RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL QUARTERLY REVIEW & SUMMARY FOR 25TH OF FEBRUARY, 2024

INTRODUCTION: “Glossa” is a Greek word meaning an unknown tongue. According to Jesus Christ, the ability to speak with new tongues shall be one of the signs that follow those who believe in Him (Mark 16:17). While believers receive the Holy Spirit at the point of conversion (Acts 2:38), they are expected to continue to thirst and hunger for the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:29). The ability to speak in an unknown tongue is one of the outward (physical) evidence of the overflow of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer (Acts 2:4). In this lesson, we shall attempt to answer some of the puzzling questions about speaking in an unknown tongue and its benefits

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OUTLINES:

A. The ability to speak in an unknown tongue, as well as the gift of diverse kinds of tongues, is given by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).

i. It is distinctive of the present Holy Spirit dispensation and it began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-5).

ii. It is not to be bought with money or learned (Acts 8:18-20).

iii. Every believer is expected to speak in an unknown tongue as evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6).

B. When a believer speaks in an unknown tongue:

i. He speaks mysteries (unto God) which cannot be understood by men (1 Corinthians 14:2),

ii. God can speak, however, through one with the gift of diverse kinds of tongues to men with interpretations where necessary (Acts 2:4-6).

iii. Speaking in an unknown tongue is for self-edification (1 Corinthians 14:4).

iv. It should be engaged in regularly (1 Corinthians 14:18).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention instances in the Bible where the gift of the unknown tongue was foretold.

Teachers should let students mention some of the benefits they have derived from speaking in an unknown tongue and guide them with the under-listed.

The following are some of the benefits of speaking in an unknown tongue:

1. It improves a believer’s prayer life: The supernatural ability to communicate with God effectively and intercede for others well (Romans. 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:2).

2. Self-edification: it stirs up a believer’s faith (Jude 20).

3. It is a means of yielding our tongue to God. No man can tame the tongue but God (James. 3:8). By the Holy Spirit, the whole body can change, including the tongue.

4. It is a weapon of spiritual warfare (1 Corinthians 14:2).

5. It assists believers to sing, praise, and give thanks to God (1 Corinthians 14:15).

6. It confuses the enemy (1 Corinthians 14:2).

7. It enhances boldness. (Acts 4:13).

8. It sanctifies. (1 Corinthians 6:11).

9. It strengthens us from the inner man. (1 Corinthians 14:4).

CONCLUSION: Speaking in an unknown tongue is a fulfilment of the promise of God and it is for all believers to fully tap into the benefits irrespective of their church denominations, tribes, or nations.

INTRODUCTION: To delegate means to assign a job function or task to another with the expectation of getting the desired results. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he delegated the evangelistic assignment to His disciples for broader ministerial results (Luke 10:1-2). The ability to delegate is an important virtue that must be found in every leader whose psyche is to raise new leaders and not to just maintain followers.

Some of the reasons for delegating are stated as follows:

i. It is one of the means of raising quality and committed leaders (Luke 10:1, 17).

ii. It allows for an individual’s contribution towards the achievement of the goal of an organisation’s vision advancement (Acts 6:3).

iii. It helps the group leader achieve more. (2 Samuel 18:1-2).

iv. It upholds structures that are created to handle a specific task and check for efficiency (Exodus 36:1).

v. It unveils the strength an organization bears (1 Chronicles 12:1-2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should give additional reasons for delegating.

A. Delegating is a very vital tool in leadership-building as well as the organisation’s success.

B. However, certain criteria must be considered before delegating a task. Some of these include:

(1) Humility: The leader should know he/she is not “all-sufficient’ (1 Peter 5:5). The follower must also appreciate the privilege of being considered for such a task (James 4:6).

(2) Authority: The leader should release necessary authority to the follower (Matthew 28:18-20).

(3) Willingness: The follower must be willing to take up the task (Isaiah 6:8).

(4) Availability: The follower has to be available to run such a task (2 Samuel 23:15-17).

(5) Qualification: skilfulness and exposure of the follower matters (Exodus 31:2 -7).

(6) Reputation: The follower must have a good testimony among others (Acts 6:1-6).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention additional criteria in delegating.

CONCLUSION: Delegating strategically helps in achieving great success. No one can do everything alone. Leaders should, however, avoid under-delegating and over-delegating.

INTRODUCTION: There are many gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the church (1Corinthians 12:8). Among these gifts, the gift of administration is sometimes overlooked but it is as important as the rest (1Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:8). Other translations used for the gift of administration or administering are ruling and government (KJV), leadership (NLT), and guidance (NIV). God gives some the gift of administration to help organise those with other gifts and keep the church functioning at its most efficient best. We need to pay some attention to the attributes of administrators with biblical references.

A. Having a sound administrator in an organisation is a blessing from God because his/her roles cannot be overemphasised.

B. Administrators must possess some of these traits:

1. Commitment to vision: They are committed to their organization’s vision and mission while realigning others to the same. They stick to the organisation’s code of conduct.

2. Attention to Detail: Administrators see the big picture of the organisation and think strategically. Effective administrators pay attention to details.

3. Delegating: Administrators do not only assign tasks but set clearly defined spheres of influence.

4. Hiring Savvy: Administrators set their agency or organization up for success from the very beginning by hiring the right people, for the right jobs, at the right time.

5. Emotional Balance: Great administrators funnel emotions, such as rage, anger, and happiness, into positive action that drives change.

6. Creativity: Sound administrators are able to come up with creative solutions to complex problems, usually by seeing an issue from a new perspective or by innovating a new approach to the solution.

7. Communication Skills: Good communication skills help administrators to communicate information and expectations clearly, both internally and externally.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss the skill they think should top the list of an administrator and why.

A. The Bible has records of some sound administrators who helped their leaders or nations achieve great success. These biblical characters include:

i. Joseph: He was the overall head of administration in Potiphar’s house. Through his outstanding performance, his master’s businesses prospered (Genesis 39:1-4). Also, Joseph’s administrative gift rescued Egypt from famine (Genesis 41:47-57).

ii. Moses: He became a good administrator after he was schooled by Jethro, his father-in-law. He raised new leaders to counsel and judge the people of Israel (Exodus 18:19-26).

iii. Deborah: She was one of the sole administrators (judges) of Israel before the reign of kings (Judges 4:4-5). She led Israel to a victorious conquest through her skills (Judges 5:6-7).

iv. Solomon: Through the wisdom of God in his life, he administered the right judgement (1 Kings 3:23-27). He achieved a peaceful co-existence with terrifying nations through his conflict management skill (1 Kings 4:24-25).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Are there people in the New Testament who manifested the gift of administration? Name them and discuss what they did.

CONCLUSION: The spiritual gift of administration is a valuable asset to the church.

INTRODUCTION: A lie is a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive or convey a false impression. Lying is the premeditated act of deviating from the truth. It brings about difficulties and it can be mentally tiring. A lying tongue is a tongue given to telling lies. Some people have branded lies and given them different colourations like; white lies, grey lies, black lies, and red lies. Also, there are those who justify the reasons for lying in the course of their businesses or to save their faces.

1. According to 1 John 2:22, a liar is a person who denies that Jesus Christ is Lord. The devil is a liar and the father of all liars (John 8:44).

2. A liar claims to know God but does not obey His commandments (1 John 2:4).

3. The Scripture so relegated a liar so much that it says a poor man is better than a liar irrespective of the liar’s achievements in life (Proverbs 19:22b).

4. Anyone given to lies is an individual with the old man fully at work in him/her (Colossians 3:9).

4. No matter how smart a liar may be, the lie or falsehood will only be for a limited time before the truth is established (Proverbs 12:19).

5. A liar is a proud person who must lie to sustain the fake lofty height and the wrong impression created (Psalms 119:69; 59:12; 12:3).

6. A liar is disloyal, unfaithful, and a betrayer who deceives at will (Proverbs 14:5, 25), and destroys by executing a well-planned misrepresentation that may endanger lives (Psalm 109:2; Jeremiah 14:14).

7. Anyone who lies or is always given to falsehood is regarded as a wicked person (Proverbs 17:4; Psalm 58:3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you ever told a lie, what prompted it?

A. Believers must be conscious of their new status in Christ and be watchful (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Therefore:

i. It is expedient to be intentional about telling the truth all the time (Romans 9:1).

ii. As believers we must learn to bridle our tongues (Psalm 39:1).

iii. Ensure our words are few and devoid of exaggerations (Ecclesiastes 5:2; Proverbs 10:19).

iv. We must learn to be slow to speak (James 1:19).

v. Let our Yes be Yes and No be No (James 5:12).

B. Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) takes a lot of discipline but,

i. It brings peace and honour to God – who cannot tolerate liars (Psalms 15:1-2; 24:3-5).

ii. Above all, we must remember eternity! No liar will get to heaven (Revelation 22:14-15).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What other things can one do to stop telling lies?

CONCLUSION: A liar has no worth on earth and has no place in heaven.

*LESSON EIGHTEEN (18)*

TOPIC: THE OFFSHOOTS OF LIES

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 5:1-10

MEMORY VERSE:.“For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.” Proverbs 8:7 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Lies have some terrible offshoots which when put on a scale are all sinful. We however need to look at these horrific subdivisions and do away with them if we want to live a good life, see good days, have a godly home and society, and enjoy God’s presence always (1 Peter 3:10).

OUTLINES:

1. THE OFFSHOOTS OF LIES

2. CONSEQUENCES AND REMEDIES

1. THE OFFSHOOTS OF LIES

Some of the offshoots of lies are:

a. Falsehood: This is a false statement, a misrepresentation of the fact, the act of rendering something false by fraudulent changes such as documents or measures, (Proverbs 11:1; 20:10; Job 21:34) or simply not telling the truth (Psalm 144:8).

b. Exaggeration: This is closely related to falsehood. It is the act of giving to overstatement and needless embellishment of the truth or a bloated statement that does not exist (Matthew 5:37).

c. Deceit: This is the act or practice of deceiving; concealment or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading, fraud, cheating, etc. A deceitful person practices mischief without any form of restraint (Psalms 10:7; 50:19). An individual who is untrustworthy, two-faced, or fraudulent is deceitful.

d. Hypocrisy: An outright display of insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that one does not really have (Matthew 23:28; 1 Timothy 4:2).

e. Half-Truth: A statement that is only partly true, especially one intended to deceive (Acts 5:1-3, . It is another way of being economical with the truth.

f. Guile: It is the quality of being crafty or the use of tricks to deceive someone – usually to extract money from them (1 Peter 2:1; 2 Corinthians 12:16-17).

g. Flattering: To praise excessively, especially from motives of self-interest (Psalms 78:36; 5:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should mention other offshoots of lies not listed.

2. CONSEQUENCES AND REMEDIES

A. The penalties for these offshoots of lies include:

i. Ruin (Proverbs 26:28b).

ii. Getting cut off from God (Job 13:16; Psalm 12:3).

iii. Being detestable (Proverbs 6:16-17).

iv. Being susceptible to punishment (Proverbs 19:5).

v. Being accustomed to hypocrisy and iniquity (Matthew 23:28-29).

vi. Momentary joy (Job 20:5).

vii. Not seeing good days (1 Peter 3:10; Job 32:22).

viii. No liar will make heaven (Revelation 21:27).

B. There are a number of things a believer can do to avoid telling lies. These include:

1. Being precise in communications (Matthew 5:37).

2. Telling the whole truth. This is a virtue that brings honour (Exodus 18:21).

3. Not playing smart (Proverbs 3:7).

4. Avoiding hasty responses (James 1:19).

5. Speaking without any forced brilliance (1 Thessalonians 2:3).

6. Employing God’s wisdom when speaking (James 3:17).

7. Putting a check on our utterances (Job 27:4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share with the class any lies they told in times past and the consequences.

CONCLUSION: Be truthful

*LESSON NINETEEN (19)*

TOPIC: GRATITUDE

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 107:21-22

MEMORY VERSE: “I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvellous works.” Psalm 9:1 (NKJV).

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.

OUTLINES:

1. SHOWING GRATITUDE

2. BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

1. SHOWING GRATITUDE

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.

2. BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

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.

*LESSON TWENTY (20)*

TOPIC: THE BLAME GAME.

BIBLE PASSAGE:Genesis 3:9-13 (NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:13 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The blame game signifies accusations exchanged among people who refuse to accept responsibility for some undesirable events or outcomes. These people shift fault and liability to another person or thing while they paint themselves as flawless. We need to examine some negative effects of the “blame game” and learn to take responsibility for our actions instead of passing the buck..

OUTLINES:

1. Negative Effects Of The Blame Game

2. Take Responsibility

1. NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE BLAME GAME

The following, among others, are some negative effects of the blame game.

1. Chasing shadows: It makes us leave the main issue and continually look for excuses. For example, a slothful person will rather transfer blame to his boss, colleagues, government, etc. instead of dealing with laziness (Proverbs 20:4).

2. Stagnation: It keeps us in one spot for a long time. This is counter-productive to human progress. Some people fold their arms to do nothing about their predicament because they blame and believe others are responsible for their conditions (Proverbs 22:13; Ecclesiastes 11:4).

3. Never wrong syndrome: We get quick at clearing ourselves of any wrong while we see every other person as being at fault (1 John 1:8; Genesis 3:12).

4. Depression: It births unhappiness and despair which can degenerate into depression, ill health, hopelessness, etc.

5. Mental blindness: Like a veil, it prevents one from seeing clearly as the supposed wrong of others are only seen (Matthew 7:3).

6. Hatred: It produces deep-rooted hatred as the blame gamer condemns or speaks derogatorily about the person being blamed. Hatred is a terrible sin (1 John 3:15).

7. Pride and Ignorance combine: Pride sets in when we over-rate ourselves. It combines with ignorance because we refuse to be sincere with ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

8. Ingratitude: Blame gamers are unappreciative as they believe their benefactor can do more (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

9. Bitterness: Blame gamers become offended and allow bitterness to take an evil root in them (Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15).

10. Destruction of relationships: It tears relationships through suspicion and a lack of trust (1 Samuel 18:8-9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should share their experience of the blame game.

2. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

i. Taking responsibility for one’s actions or inactions may not be easy but it is worth it in the long run. Hence, we must learn to sincerely acknowledge our wrongs when we are at fault (Psalm 51:4a; 1 Kings 21:29).

ii. We must show a high level of personal accountability for our actions/inactions even in the face of failure (2 Samuel 12:13).

iii. Let us ask God to create a right spirit in us so we are swift to acknowledge that there is a problem when a mistake is made or conflict arises (Psalm 51:10; 2 Samuel 24:17).

iv. Identify your role in a blunder and plan on how to avoid a future occurrence (James 1:13-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share their experiences on what happened when they sincerely own up to a fault.

CONCLUSION: Stop trading blames, take responsibility for your actions/inactions, and be accountable.

*LESSON TWENTY ONE (21)*

TOPIC: LAUNCH OUT

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

MEMORY VERSE:.“When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: 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.

OUTLINES:

1. THE MINDSET NEEDED

2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN

1. THE MINDSET NEEDED

Teachers should ask for the views of the students on the needed mindset to launch out and later guide them with the under-listed.

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

i. 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).

ii. 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).

iii. 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).

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

v. 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.

2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN

Teachers should ask the students how they can launch out before guiding them with the following:

i. 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).

ii. 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).

iii. 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.

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

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

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

vii. 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.

*LESSON TWENTY TWO (22)*

TOPIC: DEDICATION

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 11:22-29

MEMORY VERSE: “Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Dedication simply means an absolute commitment to a course of life. In religion, it is an act of setting apart or consecrating a thing or being to a deity. Christians are expected to be devoted wholly and earnestly to God and the purpose for which He has called them. Our Lord Jesus Christ was dedicated to His course for a living (John 17:4), and so also were the prophets and apostles of old. You too must prove to God that you are dedicated to Him.

OUTLINES:

1. THE PRICE AND CHALLENGES

2. THE CONCEPT OF DEDICATION

1. THE CONCEPT OF DEDICATION

i. Dedication is the yearning desire which makes an individual pay the price to do the work of God and their profession perfectly (2 Corinthians 12:15).

ii. It keeps someone standing and willing to do more (Ephesians 6:13).

iii. Dedication propels a person to pray, watch, fast often and even “die daily’ for the sake of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23, 27).

iv. It is the Christian’s wheel of progress that pushes him/her forward in patience till victory (Philippians 3:13-14).

v. It helps an individual to stand out in his/her endeavour (Proverbs 22:29).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss other benefits of dedication.

2. THE PRICE AND CHALLENGES

A. Dedication is a vital phenomenon in achieving great success in life:

i. Dedication does not happen overnight.

ii. Dedication takes a deliberate effort to become dedicated.

iii. Dedication calls for a high degree of self-discipline or self-control.

iv. Dedication is to remain on your course even when others quit (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

v. Dedication keeps a fighter on the firing line or battlefield until battles are won and the person remains steadfast when battles are over (Romans 8:37-39; Philippians 1:27).

B. Dedication comes with its attendant challenges. These may include:

i. Persecution (Matthew 5:10).

ii. Envy (Acts 7:9).

iii. Loss of friends and associates (Matthew 10:22).

iv. Forfeiture of some pleasures (1 John 2:15-17).

v. Pain (2 Corinthians 11:27).

C. The rewards of dedication far outweigh its challenges (1 Corinthians 5:58; Revelation 22:11-12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should identify five dedicated members in their church and give reasons.

CONCLUSION: Dedication comes with great rewards which can be transgenerational.

*LESSON TWENTY THREE (23)*

TOPIC: EXCELLENCE

BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 5:5-14.

MEMORY VERSE: “Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” Daniel 5:12 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Every human behaves in a certain order. These behaviours are the product of personal perception or orientation developed over time. Orientation is simply defined as a perceived inclination toward something or someone which could be positive or negative based on the individual’s developmental factors. Excellence, on the other hand, means being distinct. God is excellent and He wants us to live an outstanding life just like Him (Psalm 8:9).

OUTLINES:

1. LIVING LIKE GOD

2. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

1. LIVING LIKE GOD

A. Our God is the source of everything good (Matthew 19:17).

i. He has an excellent name (Psalms 8:9; 148:13).

ii. He is excellent in power and judgement (Job 37:23).

iii. His ways and deeds are excellent (Psalm 18:30).

B. God wants us to live excellently like Him (Proverbs 8:6).

i. Our affiliation to Him will inevitably open us up to the kind of reality that surrounds Him (Daniel 1:8-9; 2 Chronicles 26:3-5).

ii. Having an excellent orientation is simply thinking God’s thoughts and living God’s life (Philippians 2:5).

iii. This will, in turn, produce God’s kind of result (Daniel 5:11-12; John 5:19-20).

iv. Excellence is clearly seen and attainable in the person of Jesus Christ and only individuals who are in Him can access it (Philippians 4:13).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Search yourself; can you say you are excellent? If not ask God for the spirit of excellence and If yes, make efforts to get better.

2. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

A. Anyone can attain excellence and live perpetually in that realm.

B. To attain such height, certain decisions, which include the following, must be taken:

i. You must be born again (John 3:3-6).

ii. Consciously have and develop intimate fellowship with God through His word and His Spirit (Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

iii. Make up your mind to engage God in every area of your life (2 Chronicles 26:3-5).

iv. Surround yourself with people who are open-minded (1 Samuel 22:1-2).

v. Do not stop developing yourself (2 Timothy 2:15; Daniel 9:2).

vi. Do not give room to excuses (Proverbs 22:13); Believe you can be better (Philippians 3:12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Apart from the ones listed above, students should mention other ways in which a man can attain excellence.

CONCLUSION: Having excellence through life is attainable and it is found in having the mind of Christ.

*LESSON: TWENTY-FOUR (24)*

TOPIC: COHABITATION

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1-2

MEMORY VERSE: “But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie”. Revelation 22:15 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION: Cohabitation is a relationship that exists between people who live together and have sexual relationships without being legally married to each other. Currently, cohabiting seems to be gaining ground among young people. This is not the right concept when put on the scale of God’s standard. We shall look at some things that cohabiting will not do and the way out.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. REASONS AND EFFECTS

2. THE WAY OUT

1. REASONS AND EFFECTS

A. Teacher should allow the class discuss some of the reasons alluded for the practice of cohabitation and present the following unfounded excuses:

i. To solve housing problems.

ii. For emotional attachment.

iii. To test for compatibility.

iv. To solve economic problems, etc.

B. The effects of cohabitation should be discussed with the teacher’s guide:

i. Cohabiting may appear to have solved housing and economic problems but underneath is untold stories of painful experiences (Prov. 9:17-18).

ii. Cohabiting will not guarantee a perfect relationship (Psm. 127:1).

i. It is not a surety or an assurance that one will really know the behaviour of the other person fully because the heart is deceitful (Jer. 17:9).

ii. It will not change the negative habits of an individual.

iii. It subjugates rather than provides freedom as one is at the whims and caprices of the cohabitant.

iv. The unholy act of fornication will not yield a holy sexual relationship (1Cor. 6:18; 7:2; 10:8).

v. It will not rule out disappointments or skirmishes between the two partners.

vi. The security or sustenance of the relationship is not guaranteed.

vii. It may result in unplanned pregnancy, abortion, or unwanted babies.

viii. It can fuel low self-esteem.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share their experience (if any) or of people they know are in the act of cohabiting.

2. THE WAY OUT

The teacher should allow the class suggest some likely way of avoiding the practice of cohabiting and then share the following facts:

i. There are many good ways to deal with economic and relationship issues instead of cohabiting (Prov. 3:5-6).

Ii. Do the right thing by getting into a pure proper courtship with marriage in view (1Cor. 7:1-2).

iii. Stop trial and error relationship and get married legally if you know you are mature for marriage (1Cor. 7:9).

iv. Make up your mind to honour God with your body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19).

v. Avoid sex before marriage (Heb. 13:4).

vi. Patience is the rule of the game (1Cor. 13:4).

vii. Get the foundation right, so you can build a good and fruitful home on the right footing (Psm. 11:3).

viii. Secure a beautiful and stable future for your children (Gal. 6:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss other ways of avoiding cohabitation.

CONCLUSION: Cohabiting is a products of disobedience and dishonour. Do the right thing.

*LESSON: TWENTY-FIVE (25)*

TOPIC: FORNICATION

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:13-20.

MEMORY VERSE: “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV).

INTRODUCTION: According to the Advanced English Dictionary, fornication is voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other or extramarital sex that wilfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations. However, in the New Testament, “fornication” which comes from the Greek word porneia, includes adultery and incest, (and from which we get our English word pornography). Porneia comes from another Greek word that also includes indulging in any kind of unlawful lust, which would include homosexuality. Fornication is a grievous sin that attracts severe judgement from God (Romans 1:29, 32). The Bible admonishes believers to “flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

OUTLINES:

1. THE DANGERS OF FORNICATION

2. ANTIDOTES TO FORNICATION

1.THE DANGERS OF FORNICATION

A. The temptation to commit fornication may arise, but you do not have to fall for it (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) because of the attendant consequences – spiritually, morally, mentally, and healthwise (1 Corinthians 6:9, 18).

B. The dangers of fornication include the following:

1. It is the easiest way to contract Sexually Transmitted Diseases and can cut a life short (untimely death). A good example is Amnon who was killed by Absalom two years after he fornicated with Tamar. (2 Samuel 13:28-32).

2. It brings guilt, regret, torment, and destroys destinies (Genesis 49:3-4).

3. It severs one’s relationship with God (1 Corinthians 10:8; Colossians 3:5-6).

4. God hates fornication because He designed the human body to be His temple where His Spirit will dwell and not for illegitimate sex (1 Corinthians 6:13b; Hebrews 13:4).

5. Fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

Students should mention other dangers of fornication.

2. ANTIDOTES TO FORNICATION

A. The primary antidote to the sin of fornication is to run away from it (1 Corinthians 6:18).

i. Running away here means not having anything to do with it either in thoughts or the act itself (Matthew 5:28).

ii. Joseph set a good example of fleeing from fornication in Genesis 39:7-12.

B. We need to constantly purge our minds from immoral thoughts and fix our hearts on pure things (Philippians 4:8).

C. Refuse to read or watch anything immoral – sexually explicit/pornographic materials (Luke 11:34).

D. Feed your mind on the word of God (Psalm 119:9).

E. Take to your heels to avoid this destiny destroyer (1 Corinthians 10:8).

F. See a counsellor if need be and ask God to help you (Proverbs 11:14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss other practical ways to overcome fornication.

CONCLUSION: Fornication destroys destinies, flee!