RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 3 NOVEMBER 2024
LESSON TEN (10)
TOPIC: DIVINE RESISTANCE
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. 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.
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 manifest 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?
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 5:5-7
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
[7] casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
MEMORY VERSE: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” James 4:6
INTRODUCTION: Despite the magnitude of God’s creations (Psalm 8:3-4), God still humbles Himself to behold the activities of man on earth (Psalm 113:5-6). A proud person is therefore repulsive to Him and He resists such an individual. Lucifer was cast out of Heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-14). The Ancient Greek word for ‘pride’ is ‘Hubris’: it describes a personality of dangerous overconfidence or an over inflated self-confidence, synonymous with arrogance. God intentionally builds a wall of resistance against the proud.
OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES AND CONSEQUENCES
2..BE HUMBLE
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES AND CONSEQUENCES
The Bible gives records of some characters that were filled with ‘hubris’ and their ends. These include King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30), King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:22-23), Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41-44), the rich fool in Jesus’ parable (Luke 12:16-19), and King Herod (Acts 12:21-23a). These men were resisted and judged by God for their sin of pride (Ezekiel 28:17; Jeremiah 13:15-16); King Nebuchadnezzar was brought low and he ate grass (Daniel 4:31-32). King Belshazzar was slain (Daniel 5:30).Goliath and the rich fool in Jesus’ parable died (1Samuel 17:50; Luke 12:20) while Herod was eaten by worms and he died (Acts 12:23b). Pride is rebellion against God and a bid to share in His glory.
Furthermore, God reserves the following punishment for the proud. He cuts them off by silencing them (Psalm 12:3). They are known at a distance and kept in derision (Psalm 138:6). He will destroy their house (Proverbs 15:25). He will bring them down (Isaiah 2:12). He will cause their arrogance to cease (Isaiah 13:11). He is against them and will make them stumble (Jeremiah 50:31-32). He will demean them (Daniel 4:37). They shall be wasted like debris and straw (Malachi 4:1). God sets Himself in battle array against the proud (Obadiah 1:2-4). He repels those who live in pride and self-sufficiency by trusting in themselves and despising others. Pride is sin (Proverbs 21:4), and thus, the proud is abominable to God (Proverbs 16:5a).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you ever been taken in pride? Share the consequences with the class.
2. BE HUMBLE
Humility is the antidote for pride and a requirement to walk with God (Micah 6:8). To be humble is simply a lack of pride, a state marked by meekness or modesty without any iota of arrogance (Colossians 3:12). It is the attitude of having no special importance that makes you better than others (Philippians 2:5-8).
Unlike pride which puts a barrier (a wall of resistance) between man and God, humble people receive grace from God (1 Peter 5:5b). He forgives their sins and heals their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). He hears when they call (2 Chronicles 34:27; Psalm 9:12). God will save them (Job 22:29). He guides and teaches them His way (Psalm 25:9). Furthermore, humility comes before honour (Proverbs 18:12; Philippians 2:7-11) and it brings riches and life (Proverbs 22:4).
However, being humble must be a conscious and deliberate resolve; Jesus says whoever humbles himself as a little child, is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:4). Humility must be worn like a garment every day (1 Peter 5:5b).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why do some believers exhibit pride despite its serious consequences?
CONCLUSION: Pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Be humble.
QUESTIONS:
* Mention four consequences of Pride.
* What is the solution to pride?
ASSIGNMENT: Give five differences between being Confident and being Proud. (2×5=10 Marks).
