RCCG Yaya Sunday School Teacher’s Manual 15 June 2025 – GOVERNANCE

[1] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom;

[2] and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss.

[3] Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.

[4] So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of governance is found in the Bible as early as creation (Genesis 1:26; 2:19-20). Governance is a system that provides a framework for managing organisations or states. It identifies who can make decisions, act on behalf of a system and who is accountable for how a system and its people behave and perform. Believers, as God’s representatives, are mandated to exert dominion and rule over all of His creatures (Psalm 8:4-6) to reflect His image and His character by expressingthe nature of God in governance.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students should be able to:

a. Understand what governance is.

b. Mention God’s expectations for His children in government or other sectors.

A. King Darius in this passage was pleased to set 120 princes over the kingdom. V1.

i. Three Presidents, including Daniel will oversee the activities of these princes to ensure that things are done as expected. V2.

ii. Daniel was preferred above the Presidents and the Princes to be set …………………..V3.

B. Identify three things in this passage that distinguished Daniel from others despite their evil plan against him:

i……………………….

ii. …………………….

iii…………………….. V4.

Teachers should open discussion on this outline under the following sub-headings:

i. When did governance begin?

ii. What are the two-fold responsibilities of governance to God?

iii. Is God the source of the imperfection in the government of men?

A. When did governance begin?

i. Governance begins with God.

ii. There is a government that is not of this world. It is the government of the heavenly realms (Psalm 103:19-22; 115:3).

iii. This rule, however, goes outside of the heavenly realms and is also a rule over all the earth (1Chronicles 29:11).

iv. The Scripture does not identify a definitive moment when “an organised government” was instituted on earth.

v. The first clear reference to an organised government was when Abram and his wife Sarai travelled into Egypt and a Pharaoh was mentioned (Genesis 12:11-15).

vi. It is, however, clear that God institutionalises government here on earth (Psalm 115:16; Romans 13:1, 5-6).

B. What are the two-fold responsibilities of governance to God?

Government being established by God suggests a two-fold responsibility.

i. First, there is a responsibility of those who govern to be obedient to God (1 Samuel 15:16-19).

ii. The second responsibility falls to those being governed. We are to treat those who govern us as servants of God (Romans 13:6).

iii. This does not preclude us from exposing errors or ‘unrighteous’ commands of the government (Luke 3:14, 19; Acts 5:29).

C. Is God the source of the imperfection in the government of men?

i. Though the government of men is characterised by some imperfections, these imperfections did not originate from God but from the sinful nature of man.

ii. God always wants a government of peace for the world and He is counting on His children (1Corinthians 14:33).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Is it possible to achieve perfection in the government of men?

Also Read:

RCCG JUNE 2025 HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE

SPECIAL PRAYER POINTS DURING THE RCCG JUNE 2025 HOLY GHOST SERVICE

SPECIAL PRAYER FOR ALL THE REDEEMED MEN AND MEN-TO-BE DURING THE RCCG JUNE 2025 HOLY GHOST SERVICE

Discuss: What is God’s expectation for His children in government?

God wants his people to flourish, therefore, He expects Christians in government or any sector of society to:

1. Promote Justice and Righteousness: God’s justice and righteousness constrain us to make things right, imitate His love and compassion for the poor, the powerless and the needy (2 Samuel 8:15; Proverbs 8:20).

2. Promote integrity, transparency and accountability: Integrity is consistency in faith and action. Transparency is making all things available for examination and being found blameless. Accountability is answerability and transparently giving an account, whether it be funds and assets or in our methods and processes (1 Samuel 12:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:2).

3. Empower others: Godly governance must be empowering. It should provide people opportunities to exercise their God-given abilities in ways that will bring honour and glory to God. Whether we serve on the board of trustees, executive, or support services, we must ensure we serve well (Matthew 25:14-15).

4. Consider Environmental Sustainability: Good governance means processes and policies to help the world’s needs. This includes the efficient and effective use of resources that are sustainable and protect the environment (Genesis 1:28).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Be determined to achieve God’s expectations even in your current sphere of influence.

CONCLUSION: God wants us to govern justly in all our spheres of influence. Are you ready?

EVALUATION: What are the expectations of God for His children in government?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to promote righteousness and godliness everywhere I go.

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) leaders in the Bible (with references) who did not govern justly (2X5=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 friendship suits me well,

Both young and old 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?