RCCG YAYA Sunday School Manual 23 February 2025 – Quarterly Review/Summary

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RCCG YAYA Sunday School Manual 23 February 2025 – Quarterly Review/Summary

LESSON TWENTY SIX (26)
TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW
SUMMARY OF LESSONS 14-25

LESSON FOURTEEN (14)

TOPIC: ANGER MANAGEMENT

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Anger is a negative emotion characterised by bitterness towards someone or something especially when there is a perceived wrong. It often ignites powerful, restless, aggressive feelings and behaviours. The feeling of anger arises due to how we interpret or react to certain situations. Anger is termed ‘temporary madness’ because it takes over the mind and body and removes the ability to reason with no respect for dignity and friendship. Anger Management is gaining control over our emotions and the ability to regulate rage. We can be angry but it must be managed and not degenerate into sin (Psalm 37:8; Ephesians 4:26-27).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. ANGER TRIGGERS AND EFFECTS
2. SUBDUING ANGER

1 ANGER TRIGGERS AND ITS EFFECTS

A. The teacher should explain the following causes of anger to the class:
i. As humans, we have triggers that make us angry and this could be, from trivial to serious concerns (Leviticus 10:16-17).
ii. Anger issues also stem from a strong feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance (Numbers 22:27).
B. Other causes of anger include:
i. Hatred/frustration (Jonah 3:10-4:1).
ii. Lack of rule over one’s spirit (Proverbs 25:28).
iii. Hasty judgements (2 Samuel 12:5-7).
iv. Quick temper (Proverbs 14:17).
v. Acting foolishly (2 Chronicles 16:8-10).
vi. Transferred aggression (Daniel 2:11-12).
vii. Unjustifiable reasons (Matthew 5:22).
C. Anger is dangerous because it:
i. Can result in murder and alter destinies (Genesis 49:6-7).
ii. Stirs up strife (Proverbs 29:22).
iii. Ruins/halts good relationships (Proverbs 22:24-25).
iv. Makes one do irrational things (Exodus 32:19).
v. Brings low (1 Samuel 17:28-30).
vi. Makes one say what should not be said (1 Samuel 20:30).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Was there any time you were angry and did or said what you later regretted? Share your experience with the class.

2 SUBDUING ANGER

A. The teacher should highlight the following ways of subduing anger:
i. To manage anger, every believer must develop the ability to control his/her temperament (particularly in stressful situations) with the help of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
ii. We must show proper behaviour and/or disagree appropriately without losing control of our emotions (Ephesians 4:26).
iii. Self-control is a good regulator of anger (Galatians 5:23).
iv. We must consciously put anger far away from us (Ephesians 4:31).
v. Anger is a vice we must cease from (Psalm 37:8).
vi. It must be deliberately put off (Colossians 3:8).
B. We must also employ strategies such as
i. Being slow to speak (James 1:19).
ii. Providing a soft and gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1).
iii. Being discreet (Proverbs 19:11).
iv. Walking away from an angry person/scene (Proverbs 26:4).
v. Talking to oneself ‘’why am I angry’’ (1 Corinthians 9:27).
vi. Looking inwards with divine assistance for unresolved issues which trigger anger (Psalm 139:23-24).
vii. Staying calm (Proverbs 14:29).
viii. Learn to be quiet (Proverbs 13:3).
ix. Attend to issues with knowledge (Proverbs 17:27; 13:16).
x. Not allowing anger to run for days depicts maturity.
C. If you lose your temper at the slightest provocation, you must acknowledge that you have anger issues and deal with them decisively.
D. See a therapist if need be and ask God for help.

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CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What practical steps have you ever taken to conquer anger? Share with the class.

CONCLUSION: God has given us the Spirit of self-control (Galatians 5:23a), so, our anger can be managed when we work at it and ask God for help. Control anger before it ruins you.

LESSON FIFTEEN (15)

TOPIC: KARPOS PNEUMA

BIBLE PASSAGE: Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead who came to live with believers in Christ after the ascension of Jesus (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit filled the followers of Jesus first, on the day called Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4). The day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. The essence of the infilling is for character reformation (inward expression) and power demonstration (outward expression) in the followers of Jesus Christ. The inward expression of the Holy Spirit is called The Fruit of the Holy Spirit known as “Karpos Pneuma” in Greek language. It is the result of the Holy Spirit acting through the new creature after the new birth.

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LESSON OUTLINES:

1. COMPONENTS OF THE FRUIT
2. HOW TO BEAR THE FRUIT

1 COMPONENTS OF THE FRUIT

Every fruit has its purpose as well as its components. The scripture records different components that sum up the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:21-23 as follows:
i. Love: It is the divine nature of God (1 John 4:8). It is proof that we are children of God (1 John 4:7). Hence, every believer in Christ must live daily in this love towards God, himself and his neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40).
ii. Joy: It is the inner comfort in the face of challenges, and contentment in times of scarcity. It gives inner strength in times of weakness (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is from the Lord and it is related to gladness and rejoicing in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:4).
iii. Peace: This is the peace of God that completely satisfies (Colossians 3:15).
iv. Longsuffering: Bearing long with others without murmuring (2 Corinthians 6:4-6).
v. Gentleness: To be kind, cool-tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
vi. Goodness: This grace makes believers do good works-(Ephesians 5:9).
vii. Faith: This is the principle of total confidence in God and all that He says (Hebrews 11:6).
viii. Meekness: The grace to suffer injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge (2 Timothy 2:25).
ix. Temperance: Self-control, a moderation in appetites, passion and almost everything (Proverbs 23:1-3; Daniel 1:8; Philippians 4:5).

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CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Which of the components of the fruit of the Spirit are you struggling to bear?

2 HOW TO BEAR THE FRUIT

God promised us the release of His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28-29). To bear the fruit of the Spirit, we must:
i. Be dead to the world and its lust (John 12:24).
ii. Purge ourselves of all worldly contaminations (Psalm 79:9; 2 Timothy 2:21).
iii. Abide in Christ (John 15:4).
iv. Allow the leading of the Spirit (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18).
v. Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
vi. Cleanse ourselves by the word of God always (Psalm 119:9; John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What practical steps are you taking to ensure you bear the fruit of the Spirit? Share with the class.

CONCLUSION: Since a tree is known by its fruit, the believer is equally known by the fruit of the Holy Spirit he/she bears (Matthew 12:33).

LESSON SIXTEEN (16)

TOPIC: GAMBLING
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: To gamble means to risk something of value on an outcome that depends on chance. Other related activities to gambling are betting, lotto/lottery, gaming, casinos, ‘money doubling’, and ‘get rich quick’ programmes, among others. Although some people often equate lot casting in the Bible with gambling, they are not the same. The scriptures do not specifically mention gambling or betting, rather, it warns us to stay away from the love of money (1Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). The Bible also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Jesus warns us against letting riches get in the way of our spiritual growth (Mark 4:19; 10:25).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Gambling Versus Lot Casting
2. Fate Of And Counsel To Gamblers

1 GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING

The teacher should allow the class to differentiate between gambling and lot casting (like voting). Then, provide these under-listed details:
A. The difference: Gambling and lot casting involve the concept of chance. However, lot casting in the Bible was used for religious or divine leading (John 19:24; Acts 1:26) whereas gambling is related to the games of chance for entertainment and possible monetary or material gains (Judges 14:12-13).
B. The instances of lot casting mentioned in several portions of the Bible are not synonymous with the testing of luck or gaining material wealth. Rather,
i. They have to do with random selection, seeking divine direction, and making a decision.
ii. It was often employed to determine God’s will (Proverbs 16:33) or make choices, such as the selection of leaders (Acts 1:26), division of lands (Joshua 18:10), or atonement (Leviticus 16:8-9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you taken part in lot casting before? Share your experience.

2 FATE OF AND COUNSEL TO GAMBLERS

The teacher should emphasise the following to the class:
A. The love of money makes people test their luck with numbers with the hope of making a lot of money without sweat. But,
i. Such hopes are mostly empty (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
ii. Those who are desperate and covetous of getting rich quickly end up being deceived, ensnared, and destroyed (1 Timothy 6:9; Proverbs 1:32).
iii. Proceeds from gambling/lottery/betting do not last (Proverbs 13:11).
iv. Those who engage in get-rich-quick schemes stand the risk of losing everything (Proverbs 23:5).
v. Studies show that many lottery winners ended up in worse financial situations after the jackpot (1 Timothy 6:10).
B. God wants His people to prosper (Psalm 35:27; 3 John 2) and to earn their money honestly through hard work (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 10:4). Therefore,
i. Believers must choose between serving God or money (Luke 16:13).
ii. Money should not be wasted or gambled away; save for the future and give generously to the needy and the Lord’s work (Proverbs 19:17; Exodus 35:5).
iii. Money and material wealth should not be the primary pursuit of a believer, rather, it should be the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
C. Seeking a professional counsellor or an accountability partner will help an addicted gambler (Proverbs 24:6).
D. It is important for anyone struggling with gambling to cry to God for deliverance (Psalm 71:2; John 6:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Do you know an ardent gambler around you, what can you see in their lives?

CONCLUSION: Do not gamble your money, materials, and life. Be content with what you have, work hard, and believe in God for increase.

LESSON SEVENTEEN (17)

TOPIC: SEXUAL VICES
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:16-20 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The fact that God created humanity as “male and female” reveals that we are created as sexual beings (Genesis 1:27). Sex is a channel to fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Sex was designed to consummate the lifetime union between a man and woman (Genesis 4:1). However, sex has been misused and abused (Romans 1:24, 26-27) in the world because of sin (Romans 3:23). It must be clearly stated that purity is a reflection of God’s character. Hence, sexual purity is a treasure to be guarded and valued.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. THE FORMS
2. CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT

1 THE FORMS

The teacher should ask the class to mention other forms of sexual immorality known to them apart from fornication and adultery. Then the teacher should discuss the outline as follows:
A. Apart from adultery which is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20:14) and fornication – sexual sins between unmarried people, the world has also invented so many sexual acts or practices contrary to God’s intended purpose.
B. Here are some of the sexual perversions that believers must guard against:

1. Homosexuality: Sexual acts between people of the same gender. A man having sex with another man is gay while a woman and woman sexual relationship is termed lesbianism (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27). This abominable act led to the destruction of the people of Sodom (Genesis 19:4-5, 12-13).
2. Incest: Sexual activities between family members (Leviticus 18:7-18).
3. Paedophilia: Perverted sexual attraction towards children.
4. Bestiality: Having sexual relations with an animal (Leviticus 18:23).
5. Rape: Forceful sexual intercourse with an unwilling partner (2 Samuel 13:14).
6. Pornography: The explicit literary or visual depiction of sexual subject matter with lustful intent; a display of materials of an erotic nature e.g. videos, pictures, graphics, or writings designed to provoke sexual lust.
7. Masturbation and use of sex toys.
8. Cyber/Phone-sex: Sex-oriented messages or conversations over the Internet or the use of phones to have improper sexual conversations or to listen to explicit erotic messages for sexual perversion. It also involves fantasizing about immoral and impure sexual activities (Philippians 4:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:.The class should discuss how parents can protect their children from the sexual vices above.

2 CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT

The class should discuss the possible consequences of sexual vices on the victim and perpetrator. Then, the teacher should discuss the following points:
A. Consequences: Failure to repent from sexual vices can lead to:
i. Addiction (2 Peter 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:12).
ii. Destruction of destinies (Proverbs 6:25-28; Genesis 49:3-4).
iii. Strange illnesses and diseases (STIs and STDs) can be contracted.
iv. The body can be defiled and the fulfilment of God’s purposes hindered (1 Corinthians 6:15-16).
v. It takes away the spiritual covering and brings God’s wrath (1 Corinthians 10:8; Numbers 25:1-11).
vi. Guilt and self-condemnation set in (Psalm 51:3).
vii. Sexual sin can destroy marriages and families (Matthew 19:9).
B. To overcome sexual vices, you must take the following steps:
i. Confess your sins to God (1 John 1:9) and ask Him to cleanse, renew and transform your mind (Romans 12:2)
ii. Get rid of all triggers. Avoid being alone or being in a dark and lonely place with the opposite sex.
iii. Speak out about your struggles and see a good and godly counsellor (Proverbs 11:14).
iv. Study, meditate, and confess God’s word. Fast and pray often (Psalm 119:9-11).
v. Practice self-control with the help of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 39:7-9; Galatians 5:16).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should suggest ways to stay clean from sexual vices.

CONCLUSION: Sexual vices are destructive. Flee to avoid God’s wrath (1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

LESSON EIGHTEEN (18)

TOPIC: THE “WORLD SYSTEM”
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 John 2:15-17(NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: A Christian is a person who has accepted the Lord Jesus as his Lord and personal Saviour and is living a holy life with the ultimate goal of making it to Heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). However, there are three terrible enemies- “the world system,” “the flesh,” and “the devil” – contending with the believer daily, to make the Christian journey difficult and impossible (Acts 20:29-30). In this study, we shall consider the enemy called “the world system.”

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. SATAN’S “WORLD SYSTEM”
2. GOD HAS A “NEW WORLD”

1 SATAN’S “WORLD SYSTEM”

A. The Bible uses the word “world” in three ways.
i. First, it can refer to the earth, which God created (Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24).
ii. Second, the “world” can refer to people, as in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world…”
iii. The third use is found in 1 John 2:15, where the believer is warned not to love the world or the things in the world. “The world” in this passage refers to the “operating system of the world” – which is satanic.
B. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, Satan has not changed the mode of operation in the world (Genesis 3:11-13):
i. He has been consistent at deceiving; manipulating and dominating those who refuse to completely yield themselves to God (Romans 6:13, 16).
ii. The “software” Satan designed to turn man against his Maker is still working in the world (Ephesians 2:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:4).
C. Satan controls his evil ‘world system’ and uses the attractive things of his world to deceive and destroy people (Matthew 4:8-9; 1 Peter 5:8).
i. Satan’s “world system” comprises money, materialism, cultism, addictions, lust, selfishness, greed, pride, etc.
ii. Also, Satan uses filthy and worldly music, adulterated TV reality shows, sexy movies and indecent dressing to entice innocent souls by flooding their minds with wrong thoughts and getting them involved in unspeakable vices.
iii. He convinces people to rebel against higher authorities (Jude)
iv. This is what Apostle John summarises in 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world.” There is nothing good or godly in these things.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention other tools of the ’world system’.

2 GOD HAS A “NEW WORLD”

A. Satan’s ‘world system’ hates God, it hates God’s Son-Jesus Christ, and it hates God’s people. Hence:
i. The Bible clearly warns against friendship with the world (James 4:4).
ii. God will one day destroy Satan’s ‘world system’ (2 Peter 3:10).
B. This world has been ruined by sin, but God has a “new world” for those who love Him.
i. It is called “the kingdom of God.”
ii. The Lord Jesus is the King and Ruler of God’s new world (Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 15:25).
C. When we surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour:
i. God takes us out of Satan’s kingdom of darkness and puts us into “the kingdom of His dear Son.”
ii. We are no longer in Satan’s ‘world system’ (Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:12-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What can believers do to avoid the world system since they are still in the world?

CONCLUSION: Satan’s world system may seem very beautiful and attractive but it is a path to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Choose to be on God’s side.

LESSON NINETEEN (19)

TOPIC: THE ESSENCE OF PRAISE
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 67:3-7 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE:.“I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.” Psalm 86:12 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: In our day-to-day dealings with ourselves, appreciation and praise are considered important especially when we receive help from anyone. This show of appreciation usually acts as an impetus to receiving similar help in the future. As Christians, we know that God loves us more than our earthly fathers. To reciprocate this love, we should praise God no matter the circumstances. One principle a Christian should learn is how to develop the habit of praising God (Psalm 34:1).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. REASONS FOR PRAISING GOD
2. ACCEPTABLE PRAISE

1 REASONS FOR PRAISING GOD

Question 1: Why should we praise God?
Answer: The attributes of God are sufficient reasons for us to praise Him. That is one reason the angels praise God continuously (Isaiah 6:3). God’s holiness is linked with His glory (Exodus 15:11). We should praise God for:
i. His goodness and His wonderful works (Psalm 107:8).
ii. His righteousness (Psalm 7:17).
iii. His jealousy and sovereignty over all things (Exodus 34:14).
iv. He is the only God that should be worshipped (Exodus 20:3-4).
Question 2: Give other reasons for praising God.
Answer:
i. We must praise God if we want our lives to be full of miracles and wonders (Psalm 67:5-7).
ii. When we praise God, we have victories over our enemies (Psalm 18:3; 2 Chronicles 20:22).
iii. Praise is an acceptable sacrifice before God (Hebrews 13:15).

2 ACCEPTABLE PRAISE

Question: How can we offer acceptable praise to God?
Answer: (A). God is over all mankind, yet, He accepts praise only from those who draw near to Him in holiness and repentance (James 4:8; Psalm 24:3-5).
(B). To offer acceptable praise to God, it is necessary to be a child of God (John 4:23-24). We must confess our sins to God and repent from them (1 John 1:8-9). It is after this that our sacrifice of praise can be acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you ever sung or played musical instruments to praise God alone and danced well for Him? Share your experience.

CONCLUSION: Praising God is one way we can please Him. So, give Him quality praise.

LESSON TWENTY (20)

TOPIC: CAPACITY BUILDING
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 22:1-2

MEMORY VERSE: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Capacity is defined as an individual’s mental ability, physical ability, or power to produce, perform, or deploy. It simply means the maximum amount something can contain or produce. Capacity-building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes, and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world. It can also be personal development, which means to up-skill and improve oneself. It denotes a conscious and deliberate improvement of one’s actions. The Bible admonishes us to grow our capacity spiritually (1 Peter 2:2) mentally (Hebrews 5:13-14) and in all spheres of life.

1 BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

I. The teacher should allow students to mention examples of those who built their capacities in the Bible. Thereafter, the teacher should give the examples below:
a. David built his capacity from being the little shepherd boy in the desert to a giant slayer and also built great warriors (2 Samuel 23:8-12).
b. Jephthah had a very discouraging beginning being an outcast. He developed himself to become a warrior and the ruler of his people (Judges 11:1-11).
c. Stephen distinguished himself from every other qualified individual in his days to serve in a leadership capacity (Acts 6:1-8).
d. Deborah, in her days, became a mother in Israel, a prophetess, judge, and went with Barak to war (Judges 4:4, 8-9).
e. Peter was initially timid but he became bold and was the leader of the Apostles (Acts 4:13). Also, he moved from being a fisherman to a fisher of men (Luke 5:1-11).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention someone known to you who took advantage of his hard times to build his/her capacity.

2 SOME AREAS TO BUILD CAPACITY

I. The class should discuss what area(s) one can develop one’s capacity.
II. The teacher should then discuss the following points. We should all develop our capacities in the following areas;
a. Knowledge-Base: Knowledge is a vital key to success in any field. Learning is a productive way to build capacity in your field. Study the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15) and learn from people who have developed capacity. Start by reading one book concerning your desired destination every month.
b. Mind: The mind is popularly known as the nation of images. You can only go as far as your mind can see. (Numbers 13:30-33). Invest in capacity development with your time, money, and other resources. You can use the internet to your advantage.
c. Character: Your attitude is a very potent weapon that can disarm the enemy, and at the same time, your character can be the weapon formed against you (Proverbs 11:3). Be teachable to build capacity. No man is an Island (James 1:19).
d. Time Management: Time is a fragment of destiny, which must be handled with all seriousness, and all productivity. Learn how to utilize time productively for your advancement in career and ministry (Ecclesiastes 3:1; 8:5b).
e. Finance: The mandate to reach the world has been given to all believers; you need to be intentional about wealth creation. You may never accomplish much if you neglect the potency of financial capacity (Zechariah 1:17).
f. Prayers: Your prayer capacity must be built. The power of prayer is in its consistency (Luke 18:1). Be regular in your prayers, because the more unswerving you are, the more capacity you receive to pray. Be deliberate with your prayer life and fast at least once a week (Mark 9:29).
g. Gift: Every man has a deposit of God’s grace which must be increased (Matthew 25:14-27). Joseph started by dreaming then to interpreting dreams and then implementing the interpretation.
h. Association: Surround yourself with like minds and people who have an interest in your growth (Proverbs 13:20; 20:18). Map out an action plan and create an accountability system.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What efforts are you making to build your capacity in the areas listed above? Discuss with the class.

CONCLUSION: Capacity development brings you out of your comfort zone and stretches you. It however prepares you for opportunities and leads to promotion. Pursue capacity development (Proverbs 14:4).

LESSON TWENTY-ONE (21)

TOPIC: DEBT MANAGEMENT
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Kings 4:1-7.

MEMORY VERSE: “A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.” 2 Kings 4:1 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Debt occurs when something, usually money, is owed by one party (the borrower or debtor) to a second party (the lender or creditor) especially when it becomes difficult to pay back what is owed. Debt is a common problem and has a way of growing faster than expected. Although the Bible neither expressly forbids nor condones the borrowing of money, we must however be wise (Proverbs 22:7).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF DEBT
2. AVOID DEBT

1 CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF DEBT

A. Debt can occur through different means. Some of the likely causes are:
i. Poor money management skills (Luke 15:11-13).
ii. Lack of employment/underemployment (Proverbs 20:4).
iii. Health challenges (Luke 8:43).
iv. Failed business/reduction in income.
v. Living outside one’s means (1 Timothy 6:8-10).
vi. Gambling.
vii. Divorce/widowhood/single parenthood (2 Kings 4:1).
viii. Uncontrolled child-bearing.
ix. Unexpected emergencies.
x. Unfavourable economic factors/inflation (2 Kings 6:25).
xi. Impulse buying (Luke 15:13-14).
xii. Poor investment skill (Proverbs 23:5).
xiii. Misunderstanding of needs versus wants (Luke 15:13).
xiv. Laziness (2 Thessalonians 3:10b).
xv. Education cost, fraud, etc.
B. Some of the effects of debt are as follows:
i. Anyone who comes to the realisation that he or she has taken on too much debt becomes uncomfortable (2 Kings 4:1).
ii. The lender can torment the borrower (Proverbs 22:7).
iii. It can also lead to psychological or emotional breakdown.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are the psychological effects of debts on the borrower?

2 AVOID DEBT

To forestall going into debt, believers should do the following:
i. Honour God with your substance – tithe, offerings, first fruits (Proverbs 3:9-10).
ii. Help the needy (Proverbs 19:17; 28:27).
iii. Develop a saving culture (Proverbs 21:20).
iv. Prepare a budget based on your actual income and actual expenses (Luke 14:28).
v. Avoid unnecessary spending (Proverbs 21:20). Do not spend compulsorily on what is not your primary need.
vi. Do not be lazy, find something to do (1 Thessalonians 4:11; Proverbs 6:9-11).
vii. Be satisfied with what you have (Proverbs 15:16; 1 Timothy 6:6).
viii. Seek financial counsel and invest wisely (Proverbs 15:22).
Any believer who is already in debt should do the following in addition to the points raised above;
i. Pray for divine intervention, then seek wise and godly counsel (Proverbs 24:6).
ii. Drastically reduce high lifestyle expenses (Philippians 4:5).
iii. Negotiate with your creditors for a possible review of the repayment plan (Luke 16:5-8).
iv. Be committed to paying back what you owe (Romans 13:8a).
v. Maintain discipline in financial matters (Proverbs 22:26-27).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What other steps can you take to avoid going into debt?

CONCLUSION: Borrowing should be avoided as much as possible. It should only be considered in the case of a profitable venture.

LESSON TWENTY-TWO (22)

TOPIC: CHRISTIANS AND INVESTMENT
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 25:14-18 (NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labour will increase.” Proverbs 13:11 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: In the parable of the talents in Luke 19:11-27, Jesus makes it clear that He expects His followers to be faithful stewards of the resources that He has put at their disposal. Good stewardship includes wise investments. Some believers find it difficult to adopt a practical theology for money management and investing for a distant and uncertain future. The Bible, however, offers practical wisdom on investing the resources we have with insight and foresight.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Biblical Principles For Savings And Investments
2. Reasons For Investment

1 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS

A. It is important to note that saving for future needs is biblical (Genesis 41:34-36; Proverbs 6:6-11).
i. Saving honours God because it rightly values money as a gift that He has given to us (James 1:16-17).
ii. Instead of unplanned, or impulsive spending, wise savings demonstrate the importance of stewarding His gifts (Luke 12:47-48).
iii. Saving may also allow you to leave an inheritance, blessing your heirs so they can then be a blessing to others (Proverbs 13:22).
iv. Investing is commended if done wisely. It is about putting money and other resources into real businesses that employ people and deliver products or services to customers. Hopefully, when the companies we invest in do well there will be a commensurate return on our investment (Proverbs 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6).
B. However, believers should invest only in businesses they understand or have experience in – real estate, contracts, ventures, stocks, shares, bonds, etc (Proverbs 24:3-4).
i. We are to avoid get-rich-quick schemes at all costs (Proverbs 13:11, 21:5).
ii. Do not invest what you do not have. It is better not to invest at all than to invest what you cannot afford to lose.
iii. Do not accumulate debt in the name of investment (Proverbs 22:7).
iv. Guard against investing ignorantly just because you know the person; that is not a guarantee against loss.
C. Investing in your education and those of your children is a wise decision to make. This helps to prepare you for opportunities that will surely come your way and secure your future.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Give examples of what we can invest in.

2 REASONS FOR INVESTMENT

1. Wealth Creation – Investing your money will allow it to grow and compound. You earn money on the money already earned and create wealth over time.
2. Beat Inflation – Returns from the investment help maintain the purchasing power at a constant level. If you do not beat the inflation rate you will be losing money, not making money.
3. Retirement mass creation – You should invest while you are earning to create a mass of funds that can be used when you retire. This provides security to maintain a comfortable lifestyle even after retirement.
4. Accomplish financial goals – Investing can help you reach bigger financial goals. The returns on your investments can be used toward major financial goals, such as buying a home, buying a car, starting your own business, or putting your children through school.
5. High-returns – Investing would help to achieve high returns as compared to a bank’s savings account which provides little return.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Each student should mention the benefit of investment.

CONCLUSION: Investing in the future is not an act of anxiety, everyone must save for a rainy day. To build wealth, you should invest your money.

LESSON TWENTY-THREE (23)

TOPIC: THE “WAITING ROOM”
BIBLE PASSAGE: Lamentations 3:24-26 (NKJV):

MEMORY VERSE: “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from him”. – Psalms 62:5 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Waiting on God is not only difficult, but sometimes, it seems impossible. We want things to happen in our timing, according to our plan, but God does not operate on our schedules (Isaiah 55:8-9). God wants us to wait on Him in eager anticipation, knowing that He is with us and in control of our lives. He will do what He has promised. He will rescue and save us. He is always working for our good, even when we do not feel his presence or understand the situation (Romans 8:28).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. THE WAITING ROOM AND ITS BLESSINGS
2. THINGS TO DO IN THE WAITING ROOM

1 THE WAITING ROOM AND ITS BLESSINGS

This outline is subdivided into three units:
A. Definition Of The “Waiting Room”:
i. The “waiting room” is the place of seeking God’s intervention over a situation or condition (Psalms 40:1).
ii. It is the gap between God’s promises and their fulfillment (Genesis 21:2; Romans 4:18-21).
iii. It is the space between “crying” for a change and God’s response to the cry (Jonah 2:2; Lamentations 3:55-58).
iv. It is where we prepare for the next phase of the journey (Genesis 28:10-16).
B. Nature Of The ‘Waiting Room’:
i. Waiting is unavoidable (Psalms 145:15); at one point or the other, we all have to wait on God for something (Psalms 130:5-6).
ii. Waiting will not be forever (2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:18).
iii. Sometimes, God puts us in the “waiting room” against our will to allow us to change (Jonah 1:17).
iv. At other times, God uses the “waiting room” to test our commitment and grow our faith (Psalms 66:10-12).
v. The ability to wait on the Lord comes from being confident and focused on who God is and what he is doing (Philippians 1:6).
C. Blessings Of Waiting :
Some blessings accrue to us when we are in God’s waiting room.
i. We learn and experience trust (Romans 4:21).
ii. Waiting renews our strength (Isaiah 40:31).
iii. Builds our faith and confidence in God (Romans 4:19-20).
iv. Takes away shame (Isaiah 61:7).
v. Builds patience (James 1:3), makes us authorities as we showcase His glory (Job 23:10).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Biblical examples of people who waited on God.

2 THINGS TO DO IN THE WAITING ROOM

How we emerge from God’s waiting room is dependent on our attitude. We must take heed of the following:
i. Waiting on God requires us to put aside our ways of doing things, and trust His timing and plans (Psalm 90:4).
ii. We should not alter God’s timetable by going contrary to his will (Job 14:14; Hebrews 12:2).
iii. We must be sure of God’s direction (Psalm 37:23; Isaiah 30:21). We should be thankful for what God will do in our situation (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
iv. We need to also learn to be content and patient (Hebrews 6:15; 10:36).
v. We should be of good courage (Psalm 27:14), actively seeking God in prayer and studying the word of God (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalm 130:5).
vi. We need to consciously take actions as directed by the Holy Spirit (Proverbs 3:5-6).
vii. We must channel our strength to other areas of interest, our lives must not really revolve around our challenges.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Discuss why some people decide to take shortcuts instead of waiting on God.

CONCLUSION: Remember that delay is not denial. You are in God’s waiting room, and He is at work.

LESSON TWENTY-FOUR (24)

TOPIC: CHOOSE WISELY
BIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 14:1-3 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “Then his father and mother said to him, “Is there no woman among the daughters of your brethren, or among all my people, that you must go and get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” And Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she pleases me well.” Judges 14:3 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Humans are choice beings. God in His sovereignty allows them to make their choices by picking between two or more possibilities and living with the consequences (Deuteronomy 30:19). As dynamic as the marriage institution is, it starts by making the right choice. God never forced Eve on Adam; rather, Adam chose Eve after God presented her to him (Genesis 2:22-23). In marriage, God does not choose your mate, He gives you the complete responsibility to make your choice but He will guide you when you take the matter to Him in prayers (Proverbs 18:22, Genesis 24:14). Choose wisely with God.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Choices And Their Consequences
2. Make The Right Choice

1 CHOICES AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES

A. A choice is an option, a decision, an opportunity to choose. Note that:
i. Life is about choices and the question of choice will always pop up at one point or the other (Deuteronomy 30:19).
ii. This issue of choice is imperative because it can affect one’s destiny positively or otherwise.
B. Examples of people who made choices and their implications:
i. King Solomon chose to love many strange women who turned his heart after their gods in his old age (1 Kings 11:1-4).
ii. Lot chose the wrong location for his agricultural business and it affected his family negatively (Genesis 13:10-11).
iii. Amnon, through his lustful desire, chose to listen to the counsel of his friend – Jonadab, to defile his sister and he lost his life afterwards (2 Samuel 13:5, 11-14, 32).
iv. The choice to follow God will lead us to eternity (John 6:40).
C. In the same vein, choosing the right marriage partner is important because today’s choice has a lot of effects on the future.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Which decision did you make that you were grateful for?

2 MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

A. Guiding principles to making the right choice:
i. Marriage is a lifelong decision (Matthew 19:6-9) that can either make or mar one’s destiny.
ii. There is a need to choose wisely with God as your guide (Psalm 32:8).
iii. Be sure that you and your partner have a ‘Father-child’ relationship with God and be His ‘sheep’ (John 10:27).
iv. Your choice must be based on the right counsel (Proverbs 15:22).
v. Engage the Holy Spirit in your selection process (John 16:13).
vi. Be very sure that God’s presence is going with you in the relationship before you start (Exodus 33:14-15).
vii. Let the word of God regulate your decisions (Psalm 119:105). Pray with sincerity of purpose (Genesis 24:12).
viii. Hear from God before you dabble into any relationship (Isaiah 30:21).
ix. Conduct a diligent and godly search (Proverbs 18:22).
x. Learn to exercise self-control (Proverbs 25:28).
xi. Do not be anxious so you do not make a mistake (Philippians 4:6).
xii. Open your physical and spiritual eyes to see any Red flag and attend to it speedily (Mark 14:38).
xiii. Be intentional (Genesis 24:14).
B. Do not concentrate on physical attractions alone (Judges 14:3) – look beyond the outward packaging (1 Samuel 16:6-7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What do you look for in a person before making him/her your marriage partner?

CONCLUSION: Your choice is yours and you will bear the consequences. Remember you have the opportunity and privilege to involve God.

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE (25)

TOPIC: LOVE: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 22:35-40 (NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Bible says “love is of God” and “God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). In other words, love is a fundamental characteristic of who God is. Everything God does is driven and influenced by His love (John 3:16). Our Lord Jesus Christ emphasised this by identifying the commandments to love God as the first and general law, after which He declared the directive to love fellow human beings as the second most important law (Matthew 22:35-40). The Holy Spirit sheds more light on the link between these two aspects of love (1 John 4:20). In Song of Solomon 8:7, love is said to be unquenchable and has more worth than all of one’s possessions because it satisfies as nothing else can.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Love God
2. Love Fellow Humans

1 LOVE GOD

A. The teacher should describe God’s love:
i. The Bible says that our love for God is related to the fact that God first loved us (1 John 4:19).
ii. It is also related to our obedience to Him (1 John 5:3; John 14:15).
iii. God’s love for us enables us to obey Him freely, without the burden of guilt or the fear of punishment (1 John 4:18).
iv. Loving God requires knowing Him, and that knowledge begins with His Word (1 John 2:5).
B. To love God is to:
i. Worship and praise Him only (Exodus 20:3).
i. Make Him our priority (Mark 12:30).
ii. Desire Him (Psalm 42:1).
iii. Yearn for His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
iv. Keep His Word (John 14:23; Psalm 119:11).
v. Obey Him (John 15:10; 1 John 5:3).
C. However, this is not a matter of merely following rules and registering good deeds. It is about having God’s love written permanently on our hearts (Deuteronomy 6:5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention practical ways of showing love to God.

2 LOVE FELLOW HUMANS

A. We can express our love to God through those who are created in His image-fellow humans (1 John 4:20; Mark 12:31).
i. God’s kind of love is that which is given to those who did not deserve it including our ‘enemies’ (Romans 5:8; Luke 6:32-35).
ii. The Bible says we are to love others the way God loves us (1 John 4:7).
iii. We are to love the family of God (Romans 12:10).
iv. As we show benevolent and selfless love, we reflect God’s love to a lost and dying world.
B. One practical way to love others is to imagine ourselves in their shoes (Luke 6:31).
i. Loving others does not mean agreeing with everything they say or do, nor does it mean acting in ways that always gain their approval.
ii. Loving others means attending to their needs-both physical and spiritual (Luke 10:29-37).
iii. We love our neighbours best when we share God’s truth with them: Jesus alone saves (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and meets people at their point of need.
C. We love our neighbours out of an overflow of God’s love for us and as a way of demonstrating our love toward God (1 John 4:7-12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Is it important to show love to yourself?

CONCLUSION: The love towards our neighbours is evidence of our love towards God. Let the love of God fill our hearts (Romans 5:5).

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 blest?

Open Heavens 2025 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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