TOPIC: Longevity [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 19 January 2020]
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MEMORY VERSE: “For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.” – Proverbs 9:11 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 19 January 2020 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 91:14-16 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 19 January 2020)
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Longevity is most commonly used to describe the length of one’s life-time. The word of God gives us straight forward principles that will enable us to enjoy long life on earth. Believers should note that as much as God wants us to live long on earth, He equally desires that we live a quality life (John 10:10b).
OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO LONGEVITY
2. WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUALITY LIFE?
LESSON OUTLINE 1: BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO LONGEVITY
To live long, we must live by divine principles. Some of these principles are clearly stated in the bible. For instance: it is important to fear God and keep His commands (Pro.3:1-2,7-8; 10:27). Positive confession supported with a disciplined lifestyle is another key (Pro.18: 21; 1 Peter 3:10; Col.4 :6). Aside spiritual empowerment, fasting can also boost one’s health a and prolong life (Isa. 58:5-8). The bible also talks about honouring our parents as a secret of longevity (Pro.4:10; Eph.6:1-3; Ex.20:12).
In addition, we need to have a balanced lifestyle. Everything may be permissible, but not everything is beneficial (1Cor.10:23; 1Cor.6:19). Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, observing good rest and avoiding stress constitute some of the other ways to have a balanced lifestyle.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUALITY LIFE?
There are biblical examples of those who lived long. Moses lived for 120 years (Deut. 31:2; 34:7), Abraham – 175 years (Gen.25:7), Enoch – 363 years (Gen.5:23), Sarah – 127 years (Gen. 23:1), Noah – 950 years (Gen.9:29). etc.
However, it should be noted that neither Genesis 6:3 nor Psalm 90:10 is God-ordained age limits for humanity. Genesis 6:3 is a prediction of the timetable for the flood. Psalm 90:10 is simply stating that as a general rule, people live 70-80 years (which is still true till today).
Believers should know that living long is good but the quality of such life is equally important ( Psa.92:13-14; Jer.29:11). We should live purposefully (in service to God and to humanity) in fulfillment of God’s plan for our lives.
CONCLUSION: Not only does God want each one of us to have long life, but also to have a life of abundance spiritually, emotionally and physically (John 10:10).
QUESTIONS:
- Mention four biblical principles to longevity.
- What constitute a quality life?
FURTHER READING:
Monday – Proverbs 18:21
Tuesday – Colossians 4:8
Wednesday – Psalms 92:13-14
Thursday – Deuteronomy 11:21
Friday – 1 Kings 3:14
Saturday – Job 5:26
Sunday – Psalms 91:16
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) things that can boost (add to) the value or quality of the life of a believer.
RCCG 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 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?