RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL 8 SEPTEMBER 2024
LESSON TWO (02)
TOPIC: ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY
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?
OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me not to be ignorant of the tricks and gimmicks of the devil in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 47:13-14 NKJV
[13] You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you.
[14] Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before!
MEMORY VERSE: “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true Christianity. It is largely characterised by some spiritual practices and rituals that are often chosen by the participants to fit their individual needs. In this lesson, we shall highlight some of them and scripturally view what our perspectives should be as believers.
LESSON AIM: To acquaint the body of Christ with other forms of spirituality prevalent in the world and the scriptural stance on them.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, the student should be able to:
a. Explain what it means to engage in alternative spirituality. b. Distinguish between biblically acceptable and unacceptable spirituality. c. Recognise and name some of the alternative spirituality. d. Identify biblical perspectives to alternative spirituality.
TEXT REVIEW: Isaiah 47:13-14.
Concerning God’s judgement on the Babylonians (by extension everyone who engages in Alternative spirituality – putting trust in sorceries, magic etc. instead of the Holy One of Israel), the prophet Isaiah declares:
A. Such people are only worn out by the advice received. He challenges those who study the cosmos to come forward and save the people from the trouble that will befall them since they claim to know future events by watching stars monthly….V13.
B. The prophet spells their doom:
i. Like straw, they shall burn…………….V14a.
ii. …………………………………………………..V14b.
iii. ……………………………………………………V14c.
OUTLINES:
1. Alternative Spirituality Practices
2. Scriptural Perspectives
1. ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTISES
The teacher should explain some of the alternative powers people seek today.
A. Astrology and the Zodiac is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the starry hosts (and planets) exert on human destiny (Isaiah 47:13; Daniel 2:27). According to astrology, the sign you were born under, like Aquarius, Pisces, etc. impacts your destiny.
B. Crystal sphere is the belief that a precious stone has an inherent power that can be used to man’s benefit like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy thus bringing good luck.
C. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirits of the dead to magically reveal the future or influence the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called “divination,” “sorcery” and “Spiritism” (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 17:17).
D. Others include practices like:
i. Palm reading, visiting false prophets, spiritual bathing etc.
ii. playing some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination
iii. visiting websites that promise to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims
iv. perfumes and cosmetics capable of bringing good luck or warding off bad luck
v. Using charms, amulets, talismans, etc. (Leviticus 19:26).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other ungodly practices prevalent in their community.
2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
A. Astrology, crystal sphere as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 18:10-14).
i. Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for “signs” and “seasons” (Genesis 1:14).
ii. To “worship the starry host” is a clear violation of God’s law (Deuteronomy 4:19).
iii. The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet, Daniel (Daniel 1:20; 2:27).
B. Our wisdom comes from God, not the dead (James 1:5).
i. Those who are dead, either go to Heaven to rest or to hell for condemnation.
ii. Anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirits. Likewise, anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorised as witchcraft. Witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behaviour (Galatians 5:19-21).
C. All the aforementioned practices involve demonic manipulations
i. They open the one who practices them to demonic attacks.
ii. It is worshipping created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).
D. The word of God is and must remain our guide through life (Psalm 119:105).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share any alternative spirituality they have engaged in previously and its implication on their lives.
CONCLUSION: Every spirituality outside the will of Christ is false and demonic. It should not be embraced by true Christians.
EVALUATION: Mention five (5) attributes of the Holy Spirit.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I come out of every ungodly and satanic spiritual practice in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) reasons Christians seek after other forms of spirituality outside Christ. (2X5=10 Marks).
