Adult:

📖 Galatians 2:11 (KJV)

“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.”

YAYA:

📖 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NKJV)

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality...."

Adult Bible Passage:

📖 Matthew 14:3–10

YAYA Bible Passage:

📖 1 Thessalonians 4:1–5

Adult Bible Passage:

📖 Matthew 14:3–10 — John the Baptist and Herod

This passage shows the consequence of rejecting correction and truth.

From the passage we learn:

• Herod imprisoned John the Baptist for speaking truth and correcting his wrongdoing (v3–4)

• John boldly criticised sin despite opposition (v4)

• Herod struggled between conviction and fear of people (v5)

• He eventually made a wrong decision to please others (v6–10)

• John was executed because truth was rejected

👉 This passage shows that rejecting correction can lead to destructive decisions.

🔎 Reflection: Do I accept correction or resist it when it challenges me?

YAYA Bible Passage:

📖 1 Thessalonians 4:1–5 — A Call to Purity

This passage teaches God’s expectation for a pure life.

From the passage we learn:

• Believers are called to live in a way that pleases God (v1)

• Instructions are given through the authority of Jesus Christ (v2)

• God’s will is sanctification and purity (v3)

• Sexual immorality must be avoided (v3)

• Believers must control their bodies in holiness and honour (v4–5)

👉 This passage shows that purity is God’s will and requires intentional discipline.

🔎 Reflection: Am I living in a way that reflects God’s standard of purity?

Criticism is feedback that helps us become better when handled correctly. It can either build or destroy depending on how it is given and received.

🔥 A. Types of Criticism

1️⃣ Constructive Criticism

• Points out mistakes for improvement (Galatians 2:11–14)

• Provides guidance for growth (Matthew 23:23)

• Should be received as helpful feedback (2 Samuel 12:7–13)

2️⃣ Destructive Criticism

• Is hurtful and malicious (Proverbs 12:18a)

• Can lead to anger or aggression (Proverbs 15:1)

• Often attacks personality rather than solving problems

👉 Recognising the difference helps believers respond wisely.

🔥 B. Dealing with Criticism

To handle criticism effectively, believers should:

1️⃣ Listen carefully before responding (Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19)

2️⃣ Seek clarification where necessary

3️⃣ Evaluate whether it is fair (Luke 12:57)

4️⃣ Look for truth in the feedback (2 Corinthians 13:8)

5️⃣ Take responsibility when necessary (2 Samuel 12:13)

6️⃣ Ask for better alternatives (Proverbs 11:14)

🟢 C. Additional Principles:

• Focus on the issue, not the person (Genesis 13:7–9)

• Avoid anger (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

• Remain calm and respectful (Ephesians 4:2)

• Walk away if emotions rise (2 Timothy 2:24)

👉 Handling criticism well builds maturity, humility, and growth.

Purity is a deliberate lifestyle of remaining spiritually and morally clean.

📖 Hebrews 13:4 — God honours purity and judges immorality.

📘 A. Our Roles in Staying Pure

1️⃣ Guard your thoughts (Matthew 5:8; 1 Peter 2:11)

2️⃣ Protect your heart (Proverbs 4:23)

3️⃣ Keep your hands clean (Psalm 24:4)

4️⃣ Guide your feet rightly (Psalm 119:101)

5️⃣ Train your eyes to focus on purity (Matthew 5:28; Luke 11:34)

6️⃣ Filter what you hear (Proverbs principles; influence of input)

7️⃣ Control your speech and actions (Proverbs 22:14)

8️⃣ Avoid bad company (1 Corinthians 15:33)

9️⃣ Renew your mind with God’s word (Psalm 119:9; Romans 12:2)

👉 Purity requires intentional discipline of every part of the body.

📘 B. Benefits of Sexual Purity

1️⃣ Freedom from bondage (Proverbs 6:26; Galatians 5:1)

2️⃣ Peace with God and self (Psalm 51:12–14; Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 48:22)

3️⃣ Confidence and boldness (Proverbs 28:1)

4️⃣ Protection from consequences and shame

5️⃣ Honourable living (Esther 2:2)

6️⃣ Healthy relationships with God (Genesis 39:7–9; Ephesians 5:3–5)

7️⃣ Escape from God’s judgment (Hebrews 13:4)

👉 Purity leads to peace, honour, and spiritual strength.

How Both Classes Connect

Adult Class → Handling criticism with maturity
YAYA Class → Maintaining purity with discipline

Together they reveal:

👉 Spiritual growth requires both correction and consecration.

• Accepting correction refines character

• Practicing purity protects destiny

Living a Disciplined Life

A strong believer must develop both:

• a teachable spirit

• a disciplined lifestyle

📖 Proverbs 12:1 — Loving correction leads to knowledge

🔎 Ask Yourself:

• Do I respond positively to correction?

• Do I allow pride to resist feedback?

• Am I guarding my thoughts and actions?

• Am I living a life of purity daily?

A believer who applies these practices will:

• grow in wisdom

• live a disciplined life

• avoid destructive patterns

• reflect Christ’s character

🏆 COMPETITION PREPARATION

If you are representing RCCG HoD in the regional competition, focus on:

✔ Types of criticism
✔ Differences between constructive and destructive criticism
✔ Steps to handle criticism effectively
✔ Meaning and importance of purity
✔ Roles required to stay pure
✔ Benefits of sexual purity

Participants should be able to explain clearly:

✔ Why criticism is necessary for growth
✔ Why purity is essential for a believer

📖 Proverbs 27:5 (KJV)
“Open rebuke is better than secret love.”

👉 Adult and Yaya Weekly Homework

👉 Adult and Yaya Mock Quiz: Lessons 1 – 30

Father, help us to accept correction with humility and live a life of purity. Give us the grace to grow in discipline and reflect Your character daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.