RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL – Y.A.Y.A. EDITION – LESSON: FOURTY-FIVE – DATE: SUNDAY 9TH JULY 2023 – TOPIC: RENOUNCING THE FAITH
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RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL
Y.A.Y.A. EDITION
LESSON: FOURTY-FIVE
DATE: SUNDAY 9TH JULY 2023
TOPIC: RENOUNCING THE FAITH
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 friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and 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 be 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?
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty Father, please keep me from renouncing my faith in Christ.
MEMORY VERSE: “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy, who has trampled the Son of God under foot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?”. – Hebrews 10:29(NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: HEBREWS 6:4-6
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
INTRODUCTION
Renouncing one’s faith is ‘apostasy’. The term apostasy comes from the Greek word ‘apostasia’ meaning ‘defection,’ ‘departure,’ ‘revolt’ or ‘rebellion.’ Apostasy is the formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion that is contrary to one’s previous religious beliefs. It is an act of refusing continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith. One who undertakes apostasy is known as an apostate.
TEACHING REVIEW: HEBREWS 6:4-6
The teacher should identify five nature of people who would be difficult to be renewed again into repentance by human efforts according to the above-stated Bible passage: for example:
i. People who were once enlightened
ii. …………………..
iii. ………………….
iv. ………………….
v. …………………..
LESSON OUTLINES
- THE CHARACTERISTICS
- THE DANGER AND HOPE
THE CHARACTERISTICS
The teacher should emphasize the following:
A. Form of apostasy
i. In context of the Christian faith,
There are two main forms of apostasy:
ii. One is a falling away from the key and true doctrines of the Bible into heretical teachings that claim to be “the real” Christian doctrine.
iii. The other, is a complete renunciation of the Christian faith, which results in a full abandonment of Christ. Heb. 10:29.
B. Description of apostacy.
Jude’s description of the character of the first Century apostates explains why he so strongly opposed them. Some believers today are towing the paths of the apostates of Jude’s day,
i. They are ignoring scriptural warning of past judgement on sins. Rom. 15:4 such as that of unbelieving Israelites, falling angels (Jude 6; 2Peter 2:4), Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 7; Gen. 19:24-25)
ii. They become ungodly by moral perversion, Defilement of the flesh and rebellion.
iii. They boldly speak evil against people and things they do not understand such as spiritual beings and dignitaries. Jude 1:8-10.
iv. They are ignorant about God proclaiming false visions, self-destructive, grumbling, fault-finding, self-satisfying,
using arrogant word and false flattering
v. They make mockery of God. Jude 15-18.
vi. They ignore God and His word like Cain; they practice greed and deceit like Balaam, and rebel against spiritual authorities like Korah (Jude 1:11).
vii. Apostates are sensual (Jude 1:19). They deny the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:15-16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1
The class should discuss the problems an apostate could bring to the body of Christ in particular and society at large.
THE DANGER AND HOPE
A. DANGER
i. The apostate would eventually falls away and departs from the truth of God’s word and His rightousness. 1Jn. 2:19.
ii. It can be deduce from Hebrews 6:4-6 that it is impossible to restore apostates back to the faith (by human efforts).
B. HOPE FOR AN APOSTATE
i. The apostate can still return to God who can do all things. Luke 1:37; Jer. 32:27.
ii. The apostate who repents of his/her apostate and humbly and genuinely call on God will receive forgiveness. 2Chr. 7:14; 2Cor. 7:10; 1Jh. 1:9.
C. CAUTION
i. Every believer must prays for discernment, combat apostasy, and contend earnestly for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2
The class should discuss how a true believer can guard against sliding into apostasy.
CONCLUSION
Apostasy is a dangerous trend that can lead to a point of no return. Be watchful.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, we know that with You nothing is impossible, therefore, restore the apostates in our society in the name of Jesus.
ASSIGNMENT
Identify five (5) things the church of God can do to help apostates (2×5=10Marks).
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.
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