RCCG Sunday School Student’s Manual 26th March 2023 – Lesson 30
TOPIC: Rendering Help
MEMORY VERSE:Galatians 6:10 (KJV)
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 9:36-41 (KJV)
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Rendering help is the act of giving aid or assistance (whether materials or services) to people in need. It can be in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility or personal assistance to the less privileged. More importantly, the Bible encourages us to help members of the household of faith (Gal.6:10).
LESSON OUTLINES:
- WHO NEEDS OUR HELP?
- HOW SHOULD WE HELP?
1. WHO NEEDS OUR HELP?
The following people should be helped: the committed brethren in need (Gal.6:10), the aged (Lev.19:32), the widows/widowers (Jam.1:2Z), orphans and deserted/helpless (Ps.82:3), the poor (Prov.19:17), the specially challenged (emotional, physical, mental, etc.) – 2 Sam.9:3, 13.
Our help should primarily be to our need family members (which include our parent 1 Timothy 5:8, members of the household of faith (Gal.6:10), then to members of our society whether known or unknown, good or bad. It is necessary to help brethren by connecting them to people or places to get good jobs, pay hospital bills, get scholarships for children’s education, etc.
While this gesture should not be an excuse for some people to be lazy, indulge in begging or feel entitled, believers, should note that everything we have is given to us by God (Ps.68:19; 1Cor.4:7). Therefore, we should be encouraged to give to people in need or render helpful services because these result in blessings (Prov.22:9). Rendering help and expecting nothing back from the recipient is a great way to be Christ-like (Lk.6:34-35).
2. HOW SHOULD WE HELP?
As believers, it is important to know that the help we render should be rooted in love (1 Cor.13:3) even as it allows us to serve God better (2Cor.9:8). Giving, for instance, is an outward sign of our love for others (1Jn.3:17) and we should give expecting God to provide (Lk.6:38). Sometimes, our giving can be a measurement of our faith (Mal.3:10). However, the state of the heart of the giver matters more than the size of the gift (Lk.21:1-4).
While encouraging the believers in Corinth give generously, Paul did not want them to give beyond their means, “reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Cor.8:12). More importantly, he wanted them to rely on their inner convictions (2Cor.9:7). No one should give under duress but giving, even when you are reluctant can be a learning process especially when you do not have a surplus.
CONCLUSION: God loves it when we give (2 Cor.9:7) and He will always pay back in ways we least imagine.
QUESTIONS:
- Mention four (4) sets of people that need our help.
- How can believers meet the needs of people?
FURTHER READINGS:
Sunday: Galatians 6:7-10 (KJV) 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Monday: Exodus 25:2 (KJV) Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
Tuesday: Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Wednesday: Matthew 6:12 (KJV) – And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Thursday: Luke 21:3 (KJV) – And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
Friday: 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV) – As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Saturday: 2 Corinthians 9:6 (KJV) – But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) categories of people who are in need of help in the Church and the society at large (2×5=10 Marks).
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RCCG Sunday School manual is used in Sunday School Classes in the RCCG.
The RCCG Sunday school manual is written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye and is available online for easy access. See the previous RCCG Sunday school Manual for 2023 here
