RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 17 May 2020 Lesson 38 – Discerning Of Spirits
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TOPIC: Discerning Of Spirits
OPENING PRAYER: Father, save from spiritual ignorance. Enable me to rightly discern every spirit in operation around me. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 17 May 2020 HYMN)
MEMORY VERSE: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 John 4:1-4 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 17 May 2020)
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
INTRODUCTION:
There is a spirit behind most actions that people take. There are different spirits but there is one Holy Spirit. In Matthew 10:1, we are told of unclean spirits. 1 Timothy 4:1 talks of seducing spirits. In 1 Kings 22:23, we are told of lying spirits. 1 John 4:6 talks of the spirit of error and 1 John 43 talks about the spirit of antichrist. How do you know which spirit is in operation for a situation? We look at the issue of discerning spirits today.
TEXT REVIEW: 1 John 4:1-4
The Almighty God through Apostle John gave two directives to the believers:
i. Not to believe every spirit. 1 John 4:1
ii. To try the spirit. 1 John 4:1
LESSON OUTLINES:
1. WHAT IS DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
i. Before the teacher provides the answer to this question, teacher should ask the students what they understand by discerning of spirits.
ii. Teacher should refer to 1 Cor. 6-7, 10 where the Bible mentioned diverse operations and manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s gifts to believers of which “discerning of spirits” is one.
iii. Teacher should now answer the question: WHAT IS DISCERNING OF SPIRITS?
Answers:
i. Discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability to identify the spirits or spirit in operation. 1 Cor. 2:11-15
ii. Discerning of spirits is a type of spiritual x-ray which shows the real spirit, intention and plan behind what appears normal and harmless. 2 Cor. 1:14
iii. It is the ability to examine doctrines, situations or people and know whether they are of God or Satan. 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1-2
iv. Discerning of spirits is the ability to see into and hear from the spiritual realms. Luke 1:26-37.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Class should discuss why many demonic activities are going on in our society in general and the Church in particular and all seems to be well.
2. PURPOSE OF DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
Question. What is the purpose of discerning of spirits?
Answers:
i. To receive a clear, in-depth and prolonged insight into the realm of the spirit. E.g. John in the island of Patmos. Rev. 1:10-20
ii. To know in advance the coming judgement. Gen. 18:17-22
iii. To spot doctrinal forgeries that have plagued the church. Eph. 4:14
iv. To assure God’s people if His presence with them in times of grace danger. 2 Kings 6:14-17; Acts 27:21-24
v. To expose the motive and spirit behind people’s actions. Acts 16:16-18
CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
If members of the church are filled with discerning of spirit, thieves, adulterers and people with familiar spirit will not flourish in the church. Class should therefore discuss how members of the congregation can be filled with the gift of “Discerning of Spirits”?
SUMMARY:
We need the gift of the discerning of spirits more than ever before now in the church.
CONCLUSION:
The manifestation of the spiritual gift of discerning of spirit will bring abundant profit in the spiritual realms to the church.
EVALUATION:
What are the benefits of the gift of discerning of spirit?
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, please fill our churches with the gift of discerning of spirits
ASSIGNMENT:
Mention 5 factors that can prevent the gift of discerning of spirits from operating in the churches.
NOTE:
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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?