RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL 23 OCTOBER 2022

 RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL 23 OCTOBER 2022
LESSON EIGHT (08)
TOPIC: POLITICAL DOMINION

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: Father, help me to play my role to ensure that only the righteous are in authority.

MEMORY VERSE: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked man rules, the people mourn”. — Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: NEHEMIAH 5:14-19

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judeh, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

INTRODUCTION: Generally, politics can be described as the methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organisation or a movement. Politics is all about influence. It is this influence that further birth positive or negative changes in the lives of the people. The involvement of Christians in politics is neither circular, beyond the ideologies of Christianity because it is the desire of God that belivers take charge and have influence here on earth (Genesis 1:28 Matthew 5:13-16).

TEACHING REVIEW: Nehemiah 5:14-19

Nehemiah was a true agent of change and demonstrated the following six spheres of commitment to the people as the Governor of Judea. *Neh. 5:14*

(a). Commitment to transparency and accountable administration…. V14-15a

(b). Commitment to the …… V15b

(c). Commitment to the …… V16A

(d). Commitment to the …… V17

(e). Commitment to …… V18

(f). commitment to ……. V19

Nehemiah changed the structure and attitude of the people by being involved. Therefore, get involved.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT POLITICS

2. WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

1. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT POLITICS

A. Question:

Teacher so first ask students to explain why many Christians do not get involved in politics (political apathy)

Answer:

Teacher should enumerate five (5) points given below which Christians use as excuse for not engaging in political açtivities:

i. Politics is a dirty game and a worldly affairs

ii. Politics involvement will take one to hell

iii. All politicians are liar, corrupt and promiscuous

iv. It is an opportunity to embezzle money or amass wealth unlawfully

v. Most politicians are fetish or occultic.

B. Teachers should emphasize the following truths:

i. Although the kingdom of the believers is in heaven, God gave us the earth/land to possess as possession. (Obadiah 1:17).

ii. Belivers’ heritage includes the country/cities and towns which God has given us. We own it and need to reign on it (Revelation 5:10)

iii. The Earth is the Lord’s… what belongs to our God belongs to us (Psalm 24:1; Psalm 8:6).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why are some Christians afraid of politics?

2. WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

(i). It is the desire of God that believers take charge and have influence here on earth (Deuteronomy 28:13). We are to take the lead and allowed Kingdom values to shape our society (Matthew 5:13-16).

(ii). The leaders we elect or failed to elect, have a great influence on our freedom, well-being and the fulfillment of our God-given mandate. They can choose to protect our rights to worship and spread the gospel or prevent us from exercising such rights (Esther 4:14; Daniel 6:7).

(iii). Politics like other sectors of national developments (health, finance, e t c), should be explored to “teach all nations” in order to demonstrate the examplary life and flavour of godliness (Daniel 6:1-3; Matthew 28:19-20)

(iv). The involvement of godly Christians in politics will reduce corruption, disorderliness, mischief and other social economic vices in the society (2Corinthians 14:1-6; Proverbs 29:2)

(v). To effect positive and lasting changes that will benefit society (Genesis 41:33-40; Proverbs 14:34).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What can believers do to eliminate the fear of failure or defeat in politics?

CONCLUSION: God is still looking for the righteous few in order to uplift our Nations (Genesis 18:33)

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, let all Your children wake-up from political slumber and apathy.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) consequences of appointing or electing ungodly/bad people to lead. (2×5=10 Marks)