TOPIC: Hell
MEMORY VERSE: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” – Psalm 9:17 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 16:19-24 (KJV)
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
INTRODUCTION: Hell is a reality, an awful fact to be realised. The Bible makes it clear that those who reject pscution already (John 3:18) and the wicked will end up in hell.
LESSON OUTLINES:
- DESCRIPTION OF HELL
- HOW TO AVOID HELL
1. DESCRIPTION OF HELL
Hell is banishment from the presence of God (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). It is a place of torment and punishment, a sort of prison where the wicked are punished forever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:23).
Some people ask, “Where is hell”? The Bible says it is “down” (Isaiah 14:9, 15; Proverbs 15:24). Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
The original size of hell is not known but scriptures confirm that it had enlarged itself (Isaiah 5:14). It is of unquenchable thirst, of suffering and agony at its worst (Luke 16:23-24).
Hell is a place of unquenchable fire and its worms never die (Mark 9:44). Those in hell will recognise other people whether in Heaven or hell (Luke 16:23).
They will even be able to pray but their prayers will never be answered (Luke 16:27). The Bible repeatedly says both Heaven and hell are doorways to eternity (Matthew 25:46).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should mention the set of people who will go to hell.
2. HOW TO AVOID HELL
- The first requirement is to turn from your wicked ways and accept the saving grace in Jesus (John 3:16).
- Have a personal relationship with Jesus (Jude 20-21).
- Live a holy and righteous life (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
- Seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
- Be watchful and prayerful (Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:33).
- Guard your salvation jealously (Philippians 2:12).
- Live daily with the consciousness of the reality of heaven and hell (Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:46).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should mention what those who end up in hell will experience according to the scriptures.
CONCLUSION: To avoid hell, believe and receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and stay with Him till the end (John 3:16; Matthew 24:13).
QUESTIONS:
- Briefly describe hell
- Mention four ways to avoid hell.
ASSIGNMENT: Sheol, Gehenna, Hades, and Tartarus are the four words from the original language (Hebrew and Greek) representing hell in the King James Version. Give a reference for each of these words (21/2X4=10 Marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- 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. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
