RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL
SUNDAY 28TH OF APRIL, 2024
LESSON THIRTY FIVE (35)
TOPIC: FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-16.
[12]Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. [13]The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; [14]for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. [15]Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. [16]And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”
MEMORY VERSE: “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV).
INTRODUCTION: There has been so much instability in recent times and it looks like a whole lot of things are becoming unattainable, especially in the place of finance. Dwindling economic realities around the world make it more difficult to believe that financial independence exists given the rate at which companies fold up, the rate of inflation, and exchange rate vulnerability just to mention but a few. A lot of people today either borrow to survive or wait on a paycheque from their employer before any financial decision or action is taken over their well-being and that of their family.
It is important to know that God has a financial plan for us as his children and he does not want us to be poor (3 John 1:2a). We would be looking at what financial independence is, how it relates to us as Christians, and practical steps we can take to attain financial independence.
OUTLINES
1. MEANING OF FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
2. ATTAINING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
1. MEANING OF FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE:
Financial Independence is an act of being financially sufficient. It means having sufficient income, savings, or investment to last a lifetime without necessarily waiting to be paid by someone else at the end of the month. It is being able to attend to your needs conveniently without regrets while preparing for tomorrow.
Financial Independence is not starvation, the inability to attend to today’s need just to provide for tomorrow, it is not being stingy or lacking the ability to be compassionate and do good to others. It is also not to love money like Achan or Judas (Joshua 7:20-21; John 12:4-6).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you attained financial independence?
2. ATTAINING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
Believers can attain financial independence by looking unto God for their financial independence (Deuteronomy 8:18); Depending solely on the Holy Spirit for inspiration (Proverbs 10:22); Tithing (Malachi 3:10-12); Working towards having multiple streams of income; Being disciplined (spend prudently); Investing and not just saving; Eliminating or avoiding debt; Acquiring financial knowledge, being wise and diligent.
It is possible to be financially independent, especially as Christians (Luke 1:37). Even if it seems hard for others, we should always believe that it is attainable (Deuteronomy 8:18). Abraham and Isaac are examples of people who were financially independent in the Bible (Genesis 24:1, 35; 26:12-16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention some intentional steps they would take to overcome financial dependency.
CONCLUSION: Financial independence is possible for a Christian and you have a role to play in attaining it.
QUESTIONS:
* Is it possible to be independent financially?
* State some steps to financial independence?
FURTHER READING: SUN: Eccl.11:6. MON: Gen.26:12; TUE: Gen.8:22; WED: Lk.6:38; THUR: Ps.107:37: FRI: Ps.126:5; SAT: Ecl.11:4.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) roles you have to play to be financially independent. (2×5=10 Marks).
*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?