RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual For January 7, 2024, Lesson 19: Topic – Return To The First Love (Part 1)
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TOPIC: Return To The First Love (Part 1)
OPENING PRAYER: Father, in any way I have strayed away from my first love knowingly or unknowingly, please have mercy and restore me in Jesus name.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should remind members of how God has helped us to go through the first eighteen lessons in the new RCCG calendar year.
MEMORY VERSE: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” – Revelation 2:4 (KJV)
BIBLE TEXT: Revelation 2:4-7 (KJV)
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: To return to our first love means to return to JESUS. In 1 John 4:19, the Bible says that we love Him because He first loved us.
LESSON AIM: To ensure that members return to JESUS, if they have lost their first love.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to know:
- what first love is all about.
- the components of first love.
TEXT REVIEW: Revelation 2:4-7
a. God was not happy with them because they left their first love and they did not retain strong and ardent affection for God and the sacred things of God.
b. They should consider the state of grace which they once stood for.
c. He commended them for hating the way of Nicolaitans (sinners/world).
d. Every believer should listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHAT IS FIRST LOVE?
i. It is the purest kind of spiritual love humans can demonstrate.
ii. It is the primary love for the Lord Jesus Christ that comes before or takes precedence overall other love in terms of value.
iii. It is the most important love anyone can experience.
iv. It comes with unwavering sacrifice- John 3:16, I John 3:16.
v. This love gives us unspeakable joy and peace- Philippians 4:7.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO: SOME COMPONENTS OF FIRST LOVE
- Unconditional love- It does not expect anything in return.
- Love is patient.
- Love is kind – caring and compassionate.
- Selfless and honest.
- Righteous – does what is right.
- Trusting and protects.
- Hopeful – I Corinthians 13:7.
- Love which eliminates fear and is ready to sacrifice- I John 3:16.
SUMMARY: Losing your first love can lead to backsliding in the long-run.
CONCLUSION: There is no joy and fulfilment outside our Lord and Saviour Jesus.
PRAYER POINTS
- Father, help Your church to return to her first love.
- Father, give us the grace to follow You to the end.
- Lord, let Your purifying and revival fire fall on us afresh and rekindle our first love for You and Your service in Jesus name.
- Father, guide and help all believers through this perilous time.
- Father, please help Daddy G.O. and keep him from all forms of distractions.
- Your personal request
ASSIGNMENT: Look for one backslider this week and try to preach to him/her for rededication and restoration.
GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: Guide thine heart in this perilous way – Proverbs 23:19.
TUESDAY: There are rules to win the mastery – II Timothy 2:4-5.
WEDNESDAY: Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved- Proverbs 28:18.
THURSDAY: Are you still fervent in the things of God? I Corinthians 11:31-32.
FRIDAY: Are lost souls still a burden to you? Evangelise today.
SATURDAY: Is Christ still dwelling in your heart? – Ephesians 3:17.
SUNDAY: Let not your heart be troubled – John 14:1.
HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1 I love this family Of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family
2 I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family
3 I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family
4 I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family
5 Come and join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family
SUGGESTED TIME SCHEDULE
10 minutes for Opening Prayer, Praise and Worship
10 minutes for Testimonies
15 minutes for Bible Discussion
15 minutes for General Prayers
10 minutes for Questions & Answers
5 minutes for Welcoming New Members
10 minutes for Announcements, Offering, House Fellowship Anthem & Closing Prayers.
Total – 60 Minutes (1 Hour)
AUTHOR:
Pastor E.A. Adeboye.
The General Overseer of, The Redeemed Christian Church Of God.