Search Contents
Welcome to 2024 Church of Nigeria (CON) Anglican Bible study. If you are here reading this, congratulations! It means you are alive. We welcome you once again to our page. Here, we present to you CON 2024 Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 – 10. The Foreword was written by the Primate. we are going to publish the foreword. Read also: 60 Inspiring Sermon Topics to Preach During Marriage / Wedding
CON 2024 Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 – 10
Is 2024 Anglican Communion Bible Study Outline out? Yes, the hard and the soft copies are out. What is the theme of the 2024 Church of Nigeria (CON) Anglican Communion Bible Study Outline? The theme for 2024 Bible study outline is “The Christian Race” from Hebrew 12: 1. For the know, the 2023 Bible Study outline theme is God’s children as pilgrims to the heavenly kingdom: manifestation of God’s reign on earth. You can buy the book here
FOREWORD
We appreciate God for bringing us to another year as we continue in the early primate pilgrimage. We remain grateful to the lord for his sustenance and nourishment in His Word, especially throughout our communal Bible Study.
Last year, under theme, God’s children as pilgrims to the heavenly kingdom: manifestation of God’s reign on earth; we deliberated on who we are and what we should be doing as Christians who are still in the earthly sojourn. It is not easy to be a Christian in the world that is antagonistic and rebellious to God. Trials and prosecutions are very real and can be source of discouragement and destruction. It is therefore helpful that we follow up on last year’s study with another study that keeps us in proper perspective of the demands and challenges of Christian life and the need and means of remaining focused and undeterred.
The theme of our Bible study this year, the Christian race (Hebrew 12:1) is therefore not only sequential to the previous, but also essential to a victorious Christian life. The Christian race is a marathon, not a sprint. It is not a test for speed as for persistence and endurance. It is he who endures to the end that will be saved (Matthew 24:13). The Christian race is a metaphor for the journey as pilgrims to the heavenly kingdom. It is a life to be lived, a good fight to be fought, the race to be finished, the faith to be kept and the laid-up crown of righteousness to be reached out and receive (2nd Timothy 4:7 – 8).
The Christians race is not a race against or to win others but in conjunction with all the saints encouraging and building one another up, till we all come to the unity of the faith (Ephesians 3:18, 4:13 1 Thessalonian 5:11. It is a race that everyone who perseveres can win. It calls for us all to run with endurance and not to give up, but encouraging one another and building one another up that we will be able to win the price of eternal life.
The Bible study outline will be a great resource in understanding the Christian race and how to run it well, the different aspect of the race, including the starting line, the obstacles, the finish line and their rewards, looking unto the Lord Jesus Christ the perfect example of a runner. We commend this bible study outline to the entire people of God and the church of Nigeria as a very rich and relevant spiritual resource that must be availed of. We greatly appreciate the good work of the liturgy and spirituality committee led by by Rt. Rev’d Dr. Babatunji Foluso and specially appreciate all the Bible Study team of writers whose efforts have made this work possible.
Bless you all!
The Most Revd Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, MA, BD, MA(Ed.) D.D
Archbishop, Metropolitan & Primate of All Nigeria Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
CON 2024 Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 – 10
STUDY 1
FEAST OF CIRCUMCISION MONDAY JANUARY 1 2023
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: Circumcision of Jesus Christ (Luke 2: 21)
TOPIC: The circumcision of our hearts.
TEXTS: Col 2:4-12
AIMS:
- to illuminate Christians on the significance of January 1 in Christendom and
- to study the conceptual importance of circumcision in Christendom.
INTRODUCTION: In Christian tradition, the eighth day after Christ’ birth is mostly observed on January 1 as the feast of circumcision. According to Luke 2 verse 21, the circumcision of Jesus was an event for the naming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is in keeping with the Jewish law which holds that males should be circumcised 8 days after birth Genesis 17:12. During a Brit-Milah (Brit means covenant and Miller means cutting of the foreskin) ceremony, at which they are also giving their names. Genesis 21: 3-4. Even though our Lord Jesus was not born in sin, and did not need that mortification of a corrupt nature or that renewal unto holiness, which we are signified by circumcision.
However, this ordinance reveals his future perfect obedience to the whole law, in the midst of suffering and temptations, even unto death for us. In our tests today, Col 2:4-12, Paul admonished Christians to circumcise their hearts so as to purify it from old teachings concerning outwards cleansing and profane philosophies that can corrupt their heart against sanctification.
STUDY GUIDE:
- From your experience, what is the general concept of January 1? In addition, what should be the Christian concept according to our study today? ————————————————————————————-
- According to Leviticus 12: 1-3, explain the term circumcision and in the context of our study today, why was Jesus circumcised? ————————————————————————————-
- According to Jeremiah 4:4, Col 2: 10-11 and James 4:8, how can you contextualize circumcision in Christendom? ————————————————————————————-
- January 1 begins the year, what do you do as Christians to make this day a sanctified one for the journey of the year? Discuss. ————————————————————————————-
CONCLUSION: As we start the New Year today, let us ponder on our possible sinful lives of yester-years and come before the Lord for total sanctification of our hearts. This is very important for God’s guidance through our journeys of life. May God be with us continuously and sanctify us throughout our race this year in Jesus name, Amen. Happy New Year!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do you observe January 1 as a holy day for the Lord or a holy day for merriment?
MEMORY VERSE: James 4:8 “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Clean your hands, yea sinners and purify your hearts yea double-minded.”
BUY THE COMPLETE BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE HERE:
STUDY 2
SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY JANUARY 7, 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: Epiphany
TOPIC: Shine Your Light
TEXTS: Eph 3: 1-12
AIMS:
- to enlighten us on the liturgical importance of Epiphany to Christendom and
- to discuss how we can be light to lighten the world in our generation
INTRODUCTION
Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphania, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation” and refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The feast of epiphany (originally observed on January 6 the Roman Rite), is one of the oldest liturgical celebrations, even before Christmas was established on December 25. We celebrated this yesterday and today being the first Sunday after; we shall be studying the topic: shine the light.
In today’s Bible passage Paul enlightened the Ephesian Christians on how God mysteriously revealed Himself to him which advertently gave him the boldness and power to reveal the same mystery to the Ephesians through the message of salvation. Like Paul, how can we, as Christians shine the light of the gospel we have received to the world around us as we run our Christian race?
STUDY GUIDE:
- With references to Matthew 2:1- 2, Luke 2: 8 – 12, define Epiphany in the context of our study today and the significance to the whole world? ————————————————————————————-
- Analyse the mystery of the revelation of Christ to Paul according to acts 9:1- 6 and discuss the universal grace of salvation through Christ John 3:17 to 18? ————————————————————————————-
- God went as far as to the Eastern part of Judea (possibly Arabian because Arabia is known in the Bible as the East) to reveal His son Jesus Christ to them relate it to the message of salvation in Africa and the context of Matthew 2:1 -2 and Matt 28:19 – 20 ————————————————————————————-
- How can you lighten the world in your generation? Acts 13:47, 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7. ————————————————————————————-
CONCLUSION: Let us conclude our study today with the collect for the feast of Epiphany (January 6) from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP Collect: Church Book and Desk Diary, January 6 2023). O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious God-head; through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: As Christians, how far have you shown Christ to the unbelievers?
MEMORY VERSE: Acts 13:47 “For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles that thou should be for salvation unto the ends of the Earth.”
CONTINUE HERE FOR THE COMPLETE STUDY OR
YOU CAN BUY OR DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE 2024 ANGLICAN BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE HERE
STUDY3
2ND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY- JANUARY 14 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: General concept of race 1
TOPIC: Earthly Race
TEXT: I Cor. 9:24-27
AIMS:
- to introduce the year’s Theme in the context of earthly race and it.
- to help us understand the Christian race in the context of earthly race.
INTRODUCTION: Earthly race is simply a competition between two or more persons or Teams that starts and ends on earth. It can be athletic like running, games like football, or competition like Boxing. In our text today, Apostle Paul analyzed the earthly Olympic Games by the Roman athletes. He emphasized on the disciplined habits in all aspects of life (I Cor 9:25, 27).
Like earthly participants, Christians on the heavenly race are also admonished to live discipline lives in order to win the imperishable crown of life. Throughout this year, we shall study all it takes to run our race on earth towards the kingdom of God. It is our prayer that as we study together this year, we shall all end the year with abundant spiritual riches in Jesus name.
STUDY GUIDES
- Define earthly race and give examples from your own experience.
- Explain the disciplined habits of athletes, footballers, sportsmen and sportswomen. Compare these with Christians’ discipline in running the race to the kingdom of God? Lev 18:21-24; 1Cor.6:19-20; 2Cor 6:16-17.
- From life’s experience, how can you explain the ways people are competing for earthly possessions, wealth, positions, denomination sizes and congregational sizes in our generation? Compare Gen 30:l-ll;Num 12:1-2.
- How can Christians successfully navigate the ‘race’ track while on earth and finish victoriously: !Cor.9:25-27; 2Tim.2:5;Heh.l2:1-2
CONCLUSION: As the earthly athletes and sportsmen and women discipline themselves in order to win their races, so Christians also should run their Christian race with carefulness and godliness so as to win the eternal crown in God’s kingdom.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Crowns are for diligent and serious athletes. Are you one?
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Cor.9:25 – And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown.
CON 2024 Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 – 10
STUDY4
3RD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY JANUARY 21 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: General Concept of Race 2
TOPIC: Nature of Earthly Race 1- Rivalry.
TEXT: Gen 27:1-37
AIMS:
- to examine the competitive attitudes in earthly race and
- to explain the enviable nature that characterizes them.
INTRODUCTION: Rivalry simply means competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. Earthly race is based on rivalry, whereby the competitors try as much as possible to outshine one another. It is with the notion of being the best.
In that case, there is always envy on the part of the loser against the winner. Sometimes, the referee is accused of preferential treatment, while at other times the loser may immediately challenge the winner like in Boxing or wrestling. In our text today, we can see the rival race between a husband and his wife for blessings on their favourite child. It ended in bitter rivalry between Esau and Jacob.
STUDY GUIDES
- How do you understand rivalry in our topic as a nature of the earthly race? Give an example from your experience.
- Read 1 Sam 18:6-9 and explain the basis for the envious attitude of King Saul against David.
- What is the ultimate result of rivalry in earthly race? Gen 27:41-42; 1 Sam 18:8-11; Matt 12:13-14; 27:17-18.
- What was Jesus’ resolve to earthly rivalry? Mk 9:34-37; Luke 22:24-26.
CONCLUSION: The earthly context is characterized with bitterness and envy. In the race to the kingdom of God, joy, love, fellowship of believers takes pre-eminence.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Beware not to lay the foundation of your faith on earthly rivalry.
MEMORY VERSE: Luke 22:24 “And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest”.
STUDY 5
SEPTUGESIMA SUNDAY JANUARY 28 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: General Concept of Race 3
TOPIC: “Nature of Earthly Race 2 – Focus on Vain Glory
TEXT: Esther 3:1-15
AIMS:
- to study the concept of vain glory and
- to discuss the banes of vain glory on our Christian race to eternal life.
INTRODUCTION: In earthly race, the invitation for medal presentation to winners is the height of such events. Yet, they, are all forgotten within short time especially after the demise of the winner; thereby making the short-term glorification a vanity.
Vainglory is the sin or vice of someone that immoderately desires renown, prestige, or the praise and respect of others. The desire of these things is not necessarily sinful, but becomes so when it is immoderate and disordered. Haman was a man that always seeks self-glorification. This bad focus led him into evil competition with Mordecai.
STUDY GUIDES
- In the context of our Bible passage today, explain ‘vain glory1. See Est 3:2, 5. What was the end of Haman’s glory? Est 7:10.
- Can you mention a renowned sportsman or sportswoman in the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s? How were their memories? Are they still celebrated? If they are still celebrated, how? And if not, why?
- Mention some of the material vain-glory things that some of our contemporary Christians are celebrating in line with Eccl 2:4-11.
- How can the Church be more focused on Christ’s kingdom matters than on vain glory? Col 3:1-2; 1 John 2:1547.
CONCLUSION: If all kinds of efforts and strictest discipline are invested to obtain medals for earthly races, but yet, they are perishable, corruptible and with vain satisfaction; Christians must run their race to eternal life with all diligence for the imperishable, incorruptible, and eternal glory.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Earthly glory is temporary on earth; but heavenly glory is eternal.
MEMORY VERSE: Gal 5:26 “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another”.
STUDY 6
SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: General Concept of Race 4
TOPIC: Nature of Earthly Race 3 -Temporary Reward
TEXT: Gen 39:1-20.
AIMS:
- to compare rewards of earthly races and that of the heavenly or eternal one
and it.
- to help us re-capture and concentrate on pursuits that has eternal value.
INTRODUCTION: While earthly rewards are good and laudable, they are temporary. In our Bible passage today, we can see the reward for the good works of Joseph in Potiphar’s in Gen 39:1-6. His master made him the commander in Chief of his household.
However, things changed for Joseph when he failed to compromise his godly position in Verse 7-18. An excellent reward therefore turned to life imprisonment in Verses 19-20. Our study guides shall open us more into how to run our race in order to win eternal reward.
STUDY GUIDES
- How can you describe temporary rewards in line with our study today? Compare with 1 Sam 18:1-2, 6, 8-11.
- How can a Christian participate or be engaged in earthly race without compromising his/her focus on things that have eternal value? 2:8; 3:5; 2Tim2:5, 22-23.
- How would you compare, the rewards of earthly races and that of the heavenly one? 1 Cor 9:25; 2Cor 4:18.
- The Church today appears to be succumbing to earthly attractions and its reward system and are losing sight of the heavenly one. Discuss in line with Col 3:1 -2; 2Tim 2:19-21.
CONCLUSION: Surely, the goal of earthly races is laudable rewards. However, the serious-minded Christian must know and be able to set boundary of convictions to safeguard his or her soul in those pursuits. A steady gaze on the goal of the heavenly race cannot be compromised if this must happen.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The focus reflects the affection.
MEMORY VERSE: Col 3:1-2 – “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
STUDY 7
QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: Concept of Christian Race-1
TOPIC: Spiritual, not Carnal
TEXT: 2 Cor 10:2-5
AIMS:
- to discuss the spiritual nature of the Christian race and
- to expose the danger of running the Christian race with carnal attitude
INTRODUCTION: Our Bible passage today teaches us that though we
are in the flesh, we do not war in the flesh; meaning, we war in the spirit The greatest mistake any Christian can make is to run his/her Christian race carnally.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This sets the tone for what the Christian race is: a spiritual one. (1 Cor 2:14). Our study guides will expose us to more facts about the spiritual nature of our Christian race.
STUDY GUIDES
- Explain what we mean when we say the Christian race is spiritual and not carnal. 1Cor2:13-14.
- Why is the Christian race a spiritual one? John 4:24; 1 Cor 2:14; 6:10-18.
- Identify the dangers of a carnal mind-set to the Christian from these texts: Rom.8:5-8; 1 Cor.3:3.
- How can we effectively run the Christian race here on earth in a spiritual way? Eph.6:10-12 compare with the incidence in Est 4:15- 16; 5:2-3.
CONCLUSION: The Christian race is spiritual, and should never be run carnally to avoid irreconcilable challenges and consequences. To do this, we need to deploy all the means of grace at our disposal, both at individual and corporate levels in the Church.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Walking in the spirit is the antidote to carnality.
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Cor 2:14 “But the natural (carnal) man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned”.
CON 2024 Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 – 10
STUDY 8
1ST SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 18 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: The Lenten Season
TOPIC: Godly Fast
TEXT: Isa 58:3-12
AIMS:
i. to study the biblical concept of lent,
ii. to expatiate on the importance of lent in our Christian race and
iii. to illuminate us on the type of fast that is attracts God’s favour,
INTRODUCTION: Lent is a period of 40 days during which Christians replicate the forty days fasting of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. It is a season that leads to the passion and death of Jesus Christ, for the redemption of the world.
Our Bible passage today reveals to us that any fast that will attract God’s favour and impartation must be focused on prayer and intercession, fasting (abstaining from something to reduce distractions and focus more on God) and works of charity. Therefore, as Christians, we must be focused on these so that the season will not become an ordinary religious routine.
STUDY GUIDES
- How can you explain Lent to an unbeliever? Ex 34:28; Matt 4:2.
- What should be the focuses of a Christian fast? Ps 35:13; Ezra 10:6; Isa 58:6-7
- What are the reasons for a wasted fast or casual routinized Lenten season? Isa 58:3-5; Zech7: 5-6; Acts 23:13-15.
- What are the spiritual benefits of fasting in the Christian race? Ex. 34:27-30; Matt 17:20-21; Acts 13:2-3.
CONCLUSION: If we must run a successful Christian race, the Lenten season is a period to re-equip ourselves spiritually. However, we must be careful to focus more on Biblical injunctions so that the season does not turn to casual routine.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Lent without godly focus is hunger strike.
MEMORY VERSE: Isa 58:6 “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
STUDY 9
2ND SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 25 2024
THEME: The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: Concept of Christian Race 2
TOPIC: Eternal Reward not Temporal Reward
TEXT: Rev. 14:1-5
AIMS:
- to study the nature of eternal reward and
- to study the qualification for eternal reward.
INTRODUCTION: Unlike the earthly reward that is temporal, the eternal reward will be forever enjoyed in heaven. Rev 14:1-5 reveals those who finished their race on earth in holiness, truth and faith in Christ Jesus.
They never allowed the glamour, the challenges and the sweetness of this world to defile them and take them out of the track of eternal life. Focusing on what will qualify us to win this eternal crown is very essential in our Christian race. Our study will beam more light to what it takes to win this reward.
STUDY GUIDES
- What do we mean by eternal reward? Matt25:34-35;
- Read 1 Pet 5:2-4 and Rev 2:10 and explain what it takes for someone
to inherit the crown of life. - Discuss in details, Rev 14:4-5 and explain what it means to be ‘an
undefiled’ and ‘a virgin’ for the Lord. Compare with Hos 2:19-20 - Mention some of the eternal rewards of the faithful in Christ. Rev.
7:15-17;
CONCLUSION: Even though, as Christians, we may face various challenges and persecutions on our race to the kingdom of God, our perseverance and steadfastness in the faith shall definitely end in glorious reward in eternity with God. Let us therefore endure to continuously focus on eternal reward instead of temporary reward on earth.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Are you a Christian because of temporal or eternal gain?
MEMORY VERSE: Matt 5:12 “…Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven”.
STUDY 10
3RD SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 3 2024
THEME; The Christian Race
SUB-THEME: Concept of Christian Race 3
TOPIC: Transitional
TEXT: 2 Cor 5:1-4
AIMS:
- to show us that our citizenship as Christians is in heaven, not on earth,
- to identify how we should live as Christians in view of the transitional nature of the Christian race and
- to discover the implications and dangers of being earthly in our lifestyle as Christians.
INTRODUCTION: Apostle Paul exposed us in to the fact that the Christian race here on earth is not an end in itself, but a means to an end (2Cor 5:1-4). The end is heavenly, not earthly. It is eternal, not temporal or transitional The end is not interim or intermediate. It is permanent. What implications do this hold for the church? Our guides for study will illuminate us more.
STUDY GUIDES
- What is your concept on earthly tent and heavenly building in the
context of 2Cor 5:1? - How should a Christian conduct his or her life in view of the
transitional nature of our earthly race? 2Cor.5:9-10; 2Pet 3:13-14. - What are the implications and dangers of living or portraying the
Christian life as though the earth is the final ‘bus stop? 1 Cor. 15:19;
6:8, - How can we conduct our Christian lives on earth as heavenly citizens
without staining our garments? 1 Thes.5:22; Heb. 12:1 -2, 14-17.
CONCLUSION: Becoming a Christian is just the beginning of a challenging journey for eternal life where grappling with the tension between living on earth as humans and staying focused as heaven-bound pilgrims is an ever present reality to safely brace the tape of eternal life in God’s kingdom.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Though in human nature, be heavenly conscious and focused
MEMORY VERSE: Phil 3:20 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ”,
