NBC Sunday School Manual For June 12, 2022 :Topic – GOD FORETELLS OF REDEMPTION 

NBC Sunday School Manual For June 12, 2022 :Topic – GOD FORETELLS OF REDEMPTION 

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NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Sunday, June 12, 2022

TOPIC: GOD FORETELLS OF REDEMPTION

Background Scripture: Isaiah 4:1-17 

Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-13

GOLDEN TEXT:

This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favour I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances. Isaiah 49:8

Objectives: By the end of the lesson members should be able to:

• Explain God’s mission for the peop Israel;

• Identify the servant and the restorati work in the text;

• Tell others about God’s eternal love and salvation for all people.

INTRODUCTION

T here have been a great number of both successful and failed military coups in Nigeria, since the country’s independence from the British Empire in 1960. A coup is the overthrow of an existing political regime by the military. Coups are usually planned when the people at the helm of affairs are ruling unjustly, and corruption is the order of the day e.g. looting of public funds. When such practices are noticed, the military will restrategise and takeover the ruling of the affairs of the country. In most cases, the citizens rejoice at such interruptions, believing that the new government has come to redeem them from the hands of their oppressors. Sooner than later, the new government begin to lord over the Then, it will be obvious that they have not com to serve the people but to be served and enrich themselves.

However, unlike some human leaders who sometimes promise deliverance from oppression, yet oppress the people for the personal benefit, God’s promise of restoration for Jerusalem from exile was real. It was at indication that God did not forget all His promises of deliverance and restoration Today’s lesson centres on the series description of the servant and his mission to redeem His people from slavery in the land of Babylon.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Called to be Servant. Isaiah 49:1-4

Chapter 49 of the book of Isaiah is a description of God’s promise to redeem His people, Israel from exile. It is often known as the “book of the consolation of Israel.” it reveals God’s plan to restore His people, Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon with words of comfort after they had been defeated their temple destroyed, and the people taken in chains to Babylon. During the period they were alienation from God, they questioned their faith and identity.

Their situation seemed hopeless, yet God spoke through Prophet Isaiah who announced the their cause and coming of a servant chosen by God. He called upon the distant nations to listen to him. Isaiah declares that the Lord has sovereignly chosen His servant before he was born (v. 1b) with the description of the characteristics in verse 2 but in verse 3, he said, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” (v. 3) Furthermore, the servant is identified with the nation Israel. Even though it seemed they had worked hopelessly and used up their strength without accomplishing much, God can still be trusted to defend reward them appropriately.

Undoubtedly, God’s mission for the people of Israel was to show all people His ways. Though the servant who had been identified with the people of Israel has faithfully fulfilled his calling it appeared they were far from being rewarded. However, he put his trust in the Lord saying, “But surely the justice I deserve is with Jehovah, and my reward is with my God.” (v 4b). Just as the nation Israel had toiled without any reward, so Jesus Christ encountered oppositions during His earthly ministry and He temporarily suffered rejection, betrayal and death. Nonetheless, He conquered death through His resurrection on the third day and that is the victory we have as believers.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Discuss the identity of the Servant, as it is used in the passage.

2. What nature of the Servant is seen when his description in verse 2 is compared with Revelation 1:16.

B. Mission of the Servant Emphasised. Isaiah 49:5-7

The passage emphasises the calling and mission of the called servant and his formation in his mother’s womb. Certainly, the purpose was to bring back Jacob and gather Israel to Himself. Without doubt, this was a great honour in the sight of the Lord. He said in verse 6, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept.” Having revealed the task of restoring the surviving Israel to her greatness, he promised to also make him a light unto the nations for the salvation of the world mostly the Gentiles. Therefore, God made a final declaration in verse 7 saying, “…the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: Kings will see you and stand up, Prince will see and bow down, because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of the Israel who has chosen me.”

God’s intention for the Israelites who were scattered among the nations was to restore them to Himself. The instrument of the restoration was the servant whom the Lord had chosen. In fact, God spoke as “the Redeemer of Israel” and “his Holy One.” Ultimately, the servant who was despised and hated by humankind shall finally be recognised and honoured by the kings and princes of this world (Philippians 2:9-11). As verse 7d indicates that the promises of the Lord are sure “because of Jehovah, who is faithful.” The Lord pledges to fulfil His promises to His servant at His “appointed time” and until the time of fulfilment He shall preserve Him. Consequently, Israel will come to His glory and the whole world will be saved. The implication of this statement is that believers have been called by God to be light to the nations, leading them to the saving knowledge of Christ. Whe should, therefore, remember that our greatest mission is to the unbelievers in the world, t those who are in darkness will come to light and God’s name will be glorified.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. What can the church do to restore the depressed and persecuted?

2. Why do you think God would want to honour His servant?

C. God’s Promise of Restoration. Isaiah 49:8-13

Israel’s restoration, as it is described in verses 8-12, appears in the remaining part of the book. It s a repetition of what God had earlier said about Israel’s return from exile. This aspect is with God guarantee to save them when the time comes. So, He promised to:

▪︎ Show them favour and answer their cry for help for salvation.

▪︎ Guide and protect them from their enemies.

▪︎ Make a covenant with all people.

▪︎ Make them to settle again. In other words, He will help them to occupy the Promised Land that was almost lying fallow.

▪︎ The prisoners will be set free and those in darkness will receive light. They will not suffer hunger or be thirsty because they will be led by the One who loves them.

▪︎ He also promised to turn the mountains to be leveled ground.

▪︎ Make them to come from all the nations. Apart from these benefits, verse 13 gives an exciting description of the nation’s future. It says, “Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” Moreover, the shout of joy will be as a result of the fulfilment of the promises of restoration, comfort, redemption and provision, as stated in the passage.

God is all-powerful. He alone possesses the power to restore salvation, hope and comfort to the weary and afflicted. However, it should be understood that the ultimate servant is Jesus Christ. He has made access to the Father possible by His death and resurrection, which brings salvation to all people. He is the Great Shepherd who leads His people to freedom and total restoration. The lesson is a reminder that God does not forget His people, no matter how far they have wondered. He will see that they are restored and blessed abundantly, when the time comes.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. What are the qualities of a servant of God? By such qualities are you qualified to be called a servant of God?

2. What lessons did the passage teach about God concerning the fulfilment of His promises?

Commitment:  Based on today’s lesson, make a persone come to grab (Nigeria) that the peace of the Lord should reign, and the wisdom of God should aid leaders to lead aright.

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity

▪︎ Divide your class into three groups. Let each group write the characte mission and accomplishment, then harmonise their answers and read aloud for every class member to hear

Prayer Points

▪︎ Pray to God for the strength to work in His path and not to doubt His ways or question your faith, ask Him for the enablement to exhibit faith when waiting on Him and intmed prayers .

▪︎ Pray that God will make you a light to the world to win unbelievers to the kingdom

▪︎ Ask God to show mercy on our nation (Nigeria) and restore all her lost glory as He did for Israel,

Take Home

Write down three (3) lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson

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