RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL FOR MAY 2, 2021 : TOPIC – DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL FOR MAY 2, 2021 : TOPIC – DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS

 

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MAIDEN SPECIAL EDITION FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTHS (YAYA)

SUNDAY 2ND OF MAY, 2021
LESSON THIRTY FIVE (35)
TOPIC: DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please deliver me from any form of ungodly addictions.

Please, scroll down for STUDENT MANUAL

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:1-7 (NKJV)

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

MEMORY VERSE: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NKJV).

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviours that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Addiction leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. Today, many youths are suffering from different forms of addiction. What is the way out?

TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 31:2-7.

In this passage, king Lemuel reiterates his mother’s utterances:

A. Themother had warned her son, who isnowa king-v2.
i. Against addiction to women. -v3a.
ii. Against things that destroy kings. -v3b.
iii. Against.

B. She emphasised the likely dangers of being addicted to alcohol:
i. ………………………………………. v5a
ii. ……………………………………….v5b
iii. . ……………………………………..v6
iv. . …………………………………….. v7

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: TYPES AND SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS

Teacher should allow the class discuss some types and signs of addiction common among youths and should guide the class through the following points:

A. Types of Addiction

  1. Substance addictions (Prov. 20:1; 23:29-35; Isa. 5:11-12; 28:7-8) e.g.drug abuse (cocaine, opioids-heroine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, Tramadol, codeine, crack, inhalants, etc.), alcoholism, smoking (cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine), caffeine (coffee, coke,cola), etc.
  2. Behavioural or process addictions (1 Kings 11:4-5; Prov. 31:3; 1 Pet.4:3): This is addiction to mood-altering behaviours such as gambling, cell
    phone and social media, the internet, love and relationships, sexual activity (masturbation, sex, pornography, etc.), eating disorders, spending
    shopping, watching television, video games, etc.
  3. Power addiction is a kind of addiction associated with power, influence and affluence (Prov. 28:15). People who are addicted to power tend to feel most powerful when they are dominating other people, with little patience for
    anything that stands in the way of their upward path. They are often extremely competitive and have a devastating need to be right. Examples are King Saul (1 Sam. 19:1; 8-10) and King Hezekiah (Isa. 39:1-8).

B. SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS: Some signs of addiction may include:
i. Developing a strong desire to use substances.
i. Engaging in the problematic behaviour
iii. Appearing dirty.
iv. Inability to fulfil obligations at school, work or home.
v. Previously enjoyed hobbies are abandoned in favour of use of substances
vi. Withdrawal symptoms.
vii. A person with power addiction may experience obsession, extreme restlessness and in extreme cases, may resort to irrational, destructive behaviour such as manipulation or bribery to achieve goals and maintain the
‘high’.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention other forms of addiction not in the list above.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: THE WAY OUT

Teacher should ask the class to discuss possible ways of breaking free from addiction.

  1. Take a stand.
    a. You must first of all acknowledge that addiction is an affliction and you are already caught up in its web.
    b. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage while acknowledging that you cannot help yourself (Ps. 51:1-4).
  2. Seek help (James 5:13-16).
    a. You must open up to God (Prov. 3:4-5; 1 Pet. 5:7) and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit.
    b. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies (pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy).
  3. Avoid relapse. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance (Matt.12:43-45; 2Pet. 2:20-22).
  4. Keep your heart with all diligence (Prov. 4:23) and renew it daily (Rom.12:1-2; Eph. 4:22-23). Addiction is really a battle of the mind.
  5. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1 Cor.15:33; 2 Cor. 6:15-20; Eph. 5:11-12).
  6. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victor
  7. It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away the victim at this critical time (Ps. 38:11) but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is won (2 Tim. 1:15-16;Ps.133:1-3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What counsel will you give to a youth that is struggling with a form of addiction?

SUMMARY: There are several types of addictions with obvious signs among youths. The good news is that those caught in the web can be freed with the help of God.

CONCLUSION: Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. You can overcome with the help of God.

EVALUATION: Teacher should ask students to mention types of addiction known to them.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, please keep me free from any form of ungodly addiction.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five (5) of the dangers of addiction.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL
MAIDEN SPECIAL EDITION FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTHS (YAYA)
SUNDAY 2ND OF MAY, 2021
LESSON THIRTY FIVE (35)
TOPIC: DEALING WITH ADDICTION

MEMORY VERSE: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Cor. 6:12 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:1-7 (NKJV)

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviours that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Addiction leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. Today, many youths are suffering from different forms of addiction. What is the way out?

OUTLINES

  1. TYPES AND SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS
  2. THE WAY OUT

1. TYPES AND SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS

  1. Substance addictions (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11-12; 28:7-8) e.g. drug abuse (cocaine, opioids-heroine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, tramadol, codeine, crack, inhalants, etc.), alcoholism, smoking (cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine), caffeine (coffee, coke, cola), etc.
  2. Behavioural or process addictions (1 Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3; 1 Peter 4:3): This is addiction to mood-altering behaviours such as gambling, cell phone and social media, the internet, love and relationships, sexual activity
    (masturbation, sex, pornography, etc.), eating disorders, spending, shopping, watching television, video games, etc.
  3. Power addiction is a kind of addiction associated with power, influence and affluence (Proverbs 28:15). People who are addicted to power tend to feel most powerful when they are dominating other people, with little patience for
    anything that stands in the way of their upward path. They are often extremely competitive and have a devastating need to be right. Examples are King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1;8-10) and King Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:1-8).

Some signs of addiction may include: developing a strong desire to use substances or engaging in the problematic behaviour, appearing dirty, inability to fulfil obligations at school, work or home, previously enjoyed hobbies are abandoned in favour of use of substances and withdrawal symptoms.

A person with power addiction may experience obsession, extreme restlessness and in extreme cases, may resort to irrational, destructive behaviour such as manipulation or bribery to achieve goals and maintain the ‘high’.

2. THE WAY OUT

Take a stand. You must first of all acknowledge that addiction is an affliction and you are already caught up in its web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage while acknowledging that you cannot help yourself (Psalm 51:14).

  1. Seek help (James 5:13-16). You must open up to God (Proverbs 3:4.5;1 Peter 5:7) and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies (Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy).
  2. Avoid relapse. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance (Matthew 12:43-45; 2 Peter 2:20-22).
  3. Keep your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) and renew it daily (Romans 12:1-2; Eph. 4:22-23). Addiction is really a battle of the mind.
  4. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:15-20; Ephesians 5:11-12).
  5. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Hebrews 10:24-25).
  6. It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away the victim at this critical time (Psalm 38:11) but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is won (2 Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).

CONCLUSION: Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. You can overcome with the help of God.

QUESTIONS:

  1. Mention the types of addiction known to you?
  2. Is it possible to overcome addictions, how?

FURTHER READING: MON: Prov. 31:3, TUE: Prov. 28:15, WED: 1 Peter 3; THUR Proverbs 4:23, FRI:; Psalm 38:11; SAT Isaiah 52:11; SUN: Proverbs 20

ASSIGNMENT: Write five (5) of the dangers of addiction.


RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL
MAIDEN SPECIAL EDITION FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTHS (YAYA)
SUNDAY 25TH OF APRIL, 2021
LESSON THIRTY FOUR (34)
TOPIC: BEWARE OF SEDUCTIONS

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please let me not be a stumbling block to others in the faith.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 7:4-27

4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

Please, scroll down for STUDENT MANUAL

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

MEMORY VERSE: “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” Romans 14:21 (NKJV).

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Seduction is the process of deliberately enticing a person to engage in a relationship or to lead astray as from duty, morality and the like. Also, it could be an attempt to corrupt, persuade or induce into engaging in sexual behaviour that is enticing someone to desire having sex with the other by doing things which make sex appealing and desirable. There is also a relationship between sexual seduction and dressing, of which every Christian youth must bewarel.

TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 7:4-23.

In this passage:
A. We are admonished to make wisdom and understanding our close allies – V4
B. This is because wisdom and understanding may keep us from the immoral woman and from the seductress who flatters with her words. -V5
C The writer narrates how at the window of his house, he looked through the lattice. -V6.
i. He saw among the youths, a young man…… v7
ii. Passing ………………………………………. v8
iii. …………………………………………………… v9
iv. …………………………………………………… v10
v. ……………………………………………………. v11
vi. …………………………………………………… v12
vii. ………………………………………………….. v13
viii. …………………………………………………. v14
ix. …………………………………………………… v15
x. ……………………………………………………. v16
xi. …………………………………………………… v17
xii. ………………………………………………….. v18
xiii. ………………………………………………….. v19
xiv. ………………………………………………….. v20
xv. …………………………………………………… v21
D. Immediately he went after her, …….. v22
E. An arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life. v23.

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: SOME SEDUCTIVE TOOLS

Teacher should allow the class discuss some things that can trigger sexual desire especially among youths. He should guide the class through the following points:

A. David committed adultery because he saw the nakedness of Bathsheba while she was bathing (2 Sam.11:1-4).

B. Sexual lust is induced when people who are promiscuous use nakedness to lure careless ones to unwholesome desires (Prov.7:10-13).

C. This is the same as using pornographic films, magazines or dresses to display acts and images which make people sexually excited (Job 31:1).

D. Some other tools that could be adopted for sexual seduction include fragrance, dance, body language, voice tone, etc. (Prov 7:12-15).

E. A true Christian must desist from all such things (1Thess.5:22).
i. It is a terrible offence before God to desire to see other people’s nakedness (Matt 5:28).
ii. Only insane people walk the streets naked without any feeling of shame because their understanding is darkened (Eph. 4:18)

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Discuss how you have been or are being seduced.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: DRESS WITH CAUTION

Teacher should ask the class to discuss the purpose of dressing and teach the following:
A. When the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is inevitable.
B. God was the first to dress man when man was not ‘well dressed (Gen.3:7, 21).
C. The primary purpose of dress is to cover nakedness.
D. Some dresses that are only good for the bedrooms should not be worn on the streets.
E. Commercial sex workers are known with certain dressing styles to boost their trade.
F. Christian youths should not take to such forms of dressing in the name of modernisation (Prov.7:10). Because:
i. This has led to the harassment of many youths
ii. There is a strong relationship between what we see and what we think (James 1:14).
iii. Therefore, your dressing must not induce unrighteous thoughts in others (1 Cor. 14:40; Rom.14:21).
G. There is a two-fold responsibility on dressing.
i. The man is responsible to guard his eyes from impurity (Phil 4:8; Job 31:1);
ii. The woman is responsible to dress decently and avoid exposing sensitive parts of her body (Prov.7:6-27; 2Sam.11:2).
iii. This principle is also applicable in the reversed order.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Class should discuss what constitutes indecent dressing among youths and the reasons for such action.

SUMMARY: Youths should not allow themselves to be caught in the web of seduction or be an agent, especially through indecent dressing.

CONCLUSION: Any form of dressing likely to excite people sexually should not be worn by a Christian youth, especially in public places (Phil.4:5; 1 Cor.8:13).

EVALUATION: Teacher should ask the students to mention some tools used for sexual seduction.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, please help me in the fight against sexual seductions and shield me against sexual seductions.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention the names of five (5) of the contemporary dressing styles that can provoke seduction.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL
MAIDEN SPECIAL EDITION FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTHS (YAYA)
SUNDAY 25TH OF APRIL, 2021
LESSON THIRTY FOUR (34)
TOPIC: BEWARE OF SEDUCTIONS

MEMORY VERSE: “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” Romans 14:21 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 7:4-27

4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Seduction is the process of deliberately enticing a person to engage in a relationship or to lead astray as from duty, morality and the like. Also, it could be an attempt to corrupt, persuade or induce into engaging in sexual behaviour that is enticing someone to desire having sex with the other by doing things which make sex appealing and desirable. There is also a relationship between sexual seduction and dressing, of which every Christian youth must beware.

OUTLINES:

  1. SOME SEDUCTIVE TOOLS
  2. DRESS WITH CAUTION

1. SOME SEDUCTIVE TOOLS

It is an established fact that some things can trigger sexual desire especially among youths. David committed adultery because he saw the nakedness of Beersheba while she was bathing (2 Samuel 11:14). Sexual lust is induced when people who are promiscuous use nakedness to lure careless ones to unwholesome desires (Proverbs 7:10-13). This is the same as using pornographic films, magazines or dresses to display acts and images which make people sexually excited (Job 31:1). Some other tools that could be adopted for sexual seduction include fragrance, dance, body language, voice tone, etc (Proverbs 7:12-15). A true Christian must desist from all such things (1Thess 5:22). It is a terrible offence before God to desire to see other people’s nakedness (Matthew 5:28). Only insane people walk the streets naked without any feeling of shame because their understanding is darkened (Ephesians 4:18).

2. DRESS WITH CAUTION

When the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is inevitable. God was the first to dress man when man was not well dressed (Genesis 3:7,21). The primary purpose of dress is to cover nakedness. Some dresses that are only good for the bedrooms should not be worn on the streets. Commercial sex workers are known with certain dressing styles to boost their trade. Christian youths should not take to such forms of dressing in the name of modernisation (Proverbs 7:10). This has led to the harassment of many youths. There is a strong relationship between what we see and what we think (James 1:14). Therefore, your dressing must not induce unrighteous thoughts in others (1.Coninthians 14:40; Romans 14:21). There is a two-fold responsibility on dressing. The man is responsible to guard his eyes from impurity (Philippians 4:8; Job 31:1); the woman is responsible to dress decently and avoid exposing sensitive parts of her body (Proverbs 7:6-27; 2 Samuel 11:2). This principle is also applicable in the reversed order.

CONCLUSION: Any form of dressing likely to excite people sexually should not be worn by a Christian youth, especially in public places
(Philippians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 8:13).

QUESTIONS

  1. Mention some tools used for sexual seduction.
  2. What is the primary purpose of dressing?

FURTHER READING: Monday Matt.6:28-29, Tuesday 1 Cor.11:4-10; Wednesday: Prov.31:30; Thursday: Exodus 23:2, Friday: 2 Cor 4:18b; Saturday: Ecc.5:10-15, Sunday: Revelation7:13-14.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention the names of five (5) of the contemporary dressing styles that can provoke seduction.


MAIDEN SPECIAL EDITION FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTHS (YAYA)
SUNDAY 18TH OF APRIL, 2021
LESSON THIRTY THREE (33)
TOPIC: BEFORE YOU SAY ‘I DO’

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please guide me through the path to marriage.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 29:11-20

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father.

13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

MEMORY VERSE: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1Thessalonians.5:21 (NKJV).

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The foundation of a godly marriage must be properly laid on sound moral and biblical principles. Before the exchange of vows, where the Christian brother and sister will say ‘I do’, they should have passed through the phase of courtship and ensure that all things are done decently and in order (1 Cor.14:40; Amos 3:3) also watch out for some ‘red flags’ before saying ‘I do’.

TEXT REVIEW: Genesis 29:11-20. In this passage:

A. Jacob met Rachael, Laban’s daughter and did the following:
i. He greeted Rachael with a kiss (according to their custom) -v11.
ii. He introduced himself to Rachel.-v12.
B. Laban heard about the arrival of Jacob and:
i. Laban embraced and kissed Jacob and…. vs13
ii. ……………………………………………………… v14.
iii. …………………………………………………….. v15

A. Laban had two daughters and……….. v16-17.
B. Jacob waited for …………………………… v18
C. Jacob got ……………………………………… v19
D. Jacob served Laban and courted Rachel faithfully because………………………………. v20.

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP: Secluded and tempting place
(2 Cor
2:11; 1 Thess.5:22).
A. Discussion should cover their dreams, visions, purpose for living, plan, fears, health status/history and past relationships (if any).
B. Intending couples should endeavour to discover each other’s strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, differences (upbringing/orientation, cultural background), etc. through observation and by asking questions.
C. Intending couples should be open and sincere with each other in all aspects of their dealings (financial status, source of income, etc.).
D. There should be no pretense or deception (stage management of character).
E. It is also expedient that Intending couples undertake marriage counseling lessons together during courtship (Proverbs 11:14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Discuss the dangers in ‘dating’ and the reasons Christian youths should avoid it.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Teacher should explain to the class that ‘red flags’ are danger signs connote ‘no go areas’. He should then guide the discussion as follows:
A. There are a number of “red flags” to watch out for before entering a permanent marriage relationship.

B. Unfortunately, these indicators may not be visible until after the wedding takes place, since some Christians are skilled at hiding their true natures or change with circumstances.

C. However, a short list of things to look out for includes irrational jealousy, deception, the strive to be in control (dominate the other partner), physical or emotional abuse/violence, a quick (hot) temper, cruelty towards adherence to unscriptural traditional values, attempts to isolate the other person from his or her friends and family, a show of dislike for would-be in-laws, defiance to spiritual matters, drug or alcohol abuse, smoking, disrespect for boundaries, privacy/personal space or low moral values.

D. If you see any of these warning signs or other strange behaviours in person you are entering a marriage relationship with, please pray and seek
advice from your spiritual leader or marriage counsellor before you say ‘I DO’. (Mk.14:38; Prov.15:22; 19:20).

E. Marriage should not be viewed as a ‘do or die’ affair. You have a destiny to fulfil (Jer 29:11). You may consider the saying that a broken courtship is better than a broken marriage’ and make a wise/informed decision. (Eccl.10:10; 1 Cor.7:15b).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Share with the class some strange behaviours you noticed in your intending partner (if you are engaged) and what you are doing or have done about it.

SUMMARY: It is important that Christian youths observe courtship (not dating) in a godly manner and watch out for ‘red flags’ before taking the vow of ‘I do’.

CONCLUSION: Watch and pray before you say “I DO”

EVALUATION: Teacher should ask the students to mention some of the red flags to watch out for before you say ‘I do’.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, please help me through my courtship period and make my marriage heaven on earth.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five of the issues that a Christian youth should not compromise or overlook while preparing for marriage.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL

MAIDEN SPECIAL EDITION FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTHS (YAYA)
SUNDAY 18TH OF APRIL, 2021
LESSON THIRTY THREE (33)
TOPIC: BEFORE YOU SAY ‘I DO’

MEMORY VERSE: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1Thessalonians.5:21 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 29:11-20

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father.

13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The foundation of a godly marriage must be properly laid on sound moral and biblical principles. Before the exchange of vows, where the Christian brother and sister will say ‘I do’, they should have
passed through the phase of courtship and ensure that all things are done decently and in order (1 Cor.14:40; Amos 3:3) also watch out for some ‘red flags’ before saying ‘I do’.

OUTLINES

  1. THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP
  2. RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP

Christian courtship is that period before marriage when a Christian brother and sister make plans, relate and reach a compromise on so many issues pertaining to their future together. Courtship is very important and necessary for the intending couple to observe, during which proper biblical foundation must be laid in order to have a happy married life
(1 Thessalonians 5:21). One vital issue that must be addressed during this period is to obtain the consent of both parents (Genesis 24:54-59).
Courtship is also a period to get to know each other intimately apart from carnal knowledge and illicit romance (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Romans 12:1
2). Intending couples can pray, study the Bible or attend Christian programmes together but avoid hanging out in secluded and tempting
places (2 Corinthians 2:11;1Thessalonians 5:22).

Discussion should cover their dreams, visions, purpose for living, plans, fears, health status/history and past relationships (if any). They should endeavour to discover each other’s strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, differences (upbringing/orientation, cultural background), etc. through observation and by asking questions. Intending couples should be open and sincere with each other in all aspects of their dealings (financial status, source of income, etc). There should be no pretence or deception (stage management of character).
It is also expedient that you undertake marriage counselling together during courtship (Proverbs 11:14).

2. RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR

There are a number of “red flags” to watch out for before entering a permanent marriage relationship. Unfortunately, these indicators
may not be visible until after the wedding takes place, since some Christians are skilled at hiding their true natures or change with circumstances. However, a short list of things to look out for includes irrational jealousy, deception, the strive to be in control (dominate the other partner), physical or emotional abuse/violence, a quick (hot) temper, cruelty towards animals, adherence to unscriptural traditional values, attempts to isolate the other person from his or her friends and family, a show of dislike for would-be in-laws, defiance to spiritual matters, drug or alcohol abuse, smoking, disrespect for boundaries, privacy/personal space or low moral values.

If you see any of these warning signs or other strange behaviours in a person you are entering a marriage relationship with, please pray and seek advice from your spiritual leader or marriage counsellor before you say ‘I DO’ (Mark 14:38; Proverbs 15:22; 19:20). Marriage should not be viewed as a ‘do or die’ affair. You have a destiny to fulfil (Jeremiah 29:11). You may consider the saying that ‘a broken courtship is better than a broken marriage’ and make a wise/informed decision (Ecclesiastes 10:10; 1 Corinthians 7:15b).

CONCLUSION: Watch and pray before you say “I DO”

QUESTIONS:

  1. Discuss the importance of courtship.
  2. Mention some of the red flags to watch out for before you say ‘1 do’.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five of the issues that a Christian youth should not compromise or overlook while preparing for marriage.

RCCG 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?

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