Sunday School Manual || Lesson 2: Thanksgiving: When and How?

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual
Date: 9 September 2018
Topic: Thanksgiving: When and How?
Memory Verse: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1
Bible Text: Luke 17:11-19
11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

INTRODUCTION:

In the world we live, many believe that most things they get are their rights. They believe in their sweat, smartness and intellect, hence, they see no reason they should give thanks to anyone,not even the Almighty (Zechariah 4:6). For believers, this is not only wrong but wicked and dangerous act. For instance, in Luke 17:17-19, only one of the lepers returned to give thanks to the Lord. He was heal and also made whole while the remaining nine were only heal but not make whole.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHEN SHOULD WE OFFER THANKSGIVING?
2. HOW TO OFFER ACCEPTABLE THANKSGIVING

1. WHEN SHOULD WE OFFER THANKSGIVING?
The Biblical order is that we should give thanks to God at all times and in all circumstances Psalm34:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Specifically, we are also admonished to be thankful at certain time or seasons.
These include ;
1. When it is well with us. Psalm 103:1-2, 136:1-4
2. When we are in adverse situations e. g. Sickness or affliction. 2 Corinthians 11:26-30, 12:9, job 1 :20-22
3. When disappointed, abandoned or rejected. Psalm 42:5, 10-11, job 19:25
4. When we are going through trials. Psalm 59:16-17, Daniel 3:17-18, Act 16:25-31
5. When being persecuted or tempted. Daniel 6:10, James 1:2-4
6. When experiencing delay Psalm 13:1-6.
Thanksgiving is God delicacy and gets Heaven’s accelerated response.

HOW TO OFFER ACCEPTABLE THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips(Hebrew 13:15). It should come out of a pure, broken and contrite heart Psalm 51:16-17. Thanksgiving should not be offer grudgingly or of necessity but willingly and cheerfully. Exodus 35:5, 2 Corinthians 9:7. We can offer thanks to God with joyful noise Psalm 47:1, musical instruments and dancing Psalm 150:3-6 etc. Offering of quality substance like our time, materials, property and money are other acceptable means of thanksgiving Proverb 3:9-10. Your thanksgiving should be a sacrifice with sweet savour unto God Genesis 4:4, Psalm 107:22.

CONCLUSION:
According to Romans 1:21,only people of vain imaginations and foolish or darkened heart will not be thankful (Psalm 50:14)

QUESTIONS:
1. When should Christians give thanks to God?
2. How should we thank Him?

For further reading: 1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 35:28, Deuteronomy 8:10, Roman’s 1:21, Psalm 47:1
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

5. 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.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?