RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 1 NOVEMBER 2026
LESSON: NINE (09)
TOPIC: THE JOY OF SERVICE
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?
MEMORY VERSE: “But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.” – 2 Kings 3:11
BIBLE PASSAGE: COLOSSIANS 3:23-24
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
INTRODUCTION: Service is work done by an individual, group, etc., for the benefit of others. It is serving other people or an act of assistance, as the case may be. Acceptable service to God must be in reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28). Currently, the act of service is fast fading. Some do not want to serve because of pride, laziness, concerns for gains, etc., while some do any task assigned to them half-heartedly. Our focus is on the slothful and the benefits of service.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. THE SLOTHFUL
2. BENEFITS OF SERVICE
THE SLOTHFUL
This simply refers to a lazy person with defective traits. Some of these traits are stated below:
1. Excuses: A lazy person will always give reasons for being inept and unable to work (Proverbs 22:13).
2. Takes No Delight In Work: A slothful person does not show a swift response to a task and is not motivated to work; thus, it takes a lot of time to get out of bed (Proverbs 26:14).
3. Shoddy: Poor service delivery is synonymous with a lethargic person. This is because of the carefree disposition to work (Proverbs 12:27).
4. Poverty: Lazy people are prone to poverty (Proverbs 10:4).
5. Grumbles: A lazy person blames his tool and complains about everything that has to do with work (Proverbs 20:4).
6. Waster: There is a symbiotic relationship between a slothful person and wasters (Proverbs 18:9).
7. Greed: An indolent person is always greedy for gain because he desires riches but finds it hard to work (Proverbs 21:25).
8. Unkempt: The surroundings/field of a lazy person are unkempt (Proverbs 24:30–31).
9. Pleasure Seekers: Lethargic people love pleasure; work is the last thing on their minds (2 Timothy 3:4–5).
BENEFITS OF SERVICE
When we do any work assigned to us unto God, we can be sure of a godly inheritance (Colossians 3:23–24). We will not suffer hunger when we work willingly (Proverbs 19:15). One of the secrets of riches is growing to the level where work becomes a culture and habit (John 5:17; Proverbs 10:4; 13:4). It is expedient that we are devoted and humble to learn on the job to enjoy a supernatural promotion like Elisha (2 Kings 2:9–10). Hard work brings satisfaction (Proverbs 12:11); delight in work gives fulfilment, and a “work enthusiast” will be more innovative. To crown it all, there are eternal rewards for our earthly works (Revelation 22:12). We must, therefore, pay attention to details, aim at excellence and put in our best so our work speaks for us.
Any service for God or in His vineyard should be seen as an act of worship (Romans 12:1–2). Our talents are gifts from God, and they should be used for service so that God is glorified in all things (1 Peter 4:10–11). Each service should be done as a form of gratitude for all Jesus did for us (John 3:16). Access to God’s presence is enhanced when we serve Him with gladness (Psalm 100:2). Service to God is a key to prosperity and joy (Job 36:11). Refusal to serve God with gladness is an albatross (Deuteronomy 28:47–48).
CONCLUSION: Serve with gladness.
QUESTIONS
1. State five traits of the slothful.
2. Mention four benefits of service.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: 1 Peter 4:10.
MON: Matthew 23:11.
TUE: Galatians 5:13.
WED: Proverbs 10:4.
THUR: Proverbs 13:4.
FRI: Proverbs 21:25.
SAT: Hebrews 6:10.
ASSIGNMENT: Write five (5) ways a believer can experience the joy of serving God and others (2X5=10 marks)
