RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL – Y.A.Y.A EDITION – LESSON: TWO – DATE: SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2024 – TOPIC: ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY
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RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL
Y.A.Y.A EDITION
LESSON: TWO
DATE: SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2024
TOPIC: ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY
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
Father, help me not to be ignorant of the tricks and gimmicks of the devil in Jesus name
MEMORY VERSE: “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God”. – Leviticus 19:31 (NKJV).
BIBLE PASSAGE: ISAIAH 47:13-14
[13]You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you.
[14]Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before!
INTRODUCTION
Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true Christianity. It is largely characterised by some spiritual practices and rituals that are often chosen by the participants to fit their individual needs. In this lesson, we shall highlight some of them and scripturally view with our perspectives should be as believers.
TEXT REVIEW: ISAIAH 47:13-14
Concerning God’s judgement on the Babylonians (by extension everyone who engages in Alternative spirituality – putting trust in sorceries, magic, etc, instead of the Holy One of Israel), the prophet Isaiah declares:
A. Such people are only worn out by the advice received. He challenged those who study the cosmos to come forward and save the people from the trouble that will befall them since they claim to know future events by watching stars monthly ……………………………… V13.
B. The prophet spells their doom:
i. Like straw, they shall burn ……………… V14a.
ii. ……………………V14b.
iii. …………………………V14c.
LESSON OUTLINES
- ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
- SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
The teacher should explain some of the alternative power people seek today:
A. Astrology and the Zodiac is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the starry hosts (and planets) exert on human destiny (Isa. 47:13; Dan. 2:27). According to astrology, the sign you were born under , like Aquarius, pisces, etc impacts your destiny.
B. Crystal sphere is the the belief that a precious stone has an inherent power that can be used to man benefit like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy this bringing good luck.
C. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirit of the dead to magically reveal the future or influence the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called “divination”, “sorcery” and “spiritism” (Exo. 7:11; 2Kgs. 17:17).
D. Others includes practices like:
i. Palm reading, spiritual bathing, etc
ii. Playing some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination
iii. Visiting websites that promise to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims
iv. Perfumes and cosmetics capable of bring good luck of warding off bad luck, visiting false prophets
v. Using charms, amulets, or talismans, etc. (Lev. 19:26).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Students should mention other ungodly spiritual practices prevalent in their community
SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
A. Astrology, Crystal sphere as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in Scripture (Deut. 18:10-14).
i. Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for “signs” and “seasons” (Gen. 1:14).
ii. To “worship the starry hosts” is a clear violation of God’s law (Deut. 4:19).
iii. The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet, Daniel (Dan. 1:20; 2:27).
B. Our wisdom comes from the God, not the dead (James 1:5).
i. Those who are dead, either go to heaven to rest or to hell for condemnation. Anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirit.
ii. Anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorized as witchcraft. Witchcraft is namely along with idolatry as ungodly behavior (Gal. 5:19-21).
C. All the aforementioned practices involve demonic manipulations
i. They open the one who practices them to demonic attacks.
ii. It is worshipping created things rather than the creator (Rom. 1:25).
D. The word of God is and must remain our guide through life (Ps. 119:105).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Students should share any alternative spirituality they have engaged in previously and its implication on their lives
CONCLUSION
Every spirituality outside the will of Christ is false and demonic. It should not be embraced by true Christians.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, I come out of every ungodly and satanic Spiritual practice in Jesus name
ASSIGNMENT
Mention five (5) reasons Christians seek after other forms of spirituality outside Christ (2×5=10 Marks)
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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