RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL FOR 5TH OF NOVEMBER, 2023

[1]Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

[2]By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

[3]And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

[4]And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

[5]And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

INTRODUCTION: Being born again is not a title or an entitlement. Rather, the evidence must be in living a sanctified life and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead/control one’s life.Furthermore, an understanding of the concepts of justification and assurance of salvation is very essential to the establishment of a new convert in Christ. This study attempts to shed some light on these basic concepts of the Christian faith.

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

a. Understand justification and what is involved.

b. Know how justification can be attained.

c. Identify ways they can be assured of their salvation.

a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignment.

b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment.

c. Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give an assignment.

Apostle Paul while addressing the Romans on the subject of Justification, highlights other grace we enjoy through Jesus Christ our Lord. He, therefore declared saying:

i. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: V1.

ii. By whom …………………………………V2.

iii. And not ……………………………….V3.

iv. And Patience ……………………….V4.

v. And hope …………………………….….V5.

A. To justify simply means to declare someone righteous.

i. Meaning, God begins to see you as you have never sinned (Romans 3:21-25; 5:1).

ii. The law and the justice of God demand death as the penalty for sin (Ezekiel 18:4) and punishment for the wicked (Isaiah 57:20-21).

B. Two major events are obvious with justification:

i. One is that the sin is forgiven and the punishment of that sin is removed from the sinner (Isaiah 43:25).

ii. The second is that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to the sinner’s account (Romans 5:18).

C. The justified life is obtained

i. Simply by grace (Romans 3:24).

ii. By the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9).

iii. By His resurrection (Romans 4:25).

D. Now that we are born again,

i. We ‘wear’ a justified life identified by peace with God

ii. We also have a vibrant, enjoyable prayer life (Romans 5:1-2).

E. However, we must continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling by avoiding sin (Philippians 2:12; 1 John 3:9).

A. As a new creature in Christ, it is important to have the assurance of salvation. This assurance can be found:

i. In the word of God (Romans 10:9-11),

ii. Through the witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16)

iii. Through the evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

B. Feelings or comments of people are unreliable for your assurance; therefore, do not lean on them.

i. Be warned of doubts that may arise about your salvation.

ii. Do not open the door to sin, worldliness (1 John 2:15-16), laziness in praying and constant study of the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).

C. Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Jude 20).

CONCLUSION: Once you are born again, you receive the righteousness of Christ and the Holy Spirit impresses on your heart that you have become a child of God.

QUESTIONS:

* Mention the two major events at justification.

* How can believers get assurance of salvation?

EVALUATION: Teachers should ask the student to discuss their understanding of Justification.

ASSIGNMENT: Reflect and act on the lesson of today for assurance of your salvation if you are still in doubt (No mark).