RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 9 September 2018 Lesson Two – Thanksgiving: When and How?

TOPIC — Thanksgiving: When and How?

OPENING PRAYER: Almighty Father, let my mouth open to praise you always. Let me have the right attitude to thanksgiving always. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 SEPTEMBER 2018 HYMN)

MEMORY VERSE: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 17:11-19 (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 9 September 2018)

11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

In the world we live, many believe that most things they get are their rights. They believe in their sweat, smartness and intellect, hence, they see no reason they should give thanks to anyone, not even the Almighty (Zechariah 4:6). For believers, this is not only wrong but wicked and dangerous act. For instance, in Luke 17:17-19, only one of the lepers returned to give thanks to the Lord. He was heal and also made whole while the remaining nine were only heal but not make whole.

TEXT REVIEW: Luke 17: 11-19 “MERCY” IS BY MERCY.
We all owe our existence to the mercy of God (Like 17:13)
Lamentation 3:22 unequivocally pronounced, “it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not”.

Some people may think that only the sick need mercy as the case with the ten lepers (Luke 17:12). No , we enjoy journey mercies(Psalm 121:8) without which they would have consumed us. We enjoy res/ sleep mercy (Psalm 4:8) or else we would have slept the sleep of death ( Psalm 13:3). We enjoy locational mercy (Psalm 91:12). How many times have we returned thanksgiving to God for His constant mercies?

In today’s Bible passage, one leper did not take God’s mercy for granted. He returned and gave thanks with a loud voice ( Luke 17:15). God wants believer who has been cleansed from sin( which is worse than leprosy) to stop standing after off (Luke 17:12). Many only returned on thanksgiving Sunday to give thanks to God. Some, during Easter or Christmas. This is standing afar off. Some don’t even return at all because they thought they are qualified for mercy. A few one return to the Lord to thank him only when they see miracles. Teacher! You should know better. Miracles or no miracles, you are embodiment of God’s mercies and therefore, you are to come near to him daily, fall down on your face at His feet and give Him thanks(Luke 17:16). He had shown you mercy because of His mercies ( Psalm 145:9-10).

LESSON OUTLINES 1: WHEN SHOULD WE OFFER THANKSGIVING?

QUESTIONS:
i. When do people usually thank God?
ii. When do people don’t feel like thanking God?
iii. When should believers thank God?

ANSWERS TO QUESTION 1
i. When it is well/rosy. Psalm 103:1-2, 136:1-4
ii. When people see miracles. Like 17:15
iii. When we can do all things including paying our bills. Phil. 4:13

ANSWERS TO QUESTION 2
i. When in adverse conditions 2 Cor.11:26-30 Job 1:20-22
ii. When disappointed, abandoned or rejected. Psalm 42:5, 10-11, job 19:25
iii. When going through trials. Psalm 59:16-17, Daniel 3:17-18, Act 16:25-31
iv. During persecution / temptation. Daniel 6:10, James 1:2-4
v. During delay Psalm 13:1-6.

ANSWERS TO QUESTION 3:
i. All times. Psalm 13:1-6
ii. All circumstances and situations. 1 Thess.5:18.

LESSON OUTLINES 2: HOW TO OFFER ACCEPTABLE THANKSGIVING
i. Find out from the students how they have been offering their thanksgiving to God.
ii. Identity necessary precautions or avoidable pitfalls in thanksgiving.
iii. Give guidelines for proper/acceptable thanksgiving.

A. AVOIDABLE PITFALLS
i. Do not give thanks out of necessity/ grudging 2 Cor. 9:7
ii. Do not give thanks from an unrepentant heart. Psalm 51: 16-17.
iii. Do not give thanks from waves of sin/proceeds of iniquity. ROM. 3:23; Numbers 22:7.

B. GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE THANKSGIVING
i. Give willing. Exodus 35:5
ii. Give it with joyful noise. Psalm 95:2
iii. Give songs to the Lord. Psalm 13:6; 126:1-2
iv. Give clap offering to the Lord. Psalm 47:1.
v. Give thanks to the Lord with dancing and musical instruments. Psalm 150: 3-6.
vi. Give quality substance, time, materials, property, money e.t c to God. Prov. 3: 9-10.
vii. All thanksgiving should represent a sweet smelling savior to God in holiness and obedience. Genesis 4:4; Psalm 107: 22.

CLASS ACTIVITIES 1&2: Those who participate in the discussion should score 20 marks.

SUMMARY: Give acceptable thanksgiving to God always.

CONCLUSION:
According to Romans 1:21,only people of vain imaginations and foolish or darkened heart will not be thankful (Psalm 50:14)

EVALUATION: Even and how can believers give thanks to God.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, don’t let me ever be tired of giving acceptable thanks to you.

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) conditions under which a person thanksgiving can be rejected.

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Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 SEPTEMBER 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 9 September 2018 — Thanksgiving: When and How?

TOPIC — Thanksgiving: When and How?

MEMORY VERSE: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 SEPTEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 17:11-19 (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 9 September 2018)

11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

INTRODUCTION:

In the world we live, many believe that most things they get are their rights. They believe in their sweat, smartness and intellect, hence, they see no reason they should give thanks to anyone,not even the Almighty (Zechariah 4:6). For believers, this is not only wrong but wicked and dangerous act. For instance, in Luke 17:17-19, only one of the lepers returned to give thanks to the Lord. He was heal and also made whole while the remaining nine were only heal but not make whole.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHEN SHOULD WE OFFER THANKSGIVING?
2. HOW TO OFFER ACCEPTABLE THANKSGIVING

1. WHEN SHOULD WE OFFER THANKSGIVING?
The Biblical order is that we should give thanks to God at all times and in all circumstances (psalm34:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Specifically, we are also admonished to be thankful at certain time or seasons.
These include ;
1. When it is well with us. Psalm 103:1-2, 136:1-4
2. When we are in adverse situations e. g. Sickness or affliction. 2Corinthians 11:26-30, 12:9, job 1 :20-22
3. When disappointed, abandoned or rejected. Psalm 42:5, 10-11, job 19:25
4. When we are going through trials. Psalm 59:16-17, Daniel 3:17-18, Act 16:25-31
5. When being persecuted or tempted. Daniel 6:10, James 1:2-4
6. When experiencing delay Psalm 13:1-6.
Thanksgiving is God delicacy and gets Heaven’s accelerated response.

HOW TO OFFER ACCEPTABLE THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips(Hebrew 13:15). It should come out of a pure, broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:16-17). Thanksgiving should not be offer grudgingly or of necessity but willingly and cheerfully. (Exodus 35:5, 2 Corinthians 9:7). We can offer thanks to God with joyful noise (Psalm 47:1), musical instruments and dancing (Psalm 150:3-6) etc. Offering of quality substance like our time, materials, property and money are other acceptable means of thanksgiving (Proverb 3:9-10). Your thanksgiving should be a sacrifice with sweet savour unto God (Genesis 4:4, Psalm 107:22).

CONCLUSION:
According to Romans 1:21,only people of vain imaginations and foolish or darkened heart will not be thankful (Psalm 50:14)

QUESTIONS:
1. When should Christians give thanks to God?
2. How should we thank Him?

For further reading: 1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 35:28, Deuteronomy 8:10, Roman’s 1:21, Psalm 47:1

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 2 September 2018, Lesson 1

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 SEPTEMBER 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: Be Who You Are [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Thursday September 6, 2018]

“…For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 (AMP)

In Galatians 6:4 the apostle Paul exhorts you to grow in the Lord until you come to the point you can have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable in itself alone without resorting to boastful comparison with other people.

Thank God, once you know who you are in Christ, you are set free from the stress of comparison and competition. You know you have worth and value apart from your works and accomplishments. Therefore, you can do your best to glorify God, rather than just trying to be better than someone else. What a glorious, wonderful freedom to be secure in Christ and not have to be controlled by strife, envy, or jealousy. You can be who God created you to be! He doesn’t make mistakes!

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You have given me. Help me to confidently do my best, but also remain humble and grateful. Set me free from comparing myself with others. Help me to not feel “more than” or “less than.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

The Principal Thing by David Ibiyeomie

Topic: The Principal Thing

Prov.4:7-9 – Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

When one fails a principal course in school, he/she will not be able to graduate. That is why students invest more time in their major/principal courses. Therefore, the wisdom question is the greatest question that you must solve in your Christian journey.

Wisdom in the most important asset you need to excel in life; you need it to make the most of your life here on earth. There are all kinds of wisdom like common sense, intellectual wisdom and diabolical wisdom but the wisdom of God is above all.

John 3:31 -He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

James 3:17 – But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Intellectual wisdom is no guarantee for success in life and destiny. There are so many people with all kinds of degrees and they are still failures in life. Diabolical wisdom is seen when people subscribe to all kinds of occultic powers but when you get the wisdom of God, it announces you to your world.

Wisdom from above puts you above all life situations and circumstances. It makes you stand out far above all your peers and that is divine wisdom.

1 Cor.2:6-8 -Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Your glory is hid in the wisdom of God. When the wisdom of God is at work in your life, the glory of God on your life will be unfolded for all men to see. In Gen. 41: 39-45, God’s wisdom went through a prisoner {Joseph}, and they could not find a match in that city. The wisdom of God showed up in Joseph and humbled the pride of the wise in the city. Joseph did not only have understanding of the dream but he also prescribed a sound solution to dealing with the situation.

To get this divine wisdom, you must be ready to pay the price because there is nothing of value without a great price. There are spiritual parameters you must put in place if you must enjoy the wisdom from above. First, you must pant for knowledge of God’s word which is the source of wisdom and knowledge is the raw material for wisdom. It takes knowledge to walk in wisdom. That is why God said that my people are destroyed for lack of Knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 -My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

Today, as you begin to thirst for the knowledge of God’s word, the wisdom of God will announce you to your world! You will take over far above all your peers in the name of Jesus! For ever stagnation you have experienced in the past, you will enjoy double restoration in the name of Jesus the Christ –Amen!!!

God bless you

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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Topic: Be A Family Builder [TREM 6 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mathew 5:16 (KJV)

Beloved, we live in a time and hour when values have become eroded, but you must take a quality decision to shine as light. Don’t ever forget that you are an ambassador for Christ, and you must function like one wherever you find yourself. God’s will is that you will be a shining example of the believer. God’s will is that you will be a blessing and a source of joy both to your immediate family and to every person around you. As a believer, it is also vitally important that you strike a balance between being successful at work and also at home.

Often times, we allow our jobs, businesses and career to affect our role in our family. Beloved, no matter the accolades and applause you receive in the workplace, you need to earn the applause and accolade of your family. Your priority must be God first, then your family before your work. Don’t neglect your home because of the monthly wage, as important as it is. I know that in these last days, God is going to use you mightily to do some great things. God will make you pronounced. You will come to the limelight and command respect of both great and small. However, even in the midst of the success and ever increasing demand for your time, build your home. Carry your spouse and children along. Don’t let them feel neglected. Share your burdens with them. Pray with them and you will win together. Don’t let misunderstandings linger. Settle your differences quickly and be ready to always forgive.

I declare that you will live to reap the fruits of your labour and it shall be well with you. You will not be denied. You will ride on the wings of grace. Hitherto, you were called forsaken, but I prophesy that you shall henceforth be called sought after. You will be celebrated.

Further Reading: Matthew 5:13-16, Genesis 18:18-19

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 148-150; Evening- 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: Muscling Through [Our Daily Bread 6 September 2018 Devotional]

Read: 2 Chronicles 20:2–3, 14–22, Bible in a Year: Psalms 148–150; 1 Corinthians 15:29–58

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:3

Competitive bodybuilders put themselves through a rigorous training cycle. During the initial months, they emphasize gaining size and strength. As the competition nears, the focus shifts to losing any fat that hides the muscle. In the final days before the competition, they consume less water than normal so their muscle tissue is easily visible. Because of the reduced consumption of nourishment, the competitors are actually at their weakest on the day of competition, despite appearing strong.

In 2 Chronicles 20, we read of the opposite reality: acknowledging weakness in order to experience God’s strength. “A vast army is coming against you,” people told King Jehoshaphat. So “he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (v. 3), depriving himself and all his people of nourishment. Then they asked God for help. When he finally mustered his military, Jehoshaphat placed singers who praised God at the front of his army (v. 21). As they began to sing, the Lord “set ambushes against the men . . . who were invading Judah, and they were defeated” (v. 22).

Jehoshaphat’s decision demonstrated deep faith in God. He purposefully chose not to depend on his own human and military prowess but instead to lean on God. Rather than trying to muscle our way through the trials we face, may we turn to Him and allow Him to be our strength.

Read The Strength of Weakness at discoveryseries.org/hp144.

We must recognize our weakness to experience God’s strength.

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

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]