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TOPIC: Moderation
OPENING PRAYER: Father, give me the grace to exercise self-control in every area of my life. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 17 November 2019 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 4:5-6, 11-12 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 17 November 2019)
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
MEMORY VERSE: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 17 November 2019 HYMN)
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Moderation is the control of behaviour so that actions, feelings and habits are kept within reasonable limits. It is a very desirable quality or virtue for a Christian to have. Good and legitimate desires can become sin when they go over lawful bounds. Living a life of moderation is an uphill battle in today’s world. However, the Bible teaches us that excess of anything may not be good (Eccl. 2:10-11). Those who want to win the race to eternal life must be temperate in all things and must do everything in moderation (1 Cor. 9:24-27). It is expedient for Christians to understand how and why we should live in moderation.
TEXT REVIEW: Philippians 4:5-6, 11-12
Apostle Paul charges believers to live in moderation using himself as an example. The how include:
i. Believers are to live moderately in all circumstances. v.5.
ii. We are to avoid anxiety. Rather, we should make our request known to God. v.6.
iii. In whatever state we are……………v.11.
iv. …………………………………..v.12a
v. …………………………………..v.12b
vi. …………………………………..v.12c
2 LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: HOW TO LIVE IN MODERATION
Question 1: In what areas of life should believers exercise moderation?
Answer: Believers should reflect moderation in every area of life. Among others, we are to show moderation in:
i. Speech (James 1:19; 3:2-12; Col. 4:6).
ii. Appearance (1 Tim 2:9-10).
iii. Consumption (1 Cor. 10:31).
iv. Relaxation/pleasure (1 Tim 5:6; 2 Tim. 3:4).
v. Desires (Col 3:5).
vi. Care (Lk. 10:38-42).
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vii. Happiness (Matt.14:6-10).
viii. Money (1 Tim 6:6-10).
ix. Celebrations (Dan. 5:23).
x. Liberty (1 Cor. 8:9).
xi. Personal convictions (Rom. 14:1-5).
xii. Firmness (Proverbs 16:32).
xiii. Friendship (2 Cor. 6:14-18).
In other words, how we talk, dress, eat or drink, etc. can easily show our degree of moderation or lack of it.
Question 2: How can believers exercise moderation?
Answer: To keep within lawful bounds, believers should:
i. Make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lust (Romans 13:14; Gal. 5:24).
ii. Not follow the examples of the world out of proportion (1 John 2:15-16).
iii. Walk in the spirit and be heavenly minded. (Romans 8:6; Gal. 5:16; Col. 3:2).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
Class should discuss the difference between living in abundance and living in excess.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: REASONS FOR MODERATION
Question: Why should Christians lie moderately?
Answer: The reasons for moderation are many:
i. Moderation assists us to have balance in many areas of our lives (Phil. 4:5).
ii. Moderation avoids extremes, exercises restraint and is related to self control (Gal. 5:22-23).
iii. Sometimes, good things can become a stumbling block to us, if used without moderation. (1 Cor. 8:9).
iv. Practicing moderation helps us to exercise self- discipline (1 Cor. 9:25-27; Acts 24:16).
v. When we are not living in moderation or lack self control in certain areas of our lives, it indicates that we are not allowing God fully into such areas.
Note: The only area in which we do not need to worry about moderation is in our relationship with God. We are to love God without limits (Luke 10:27).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
Class should share their experience in areas of life in which they find it difficult to exercise moderation.
SUMMARY:
Moderation is a good/godly virtue every Christian should imbibe till we see God in glory.
CONCLUSION:
The world appeals to the lust of the flesh and advances the lie that what we need is more pleasure, more fun, more entertainment, etc. (Rom. 12:1-2). What we really need is God. All other things must be in moderation.
EVALUATION:
Teachers should ask the students to mention why the believers should live moderately.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, help us to be moderate in all things.
ASSIGNMENT:
Mention five (5) other areas of life that require moderation.
RCCG Sunday School 17 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?
