RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 5 April 2026 – Social Etiquette

Biblical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, a city in ancient Greece. Corinth was a major commercial hub, a place known for its diverse cultures, wealth, and unfortunately, a fair amount of moral loose living. The church there faced many challenges, from internal divisions and moral issues to misunderstandings about spiritual gifts and worship practices.

Paul’s letter was a direct response to reports he’d heard about problems within the Corinthian church. He was trying to help them sort out their issues and live in a way that truly reflected Christ. Chapter 14, where our memory verse comes from, deals specifically with the proper use of spiritual gifts during public worship. Paul wasn’t against the gifts; he just wanted them used in a way that built everyone up and didn’t cause confusion or chaos. He wanted everything done in a way that made sense and brought honor to God, which is exactly what our memory verse calls for.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “decently” from 1 Corinthians 14:40. In the original Greek, this word is euschemonos (εὐσχημόνως). It means properly, becomingly, honorably, or in a seemly manner. Think about it this way: it’s about acting in a way that is graceful, appropriate, and shows good manners. It isn’t just about following rules; it’s about reflecting respectability and doing things in a way that truly looks good to others, both inside and outside the church.

The Deep Dive: Living Out God’s Grace Through Social Etiquette

Etiquette, as you’re seeing, isn’t just some old-fashioned idea; it’s a code of polite behavior that helps us all live together. It helps you act in a responsible way, different from animals who just follow instinct. It shows up everywhere – socially, at work, in business, and spiritually. When you show respect for these rules, people say you’ve got good manners. The Bible actually tells us, as believers, to make sure everything we do is decent and orderly, just like 1 Corinthians 14:40 says. That means you need guidance in how you deal with and talk to other people.

Consider what Titus 3:1-2 tells us: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” This scripture really lays out how your good conduct and social etiquette should reflect your faith. It’s about showing love, truth, meekness, and gentleness to everyone.

Why Etiquette Matters So Much

You might wonder why God cares about how you eat or talk. It’s simple: your behavior speaks volumes about your faith.

• First, you don’t want people around you to feel embarrassed by your behavior. Just as Colossians 4:6 puts it, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Your words, and actions, should bring grace.
• Next, you absolutely must avoid immoral conduct. Titus 3:1–2 makes it clear you should be subject to authorities, obey laws, and be ready for good works, not speaking evil or brawling.
• Without etiquette, you know society would just be too impatient. Everyone would be pushing and rushing, making life hard for everyone.
• Etiquette helps you become a cultured person, leaving a good impression wherever you go. Titus 3:8 says, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Your good behavior is a good work.
• It teaches you how to act – the way you eat, talk, walk, and most importantly, how you behave in public. Remember Proverbs 23:1–2: “When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” It’s about self-control and showing respect.
• It really helps you connect with people. Philippians 4:5 advises, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Being thoughtful in how you act helps you connect better.
• The way you talk to your boss, your parents, co-workers, and friends truly matters. Every interaction leaves a mark.
• Etiquette helps you earn respect and appreciation from others. As Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Being polite helps you build these kinds of strong relationships.
• It teaches you to value your relationships. Proverbs 25:17 cautions, “Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” And Luke 6:31 gives us the Golden Rule: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Treat people how you want to be treated.

Doing things decently and properly means you’re acting with thought, respect, and consideration for others and for God. It means you’re not just doing what feels good but what is right and honorable.

Everyday Social Etiquette: A Guide for the Believer

Here are some practical things you can do to show good manners and honor God:

• When someone invites you to a gathering, don’t rush to take the best seat. Luke 14:7–11 tells us, “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Similarly, Proverbs 25:6–7 warns against putting yourself forward.
• Don’t keep calling someone more than twice in a row. If they don’t pick up, they likely have something important going on. Give them space.
• Always return money or anything you’ve borrowed before the other person even has to ask for it. This shows you are dependable. As Psalm 37:21 states, “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
• Always be modest. Be careful not to expose your private matters or character carelessly.
• When someone is treating you to a meal, never order the most expensive item on the menu. Be thoughtful of their generosity.
• If you take a taxi with others, try to sit in the back and plan to pay for it next time. This shows you’re not always expecting others to pay, and it helps you build good relationships, as Proverbs 18:24 says about being friendly.
• Never interrupt when someone is talking. Always be polite and let them finish their thoughts.
• When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t just start swiping through their pictures. Respect their privacy.
• If a colleague tells you they have a doctor’s appointment, don’t ask what it’s for. If they want to share, they will tell you.
• Don’t put people in tough spots by trying to force them to say things they don’t want to say.
• And please, don’t be a busybody in other people’s business. 1 Timothy 5:13 mentions how some become “idlers, wandering about from house to house; and not only idlers, but also tattlers and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” 1 Peter 4:15 also warns, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.”

Also, make sure you don’t rush for food or chairs in a big crowd. Don’t jump in front of others in lines. You should always try to be clean and not waste things. Stay away from using reckless slang. Things like rude behavior, bad table manners, and dressing improperly should be avoided. You are a representative of Christ!

You see, you must consciously watch what you say and how you act because you are a good representative of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Your life is a message.