RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL LESSON SEVEN SUNDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2018 – CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
*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: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” – 1Corinthians 11:1
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 5:1-11
Luke:5.1
So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret,Luke:5.2
and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing [their] nets.Luke:5.3
Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.Luke:5.4
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”Luke:5.5
But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”Luke:5.6
And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.Luke:5.7
So they signaled to [their] partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.Luke:5.8
When Simon Peter saw [it,] he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”Luke:5.9
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;Luke:5.10
and so also [were] James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”Luke:5.11
So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
INTRODUCTION:
A true Christian (not one by name only) is expected to be a disciple of Christ. However, not all Christians are willing or ready to make the commitments of a disciple (John 6:66; Matthew 19:21-22). We, therefore, need to examine who a Christian disciple should be and how to become one.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. Who is a disciple?
2. How to become a Christian disciple
WHO IS A DISCIPLE
The Greek term for ‘’disciple’’ in the New Testament is mathetes, which means more than just ‘’student’’ or ‘’learner’’. A disciple is a ‘’close follower’’, someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct. Open Heaven 15 October 2018
One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. Christian discipleship begins with the new birth and it requires one to exercise his will to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:10-11).
Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in Christ and are equipped by the Holy Spirit, who resides in our hearts, to overcome the pressures and trials of this present life and become more and more like Christ (Mark 8:34; Philippians 3:10-12). Open Heaven 14 October 2018
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN DISCIPLE
According to Scriptures, being a Christian disciple involves personal growth characterised by the following:
1. Personal decision to follow Christ (Luke 9:23; 14:26-27).
2. Putting Jesus first in all things (Mark 8:34-38). The disciple of Christ needs to be set apart from the world. We must put off self-centeredness and put on Christ-centeredness.
3. Following the teachings of Jesus (John 8:31-32). We must be obedient children and doers of the word (John 14:15; 15:14).
4. Total commitment and sacrificial living (Luke 14:33; Philippians 3:6-8; Matthew 16:24).
5. Abiding in Christ in order to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which makes one Christ-like.
6. We are to share our faith and tell non-believers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives (Matthew 28:18-20). Irrespective of our level of maturity in the Christian faith, we have something to offer.
CONCLUSION
Do not follow Jesus from afar, strive to be a close follower.
QUESTIONS
1. Who is a Christian disciple?
2. How can you become one?
