RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL (2016/2017 EDITION) LESSON EIGHT (8) Sunday 23rd October 2016 TOPIC:- OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL (2016/2017 EDITION)
LESSON EIGHT (8)
Sunday 23rd October 2016
TOPIC:- OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

MEMORY VERSE: ‘For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.’’- Hebrews 2:18

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 4:14-16

INTRODUCTION:
Just as we cannot stop birds from flying over our heads but can stop them from nesting in our hair, so also can we not stop evil thoughts from passing through our minds. However, we need not accept them or allow them to take a stronghold. The consequence of yielding to temptation can be disastrous whereas resisting it, births victory.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. The results of temptations
2. How can one overcome?

THE RESULTS OF TEMPTATIONS
There are two possible outcomes of temptations. We either yield to it or we resist it and overcome. If a Christian yields to temptation, it becomes sin (1Timothy 6:9). The result then is that the Christian’s testimony is badly affected and he becomes spiritually weak (Matthew 26:41). If the temptation is resisted, the Lord is glorified and the Christian grows spiritually stronger and is thus able to resist other temptations in the future (James 1:2-4). The victorious Christian grows in faith and maturity. God is happy because the determination of the Christian to obey Him is confirmed.

HOW CAN ONE OVERCOME?
There are several ways of overcoming temptations. We shall mention some of them:
1. By trusting God. We can rely on God’s faithfulness. He changes not (1Corinthians 1:9, 10:13).
2. By memorizing the word of God and quoting then when the need arises, like Jesus did in Matthew 4
3. By constant prayer and carefulness (Matthew 26:41). The man who knows that his weakness is alcoholic drinks should not be frequent in beer parlours.
4. By fleeing (2Timothy 2:22). When Joseph found himself cornered by Potiphar’s wife, he ran.
5. By resisting (James 4:7). The devil is a coward. If we resist him, he flees, That is, he runs away in terror.

CONCLUSION: Avoid falling into temptation whenever it comes. Rely on Jesus Christ who is constantly praying for us (Luke 22:31-32). Beware of yielding to sin. To fall is easy but the scars often remain. Remember, we can do all things through Christ, including resisting temptations.

QUESTIONS
1. List four possible ways of escape from temptation?
2. What are the results of temptations?
SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR NEXT WEEK TOPIC IS: ADULTERY AND FORNICATION: DESCRIPTION AND CAUSES