RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 24 APRIL 2022

LESSON THIRTY FOUR (34)

TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND GOVERNANCE

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?

MEMORY VERSE:

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” Revelation 5:10.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 13:1-6.

[1]Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

[2]Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

[3]For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

[4]For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

[5]Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

[6]For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

INTRODUCTION: The opinion held by some Christians that if they were going to follow Christ, they must be quiet and withdrawn from things happening on the earth, negates the will of God as spelt out in the Scripture. As a matter of fact, Christ has called believers unto a life of influence, control and dominion (Ps.8:6).

They are to take charge (Matt. 5:15-16) and the issue of governance is no exception. As the light of the world, they are to dispel the darkness of unrighteousness, sycophancy, etc. which are the order of the day, in present day governance systems of the world.

OUTLINES:

1. THE VIEW OF GOD ON GOVERNANCE

2. WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN GOVERNANCE

1. THE VIEW OF GOD ON GOVERNANCE

God instituted governance. It is not a secular concept or people’s creation. God is the ultimate Governor who delegates the function to humans (Ps.22:28; Dan.4:34). It is one of the purposes for which the spirit-being called man was created (Gen.1:26). It is a calling and manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.12:28; Rom.12:8). It is a tool for orderliness and sanity (Titus 1:5; 1Cor.14:40; Ex.18:21). It is instituted by God for administration, justice and general welfare of citizens (Ps.72:4, 13; 1 Tim. 2:2). Like marriage, it is instituted by God and should be submitted to (Mk.12:17; Rom.13:1-2). Governance is servant hood. It is a means of serving the governed (Matt.20:25-28). Governance is a ministry and governors are ministers of God (Rom. 13:3-4; 1 Cor.12:28).

2. WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN GOVERNANCE

a.It is part of our inherent design as believers (Gen.1:26; Matt.5:15-16).

b.To effect positive and lasting change (Gen.41:46-57).

c.It stands out the nation among other nations (Prov.14:34).

d.To make righteous laws and decrees that lead to national progress (Mk.6:27; Lk. 2:1).

e.It is obeying God’s ordinance of submission to authority (Heb.13:17, 1Pet. 2:13-14; Rom.13:1-2).

f.It brings blessings and breakthrough on the nation and fulfilment for her citizenry (Prov.11:10).

g.Governance is God’s institution and the word of God. So, people of God should not be kept out of God’s institution (Rom.13:1-6).

h.To avoid paying the costly price of bad leadership (2Sam.23:3; Prov.22:9).

CONCLUSION: Believers should take their rightful place in deciding the destiny of their nations and turn the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of our God which is God’s divine mandate for us.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is God’s view on governance?

2. Mention five (5) reasons Christians should be involved in governance?

FURTHER READING: MON: Gen.1:26. TUE: Ex.18:21. WED: Prov.20:28. THUR: Prov.29:14. FRI: Ps.2:6. SAT: Judge 8:22. SUN: 1 Cor.7:17.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention any five (5) points that discourage believers from getting involved in governance.