RCCG HOUSE FELLOWSHIP LEADERS’ MANUAL FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2024 : TOPIC – QUARTERLY REVIEW & SUMMARY
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HOUSE FELLOWSHIP LEADERS’ MANUAL
SUNDAY 25TH OF FEBRUARY, 2024
LESSON TWENTY SIX (26)
TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW & SUMMARY
SUMMARY OF LESSONS 14-25
LESSON FOURTEEN (14)
TOPIC: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
MEMORY VERSE: “He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love.”1 John 4:8
BIBLE TEXT: I John 3:1-3
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Unconditional love simply means love without strings attached. Love you offered freely and want nothing more than the happiness of others. In John 3:16, Bible says God loves us unconditionally by releasing His son to pay the penalty for sin we committed. Every believer should follow the example of our Saviour Jesus as He died for the world in order to win it.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
AGAPE
Agape means Fatherly love of God for humans. This type of love is selfless, unconditional and sacrificing – John 3: 16.
Characteristics of Agape:
i It suffers long. It is always patient with others.
ii. It fulfil it’s other’s needs above their own needs.
iii. It does not make others uncomfortable.
iv. It does not envy neither is it jealous of other’s success or progress.
v. It does not think evil of anyone.
vi. It endures patiently until God responds.
vii. It hopes for good things to happen through other people.
viii. It never fails.
ix. It believes all things.
x. It is kind, not harsh in action and attitude.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
WHAT CAN LOVE DO?
– Love is an intense feeling of affection and care towards another person. Before we look at what love can do, let us check what unconditional love really looks like
– No strings attached. Loving someone unconditionally means that there are no ulterior motives.
– Jesus’ love brings support to the believer – John 11 :35-44.
– Jesus honours believers’ requests. So, as believers we can request for Christ’s help – Matthews 8:1-3,
– Jesus takes care of our tough times through His kind act – Luke 7:11-15.
– Jesus’ love takes care of all doubts and struggles – Luke 1:37.
WHAT CAN LOVE DO?
1. It covers multitude of sin – I Peter 4:8.
2. It can grant all your request or demand – John 3:16.
3. It can unleash unmerited favour – Esther 2:17.
4. It brings correction not abandonment – Proverbs 3:12.
5. It does wrong to no one – Romans 13:10.
ACTIVITY: Mention Biblical characters who showed unconditional love during their earthly sojourn.
SUMMARY: But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for thousand generations – Exodus 20:6.
CONCLUSION: Agape love does not come from good intentions. It is a by-product of salvation. For your Christianity to be fully affirmed, your life of unconditional love must be attested.
LESSON FIFTEEN (15)
TOPIC: HEARING FROM GOD
MEMORY VERSE: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it … ” Isaiah 30:21a
Bible Text: 1 Samuel 3:4-10
LESSON INTRODUCTION: It is very important for every believer to hear from God. The relationship between parents and children should be the kind of relationship between God and believers. Parents talk to their children, their children hear and respond. The truth is that the Almighty God is always speaking but unfortunately, our minds are too crowded to hear His voice.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: In our Bible reading for today, we have three entities involved;
– The Almighty.
– Eli -The Priest and
– Samuel – The young Lad.
God chooses to speak to anyone, anytime and anywhere. He does not need anyone’s permission. Samuel was not expecting God to come and talk to him, but He came, He did not recognise God’s voice, he mistook the voice of God for Eli’s voice. Saul of Tarsus did not expect Jesus to stop him on his way to Damascus.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHO CAN HEAR FROM GOD?
Hearing the voice of God follows an intimate relationship with Him. From our Bible reading for today, we saw that initially, Samuel did not recognize the voice of God but in the process of time, he grew in his relationship with God and he was able to hear Him expressly. Therefore, who are those that can hear from God?
i. Those who desire to hear God.
ii. Those who read, study and meditate on the Word of God regularly – Rom. 10:17; Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3.
iii. Those who hate sin and love righteousness – Hebrews 1:9.
iv. Those who love to fellowship with the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:14.
v. Those who love to be still before God- Psalms 85:5.
vi. Those who obey His commands.
vii. Those who are humble and teachable – James 4: 10; 1 Peter 5:5.
viii. Those who have faith in God- Hebrews 11:6.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
HOW TO HEAR FROM GOD?
– You must have a relationship with God.
– Hunger and thirst for Him – Matt.5:6; Psalms 42:1.
– Read and study the Word of God – II Timothy 2: 15.
– Position yourself like Samuel to be still before Him.
– Be opened because God can speak in diverse ways.
– Through prayer and fasting – Mark 9:29.
ACTIVITY: Discuss those that heard God in the Bible and their lifestyle
CONCLUSION: The life of a believer becomes easier when they hear from God. There will be no anxiety because the Word of God brings peace.
LESSON SIXTEEN (16)
TOPIC: DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
MEMORY VERSE: “To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits. “I Corinthians 12:10
BIBLE TEXT: Acts 16:17-18; 1 Kings 13:14-18
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Discerning of spirits is a special gift of the Holy Spirit that enables someone to know the spirit operating at a certain time, event or place, whether it is really the Spirit of God or another spirit that is speaking or operating. This gift silences demonic manipulation, enthrones righteousness and validates believers’ sonship in Christ. Every believer should crave to flawlessly and impactfully distinguish between the utterances of true spirits and false ones.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
MANIFESTATION OF DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
This is God revealing to believers details of the presence or the non presence of spirits i.e. the Holy Spirit and demons and also knowing the identity of demons in operation -Acts 16:17-18.
What is the Manifestation of Discerning of Spirits and the Benefits?
I. It is divine information and power that flows from God to the believer to know the operation of spirits.
II It also endows the believer to know which strategy is required to win the battle of spirits.
iii. It also confirms believers’ sonship and right in Christ – Heb. 13:5; I Pet. 5:5.
iv. Believers are motivated and empowered to cast out evil spirits and enthrone righteousness – Mark 16:17;9:38-39.
v. It helps to judge dreams, visions, miracles, prophecies, etc.
vi. It aids the growth of the church.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
DANGERS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO DISCERN
– Exposure to attack and deceit – I Kings 13:17-18.
– Loss of vision and calling -I Kings 13:23-24.
– Living in darkness and uncertainty -II Kings 8:15.
– Withdrawal of divine support.
– Increase in demonic merchandize – Acts 16:16.
– Increase in demonic activities and unlawful gains -Acts 16:19.
– Loss of divine presence and backsliding – Judges 16:20; I Kings 13:9.
ACTIVITY: What are things that limit the grace of discernment?
SUMMARY: There is a lot of deception nowadays. We really need the gift of discerning of spirits.
CONCLUSION: “And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him, ” Genesis 27:23
LESSON SEVENTEEN (17)
TOPIC: FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
MEMORY VERSE:.. and so will l go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if l perish, I perish. ” Esther 4:16
BIBLE TEXT: Esther 4:10-14
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
UNDERSTANDING THE TIME
Let’s look at the time we are in:
a. Perilous time – II Timothy 3: 1.
b. Time, full of hatred, self-centeredness – Gen. 27:41:37:18-20.
c. Time ofingratitude – Judges 15: 18-19.
d. Time ofpains, afliction and abandonment. Num. 14:43; Deut. 32:15.
e. Time of worshipping of Mammon. Matt. 6:24: Luke 16:11.
f. Time of laziness, less work but anticipating more gains, e.g. Yahoo boys.
WHAT ARE THE TOOLS REQUIRED TO UNDERSTAND AND WIN IN THIS TIME?
i. The Word of God – Psalms 1 19:105.
ii. The hearing ear and seeing eye – Proverbs 20:12
iii. Living in holiness – I Peter 1:15-16.
iv. Following peace with people – Hebrews 12:14.
v. Grieving not the Holy Spirit- Ephesians 4:30.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
MAKING THE BEST USE OF THE TIME
To make best use of time means investing in your time positively, engaging in activities that provide a high fulfilment to someone and others around you.
* Develop your mental capacity and inner virtue.
* Keep a time diary to access your daily time usage.
* Cut off activities that make your time unyielding and unfulfilling.
* Think positively on what matters and on things that are profitable.
* Know that there is time for everything and time used positively brings gain.
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO UTILISED THEIR TIME WELL
1. Esther rescued the Jews from Haman’s plot – Esther 7:10.
2. Moses delivered Israelites
3. Elisha destroyed the curse that caged a nation for years – Judges 6:26, II Kings 2:22
4. David deployed his ability to win and stop humiliation of 40 days -I Sam. 17:16.
5. Jesus came to save the whole world- Matt. 18:11; Luke 19:10.
ACTIVITY: Cut off those things that make your time worthless and unprofitable.
SUMMARY:”.. Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b.
CONCLUSION: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Eccl. 3:1. Therefore every creature needs to
maximise the portion of time given to them to bring fruitful results Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
LESSON EIGHTEEN (18)
TOPIC: THANKSGIVING AND TESTIMONIES
MEMORY VERSE: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death. “Rev. 12: 11
BIBLE TEXT: Psalms 103:1-5
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Thanksgiving is an instrument of victory given to believers by God. Though it is always given after a victory is recorded as in the case of the children of Israel after crossing the Red Sea and the case of Hannah after giving birth to Samuel. Testimonies is the act of sharing with others what God had done in the life of a believer and what God did for the believer as in the case of David testifying before King Saul that God helped him to kill a bear and a lion.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
THANKSGIVING
– The House Fellowship Center as family can do Thanksgiving
– Individuals or families can do Thanksgiving
– Organizations can do Thanksgiving
– Ministry/Churches can do thanksgiving
– Country/Nations can do thanksgiving
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
TESTIMONIES
– Testimonies can be shared with our Christian leaders
– Testimonies can be shared in House Fellowship Centres
– Testimonies can be shared in parishes
– Testimonies can be shared during special Christians gatherings, crusade and programmes
– Testimonies can be shared to encourage other believers and also to win new souls
ACTIVITY: Identify few testimonies that cannot be shared in the public
SUMMARY: “Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things. . . Psalm 103:5a
CONCLUSION: *Testimonies should be shared, recorded and forwarded to the Provincial House Fellowship Coordinators, or unloaded to our media team (House Fellowship Telegram) for them to upload to our different House Fellowship social media handles.
LESSON NINETEEN (19)
TOPIC: RETURN TO THE FIRST LOVE (PART 1)
MEMORY VERSE: Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4
BIBLE TEXT: Revelation 2:4-7
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 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- Phil. 4:7.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
SOME COMPONENTS OF FIRST LOVE
1. Unconditional love- It does not expect anything in return.
2. Love is patient.
3. Love is kind – caring and compassionate.
4. Selfless and honest.
5. Righteous – does what is right.
6. Trusting and protects.
7. Hopeful – I Corinthians 13:7.
8. 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.
LESSON TWENTY (20)
TOPIC: RETURN TO THE FIRST LOVE (PART 2)
MEMORY VERSE: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. “Revelation 2:4
BIBLE TEXT: Mark 12:30
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The first deliverance a believer who has left his first love encounter is to realize the height they have fallen from, repent and return to their first love just like the prodigal son in the book of Luke 15:11-32.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
SIGNS OF LEAVING YOUR FIRST LOVE
Believers don’t just fall out of love for God suddenly but satan, our enemy subtly tries to shift our focus away from God and gradually without realising it, we step out of His presence. These are some of the signs of leaving your first love:
i. Delight in someone or something else more than God – Exo. 20:3; Eph.5:11.
ii. No desire for fellowship with God or things of God.
iii. The things you used to detest are now okay (it doesn’t matter syndrome).
iv. Loss of desire to preach gospel or win souls for Christ – I Cor. 9:16.
v. Easily offended and hard to forgive – 1 Cor. 13:1-4.
vi. Lack of spiritual sensitivity – Judges 16:20.
vii. Loss of heavenly joy – Nehemiah 8:10.
viii. No thought about the life after death – Matt. 16:26; Mark 8:36.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
STEPS TO RETURNING TO YOUR FIRST LOVE 1. Look for where the axe head has fallen and pick it up.
2. Remember the height from which you have fallen.
3. Acknowledge your sin, confess, repent and forsake it – Prov. 28:13.
4. Have a solid intimacy with God – James 4:8
5. Pray, fast, study, meditate on God’s Word – Joshua 1:8; II Tim. 2:15.
6. Render service to God and humanity.
ACTIVITY: Members should state other things that may cause the loss of first love.
SUMMARY: Your first love can be regained, all you have to do is to cry out to Him and repent of your sin.
CONCLUSION: *”… And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.”z Judges 16:20b. Is God still with you?
LESSON TWENTY ONE(21)
TOPIC: FAITH COMETH BY HEARING
MEMORY VERSE: “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17
BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 17:27
LESSON INTRODUCTION: When we talk about faith, we talk of believing God, shunning all manner of impossibility, distractions that can hinder the fulfilment of your belief in God’s acts. There are many ways faith can be enhanced such as through testimonies of others, ceaseless prayers, being surrounded by people full of passion for God and His works, remembering past interventions from God, holding unto God’s promises and studying biblical characters who won the battles of life.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
BE WORD POSSESSED
To be word possessed means to be word driven, activating declaration of biblical promises detailed in the scripture – Joshua 1:8 Why do you need to be word possessed? This is because the Word of God;
i. terminates darkness (pains, sorrow), gives light (satisfaction) – Ps. 119:130.
ii. ends anxiety and terminates fruitless efforts – Luke 5:4-6.
iii. draws God’s favour to one’s side-Acts 27:22-23
iv. brings fulfilment of dreams and visions – Rev. 5:10; Luke 1:37, 59 & 63.
v. secures your tomorrow from being hijacked.
vi. keeps one from being obsessed with the issues of life.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
AVOID DISTRACTIONS
Distraction means anything that prevents the realisation of dreams and aspiration, initiates unproductive and meaningless agitations of the mind. What can cause distractions?
1. Unanswered prayers – Luke 1:13-18.
2. Previous setbacks-Luke 5:5.
3. Unfulfilling family history – Luke 1:61.
4. Ceaseless temptations – Luke 4:1-2.
5. Unmet needs- I Kings 17:12.
6. Uncelebrated achievements. When one’s success does not receive desired recognition – I Kings 19:1-4.
ACTIVITY: Discuss about biblical characters who were distracted on their journey to the top.
SUMMARY: When faith is enhanced through hearing, your gains will ensue without flexing (without trouble or difficulties).
CONCLUSION: Have you suffered setbacks or delay before and it seems your dreams may not be achieved or attained, plug in your faith and your testimonies will be heard in Jesus name.
LESSON TWENTY THREE(23)
TOPIC: VISION AND SUCCESS
MEMORY VERSE: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. “Proverbs 29:18
BIBLE TEXT: Habakkuk 2:2-3
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Vision can be defined as divine guidance, a goal toward which one aspires, it is God’s expectation from believers. Every believer should have a driving force which motivates the fulfilment of their existence. A child of God cannot attain a desired end without having pursuit which gives authority to his sonship.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHAT IS VISION?
Vision is the ability to think or plan with wisdom. It is also an encounter with God where He imparts special revelation, often in dreams or in dark sayings. Vision serves as guide and can be used to provide sense of purpose. Benefits of Vision are;
i. It gives believers access to divine information which enables one to uncover demonic plots-II Kings 6:14-17.
ii. It makes you check your stand with God.
iii. It brings revelation of future occurrence-Daniel 10:14.
iv. It assures confidence of victory-Obadiah 1:1-2.
v. It allows believers to know their godly assignment.
vi. It cautions one of impending dangers-Daniel 2:29; I Sam. 3:13-14.
vii. It makes one receive divine approval and commendation – II Sam. 7:17.
viii. It brings divine guidance – Proverbs 29:18.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
WHAT IS SUCCESS?
Success can be defined as achievement of one’s aim or goal. To achieve success in life, there must be a driving force ie, vision which propels us to get things done. Examples of those who succeeded through God-given visions are;
1. Moses: He had an encounter with God in Exodus 3:2-10 which brought him success in life – Deut. 34:10-12.
2. Daniel-Daniel 2:19; 7:2-15.
3. Ananias-Acts 9:10-18. He commissioned Paul first into knowing
4. Cornelius – Acts 10:1-7. That vision from God brought salvation to his family.
5. Paul-Acts 9:1-9
ACTIVITY: Assess the life of Joseph with his vision and the factors that helped him to succeed.
SUMMARY: No vision driven by God, no success desired by man.
CONCLUSION: There is no enviable height you can reach without vision, it makes your journey of life more directional, flawless and productive.
LESSON TWENTY FOUR(24)
TOPIC: DANCING BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS
MEMORY VERSE: “But let him ask in faith nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” James 1:16
BIBLE TEXT: 1 Kings 18:21-24
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHY DO PEOPLE DANCE BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS?
i. Fear of uncertainty – Exodus 32:1.
ii. Ignorance of who God is -1 Kings 18:21,39.
iii. Wrong perception or mentality – Numbers 13:31-33.
iv. Spiritual slumbering or inactiveness – Matthew 13:25.
v. Keeping wrong company – 1 Kings 13:18-20.
vi. Past failures or disappointments.
vii. Lack of vision and focus.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
DANGERS OF DANCING BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS
1. Loss of divine information and divine presence – 1 Kings 13:20- 21.
2. Withdrawal of spiritual authority and grace – I Kings 13:23-26.
3. Spiritual deviation or spiritual drifting-Luke 7:18-22.
4. Loss or reduction of spiritual engagement and performance.
5. Living in fear – 1 John 4:18.
6. Walking into destruction – I Kings 13:25.
ACTIVITY: Mention biblical characters who got trapped between two opinions and the repercussion.
SUMMARY: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24
CONCLUSION: If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light-Matthew 6:22.
LESSON TWENTY FIVE(25)
TOPIC: WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him,” Exodus 32:26
BIBLE TEXT: Exodus 32:25-35
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Who is on the Lord’s side is a question God is asking every believer this day. Many Christians profess Christ but their ways are perverse, their lifestyle is immoral, their integrity is questionable, their desire for worldly enticement is unabated, that is why there is a need to reclaim our stand with Christ like the Levites did in Exodus 32:26 in order to avoid upcoming destruction.
LESSON AIM: To make members see the reason for abiding on the Lord’s side.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to know:
• Whether they are on the Lord’s side or not.
• The benefits of being on the Lord’s side and dangers of not being on the Lord’s side.
TEXT REVIEW: Exodus 32:25-35
a. Sin exposes one to shame.
b. Sin makes God turn His eyes off your radar.
c. Obeying divine order redefines your destiny.
d. Everybody will pay for their sins.
e. There is punishment for sin committed.
LESSON OUTLINE ONE
ARE YOU ON THE LORD’S SIDE?
God is asking you and I whether we are on His side. If you are on the Lord’s side:
i. Old things are passed away – II Cor. 5:17.
ii. Your mind is renewed – Romans 12:2.
iii. You will be committed to heavenly business-Acts 16:9-10.
iv. Holiness should be your watchword – I Peter 1:16.
v. Say NO to the world and YES to Jesus – Col. 2:20.
vi. Nothing shall hurt you – Luke 10:19.
vii. You have crowns awaiting you in heaven – II Timothy 4:7-8.
LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BENEFITS OF BEING ON THE LORD’S SIDE AND DANGERS OF NOT BEING ON THE LORD’S SIDE
Benefits of being on the Lord’s side
1. Divine empowerment to do all things-Phil. 4:13.
2. Victory over all oppositions – I Samuel 17:45-50.
3. Divine guidance – Isaiah 30:21.
4. Divine Provision – Nehemiah 9:21.
5. Deliverance from demonic attack – Psalms 121:4.
6. Reception of crowns after earthly journey – II Timothy 4:7-8.
7. Termination of the covenant of weeping or sorrow – Luke 7:11-15.
Dangers of not being on the Lord’s side
1. Eternal damnation-Mark 3:29.
2. Exposure to various attacks.
3. Daily torment-I Samuel 16:14.
4. Making wrong and damaging decisions – I Kings 12:3-16.
5. Living in serious bondage – Daniel 4:31-34.
ACTIVITY: Discuss Daniel 4:31-34. Who was not on the Lord’s side?
SUMMARY: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon,” Matthew 6:24
CONCLUSION: If you are on the Lord’s side, the Lord will obviously be on your side too. Therefore, let nothing take you away from the Lord’s side.