TOPIC: INTEGRITY PART 1 [SUNDAY, 14TH JANUARY 2018]
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, do not let me fail on the scale of integrity, in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 11:1-9
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
MEMORY VERSE:
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” – Proverbs:11:3
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Integrity comes from Latin word ‘Integritas’ which means wholeness, entireness or unbroken state. It is the state of being honest, just, upright or pure. Integrity covers the whole moral character. It is one of the needs of the church and the society today.
TEST REVIEW
Pro.11:1-9
This Bible passage point out some characteristics of the righteous man (upright) which among others included integrity. A man whose integrity comes from his knowledge of the word of God would be associated with the following identities.
i. He or she would new false balance because it is abomination to God. Pro. 11:1
ii. He or she shall avoid transgressions and perverse fellows. Pro. 11:3
iii. He or she would be guided properly before taking any action pro. 11:3
iv. His or her way shall be directed and shall not fall. Prov. 11:5
v. He or she would not seek for profit that would kill him or her eventually. Prov. 11:4
vi. They would not be considered naughty fellows. Prov. 11:6
vii. Their hopes shall not perish. Prov. 11:7
viii. They will not run into troubles. Prov. 11:8
ix. Their knowledge of the word of God and fair dealings with neighbours will deliver them. Prov. 11:8
x. They will not be ashamed or be brought to disrepute because of God’s wisdom in them. Prov. 11:9
LESSON OUTLINES
1. THE ESSENCE OF INTEGRITY
2. FACTORS ERODING INTEGRITY.
THE ESSENCE OF INTEGRITY
i. Integrity is fundamentally a proof of one’s belief in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. 2Corinth5:17
ii. It is a character which makes a person not to waiver. 1Kings19:14
iii. Through integrity, a person becomes reliable to family members, subordinates and superiors. 1Samuel12:3-4
iv. The fellow who has integrity honours his words, promises and is committed to responsibilities. Joshua 2:12-14, Joshua 6:22-23
v. The fellow who has integrity recognizes his/her fallibility, takes responsibilities for actions or inactions, takes necessary corrective action for failure without minding cost. Gen26:9-11
vi. Those who have integrity are truthful and consistent. Luke16:10
CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Identify characteristics of a corrupt fellow.
FACTORS ERODING INTEGRITY
i. The quick-fix mentality for worldly gains. 2Kings5:20-23
ii. Ignorance of the living word of God. Hos4:6; Prov29:18
iii. Preoccupation with gratifying physical desires resulting in lust of the flesh.1John2:16
iv. Crave for material wealth at the expense of loyalty. Matthew26:15
v. Inability to maintain a consistent lifestyle both in the private and in the open. Joshua7:11,19; Gen31:32-35
vi. Misappropriation of God’s mercy and grace as an excuse for careless living and moral laxity. Romans1:28;6:1-2
CLASS ACTIVITY 2
What are the reasons behind quick-fix (get-rich-quickly) syndrome in our society?
SUMMARY
Based on the word of God, all believers are to live a life guided absolutely by integrity. Doing contrary is heading for destruction. Prov11:3
CONCLUSION
If ever we need two powerful forces to preserve us along life’s way, they are integrity and uprightness. While uprightness makes us learn God’s requirements and strive to fulfill them, integrity keeps us from claiming to be upright while living in pretense. Gen39:9
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, deliver our society from corruption. Help the world to be upright in dealings.
ASSIGNMENT
Give five points to distinguish between an upright (righteous) fellow and a corrupt fellow.
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