TOPIC — Martial Intimacy: The Perspective Of Christ And The Church [Sunday, 18th March 2018]
MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” – Romans 15:7 (scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:24-33
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
INTRODUCTION:
The marriage of a man and a woman is a mirror of the relationship that exists between Jesus Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:23, 32). In examing marital intimacy, therefore, it is important that we explore the path that Jesus Christ took in procuring intimacy with the Church.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. Shared responsibilities
2. Shared results
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Jesus Christ has always been with His Father from the very beginning (John 1:1-2) but He left that age long relationship in order to be joined to the Church – the believers (Galatians 4:4). The Church must also be ready and willing to let go of every “father and mother” relationship for the purpose of an intimate relationship with Christ (Matthew 10:37).
2. Jesus Christ left His exalted place of glory and honour and took on the position of a servant in order to bridge the relationship between Himself and the Church (John 10:17-18; Philippians 2:5-8). The Church must also sacrifice self (ego, personal achievements and glory) to pursue intimacy in relationship with Christ (Matthew 16:24-25; 19:21-22).
3. Jesus Christ demonstrated a selfless love for the Church (John 15:12-13; Romans 5:8; 1John 3:16). The Church must, in like manner, demonstrate a selfless love to Jesus Christ and also to the brethren (Luke 10:27; Matthew 25:31-40).
4. Jesus Christ shared with the Church every secret that gave Him the comparative advantage over her, and in doing so, He transformed the Church from being servant to being His companion (John 15:15-16). He invested time and resources in refurbishing the Church to match His worth in glory and holiness (Ephesians 5:25-27).
SHARED RESULTS
The process of intimacy has been completed and oneness between Jesus Christ and the Church achieved. Therefore, they both enjoy:
1. Shared persecutions (2Timothy 3:12; John 15:18-19).
2. Shared peace (John 14:27; Colossians 3:15).
3. Shared power and authority (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 10:19).
4. Shared victory (John 16:33; 1John 5:4-5).
5. Shared inheritance (Matthew 19:27-29; Romans 8:16-17).
CONCLUSION:
Jesus Christ showed us a perfect example of how to develop a mutually benefitting intimacy in our marriages. May God help us in following His example in Jesus’ name (Amen).
QUESTIONS
1. Mention the shared responsibilities between Christ and the Church.
2. What are shared results of the intimacy between Christ and the Church?
Click to read previous RCCG Sunday School Students Manual March 11th, 2018 Lesson 28 — Marital Intimacy: The Man And His Wife
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
