First Watch - The New Commission

LESSON 5 - UNEQUALLY YOKED

Acts 17:11 - 11 Now, the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 3:15, 16 - 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
Matthew 28:19, 20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

LESSON 5 - UNEQUALLY YOKED

Background / Lesson Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 6:1 – 18

Key / Focus Scripture(s) – 2 Corinthians 6:17 – 19 “14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (NIV)

Guided Discussion – Questions
How are your relationships with Christian friends different from your relationships with non-Christian friends?

Pointed / Direct Questions
1. Paul considered himself to be a “worker” with God in not only spreading the message of Christ to non-believers but also in helping believers to live the way that God wanted them to live. In this regard, how could believers “receive the grace of God in vain” (see verse 1)?
2. Paul quotes Isaish 49:8. What does Paul say about the “day of salvation” (see verses 2)?
3. Paul shows that the way he has lived his life testifies to his sincerity in bringing the gospel to the Corinthians. What are some of the positive traits that Paul lists that reveals what it means to be a true minister of the gospel (see verses 3–10)?
4. What are some of the struggles that Paul lists that reveals what a true minister of the gospel will be forced to endure at times?
5. Paul passionately exclaimed to the believers in Corinth that he had opened his heart and his life to them. What did he request in return (see verses 11–13)?
6. Paul desires for the believers to reciprocate his affections, but he knows there are barriers that stand in the way. What does he imply these barriers were? What is Paul calling to the believers’ attention through the four questions he asks (see verses 14–15)?
7. Paul now comes to the heart of the matter as to why believers should not enter into compromising relationships with non-believers. What do you think it means to be a “temple of the living God” (see verse 16)?
8. According to Paul’s quotation from Isaiah 52:11, what did God say His people had to do as a result of His dwelling with them? What did He promise in return (see verses 17–18)?
REVIEWING THE STORY
9. What was the apostle Paul able to confidently say about his ministry (see 2 Corinthians 6:3)?
10. What did Paul say that he was able to do even though he was poor (see 2 Corinthians 6:10)?
11. What was it that restricted the Corinthian Christians from embracing Paul (2 Corinthians 6:12)?
12. How did Paul want the Corinthian believers to think of themselves (2 Corinthians 6:16)?

APPLYING THE MESSAGE
13. What is the difference between the way other people see you and the way God sees you?
14. How would you know if you were unequally yoked with an unbeliever?

REFLECTING ON THE MEANING
15. What are some ways you can make sure you are maintianing spiritually healthy relationships with unbelievers?

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LESSON 1 - A QUESTION OF SINCERITY

Acts 17:11 - 11 Now, the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 3:15, 16 - 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
Matthew 28:19, 20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

LESSON 1 - A QUESTION OF SINCERITY

Background / Lesson Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 1:1 –24

Key / Focus Scripture(s) – 2 Corinthians 1:3 – 4 “3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (AKJV)

Guided Discussion – Questions
How can you tell if someone is being sincere in their actions towards you?

Pointed / Direct Questions
1. Paul opens by referring to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ – an important point for him to make given that many in the church were questioning his authority. What praise does Paul then give to God? What does Paul say God is able to do for us (see verse 1 – 4)?
2. Paul and his coworkers had endured many trials for the sake of the gospel. How does Paul say that these afflictions had actually benefitted the believers (see verses 6 – 7)
3. Paul’s passing mention of the “affliction” that he and his fellows workers had endured indicates that the Corinthians believers already had knowledge of the event. What effect does Paul say that this episode had on himself and his companions (see verses 8 – 9)?
4. What hope did Paul place in God in spite of this trial? What does he ask the Corinthians believers to do for him and his companions (see verses 10 – 11)?
5. Paul experience in Asia forced him to abandon any notion of self-reliance and trust completely in God for deliverance. How does Paul now describe his “boasting”? How was his ministry different from that of other who had come to Corinth (see verses 12)?
6. By this time, the believers in Corinth had received the letter we call 1 Corinthians and another “severe letter” letter from Paul (which is not known to us today.) What did Paul say about his intentions in writing these letters? What did he ask the believers to remember about his conduct (see verses 13 – 14)?
7. Paul’s critics had not only charged that he had acted in an insincere manner toward the Corinthians but also that he had deliberately altered his plans to visit them out of spite. How does Paul respond to these allegations (see verses 15–21)?
8. What additional reasons does Paul give for not coming to Corinth (see verses 23 – 24)?
9. How did Paul identify himself in order to remind the Corinthian believers of his authority (see 2 Corinthians 1:1)?
10. How did Paul respond to the death sentence hanging over his head in Asia (see 2 Corinthians 1:9)?
11. In what did Paul say that he boasted (see 2 Corinthians 1:12)?
12. What comment did Paul make to remind the Corinthian believers of his credentials as an apostle (see 2 Corinthians 1:21 – 22)?

APPYING THE MESSAGE
13. How would you respond to someone who accused you of being insincere or hypocritical in your Christian faith?
14. What would you say or do if you discovered that one of your closer Christian friends was being insincere or hypocritical in his or her faith?

REFLECTING ON THE MEANING
15. What are some areas in your life where you need to be more sincere?

FIRST WATCH - JOIN US ON ZOOM Saturdays at 8:00 am
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The Eight Prayer Watches in the Bible
FIRST WATCH (6 PM TO 9 PM)
Focus: Reflection and Thanksgiving. This watch begins at sundown, marking the start of a new day in the biblical sense (Genesis 1:5). It’s a time for self-reflection, repentance, developing your relationship with God and thanking Him for the blessings of the day.
 Key Theme: (BIBLE STUDY) MEDITATING ON GOD’S WORD and committing the evening to Him.
 Scripture: “And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day” (Genesis 1:5). Use this time to ask for peace over your household and dedicate the coming hours to God.

Second Watch (9 PM to 12 Midnight)
Focus: Protection and Deliverance
During this watch, believers pray against spiritual attacks and seek protection for themselves and their families. The time is often associated with overcoming challenges, as demonstrated in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 12:29-31).
 Key Theme: Prayers for protection from harm and spiritual guidance.
 Scripture: “At midnight, the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt” (Exodus 12:29). This is a time for watching and remaining spiritually alert, just as Jesus urged His disciples (Mark 14:38).

Third Watch (12 Midnight to 3 AM)
Focus: Spiritual Warfare and Breakthroughs
Often called the “witching hour,” this watch is critical for engaging in spiritual warfare. It’s a time to break strongholds and intercede for others. Paul and Silas exemplified the power of prayer and worship during this time in Acts 16:25-26.
 Key Theme: Warfare prayer for breakthroughs and overcoming spiritual battles.
 Scripture: “Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Believers use this time to stand against darkness and proclaim freedom in Christ.

FOURTH WATCH (3 AM TO 6 AM)
Focus: Seeking God’s Presence
THIS WATCH IS ASSOCIATED WITH DIVINE REVELATIONS AND INTERVENTIONS. Jesus often prayed during this time, seeking quiet communion with the Father (Mark 1:35).
 Key Theme: Praying for guidance, revelations, and renewed strength.
 Scripture: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed” (Mark 1:35). THIS IS A POWERFUL TIME FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION AND HEARING GOD’S VOICE.

Fifth Watch (6 AM to 9 AM)
Focus: Declaring God’s Blessings
This watch marks the start of the day, making it an ideal time to declare blessings and commit the day to God. It reflects the psalmist’s dedication to morning prayer in Psalm 5:3.
 Key Theme: Speak life and blessings over your plans and seek God’s favor.
 Scripture: “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). Offer prayers for productivity, clarity, and favour in your endeavors.

Sixth Watch (9 AM to 12 Noon)
Focus: Rejoicing and Empowerment
This time represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as seen on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:15-17). It’s a time to celebrate God’s promises and ask for spiritual empowerment.
 Key Theme: Pray for empowerment, purpose, and fulfilment of promises.
 Scripture: “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people’” (Acts 2:16-17). Believers use this time to ask for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Seventh Watch (12 Noon to 3 PM)
Focus: Crying Out for Mercy
This is the seventh watch in eight watches prayer. This watch is associated with the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It’s a time to reflect on His sacrifice and intercede for mercy and grace over personal and global issues.
 Key Theme: Repentance, intercession, and seeking God’s mercy.
 Scripture: “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon” (Luke 23:44). Offer prayers for forgiveness, both for yourself and others.

Eighth Watch (3 PM to 6 PM)
Focus: Preparation and Release
The final watch symbolizes closure and preparation for new opportunities. Jesus’ death at this hour signifies the completion of a divine purpose (Matthew 27:46).
 Key Theme: Reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and prepare for fresh beginnings.
 Scripture: “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27:46). It’s a time to commit plans to God and seek His guidance for the next season.