OPENING PRAYER: Father, enlighten me on the new birth. 

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.

MEMORY VERSE: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” – 1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 (KJV)

1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Being born again is a state of conversion from being a sinner to becoming a saint. It is a spiritual transformation that leads to a change of heart and life (John 3:3-7). Being born again is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes, confesses his/her sin, and accepts Jesus Christ as his/her personal Saviour and Lord. If we claim to be born again, there must be notable pieces of evidence to prove that we are children of God (Romans 8:14).

TEACHER’S DIARY

LESSON AIM: To re-examine the concept of being born again.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students should be able to:
a. Understand what it means to be born again.
b. Know how to attain this status.
c. ldentify the roles the Holy Spirit play in the new birth.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7

Apostle Paul exhorts the brethren in Thessalonica:
a. That as they had made clear to them what sort of behaviour is pleasing to God, which in fact they were doing, so should they continue more and more V1
b. This is because they have in mind the orders they were given through the Lord Jesus. V2.
c. For the purpose of God for them is that they may be holy and keep themselves from the desires of the flesh. V3.
d. That …………………..V4.
e. Not in ………………. V5.
f. That no ………………V6.
g. Because God has not called us to uncleanness but holiness…V7.

LESSON OUTLINE

LESSON OUTLINE 1: A SANCTIFIED LIFE

A. If we are born again, it is expected that we live a sanctified life:
i. A life devoid of sin, separated unto God and Christ-like (Romans 12:2: Ephesians 4:13).
This is what it means to be a Christian or a Child of God.
ii. It is the will of God that His children are sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4.3).
iii. Jesus’ followers are expected to be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

B. This great privilege and experience (sanctification) are obtainable:
i. By the word of God (John 1 :17).
ii. By the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 13:12),
iii. Also by ‘heart surgery as the individual daily surrenders unto God (Ezekiel 36:25-27; Romans 6:13).

C. As children of God, we are empowered to live holy, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and have aguaranteed eternity in the Lord (Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22-23).

CLASS ACTIVITY1: Students should share their salvation experience.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED LIFE

Anyone that is born again should be controlled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit:

• Gives us power over sin (Galatians 5:16).
• Gives us the power to serve God (Acts 1:8).
• Gives us the power to witness to our spiritual adoption (Galatians 4:6, 1 John 3:24).
• Helps us to bear fruits unto repentance (Matthew 3:8).
• Guides into all truth (John 16:13).
• Controls believers’ temperament (Romans 8:4-5; Galatians 5:25).
• Gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11).
• Empowers believers to rebuke and cast out demons (Acts 13:8-11).
• Influences our choices (Acts 13:2).
• Sends help and comforts Christians in times of pain, disappointment, loss, trial, etc. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What has changed about you since you accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

CONCLUSION: Anyone who is born again must be sanctified and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

EVALUATION: Mention five things the Holy Spirit works on in the life of a believer.

CLOSING PRAYER: If you are not born again, say, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. If you are, tell God to keep you till the end in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: Write out five specific instructions the Holy Spirit has given you which was different from what you had in mind. (2×5=10 marks).

RCCG 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 friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old 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 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?