Nigeria Baptist Church Sunday School Manual For May 3, 2020 : Topic – A VISION OF RESTORATION
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NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2020.
TOPIC: A VISION OF RESTORATION
Devotional Reading:
Psalm 47.
Background Scripture:
Zephaniah 3:4-20.
Lesson Scripture:
Zephaniah 3:14-20.
GOLDEN TEXT:
At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. Zephaniah 3:19a
Primary Learning Outcome/Indicators:
Learners will know that God is God of justice and indicate achievement of this by:
• Discussing God’s promise of restoration and justice to the people of Israel;
• Identifying some ways of oppression or injustice;
• Comparing and contrasting the method of preaching about repentance in Bible times and our contemporary time.
INTRODUCTION:
The society we live in today is full of wickedness of all kinds. Some leaders derive pleasure in cheating and oppressing others, especially the underprivileged for their selfish interest. Sometimes, they humiliate and intentionally deny others their rights because of the position they occupy. They make life difficult for their subjects, subordinates or the less privileged when actually they are supposed to make positive impacts in their lives. It happens in all levels of government – local, state and federal and even in some Christian organisations. Such evil practices were common among the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. They were disobedient, idolatrous, corrupt, wicked and oppressive without the consciousness of an impending doom, despite God’s several warnings through the prophets.
Zephaniah was one of the prophets who prophesied the destruction of Judah. His main theme was the day of the Lord in Judah and other nations when God’s punishment will be upon them. Today’s lesson centres on the vision of restoration through Prophet Zephaniah to the oppressed in Israel. According to the vision, even though they have been cheated and oppressed by their leaders, God promised to restore them and judge their wicked oppressors. Apart from this message of promise to restore Israel there are other similar instances of God’s promise to His people e.g. God’s promise of restoration to Israel through Prophet Isaiah, Jeremiah and Hosea (Isaiah 49:8-13; 52:1-5; Jeremiah 30:1-3,17-20; Hosea 14:4-7).
THE LESSON EXPLAINED…
A. GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION: [Zephaniah 3:14-16]
The city of Jerusalem was known for her wickedness, disobedience to God’s laws, oppression, rebellion, violence, unrighteousness and injustice. Her prophets and leaders were corrupt – they forsook God and embraced worldly lifestyle. The priests profaned the sanctuary and the law of God. Unfortunately, the rot soon spread into every sector of the society. Consequently, God was provoked and decided to wipe away the city and its inhabitants. He said to them, “Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, ‘for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them – all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.” (v. 8) The warning was followed by a promise to bring about justice and restore the remnants of Israel so that no one will make them afraid again. Israel was encouraged to sing aloud, be glad and rejoice with all their hearts because the LORD has brought an end to their punishment and injustice in the land. Moreover, He has defeated all their enemies; therefore, they have no reason to be afraid. The words “Do not be afraid; as used in the passage implies God’s presence to save His people. One of the characteristics of God is compassion as revealed in verses 14-15. He told the children of Israel to rejoice and sing because the Lord has taken away their punishment and cast out their enemies. He also assured them of His presence, justice and safety, which certainly are the result of the promise of restoration. When God forgives, takes away our punishment and shields us with His presence, the best response is to sing songs of praise with the resolution to keep His laws and commands. Christians are, therefore, encouraged to rejoice in the Lord always, especially when He shows us mercy, justice and love instead of punishment and destruction.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1.God told the people of Israel that He would cast away all their enemies. What does this tell us about the type of prayers believers sometimes offer concerning the death of their so-called enemies?
2.What should Nigeria, as a nation, do in order to be restored and what is the role of the church, if we must achieve it?
3.How should believers celebrate God’s promise of restoration and victory?
B. GOD’S PROMISE OF VICTORY FOR JERUSALEM: [Zephaniah 3:16-17]
Zephaniah’s vision of restoration for Jerusalem was all-inclusive. He encouraged the people of Israel to sing and shout for joy because of God’s promise to bring about justice, end their punishment and cast out their enemies. He also prophesied concerning their future. He assured them of God’s presence and His love for them. He said in verses 16 and 17, ‘On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save “He added that God will take delight in them, give them new life and rejoice over them with songs of joy. As a result, the people of Jerusalem had no cause to fear or be discouraged any longer because God has promised to save and give them victory over their enemies (v.16).
The vision of Zephaniah was an encouragement to the people of Israel not to give up but to trust in the Lord for victory. The admonition ‘not to fear’ became necessary because of its consequences like: fear defeat, doubt, and the temptation to compromise their faith, especially in the face of threat or suffering. When we trust in God who has promised victory for His people, we will surely triumph over our enemies. Interestingly, faith, obedience, trust in God, righteousness and hope fora better future are some ways to overcome oppression and poverty. The promise of victory for the Israelites is also applicable to contemporary Christians, especially these days when there is severe persecution of believers. Today’s lesson should serve as encouragement not to entertain any fear from the enemy; rather we should build our faith in God who has promised us justice, salvation and victory.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1.Discuss some common causes of fear and what Christians should do in times of fear.
2.How should Christians respond to God’s promise in verse 17?
C. DIVINE RESTORATION AFTER LOSS: [Zephaniah 3:18-20]
The last aspect of Zephaniah’s prophecies was a declaration of God’s promise of His judgment on the oppressors and divine restoration for His people. First, God promised to remove from His people those who mourn over the loss of their appointed festivals, which was a burden and reproach to them (v. 18). In verse 19, God promised to deal with all those who afflict them. For instance, He promised to:
• Punish their oppressors and rescue the lame from their captivity;
• Assemble those in captivity, those who yearned and grieved for the solemn assembly and the festival of God;
• Give His people praise and honour where they have been disgraced;
• Bring them back from exile to their own land and restore their fortunes;
• Make them famous throughout the world and make them prosperous again.
God is a covenant-keeping God. The promise of divine restoration of His people from exile to their own land, and to give honour in place of shame were all fulfilled. Probably, the psalmist was inspired by this, thus he said, “When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.” (Psalm 126:1). Though it seems difficult to believe that there will be restoration after great loss, but the encouragement in today’s lesson is that God’s promise is dependable and with Him, restoration is sure. Christians should recognise God’s plan for their past, present and future and the ability to restore, notwithstanding the oppression and threat from their enemies.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1.Identify three ways one can be relieved from poverty and oppression.
2.Considering God’s promise in verses 18-20, what should inform our prayer against our so-called enemies?
3.What steps should Christians take in order to be restored?
PRAYER POINTS:
• Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the promise of justice, salvation and victory.
• Lord Jesus, let there be restoration wherever I may have been cheated and denied my rights.
• Pray and ask God to intervene in the affairs of this nation, Nigeria.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activities:
• How best can Christians celebrate the return of joy and God’s glory?
• Encourage each class member to write a psalm of praise to God for His deeds in their lives – in the past, present and in anticipation of what He will do in the future.
TAKE HOME:
• We should believe God for His promises.
• Christians should always trust God for victory over their enemies:
• God will certainly make things right.
• Christians should cultivate the habit of praising God for His mighty works.
• God can restore everything we have lost.
• God is faithful in fulfilling His promises.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!