CGMI SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL – Topic: OBEDIENCE; THE EXAMPLE OF THE RECHABITES [Church of God Mission International] – SUNDAY 7th MAY 2023
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*CGMI SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL *
DATE : SUNDAY 7th MAY 2023
HYMN : S.S & S 680 “Stand Up For Jesus…”
CENTRAL THOUGHT :
Believers must attach great importance to obeying the voice of God
TOPIC :
OBEDIENCE; THE EXAMPLE OF THE RECHABITES
TEXT:
Jer 35:1-19
INTRODUCTION :
The RECHABITES were male descendants of Jonadab the son of Rechab. They are associated with the Kenites who are traced to Jethro, Moses’ father in-law (Judges 1:16; 4:11), while Jonadab was David’s nephew, whose father was Rechab (2Sam 13:3-6). Jonadab taught his offsprings to be strictly ascetic (disciplined) in their lifestyle for the rest of their lives.
Prophet Jeremiah was inspired to use the tenacious adherence of the Rechabites to the ancient instructions of their ancestor to relay a divine message to the people of God.
As it was with the people of God of years past, so it is to our present generation, to emulate the zealous adherence of the Rechabites to our FATHER’S instruction. This outstanding legacy is the focus of this study.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
_The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Provide the real identity of the Rechabites
- Explains why God had to focus on them
- Draw valuable lessons from the attitude of the Rechabites
- Identify the stimulating force behind the tenacity of the Rechabites_ BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.
WHO WERE THE RECHABITES ? (Jer 35:18-19)
The Rechabites were the descendants of Jonadab and were largely known for their strict adherence to ascetic way of life prescribed by their father. They were instructed to abstain from wine, must not sow seed or plant vineyards and must not build permanent structures as homes. They accepted all these and adapted to it as their way of life.
Figuratively, the Rechabites refers to individuals who will not compromise God’s commandments but are ready to tenaciously defend their faith in God. QUESTION 2.
WHY WAS GIDS ATTENTION DRAWN TO THE RECHABITES ? Acts 5:29
The tenacious adherence of the Rechabites to their father’s instruction was uncommon and significant in the sight of God. They knew the instruction, kept to it by all means and proclaimed to anyone who cared to know. God required this kind of adherence/commitment/loyalty to His word from His children, and He was pleased with them. At every point of decision, they knew the voice to obey. QUESTION 3.
WHAT CHALLENGE DOES THE LEGACY OF JONADAB POSE TO CHRISTIAN PARENTS ? Prov 22:6
The main challenge to parents by the legacy of Jonadab centres around training and the place we occupy in the life of the children. Jonadab became part of his children from the onset when they were stilltender and impressionable. The instruction was clear, and it is obvious he practiced it before the children. He took time and resources to groom them and they became rigidly fixed on it. Parents are to allocate time and resources towards the grooming and indoctrinating of their children in the way of the Lord. The job must not be left for teachers and other helpers alone. Parents must take charge in order to leave a desirable legacy for their offspring. QUESTION 4.
WHAT LESSON(S) DOES THE OBEDIENCE TO THE RECHABITES PRESENT TO YOUTHS OF TODAY ?
The commitment of the Rechabites to the instruction of their father long after his transition is a reflection of how closely they walked with him. While accepting modernization and advancement, there are inherited principles thatusy not be traded off. Obedience to godly instruction and cleavage to a righteous course are some of such. The principles of discipline, self-control, patience and moderation endures to all generations. So also, is humility and contentment. Christian youths should dare to be different by resisting social pressures to compromise divine standards/ancient landmarks. QUESTION 5.
WHAT WAS THE STIMULATING FORCE BEHIND THE TENACITY OF THE RECHABITES TO THEIR FATHER’S INSTRUCTION ?
The Rechabites have love for their father and had regard for his word. They saw him as a worthy mentor and role model. They trusted in their father and were well convinced that he will not deceived them. Furthermore, they demonstrated their father’s instruction and took ownership of it. It thus became their way of life, they were eager to obey it and transmit same to their young ones. Also, they redefined the meaning of success in their own context and peculiarity, and not according to popular definition. From that, they became focused, patient and grew in courage and strength of character/intergrity. QUESTION 6.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLIED LESSONS TO US AS CHILDREN OF GOD ?
This study has many vital lessons for us children of God. One of such is knowledge. Believers need to know God at personal level and have a clear understanding of His instruction. Our love and regard for God will trigger obedience in our lives, and obedience will earn us His pleasure. We need to domesticate the commandments of God as our personal princitin our affairs so that the society knows us for who we are. Believer must attach great importance to obeying the voice of God and being contended with what His will offers to us.
For their obedience to their father’s instruction, God instituted the blessings of family continuity on the Rechabites. How much more if we obey God with the same zeal. DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
The ‘Rechabites’ are in short supply today. The church is in dire need of believers who are principled after the word of God. Men and women of faith who will boldly and confidently uphold the tenets of fidelity, faithfulness and righteousness in our present society are urgently needed. They are needed in our homes, offices and churches who will uphold the loving grace of Jesus Christ that teaches us to live godly and righteously in this present life. It pays to obey our heavenly father’s commandments in this world and live with Him in the world to come. MEMORY VERSE
Galatians 1:8 “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
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