Adult:

1 Chronicles 12:32(KJV)

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of themwere two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.”

YAYA:

2 Samuel 1:12 (NKJV)

“And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.”

Adult Bible Passage:

Daniel 2:20–23

YAYA Bible Passage:

Job 1:20–22

Adult Bible Passage:

📖 Daniel 2:20–23 – God’s Sovereignty Over Times and Seasons

From the passage:

• Daniel blessed the name of God forever because wisdom and might are His (v20)

• God changes the times and the seasons (v21a)

• He removes kings and sets up kings (v21a)

• He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding (v21b)

• He reveals the deep and secret things (v22)

• Daniel thanked God who had given him wisdom and might (v23)

This passage shows that God is fully in control of history, leadership, timing, and revelation.

🔎 Reflection: What does this passage reveal about the need to depend on God for wisdom in understanding the times?

🔥 Understanding Times and Seasons

The Bible teaches that life moves through different seasons.

There are:

• various seasons in life

  📖 Genesis 8:22
  📖 Ecclesiastes 3:1–8

• changing moments and circumstances

• divine shifts that require discernment

Times and seasons are in God’s hands, and believers must learn to recognize them📖 Daniel 2:21a

🧠 How Believers Discern the Times

To navigate times and seasons well:

• God gives wisdom to the wise

• God gives knowledge to those who have understanding

  📖 Daniel 2:21c

• God reveals deep and secret things to His children

  📖 Deuteronomy 29:29, Daniel 2:22

• It takes a mature believer to discern rightly

  📖 Hebrews 5:14

The Men of Issachar were known for this grace — they understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do.

🌍 What “Understanding the Times” Means

Understanding the times includes:

• having insight into current circumstances

• recognizing trends and seasons

  📖 Romans 13:11

• being aware of the cultural, political, social, and spiritual climate

  📖 Daniel 2:27–28

• identifying opportunities and challenges

  📖 1 Timothy 4:1–3

👉 A believer who does not understand the times may misread opportunities, ignore warnings, and respond foolishly.

🧭 Knowing What To Do

The Men of Issachar not only understood the signs of the times — they also knew what to do.

1. To know what to do is to be:

• full of ideas and skills

• vision-driven

• strategic

• wise and authentic

2. It includes the ability to:

• make informed decisions - go back to school, learn a trade, acquire a skill

  📖Genesis 26:1–3

• respond appropriately to challenges and opportunities

  📖 Genesis 26:12–22
  📖 Matthew 2:13–14
  📖 John 2:3–5

• live a life of impact for Christ

  📖 1 Peter 3:10–11

• engage in kingdom activities

  📖 Matthew 6:33

• fulfil divine purpose and calling

  📖 John 18:37

👉 Mature believers do not live by impulse.
They live by discernment and obedience.

📘 A. Loss Is a Reality of Life

Loss is an inevitable part of life.

📖 Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, 4

It may come through:

• broken relationships

• death of a loved one

• major life changes

• painful disappointments

📖 Job 14:1–2
📖 1 Samuel 30:1–4

The pain of loss can be overwhelming, but believers must learn healthy and godly ways to cope.

📘 B. Practical Coping Mechanisms

The first step in coping with loss is to acknowledge the pain.

📖 Psalm 73:26

Believers must:

• allow themselves to feel grief

• accept that mourning is valid

• avoid being in denial or pretending as if nothing happened - that is not faith

  📖 Job 3:24–26
  📖 1 Samuel 30:3–6

• have a support system in place and lean on supportive people

• talk to trusted people to ease the burden of grief

  📖 Job 2:11–13
  📖 Job 42:11

Also, in painful seasons:

• simple daily routines can provide stability

  📖Ruth 2:2

• wise counselling or therapy may be needed

  📖 Proverbs 24:6
  📖 Proverbs 11:14

• healthy outlets like journaling, art, music, exercise, and reflection can help process emotions

📘 C. Finding Comfort in God

Prayer is a powerful tool when grieving.

Prayer helps believers:

• express pain

• pour out confusion and sorrow

• receive peace in turmoil

  📖 Philippians 4:6–7

The Bible is filled with promises of comfort.

• God is near to the brokenhearted.

  📖 Psalm 34:18

• God is with us in our pain and wants to comfort us in our troubles
  📖 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
  📖 Psalm 46:1

• Even when loss raises questions, believers can trust that God still has a purpose.
  📖 Romans 8:28
  📖 Jeremiah 29:11

📘 D. The Role of Faith and Hope

In difficult seasons, believers should:

• remain connected to a faith community

  📖 Galatians 6:2
  📖 Hebrews 10:25a

• meditate on God’s promises

  📖 2 Corinthians 1:20
  📖 Matthew 11:28

• hold firmly to eternal hope in Christ

  📖 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
  📖 Psalm 116:15

This perspective brings peace and strength.

✨ Key Truth

Loss may be inevitable, but despair is not the believer’s final portion.

How Both Classes Connect

Adult Class → Understanding the Times
YAYA Class → Coping With Loss

Together they reveal:

👉 Mature believers must discern seasons correctly

👉 Difficult times require wisdom, not panic

👉 God gives understanding for changing circumstances

👉 Painful seasons must be faced with faith and stability

👉 Spiritual maturity means knowing both what is happening and how to respond

A mature believer understands the times and trusts God through loss.

Leadership begins with personal spiritual maturity.

🔎 Ask Yourself:

• Am I spiritually awake to the times I live in?

• Do I seek God’s wisdom before making decisions?

• How do I respond when life becomes painful?

• Do I trust God even in seasons of loss?

If God governs my heart:

• I will discern wisely

• I will stand faithfully

• I will trust deeply

• I will respond with maturity

🏆 COMPETITION PREPARATION

Students representing RCCG HoD in the regional competition should understand:

✔ Who the Men of Issachar were
✔ The meaning of understanding the times
✔ The importance of knowing what to do
✔ Practical ways to cope with loss
✔ How to find comfort in God during grief

Students should be able to explain:

• Why discerning the times is essential for believers

• What “knowing what to do” means in practical Christian life

• How believers should respond to painful loss

• Why faith and community are vital in difficult seasons

👉 Adult and Yaya Weekly Homework

👉 Adult and Yaya Mock Quiz: Lessons 1 – 30

Father, help me to understand the times and know what to do. In seasons of loss, give me strength, comfort, and wisdom to trust You completely, in Jesus’ name.