RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 19 May 2024 TOPIC: Depression (Part 2)
OPENING PRAYER: Almighty Father, I refuse to be depressed in the name of Jesus. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 19 May 2024 HYMN)
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Job 3:23-26 (KJV)
23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?
24 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.
25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
26 I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Depression is misunderstood by many, and it often carries a stigma. It can distort one’s perception of reality or make one doubt his/her judgement. Only those who have gone through depression can comprehend how terrible the experience can be. Finding healing is possible but may take time. Some people may give the wrong advice because they do not understand depression. Therefore, it is important to find out what is and is not true about depression and tips that can help people going through it.
LESSON AIM: To study the right perspective about depression and some helpful tips for the depressed.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
Through this lesson, students should be able to: a. Discover the reality of depression as against some misconceptions. b. Discover some helpful tips for the depressed.
TEXT REVIEW: Job 3:23-26.
Job mentioned four (4) reasons why his mind was troubled. Identify them. i. ..……………………………………………………… ii. ……………………………………..……………….. iii. .…………………………………………………….. iv. ……………………………………………………..
LESSON OUTLINES:
MISCONCEPTION VS REALITY HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE DEPRESSED 1. MISCONCEPTION VS REALITY
Misconception: Depression is not real. Reality: Depression is a real illness that impacts the brain’s ability to function as it should. Misconception: Depression is a sin. Being depressed means you are failing to trust God. Reality: Depression is a mental illness, not a sin. Misconception: Depression will go away if you pray hard enough or have enough faith. Reality: Depression is a serious illness that usually needs prayer plus treatment. God gave doctors and mental health professionals the understanding and skills to help those who are suffering. Misconception: Depression is a punishment from God. If you feel depressed, it is because you have not confessed your sins (John 9:1-3). Reality: Depression is not the fault of the person who is suffering. It is a trial that can redefine someone’s faith, but it is not a punishment for sin. Misconception: People with depression are unstable and cannot be trusted with church leadership or responsibilities. Reality: Depression and other mental illnesses do not disqualify people from leadership or church roles except during times of “deep depression.’ The experience can give people compassion or perspective in a way that makes them good leaders (1 Samuel 30:1-10). Misconception: It is shameful to discuss mental illness openly. Reality: The church community should be a safe environment for people to discuss mental health without prejudice. Misconception: You can always tell if someone is depressed by outward appearances or actions. Reality: You cannot always tell that someone is depressed from how they look or act. Some depressed people are so skilled at hiding their conditions that you would never know.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why is it that some people with mental health issues shy away from discussing it?
2. HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE DEPRESSED
Below are some helpful tips if you are a Christian going through depression or if you know someone who is:
God cares about your state (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 5:7).
Like biblical patriarchs, you are not alone (Jeremiah 20:7-11; 1 Kings 19:4-6; Psalm 42:9).
God’s love and faithfulness never depend on you. His love for us is solely dependent on His character, grace, and goodness (Lamentations 3:21-23).
God saves and delivers from afflictions (Psalm 34:18-19).
God can bring good even out of something as bad as depression (Romans 8:28).
There is still hope. Your low thoughts and emotions are not the truth (Job 14:7-9; Romans 8:35-39).
You can find strength by leaning on community (Romans 15:1).
Your friends and family can help you by praying and being there for you. It is not a sin to seek professional help for depression as a Christian (Luke 5:31).
Do not allow anything to separate you from God (Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 12:2).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why do we have cases of people committing suicide as a result of depression despite the available helpful tips around?
CONCLUSION: With God’s love and support from the people around you, you can get through depression.
EVALUATION: i. What are the misconceptions and realities about depression? ii. What are some helpful units for the depressed?
CLOSING PRAYER: Almighty Father, please heal all cases of depression today in the name of Jesus.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify people around you who are going through depression and minister to them (No 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?
Action Point PS: If you would like to have an online course on any of the courses that you found on this blog, I will be glad to do that on an individual and corporate level, I will be very glad to do that I have trained several individuals and groups and they are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. Some of those that I have trained includes staffs of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, New Horizons Nigeria among others. Please come on Whatsapp and let’s talk about your training. You can reach me on Whatsapp HERE. Please note that I will be using Microsoft Team to facilitate the training.
I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you can drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.
Fact Check Policy
CRMNuggets is committed to fact-checking in a fair, transparent and non-partisan manner. Therefore, if you’ve found an error in any of our reports, be it factual, editorial, or an outdated post, please contact us to tell us about it.
Hi, I now use RavenBank to send, receive and save money. I also pay my bills with ease, you should try it out too
“Excited to dive deeper? Follow us on our social media channels for daily inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and community engagement. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok. Let’s stay connected and continue this journey together!”
Adeniyi Salau is a highly dedicated and committed Blogger of repute. He likes sharing his IT knowledge with others. My desire is to impact as many lives as possible with my IT skills. You can download my mobile APP. Download the ICTLOAD APP on Google Playstore. Thanks.
Leave a Reply