NBC Sunday School Manual For July 2, 2023 :Topic – PREVIEW FOR JULY.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme for the Month:
JESUS ENVISIONS THE KINGDOM.
DATE: SUNDAY, 2ND JULY, 2023.
PREVIEW FOR JULY
The theme for this month is “Jesus Envisions the Kingdom.” The texts shall be taken from the book of Zechariah and the gospel according to Matthew. Each Sunday, we shall be considering different sub-topics with specific emphasis on Jesus’ teachings. The following will be discussed:
● God’s powerful acts of deliverance.
● Jesus’ parables of the kingdom and the urgency of understanding its message.
● The enemy who undermines kingdom work and the unseen growth of the kin om.
● The universal judgment at the end of the age.
Followers suffer from bad leadership. Oftentimes, bad leaders cannot be challenged. And so, people begin to ask how to put an end to corrupt leadership, even when they are powerless. It is in the light of the ordeal of the masses in the hands of corrupt leaders that makes Zechariah to envision a day when God will bring down all earthly powers and initiate an eternal reign of peace. Sunday school teachers and members should endeavour to pray and plan to make the class interactive so that they can all be blessed together.
BELOW ARE THE SUGGESTED TEACHING METHODS to prepare and teach the lessons. They can be used during the general opening or in the class.
July 2 – Panel Discussion: Let three class members discuss the topic. One of the members should moderate.
July 9 – Drama: Let them dramatise how Jesus healed the man and how the Pharisees mocked Him.
July 16 – Live Presentation: Place four pots each representing the four soils and the conditions of the seeds. Let the class members interpret it.
July 23 – Scripture Comparison and Verbalisation: The Golden Text should be written from different versions of the Bible, displayed and recited by everyone.
July 30 – Recitation: Let class members read aloud the Golden Text repeatedly to aid memorisation.
TOPIC: PEACE TO THE NATIONS.
Devotional Reading:
Isaiah 55.
Background Scripture:
Zechariah 9:9-17.
Lesson Scripture:
Zechariah 9:9-13, 16-17.
GOLDEN TEXT:
“The LORD their God will save this people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.” Zechariah 9:16.
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● List the qualities of God’s promised King.
● Describe God’s kind of protection for His people according to the passage.
● Make a verbal commitment to embrace God’s promised peace and salvation.
INTRODUCTION:
Jesus had known what lies ahead of the world; so He did not keep His disciples in the dark about it. As the Source of Life and Peace, He promised to send the Holy Spirit who will serve as a Guide and Teacher to the disciples (John 14:26; 15:26). He also encouraged them not to be afraid because His peace will abide with them, the peace that cannot be compared to that of the world (John 14:27). Peace has become a scarce commodity in our contemporary time. The world in general and Nigeria in particular is faced with unprecedented challenges. Since her independence over sixty years ago, Nigeria has been struggling with lots of challenges like terrorism, banditry, ethnicity, kidnapping, frequent onslaught by herdsmen, Boko Haram and other forms of socio-political turmoil. Sadly, offenders go about with impunity. The Covid-19 and the October 2020 #EndSars protests that led to the loss of lives and properties have placed the nation on the international spotlight. The youths are becoming restive because of the high rate of unemployment. The use of ballot to elect credible leaders has often been manipulated thus weak and insensitive leaders are the ones in positions of authority. Rather than serve the masses, they serve and protect their personal interests.
Prophet Zechariah was of a priestly descent with Haggai (Ezra 5:1). He prophesied about God’s promise to judge the neighbouring nations of Israel that oppressed them. He also prophesied an end to war and proclaimed universal peace to the Israelites when their King shall come. He also admonished the returnee exiles to serve God and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The prophecy received its ultimate fulfilment in the coming of Jesus who came to redeem humankind and restore peace to the individual life of whosoever accepts Him. Inspite of the turbulent times we have found ourselves, as a nation, we should be encouraged by Zechariah’s prophesies that once again, we will enjoy the peace of God and there shall be restoration, ultimately in heaven.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED…
A. GOD’S PROMISE OF PEACE:
[Zechariah 9:9-13]
Chapter 9 of the book of Zechariah is a combination of divine judgment on Israel’s enemies (vv. 1-8) and hope of salvation for them (vv. 9-17). Verses 9-13 are prophetic declarations of the salvation which God’s people would receive when the messianic King comes. According to verse 9, the inhabitants of Jerusalem are called to rejoice exceedingly and shout because their King is coming. The King is described as triumphal, victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Obviously, this verse was fulfilled during Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5). In addition, God’s promised peace to His people is described in verse 10 as follows:
● He will put an end to war and proclaim universal peace to the nations.
● His rule will be extended to the ends of the earth.
● Prisoners will be set free.
● There will be double restoration of whatever they have suffered.
● Judah will be bent as a bow and replaced with Ephraim.
● He will fight the people of Greece, using the people of Zion.
God’s promise of peace to His people, Israel is the focal point of today’s lesson. Even though the people were once victims of oppression and injustice while in exile; God promised them divine consolation and double restoration for their losses. Ultimately, Judah and Ephraim will be united and become like a “warrior’s sword” and their long-expected hope of salvation will become physical. Nevertheless, the ultimate fulfilment of the coming of the promised King is found in Christ Jesus (Matthew 21:4-5) whose reign is characterised by peace, victory and humility. Christians are, therefore, reminded that in spite of the turbulent times we are experiencing, God’s peace shall reign over the universe and they shall be victorious. Besides, Christians in positions of authority should endeavour to exemplify Jesus Christ; they should use their positions to alleviate the suffering of the masses through selfless service instead of pursuing selfish interests and oppressing them.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. How can Christians internalise God’s promises through the prophecy of Zechariah?
2. What roles should Christian leaders play to ensure peace in Nigeria?
B. GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION:
[Zechariah 9:16-17]
God’s promise of peace to His people includes total victory from their enemies after the destruction of their weapons of war. Zechariah prophesied further saying, “The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown” The phrase “On that day” is an expression both in the Old and New Testaments that refers to the time when God will break the yoke of exile over Israel and restore them to their fortune (2 Peter 3:10). When God restores His children, the land will become attractive, beautiful and young people will grow strong on its corn and wine (v. 17).
God’s plan to save His people like a shepherd saves his flock from danger, in the passage, is worthy of note. Even though the people were led into exile because they disobeyed God, yet the key to their future was the coming of a King who will be rejected by all nations. Note that these predictions of a coming leader were fulfilled in the New Testament and they apply to Jesus. He is the King without an army, whose crown was made of thorns; gentle leadership that triumphs through suffering. Christians are reminded of God’s plan to save and restore His people, their present suffering, defeat and shame as a result of human oppressors notwithstanding. More importantly, the predictions of restoration and salvation for God’s people are enough encouragement for believers to endure suffering despite its intensity. Our end will surely be glorious when Christ appears because we will be to Him the jewels of a crown that shines in the land (v.16).
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. How is Jesus’ leadership style different from human style of leadership, according to the passage?
2. Based on the lesson, what are the steps towards the restoration of peace in Nigeria and the world in general?
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
● Lead class members to identify some Christian leaders who were exemplary as public servants and highlight their attributes. If possible, write them a letter of encouragement.
Take Home: State at least three main lessons you are taking home, based on today’s lesson:
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment to pray for Christians in leadership positions in Nigeria so that they will not fail God, and that they will resolve to be servant-leaders in their different positions of authority.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!