RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL 21ST OF JANUARY, 2024: LAUNCH OUT

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-14 (NKJV)

[12]Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.

[13]The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;

[14]for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.

Also see; rccg-sunday-school-21st-of-january-2024-alternative-spirituality

To launch out means to make a start on a new and challenging enterprise. It means to venture into a business, career, academics, ministry, etc. It also connotes taking new risks to create something as an entrepreneur that would meet the need of people. The Earth was “formless and void” and out of that emptiness, God created the world. As believers, we have the characteristics of God – the Creator – in us. When we create; launch new businesses, write new books, compose new songs, build new things, create new art, etc. we are not doing something “secular” rather, we are imitating the work of God – the first Creator.

Before launching out into any business we need to have the mindset:

1. To primarily solve a problem or a set of problems (Genesis 41:56; Romans 8:19). So, seek God for direction and wisdom (Isaiah 30:21).

2. That a business is a profession like other professions like banking, law, engineering, medicine, architecture, etc. therefore, it must be handled professionally (Proverbs 22:29).

3. That a business is different from a hustle. Hustle is what you do to survive but business is what you continuously do to solve other people’s problems by creating value that people will be happy to pay for (Psalm 107:23).

4. That business is for the long term and should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

5. That integrity, diligence, and creativity are necessary for any business to grow. (Proverbs 11:1; 12:24; Exodus 31:2-5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should identify areas they would like to launch out.

1. Start your business with a vision to provide a solution to a challenge that you see around you. You may be the one going through the challenge and it may be someone else or a group of individuals (Habakkuk 2:1-2; Genesis 41:32-36).

2. Commence your business where you are and with what you have (Genesis 26:12; Exodus 4:2). Think very big, plan ahead but start small (Luke 14:28).

3. Start your business as a brand with special unique attributes (Acts 4:13). You must incorporate your business as a corporate entity by registering with the appropriate regulatory body.

4. Begin your business with an unfair advantage or a unique selling point. (Genesis 30:40-43).

5. Start your business with functional strategy, systems, and structures (Isaiah 28:10).

6. Equip yourself to do business as a professional (Hosea 4:6).

7. You must engage a mentor or a coach to guide you to launch out well (2 Timothy 2:2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention the steps they are taking to launch out.

CONCLUSION: God expects His children to launch out to do business and prosper in accordance with His words. Therefore, your business can only flourish if you begin with God and apply kingdom principles combined with strong business processes.

* What does it mean to launch out?

* Mention three steps believers can take when launching out.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Isaiah 8:1. MON: Titus 1:9. TUES: Isaiah 5:19. WED: Eccl. 9:23.THURS: Neh. 9:30. FRI: Prov. 24:7.SAT: Prov. 4:18.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) mindsets needed before launching out into business (2×5=10 Marks).