ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 5 JULY 31 2022

Memory Verse: Luke 21:8 – [Jesus] said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them(KJV).

Lesson Bible Text:

2 Thessalonians 1 and 2

Lesson Central Truth:

Through Christ, believers can discern and overcome evil.

Let’s consider this questions:

What is a scheme?

Do you think that the word ‘scheme’ describes something good or bad?

In general terms, a scheme is a plan of action to achieve a certain outcome. However, this word is most often used in a negative sense, applying to plans and outcomes founded upon evil intents.

This sense of the word comes through strongly in 2 Thessalonians. The schemes of Satan against believers are clever and with evil intent. The main objective of Satan schemes or strategies is to cause us to sin. Satan’s scheme is a daily activity. The Bible describes the Satan as roaring lion, who walks about, seeking whom to devour. We have to stand firm, be sober, vigilant and resist any form of Satan schemes.

As believers, we should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in order to discern the various schemes of Satan. Job 5:12 – He frustrates the plans of the crafty, so their efforts will not succeed. Always bear in mind that no matter the high rate of Satan’s schemes, the Lord will surely frustrate it in Jesus Matchless Name.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 5 JULY 31 2022

1. PERSIST AMID PERSECUTION

A. Encouragement For The Persecuted – 2 Thessalonians 1:1-6

B. Hope Of Christ’s Coming – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12.

2. DO NOT BE DECEIVED

A. Regarding Christ’s Coming – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

B. Let No One Deceive You – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

3. DISCERN THE TRUTH

A. Know Christ Will Prevail – 2 Thessalonians 2:5-10

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 5 JULY 31 2022

Paul gave kudos to the Thessalonians Christians and pointed them as good examples of patience and faith in spite of persecutions and trials. I encourage you today, just as Paul did to Thessalonians believers: may you never give up, persist and remain faithful to the end no matter the persecution in your way. So, be encouraged because Your Father is working out things for you and making every crooked path straight. He will surely punish our persecutors(1 Thessalonians 1:6).

Hope of Christ’s coming is the ultimate desire of every believer. Paul emphasised that at Christ’s coming, He would bring relief from persecutors. This relief was rooted in the reality that, at Christ’s coming, He will be revealed from heaven. As believers, our duty is to be holy in order to avoid His everlasting judgment on sinners. Paul, went on to to pray for the Thessalonian Christians, that God would make them worthy of His calling and fulfil all the good pleasure in their lives. May this be our answered prayer.

God has given to us freedom to make choices, and we are accountable to Him for those choices. The good news is that if we choose Christ and remain faithful to Him, we will be prepared to meek Him at His coming–not to be condemned but to receive everlasting life. The reward of our devotion to Christ will not be fully known or realised until He comes. Take time to praise Him for the great hope that you have.

Do not be deceived by people who claims to be “prophets.” Concerning His coming, don’t allow anyone to Deceive as Paul instructed the Thessalonian Christians. We are to stand against any form of deception. The day cum time He will come shouldn’t be our problem, but living right and being in good standing while waiting for His return should be our daily focus. So, we must not be deceived by people who sat they know when Christ will come again, or speak of specific dates regarding His coming. ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 5 JULY 31 2022

If we belong to Christ as our Saviour and Lord, we will know when He comes–whether we are living or deceased at His coming. Why? Because we will be gathered to Him. We will not miss His coming. Therefore, in thinking about Christ’s return we should direct our attention to what His coming will mean for all who are saved. This is our “blessed hope”(Titus 2:13), because Christ’s coming will be the culmination of His redeeming work. Make a commitment to share this blessed hope this week with someone who desperately needs hope in their lives.

In spiritual warfare, we should bear in mind that there is no neutral zone – you either triumph “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony,” or you will be enslaved by Satan. We should rise up to fight the good fight of faith through prayers and constant resistance to Satan’s schemes cum strategies. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!” (James 4:7). How do we do that? Here is how they did it according to Revelation 12:11: “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” They embraced the triumph of Christ by His blood. They spoke that truth in faith. They did not fear death. And they triumphed.

Distinguishing between truth and deception is one of thr greatest responsibilities of every Christian. The best antidote to a lie is the truth. Scripture gives clear direction to guard against deceivers and cling to the truth. There have always been counterfeits to the gospel. With the help of God’s Word, and in reliance upon the Holy Spirit, we can distinguish truth from error and choose truth–even when tempted by the way of sin.

Best Antidotes To Satan’s schemes:

• Be spiritually alert.

• Hold fast to the truth of the gospel.

• Make the Bible your daily resort.

• Live by God’s Word–despite living in an unbelieving world.

• Pray without ceasing.

• Let love leads.

Action Word

Our discipleship will be tested by Satanic opposition and deception. To come out victorious over this evil, we must be prepared with knowledge of God’s Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, to recognise and resist devilish opposition and deception.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 5 JULY 31 2022

Lesson Prayer Point

Father, help us to be victorious and overcome every Satan’s scheme in Jesus Matchless Name. Amen!

Remain blessed as you join us to study in our Sunday school both online and at any Assemblies Of God Church close to you as we study together under the Feet of the Master.

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