Foundational Truth. RCCG Sunday School Manual.

MEMORY VERSE: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” – John 17:17 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Timothy 3:13-17

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Greek word for truth is aletheia, which means to unhide or hide nothing. It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available for all to see, with nothing being hidden or obscured. The Hebrew word for truth is emeth, which means firmness, constancy, and duration.

Such a definition implies an everlasting substance and something that can be relied upon. Truth must originate from somewhere. Ignoring the truth always leads to undesired consequences.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. THE WORD IS THE TRUTH
2. BEWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES

1. THE WORD IS THE TRUTH

Jesus made the simple statement I am the truth (John 14:6), and John 1:1, 14 tells us that Jesus is the Word. Mathematically, it means:

If Jesus=The Truth ………………..equation 1
And Jesus=The Word ………………..equation 2
Therefore, the Word is the Truth (John 17:17).

The Truth is not relative; rather it is absolute, accurate, and unchangeable (2 Corinthians 13:8; John 6:63). The truth of God’s word is divinely inspired and therefore profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalms 119:9).

The word gives wisdom and direction (Colossians 3:16; Psalms 119:105). God’s word is sharp and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). If we know the word of God, we know the truth that will deliver and make us free (Psalms 107:20; John 8:32).

The word of God is incorruptible: it gives us a solid spiritual foundation in the faith and an inheritance among the saints of God (1 Peter 1:23; Acts 20:32).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share some experiences that showed them that the scripture is the truth.

2. BE AWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES

Almost speedily as the word is running with sound doctrines, the devil is also making efforts, as a busybody, to counter the effort of God through his diverse and varying false doctrines, such as:

1. That Jesus is not the Son of God (1 John 4:1-3).
2. That there is no resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:13-19).
3. That the days of miracles are over (Hebrews 13:8).
4. That the days of tithing are over (Malachi 3:10-13).
5. That holiness is impossible (Philippians 4:13; Luke 1:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss more on how to recognise false doctrines and teachers.

CONCLUSION: Time spent in ensuring that the original truth is well known is not wasted, one, after all, we know that Satan is more organised in these last days in the spread of his doctrines.

QUESTIONS:

1. How is the word the truth?
2. Mention some false doctrines and scriptures that counter them.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five truths revealed by Jesus contrary to popular opinion during His earthly ministry (2×5=10 marks).

RCCG Sunday School HYMN

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 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 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 cloudsare  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?