RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR SUNDAY 26TH OF NOVEMBER

i. Teachers And Students Should Discuss How To Move The Sunday School Forward In The New Quarter.

ii. They Should Discuss Challenges And Set New Goals.

iii. They Should Pray For The Success Of The Sunday School And All Officials In The New Quarter.

MEMORY VERSE: Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13.

INTRODUCTION: Even though we know that God’s presence is in some sense uniquely in Heaven (Isaiah 66:1), the teachings of Scripture also make it clear that God is omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time). From the beginning of Scripture, we see the presence of God hovering over the earth, even when it was still formless and empty (Genesis 1:2). God filled the world with His creation, and His presence and glory continue to inhabit the whole earth (Numbers 14:21).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Biblical Evidence

2. Always With Us

1. BIBLICAL EVIDENCE

A. Throughout the Scripture, there are many examples of God’s presence moving on the earth, interacting with His creation.

B. For instance:

i. Adam and Eve acknowledged the presence of God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8).

ii.God walked in the camp of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:14).

iii.Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

iv. Jeremiah 23:24 exclaims, “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.”

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention instances in the Bible where secret actions or thoughts of men were not hidden from God.

2. ALWAYS WITH US

A. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ:

i. God is with you, beside you, above you, and inside you (Genesis 28:15).

ii. God’s presence and watchful care never leave you (Hebrews 13:5b).

B. If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ:

i. God is right in front of you, inviting you and drawing you.

ii. God is offering you the love, mercy, and grace that He longs to give you (Revelation 3:20).

iii. A better question than “Where is God?” is “Where are you, in relationship to God?” (Genesis 3:8-9).

iv. A sinner cannot hide from God and everything done in the secret is open before God because God is everywhere (Psalms 51:3; 139:7).

C. God’s presence is always with us:

i. Whenever we witness Christ to the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

ii. Even when we do not feel God’s presence amid our pain.

iii. So, we can be assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Isaiah 43:2).

iv. As He was with the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:21-25).

v. All the time (Matthew 1:23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should narrate an unforgettable experience in which they thought God had forsaken them but later discovered His abiding presence.

CONCLUSION: God is everywhere! His omnipresence is one of His existential attributes.

MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.” Exodus 34:5

INTRODUCTION: The term “Theophany” comes from the Ancient Greek theophaneia, meaning “appearance of a deity.” Specifically, a “theophany” is a visible or tangible manifestation of God. In its most restrictive sense, it is a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament period, often, but not always, in human form. The use of the term “theophany” is restricted here to manifestations of God in temporary forms visible to the eyes (not in dreams). A frequent introduction for theophanies may be seen in the phrase “the Lord came down” (Genesis 11:5;Exodus 34:5).

A. Some of the tangible or visible manifestations of God are found in three categories: appearance as a man, non-human form, and appearance as ‘The angel of the LORD’.

B. Biblical instances of God’s appearance:

1. As a Man:

i. Genesis 18:1-3, 13, 17-Abraham had some visitors: two angels and God Himself. He invited them to come to his home, and he and Sarah entertained them.

ii. Genesis 32:22-30-Jacob wrestled with what appeared to be a man, but was God (vs.28-30).

iii. Daniel 3:23-25-The fourth man in the fire is none other than God

2. In Non-Human Form: i. Exodus 24:16-18 -Frequently, the term “glory of the Lord” reflects a theophany.

ii. Deuteronomy 31:14-15-God appeared to Moses and Joshua in the transfer of leadership to Joshua “…in a pillar of cloud….”

3. As “The Angel of the LORD”: This is also called “Angelophany.” There is a difference between “an angel” and “the Angel of the LORD.” The Angel of the LORD usually refers to himself as the LORD or God in the Old Testament. It is not every appearance of angels that is a theophany.

i.Genesis 16:7-14-The angel of the LORD appears to Hagar. The angel speaks as God Himself in the first person, and in verse 13 Hagar identifies “the LORD that spoke to her” as “The God” Who sees.”

ii.Genesis 22:11-12-The angel of the LORD appears to Abraham and refers to Himself as God in the first person.

iii.Genesis 31:11-13-“The angel of God” says, “…I am the God of Beth-el”.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share with the class any of the above categories of theophany, they have encountered God.

A. The pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (in the Old Testament) is called “Christophany.”

i. Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s presence.

ii. He is the one to which every theophany- in the Old Testament – was pointing (Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:1, 14).

B. However, the incarnation of Christ is different from the Old Testament instances of theophany:

i. The Old Testament theophanies are preliminary – they foreshadow and prefigure the coming of Christ in the flesh.

ii. The coming of Christ is their fulfilment – their climax (Matthew 5:17).

iii. In addition, Christ’s incarnation is permanent

iv. The theophanies in the Old Testament were temporary.

C. It is through Jesus that we will finally and fully experience the presence of God with us (Revelation 21:1-4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss why they believe Christ is the fullness of God’s presence any man could wish for.

CONCLUSION: The main point of a theophany is to know that God is present with humanity. That is ultimately expressed through Christ.

MEMORY VERSE: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.

INTRODUCTION: There are diverse views, both within and without, about the Christian faith. Some call it a religion, while others say it is a way of life. In some quarters, it is believed that it is a personal relationship with God. What exactly is the tenet of our faith as Christians and how does it compare with other faiths? Is it a religion or a relationship?

A. Teacher should ask the following questions

i. Question: What is a religion?

Answer: Simply put, Religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman – with controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. (Exodus 34:14).

ii. Question: Is Christianity a religion?

Answer: In that respect, “Christianity can be classified as a religion”.

iii. Question: So how is Christianity more than a religion?

Answer: Practically speaking, Christianity has a key difference that separates it from other belief systems that are considered religions. Most religions are man-centred. They are built upon the concept that man can reach a higher power – God through his own efforts – good works, sacrifices, rituals, etc. In that regard, Christianity is not a religion.

B. Question: Do men make a religion out of Christianity in any way?

Answer: Just as the Jewish leaders made a religion out of a relationship with God, many people do the same with Christianity:

i. They follow the way of the “Pharisees” in creating rules not found in Scripture (Mark 7:8).

ii. Some who profess to follow Christ are actually following man-made religion in the name of Jesus (Colossians 2:8).

iii. While claiming to believe Scripture, they are often plagued with fear and doubt that they may not be good enough to earn salvation or that God will not accept them if they do not carry out some ritualistic activities or perform to a certain standard (Ephesians 2:8-9).

iv. The leaders of religious sects add many of their own rules to make it even more cumbersome (Matthew 15:9).

v. They pride themselves on their ability to keep the Law – at least outwardly. This is religion masquerading as Christianity: it is one of Satan’s favourite tricks (Matthew 23:1-7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other reasons why the Christian faith is more than a religion.

1. Question: What are the proofs that the Christian faith is a call to a relationship?

Answer: The Christian faith is a relationship that God has established with His children because:

i. The Bible states clearly that there is nothing man can do to make himself right with God (Isaiah 64:6).

ii. God did for us what we cannot do for ourselves (Colossians 2:13; 2Corinthians 5:21).

iii. Our sin separates us from His presence, and sin must be punished (Romans 6:23).

iv. God loves us, He took our punishment upon Himself (Isaiah 53:5).

v. All we must do is accept God’s gift of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. Question: Are there other reasons to substantiate that Christianity is a call to a relationship?

Answer: The grace-based relationship between God and man is the foundation of Christianity and the opposite of religion (Titus 2:11-14):

i. We are able to love God “because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

ii. Holiness and obedience to Scripture are important, but they are pieces of evidence of a transformed heart, not a means to attain it.

iii. God desires that we be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

iv. He wants us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18).

v. We do these things because we are His children and want to be like Him, not in order to earn His love.

vi. God wants us to know Him, draw near to Him, pray to Him, and love Him above everything. That is not religion; that is a relationship.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention encounters you have in your faith that shows you clearly that you are in a relationship with God.

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CONCLUSION: Christianity is not about signing up for a religion. Christianity is about being born into the family of God (John 3:3).

MEMORY VERSE: O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalms 95:6.

INTRODUCTION: Worship is an act of paying homage that involves deep respect, reverence, adoration, and showing sincere love to a supreme being. The Almighty God who created us must be worshipped for who He is and not because He needs anything from us (1Peter 2:9). We are created to show the splendour of God by glorifying Him (Psalms 29:2). Since we are created for worship, it is important we find out the ways to do it to be acceptable by God who commands it.

Teachers should highlight the necessary things to put in place while preparing for worship as follows:

A. Our heart

i. Before moving into the external act of worship, there is the need for us to put our hearts in order (Psalm 51:10).

ii. This is to ensure that hindrances to our worship are off-loaded from our hearts (Romans 12:1-2).

iii. We must get rid of the “old man” with his deeds – anger, hatred, bitterness and other vices (Colossians 3:8-9).

B. Reconciliation

i. There is the need for us to also reconcile with God and man in any area of offence (Matthew 5:23-24; Acts 24:16).

ii. We need to make restitutions where necessary (Luke 19:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other things Christians need to put in place in preparing for worship.

A. Not all worship is acceptable to God (Psalm 15:1-5). There are various forms of unacceptable worship. These include:

1. Vain worship: this is based on lip service and not from the heart (Mark 7:6).

2. Ignorant worship: it refers to worship without the knowledge of who God really is and how He should be worshipped (John 4:22; Acts 17:22-23).

3. Will or self-imposed worship: it refers to satisfying personal will and desire instead of carrying out God’s instruction (Colossians 2:20-23; Leviticus 10:1-2).

B. Therefore, acceptable worship must be rendered to God:

i. In spirit and in truth (John 4:20-24).

ii. In holiness (Psalm 96:9).

iii. From a heart “void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).

iv. By faith, like the sacrifice of Abel (Hebrews 11:4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention other forms of unacceptable worship one can engage in.

CONCLUSION: The scripture teaches that only God should be worshipped (Exodus 20:1-5) and this should be done in spirit and truth.

MEMORY VERSE: “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his sheep of his pasture”. Psalm 100:3

INTRODUCTION:Psalm 23 is an expression of our confidence and trust in the lord. Each verse reveals the close relationship David shared with God. Metaphorically, David portrays God as a loving “Shepherd”. This is because being a shepherd himself; he knows what it means to cater for the flocks. The imagery of God as “THE SHEPHERD” is common throughout the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, every believer should understand the place of God in their lives as the “Shepherd,” what it means to be a “sheep” and how to rely solely on God.

1. The term “sheep” in this context, is used metaphorically for believers (Psalm 100:3).

2. A sheep is someone who obediently follows and relies on the Lord Jesus Christ – “The Shepherd” (John 10:14).

3. A Christian has to subject himself to the leadership of the “Great shepherd” who surely has his interest at heart (Hebrews 13:20).

4. Like the sheep, a believer needs God:

i. For daily provisions – both spiritual and physical (Luke 11:3) Matthew 7:9-11);

ii. For protection from predators (John 10:11-12);

iii. For direction on the right parts (Proverbs 16:9), etc.

5. A believer needs the “Shepherd” to save him from *hirelings” – false prophets, fake pastors, heretical teachers, apostates apostles, greedy evangelists, etc.

6. Where the “sheep” only see green grass, the Shepherd see hidden dangers. Hence, without the “Shepherd* the “sheep” is in trouble (1 The 1Kings 22:17).

7. Also, a sheep need the Shepherd

i. whenever life is hard (Psalm 27:13);

ii. in time of anxiety (Matthew 6:25-26);

iii. For safety (Psalm 125:2);

iv. When downcast (Psalm 43:5);

v. for help (Psalm 121:1-2)

8. Therefore, believers should always call on God as their Shepherd (Romans 10:13).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should mention other times the sheep may need the Shepherd.

1. A shepherd is a person who tends herds-someone who feeds and guards herds of sheep.

2. A shepherd’s primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of the flock.

3. Like David, believers in Christ can call God their Shepherd (Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 40:11).

4. Jesus Christ also calls himself the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). In fact, Hebrews 13:20 call Him “the great shepherd”.

5. Our Shepherd perform his all-important role in the following ways:

i. He leads us out and in so that we find pasture and safety (John 10:9).

ii. He knows how to take care of our needs and in the course of His grace, and providence leads us in the way in which we should go (Psalm 84:11; Isaiah 30:21).

iii. He watches over us and keeps us from being destroyed by ravenous beast (John 10:10-11)

iv. When we stray, he brings us back (Matthew 12:11).

v. Just as the Shepherd bring the flock to the shade in time of scorching heat, God becomes our refuge in type of persecution and affliction (Psalm 91:4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: To enjoy the blessings of the great Shepherd, we must humbly follow as responsive sheep.

MEMORY VERSE: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalms 51:5.

INTRODUCTION: Sin and evil are words often used interchangeably because both are similar in meaning. The age-old question of where and how sin began has been explored and debated by some of the greatest minds in history, and their findings have helped a great deal in improving our understanding. However, there is no better place to discover the truth about this subject than in the authoritative manual of God – the Bible. In this lesson, we shall attempt to debunk the myths about sin and probe its origin.

Question 1: Did the Bible mean that God is the creator of sin when it attributes the source of all creation to God?

Answer: Some, quoting Isaiah 45:7, seek to make God the author of sin: “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.” However,

i. The KJV’s word ‘evil,’ from the original Hebrew ‘rah,’ is better translated as “calamity.”

ii. The context of this passage concerns God’s sovereignty over natural disasters.

iii. God is sovereign over all things (Colossians 1:16) but He is not the author of sin (1 John 1:5; James 1:13).

iv. Moral evil originated with the creature, not the Creator. In other words, sin was not part of the original creation, nor was it decreed by the Creator’s will.

Question 2: Are there hints about the origin of sin?

Answer: The first man, Adam, sinned, and his transgression spiralled mankind into sin, but this was not sin’s origin.

i.Ezekiel 28:13-15 speaks figuratively of Satan, who was originally created without flaw, as all things created by God were. Verse 15 gives us a hint as to the origin of sin: “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till iniquity was found in you.”

ii.Isaiah 14:12-14 further indicates that Satan (Lucifer) sinned in his pride and his coveting of God’s throne.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Are there other scriptures that make God the originator of sin?

Question 1: Is evil a creature?

Answer: Evil is not a created thing—it is not a creature and has no independent being. Also, evil has no standard as goodness does.

i. Evil is a lack, a deficiency, a falling short of the standard of God’s perfect goodness.

ii. All sins, no matter how trivial they may seem, fall short of moral perfection (Romans 3:23).

iii. God is always consistent with His perfect nature (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Question 2: What is at the core of all sin?

Answer: All sins, therefore, must come from the creature, and the desire for evil comes from within the creature (James 1:14-15).

i. Sin was “found” in Lucifer because of a choice he made to seek something other than what God had chosen for him.

ii. Any time we seek “other” than God’s choice, we sin.

Question 3: Was God caught unaware by the sin of Lucifer?

Answer: To say sin originated within God’s creatures does not mean God was surprised or caught unawares by it.

i. Although God did not bring about sin, He certainly allowed it or it would not exist.

ii. Since God is sovereign over all things (Psalm 115:3). He could have prevented sin, but that would have meant stripping His creation of its free will (Daniel 4:17).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Just like robot, would you have preferred God switches you on and off to take every action?

CONCLUSION: God is not the author of Sin but His creatures. You can overcome sin by giving your life to Jesus Christ and choose to be holy (Romans 6:14; 1 John 3:9).

*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 friend friendship suits me well,

Both young and 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 be 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?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, give me an understanding of what constitutes sin.

MEMORY VERSE: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 5:12-15

[12]Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

[13](For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

[14]Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

[15]But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

INTRODUCTION: Sin is described in the Bible as the transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7). Sin had its beginning with Lucifer who was not content with his position; he desired to be higher than God, and that was his downfall (Isaiah 14:12-15). Since the time of Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God, sin has been passed down through all the generations of mankind and we, Adam’s descendants, have inherited sin from him (Romans 5:12).

LESSON AIM: To teach the students the descriptions of sin according to the scripture.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: To teach the students the descriptions of sin according to the scripture.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:

a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignment.

b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment.

c. Teach the lesson outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give an assignment.

TEXT REVIEW: Romans 5:12-15.

A. Apostle Paul while admonishing the Romans says:

i. Wherefore ………………………………………V12.

ii. For until the law …………..………………V13.

iii. Nevertheless death .………..………..V14.

iv. But not as …………………….……….…….V15.

LESSON OUTLINES 1: TYPES OF SIN

1. Inherited Sin: Through Adam, the inherent inclination to sin entered the human race, and we became sinners by nature.

i. When Adam sinned, his inner nature was transformed by his sin of rebellion, bringing to him spiritual death and depravity which would be passed on to all who came after him (Romans 5:12).

ii. We are sinners not because we sin; rather, we sin because we are sinners (Romans 5:19a).

iii. This passed-on depravity is known as inherited sin.

iv. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful nature from Adam (Psalm 51:5).

2. Imputed sin: The Greek word ‘ellogeo’ translated as “imputed” means “lay to one’s charge or credit to one’s account.”

i. Before the Law of Moses was given, sin was not imputed to man, although men were still sinners because of inherited sin (Romans 5:13).

ii.After the law was given, sins committed in violation of the law were imputed (accounted) to them (Romans 5:20a).

iii. Even before transgressions of (disobedience against) the law were imputed to men, the ultimate penalty for sin (death) continued to reign (Romans 5:14).

iv. After Moses (from the dispensation of the law), humans were subject to death both because of inherited sin from Adam and imputed sin from violating the laws of God.

v. God used the principle of imputation to benefit mankind when He imputed the sin of all to the account of Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for that sin – death – on the cross (1 John 2:2).

vi. It is important to understand that sin was imputed to Him, but He did not inherit it from Adam.

vii. He bore the penalty for sin, but He never became a sinner (2 Corinthians 5:21).

3. Personal sin: This refers to the sins committed every day by human beings.

i. We have inherited a sinful nature from Adam, we commit individual sins, everything from seemingly innocent untruths to murder (1 John 5:17a).

ii. Those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ must pay the penalty for these personal sins, as well as inherited and imputed sin (Romans 6:23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other types of sin they have come across in the bible.

i.The only just penalty for sin (inherited, imputed, and personal) is death; physical and eternal (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15).

ii.Thankfully, all three types of sin have been crucified on the cross of Jesus, and now by faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour we have redemption (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 3:5).

iii.Once we confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness for them, we are restored to perfect fellowship and communion with Him (1 John 1:9).

iv.Believers have been freed from the eternal penalty of sin and now have the power through Jesus to refuse to sin (1 John 3:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share any experience of freedom they had from the claws of sin and the effect on their existence.

SUMMARY: God imputed the righteousness of Christ to believers and credited our accounts with His righteousness, just as He had credited our sins to Christ’s account (2Corinthians 5:21).

MEMORY VERSE: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

Acts 3:19

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Technically, repentance is a change of mind, not just a turning from sin. The Greek word translated as repentance is metanoia, and the meaning is simply a change of mind. In common usage, however, we often speak of repentance as “a turning from sin.” In this lesson, we will discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in repentance and its outcome.

Repentance is often associated with salvation in scripture, that is, what happens when the Holy Spirit begins His work to bring a person to salvation.

A. The Spirit gives the sinner a personal understanding and infallible conviction that the facts concerning his spiritual state are true (John 16:8).

Those facts are his sin, the eternal punishment due him for his sin

The substitutionary nature of Jesus’ suffering for his sin as well as the need for faith in Jesus to save him from his sin (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

From that convicting work of the Holy Spirit, the sinner repents; he changes his mind about sin, the Saviour and salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

B. When a repentant person changes his mind about sin:

That change of mind naturally leads to a turning from sin. Sin is no longer desirable or fun because sin brings condemnation (Romans 5:17-18).

The repentant sinner begins to dislike his past misdeeds and he starts seeking ways to amend his behaviour (Luke 19:8; Acts 2:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why do you think some people change their ways and others do not though they are under the same atmosphere of the Holy Spirit and the word?

Ultimately, the result of the change of mind

about sin is good deeds (Matthew 3:8; Titus 2:7, 14).

The sinner turns away from sin towards faith in the Saviour. That faith is shown in action (James 2:17).

Repentance in relation to salvation is a change of mind from an embrace of sin to rejection of sin and from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5).

Such repentance is something only God can enable (John 6:44:2 Timothy 2:25).

Therefore, true biblical repentance will al- ways result in a change of behaviour (2 Corinthians 5:17).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share their experiences on something bad they repented from.

CONCLUSION: Your character must change from sinful to godly if you have repented. It is not just turning from sin but turning to God.

MEMORY VERSE: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

1 Peter 1:23

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Being born again is a state of conversion from being a sinner to becoming a saint. It is a spiritual transformation that leads to a change of heart and life (John 3:3-7).

Being born again is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes, confesses his/her sin, and accepts Jesus Christ as his/her personal Saviour and Lord. If we claim to be born again, there must be notable pieces of evidence to prove that we are children of God (Romans 8:14).

LESSON OUTLINE 1: A SANCTIFIED LIFE

A. If we are born again, it is expected that we

live a sanctified life:

i. A life devoid of sin, separated unto God and Christ-like (Romans 12:2: Ephesians 4:13).

This is what it means to be a Christian or a Child of God.

ii. It is the will of God that His children are

sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4.3).

iii. Jesus’ followers are expected to be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

B. This great privilege and experience (sanctification) are obtainable:

i. By the word of God (John 1 :17).

ii. By the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 13:12),

iii. Also by ‘heart surgery as the individual daily surrenders unto God (Ezekiel 36:25-27; Romans 6:13).

C. As children of God, we are empowered to live holy, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and have a guaranteed eternity in the Lord (Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22-23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share their

salvation experience.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED

LIFE

Anyone that is born again should be controlled

by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit:

* Gives us power over sin (Galatians 5:16).

* Gives us the power to serve God (Acts 1:8).

* Gives us the power to witness to our spiritual

adoption (Galatians 4:6, 1 John 3:24).

* Helps us to bear fruits unto repentance (Matthew 3:8).

* Guides into all truth (John 16:13).

* Controls believers’ temperament (Romans 8:4-5; Galatians 5:25).

* Gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11).

* Empowers believers to rebuke and cast out

demons (Acts 13:8-11).

* Influences our choices (Acts 13:2).

* Sends help and comforts Christians in times of pain, disappointment, loss, trial, etc. (2

Corinthians 1:3-4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What has changed about

you since you accepted Christ as your Lord and

Saviour?

CONCLUSION: Anyone who is born again must be sanctified and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

MEMORY VERSE: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:30.

INTRODUCTION: Being born again is not a title or an entitlement. Rather, the evidence must be in living a sanctified life and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead/control one’s life.Furthermore, an understanding of the concepts of justification and assurance of salvation is very essential to the establishment of a new convert in Christ. This study attempts to shed some light on these basic concepts of the Christian faith.

LESSON OUTLINES 1: A JUSTIFIED LIFE

A. To justify simply means to declare someone righteous.

i. Meaning, God begins to see you as you have never sinned (Romans 3:21-25; 5:1).

ii. The law and the justice of God demand death as the penalty for sin (Ezekiel 18:4) and punishment for the wicked (Isaiah 57:20-21).

B. Two major events are obvious with justification:

i. One is that the sin is forgiven and the punishment of that sin is removed from the sinner (Isaiah 43:25).

ii. The second is that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to the sinner’s account (Romans 5:18).

C. The justified life is obtained

i. Simply by grace (Romans 3:24).

ii. By the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9).

iii. By His resurrection (Romans 4:25).

D. Now that we are born again,

i. We ‘wear’ a justified life identified by peace with God

ii. We also have a vibrant, enjoyable prayer life (Romans 5:1-2).

E. However, we must continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling by avoiding sin (Philippians 2:12; 1 John 3:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should share how they knew they have been justified.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

A. As a new creature in Christ, it is important to have the assurance of salvation. This assurance can be found:

i. In the word of God (Romans 10:9-11),

ii. Through the witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16)

iii. Through the evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

B. Feelings or comments of people are unreliable for your assurance; therefore, do not lean on them.

i. Be warned of doubts that may arise about your salvation.

ii. Do not open the door to sin, worldliness (1 John 2:15-16), laziness in praying and constant study of the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).

C. Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Jude 20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share other ways they are assured of their salvation.

CONCLUSION: Once you are born again, you receive the righteousness of Christ and the Holy Spirit impresses on your heart that you have become a child of God.

MEMORY VERSE: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15.

INTRODUCTION: A Christian is a person who has accepted the Lord Jesus as his Lord and personal Saviour and is living a holy life with the ultimate goal of making it to Heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). However, there are three terrible enemies- “the world system,” “the flesh,” and “the devil” – contending with the believer daily, to make the Christian journey difficult and impossible (Acts 20:29-30). In this study, we shall consider the enemy called “the world system.

LESSON OUTLINE 1: SATAN’S “WORLD SYSTEM”

A. The Bible uses the word “world” in three ways.

i. First, it can refer to the earth, which God created (Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24).

ii. Second, the “world” can refer to people, as in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world…”

iii. The third use is found in 1 John 2:15, where the believer is warned not to love the world or the things in the world. “The world” in this passage refers to the “operating system of the world” – which is satanic.

B. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, Satan has not changed his mode of operation (Genesis 3:11-13):

i. He has been consistent at deceiving; manipulating and dominating those who refuse to completely yield themselves to God (Romans 6:13, 16).

ii. The “software” Satan designed to turn man against his Maker is still working in the world (Ephesians 2:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

C. Satan controls his evil ‘world system’ and uses the attractive things of his world to deceive and destroy people (Matthew 4:8-9; 1 Peter 5:8).

i. Satan’s “world system” comprises money, materialism, cultism, addictions, lust, selfishness, greed, pride, etc.

ii. Also, Satan uses filthy and worldly music, adulterated TV reality shows, sexy movies and indecent dressing to entice innocent souls by flooding their minds with wrong thoughts and getting them involved in unspeakable vices.

iii. He convinces people to rebel against higher authorities (Jude

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iv. This is what Apostle John summarises in 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world.” There is nothing good or godly in these things.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention other tools of the ‘’world system’.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: GOD HAS A “NEW WORLD”

Satan’s ‘world system’ hates God, it hates God’s Son-Jesus Christ, and it hates God’s people. Hence:

i. The Bible clearly warns against friendship with the world (James 4:4).

ii. God will one day completely destroy Satan’s ‘world system’ (2 Peter 3:10).

B. This world has been ruined by sin, but God has a “new world” for those who love Him.

i. It is called “the kingdom of God.”

ii. The Lord Jesus is the King and Ruler of God’s new world (Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 15:25).

C. When we surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour:

i. God takes us out of Satan’s kingdom of darkness and put us into “the kingdom of His dear Son.”

ii. We are no longer in Satan’s ‘world system’ (Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:12-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What can believers do to be part of the ‘’New world’’?

CONCLUSION: Satan’s world system may seem very beautiful and attractive but it is a path to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Choose to be on God’s side.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:5-8

MEMORY VERSE: Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 1Thessalonians 4:1

INTRODUCTION: Pleasing God is or should be, the goal of all believers-all who call upon the name of Christ for salvation. The requirements for all who want to please God are that they must seek God by faith, walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and walk worthy of their calling in obedience and submission to the will of God.

Paul reminds the believers in Rome that “they who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8).

i. So the first step in pleasing God is to accept the sacrifice for sin that He provided in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

ii. Only then are we “in the Spirit” and not “in the flesh.”

iii. We do this by faith because “without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

B. In Romans 8, Paul explains the difference between the sinful nature and the nature of those regenerated by the Spirit.

i. Those who are still in their sin have their minds set on sinful desires, whereas the ones regenerated by Christ have a completely new mind that is controlled by the Spirit and desire to live by following Him (Romans 8:6-8).

ii. The next step for believers in pleasing God is to be sure we are walking in the Spirit, not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: From today’s Bible passage, share in your dialect how you can please God.

We must live by faith (Hebrews 10:38; 11:6). God cannot be pleased with those who:

i. Draw back from Him because they have no confidence in Him (Hebrews 10:39).

ii. Doubt the truth of His declarations and promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).

iii. Do not believe that His way is right, holy and perfect (Psalm 18:30).

B. The requirement of faith and confidence in God is not unreasonable; it is just what we require of our children and spouses, and it is an indispensable condition of our being pleased with them. So it is with God.

C. Therefore, pleasing God is a matter of living according to His precepts, and commandments, and doing so in love (John 14:15).

i. The Epistles are God’s plan for believers and are filled with exhortations to display throughout our lives the behaviour that is pleasing to God: “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” (1Thessalonians 4:1).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss why Christians are to live by faith.

CONCLUSION: God wants us to please Him, and He makes it possible for us to please Him. We do these things by the power of His Spirit who lives in our hearts.