DAY 1: PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING.

TEXT: Ps.96:1-9

INTRODUCTION: Thanksgiving is an art of showing gratitude or appreciation to the Almighty God for all the wonderful things he has done for us. The more we show appreciation through thanksgiving, the more we receive blessings from him.

PRAYER GUIDE.

1. Father, thank you for you are good and your mercy endure for ever in Jesus name. Ps.136:1.

2. Father, thank you for the gift of abundant life of which I am a beneficiary in Jesus name. John.10:10.

3. Father, thank you for the salvation of my soul by your grace in Jesus name. Eph.2:8.

4. Father, thank you for the grace to sleep and to wake up again, for many slept and couldn’t wake up. Ps.3:5.

5. Father, thank you for your divine protection even when I pass through the valley of the shadow of death in Jesus name. Ps.23:4

6. Father, thank you for giving me my heart desire and you have not withheld the request of my lip in Jesus name. Ps.21:2.

7. Father, thank you for frustrating the devices of the crafty against me and my family in Jesus name. Job.5:12.

8. Father, thank you for sending destiny helpers to me day by day in Jesus name.1Chron.12:22.

9. Father, thank you for upholding me with your right hand of righteousness in Jesus name. Isa. 41:10.

10. Father, thank you for preparing a place for me in your kingdom and your promise of coming to take me to reign with you in your kingdom in Jesus name. John.14:1-4.

DAY 3 JULY 3RD, 2024

PRAYER FOR DADDY & G.O AND  FAMILY

BIBLE TEXT(S) 1 Tim 2:1-4

INTRODUCTION: It takes pure wisdom, which only God can supply, to lead people in the right

path. Good leadership is confronted with numerous oppositions; hence, we need to pray for God’s continuous protection and guidance.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.Father, we thank you for your call upon Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye in Jesus name.

2. Father, we thank you for your mercy upon him and his family in Jesus name. Rom9:15

3. Father, we thank you for enabling your son to enter into a great covenant with you, in Jesus name. Exo 23:25

4. Father, we thank you for anointing him so powerfully and making him a blessing to this generation in Jesus name.Ps.89:20.

5. Father, we thank you for using him to spread the gospel through your Church, RCCG to over 198 countries in the world in Jesus name.

Math.28:19-20.

6. Father, we thank you for Pastor. Mrs. Folu Adeboye, for the support she is giving to your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Jesus name.

7.Father, we thank you for your divine protection and provision over Pastor E.A. Adeboye and his family in Jesus name. Ps.89:23

8. Lord, we thank you for long life and prosperity for your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Jesus name.Ps.91:16

9. Father, let your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye fulfil all his assignments in his life time in Jesus name. Zec 4:9

10.Father, please let your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor. Mrs. Folu Adeboye finish well and strong in Jesus name. 2 Ti 4:7

11.Father, please continue to strengthen him and empower him for the task ahead in Jesus name.Isa.40:31.

12.Father, never let any of your words in the mouth of your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye fall to the ground in Jesus name, 1 Sam 3:19

13.Father, let your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye grow from glory to greater glory in Jesus name. Prov.4:18.

14.Father, please let your son and his family continue to dwell in you and you in them in Jesus name. 1 Joh 4:15

15.Father, let every evil plan against your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye and the family be converted to prosperity. Gen 50:20

BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE & PASTOR (MRS) FOLU ADEBOYE

MEMORISE: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

READ: Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

MESSAGE

Some children of God fall for anything and everything. They go about with little or no confidence in who they are and what they can achieve; this is pitiful, My dear child, please know your worth.

Knowing your worth means. understanding your value before God and people while remaining humble and respectful.

Knowing your worth will help boost your confidence such that no matter how hard the devil tries, you will overcome because you are a child of God.

Knowing your worth will have a great impact in every area of your life; you will know how to relate with others, spend your time wisely, hang out with the right set of people, set your priorities right, manage your finances and level of confidence, among others.

If you do not know your worth, the devil will toss you around.

My beloved child, Jesus Christ is your worth. The blood He shed for you on the cross of Calvary is priceless, and invariably, you are priceless.

May God help you to be confident in who you are in Christ Jesus.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 3 JULY 2024 KEY POINT

You are priceless; Jesus is your worth.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 3 JULY 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

2 Kings 22:3-23:30 Acts 21:37-22:16

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 3 JULY 2024 HYMN 51 – BREATHE ON ME, BREATH OF GOD

1. Breathe on me, Breath of God;
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

2. Breathe on me, Breath of God:
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

3. Breathe on me, Breath of God
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

4. Breathe on me, Breath of God;
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

DAY 2: PRAYER FOR DADDY & MUMMY G.O AND THEIR FAMILY

TEXT: 1Tim.2:1-4. Ps.91:1-16, 121:3-8.

INTRODUCTION: The word of God admonishes us to always pray for our leaders, for more

wisdom to guide us to the promised land. As we pray, the Lord will uphold and strengthen ourDaddy G O and Mummy G O and Family in Jesus name.

PRAYER GUIDE

1. Father, thank you for your grace and mercy that your son Pastor E A Adeboye and his familyenjoy everyday in Jesus name. Lam.3:22-23.

2. Father, thank you for making your son Pastor E A Adeboye the Elijah of our time in Jesus name.Jam.5:17-18.

3. Father, thank you for not forsaking your son Pastor E A Adeboye and his family in Jesusname. Heb. 13:5.

4. Father, thank you for not withdrawing your holy spirit from your son Pastor E A Adeboye inJesus name. Isai.59:21.

5. Father, in your supernatural way, continue to strengthen your son Pastor E A Adeboye the morein Jesus name. Isai.40:31.

6. Father, everyone that is attacking your son Pastor E A Adeboye because of envy, let the groundopen up and swallow them and their families in Jesus name. Ps.106:16-18. Num.16:32.

7. Father, every Achan that has been planted in your Church RCCG to truncate the assignments youhave given your son Pastor E A Adeboye, expose them and consume them all by your consumingfire in Jesus name. Jos.7:24-25.

8. Father, as your son Pastor E A Adeboye will be preparing for this year annual convention, givehim more revelations, anoint him afresh with your holy oil, let your hand establish him and letyour arm strengthen him, defend him against the attack from the sons of wickedness and beatdown all his foes before him in Jesus name. Ps.89:20-23.

9. Father, by your mercy, send destiny helpers who will not relent until the vision 2032 that yougave your son Pastor E A Adeboye is actualized in Jesus name. 1 Chron.12:22.

10. Father, by your grace and mercy, help your son Pastor E A Adeboye to finish strong and to finishwell in Jesus name.2Tim.4:7-8.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 2 JULY 2024 MEMORISE: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the story heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 2 JULY 2024 READ: Proverbs 10:9

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

Prayer Points For Open Heavens 2 July 2024

Powerful Declarations For Today 2 July 2024

Open Heavens 2 July 2024 TUESDAY

Open Heavens 3 July 2024 WEDNESDAY

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 2 JULY 2024 MESSAGE

Character is important in shaping who you and how are an you behave. It is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

A fellow with a good character is noted for honesty, respect, and charity. A lack of good character leads to moral decadence.

Your character is influenced by the choices you make, and it isn’t just developed in a day; it takes a conscious and gradual process.

As a child of God, you are a representative of Christ here on earth; therefore, you must be like Christ.

You can develop a good character by controlling your thoughts, practising Christian virtues, guarding your heart, reading the word of God, and keeping good company (1 Corinthians 15:33).

The character of a child of God must reflect love, honesty, respect for people, obedience to God and man, kindness, humility, boldness, et cetera.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 2 JULY 2024 REFLECTION

Do you have a godly character?

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 2 JULY 2024 HYMN 44 –

DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

1. Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.

CHORUS
O deeper yet I pray,
And higher ev’ry day,
And wiser, blessed, Lord,
In Thy precious, holy word.

2. Deeper, deeper! blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus
And His perfect will.

3. Deeper, deeper! tho’ it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.

4. Deeper, higher ev’ry day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqueror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 2 JULY 2024  BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 20:1-22:2 Acts 21:18-36

BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE & PASTOR (MRS) FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JULY 2024 MEMORISE: With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:16

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JULY 2024 READ: Ephesians 6:1-4

[1]Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

[2]Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 

[3]That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

[4]And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JULY 2024 MESSAGE

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory. If it is found in the way of righteousness”*.
Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV)

One of the blessings that God has bestowed on His children is long life. This is evident in our memory verse for today.

The Bible says that you will be satisfied with long life; therefore, no matter what happens in the world, you cannot die young.

No matter the number of diseases and infections in the world, you will not die young. You will live old and wax strong in the Lord.

Again, the memory verse shows that the Lord promised long life to those who have been saved. In other words, He wishes those who are His children long life.

I prophesy to you, you will live long, in Jesus’ name.

Also, today’s Bible reading says that for you to live long, you must honour your parents and elders.

Honouring your parents is the only commandment that comes with a promise.

If you do not respect your elders, you will not become an elder. Therefore, it is not debatable.

You must obey your parents if you want to live long. Never insult, disrespect, or provoke them to anger.

They are your gods on earth, and just as you would not provoke God, you must not provoke them.

If you do so and they curse you out of anger, it will surely come to pass, except God shows you mercy.

The ball is in your court, and I believe you will do the right thing.

KEY POINT

To access the blessing of long life, honour your elders.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JULY 2024 HYMN 56: NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE

1. Nearer, my God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee!

2. Though, like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone,
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee

3. There let the way appear
Steps unto heaven;
All that Thou send’st to me
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee

4. Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony grief
Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God to thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee!

5. Or if on joyful wing
Cleaving thy sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upwards I fly
Still all my songs shall be,
Nearer my God to thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee!

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JULY 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 18:13-19:37 Acts 21:1-17

BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE & PASTOR (MRS) FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 JUNE 2024 MEMORISE: But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 JUNE 2024 READ: Proverbs 10:22

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 JUNE 2024 MESSAGE

When I was very young, my family was so poor that other poor people referred to us as poor. I did not wear shoes until I was 18 years old.

I got my first pair of shoes when I was about to graduate from Grammar School (secondary school or high school). Today, my story has changed because I am in Christ, and by the grace of God, I can be categorized as wealthy.

Beloved, I have tasted both poverty and wealth, and I know that wealth tastes better. Today’s Bible reading says that the blessing of God makes a fellow rich without adding sorrow.

As long as you do not forsake God in your journey on earth, He will no doubt establish His covenant with you. You may be experiencing some difficulties now, but in due time, you will enjoy God’s supply (Philippians 4:19).

The Lord who says that the earth is His and its fullness thereof (Psalms 24:1) will not let His child suffer.

He has already made provisions for you. As long as you follow His principles, which include giving (Proverbs 28:27), you will not lack anything on earth.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 JUNE 2024 PRAYER POINT

Father, I reject poverty in my life and family, in Jesus’ name.

QUIZ
Who was the wisest king in the Bible?

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 JUNE 2024

HYMN 3 – DRAW ME NEARER

1 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

CHORUS:
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3 Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!

4 There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 JUNE 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR; 2 Kings 17:1-18:12; Acts 20:1-38

OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2024 SUNDAY: GOD’S REFINING FIRE

OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2024 MEMORISE; That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7

OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2024 READ: Job 23:6-12

6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.

7 There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2024 MESSAGE

Kings usually get the best of everything. Our God is the King of kings, and He wants everyone who surrenders to Him to be the best.

To achieve this, God passes them through a refining process to make them the best that they can ever be. Just like a goldsmith puts gold through fire for it to come out purer, God will take you through a refining fire for you to come out purer and better. Are you willing to go through the refining fire of God?

In John 15:2, He said: Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

If you want to be a branch that is connected to the vine and bear fruits for God, you must be ready to go through a pruning process. It will be tough, but it will make you more fruitful.

In the pruning process, God will take away things that are competing with Him from your heart.

He may ask you to stop wearing jewellery, not necessarily because it is a sin to wear them, but because they may be a distraction to your fruitfulness. He may allow persecution to arise against you so that you will draw closer to Him.

As you draw closer to Him, you will become more like Him and be more fruitful. He might hold some things back from you for a while to test your faith, so that you can become perfect, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4).

At the end of the refining process, you will become so valuable that people will run over each other to favour you. Just like everyone wants gold in its purest form, you will become a spectacle to your generation.

As everyone wants the best of fruits, you will have people from all over the world coming to glean from the great value that you possess.

Those who successfully go through the pruning process of God become superstars in their generation because they carry great value that the whole world wants to glean from. They are problem solvers, and people see them as blessings.

Money is never their problem because their value attracts money from all around the world. They don’t beg for doors to open to them, their names open doors. Are you ready to be refined by God?

OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2024 PRAYER POINT

Father, please refine me and make me the purest and best version of myself that I can ever be, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2024 HYMN 29

WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER ATTENDETH MY WAY

OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR; Proverbs 27-29

LESSON FOURTY FOUR (44)
TOPIC: YOU ARE NOT ALONE
HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1. I love this family of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family
2. I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family
3. I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family
4. I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family
5. Come, join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family.
OPENING PRAYER: Father, please do not let Your presence ever depart from me.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should ask members the kind of vessels they are. Vessels unto honour or dishonour?
MEMORY VERSE: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with thy right hand of my righteousness. “Isaiah 41:10
BIBLE TEXT: 2 Kings 6:17-26
[17]And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
[18]And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
[19]And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
[20]And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
[21]And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
[22]And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
[23]And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
[24]And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.
[25]And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.
[26]And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Every believer should know that they are not alone. No matter the challenging situations, there is a provision for God’s intervention. Do not allow worry or anxiety to deny you of embracing divine promises.
LESSON AIM: To assure believers of God’s presence no matter the oppositions and confrontations.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:
– Remain unmovable irrespective of challenging issues or circumstances.
– Know that there is provision for God’s presence.
TEXT REVIEW: 2 Kings 6:17-26
a. Every believer needs that their spiritual eyes be opened to see the armies of God securing them.
b. Prayer keeps believers out of spiritual lukewarmness and distractions.
c. Spiritual re-awakening keeps you victorious in the midst of adversaries and their advances.
Lesson Outline One
FEAR NOT
As a child of God, there is need to be fully aware that worry and anxiety cannot bring about desired miracles.
Why Do We Need To Fear Not?
i. God wants us to be filled with hope and trust in Him – Prov. 3:5.
ii. In order to keep believers on their toes, not losing focus- Heb. 12:2.
iii. To achieve one’s goals and objectives- 1 Samuel 17:33-37.
iv. God’s presence is with us – Hebrews 13:5.
v. Our victorious life brings glory to God and shame to the devil- 1 Sam. 17:51.
Lesson Outline Two
HIS ANGELS ARE WITH YOU
Angels are God’s servants, saddled with the responsibility to minister and care for believers.
What Are The Roles Of God’s Angels?
1. They are assigned to guide, guard and fight for us – Psalms 91:11-12.
2. They communicate divine messages.
3. They watch and observe believers – I Corinthians 4:9.
4. They are God’s instruments used by God to reveal His word and counsel.
5. They are source of encouragement to believers- 2 Thess. 1:7.
6. They remove all obstacles or setbacks – Matthew 28:2.
7. They deliver God’s own from predators – Daniel 6:22; II Kings 19:38.
8. They care for believers even to death – Luke 16.
9. They wade off evil agenda.
10. They establish grace of multiplication on believers – Gen. 16:10.
ACTIVITY: State seven believers who enjoyed angelical intervention.
SUMMARY: You are never alone. No matter where you are, His presence is there because He is the Omnipresent God.
CONCLUSION: Angels are there to assist believers, nations, attend to human’s needs and establish the counsel of God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, send me the needed help through Your angelic intervention.
2. Lord, send Your angels to dismantle every opposition against my destiny.
3. Father, in Your mercy never let Your presence depart from RCCG.
4. Father may we continue to enjoy Your presence in our House Fellowship Centres and parishes in Jesus name.
5. Father, may Your presence always abide with Daddy G.O. and his family.
GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: Genesis 28:15-16.
TUESDAY: Exodus 23:20.
WEDNESDAY: Psalms 34:7.
THURSDAY: Psalms 125:2.
FRIDAY: Pray and declare upon your life and family Psalms 91.
SATURDAY: Pray this verse with faith Psalms 38:21.
SUNDAY: Psalms 37:25- He is faithful.

LESSON: FORTY FOUR (44)
TOPIC: SUBMISSION
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
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?
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 2:13-17.
[13]Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,
[14]or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
[15]For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—
[16]as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
[17]Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Submission to Masters
MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme.” 1Peter 2:13 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: Submission is a virtue that means to yield or to surrender. Some people submit to authorities for diverse reasons ranging from personal gain, eye service, etc. However, submission is commanded as an act of obedience and honour to God (Romans 13:1-2). The Scripture clearly states the diverse categories of people we are expected to submit to. Failure to obey this command amounts to rebellion in God’s sight.
OUTLINES:
1. CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE TO SUBMIT TO
2. CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION
1. CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE TO SUBMIT TO
God instituted certain authorities to coordinate various affairs on His behalf on earth (Romans 13:1-2). Everyone is expected to submit to governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17). Servants must submit to their masters (Colossians 3:22; 1 Peter 2:18). Wives must submit in all meekness to their husbands (Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6). Children must submit to their parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3). Ultimately, all of God’s creations (including all authorities) must submit to God (Psalm 72:11; Isaiah 66:23).
Should believers submit to ungodly leaders.
2. CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION
Rebellion is the opposite of submission and it is an act of insubordination or resistance to constituted authorities which could be motivated by pride, envy, hatred, etc. Rebellion comes with grave consequences. These include:
1. Demotion (either temporal or permanent) -Nebuchadnezzar was proud and he lived like a beast in the field for seven years (Daniel 4:30-33).
2. Loss of authority and position-Vashti discountenanced her husband, the king, and lost her position to Esther (Esther 1:11-12; 2:1-4).
3. Destruction- Pharaoh consistently disdained God and he perished together with his army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:26-28; Psalm 135:8-9).
4. Loss of destiny-Samson waved away the instructions of his parents and his life and destiny were cut short (Judges 14:1-3; 16:20-21).
5. Untimely death-Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against the authority of God and were buried alive (Numbers 26:9-10).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss other consequences of rebellion.
CONCLUSION: There is no authority that is without the knowledge of God (Romans 13:1). Believers in Christ must therefore see submission to every authority as service to God.
QUESTIONS
* Mention three reasons believers must submit to authority.
* Identify some Bible characters that rebelled and the consequences of their actions.
FURTHER READING: SUN: Zech.14:16. MON: John.19:1. TUES: 1 Pet.2:13. WED: Titus.3:1. THURS: Isa.49:22. FRI: Lk.6:32. SAT: Eph.6:5.
ASSIGNMENT: Find out the penalties for failing to submit to the following authorities (1×10=10 marks)