RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL – Y.A.Y.A. EDITION – LESSON: TWENTY-SIX – DATE: SUNDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2024 – Topic: SECOND QUARTER REVIEW SECOND INTERACTIVE SESSION

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RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL
Y.A.Y.A. EDITION
LESSON: TWENTY-SIX
DATE: SUNDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2024

TOPIC: SECOND QUARTER REVIEW SECOND INTERACTIVE SESSION (SUMMARY OF LESSONS 14-25)

LESSON: FOURTEEN

TOPIC: GLOSSA

MEMORY VERSE: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries”. – 1Corinthians 14:2 (KJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: ACTS 19:1-6

INTRODUCTION
“Glossa” is a Greek word meaning an unknown tongue. According to Jesus Christ, the ability to speak with new tongues shall be the one of the signs that follow those who believe in him (Mark 16:17). While believers receive the Holy Spirit at the point of conversation (Acts 2:38), they expected to continue to thirst and hunger for the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:29). The ability to speak in an unknown tongue is one of the outward (physical) evidence of the overflow of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer (Acts 2:4). In this lesson, we shall attempt to answer some of the puzzling questions about speaking in an unknown tongue and it’s benefits.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE
  2. BENEFITS OF SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE

SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE

A. ability to speak in an unknown tongue, as well as the gift of diverse tongues, are given by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).
i. It is distinctive of the present Holy Spirit dispensation and it began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-5).
ii. It is not bought with money or learned (Acts 8:18-20).
iii. Every believer is expected to speak in an unknown tongue as evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6).

B. When a believer speaks in an unknown tongue:
i. He speaks mysteries (unto God) which cannot be understood by men (1Cor. 14:2),
ii God can speak however, through one with the gift of diverse kinds of tongues to men with interpretations where necessary (Acts 2:4-6).
iii. Speaking in an unknown tongues is for self-edification (1Cor. 14:2)
iv. It should be engaged regularly (1Cor. 14:18).

BENEFITS OF SPEAKING IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE

Teachers should let students mention some of the benefits they have derived in speaking in an unknown tongue and guild them with under-listed
Here are some of the benefits of speaking in an unknown tongue:

  1. It improves a believer’s prayer life: The supernatural ability to communicate with God effectively and intercede for others well (Rom. 8:26; 1Cor. 14:2).
  2. Self-edification: it stirs up a believers faith (Jude 20).
  3. It is a means of yielding our tongue to God. No man can tame the tongue but God (James 3:8). By the Holy Spirit, the whole body can change, including the tongue.
  4. It is a weapon of Spiritual warfare (1Cor. 14:2).
  5. It assists believers to sing praise, and give thanks to God (1Cor. 14:15).
  6. It confuses the enemy (1Cor. 14:2).
  7. It enhances boldness (Acts 4:13).
  8. It sanctifies (1Cor. 6:11).
  9. It strengthens us from the inner man (1Cor. 14:4).

CONCLUSION
Speaking in an unknown tongue is a fulfillment of the promise of God and it is for all believers to fully tap into the benefits irrespective of their church denominations, tribes, or nations.

LESSON: FIFTEEN

TOPIC: DELEGATING

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business”. – Acts 6:3 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: ACTS 6:1-8

INTRODUCTION
To delegate means to assign a job function or task to another with the expectation of getting the desired results. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he delegated the evangelistic assignment to His disciples for broader ministerial results (Luke 10:1-2). The ability to delegate is an important virtue that must be found in every leader whose psyche is to raise new leaders and not just maintain followers.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. REASONS FOR DELEGATING
  2. CRITERIA FOR DELEGATING

REASONS FOR DELEGATING

Some of the reasons for delegating are state as follows:

i. It is one of the means of raising quality and committed leaders (Luke 10:1, 17).

ii. It allows for an individual’s contribution towards the achievement of the goal of an organization’s vision advancement (Acts 6:3).

iii. It helps the group leader achieve more (2Sam. 18:1-2).

iv. It upholds structures that are created to handle a specific task and check for efficiency (Exo. 36:1).

v. It unveils the strength an organization bears (1Cor. 12:1-2).

CRITERIA FOR DELEGATING

A. Delegating is Avery tool in leadership-building as well as the organization’s success.

B. However, certain criteria must be considered before delegating a task. Some of these include:

(1). Humility: The leader should know he/she is not ‘all-sufficient’ (1Pet. 5:5). The follower must also appreciate the privilege of being considered for such a task (James 4:6).

(2). Authority: The leader should release necessary authority to the follower (Matt. 28:18-20).

(3). Willingness: The follower must be willing to take up the task (Isa. 6:8).

(4). Availability: The follower has to be available to run such a task (2Sam. 23:15-17).

(5). Qualification: Skilfulness and exposure of the follower matters (Exo. 31:2-7).

(6). Reputation: The follower must have a good testimony among others (Acts 6:1-6).

CONCLUSION
Delegated strategically helps in achieving great success. No one can do everything alone . Leaders should, however, avoid under-delegating and over-delegating.

LESSON: SIXTEEN

TOPIC: THE GIFT OF ADMINISTRATION

MEMORY VERSE: “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues”. – 1Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Exodus 18:13-22

INTRODUCTION
There are many gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the church (1Cor. 12:8). Among these gifts, the gift of administration is sometimes overlooked but it is as important as the rest (1Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:8). Other translations used for the gift of administration or administering are rulling and government (KJV), leadership (NLT), and guidance (NIV). God gives some of the gift of administration to help organize those with other gifts and keep the church function at its most efficient best. We need to pay some attention to the attributes of administrators with biblical references.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. TRAITS OF ADMINISTRATORS
  2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES

TRAITS OF ADMINISTRATORS

A. Having a sound administrator in an organisation is a blessing from God because his/her roles cannot be overemphasised.
B. Administrators must possess some of this traits:

  1. Commitment to vision: They are committed to their organization’s vision and mission while realigning others to the same. They stick to the organisation’s code of conduct.
  2. Attention to details: Administrators see the big picture of the organisation and think strategically. Effective administrators pay attention to details.
  3. Delegating: Administrators do not only assign task but set clearly defined spheres of influence.
  4. Hiring savvy: Administrators set their agencies of organisation up for success from the very beginning by hiring the right people, for the right jobs, at the right time.
  5. Emotional balance: Great administrators funnel emotions, such as rage, anger, and happiness, into positive action that drives change.
  6. Creativity: Sound administrators are able to come up with creative solutions to complex problems, usually by seeing an issue from a new perspective or by innovating a new approach to the solution.
  7. Communication skills: Good communication skills help administrators to communicate information and expectations clearly, both internally and externally.

BIBLICAL INSTANCES

A. The Bible has records of some sound administrators who helped their leaders or Nations achieve great success. These biblical characters includes:

i. Joseph: He was the overall head of administration in Potiphar’s house. Through his outstanding performance, is master’s business prospered (Genesis 39:1-4). Also Joseph’s administrative gift rescued Egypt from famine (Genesis 41:47-57).

ii. Moses: He became a good administrator after he was schooled by Jethro, his father-in-law. He raised new leaders to counsel and judge the people of Israel (Exodus 18:19-26).

iii. Deborah: She was one of the soul administrators (judges) of Israel before the reign of kings (Judges 4:4-5). She led Israel to victorious conquest through her skills (Judges 5:6-7).

iv. Solomon: Through the wisdom of God in his life, he administered the right judgement (1Kgs. 3:23-27). He achieved a peaceful co-existence with terrifying nations through his conflict management skill (1Kings 4:24-25).

CONCLUSION
The spiritual gift of administration is a valuable asset to the church

LESSON: SEVENTEEN

TOPIC: A LYING TONGUE

MEMORY VERSE: “Proverbs 12:19
[19]The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment”. – Proverbs 12:19(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 6:16-19

INTRODUCTION
A lie is a false statement made with a deliberate intent to deceive or convert a false impression. Lying is the premeditated act of deviating from the truth. It brings about difficulties and it can be mentally tiring. A lying tongue is a tongue given to telling lies. Some people have branded lies and given them difference colorations like; white lies, grey lies, black lies and red lies. Also, some justify the reasons for lying in the course of their businesses or to save their faces but all unrighteousness is sin.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. TRAITS OF A LIAR
  2. ANTIDOTES TO LIE

TRAITS OF A LIAR

  1. According to 1 John 2:22, a liar is a person who denies that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  2. The devil is a liar and the father of all liars (John 8:44). The liar claims to know God but does not obey his commandments (1 John 2:4).
  3. The scripture so relegated a liar so much that it says a poor man is better than a liar irrespective of the liar’s achievements in life (Proverbs 19:22b).
  4. Anyone given to lies is an individual with the old man fully at work in him/her (Colossians 3:9).
  5. No matter how smart a liar may be, the lie or falsehood will only be for a limited time before the truth is established (Proverbs 12:19).
  6. The liar is a proud person who must lie to sustain the fake lofty height and the wrong impression created (Psalm 119:69; 59:12; 12:3).
  7. A liar is disloyal, unfaithful, and a betrayer who deceives at will (Proverbs 14:5, 25). A liar destroys by executing a well-planned misrepresentation that may endanger lives (Psalm 109:2; Jeremiah 14:14).
  8. Anyone who lies or is always given to falsehood is regarded as a wicked person (Proverbs 17:4; Psalm 58:3).

ANTIDOTES TO LIE

A. Believers must be conscious of their new status in Christ and be watchful (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, it is expedient to:

i. Be intentional about telling the truth all the time (Romans 9:1).

ii. Learn to bridle our tongues (Proverbs 39:1).

iii. Ensure our words are few and devoid of exaggerations (Ecclesiastes 5:2; Proverbs 10:19).

iv. Learn to be slow to speak (James 1:19).

v. Let our Yes be Yes and No be No (James 5:12).

B. Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) takes a lot of discipline but it brings peace and honour to God- who cannot tolerate liars (Psalms 51:1-2; 24:3-5).

C. Above all, we must remember eternity! No liars will get to heaven (Revelation 22:14-15).

CONCLUSION
You liar has no worth on earth and no place in heaven.

LESSON: EIGHTEEN

TOPIC: THE OFFSHOOTS OF LIES

MEMORY VERSE: “For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips”. – Proverbs 8:7 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: ACTS 5:1-10

INTRODUCTION
Lies have some terrible offshoots which when put on a scale are all sinful. We however need to look at these horrific subdivisions and do away with them if we want to live a good life, see good days, have a godly home and society, and enjoy God’s presence always (1Peter 3:10).

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. THE OFFSHOOT OF LIES
  2. CONSEQUENCE OF LIES

THE OFFSHOOT OF LIES

Some of the offshoots of lies are:
a. Falsehood:
This is a false statement, a misrepresentation of the fact, the act of rendering something false by fraudulent changes such as documents or measures (Proverbs 11:1; 20:10; Job 21:34) or simply not telling the truth (Psalm 144:8)

b. Exaggera-tion:
This is closely related to falsehood. It is the act of giving to overstatement and needless embellishment of the truth or a bloated statement that does not exist (Matthew 5:37)

c. Deceit:
This is the act of practice of deceiving; concealment or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading, fraud, cheating, etc. A deceitful person practices mischief without any form of restraints (Psalm 10:7; 50:19). An individual who is untrustworthy, two-faced, or fraudulent is deceitful

d. Hypocrisy:
An outright display of insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that one does not really have (Matthew 23:28; 1Timothy 4:2)

e. Half-Truth:
A statement that is only partly true especially one intended to deceive (Acts 5:1-3,8). It is another way of being economical with the truth

f. Guile:
It is the quality of being crafty or the use of tricks to deceive someone usually to extract money from them (1Peter 2:1; 2Corinthians 12:16-17)

g. Flattering:
To praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest (Psalm 78:36; 5:9)

CONSEQUENCE OF LIES

A. The penalties of these offshoot of lies includes:
i. Ruin (Proverbs 26:28b)
ii. Getting cut off from God (Job 13:16; Psalm 12:3)
iii. Being detestable (Proverbs 6:16-17),
iv. Being susceptible to punishment (Proverbs 19:5),
v. Being accustomed to hypocrisy and iniquity (Matthew 23:28-29)
vi. Momentary joy (Job 20:25),
vii. Not seeing good days (1Peter 3:10; Job 32:22).
viii. No liars will make heaven (Revelation 21:27)

B. There are a number of things a believer can do to avoid telling lies this includes:

  1. Being precise in communications (Matthew 5:37)
  2. Telling the whole truth. This is a virtue that brings honour (Exodus 18:21)
  3. Not playing smart (Proverbs 3:7)
  4. Avoiding hasty responses (James 1:19)
  5. Speaking without any Forced brilliance (1thessalonians 2:3)
  6. Employee God’s wisdom when speaking (James 3:17)
  7. Putting a check on our utterances (Job 27:4)

CONCLUSION
Be fruitful.

LESSON: NINETEEN

TOPIC: GRATITUDE

MEMORY VERSE: ” I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvellous works”. – Psalm 9:1(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 107:21-22

INTRODUCTION
Gratitude is fundamentally about not taking things for granted. Many believe that most things they get are their rights. They believe in their sweat, smartness, and intellect, hence, they see no reason they should give thanks to anyone, not even God Almighty. This is not only wrong but even God Almighty. This is not only wrong but a wicked and dangerous act. To be grateful is to recognise the influence and blessings of the Lord in our lives. Gratitude also means thanksgiving, thankfulness, or appreciation.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. SHOWING GRATITUDE
  2. BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

SHOWING GRATITUDE

A. Question: What are the things involved in showing gratitude?

Answer: To show gratitude:

i. Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15).

ii. It should come out of a pure, broken, and contrite heart (Psm.51:16-17).

iii. Thanksgiving should not be offered grudgingly or of necessity but willing and cheerfully (Psm. 69:30).

B. Question: In what ways can we show our gratitude to God?

Answer: We can offer thanks to God

i. With joyful noise (Psm. 95:2),

ii. Singing (Psm. 13:6; 126:1-2),

iii. Clapping of hands (Psm. 47:1),

iv. With musical instruments and dancing (Psm. 150:3-6), etc.

C. Question: What other acceptable ways can we show our gratitude to God?
Answer: We can also show our gratitude to God through:

i. The offering of quality substances like our time, materials, properties, and money are other acceptable means of showing gratitude to God (Prov. 3:9-10).

ii. Our labour of love in God’s vineyard (Heb. 6:10).

BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

Question: Are there benefits in showing gratitude to God?
Answer: Some benefits of showing gratitude to God are stated below:

  1. Our gratitude helps us to glorify God as we focus on the giver and not the gifts (2Cor. 4:15).
  2. It helps us feel God’s presence, His care, and prefect timing (Psm. 95:2; 103:13-14).
  3. It makes us confirm to God’s will (1Thess. 5:18).
  4. It brings peace, joy, and contentment (Phillip. 4:6-7; 1Tim. 6:6-8).
  5. It perfects our testimony (Luke 17:17-19).
  6. It deepens our faith. Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness is a faith booster when we face new difficulties (Psm. 103:2).
  7. It aids our prayers (Jn. 11:41-44).

CONCLUSION
Gratitude should be a part of our daily lives so that we can enjoy unending benefits.

LESSON: TWENTY

TOPIC: THE BLAME GAME

MEMORY VERSE: “And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate”. – Genesis 3:13(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 3:9-13

INTRODUCTION
The blame game signifies accusations exchanged among people who refuse to accept responsibility for some undesirable event or outcomes. These people shift fault and liability to another person or another person or thing while they paint themselves as flawless. We need to examine some negative effects of the Blame Game and learn to take responsibility for our actions instead of passing the buck.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE BLAME GAME
  2. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE BLAME GAME

The following, amongst others, are some negative effects of the blame game:

  1. Chasing shadows: It makes us leave the main issue and continually look for excuses. For example, a slothful person will rather transfer blame to his boss, colleagues, government, etc. Instead of dealing with laziness (Proverbs 20:4).
  2. Stagnation: It keeps us in one spot for a long time. This is counter-productive to human progress. Some people fold their arms to do nothing about their predicament because they blame and believe others are responsible for their conditions (Proverbs 23:13; Ecclesiastes 11:4).
  3. Never wrong syndrome: We get quick at clearing ourselves of any wrong while we see every other person has being at fault (1John 1:8; Genesis 3:12).
  4. Depression: It births unhappiness and despair which can degenerate into depression, illhealth, hopelessness, etc.
  5. Mental blindness: Like a veil, it prevents one from seeing clearly as the supposed wrong of others are only seen (Matthew 7:3).
  6. Hatred: It produces deep-rooted hatred as the blame gamer condemns or speaks derogatorily about the person being blamed. Hatred is a terrible sin (1John 3:15).
  7. Pride and Ignorance combine: Pride sets in when we over-rate ourselves. It combines with ignorant because we refuse to be sincere with ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
  8. Ingratitude: Blame gamer are unappreciative as they believe their benefactor can do more (1Thessalonians 5:18).
  9. Bitterness: Blame Gamers become offended and allow bitterness to take an evil roots in them (Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15).
  10. Destruction of relationships: It tears relationships through suspicion and a lack of trust (1Samuel 18:8-9).

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

i. Taking responsibility for one’s action or inaction may not be easy but it is worth it in the long run. Hence, we must learn to sincerely acknowledge our wrongs when we are at fault (Psalms 51:4a; 1Kings 21:29).
ii. We must show a high level of personal accountability for our actions/inactions even in the face of failure (2Samuel 12:13).

iii. Let us ask God to create a right spirit in us so we are swift to acknowledge that there is a problem when a mistake is made or conflict arises (Psalms 51:10; 2Samuel 24:17).

iv. Identify your role in a blunder and plan on how to avoid a future occurrence (James 1:13-14).

CONCLUSION
Stop trading blames, take responsibility for your actions/inactions, and be accountable

LESSON: TWENTY-ONE

TOPIC: LAUNCH OUT

MEMORY VERSE: “When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch”. –Luke 5:4 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 26:12-14

INTRODUCTION
To launch out means to make a start on a new and challenging enterprise. It means to venture into a business, career, academics, ministry, etc. It also connotes taking new risks to create something as an entrepreneur that would meet the need of people. The Earth was “formless and void” and out of that emptiness, God created the world. As believers, we have the characteristics of God-the Creator- in us. When we create; launch new businesses, write new books, compose new songs, build new things, create new art, etc. We are not doing something “secular” rather, we are imitating the work of God – the first Creator.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. THE MINDSET NEEDED
  2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN

THE MINDSET NEEDED

Teachers should ask for the views of the students on the needed mindset to launch out and later guide them with their under-listed.
Before launching out into any business we need to have the mindset:

i. To primarily solve a problem or a set of problems (Genesis 41:56; Romans 8:19). So, seek God for direction and wisdom (Isaiah 30:21).

ii. That a business is a professional like other professions like banking, law, engineering, medicine, architecture, etc. Therefore, it must be handled professionally (Proverbs 22:29).

iii. That a business is different from a hustle. Hustle is what you do to survive but business is what you continuously do to solve other people’s problem by creating value that people will be happy to pay for (Psalm 107:23).

iv. That business is for the long-term and should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

v. That integrity, diligence, and creativity are necessary for any business to grow. (Proverbs 11:1; 12:24; Exodus 31:2-5).

STEPS TO BE TAKEN

Teachers should ask the students how they can launch out before guiding them with the following:

i. Start your business with a vision to provide a solution to a challenge that you see around you. You may be the one going through the challenge and it may be someone else or a group of individuals (Habakkuk 2:1-2; Genesis 41:32-36).

ii. Commence your business where you are and with what you have (Genesis 26:12; Exodus 4:2). Think very big, plan ahead but start small (Luke 14:28).

iii. Start your business as a brand with special unique attributes (Acts 4:13). You must incorporate your business as a corporate entity by registering with the appropriate regulatory body.

iv. Begin your business with an unfair advantage or a unique selling point. (Genesis 30:40-43).

v. Start your business with functional strategy, system and structures (Isaiah 28:10).

vi. Equip yourself to do business as a professional (Hosea 4:6).

vii. You must engage a mentor or a coach to guide you to launch out well (2 Timothy 2:2).

CONCLUSION
God expects His children to launch out to do business and prosper in accordance with His words. Therefore, your business can only flourish if you begin with God and apply kingdom principles combined with strong business processes.

LESSON: TWENTY TWO

TOPIC: DEDICATION

MEMORY VERSE: “Jesus said to them, ” My food is to do the will of Him who sent me,and to finish his work”. – (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2CORINTHIANS 11:22-29

INTRODUCTION
Dedication simply means an absolute commitment to a course of life. In religion, it is an act of setting apart or consecrating a thing or being to a deity. Christians are expected to be devoted wholly and earnestly to God and the purpose for which He has called them. Our Lord Jesus Christ was dedicated to His course for a living (John 17:4), and so also were the prophets and apostles of old. You too must prove to God that you are dedicated to Him.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. THE CONCEPT OF DEDICATION
  2. THE PRICE AND CHALLENGES

THE CONCEPT OF DEDICATION

i. Dedication is the yearning desire which makes an individual pay the price to do the work of God and their profession perfectly (2 Corinthians 12:15).

ii. It keeps someone standing and willing to do more (Ephesians 6:13).

iii. Dedication propels a person to pray, watch, fast often and even ‘die daily’ for the sake of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23, 27).

iv. It is the Christian wheel of progress that pushes him/her forward in patience till victory (Philippians 3:13-14).

v. It helps an individual to stand out in his/her endeavour (Proverbs 22:29).

THE PRICE AND CHALLENGES

A. Dedication is a vital phenomenon in achieving great success in life.

i. It does not happen overnight.

ii. Dedication takes a deliberate effort to become dedicated.

iii. It calls for a high degree of self-discipline or self-control.

iv. It is to remain on your course even when others quit (1 Corinthians 9:24:27).

v. Dedication keeps a fighter on the firing line or battlefield until battles are won and the person remains steadfast when battles are over (Romans 8:37-39; Philippians 1:27).

B. Dedication comes with it’s attendant challenges. These may include:

i. Persecution (Matthew 5:10).

ii. Envy (Acts 7:9).

iii. Loss of friends and associates (Matthew 10:22).

iv. Forfeiture of some pleasures (1 John 2:15-17).

v. Pain (2 Corinthians 11:27).

C. The rewards of dedication far outweighs its challenges (1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 22:11-12).

CONCLUSION
Dedication comes with great rewards which can be transgenerational.

LESSON: TWENTY THREE

TOPIC: EXCELLENCE

MEMORY VERSE: “Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation”. – Daniel 5:12 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: DANIEL 5:5-14

INTRODUCTION
Every human behaves in a certain order. These behaviors are the product of personal perception or orientation developed over time. Orientation is simply defined as a perceived inclination toward something or someone which could be positive or negative based on the individual’s developmental factors. Excellence, on the other hand, means being distinct. God is excellent and He wants us to live an outstanding life just like Him (Psalm 8:9).

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. LIVING LIKE GOD
  2. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

LIVING LIKE GOD

A. Our God is the source of everything good (Matthew 19;17).

i. He has an excellent name (Psalms 8:9; 148:13).

ii. He is excellent in power and judgement (Job 37:23).

iii. His ways and deeds are excellent (Psalm 18:30).

iv. God wants us to live excellently like Him (Proverbs 8:6).

v. Our affliction to him will inevitably open us up to the kind of reality that surrounds Him (Daniel 1:8-9; 2 Chronicles 26:3-5).

vi. Having an excellent orientation is simply thinking God’s thoughts and living God’s life (Philippians 2:5).

vii. This will, in turn, produce God’s kind of result (Daniel 5:11-12; John 5:19-20).

viii. Excellence is clearly seen and attainable in the person of Jesus Christ and only individuals who are in Him can access it (Philippians 4:13).

ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

A. Anyone can attain excellence and live perpetually in that realm.

B. To attain such height, certain decisions, which include the following, must be taken:

i. You must be born again (John 3:3-6).

ii. Consciously have and develop intimate fellowship with God through His word and His Spirit (Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

iii. Make up your mind to engage God in every area of your life (2 Chronicles 26:3-5).

iv. Surround yourself with people who are open-minded (1 Samuel 22:1-2).

v. Do not stop developing yourself (2 Timothy 2:15; Daniel 9:2).

vi. Do not give room to excuses (Proverbs 22:13). Believe you can be better (Philippians 3:12).

CONCLUSION
Having excellence through life is attainable and it is found in having the mind of Christ.

LESSON: TWENTY-FOUR

TOPIC: COHABITATION

MEMORY VERSE: “But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie”. – Revelation 22:15 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 7:1-2

INTRODUCTION
Cohabitation is a relationship that exists between people who live together and have sexual relationships without being legally married to each other. Currently, cohabiting seems to be gaining ground among young people. This is not the right concept when put on the scale of God’s standard. We shall look at some things that cohabiting will not do and the way out.

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. REASONS AND EFFECTS
  2. THE WAY OUT

REASONS AND EFFECTS

A. Teacher should allow the class discuss some of the reasons alluded for the practice of cohabitation and present the following unfounded excuses:

i. To solve housing problems.

ii. For emotional attachment.

iii. To test for compatibility.

iv. To solve economic problems, etc.

B. The effects of cohabitation should be discussed with the teacher’s guide:

i. Cohabiting may appear to have solved housing and economic problems but underneath is untold stories of painful experiences (Prov. 9:17-18).

ii. Cohabiting will not guarantee a perfect relationship (Psm. 127:1).

i. It is not a surety or an assurance that one will really know the behaviour of the other person fully because the heart is deceitful (Jer. 17:9).

ii. It will not change the negative habits of an individual.

iii. It subjugates rather than provides freedom as one is at the whims and caprices of the cohabitant.

iv. The unholy act of fornication will not yield a holy sexual relationship (1Cor. 6:18; 7:2; 10:8).

v. It will not rule out disappointments or skirmishes between the two partners.

vi. The security or sustenance of the relationship is not guaranteed.

vii. It may result in unplanned pregnancy, abortion, or unwanted babies.

viii. It can fuel low self-esteem.

THE WAY OUT

The teacher should allow the class suggest some likely way of avoiding the practice of cohabiting and then share the following facts:

i. There are many good ways to deal with economic and relationship issues instead of cohabiting (Prov. 3:5-6).

Ii. Do the right thing by getting into a pure proper courtship with marriage in view (1Cor. 7:1-2).

iii. Stop trial and error relationship and get married legally if you know you are mature for marriage (1Cor. 7:9).

iv. Make up your mind to honour God with your body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19).

v. Avoid sex before marriage (Heb. 13:4).

vi. Patience is the rule of the game (1Cor. 13:4).

vii. Get the foundation right, so you can build a good and fruitful home on the right footing (Psm. 11:3).

viii. Secure a beautiful and stable future for your children (Gal. 6:7).

CONCLUSION
Cohabiting is a products of disobedience and dishonour. Do the right thing.

LESSON: TWENTY FIVE

TOPIC: FORNICATION

MEMORY VERSE: “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body”. – (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1CORINTHIANS 6:13-20

INTRODUCTION
According to the Advanced English Dictionary, fornication is voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other or extramarital sex that wilfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations. However, in the New Testament, “fornication” which comes from the Greek word porneia, includes adultery and incest, (and from which we get our English word pornography). Porneia comes from another Greek word that also includes indulging in any kind of unlawful lust, which would include homosexuality. Fornication is a grievous sin that attracts severe judgement from God (Romans 1:29, 32). The Bible admonishes believers to “flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

LESSON OUTLINES

  1. THE DANGER OF FORNICATION
  2. ANTIDOTES TO FORNICATION

THE DANGER OF FORNICATION

A. The temptation to commit fornication may arise, but you do not have to fall for it (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) because of the attendance consequences – spiritually, morally, mentally, and health wise (1Corinthians 6:9, 18).

B. The dangers of fornication include the following:

  1. It is the easiest way to contract Sexually Transmitted Diseases and can cut a life short (untimely death). A good example is Amnon who was killed by Absalom two years after he fornicated with Tamar. (2Samuel 13:28-32).
  2. It brings guilt, regret, torment, and destroys destinies (Genesis 49:3-4).
  3. It severs one’s relationship with God (1Corinthians 10:8; Colossians 3:5-6).
  4. God hates fornication because He designed the human body to be His temple where His Spirit will dwell and not for illegitimate sex (1Corinthians 6:13b; Hebrews 13:4).
  5. Fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9).

ANTIDOTES TO FORNICATION

A. The primary antidote to the sin of fornication is to run away from it (1Corinthians 6:18).

i. Running away here means not having anything to do with it either in thoughts or the act itself (Matthew 5:28).

ii. Joseph set a good example of fleeing from fornication in Genesis 39;7-13.

B. We need to constantly purge our minds from immoral thoughts and fix our hearts on pure things (Philippians 4:8).

C. Refuse to read or watch anything immoral – sexually explicit/pornographic materials (Luke 11:34).

D. Feed your mind on the word of God (Psalm 119:9).

E. Take to your heels to avoid this destiny destroyer (1Corinthians 10:8).

F. See a counsellor if need be and ask God to help you (Proverbs 11:14).

CONCLUSION
Fornication destroys destinies, flee!

Open Heavens 2024 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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