This is RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH 9 JULY 2023 STUDENT MANUAL LESSON FORTY-FIVVE (45). The topic is RENOUNCING THE FAITH.
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RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH 9 JULY 2023 (LESSON 45)
TOPIC: RENOUNCING THE FAITH
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.
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.
LESSON OUTLINES:
- THE CHARACTERISTICS
- THE DANGER AND HOPE
1. THE CHARACTERISTICS
In the context of the Christian faith, there are two main forms of Apostasy:
One is a falling away from key and true doctrines of the Bible into heretical teachings that claim to be “the real” Christian doctrine;
The other, is a complete renunciation of the Christian faith, which results in a full abandonment of Christ (Heb.10:29).
Jude’s description of the character of the first Century apostates explains why he so strongly opposed them.
Some believers today are toiling the paths of the apostates of Jude’s day; they are ignoring scriptural warnings of past judgments on sins (Rom.15:4) such as that of unbelieving Israelites, fallen Angels (Jude 6; 2Pet.2:4), Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 7; Gen.19:24-25).
They are becoming ungodly by moral perversion, defilement of the flesh, rebellion, boldly speaking evil against people and things they do not understand such as Spiritual beings and dignitaries (Jude 8-10).
They are ignorant about God; proclaiming false visions, self-destructive, grumbling, fault finding, self-satisfying, using arrogant words and false flattery; they make a mockery of God (Jude 15-18).
They ignore God and His word like Cain; they practice greed and deceit like Balaam, and rebel against spiritual authorities like Korah (Jude 11).
Apostates are sensual (Jude 19).
They deny the Lordship of Jesus 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 the society at large.
2. THE DANGER AND HOPE
Ultimately, an apostate eventually falls away and departs from the truth of God’s word and His righteousness (1Jn.2:19).
We can deduce from Hebrews 6:4-6 that by human intervention, it is impossible to renew those who abandon their Christian faith.
However, the Bible makes it clear that with God nothing shall be impossible (Lk.1:37; Jer.32:27).
Therefore, if a child of God abandons his faith for whatever reason (including apostasy), there is but one route of return-that of repentance, acknowledgement of wrong, and the humble petition for God’s pardon (2Chr.7:14; 2Cor.7:10; 1Jn.1:9).
It is critical, now more than ever, that every believer 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.
CONCLUSION: RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH 9 JULY 2023
Apostasy is a dangerous trend that can lead to a point of no return. Be watchful.
QUESTIONS
- What characterises apostasy?
- How dangerous is apostasy?
FURTHER READING
- MONDAY: Heb.10:26-29
- TUESDAY: 1Tim.1:19
- WEDNESDAY: 1Tim.4:1
- THURSDAY: 2Tim.4:4
- FRIDAY: Heb.3:12
- SATURDAY: 2 Peter.3:17
- SUNDAY: Jude 15-18.
ASSIGNMENT: RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH 9 JULY 2023
Identify five things the church of God can do to help apostates (2×5=10 marks).
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