SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT'S MANUAL : TOPIC : NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

Sunday,  27^th September 2015

LESSON FOUR

Topic: NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

MEMORY VERSE: ” Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new 2 Corinthians 5:17

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

INTRODUCTION:

Before the new, there was old. However, the old was not in Christ, as there is no old life in Christ. The old life therefore must definitely be in Satan. Before a man can experience a new life in Christ, such person must have first experienced salvation of his soul. What then his salvation? Salvation is freedom from sin which leads to a change of life as a result of repentance and faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Such person enjoys forgiveness of sins which now reconciles him with God (Ephesians 4:24) 

LESSON OUTLINES

1. WHAT TRANSPIRES BEFORE THE NEW LIFE?
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW LIFE

WHAT TRANSPIRES BEFORE THE NEW LIFE?

Even though the thought of God towards man at creation was the thought of peace not and not evil, however, Adam, the first creature, changed the course of the human race by falling into sin. Satan succeeded in making Adam to believe the following about God:

1. That God is a liar (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). Ever since, man’s life has been characterised with lusts of his father, Satan, since he is the father of all lies. Man abides not in truth because there is no truth in him(John 8:44; 1 John 3:8). 
2. That God was deceitful and does not have the love of His creatures at heart. Deceit has been the nature of man ever since. (Hosea 12:7;Jereniah 9:6,8).
3. That God is unfair by not giving them that which was their ultimate good (James 4:3; Proverbs 1:28-29)
4. Satan blasphemed God. He spoke irreverently about God and painted God in bad light   (Ezekiel 36:20, Romans 2:24)
5. Man has a natural selfish and lustful will (Lukes 12:17-20)
6. Jealousy characterises the nature of a man  (Genesis 4:3-8)
7. Man exhibits unforgiving spirit and often seeks retaliation (Matthew 6:12; 18:23-24)

CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW LIFE

New birth is a spiritual experience that transforms you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God. It is also the receiving of God’s life and righteousness. Therefore, new life in Christ means a true follower of Christ, that is united to Him by faith and that truly derives grace and strength from Him, as the branch does from the vine.

The following are some of the characteristics of a new life

He is by regeneration made a new man (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24).
All the faculties his soul are renewed( Romans 12:1-2). The old life is reformed (Ezekiel 11:19), controlled by the spirit of God (Romans 8:9). Living and working by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7). Absolutely dependence on God (John 15:2-4). Thirst and hngry for the word of God (Matthew 5:6). Willingness to fellowship with God and brethren (Psalm 133:1). Zealous for the work of God (John 2:17; Galatians 4:18). Desire to live a righteous life and shun worldliness(Genesis 39; 6-9; 1 John 2:15,29).

CONCLUSION

It is expected that a new life in Christ will transform believers into the real image of God which is characterised by purity, holiness and righteousness (Ephesians 4:24).

QUESTIONS

1. What is new life in Christ?
2. Mention some of the characteristics of a new life in Christ?

Blessed week with THE HOLY SPIRIT

MONDAY: Numbers 23:19              - Let all men be liars; God remains faithful.

TUESDAY: Ephesians 5:5-6            - Sinners have no place in the kingdom of God.

WEDNESDAY: John 1:14               - if you can embrace the Word, you will be liberated fully

THURSDAY : Matthew 11:29- Cast your burden on him and wholly depend on him

FRIDAY Isaiah 59:1-2      - Run away from sin to obtain mercy from God

SATURDAY: Ezekiel 36:23  – Lord, let your name be glorified in my life

SUNDAY: 1 Thessalonians 5:18- Give thanks always