RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL – LESSON ELEVEN – SUNDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2021 – TOPIC: THE TRIALS OF FAITH

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RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL
LESSON ELEVEN
SUNDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2021

TOPIC: THE TRIALS OF FAITH

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. 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.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Thy friend friendship suits me well,
   Both young and will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Christ was Thy first teacher,
   The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
   Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   This testimony is sure,
   That God, the Father Almighty,
   Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds be black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
   I rejoice to see Thee,
   Will thou pass over me today?
   Without my being blast?

OPENING PRAYER
Pray for divine strength to stand in the faith forever.

MEMORY VERSE: ” Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf .” –1Peter 4:16

Also Read: Open Heaven 13 November 2021 –Topic: HELP FROM ABOVE 

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1PETER 4:12-19

12. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13. But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ`s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people`s matters.
16. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18. Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19. Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

INTRODUCTION
A trial is an examination or a test which challenges our endurance and patience. It is part and parcel of human life. The overall objective of a trial is to mould us, to produce in us a character or attitude or a certain pattern of living after undergoing the trial. In Christian life, trial produces a godly character which is the end produces endurance, meekness and long-suffering (Romans 5:3-5). As we learn about trial of our faith in this lesson, we earnestly pray that we will be able to keep our faith firm in the face of any opposition or hardship.

TEXT REVIEW: 1PETER 4:12-19

The Apostle Peter warning believers of trials to come explain that:

A. It should not be considered strange, the fiery trials that believers would face- V12.

B. Believers Should rejoice……..V13a.

C. When the glory of Christ shall appear……………………V13b.

D. If a believer is reproached for the name of Christ…….V14a.

E. ……………V14b.
F. ………………V15.

G. No believer should suffer as a ………………V16.

H. …………………….V17.
I. ………………………V18.
J. Therefore,………V19.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. DESCRIPTION AND INSTANCES OF TRIAL OF FAITH
2. THE CORRECT ATTITUDE TO TRIALS

DESCRIPTION AND INSTANCES OF TRIAL OF FAITH

A. The basic teaching of Jesus on trials is found in Matthew 10:38. Here, the mark of a true child of God is his readiness to take his cross and follow Jesus.

i. The ‘cross’ is not a pleasant thing.

ii. In Matthew 11:29-30, the cross is referred to as Christ’s yoke and burden.

iii. There is blessed assurance even while taking the cross and the yoke (Matthew 11:30).

iv. Thus, following Jesus involves setting one’s mind on the expectation of trials and this hope should serve as a cushion or a shock-absorber of the soul (1Peter 2:21).

v. When our faith is tried, it does not mean that we have committed a sin, Jesus did not commit any sin but he still undergo the most severe trial (1Peter 2:22-23).

vi. Jesus was in all points tempted and tried, yet he did not commit any sin (Hebrews 4:15).

vii. Apart from this, if you are a believer, you must receive the second baptism different from water baptism. It is the baptism into the suffering of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3).

B. Some instances of trials in the Bible include:

i. Abraham, whose faith was tried by God to sacrifice his only son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2,12,16; Hebrew 11:17). Abraham passed the test.

ii. Job, an upright and righteous servant of God was tested with misfortunes and diseases by Satan, in order that he would deny God and renounce his faith. Job passed the test (Job 1:8-12;19-20; Job 42:12) and God multiplied his blessings at the end.

iii. The disciples of Jesus (John 21:3) failed the test.

iv. Paul also had his own share of trials during his missionary journeys (2Corinthians 4:8-10).

v. Stephen even died for his faith (Acts 6:8,10; Acts 7:58-59).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Class should give instances of their personal trials of faith.

Also Read: Open Heaven 14 November 2021 –Topic: A NEW CREATURE! 

THE CORRECT ATTITUDE TO TRIALS

1.Believers should see trials as opportunities for promotion (Romans 8:18).

2. When you are tried, God wants to take you higher. If you can overcome, you will be valued greater by the host of Heaven (Job 42:12).
3. Endure, be patient and ask God to take you through the trials (James 1:2-4).
4. Jesus will give you the power to sail through (Philippians 4:13).
5. Study the bible to know the will of God for you in that situation (Romans 12:2).
6. Listen to the voice of the Lord (Isaiah 30:21). He will speak to you in that condition of yours and will not leave you alone (Matthew 28:20b; Isaiah 41:10).
7. You can share your experience with the children of God or your brothers in the faith.
8. Do not give up, have a firm hope that Jesus will see you through (Acts 14:22).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Class should discuss Job’s attitude to trials.

SUMMARY
Trials of faith is one of the things that a believer will face in their journey with Jesus, when it is handled properly it brings about glory.

CONCLUSION
Are you facing any trials now? Prayerfully and patiently wait upon the Lord. You will overcome (Isaiah 40:31).

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, please help me to endure trials.

ASSIGNMENT
Students should mention five (5) things a believer should not do when his/her faith is been tried.

Open Heavens 2021 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.