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TOPIC: Forgiving One Another [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 3 November 2019]
Click HERE for Previous RCCG Sunday School Manual
MEMORY VERSE: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 3 November 2019 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Colossians 3:12-13 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 3 November 2019)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. It is also a decision to not hold grudge (feeling of resentment) against another person, despite what he/she has done (Matt. 18:25-27). Therefore, forgiveness, is an essential part of the life of believers. We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
LESSON OUTLINES
- REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF FORGIVENESS
- THE DANGERS OF REFUSING TO FORGIVE
REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF FORGIVENESS.
In human relationships, there is a tendency to offend one another (often times due to conflicts it interest), but in all we must learn to forgive one another even as God has forgiven us (Mk. 11:25-26). It is expedient that we forgive one another for the following additional reasons, among others:
- Forgiveness is a command from God (Lk. 17:3-4; Col. 3:13).
- It is a precondition to receive forgiveness from God (Matt. 6:14).
- If you want to reign with Christ you must forgive (2 Tim. 2:12).
- In order to have a clear conscience and peace of mind, you should learn to forgive (Acts 24:16).
- So that your prayers will not be hindered (Matt. 5:23-24).
- Jesus, our ultimate example, practiced forgiveness (John 8:7,11).
Forgiving one another comes benefits, some of which are: Peace (Isaiah 40:2), joy (Lk. 15:20-24), Answers to prayers and good success (Mk. 11:25-26). It leads to healing (Prov. 17:22; Matt. 9:6), Fosters good relationship among brethren and the community at large (Gen. 50:15-21). It gives a conscience void of guild and offence (Prov. 20:22) and helps to win souls (Matt. 18:15).
THE DANGERS OF REFUSING TO FORGIVE
The following are some of the imminent dangers of refusing to forgive those who trespass against us:
i. Hindered prayers (Matt. 6:15; Mk. 11:25-26).
ii. Bitterness, which results to ill health (Prov. 17:22).
iii. Opening to demonic attacks (Eccl. 10:8).
iv. Destruction of relationships (Matt. 18:23-24).
v. Eternity in hell (Matt. 7:12, 21).
CONCLUSION: What a beautiful place the world would be if we all forgive ourselves of offenses. As beloved children of God, we should show good examples especially as our God has commanded us (1 Tim. 4:12).
QUESTIONS:
- What are the reasons and benefits of forgiveness
- State three dangers of refusing to forgive known to us.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Monday – Genesis 50:17
Tuesday – Proverbs 20:22
Wednesday -Isaiah 40:2
Thursday – Hosea 6:1
Friday – Matthew 5:24, 44-45
Saturday – Matthew 6:12, 14, 15.
Sunday – Matthew 12:31
ASSIGNMENT: Think of those who have offended you that you have not forgiven and take practical steps to forgive them.
RCCG Sunday School 3 November 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?
