Topic: God Hears [Our Daily Bread 1 December 2018 Devotional]

Read: Romans 12:9–21, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 40–41; 2 Peter 3

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Diane listened as the others in the group asked for prayers for their family members and friends facing challenges or illness. She had a family member who had been struggling with an addiction for years. But Diane kept her request silent. She couldn’t bear to see the looks on people’s faces or hear the questions or advice that often followed whenever she spoke the words aloud. She felt that this request was usually better left unspoken. Others simply didn’t understand how her loved one could be a believer in Jesus and still struggle daily.

Although Diane didn’t share her request with that group, she did have a few trusted friends she asked to pray with her. Together they asked God to set her loved one free from the very real bondage of addiction that he might experience freedom in Christ—and that God would give Diane the peace and patience she needed. As she prayed, she found comfort and strength from her relationship with Him.

Many of us have earnest, persistent prayers that seem to go unanswered. But we can be assured that God does care and He does hear all our requests. He urges us to continue to walk closely with Him, being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). We can lean on Him.

Prayer: Lord, Your Word urges us to pray continually. Help us to be persistent in prayer, and enable us to be faithful partners in prayer with others.

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. Hebrews 10:22

INSIGHT
In Romans 12, Paul builds on his theological teaching from chapters 1–11 and now begins to provide practical application for a gospel-based life. Salvation produces internal results with external impact. In response to our salvation, we are to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” (12:1–2). The internal results are a proper sense of self-awareness (v. 3) and spiritual enablement (vv. 4–8) producing the external impact of service in Christ’s kingdom (vv. 9–13, 15–16) and to the world in which we live (vv. 14, 17–21). Paul’s clear message to the followers of Christ in Rome is that what we believe should have a profound influence on how we live.

For more on Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, check out Knowing God Through Romans at discoveryseries.org/sb221.

Bill Crowder

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Alyson Kieda [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 2 December 2018 Lesson 14 – Christians and Politics (Part 1)

TOPIC: Christians and Politics (Part 1)

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to play my role to ensure that only the righteous are in authority. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 2 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Teacher should allow students to review the previous week’s lesson.

MEMORY VERSE: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” – Proverbs 29:2 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 2 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Nehemiah 5:14-19 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 2 December 2018)

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Generally, politics can be described as the methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organization or a movement. Politics is all about influence. It is this influence that further births positive or negative changes in the lives of the people. The involvement of Christians in politics is neither secular nor beyond the ideologies of Christianity because it is the desire of God that believers take charge and have influence here on earth. Gen. 1:28; Matt. 5:13-16.

LESSON AIM: To study the role of Christians in politics.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through the lesson, students should be able to:

(i) Discover misconceptions about politics.
(ii) Understand why Christians should be involved in politics.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, teachers should:

(I) Allow the students to read the bible passage, recite the memory verse, review the previous week’s lesson, participate in the class activities and do the assignment.
(ii) Allow Assistant teacher to conduct the class, mark attendance and assignment, grade performance and close the class session with the closing prayer.
(iii) Lead the opening prayer, review previous week’s lesson, teach the lesson outlines, summarize, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignment.

TEXT REVIEW: Nehemiah 5:14-19- “GET INVOLVED”.

(i) In addition to the ruin of the city wall of Jerusalem in about 430 BC, the city was bedeviled by all manner of economic hardship of extortion, treachery, hunger, famine, poverty and political gangsters of the governors and rulers who compounded the hardship of the people. Nehemiah 5:1-9.

(ii) This wicked state of the land gave Nehemiah sleepless nights and aches and he decided to consult and address other governors who were grievously oppressing the people. He also put them under oath to desist from the evil and walk in the fear of God instead. Thank God they promised to change their evil ways. Nehemiah 5:9-13.

(iii) Nehemiah on his own part was a true agent of change and demonstrated the following six spheres of commitments to the people as the Governor of Judah. Nehemiah 5:14.

(a) Commitment to transparent and accountable administration. Neh. 5:14-15.

(b) Commitment to the fear of God and to the people. Neh. 5:15.

(c) Commitment to the work of God and restoration of the dignity of the city of Jerusalem and Judah. Neh. 5:16.

(d) Commitment to the welfare of the people. Neh. 5:17.

(e) Commitment to poverty alleviation. Neh. 15:18.

(f) Commitment to good governance. Neh. 15:19.

Nehemiah changed the structure and attitude of the people by being involved. Therefore, get involved.

TEACHING METHOD: Combination of questions/answers and lecture method.

TIME MANAGEMENT: Standard time for two (2) lesson outlines.

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT POLITICS

(i) Teacher should first ask students to explain why many Christians do not get involved in politics (political apathy)
(ii) Teacher should enumerate five (5) points given below which Christians use as excuse for not engaging in political activities:

(a) Politics is a dirty game and worldly affair.
(b) Political involvements will take one to hell.
(c) All politicians are liars, corrupt ad promiscuous.
(d) It is an opportunity to embezzle money or amass wealth unlawfully.
(e) Most politicians are fetish or occultic.
(iii) Teacher should emphasize the following truth:
(a) Although the kingdom of the believers is in heaven, God gave us the earth/land to possess as possession. Obadiah 1:17.
(b) Believers heritage includes the country/cities and towns which God has given us. We own it and need to reign on it. Rev. 5:10
(c) The earth is the Lord’s … What belongs to our God belongs to us. Psalms 24:1; 8:6.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why are people afraid of politics?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS

(I) It is the desire of God that believers take charge and have influence here on earth (Deut. 28:13). We are to take the lead and
(ii) The leaders we elect, or fail to elect have great influence on our freedom, well-being and the fulfillment of our God-given mandate. They can choose to protect our right to worship and spread the gospel, or prevent us from exercising such rights. Esther 4:14; Daniel 6:7.
(iii) Politics like other sectors of national developments (health, finance, etc.) should be explored to “teach all nations” in order to demonstrate the exemplary life and flavor of godliness. Daniel 6:1-3; Prov. 29:2.
(iv) The involvement of godly Christians in politics will reduce corruption, disorderliness, mischief and other socio-economic vices in the society. 2 Chron. 14:1-6; Prov. 29:2.
(v) To effect positive and lasting changes that will benefit the society. Gem 41:33-40; Prov. 14:34.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What can believers do to eliminate the fear of failure or defeat in politics?

SUMMARY: Believers must be involved in politics.

CONCLUSION: God is still looking for the righteous few, in order to uplift our nations. Gen. 18:32.

EVALUATION: Why must the believers be involved in politics?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, let all your children awake from political slumber and apathy.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) consequences of appointing/electing ungodly/bad people to lead. 2 marks for each point.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

NOTE:
Flatimes.com EMPLOYS EVERYONE TO PURCHASE THE HARD COPY TO SUPPORT RCCG EDUCATION (SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT). THE SOFT COPY (ONLINE) IS JUST TO HELP EASY ACCESS. GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU DO SO.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 2 DECEMBER 2018 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?

TOPIC: Christians and Politics (Part 1) [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 2 December 2018]

MEMORY VERSE: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” – Proverbs 29:2 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 2 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Nehemiah 5:14-19 (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 2 December 2018)

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

INTRODUCTION:
Generally, politics can be described as the methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organisation or a movement. Politics is all about influence. It is this influence that further births positive or negative changes in the lives of the people. The involvement of Christians in politics is neither secular, nor beyond the ideologies of Christianity because it is the desire of God that believers take charge and have influence here on earth (Genesis 1:28; Matthew 5:13-16).

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Misconceptions about politics
2. Why should Christians be involved in politics?

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT POLITICS
Some Christians are of the opinion that, since our kingdom is not of this world, we do not have to be involved in any political activity in the world we presently live in (John 17:14). This is not the whole truth but a misconception aimed at robbing us of our godly heritage of dominion (Psalm 8:6; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelations 5:10). Here are some reasons for the misconception or wrong notions about involvement of Christians in politics;
1. Politics is a dirty game and a worldly affair.
2. Political involvements will take one to hell.
3. All politicians are liars, corrupt and promiscuous.
4. It is an opportunity to embezzle money or amass wealth unlawfully.
5. Most politicians are fetish or occultic.

WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS?
In order to disabuse our minds as Christians about our active involvement in politics, we need to consider the following reasons objectively:
1. It is the desire of God that believers take charge and have influence here on earth (Deuteronomy 28:13). We are to take the lead and allow kingdom values to shape our society (Matthew 5:13-16).
2. The leaders we elect, or fail to elect have great influence on our freedom, well-being and the fulfilment of our God-given mandate. They can choose to protect our right to worship and spread the gospel, or prevent us from exercising such rights (Esther 4:14; Daniel 6:7).
3. Politics like other sectors of national developments (Health, Finance, etc.), should be explored to ‘’teach all nations’’ in order to demonstrate the exemplary life and flavour of godliness (Daniel 6:1-3; Matthew 28:19-20).
4. The involvement of godly Christians in politics will reduce corruption, disorderliness, mischief and other socio-economic vices in the society (2 Chronicles 14:1-6; Proverbs 29:2).
5. To effect positive and lasting changes that will benefit the society (Genesis 41:33-40; Proverbs 14:34).

CONCLUSION:
God is still looking for the righteous few, in order to uplift our nations (Genesis 18:32).

QUESTIONS:
1. Mention 4 misconceptions believers have about politics
2. Why should Christians be involved in politics?

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School Manual 25 November 2018: Quarterly Review – First Interactive Session 

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 2 DECEMBER 2018 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?

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 2 December 2018, Lesson 14