RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 |JULY–DECEMBER, 2022
UNIT 3
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
IT’S TIME
Control
There’s no mention of God in the Book of Esther. Yet, God is easily seen in its details. What a beautiful irony! According to one writer, “The theme might best be summed up in the words of Mordecai to Queen Esther: Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’ (Esth 4:14).”
God had a plan for the Jewish people in the Persian Empire, just as He has a plan for each of us. That plan is suggestive of PURPOSE -His original intent for our lives, even the reason for our being. It is our responsibility to individually discover God’s plan for our lives, and yield to the demands of that plan, as we follow His leading. The doing time is NOW; for anybody that is yet to discover purpose is yet to start living.
Purpose EARLY DISCOVERED and PURSUED is of a great advantage. Yet, it’s better discovered and pursued, even late, than not discovered at all!
WELCOME TO THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER(Opens in a new browser tab)
As you explore this exciting story over the next four weeks, encourage your students to be the “Esthers” and “Mordecais” of their generation. Help them realize that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. The need is URGENT! The doing time is NOW. There is a purpose for which God placed them where they are. He is ready to give them hope and direction to realize that purpose, even in such a time as this!
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 2022 UNIT 3
Activity Option: TIME FOR AWARENESS
Help students understand the difficulties believers are facing in some parts of this nation and around the world. Have them research some areas where Christians are being persecuted. You may want to assign a
specific part of the nation or another nation for each student to research. Encourage them to share their findings with the class. Hang a world map on the wall and mark the areas where Christians are being mistreated, tortured, and even killed because of their faith. Then ask the class to pray for these believers. Remind the students that even though they don’t know these people, they are brothers and sisters in Christ. As such, they
should keep praying for them during their daily devotion time.
September 4, 2022
Unit 3: IT’S TIME
Study 1: Time To Take A Stand
Text: Esther 3:1-15; 2 Timothy 3:12
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (NIV)
>>Focus
This week’s study will help students understand that persecution – as painful as it may be – is a NORMAL part of Christian experience. When teens are excluded or taunted because of their faith, they need the
assurance that it’s not about them at all. The people who seem to be rejecting them are actually rejecting God and His truth.
As you prepare for this week’s study, try to remember a time when someone challenged your faith in a confrontational way. Be prepared to share one or two of such stories with your students. At the same time, encourage them to talk about their own experiences. As students discuss this topic, they will begin to see that they’re really not alone; many other believers have experienced problems similar to their own. Remind them that, throughout ages, those who stood for righteousness have been opposed. Even Jesus was rejected by many. This realization will give your students courage to join a community of believers who stand up for their convictions and stand strong in faith.
SPECIAL PRAYER POINTS DURING THE RCCG SEPTEMBER 2022 HOLY GHOST SERVICE(Opens in a new browser tab)
The Basic Message: Explain to students…
➕ WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
Facing persecution and rejection because of our faith is a normal part of the Christian experience.
➕ WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Understanding that all believers encounter opposition will keep us from being caught off guard or becoming overly discouraged when it
happens.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS
➕ HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Acknowledge that persecution will happen, remain spiritually connected to God, and ask Him to replace your fear with faith.
>>Activity Option: Ask your students the following questions:
➕ What percentage of today’s Christians face loss of freedom, discrimination, imprisonment, slavery, physical abuse, or even murder because of their faith? [Hint: Two-thirds of all Christians in the world today suffer varying degrees of such persecution because of their love for Jesus.]
✓ What are some ways your faith might be challenged or opposed? [Guide: Allow time for discussion. Answers might include exclusion or isolation from certain social groups, betrayal by friends, teasing, cruel remarks, and perhaps even threats of physical violence. Emphasize the importance of immediately reporting violent threats or behaviour to authorities.]
>>Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers.
✓ How Mordecai refused to compromise his belief when his faith was
challenged,
✓ How the Jewish people faced persecution because of their belief in the one true God,
✓ And how we can stand strong when opposition comes.
>>Inform and Discuss
a. Refuse to compromise your Christian principles.
>>Guide : Briefly summarize the first two chapters of Esther to help students understand the story’s context and setting. Some important points include: Vashti loses her place as a queen. The king seeks for a new queen, and many women, including Esther, are brought to the palace for that purpose. Mordecai, Esther’s older cousin advises her not to reveal she is Jewish. The king chooses Esther as to be the queen. Mordecai aborts a plot
to assassinate the king, and the incident is recorded in the king’s record.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 2022 UNIT 3
1. How is God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people evident in Esther’s rise to prominence? [Guide: Explain that God has always placed His people in situations where they could help others, and advance His purposes. Help students understand that when they submit to God, He will direct their lives.]
2. Read or have a volunteer read and summarize Esth 3:1-4. How should you respond when someone in authority asks you to do something that violates God’s Word? [Guide: Invite students to relate real-life involving themselves or people they know. Encourage teens to be respectful to
authority without compromising their Christian principles.
3. Why did the king’s servants question Mordecai’s actions? How should we respond when unsaved people question our behaviour or values?
[Guide: Point out that unbelievers may not understand the reason for a Christian’s distinct moral standards. When someone questions us about our convictions, it presents a good opportunity to graciously
share our faith.]
b. Be prepared for opposition.
>>Guide : Read or have a volunteer read and summarize Esth 3:5-11 Explain that Haman characterized the Jews as being different from all other people (Esth 3:8). Then discuss the following questions:
1. In what ways should Christians stand out from other people? [Guide: Note students’ responses. Then point out that Jesus said we would be recognized by our love for one another- John 13:35.]
2. How should your lifestyle differ from the lifestyles of non-Christian teens you know? In what ways is it the same? [Guide: Encourage students to consider additional changes that may need to be made.]
3. Why are God’s people often the objects of hostility? How should we respond to those who mistreat us because of our faith? [Hint: Some people who reject God’s standard focus their anger and frustration on those who serve as His representatives. But Scripture teaches that such people aren’t our real enemies- Eph 6:12. By maintaining a loving and gracious attitude, we may have a chance to win someone for Christ.]
c. Realize that God is in charge.
>Guide: Read or have a volunteer read and summarize Esth 3:12-15. Explain that many people were dismayed when they heard the king’s order for killing the Jews. But the edict has been sealed with king’s ring. In other words, the edict is legally binding, and there is nothing anyone can do to change it.
1. When a situation is beyond our control, how will our trust in God’s faithfulness help us to pull through? [Guide: Draw students’ attention to today’s key verse (2 Tim 3:12). Remind them that while they may never suffer physically for their faith, all true Christians will encounter opposition in some form. During such times, they should remember that God is in charge and trust Him to accomplish His purposes through their circumstances.]
2. In what practical ways can Christians help one another to stand strong for Jesus, even in tough times? [Guide: Help students develop and implement a class plan to support one another in Christ. For instance students might choose to meet before school once a week for prayer, organize a Bible study, draw names and pair up with accountability partners, or plan some wholesome weekend activities in which they could all participate. Encourage students to be creative, specific, and practical in their suggestions.]
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 2022 UNIT 3
∆ Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (Pg 040), explaining WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters;.and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.
Ministry Activity: Have students name some of the things Christians throughout the centuries have sacrificed for the cause of Christ (e.g., families, homes, personal liberties, money, even their lives). Then ask students to list some things they might have to give up to grow spiritually (e.g, popularity, selfish ambitions, wrong attitudes). Remind students that the benefits of serving God far outweigh any sacrifice they may make.
Conclude the study with prayer, asking God to strengthen your students’ resolve to stand strong for Him. If students have mentioned specific situations for which they need help, pray for these at this time.
>>Guide: Encourage students to pray for their schools and neighbourhood, and for Christians in Nigeria and around the world who are being persecuted and martyred for their faith. Allow volunteers who are willing to take turns pray.
»Ask Yourself
1. Do your students understand that all Christians can expect to suffer persecution?
2. Can students explain how Haman’s persecution of the Jews relates to their lives?
3. Do students have a plan for helping one another stand strong in their faith?
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 2022 UNIT 3