MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 22:37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with allthy soul, and with all thy mind (KJV).
CENTRAL TRUTH
Submitting to Biblical moral teaching leads to a good and fruitful life.
THE LESSON OUTLINE
1. The Basis of Biblical Morality Genesis 1:26-28; Matthew 22:35-40
A. The Image of a Holy God
B. The Law of a Loving God
2. The Scope of Biblical Morality Colossians 3:1-11
A. Hearts Set on Things Above
B. Put on the New Self
3. The Goal of Biblical Morality Colossians 3:12-17,24
A. Put on Godly Virtues
B. Find Peace Through Christ
TEACHING GOALS
*1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge: Explain the Biblical basis that forms the foundation of a Christian definition of morality.
Influence Attitudes: Encourage students to recognise Biblical morality as a reflection of their faith in Christ as well as their having been made in God's image.
3. Influence Behaviour: Challenge students to examine their lives and adopt moral values consistent with Biblical teachings.
INTRODUCING THE LESSON
Begin class with a discussion concerning the following questions: What is the Christian basis for morality? How does an unbeliever determine what is moral and what is immoral? How are these standards different from one another?
Christians have been made new in Christ. As a result, our definitions of right and wrong have been altered-and should now be determined by God's Word. Godly morality is more than just a code of conduct, however. It flows from virtues that grow within us as followers of Christ.
COMMENTARY AND APPLICATIONS
1. THE BASIS OF BIBLICAL MORALITY
A. The Image of a Holy God Genesis 1:26-28
The heathen nations of the Ancient Near East had their own beliefs regarding where the world came from. However, God's description of Creation differed in significant ways from these pagan beliefs, and such differences are described through the course of Scripture. For instance, the Bible asserts that there is one true God, Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1), while other nations believed in and worshipped many false gods.
The differences also impacted the way people thought that their gods, and our God, wanted them to act. The one true God is holy, and expects; holiness of His people (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7). But the false deities of pagan nations were viewed as amoral, so these nations did not have a proper basis for determining right from wrong.
For this reason, the goodness of Biblical Creation shone like a beacon in the Ancient Near East. God is good. God created the universe. And God created humanity to be unique-a uniqueness that continues today. We were given the responsibility of having dominion over Creation. That is, we are stewards over its resources (Genesis 1:26-28).
Yet perhaps the most profound truth of this passage is found in the declaration that humanity is created in the image of God (verses 26-27). "Image and "likeness", in verse 26 reinforce each other; they are not intended to mean two different things. These Words Convey the sense that a person is a uniquely rational and moraly responsible being. We were created capable of recognising right and wrong, of doing right as well as doing wrong. This uniqueness also speaks to the relationship God desires to exist between Himselfand humanity.
The implication is clear: God wants people to live in a way that pleases Him, and reject living in a way that displeases Him. So we are to live a good life in walking with God, not simply to honour a moral code but because of our unique relationship with a good God.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
How is humanity unique from the rest of Creation?
What would you describe as the joys and responsibilities of being created in the image of God?
B. The Law of a Loving God Matthew 22:35-40
"Teacher, which iS the greatest commandment in the Law? (verse 36, NIV). This was asked of Jesus by an expert in the 613 commandments of the Jewish Law.
In studying Jesus' response in verses 37-40, note that there was nothing new or surprising in the commands Jesus cited (Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18). They were familiar to the hearers because of the customary practice of training Jewish boys in the Law as part of their upbringing. In giving this response, Jesus used a method of rabbinic teaching that combined Scriptures sharing a common theme. Here that common theme was the command to love.
The first command dealt with love for God; His people are to love Him with every aspect of their being. One's very relationship with God is founded upon love. Then, the second command dealt with relationships between people. Human interactions ought to be governed by godly love. He concluded that all laws "hang" on these two (verse 40). In other words, all of the commands of the Law depend on these two, and are in a sense derived from them. As such, this law of love is no mere recommendation. It stands as the foundation for one's obedience to God.
One may ask, then, "What is love? And what is God's love?" God's love is active and positive. It involves commitment. Because of His love, His people can actively commit, with their whole being, to love God and others. This love is the driving force for doing good; it is the basis for morality.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
What do you think it means to love your neighbour as yourself?
How should the love Jesus described affect the way we define and practise morality?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Our "neighbour" might be defined as anyone who comes in contact with us. To love that person as ourselves, then, involves empathy, compassion, and respect for every individual as a person created in God's image. Is there anyone you struggle to love in this way? How might you overcome wrong feelings and practise such love?
2. THE SCOPE OF BIBLICAL MORALITY
A. Hearts Set on Things Above Colossians 3:1-4
Colossians 3 begins with the phrase, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ" (verse 1, NIV). Through His resurrection, Christ is the sole source of new life for the includes the hope Christian, and of eternal life. Just as He has been resurrected, we have been raised to new life.
While this reality changes the eternal destiny of the believer, it should change one's present way of Iiving as well. Believers are to "set [their] hearts on things above (verse 1, NIV), and "set [their] minds on things above" (verse 2, NIV). Note the parallelism Paul used in these two verses. Paul referenced the believer's affections, desires, and pursuits. The whole person is involved, since the focus of his or her life has been transformed. The heart is no longer to be fixed on this world, but on Christ. As a result, one's priorities ought to be shaped by values consistent with Christ's kingdom.
Such transformation takes place because he or she is "hidden with Christ (verse 3, NIV). But, what is meant by "hidden, since the Christian life is to be lived in full view of others? This refers to the spiritual bond with God every believer enjoys.
Verse 4 brings further understanding to verse 3. The source, purpose, and meaning of life for every believer is found in Christ. Such life will take on even greater significance when Christ returns in all His glory. Believers, invisibly linked to God in Christ, will be with Him.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
What does it mean to set your heart and mind on things above?
How will doing be seen in your life?
Why is it important to recall that you, as a believer, are hidden with Christ in God?
B. Put on the New Self Col. 3:5-11
The Christian's life is demonstrated, and made credible, by his or her actions and manner of living. Note the three imperatives Paul used in Colossians 3 when
speaking to one's manner of life (KJV): "mortify" (verse 5); "put off" (verse 8); "lie not (verse 9). These are used to anchor lists of examples of conduct that have no place in the life of the believer. The first (verses 5-7) lists vices of the earthly nature that should be mortified, or put to
death. These things ultimately bring about the wrath of God.
Notice the strong wording. The believer is to be decisive in his or her mortification. But now does this happen? verses nold the key. As
the Christian makes Jesus the Lord of his or her desires—surrendering
to Him as Master—it becomes easier to set aside sinful things and focus on godly things (see Phil. 4:8)
The second includes speech and emotions (Colossians 3:8). Like an old, filthy garment, believers should put off things like anger, rage, slander, and the speech that accompanies such sins.
Finally, Christians must not lie to group of sins one another (verse 9). Why? Because Christians have a new life and a new nature, rooted in spiritual truth. Verse 10 is Key here, with its mention of the new person being "renewed in knowledge." This is a continuous process that needs to be occurring in every believer.
The church at Colosse and other
congregations were battling a heresy called Gnosticism, a heresy that taught great "mysteries." The Gnostics believed that there were spiritual mysteries that only a select few could know. But Paul stated that God's people can all know spiritual truth-including the "taking off" of sinful garments and being renewed in Christ. The Gnostics also taught that deeds done in the body had no moral consequence because only the spiritual aspect of the person mattered. Paul made it clear that Christianity impacts the whole person.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
What does it mean to "put off your earthly nature?
How would you respond to someone who says it does not matter how we live because we are undergrace?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Paul offered two paths. We can choose to walk in the way of the Lord or continue in sin. It begins by seting our affections in the right place. What path are you choosing to follow.
3. THE GOAL OF BIBLICAL MORALITY
A. Put on Godly Virtues Col. 3:12-14
Becoming more like Jesus happens as a processs in the Christian life. Previously we have seen that the process involves the cleansing and renewing of our souls (Col. 3:1-11). But this transformation also involves the way in which we, as Christians, interact with one another as the body of Christ (vs 12-17). This might be called "love in practice," and it reflects the virtues demonstrated to us by Christ Himself.
V. 12 lists values that bespeak mutual respect and deference (note how each focuses on considering the other person rather than self). It is not surprising, then, that Paul moved on to mutual forgiveness which is rooted in Christ's forgiveness (v13). Such a standard indicates that we ought to be willing to forgive even the worst of wrongs, since Christ died to take away our sinsthe ultimate act of forgiveness.
Once again, love is at the centre as Paul described the foundation of these virtues of selflessness and forgiveness (v 14). One might say that love is the "belt' fitted around the other virtues that keeps them in place. Indeed, Paul used the imagery of a garment in his description. In New Testament times, People often wore flowing, loose-fitting garments. As a result, it was sometimes necessary to bind them for particular activities (thus the expression "gird your loins"). If one did not do this binding, he would be unprepared for action. Likewise, if Christians do not practise love, they are unprepared to act in the other godly virtues. Love is the key.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
What do you think it means to say that you "forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Col. 3:13, NIV)?
What are some practical ways that the virtues described in Colossians 3:12-14 can have a positive impact upon the local church?
B. Find Peace Through Christ
Colossians 3:15-17,24
Many in today's world are desperate for peace, yet they cannot discern the source of true peace: Christ (Colossians 3:15).
Such peace is closely tied to several other aspects of the Christian life: thanksgiving, and edifying fellowship within the the gospel message, body of Christ (verses 16-17).
These things flow naturally from our relationship with Christ. As we give thanks to God for our relationship with Christ, we find the means necessary to live peacefully.
Then, as God's Word dwells within us, we will live in right fellowship with our fellow believers, admonishing each other and worshipping together. And, most importantly, we can keep in focus an important reality: As we serve others, we are in fact serving Christ (verse 24). Such service forms tertile ground for a life of peace.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
How can Colossians 3:16-17 help you better understand what it means to experience peace?
What is one way we can bning honour to God in our relationships with fellow Christians?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Scripture's description of morality is given so that God's people might know how God desires for them to live. This includes exhibiting godly virtues even as we enjoy the peace of God in our hearts. How is Biblical morality evident in your life?
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
Do you recognise the importance of living as one who has been made in the image of God and redeemed by Christ? Do you feel like you are
fulfilling your role as His representative to the world around you? Have your desires changed,
and are your affections set on godly things?
Every person decides where to look for moral guidance and how to define what is right and wrong. Ask God to help you look to Him to show you what it means to live right and do good.
*THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GENERAL COUNCIL SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA.
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