RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 12 July 2020 – Lesson 46
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TOPIC: Lesson From The Seven Churches [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 12 July 2020]
MEMORY VERSE: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” – Revelation 2:29
Also Read: Open Heaven 9 July 2020 – And Two Shall Become One Flesh
BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 1:17-20 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 12 July 2020)
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
INTRODUCTION: The letters written to the seven churches, chosen by the Almighty God, contain all the strengths and weaknesses of Christians down the ages. Jesus Christ wrote letters to each of them and to the body of Christ in general. The letters were also meant for individuals in the churches. Each time you read any of these letters, regard it as a letter from your “Husband” (Jesus Christ) to you. This is because God normally deals with individuals. Here are contents of the letters of each of the churches, commendations, recommendations and the lessons to be learnt. (1 Cor. 10:11-12).
LESSON OUTLINES
1. CHURCH: EPHESUS – Revelation 2:1-7
COMMENDATIONS:
i. A diligent and patient church
ii. Detest evil doers
iii. Had doctrinal purity
iv. Spirit of discernment, perseverance and tirelessness.
CONDEMNATIONS:
i. Turned away from their first love
ii. Lost passion for Christ, work no longer motivated by love.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Consider how far you have fallen.
Repent. Do the things you did at first.
LESSONS/REWARDS:
i. Failure to repent will lead to destruction
ii. Nothing can replace a heart full of love for Jesus.
iii. Overcomes will have access to the tree of life and Paradise of God.
2. CHURCH: SMYRNA – Revelation 2:8-11
COMMENDATIONS:
i. A poor but spiritually wealthy church
ii. Exercised forbearance
iii. Got spiritual victory
CONDEMNATIONS: None
RECOMMENDATIONS:
i. Do not be afraid of persecution.
ii. Remain faithful to the end
LESSONS/REWARDS:
i. Faithful Christians will receive the crown of life to live with Jesus forever. James 1:12
ii. Overcomes will not come under the power of second death. Rev. 20:6
3. CHURCH: PERGAMOS – Revelations 2:12-17
COMMENDATIONS:
i. A faithful church that refused to deny the faith.
ii. Held on to Christ even in the midst of satanic influences
CONDEMNATIONS:
i. Encouraged the false doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans or unrestrained carnal lifestyle, self indulgence and moral/religious ii. Compromises
RECOMMENDATIONS:
i. Have a change of heart and live differently.
ii. Or Face destructive judgement
LESSONS/REWARDS:
God promises to give special food (hidden manna) to overcomers as well as a white stone with a new name written on it known only to the receipients.
4. CHURCH: THYATIRA – Revelation 2:18-29
COMMENDATIONS:
i. A church with string love for Christ
Faith, service, patience and endurance and great work
CONDEMNATIONS:
Some believers tolerated false teachings like sexual immorality and idolatry which led some astray with an unrepentant heart.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
i. Adulterers must repent or face sudden death
ii. Be faithful and watchful
iii. Stand firm in your belief
LESSONS/REWARDS:
i. Faithful believers will not be overburdened
ii. There is victory over Satan for obedient Christians.
iii. Believers will have authority to rule with the presence of Jesus, “The Morning Star”
5. CHURCH: SARDIS – Revelations 3:1-6
COMMENDATIONS:
There are few members of the church who did not defile themselves
CONDEMNATIONS:
A spiritually lifeless church,
Unsaved people with imperfect works,
Only Bearing the name “Christians” with no spiritual fruit.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Keep in mind the teachings given to you and be ruled by it and have a change of heart.
LESSONS/REWARDS:
i. Overcomers will be dressed in white
ii. Their names will not be taken away from the book of life.
iii. Jesus will witness their names before God.
6. CHURCH: PHILADELPHIA – Revelations 3:7-13
COMMENDATIONS:
i. Church with little strength yet had kept God’s word and did not deny His name.
iii. The church endured patiently which led to the open door that could not be shut.
CONDEMNATIONS: None
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Hold on to what you have so that no one will take your crown.
LESSONS/REWARDS:
i. The victorious Christians will escape the days of tribulations and be made permanent pillars in the temple of God.
ii. God will also write on His name, the name of His city (The New Jerusalem) and His new name.
7. CHURCH: LAODICEANS – Revelations 3:14-22
COMMENDATIONS: None
CONDEMNATIONS:
i. A lukewarm (Neither cold nor hot) church
ii. Proud, wretched, self glorification. Spiritually blind and naked.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
i. Be fervent in the Lord or you will be thrown away.
ii. Submit to God and live a life of purity to enjoy divine revelation.
LESSONS/REWARDS:
i. Believers should choose to obey God.
ii. Overcomers will sit with Christ on His throne.
CONCLUSION:
Just as Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, the things that were written to the seven churches are for our admonition so that we could learn from them. We are alive today but the end of all things will come soon. Therefore, we must learn to be careful and maintain right position with Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:11-12).
QUESTIONS:
- Identify four lessons from the letters written to the seven Churches.
- What are the rewards accruing from following the recommendations?
ASSIGNMENT:
Compare between Ephesus and Thyatira churches or contrast between Sardis and Philadelphia churches.
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?