RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL SUNDAY 24TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2023; CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

[19]The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

[20]Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

[21]Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

[22]Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

[23]But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

[24]God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

INTRODUCTION: Worship is an act of paying homage that involves deep respect, reverence, adoration, and showing sincere love to a supreme being. The Almighty God who created us must be worshipped for who He is and not because He needs anything from us (1Peter 2:9). We are created to show the splendour of God by glorifying Him (Psalms 29:2). Since we are created for worship, it is important we find out the ways to do it to be acceptable by God who commands it.

Through this lesson, students should be able to:

a. Understand what Christian worship is.

b. Know what to put in place to worship acceptably

c. Distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable forms of worship

To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:

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 outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give an assignment.

A. The dialogue between our Lord Jesus Christ and the Samaritan woman is quite enlightening. Her curiosity for truth is something every believer should possess. It records that:

i. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. V19.

ii. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ………………………………..V20.

B. Jesus’ response to her is an insight into what true Christian worship entails.

i. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe …..V21.

ii. Ye worship ye know not what: we ……..…V22.

iii. But the hour cometh, and .………..V23.

iv. God is a Spirit, and they …………..V24.

Teachers should fill in the gaps from the passage during the preview exercise.

Teachers should highlight the necessary things to put in place while preparing for worship as follows:

A. Our heart

i. Before moving into the external act of worship, there is the need for us to put our hearts in order (Psalm 51:10).

ii. This is to ensure that hindrances to our worship are off-loaded from our hearts (Romans 12:1-2).

iii. We must get rid of the “old man” with his deeds – anger, hatred, bitterness and other vices (Colossians 3:8-9).

B. Reconciliation

i. There is the need for us to also reconcile with God and man in any area of offence (Matthew 5:23-24; Acts 24:16).

ii. We need to make restitutions where necessary (Luke 19:8).

A. Not all worship is acceptable to God (Psalm 15:1-5). There are various forms of unacceptable worship. These include:

1. Vain worship: this is based on lip service and not from the heart (Mark 7:6).

2. Ignorant worship: it refers to worship without the knowledge of who God really is and how He should be worshipped (John 4:22; Acts 17:22-23).

3. Will or self-imposed worship: it refers to satisfying personal will and desire instead of carrying out God’s instruction (Colossians 2:20-23; Leviticus 10:1-2).

B. Therefore, acceptable worship must be rendered to God:

i. In spirit and in truth (John 4:20-24).

ii. In holiness (Psalm 96:9).

iii. From a heart “void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).

iv. By faith, like the sacrifice of Abel (Hebrews 11:4).

CONCLUSION: The scripture teaches that only God should be worshipped (Exodus 20:1-5) and this should be done in spirit and truth.

* In what ways should believers prepare for worship?

* Mention four things that make the act of worship acceptable to God.

EVALUATION: Students should mention three ways to worship God acceptably.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five differences between Christian worship and idol worship. (2×5=10 marks).