RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 6 OCTOBER 2024
LESSON SIX (06)
TOPIC: MEN-PLEASERS
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 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: Ephesians 6:5-8 (NKJV)
[5]Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
[6]not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
[7]with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
[8]knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
MEMORY VERSE: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.” Colossians 3:22 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: A “Men-Pleaser” is an individual who strives to please men or seeks to gain their favour with an ulterior motive. If the motive for your actions, speeches or attitudes is to always please men or the world rather than God, then you are in the category of men-pleasers (Acts 5:29).
OUTLINES:
1. Characteristics And Dangers Of Pleasing Men
2. Overcoming Men-Pleasing Attitudes
1. CHARACTERISTICS AND DANGERS OF PLEASING MEN
There are peculiar traits associated with men pleasers that tend to separate them from the rest of humanity. Some of these are:
1. LOVE FOR HUMAN PRAISE: They are known to love the praise of men and to receive special appellations from other people (John 12:43).
2. EMOTIONAL TOXICITY: They can do anything including to “murder” people, either physically, spiritually or emotionally. While Herod used physical weapons such as imprisonment or guns (Acts 12:1-3), some other people used their tongue, position etc.
3. MANIPULATION OF JUSTICE: Men pleasers usually have undue respect for men such that they tamper with justice and deliver injustice to the poor (Deuteronomy 1:17).
4. FEAR OF MEN: They exhibit fear of man as one of their peculiar traits, they always forget that the fear of man often brings a snare (Proverbs 29: 25).
5. However, the scripture warns against being men-pleasers because of the inherent dangers.
Anyone who has the habit of pleasing men will live in perpetual bondage (1 Samuel 15:24). Such a person will lose his or her freedom. Also, men-pleasers will become accomplices in sin (Proverbs 28:21). The person will not have a mind of his or her own and will be easily tossed (Ephesians 4:14). Men-pleasers will become the enemy of God (James 4:4b) because of the attention given to men other than God. Men-pleasers will eventually experience the wrath of God because such a person is working contrary to God (Isaiah 30:1-2; Jeremiah 17:5).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention the additional dangers of pleasing men.
2. OVERCOMING MEN-PLEASING ATTITUDES
Men-pleasing attitudes can be overcome through a high degree of seriousness and consistency. Rededicate and consecrate your heart to God by putting the Almighty in His true and deserving first position (Deuteronomy 6:5). God must always be your delight (Psalm 37:4) and love Him passionately (1 John 4:19). Follow people, as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Stop putting your hope in men because vain is the help of man (Psalm 60:11). Pray more in the Spirit for courage (Joshua 1:6) to say no and you will prevail over men-pleasing attitudes.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you tried to please men before, what was the outcome?
CONCLUSION: God is supreme, worthy of our worship and does not like competition. Beware of men-pleasing attitudes.
QUESTIONS:
* What are the dangers of pleasing men?
* Mention three ways to overcome men-pleasing attitudes.
FURTHER READING: SUN: Rom.1:16; MON: 1Sam.15:24; TUE: Ps.20:7; WED: Acts 10:35; THUR: 2Sam.1:1-16; FRI: 1Thess.2:4; SAT: Eph.6:1-8.
ASSIGNMENT: State five (5) likely dangers of pleasing men above God. (2X5=10 Marks).
