Rccg Sunday School Manual For May 26, 2024 Lesson 27 : Topic – Summary of Lesson 27 – 38 (Kingdom Influence)
Read previous Rccg Sunday School Manuals here
RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL
SUNDAY 26TH OF MAY, 2024
LESSON: THIRTY NINE(39)
TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW & SUMMARY
SUMMARY OF LESSONS 27-38
LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: KINGDOM INFLUENCERS
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 23:49-53.
MEMORY VERSE: And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. Luke 8:3.
INTRODUCTION: Kingdom influencers are believers who impact the world through their ministries and in the marketplaces like the media, politics, hospitality, fashion, marketing, music, education, and technology; by sharing their faith, substance, and expertise to enlarge God’s kingdom here on earth. God needs His children to be Kingdom influencers who will take over the spheres of influence here on earth for the excellent execution of His agenda. Are you willing to partner with God on this mission?
OUTLINES:
1. ATTRIBUTES OF KINGDOM INFLUENCERS
2..BECOMING A KINGDOM INFLUENCER
1. ATTRIBUTES OF KINGDOM INFLUENCERS
i. Kingdom Influencers are believers in Christ who contribute significantly to the economy and social well-being of their societies through their chosen careers, vocations, or divine calling (Acts 16:14-15, 40).
ii. They are full of good works and positively showcase the grace of God to the people around them (Acts 9:36-40; Luke 23:50-51).
iii. They are believers who have a good mastery of their respective industries and thus use a combination of faith and competence to influence happenings around them (Exodus 31:2-6).
iv. They are core professionals who strategically promote Jesus along with their trade e.g. football stars, athletes, scientists, etc., and give the credit for their achievements to God.
v. Kingdom Influencers have specialised knowledge and authority in a specific subject and as such are irresistible forces in their domain (Judges 4:4-5; 2 Samuel 23:9-10).
iv. They are Christ Ambassadors who deliberately publicise Christ anywhere they find themselves. (2 Corinthians 5:20).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Is it possible to be a kingdom influencer in your profession?
2. BECOMING A KINGDOM INFLUENCER
Question: How can a person become a kingdom influencer?
Answers: The person must:
i. Have confessed his/her sins to Jesus and accepted Him as personal Lord and Saviour. (Romans 10:9).
ii. Be ready to always share the good news about Jesus. (Romans 1:16).
iii. Be filled with the Holy Spirit- the Master Strategist who will help him/her as appropriate. (Ephesians 5:18).
iv. Develop a ‘large heart’: friendly and accommodating (Proverbs 18:24).
v. Be ready to work hard, work smart, work tenaciously, and aim at becoming a known authority or expert within his/her fields of endeavours (1 Kings 7:13-14).
vi. Establish a strong voice in his/her position like the three Hebrew men (Daniel 3:16-19, 28-29).
vii. Be a game changer in his/her sphere of domains. (1 Samuel 17:32).
viii. Be good stewards with accountability in mind (Luke 19:16-17).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What roles can Kingdom Influencers play in a nation’s policy formulation?
CONCLUSION: Everyone has influence. God expects us to be good stewards of that influence for His kingdom’s sake.
LESSON TWENTY EIGHT (28)
TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIALISATION
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:12-13.
MEMORY VERSE: Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5.
INTRODUCTION: To socialise simply means to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way. There are various ways of socialising, ranging from relating with people in the immediate environment, to getting involved in governance and community development activities. Christian socialisation cuts across recreation, social interaction, cultural activities, and political issues. While there may be diverse opinions on the extent of the involvement of Christians in social issues, it should be noted that moderation should be the watchword.
OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF SOCIALISATION
2. WORLDLY PERSPECTIVES VERSUS BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF SOCIALISATION
The Bible contains instances of different forms of socialisation. We shall x-ray a few of them.
a. The Lord Jesus socialized in the following instances:
i. Jesus Christ and His disciples attended a wedding ceremony at Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-2).
ii. He dined with Zacchaeus in his house (Luke 19:5).
iii. He was a friend to the family of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) and also paid them a condolence visit (John 11:33-35).
iv. He and His disciples also participated in the Feast of Passover (Mark 14:12-14)
b. Apostle Paul interacted with diverse classes of people for the sake of the Gospel to win some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
c. Daniel was involved in political administration in his days (Daniel 1:18-21; 6:1-3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should explore some other examples of social events in which God’s people participated in the Bible.
2. WORLDLY PERSPECTIVES VERSUS BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
The teacher should state that Christians cannot live in isolation in this present world. However, we must know when and how to draw the line between worldly (sinful) and acceptable (holy) socialisations. For instance:
i. Christians are expected to recreate (1 Timothy 4:8) but visiting bar/beer joints and nightclubs for recreation is unacceptable.
ii. Christians should avoid participating or feasting on occasions where idols are celebrated (1 Corinthians 10:28).
iii. Modernised carnivals with satanic undertones and other places where Christian integrity is questionable should also be avoided (1 Corinthians 8:10-11; 10:19-21).
iv. Watching immoral movies, listening to/singing ungodly music, and wearing seductive dresses in the name of socialisation are also ungodly things Christians must avoid (1 Corinthians 8:8-11).
v. While getting involved in secular activities, Christians should watch out and abstain from things that can make them compromise their faith (Philippians 4:8).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should identify the inherent dangers of unguarded/reckless socialisations.
CONCLUSION: Whatsoever we do to socialise should be to the glory of God and the edification of the saints (1 Corinthians 10:31).
CONCLUSION: Christians are to show moderation in social interactions.
LESSON TWENTY NINE (29)
TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND GOVERNANCE
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 13:1-6
MEMORY VERSE: And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10.
INTRODUCTION: The opinion held by some Christians that if they are going to follow Christ, they must be quiet and withdrawn from things happening on the earth, negates the will of God as spelled out in the Scripture. Christ has called believers unto a life of influence, control, and dominion (Psalms 8:6). They are to take charge (Matthew 5:15-16) and the issue of governance is no exception. As the light of the world, they are to dispel the darkness of unrighteousness, sycophancy, etc. which are the order of the day, in present-day governance systems of the world.
OUTLINES:
1.THE VIEW OF GOD ON GOVERNANCE
The students should be made to know that:
i. God instituted governance. It is not a secular concept or people’s creation.
ii. God is the ultimate “Governor” who delegates the function to humans (Psalm 22:28; Daniel 4:34).
iii. It is one of the purposes for which the spirit-being called ‘man’ was created (Genesis 1:26).
iv. It is a calling and manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:28).
v. It is a tool for orderliness and sanity (1 Corinthians 14:40; Exodus 18:21).
vi. It is instituted by God for administration, justice, and general welfare of citizens (1Timothy 2:2).
vii. Like marriage, it is instituted by God and should be submitted to (Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1-2).
viii. Governance is servanthood. It is a means of serving the governed (Matthew 20:25-28).
ix. Governance is a ministry and governors are ministers of God (Romans 13:3-4).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What do you think government can do to deliver more services to the citizens?
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN GOVERNANCE
Christians need to be involved in governance because:
1. It is part of our inherent design as believers (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 5:15-16).
2. We are to effect positive and lasting change (Genesis 41:46-49; 53-57).
3. It stands out the nation among other nations (Proverbs 14:34).
4. We shall make righteous laws and decrees that lead to national progress (Mark 6:27; Luke 2:1).
5. It is obeying God’s ordinance of submission to authority (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:13-14).
6. It brings blessings and breakthroughs to the nation and fulfilment for her citizenry (Proverbs 11:10).
7. Governance is God’s institution and the word of God. So, people of God should not be kept out of God’s institution (Romans 13:1-6).
8. We must avoid paying the costly price of bad leadership (2 Samuel 23:3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the dangers of not participating in politics.
CONCLUSION: Believers should take their rightful place in deciding the destiny of their nations and turn the kingdom of this world into the kingdom of our God which is God’s divine mandate for us.
LESSON THIRTY (30)
TOPIC: PHYSICAL BREAKTHROUGH
BIBLE PASSAGE:Genesis 26:1-6,11-14
MEMORY VERSE: And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. Genesis 26:22.
INTRODUCTION: Generally, a breakthrough is major progress such as great innovation or discovery that overcomes significant obstacles. In other words, it is overcoming something challenging and having an achievement. A breakthrough usually gives a miraculous result. Breakthrough is often associated with prosperity although it means different things to different people. We can, therefore, talk about physical (financial, material, scientific, academic, etc.) and spiritual breakthroughs.
OUTLINES:
1. INSTANCES OF PHYSICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
2. FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE
1. INSTANCES OF PHYSICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
Question: Mention some physical breakthroughs apart from wealth.
Answer: Physical breakthroughs include but are not limited to wealth (financial and material), science, warfare (2 Samuel 23:15-16), and academics.
Question: What kind of breakthrough did the lepers experience?
Answer: They got an unimaginable and amazing breakthrough during famine and war (2 Kings 6:25; 7:8).
Question: What kind of breakthrough did Abraham experience
Answer: Abraham laid the foundation of breakthroughs for generations after him (Genesis 18:18).
i. Isaac got a breakthrough in Gerar; he became greater than Abraham his father and a whole nation envied him (Genesis 26:13-14).
ii. Jacob had an extraordinary ‘scientific’ breakthrough and increased exceedingly (Genesis 30:37-43).
Question: What did Solomon do to get a breakthrough?
Answer: Through unprecedented sacrifices, Solomon had a ‘multidimensional’ breakthrough (2 Chronicles 1:6-12).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: From the above examples, does sowing/giving facilitate breakthroughs?
2. FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE
Quite often, a breakthrough connotes a change in trend. One can experience a breakthrough from negative/unfavourable circumstances to positive/favourable conditions. Let us examine some biblical instances:
i. Obededom: From apparent nothingness to unimaginable blessings. 1 Chronicles 13:13-14.
ii. Jabez: From sorrow to success. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
iii. Peter: From emptiness to abundance. Luke 5:4-7.
iv. The widow of Zarephath: From hopelessness to miraculous supplies. 1 Kings 17:10-16.
v. Naaman: From affliction to wholeness. 2 Kings 5:1-14.
vi. Elizabeth: From barrenness to fruitfulness. Luke 1:5-7, 57.
vii. The widow with overflowing oil: From indebtedness to wealth. 2 Kings 4:1-7.
CONCLUSION: There cannot be a physical breakthrough without divine intervention. Therefore, if you are expecting a breakthrough in any facet of your life, you must turn to God for help (Deuteronomy 8:18).
LESSON THIRTY ONE (31)
TOPIC: INTENTIONAL PARENTING
BIBLE PASSAGE: Esther 2:5-9.
MEMORY VERSE: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
INTRODUCTION: Good parenting does not just happen. The actions we intentionally take or refuse to take and the ways we consciously parent in the midst of all of life’s challenges have a direct impact on our children. In this lesson, we shall consider what it means to parent intentionally and some of the ways to go about it.
OUTLINES:
1. INTENTIONAL PARENTING DESCRIBED
2. WAYS TO BE INTENTIONAL
1. INTENTIONAL PARENTING DESCRIBED
INTENTIONAL PARENTING DESCRIBED
A. The teacher should test the knowledge of the students on the topic by asking them to explain what intentional parenting means.
B. The teacher should define the meaning of intentional parenting as follows:
i. Parenting with a goal— (Habakkuk 2:2).
ii. Ability to think through every step of your child’s stage of development. (1 Samuel 1:11).
iii. It is making informed and conscious parenting choices concerning the child. (Genesis 24:3-4; 1 Samuel 1:24).
C. The teacher should explain to the students that intentional parenting focuses on:
i. What parents can do to help their children succeed. (2 Timothy. 1:5; Proverbs 13:22a).
ii. The specific actions parents should take to support their children’s strengths and weaknesses. (Exodus 18:15-24, Ruth 3:1-5).
iii. Parents’ activities to facilitate the development of their children to achieve their desired or desirable results. (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
D. The teacher should ask the students to mention the goals of intentional parenting as indicated below:
i. To help children walk in the footsteps of godly parents. (1 Corinthians 11:1).
ii. It is not permissive parenting; it involves giving up control to God while we intentionally do our part as parents (Genesis 18:19; Joshua 24:15).
iii. It also means parents understand themselves, their values, their motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
iv. Intentional parenting begins with the parents and not with the child. It cannot be outsourced.
2. WAYS TO BE INTENTIONAL
i. Believe that God has given you the power to influence your child positively. (Philippians 4:13).
ii. Get the right knowledge: through the word of God, counselling, reading of books on parenting, attending trainings/seminars, etc. (Proverbs 4:7).
iii. Know that childhood is neither a race nor a competition. There is no basis for comparison. (2 Corinthians 10:12).
iv. Give them appropriate responsibilities according to their age. (Genesis 37:13-14, 1 Samuel 17:17-18).
v. Teach them essential life skills. (Proverbs 31:1-9).
vi. Deliberately teach them the word of God. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 2 Timothy 3:15).
vii. Accept your child’s uniqueness. (Psalm 139:14).
viii. Be a great role model. (Titus 2:7).
ix. Be consistent, persistent, and deliberate with discipline. (Proverbs 29:15, Hebrews 12:7).
x. Communicate values clearly to your children. Do not parent on assumption. (Psalm 78:2-4).
xi. Be an emotionally intelligent parent. (Colossians 3:21).
xii. Work on yourself as a parent. (Matthew 7:3-5).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Discuss the ways to be intentional in raising a child who is showing traces of disobedience.
CONCLUSION: Parenting with intentionality will bring you and your child greater happiness (Proverbs 29:17). Start early.
LESSON THIRTY THREE (33)
TOPIC: MARRIAGE STATUS
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:22-29
MEMORY VERSE: Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:33.
INTRODUCTION: Marriage is a state of being united as man and woman in a consensual and contractual relationship recognised by law. According to the Bible, marriage is a honourable institution (Hebrews 13:4) and a lifetime commitment (Matthew 19:6). However, it is generally observed that some marriages are in a state of coma or completely dead, while some merely exist. What is the status of your marriage as a believer? It is interesting to know that God desires that we all have living marriages.
OUTLINES:
1. MARRIAGE STATUS
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIVING MARRIAGE
1. MARRIAGE STATUS
The teacher should highlight the characteristics of the following marriage status as indicated below:
I. ‘Marriage In Coma’: This is a marriage in which neither of the spouses feels the presence of the other nor spends quality time together.
This marriage has the following characteristics:
i. Bitterness and resentment (Hebrews 12:15).
ii. The couple refuses to keep communication lines open.
iii. They dwell more on each other’s weaknesses or offenses (1 Samuel 25:25-26).
iv. There is selfishness
v. Partners may be inconsiderate (Philippians 2:3).
II. Dead Marriage: In this kind of marriage, there are no traces of true love
i. Even if they are living under the same roof, there may not be emotional attachment/attraction or genuine concern for each other’s wellbeing.
ii. They are more like familiar strangers or two people just cohabiting (1 Corinthians 3:3).
III. Living Marriage: This is a kind of marriage in which the couple dwells together in understanding
i. There is genuine love.
ii. There is sacrifice and patience.
iii. Couple enjoys the company of each other (Genesis 26:8).
iv. Over time they have learned to manage their weaknesses or excesses.
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIVING MARRIAGE
A living marriage is a function of mutual fulfilment derived from a selfless commitment to the marital union. This can only be achieved by the grace of God, determination, and deliberate efforts of both partners. Below are some characteristics of a living marriage:
i. The fear of God: The couple subjects their decisions to the standard of God’s word and operates their home based on the fear and love of God. (Genesis 18:19; Isaiah 8:13).
ii. Love: The love between such a couple transcends “eros’’ (sexual intimacy) or phileo (friendship). It is God’s kind of Love that is unconditional and sacrificial (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Ephesians 5:24-25). A couple in a living marriage is prepared to ‘weather the storm’ throughout their lifetime.
iii. Mutual support: This couple makes the decision to stay and support each other through thick and thin (Galatians 6:2).
iv. Forgiveness: Conflicts are inevitable and sometimes healthy because it promotes a better understanding. The couple is quick to ask for forgiveness as well as to grant it (Ephesians 4:32).
v. Kindness: they maintain a great habit of being kind and understanding of each other (Romans 12:10).
vi. Commitment: they show a keen interest in the progress of each other’s career, ministry, business, extended families, etc. They share each other’s views and visions (Philippians 2:4).
vii. Appreciation: They develop the attitude of gratitude and celebrate each other (Philippians 2:3).
viii. Acceptance: They do not dwell on the weakness of each other but prayerfully work on each other and trust God for positive changes (Ephesians 4:2).
ix. Time: They spend quality time together in understanding and knowing each other (Genesis 26:8, Ecclesiastes 9:9).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss the enemies of a living marriage.
CONCLUSION: In a living marriage, the human ego is reduced to the barest minimum to enjoy marital bliss.
LESSON THIRTY FOUR (34)
TOPIC: LOVE LANGUAGE IN MARRIAGE
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 2:18-25.
MEMORY VERSE: By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. Proverbs 25:15
INTRODUCTION: Many marriages are needlessly failing because the marriage partners have a lack of knowledge regarding relationship dynamics (Hosea 4:6). Most couples, sadly to say, are ignorant on purpose. In this study, we will look at the scriptural principles and the love language that should characterise our marital relationships.
OUTLINES:
1. SCRIPTU