RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 23 FEBRUARY 2025

LESSON TWENTY SIX(26)
TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW/SUMMARY(14-25)
SUMMARY OF LESSONS 14-25
LESSON FOURTEEN (14)
TOPIC: ANGER MANAGEMENT
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:26-27.
MEMORY VERSE: “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9.
INTRODUCTION: Anger is a negative emotion characterised by bitterness towards someone or something especially when there is a perceived wrong. It often ignites powerful, restless, aggressive feelings and behaviours. The feeling of anger arises due to how we interpret or react to certain situations. Anger is termed ‘temporary madness’ because it takes over the mind and body and removes the ability to reason with no respect for dignity and friendship. Anger Management is gaining control over our emotions and the ability to regulate rage. We can be angry but it must be managed and not degenerate into sin (Psalm 37:8; Ephesians 4:26-27).

OUTLINES:
1. ANGER TRIGGERS AND ITS EFFECTS
2. SUBDUING ANGER
1. ANGER TRIGGERS AND ITS EFFECTS
A. The teacher should explain the following causes of anger to the class:
i. As humans, we have triggers that make us angry and this could be, from trivial to serious concerns (Leviticus 10:16-17).
ii. Anger issues also stem from a strong feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance (Numbers 22:27).
B. Other causes of anger include:
i. Hatred/frustration (Jonah 3:10-4:1);
ii. Lack of rule over one’s spirit (Proverbs 25:28);
iii. Hasty judgements (2 Samuel 12:5-7);
iv. Quick temper (Proverbs 14:17);
v. Acting foolishly (2 Chronicles 16:8-10);
vi. Transferred aggression (Daniel 2:11-12),
vii. Unjustifiable reasons (Matthew 5:22).
C. Anger is dangerous because it:
i. Can result in murder and alter destinies (Genesis 49:6-7).
ii. Stirs up strife (Proverbs 29:22);
iii. Ruins/halts good relationships (Proverbs 22:24-25);
iv. Makes one do irrational things (Exodus 32:19);
v. Brings low (1 Samuel 17:28-30);
vi. Makes one say what should not be said (1 Samuel 20:30).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Was there any time you were angry and did or said what you later regretted? Share your experience with the class.
2. SUBDUING ANGER
A. The teacher should highlight the following ways of subduing anger:
i. To manage anger, every believer must develop the ability to control his/her temperament (particularly in stressful situations) with the help of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
ii. We must show proper behaviour and/or disagree appropriately without losing control of our emotions (Ephesians 4:26).
iii. Self-control is a good regulator of anger (Galatians 5:23).
iv. We must consciously put anger far away from us (Ephesians 4:31).
v. Anger is a vice we must cease from (Psalm 37:8).
vi. It must be deliberately put off (Colossians 3:8).
B. We must also employ strategies such as
i. Being slow to speak (James 1:19);
ii. Providing a soft and gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1);
iii. Being discreet (Proverbs 19:11);
iv. Walking away from an angry person/scene (Proverbs 26:4);
v. Talking to oneself ‘’why am I angry’’ (1 Corinthians 9:27);
vi. Looking inwards with divine assistance for unresolved issues which trigger anger (Psalm 139:23-24);
vii. Staying calm (Proverbs 14:29);
viii. Learn to be quiet (Proverbs 13:3);
ix. Attend to issues with knowledge (Proverbs 17:27; 13:16).
C. Not allowing anger to run for days depicts maturity.
D. If you lose your temper at the slightest provocation, you must acknowledge that you have anger issues and deal with it decisively.
E. See a therapist if need be and ask God for help..
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What practical steps have you ever taken to conquer anger? Share with the class.
CONCLUSION: God has given us the Spirit of self-control (Galatians 5:23a), so, our anger can be managed when we work at it and ask God for help. Control anger before it ruins you.
LESSON FIFTEEN (15)
TOPIC: DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-6.
MEMORY VERSE: “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.” Isaiah 52:11.
INTRODUCTION: Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. It can result in loss of willpower and self-esteem, loss of or shift in focus, social and emotional disconnect, poverty, death, etc.
OUTLINES:
1. TYPES OF ADDICTION
2. OVERCOMING ADDICTION
1. TYPES OF ADDICTION
The teacher should ask the class to discuss types of addiction with examples. Then the teacher should discuss the outline as follows:
A. There are two main groups of addiction: Substance and Non-substance addiction.
i. Substance addiction is also known as substance use disorder. It refers to a condition in which an individual is unable to control the use of a substance despite experiencing negative consequences. Substance abuse is the excessive use of psycho-active drugs/substances such as skunk, marlin kush, molley, Cocaine, opioids-Heroine, amphetamines, benzoic, diazepam, codeine, Colorado, ice, alcohol, cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine, dequadin, caffeine, zombie, etc. These substances could lead to physical, social and emotional harm (1 Corinthians 3:17).
ii. Non-substance addiction (Behavioural or process addiction) is the addiction to mood-altering behaviour such as gambling, sexual activity – masturbation, sex, pornography (1 Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3), eating disorders, reckless spending (Luke 15:13-14) and shopping, watching television, etc. It could also be position addiction. The addict enjoys his power or affluence at the expense of others. Some examples of power addicts in the Bible include King Saul (1 Samuel 20:30-31) and King Herod (Matthew 2:1-3, 16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss any form of addiction they have been involved in.
2. OVERCOMING ADDICTION
The class should discuss possible ways of overcoming addiction. Then, the teacher should discuss the following points.
A. The following are guidelines on how to overcome addiction:
i. Take a stand. You must first of all acknowledge that addiction is an affliction and you are already caught up in its web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage. (Luke 15:17-18).
ii. Seek help. Acknowledge that you cannot help yourself. You must open up to God and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit (James 5:13-16; 1 Peter 5:7). Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy.
iii. Avoid relapse. Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. You must avoid exposure to all forms of triggers (1Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:11-12). Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before treatment/deliverance took place (2 Peter 2:20-22; Matthew 12:43-45).
iv. Keep your heart with all diligence and renew it daily (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-23) because addiction is a battle of the mind.
B. Keep company with those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:24-25).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you or anyone you know overcome addiction? Share the tips that helped you or the person with the class.
CONCLUSION: It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away the victim at this critical time (Psalm 38:11) but to show him/her love and encouragement until victory is attained (2 Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).
LESSON SIXTEEN (16)
TOPIC: GAMBLING
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:6-11.
MEMORY VERSE: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5.
INTRODUCTION: To gamble means to risk something of value on an outcome that depends on chance. Other related activities to gambling are betting, lotto/lottery, gaming, casinos, ‘money doubling’, and ‘get rich quick’ programmes, among others. Although some people often equate lot casting in the Bible with gambling, they are not the same. The scriptures do not specifically mention gambling or betting, rather, it warns us to stay away from the love of money (1Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). The Bible also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Jesus warns us against letting riches get in the way of our spiritual growth (Mark 4:19; 10:25).
OUTLINES:
1. GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING
2. FATE OF AND COUNSEL TO GAMBLERS
1. GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING
The teacher should allow the class to differentiate between gambling and lot casting (like voting). Then, provide these under-listed details:
A. The difference: Gambling and lot casting involve the concept of chance. However, lot casting in the Bible was used for religious or divine leading (John 19:24; Acts 1:26) whereas gambling is related to the games of chance for entertainment and possible monetary or material gains (Judges 14:12-13).
B. The instances of lot casting mentioned in several portions of the Bible are not synonymous with the testing of luck or gaining material wealth.
i. They have to do with random selection, seeking divine direction, and making a decision.
ii. It was often employed to determine God’s will (Proverbs 16:33) or make choices, such as the selection of leaders (Acts 1:26), division of lands (Joshua 18:10), or atonement (Leviticus 16:8-9).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you taken part in lot casting before? Share your experience.
2. FATE OF AND COUNSEL TO GAMBLERS
The teacher should note the following to the class:
A. The love of money makes people test their luck with numbers with the hope of making a lot of money without sweat.
i. But such hopes are mostly empty (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
ii. Those who are desperate and covetous of getting rich quickly end up being deceived, ensnared, and destroyed (1 Timothy 6:9; Proverbs 1:32).
iii. Proceeds from gambling/lottery/betting do not last (Proverbs 13:11).
iv. Those who engage in get-rich-quick schemes stand the risk of losing everything (Proverbs 23:5).
v. Studies show that many lottery winners ended up in worse financial situations after the jackpot (1 Timothy 6:10).
B. God wants His people to prosper (Psalm 35:27; 3 John 2) and to earn their money honestly through hard work (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 10:4).
i. Believers must choose between serving God or money (Luke 16:13).
ii. Money should not be wasted or gambled away; save for the future and give generously to the needy and the Lord’s work (Proverbs 19:17; Exodus 35:5).
iii. Money and material wealth should not be the primary pursuit of a believer, rather, it should be the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
C. Seeking a professional counsellor or an accountability partner will help an addicted gambler (Proverbs 24:6).
D. It is important for anyone struggling with gambling to cry to God for deliverance (Psalm 71:2; John 6:37).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Do you know an ardent gambler around you, what can you see in their lives?
CONCLUSION: Do not gamble your money, materials, and life. Be content with what you have, work hard, and believe in God for increase.
LESSON SEVENTEEN (17)
TOPIC: SEXUAL VICES
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:16-20 (KJV)
MEMORY VERSE: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: The fact that God created humanity as “male and female” reveals that we are created as sexual beings (Genesis 1:27). Sex is a channel to fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Sex was designed to consummate the lifetime union between a man and woman (Genesis 4:1). However, sex has been misused and abused (Romans 1:24, 26-27) in the world because of sin (Romans 3:23). It must be clearly stated that purity is a reflection of God’s character. Hence, sexual purity is a treasure to be guarded and valued.
OUTLINES:
1. THE FORMS
2. CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT
1. THE FORMS
The teacher should ask the class to mention other forms of sexual immorality known to them apart from fornication and adultery. Then the teacher should discuss the outline as follows:
A. Apart from adultery which is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20:14) and fornication – sexual sins between unmarried people, the world has also invented so many sexual acts or practices contrary to God’s intended purpose.
B. Here are some of the sexual perversions that believers must guard against:
1. Homosexuality: Sexual acts between people of the same gender. A man having sex with another man is gay while a woman and woman sexual relationship is termed lesbianism (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27). This abominable act led to the destruction of the people of Sodom (Genesis 19:4-5, 12-13).
2. Incest: Sexual activities between family members (Leviticus 18:7-18).
3. Paedophilia: Perverted sexual attraction towards children.
4. Bestiality: Having sexual relations with an animal (Leviticus 18:23).
5. Rape: Forceful sexual intercourse with an unwilling partner (2 Samuel 13:14).
6. Pornography: The explicit literary or visual depiction of sexual subject matter with lustful intent; a display of materials of an erotic nature e.g. videos, pictures, graphics, or writings designed to provoke sexual lust.
7. Masturbation and use of sex toys.
8. Cyber/Phone-sex: Sex-oriented messages or conversations over the Internet or the use of phones to have improper sexual conversations or to listen to explicit erotic messages for sexual perversion. It also involves fantasizing about immoral and impure sexual activities (Philippians 4:8).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1:.The class should discuss how parents can protect their children from the sexual vices above.
2. CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT
The class should discuss the possible consequences of sexual vices on the victim and perpetrator. Then, the teacher should discuss the following points:
A. Consequences: Failure to repent from sexual vices can lead to:
i. Addiction (2 Peter 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:12).
ii. Destruction of destinies (Proverbs 6:25-28; Genesis 49:3-4).
iii. Strange illnesses and diseases (STIs and STDs) can be contracted.
iv. The body can be defiled and the fulfilment of God’s purposes hindered (1 Corinthians 6:15-16).
v. It takes away the spiritual covering and brings God’s wrath (1 Corinthians 10:8; Numbers 25:1-11).
vi. Guilt and self-condemnation set in (Psalm 51:3).
vii. Sexual sin can destroy marriages and families (Matthew 19:9).
B. To overcome sexual vices, you must take the following steps:
i. Confess your sins to God (1 John 1:9) and ask Him to cleanse, renew and transform your mind (Romans 12:2)
ii. Get rid of all triggers. Avoid being alone or being in a dark and lonely place with the opposite sex.
iii. Speak out about your struggles and see a good and godly counsellor (Proverbs 11:14).
iv. Study, meditate, and confess God’s word. Fast and pray often (Psalm 119:9-11).
v. Practice self-control with the help of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 39:7-9; Galatians 5:16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should suggest ways to stay clean from sexual vices.
CONCLUSION: Sexual vices are destructive. Flee to avoid God’s wrath (1 Corinthians 3:17; 2Corinthians 5:10).
LESSON EIGHTEEN (18)
TOPIC: LONELINESS
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:2-4, 9-10.
MEMORY VERSE:.“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10.
INTRODUCTION: Loneliness has been recognised as a significant social and public health issue. The Hebrew word translated “desolate” or “lonely” in the Old Testament means “one alone or only; one who is solitary, forsaken, and wretched.” Loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected from others, even when surrounded by people. It can lead to feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness. This universal human experience, can affect us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It is therefore necessary for us to explore the issue of loneliness and the guidance to overcome it.
OUTLINES:
1. UNDERSTAND LONELINESS
2. GETTING OUT OF LONELINESS
1. UNDERSTAND LONELINESS
The teacher should allow the class to discuss the process of becoming lonely.
A. Loneliness creeps into people’s lives (regardless of age, gender, or background) changing their perception about life and the people around them. Chronic loneliness has been linked to increased stress, depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of certain physical health problems. This rampant phenomenon becomes fatal when it leads to the death of the victim. Emotional and social disconnections play a significant role in luring people to loneliness. Hence, one can be successful yet lonely.
B. Examples of those who showed signs of loneliness in the Bible:
i. Elijah (1 Kings 19:10),
ii. David (Psalm 25:16) and
iii. Paul (2 Timothy 4:16).
C. One of the strategies Satan and his agents have successfully used against people is to give them reasons to believe everybody hates them. Elijah said, “…I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”
D. Some people fall into loneliness and depression because they spend their time hunting for enemies thereby, finding it difficult to trust anyone, even their spouse: they suspect people around them (Ecclesiastes 7:21-22). Being alone without positively engaging one’s time can cause the flesh or the devil to occupy us. Secret sins thrive in lonely moments (Psalm 19:12).
E. Other reasons people become lonely are being too introverted, inferiority complex, inability to manage failure or fear of failure; stigmatization, inability to bond, lack of or a break in fellowship with God, etc.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you ever felt lonely, what caused it?
2. GETTING OUT OF LONELINESS
Anyone feeling lonely has to be intentional about getting out of it.
A. Some ways out include the following:
i. Find reasons to be alive and happy (Nehemiah 8:10).
ii. Stop seeing yourself as a failure, you can do all things (Philippians 4:13).
iii. Stop feeling like the whole world is against you, everybody has their problems (Galatians 6:5).
iv. Learn to forgive yourself for past errors, you are not the worst person on earth (Isaiah 1:18).
v. Stop feeling abandoned by God, He will never leave you (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 49:15-17).
vi. Hold on to your faith: with God, all things are possible (Luke 1:37).
vii. Do not stay away from good friends and family (Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 18:24).
viii. Watch your mind gate: do not allow evil thoughts to play on your mind (Proverbs 4:23).
ix. Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22).
B. Excessive usage of social media is also associated with feelings of loneliness and social isolation, hence, relate more with people physically.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss with the class what they are doing to avoid loneliness and to be happy always.
CONCLUSION: If you or someone you know is lonely, reaching out to friends, and family, or seeking professional support can make a big difference. Also, remember that as a Christian, the cure for any kind of loneliness is the comforting fellowship of Christ.
LESSON NINETEEN (19)
TOPIC: THE ESSENCE OF PRAISE
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 67:3-7
MEMORY VERSE: “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore”. Psalms 86:12
INTRODUCTION: In our day-to-day dealings with ourselves, appreciation and praise are considered important especially when we receive help from anyone. This show of appreciation usu