TOPIC: Cornelius [Sunday, 20th May 2018]
OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to fear you, with my household. (Scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)
Bible Passage: Acts 10:1-6 (KJV)
1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
MEMORY VERSE: “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” – Acts 10:2
INTRODUCTION:
Cornelius was a Roman centurion, of the band called the Italian band (Acts 10:1), stationed at Caesarea in Palestine. He was supposed to have been of a distinguished family in Rome. Cornelius had evidently been led by the Holy Spirit to renounce idolatry, to worship the true God, and to lead a devout and beneficent life. He was prepared to receive the Savior, and God did not fail to reveal Himself. Cornelius was miraculously directed to send for Peter, who was also miraculously prepared to attend the summons. He was also ‘’the first gentile convert’’, and the story of his reception of the gospel shows how God broke down the partition-wall between Jews and Gentiles.
TEXT REVIEW: ACTS 10:1-6
The story in today’s Bible passage clearly demonstrates God’s impartiality in dealing with the faithful whether rich or poor; whether noble or not. He is the righteous God with fair dealing:- Psalm 50:6. Few things to learn about God from the passage are hereunder stated:
i. God knows those who are devout and those who fear him. Acts 10:2
ii. God knows those who give alms to other people and pray to Him always. Acts 10:2
iii. God can show Himself to His faithful either by vision or through an angelic messenger. Acts 10:3.
iv. God knows the full names (including surname) of the faithful. Acts 10:3b,
v. God knows our fears and ready to take care of them. Acts 10:4a
vi. God does not cast away our prayers and good deeds but keeps them for a memorial (appointed time). Acts 10:4a
vii. God knows our locations at every point in time and understands the intent of our hearts. Acts 10:6
What a wonderful God who knows everything and does wondrous things. Psalm 72:18
2 LESSON OUTLINES
Lesson Outline 1: CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
A. CHARACTER OF CORNELIUS
i. He was a man in authority. A senior military personnel. Acts 10:1
ii. He was a devout man who feared the Lord. Acts 10:2a
iii. He was generous and charitable. Acts 10:2b
iv. He was a prayer champion and lover of regular prayers. Acts 10:2c
v. He received a message from the Lord through God’s angel. Acts 10:3
vi. He was obedient to the instructions of the angel. Acts 10:7
B. THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CORNELIUS
i. He sent and located Peter at the palace which the angel described. Acts 11:14.
ii. He invited his relatives and close friends to come and hear the message of God through Peter. Acts 10:24
iii. They paid attention to the message of Apostle Peter and the evidence was that the Holy Spirit fell on them. Acts 10:44
iv. Cornelius and those with him (Gentiles and non-Jews) were converted.
v. They spoke with tongues and magnified God. Acts 10:46.
vi. Through their conversion, it became evident that God has granted forgiveness to Gentiles who repented. Acts 11:18
vii. They were baptized in the name of the Lord. Acts 10:47-48.
viii. They had fellowship with Peter. Acts 10:48
Class Activity 1: Why do some rich people fail to accept the gospel and receive the Holy Spirit baptism like Cornelius?
Lesson Outline 2: LESSON FROM HIS LIFE
i. If you seek God diligently, you will surely find Him (Acts 10:30, Acts 17:27, Deut. 4:29).
ii. Generous giving to the needy and constant prayers can reach the throne of God Himself (Acts 10:4).
iii. Although Cornelius, and undoubtedly many in his household and among the relatives and close friends, were religious, they still needed to be saved. i.e. born again (John 3:3-8).
iv. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone (Act 10:34-35).
v. Try to make certain all your household, relatives, and close friends hear the words of the gospel and what they must do to be saved.
Class Activity 2: What role does generous giving play in the body of Christ?
SUMMARY:
You too can be a God fearing and devout person whose services would be brought to a memorial. Just surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION:
God wants more people like Cornelius in our churches. You should be the next one.
EVALUATION:
Mention those things you can remember about Cornelius.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, remember my services and bless me.
ASSIGNMENT:
Mention five wonderful things about Christian soldier that distinguishes him/her from a non-Christian soldier.
Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual HERE
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 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?
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