TOPIC: Dynamics of Grace [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 20 October 2019]
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MEMORY VERSE: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” – Titus 2:11 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 20 October 2019 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 2:4-10 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 20 October 2019)
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The word ‘Grace’ translated in Hebrew is ‘Chen’ which means to bend or stoop in kindness to another as a superior to an inferior (Gen. 6:8). The Greek word for Grace is “charis” and has the idea of ‘graciousness’ in manner, action or words (Luke 4:22). It connotes something beyond the ordinary course of what can be expected and therefore commendable (1 Cor. 15:10). When used in reference to God, it is the benevolent action of Him stooping down to us in kindness to reach us in our needs and convey upon is a benefit. His grace has been termed ‘unmerited favour’ but it is more than an attitude of mercy.
LESSON OUTLINES
- UNDERSTANDING GRACE
- HOW TO RECEIVE GRACE
UNDERSTANDING GRACE.
‘Grace’ connotes many things. It is often described as God’s favour towards the unworthy or His benevolence on the undeserving (Rom. 5:8-10) translated into action that releases the enabling power into our lives (1 Cor. 15:10). Grace signifies the gift bestowed upon man for salvation (Eph. 2:8; Tit. 2:11) and for service (Eph. 3:7-8; 4:7). It is also a virtue to be manifested (2 Cor. 8:7) and a benediction to be enjoyed by believers in Christ (Eph. 6:24). Grace helps in time need (Phil. 4:19; Heb. 4:16) and enables us to do exploits (Dan. 11:32; Phil. 4:13).
The covenant of grace differs considerably from Old Testament covenants under law. While the law blessed ‘the good’, grace saves ‘the bad’. The law accuses and convicts, ‘Grace’ cancels bonds and relieves the debtor (Rom. 6:14).
Paul describes ‘Grace’ as the appearance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man (Tit. 2:11; 3:4). God shows both mercy and grace but they are not exactly the same. Mercy withholds a punishment we deserve; grace gives a blessing we do not deserve.
HOW TO RECEIVE GRACE
Teacher should explain some of the ways the grace of God can be received.
1 By accepting God’s love towards all men (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).
2 By believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), through God’s mercy and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (1 Tim. 1:13; Heb. 4:16; Matt. 9:13).
3 By exercising our faith, no matter how little, at all times (Matt. 17:20; Rom. 1:17).
4 By being humble before God (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
5 By loving the Lord Jesus with all of our hearts (Eph. 6:24).
6 Through sufferings and trials arranged for us by God (Rom. 8:28; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).
7 Through the prophetic words of prayer contained in the Bible or spoken to us by our spiritual heads and fellow believers in Christ (Ps. 107:20; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim. 4:22; 1 Thess. 1:1).
CONCLUSION:
Grace is the spring and source of all benefits received from God (Rom. 11:6). God’s grace should not be taken for granted(Rom. 6:1-2; Gal. 2:21).
QUESTIONS:
- Explain your understanding of grace
- Mention five ways grace can be received.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Monday: Romans 5:3
Tuesday: 1 Thess. 3:7
Wednesday: Psalm 45:2
Thursday: Psalm 84:11
Friday: John 1:17
Saturday: Proverbs 3:34
Sunday: Proverbs 11:16
ASSIGNMENT:
Mention five (5) Biblical examples of those who found grace before God, with scriptural references.
RCCG Sunday School 20 October 2019 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 friendship suits me well,
Both young and old 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 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?
