LOGO

CON

THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA

(Anglican Communion)

2014

BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

THEME:

THE POWER OF GOD AND THE TRIALS OF FAITH

FOREWORD

The theme of the Bible Study of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for the year 2014 is “The Power of God and the Trials of Faith”. This is obviously a necessary follow up to the last year’s theme which was “Dwelling in His (God’s) Presence”. The power of God to overcome the trials of faith is one main dividend of being in the presence of God. God does not promise His people a trouble/trial-free life. He rather promised us His presence both within and without. Thus, with God and in Him, we are more than conquerors.

The Bible study for the year, therefore, is to take us to another level in “…the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13; RSV). It will guide us to explore the Bible and see what, actually, is the Word of God on trials and problems for the people of God in their earthly pilgrimage. There are diverse teachings and notions or understanding today on the matter of a Christian passing through difficulties as well as the meaning and implication of such situations.

We need to hear God speak to us in His Word, both directly and through the examples of the “so great a cloud of witnesses” in the Scripture so that we will be able to “…lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and … run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1, NKJV).

Therefore, we implore all of us to avail ourselves of the rich spiritual resource of this study guide.

We commend the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee ably led by Bishop Henry Ndukuba for the good work that the Lord uses them to do.

We pray that God will use this work to achieve His glory and the edification and equipment of His people. Amen.

Most Revd Nicholas D. Okoh

Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate

Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

PREFACE

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ Who by His Holy Spirit has kept us to see another year 2014. We shall study the theme “The Power of God and the Trials of Faith” This is timely and would be used greatly by the Holy Spirit to correct a few wrong concepts church members have imbibed. These have caused some problems. The Bible is categorical that believers will face trials. It has to be emphasised that trials in the Christian faith are like examinations to students in schools. They are needed and so are allowed to come our way to test what we have learnt, what we believe, the genuineness of our faith etc.

It is also clear, from the studies, that the power of God is always available for His children. But, sadly, many do not appropriate it and so get frustrated or even entangled in the satanic web. The studies stimulate interest in seeking and appropriately utilising the divine enablement available to all believers.

The approach adopted is with the intent that all who go through these studies would be motivated to hold on through trials and seek God’s grace to overcome. The need to overcome and the benefits to derive in overcoming are explicitly stated in the studies.

It is expected that group preparation would take place before each study. This will unravel the gems locked up in the questions asked and the Bible passages used in the studies. There is an additional study which can be used in place of any other, as each church sees the need to do.

“The Power of God and the trials of Faith” was considered under

  • Introductory study
  • The Knowledge of God and Trials
  • Biblical Examples of Trials of Faith
  • The Power of God Demonstrated
  • Overcoming Trials of Faith
  • Contemporary Challenges
  • Hindrances to Overcoming Trials
  • Concluding study
  • An Additional study.

We are grateful to the Bible Study writing Team led by Bishop James Oladunjoye and Bishop Prof. Emmanuel Ajulo assisted by Ven. Charles Fakiyesi and Mr. Kiki Brings and the whole team. Thank you for giving your best to the Church of God. We trust God to use every study to bless every member. In the face of all trials we are persuaded that the power of God has given us victory through faith in Jesus Christ. “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Bishop Henry Ndukuba

Chairman, Liturgy & Spirituality Committee CON

BIBLE STUDY TEAM

APPRECIATION

We appreciate the writing-team for their labour of love and contribution. God has blessed us through your personal time with God and the inspiration you received. Thank you ever so much and may the LORD renew and replenish your strength.

These are the Team leaders:

  1. Rt. Revd James Oladunjoye
  2. Rt. Revd Aloysius Agbo
  3. Ven. Charles Fakiyesi
  4. Mr. Kiki Briggs

The Consultants:

  1. The Most Revd Emmanuel S. Egbunu
  2. Rt. Revd James Oladunjoye
  3. Rt. Revd Emmanuel Ugwu
  4. Rt. Revd Sosthenes Eze
  5. Rt. Revd Samuel Chukuka
  6. Rt. Revd Michael O. Fape
  7. Rt. Revd Prof. John Akao
  8. Rt. Revd Prof. Emmanuel Ajulo
  9. Rt. Revd Henry C. Ndukuba
  10. Ven. Dr. Princewill Ireoba
  11. Revd Canon Oliver Okeke

GUIDELINES TO ORGANISING/

LEADING BIBLE STUDIES

These are actually guidelines as indicated above. We trust the Holy Spirit to use them to enrich your time together.

Leaders should spend much time in prayer and preparatory before any study.

Emphasis should be on small and effective groups of between 10 and 20 persons depending on the size of the congregation and spaces available to teachers.

Where possible, separate youths from adults so lessons can be more appropriately applied.

All leaders should meet a day or more to the study to preview. Individual leaders are encouraged thereafter, to still go through the studies on their own.

Good time management can be done by assigning time to each section of the study and limiting the number of persons that contribute to each section.

If you begin the study by reading the text, then only make passing reference to it in the study when it occurs again. Do not read it again.

The memory verse and conclusions as well as “food for thought” are important since they capture the essence of a study. Therefore, endeavour to go through them.

The introduction is to be briefly handled. Do not use it as a medium for lengthy teaching.

Work out ways of stimulating peoples’ interest for Bible Studies. Adopt the time most suitable for your congregation and change when so desired, but with the approval of the Church leadership.

Leaders must be sensitive to contributions and ensure they address the questions or issues raised. Find out polite and effective ways of bringing contributions to focus on the study.

Find out from your vicar seasons of the Church year and explain them in two three sentences to your class at the beginning of the study.

Leaders of small group should know their members very well, visit and encourage them to bring others to their groups. Appoint assistant leaders for each group who should become the leader when the group splits with growth.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

Preface

Bible Study Team/Appreciation

Guidelines to Organising/Leading Studies

Table of Contents

Theme: THE POWER OF GOD AND THE TRIALS OF FAITH.

Bible/1 - JANUARY 5TH; The Epiphany; INTRODUCTORY STUDY -WHY TRIALS?

Bible/2 - JANUARY 12TH; 1ST Sunday in Epiphany; THE LOVE OF GOD

Bible/3 - JANUARY 19TH; 2ND Sunday in Epiphany; THESOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

Bible/4 - JANUARY 26TH; 3RD Sunday in Epiphany; THE GLORY OF GOD

Bible/5 - FEBRUARY 2ND; 4TH Sunday in Epiphany; THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Bible/6 - FEBRUARY 9TH; 5TH Sunday in Epiphany; NOAH

Bible/7 - FEBRUARY 16TH; Septuagesima; ABRAHAM

Bible/8 - FEBRUARY 23RD; Sexagesima; MOSES BEFORE PHARAOH

Bible/9 - MARCH 2ND; Quinquagesima; ISRAEL ON THE WAY TO THE PROMISED LAND

Bible/10 - MARCH 9TH; 1ST Sunday in Lent; JOSEPH SON OF JACOB

Bible/11 - MARCH 16TH; 2ND Sunday in Lent; JOSHUA AND THE WALLS OF JERICHO

Bible/12 - MARCH 23RD; 3RD Sunday in Lent; GIDEON

Bible/13 - MARCH 30TH; 4TH Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday); JOB AND HIS LOSSES

Bible/14 - APRIL 6TH; 5THSunday in Lent; JEPHTHAH

Bible/15 - APRIL 13TH; Palm Sunday; SAMSON

Bible/16 - APRIL 20TH; Easter Sunday; NEHEMIAH

Bible/17 - APRIL 27TH; 1ST Sunday after Easter; DANIEL AND HIS THREE FRIENDS

Bible/18 - MAY 4TH; 2ND Sunday after Easter; JOSEPH HUSBAND OF MARY

Bible/19 - MAY 11TH; 3RDSunday after Easter; JESUS’ DISCIPLES ON THE SEA

Bible/20 - MAY 18TH; 4THSunday after Easter; JESUS’ DISCIPLES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION ACTS

Bible/21 - MAY 25TH; 5THSunday after Easter; STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR

Bible/22 - JUNE 1ST; Sunday after Ascension; PETER AND PAUL

Bible/23 - JUNE 8TH; Pentecost Sunday (Whitsunday); ON DELIVERANCE FROM ATTACK

Bible/24 - JUNE 15TH;Trinity Sunday; IN FAVOR AND KINDNESS

Bible/25 - JUNE 22ND; 1ST Sunday after Trinity; IN PRESERVATION OF LIFE

Bible/26 - JUNE 29TH;2ND Sunday after Trinity; IN LIVING A VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE

Bible/27 - JULY 6TH;3RD Sunday after Trinity; IN PROVISION

Bible/28 - JULY 13TH;4TH Sunday after Trinity; BY THE VOICE OF GOD

Bible/29 - JULY 20TH;5TH Sunday after Trinity; BY THE FINGER/HAND OF GOD

Bible/30 - JULY 27TH;6TH Sunday after Trinity; BY SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Bible/31 - AUGUST 3RD; 7TH Sunday after Trinity; BY HUMAN INSTRUMENTS

Bible/32 - AUGUST 10TH;8TH Sunday after Trinity; BY JESUS’ RESURRECTION POWER

Bible/33 - AUGUST 17TH;9TH Sunday after Trinity; THROUGH PRAYERS

Bible/34 - AUGUST 24TH; 10TH Sunday after Trinity; THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS OF LIFE

Bible/35 - AUGUST 31ST; 11TH Sunday after Trinity; THROUGH PRAISE

Bible/36 - SEPTEMBER 7TH; 12TH Sunday after Trinity; THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD

Bible/37 - SEPTEMBER 14TH;13TH Sunday after Trinity; THROUGH JOINT FELLOWSHIP

Bible/38 - SEPTEMBER 21ST; 14TH Sunday after Trinity; COURAGE AND BOLDNESS

Bible/39 - SEPTEMBER 28TH;15TH Sunday after Trinity; FAITH

Bible/40 - OCTOBER 5TH; 16TH Sunday after Trinity; LACK & POVERTY

Bible/41 - OCTOBER 12TH; 17TH Sunday after Trinity; MARITAL CHALLENGES

Bible/42 - OCTOBER 19TH;18TH Sunday after Trinity; LEADERSHIP

Bible/43 - OCTOBER 26TH;19TH Sunday after Trinity; PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL

Bible/44 - NOVEMBER 2ND;20TH Sunday in Trinity; SPIRITUAL NEEDS AND CHALLENGES

Bible/45 - NOVEMBER 9TH;21ST Sunday after Trinity; EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANITY

Bible/46 - NOVEMBER 16TH;22ND Sunday after Trinity; SECURITY AND POSSESSIONS

Bible/47 - NOVEMBER 23RD; Sunday in Trinity OR Sunday next before Advent; INTEGRITY AND HEAVENLY FOCUS

Bible/48 - NOVEMBER 30TH; Advent Sunday; RELATIONSHIPS

Bible/49 - DECEMBER 7TH;1ST Sunday in Advent; IGNORANCE

Bible/50 - DECEMBER 14TH; 2ND Sunday in Advent; FEAR

Bible/51 - DECEMBER 21ST;3RD Sunday Advent OR (Sunday before Christmas); SIN

Bible/52 - DECEMBER 28TH; Sunday after Christmas; TO HIM THAT OVERCOMES.

  • ADDITIONAL STUDY; EDUCATIONAL PURSUIT.

STUDY 1

THE EPIPHANY JANUARY 5TH 2014

SUB-THEME: INTRODUCTORY STUDY

TOPIC: WHY TRIALS?

TEXT:Heb. 12:1-13; James 1:2-4, 12-14.

AIM: To be able to define and explain the nature, sources and value of trials; and to develop the virtues we must possess to be victorious.

INTRODUCTION: “Trials of faith” refers to difficulties we experience that are meant to prove the genuineness of our faith in the Lord and the sincerity of our love for God. These however affect the joy we derive from our glorious inheritance in Christ. Why then does something that brings pain come to those God says that He loves? This and many others are questions in the minds of many Christians which we intend to answer in this study.

STUDY GUIDE

  1. From James 1:12, 13 explain what “trialof faith” means and how it is different from temptation.
  2. List and discuss the various forms and sources of trials, Heb. 12:1 – 13; James 1:2 – 4, 12 – 14.
  3. Why does God allow His children to go through trials? See Job 23:10; James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.
  4. Read 2 Cor.12:9, 10; James 1:2, 1 Pe.1:8 and explain the essential grace/virtues Christians need in order to overcome trials.

CONCLUSION: Trials reveal our strengths and capabilities and produce character in us. Every child of God is a potential gold deposit. Trials make this gold to shine forth, provided we are steadfast in trial. But it must be added that grace, endurance and deep love for God are invaluable resources needed in trials. We can’t ask for too much of them!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Trials of faith may be painfully unpalatable, but the benefits are pleasantly inestimable!

MEMORY VERSE: II Cor.12:9.

STUDY 2

1STSUNDAY IN EPIPHANY JANUARY 12TH 2014

SUB-THEME: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND TRIALS

TOPIC: THE LOVE OF GOD.

TEXT: John. 11: 1-8; 3:16; Heb. 12:3-11.

AIM: To help us see God’s love as the driving force behind every trial of life that He allows His Children to go through.

INTRODUCTION: “If God loves me, why are all these things happening to me?” “Lord, why me?” These are common reactions of some believers when they go through trials. Every child of God should know that even in the severest of trials, God still loves us. And indeed, He allows us to go through those trials because He loves us and wants to promote us!

STUDY GUIDE

  1. How great is God's love to mankind; with what evidence? John 3:16; Rom. 5:6 – 8.
  2. John 3:16 tells of God's love for humanity. John 11:1 – 8 tells how Jesus allowed Lazarus whom He loved to be sick unto death before visiting him.

a) Why does God allow those He loves to go through severe trials as we see here? (Note John.11:4 and Prov. 13:24).

b) How can our knowledge that God loves us help us in trials? John 8:32.

  1. Does our human concept of delay successfully prove that God does not love us? II Peter 3:9; Psa. 46:1; Heb. 13:5; Jer. 31:3; Isa. 49:15, 16.
  2. Read Heb.12:3-11 and share with the class instances in your own life where God disciplined you out of love and how such was particularly helpful to you.

CONCLUSION: God’s love for His children makes Him open them to trials. What this means is that whenever we are going through any trial, we should count it a privilege to be chosen by God for it, because He is treating us as sons, except we suffer for the wrongs we do.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God tries those He loves. Allow Him today, and enjoy His peace!

MEMORY VERSE: Heb.12:6.

STUDY 3

2NDSUNDAY IN EPIPHANY JANUARY 19TH 2014

TOPIC:THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

TEXT: Rom 9: 10 – 23.

AIM: To help us perceive and appreciate how God’s sovereignty tends to overrule in the life of the Christian for his own good, and warn of the consequences of resisting it.

INTRODUCTION: Apostle Paul stated that “God works out everything after the counsel of His own will” (Eph. 1:11). The NLT renders it thus: ‘…He makes everything work out according to His plan’. This describes God’s sovereignty. It is God exercising His discretion in over-ruling in the affairs of men as He pleases without consulting man. We can't always figure out His reasons. For example, why did He allow Stephen to be killed; Jamesto be beheaded, yet He intervened in the case of Peter by setting him free from Prison!

STUDY GUIDE

  1. a) What is God's sovereignty?

b) How can you explain divine sovereignty in the lives of Hannah (1 Sam.1:6, 19-20); some of God’s children and prophets (Lk.11:49-51); the three Hebrew children (Dan.3:19-30), and Paul (2 Cor.12:7-10)?

c) How was God’s power at work for the good of those concerned above?

  1. What can we learn from the way God's children felt and related with His sovereignty in areas of trials/adversities? Job 19:25; 1:20; Dan 3:16 – 18; Matt. 26:39.
  2. In what practical ways do we see God’s sovereign will demonstrated in our lives as Christians today, and how should we respond? (Some members of the class may share their own personal experiences).
  3. How can our knowledge of God's sovereignty help us in our trials? Isa. 46:10; Dan 4:17; Jer. 27:5 – 7.

CONCLUSION: The power of God is always at work in all His people to achieve His sovereign will, whether it is good and acceptable or not. God has the complete plan of what He is doing; His actions are always the best. They are for our good, whether we know it or not and no matter how we feel about it.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Don’t despise the state you are in right now. It might just be God’s sovereignty playing out to bring about His ultimate purpose for your life!

MEMORY VERSE: Eph.1:11.

STUDY 4

3RDSUNDAY IN EPIPHANY JANUARY 26TH 2014

TOPIC:THE GLORY OF GOD.

TEXT: Ex 14: 10 – 20.

AIM: To show how God seeks to be glorified especially through the lives of those He loves and trusts, and to motivate us to maintain a positive attitude toward the trials of life.

INTRODUCTION: Responding to the distress call of Mary and Martha about Lazarus their brother, Jesus said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”(John 11:4). Mary and Martha may not have known that it was the plan of Jesus to wait until their brother died before coming over to raise him from the dead! So many times, in God’s dealings with us, we do not have the entire picture. But He does! So, we may not always know why or how, but the fact is, God seeks to be glorified through His children whom He loves and or through the diverse circumstances of life they face.

STUDY GUIDE

  1. What do you understand by the glory of God? (In this context, it refers to His worthiness, greatness, splendour, honour, praise due to Him.)
  2. Study these passages/events; consider the greatness of the challenges and how God's power brought Him glory in each. I Sam. 1:9 – 20; 2:1; Ex. 14:10 – 18; 15:1ff; I Kings 18:17 – 39; Acts 9:32 – 42.
  3. How do people feel in the trying times that eventually bring glory to God? How should we react in trying situations?
  4. a) In how many cases, that are all-together pleasant, was God ever glorified?

b) How can this knowledge improve our reactions/feelings in adversities? (II Cor 12:7 - 10; I Chron. 22:6 – 12; Deut. 1:35 – 40).

CONCLUSION: Whenever we come under trials, the more natural reaction is that of frustration and irritation. But it should not be so. God’s purpose is always that He be glorified in every trial He permits. What we need to do is stay calm, maintain a steady faith in the Lord, and keep moving forward!