RCCG YAYA Sunday School Students Manual 21 May 2023 Lesson 38 – Christian Social Responsibility
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TOPIC: Christian Social Responsibility (RCCG Sunday School Manual For Young Adults And Youths (YAYA)
MEMORY VERSE: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Leviticus 19:9-10 (KJV) (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 21 May 2023 HYMN)
9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.
Also Read:
– RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 21 May 2023: Child Abuse
– RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teacher Manual 21 May 2023 – Christian Social Responsibility
– RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 21 May 2023 – Child Abuse
– Open Heaven 21 May 2023 – Sexual Immorality Is Forbidden II
INTRODUCTION: God’s relationship with man is characterised by His holiness, justice, love, and mercy among others. Our relationships with one another and society have to be patterned according to the character of God (Matthew 22:36-39). Therefore, it is our responsibility as God’s people to care for those around us (1 John. 3:10). The attempt of the church to show love and alleviate the suffering of the people, especially in her immediate environment/community is termed Christian Social Responsibility.
LESSON OUTLINES:
- MEANING AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
- BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
1. MEANING AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) is a faith-based obligation to meet societal needs through the demonstration of love that positively impacts communities and individuals. CSR has its roots in Christianity and the Church is meant to be an example for the world to follow (Matt.5:16). It is an initiative for community relations and to partner with the government in achieving the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CSR could be in the areas of provision of basic social amenities, Healthcare delivery/facilities, Education, Media, Business support, Art/Entertainment, Governance, Sports, etc. It involves strategically assessing societal challenges and developing appropriate structured programmes to cater for them.
CSR is a core part of the ministry of the Church. It is not a 21st-century concept; it has its origin in the Bible. For instance, Leviticus 19:9-10 and 23:22 instruct us to always make provisions for the needy out of our income. In Matthew 14:15-21, Jesus demonstrated the need for CSR when He fed five thousand men (besides women and children). Also, the early Christians distributed their wealth to take care of those in need (Acts 2:44-45).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are the differences between Corporate Social Responsibility and Christian Social Responsibility?
2. BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The benefits of Christian Social Responsibility to the Church and the world are numerous:
- It enables people to actually see and know the meaning of the love of God (1Jn. 3:16-18).
- It meets the needs of the less privileged in society (Ps.28:7).
- It promotes evangelism and entrenches the church of God in the hearts and minds of the people we come across (Matt.5:16).
- It embraces responsibility for sustainable actions and encourages a positive impact on the environment (Mk.12:33).
- It complements the government’s efforts in improving and sustaining the standard of living for people in their immediate community (Jam.2:14-16).
- It will enable the church to build a good relationship with the community (Gal.6:10).
- It helps the believer to represent Jesus physically in their community (Prov.13:17; 2Cor.5:20).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the disadvantages of not engaging in Christian Social Responsibility on regular basis?
CONCLUSION: Christian Social Responsibility is not to seek commendation from men but to show the love of Christ and be a blessing to our community.
QUESTIONS
- How can believers impact their immediate environment?
- Mention four benefits of CSR to the church and the world at large.
FURTHER READING:
Monday: Matthew 6:1-4 (KJV); 1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Tuesday: Deuteronomy 24:19 (KJV); 19 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.
Wednesday: 1 John 4:8 (KJV); He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Thursday: 1 Corinthians 14:25 (KJV); And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Friday: Mark 16:17 (KJV); And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 14:25 (KJV); 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Sunday: John 15:8 (KJV); Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
ASSIGNMENT
Clearly state five areas your Church can engage in Christian Social Responsibility to meet the needs of the people in your immediate community (No mark).
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
- 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. - 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. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee - 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. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
