Table of Contents
TOPIC: Submission [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 24 March 2019]
MEMORY VERSE: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;” – 1 Peter 2:13 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 24 March 2019 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 24 March 2019)
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
God instituted certain authorities to coordinate various affairs on His behalf on earth (Rom. 13:1-2). Everyone is expected to submit to the governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17). Servants must submit to their masters (Col. 3:22; 1 Peter 2:18-21). Wives must submit in all their meekness to their husbands (Col. 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6). Children must submit to their parents (Exodus 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3). Ultimately, all of God’s creations (including authorities) must submit to God. Psalm 72:11; Isaiah 66:23.
OUTLINES
- WHY SUBMIT?
- CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION
1. WHY SUBMIT?
Some people submit to authorities for diverse reasons ranging from personal gain, eye service, etc. However, reasons for Godly submission include the following
- God commanded it. Rom. 13:1-2; Heb. 13:17.
- It is an act of obedience and honour to God. Mark 14:36.
- To present ourselves as good examples. Phil. 2:5-9.
- To obtain grace from God. James 4:6.
- It establishes our lifting. 1 Peter 5:6.
- It ensures the believer’s victory. James 4:7.
2. CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION
Rebellion is the opposite of submission and it is an act of insubordination or resistance to constituted authorities which could be motivated by pride, envy, hatred, etc. Rebellion comes with grave consequences. These include:
- Demolition (either temporary or permanent) Nebuchadnezzar was proud and he lived like a beast in the field for seven years. Daniel 4:30-33.
- Loss of authority and position. Vashti discountenanced her husband, the king and lost her position to Esther. Esther 1:11-12; 2:1-4
- Destruction. Pharaoh consistently disdained God and he perished together with His army in the Red Sea. Exodus 14:26-28: Psalm 135:8-9.
- Loss of destiny. Samson waved away the instructions of his parents and his life and destiny was cut short. Judges 14:1-3; 16;20-21.
- Ultimately death. Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against the authority of God and were buried alive. Numbers 26:9-10; 1 Samuel 2:22; 4:10-11.
CONCLUSION: There is no authority that is without the knowledge of God (Rom. 13:1). Believers in Christ must therefore see submission to every authority as service to God.
QUESTIONS:
- Mention 3 reasons believers must submit to authority.
- Identity some Bible characters that rebelled and the consequences of their actions.
For Further Reading: 1 Samuel 15:23; Colossians 3:24; Galatians 6:9; Malachi 1:6.
ASSIGNMENT: Find out the penalties for failing to submit the following authorities.
i. Family/Parental Authority
ii. Pastor’s Authority
iii. Lecturers/Teachers Authority
iv. Traffic Authority
v. Tax Authority
vi. Court injunction/directive
vii. Immigration law
viii. God’s Commandment
ix. Holy Spirit directive
x. Electricity Regulations
Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 17 March 2019, Lesson 29
RCCG Sunday School 24 March 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?