RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT'S MANUAL LESSON SIX SUNDAY, 8TH OCTOBER 2017 TOPIC: DEDICATION MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." - John 4:34 BIBLE PASSAGE: 2Corinthians 11:22-31 INTRODUCTION: Dedication is an act of setting apart or consecration of a thing or being to a deity. Christians are expected to be devoted wholly and earnestly to God and the purpose for which He has called them. Our Lord Jesus Christ was dedicated to His course for living, so also were the prophets and apostles of old (John 4:34). You too must prove to God that you are dedicated to Him. LESSON OUTLINES 1. What is dedication? 2. It calls for self-discipline WHAT IS DEDICATION? Dedication is the yearning desire in the Christian that makes him/her spend all it costs to ensure that the work is completely done (2Corinthians 12:15). When others have retired or tired, he/she wants to see that the work is done. He will always say, "having done all, I stand"... (Ephesians 6:13). It is the will to want to pray often, fast often, watch often and even die daily for Christ's sake (1Thessalonians 5:17; 1Corinthians 15:31; 2Corinthians 11:14-18). It is a godly desire to keep pressing forward no matter what, running with patience the race that is set before us until the victory is won (Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 12:1), knowing that the race is not a fast/short one like a hundred metre dash but a marathon. IT CALLS FOR SELF DISCIPLINE Dedication calls for a high degree of self- discipline or control. When others want to quit, it takes the dedicated to continue, knowing that "winners don't quit and quitters don't win" (1Corinthians 9:24-27). He is therefore, a champion, that is one who remains fighting consistently even when the battles are over (Romans 8:37-39, Philippians 1:27). The dedicated must have control over his passions, tongue and flesh if he is to finish well and strong (Proverbs 16:32; James 3:2; Romans 6:12). CONCLUSION: We have just studied one of the cardinal virtues that must be found in a heaven-bound Christian. Dedication is not impossible for the Christian who has the enabling grace of Christ flowing in his veins. Pray for this divine ability today and it shall be yours in Jesus' Name. QUESTIONS 1. What exactly is dedication? 2. Mention what it involves to be dedicated