RCCG HOUSE FELLOWSHIP LEADER’S MANUAL 29 MAY 2022
LESSON THIRTY NINE (39)
TOPIC: END OF THIRD QUARTER/INTERACTIVE SESSION
SUMMARY OF LESSONS 27-38
LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: GOD USES THE INSIGNIFICANT
BIBLE TEXT: Judges 6:14-16
MEMORY VERSE: “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” 1 Cor. 1:27
LESSON INTRODUCTION: What does the term insignificant denote? It denotes not important, inconsequential or having no noticeable effect. Gideon in today’s text had this to say “And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Judges 6:15. He (Gideon) saw himself unfit to deliver Israelites from the hands of the Midianites. However, God still insisted that he had been chosen to be their deliverer.
Today’s devotional: Open Heaven 29 May 2022
Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 29 May 2022
Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 29 May 2022
LESSON OUTLINES:
QUALITIES OF SOMEONE THAT GOD WILL USE:
1. He must fear God. Leviticus 25:17
2. He must be humble. James 4:6
3. He must be compassionate. Colossians 3:12
4. He must be meek and patient. James 1:4
5. He must be a giver. Luke 6:38
6. He must always meditate on the word of God. Joshua 1:8
7. He/She must be teachable. Prov. 9:9
8. He must obey God totally. 1 Samuel 15:18-19
9. He must be Holy. Heb 1:9
THE INSIGNIFICANT THAT GOD USED.
1. DAVID: He was a shepherd boy kept in the bush. 1 Sam. 16:11-12
2. GIDEON: He was hiding from the Midianites. Judges 6:11
3. PETER: He was a fisherman. Luke 5:2-3
4. JOHN THE BELOVED: He was a fisherman also.
5. JOSEPH AND MARY; JESUS CHRIST EARTHLY PARENTS: They were poor and upright. Matthew 1:19; Lk. 1:27-31
ACTIVITY: Name some other insignificant people God used in the Bible.
SUMMARY: God can use anyone in irrespective of who you are, your background or status.
CONCLUSION: God still uses the insignificant. Don’t be ashamed of your situation just remain upright for the one who sees in secret will reward you openly. “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes”. Matthew.11:25
*LESSON TWENTY EIGHT (28)*
*TOPIC: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR LOCKDOWN*
*BIBLE TEXT: Mark 4:35-41*
MEMORY VERSE: “When thou passest through the water, I will be thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” Isaiah 43:2
LESSON INTRODUCTION: A lockdown is defined as a confinement of people or person in a given place. So many thing could cause lockdown of a person in life and they be physical or spiritual but in either but in either case you are restricted to a particular place by a kind of force. In the text, we read the disciples were on their way with Jesus to “A BETTER SIDE” and the storm arose to keep them in a lockdown. A lockdown therefore could arise when you least expect but the important thing about the storm above is that Jesus was with them. Most of the time when we get into different types of lockdowns like the disciples, we trend to forget Christians that someone is in the boat/ship with us …..Jesus. He was fully aware of the storm but He waited for them to CALL on Him.
LESSON OUTLINES:
FIVE LESSONS FROM THE TEXT
1. When you are on a destiny journey, always set out with Jesus Christ (Invite Him into your boat).
2. Lockdown may arise in form of storms.
3. Fear is usually generated to confuse.
4. Remember that Jesus is with you, call on Him.
5. A great solution, like the great calm is usually revealed.
ACTIVITY: Discuss other steps that can be taken when faced with storms.
SUMMARY: A lockdown therefore could arise when you least expected but the important thing about the storm above is that Jesus is always with us.
CONCLUSION: Lockdown may arise but never lose sight of the fact that you are not alone, there is someone in the lockdown with you, who can command the termination of the lockdown, His name is Jesus.
*LESSON TWENTY NINE (29)*
*TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING GOD’S SUFFICIENT GRACE.*
*BIBLE TEXT: 1 Samuel 2:2-9*
MEMORY VERSE: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me”. 2 Corinthians 12:9
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Grace is best described as an unmerited or undeserved favour or assistance given to a person. Men do show or give to other men most of the time according their knowledge and understanding but we want to look at God’s sufficient grace, what we may also call “DIVINE GRACE” this was best exemplified in Hannah who has been on the other side of life, experiencing mockery by Peninnah, the other wife of her husband, Elkanah because she was without a child. Then God’s grace located her and she transformed from a barren woman to become the mother of prophet Samuel and God gave her additional three sons and two daughters 1Sam.2:21. The grace of God cannot be understood by human thinking and principles. Paul the Apostle, in his conversation with the Almighty, the grace of God is sufficient for his predicament. God’s grace is more pronounced when your afflictions or denial are great; that is why He said that, I will rather glory in God’s grace.
LESSON OUTLINES:
LEARNING POINTS
1. The grace of God is not about qualification or competence.
2. To understand more of the grace of God; you must be able to see weakness and not strength
3. To understand the mystery of God’s sufficient grace, you need a mind opener, Holy spirit that will help you understand the scripture Lk.29:45.
4. You need to find God’s sight. We can also grow in God’s grace 2 Peter 3:18. We can abuse grace
5. If we continue in sin Rom. 6:1
ACTIVITY: What are the things Christian should do to grow in God’s grace ?
SUMMARY: God’s grace is more pronounced during your afflictions.
CONCLUSION: The Bible mentions the “THRONE OF GRACE” (Heb.4:16) this is the source of God’s sufficient grace and it is not about qualification or competence but unmerited favour that God may be glorified. To understand therefore Paul says I will rather glory in my weakness so that more sufficient grace is given to me.
*LESSON THIRTY (30)*
*TOPIC: STRATEGIES FOR LOCKDOWN SITUATIONS.*
*BIBLE TEXT: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18*
MEMORY VERSE: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”. 2 Corinthians 4:17
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Strategy is any plan of action intended to accomplish a specific goal. Applied to lockdown situation, there must be an international plan of action even through you are in a lockdown to survive and overcome the situation. The ultimate for any one in a lockdown situation is to get out or be free from the situation; As Christans, lockdown situation should not take us by surprise or weigh us down, we must understand that Jesus said that in this world we shall face tribulations but he concluded be giving us a hint about the strategies to get out of lockdown, Jesus said “BE COURAGEOUS” or take courage because ALREADY He has conquered the world.
LESSON OUTLINES:
UNDERSTANDING LOCKDOWN
1. A lockdown is just a transition phase of life and cannot be permanent.
2. Have a good knowledge of the lockdown by the reason of the Holy Spirit get God’s interpretation.
3. Be courageous and remain focused on your Good Vision.
4. Be careful with the people and information around you and make good decision.
5. God Almighty has control
over every area of your life, be connected to Him. He has the best strategy.
ACTIVITY: Discuss why so man’s hearts became weary during the lockdown?
SUMMARY: Lockdown should not be a burden to us as believers.
CONCLUSION: Every lockdown situation is going to end one day, in the meantime, this is a time to further think, study and understand the situation so as to overcome it through different strategies. Of all these strategies, God’s strategy to lead you out of the lockdown is the best.
*LESSON THIRTY ONE (31)*
*TOPIC: THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN A LOCKDOWN.*
*BIBLE TEXT: 2 Samuel 23:1-14*
MEMORY VERSE: “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. God the father being the first, God the Son – Jesus Christ the second, In the old testament days the Holy Spirit empowered specific individuals/persons only for specific purpose. But after Jesus physically ascended into heavens he sent his spiritual presence, The Holy Spirit to all believers so that He will be among men on earth including during lockdown situations. The Holy Spirit first became officially available to his disciples and other believers at Pentecost, Act 2:1-4,14-21.
LESSON OUTLINES:
The Holy Spirit is the sure anchor for lockdown situations, this is why the last moment with His Disciples, the Lord Jesus mentioned the Inevitable roles of the Holy Spirit, when He must Have left. John 16:1-16, certain things would happen
a. He warned them about further Persecution
b. He told them where He was going.
c. He assured them, they would not be left alone but that the Holy Spirit would come;
HENCE THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. Knows what lies ahead in a lockdown
2. He will also use the Holy Spirit to encourage our faith in a lockdown and not to be shaken or destroyed.
3. Holy Spirit will also give us guardiance and ability to understand the situation.
4. Holy Spirit is also the only Comforter in times of lockdown.
5. The Holy Spirit gives grace to overcome lockdown situations.
ACTIVITY: Discuss the Role of Holy Spirit to you during the Lockdown?
SUMMARY: Holy Spirit build over faith in a lockdown.
CONCLUSION: The role of the Holy Spirit in a lockdown situation cannot be over emphasised, this is why every Christian must learn and apply the ways of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit filled life will always overcome any lockdown situation because Christ has overcome the word and he is greater than all lockdown powers put together.
*LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32)*
*TOPIC: AGAPE LOVE IN THE CHURCH*
*BIBLE TEXT: 1 John 2:5-11*
MEMORY VERSE: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The church of Christ is founded on LOVE, when Jesus was on earth and even at his closing days he emphasised the importance of a new commandment of LOVE for believers but unfortunately many are in church and out of church for something else, apart from the Agape Love Christ left for us. Love is an intense feeling of affection and care towards another person; but can this definition be found.
There are three kinds of love; these are Agape, Filial and Eros, but the kind of love that brought Christ to the world, and which he preached for the church is Agape type of love. Sometime called the Unconditional Love.This was the type of love seen in Antioch church that made item call the disciples Christian and in our memory verse today it is what makes outsiders call us the true disciples of Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE:
WHAT IS THE NATURE OF AGAPE LOVE IN THE CHURCH?
Agape Love is not simply warm feelings; it is instead an attitude that reveals itself in Action. It’s loving other in the church as christ loves us as follows:
1. By helping when it’s not convenient
2. By giving when it hurts
3. By developing energy to others welfare rather than our own
4. By absorbing hurts from others without complaining of fighting back
CONCLUSION: Contemporary churches seem to be carried away by lust and not LOVE. Lust is also a strong desire a person have but merely for pleasure unlike lust God’s type of love age is directed outwards, towards others and not inwards to ourselves.
ACTIVITIES:
i. Which kind of love existed in the early church in the Act of The Apostles?
ii. Is Agape Love present in this present church? If No, Members should explain how it can be restored and If yes Members should pray that it continue to burn forever.
SUMMARY: Believers should love one another just as Christ loved the church
*LESSON THIRTY-THREE (33)*
*TOPIC: PREPARING FOR ETERNITY*
*BIBLE TEXT: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16*
MEMORY VERSE: “But has it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” 1 corinthians 2:9
LESSON INTRODUCTION: While the dictionary describe eternity as an existence without end or time infinite, the Bible explains it deeper as it described eternity as place/situation that no eye has seen,nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who loves him. There is a preparation that will take you throughout history people have wanted to know what will happen in the future there is a lot mystery attached to the eternal life of the Christian so much so that it was still hidden from the saints of old; thus it sands as a big question to be answered in an all important exam
LESSON OUTLINE:
EXAMINATION HINTS TO PREPARING FOR ETERNITY:
1. John was stopped from revealing certain points of the vision.
2. An angel told Daniel that something he saw were not to be revealed Daniel 12:9
3. Jesus told his disciples that the time of the end is known only by God, Mark 13:32-33.
HOW DO WE PREPARE
1. God has revealed all that we need to live for Him in His Word/Scripture, first we must have the sonship of God through Christ new birth.
2. The Holy Spirit will also help to understand the FUTURE
3. Courage to press on in difficult times of trials/tribulations
4. To endure hardship, to avoid giving in to temptation.
ACTIVITY: Discuss why some believers don’t prepare for eternity?
SUMMARY: As a believer, we should be prepared for eternity, it lies in our hands.
CONCLUSION: We have an examination in our hands about eternity, like many exam questions many have not seen but there are preparatory days we must all take from the word of God, are you prepared for this everlasting exam test?
*LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)*
*TOPIC: WARNING SIGNALS OF BACKSLIDING*
*BIBLE TEXT: ISAIAH 31:6-7, REVELATION 3:15-18*
MEMORY VERSE: “O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee” Jeremiah 14:7.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Backsliding is turning away or turning back from the LORD. It is falling from the spiritual level one has attained Revelation 2:5. It is putting one’s hand to the plough and looking back. Luke 9:62, Proverbs 26:11, Matthew 5:13.
LESSON OUTLINE:
SIGNS OF BACKSLIDING
1. SPIRITUAL PRIDE: This is when one begins to focus on one’s works and not the works of Christ on the cross. Our works are not the basis of our repentance by God. Pride goes before destruction Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Luke 22:33.
2. LACK OF HUNGER FOR THE WORD OF GOD: Luke 4:4, Acts17:11, Job 23:12.
3. A SICK OR NON-EXISTING PRAYER LIFE: When a Christian doesn’t pray privately as much as he used to do, he is backsliding. Jesus says man ought always to pray and not to faint. Luke 18:1, Matthew 6:6.
4. JUSTIFICATION OF SIN AND LOSS OF SENSE OF GUILT: 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
5. CONTROL BY THE FLESH: When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your life will produce these evil results: serial immorality, inpure thoughts, Idolatry, outburst of angers, selfish ambition, envy etc Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Timothy 5:6, Proverbs 21:17, 1 Timothy 6:10.
6. LIVING A HYPOCRITICAL LIFE: When a Christian begins live a double life – he flows with sinners while pretending a form of godliness among believers Ma15:7-9, Mark 7:6-10.
7. WITHDRAW FROM FELLOWSHIP WITH SAINTS: Psalm 122:1, Psalm 84:10, Hebrew 10:25 says Christians should not forsaken assembling together of fellowship Christians.
HOW TO AVOID BACKSLIDING:
1. Watch and pray Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38, and Luke 22:46.Holyk
2. Walk in the Spirit and embrace holy living Luke 4:1-13, 1 John 3:9, 1 John 2:4, Romans 13:10.
3. Do regular self examination 2 Corinthians 13, 1 John 1:9-10, Revelation 2:5-6.
4. Pray for one another and fellowship with others. 1 Corinthians 12:26, Luke 22:31-32, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, Hebrew 10:25.
ACTIVITY: Discuss why believers still backside.
SUMMARY: Backsliding just going back to your vomit.
CONCLUSION: There is restoration for backside if he repents and return to God. Confess and forsake sins, and return to God. He’ll is real, don’t die in your sin. “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings” Jeremiah 3:22.
*LESSON THIRTY FIVE (35)*
*TOPIC: PASSION FOR LOST SOULS*
*BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 9:35-36*
MEMORY VERSE: “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
LESSON INTRODUCTION: One among the nature of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is compassionate and passionate about saving souls. In Matthew 9:35, the Bible says He was going to towns and villages teaching in the synagogues preaching the good news because he was driven by the passion for the lost souls. As a Christan, if you are not involved in the great commission business, you cannot have passion for souls.
LESSON OUTLINE:
WHO ARE THE LOST SOULS?
1. According to James 5:20, they are wandering people.
2. Those that refused to accept Chirst
3. Those still living old wayward life
4. Those that reject the good news of Jesus Christ, John 3:16
5. A liar, Romans 3:4
6. He who does not honor Christ 1 Samuel 2:30
7. The sinners in general
8. Those who are on the way to perdition.
WHAT DO WE DO FOR THE LOST SOULS TO REPENT?
1. Look for them
2. Preach to them
3. Bring them to Christ
4. Help them to abide in Christ
5. Teach them about Christ
6. Have compassion for them as Christ did, Matthew 9:36
7. Feed them
8. Win them to the family of Christ.
ACTIVITY: Class should mention what they have done to save souls in their local environment.
SUMMARY: The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9
CONCLUSION: As Christans, we have to emulate our Father in Heaven in going for the searching of lost souls. Matthew 28:19. We are commended to see souls saved. No one is exempted. Part of introduction is passion for souls.
*LESSON THIRTY SIX (36)*
*TOPIC: REMEMBERING THE MISSIONARIES IN PRAYERS*
*BIBLE TEXT: ISAIAH 31:6-7; REVELATION 3:15-18*
MEMORY VERSE: “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” Psalm 121:8.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The missionary works is not for the easily discouraged nor for the faint-heart. They leave their comfort zone, that is, their homes and everything, to go out there to share the gospel of love and hope to the world. They desire more than anything. Some, if you ask them what they need, they will reply you by saying “pray for us” and you can only understand and pray for them very well continuously if you have once been on the mission field.
LESSON OUTLINE:
LET US LOOK AT THE TYPES OF URGENT PRAYERS THE MISSIONARIES NEED.
1. Pray for their strength and endurance Isaiah 40:31.
2. Pray for provision: Philippians 4:19, they need God’s provision in everything.
3. Pray for protection and safety. God should guide and guard them and their families back at home. Psalm 112:6-7.
5. Ask God to bring people on their way to encourage them.
6. Pray for them for sound mind and open heart, Jeremiah 24:1.
7. For divine opportunities: let God set up divine opportunities for them.
8. Open doors in their ministry. Colossians 4:3-4.
ACTIVITY: Discuss why we believer do support the missionaries with prayers?
SUMMARY: Missionaries are to be prayed for, not to be discouraged.
CONCLUSION: It is a must for us to intercede and continously remember the missionaries in our prayers where they are.
*LESSON THIRTY SEVEN (37)*
*TOPIC: SPORTS EVANGELISM.*
*BIBLE TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:16-27*
MEMORY VERSE: “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Today’s text is insightful. Paul the apostle is comparing Christian’s race to that of the athletes.
Athletic is one of the numerous sporting events perform by sportsmen and women. Who is an athlete? A participant in a group of sporting activities which includes, track and field, road running, cross country running and race-walking. The Bible says this set of people keep themselves within the rule just to receive worldly crowns. Evangelism is seriously
needed in this field for Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE:
WHAT SHOULD WE PREACH IN SPORTING
ENVIRONMENT?
1. Everyone was born a sinner. Roman 3:23.
2. Christ’s salvation to mankind. John 3:16
3. The love of God for all souls. Ezekiel 18:4
4. No more condemnation from the pit of hell on any saved soul. Romans 8:1
5. Satan is the sole enemy of mankind. John 10:10
6. Heaven is real. Matthew 25: 1-13.
7. They should be told that it is possible to receive double crowns- earthly and heavenly. 1 Cor. 9: 24-25.
ACTIVITY: Mention other sporting activities that can be used for evangelism.
SUMMARY: Evangelism is a commandment from God.
CONCLUSION: We are to preach everywhere with exception, please don’t neglect anyone when you are preaching the gospel.
*LESSON THIRTY EIGHT (38)*
*TOPIC: RISING BEYOND FALLING*
*BIBLE TEXT: Acts 10:34-40*
MEMORY VERSE: “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” John 14:30.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: God created man to remain rising with no falling at all. However, when sin came into man’s life, man began to speak the language of falling. God needed to put back His original plan on motion – rising beyond falling. To restore this, Jesus came and showed us how to perfectly eschew falling out of our life. And constantly live a life without falling.
LESSON OUTLINE:
WHAT BRINGS FALLING?
1. Disobedience to God’s words: Ephesians 5:6
2. Pride “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverb 16:18
3. Dishonouring God: Proverb 3:9, Malachi 1:6
4. Not redeeming your vow: Numbers 30:2
5. Confession of sin without forsaking it: Proverb 22:13
HOW CAN SOMEONE RISE WITHOUT FALLING?
1. Accept the one that never falls- Jesus. John 1:12
2. Constant holy living. 1 Peter 1:15-16.
3. Stay committed to God’s ways in prayer. Isaiah 55:8
4. Read and study the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15
5. Be an addicted God’s worshipper. John 4:23-24
ACTIVITY: Class should mention other causes of falling.
SUMMARY: A man will always fall until he intentionally decides to obey God in everything.
CONCLUSION: NOAH, ABRAHAM, MOSES, DAVID and others rose and failed sometimes in their walk with God. Jesus Christ is the perfect example to imitate, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matthew 17:5
