C.A.C Sunday School Manual For Leadership March 30, 2025, Lesson 11 : Topic - ABRAHAM PREPARES ISAAC FOR COVENANT LEADERSHIP

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For Leadership March 30, 2025, Lesson 11 : Topic - ABRAHAM PREPARES ISAAC FOR COVENANT LEADERSHIP  

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 CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Theme : PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP

JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025

MARCH 30, 2025.

Mothering Sunday

LESSON 11

Unit 2: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (1)

Topic: ABRAHAM PREPARES ISAAC FOR COVENANT LEADERSHIP

Memory Scripture

For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him (Genesis 18:19).

Abraham taught Isaac faith, obedience and love, preparing him for leadership in God's covenant and blessing.

BRIEF COMMENT

Abraham's unwavering faith, genuine submission, unshakeable trust and obedience, along with his humility and love for God, earne earned him God's endorsement. God trusted Abraham to pass down His commandments to his future children, even though they were not yet born. God saw Abraham's integrity and knew he would remain faithful, ensuring that his descendants would follow in his righteous footsteps. Abraham understood the significance of the covenant with God and committed to upholding it, setting an example for his descendants to follow by prioritising his love for God above all else. This is a necessary discussion as we celebrate the Mothering Sunday this year.

*DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

*Mon. 24:* She Listens But Does Not Eavesdrop (Gen. 27:5)

*Tue. 25:* She Tries Following God's Pattern (Gen. 27:6-8)

*Wed. 26:* She Corrects Isaac's Supposed Mistake (Gen. 27:8,9,10)

*Thur. 27:* She Relies Upon God's Word (Gen. 27:13-17)

*Fri. 28:* She Tries Playing Her Part (Gen. 27:16,17)

*Sat. 29:* She Sorts It Out With God's Wisdom (Gen. 27:42-45; 28:1)

*DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS*

1. Abraham prepared Isaac for covenant leadership, knowing God's promise rested on him.

2. Faith in God is crucial to pleasing Him and for leadership. Abraham demonstrated his faith to prepare Isaac.

*BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE:* Hebrews 11:17-19

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

AIM: To help us hold the perception that covenant leadership is from one generation to another.

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

i. discuss the importance of upholding covenant promises and leadership from God among His chosen ones;

ii. show the value of emulating leadership preparation from godly predecessors; and

iii. better appreciate the significance of spiritual, physical and mental preparation for covenant leadership.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: Genesis 17:2ff; 21:1-12; 22:1ff; 24:1-4; 26:5

We express gratitude to God for the conclusion of Lesson 10, "God W Prepares Adam for Leadership," which enlightens us on how God equipped Adam for leadership and how this was thwarted by the power of choice inherent in him. As leaders shaped by God, we must resolve to prioritise God's will and plans, resisting the deceptions of the devil and his allies. Let not our hearts be overly attached to worldly pursuits nor elevate human praise above God's approval. Instead, turn to God, the Creator, in times of confusion or inadequacy, trusting in His power to manage what we cannot and acknowledging that our wisdom alone is insufficient.

"Abraham Prepares Isaac for Covenant Leadership" serves as the second lesson in Unit 2: Leadership Preparation in the Old Testament. Through God's covenant with Abraham, which comprises the promised land, descendants and blessings to all nations (Genesis 22:17-18), God's faithfulness in fulfilling these promises across generations is evident. Each generation, God chooses individuals to perpetuate the covenant. Isaac, Abraham's son, was chosen for this purpose, yet he required preparation for leadership under his father's guidance.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. ABRAHAMIC COVENANT AND SEED PROMISED

II. ABRAHAM LEADS IN ISAAC'S PREPARATION

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. *ABRAHAMIC COVENANT AND SEED PROMISED (Genesis 17:2- 8,15-19; 21:1-7;26:5)*

But God said to Abraham, "Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice, for in Isaac your seed shall be called (Gen. 21:12).

a) 17:15-16: God established a covenant with Abraham, promising numerous descendants and blessings, which included Isaac's birth despite Abraham and Sarah's barrenness (21:1-3).

b) 21:4-7: Isaac's miraculous birth fulfilled God's covenant with Abraham-God's unwavering faithfulness. It underscores the foundational role of the covenant in shaping Isaac's future leadership (v.5).

c) v. 12: Through Isaac, the covenant with Abraham persisted, solidifying his role as a leader within God's chosen people and emphasising the generational blessing inherited from the covenant.

d) 17:2-8: The Abrahamic covenant ensured blessings, land and descendants, inherited by Isaac as part of the generational blessing (v. 7), shaping his leadership foundation and identity within God's chosen people.

e) v. 19: The covenant established Isaac's unique identity and purpose within God's covenant plan and chosen people. This provided divine guidance and protection for his leadership journey, showing the covenant's influence on his leadership development.

f) 26:5: Isaac inherited Abraham's spiritual heritage of faith and obedience, which significantly shaped his leadership style, fostering a strong relationship with God and a deep commitment to fulfilling God's purposes.

g) Isaac's life reveals God's faithfulness to Abraham's covenant, shaping his identity and leadership. His story underscores the importance of spiritual inheritance and obedience, and echoes a legacy of faith for generations.

*II. ABRAHAM'S LEAD IN ISAAC'S PREPARATION (Genesis 22:1ff; 24:1-4)*

In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice (22:18).

a) 22:1-3,7-8: Abraham's obedience in sacrificing Isaac showed unwavering faith and trust in God's commands, despite emotional turmoil, demonstrating confidence in God's provision and steadfastness in His promises.

c) This act of obedience exemplified Abraham's readiness to fulfil God's will, regardless of personal sacrifice, setting a profound example for Isaac's leadership journey.

d) 22:13-19: God provided a ram as a substitute, confirming His promise to Abraham and demonstrating His faithfulness.

e) This act of divine intervention strengthened Abraham's faith and served as a foundational lesson for Isaac's leadership, teaching him to trust in God's provision and promises.

f) 24:1-4: Abraham took steps to find a good wife for Isaac, making sure his servant found someone from their family to keep the covenant tradition.

g) Abraham's strategic planning and commitment to Isaac's future leadership underscores the significance of deliberate preparation and foresight in nurturing leaders within the community of God's covenant people.

h) Abraham's obedience, trusting God's commands even to sacrifice Isaac, exemplified faith in divine provision, setting an example for Isaac. God's provision of a ram affirmed this faith. Abraham's careful selection of Isaac's wife emphasised the need for deliberate leadership preparation.

LESSONS DERIVED

1 Isaac's miraculous birth highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, reinforcing the importance of our faithfulness in shaping our leadership in God's kingdom.

2 Abraham's obedience in offering Isaac and God's provision of a ram and Isaac's wife charge us to trust in God's guidance and provision as leaders.

QUESTIONS

1. Can current leaders effectively prepare future leaders through their exemplary lives?

2. How does engaging future leaders in leadership activities contribute to the growth and preparation of those under them?

*SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

ANSWER TO QUESTION 1

* Indeed, exemplary lives of godly leaders, whether in secular or religious spheres, inspire others.

* God-fearing leaders are present in both secular and spiritual organisations, reflecting a commitment to faith in various contexts.

* "Micro evangelism" in seminaries involves winning souls for Christ through godly living, prompting others to inquire about faith through observation.

* Leadership preparation can occur through observing the godly living of exemplary leaders, as seen in Nehemiah's leadership and Joshua's declaration of allegiance to God.

* Nehemiah not only led by example but also ensured his employees followed suit.

* In Joshua 24, Joshua's firm commitment to serving the LORD influenced the Israelites to pledge their allegiance to God as well.

ANSWER TO QUESTION 2

* Involving emerging leaders in leadership activities aids in their development and preparation.

* Like Abraham, actively engaging Isaac in spiritual matters contributed to his leadership formation.

* Isaac's familiarity familiarity with sacrificial practices stemmed from his involvement in such activities.

* Silent leaders risk hindering the growth of future leaders by withholding opportunities and guidance.

* Authoritarian leadership discourages collaboration and stunts the growth of potential leaders.

* Abraham's approachable and nurturing leadership style fostered growth and obedience in his children. Are we emulating his example today?

LIFE APPLICATION

reparing leaders by example and involving them is crucial for Pbuiding effective leadership in various settings such as the home, church, government and society. Examples from figures like Abraham and Isaac, Moses and Joshua, and Jesus and His disciples demonstrate the importance of mentoring and involving emerging leaders in leadership activities. Let us lead godly lives in all aspects, as those coming after us observe and learn, and let us actively involve them in righteous pursuits.

CONCLUSION

By God's grace, we have reached the end of the eleventh lesson. May He B grant us His Spirit, ability and wisdom to live according to His pattern, effectively influencing future generations for Him. Through this, our church, society, and nation will witness the rise of godly leaders.