RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual 25 August 2024, Lesson 52 – TOPIC: Quarterly Review/Summary

RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual 25 August 2024, Lesson 52 – TOPIC: Quarterly Review/Summary

RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual 25 August 2024 – Lesson 52

TOPIC: Quarterly Review/Summary

Summary Of Lessons (40-51)

LESSON FORTY (40)

TOPIC: WAYS OF RESTORATION

MEMORY VERSE: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” – Joel 2:25

BIBLE TEXT: Joel 2:12-26

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Restoration means the process of bringing someone or something back to their God ordained state or previous condition. When something is restored, it is always better than how it was a better way, a better life, and a better future. God will take that which is broken and put it together again and make it better than it was before.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: TURN YOUR HEART TO GOD

Before one can be restored, their hearts must be turned to God for cleansing and purification. A polluted heart cannot be restored. Other conditions for restoration are:

Genuine repentance – Lamentations 5:21; 1 Kings 8:47.
Divine gratification of mercy – Romans 9:15.
Quitting all access to sinful lives.
Never cover up your sins – Proverbs 28:13.
Get new friends and build godly relationships.
Being crucified with Christ – Galatians 2:20.

We are going to be using the 4 Rs of restoration to drive;

a. Replace: God has replaced stony heart with the heart of flesh – Ezekiel 36:26.

b. Renew: By focusing on the Bible, the mind is renewed continually – Romans 12:2.

c. Revive: Through the resurrection power of God, we are given a new and everlasting life – Romans 6:4.

d. Return: This new and everlasting life is forever in the possession of the Owner of our lives – Romans 5:10.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO WERE RESTORED

The Prodigal son – Luke 5:20-21.
King David – 2 Samuel 24:10-25.
Peter – John 21:3; Matthew 26:33.
The Woman with the issue of blood – Mark 5:25-34.
The Widow of Nain – Luke 7:11-15
Blind Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52.

Other references are Genesis 37:27-28; 41:40-44 (the story of Joseph), Joel 3:3; Amos 2:6-7.

ACTIVITY: What are other benefits of turning one’s hearts to God aside from restoration?

SUMMARY: Repentance or firm resolution comes before restoration.

CONCLUSION: “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth of the evil.” – Joel 2:13.

LESSON FORTY ONE (41)

TOPIC: BE IN HIS PRESENCE

MEMORY VERSE: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. “Psalms 16:11

BIBLE TEXT: Psalms 27:4

LESSON INTRODUCTION: God’s presence is very important in our daily activities. Even the earth shakes, trembles and the heaven drops at His presence (Psalms 68:8). There is nothing hidden from God, everything is completely opened before Him. One of the blessings we enjoy in God’s presence is the fullness of Joy!

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN GOD’S PRESENCE?

When we talk of being in God’s presence, it means;

Company of angels embedded in awesome fear – Hebrews 12:22.
Glorious in holiness, fearful, undiluted praises – Exodus 15:11.
Rejoicing whenever there is immeasurable encounter of salvation – Luke 15:10.
Uttering words, prophecies that changes destiny.
Divine visitation – Luke 1:28-35.
Prayers, supplications and blessings – Acts 2:25,28.
Standing for divine instruction and directives – Luke 1:19.
Taking and enlarging territories – Deuteronomy 12:20; 19:8.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN GOD’S PRESENCE AND THE DANGERS OF NOT BEING IN GOD’S PRESENCE

Enjoying divine formation and provision – Genesis 2:21.
Enjoying divine communion.
Enjoying peace and rest from evil activities – Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:9; Matthew 11:28.
Enjoying security and protection from wiles of the devil – Proverbs 18:10; Eph.6:11.
Enjoying hope, joy and crown of rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
Enjoying wisdom and power – Daniel 2:20.
Mountains melt, opposition crumbles Judges 5:5; Psalms 46:6; 68:2; 97:5.
There is beauty for ashes, oil of gladness – Isaiah 61:3.

SUMMARY: Where can we go from His presence?

CONCLUSION: Every believer should desire to be in God’s presence because according to Psalms 27:4, there is beauty in His presence and there is provision to request and ask God questions.

LESSON FORTY ONE (42)

TOPIC: LOOK UP!

MEMORY VERSE: “Looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at thy right hand of the throne of God. “Hebrews 12:2

BIBLE TEXT: Psalms 121:1-3

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Look up maybe termed divine order to keep all believers from being distracted from godly goals, aims, objectives, divine expectation and being guided from being choked by worldly wolves. In Genesis 22:3, the Bible says, “Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by its horns.” We can see there that God’s response to Abraham’s expectation was received immediately he looked up to God.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHY LOOKING UP?

In this context, we are emphasizing on looking up to God Almighty.
When you look up to God;

i. a shameful and disgraceful life is terminated – Psalms 34:5.
ii. only in God, we find help – Psalms 46:1.
iii. your recovery will be total – 1 Samuel 30:8.
iv. giants will be subdued – 1 Samuel 17:45-47; Esther 4:14-16, 7:7-10.
v. your request will be granted – Numbers 14:28; 23:19.
vi. you receive absolute rest from evil connivances – 1 Kings 5:4; 2 Samuel 7:1.
vii. there is validation of our sonship as children of God – 1 John 3:2.
viii. there is provision from God to guide you to the end without falling.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: THE DANGERS OF LOOKING DOWN

To look down means working contrary to God’s pattern, to believe you are self-sufficient, no need for assistance, to believe your success is by your own power.
Let us look at the dangers of not looking up to God.

You are exposed to attack since there is suspension of divine presence.
Your defence has been withdrawn – 1 Samuel 19:9.
Walking and operating in error – 1 Samuel 15:9-11.
Victory is suspended and curse is unleashed – 2 Samuel 12:7-12
Affliction and devaluation of godly virtues.

ACTIVITY: Mention biblical characters who obtained their expectation by looking up to God.

SUMMARY: Help, solution, blessing, etc. can only come from above.

CONCLUSION: Looking up is an act of readiness to obtain information about something. The lame man at the beautiful gate looked up to Peter and John with full expectation and he was rewarded with victory over stagnation and sickness sickness of many years. Will you look up to Him?

LESSON FORTY THREE (43)

TOPIC: HONOUR AND DISHONOUR

MEMORY VERSE: “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also wood and of earth, and some to honour and some to dishonour.” 2 Timothy 2:20

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:20-21

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: In the scripture according to 2 Timothy 2:20, there are vessels meant for different assignments but not all will receive advantageous rewards. What is honour? Honour means high respect, great esteem, to regard or treat with admiration, showing esteem for one deserving of respect, attention or obedience. God has made believers for honour!

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: VESSELS OF HONOUR

Vessels are containers designed for special purpose; therefore vessels of honour are usable containers for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Vessels of honour must;

i. Bear fruit of righteousness.
ii. Point unbelievers to the way of salvation.
iii. Always be spent for Kingdom advancement – II Cor. 12:15.
iv. Be godly in character and righteousness in behaviour – I Tim. 6:10.
v. Be determined and well focused, desiring to attain perfection – Prov. 22:29.
vi. Be crucified with Christ – Galatians 2:20.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: VESSELS OF DISHONOUR

Characteristics of vessels of dishonour:

They are worthless, they are without any value.
They are abandoned, not cared for.
They are subjected to constant error and humiliation – 1 Samuel 13:9-13.
They incur God’s wrath.
They live in darkness.
Their ending is destruction.
They obey flesh not God’s Spirit.
They are self-centred, not having self-sacrificing attitude.
They yield to human praise.

ACTIVITY: Discuss Samuel as a vessel unto honour during his time with Eli.

SUMMARY: Keep on with your duty in God’s vineyard as a vessel unto honour, there is a great reward for releasing yourself to divine course.

CONCLUSION: God is committed to the fulfilment of His words in the life of vessels unto honour, your attitude to God’s business will determine your altitude. Wonders shall automatically follow those that are devoted as vessels in God’s hands.

LESSON FORTY FOUR (44)

TOPIC: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

MEMORY VERSE: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with thy right hand of my righteousness. “Isaiah 41:10

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Kings 6:17-26

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Every believer should know that they are not alone. No matter the challenging situations, there is a provision for God’s intervention. Do not allow worry or anxiety to deny you of embracing divine promises.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: FEAR NOT

As a child of God, there is need to be fully aware that worry and anxiety cannot bring about desired miracles.

Why Do We Need To Fear Not?

i. God wants us to be filled with hope and trust in Him – Proverbs 3:5.
ii. In order to keep believers on their toes, not losing focus – Hebrews 12:2.
iii. To achieve one’s goals and objectives – 1 Samuel 17:33-37.
iv. God’s presence is with us – Hebrews 13:5.
v. Our victorious life brings glory to God and shame to the devil – 1 Samuel 17:51.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: HIS ANGELS ARE WITH YOU

Angels are God’s servants, saddled with the responsibility to minister and care for believers.

What Are The Roles Of God’s Angels?

They are assigned to guide, guard and fight for us – Psalms 91:11-12.
They communicate divine messages.
They watch and observe believers – 1 Corinthians 4:9.
They are God’s instruments used by God to reveal His word and counsel.
They are source of encouragement to believers- 2 Thess. 1:7.
They remove all obstacles or setbacks – Matthew 28:2.
They deliver God’s own from predators – Daniel 6:22; 2 Kings 19:38.
They care for believers even to death – Luke 16.
They wade off evil agenda.
They establish grace of multiplication on believers – Genesis 16:10.

ACTIVITY: State seven believers who enjoyed angelical intervention.

SUMMARY: You are never alone. No matter where you are, His presence is there because He is the Omnipresent God.

CONCLUSION: Angels are there to assist believers, nations, attend to human’s needs and establish the counsel of God.

LESSON FORTY FIVE (45)

TOPIC: DEALING WITH SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord. “1 Samuel 16:14

BIBLE TEXT: 1 Samuel 16:14-18

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Spiritual problem can be defined as difficulty that involves relationship with our spiritual life that has to be resolved or dealt with. A lot of believers are going through spiritual problems which have handicapped their walk with God. The ability to deal with this will prompt divine reinstatement of their divine right. In Luke 15:17-24, the prodigal son saw the need to mend his relationship with his father and through this, he was restored.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: CAUSES OF SPIRITUAL PROBLEM

Spiritual problem refers to conflict over spiritual matter with God, within oneself and with other people. Such as;

i. Focusing on past failures – Philippians 3:13-14.
ii. Too much of trials and setbacks.
iii. Negative thoughts and sense of unhappiness.
iv. Loss of faith in prayers.
v. Ceaseless disappointment-Proverbs 13:12.
vi. Depreciation in divine relationship.
vii. Fellowshipping with the unfruitful works of darkness – Ephesians 5:11.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: WAY OUT OF SPIRITUAL PROBLEM

Return to Jesus – Matthew 11:28.
Discard all distractions to your relationship with God.
Be prayerful – Luke 18:1; Mark 9:29.
Be committed to divine task – John 9:4,
Kill all worldly affections – Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5.
Set your mind on heavenly things – Colossians 3:2.
Despise not the fellowship with the saints – Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3.

ACTIVITY: What caused the spiritual problem of King Saul in the Bible that led to an evil spirit possessing him?

SUMMARY: Spiritual problems should be tackled spiritually.

CONCLUSION: “… For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil”-1 John 3:8b.

LESSON FORTY SIX (46)

TOPIC: POWER OF INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

MEMORY VERSE: “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ve shall he witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

BIBLE TEXT: Acts 10:34-44

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The infilling of the Holy Spirit is a gift offered to the children of God and is the power from on high (Luke 24:49) which Jesus promised to His disciples. It is called the baptism in the Holy Spirit which is received by faith and prayer and may be accomplished by laying on of hands. The infilling, i.e. the baptism of the Holy Spirit, releases the power on the believer to do the work of the ministry of our Lord Jesus. (Acts 1:8; 10:38).

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHO DOES THE INFILLING AND SIGNS?

The infilling of Holy Spirit is done by the Holy Spirit Himself. In Luke 24:49, Jesus told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until He sends the Holy Spirit that will fill them and empower them for the work He was committing into their hands. When the Holy Spirit fills you, it is evident by your ability to speak in an unknown tongue – Acts 2:4. The infilling of the Holy Spirit empowers you to do the following:

i. Boldness to witness Christ – Acts 2:1-8: 1:8.
ii. Fruitful in the work of the ministry – Acts 11:24.
iii. Ability to overcome sin – Galatians 5:16.
iv. Deeper understanding of God’s word. Isaiah 50:41
v. Endurance of trials – 1 Peter 1:7.
vi. Manifestation of spiritual gifting – 1 Corinthians 12:7-10.
vii. Helps you to pray – Romans 8:26-27.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: STEPS TO THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Repentance and genuine conversion – Acts 3:19.
Readiness to receive the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:1-4.
Ask for the infilling of the Holy Spirit – Acts 15:8; John 14:13-14
Laying on of hands – 1 Timothy 4:14. Acts 19:6
Continuous praying in tongues

ACTIVITY: What are things that can impede the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

SUMMARY: The infilling of the Holy Spirit is the power from on high released to do all things. Every believer filled with the Holun Spirit is empowered to do exploits for the Lord – Daniel 11:32.

CONCLUSION: Every genuine child of God needs the infilling of the Holy Spirit to succeed in their daily walk with God. We must therefore desire the Holy Spirit, be filled and depend on the Holy Spirit.

LESSON FORTY SEVEN (47)

TOPIC: HELPING THE YOUTHS TO LOCATE THEIR PATHS TO VICTORY

MEMORY VERSE: “The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head.” Proverbs 20:29

BIBLE TEXT: Judges 14:1-2

1 And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.
2 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: John 6:33 tells us that the world is a place of tribulation (troubles and challenges) with assurance of victory because Jesus has paid the price for our victory. The Bible also tells us that we should be sober and vigilant because our adversary is always on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). The devil’s assignment is to steal, kill and to destroy John 10:10. Parents and leaders, therefore, have the responsibility to teach and guide the youths so as not to fall prey to the antic of the devil. When youths are victorious, they will be able to fulfill their glorious destinies in Jesus’ name – 1 John 5:4.

LESSON AIM: To ensure youths find answers to victorious living. Teaching Objectives: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:

be watchful of pitfalls especially youths.
know what to do to remain victorious youths.

TEXT REVIEW: Judges 14:1-2

a. Samson, though anointed from birth, was supposed to be under the guidance of his parents but refused to obey them.

b. Samson failed to obey the laws of God that forbade Jews from marrying the Philistines. He rather demanded his parents to get a Philistine for him as wife.

c. Samson could not subdue Hust, hence, he disobeyed God’s law.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: BE WATCHFUL OF THE PITFALLS (CASE STUDY: SAMSON AND REUBEN)

To be watchful of pitfalls is to be on the alert for the possible negative influences, attractions, lust, wolves in sheep clothes, etc. that can lead to errors, mistakes, decisions that can cause harm, failure, reproach, etc Every youth should ask God to guard their eyes – Psalms 119:37. The Bible admonishes that we keep our hearts diligently to avoid pitfalls
Proverbs 4:23. Samson and Reuben failed to:

i. guard their eyes from women – Job 31:1.
ii. subdue their lust for women – Proverbs 6:25.
iii. honour and obey their parents – Ephesians 6: 1-3.
iv. obey the laws of God – Deuteronomy 28:1-2.
v. submit to authority – 1 Peter 5:5.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: TO BE VICTORIOUS… CASE STUDY: DANIEL
For a youth to be victorious, they need to;

excel in wisdom and understanding.
Study the word of God – Daniel 9:2; Joshua 1:8.
Pray to God daily and always – 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Follow divine instructions – Daniel 1:8; Joshua 1:8.
Shun any act of compromising of faith in God – Daniel, 6:5,10; 2 Timothy 1:7
Affect others positively – Daniel 6:25-26; Matthew 5:16.

ACTIVITY: List some benefits of walking in the path of victory as a youth.

SUMMARY: Victory in life is only assured when we walk in obedience with God. John 15:5. Walking with God involves knowing Him as Lord and Saviour, studying and obeying His Word, praying for direction, assistance and grace.

CONCLUSION: John 16:33 tells us that we will always face challenges in the world but as Christians, we are sure of victory. We must therefore teach and encourage the youths to draw near to God so that He will be with them in their battles – Hebrews 7:25.

LESSON FORTY EIGHT (48)

TOPIC: PERSISTENT PRAYERS

MEMORY VERSE: “Confess your faults one another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16

BIBLE TEXT: Daniel 10:11-15

LESSON INTRODUCTION: In Luke 18:1, the Bible says that men ought to pray and not to faint. We will be discussing persistence in prayers and how it yields to testimonies to confirm the statement of Jesus in Luke 18:1.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

1 Thessalonians admonished believers to pray without season. This means to be in constant fellowship with God in the place of prayer which is made possible when our hearts and minds are always focused on the things of God.

Praying without ceasing is a lifestyle of worship, praise and thanksgiving that comes from an understanding of who God is, what God has done, what God is doing and what He is capable of doing in the future on earth and in the lives of men.

When you pray and are able to do the following, they will help to raise the urge to always pray in you:

I. Gratitude-Psalms 110:4.
II. Singing-James 5:13.
III. Bible Study – II Timothy 2:15.
IV. Fellowship-Hebrews 10:25.
V. Make God your friend – James 2:23; John 15:15.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: BENEFITS OF PERSISTENT PRAYERS

It helps to develop a relationship with God – Romans 8:15.
It helps to understand God’s love – Psalm 103:13; 1 John 4:8.
It also results in testimonies – 1 Kings 18:41-46.
It gives you strength to avoid temptation – Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
It keeps you holy – Psalm 24:3-4.
It invites the Holy Spirit into your life
It makes you a carrier of God’s power and presence – Psalms 16: 11

ACTIVITY: Share testimonies of answers to your previous experience on issues that required your persistence in prayers

SUMMARY: Pray without ceasing rather than complaining and murmuring.

CONCLUSION: As children of God, we have assurance that our Lord We must therefore be persistent and ask Jesus will answer our prayers. God for grace to live in obedience to His word.

LESSON FORTY NINE (49)

TOPIC: FISHERS OF MEN

MEMORY VERSE: “And he saith unto them, follow me and I will make you fishers of men. “Matthew 4:19

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 4:18-20

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Lord Jesus Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit to continue the work He started when He came to the world. Mentoring is the process of training, advising the younger and the less experienced with the goal of making them achieve desired goals. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Mentor of mentors, in Matthew 4:19 invited His disciples to His mentoring programme. His goal was to make them evangelists who will share the gospel of salvation to all men. By Matthew 28:20, He had completed His mentoring programme and sent them as evangelists to go and fish for men all over the world and make them His disciples. All parents, teachers and church leaders have the responsibility to mentor the youths under their care to enable them fulfill divine purposes for their lives – Proverbs 22:6.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: FOLLOW HIM AND BECOME

Jesus invited His disciples to follow Him so that He could make them fishers of men – Matthew 4:19. This is an invitation with a promise. Follow me and I will make you. This implies that without taking the first step to follow Jesus, we cannot become fishers of men – John 15:5.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW JESUS?

It simply means: to be ready for service. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus was clear on the purpose of the call. to learn from Jesus in order to be taught His ways – Matthew
i. to be ready for service. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus was cleared on the purpose of the call.
ii. to learn from Jesus in order to be taught His ways – Matthew 11:29.
iii. to change our priorities – Matthew 4:20.
Iv. for undivided loyalty – Matthew 4:20; 6:24.
v. to follow the instructions of the Master – Luke 5:5.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY

Like every vocation and profession, there is a price to pay to succeed as fishers of men.

You must be born again – John 3:3-5.
You must live a holy life – II Timothy 2:21.
You must study and know the scriptures – 2 Timothy 2:15.
You must be prayerful to overcome obstacles – Ephesians 6:18.
You need the infilling (baptism) of the Holy Spirit – Luke 24.49.
You must be ready to preach the good news at all times – 2 Timothy 4.2
You need to pray for the burden for souls – John 14:13-14.

ACTIVITY: Discuss the encounter of Jesus with Peter in Luke 5:1-7.

SUMMARY: Our Lord Jesus has given every believer the assignment to fish for the lost souls of men. (Mark 16:15, 16). As we obey and carry out this assignment faithfully, there is a reward – a crown of rejoicing awaiting us – 1 Thessalonians 2:19.

CONCLUSION: Proverbs 11:30 tells us that it is wise to win souls for the Lord because there is a crown of rejoicing awaiting you in heaven. Secondly when you win souls, you automatically present yourself to God as ready vessel. And He will make you one of His fishers of men.

LESSON FIFTY (50)

TOPIC: MARITAL BLISS AND MARITAL BLOWS

MEMORY VERSE: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. “Proverbs 18:22

BIBLE TEXT: Ephesians 5:25-30

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Marriage is a sacred institution set up by God when He created the earth and placed man on it to live and dominate it. It is an agreement (Amos 3:3) with a divine seal between a man and woman to talk together as one flesh (Gen.2:24-25) which must be nurtured continuously by both the husband and wife with love. Such love which engineers the required ingredients of submission, tolerance, forgiveness, etc. When the required ingredients are in place, there will be marital bliss. But where these ingredients are lacking, there will be marital blows.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHAT IS MARITAL BLISS?

Marital bliss simply means marital happiness, where both husband and wife are at peace and are full of joy. For there to be marital bliss, the two lubricants of submission and love must be applied daily by both. These lubricants are produced by the following ingredients:

i. Seeking God’s wisdom daily – James 1:5; I Cor. 2:14.
ii. Forgiveness – Matthew 7:12; 17:34; Ephesians 4:32.
iii. Resolution of disagreements – Romans 12:17-21; John 7:24.
iv. Relationship with third parties (in laws, friends, etc.) – Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7.
v. Trust and effective communication – Proverbs 31:10-11; 15:1; Colossians 4:6.
vi. Honouring marital vows.
vii. Prayer and fellowship with one another – Acts 2:42; Matthew 18:19.
viii. Contentment – 1 Timothy 6:6.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: WHAT ABOUT MARITAL BLOWS?

When the ingredients that produce marital bliss lubricants (submission and love) are absent, the couple will experience marital blows which manifest in disagreements, hurts, bitterness, anger, divorce, etc.

Causes of marital blows are as follows:

Wrong foundation. The foundation of marriage is key to bliss or blow – Psalms 11:3.
Unfaithfulness – Hebrews 13:4; Ecclesiastes 9:9.
Third Party involvement.
Criticism – 1 Peter 3:7; Proverbs 12:4; 31:28.
Prayerlessness – 1 Peter 5:8; Deuteronomy 32:20. When the couple fails to pray, the devil will throw javelins that will cause marital blows.
Lack of contentment. When either party begins to compare their spouse with another man or woman – Proverbs 5:18, Malachi 2:14, 1 Timothy 6.6

ACTIVITY: Discuss some benefits received through godly marital breakthrough?

SUMMARY: Marriage is an agreement and covenant you commit yourself to. As Christians, we know that God hates putting away.

CONCLUSION: Marriage is to be enjoyed and not to be endured. When there is marital bliss, the couple enjoys marriage but when there are marital blows, the couple endures marriage. Before making marital vows, we need to ask the Lord and follow Him in our choice of marital partner – Matthew 7:7.

LESSON FIFTY ONE (51)

TOPIC: THE LORD THAT SUSTAINS

MEMORY VERSE: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never let righteous be moved.” Psalms 55:22

BIBLE TEXT: Genesis 21:14-20

LESSON INTRODUCTION: John 16:33 forewarned us that we will face challenges in the world but assures that at the end of it all, victory is certain because God is with us – Hebrews 13:5. God gives us strength and support physically and mentally during challenging situations. We therefore need to cast our cares and troubles on the Lord, because He cares for us – I Peter 5:7. When we cast all upon Him in times of illness, financial challenges, uncertainty, He will see us through and it will end in praise in Jesus name.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHEN ALL HOPE IS LOST

I. There is present help in time of trouble – Gen. 21:16-19; Ps. 46:1.
ii. Never let down your trust in divine ability – 1 Kings 17:9-15.
iii. Your supposed last meal can become your first – 1 Kings 17:9-15.
iv. Your situation can receive divine intervention – John 5:1-11.
V. There is always a word from God’s throne to end the worst – 2 Kings 7:1.
vi. Hold on to God that owns cattle upon a thousand hills – Psalms 50:10.
vii. Wait for divine visitation – Genesis 30:22.
viii. Trust in God Almighty for His presence never cease – Hebrews 13:5.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: HE IS YOUR VERY PRESENT HELP

Psalms 46:1 tells us that God is our present help in trouble. This means that, He is with us to help us when we are going through challenges and problems.

When we face challenges, we must note the following;

God reigns supreme over all situations – Psalms 99:1; 24:1, 2.
God cares for you; He will never abandon you – I Pet. 5:6, 7; Isaiah 49:15.
God hears all “cries”. (Psa. 22:24) even the cry of the poor, (Psalm 34:6).
God is an always present help – Psalms 46:1.
God has helped us before and can do it again – Hebrews 13:8.
God knows who to use to restore and meet all expectations – 1 King 17:7-9. 150

ACTIVITY: List five biblical characters who witnessed instant divine intervention.

SUMMARY: In times of troubles and tribulations, which will surely come, we should not lose hope, neither God nor His word can fail. He is the same yesterday, today and forever – Hebrews 13:8. God is the present help, He showed up for Daniel (Daniel 6:22), the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-15), Hagar and Ishmael, (Genesis 21:17-18), He will definitely show up for you too.

CONCLUSION: When we are facing trials and tribulations, let us be comforted that we are not alone, God is with us (Psalms 46:1). He is able to deliver us out of difficulties. What we need to do is to hold onto Him and He will make us to triumph in Jesus name.

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

Open Heavens 2024 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

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