RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 14: 6 December 2026

[14] Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
[15] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
[16] The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
[17] He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

MEMORY VERSE:

“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty.” Proverbs 10:15 (NKJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION

Generally, when there is a mention of the four-letter word “poor,” a lack of money readily comes to mind, but being poor is beyond a lack in financial resources alone, because some people are so poor, the only thing they have is money. To be poor also means to be deficient in a specified way, to be inadequate, perform poorly, feel inferior, etc. In this lesson, we shall look at other forms of poverty and ways to develop a positive mindset against poverty.

TEACHER’S DIARY

LESSON AIM: To study forms of poverty and ways to develop a positive mindset against poverty.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, students should be able to:

a. State what it means to be poor.
b. Mention forms of poverty.
c. Explain how to change their mindset about poverty.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:

Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, and do class activities and assignments.
Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, and mark attendance and assignment.
Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignments.

TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 10:14-17

The wisdom of King Solomon is brought to the fore here. In these proverbs, he compared the actions of four characters with their counterparts and laid before us the responsibility to choose whose side we want:

A. The Wise versus the Fool: Wise people store….. …..VS.14

B. The Rich versus the Poor: The rich man’s wealth…..Vs.15

C. The Righteous versus the Wicked: The labour of the righteous……. Vs.16

D. The Obedient versus the Disobedient: He who keeps instruction …..Vs.17

TEACHING METHOD: The Question And Answer Method.

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

LESSON OUTLINE 1: BEYOND MONEY

Question: Apart from being poor monetarily, are there other areas in which one can be poor?

Answer: Yes, one can be poor in the following areas:

Health: Poor health is a great disadvantage in life and a high level of poverty (Job 2:7-8). It is the inability of an individual to function normally either physically or mentally (Psalm 6:2). This condition is often associated with pain (1 Timothy 5:23; Psalm 41:3).
Speech: The incessant usage of foul language and words that do not edify. Jesus in Matthew 12:36-37 warns that we shall give account of every idle word on the day of judgement. Also, speaking spitefully to reduce others is a poor form of communication (Proverbs 12:18).
Thoughts: Not using the mind effectively to generate noble thoughts and ideas to benefit and prosper oneself and humanity (Philippians 4:8). A combination of consistent wandering and evil thoughts also has a link with poverty (Romans 12:2; Mark 7:21-23).
Social: Withdrawal syndrome, low self-worth (Numbers 13:33), low self-esteem and loneliness (1 Kings 19:4, 10) are indicators of a poor social life.
Relationship: Not being able to manage and sustain a cordial rapport due to impatience, anger (Proverbs 22:24-25), suspicion, fear, doubt, complex, etc. Furthermore, the inability to sustain a relationship with God through consistent fellowship, study of His word, prayers, holy living, etc., is a pointer to a poor bond with our Maker (Acts 17:27).
Intellect: This is a major mental issue that has to do with difficulties in reasoning, adaptable behaviours (Proverbs 12:15), problem-solving, etc. This can sometimes manifest through opposition to critical thinking or a noble change (Proverbs 23:23).
Emotions: A poor emotional state is a delicate and serious matter that has to do with negative conditions. It manifests through frustration (Psalm 42:5), panic, anger (Proverbs 29:22), and gloominess.
Spiritual: Any soul that is unsaved or lukewarm is poor (Mark 8:35-37; Luke 7:22b; Revelation 3:16-17).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

Discuss how a poverty mindset can affect a believer’s relationship with God.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: CHANGE THE MINDSET

Question: Can we overcome poverty?

Answer: Yes, in the following ways:

A. Poverty can be dealt with, but it must start with a positive mindset. For instance, health is wealth, and you are what you eat.

i. We must eat right and healthy, do exercises and get enough sleep and rest as when due (Proverbs 25:16; 1 Timothy 4:8).

ii. Avoid corrupt communications and talk less with wisdom (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 18:21).

iii. We must guard our hearts and engage in positive thinking (Proverbs 4:23).

iv. Be smart and associate with the right people (Proverbs 13:20).

B. Be flexible to positive changes, forgive easily and grow to forget (Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:14), live a life free from bitterness (Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15).

Stay free from financial poverty (Proverbs 10:4).
Be up on your game and use your ideas effectively (Proverbs 12:24).
Develop a positive attitude; let your fear begin to fear you (2 Timothy 1:7).
Love God and your person. Be free.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

What practical steps can a believer take to truly overcome financial/material poverty?

CONCLUSION: RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teachers Manual 6 December 2026

God wants us to live life to its fullness; do not allow any kind of poverty to shortchange you.

EVALUATION:

State four actions that show a positive change in mindset on poverty.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, please do not allow poverty to short-change me. Help me to live life to its fullness in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: RCCG YAYA Lesson 14

List five (5) other areas one can be poor apart from the ones listed above (2X5=10 marks).

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RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 14: 6 December 2026