OPENING PRAYER: Almighty Father, open our eyes to see the true picture of our life from the mirror of Your word.
MEMORY VERSE: “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” – 2 Timothy 3:8 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 1:18-25 (KJV)
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Reprobacy is the state or character of being a reprobate. A reprobate is an unprincipled or depraved person. The Greek word translated “reprobate” in the New Testament is ‘adokimos,’ which literally means “unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless.” It is that which is rejected on account of its own worthlessness (Jer.6:30). Many people have wondered if at this point a person may be beyond hope. It is imperative, therefore, for believers to study the nature and dangers of reprobacy.
TEXT REVIEW:
The teacher should identify five descriptions of reprobates as stated by Apostle Paul in the above passage.
i. …………………………………………
ii.…………………………………………
iii. ………………………………….……
iv. ……………………………….………
v. ………………………………….……
LESSON OUTLINES:
- THE NATURE OF REPROBATES
- DANGERS OF REPROBACY
1. THE NATURE OF REPROBATES
The teacher should identify the nature of reprobates as indicated below:
i. They desire to suppress the truth with wickedness. Rom. 1:18.
ii. They deliberately reject God in their imaginations and actions. Rom. 1:21, Titus 1:16.
iii. They worship the creature rather than the Creator. Rom. 1:23-25, Jer. 10:14.
iv. They commit all manner of sins and have no limits or restrictions on sinful behaviours. Rom. 1:29-31; Eph. 5:3.
v. They are wicked and encourage people to join their wicked ways. Rom. 1:32; Psalm 50:18.
vi. They are guided by the flesh and do not possess the Holy Spirit. Titus 1:16.
b What can true believers do to win the reprobates to Christ?
2. DANGERS OF REPROBACY
A. The Almighty God warns His children against drifting into reprobacy. 2 Pet. 3:9; Rom. 1:28.
B. The teacher should identify the dangers of becoming a reprobate as indicated below:
i. Reprobates will face the wrath of God. Rom. 1:18.
ii. They become unclean and dishonour their bodies between themselves. Rom. 1:24
iii. They practice vile affections e.g. homosexuality, bestiality, etc. Rom. 1:26.
iv. They do those things which are not convenient. Rom. 1:28.
v. Reprobates are filled with all unrighteousness. Rom. 1:29-31.
vi. They ignore impending judgment and continue in sin. Rom. 1:32.
C. Question: Is there hope for a reprobate?
Answer: Yes, but based on the following conditions:
i. The reprobate should genuinely return to God who is willing to accept him/her. Isa. 1:18; John 6:37.
ii. They should repent of their sins. Luke 13:5, 2Pet. 3:9.
iii. They should ask God for mercy. Psalm 51:1; 51:17; Isa. 55:7; Rom. 10:13.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why are there so many reprobates around us?
SUMMARY: God wants reprobate to repent.
CONCLUSION: Be careful to guard your mind and avoid the gradual drifting, shifting and twisting of thought that moves people towards reprobacy (Rom.12:1-2).
EVALUATION: What are the dangers of reprobacy?
CLOSING PRAYER: Almighty Father, please save me from sliding into reprobacy.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five things a believer can do to avoid reprobacy? (2×5= 10 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?
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