RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MANUAL 17 JULY 2022

LESSON FORTY SIX (46)
TOPIC: SUICIDE FORBIDDEN

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 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 blessings

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?

Today’s devotional: Open Heaven 17 July 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 17 July 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 17 July 2022

Teens Devotional: Open Heavens For Teens 17 July 2022

MEMORY VERSE: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

BIBLE PASSAGE: ROMANS 5:1-8

[1]Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

[2]By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

[3]And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

[4]And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

[5]And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

[6]For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

[7]For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

[8]But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death or deliberately killing one’s self. Research shows that approximately 90% of people who have died by suicide were suffering from a mental illness at the time. The most common mental illness reported is depression. Also, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness. In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and so on), discrimination or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Intense sadness and/or hopelessness; not caring about activities that used to matter; withdrawal from family, friends, sports and social activities; substance (drug, alcohol) abuse are some of the common signs of suicidal thoughts.

OUTLINES:
1. THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUICIDE
2. ANTIDOTES TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/ATTEMPTS

1. THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUICIDE
The Bible views suicide as equal to murder (self-murder). God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the Psalmist, “My times are in thy hand…” (Ps.31:15). God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judg.9:54), Saul (1Sam.31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1Sam.31:4-6), Ahithophel (2Sam.17:23), Zimri (1Kgs.16:18) and Judas (Matt.27:5).

Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No one should presume to take God’s authority upon them to end his or her own life. Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Eccl.2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1Kgs.19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jon.4:8).

Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point were under great pressure that resulted in despair (2Cor.1:8).
However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl.12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission (1Kgs.19:5,15). Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God (Jon.4:1-3,8-11). Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things (2Cor.1:9).

2. ANTIDOTES TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/ATTEMPTS
According to the Bible, suicide is a sin (Ex.20:13). Therefore, if you or anyone around you expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits self-harming behaviours, seek pastoral and professional help. In addition, the following steps may help to rescue anyone having suicidal thoughts.
1. Take a few moments to consider letting God prove His love to you (Rom.5:5).

2. Know that Jesus identifies with you in your time of rejection and humiliation (Isa.53:2-6).

3. Jesus Christ endured suffering and shame so that you might have all your sins forgiven and your weight of guilt removed (Rom.5:7-8; Rom.8:32).

4. Know that Jesus will forgive and repair your brokenness and restore your joy if you humbly receive Him as your Saviour (Isa.1:18; 2Cor.5:17).

5. Be assured that Jesus will always come to your rescue whenever you are in trouble if only you cry to or call upon Him (Ps.61:1-2; Jer.33:3; Ps.50:15). According to the Bible, suicide is a sin (Ex.20:13). Therefore, if you or anyone around you expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits self-harming behaviours, seek pastoral and professional help. In addition, the following steps may help to rescue anyone having suicidal thoughts.
1. Take a few moments to consider letting God prove His love to you (Rom.5:5).

2. Know that Jesus identifies with you in your time of rejection and humiliation (Isa.53:2-6).

3. Jesus Christ endured suffering and shame so that you might have all your sins forgiven and your weight of guilt removed (Rom.5:7-8; Rom.8:32).

4. Know that Jesus will forgive and repair your brokenness and restore your joy if you humbly receive Him as your Saviour (Isa.1:18; 2Cor.5:17).

5. Be assured that Jesus will always come to your rescue whenever you are in trouble if only you cry to or call upon Him (Ps.61:1-2; Jer.33:3; Ps.50:15).

CONCLUSION: No matter how bad things are in your life, there is the God of love who is waiting for you to guide you through your tunnel of despair and out into His marvellous light.

QUESTIONS:
1. What is the biblical view of suicide?
2. Mention the antidotes to suicidal thoughts/attempts.

FURTHER READING: MON: Matt.27:5. TUE: Ps.125:1-2. WED: Prov.3:5-6. THUR: Isa.12:2-6. FRI: Isa.26:3-4. SAT: Matt.6:25-34. SUN: Matt.21:21-22.

ASSIGNMENT: From the lesson introduction and contemporary environment, identify any five (5) sources of suicide.