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TOPIC: Finger Of God (Part 1) [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 2 June 2019]
Click HERE for Previous RCCG Sunday School Manual
MEMORY VERSE: “Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” – Exodus 8:19 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 2 June 2019 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Exodus 8:16-19 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 2 June 2019)
16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
17 And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The finger of God has been used both literally and figuratively in the Bible. It brings about supernatural happenings beyond human comprehension. We need to understand what the Finger of God represents and how it works for us as individuals in our relationships with God.
OUTLINES:
1. THE FINGER OF GOD DESCRIBED
2. ITS MERCY AND JUDGEMENT
1. THE FINGER OF GOD DESCRIBED
Finger of God can be described as the expression of God’s creative power and authority over his creation (Psalm 8:3). Also, the finger of God has been seen literarily on some occasions in the Bible e.g. in the writing of the Ten Commandments on the stones (Exodus 31:18), the display on the wall (Dan. 5:5, 25), etc. Whenever the finger if God comes into manifestation, it exposes man’s limitations. Sometimes, the enemies of God’s people need to see the finger if God in action to acknowledge His supremacy (Exodus 8:19). The display and direction of God’s finger usually depends on man’s disposition to his Maker. However, God sometimes directs His finger as He wills (Romans 9:15, 18). Hence, the finger of God can manifest for mercy, judgement, war, comfort, deliverance, etc.
2. ITS MERCY AND JUDGEMENT
God’s finger of mercy was seen in the lives of some characters in the Bible. For instance, Joseph (Gen. 39:21-23), prodigal son (Luke 15:18-20), the adulterous woman (John 8:2-11).
Judgement involves the dispensing of deserved punishment for wrong doing. God’s finger of judgement was also seen at the Red Sea encounter (Exodus 14:26-28), Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24-25), King Herod (Acts 12:22-23), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3-5, 9-10). There are also instances of God’s finger of judgement and mercy occurring either concurrently or sequentially: Cain (Gen. 4:9-15), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-36), etc. The above instances clearly show that God can still extend His finger to us in similar manner. If we turn to Him, we will see His finger of mercy but if we turn away from Him, His finger of judgement is imminent and inevitable (2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Ezekiel 33:11; Isaiah 55:7).
CONCLUSION: Having understood what the finger of God is, you need to decide whether to enjoy its mercy or face its judgement.
QUESTIONS
- Describe the finger of God.
- Give instances of God’s finger of mercy and judgement
For Further Reading: Acts 20:28; John 3:31; Matthew 16:16; 1 Timothy 2:5; Colossians 2:9; Matthew 1:1; Revelations 5:12.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) things each which a person can do to experience the merciful or judgemental fingers of God.
RCCG Sunday School 2 June 2019 HYMN
- 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. - 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. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - 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. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
