RCCG JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2022/2023 18 JUNE 2023, Lesson 42 – SUSTAINING TIHE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 4 (THROUGH FASTING)
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RCCG JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2022/2023
AGE 13-19 TEACHER’S MANUAL
SUNDAY 18TH OF JUNE, 2023
LESSON FORTY TWO (42)
TOPIC: SUSTAINING TIHE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 4 (THROUGH FASTING)
BIBLE TEXT: Acts 13:3-4
[3]And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
[4]So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Luke 4:2-4
[2]Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
[3]And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
[4]And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
LESSON AIM: For the teenagers to know the importance of fasting in a Christian life.
CENTRAL TRUTIH: God wants us to live from His set of values and ethics. Fasting is fine and good but to fast while continuing to harbour destructive thoughts and oppressive attitudes does not reflect Godly character.
INTRODUCTION: Isaiah 58:1-14 ; The practice of fasting goes much deeper than the act of gaing without food. God declares that He delights not merely in His people going without some daily staples, but in loosing the “bonds of wickedness” and undoing ”heavy burdens” of those they have oppressed.
STUDY GUIDE
A) WHAT IS FASTING
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is taught in the Bible. Jesus expected His followers to fast, and He said that God rewards fasting, Fasting, according to the Bible, means to voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food for a specific time and purpose.
What is fast? Fast means
- Matt 17:14. Jesus explained to His disciples when they were unable to cast a devil from a suffering man, that there is a level of spurting power obtainable only by “prayer and fasting” .
- Ps.35:13… Fasting helps develop self- mastery
- Ps.69:10.. helps in chastening our souls
- Est.4:16..for deliverance
- Acts l0: 30-33.for knowiedge
- Acts 13:1-3..to know those to set apart as missionaries
CLASS ACTIVITY I: Explain Acts 9:9
B.) HOW CAN A CHRISTIAN FAST?
- Matt 6:16…………
- 1 Cor 7:5…………
- Exo.34:28………
- Matt. 4:2……….
C) WHAT CAN HINDER THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR FAST?
Isaiah 58:4-5 “Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?”
D.) BIBLICAL RULES FOR FASTING:
a. Fast in secret… Matt. 6
b. Have the right motives
c. Physically prepare for a fast lasting longer than a couple of days.
E.) WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN FASTING:
- Do not stop drinking water
- Do not jump into extended fasting too quickly
- Do not eat too little during your break time
- Do not eat a high carbohydrate diet
- Do not drink alcohol during your fasting period
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the benefits of fasting as indicated in Isaiah 58:6-11?
LIFE APPLICATION: When you fast, you get empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Fast when things are a bit difficult or when you know you can no longer bears your problems. Then, you will see the power of the Holy Spirit in action in your life.
CONCLUSION: To sustain the fire of the Holy Spirit, you must be able to fast. Fasting does not kill if done as advised above and must be done regularly with prayers, Fasting without prayers amounts to hunger strike.
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION
- Ask them- What is God saying in today’s lesson?
- How can they apply this to their lives?
- Let them put their prayer points here:
Open Heavens 2021 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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