RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 12: 22 November 2026

1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

MEMORY VERSE:

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

To be poor in spirit is to recognise one’s spiritual inadequacy and acknowledge the need to depend on God. This is the point where you realise that you cannot save yourself but need God’s grace. It is spiritual humility and a crucial step towards true blessedness in the kingdom of God.

TEACHER’S DIARY

LESSON AIM: To teach the church what it means to be poor in spirit.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students are expected to:
a. Explain the meaning of being poor in spirit.
b. Understand the characteristics of the poor in spirit.
c. Mention biblical characters who were poor in spirit.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:
a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, and do class activities and assignments.
b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, and mark attendance and assignment.
c. Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignments.

TEXT REVIEW: Isaiah 66:1-2

God is the master of innovation and creativity. There is nothing new or catches Him by surprise as far as creation is concerned. He made and knows it all. However, anyone who is poor and of a contrite spirit that trembles at His word will get God’s attention.

TEACHING METHOD: The Lecture Method.

TIME MANAGEMENT: The teacher should apply the two-lesson outline teaching time.

LESSON OUTLINE 1: KEY CHARACTERISTICS

A. Characteristics
i. The ‘poor in spirit’ do not rely on their righteousness but trust in God’s mercy (Luke 18:13).
ii. They recognise who they are and are eternally grateful for their salvation (1 Timothy 1:15).
iii. They demonstrate godly sorrow for sin and immediately seek God’s forgiveness (Psalm 51:17; 1 John 1:9).
iv. They acknowledge their spiritual emptiness without God (Philippians 3:9).
v. They do not boast of their own abilities but seek God’s guidance (1 Samuel 2:9b).
vi. They recognise that their strength, wisdom and ability come from God (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).
vii. They remain focused on receiving God’s grace no matter the height or position they occupy (Philippians 3:7-14).

B. Rewards
i. Their humility attracts honour to them (Proverbs 29:23).
ii. It qualifies them for God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:3).
iii. God also promises to revive and restore the poor in spirit (Isaiah 57:15).
iv. They enjoy constant attention from God (Isaiah 66:2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

What makes the poor in spirit special, and how do their rewards from God encourage us to stay humble?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

King David acknowledged his sins before God, repented and asked for restoration (Psalm 51:17).
The woman of Shunem, through humility and hospitality, got a miracle child, something that her money or influence could not give her (2 Kings 4:8-16).
The Prodigal Son made a foolish decision that landed him in abject poverty. He was humble enough to retrace his steps back to his father, who forgave and restored him to his sonship status (Luke 15:11-32).
The Publican chose to ask God for mercy, and he went home justified instead of boasting about his righteousness like the Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14; Isaiah 64:6).
The Centurion, despite being a man of authority, recognised his limitation in spiritual matters and accorded Jesus the honour that is due (Matthew 8:5-13).
Zacchaeus, a rich chief among the Publicans, by humility, went the extra mile to seek Jesus; this brought salvation to his entire household (Luke 19:1-9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

How can dependence on God change our lives?

CONCLUSION: RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual 22 November 2026

Those who are humble, gentle, and who do not rely on their own strength nor allow pride in their heart will ultimately be rewarded and will “inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

EVALUATION:

Mention the key characteristics of the poor in spirit.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, please help me to be poor in spirit.

ASSIGNMENT: RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 12

List five (5) practical ways that show a believer is “poor in spirit,” (2X5=10 marks).

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RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 12: 22 November 2026