TOPIC: Mentorship [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 16 February 2020]
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MEMORY VERSE: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 16 February 2020 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 1:1-4 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 16 February 2020)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger than the person being mentored, but he or she must have a certain area of expertise. Christian mentoring is largely about modeling a mature Christian life and being there for the student when questions arise. This does not mean that the teacher is perfect, but that he has more knowledge and experience with the word of God and is seeking to live a victorious Christian life. So many character defects and deviation from biblical principles can be traced to the absence or failure of mentorship.
OUTLINES
- BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF MENTORSHIP
- BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN MENTORSHIP
BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF MENTORSHIP
Mentorship is a process that always involves communication and it is relationship-based. It is learning and development partnership between someone with vast experience and someone who wants to learn. (2Kings 1:1-3). Scripture does give numerous examples of mentoring. Moses was mentored by his father-in-law Jethro, first as son-in-law and then as leader (Exodus 18). Moses in turn mentored Joshua (Num.27:18). The mentoring relationship between Eli and Samuel prepared Samuel for the tasks and responsibilities that were after his after Eli’s death. Jesus Christ mentored His disciples (Luke 9), and both Barnabas and Paul excelled in mentoring (Acts 9:15). Paul had a clear mentoring relationship with Timothy (1 Tim.1:1-4) and Titus (Titus 1:4)
Mentorship also has a serious link with you he personality trait of a mentor. A godly mentor is expected to be a genuine believer and follower of Christ (1 Cor.11:1), spirit-filled (Isa.11:2) and full of wisdom (Deut.34:9). Patience is an indisputable quality (1 Thess.5:14). A mentor must have a thorough knowledge of the word of God (2 Tim. 2:15), bold (2 Cor. 10:1) and of good report (1 Tim.3:1-7).
BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN MENTORSHIP
One of the number benefits psychological /emotional support. When a mentee, (the person being mentored), is troubled in life, he/she should be able to approach his/her mentor for psychological/emotional comfort (2 Kings 6:1-7). Guidance is a no benefit of mentorship: the mentee will be guided to live a responsible and accountable life in order to fulfill God’s purpose (1 Sam.3:7-9), Godly counsel is an added value through acquisition of doctrinal knowledge that can be passed unto others (2 Tim. 2:2). The mentee will also learn from the experience of the mentor, follow the steps and avoid the mistakes made by the mentor thereby saving the mentee from avoidable errors (Exodus 18:13-19; Prov. 11:14). Mentorship helps to establish the mentee in the faith for proper spiritual maturation (1 Thess.3:2-6; 4:9,10; 5:11-15).
Believers should know that for every field of life (ministry, business, academics, relationships, career/profession, etc), there are experienced believers who can mentor them to succeed in a godly way.
CONCLUSION: The Christian race is a process that needs the grace of God and support of the godly mentors. Prayerfully consider having a mentor today.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the Scriptural Concept of Mentorship?
2. Identify five benefits of Christian Mentorship.
FURTHER READING:
Monday – 2 Kings 1:1-3
Tuesday – Exodus 18:13-16
Wednesday – Proverbs 11:14
Thursday – 2 King 6:1-7
Friday – Job 32:9
Saturday – Proverbs 25:6
Sunday – Proverbs 18:16
ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) dangers of not having a mentor.
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?