RCCG JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2022/2023 AGE 13-19 TEACHER’S MANUAL SUNDAY 19TH OF FEBRUARY, 2023

* The teacher is to revise the previous lessons with the Teenagers.

* You can also ask them questions to ensure lessons have been well understood Teenagers.

* Please, remember to tell your class to review the previous lessons during the week before the revision day.

Remember that next week is quiz.

*SUMMARY OF LESSONS 20-24*

*LESSON TWENTY (20)*

*TOPIC: PEACE LIKE A RIVER*

BIBLE TEXT: Isaiah 66:12

MEMORY VERSE: Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”

LESSON AIM: At the end of this study, teenagers will understand that Peace like a river is experienced in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

CENTRAL TRUTH: God gives Peace like a river through the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION: Even though we live in a world full of war, insecurity, violence, and uncertainty, God has promised to give us peace like a river in the midst of it all. Peace is said to be a state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony; absence of violence. When we look at the river, it follows its course moving around obstacles such as rocks, tree stumps, and even carrying boats and other objects yet none is able to stop it. Also, the peace God gives us, flows continuously despite the obstacles and challenges in our life.

STUDY GUIDE

A.) WHAT IS PEACE LIKE A RIVER?

1. It is Peace in abundance. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

2. It is Peace as a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22, Romans 8:6

3. It is Peace that is unstoppable. Isaiah 55:12

4. It is Peace anchored on Christ constantly fed by God. Acts 17:28, John 14:27

5. It is Peace that requires obedience to God. Isaiah 48:18

6. It is Peace guaranteed. John 16:33

B.) HOW TO EXPERIENCE PEACE LIKE A RIVER

1. Be born again. John 3:3

2. Do not be anxious, Phìlippians 4:6-7

3. Set your mind on the Spirit. Romans 8:6

4. Believe in God. Isaiah 26:3

5. Casting all your cares on Him. 1 Peter 5:7

6. Obedience to God. Isaiah 48:I8

7. Prayer. Luke 18:1

LIFE APPLICATION: The absence of fear brings the presence of Peace, Jesus Christ is the true source of peace like a river. Come unto him today and begin to enjoy peace like a river, even in time of storm he will be there with you to give you

CONCLUSION: Peace like a river cannot be experienced in our own strength, because the World is not at peace but once we have the Holy spirit dwelling in us, we can be in peace trusting that God is able to bring calmness to whatever we are going through.

*LESSON TWENTY ONE (21)*

*TOPIC: BE GOOD AND KIND*

BIBLE TEXT: 1 Peter 3:8; Galatians 6:10

MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 4:32 ‘And be kind one to another, tenderhearted forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

LESSON AIM: At the end of this study, teenagers will understand that kindness and goodness are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Kindness and goodness are godly characters produced in us through the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION: Goodness and Kindness are interrelated but have their distinct differences. Goodness involves righteousness in action or doing what is right while Kindness is an act of being generous, considerate, and helping others. In other words, we can’t be kind if we are not good and we can’t be good if we don’t have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, exemplified compassion during His ministry on earth. At the grave of Lazarus, He wept alongside the friends of Lazarus (John 11:33-35). One of the ways Christ showed Kindness while on earth was by giving up everything for us to have eternal life. Goodness and kindness is one of the fruit of the Spirit. If we want to be like Christ, then we should imitate His actions. When we do so, men will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven and be willing to serve God as well.

STUDY GUIDE:

KINDNESS AND GOODNESS

A.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GOOD? Being “Good” is a common term used for an acceptable character but biblically it goes beyond this as we see in Gal. 5:22-23 that Goodness is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This goodness can be termed as ‘Godliness’ and not just merely an accepted moral behavior. It is only possible to exhibit this through God’s grace and the help of the Holy Spirit.

B.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE KIND? Colossians 3:12 Kindness is being selfless, compassionate, and merciful and should be a lifestyle of every believer, it involves giving ourselves, our care, and our substance to people especially the less loved and our enemies, hence, it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to produce this in us. It’s a blessing to both the giver and the receiver. Kindness can be exhibited in words, actions, and attitude.

C) BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE THAT WERE GOOD AND KIND.

1- Ruth loved her mother-in-law, Naomi, and showed kindness to her. Ruth 1:16

2- Joseph was sold into slavery, then rose to power in Egypt. Despite his brothers’ wickedness toward him, he showed kindness to them when they came looking for food. Genesis 42:25-26.

3- Boaz instructed the workers in the field to leave grain for Ruth to pick. Ruth 2:8-9

4- Dorcas was a woman known for her care of widows and provisions of clothing for the poor. Acts 9:36

5- The Good Samaritan. Luke 10:25-37

6- Shunamite woman was kind to Prophet Elisha. 2 Kings 4:8-10

D.) HOW TO SHOW KINDNESS AND GOODNESS TO OTHERS

1) Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:13

2) Be ready to forgive at all times. Ephesians 4:32

3) Use your words to encourage, not tear down. Ephesians 4:29

4) Show Empathy and be willing to give a helping hand when needed

5) Consider the poor, old, and the neglected. Lev. 25:35-36, Luk 14:12-14

6) Be generous

7) Pray for those in need and ask God to show you how you can show kindness to others.

Show Good news to the unsaved.

DISCUSSION: Ask teenagers to discuss the different ways they can be good and kind to others even when they take advantage of them. Genesis 59:15-21; Rom.12.21.

LIFE APPLICATION: Gal. 6:10 says we should be good to all especially those who are believers. Being good and kind is a Christian virtue and one of the ways to show the love of God. Goodness and Kindness are the fruit of the Holy Spirit which dwells in the Heart of believers hence, it can only be exhibited through the help of Holy Spirit. Give your life to Jesus so the Holy Spirit can dwell in you and you can exhibit its fruits.

CONCLUSION: Kindness and goodness are both fruit of the Holy Spirit that we experience in Christ through the Holy Spirit. It helps us to live as believers and share the love of God with others through the help of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

*LESSON TWENTY TWO (22)*

*TOPIC: FAITHFULNESS*

BIBLE TEXT: Proverbs 3:3-4

MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

LESSON AIM: At the end of this study, teenagers will learn that faithfulness is: character produced in the life ofa believer through the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Faithfulness is a fruit of the spirit, which must be evident in the life of every believer.

INTRODUCTION: God is absolutely faithful; this is one of His main characteristics! Faithfulness is being steadfast, loyal, trustworthy, true dependable, devoted, and constant to something or someone. The opposite of faithful is dishonest or deceptive, false. A faithful person will follow God’s will even if others do not notice or appreciate what the person is doing. Love God continually and be someone God can rely on to obey His instructions. The virtue of faithfulness is found in people because of the Holy Spirit in them.

STUDY GUIDE:

(A) CHARACTER OR TRAITS OFA FAITHFUL PERSON:

1. Commitment -Acts 2:42,2 Timothy 2:15

2. Love-2 Corinthians 5:14

3. Long suffering – Colossians 3: 12

4. Patience – Heb. 12:1, Jam. 1:3-4

5. Endurance – 2 Timothy 4:5

6. Steadfastness -1 Corinthians 15:58.

B) WAYS TO SHOW FAITHFULNESS.

1. Having an unwavering belief in God. Heb. 10:23, 1 Corinthians 15:58

2. Separating self from the world’s thought patterns and practices. Rom. 12:1-2, 2Corinthians 6:14-18.

3. Choosing to do what is right at all times. Matthew 10:22-33

4. Obey what God said in His Word. John 14:15

5. Love your neighbors. Matthew 25:40

C) REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS

1. God preserves, protects & guards His faithful. Psalm 31:23.

2. God promises His faithful. Psalm 97:10

3. God blesses His faithful. Proverbs 28:20

4. God strengthens His faithful. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

5. God guides His faithful. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

LIFE APPLICATION: Faithfulness is a virtue and because God is faithful to us, we also need to be faithful to Him. The only way we can be faithful is through the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit testifies to the truth in us, helps us to seek God, and makes us faithful. This can only be possible in the life of a believer through the help of the Holy Spirit. John 15:5.

CONCLUSION: Faithfulness is trusting God in all situations, especially in periods of storms or challenges. It entails believing God is who He says He is, not minding what situations we find ourselves in or what the world is saying. But trusting Him and following Him to the very end with the help of the Holy Spirit.

*LESSON TWENTY THREE (23)*

*TOPIC: PATIENCE*

BIBLE TEXT: James 5:10-11

MEMORY VERSE:ROMANS 12:12 “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation continuing instant in prayer:”

LESSON AIM: At the end of the study, teenagers will realize the importance of patience in a believer’s life.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION: In our present world where things are fast-changing and we are always running and striving to meet up with new technologies, styles inventions, etc.; Patience seems irrelevant when you can always instantly get what you want. But we come to realize that some situations call for patience. The Bible tells us of Abraham who had to patiently wait on God for a son and got the promise Son Heb. 6:15. To be patient is to endure all kinds of provocations, trials, and

annoyance. Not being in a haste. It is the ability to stay calm and accept a delay or something annoying without complaining. “Patience is a virtue”. Patience is listed by Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 as among the fruit of the spirit that is built in us when we follow Christ.

STUDY GUIDE:

A.) WHAT IS PATIENCE?

Patience” in Galatians 5:22 literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold ones temper for a long time. A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and help. Since it is a fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess it through the power and work of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

The opposite of patience is agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge.

God does not want His children to live in agitation but in peace John 14:27. He wants to dispel discouragement and replace it with hope and praise Psalm 42:5. We are not to avenge ourselves; rather, trust God for help.

B.) STEPS TO DEVELOPPATIENCE

1. Thank God at all times Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5: 16

2. Seek God’s Plan /Purpose Prov. 3:5-6

3. Remember God’s promises and dwell on them Romans 8:28

C.) BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE THAT EXHIBITED PATIENCE

1. Job. Job 13:15

2. Jesus. 1Timothy 1 :12-16

3. Moses. Ex 32:11-12

4. Abraham. Heb. 10:36

D.) BENEFITS OF PATIENCE

1. It brings Peace Prov. 15:18

2. It makes you wise Prov. 14:29

3. It helps us receive God’s blessing Heb. 10:36

4. It makes you perfect Jam. 1:4

LIFE APPLICATION: Naturally, man’s response to situations and circumstances is impatience and frustration but once we have a new life in Christ, we can develop patience through the help of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

CONCLUSION: God is patient, and His Spirit produces the fruit of patience in us.

When we are patient, we leave room for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships.

*LESSON TWENTY FOUR (24)*

*TOPIC: GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL*

BIBLE TEXT: Titus 2:11-15

MEMORY VERSE: Put on therefore. as the elect of God holy and beloved of mercies. kindness humbleness of mind meekness long-suffering”.Colossians 3-12

CENTRAL TRUTH: Gentleness and Self-control is a product of having the Holy Spirit dwelling in a believer.

INTRODUCTION: Biblicaly speaking, a gentle person is not one who is weak fearful but one who exercises strength appropriately. In terms of the fruit the spirit gentleness involves showing humility and thankfulness towards God and being polite, restrained. and compassionate towards others. However self

control helps us to resist temptation and avoid conforming to the things of this world. Gentleness is closely related to self-control. Jesus is our perfect example.

STUDY GUIDE

A. WHAT IS GENTLENESS? It is the humble and meek attitude of wanting to help other people instead of wanting to be superior to them. It means putting God and other people before ourselves. It requires humility, sacrifice, patience and compassion This attitude flows from a spirit of genuine love that flows through Christ in us to others. Such an attitude is shown in how we think about treat others and what we say to them. Col.3:12

B. WHAT IS SELF-CONTROL? The Bible refers to self-control as temperance meaning self-restriaint or moderation. Self-control as the fruit of the Spirit is self-denial.Pro 257S. It is self-rule under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we have natural tendencies to give in to our sinful desires. You need to

depend on Him and draw upon the power and strengh you have been given in Christ through the Holy Spirit in order to practice self-control -Titus 2:12 Col. 4:5-6

C. SOME PEOPLE WHO DEMONSTRATED GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL IN THE BIBLE;

a Nehemiah showed self-control by not fighting; back the armies that attacked them while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 4:14-16

b. Jesus demonstrated self-control in submitting to the Father’s perfect plan, Matthew 26:39, 42

c. Moses, the mediator of the old covenant, was very meek, more than all the people who were on the face of the earth, Numbers 12:3

D. HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-CONTROLAND GENTLENESS

1. Knowledge of God’s word. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

2. Awareness of the danger of lack of self-control. Matthew 5:29-30

3. Be prepared to suffer. 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 4:1

4. Pray. Luke 22:39-43

5. Be willing to apologize Prov. 14:9

6. Always remember God’s gentleness to us.

7. Ponder on what your attitude looks like.

LIFE APPLICATION: Gentleness and Self-control are godly characteristics

produced in us through the help of the Holy Spirit. As believers let your words and actions be guided by the Holy Spirit and by the Word of God.

CONCLUSION: Gentleness is closely related to self-control. God does not exercise His power arbitrarily or chaotically; rather, He restrains Himself and is gentle with His people. He is in perfect control of Himself, and while we are not

omnipotent, we can imitate this self-control when we deal with other people.

Let us show self-control and gentleness toward even those whom we find difficult to love.