TOPIC: The Message [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 31 May 2020]
Click HERE for Previous RCCG Sunday School Manual
MEMORY VERSE: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 John 1:5-10 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 31 May 2020)
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
INTRODUCTION
“This then is the message which we have heard of him”. The message Apostle Paul wrote about refers to the sum of the revelation which Jesus gave the disciples (1 John 1:1-5). The message is equally applicable to all mankind. It is also the principle on which the Christian faith depends. Jesus alone came to declare and defend the fullness of the truth which flows from the message with regards to sin and it’s consequences, the way of reconciliation, the duty of man and the rule by which men ought to live. In this study, we shall be considering the substances of the message as well as the conditions and realities of true fellowship.
OUTLINES:
- THE MESSAGE AND ITS IMPLICATION
- TRUE FELLOWSHIP CONDITIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
1. THE MESSAGE AND ITS IMPLICATION
The substance of the message declared by Apostle John is in four forms:
Firstly, that God is light. “God is Light” not a light, but light Himself. He is the source and fountain of all rights. Christ is the true manifestation of God’s light to men. John 8:12. The phrase, “God is Light” must be understood as God is Love (1 John 4:8), God is Good (Nahum 1:7), God is a Spirit (John 4:24) etc.
Secondly, ‘…in Him no darkness in God at all.(1 John 1:5). Darkness in this sense connotes the opposites of all the emblems of Light. (John 12:46). Whatever is the source of sin and misery is not in any way to be charged on God. (James 1:13-17).
Thirdly, ” if we that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1John 1:6-7; 1 Corinthians 6:4; Galatians 5:6).
Finally, if we confess our sins, the blood of Jesus will cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7,9).
There is no sin so great that it may not be removed by the blood of the atonement (Isaiah 1:18; Hebrews 4:14-16).
2. TRUE FELLOWSHIP CONDITIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
To achieve true fellowship with God we must work in accordance with the word of God by being truthful in admitting that we are all sinners. (1 John 1:8; Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23). We must be truthful in confessing our actual transgressions against God. (1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13). Repent from the sins must and make peace with God. (1 John 1:9; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:1-5). To maintain true fellowship with God, we must live a sin-free life. (1 John 1:17; Rom. 6:1-2)
Thereafter, the realities of true fellowship
are expressed in four forms:
i. We are cleansed from all sins when we confess them. (1 John 1:7, 9; Eph. 1:7; 1 John 2:2).
ii. If a believer falls into sin, he still has hope and can confess his sins and be cleansed again (1 John 1:9, 2:1-2; Gal. 4:19).
iii. We are deceived if we think that we can have fellowship with God, and yet lead a continuous sinful life. (1 John 1:6; Romans 6:1-2).
iv. Attempting to conceal our offences will be an effort in futility because they are known to God and will at some future period be revealed. (1 John 1:8; Prov. 28:13).
CONCLUSION:
Walk in light and stay away from darkness.
QUESTIONS:
i. What is the implication of the message?
ii. Mention four realities of true fellowship.
ASSIGNMENT:
Identify five characters of light and truth.
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?