RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT'S MANUAL ( LESSON:3) SUNDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017 TOPIC: THE SECRET PLACE MEMORY VERSE: ‘’He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." - Psalm 91:1 BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 91:1-16 INTRODUCTION: The term "secret place" comes from the Hebrew word "cether" which means "to hide or be concealed". Other words for secret place include shelter, covering, or a dwelling place. One who abides in the secret place of God dwells in an ascended place of rest, lifted up above principalities and powers. It is a place of protection from trouble; where God surrounds you with deliverance (Psalm 32:7). It is a place of His holy concealment in all things, where God reveals heavenly secrets to you. LESSON OUTLINES 1. How to enter the secret place 2. Benefits of being in God's secret place HOW TO ENTER THE SECRET PLACE We can gain access into God's secret place through a life of holiness (Psalm 15:1-5), praise, thanksgiving and prayer of faith (Psalm 100:3-4; Jeremiah 33:3). We must walk away from the clamour and enticements of the world (1John 2:15). Our hearts must be quiet before Him as we allow Him investigate those inner thoughts we reveal to no one else (Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 139:2). To connect with God, we must avoid distractions (Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35). We cannot join God in His secret place unless we are willing to be transparent and honest with Him (Psalm 69:5; 139:7). We must not dwell with the ungodly (Psalm 1:1; 2Corinthians 6:17). A consecrated and sanctified life is a prerequisite to gaining access into God's secret place (Leviticus 20:7; Psalm 24:3-4). BENEFITS OF BEING IN GOD'S SECRET PLACE The benefits of dwelling in God's secret place include: 1. Closer fellowship with God (James 4:. 2. Living a holy life becomes possible (Isaiah 6:1-5). 3. Self-assessment of our faith will be enhanced (2Corinthians 13:5). 4. Fruit of the spirit takes root and grows (Galatians 5:22). 5. Our gaze is focused on Christ and things of eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 12:2). 6. Divine protection and deliverance (Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 91:13-14). 7. Divine authority and attention (1Kings 17:1). CONCLUSION: God wants us to dwell in His secret place; not to visit. In God's secret place, no evil can come near us. QUESTIONS 1. How can a believer enter into God's secret place? 2. What are the benefits of dwelling in the secret place?