SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

O how I love Thee well,

I am happy, it makes me

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?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 3:12-14

[12]Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

[13]Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

[14]I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

MEMORY VERSE: Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37.

INTRODUCTION: God does not waste resources. Hence, everything He created is for a purpose. The sun gives light and never ceases to shine (Psalms 136:7-9), the cloud gives rain in due season and trees provide food and shade accordingly (Leviticus 26:4). Other animals play their parts without hesitation. Amazingly, man struggles to understand and fulfil his purpose for living. The discovery, as well as fulfilment of divine purpose, is the focus of today’s lesson.

OUTLINES:

1. DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE

2. LIVE TO FULFIL IT

1. DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE

Like Apostle Paul, once you become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), you must begin to crave for the understanding of your purpose for living on earth (Philippians 3:12). That purpose has been predetermined by God before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15). It is your duty to discover and fulfil it.

Here are some practical pointers to your purpose for living:

1. Potential. You need to identify your in-built ability, your talents, and God-given gifts (Ephesians 4:7). Find out the things you do with less stress e.g., singing, drawing, talking to a crowd, helping others, etc. The knowledge or skills you acquire in life should be to shape and sharpen your potential (Acts 7:22).

2. Passion. What are those things you exceptionally have flare or zeal for, and do often? Build your vocation or career on such things. The things that get you excited, give you joy and satisfaction can lead you to the fulfilment of your purpose in life (Psalms 69:9; Colossians 4:12-13)

3. Prayer. After you have identified your potential and the things you are passionate about, you need to pray for divine guidance, so that the world and the enemy will not hijack your purpose in life (Acts 9:1-2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:.Mention some factors that can hinder the discovery of purpose.

2. LIVE TO FULFIL IT

These seven things will help every child of God fulfil his/her purpose in life.

1. Ask God to reveal His plan for your life to you (Jeremiah 1:4-5). Then, draw a vision and mission statement (Proverbs 29:18; Habakkuk 2:2).

2. Set achievable goals and pursue them (Acts 20:24). Take a step at a time and do not be mediocre (Psalms 37:23)

3. Identify and relate with people of like passion: learn from their mistakes and build on their success (2Kings 2:1-2, 14).

4. Submit yourself for mentoring and counselling: do not claim to know it all (Acts 18:24-26; Prov. 11:14).

5. Live as if you have just one more day on earth: do not procrastinate (Luke 9:61).

6. Focus your attention on God (Hebrews 12:2). Make sure all that you do is to His pleasing (Colossians 1:10).

7. Always return all the glory to God: do not ascribe anything to yourself (Isaiah 42:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the ways in which so many people live without fulfilling purpose.

CONCLUSION: So many people live and die without leaving any positive mark. Be different. You are not a nonentity.

QUESTIONS:

* Discuss the practical pointers to the discovery of one’s purpose in life.

* Mention the paths to the fulfilment of purpose in life.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five people in the Bible who gave up their profession to fulfill their destiny with scriptural reference each. (2×5=10 mark