Christianity and Governance. RCCG Sunday School Teachers

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

OPENING PRAYER: O Lord, we pray for believers in all nations to arise and turn a new attitude to governance in the name of Jesus.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 13:1-6

[1]Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
[2]Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
[3]For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
[4]For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
[5]Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
[6]For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

MEMORY VERSE: And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10.

INTRODUCTION: The opinion held by some Christians that if they are going to follow Christ, they must be quiet and withdrawn from things happening on the earth, negates the will of God as spelt out in the Scripture.

Christ has called believers unto a life of influence, control, and dominion (Psalms 8:6). They are to take charge (Matthew 5:15-16), and the issue of governance is no exception. As the light of the world, they are to dispel the darkness of unrighteousness, sycophancy, etc., which are the order of the day, in present-day governance systems of the world.

TEXT REVIEW: Romans 13:1-6.
Some directives are given to the governed in the above passage. Identify any five of them.
i ……………………………
ii. …….……………………
iii. …..……………………
iv. ……..…………………
v. …………….……………

LESSON AIM: To study the view of God on governance and why Christians should be involved.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through the lesson, students should be able to:
a. Discover God’s position on human government.
b. Discover the benefits of believers getting involved in governance.

TEACHING PLAN: To attain the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:
a. Allow students to review the previous week’s lesson. They should also be allowed to contribute to the discussion as highlighted in the lesson; they should submit their assignments to the Assistant Teacher for assessment.

b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to conduct the class and guide the discussions. The Assistant Teacher should also mark the attendance and the assignment.
c. Teach the lesson outline, guide the discussions, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson, and give an assignment.

OUTLINES:
1. THE VIEW OF GOD ON GOVERNANCE

The students should be made to know that:
i God instituted governance. It is not a secular concept or people’s creation.
ii. God is the ultimate “Governor” who delegates the function to humans (Psalm 22:28; Daniel 4:34).
iii. It is one of the purposes for which the spirit-being called ‘man’ was created (Genesis 1:26).
IV. It is a calling and manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:28).
v. It is a tool for orderliness and sanity (1 Corinthians 14:40; Exodus 18:21).
vi. It is instituted by God for administration, justice, and the general welfare of citizens (1 Timothy 2:2).
vii. Like marriage, it is instituted by God and should be submitted to (Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1-2).
viii. Governance is servanthood. It is a means of serving the governed (Matthew 20:25-28).
ix. Governance is a ministry, and governors are ministers of God (Romans 13:3-4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What do you think the government can do to deliver more services to the citizens?

2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN GOVERNANCE

Christians need to be involved in governance because:
1. It is part of our inherent design as believers (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 5:15-16).
2. We are to effect positive and lasting change (Genesis 41:46-49; 53-57).
3. It stands out the nation among other nations (Proverbs 14:34).
4. We shall make righteous laws and decrees that lead to national progress (Mark 6:27; Luke 2:1).
5. It is obeying God’s ordinance of submission to authority (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:13-14).
6. It brings blessings and breakthroughs to the nation and fulfilment for her citizenry (Proverbs 11:10).
7. Governance is God’s institution and the word of God. So, people of God should not be kept out of God’s institution (Romans 13:1-6).
8. We must avoid paying the costly price of bad leadership (2 Samuel 23:3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the dangers of not participating in politics.

CONCLUSION: Believers should take their rightful place in deciding the destiny of their nations and turn the kingdom of this world into the kingdom of our God which is God’s divine mandate for us.

QUESTIONS:
* What is God’s view on governance?
* Mention five (5) reasons Christians should be involved in governance.

EVALUATION:
i. What are the views of God on governance?
ii. Why should Christians be involved?

CLOSING PRAYER: God, please guide our leaders right and help the citizens to obey and respect the laws of the land.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention any five (5) issues that discourage some believers from getting involved in governance. (2×5=10 Marks).