Category: Sunday School Manual

This is RCCG Sunday School Teachers manual for the adult class.

Today’s Lesson 15 topic:THE RICH

Date: 13 December 2026

Read:

• RCCG Sunday School Students Manual Lesson 15
• Open Heaven 13 December 2026 Devotional

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Note: Check RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN LYRICS

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS MANUAL LESSON 15 (13 DECEMBER 2026)

TOPIC: THE RICH

OPENING PRAYER:

Father, help me to comprehend the meaning of true riches in Jesus’ name.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:

The teacher should review the lesson for the previous week.

BIBLE READING

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 10:17-22

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

MEMORY VERSE:

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

One of the simple definitions of the word “rich” is to possess a lot of money or material wealth. However, in addition to material wealth, to be rich also means to have desirable qualities in abundance. We shall focus on some of these needed qualities in addition to material wealth because a robust, rich individual must possess a rich soul, money and great qualities to serve God and bless humanity.

TEACHER’S DIARY

LESSON AIM: To study true riches beyond material wealth.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Define the term “rich.”
b. Explain the relationship between diligence and riches.
c. State the biblical classification of riches.

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: Mark 10:17-22

In the Scriptures above, the rich young man who approached Jesus thought the way to the kingdom was by obeying the law, which he was so sure he had a perfect record in. He never saw it coming that sacrifice is equally important. Check the narrative:
i. When Jesus was gone forth into the way, there came one running….. Vs.17
ii. Jesus said to him…..Vs.18
iii. Thou knowest the commandments….. Vs.19
iv. And he answered and said….. Vs.20
v. Then Jesus beholding him….. Vs.21
vi. And he was sad at that saying…..Vs.22

TEACHING METHOD: The Question And Answer Method.

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

LESSON OUTLINE 1: DILIGENCE AND RICHES

Question: Is there any connection between riches and diligence?

Answer: Yes, there is a relationship between diligence and riches. Let us examine the following:

A. Great and sustainable riches come with a lot of diligence. This is because diligence is a major hallmark of riches.
i. A diligent hand brings wealth because hard work and persistence culminate in prosperity (Proverbs 10:4).
ii. It drastically turns an individual into a ruler who calls the shots and dominates over the lazy (Proverbs 12:24).
iii. A diligent person is rich in accountability; this is visible in that his substance is precious and not allowed to waste due to laziness (Proverbs 12:27).
iv. It promotes to a high level of distinctiveness and royalty (Proverbs 22:29).
v. A flourishing heart is preserved through diligent and careful thoughts (Proverbs 4:23).

B. The Christian walk of faith and other virtues like godliness, temperance, etc., will be accomplished through diligence (2 Peter 1:5).
i. It will take diligence to sustain our rich faith till the end (Hebrews 6:11-12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

In line with Isaiah 48:17, which is more important, God’s help or your diligence?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BIBLICAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF RICHES

Question: Are there desirable qualities that can be regarded as a biblical classification of riches?

Answer: Yes, there are some biblical classifications which could also mean desirable qualities of riches. These include:

1. Bountiful Eyes: This is being open-handed and compassionate, especially towards the poor. It is to show kindness without holding back (Proverbs 22:9).
2. Good Health: This has to do with the numerous aspects of life. It ranges from complete physical, mental and social well-being (Isaiah 58:11), including the ability to have a positive outlook, manage stress and enjoy life to its fullest (Ecclesiastes 5:19).
3. Prosperous Soul: This is a soul that is saved from eternal condemnation (John 3:18), having accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. A rich soul walks in the truth of God’s word daily (Psalm 119:11). The Apostle John, in his epistle in 3 John 1:2, marries the prosperity of the soul with material and physical well-being.
4. Good Works: A deliberate and consistent effort to do good to humanity. It is to be generous in service and be kind-hearted to those in need. It is the willingness to be always ready to help and reach out to others (1 Timothy 6:18).
5. Rich Towards God: Here, God comes first, and every other thing follows (Matthew 6:33). It is also to acknowledge that true riches are from God (Proverbs 8:17-18) and instead of needless accumulation of wealth (Luke 12:16-21); resources and gifts are used to serve God (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-18).
6. Spiritual Riches: This comes through faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus was made poor through His death on the cross for us to be rich through the grace of His Holy Spirit and be a partaker of eternal life (2 Corinthians 8:9).
7. God’s Blessings: True prosperity is from God (Proverbs 10:22). This type of riches is diverse and includes peace of mind and unlimited joy (Philippians 4:7; Romans 15:13).
8. Humility And God’s Fear: The fear of the Lord, which is accompanied by humility, produces riches, honour and life (Proverbs 22:4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

How is God’s idea of riches different from the riches of the world?

CONCLUSION: RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual 13 December 2026

True riches are holistic.

EVALUATION:

Mention five biblical classifications of riches.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, please help me to build the desirable qualities of riches for a holistic life in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 15

Give a Bible reference each to support these five examples of true riches that a believer can possess according to God’s word: faith, godly wisdom, love for God and others, integrity and peace (2X5=10 marks).

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DOWNLOAD RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 15 (13 December 2026) PDF

RCCG Sunday School Student manual for the adult class.

Today’s Lesson 15 topic isTHE RICH

Read:

• RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 15
• Open Heaven 13 December 2026 Devotional

---

Note: Check RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN LYRICS

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT MANUAL LESSON 15 (13 DECEMBER 2026)

TOPIC: THE RICH

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 10:17-22

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

MEMORY VERSE:

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2

LESSON INTRODUCTION

One of the simple definitions of the word “rich” is to possess a lot of money or material wealth. However, in addition to material wealth, to be rich also means to have desirable qualities in abundance. We shall focus on some of these needed qualities in addition to material wealth because a robust, rich individual must possess a rich soul, money and great qualities to serve God and bless humanity.

LESSON OUTLINE 1: DILIGENCE AND RICHES

A. Great and sustainable riches come with a lot of diligence. This is because diligence is a major hallmark of riches.

B. A diligent hand brings wealth because hard work and persistence culminate in prosperity (Proverbs 10:4).

C. It drastically turns an individual to a ruler who calls the shots and dominates over the lazy (Proverbs 12:24).

D. A diligent person is rich in accountability; this is visible in that his substance is precious and not allowed to waste due to laziness (Proverbs 12:27).

E. It promotes to a high level of distinctiveness and royalty (Proverbs 22:29).

F. A flourishing heart is preserved through diligent and careful thoughts (Proverbs 4:23).

G. The Christian walk of faith and other virtues like godliness, temperance, etc., will be accomplished through diligence (2 Peter 1:5).

H. It will take diligence to sustain our rich faith till the end (Hebrews 6:11-12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

Students should discuss why some believers are lazy yet expect to be rich.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BIBLICAL CLASSIFICATION OF RICHES

Some biblical classifications, which could also mean desirable qualities of riches, include:

A. Bountiful Eyes: This is being open-handed and compassionate, especially towards the poor. It is to show kindness without holding back (Proverbs 22:9).

B. Good Health: This has to do with the numerous aspects of life. It ranges from complete physical, mental and social well-being (Isaiah 58:11), including the ability to have a positive outlook, manage stress and enjoy life to its fullest (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

C. Prosperous Soul: This is a soul that is saved from eternal condemnation (John 3:18), having accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. A rich soul walks in the truth of God’s word daily (Psalm 119:11). The Apostle John, in his epistle in 3 John 1:2, marries the prosperity of the soul with material and physical well-being.

D. Good Works: A deliberate and consistent effort to do good to humanity. It is to be generous in service and be kind-hearted to those in need. It is the willingness to be always ready to help and reach out to others (1 Timothy 6:18).

E. Rich Towards God: Here, God comes first, and every other thing follows (Matthew 6:33). It is also to acknowledge that true riches are from God (Proverbs 8:17-18) and instead of needless accumulation of wealth (Luke 12:16-21); resources and gifts are used to serve God (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-18).

F. Spiritual Riches: This comes through faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus was made poor through His death on the cross for us to be rich through the grace of His Holy Spirit and be a partaker of eternal life (2 Corinthians 8:9).

G. God’s Blessings: True prosperity is from God (Proverbs 10:22). This type of riches is diverse and includes peace of mind and unlimited joy (Philippians 4:7; Romans 15:13).

H. Humility And God’s Fear: The fear of the Lord, which is accompanied by humility, produces riches, honour and life (Proverbs 22:4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

Students should mention other biblical classifications of riches not listed above.

CONCLUSION: RCCG Sunday School Students Manual 13 December 2026

True riches are holistic.

FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Proverbs 8:17-18. MON: Matthew 6:19-21. TUE: Luke 12:16-21. WED: Proverbs 12:27. THUR: 2 Corinthians 8:9. FRI: Proverbs 22:4. SAT: Psalm 119:11.

ASSIGNMENT: RCCG Sunday School Students Manual Lesson 15

Give a Bible reference each to support these five examples of true riches that a believer can possess according to God’s word: faith, godly wisdom, love for God and others, integrity and peace (2X5=10 marks).

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DOWNLOAD RCCG Sunday School Students Manual Lesson 15 (13 December 2026) PDF

This is RCCG Sunday School Teachers manual for the adult class.

Today’s Lesson 14 topic:THE POOR

Date: 6 December 2026

Read:

• RCCG Sunday School Students Manual Lesson 14
• Open Heaven 6 December 2026 Devotional

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Note: Check RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN LYRICS

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS MANUAL LESSON 14 (6 DECEMBER 2026)

TOPIC: THE POOR

OPENING PRAYER:

Father, open me up on how to avoid poverty in Jesus’ name.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:

Teachers should welcome students to the second quarter of Sunday school for the year 2025/2026.

BIBLE READING

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 10:14-17

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.

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:
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: 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:
i. The Wise versus the Fool: Wise men lay….. Vs.14
ii. The Rich versus the Poor: The rich man’s wealth…..Vs.15
iii. The Righteous versus the Wicked: The labour of the righteous……. Vs.16
iv. The Obedient versus the Disobedient: He is in the way of life….. 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:

1. 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).
2. 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).
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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).
7. 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.
8. 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).
i. Stay free from financial poverty (Proverbs 10:4).
ii. Be up on your game and use your ideas effectively (Proverbs 12:24).
iii. Develop a positive attitude; let your fear begin to fear you (2 Timothy 1:7).
iv. 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 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 Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 14

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

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This is RCCG Sunday School Teachers manual for the adult class.

Today’s Lesson 12 topic: THE POOR IN SPIRIT

Date: 22 November 2026

Read:

• RCCG Sunday School Students Manual Lesson 12
• Open Heaven 22 November 2026 Devotional

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Note: Check RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN LYRICS

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS MANUAL LESSON 12 (22 NOVEMBER 2026)

TOPIC: THE POOR IN SPIRIT

OPENING PRAYER:

Father, help me to understand what it means to be poor in spirit.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:

The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.

BIBLE READING

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 66:1-2

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

1. King David acknowledged his sins before God, repented and asked for restoration (Psalm 51:17).
2. 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).
3. 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).
4. 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).
5. 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).
6. 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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Today’s Lesson 11 topic: THE HIRELING

Date: 15 November 2026

Read:

• RCCG Sunday School Students Manual Lesson 11
• Open Heaven 15 November 2026 Devotional

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Note: Check RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN LYRICS

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS MANUAL LESSON 11 (15 NOVEMBER 2026)

TOPIC: THE HIRELING

OPENING PRAYER:

Father, help me to understand who a hireling is in Jesus’ name.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:

The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.

BIBLE READING

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 10:11-14

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

MEMORY VERSE:

“But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” John 10:12.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

Jesus describes a hireling as someone who looks like a shepherd, acts like one, but runs away when danger comes (John 10:12). Sadly, the spirit of the hireling is still alive today. Have you ever worked with someone who only shows up anywhere there is gain but never cares about the people or the purpose of the job? This lesson challenges us to examine our motives in service: a true shepherd or a hireling in disguise?

TEACHER’S DIARY

LESSON AIM: To teach the church the concept of a hireling.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students are expected to:
a. Understand the concept of a hireling.
b. Mention the features of a hireling.
c. Differentiate a hireling from a good shepherd.

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: John 10:11-14

In this passage, Jesus addressed the issue of a false Christ who tried to manipulate God’s Children for their own selfish gain. He gave a sharp contrast between the role of a good Shepherd and that of a hireling. Jesus said:
i. He is the good Shepherd and the good….. Vs 11.
ii. He that is a hireling….. Vs 12.
iii. The hireling fleeth….. Vs 13.
iv. He is the good Shepherd…..Vs 14

TEACHING METHOD: The Lecture Method.

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

LESSON OUTLINE 1: FEATURES

1. Serves for personal gain. The hireling’s motivation is wages, recognition or benefits. He does not care to know the sheep or understand their needs (John 10:12-13).
2. Lacks commitment and loyalty. Works only when it is convenient or profitable. The hireling’s service is transactional; no reward, no service. When challenges arise, he abandons his responsibility (Malachi 1:10; John 10:12).
3. Seeks position and reward rather than responsibility. He desires titles or offices for personal comfort rather than to serve God’s purpose (1 Samuel 2:36).
4. Fails in times of test or persecution. They cannot endure hardship for Christ’s sake; they quit when the cost is high (Matthew 13:20-21; Zechariah 11:17).
5. Seeks human approval rather than God’s commendation. A hireling adjusts his message or actions to please people, not God (Galatians 1:10).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

How can believers avoid becoming hirelings and serve with loyalty in the face of economic hardship?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: HIRELING VERSUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

A. In John 10:11-13, Jesus contrasts Himself, being the Good Shepherd, with the hireling who “sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep, and flees.”
i. The hireling’s motive is not love but gain; his service is driven by wages, not by compassion.
ii. The difference between the hireling and the Good Shepherd is not in their position but in their heart and motive (1 Peter 5:2-4).
iii. Both may hold the title of “shepherd,” but only one truly loves the sheep.

B. The hireling works for what he can get; the Good Shepherd serves for what He can give, even His life.
i. Jesus calls us not just to serve in His vineyard, but to serve with “His heart”:
ii. One that stays even when it costs, one that loves even when it hurts (2 Timothy 2:3-4).
iii. The hireling neglects or exploits the weak, seeks independence and avoids correction (Ezekiel 34:2-4) while the Good Shepherd heals, restores, and strengthens the weak, submits to correction and is accountable (1 Corinthians 9:16-17; John 6:38).
iv. The result is that the hireling’s flock are scattered and destroyed while the Good Shepherd’s flock are preserved, united, and multiplied (John 10:28-29).
v. True ministry is not about reward, fame, or recognition; it is about faithfulness.
vi. God is still seeking men and women who will stand in the gap, not for gain, but out of genuine love for His flock.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

Identify the traits of the hireling and the Good Shepherd in the church today.

CONCLUSION: RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual 15 November 2026

Some serve when it is convenient, give to be noticed, and withdraw when sacrifice is required, but God is looking for true shepherds.

EVALUATION:

Differentiate between a hireling and a good Shepherd.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, please give me the heart of a good shepherd in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual Lesson 11

Mention five (5) consequences of being a hireling (2X5=10 marks).

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