RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL 22 AUGUST 2021

TOPIC: THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

READ >> OPEN HEAVENS 22 AUGUST 2021

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to live in the new heaven and earth. Do not let me pass away with this world. Do not let me end my journey in fire.

MEMORY VERSE: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”. 2 Peter 3:10

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 21:1-5

INTRODUCTION: In Noah’s day, the world was destroyed with water, but God has promised that He would not more destroy the world with flood (Genesis 9:11). The end of the world described in 2 Peter 3:10 as the day of the Lord will occur after the final judgment by God (Revelation 20:7-10).

This scripture reveals that the universe will be destroyed by fire. Therefore, believers should bear in mind that this present world will not last forever (Matthew 5:18;24:35).

TEXT REVIEW: Revelation 21:1-5
The apostle Paul saw:

i. A new heaven and a new earth. Rev. 21:1

ii. That the first heaven and first earth had passed away. Rev. 21:1

iii. The very beautiful holy city called the new Jerusalem. Rev. 21:2 etc.

ACTIVITY: Mention five things which apostle John heard according to Rev. 21:3-4

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: THE PASSING AWAY OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH
A. THE BIBLICAL TRUTH ABOUT THE PRESENT EARTH AND HEAVEN:

i. The present physical earth and heaven will pass away. (Isaiah 34:4;51:6)

ii. All elements and works shall be burnt up. (2 Peter 3:10c)

iii. The passing away which means “disappear” or “no more” will not involve the inhabitants of heaven and earth. (Rev. 21:3)

iv. The “heavens” refers to the stars, planet and galaxies (2 Pet. 3:10).

B. THE NATURE OF THE DAY AND HE PASSAGE (PASSING AWAY)

i. Suddenly: like a thief in the night. (2 Peter 3:10a)

ii. With a great noise (possible of great explosion). (2 Peter 3:10b)

iii. With fervent heat (capable of meeting all elements) (2 Peter 3:10c)

iv. With burning fire. 2 Peter 3:12

C. BELIEVERS’ EXPECTATION
Believers should be on guard and watch out because the day of the event is fast approaching (Looking for and hasting). 2 Peter 3:12

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How should Believers prepare for the day when the world and elements would melt in fire.

LESSON OUTLINE: EMERGENCE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
A. NATURE OF TUE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

i. God will create a new heaven and earth to replace the old heaven and earth. (Revelation 21:1)

ii. God will also creates new Jerusalem out of the new heaven to the new earth. (Revelation 21:2)

iii. The new Jerusalem which is referred to as the “tabernacle of God” is the holy city where the saint shall dwell. (Rev. 21:2-3)

iv. The new heavens and the earth is a place of righteousness and the dwelling place of the righteous. (2 Peter 3:13)

B. IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH FOR THE BELIEVERS.

i. Believers’ are to look forward to the emergence of the new heavens and earth. (2 Peter 3:12-13).

ii. Believers should not contaminate themselves with unrighteousness, because only the righteousness will dwell there. (2 Peter 3:13)

iii. Believers should make heaven their number one priority. (Matt. 6:20)
iv. Believers should avoid such things that should stain their holiness. (2 Peter 3:14).
v. Believers should live in peace (with brethren) and be blameless. (2 Peter 3:14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Class member should identify common spot or stains which could tarnish the believers’ life of Holiness.

SUMMARY: The end of the heaven and the earth is sure and imminent.

CONCLUSION: Believers should remain faithful to the end because there is hope of eternal life with God beyond this present world.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father,help me to be pure and holy always to live with you in the new heaven and the new Earth.

ASSIGNMENT: Find out five things which will not be in the New Heaven and the New Earth, according to Revelation 21:4.