RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT'S MANUAL
LESSON TWENTY-ONE
SUNDAY 19TH JANUARY 2020

TOPIC: LONGEVITY

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

*1.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

*2.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

*3.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

*4.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

*5.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I'll be in Sunday School.

*6.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

MEMORY VERSE: "For by me the days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased". -- Proverbs 9:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALM 91:14-16

Psalm:91.14
"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
Psalm:91.15
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
Psalm:91.16
With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation."

INTRODUCTION
Longevity is most commonly used to describe the length of one's lifetime. The word of God give us straight forward principle that will enable us enjoy long life on earth. Believers should note that as much as God want us to live long on earth, He equally desires that we live a quality life (John 10:10b).

OUTLINES OUTLINES
1. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO LONGEVITY
2. WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUALITY LIFE?

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO LONGEVITY

To live long, we must live by divine principles. Some of these principles are clearly stated in the Bible. For instance, it is important to fear God and keep His commands (Proverbs 3:1-2, 7-8; 10:27). Positive confession supported with a disciplined lifestyle is another key (Proverbs 18:21; 1Peter 3:10; Colossians 4:6). Aside spiritual empowerment, fasting can also boost one's health and prolong life (Isaiah 58:5-. The Bible also talks about honoring our parents as a secret of longevity (Proverbs 4:10; Ephesians 6:1-3; Exodus 20:12).

In addition, we need to have a balanced lifestyle. Everything may be permissible, but not everything is beneficial (1Corinthians 10:23; 1Corinthians 6:19). Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, observing good rest and avoiding stress constitute some of the other ways to have a balanced lifestyle.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUALITY LIFE?
There are biblical examples of those who lived long. Moses lived for 120 years ( Deut. 3:2; 34:7) Abraham -175 years (Gen. 25:7), Enoch -363 years (Gen. 5:23), Sarah -127 years (Gen. 23:1), Noah -950 years (Gen. 9:29), etc. However, it should be noted that neither Genesis 6:3 nor Psalm 90:10 is God-ordained age limits for humanity. Genesis 6:3 is a prediction of the timetable for the flood. Psalm 90:10 is simply stating that as a general rule, people live 70-80years (which is still true till today).

Believers should know that living long is good but the quality of such life is equally important (Psalm 90:13-14; Jer. 29:11). We should live purposefully (In service to God and humanity) in fulfilment of God's plan for our lives.

CONCLUSION
Not only foes God and want each one of us to have long life, but also to have a life of abundance spiritually, materially, emotional and physically (John 10:10)

QUESTIONS
1. Mention four biblical principles of longevity
2. What constitute a quality life?