NBC Sunday School Manual For July 21, 2024 : Topic – DELIGHTFUL PRECEPTS
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme for the Month: “EXPRESSING HOPE.”
DATE: SUNDAY, 21ST JULY, 2024.
TOPIC: DELIGHTFUL PRECEPTS.
Devotional Reading: Proverbs 30:1-9.
Background Scripture: Psalm 119:73-80.
Lesson Scripture: Psalm 119:73-80.
GOLDEN TEXT: “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.” Psalm 119:73
Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● Discuss the purpose and benefits of instituting laws;
● Explain the benefits of obeying the commandments of God in practical terms;
● Make a personal commitment to always obey the laws of God, no matter how matter how cumbersome they may seem.
INTRODUCTION
The Merriam Webster Dictionary describes the word ‘Precept” as a rule that says how people should behave. It further describes it as a command or principle intended, especially as a general rule of action. Laws are very important; all societies, organisations and groups have laws, rules, regulations and principles that guide the way they operate. Schools, homes and workplaces are also not left out. Unfortunately, people often find it difficult to obey simple rules, like road signs, etc. The question is: Why do some people deliberately disobey laws? What are some of the consequences of disobeying laws? Do our reflection on these questions give us any insight into why people disobey God’s laws? One thing is sure: anyone who disobeys the laws of God or a group will surely be punished for it. So, there is need for every individual including Christians to have a balanced understanding of the reasons for instituting laws and embrace them with joy, as long as it does not negate God’s laws.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Bible; it is divided into 22 parts with 176 verses. Every verse connects the Word of God with the following: law, testimony, judgment, statutes, commandments, precepts, word, ordinances, instructions and decrees. The psalm is essentially a wisdom poem and it includes praise and lament. The psalmist eagerly and persistently desired to understand the law of God and apply it to his daily life. Obeying God’s law, according to the psalmist is not slavery but freedom (v. 32). Delightful precepts, as used in the passage, means God’s loving and wonderful, laws. They are given to humankind to guide us in our relationship with God and one another. God’s laws are delightful; they are sources of light, wisdom, comfort, freedom, hope and security, and they cannot be compared with man-made laws. Today’s lesson focuses on the various testimonies, blessings and joy that come from learning, understanding and obeying God’s laws.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW OF GOD
[Psalm 119:73-75]
Having emphasised the value of the law of God (vv. 65-72), the psalmist went on to talk about the justice of the law. He acknowledged God as his Creator and stated his willingness to learn and understand His commandments. Of course, he knew that learning and understanding the commandments of His Creator is the surest way to live a life that honours God. He said, “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.” (v. 73) He confidently added that those who honour God will be glad when they see how He has blessed him because his hope is in the Word of God. His confession in verse 75 is amazing; “I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” In other words, God is just and faithful in all His decisions, as He deals with His servants (v. 67).
Noteworthy in the passage is the psalmist’s expression of his desire to understand the commands of God. When we, believers, understand the commands of God and obey them, we will be guided and enabled to please Him in all our ways. His statement in verse 75 attests to the fact that God’s laws are delightful, pleasant and loving because they are the keys to receiving God’s blessings. Prophet Isaiah confirmed this when he said, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19) Despite his challenges, the psalmist always took delight in obeying the laws of God because they were sources of joy, freedom and comfort to him. It is, therefore, imperative for every Christian to understand the righteousness of the laws of God and be ready to obey them. The Scripture says that God’s law is perfect, refreshing the soul and His statutes are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Do believers in Christ need any special understanding of God’s command- ments? If yes, why?
2. What should Christians do when human laws contradict God’s laws of God contradict human laws? Support your answers with relevant Scriptures.
B. THE PSALMIST’S REQUEST
[Psalm 119:76-80]
Through his further acknowledgment of the justice of the law of God, the psalmist made some requests. He prayed:
● For God’s constant love to comfort him, according to His promise (v. 76).
● For God’s tender mercies he is enjoying (v. 77) because of his pleasure in His laws.
● For Shame for the arrogant for offending him without cause (v. 78). He, however, pledged to meditate on God’s precepts.
● That those who honour the Lord and understand His statues should turn to him (v. 79).
● And for a blameless heart so that he will not be put to shame (v. 80). He asked for a perfect heart to obey God’s commandments and be spared from the shame of defeat.
The psalmist was sincere in his request to God. The content of his request reveals that when the laws of God become one’s delight, God’s constant love and mercy will abound. Little wonder he promised to always meditate on God’s laws. Truly, anyone who desires to learn and understand God’s commandments and live by them will surely experience God’s unfailing love, tender mercy, and long life (vv. 76-77). Christians should learn to appreciate the laws of God, meditate on them daily, and wholeheartedly live by them because all God’s commands are trustworthy (Psalm 119:86a). We should emulate the psalmist who said, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” (v. 35)
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Why do some Christians deliberately refuse to obey God’s commandments, even when they know the benefits of obeying them?
2. Discuss how Christians can make God’s laws their delight.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
Choose one verse from the passage, read it aloud and meditate on it for a few minutes. Then share your thought with your group.
Take Home:
Write down three lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson?
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Based on today’s lesson, make a personal commitment to God to always obey His laws, no matter how difficult they may seem.
Happy Sunday in Advance.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!