RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teacher Manual 13 August 2023 Lesson 50 — Katartismos

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TOPIC: Katartismos (RCCG Sunday School Manual For Young Adults And Youths (YAYA)

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please give me an understanding of your word today in Jesus’ name. (Scroll down for RCCG YAYA Sunday School 13 August 2023 HYMN)

MEMORY VERSE: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” – Ephesians 4:12(KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:8-16 (KJV)

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Also Read:

– RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 13 August 2023: Dynamics Of Grace (Part 2)

– RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 13 August 2023 – Dynamics Of Grace (Part 2)

– RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual 13 August 2023: Judgement And Eternal Reward

– Open Heaven 13 August 2023 – When God Asks A Question

INTRODUCTION: ‘Katartismos’ from the word ‘Katartizo’ is a concept in Greek that means to mend, repair, make whole, or perfect. It also means to make something or someone completely adequate or sufficient for a purpose or task. The basic idea is that of putting a thing into the condition in which it ought to be. This concept is however used in relation to the perfecting and equipping of saints for the God-given assignments committed to them. God wants His people to become perfect in all ramifications (Genesis 17:1). He desires nothing less than perfection (Matthew 5:48). Perfection is possible for all saints in Christ.

LESSON AIM: To teach the students that God expects perfection from them.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the study, students should be able to:

a. Describe who a saint is.

b. Highlight steps to perfection.

TEXT REVIEW:

A. The writer of this scripture emphasised that Christ ascended on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts to men v8.

i. Christ descended into the lower part of the earth first before ascending, v9.

ii. He who descended is also ……………V10.

B. Christ gave the ministry gifts. List them;

i. …………………………………………V11.

C. What is the reason for the above gifts?

i. …………………………………………V12.

ii. ………………………………………..V13.

iii. ……………………………………….V14.

D. We are to speak the truth in love V15a.

so that:

i. …….………………………………..V15b.

ii. Because the whole body (of Christ) is joined together……………………….V16.

E. He encouraged them not to …………V17.

F. Summarise verse 18.

i. ……………………….………………………………….V18.

LESSON OUTLINES:

THE SAINTS DESCRIBED

STEPS TO PERFECTION

1. THE SAINTS DESCRIBED

A. Teacher should define ‘saint’ as stated below:

i. The word “Saint” comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” It is almost always used in the plural, “Saints.” (Acts 9:13,32; 26:10; Philippians 4:21). These are the group of people set apart for the Lord and His kingdom.

ii. Scripturally speaking, the “saints” are the body of Christ, Christians, the Church. Christians are considered as saints (1 Corinthians 1:2). They are called to be saints, to increasingly allow their daily life to closely match their position in Christ. This is the biblical description and calling of the saints.

iii. The saints are both on earth and in heaven (Psalm 16:3; Matthew 27:52; Zechariah 14:5).

iv. Everyone who has received Jesus Christ by faith is a saint (Psalm 89:7; Acts 9:32, 41; Acts 26:10; Romans 1:7).

B. Saints are called to revere, worship, and pray to God alone (Psalm 149:1-9).

i. Every believer becomes a saint at salvation through the cleansing of sin by the blood of Jesus.

ii. At this point (of salvation) the righteousness of Christ is imputed on the believer: he is no longer a sinner but a saint in Christ (Ephesians 2:6-8).

C. Caution for saints:

i. However, as long as the believer is in this world, temptations and trials are inevitable.

ii. He must therefore work out his salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:5).

D. Godly character of saints:

There are three references referring to godly character of saints: They must live worthy (Romans 12:1-2), they are to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12), they are to be free from immorality or any impurity or greed (Ephesians 5:3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Are you a saint?

2. STEPS TO PERFECTION

There are vital steps that help in building and perfecting the saints. These include:

a. Study God’s word (Acts 20:32):

i. It is the food for the saints (1 Peter 5:2; Hebrews 5:12-13; 1 Peter 2:2).

ii. It cleanses them (believers) always (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26).

iii. it continually trains them for perfection (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

iv. God uses it primarily to equip His saints (Psalm 119:9-11; Psalm 1:2-3, Joshua 1:8).

b. Focus on Jesus: The saints continually get perfected as much as they look to Jesus their master (Hebrews 12:1-2).

c. Aim for the Prize of the high calling:

i. Believers get perfected by setting their gaze on the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)

ii. We are to shed off the weights and sins that easily beset us (Hebrews 12:1)

iii. We must Bring our physical body into subjection (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention what they are doing to ensure they become saints.

CONCLUSION: God wants nothing but perfection from His Saints (Genesis 6:9b; 2 Chronicles 19:9). If you aim at it, you will get it!

EVALUATION: Describe who a saint is?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to grow into perfection.

ASSIGNMENT: List five things you will do this week to build up your spiritual life. (2×5=10 marks).

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN