Youths Sunday School 20 August 2023 – Katartismos

 

TOPIC: Katartismos 

MEMORY VERSE: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” – Ephesians 4:12(KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:8-16 (KJV) )‬

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

INTRODUCTION: ‘Katartismos’ from the word ‘Katartizo’ is a concept in Greek that means to mend, repair, make whole, or perfect. It also means to make something or someone completely adequate or sufficient for a purpose or task. The basic idea is that of putting a thing into the condition in which it ought to be. This concept is however used in relation to the perfecting and equipping of saints for the God-given assignments committed to them. God wants His people to become perfect in all ramifications (Genesis 17:1). He desires nothing less than perfection (Matthew 5:48). Perfection is possible for all saints in Christ.

LESSON OUTLINES:

THE SAINTS DESCRIBED

STEPS TO PERFECTION

1. THE SAINTS DESCRIBED

The word “Saint” comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” It is almost always used in the plural, “Saints.” (Acts 9:13,32; 26:10; Philippians 4:21). These are the group of people set apart for the Lord and His kingdom. Scripturally speaking, the “saints” are the body of Christ, Christians, the Church. Christians are considered as saints (1 Corinthians 1:2). They are called to be saints, to increasingly allow their daily life to closely match their position in Christ. This is the biblical description and calling of the saints. The saints are both on earth and in heaven (Psalm 16:3; Matthew 27:52; Zechariah 14:5); everyone who has received Jesus Christ by faith is a saint (Psalm 89:7; Acts 9:32, 41; Acts 26:10; Romans 1:7); saints are called to revere, worship, and pray to God alone (Psalm 149:1-9). Every believer becomes a saint at salvation through the cleansing of sin by the blood of Jesus. At this point the righteousness of Christ is imputed on the believer: he is no longer a sinner but a saint in Christ (Ephesians 2:6-8). However, as long as the believer is in this world, temptations and trials are inevitable. He must therefore work out his salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:5). There are three references referring to godly character of saints: They must live worthy (Romans 16:1-2), they are to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12), they are to be free from immorality or any impurity or greed (Ephesians 5:3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Are you a saint?

2. STEPS TO PERFECTION

There are vital steps that help in building and perfecting the saints. These include:

Study of God’s word (Acts 20:32): It is the food for the saints (1 Peter 5:2; Hebrews 5:12-13; 1 Peter 2:2). It cleanses them always (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26), it continually trains them for perfection (2 Timothy 3:16-17), God uses it primarily to equip His saints (Psalm 119:9-11; Psalm 1:2-3, Joshua 1:8).

Focus on Jesus: The saints continually get perfected as much as they look to Jesus their master (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Aim for the Prize of the high calling: They also get perfected by setting their gaze on the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14) shedding off the weights and sins that easily beset them (Hebrews 12:1) and bringing their physical body into subjection (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention what they are doing to ensure they become saints.

CONCLUSION: God wants nothing but perfection from His Saints (Genesis 6:9b; 2 Chronicles 19:9). If you aim at it, you will get it!

QUESTIONS:

Describe who a saint is?

Identify the steps to perfection.

FURTHER READING:

Monday: Psalm 119:105 (KJV) – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Tuesday: John 15:5 (KJV) – I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Wednesday: Deuteronomy 33:2-3 (KJV) – 2 And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. 3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

Thursday: 1 Samuel 2:9 (KJV) – He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Friday: Psalm 16:3 (KJV) – But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

Saturday: Hosea 11:12 (KJV) – Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

Sunday: Romans 12:13 (KJV) – Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

ASSIGNMENT: List five things you will do this week to build up your spiritual life. (2×5=10 marks).