RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL SUNDAY MARCH 5TH 2023

1. 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.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Thy friend friendship suits me well,

Both young and will sing Thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Christ was Thy first teacher,

The Holy Spirit, great teacher,

Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

This testimony is sure,

That God, the Father Almighty,

Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Though the sun be so bright,

Or if the clouds be black with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day

I rejoice to see Thee,

Will thou pass over me today?

Without my being blest?

MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him”. –Proverbs 19:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 6:9-11

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

INTRODUCTION

Generally, poverty can be described as a state of being extremely poor. Poverty can take different forms: mental, spiritual, material or financial. In the context of material/financial possessions, poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. Scriptures clearly state that even brethren of the poor hate him (Proverbs 19:7) and that poverty can destroy the poor (Proverbs 10:15). What then causes poverty and how can a believer break free from it?

LESSON OUTLINES

1. CAUSES OF POVERTY

2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY

CAUSES OF POVERTY

While poverty can be in categories of degrees, several factors can be responsible for it:

1. Personal attitude which includes laziness/idleness (Proverbs 10:4;19:15); poor work ethics (Proverbs 14:23; 2Thessalonians 3:10); lack of self discipline (Proverbs 12:27); stubbornness (Proverbs 13:18); drunkenness and gluttony (Proverbs 23:21); worldliness and frivolous persuits (Proverbs 21:17;28:19); limitation mentality (Proverbs 23:7a) etc.

2. Natural disasters (famine, floods, etc.)- Genesis 12:10, health challenges (Mark 5:25-26), fire outbreaks (Job 1:16), death of a benefactor (2Samuel 4:4).

3. Oppression of others. Examples of oppression that can cause poverty include delayed wages (Leviticus 19:13; 1Timothy 5:18), exorbitant interest rates on loans (Exodus 22:25).

4. Spiritual causes of poverty include the repercussion of sin (Deuteronomy 28:15-21) and wrong spiritual concepts as some believers equate poverty to holiness.

BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY

You need to discover your purpose of living and diligently pursue it (Proverbs 22:29). Gather sufficient information on how to improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation or trade (Proverbs 18:15; 24:4). Be intentional about creating multiple streams of income (Ecclesiastes 11:2). Find a problem around you that you can solve that will earn you good money. Acquire additional skills: re-skill and up skill (Proverbs 9:9). Believe in yourself and have the ‘I can’ attitude (Phil 4:13).

Essentially, breaking free from poverty requires giving (Proverbs 11:24): pay your tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10-12), first fruit (Proverbs 3:9-10), and give to those that are less privileged. Pray and study the word of God to know his perfect will for you in all your life’s endeavours (Psalm 37:23). Stop living on debts, borrow only to invest (Proverbs 22:7).

CONCLUSION

Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

QUESTION

1. Mention four (4) factors responsible for poverty.

2. How can believers break free from poverty?