RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER MANUAL 7 JANUARY 2024 (LESSON 19)
TOPIC: GRATITUDE
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, help me to be grateful.
TODAY’S LESSON
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 107:21-22
21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And declare His works with rejoicing.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalms 9:1 NKJV
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
Open Heaven 7 January 2024 Sunday
INTRODUCTION
Gratitude is fundamentally about not taking things for granted. Many believe that most things they get are their rights.
They believe in their sweat, smartness, and intellect, hence, they see no reason they should give thanks to anyone, nor even God Almighty.
This is not only wrong but a wicked and dangerous act. To be grateful is to recognise the influence and blessings of the Lord in our lives. Gratitude also means thanksgiving, thankfulness, or appreciation.
TEACHER’S DIARY
LESSON AIM:
To remind the church of the act and art of gratitude.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Know what gratitude is.
b. Understand the implication of ingratitude.
c. Identify ways to show gratitude.
d. Recognise its inherent gains.
TEXT REVIEW: Psalm 107:21-22.
The Psalmist admonished the children of men on the insight he caught on gratitude: expressed part of his innermost desire that people would be grateful to God. He further gave insight as to the reason and how it should be shown. He said:
i. Oh that men ……………………………. V21.
ii. Let them ……………………………… V22.
TEACHING METHOD:
The Question and Answer Method
OUTLINES:
1. SHOWING GRATITUDE
2. BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE
1. SHOWING GRATITUDE
Question 1: What are the things involved in showing gratitude?
Answer: Some of the things involved are:
i. Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15).
ii. It should come out of a pure, broken, and contrite heart (Psalm 51:16-17).
iii. Thanksgiving should not be offered grudgingly or of necessity but willingly and cheerfully (Psalm 69:30).
Question 2: In what ways can we show our gratitude to God?
Answer: We can offer thanks to God:
i. With joyful noise (Psalm 95:2).
ii. Singing (Psalms 13:6; 126:1-2).
iii. Clapping of hands (Psalm 47:1).
iv. With Musical instruments and dancing (Psalm 150:3-6).
Question 3: What are other ways can we show our gratitude to God?
Answer: We can also show our gratitude to God through:
i. The offering of quality substances like our time, materials, properties, and money (Proverbs 3:9-10).
ii. Our labour of love in God’s vineyard (Hebrews 6.10).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
Students should mention other ways of showing gratitude to God apart from the aforementioned.
2. BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE
Question: Are there benefits in showing gratitude to God?
Answer: Some benefits of showing gratitude to God are stated below:
i. Our gratitude helps us glorify God as we focus on the giver and not the gifts (2 Corinthians 4:15).
ii. It helps us feel God’s presence, His care, and perfect timing (Psalms 95:2; 103:13-14).
iii. It makes us conform to God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
iv. It brings peace, joy, and contentment (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-8).
v. It perfects our testimony (Luke 17:17-19).
vi. It deepens our faith. Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness is a faith booster when we face new difficulties (Psalm 103:2).
vii. It aids our prayers (John 11:41-44).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
Mention the benefits you derived from being grateful to God
CONCLUSION: RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER MANUAL 7 JANUARY 2024
Gratitude should be part of our daily lives so that we can enjoy unending benefits.
EVALUATION:
Mention three things involved in showing gratitude.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, I receive the grace not just to be grateful but to also show my gratitude to You as long as I have my breath in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER MANUAL 7 JANUARY 2024
In the light of the doctrine of “count your blessings, name them one by one” make a list of 10 “blessings” you received in the out-gone year and praise God for His benevolence. (1×10=10 marks).
