C.A.C Sunday School Manual For May 18, 2025 Lesson 18, Topic - Elijah Grooms Elisha for Prophetic Leadership

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For May 18, 2025 Lesson 18, Topic - Elijah Grooms Elisha for Prophetic 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

MAY 18, 2025.

 LESSON 18

 Unit 3: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (II)

TOPIC: ELIJAH GROOMS ELISHA FOR PROPHETIC LEADERSHIP

 Memory Scripture

And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal (2 Kings 2:1)

Elijah's mentorship of Elisha ignited prophetic zeal, showing the importance of empowering successors to carry forth the torch of godly leadership with unwavering conviction.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

1. The mentor and mentee's shared godly mind and spirit are crucial for the mentee's success.

2. When godly interest becomes wanting between the leader and the follower, the ultimate goal will be defeated.

3. BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3:1-10*

4. AIM AND OBJECTIVES

AIM: To encourage leadership commitment to grooming sound followers who should themselves be cooperative in the process.

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

i. discuss the concept of grooming followers God's way, as well as the need for discipleship;

il. show that godly leadership breeds godly successors; and ili, identify faithful, submissive, determined and purposeful followership

under godly leaders as a path to divine fulfilment.

INTRODUCTION

TEXT SOURCE: 1 Kings 19:16,19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-15; 3:11; 4:1ff

To God be the glory for guiding us through the first two units (lessons 1 - 17). Last week, we delved into the topic DAVID UNDER GODLY INFLUENCES, exploring how his obedience to his father indirectly prepared him, and how his selfless commitment as a shepherd ultimately led him to the throne.

This week marks the beginning of unit III with the lesson titled 'Elijah Grooms Elisha for Prophetic Leadership'. Directed by God, Elijah anointed Elisha who wholeheartedly followed him, leaving behind his possessions to serve God and humanity. Let us thank God for Elisha's example and pray that we never miss our God-sent leaders nor fail to properly groom our God-sent successors, in Jesus' name.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. ELIJAH COMMITS TO GROOMING ELISHA 

II. ELISHA POURS WATER ON ELIJAH'S HANDS

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. ELIJAH COMMITS TO GROOMING ELISHA 

(1 Kg 19:16; 2 Kgs. 2:1- And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place (1 Kg 19:16b).

a) 1 Kgs. 19:16b: God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha, the son of Shaphat, as his successor. God never jokes with the selection and preparation of future leaders according to His plan.

b) 2 Kgs. 2:1: Elijah mentored Elisha, enabling him to walk and work alongside him. Their final journey symbolised the continuity of ministry, as Elijah passed the prophetic mantle to his disciple.

c) v. 2: Elijah tested Elisha's resolve. Disciples face deliberate challenges under the guidance of godly mentors (cf. Matt. 26:40-41).

d) vv. 9,10: Despite Elisha's request for a double portion of his spirit, Elijah didn't envy his aspirations. True mentors are selfless, and they genuinely support their mentees.

e) V.  9: Seeing Elisha's persistence, Elijah granted him the much anticipated opportunity. True leaders afford their mentees such opportunities for empowerment and future success.

f). v. 15: Elijah's mentorship of Elisha shaped Elisha into a respected prophet. Investing in discipleship yields significant impact, as seen in Elisha's journey. True leaders aim to cultivate godliness and success in their followers On. 14:12).

Elijah exemplifies not only exceptional leadership abilities but also a sincere commitment to mentoring and fulfilling a godly role in the life of his mentee. This underscores the multifaceted nature of effective leadership and discipleship.

II. ELISHA POURS WATER ON ELIJAH'S HANDS 

(1 Kings. 19:19-21; 2Kings. 2:2,9;3:11;4:1ff)

So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, "Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah" (2 Kgs. 3:11b):

a) 1 Kgs. 19:19-21: Despite his success as a farmer, Elisha willingly submitted to Elijah's mentorship, showing that true anointing doesn't reject authority.

b) 2 Kgs. 2:2: Elisha exemplified faithful service by remaining devoted to his master until the end. Great blessings come from persistence.

c) v. 9: Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit rather than material wealth, demonstrated his desire for spiritual empowerment to carry on his mentor's work (cf. 1 Kgs. 3:9-14).

d) vv. 2,9: Elisha's determination to follow Elijah, coupled with his desire for the power of the living God, exemplified his commitment to spiritual growth.

e) 3:11b: Elisha's humble act of pouring water on Elijah's hands proved his faithfulness, simplicity and devotion in serving. These revealed his unwavering commitment to his mentor.

f) 4:1ff: Elisha performed more miracles than Elijah, indicating the continuity of God's power through successive generations (1 Kgs. 17:14)—reward of Elisha's diligent waiting, focused service and selfless desire to continue his master's work and honour his legacy (cf. 2: 9,12).

g) Preparation for leadership starts with humble service and dedication to serving Christ and His people faithfully. Elisha's transition from servanthood to leadership exemplifies how true leadership is nurtured through humble obedience.

 LESSONS DERIVED

1. Leaders should aspire for their followers to surpass them, guiding them towards their destinies as Elijah did for Elisha.

2. Fulfilling the Lord's plan requires determination to finish the grooming process without stopping halfway.

 QUESTIONS

1. Compare and contrast the leader-follower relationship of Elijah and Elisha with what obtains in the contemporary Church.

2. Is there any follower/disciple beyond grooming or discipleship?