C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR NOVEMBER 28 & December 5, 2021 LESSON TEN : TOPIC - ORIGIN AND CHALLENGES OF SINGLE - PARENTING
C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR NOVEMBER 28 & December 5, 2021 LESSON TEN : TOPIC - ORIGIN AND CHALLENGES OF SINGLE - PARENTING
Read previous C.A.C Sunday School Manuals here
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH WORLDWIDE
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
(KINGDOM OF GOD FAMILY)
THEME: IN TIME LIKE THIS
Unit Three : BREAKDOWN IN FAMILY STRUCTURE
Date : November 28th & December 5th, 2021
Lesson : TEN
TOPIC : ORIGIN AND CHALLENGES OF SINGLE - PARENTING
Memory Scripture
(Matthew 19:6)
The challenges of single-parenting are enormous. Only Jesus helps out such parents, as much as they cooperate with Him.
BRIEF COMMENT
Marriage is a holy thing and humans should not break any marriage apart. God forbids divorce under all circumstances and intends that man and woman be joined in marriage for life. But while some people were looking for an avenue, a rubber-stamped approval of their evil intentions, unfaithfulness and immoral acts towards their partners, the Word of God from Jesus' mouth is saying "No" to all manner of 'put-away',
God is the Originator of marriage and joins people in holy matrimony. Where people have not known the Lord, they jump into marriage through illicit intercourse and man-instituted methods. This will always lead into troubles beyond their capacity hence, backing out or putting away becomes their only way out.
God is however saying to us through this memory scripture, that, no man must interfere in whatever God does or approves. Therefore, if either you have not known the Lord as the time of your marriage or you are still outside of Christ, and your marriage, is undergoing crisis; come to Jesus today; don't think of scattering that marriage it is against the will of God. But God can help you when you come to Him. The wicked and impenitent Pharisees rejected Jesus' prescription and they never has a good home; but you can, if you heed the Word of God today. God bless you as you study with resolve to give Jesus Christ a chance in your life and marriage. Amen.
Devotional Bible Readings For Week One
Mon. 22: Prepare Before Entering Into Marriage (Lk. 14:28-30)
Tue. 23: Purposeful Praying Helps Marriage (Psa. 37:5)
Wed. 24: Marriage Doesn't Thrive On Beauty (Prov. 31:30)
Thur. 25: Make Your Spouse Your Best Friend (1 Pet. 3:6-8)
Fri. 26: Make Your Marriage Enjoyable (Eph. 5:22-30)
Sat. 27: Marriage Typifies Christ And His Church (Eph. 5:31-32)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
1. There is no biblical evidence of God's approval and support of single-parenting. Yet, He monitors and rewards the players accordingly.
2. There is nowhere in the Bible that God gives support to the proponent and practice of single-parenting. That it has become fashionable today doesn't mean God is happy with the players. Those who deliberately enter into it should expect God's sledgehammer.
3. Irrespective of cause, whoever comes to God, humbly repenting and willing to take on the yoke of Christ, would receive pardon and succour for new life.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Ruth 1:3
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
AIM: The aim of this lesson is to help us discover and understand that God authors nor encourages single-parenting.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
i. explain God's concern and care for families;
ii. discuss the causes of single-parenting;
iii mention some challenges of single-parenting; and
iv. explain God's attitude towards single-parenting.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: GENESIS 16:10-12; 21:14-21; 1 KINGS 17:1-17; 2 KINGS 4:1-7; PSALMS 68:5; EPHESIANS 4:27
All adoration to God Almighty who caused us to be seriously blessed in the course of the last lesson. It is believed that we are already trusting and allowing the Holy Spirit to brood over those messages in our hearts, in order that it might accomplish the purpose for which God made us to partake of it.
It is another week, and for the next two weeks, we shall be studying through a very sensitive topic that also gets the attention of God, and that is, ORIGIN AND CHALLENGES OF SINGLE-PARENTING. God cares about families. But He is more concerned that each person, no matter what his/her family looks like, would repent of sin and come into a relationship with Him. He wants us to know Him, because as His creatures, knowing Him brings us joy, and brings Him glory. We get bound up in the details of our lives, worrying what other people think of us, whether the Church will accept us, and whether we have ruined things entirely. But God calls the Christians to the joy of being above the weight of worry. He has said that we should cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).
God is not the source of single-parenting, and it should be clearly established from the world go that there is no biblical evidence of God's approval and support of single-parenting. It comes with a great deal of needless and avoidable challenges. Aside single parents who are made so by death of their partners (and even at that, God instructs that the young widows under 60 should remarry, just that it should be in Him alone), deliberately choosing to be doesn't enjoy God approval and blessing.
In this lesson, we want to look at the origin of single-parenting, its challenges and how God is always ready to rescue any victim that looks to Him for help
May the Holy Spirit help us to gasp the mind of God for us in this lesson; and also strengthen us to earnestly contend for the safety and well-being of our marriages, in Jesus' name. Amen.
INTRODUCTION TO EACH DIVISION
This two-week lesson has two major divisions, I and II; these are further subdivided into parts - A and B respectively.
DIVISION I: SINGLE PARENTING STARTS
Although, God is not the source of single-parenting, this division is out to highlight some causes of single-parenting while also emphasising the fact that, apart from a spouse losing his/her partner, every other form of single-parenting remotely stems from sin. In order to enhance our understanding. This division further discusses the challenges of single - parenting.
DIVISION II: SINGLE PARENT NEED HELP
This division highlights how God is always ready to rescue any single-parenting victim who looks to Him for help through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is explained under, "God's Attitude to Single-Parenting" and "God Helps Single Parents".
LESSON OUTLINE
I. SINGLE-PARENTING STARTS
A. CAUSES OF SINGLE-PARENTING
B. CHALLENGES OF SINGLE-PARENTING
II. SINGLE PARENTS NEED HELP
A. GOD'S ATTITUDE TO SINGLE-PARENTING
B. GOD HELPS SINGLE PARENTS
LESSON EXPOSITION
I. SINGLE-PARENTING STARTS (1 Kings 17:1-17; 2 Kings 4:1; Ephesians 4:27)
God is the perfect Parent who ordained parenting; and He isn't a single parent.
SINGLE-PARENTING CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH WORLDWIDE
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
(KINGDOM OF GOD FAMILY)
THEME: IN TIME LIKE THIS
Unit Three
BREAKDOWN IN FAMILY STRUCTURE
Date : November 28th & December 5th, 2021
Lesson : TEN
TOPIC : ORIGIN AND CHALLENGES OF SINGLE - PARENTING
Memory Scripture
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate
(Matthew 19:6)
The challenges of single-parenting are enormous. Only Jesus helps out such parents, as much as they cooperate with Him.
BRIEF COMMENT
Marriage is a holy thing and humans should not break any marriage apart. God forbids divorce under all circumstances and intends that man and woman be joined in marriage for life. But while some people were looking for an avenue, a rubber-stamped approval of their evil intentions, unfaithfulness and immoral acts towards their partners, the Word of God from Jesus' mouth is saying "No" to all manner of 'put-away',
God is the Originator of marriage and joins people in holy matrimony. Where people have not known the Lord, they jump into marriage through illicit intercourse and man-instituted methods. This will always lead into troubles beyond their capacity hence, backing out or putting away becomes their only way out.
God is however saying to us through this memory scripture, that, no man must interfere in whatever God does or approves. Therefore, if either you have not known the Lord as the time of your marriage or you are still outside of Christ, and your marriage, is undergoing crisis; come to Jesus today; don't think of scattering that marriage it is against the will of God. But God can help you when you come to Him. The wicked and impenitent Pharisees rejected Jesus' prescription and they never has a good home; but you can, if you heed the Word of God today. God bless you as you study with resolve to give Jesus Christ a chance in your life and marriage. Amen.
Devotional Bible Readings For Week One
Mon. 22: Prepare Before Entering Into Marriage (Lk. 14:28-30)
Tue. 23: Purposeful Praying Helps Marriage (Psa. 37:5)
Wed. 24: Marriage Doesn't Thrive On Beauty (Prov. 31:30)
Thur. 25: Make Your Spouse Your Best Friend (1 Pet. 3:6-8)
Fri. 26: Make Your Marriage Enjoyable (Eph. 5:22-30)
Sat. 27: Marriage Typifies Christ And His Church (Eph. 5:31-32)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
1. Single-parenting is the handiwork of the Devil to discredit God's ordinance and plunge adherents into untold pain and aches. But, he does not always carry the day, as his days are numbered.
A. CAUSES OF SINGLE-PARENTING (2 Kgs. 4:1; Eph. 4:27)
Nor give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27).
i. It is very difficult to talk about single parents as if they are a group. What they have in common is that they head a family unit alone, but in almost every other way, they are hugely varied.
ii. 2 Kgs. 4:1: Your servant my husband is dead... Single parents become such through a variety of circumstances. The experience of this widow of one of the sons of the prophets, here, connotes the reality of some people becoming single parents by the death of their spouses, even as there are some others who become so due to sexual immorality or divorce.
iii. Sadly, some wish to become mothers/fathers without accommodating or living with any partner; they desire unnecessary independence. Some might run away from abusive relationships, decisively adopt foster children they singly take care of.
iv. Still, some people are not single parents but find themselves lone parents. Perhaps, their partners work away for months or years, sometimes for greener pastures. Only God knows what goes on during such periods. Some have two or more children from different partners.
v. Some have tried to interpret Hagar's experience of leaving with Ishmael, after being put in the family way through the selfishness of Abram and Sarai, in the light of single-parenting (Gen. 16:1-4). However, we can't seriously call Hagar a single parent. Isn't it possible God chose to resettle the young woman on return to her people?
vi. The causes of single-parenting, aside death and deliberate choice, include, curse (cf. Prov. 26:2), lack of endurance, and lack of vision for the future (cf. Psa. 27:13).
vii. The Devil is the remote cause of single-parenting; he must be earnestly abhorred and violently resisted, so he doesn't have a place in our lives and homes.
B. CHALLENGES OF SINGLE PARENTS (1 Kgs. 17:10-16; 2 Kgs. 4:1-7)
So she said, "As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die" (1 Kgs. 17:12).
i. Challenges of single parents are multifarious. Some single parents are deeply unhappy about their status, while others doesn't don't see it as a problem. Some are financially stable, while others struggle on benefits. Some have a great support network at home while others find themselves isolated.
ii. Those who never planned to become single parents may experience a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Over time, this changes as the reality dawns further. They may want to defend the actions even from the Bible.
iii. Parenting is challenging under the best of conditions, but with one parent, the challenges are multiplied. Coping with child-rearing for single parents becomes more difficult for various reasons. It takes the unreserved commitment of the two PLUS God's grace to raise a child.
iv. 1 Kgs. 17:10-12: Look at the condition of this widow of Zarephath --- gathering sticks for her last meal with her son. That is how tasking single-parenting can sometimes be. No wonder God instructs young widows to remarry (1 Cor. 7:8,9; 1 Tim. 5:9).
v. v. 12: Responsibility overload. A parent makes all the decisions and provides for the children's need. It can be overwhelming. God is the succor of such single parents (cf. vv. 15-16).
vi. 2 Kgs. 4:1: Emotional overload. This widow of one of the sons of the prophets was obviously emotionally weighed down by the demands of single-parenting. Thank God she turned to the right Person (vv. 2ff).
vii. Other challenges are pressures that can result in emotional and sexual abuse from the opposite sex, most especially, the ones from whom the single parent needs help, tight budgets, need for encouragement, remarrying, etc.
vii. Alone or in combination, these result in challenges for the single parent, including loneliness, anxiety, societal stigma, and depression. Not many who choose to be single parents can afford to do without the men/women of their choice for some REASONS.
ix. The ultimate challenge of single-parenting is making leaven. Most single parents are in the danger of not getting to heaven, because of the multifarious immediate and remote challenges that burden and draw their souls far away from God. Thus, single-parenting must be prayerfully avoided.
LESSONS DERIVED
1. God does good, always, but the Devil comes around to spoil/destroy good things through carelessness, sometimes.
2. Decide that you will not allow the Devil to have victory over your family/home.
WORK TO DO
Discuss the prevalence of CONTRACT MARRIAGE in some settings and those who prefer to be single parents for reasons best known to them. What is God's attitude to such? How can we help them?
SUGGESTED ANSWER TO WORK TO DO
Prevalence of Contract Marriages
* Contract marriage in its most basic form, is the agreement between two people to marry, in order to gain some benefits; both parties create a contract, outlining the responsibilities and rules for their fake marriage. Contract marriage is more colonising.
* Greed, impatience and insecurity remotely cause this.
* Laziness and quest for quick-fixes is also a catalyst for this.
* Some societies, either directly or indirectly, promote contract marriage; and is prevalent such societies.
God's Attitude towards Contract Marriage
* Marriage, by God's ordination, is a covenant and not a contract!
* God's design for marriage is two becoming one, for life!
* The worldly view of marriage has seeped into the church and drowned out God's voice and and intent for marriage.
* Just like single-parenting and every form of union outside of God's will, God's attitude towards contract marriage is that He abhors immorality and would punish any impenitent victim (Cp. 1 Cor. 3:16-17). He would also accept and forgive whoever repents, forsake and comes back to Him.
How can we help them?
* Pray for them
* Evangelist them
* Live open practical and exemplary lives.
* Preach and teach the Truth.
* Rebuke and chastise them appropriately.
* Encourage them.
C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR NOVEMBER 28 & December 5, 2021 LESSON TEN : TOPIC - ORIGIN AND CHALLENGES OF SINGLE - PARENTING
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December 05, 2021
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Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
December 05, 2021
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