Nigeria Baptist Church Sunday School Manual For June 7, 2020 : Topic – THE CALL OF WISDOM
See previous Sunday School Manuals here
Date:
Sunday, June 7, 2020.
TOPIC: THE CALL OF WISDOM.
Devotional Reading:
Psalm 34:11-18.
Background Scripture:
Proverbs 1.
Scripture:
Proverbs 1:1-4, 7-8, 10-11.
GOLDEN TEXT:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. – Proverbs 1:7
LEARNING PRIMARY OUTCOMES/INDICATORS:
Learners will understand the facets of God’s wisdom, explore both practical and spiritual wisdom and indicate achievement of this by:
efining wisdom;
Discussing the importance of wisdom in our daily living;
Explaining how to obtain godly wisdom.
INTRODUCTION:
We live in a society where people feel they are wise in their own eyes, especially the youths. They sometimes feel they do not need God to make success in life provided they are smart and intelligent. They prefer shortcuts and shoddy means to achieve success without regard for God and His words. It is a time when young adults cannot differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable ways of life because they lack the wisdom of God. To them, God is slow; therefore, they must play fast in order to make it. After all, we are in ‘Jet or Computer age.’
Brother John Adamu grew up with his uncle, a pastor, after his mother died in a fatal motor accident. John had been taught discipline, humility, the fear of God and the importance of maintaining a steady relationship with God as the secret of success. Before he left for the university, his uncle instructed him about life on campus. From time to time he would say, “John, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10), so much that it became a slogan in his uncles house and a watchword for John. Throughout his university days, John was guided by this admonition and he never compromised his faith, despite pressure from friends to lure him into crime. The focal point of today’s lesson is the value of wisdom and the consequences of rejecting it.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. THE VALUE OF PROVERBS: [Proverbs 1:1-4]
King Solomon is believed to be the author of the book of Proverbs, although there are other evidences of variety of individual writers. It is a collection of the proverbs of King Solomon, the son of David, which was compiled over time. Proverbs is a translation of a Hebrew word Mashal , which means “saying”. According to the text, the purpose of the proverbs is to teach people particularly young adults wisdom and discipline as key to a successful life. It is also to understand words of insight, to acquire a disciplined and prudent life and to do what is right, just and fair (v. 3). As it is explained in the passage, the reason for the set of the proverbs includes the need to give insight to the simple (v. 4a), knowledge and discernment to the young (v. 4b). These proverbs are necessary because those who know the Lord and the wisdom He gives will definitely know the course of action to follow in life.
The purpose of the collective proverbs is aimed at the young and ignorant minds so that they will be guided as they make choices and decisions in life, as they relate with God. In the history of human race, there is no better time than now when the need for wisdom, discipline, discernment and successful living should be promoted. We live in a time when both the old and young make decisions without being mindful of the implications because they lack godly wisdom. This concern perhaps motivated King Solomon to call attention to young people to gain wisdom, discipline, insight, and discernment without which no one will live a fulfilled life that glorifies God. The need for knowledge and discretion to the young is specifically mentioned in verse 4 although they are beneficial both to the mature, immature and ignorant (v. 5).
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss some common errors young people make because they lack wisdom.
2. Is wisdom alone necessary for a successful living? If no, what are some other things needed and if yes, what is your advice for young people?
B. EXHORTATION TO EMBRACE WISDOM: [Proverbs 1:7-8, 10-11]
The author of Proverbs stated clearly in (verse 7) the source of wisdom. He said, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” In other words, reverence for the Lord is the only way to gain true wisdom (Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10), but fools undermine its importance and refuse discipline. The author also encouraged strict obedience to parent’s instructions as well as warned against enticement by sinners who work subtly to lure people into sin. According to verse 11, the author counselled against any plan from the wicked to either kill or attack innocent people. Lack of wisdom and discipline easily entice young people. Therefore, those who have the fear of God and are wise should be able to stand firm and refute every counsel from the wicked to perpetrate evil.
Wisdom is defined by the Mariam-Webster Dictionary as knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life or the natural ability to understand things that most people cannot understand, or knowledge of what is proper or reasonable. Biblically, wisdom is the same as reverence for God. It is not an intellectual achievement or a matter of acquiring human knowledge; rather, it is understanding, good judgment, or insight, which comes from God (Proverbs 1:29). This means that when we apply God’s wisdom, which is achieved through the fear of God, to life’s situations in a meaningful way, we will be described as wise people. The fear that leads to wisdom is interpreted as awe, reverence or respect for God. Nevertheless, without obedience to God’s commandments and will, one cannot possess divine wisdom. The admonition to embrace the fear of God and obey His Words is for all people. This will help us to discern life’s direction and embrace a type of life that pleases God.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. How can you obtain godly wisdom in this perverse generation without compromise?
2. Explain the difference between wisdom and knowledge and why they are essential for living a successful life.
C. WARNINGS AGAINST REJECTING WISDOM: [Proverbs 1:20-22, 32-33]
As much as the author calls on young people to embrace wisdom, he also warned against its rejection because of the consequences. He spoke like a prophet telling the people both the rewards and punishment of obedience and disobedience to instructions. In verse 20, wisdom is personified as a woman who cries out publicly at the gate way of the fortified city, calling people to embrace wisdom. Her passion and concern for the people to embrace wisdom is stated in verse 22. She said, “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” The fact that the people refused wisdom, rebuke and discipline, they will be punished because “the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.” (v. 32) This implies that the consequences of their choices depend on their actions because the Scripture says a man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7). In contrast, anyone who listens to the cry to embrace wisdom will live in safety without any reason to be afraid.
The main idea of the passage is the call of wisdom. But the option to reject wisdom and suffer the consequences or accept it and enjoy safety depends on individual choices. In addition, wisdom is described in this passage as crying out in the streets, public places, along the high street and in front of the city gate. These places are significant places – normal walks of life where people are found. Even today, wisdom is crying out to the rich, poor, old and young because its usefulness is non-negotiable for Christians, especially in this perverse world. Again, we should be reminded of the certainty of the consequences if we reject wisdom as indicated in the passage.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. According to the text, let members list the importance of applying divine wisdom to their daily lives.
2. Why do young people sometimes fail to apply God’s wisdom? Based on today’s lesson, what should be our counsel to them as far as the application of wisdom is concerned?
Commitment Based on Today’s Lesson:
– My Personal Commitment…
– Commitment to My Church…
– Commitment Towards My Relationship with Others…
PRAYER POINT:*
• Thank God for His divine wisdom that leads you daily.
• Pray and ask God to always guide you in His wisdom as you struggle with daily challenges.
• Pray for the young people in your family and church that they will always apply God ‘s wisdom in their daily living and enjoy the benefits.
FELLOWSHIP AND MINISTRY BUILDING ACTIVITIES:*
• Ask a few members to share some of their challenges as they desire to renew their commitment to begin to seek for godly wisdom and encourage one another not to give up.
• List at least five deceptive ways youths are easily lured into sin according to verse 10.
TAKE HOME*
• The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
• Christians should seek to know the Lord and fear Him.
• Wisdom is a gift from God. We should embrace it.
• Christians need God’s wisdom for discerning life’s direction.
• Christians should not allow themselves to be lured into sin. Anyone who ignores wisdom will suffer the consequences.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted*