RCCG JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2024/2025 – AGE 9-12 TEACHER’S MANUAL – SUNDAY 16TH OF FEBRUARY, 2024 – LESSON TWENTY FIVE (25) – TOPIC: REVISION /SUMMARY

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RCCG JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2024/2025
AGE 9-12 TEACHER’S MANUAL
SUNDAY 16TH OF FEBRUARY, 2024
LESSON TWENTY FIVE (25)
TOPIC: REVISION /SUMMARY

• Revise the previous lesson with the children.
• Ask them question to ensure lessons have been well understood.
• Tell your class to review the previous lessons during the week.

SUMMARY OF LESSONS 20-20
LESSON TWENTY (20)
TOPIC: SIN
BIBLE TEXT: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 3:23; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

LESSON AIM: To let the children understand what exactly is sin and its consequences.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Sin is extremely bad.

INTRODUCTION: What is sin? There are many answers given to this question in the modern world, but the Bible gives one: sin is the breaking of God’s law. Sin is saying no to God, and yes to one’s own desire. This rebellious spirit is nothing new in the world. It came about when the first humans, Adam and Eve, rejected God’s wisdom in place of their own. The presence of sin, as described in the Bible, is the only thing that can explain why the world is full of pain and suffering.

STUDY GUIDE
A. WHAT IS SIN?
i. To think that sin will always look like sin is one of the most dangerous things we can do. Very few people go headlong into sin knowing full well that it is sin.
ii. Sin can be partly defined by saying that it is “Doing that which opposes God’s will or failing to do what God wills.
iii. Sin is man’s wrong relationship and attitude toward God that leads to trouble.
iv. Sin makes people forsake God, despise Him, and go backward to corruption.
v Sin is described in 1 John 3:4 as a transgression” of God’s spiritual law.
vi. The passage reads, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law
vii. One who commits sin violates or disobeys the will of God as revealed in the Bible. God’s spiritual law forbids stealing (Ephesians 4:28).
viii. If one decides to steal from another he has disobeyed God’s command and thus sinned.
ix. God’s spiritual law also forbids adultery and other forms of sexual immorality including homosexuality (Romans 1:24-29, 1 Corinthians 5:18, 10:8: 1 Thess 4:3, etc.).
x. When one chooses to engage in these forms of sexual immorality, he has violated God’s spiritual law and thus sinned

B. SIN REPACKAGE
Redefined and repackage sin no longer look like sin and the unbelievers is left wondering what if anything he needs to be saved from. We must find effective ways to communicate and demonstrate the deadly destruction sin can and will do in our lives and in our hearts if we don’t find the Savior. Gen 3:1-13.
On the negative side they might call it:
i. A mistake
ii. A lack of education
iii. A result of bad circumstances
iv. A misunderstanding Etc.
While there may be a degree of truth to each of these, the problem is that they sidestep and avoid the aspect of guilt and evil which are core to a Biblical understanding of sin.

On the positive side sin might be called:
v. Gambling -Entertainment
vi. idolatrous worship of cars, a sports team, and many other things -A hobby
vii. Sex outside of marriage -Romance and Love
viii Pride and arrogance -Confidence, independence
ix. Disrespect for authority -Courage
x. Pursuit of your own comfort and pleasure -Living the good life
xi. Greed -Pursuing your dreams
xii. Mutilation of the body -Unique
xiii. Pornography -Art
xiv. Abuse of drugs and alcohol -Entertainment
xv. Murder of a helpless and defenseless child -Personal choice

C. CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
i. Separation from God Isaiah 59.2
ii. Death Rom 6:23
iii Conscience and Guilt: Romans 2:15
iv. Broken Relationships Proverbs 17:9
v. Loss of Peace: Isaiah 45:22
vi. Suffering and Consequences: Galatians 6:7-8.
vii. Spiritual Blindness: 2 Corinthians 4:4
viii Bondage to Sin: John 8:34
ix. Destruction and Ruin: Proverbs 13:15
x. Eternal Judgment. Hebrews 9:27

CONCLUSION: Although believers are forgiven through faith in Jesus, unrepentant sin can create a temporary barrier in their fellowship with God. Sin disrupts the intimacy of the relationship, and believers may sense a separation until thay confess and turn away from their sins.

LESSON TWENTY ONE (21)
TOPIC: WHO ARE YOU?
BIBLE TEXT: Genesis 1:26-27

MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”

LESSON AIM: To let the children know their identity in God

CENTRAL TRUTH: Your identity will determine how you are going to end it all.

INTRODUCTION: You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it. Actually, God wants you to find out for yourself by reading His Word. It is so important that you go to the Bible to find out how He feels about you. Your Identity should never be based on a hope or a guess. God gave us His Word, the Bible, so you can know Him and know who He is making you to be in Him. In Christ, you are loved. Your identity is a child of God. This Bible verse comes from a chapter that warns against the temptation to stray from God into sin. You can resist sin by remembering that God has the best for His children. He offers you more than the world ever could. You are complete in His love. You are God’s righteousness. You are His goodness and rightness because of what Christ did on the cross. This was given to you, and you are called righteous by the Lord of the universe. In today’s lesson we will examine your Identity in Him.

STUDY GUIDE
A. HOW DOES GOD SEES YOU? Your true identity is ultimately based on what God has done for you. In the Bible, God tells us often about how He views His people. Let’s take a look at what He says about you, if you received Him as your Lord and Savior.

1. You are loved. 1 John 4:11
2. You are choosing. Col. 3:12
3. You are forgiven. John 11:9
4. You are redeemed. Gal. 3:13
5. You are adopted. Rom. 8:15

B. OBSTACLES IN BELIEVING IN YOUR IDENTITY

1. Sin (Present or past) Psalm 103:12
2. False belief. Rom. 16:17
3. Worldly affair. 2 Timothy 2:4
4. Evil thought Etc. Rom. 12:21
5. Bad company: Prov. 14:7

C. HOW CAN YOU RESPOND? These obstacles are difficult to navigate. It’s easy to believe that these things are legitimate barriers to following Jesus.

1. Repent from all your faults: 2 Chro. 7:14.
2. You can ask God to help you believe what is true.
3. Solicit for help: God never meant for you to walk with Jesus on your own. He brings people into your life so that you can encourage one another.
4. Positive mindset. Eph. 4:23
5. Run away from bad friends

CONCLUSION: If you believed that you were all that God says you are in Christ, how would that change the way you lived, the way you interact with others, or the way that you relate to the Lord? If you put your faith in Jesus, you have a new identity in Him. The more you get to know Jesus through His word and time in prayer, the more you will understand your identity in Him. The more you get to know Jesus, the more you will be able to identify areas of your life that you are not living in this identity by the power of the Holy Spirit, With Christ, we are awarded a new identity.

LESSON TWENTY TWO (22)
TOPIC: MENTAL HEALTH
BIBLE TEXT: Mark 5:1-15

MEMORY VERSE: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

LESSON AIM: To let the children know the state of their mental health.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Mental health is vital to your well being

INTRODUCTION: Mental health refers to a person’s overall psychological and emotional well- being. It encompasses the way individuals think, feel, and behave, as well as their ability to cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Good mental health is characterized by a sense of fulfillment, resilience, and the ability to function effectively in daily life. It involves having positive self-esteem, healthy relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and adversity. Matthew 11:28-30.

STUDY GUIDE
A. WHAT IS MENTAL ILLNESS?

1. A mental illness is a health issue. It can affect your thoughts, mood, or behaviour. It can impact the way you perceive the world around you. Psa. 34:17
2. A mental illness can cause distress. It may affect how you cope in school, how you function in relationships and your ability to manage everyday tasks. 2 Cor. 10:5
3. Mental illnesses can last for a short time or for your whole life. Some mild mental illness lasts only a few weeks. Sometimes severe illnesses can be life-long and cause serious disability. Psa. 42:11

B. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF MENTAL ILLNESS? There are many different types of mental illness. Some of the main groups of mental health disorders are:

1. Mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder). Isa 41:10.
2. Anxiety disorders. Phil. 4:6
3. Personality disorders. Psa. 34:4-5.
4. Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia). 2 Timothy 1:7.
5. Eating disorders
6. Trauma-related disorders

C. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS? Here are some signs of mental illness to look out for:

1. Unusual or illogical thoughts.
2. Unreasonable anger or irritability
3. Poor concentration and memory, not being able to follow a conversation
4. Hearing voices that no one else can hear
5. Increased or decreased sleep
6. Lack of motivation
7. Withdrawing from people
8. Drug use
9. Feelings that life is not worth living or suicidal thoughts
10. Becoming obsessed with a topic, like death or religion
11. Not doing as well as usual at school or work

D. WHAT CAUSES MENTAL ILLNESS?

1. Genetic factors-having a close family member with a mental illness can increase the chance that you might get a mental illness. However, just because one family member has a mental illness doesn’t mean that others will.
2. Drug and alcohol abuse illicit drug use can trigger a manic episode (bipolar disorder) or an episode of psychosis. Drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and amphetamines can cause paranoia.
3. Other biological factors-some medical conditions or hormonal changes can cause mental health problems.
4. Early life environment negative childhood experiences can increase the risk of some mental illnesses. Examples of negative childhood experiences are abuse or neglect.
5. Trauma and stress in adulthood, traumatic life events or ongoing stress can increase the risk of mental illness.

E. HOW TO CURE MENTAL ILLNESS?

1. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ-2 Cor. 5:17
2. Meditate on the word of God day and night-Joshua 1:8, Phil. 4:8
3. Be led and directed by the Spirit of God-Gal. 5:16, Eph. 5:18
4. Flee from all appearance of evil-2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Thess. 5:22
5. Avoid bad company-2 Cor. 6:17, Prov. 13:20, 1 Cor. 15:33, Prov. 1:10
6. Eat healthy diet-Acts 14:17, Prov. 27:27
7. Enrich in regular physical exercise – Timothy 4:7-8
8. Do not worry about anything-Matthew 5:25-29, 34, Phil. 4:6
9. Pray without ceasing-Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonian 5:17
10. Resist the Devil-James 4:7

CONCLUSION: It’s easy to think that God only cares about our spiritual health and where we will spend eternity. However, we want you to know that the Bible shows us over and over again how important our mental health is to our Heavenly Father as well.

LESSON TWENTY THREE (23)
TOPIC: SEXUAL PURITY
BIBLE TEXT: 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

LESSON AIM: To let the children understand that they must be sexually pure.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Sexual sin is a great sin against God.

INTRODUCTION: Our eyes are major gateways through which evil thoughts penetrate our hearts which translate into immoral actions. What you see determine what you think and what you think influence your actions and behaviors. If you as a child of God realize that your body is God temple you will be careful on how you handle your bodies, knowing that whosoever defile the body God will judge. God wants to come into your life, work through you in order to use you for His glory here on earth. Relationship with opposite sex should be pure and holy. Sexual desires and activities must be placed under Christ’s control.

STUDY GUIDE
A. WHAT IS SEXUAL PURITY?
Purity means no mixture, no dirty, no pollution, no stain, and no defect.
Sexual purity is receiving no sexual gratification from anything or anyone outside of your husband or wife, or before marriage.
Sexual purity encompasses abstinence from all sexual perversions, intimacy outside marriage, deliberate sensual arousals, impure thoughts and gratification of the desire for intimacy with the opposite sex.
The Bible is very explicit and unequivocal about the need for single people to stay sexually pure at all times.

B. WHY DOES CHRISTIANS FALL INTO TEMPTATION OF SEXUAL IMPURITY?

1. Covetousness: The first things to discover on why many of our youth fall victim is covetousness. Col. 3:5
2. Bad Company: Many of our ladies fall victim of sexual harassment because of bad company. Who are your friends? Prov. 13:20
3. Internet Photographs: This end, time Satan has robbed many of our youth lost their glory, virtues, virginity, through blues film, nude picture that litter the internet. Gal. 5:19
4. Wrong Information: Unfortunately some of our children are not well informed on sexual matters, therefore they are deceived that premarital sex bring intimacy, that is the test of sexual and marital compatibility, and and that it provide cure of some aliment like stomach ache, rheumatism, masturbation etc. 2 Thess 2:3-4
5. Laziness: Many are lazy to study ahead for their examination therefore they look for short-cut to success. Prov. 10:4.
6. Broken Home/Bad Parenting. Prov. 13:24.
7. Over Confidence: Taking kissing, hugging and caressing for granted. Heb. 4:16

C. DANGERS OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY

1. It promotes God’s anger and judgement Col 3:5, Heb 13:4, 1 Cor 10:8
2. It pollutes and destroys God temple-our -our body 1 Cor 6:18-19
3. It puts people at the risk of infections and diseases e.g. STD, HIV/AIDS (Total abstinence)
4. It tends to break of relationships and homes Math 5:32
5. It prevents from entering into God’s kingdom 1 Cor 6:9
6. It places wounds and disgrace upon people Prov 6:32-33

D. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING NOT TO HAVE SEX EARLY IN LIFE BEFORE MARRIAGE?

1. Abstinence will make you strong spiritually and physically, Job 17:7
2. Abstinence will give you divine favors e.g Mary, Elizabeth etc. Luke 1:39-80
3. Abstinence will make you object of respect and honour among your peers of Daniel and Joseph. Gen. 41:25, Dan. 19
4. Abstinence will prepare you for a reliable husband and wife
5. Abstinence will grant you Long life, peace and prosperity. Deut 5:33
6. Abstinence will save you from sexual assassin e.g Samson and Delilah. Judges 16:10.
7. Abstinence will save you from generational curse e.g Reuben.
8. It will protect you from glory loss
9. It will enhance your value, your worth more than rubies.
10. Abstinence will accelerate your financial promotion.

CONCLUSION: God’s word about fornication and sexual perversion has not changed. His standards are still same irrespective of one’s culture, age or generation. In view of this, sexual purity must be upheld by all all Christians. There is no shame in staying pure. You are not alone. God is holy and He is identified with His people. When professing Christians engage in sexual immorality, it drags God’s holy name through the mud in the eyes of the watching world. So if you know the Lord, His clearly stated will is for you to be sexually pure by the power of His Holy Spirit. If you are defeated by sexual sin, take whatever radical measures are necessary to get on the path to sexual purity.

LESSON TWENTY FOUR (24)
TOPIC: SELFLESS SERVICE
BIBLE TEXT: Luke 17:7-10

MEMORY VERSE: Philipians 1:21-22 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain; But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.”

LESSON AIM: To let the children understand how to render selfless service.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Selfless service attracts robust blessing from God.

INTRODUCTION: You’ve been called to service, both of God and of mankind. God is more mindful and concerned about people than anything else. Thus, when you serve people by the things you do daily, the Lord will be mindful of you and bless you as well. He’ll cause everything you do to prosper. The Bible says there’s profit in all work (Proverbs 14:23). In other words, when you faithfully render service, you’ll surely prosper. Personal sacrifice which means giving up something good we possess, selfless service entails humility which is giving up something bad (i.e., pride) which we have acquired. In today’s lesson, we will discuss the meaning of selfless service and the benefits accrue to it.

STUDY GUIDE
A. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SELFLESS SERVICE?

1. Caring more for what other people need and want rather than for what you yourself need and want: selfless devotion to duty. The act of giving without expecting anything in return. This idea is central to many spiritual tradition, and is seen as a way to cultivate compassion, humility, and a sense of connectedness to others.
2. This involves serving others as a means of expressing devotion and gratitude to a higher being.
3. If you’re selfless, you think less about your self, and more about others -you’re generous and kind.
4. Being selfless is similar to being altruistic – another word for giving to others without looking for personal gain.
5. If you give time, money, or things to other people without expecting something in return, that’s selfless.

B. AREAS OF KINGDOM SERVICE

1. Spiritual service such as evangelism. Matthew 28:19 20, Mark 16: 15-17 and intercession for the church. Psalms 2:8, 1 Timothy 2:1-3.
2. Physical service such as using your talents to serve God. Romans 12:4-8.
3. Financial service, that is giving to kingdom advancement endeavors. Malachi 3:8-10, Exodus 25:2; Psalms 50:14.3.

C. REWARDS FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

1. Divine promotion. Psalm 75:6-7
2. Blessing from God. Exodus 23:25-26
3. Prosperity and abundance. Job 36:11
4. Deliverance and preservation. Daniel 6:15-16,19-23.
5. Good health and long life. Exodus 23:25-26.
6. Divine distinction. Malachi 3:17.
7. Serving God brings joy (psalm122)
8. Serving God builds along lasting relationship with him.
9. Serving God can bring about generational blessings.
10. Serving God makes us a blessing to people
11. Serving God brings answers to prayers

CONCLUSION: By serving selflessly, we expand our hearts from our own self to our family, to the community, our country, the world, and ultimately, the cosmos. Selfless service comes from an understanding that we are all members of one large family of God. True selfless service encompasses helping more than our own physical family; it includes all humanity. It is a noble quality to have feelings of love for all people, both those we know and those who are strangers.

Open Heavens 2025 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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