RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 13 March 2022 – Lesson 28
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TOPIC: Widowhood And Single-Parenthood (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 13 March 2022)
MEMORY VERSE: “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” – Psalm 68:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 21:8-19 (KJV) (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 13 March 2022)
8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
INTRODUCTION: A single parent is a parent without a marriage partner widowed or separated deserted divorced or never married one who is alone in charge of his or her household with the wood is the state of a man whose wife is dead or of a woman whose husband is dead God loves and cares very deeply for the widowed and single parents therefore commands us to protect and care for these people in our churches and communities. Psalm 82:3
LESSON OUTLINES:
- CAUSES AND GOD’S DISPOSITION
- OUR RESPONSIBILITY
1 CAUSES AND GOD’S DISPOSITION
The reason for becoming a widow/widower is due to the death of a spouse while that of a single parent differs from one person to another. For some, it is a deliberate desire/preference while situations such as divorce, separation, abandonment death of a partner/spouse, single-person adoption, unwanted pregnancy, rape, etc. force some other into it. In many occasions, the experiences of both single-parents and widows/widower are quite similar.
God is highly concerned about single parents and Widows. He is the father to the fatherless and the protectors of Widows (Psalm 68:5). God does not want them to be afflicted or badly treated. He hears them when they cry (Exodus 22:23). God says anyone who maltreats them may invite his wrath (Exodus 22:22-24). To maltreat could be to neglect, abuse or take advantage of. God wants us to defend them (Isaiah 1:17). He sustains and relieves widows (Psalms 146:9). God makes provision for them in his law (Deuteronomy 10:18; 26:12-13). He preserves the fatherless children and expects widows to trust him (Jeremiah 49:11).
2. OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Irrespective of the cause, single parents and widows should be treated with love and acceptance to ease their sense of isolation. Involve them in activities that are appropriate for them. Provision of support system such as helping with repair projects, giving scholarship for the children’s education, welfare support, etc. will go a long way in helping widows and/or single parents live a better life. Sharing words of encouragement via text messages, email, or phone call will help them in their responsibility of raising godly children. Encourage single parents and the widowed to discover their purpose from God’s viewpoint.
Provide an environment for single parents and widows to learn skills that can help them sustain and provide for themselves and their children. Help them through love to develop a close relationship with God who can heal them from wounds, bitterness and resentment they might be experiencing. Family members are enjoined to take care of them so that they will not suffer. This is seen as a proof of their commitment to God (1 Timothy 5:4). Widows and children of single parents should not be abused, stigmatised or enslaved but should be helped (James 1:27). Finally, Christians should identify with the widow/widowers and single parents in the church by giving them necessary support (Galatians 6:10).
CONCLUSION: God’s intention for the church is that it becomes a family of faith, a real community where lives are shared, friendship are formed and support is given as we journey in faith together.
EVALUATION: How can widow’s and single parents be supported?
ALSO READ: Open Heaven 12 March 2022 –Topic: SHINING AS THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR II
QUESTIONS:
- What are The likely causes of single parenthood?
- Mention five responsibilities of believers to single parents and widows around them?
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?
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