*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 friend friendship suits me well,

Both young and 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?

OPENING PRAYER: Almighty God, I receive the grace to overcome any ugly past in Jesus’ name.

OPENING: Almighty God, I receive the grace to overcome any ugly past in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Numbers 11:4-7

[4]Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat?

[5]We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic;

[6]but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”

[7]Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its color like the color of bdellium.

MEMORY VERSE: “We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.’’ Numbers 11:5 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: After the children of Israel left Egypt, it is unfortunate that “Egypt” did not leave them. Despite the miracles of deliverance and divine provisions, they still longed for the cucumbers and garlic they ate as slaves because “yesterday” was vivid in their memories. The same thing applies to some of us who refuse to let go of our past! Whatever happened in the past must be history and we must embrace today and forge ahead to take a brighter tomorrow.

LESSON AIM: To learn how to overcome an unpleasant past.

TEXT REVIEW: Numbers 11:4-7.

The Prophet Moses in the above scripture revealed the nature of the children of Israel during his time with them. At the slightest craving, they would remember their old lifestyle. He said:

1. So the children of Israel …………..v4b

2. We remember the …….., the ………, the ………….,the ……….., the ..……. and the ………..v5

The children of Israel were ungrateful for their present provision but grumbled.

OUTLINES:

1. DEALING WITH THE PAST

2. EMBRACE THE FUTURE

1. DEALING WITH THE PAST

Below are some of the ways to deal with past events or occurrences:

1. Be intentional to deal with any ugly past because some bad memories always want to fill our thoughts (Philippians 4:8).

2. Learn from the mistakes so as to avoid the repetition of any ugly or undesirable past (John 8:10-11).

3. Forgive yourself and others for whatever happened in the past (Genesis 45:5). Remove the “veil of offense” and never allow it to degenerate into an obstacle (Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15).

4. Accelerate your forward movement (Exodus 14:15) by thinking and taking the next step into a brighter tomorrow.

5. Forget “yesterday’ because it is gone! Stop holding on to the past or referring to it incessantly as if you can bring back the hand of the clock. (Philippians 3:13).

6. Free your mind because a negative past enslaves you. (Galatians 5:1).

7. Cry to God to take any unwanted memory away. Remember that vengeance is of the Lord: leave the matter to Him (Romans 12:19).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention any past event that is still hurting them.

2. EMBRACE THE FUTURE

1. Believers must walk with the assurance that tomorrow will be better (Job 14:7-9; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

2. Hope is a prerequisite needed to forget the past and look forward to the future (Job 11:18; Romans 5:5).

3. Having a focus will sustain a believer to keep moving (Philippians 3:13).

4. Give yourself to the study of God’s word (Psalm 119:16) and know that He is your help (Psalm 46:1); this gives uncommon happiness and joy (Psalm 146:5).

5. Carve the future by channelling all your energy to positive endeavours in order to fulfil your purpose in life (Proverbs 16:9).

6. No matter what, win your future (Proverbs 23:18).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention where they hope to see themselves in the next five (5) years.

CONCLUSION: Remembering the irreparable past generates sorrow, therefore set your mind on a better tomorrow.

EVALUATION:

i. Mention two ways believers can deal with past occurrences.

ii. Mention two ways to handle the future.

CLOSING PRAYER: Dear Lord, I receive grace to achieve all my future plans in Jesus name.

ASSIGNMENT: Think about five (5) mistakes you made in the past and write down what you are doing to avoid a re-occurrence (2×5=10 marks).