RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 14 November 2021 – Lesson 11
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TOPIC: The Trials Of Faith (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 14 November 2021)
MEMORY VERSE: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” – 1 Peter 4:16
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 4:12-19 (KJV) (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 14 November 2021)
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
INTRODUCTION: A trial is an examination or a test which challenges our endurance and patience. It is part and parcel of human life. The overall objective of a trial is to mould us, to produce in us a character or attitude or a certain pattern of living after undergoing the trial. In the Christian life, trials produce a Godly character which in the end produce endurance, meekness and long-suffering (Rom. 5:3-5). As we learn about trials of faith in this lesson, we earnestly pray that we will be able to keep our faith firm in the face of any opposition or hardship
LESSON OUTLINES:
DESCRIPTION AND INSTANCES OF TRIALS OF FAITH
THE CORRECT ATTITUDE TO TRIALS
1. DESCRIPTION AND INSTANCES OF TRIALS OF FAITH
The basic teaching of Jesus on trials is found in Matthew 10:38. Here, the mark of a true child of God is his readiness to take his cross and follow Jesus. The ‘cross’ is not a pleasant thing. In Matthew 11:29-30, it is referred to as Christ’s yoke and burden. There is blessed assurance even while taking the cross and the yoke. (Matt. 11:30). Thus, following Jesus involves setting one’s mind on the expectation of trials and this hope should serve as a cushion or shock-absorber of the soul (1 Peter 2:21).
v. When our faith is tried, it does not mean that we have committed a sin, that we have committed a sin, Jesus did not commit any sin but still he had to undergo the most severe trial (1 Peter 2:22-23). Jesus was in all points tempted and tried, yet he did not commit any sin (Heb.4:15). Apart from this, if you are a believer, you must receive the second baptism different from water baptism. It is the baptism into the suffering of Jesus Christ (Rom.6:3).
Some instances of trials in the Bible include that of Abraham, whose faith was tried by God to sacrifice his only son, Isaac (Gen.22:1-2, 12, 16; Heb.11:17). Abraham passed the test. Also, Job, an upright and righteous servant of God was tested with misfortunes and diseases by Satan, in order that he would deny God and renounce his faith. Job passed the test (Job.1:8-12; 19-20; Job:42:12) and God multiplied his blessings at the end. The disciples of Jesus (John 21:3) failed the test. Paul also had his share of trials during his missionary journeys (2 Cor. 4:8-10). Steven even died for his faith (Acts 6:8, 10; Acts 7:58-59)
2. THE CORRECT ATTITUDE TO TRIALS
Believers should see trials as opportunities for promotion (Rom.8:18). When you are tried, God wants to take you higher. If you can overcome, you will be valued greater by the host of heaven (Job 42:12). Endure, be patient and ask God to take you through the trials (James 1:2-4). Jesus will give you the power to sail through (Phil. 4:13). Study the Bible to know the will of God for you in that situation (Rom.12:2). Listen to the voice of the Lord (Isa.30:21). He will speak to you in that condition of yours and will not leave you alone (Matt. 28:20b; Isa.41:10). You can share your experience with the children of God and your brethren in the faith. Do not give up, have a firm faith that Jesus will see you through (Acts 14:22)
CONCLUSION:
Are you facing any trials now? Prayerfully and patiently wait upon the Lord. You will overcome (Isa. 40:31).
QUESTIONS
How should a Christian see trials?
What are the correct attitudes to trials?
FURTHER READINGS:
Monday: Malachi 4:2-3 (KJV)
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
Tuesday: Job 13:15-18 (KJV)
15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears. 18 Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.
Wednesday: Isaiah 43:1-3 (KJV)
1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Thursday: Isaiah 49:14-16 (KJV)
14 But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. 15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Friday: Mark 8:34-38 (KJV)
34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Saturday: Romans 5:1-5 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Sunday: Matthew 5:3-12 (KJV)
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
ASSIGNMENT:
Students should mention five (5) things a believer should not do when his/her faith is being tried.
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?