RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 16 January 2022 | Lesson 20

RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 16 January 2022 | Lesson 20 

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS MANUAL LESSON 20 SUNDAY 16TH JANUARY 2022

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TOPIC: BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SELF-DEFENCE

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.

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Thy friend friendship suits me well,
   Both young and will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.

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

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

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds be black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.

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

OPENING PRAYER
Father, you are my shield, please protect me from all attacks.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.” – Psalm 149:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: LUKE 22:23-38

RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 16 January 2022 | Lesson 20

INTRODUCTION
As Christians we believe that God is able to protect us from both physical and spiritual attacks (Psalm 7:10; Zachariah 12:8). We must be trusting and depending like little children toward God and he must be our strength and safety (Psalms 28:7). However, in the world today, crime and violence are on the increase. Christians are like sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16). In most cases, they are in the most vulnerable state partly due to Christ injuction in Matthew 5:39 and Paul’s word in Romans 12:17-21.

TEXT REVIEW: LUKE 22:35-38.
Jesus, in an attempt to prepare his disciples for the challenges ahead, had the following conversation with them.

A. Jesus said unto them, when I sent you without a purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? V35a.
i. And they said…….V35b.
ii. Then he said to them, he that…………….V36a.
iii. And he that………V36b.
B. Jesus also said:
i. What is written……………V37a.
ii. The thing concerning him….V37b.
C. The disciples said:
i. Lord, behold……………….V38a.
ii. Jesus said unto them………..V38b.

RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 16 January 2022 | Lesson 20 

LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SELF DEFENCE?
2. WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DO?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SELF DEFENCE?
1. Question:
What is self-defence?
Answer:
Self defence is defined as “protecting oneself from injury at the end of others”. Self defence involves preserving one’s own health, life and property when it is threatened by the actions of others (Nehemiah 4:7-23; Luke 11:21).

1. Question:
   Is there any distinction between self-defense and vengeance.
   Answer:
   Yes, There is a distinction between self-defense and vengeance, (retaliation or reprisal attack). The difference can be explained in the following ways:
   a. Self-defence is neither about taking vengeance nor about d.Thepremeditated attack on others.
   b. Jesus’ commanded to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) has to do with our response to personal slights and offences.
   c. Some situations may call for self-defence, but not retaliation in kind.
   d. The context of Jesus command is his teaching against the idea of “eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” (verse 38).
   e. Our self defence is not a vengeful reaction to an offence.
   f. Many offences can simply be absorbed in forbearance and love (Romans 12:17-21)

2. Question:
   Are there biblical clues about God’s attitude toward self-defence?
   Answer:
   Yes, for instance:
   i. “if a thief found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him, for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft (Exodus 22:2-3). Two basic principles taught in this text are the right to own private property and the right to defend that property.
   ii. Jesus explicitly commands his followers to buy a sword even if they have to sell their clock to do so (Luke 22:35-38). Jesus knew that there would be a time when His followers would be threatened, and he upheld their right to self-defence.
   iii. However, Jesus told Peter not to use his sword because he must be arrested, put on trial and die (Matthew 26:51-52).
   iv. Jesus took prudent measures to protect himself from harm until it was time for him to die.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Students should discuss the ways Jesus protected himself from, harm until his appointed time to die. Teachers should guide class with the following scriptures (Jn. 8:59; Jn. 10:39).

WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DO?
Question:
Does the bible forbid self-defence?
Answer:
No, The Bible never forbids self-defence (Psalm 144:1)
Question:
Are believers allowed to defend themselves?
Answer:
Yes, believers are allowed to defend themselves and their families (1Samuel 30:1-8; Acts 7:24).
Question:
Are there proper use of self-defence?
Answer:
Yes, The proper use of self-defense has to do with wisdom, understanding and tact. We must have wisdom that comes from heaven regarding when to fight back and when not to, so as not to make a dangerous situation worse (James 1:5; 3:17)
Question:
Are there caution to the full exercise of the right to self-defence?
Answer:
Yes, the cautious are:
i. The full exercise of the right to self-defence depends on the situation.
ii. No one should be too quick to use deadly force against another, even someone who means to do harm.
iii. Deadly force is expected to be a last resort in the event of a panicked “surprise attack” scenario where the victim is confused and disoriented.
iv. A godly person should try to restrain the attacker rather than an immediate result to killing him.
v. It is important for every Christian to undergo some basic trainings on safety and self-defence.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Students should mention the available platform/institution where people can be trained on safety measures and self-defence.

SUMMARY
There is a clear difference between self-defence and vengeance. Believers are allowed to defend themselves and their families from attacks but should do so with caution.

CONCLUSION
The Shepherd risk his life by combating wild animals that threatens the flock (1Samuel 17:34-36). A pacifist or fearful Shepherd would soon have no flock

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, let me always find a way of escape from all attacks in Jesus name.

ASSIGNMENT
Mention five (5) Bible characters that were attacked physically and how they responded to the attack. Five scrpitural reference for each.