RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR 7TH OF JANUARY, 2024: GRATITUDE

[21]Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

[22]Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.

INTRODUCTION: Gratitude is fundamentally about not taking things for granted. Many believe that most things they get are their rights. They believe in their sweat, smartness, and intellect, hence, they see no reason they should give thanks to anyone, not even God Almighty. This is not only wrong but a wicked and dangerous act. To be grateful is to recognise the influence and blessings of the Lord in our lives. Gratitude also means thanksgiving, thankfulness, or appreciation.

LESSON AIM: To remind the church of the act and art of gratitude.

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

a. Know what gratitude is.

b. Understand the implication of ingratitude.

c. Identify ways to show gratitude.

d. Recognise its inherent gains.

The Psalmist admonished the children of men on the insight he caught on gratitude:

i. Oh that men ……………………………………v21.

ii. Let them ………………………………………..v22.

A. Question: What are the things involved in showing gratitude?

Answer: Some of the things involved are:

i. Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15).

ii. It should come out of a pure, broken, and contrite heart (Psalm 51:16-17). Genesis 31:3: God instructed Jacob to return to his fatherland.

iii. Thanksgiving should not be offered grudgingly or of necessity but willingly and cheerfully (Psalm 69:30).

B. Question: In what ways can we show our gratitude to God?

Answer: We can offer thanks to God:

1. With joyful noise (Psalm 95:2).

2. Singing (Psalms 13:6; 126:1-2).

3. Clapping of hands (Psalm 47:1).

4. with Musical instruments and dancing (Psalm 150:3-6).

C. Question: What other ways can we show our gratitude to God?

Answer: We can also show our gratitude to God through:

i. The offering of quality substances like our time, materials, properties, and money are other acceptable means of showing gratitude to God (Proverbs 3:9-10).

ii. Our labour of love in God’s vineyard (Hebrews 6:10).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other ways they have shown gratitude to God outside the aforementioned.

Question: Are there benefits in showing gratitude to God?

Answer: Some benefits of showing gratitude to God are stated below.

1. Our gratitude helps us glorify God as we focus on the giver and not the gifts (2Corinthians 4:15).

2. It helps us feel God’s presence, His care, and perfect timing (Psalms 95:2; 103:13-14).

3. It makes us conform to God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

4. It brings peace, joy, and contentment (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-8).

5. It perfects our testimony (Luke 17:17-19).

6. It deepens our faith. Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness is a faith booster when we face new difficulties (Psalm 103:2).

7. It aids our prayers (John 11:41-44).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the benefits you derived from being grateful to God.

CONCLUSION: Gratitude should be part of our daily lives so that we can enjoy unending benefits.

EVALUATION: Mention three things involved in showing gratitude.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to show my gratitude to You as long as I have my breath in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: In the light of the doctrine of “count your blessings, name them one by one” make a list of 10 “blessings” you received in the out-gone year and praise God for His benevolence (1×10=10 Marks).