RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 2 JULY 2023

LESSON FORTY FOUR (44)
TOPIC: REPROBACY

*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 friend 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 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: Romans 1:18-25

[18]For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

[19]because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

[20]For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

[21]because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

[22]Professing to be wise, they became fools,

[23]and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

[24]Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

[25]who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE: “Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith.” 2 Timothy 3:8 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Reprobacy is the state or character of being a reprobate. A reprobate is an unprincipled or depraved person. The Greek word translated “reprobate” in the New Testament is ‘adokimos,’ which literally means “unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless.” It is that which is rejected on account of its own worthlessness (Jer.6:30). Many people have wondered if at this point a person may be beyond hope. It is imperative, therefore, for believers to study the nature and dangers of reprobacy.

OUTLINES:
1. THE NATURE OF REPROBATES
2. DANGERS OF REPROBACY

1. THE NATURE OF REPROBATES
There are some pointers to knowing someone that can be referred to as a reprobate. Such persons usually have the desire to suppress the truth with wickedness (Rom.1:18; 2Tim.3:8). They wilfully reject God in their imaginations and actions (Rom.1:21; Tit.1:16). People with reprobate minds choose to worship the creature rather than the Creator (Rom.1:23-25; Jer.10:14). They commit all manner of sins and have no limits or restrictions on sinful behaviours (Rom.1:29-31; Eph.5:3). Reprobates do not only hold onto and continue in their wicked behaviours, they encourage and celebrate others who imitate them (Rom.1:32; Ps.50:18). Those with reprobate minds do not have the Spirit of God and live only for themselves (Tit.1:16).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What can true believers do to win the reprobates to Christ?

2. DANGERS OF REPROBACY
The Bible warns against reprobacy because it leads to a point where God withdraws His longsuffering to save but gives them over to a degenerated mind (2Pet.3:9; Rom.1:28) to:
1. Face the wrath of God (Rom.1:18).

2. Become unclean and dishonour their bodies between themselves (Rom.1:24).

3. Practice vile affections e.g. homosexuality, bestiality, etc. (Rom.1:26).

4. Do those things which are not convenient (Rom.1:28).

5. Be filled with all unrighteousness (Rom.1:29-31).

6. Ignore impending judgment and continue in sin (Rom.1:32).
Nevertheless, there is no heart or mind that God cannot change if that person approaches Him in genuine repentance (Isa.1:18; Jn.6:37). People toing the path of reprobacy should repent and turn to God for mercy because there is grace and hope for them (Ps.51:17; Isa.55:7; Rom.10:13).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why are there so many reprobates around us?

CONCLUSION: Be careful to guard your mind and avoid the gradual drifting, shifting and twisting of thought that moves people towards reprobacy (Rom.12:1-2).

QUESTIONS:
* Describe the nature of reprobates
* What are the dangers of reprobacy?

FURTHER READING: MON: 2Pet.3:9; TUE: Col.3:5; WED: Jer.6:30; THUR: 1Sam.3:13; FRI: 1 Kgs.21:22; SAT: Hos.4:17; SUN: Heb.6:8.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five things a believer can do to avoid reprobacy? (2×5= 10 marks).