C.A.C Sunday School Manual For August 25, 2024 : Lesson 31: Topic – GIFTS OF DREAMS AND INTERPRETATION

2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

PREVIEW CLASS

*UNIT 4: GOD GIVES POWER AND REVELATION GIFTS*

THEME: SPIRITUAL POWER AND GIFTS FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST

LESSON Thirty-one

25th August, 2024

TOPIC: GIFTS OF DREAMS AND INTERPRETATION*

*MEMORY SCRIPTURE*

As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17)

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*COMMENT*

Daniel and his friends learned all they could about their new culture so they could do their work with excellence. But while they learned, they maintained steadfast allegiance to God, and God gave them skill and wisdom. Culture need not be God’s enemy. If it does not violate his commands, it can aid in accomplishing his purpose. We who follow God are free to be competent leaders in our culture, but we are required to pledge our allegiance to God first.

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Joseph was divinely endowed with the ability to dream dreams and interprete dreams for himself and others. The gifts still operate till today.

*BRIEF COMMENT*

Daniel and his 3 friends were part of the captives taken to Babylon, far away from home. Though their names were changed, they couldn’t change their nature because the LORD lived in their hearts. God rewarded their faithfulness. Aside from their physical blessings, God gave them superior intellect (knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom). The wise men and diviners of the King of Babylon were no match for the abilities of these 4 Hebrews. Daniel was given, in addition, the ability to understand and interpret all kinds of visions and dreams-the mark of a prophet (Num. 12:6; Matt. 24:15). Dreams leave people in the dark without interpretation to shed light on them. Dreams were part of divine communication methods in biblical times. Nevertheless, it doesn’t end there; it is part of the methods God uses today to reveal what the future holds.

*SUMMARY AND RELIABLE FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH*

As a youngster, Joseph was overconfident. His natural self-assurance-increased by being Jacob’s favorite son and by knowing of God’s designs on his life-was unbearable to his ten older brothers, who eventually conspired against him. But this self-assurance, molded by pain and combined with a personal knowledge of God, allowed him to survive and prosper where most would have failed. He added quiet wisdom to his confidence and won the hearts of everyone he met-Potiphar, the prison warden, other prisoners, the pharaoh, and. after many years, even those ten brothers.

Perhaps you can identify with one or more of these hardships Joseph experienced. He was betrayed and deserted by his family, exposed to sexual temptation, and punished for doing the right thing: he endured a long imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped. As you read his story, note what Joseph did in each case. His positive response transformed each setback into a step forward. He didn’t spend much time asking why. His approach was “What shall I do now?” Those who met Joseph were aware that wherever he went and whatever he did, God was with him. When you’re facing a setback, the beginning of a Joseph-like attitude is to acknowledge that God is with you.

There is nothing like his presence to shed new light on a dark situation.

*Strengths and accomplishments*

* Rose in power from slave to ruler of Egypt

* Was known for his personal integrity accomplishments

* Was a man of spiritual sensitivity

* Prepared a nation to survive a famine

*Weakness and mistake*

His youthful pride caused friction with his brothers.

*Lessons from his life*

* What matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, others intend it for evil but our response to them.

* With God’s help, any situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil.

Vital statistics Where: Canaan, Egypt Occupation: Shepherd, slave, convict, ruler Relatives: Parents: Jacob and Rachel, Siblings: Eleven brothers and one sister. Wite: Asenath. Sons: Manasseh and Ephraim.

*Key verse* “So Pharaoh asked his officials, ‘Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38).

Joseph’s story is told in Genesis 30-50. He is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:22

OUR *DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS* Stated that:

1. God still speaks through dreams, but care must be taken to ensure that God is the one talking.

2. Many dreams go unfulfilled because they are not properly interpreted and acted upon. The gift of dreams, whether natural, or supernatural, holds great power.

*BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE:* Judges 7:13-15; Matthew 1:20

*Judges 7:13-15 NKJV*

And when Gideon had come, there was a man telling a dream to his companion. He said, “I have had a dream: To my surprise, a loaf of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian; it came to a tent and struck it so that it fell and overturned, and the tent collapsed.”

14 Then his companion answered and said, “This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel! Into his hand iGod has delivered Midian and the whole camp.”

15 And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel, and said, “Arise, for the Lord has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”

*Matthew 1:20 NKJV*

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

*AIM:* To reveal that God speaks through dreams to individuals and nations, which need to be interpreted.

*INTRODUCTION*

*TEXTUAL SOURCE: GENESIS 37:5-11; 40:8FF; 41:16; DANIEL 1; 2:10- 30:5:14*

God is ready to inform, reform and transform us through this week’s lesson, titled: *GIFTS OF DREAMS AND INTERPRETATIONS.* One of the gifts that manifests both naturally and spiritually in most humans’ lives is the gift of dreams. Meanwhile, a dream is “a sequence of images that appear involuntarily to the mind of somebody who is sleeping, often a mixture of real and imaginary characters, places, and events.” Microsoft Encarta 2009 also adds that a daydream is “a series of images, usually pleasant ones, that pass through the mind of somebody who is awake.” It is common for humans to have dreams, but not all have the gift of interpretation. Both Joseph and Daniel were very young when these gifts manifested in their lives. The gifts of God have little or nothing to do with the age of anyone. He gives as He pleases. We shall be examining the lives of 2 Bible characters to drive home our points in this lesson.

*LESSON OUTLINE*

*I. THE GIFTED JOSEPH*

*II. THE GIFTED DANIEL*

*LESSON EXPOSITION*

*I. THE GIFTED JOSEPH (Gen. 37:5-11; 40:8ff; 41:16)*

And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please” (40:8).

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*COMMENT*

40:8 When the subject of dreams came up, Joseph focused everyone’s attention on God. Rather than using the situation to make himself look good, he turned it into a powerful witness for the Lord. One secret of effective witnessing is to recognize opportunities to relate God to the other person’s experience. When the opportunity arises, we must have the courage to speak, as Joseph did.

Don’t see any situation as opportunity to gather people to yourself and to make yourself more important than the God who gives you the gift. Nebuchadnezzar made great and costly mistakes and he was punished (not in the aspect of dream but he established himself as God before the people). Learn from this.

a) The Bible shows that the gift of dreams is good, but with the gift of interpretation, it is better. Joseph possessed these gifts, among others, in the Scripture.

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The simple meaning of INTERPRETATION is to explained something to others in a way they will understand an information or any message that appears directly or indirectly.

Joseph had a gift of dreaming and at the same time ability to interpret it. He used it for the glory of God not for selfishness. Let’s learn from his life.

b) 37:5-11: Joseph was divinely endowed with the gift of dreams. One of the ways God speaks is via dreams (Num. 12:5-6). It was crucial to Joseph’s life and destiny.

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Dreams is a common gift humanity received from God (just like Talents). Not like other gifts but the ability to interpret dreams is not common (very scarce).

Some dreams can be interpreted by the dreamer but there are many dreams that can never be interpreted except by someone who is gifted to interpret dreams like Joseph, Daniel among others.

c) Between Joseph’s experience of dreaming and Pharaoh’s (Gen 41:1), there is a distinct difference. The former is a supernatural gift, whereas the other is just a common natural occurrence (talent) (Eccl. 5:3) that God chose to use.

d) Due to the above, we must be very careful to determine whether God, Satan, or our own thoughts are speaking via our dreams. The gift of dreams enables us to receive dreams from God and recognise His voice in them.

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Any dream that comes from God must be interpreted by God through the gifted ones. One of the fasted way God communicate with man is through dreams, Satan also make use of this channel in other to deceive men. Don’t be quick to conclude on any dream. Let God interpret your dreams.

e) 40:8ff: Joseph’s gift of interpretation of dreams manifested. See how he made God known to the people: Do not interpretations belong to God? (v. . Any gift that doesn’t project Christ will eventually finish the gifted.

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Joseph focused everyone’s attention on God. Let people recognize God through you. Don’t use any opportunity God gives you to establish yourself. We are nothing without God’s gifts.

f) 41:16: Joseph’s response to Pharaoh’s demand, It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace shows a person whose goal is always to honour the LORD (cf. 39:7ff). What about you?

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God can never be disappointed because he has many replacement for you. You can only disappoint yourself not God. Believe in God’s exaltation not self-exaltation. Don’t abuse God’s gift and the grace to execute it.

g) The magicians and wise men of Egypt were unable to give meaning to Pharaoh’s dream. Beware of Satanic agents who parade themselves as ministers, deceiving many gullible believers. It is God Who gives dreams and interpretation.

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Any dream that comes from God will be too difficult for ordinary men, satanic agents, fake prophets/ministers and the rest of them, to interpret. Real interpretation of dreams comes from God Himself. The relationship you keep with God matters.

*II. THE GIFTED DANIEL * (Dan. 1; 2:10-30; 5:14)* As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams (1:17).

*SUMMARY AND RELIABLE FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DANIEL*

Daniel’s early life demonstrates that there is more to being young than making mistakes. No characteristic wins the hearts of adults more quickly than wisdom in the words and actions of a young person. Daniel and his friends had been taken from their homes in Judah and exiled. Their futures were in doubt, but they all had personal traits that qualified them for jobs as servants in the king’s palace. They took advantage of the opportunity without letting the opportunity take advantage of them.

Our first hint of Daniel’s greatness comes in his quiet refusal to give up his convictions. He had applied God’s will to his own life, and he resisted changing the good habits he had formed. Both his physical and spiritual diets were an important part of his relationship with God. He ate carefully and lived prayerfully. One of the benefits of being in training for royal service was eating food from the king’s table. Daniel tactfully chose a simpler menu and proved it was a healthy choice. As with Daniel, mealtimes are obvious and regular tests of our efforts to control our appetites.

While Daniel limited his food intake, he indulged in prayer. He was able to communicate with God because he made it a habit. He put into practice his convictions, even when that meant being thrown into a den of hungry lions. His life proved he made the right choice.

Do you hold so strongly to your faith in God that whatever happens you will do what God says? Such conviction keeps you a step ahead of temptation; such conviction gives you wisdom and stability in changing circumstances. Prayerfully live out your convictions in everyday life and trust God for the results.

*Strengths and accomplishments*

* Although young when deported, remained true to his faith

* Served as an adviser to two Babylonian kings and two Medo- Persian kings

* Was a man of prayer and a statesman with the gift of prophecy.

* Survived the lions’ den

*Lessons from his life*

* Quiet convictions often earn long-term respect

* Don’t wait until you are in a tough situation to learn about prayer

* God can use people wherever they are.

*Vital statistics*

* Where: Judah and the courts of both Babylon and Persia

* Occupation: A captive from Israel who became an adviser of kings.

* Contemporaries: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, Cyrus

*Key verse*

“This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means” (Daniel 5:12).

Daniel’s story is told in the book of Daniel. He is also mentioned in Matthew 24:15.

*SUMMARY AND RELIABLE FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHADRACH/MESHACH/ABEDNEGO*

Friendships make life enjoyable and difficult times bearable. Friendships are tested and strengthened by hardships. Such was the relationship between three young Jewish men deported to Babylon along with Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego help us think about the real meaning of friendship. As much as these friends meant to each other, they never allowed their friendship to usurp God’s place in their lives-not even in the face of death.

Together they silently defied King Nebuchadnezzar’s order to fall down and worship his gold statue. They shared a courageous act, while others, eager to get rid of them, told the king that the three Jews were being disloyal. While this was not true, Nebuchadnezzar could not spare them without losing face.

This was the moment of truth. Death was about to end their friendship. A small compromise would have allowed them to live and go on enjoying each other, serving God, and serving their people while in this foreign land. But they were wise enough to see that compromise would have poisoned the very conviction that bound them so closely each had a higher allegiance to God. So they did not hesitate to place their lives in the hands of God. The rest was victory!

When we leave God out of our most important relationships, we tend to expect those relationships to meet needs in us that only God can meet. Friends are helpful, but they cannot meet our deepest spiritual needs. Leaving God out of our relationships indicates how unimportant he really is in our own life. Our relationship with God should be important enough to touch our other relationships especially our closest friendships.

*Strengths and accomplishments*

* Stood with Daniel against eating food from the king’s table

* Shared a friendship that stood the tests of hardship, success. wealth, and possible death

* Unwilling to compromise their convictions even in the face of death

* Survived the blazing furnace

*Lessons from their lives*

* There is great strength in real friendship

* It is important to stand with others with whom we share convictions

* God can be trusted even when we can’t predict the outcome.

*Vital statistics*

*Where:* Babylon

*Occupations:* King’s servants and advisers

*Contemporaries:* Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar

*Key verses*

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).

The story of Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), and Abednego (Azariah) is told in the book of Daniel.

a) 1:17: Daniel, one of the young Jews exiled to Babylon but who wouldn’t subscribe to idolatry (v. was supernaturally gifted in understanding in all visions and dreams.

Many ministers/believers have lost many opportunities that God would have use to take them to where He has planned to take them to, simply because they are not spiritually sensitive. Some are too greedy. Daniel and his colleagues were treated like a royal members. They have best foods that were well prepared, very expensive wines and very conducive environment! still they rejected all. This is where most of ministers/christians missed Divine direction for their lives. Think of the gifts of God in you before accepting any offer or gifts. Many gifts/offer are poison to our spiritual life most especially our SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

I was invited for a programme somewhere in Lagos some years ago. After the programme, a woman came to me, she said, man of God I bought shoe for you, I immediately appreciated her but I told her this is not my size., she insisted I should just do one thing for her and her request was “please sir, just put your leg and remove it I will go and bring your size” I knew her devilish plan. We were arguing ON her request for more than one hour until God delivered me from her. When a minister/christian is not spiritually alerted we would end up not achieving God’s plan for our lives. Remember the story of young prophet and the Old prophet in the Bible. 1 Kings 13.

Eating anywhere, drinking anything and taking gifts without knowing the source can destroy you and render your spiritual gift ineffective. Beware!

*Let’s summarize Daniel 2:16-28*

*2:16-18* Daniel was at a crisis point. Imagine going to see the powerful, temperamental king who had just angrily ordered your death! Daniel did not shrink back in fear, however, but confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know. When the king gave Daniel time to find the answer, Daniel found his three friends and they prayed. When you find yourself in a tight spot, share your needs with trusted friends who also believe in God’s power. Prayer is more effective than panic. Panic confirms your hopelessness; prayer confirms your hope in God. Daniel’s trust in God saved not only himself but also his three friends and all the other wise men of Babylon.

*2:19-23* After Daniel asked God to reveal Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him, he saw a vision of the dream. Daniel’s prayer was answered. Before rushing to Arioch with the news, Daniel took time to give God credit for all wisdom and power, thanking God for answering his request. How do you feel when your prayers are answered? Excited? Surprised? Relieved? There are times when we seek God in prayer and, after having been answered, dash off in our excitement, forgetting to give God credit for the answer. Match your persistence in prayer with gratitude when your requests are answered.

*2:21* If you know that you still have much to learn in life, and if you have ever wished that you knew more about how to deal with people, then look to God for wisdom. While educational institutions provide diplomas at great expense, God gives wisdom freely to all who ask. (See James 1:5 for more on asking God for wisdom.)

*2:21* When we see evil leaders who live long and good leaders who die young, we may wonder if God is still in control. Daniel saw evil rulers with almost limitless power, but he knew that God “removes kings and sets up other kings” and that he controls everything that happens. God governs the world according to his purposes. You may be dismayed when you see evil people prosper, but God is in control. Let this knowledge give you confidence and peace no matter what happens.

*2:24* Daniel did not use his success to promote his own self- interest. He thought of others. When striving to succeed or survive, remember the needs of others.

*2:27ff* Before Daniel told the king anything else, he gave credit to God, explaining that he did not know the dream through his own wisdom but only because God revealed it. How easily we take credit for what God does through us! This robs God of the honor that he alone deserves. Instead, we should be like Daniel and point people to God so that we give him the glory.

*g) 5:14:* This statement from a gentile king implies that the gifts Daniel was using were from God whose Spirit resided in him (v. 11). Is that gift yours or God’s (Jn. 3:27; 2 Cor. 4:2)?

h) 6:10b: Your constant, consistent and cordial relationship with God, as Daniel had, will make you recognise the dreams from God apart from the ones from godless sources.

Something natural is different from spiritual ability. When you have the gifts to interpret dreams attribute the glory to God and don’t use it for business.

You don’t know where God is taken you too, until you put God ahead of your self-interest.

Kill your self-interest today and allow God’s interest to dominate your life if you want to get to the bigger place in life.

May God help us to achieve His GREAT Mandate upon ourselves and ministry in Jesus name. Amen

*LESSONS DERIVED*

1. The natural ability to dream is different from the gift of dreams.

2. Are you privileged to possess the gift of dreams and interpretation? Let the Holy Spirit moderate its usage.

*QUESTIONS*

1. Interpretations belong to God. Explain.

2. What are some things an interpreter can do to edify people and give glory to God?

Thank you for joining us today. May God bless you and grant us grace to make use of this great teachings in Jesus name. Amen

Let’s make our contributions and ask questions if you have any. God bless you