RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 9TH DECEMBER 2018: CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS (PART 2)
*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 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: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2Samuel 23:3
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2Samuel 23:1-4
2 Samuel:23.1
Now these [are] the last words of David. [Thus] says David the son of Jesse; [Thus] says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel:
2 Samuel:23.2
“The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word [was] on my tongue.
2 Samuel:23.3
The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men [must be] just, Ruling in the fear of God.
2 Samuel:23.4
And [he shall be] like the light of the morning [when] the sun rises, A morning without clouds, [Like] the tender grass [springing] out of the earth, By clear shining after rain.’
INTRODUCTION:
In our previous lesson, we highlighted some misconceptions held by some Christians in some circles. We also examined some of the reasons Christians should be involved in politics from biblical perspective.
In today’s lesson, we shall attempt to guide Christians with genuine intentions on how to be practically involved in politics and avoid the pitfalls.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. How to be involved in politics
2. Things to watch out for in politics
HOW TO BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS
Christians should note that it is their civic right and responsibility under the law (Titus 3:1, 1Peter 2:13-14) to vote and be voted for (Deuteronomy 1:13). Therefore, every eligible Christian should register with the relevant electoral body in order to participate during elections.
In addition, it is important for Christians to be ‘card carrying’ members of any political party of preference. By so doing, Christians can contest and be voted into elective positions or influence the choice of their representatives for elective positions (Exodus 18:21).
To join a political party, you need to get information. Visit the websites of the parties available in your country or the respective party secretariat within your locality. Go through their detailed profiles to know the party’s ideology and manifesto.
Fill a party registration form and provide supporting documents/payments as may be required. A membership card will be issued to you as confirmation. Attend party meetings regularly and actively in order to be a voice to be reckoned with.
Christians aspiring for elective leadership positions should be sure to have a leading, burden or passion to serve the people and solve problems (1Samuel 17:29,34-37; Nehemiah 2:1-5). Christians may also prayerfully join or support an advocacy group (Esther 4:8,13-14) or form a political party with people of like-minds (1Samuel 22:2, Daniel 2:49).
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN POLITICS
Christians who are into politics, or aspiring to hold political posts, should be prayerful and watch out for pitfalls to avoid soiling their garments (1Corinthians 15:33). They should therefore:
1. Desist from any thought or act of wickedness. Politics is not a do or die affair (Proverbs 16:12).
2. Avoid prayerlessness (James 5:16b-18, Psalm 91:15, Daniel 6:10). Our adversary is not resting, be sober and vigilant (1Peter 5:8).
3. Shun all foolishness: get the necessary qualifications or experience (James 1:5; 1Samuel 17:34-37) and act wisely (Matthew 10:16).
4. Never dabble into politics without a godly burden or passion (Nehemiah 2:1-5).
5. Avoid compromise: stand by your godly virtues and principles (1Corinthians 10:31). Distinguish yourself and do not be hypocritical (1Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2).
6. Be resolute in the face of persecution and propaganda (Nehemiah 4:3,6; Nehemiah 6:5-7; Daniel 6:11-14).
7. Avoid abuse of power. Do not be tyrannical (2Chronicles 26:16-18).
CONCLUSION
Join a political party today and be a Christian of influence.
QUESTIONS
1. Mention ways to be involved in politics
2. List 5 things to watch out for in politics?
