04/07/2021
RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL
LESSON FORTY-FOUR
SUNDAY 4TH JULY 2021
TOPIC: SWEET SLEEP
✨MEMORY VERSE: "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep". -- Ecclesiastes 5:12
BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 3:21-24
✳️ Proverbs:3.21
My son, let them not depart from your eyes -- Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
✳️Proverbs:3.22
So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck.
✳️Proverbs:3.23
Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble.
✳️Proverbs:3.24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
INTRODUCTION
Sleep is a state of natural muscle relaxation and periodic suspension of consciousness (reduced interactions with surroundings). Like everything else God has made, sleep is good but can also be greatly abused. Can we sleep too much, too little, and how important is sleep?
LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SLEEP?
2. WHY IS SLEEP IMPORTANT?
📍WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SLEEP?
The Bible says good sleep is the result of faith and trust in God (Psalm 4:8; 127:2). Sweet sleep is a reward for good labour (Ecclesiastes 5:12; Proverbs 3:24). Sleep is one of the medium through which God communicates with man (1Kings 3:5). However, the Bible says that it is not good to love sleep (Proverbs 20:13); sleep too much (Proverbs 6:9-11); sleep at the wrong time ( Ecclesiastes 3:1; Matthew 26:40-46); deprive oneself of sleep for inordinate ambitious pursuit of wealth (Ecclesiastes 8:16; Psalm 127:1-2). Sleep is something portrayed as a gift from God in passages such as Proverbs 3:24 and Psalm 4:8.
📍WHY IS SLEEP IMPORTANT?
Sleep is a good thing. One possible explanation for our need for sleep is that sleep reminds us that we are creatures, not the Creator. Our physical bodies must be constantly replenished with food, water, oxygen, and sleep in order to continue functioning. We know that sleeping is part of being a healthy person because Jesus had to sleep just like we do (Luke 8:23; Mark 1:35). Sleep is a basic human need and essential for good health, boosts memory, aids body system against infections, replenishes the body, and improves immune function. It is also essential for good quality of life and performing well during the day (better productivity and concentration).
Sometimes, God spoke to people while they slept through dreams and visions (Matthew 2:13,19; 1Kings 3:5). Too much of sleep, however, is bad (Proverbs 10:5).
📍CONCLUSION
Sleeping at the right time and in the right proportion is good for the health of every believer.
