RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR 7TH OF JANUARY, 2024: GRATITUDE

OPENING PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to be grateful.

[21]Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

[22]And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

INTRODUCTION: Gratitude is fundamentally about not taking things for granted. 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 God Almighty. This is not only wrong but a wicked and dangerous act. To be grateful is to recognise the influence and blessings of the Lord in our lives. Gratitude also means thanksgiving, thankfulness, or appreciation.

LESSON AIM: To remind the church of the act and art of gratitude.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES:.At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

a. Know what gratitude is.

b. Understand the implication of ingratitude.

c. Identify ways to show gratitude.

d. Recognise its inherent gains.

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

a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignment.

b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment.

c. Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson, and give an assignment to the students.

The Psalmist expressed part of his innermost desire that people would be grateful to God. He further gave insight as to the reason and how it should be shown. He said:

A. Oh that men would praise the Lord. V21a.

B. Why?……………………………………………..V21b.

C. How?…. ………………………………………….V22.

Question 1: What are the things involved in showing gratitude?

Answer: To show gratitude:

i. Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15).

ii. It should come out of a pure, broken, and contrite heart (Psalm 51:16-17).

iii. Thanksgiving should not be offered grudgingly or of necessity but willingly and cheerfully (Psalm 69:30).

Question 2: In what ways can we show our gratitude to God?

Answer: We can offer thanks to God:

i. With joyful noise (Psalm 95:2).

ii. Singing (Psalms 13:6; 126:1-2).

iii. Clapping of hands (Psalm 47:1).

iv. With Musical instruments and dancing (Psalm 150:3-6).

Question 3: What other acceptable ways can we show our gratitude to God?

Answer: We can also show our gratitude to God through:

i. The offering of quality substances like our time, materials, properties, and money (Proverbs 3:9-10).

ii. Our labour of love in God’s vineyard (Hebrews 6:10).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other ways of showing gratitude to God apart from the aforementioned.

Question: Are there benefits in showing gratitude to God?

Answer: Some benefits of showing gratitude to God are stated below:

i. Our gratitude helps us glorify God as we focus on the giver and not the gifts (2 Corinthians 4:15).

ii. It helps us feel God’s presence, His care, and perfect timing (Psalms 95:2; 103:13-14).

iii. It makes us conform to God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

iv. It brings peace, joy, and contentment (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-8).

v. It perfects our testimony (Luke 17:17-19).

vi. It deepens our faith. Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness is a faith booster when we face new difficulties (Psalm 103:2).

vii. It aids our prayers (John 11:41-44).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the benefits you derived from being grateful to God.

CONCLUSION: Gratitude should be part of our daily lives so that we can enjoy unending benefits.

QUESTIONS:

* How should believers show gratitude to God?

* Mention three benefits of showing gratitude to God.

EVALUATION: Mention three things involved in showing gratitude.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace not just to be grateful but to also show my gratitude to You as long as I have my breath in Jesus’name.

ASSIGNMENT: In the light of the doctrine of “count your blessings, name them one by one,” make a list of 10 “blessings” you received in the out-gone year and praise God for His benevolence. (1×10=10 marks).