NBC Sunday School Manual For June 5, 2021 :Topic – GOD FORETELLS DESTRUCTION
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NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Sunday, June 5, 2022
TOPIC: GOD FORETELLS DESTRUCTION
Background Scripture reading: isaiah 47
Lesson Scripture reading: Isaiah 47:10-15
Golden Text: That is all they can do for you– these you have laboured with all trafficked with since childhood. Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you. -Isaiah 47:15
Objectives: By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
1. Summarise Isaiah’s prophecy of judgement of Babylon;
2. State the reasons why God would destroy Babylon;
3. Make resolutions to turn away from evil practices and worship God alone.
Introduction
The United States of America was perceived to be the most powerful country in the world, according to an annual ranking in 2019. Therefore, it is regarded as “Superpower” State with a dominant position characterised by its extensive ability to exert influence on a global scale. This is done through the combined means of economic, military, technological and cultural strength as well as diplomatic and soft power influence. In fact, US news and world report describe the State as the “World’s most dominant economic and military power.” In November 23, 2018, the US military was recognised as the most powerful in the world, according to Global Firepower. The country also has a large cultural impact on the world because of how its popular culture is expressed in books, good governance and other sectors. Because of these opportunities, their freedom to make decisions that benefit the citizens has greatly increased. For such powerful and influential nation, the tendency to depend on their economic and military powerful as their source of defense and oppression on other nations is certain. Sometimes, they tend to assume that God is not needed because they are rich in military and economy.
Perhaps such was the problem of the Babylonians who probably assumed they were as great as God. They thought they were safe and secure because of their power and the predictions of their astrologers. So, they became arrogant because of their strength. They believed everything revolved around them, damning the consequences, and with their numerous atrocities they felt they were not accountable to anyone. However, God spoke through Prophet Isaiah about the impending judgment against the arrogant and Idolatrous city of Babylon. The story is pictured as a young woman who is reduced to slavery and abused by her captor. This is the focus point of today’s lesson.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. Pride and Arrogance Condemned -Isaiah 47:10-11
The passage is the analysis of Isaiah’s prophecy about God’s impending judgment on Babylon. Though they were likened to a virgin, indicating a nation that has known no defeat in battle (v. 1), God resolved to take vengeance and ale them slaved because of her pride and arrogance. Verses 10 clearly states her evil deeds, and verse 11 talks about God’s judgment.
▪︎ They trusted in their wickedness. Ignorantly, they thought they could hide their wicked acts from God without the fear of being punished by the righteous Judge.
▪︎ They allowed their wisdom and knowledge to pervert them and so they were led astray.
▪︎ They assumed the position of God and said, “I am God, there is no one else like me.” As a result, God pronounced His judgment that disaster and ruin will come upon them. Furthermore, none of their magical manipulations and human wisdom can stop its manifestation. Babylon was such a powerful but godless nation. They were known to be skilful in magical acts, sorcery and astrology, which they believed will cover their sinful acts. But God said in verse 9 that in a moment everything will disappear and they will lose their husbands and children.
Today, many nations and individuals are like the Babylonians. They feel self-sufficient with their new inventions and sophisticated weapons, without regard for God. That manipulate people and events are practise all kinds of wickedness to achieve their aim, without thinking of the possible consequences. The Scripture says that destruction awaits those who despise God (1 Thessalonians 5:3). The prophecy concerning the fall of the Babylonians is a warning to Christians and nations against the spirit of rebellion, pride, idolatry and blasphemy against God. The lesson is a reminder that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6). More importantly, we should remember that we are all accountable to God and so no one should exalt him/herself above Him because He abhors pride and arrogance.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. What are some other ways God humbles those who defy divine authority?
2. Discuss present-day practices that are not pleasing to God and how people try to cover up.
B. The Power of Charms Condemned -Isaiah 47:12-15
God condemned the Babylonians for being proud and arrogant as well as for their dependence on magical powers and charms, which they had been using since their childhood. Prophet Isaiah challenged the ineffectiveness of their trusted idols, sorcerers and astrologers. Unfortunately, they have remained powerless, in spite of their counsel. According to verse 13b, the people were challenged to prove the potency of their charms and the ability to save them from the impending doom. He concluded in verse 14 saying, “Surely, they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame…” Prophet Isaiah concluded that none of the charms or idol can save them from the destruction that will befall the nation (v. 15).
It seems the Babylonians made use of magical powers more than any other nation (Daniel 2:2). The idols were powerless and utterly incapable of saving them unlike how God saves who trust in Him. They only gave conflicting counsels which ultimately wearied the people out (v. 13). However, God’s verdict is that they will surely be like debris, which will be consumed by fire (v. 14a). There is only one Saviour, Jesus Christ who possesses the power to save and deliver. Every other power will fail and ultimately brings shame and reproach to their clients. This is a great lesson for believers to avoid consulting people with magical powers because they have nothing good to offer to confusing counsel that brings fear and leads to utter destruction. In fact, it is sad to know that some Christians depend on the power of darkness for protection, fame, position, of authority and progress in life. Christians should be encouraged with the words of the psalmist who said, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1).
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Why do some Christians act as if they can disobey God without any consequences.
2. Discuss ways Nigeria has been like the nation of Babylon that was arrogant in spite of her iniquity. What is the way out of the mess?
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
Let the class members list the similarities between the people of Babylon and Nigerians. They are to pray the forgiveness of our sins and restoration.
Prayer points
1. Pray that God will take away the spirit of pride from you, and grant you the grace to be humble.
2. Ask for more understanding of His Word and grace to depend fully on it at all times.
Commitments:
Based on today’s lesson, make a personal commitment to humble yourself before God and humankind, and outrightly condemn the spirit of rebellion, pride, idolatry, and blasphemy against God._
Take Home
Write down three (3) lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson.