RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR 24TH OF MARCH, 2024: SHINING FORTH

[13]“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

[14]“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

[15]Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

[16]Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Christ Fulfills the Law

LESSON AIM: To help believers understand their purpose as the “light of the world.’

a. Learn how to shine forth.

b. Understand the hindrances to shining forth.

Jesus’ teaching in the above passage reveals one of our vital identities as believers. He said:

1. Believers are the salt of the earth ………v13.

2. Believers are also ……………………………v14.

3. As the light, believers must give …………v15.

4. Jesus further admonished believers to ………….v16.

A. As the light of the world, it is expected that we show forth the glory of God in all areas of human endeavours: academics, business, marriage, politics, and more importantly in spiritual matters.

B. Therefore, we must:

1. Be Distinguished: We must be eminent in everything we do by standing out in the midst of this crooked generation (Daniel 1:8).

2. Reflect The Light: As believers, we must be a reflection of Jesus – the Light. We must mirror Jesus in everything we do or say (1Peter 2:12).

3. Be A Natural Light Agent: We must operate in dominion and be an ambassador of peace (Ephesians 6:20; Genesis 1:28; Matthew 5:9).

4. Stand Firm: We must stand firm in the faith till the end of the age and continue to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus anywhere we find ourselves. (Ephesians 6:13-18).

5. Register Your Presence: Light signifies God’s presence. As carriers of the light of Christ, we must be positive influencers in our generation. All our social media handles and communication must reflect the presence of God in our lives (Genesis 39:9; Daniel 3:16-18).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:Students should mention at least one thing they are doing that could bring them to the limelight.

Despite God’s awesome plans for believers, there are certain factors that can hinder their full manifestations as the light of the world. These factors include:

1. Fear (Numbers 13:31);

2. Laziness and Procrastination (Proverbs 22:13);

3. Faithlessness (Hebrews 11:6);

4. Unfaithfulness (2Kings 5:22-27);

5. Lack of focus (Matthew 6:22);

6. Lack of intentionality (Luke 9:62).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention one habit they have identified that could hinder their shining.

CONCLUSION: Every believer is light that must shine very bright for the illumination of the whole world. Believers must not compromise their faith in the face of darkness but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

EVALUATION:

1. How can believers shine forth?

2. Mention three things that can hinder believers from shining forth

CLOSING PRAYER: Dear Father, I release myself to you, please shine through me.

ASSIGNMENT: Write some of the steps you need to take to shine forth as light next year (No marks).