RCCG LOWER JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2023/2024
AGE 13-19 STUDENT’S MANUAL
SUNDAY 24TH OF MARCH, 2024
LESSON THIRTY (30)
TOPIC: BENEFITS OF A GRATEFUL HEART UNSPEAKABLE JOY
BIBLE TEXT: 1 Samuel 2:1-10
[1]And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
[2]There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
[3]Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
[4]The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
[5]They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
[6]The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
[7]The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
[8]He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
[9]He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
[10]The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
MEMORY VERSE: Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
CENTRAL TRUTH: Be grateful for you to experience and enjoy unspeakable joy.
INTRODUCTION: As we continue to learn about the benefits of a grateful heart, today
we want to look at unspeakable joy as one of the benefits of having a thankful heart. When something is unspeakable, it means it is beyond expression, it cannot be comprehended. it surpasses one’s understanding. Imagine you having joy that is unspeakable. You would just be bubbling everywhere you go with smiles. Our study today is about accessing this joy using the key of gratitude.
STUDY GUIDE:
A. DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING AND EXPLAIN HOW EACH CAN LEAD TO JOY
1. Gratitude improves mental and emotional health, reduces depression.
2. Gratitude can reduce anger, aggression and resentfulness.
3. Gratitude ……………………………….
4. Gratitude shifts our focus from our present trouble to the hope of eternity with God.
5. Gratitude ……………………………….
6. Gratitude improves our physical health.
7. Grateful people sleep better.
B: EXAMPLES OF SUCH PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE
1. ………………………………Luke 17:12-19
2. Hannah-1 Samuel 2:1-10
3. A Woman-Luke 7:36-50
DISCUSS: What does it mean to have unspeakable joy and how does thankfulness lead to joy?
LIFE APPLICATION: This week, try to be grateful for everything that happens to you good or bad and you will see that your joy will be full throughout.
CONCLUSION: Hannah had every reason to be upset with everyone around her when she did not have a child, but she chose to talk to God. When God gave her Samuel, she did not say “only one?” Rather she came back to Shiloh with songs of gratitude and the Bible says God gave her six more children. Hannah’s joy then became unspeakable.
TODAY’S LESSON REFLECTION:
* What truth have you learnt in today’s lesson?
* Write down one way in which you are going to apply what you now know.