C.A.C Sunday School Manual For March 2, 2025 Lesson 7 : Topic - The Death of Leadership (I)

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For March 2, 2025 Lesson 7 : Topic - The Death of Leadership (I)

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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 2, 2025.

LESSON 7

TOPIC: THE DEARTH OF LEADERSHIP (I)

Memory Scripturs

Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men (Psalm 12:1).

During leadership shortages, nurturing new leaders is mandatory as a beacon of hope guiding us to a better future.

BRIEF COMMENT

Our Memory Scripture reflects the deep sorrow and concern of the psalmist as they observe the scarcity of upright and dependable leaders. The psalmist's plea to God for assistance underscores the pressing need for people of integrity, loyalty and reliability to guide and govern communities, particularly during times of turmoil and moral decadence. The absence of such leaders can lead to societal upheaval, injustice and moral decline. Trustworthy leadership plays a very critical role in maintaining order and promoting righteousness everywhere. However, amidst the lament, the psalmist maintains hope in God's ability to intervene and raise faithful leaders who would lead with wisdom and righteousness. Therefore, this Scripture serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of having leaders we can rely on, and encourages us to turn to God in prayer, and trust that He will provide the guidance and leadership needed in challenging times. May we not fail Him. Amen.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. Feb. 24:* The People Forsake God (Isa. 1:1-4)

Tue. Feb. 25:* The People Wander and Scatter (Ezk. 34:6-10)

Wed. Feb. 26:* The People Are Deceived (Eph. 4:14)

Thu. Feb. 27:* The People Groan (Prov. 29:2)

Fri. Feb. 28:* The People Speak Vanity (Psa. 12:1-2)

Sat. Mar. 1:* The People Lose Divine Provisions (Isa. 3:1-3)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Amidst dearth of leadership, seek God's wisdom to support integrity- driven leaders and embrace servant-leadership.

2. In times of leadership scarcity, it's crucial to seek divine guidance in supporting leaders who uphold integrity. Additionally, adopting a servant-leadership approach allows us to reflect God's faithfulness in our actions.

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 29:2

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

AIM: To show that our world and the Church require a form of leadership modelled after Christ.

*OBJECTIVES:* By the end of this lesson, learners should:

i. be able to discuss the significance of character, both in our identity as God's chosen people and in the realm of leadership; and

ii. begin to apply the principles of living in alignment with God's pattern as essential components of a fulfilling and purposeful life.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: Judges 2:7-10; 6:13-16

Hallelujah! We are making progress with the God-given lessons in our series, "Preparing God's People for Leadership." Last week, we focused on 'Servant Leadership', aimed at helping us to emulate Christ's example. This week, we delve into "The Dearth of Leadership". In our world today, especially among believers, there is a shortage of strong leadership and virtue. Leadership isn't just about heading large organisations; every individual has influence. The crucial question is: How do you use your influence? Are you leading others towards good or bad? Whether as a parent, teacher, or shepherd, how do you influence others?

Though God is the ultimate Leader, He desires leaders for His people and calls every believer to influence and lead others. In Genesis 1:26, God ordained man to rule. Throughout Scripture, there is a pattern of divine calls to leadership. Abraham was called to establish a nation, Moses to lead Israel from slavery, and Christ for humanity's reconciliation. Yet, there is still a shortage of leadership among God's people. This disappoints God, especially when moral character isn't prioritised in leadership. This lesson aims to plunge us into this and proffer scriptural solutions, God helping us.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. CHAOS CAUSED BY GODLESS UPCOMING LEADERS

II. CALAMITY STRIKES SAMSON'S CORRUPT WAYS

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. CHAOS CAUSED BY GODLESS UPCOMING LEADERS (Judges. 2:7- 10)

When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel (v. 10).

a) 2:7: Joshua's legacy of godliness shaped Israel's faithfulness during his leadership reign, marking him as one of history's great men of God.

b) Israel remained faithful to God in the days following Joshua, celebrating His greatness through obedience and loyalty (cf. Psa. 33:12; 112:1).

c) 2:10a: The failure to pass down God's teachings to subsequent generations leads to a decline in godly leadership (cf. Deut. 4:6-9). It has never paid any generation, hence the charge of Paul to Timothy (2 Tim. 2:2).

d) 2:10b: The succeeding generations, despite divine warnings, succumbed to rebellion because they lacked the upbringing to know God personally (cf. Prov. 22:6). Imagine the kind of godless leaders such would later become. No wonder the people were just rising and falling in the mire of ungodliness in the book of Judges.

e) Without godly leadership, subsequent generations lose their personal relationship with God, falling into idolatry and moral decline (cf. Jos. 24:31; Isa. 1:3). May this not describe us.

f) The more ignorant God's people become of His Word, the more they digress from God, the more terrible the leaders growing out of them become, and worst still, the more the situation of the people, all-round (Prov. 29:2).

*II. CALAMITY STRIKES SAMSON'S CORRUPT WAYS (Judges. 13-16)*

Then Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" And he pushed with all his might and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it (Judg. 16:30a).

a) 13:1-7: Samson was sent to deliver Israel from oppression. The loving God intervenes during hard times (6:1; Neh. 9:26-29).

b) vv. 8-25: God appointed Samson as Israel's leader and deliverer from their 40-year suffering (Psa. 139:1ff), but his recklessness and disregard for God's commands (cf. Jdg. 14:1-4) finished him-danger of youthful folly (Exo. 34:16; Deut. 7:3; 2 Cor. 6:14).

c) 14:5ff: Despite his flaws, God used him to save Israel with amazing strength. God works through the flawed (Psa. 29:11; Isa. 40:29-31) but they must beware lest they fumble (1 Cor. 10:11,12).

d) 15:1ff: Samson's imprudent decisions led to conflicts and his eventual downfall (cf. Prov. 16:7). Unfortunate is the state of a nation where its ruler acts immaturely, stupidly and corruptly (Eccl. 10:16; cf. Prov. 29:2).

e) 16:10-31: Only spiritual fools like Samson and Esau (Gen. 25:29ff) would trade their 'birthrights' for any 'food.'

f) vv. 18-31: Most sadly, despite repentance, Samson faced the consequences of his foolishness; died alongside his enemies (cf. Prov. 16:7). You won't escape the results of those leadership misdemeanours.

g) Samson's story warns against reckless leadership and compromising principles for personal gain. We need wisdom, obedience to God's commands, and integrity in leadership to ensure the well-being of those we lead.

LESSONS DERIVED

1. When people neglect to nurture the younger generations properly, disaster looms.

2. Be cautious, for the way you handle God's grace upon your life determines your present and future outcomes.

QUESTIONS

1. Examine the implications of the younger generation growing up without the knowledge of the Lord, following the steps of their fathers.

2. Is there similarity between the failures of contemporary gospel ministers and the predicament faced by Samson?

SUGGESTED ANSWER TO QUESTIONS

ANSWER TO QUESTION 1.

Each generation has a lifespan for whatever the generation live for.

Because the knowledge of God wasn't transmitted to them, acknowledging God became difficult, hence the failure on their part; they worshipped strange gods and hence were not committed to God.

* Israel sinned and fell into oppressions. Consequently, they were deprived of God's presence, favour and guidance for directions and instructions.

* A person can only give what he has, implying that the generation behind them will fall victim as well.

ANSWER TO QUESTION 2.

All ministers of the gospel are called to different assignments but for a singular purpose irrespective of our birth.

* Every minister should step up and develop the vision he may have received from Christ. A minister who is not careful, like Samson, will face the same result of doom.

* It is a pity today that some have chosen to seek after worldly and perishable things.

* Samson lacked a sense of divine destiny, being selfish, proud, and self- centred without building relationships with brethren or those who could support his ministry.

* Ministers in Samson's position sometimes misuse divine gifts and wield their power recklessly for personal gain.

* Some fail today because they neglect self-improvement, being temperamental and revengeful.

* Samson trusted in his potentials but never communed, prayed, or sought divine direction. Similarly, some ministers grow too proud to be taught, spoken to, trained, mentored, or corrected.

APPLICATION

Leaders, whether in politics, business, or any other field, face three critical tests: the legality, ethics and morality of their actions, inactions and decisions that affect the public. It's vital for leaders to ask themselves: Are my actions lawful? Are they ethical? Are they morally upright? If any answer is negative, it's a sign to reassess their approach. Unfortunately, we've seen instances where integrity is diminishing in public life. To truly serve God and humanity, leaders must uphold impeccable standards of behaviour.

CONCLUSION

We thank God for the close of this life-enriching lesson. As generations pass, beliefs and cultural norms evolve, leading to a world that may seem unfamiliar and departing from scriptural principles. However, Jesus and His teachings remain constant and unchanging. Even if we face challenges and persecution for upholding these truths, let us embrace them courageously, following the example of our spiritual predecessors. Those who love God will be honoured by Him.

*NOTE*