TOPIC: Child Abuse [Sunday, 22th April 2018]
OPENING PRAYER: Father, save our children from all manners of child abuse. Heal those children who have been abused. (Scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN and you can also read today’s Open Heavens Devotional by Clicking HERE)
Bible Passage: Mark 10:13-16
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
MEMORY VERSE: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
LESSON INTRODUCTION: According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, a child is “a young person especially between infancy and youth”. Child abuse is any maltreatment of a child which causes him/her harm. Such action can also take the form of child neglect or failure to protect a child from danger especially by a parent or other care-giver. The Bible does not use the word abuse but tells us that whosoever hams a child is asking for God’s anger. Mark 9:42.
TEXT REVIEW: MARK 10:13-16
OFFENCE TO LITTLE CHILDREN
The Lord pronounced a huge judgement on those who offend the little ones who believed in Him. Words like “Millstone were hanged on his neck and were drowned in the depth of the sea” Matt. 18:6 were found in Jesus’ pronouncement of judgement.
The offence in today’s Bible passage was that the disciples of Jesus rebuked those who brought the children to be touched and the Lord was greatly displeased with their action-Mark 10:13-14. God has been very mindful of children and He places high premium on them. The scriptures support this position in the following examples:
I. He provided water for Ishmael when he cried. Ger. 21:16-20.
II. He accepted the ownership of children and mated them His heritage. Psalm 127:3
III. He compared children to arrows in the hand of the mighty. Psalm 127:4. He helped Elisha to raise the dead son of the Shunamite woman. 2 Kings 4:16-35.
IV. He carried them on the shoulder and blessed them. Mark 10:16.
V. He appoints angels to them who beholds God’s face. Matt.18:10.
VI. He assured them of the Kingdom. Mark 10:14-15 If God values children like this, then, those who plan to abuse them are looking for His trouble and before long they will find what they are looking for. Matt. 18:6
LESSON OUTLINES:
Lesson Outline 1: FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE
Child abuse takes different forms:
i. Physical Abuse: Can be excessive beating of a child especially one that leaves him/her with marks, throwing objects, poisoning, child labour (trafficking, hawking), neglecting to give the child basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, etc. It also includes use of drugs, alcohol or any substance that will cause the child distress. 1Kgs. 3:19, 25-26; Mk. 9:42.
ii. Sexual Abuse: This is when any person engages a child in any sexual activity such as fondling a child’s sexual organs, engaging the child in any immoral activity e.g. pornography, rape, defilement of the child, etc. 2Sam. 13:10-15.
iii. Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Includes teasing, bullying, threatening, verbal abuse (such as cursing, belittling, and constantly finding fault), etc. 1Sam. 17:26-28; Col. 3:21.
Class Activity 1: Identify any other signs and prevention of child abuse in our society.
Lesson Outline 2: SIGNS AND PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE
A. Signs of Child Abuse
i. Aggressive behaviour.
ii. Low self-esteem.
iii. Sleeping difficulties
iv. Unexplained bruises.
v. Burns or swellings.
vi. Lack of concentration.
vii. Criminal Inclinations.
Child abuse may eventually lead to deformation or death.
B. Prevention of child abuse may take the following forms:
i. Early education, identification and intervention.
ii. Break the silence, report any abuse.
iii. Train a child in a godly way. Prove 22:6.
iv. It is not every wrong that should be met with punishment.
Class Activity 2: Identify any other signs and prevention of child abuse in our society.
SUMMARY: No child should be abused under any guise.
CONCLUSION: Children are very precious to God and should be well taken care of.
EVALUATION:
i. What is child abuse?
ii. How can it be controlled?
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, make our society child-loving in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT:
Why is child abuse rampant in many so many societies today? Give 5 reasons and solutions.
Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here
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?
