TOPIC: Christianity And Socialisation [Sunday, 4th February 2018]
MEMORY VERSE: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:12-13
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
INTRODUCTION:
To socialise simply means “to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way”. There are various ways of socialising, ranging from relating with people in the immediate environment, to getting involved in governance and community development activities. Christian socialisation cuts across recreation, social interaction, cultural activities and political issues. While there may be diverse opinions on the extent of the involvement of Christians In social issues, it should be noted that moderation should be the watch word.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. Biblical instances of socialisation
2. Worldly perspective verses biblical perspectives
BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF SOCIALISATION
Jesus Christ and His disciples attended a wedding ceremony at Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-2). He dined with Zacchaeus in his house (Luke 19:5). He was a friend to the family of Lazarus, Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) and also paid them condolence visit (John 11:33-35). He and His disciples also participated in the Feast of Passover (Mark 14:12-14; Exodus 12:24-27). Apostel Paul interacted with diverse classes of people for the sake of the Gospel in order to win some (1Corinthians 9:19-23). Daniel was involved in the political administration of land in his days (Daniel 1:18-21; 6:1-3).
WORLDLY PERSPECTIVE VERSES BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
Christians cannot live in isolation in this present world. However, we must know when and how to draw the line between worldly (sinful) and acceptable (holy) socialisations.
For instance, Christians are expected to recreate (1Timothy 4:8) but visiting bar/beer joints and night clubs for recreation are unacceptable. Christians should avoid participating or feasting at occasions where idols are celebrated (1Corinthians 10:28). Modernised carnivals with satanic undertones and other places where Christian integrity is questionable should also be avoided (1Corinthians 8:10-11; 10:19-21). Watching of immoral movies, listening to/singing of ungodly music and wearing seductive apparels in the name of socialisation are also ungodly things Christians must avoid (Philippians 4:5; 1Corinthians 8:8-11).
While getting involved in secular activities, Christians should watch out and abstain from things that can make them compromise their faith (Philippians 4:8).
CONCLUSION:
Whatsoever we do to socialise should be to the glory of God and edification of the saints (1Corinthians 10:31). Christians are to show moderation in social interactions.
QUESTIONS:
1. Mention three biblical instances of socialisation.
2. Distinguish between worldly and godly socialisations.
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?