RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL SUNDAY 4TH OF JUNE, 2023

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

O how I love Thee well,

I am happy, it makes me glad

To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Thy friend friendship suits me well,

Both young and will sing Thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Christ was Thy first teacher,

The Holy Spirit, great teacher,

Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

This testimony is sure,

That God, the Father Almighty,

Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Though the sun be so bright,

Or if the clouds be black with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day

I rejoice to see Thee,

Will thou pass over me today?

Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:2-10

[2]with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

[3]endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

[4]There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

[5]one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

[6]one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Spiritual Gifts

[7]But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

[8]Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”

[9](Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?

[10]He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

INTRODUCTION: The word translated ‘Grace’ in Hebrew is ‘chen’ which means to bend or stoop in kindness to another as a superior to an inferior (Gen.6:8). The Greek word for Grace is “charis” which connotes something beyond the ordinary course of what can be expected and therefore commendable (1Cor.15:10). When used in reference to God, it is the benevolent action of Him stooping down to us in kindness to reach us in our needs and convey upon us a benefit. His grace has been termed ‘unmerited favour’ but it is more than an attitude of favour or mercy.

‘Grace’ connotes many things. It is often described as God’s favour towards the unworthy or His benevolence on the undeserving (Rom.5:8-10) translated into action that releases the enabling power into our lives (1Cor.15:10). Grace signifies the gift bestowed upon man for salvation (Eph.2:8; Tit.2:11) and for service (Eph.3:7-8; 4:7). It is also a virtue to be manifested (2Cor.8:7) and a benediction to be enjoyed by believers in Christ (Eph.6:24). Grace helps in times of need (Phil.4:19; Heb.4:16) and enables us to do exploits (Daniel 11:32, Phil.4:13).

The covenant of grace differs considerably from Old Testament covenants under the law. While the Law blessed ‘the good’, grace saves ‘the bad.’ The law accuses and convicts, ‘Grace’ cancels bonds and relieves the debtor (Rom.6:14).

Paul describes ‘Grace’ as the appearance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man (Tit.2:11; 3:4). God shows both Mercy and Grace but they are not exactly the same. Mercy withholds a punishment we deserve; grace gives a blessing we do not deserve.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss the relationship among “Law” “Grace” and “Mercy.”

2. HOW TO RECEIVE GRACE

Basically, the grace of God can be received through the following ways but not limited to these:

1. By accepting God’s love towards all men (Jn.3:16; Rom.5:8).

2. By believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.10:9-10) through God’s mercy and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (1Tim.1:13; Heb.4:16; Matt.9:13).

3. By exercising our faith, no matter how little at all times (Matt.17:20; Rom.1:17).

4. By being humble before God (Jam.4:6; 1Pet.5:5).

5. By loving the Lord Jesus with all of our hearts (Eph.6:24).

6. Through sufferings and trials arranged for us by God (Rom.8:28; 1Pet.5:10; 2Cor.12:9).

7. Through the prophetic words of prayer contained in the Bible or spoken to us by our spiritual heads and fellow believers in Christ (Ps.107:20; Acts 20:32; 2Tim.4:22; 1Thess.1:1).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss the benefits of grace upon the believers.

CONCLUSION: Grace is the spring and source of all benefits received from God (Rom.11:6). God’s grace should not be taken for granted (Rom.6:1-2; Gal.2:21).

QUESTIONS

* Explain your understanding of grace.

* Mention five ways grace can be received.

FURTHER READING: MON: 1Thess.3:7; TUE: 2Cor.4:15; WED: Ps.45:2; THUR: Ps.84:11; FRI: 1Cor.15:10; SAT: 2Cor.1:12; SUN: Rom.5:3.

ASSIGNMENT: List 10 things you have accomplished by grace (1×10=10 marks).