TOPIC: Child Training [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 5 April 2020]

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MEMORY VERSE: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 18:18-19 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 22 March 2020)

18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

INTRODUCTION

The Bible tells us that children are a reward from God (Psalm 127:3). Raising and training a child within the context of Proverbs 22:6 means that it beings with the Bible. This is because ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in righteousness’ (2Timothy 3:16). God testified of Abraham, that he would train his children in the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19). Lois and Eunice also trained Timothy (2Timothy 1:5). Training must begin as soon as a child recognises gestures or responds to communication. Therefore, parent, guardians or care-givers must train up children appropriately.

OUTLINES

1. WHAT ARE WE TO TEACH CHILDREN AND HOW?
2. REASONS FOR CHILD TRAINING

1. WHAT ARE WE TO TEACH CHILDREN AND HOW?

Children should be taught morals and good attitudes (Proverbs 1:8-15); respect for rules, authority, elders and order (1 Peter 2:13). Spiritual discipline (reading/studying the Bible, praying, fasting, worshiping and attending Church programmes) should be emphasised (Joshua 1:8; Hebrews 10:25). Children should be nurtured with the word of God (Ephesians 6:4) and trained to live righteously in the fear of God (Proverbs 8:13; 9:10). They should be trained to work diligently in order to forestall laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11; 22:29) and to serve/glorify God with their talents/gifts as well as their resources (1 Samuel 2:18; John 6:9)

Parents and other care-givers should pray daily for their children (1 Thess. 5:17), discipline them with love (Proverbs 3:12; Proverbs 29:17; Proverbs 13:24), handle them with wisdom, spend quality time with them and treat them with dignity and courtesy (Ephesians 6:4). The home and family should be the centre of a child’s happiness (Psalm 128:1-6).

2. REASONS FOR CHILD TRAINING

The reasons for and benefits of child training are numerous. They include:

1. The need for children to recognise and obey God’s command’s (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).
2. To live safely in the world and enjoy the blessings of God (Lev. 25:18; Deuteronomy 12:28; 30:16).
3. To please God and live victoriously (Proverbs 16:7).
4. To acquire necessary skills and knowledge for success in life (1Samuel 16:17-18; Daniel 1:4, 17).
5. To give the parents, guardians and care-givers rest peace (Proverbs 29:17) and respect (Hebrews 12:9).
6. To thoroughly equip them to do good works (2Timothy 3:17).

To prepare for the future (Eccl.12:1); make them fit well into the Society and stand in the defence of faith (1Peter 3:15).

CONCLUSION:
Parents, guardians and care-givers must teach, discipline and love their children. Children are precious to God and must be well taken care of (Psalm 127:3).

QUESTIONS

1. Mention the various things parents must teach their children.
2. Mention a Bible passage that supports child’s discipline.

ASSIGNMENT: Find out five societal woes that are traceable to lack of child training.

RCCG 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 friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old 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 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?