RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual 9th July 2023 (Lesson 45)
TOPIC: APOSTASY
OPENING PRAYER: Almighty Father, please keep me from renouncing my faith in Christ. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 9 July 2023 HYMN)
MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 10:29 (KJV)
“Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” –
BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 6:4-6 (KJV)
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Renouncing one’s faith is ‘apostasy.’ The term apostasy comes from the Greek word ‘apostasia’ meaning ‘defection,’ ‘departure,’ ‘revolt’ or ‘rebellion.’ Apostasy is the formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion that is contrary to one’s previous religious beliefs. It is an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognise a religious faith. One who undertakes apostasy is known as an apostate.
TEXT REVIEW: The teacher should identify five natures of people who would be difficult to be renewed again into repentance by human efforts according to the above-stated Bible passage. For example:
i. People who were once enlightened.
ii. ………………………………………….
iii. …………………………………………
iv. …………………………………………
v. ………………………………………….
LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: THE CHARACTERISTICS
A.The teacher should define “apostasy” as defection, departure, rebellion, disaffiliation, abandonment or renunciation of a religion or faith by a person.
B.The teacher should identify two major forms of apostasy as follows:
i. Falling away from key and true doctrines of the Bible into heretical teachings that claim to be “the real” Christian doctrine.
ii. Renunciation of the Christian faith which results in a full abandonment of Christ. Heb 10:29
C.The teacher should identify and explain the following characteristics of the apostates.
i. They ignore the biblical warning of God’s judgment on sin. Rom.15:4
ii. They do not learn from the records of what God did to fallen angels and wicked nations.
Jude 1:6; 2 Pet.2:4; Gen.19:24-25
iii. They are morally perverse, rebellious and defile the flesh.
iv. They speak evil against people and things they do not understand like spiritual beings and dignitaries. Jude 1:8-10
v. They are ignorant about God or have become ignorant of God.
vi. They proclaim false vision and have become self-destructive, self-satisfying, fault finders and grumblers.
vii. They use flattery and arrogant expressions and mock God. Jude 1:15-18
viii. They ignore God and His word like Cain.
ix. They are greedy and deceitful like Balaam.
x. They rebel against spiritual authorities and directives like Korah, Dathan, and Abiran. Jude 1:11
xi. They are sensual. Jude 1:10
xii. They deny the lordship of Christ. Titus 1:15-16
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss the problems an apostate could bring to the body of Christ in particular and society at large.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: THE DANGER AND HOPE
A. DANGER
i. The apostate would eventually fall away and depart from the truth of God’s word and His righteousness. 1John 2:19
ii. It can be deduced from Hebrews 6:4-6 that it is impossible to restore apostates back to the faith (by human efforts).
B. HOPE FOR AN APOSTATE
i. The apostate can still return to God who can do all things. Luke 1:37; Jer.32:27.
ii. The apostate who repents of his/her apostasy and humbly and genuinely call on God will receive forgiveness. 2 Chron.7:14; 2 Cor.7:10; 1 John 1:9
C. CAUTION
i. Every believer must pray for discernment, combat apostasy, and contend earnestly for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss how a true believer can guard against sliding into apostasy.
SUMMARY: Believers should avoid apostasy totally and those who have departed should cry to God for mercy and restoration.
CONCLUSION: Apostasy is a dangerous trend that can lead to a point of no return. Be watchful.
EVALUATION:
i. Describe an apostate
ii. Why should apostasy be avoided totally?
iii. What are the ways out of apostasy?
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, we know that nothing is impossible for You, therefore, restore the apostates in our society in the name of Jesus.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) things the church of God can do to help apostates (2×5=10 Marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- 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. - 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. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
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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
