C.A.C Sunday School Manual For February 16, 2025 Lesson 5 : Topic - Integrity And Character In Leadership

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For February 16, 2025 Lesson 5 : Topic - Integrity And Character In Leadership

Read previous CAC Devotionals here

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Theme PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP

JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025

FEB. 16, 2025.

LESSON 5

UNIT 1: INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER IN LEADERSHIP

Memory Scripture

The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them (Proverbs 11:3)

Integrity and character are essential for leadership. Leaders who have these qualities build trust, earn respect and create lasting positive change.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. 10: Walk In Integrity And Be Secured (Prov. 10:9)

Tue. 11: Walking In Integrity Pleases God (Prov. 19:1) *Wed. 12:* Walking In Integrity Brings Blessing (Prov. 20:7)

Thu. 13:* Watch Your Character and Teaching (1 Tim. 4:6-11)

Fri. 14:* Watch Your Conversation And Conduct (1 Tim. 4:12-16)

Sat. 15:* Well Reported For Good Works (Acts 6:3; 1 Tim. 5:10)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

Lack of integrity, and character flaws often hinder the leaders' success.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 Samuel 12:1-5; Daniel 2: 14-19; 6:1ff

We discussed "The Legacy of a Godly Leader." Well emphasised e had a great eye opener last week on legacy and leadership as is the fact that leadership is a legacy. The legacy of King David, which God used as a model for other kings in Israel, was brought to the fore.

Today's lesson is the fifth in the series and is basically on integrity and character in leadership. Character is like a smoke that cannot be hidden, no matter how hard one tries. It shows who you are. Bad character makes you a victim of circumstance, while the good one brings honour, favour, charm and all-round goodness. Integrity on the other hand, is what you need to protect your image and reputation from being tainted.

God is helping us to consider the faultless integrity of Samuel and the untainted character of Daniel. May the Holy Spirit assist us to embrace integrity and character, in Jesus' name. Amen.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. THE FAULTLESS INTEGRITY OF SAMUEL

II. THE UNTAINTED CHARACTER OF DANIEL

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. THE FAULTLESS INTEGRITY OF SAMUEL (1 SAM. 12:1-5)

Here I am. Witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed ( 12:3a).

a) vv. 1ff: Prophet Samuel had a unique ministry, with the track record of divine manifestation and faultless integrity that spanned from childhood till old age (1:18-21; 3-4; 8:1-7).

b) vv. 1-2: The transition from theocratic rule to monarchy in Israel was influenced by Samuel's sons' corruption and the people's desire to emulate other nations; obviously not because Samuel lacked integrity as their leader (8:1-7).

c) v. 3: His unwavering integrity emboldened him to challenge the people to testify against him before the Lord, if he had committed any wrongdoing deserving rejection (cf. Prov. 28:1).

d) Below are some integrity checkers (indicators) as seen in Samuel:

* v. 3b: Whose ox..., or...donkey have I taken.... Integrity says, "Don't use your office as a leader to swindle others."

* v. 3c: Or whom have I cheated? Godly leaders with proven integrity are no cheats. They prefer to be cheated than to cheat others.

* v. 3d: Whom have I oppressed... Using one's high position to oppress others is a common practice today, but integrity opposes it.

* v.3e: Or from whose hand have I received any bribe... to blind my eyes... Bribe definitely blinds (Deut. 16:19). Integrity says, "don't take any bribe" (Exod. 23:8; Psa. 15:5; 26:10).

e) vv. 4-5: Incredibly, the people couldn't press any charge against this great leader with proven integrity. You shouldn't be less!

II. THE UNTAINTED CHARACTER OF DANIEL (Dan.2: 14-19; 6:1ff).

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm (6:3).

a) v. 3: Character distinguishes a man in life, and Daniel was an epitome of good character. He distinguished himself... This wasn't the first time he would distinguish himself. He had made some godly resolutions in the past (1:8, 2:14ff). Dare to be like him!

b) ...because an excellent spirit was in him (v. 3a)-the distinguishing factor in Daniel. What is it? The Spirit of God Who distinguishes and makes one exceptional in all ramifications (5:11,12; Num. 14:24; Isa. 11:2-3; Rom. 8:14)..

c) And the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm... (v. 3b). Good, exceptional and exemplary character usually leads to honour and exaltation.

d) 2:14-19 show how selfless Daniel was-character. He placed his life on the line to avert death on others.

e) Clearly, Daniel must have cultivated his impeccable character and integrity prior to the exile, likely through the godly influence of his parents and religious mentors. Any lesson son for us today?

f) 6:16-28: Character doesn't only distinguish; it attracts several opportunities, including victory over enemies. Don't compromise your right standing because you are hated (Matt. 5: 10).

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Integrity entails having a good reputation among people and being in right standing with God, which is highly valued in His sight.

2. Character will not only set you apart (distinction), it will set you above (exaltation).

QUESTIONS

1. What are the indicators of proven integrity, and why are they increasingly elusive today?

2. Daniel showed class by his exceptional character. Explain.

NOTE