RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 20 June 2021 – Lesson 42
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TOPIC: Beware Of Dogs (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 20 June 2021)
MEMORY VERSE: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” – Philippians 3:2
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Peter 2:9-22 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 20 June 2021)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
INTRODUCTION: The word ‘beware’ is ‘to be careful of or to be mindful of a thing, a person or a circumstance. The scripture warns us to beware of dogs, evil workers and of the concision (fleshly circumcision upon which the Judaizers insisted as being necessary for gentile converts). Dogs are naturally domesticated as pets or for security purposes. However, dogs are also dangerous animals; they can bite, destroy and even kill. In the New Testament times, dogs were regarded as scavengers (Matt.15:26-27). In the context of Philippians 3:2 the word ‘dog’ is used figuratively to represent some classes of people. Who are these ‘dogs’ and why should believers beware of ‘dogs’.
LESSON OUTLINES:
- Description Of ‘Dogs
- Dangers Posed By ‘Dogs’ And The Way Out
1. DESCRIPTION OF ‘DOGS’
The scripture is explicit in the way the issue of dogs is being addressed. Philippians 3:1-3 describes ‘dogs’ as evil workers; people who are deceitful (2 Corinthians 11:13); unfaithfully and deceitfully (2 Corinthians 4:1-2). ‘Dogs’ are people who endeavour to subvert the Gospel of Christ, and the faith of men (Acts 13:8-11). Isaiah 56:10-11 further gave a description of dogs as ministers or leaders who are lazy, greedy, self-centered, and look out only for their own interests. Gnashing teeth, biting, and barking are behaviours common to dogs, so it is with people of violent spirit (Galatians 5:15)
Jesus Christ also speaks in symbolic terms about dogs: He instructed “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6). ‘Dogs’ are those who go back to their ‘vomit-old sinful ways-after salvation (2 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 10:38).
Dogs are also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:18, alluding to the behaviour of homosexuality and male prostitution, which is abominable in the judgment of God. From these examples we can conclude that one aspect of the warning about “dogs” is to beware of people who live and promote a sinful lifestyle in doctrines and deeds.
2. DANGERS POSED BY ‘DOGS’ AND THE WAY OUT
Dogs are destroyers of the faith; they pollute the faith of believers by confusing fundamental doctrines (2 Timothy 3:7-8; 4:3-4). They weaken the conscience of young believers through their meanness and inconsiderable behaviours. They live their lives as if they do not have a responsibility to help young believers grow (1 Corinthians 8:9-12). They defile the church with their pervasive way of life (2 Corinthians 11:13) introducing homosexualism, prostitution and other abominable things into the Christian faith.
To avoid being victims of the antics of dogs, Christians should avoid taking pleasure in those who are regarded as ‘dogs’ by the Scriptures (Romans 1:32). Believers should give attendance to the study of Scriptures in order not to be tossed by the wind of doctrines (1 Timothy 4:13; Ephesians 4:14); Be watchful and prayerful (1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 26:41); Make holiness your lifestyle (Romans 12:1-2) and live in the spirit (Galatians 5:16).
CONCLUSION: Anyone who goes back to his sins after forsaking them is regarded as dogs, be watchful!
QUESTIONS:
- Who are those described as ‘dogs’ in the Bible?
- Why are dogs dangerous?
Monday: Exodus 32:8 (KJV)
8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 15:11 (KJV)
11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
Wednesday: 1 Kings 11:4 (KJV)
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Thursday: Luke 8:13 (KJV)
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Friday: 1 Timothy 5:15 (KJV)
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Saturday: 2 Timothy 4:10 (KJV)
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Sunday: 1 John 2:15 (KJV)
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five new strategies adopted by the dogs to attack believers. (2marks for each point).
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?
