Opening Prayer: Father, help me to understand the dominion You gave man from the beginning. 

Memory Verse: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests and we shall reign on the earth”- Romans 5:10. 

Bible Passage: Genesis 1: 26-28. 

Lesson Introduction

The word Dominion means “rule or power over”. God has sovereign power over His creation and has also delegated the authority to mankind to have dominion over the works of His Hands. (Gen. 1:26; Ps. 8:6). However, some Christians are passive and do not see that God wants the Church to take charge of and revamp their societies. Instead, they only see the command for believers to preach the gospel as in Matt. 28:19-20 and wait for God to implement social reforms himself. 

Lesson Aim: To guide the students into the Theology of Dominion. 

Teaching Objectives: At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: 

a. Know God’s perspective of dominion. 

b. Understand the workings of political dominion. 

c. Understand the believer’s role in exercising dominion. 

Teaching Plan

To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:

a. Allow the students to retire the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, and do class activities and assignments. 

b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, and mark attendance and assignment.

c. Teach the Lesson Outlines, summarise the lesson and give assignments. 

TEXT REVIEW: Genesis 1:26-28.

At Creation, God said man should be made like him and have dominion over Hid creation …………………………..v26.

11. So…………………………………………………………………………v27.

iii. And God blessed………………………………………………………..v28.

TEACHING METHOD: The Lecture Method.

TIME MANAGEMENT: The Teacher should apply two-lesson outlines of teaching time. 

OUTLINES 

1.     Dominion Theology

2.     Disposition Of Christians To Political Dominion. 

Lesson Outline 1: Dominion Theology

A. The teacher should explain the meaning of Dominion Theology as follows: 

i. Dominion Theology refers to a line of thought with regard to the role of the church in contemporary society.

ii.  It holds that Christians should rule all areas of society, personal and corporate by the Law of God. 

iii. This belief is based on Genesis 1:28, which says, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion..”. 

iv. Genesis 1:28 is a divine mandate to claim dominion over the earth, physically, spiritually, economically, politically etc. (Luke 19:13). 

This theological idea about Christians having political dominion has its root in: 

a.  The nature of God and reality.

b. The importance of justice.

c.  The value of freedom.

d. A rich understanding of the human person as created in the image of God (Ps. 82:6; John 10:34).

e. The fact that Christians are made for flourishing (Psalms 92:12-13).

 f. We are called to an eternal destiny (Romans 8:30).

 CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss why some believers do not take the lead. 

Lesson Outline 2: Disposition Of Christians To Political Dominion

A. The Teacher should establish the history of political docility in the church. 

i. The political docility of Christians of the early church could be traced to the fact that Isreal and some gentile nations were under the colonial rule of the Roman Empire and Christians were thought to be in subjection to the authorities that be (Romans 13:1) at best, they were to pray for those in power and could not participate in the politics of their time (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 

ii. This might have been responsible for why Christians hesitate to be actively involved in the politics of our days, whereas, the God we believe in and serve is interested in the way the world is governed (Genesis 1:28).

iii. Satan stole the “key of dominion” when he deceived Adam and Eve. 

iv. when Christ gave the “key of the kingdom” to Peter in Mattew 16:19, it was a sign that dominion had been returned to the man.

 v. Now it is our job to “take back” what is rightly ours.

vii. Political dominion is a must for Christians and not an option because the earth is our place of dominion, not Heaven (Ps. 115:16). Christians have to occupy strategic political positions to be at the helm of affairs for positive influence.

B.  The Teacher should explain the believer’s disposition to political dominion as follows:

i. While it is true that we belong to a heavenly kingdom that is not of this world, we are still numbered among the people in this world and are subjected to the rules and systems of its government (John 17:15-16).

 ii. We indeed seek another home(Hebrews 11:10,14,13:14) but that should not be an excuse to be nonchalant about our present abode and refuse to take responsibility for its governance (Psalms 115:16).

 It is also true that the world is passing away (1 Cor. 7:31), but we should not forget that we will also give an account of how it is managed before it passes away (1 John 2:17).

C. Therefore, it should be of concern to Christians.

i. To be a part of “high-level” decision-making processes to ensure that justice is done, biblical principles are upheld and the Christian faith survives and its preserved (Ps. 33:5; Micah 6:8).

ii.  As the salt and light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16), when we engage ourselves in politics and government, we speak out for those who cannot speak and defend the rights of the poor and needy (Prov. 31:8-9). 

 CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should identify areas where they want to make changes if they had the privilege of being in power.

SUMMARY: The understanding of dominion theology will enable believers to take their rightful places in leading in any sphere of this world.

CONCLUSION

All Christians are political whether we realise it or not. If we choose not to engage in politics, it is a vote for the status quo-the way things are.

EVALUATION: Teachers should ask the students to discuss their understanding of dominion theology. 

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to exercise all round dominions.

ASSIGNMENT 

Students should list five (5) reasons some Christians are afraid of being involved in Politics (2×5=10Marks).

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 because 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 include the staff of Dangote Refinery, FCMB, Zenith Bank, and 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 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

RCCG Sunday School Manual 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.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should review the lesson for the previous lesson

MEMORY VERSE: “As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” – 1 Peter 4:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 12:6-8 KJV 

Rom 12:6  So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; 
Rom 12:7  if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; 
Rom 12:8  if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. 

LESSON INTRODUCTION

It is definitely commendable for God’s children to desire to know the spiritual gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of service in the Church and glorify God in the world (2 Timothy 1:6). The existence of a gift is a call to exercise it. Therefore, Apostle Paul advised Timothy, “Neglect not the gift that is in you” (1 Timothy 4:14).
TEXT REVIEW: Romans 12:6-8

Apostle Paul emphasises that spiritual gifts differ according to the grace given to us.
He goes on to identify some of these gifts and how to use them
i. Prophecy: prophecy according to the proportion of faith. v6
ii. ……………………………………… v7a
iii. …………………………………….. v7b
iv. …………………………………….. v7c
v. ……………………………………… v8a
vi. …………………………………….. v8b
vii. ……………………………………. v8c

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Identifying Your Spiritual Giftedness
2. Effective Use Of Spiritual Gifts

1. IDENTIFYING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

Identifying your spiritual giftedness can be accomplished in various ways:
A. Effective fervent prayers is very vital because the One who knows exactly how you are spiritually gifted is the gift-giver Himself-the Holy Spirit. You can ask Him to show you how you are gifted in order to better use your spiritual gifts for His glory (Luke 11:9, 13).
B. Confirmation from others also gives light to your spiritual giftedness. Other people who see you serving the Lord can often identify a spiritual gift in use that you might take for granted or not recognise (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:5-6).
C. In addition, you can carry out a self-test. There are questions you can ask yourself as pointers to your spiritual gifts.
Questions like:

• “What spiritual activity do l enjoy doing?”
• “What ministry in my life is God’s blessing?”
• “What is the Holy Spirit telling or prompting me to do?” (Rom. 12:5-8; 1 Cor. 7:20, 24).

Bible Reference

Luke 11:9-13

Luk 11:9  And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 
Luk 11:10  For those who ask will receive, and those who seek will find, and the door will be opened to anyone who knocks. 
Luk 11:11  Would any of you who are fathers give your son a snake when he asks for fish? 
Luk 11:12  Or would you give him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 
Luk 11:13  As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 
1 Timothy 4:14
(1Ti 4:14)  Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you.
2 Timothy 1:5-6
(2Ti 1:5)  I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also.
(2Ti 1:6)  For this reason, I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention the spiritual gift(s) you have identified in your life since you surrendered your life to Christ

2. EFFECTIVE USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The teacher should emphasise the following key points:
A. Every Christian is given at least a gift at conversion (Ephesians 4:7).
B. As you manage well your initial gift and as your ministry expands, you may
ask God for other gifts under the direction and promptings of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:39).
C. Every gifted person has a proper function in the body of Christ (the church).
D. No gift is superior to others but gifts differ in function (1 Corinthians 12:20-25).
E. No one believer has all the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:28-30), so we need one another.
F. Spiritual gifts are given:

• To edify (build up) other believers (1 Corinthians 14:12; 26: Ephesians 4:12);
• To promote growth, unity and love (Ephesians 4:16);
• To assist in the care of one another (1 Corinthians 12:25; 1 Peter 4:10);
• To glorify God, especially in the ministry of the Word (1 Peter 4:11).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: As a child of God, how have you been making use of your spiritual gifts?
SUMMARY: Identify your spiritual giftedness and start making use of it to the glory of God.
CONCLUSION: Faithful utilisation of a gift brings increased effectiveness in the ministry, but failure to develop a gift curtails ministry.
EVALUATION: The teacher should ask the students to mention how believers can put their spiritual gifts into effective use.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to make a profit with your gift in me.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify five dangers of not putting your spiritual gifting into use.
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.

CRMNIGERIA 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.

OPENING PRAYER: Father, guide me to increase wealth through credible means, in the name of the Lord Jesus.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should inform the students about the state of the class, the progress made and the challenges encountered during the 2nd quarter of the Sunday School year.

MEMORY VERSE: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” – Proverbs 13:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:11-27
Luk 19:11  While the people were listening to this, Jesus continued and told them a parable. He was now almost at Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God was just about to appear. 
Luk 19:12  So he said, “There was once a man of high rank who was going to a country far away to be made king, after which he planned to come back home. 
Luk 19:13  Before he left, he called his ten servants and gave them each a gold coin and told them, ‘See what you can earn with this while I am gone.’ 
Luk 19:14  Now, his own people hated him, and so they sent messengers after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 
Luk 19:15  “The man was made king and came back. At once he ordered his servants to appear before him, in order to find out how much they had earned. 
Luk 19:16  The first one came and said, ‘Sir, I have earned ten gold coins with the one you gave me.’ 
Luk 19:17  ‘Well done,’ he said; ‘you are a good servant! Since you were faithful in small matters, I will put you in charge of ten cities.’ 
Luk 19:18  The second servant came and said, ‘Sir, I have earned five gold coins with the one you gave me.’ 
Luk 19:19  To this one he said, ‘You will be in charge of five cities.’ 
Luk 19:20  Another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it hidden in a handkerchief. 
Luk 19:21  I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take what is not yours and reap what you did not plant.’ 
Luk 19:22  He said to him, ‘You bad servant! I will use your own words to condemn you! You know that I am a hard man, taking what is not mine and reaping what I have not planted. 
Luk 19:23  Well, then, why didn’t you put my money in the bank? Then I would have received it back with interest when I returned.’ 
Luk 19:24  Then he said to those who were standing there, ‘Take the gold coin away from him and give it to the servant who has ten coins.’ 
Luk 19:25  But they said to him, ‘Sir, he already has ten coins!’ 
Luk 19:26  ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘that to those who have something, even more, will be given; but those who have nothing, even the little that they have will be taken away from them. 
Luk 19:27  Now, as for those enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and kill them in my presence!’ ” 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: In the parable of the talents in Luke 19:11-27, Jesus makes it clear that He expects his followers to be faithful stewards of the resources that He has put at their disposal. Good stewardship includes wise investments. Many believers find it difficult to adopt a practical theology for money management and investing for a distant and uncertain future. The Bible, however, offers practical wisdom on investing the resources we have with insight and foresight.

TEXT REVIEW: Luke 19:11-27.
The key issues in the text with respect to investments and savings are identified as follows:
i. Wrong notion about the timing of the kingdom of God which was considered to be immediate and people may not need to save.
ii. Some other people imagined that the time to the end is very far and thereby need not commence saving immediately. -Vs 12.
iii. Some people just hate the principles of saving and investment and consider it as burdensome. -Vs 14
iv. Some people are not informed about the values of saving and investment. Vs 20-21. 14.

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR INVESTMENTS AND SAVINGS

i. The teacher should find out from students what savings and investments mean.
ii. Teacher should explain investments as an act of putting money and or other resources into a real business (has to do
with people, product or services) with the hope of receiving a return on investments.
iii. A well-managed business will yield returns on investment. Prov. 31:10-31; Eccl. 11:1-6.
iv. Class should discuss the line of businesses which a believer could invest in, in the light of the followings:
a. Real estate.
b. Contracts.
c. Ventures, stocks, shares, bonds, etc.
v. Some don’ts of investments:
a. Do not invest in what you do not have an understanding or have experience in. Prov. 24:3-4.
b. Avoid getting rich quick scheme or investments. Prov. 13:11; Prov. 21:5.
c. Do not invest what you do not have.
d. Do not invest what you cannot afford to lose.
e. Do not accumulate debt in the name or investment. Prov. 22:7.
f. Do not invest because a Christian offers it. This may not guarantee loss.
vi. Invest in your personal education. it opens doors of opportunities for you.
vii. Invest in your children’s education. it secures your future.
viii. Save for the future.
ix. Saving is biblical. Gen. 41; Prov. 6:6-11; Prov. 21:5.
x. Saving honours God as it rightly values money as a gift from above. James 1:17
xi. Avoid unplanned impulsive or unwise spending
xii. Saving demonstrates that we value what God has graciously given us. Luke 12:47-48.
xi. Saving may be a means of leaving an inheritance or blessings to your heirs, children, wards and others. Proverbs 13:22

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Are there any similarities or differences between savings and investments?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: REASONS FOR INVESTMENTS

i. Wealth Creation: investing your money will allow it to grow and compound. You earn money on the money already earned and create wealth over time.
ii. Beat Inflation: Returns from investment help to maintain the purchasing power at a constant level. If you do not beat the inflation rate, you will be losing money, not making money.
iii. Retirement: You should invest while you are earning so as to create a mass of funds that can be used when you retire. This provides security to maintain a comfortable lifestyle even after retirement.
iv. Accomplish Financial Goals: Investing can help you reach bigger financial goals. This return on your investments can be used towards financial goals, such as buying a home, buying a car, starting a business, or putting your children through school.
v. High Returns: Investing would help to achieve high returns as compared to a bank’s savings account which provides little return.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why should you invest?
SUMMARY:
i. Savings and investments are biblical.
ii. Both have principles that applied would bring returns.
iii. Savings and investments have tremendous benefits.

CONCLUSION: Investing into the future is not an act of anxiety, everyone must save for the rainy day. In order to build wealth, you should invest your money.

EVALUATION: Why should you avoid unwise and impulsive spending?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to invest wisely.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention the five disadvantages of excess consumption over investment.

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.

CRMNIGERIA 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.

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please open my understanding of biblical truth about retirement. 

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should review the previous week’s lesson by going through the outlines and the summary.

MEMORY VERSE: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” – Psalm 90:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Numbers 8:23-26
23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:
25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more:
26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou does unto the Levites touching their charge.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

 According to the common state of life, man has between seventy and eighty years to live on the general average (Ps.90:10). We can therefore deduce that life is lived in four quarters. Twenty years each. “0 to 20 years of age is the first quarter (formative years), 21 to 40 years is the second (creative years), 41 to 60” is the third (consolidating years), and “61 to 80 is the fourth (retirement years). The body also starts to fall apart in the fourth quarter signalling the need to slow down or stop some activities, hence the need for retirement. Retirement, therefore, is the withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from one’s active working life.

TEXT REVIEW: Numbers 8:23-26.

The Levites are to begin serving in the tabernacle at the age of twenty-five and are to retire at the age of fifty Num. 8:23-24 (The Living Bible).
Two additional directives were given to Moses with regards to the Levites after retirement. What were they?
LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: WHY AND HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN RETIRE?

A. WHY RETIREMENT?

a. Teachers should ask the students to explain why retirement is essential.
b. Teachers should add the following reasons stated below as answers:
i. lt provides an opportunity to rest after long service.
ii. It allows for the injection of young and energetic blood into the work system.
iii. It gives room for the introduction of new Ideas into the service.
iv. It is designed as a means of handing over the baton to a new generation.
v. It paves the way to do the work better and in a new way.
B. Teacher should ask students to mention some examples of leaders who retired in the Bible.
Answers:
i. Moses. He handed over to Joshua. Num. 27:18, 22.
ii. Elijah. He handed over to Elisha. 1 Kings 19:16.
iii. Paul. He prepared Timothy to take over. 2 Tim. 2:1-2; 4:7-8.

C. HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN RETIRE?

i. Upon attainment of certain mandatory age as spelt out by the organisation. For instance, Levites were to retire at the age of fifty years (50 yrs). Num. 8:24-26
ii. Christians should prepare for retirement by saving and investing during their active service. Prov. 21:20; 2 Cor. 12:14.
iii. Christians could meet financial experts and pension administrators who have legal recognition for advice.
iv. Christians should pray, study and seek the face of God for guidance.
v. Preparation for retirement is essential to meet the needs during the winter i.e old age. Prov. 6:6-8; 2 Thess. 3:10.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why do you think a lot of people do not prepare adequately for retirement?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: WHAT TO DO IN RETIREMENT

i. Retirement from active service does not translate to retirement from God’s service.
ii. Two very old people in the Bible (Simeon and Anna) still continued to serve the Lord faithfully despite their old age. Luke 2:25-38.
iii. Christian retirees can engage in the following activities:
a. They can continue to minister in fasting and prayer as Anna did at age eighty-four (84) years. Luke 2:36-37.
b. They can teach/counsel and mentor the young believers in the way of the Lord. Titus 2:2-5.
c. They can connect with families and friends. Prov. 18:24.
d. They can travel and visit some places of interest.
e. They can engage in some recreational and light physical exercises.
f. They can engage in light gardening.
g. They can learn something new, or rekindle good old hubbies which are not strenuous.
h. They can engage in communities services or communal activities for the overall interest of others.
i. They can commence/extend their cottage business without stress.
j. They can be occupied with philanthropic/charity activities.
k. Christian retirees should depend on God and avoid a lifestyle that is not in accordance to the word of God.
l. Christian retirees should avoid the reckless pursuit of vanities and be moderate in their pleasure. Luke 12:16-21, 1Tim 5:6.
m. Christian retirees should be prayerful.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What should Christian retirees do to glorify God?

SUMMARY:
i. Retirement plans and activities are supported by the Scripture to glorify God.
ii. Christian retirees have a host of activities they can engage in to bless the Lord and mankind.

CONCLUSION: The psalmist’s prayer should be our prayer as we age: “Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalms 71:18).

EVALUATION: Mention anything on retirement which you have gained from this lesson.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to still be relevant in your service during my retirement.

Bible Texts

Numbers 27:18-22
Num 27:18  And Jehovah said to Moses, Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand upon him. 
Num 27:19  And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation, and give him a charge in their sight. 
Num 27:20  And you shall put of your honour on him, so that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may be obedient. 
Num 27:21  And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask for him according to the judgment of Urim before Jehovah. At his word, they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, he and all the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation. 
Num 27:22  And Moses did as Jehovah commanded him. And he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. 

Prov 21:20
Pro 21:20  A desirable treasure and oil are in the home of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.

 
Titus 2: 2-5
Tit 2:2  aged men to be temperate, sensible, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience. 
Tit 2:3  Let the aged women likewise be in reverent behaviour, not slanderers, not enslaved by much wine, teachers of good; 
Tit 2:4  that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 
Tit 2:5  to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, subject to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed. 

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 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.

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.

Opening Prayer

Father, help my generation not to depart from the ancient landmark of faith and godliness.

Previous Knowledge

Teachers should review the previous week’s lesson by paying attention to the outlines and the conclusion.
Bible Passage: 1 Sam 2:12-17
Memory Verse: “Remove not the ancient landmark, which fathers have set” – Prov 22:28

Lesson Introduction

God has laid down principles for children’s upbringing which must not be departed from. (2 Timothy 2:19). The anger of God kindles upon children who disobey God. (Ephesians 5:6, Ecl 10:8). The role of parents is therefore crucial to the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose for his children (Deuteronomy 6: 6-9). While there are records of children raised in godly ways who remained on that narrow path, the Bible also has records of those who departed from the path of truth. 

Lesson Aim

To study how to avoid generational departure. 

Teachers Objectives

Through this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Understand why believers should not depart from godly principles which our fathers of faith had laid down. 
2. Discover the very steps to take to avoid generational departure.

Text Review: 1 Samuel 2:12-17

“Now the sons of Eli were the sons of Belial 1 Sam:2:12

Teacher’s Activity

Identify five things which (the priests) did which were a clear departure from the customer, of the true priest of God.

1. …………………………………………………………………….
2. …………………………………………………………………..
3. …………………………………………………………………
4. ………………………………………………………………….
5. …………………………………………………………………

Teaching Method

Teachers should use the discussion teaching method for lesson outline 1 and the lecture teaching method for lesson outline 2.

Lesson Outlines 

Children That Departed from Godly Upbringing
Teachers should first explain what “generational departure” means
⇒It is a departure from Godly upbringing 2 Timothy 2:19
⇒It is the removal of the ancient landmark which our fathers of faith have set. Prov 22:28
⇒It is a deliberate refusal to obey the word of God with the attendant consequences Eph 5:6, Eccl 10:8
II. The Teacher should group the class into five groups and distribute to each group the examples of people who departed from goldy parents. 
III. Teachers should allow each group to read the scriptures attached to each name of those who departed from God’s foundation and point out their ungodly deeds. 
a. Samson: Judges 13:3-5; 14:1-3, 8-9, 16: 16-17
b: Hophni and Phineas, sons of Eli: 1 Sam 2: 12-17, 22; 4:11
c. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aron: Lev 10:1, Numbers 26:61
e. Demas 2 Tim. 4:10
IV. Teachers should make corrections where necessary.

NOTE: The group activities also represent Class Activity 

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 2:12-17 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER Manual 28 March 2021)
12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
13 And the priest’s custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: God has laid down principles for children’s upbringing which must not be departed from (2 Timothy 2:19). The anger of God kindles upon children who disobey God (Ephesians 5:6; Ecclesiastes 10:8). The role of parents is therefore crucial to the fulfilment of God’s plan and purpose for his children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). While there are records of children raised in godly ways who remained on that narrow path, the Bible also has records of those who departed from the path of truth.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Samuel 2:12-17
“Now the son of Eli were the sons of Belial”. 1 Sam. 2:12.
TEACHER’S ACTIVITY: Identify five things which they (the priests) did which were a clear departure from the custom, of the true priest of God.
i. ………………………………………………………………..
ii. …………………………………………………………….
iii. ……………………………………………………………
iv. ……………………………………………………………
v. …………………………………………………………….
LESSON OUTLINE:

1. CHILDREN THAT DEPARTED FROM GODLY UPBRINGING
2. HOW TO AVOID GENERATIONAL DEPARTURE

LESSON 1: CHILDREN THAT DEPARTED FROM GODLY UPBRINGING
i. A teacher should first explain what “generational departure” means:
a. It is a departure from godly upbringing. 2 Timothy 2:9
b. It is the removal of the ancient landmark which our fathers of faith have set. Proverbs 22:28.
c. It is a deliberate refusal to obey the word of God with attendant consequences. Ephesians 5:6, Ecclesiastes 10:8

ii. Teacher should group the class into five groups and distribute to each group the examples of people who departed from godly parents.
iii. Teacher should allow each group to read the scriptures attached to each name of those who departed from godly foundations and point out their ungodly deeds:
a. Samson (Judges 13:3-5; 14:1-3; 8-9; 16:16-17).
b. Hophni and Phinehas; son of Eli (1 Sam. 2:12-17, 22; 1 Sam. 4:11).
c. Solomon (1 Kings 11:4-7; Eccl. 1:1; Eccl.2:10-11).
d. Nadab and Abihu; sons of Aaron (Lev. 10:1; Num. 26:61).
e. Demas (2 Tim. 4:10).
iv. Teacher should make corrections where necessary.

NOTE: The group activities also represent Class activity 1
LESSON OUTLINE 2: HOW TO AVOID GENERATIONAL DEPARTURE
The teacher should explain each of the points stated below to the students:
In order to keep our children on the path of righteousness, parents have the following obligations to fulfil:
i. Love God whole-heartedly (Deut. 6:4-6). Have a deep personal relationship with God. You cannot pass on to your children what you do not possess (John 14:21;15:10; John 5:3).
ii. Teach your children about God, diligently. (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). If God’s Word is on your heart continually, then you will be talking about it constantly with your children (Proverbs 4:3-4, Ephesians 6:4).
iii. You need to answer your children’s questions about God and the Christian life (Deuteronomy 6:20-25; 1 Peter 3:15)
iv. Focus on obeying and pleasing God only (Deuteronomy 6:17-18) and also train your children, in agreement with your spouse, to please God in all their endeavours.
v. Live out and model godly lifestyle before children (James 5:12; Matthew 5:16-17; Titus 2:7; 1Peter 5:3).
vi. Discipline your children in love (Heb. 12:6; Prov. 3:11-12).
vii. Inculcate emotional stability but do not indulge your children (Prov. 19:18; Colossians 3:21).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How can each of the seven (7) points stated above prevents generational departure?
SUMMARY: If we learn from the mistake of others as indicated in lesson outline 1 and apply the seven (7) principles stated in outline 2, then we shall not fall into trap of generational departure.
CONCLUSION: To avoid generational departure, live a good legacy for your children.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help all my parents to lead their children to Christ. Do not allow parents to lead their children away from the generational truth about God.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) things that can lead to the problem of generational departure.

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.

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Lasting Legacy

OPENING PRAYER

Father, help me to leave a great legacy for my children.

MEMORY VERSE: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” – Proverbs 13:22

BIBLE PASSAGE

2 Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.
3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites;
4 And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:
5 And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.
6 But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons forever:
7 Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.
8 Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;
9 Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:
10 But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.
11 But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

LESSON INTRODUCTION
A legacy is defined as what we leave behind, to family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, communities. This includes material possessions, our history, belief systems and values (if adopted), business practices, name, reputation and teaching (if useful). It could also be defined as money or property bequeathed to another by will or something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past. Legacies are rare and special gifts, from one person to another, from one generation to the next.

As Christians, we should seek to leave a lasting legacy of godliness for those who come behind us. The fact is, most of what we do will not last; things we cherish will ultimately perish with the using” (Colossians 2:22). Unless we think seriously about the kind of legacy we are developing, it is likely we will leave nothing worth inheriting.

TEXT REVIEW: Jeremiah 35:2-11.
Prophet Jeremiah got the shock of his life when the Lord asked him to test the sons of Rechabites by offering them wine to drink. This finding was awesome, considering his personality as a Prophet of God.

Identify any five instructions which had formed the basis of the Rechabites attitudes from Jeremiah 35:5-10.
i. _
ii. _
iii. _
iv_______________
v. _

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: HOW TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
A. WHAT IS LEGACY?
i. What we leave behind for family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and Communities
ii. It could be defined as money or property or material, possession, history, belief system, values, names, reputation, teaching etc bequeathed to another by will or instruction.
iii. They are rare and special gifts from one person to another or from generation to generation.
iv. Most of the things we do will ultimately perish with the using and passage of time. Therefore, we should seriously consider and think on what legacy we are leaving behind.
v. The most important legacy is the one that has eternal value and that is the lasting legacy.
vi. Believer’s quality of life and service to the Lord is a good lasting legacy. Proverbs 1:8-9.

B. HOW TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
i. Set up examples of character traits your children should develop. Be consistent with rules and consequences. 1 Timothy 4:12.
ii. Make sure your own choices reflect the teaching of Jesus and the legacy you hope to create. Job 36:10.
iii. Building your life and those whom you influence upon the eternal word or God. Proverbs 30:3-5.
iv. Encourage and inspire them. Hebrews 10:24-25.
v. Freely give and receive grace and forgiveness. Colossians 3:13.
vi. Winning souls to the Lord. Proverbs 11:30.
vii. Touching the lives of those younger, even much younger, than you with the wisdom the years have given you. Target some young people. Hebrews 13:16.
viii. Love your local church, and do everything in your power to make it a beacon of truth and blessing to your community.
ix. Maintaining godly character and conduct. Proverbs 22:1.
x. Give out of your time and be available to them.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BENEFITS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A GODLY LEGACY

A. The Following Are Some Of The Benefits Of Leaving A Lasting Legacy

i. It impacts the next generation.
ii. Great visions and passion not to die off.
iii. A way of providing for the next generation.
iv. Developing the next generation of leaders.
v. Having a legacy will make you a better leader. It will exert a positive impact on the way you plan and lead and how you communicate and the values you hold.

B. The Characteristics Of A Godly Legacy Include:

i. A positive legacy must be developed. It does not just happen.
ii. Must be worth inheriting.
iii. Legacy is not about celebrating your life or achievements, but maximizing the influence you can have in the lives of others so that you know your work for God is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58.
iv. Legacy is not about titles or positions (these do not “make” the leader), but credibility, influence, positive role modelling, passion and integrity.
v. Legacy is about others “buying into” our beliefs and values and following them when we are not around because what we leave behind has true worth.
vi. Pass on the best of yourself to those you lead. Set an example.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1 and 2: Teachers should allow each student to mention what legacy they intend to leave for their children.
SUMMARY: Leave a godly legacy for your children.
CONCLUSION: A godly legacy is preferable to a material legacy. Therefore, believers should work hard to leave a godly legacy behind.
EVALUATION: What is a legacy?
Why is a Godly legacy important?
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to leave a holy heritage for my children.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention ten (10) godly legacies which believers can leave behind for their children.

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OPENING PRAYER: Father, help all couples to build their family through wisdom from above. Let unrstanding prevail in every marriage. 

MEMORY VERSE: “Through wisdom is a house built; and by understanding it is established:” – Proverbs 24:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 

1Co 7:2  But because there is so much immorality, every man should have his own wife, and every woman should have her own husband. 
1Co 7:3  A man should fulfil his duty as a husband, and a woman should fulfil her duty as a wife, and each should satisfy the other’s needs. 
1Co 7:4  A wife is not the master of her own body, but her husband is; in the same way a husband is not the master of his own body, but his wife is. 
1Co 7:5  Do not deny yourselves to each other unless you first agree to do so for a while in order to spend your time in prayer, but then resume normal marital relations. In this way, you will be kept from giving in to Satan’s temptation because of your lack of self-control. 

LESSON INTRODUCTION

 We have learnt that sexual intimacy creates a special bond between a man and his wife with basic facts supported by scriptures and its numerous benefits. It is equally necessary to discuss some of the challenges facing couples in the area of sexual intimacy (SOS.5:1-6). It should be noted that in some homes or families certain problems or conflicts can be traced to an unsatisfactory sexual relationship (1 Corinthians 7:2-5). The good news is that these challenges can be remedied.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Corinthians 7:2-5.

Fornication is a menace that the devil employs to distract youths from marriage. It is the devil’s ploy to blindfold the youths from getting married.
The Almighty God provides some solutions to marital infidelity or fornication and adultery. This, among others, is marriage. God said, let every man have his own wife and let every woman have her own husband. 1 Corinthians 7:2.
Identify the other five solutions to marital intimacy challenges as indicated in 1 Corinthians 7:2-5.
i. ………………………………………………………
ii. ……………………………………………………..
ii. ……………………………………………………..
iv. …………………………………………………….
v. ……………………………………………………..
LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: LIKELY CAUSES OF SEXUAL INTIMACY CHALLENGES

While some challenges of sexual intimacy are spiritual, quite a lot of these challenges can be traced to the following:
i. Myths, misconception, wrong cultural orientations or unscriptural spiritual inclinations about sex, e.g. “women should not initiate sex or enjoy it”
ii. Fear of conceiving another baby. Some couples either lack the knowledge of appropriate family planning techniques or have refused to deploy the techniques that can prevent unwanted pregnancy. Hosea 4:6.
iii. Previous experiences of sexual abuse directly or indirectly.
iv. Libido (sex drive) issues or inadequate foreplay (inability to discover and/or explore the erogenous part of the body).
v. Health challenges which may either be physiological or psychological e.g erectile dysfunction, frigidity (cold-heartedness), not-in-the-mood syndrome, complications during childbirth, illness, etc.
vi. Infidelity and lack of trust. Heb.13:4.
vii. Sometimes, sexual appetite decreases in women after menopause whereas there is a minimal decline in the sexual drive of men. Gen. 18:12.
viii. Lack of understanding of love languages and/or things that turn them on or off
ix. Communication issues and busy schedules.
x. Environmental factors – being conscious of the presence of a third party in the surrounding (children, relatives, neighbours, etc), unpleasant noise, etc.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

• The class should discuss how each of the ten items listed above should be addressed to overcome sexual intimacy challenges.
• The class should also discuss how the problem of sexual abuse could be prevented among the youth.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: SOME REMEDIES FOR SEXUAL INTIMACY CHALLENGES

i. Prayer: Couples should commit their sex life into God’s hands the same way they do for other aspects of their lives. This is a great antidote to demonic influences. Phil. 4:6-7.
ii. Counselling: It is not a shameful thing to seek medical/psychological help when faced with sexual intimacy challenges. Prov. 11:14; 24:6.
iii. Communications: If you observe that your sex life is on the decline, bring up the topic and talk it out. Amos 3:3.
iv. Time and stress management: Married couples should create time out of their tight schedules to be intimate and cut off stress-inducing factors as much as possible. Eccl. 3:1;8:6.
v. Self-development: Couples should look inward and work on their weakness and the immediate environment that could turn off either of the party. 2 Corinthians 13:5.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2

The class should discuss the role of adequate communication in marriage and sexual intimacy and the role of effective prayers as a tool to prevent the possibility of sexual intimacy challenges in future.

SUMMARY

The admonition of Apostle Paul to the couples in 1 Corinthians 7:3 which says “Let the husband render unto the wife due to benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband”, is a very good solution if prayerfully applied can solve many sexual-intimacy challenges.

CONCLUSION

Avoiding your spouse, especially in the area of sexual intimacy is creating a space that will be occupied by something or someone else.
EVALUATION: What are the challenges and solutions to sexual intimacy challenges?
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help couples to humbly accept their faults and fathom out their marital intimacy challenges.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) causes of sexual intimacy challenges and solutions to the challenges.

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help all couples to be faithful in there marriages. 
MEMORY VERSE: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” – Hebrews 13:4

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 7:6-27 
Pro 7:6  One day I was looking out my window 
Pro 7:7  at some foolish teenagers and noticed one who had no sense at all. 
Pro 7:8  He was walking through the marketplace and came to the corner where a certain woman lived. He then turned up the road that goes by her house. 
Pro 7:9  The day was ending. The sun had set, and it was almost dark. 
Pro 7:10  Suddenly, there she was in front of him, dressed like a prostitute. She had plans for him. 
Pro 7:11  She was a wild and rebellious woman who would not stay at home. 
Pro 7:12  She walked the streets, always looking for someone to trap. 
Pro 7:13  She grabbed the young man and kissed him. Without shame, she looked him in the eye and said, 
Pro 7:14  “I offered a fellowship offering today. I gave what I promised to give, 
Pro 7:15  and I still have plenty of food left. So I came out to find you, and here you are! 
Pro 7:16  I have clean sheets on my bed—special ones from Egypt. 
Pro 7:17  My bed smells wonderful with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 
Pro 7:18  Come, let’s enjoy ourselves all night. We can make love until dawn. 
Pro 7:19  My husband has gone on a business trip. 
Pro 7:20  He took enough money for a long trip and won’t be home for two weeks.” 
Pro 7:21  This is what the woman said to tempt the young man, and her smooth words tricked him. 
Pro 7:22  He followed her, like a bull being led to the slaughter. He was like a deer walking into a trap, 
Pro 7:23  where a hunter waits to shoot an arrow through it’s heart. The boy was like a bird flying into a net, never seeing the danger he was in. 
Pro 7:24  Now, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to what I say. 
Pro 7:25  Don’t let your heart lead you to an evil woman like that. Don’t go where she wants to lead you. 
Pro 7:26  She has brought down some of the most powerful men; she has left many dead bodies in her path. 
Pro 7:27  Her house is the place of death. The road to it leads straight to the grave.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

In Christian marriage, every man must cleave to his own wife, and every wife cleaves to her own husband (Genesis 2:24), The Bible commends chaste matrimony in all sorts of men, and threatens utter destruction from God against whoremongers and adulterers (Hebrews 13:4).

TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 7:6-27.

Proverbs 7:1-23 describes the wiles of a harlot and their operations in the evening, in the corner, in the street, in the black and dark night, as applicable in our cities today. Proverbs 7:8-9.
One of their wiles to trap men who lack understanding is that they put on “the attire of a harlot” and their “subtle approach” -Vs 10.
Identify any other wiles, tricks or habits of a harlot from today’s bible reading
i. ………………………………………………….
ii. …………………………………………………
iii. ………………………………………………..
iv. ………………………………………………..
v. …………………………………………………
LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: MEANING AND CAUSES OF MARITAL UNFAITHFULNESS

Question: What is marital unfaithfulness?

Answers:
i. It is the failure of the spouse (either or both) to keep the marital vows.
ii. It is cheating on a partner in marriage.
ii. It is a loss of commitment and dedication to a spouse in all spheres.
Question: What are the likely causes of marital unfaithfulness?

Answers:
i. Failure to provide for the basic needs of the partner/home. 1 Tim. 5:8.
ii. Unbelief or no respect for the position of the word of God on infidelity.
iii. Lack of commitment or problem of unseriousness to the marital vows
iv. Lack of contentment. 1 Tim. 6:6.
v. Bad company or evil associations. 1 Cor.15:33.
vi. Lack of self-control. 1 Cor. 7:5; Titus 2:4,6
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention other reasons we have a high rate of infidelity in our marriages in our society today.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: EFFECTS OF MARITAL UNFAITHFULNESS AND THE WAY OUT
Question: What are the effects and consequences of marital unfaithfulness?

Answers:

i. It produces district and erodes trust among couples.
ii. Can lead to unforgiveness, hatred and bitterness. Prov. 15:17.
iii. Sexual activity with a strange woman/man can result in various sexually transmitted diseases (STD) Prov. 7:23.
iv. It can lead to separation and divorce. 1 Cor. 7:10; Matt. 19:1-9.
v. It can lead to corrupt and immoral children
vi. It can cause peace to cease in the affected homes. Prov. 14:1; Jer. 6:14.
Question: What are the possible solutions to the problem of marital unfaithfulness?

Answers:
i. Couples must learn to satisfy themselves sexually.
ii. Married couples must embrace the divine principle of “godliness and contentment”. Prov. 5:15-20, 1 Tim. 6:6.
iii. Partners should learn to appreciate each other.
iv. Couples should learn the act of sexual lovemaking
v. Couples should understand the sexual need of each other and satisfy it.
vi. Trust and genuine love should not be compromised.
vii. Couples should fear God always. Eph. 5:21; Prov. 8:13; 2Tim. 2:19.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the solutions to marital unfaithfulness?

SUMMARY: Married couples must avoid marital unfaithfulness and its consequences.

CONCLUSION: If you are unfaithful in your marriage, the wrath of God is imminent. Your marriage must remain honourable in all things.

EVALUATION: What are the causes of and solutions to marital unfaithfulness?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help all married couples to be faithful to God and their spouses.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five (5) pieces of advice to married couples who are in divorce because of marital unfaithfulness.

OPENING PRAYER: Father, use me mightily for your glory. Let signs and wonders begin to manifest in my ministry. (Peter the Apostle).

MEMORY VERSE: “Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.” – Acts 5:15

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 16:13-19. KJV
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

 Apostle Peter played a significant role in the history of the church despite his background (Acts 4:13; 5:15). We want to learn some crucial lessons from his life and ministry.

TEXT REVIEW: Matthew 16:13:19.
Peter rightly defined the person of Christ which indicates that the Holy Spirit had enabled him to discover who Christ Jesus was.
This revelation elicited some pronouncements on Peter and the church. Find out such pronouncements from Matthew 16:17-19
i. ………………………………………………
ii. ……………………………………………..
iii. …………………………………………….
iv. …………………………………………….
LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: BRIEF HISTORY AND CHARACTER
The teacher should ask the students questions as presented below and allow them to respond according to the scripture attached to the questions.
Question: Where was Peter born, according to John 1:44?
Answer: Bethsaida.
Question: What was his profession according to Luke 5:1-2?
Answer: Fisherman.
Question: The Lord Jesus christened Peter as Cephas. What is the translation of Cephas in Aramaic, according to John 1:42?
Answer: Rock.
Question: What was the relationship between Jesus Christ and Peter, according to Matthew 4:18-20?
Answer: Disciple or follower/master relationship.
Question: According to Mark 3:14-16 and Luke 6:13, what was Peter ordained to be called?
Answer: Apostle.
Question: What was Peter’s commission, according to Matthew 10:18 and John 21:15-17?
Answer: Leader of other Apostles
Question: Was Peter single or married, according to Matthew 8:14; Luke 3:38?
Answer: Married.
Question: How did Peter elect to die according to historical record?
Answer: Died as a Martyr (crucified upside down).
Question: Why did he elect to die like that?
Answer: Because he felt not worthy to die the same way Jesus died.
Question: Describe Peter in terms of worldly possession, according to Matthew 4:22; Luke 5:11.
Answer: A person who surrendered everything for Christ.
Question: Describe Peter in terms of response to pressure and correction, according to Mark 8:31-33; John 18:11
Answer: Quick to listen, made mistakes, but ready to humbly take corrections.
Question: Would you qualify Peter as a pretender or a Christian, according to Luke 22:61-62?
Answer: He was a repentant Christian.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: ACHIEVEMENTS AND LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE/MINISTRY

• Students should identify what Peter did which were unique, according to the following Scriptures.
• The teacher should allow the students to read the Scriptures and obtain answers.

i. Matthew 16:15-17————First to catch the revelation that Jesus was the son of God.
ii. Mark 9:2-6———-He was with the Lord Jesus at the mount of transfiguration.
ii. Acts 2:14; 37,41———He first led 3000 souls to Christ. His other sermon led about 5000 souls to Christ.
iv. Matthew 14:25-29———Peter walked upon the sea by faith.
v. Acts 3:1-7———-He healed a lame man at the Beautiful gate.
vi. Acts 5:14-16———–Highly anointed and healed several sick people.
vii. Matthew 19:29————-He left everything and followed Christ.
vii. Hebrews 12:2; Matthew 14:28-31——-Believers should keep their focus on Christ always.
ix. James 1:19; Colossians 4:6———-Believers should be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.
x. Hebrews 4:16————-Believers who genuinely confess and repent will receive forgiveness.
xi. Philippians 1:20-21, Romans 8:17————Believers can glorify God in life and death.
SUMMARY: Peter lived a good and exemplary life for believers to follow.

CONCLUSION: Christians should allow God to grow them like Peter from a baby Christian to the carrier of anointing.

EVALUATION: What moral lessons can we learn from Peter’s life and death?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, use me like the way you used Peter

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five ways in which this study on Peter has influenced your life.