5:18

C. WORKS OF THE FLESH.

List and explain each of the works of the flesh as enumerated in Gal.5:19-21.

i. Adultery- why is adultery so rampant in the society and even in the church?

ii. Fornication- what are some reasons why fornication is common among youth today?

iii.Uncleaness- Ezk. 24:13

iv. Lustful pleasures- Pornography, masturbation etc

v. Idolatry- anything that competes with attention for God is idolatry

vi. Sorcery- witchcraft is not just the practice and use of magic but also other practices.

vii. Hatred- (1Jn.2:9-11)

viii. Quarreling – (Rom.12:18)

ix. Outbursts of anger- (Eph.4:26-27)

x. Jealousy/ Selfish ambition (Jam.3:16)

xii. Division (1Cor.1:10-13

xiii. Envy (Jam.3:14-16)

xiv. Murders (Ex.20:13; Matt.5:21-26)

xv. Drunkenness (Pro.20:1; Pro.23:29-35)

xvi. Wild parties etc.

xvii. What is the implication of the practice of any of the above vices? (Gal.5:21b)

D. COMPONENTS OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.

Explain the components of the fruit of the spirit as listed in Gal.5:22-23.

i. Love

ii. Joy

iii. Peace

iv. Patience

v. Kindness

vi. Goodness

vii. Faithfulness

viii. Gentleness

ix. Self control.

x. Explain Gal.5:23b.

xi. What does it mean to crucify the flesh with its passions? (Gal.5:24)

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24 KJV)

xii. According to Apostle Paul, the evidence of living in the spirit is walking in the spirit; Do you agree?

E. CONCLUSION.

This study gives us the opportunity to look at the distinction between walking in the flesh and walking in the spirit. What is reflected in our lives becomes the evidence of our walk. What is your life exhibiting?

Memory Verse.

Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 ASV)

A. INTRODUCTION.

Much of what we know about the power and the efficacy of the name of Jesus was revealed to us in the Pauline epistles. Perhaps due to the powerful encounter which marked the beginning of his ministry as was recorded in Acts 9:1-6, Paul held the name of Jesus in such awe and demonstrated the efficacy of the name in a unique way.

B. POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

Study the following statements of Apostle Paul about the name of Jesus and explain your own understanding of the those scriptures concerning Jesus Christ.

i. Acts. 17:24 -31.

ii. Rom.1:1- 6.

iii. Rom.1:16&17.

iv. Rom.3:21-26.

v. Rom.8:37-39.

vi. Rom.13:11-14.

vii. 2Cor.5:9&10.

viii. Eph.1:7-12.

ix. Eph.2:19-22.

x. Eph. 3:8-12.

xi. Phil.2:5 – 11.

xii. Col.1:13-18.

xiii. Col.2:4-10.

xiv. Col.2:11-17.

xv. Col.3:1-10.

xvi. 1Thess.4:13-18.

xvii. 1Thess.5:1-11.

C. A COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVER.

A careful study of the scriptures above reveals the name of Jesus as a akin to a comprehensive insurance cover.

i. If you agree, give reasons why you agreed.

ii. In your own view, what are the reasons why Apostle Paul had such an in depth knowledge and trust in the name of Jesus Christ?

iii. What are some of the strategies which you may use to draw closer to Jesus so that you may reap some of those benefits which Paul apparently enjoyed?

D. CONCLUSION.

The life and teachings of Apostle Paul reveals to us the rich inheritance that we have in the name of Jesus. Any Christian who knows the depth of the efficacy of this powerful name will definitely live a victorious life which will be devoid of fear of what the enemy may do, be confident of the overcoming grace available to him in the face of challenges and will be sure of his eternal security. How much faith do you have in the name of Jesus?

Memory verse.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 3:23-24 KJV)

A. INTRODUCTION.

Grace may be defined as the unmerited favor of God which was made possible for all believers through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote extensively upon this important concept in the Christian faith.

B. PAUL ON GRACE.

Read Rom.3:23-28)

i. According to this scripture, is there any tribe or nation that is excluded from the grace of God?

ii. What brought the grace of God to everyone to enjoy?(Rom.3:24)

iii. What did God use the blood of Jesus for concerning our sins?(Rom.3:25)

iv. What is the place of faith in our access to grace?(v.25-28)

v. What does Rom.4:9 make us to realize?

vi. How do you understand Eph.1:7?

vii. What did the grace of God make Apostle Paul to do in 1Cor.15:9&10? If the grace of God allowed Paul to do so much, what is the message it has for you?

viii. What is the role of Abraham in our access to grace?(Rom.4:13-17)

C. GRACE AND CONTINUOS SIN.

Many believe that since the grace of God enables believers to have the forgiveness of sins, they believe that they can still go into sin even as children of God.

i. Please read Rom.6:1&2 to know the position of Apostle Paul on this. How do you understand the scripture?

ii. Read Rom.6:3-10 and explain the concept of the ‘old man’

iii. Explain Rom.6:11.

iv. In what ways may you allow sin to reign in your mortal body? (Rom6:12)

v. What is the counsel in v.13&14?

vi. Read and explain v.15&16.

vii. What kind of death is does sin lead to? (v.23)

D. CONCLUSION.

Apostle Paul was a propagator of the grace of God. He explained in in such a way that makes the freedom from sin which the death of Jesus Christ signifies to become so clear to believers. Yes, grace gives us freedom and boldness to have access to God but we must ensure that sin no longer reign in our bodies since grace is not a license to sin.

Memory Verse.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 KJV)

A. INTRODUCTION.

Right from the beginning of the ministry of Apostle Paul to the end of his life, he was a testifier of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Either he was standing before kings or commoners, Paul was never hesitant in opening his mouth to preach the gospel. The great commission as commanded by Jesus in Mark 16:15 was his watchword and this is a trait that we must imbibe from his life.

B. HOW IMPORTANT IS WITNESSING?

i. When you witness, it demonstrates that you are proud of your God (2Kg.5:2-3) and you are sure that He is reliable.

ii. When you witness, you are demonstrating your obedience to the Great Commission (Mk.16:15)

iii. When you witness, it shows that you are not ashamed of whom you have believed (Mark 8:38; 2Tim.1:8)

iv. Why did Peter feel that it was important to witness?(Acts10:38-43)

C. APOTLE PAUL AS AN EXAMPLE FOR US.

i. Read Acts 9:18-22. Paul immediately after baptism started testifying of Jesus. When last did you witness to anyone?

ii. Read Acts 26:19-23. What are your comments.

iii. Why did king Agrippa make the comments he made in Acts 26:24?

iv. Make comments on Acts 26:28.

v. How will you explain Rom.9:15& 16.

vi. Paul said that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ Rom.1:16, don’t you think that many people are not testifying because of shame?

D. HINDRANCES TO WITNESSING.

There are three main hindrances which may prevent one from witnessing. They are shame, lack of boldness and ignorance.

i. What does the following scriptures say about shame in witnessing for Jesus Christ? Lk.9:26; 2Tim.1:8. In your own view, what are some reasons why someone may be ashamed of witnessing for Jesus Christ?

ii. Why were the disciples praying for boldness in Acts4:29?

iii. Any Christian who doesn’t witness is an ignorant person (Mk.16:15) Do you agree? Why?

iv. Paul witnessed in any circumstance in which he found himself (Acts17:22-31). Would you have been able to witness in the circumstance in which Paul found himself in the scripture?

vi. What is the place of innovation in witnessing?

E. CONCLUSION.

We need to learn from Paul, the ability to witness under any circumstances in which we find ourselves. How often do you witness? If you don’t witness, you are disobedient to the Great Commission.