NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR MAY 25, 2025 : TOPIC - A COVENANT RENEWAL

NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR MAY 25, 2025 : TOPIC - A COVENANT RENEWAL

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Sunday, May 25, 2025

A COVENANT RENEWAL

Devotional Reading: Jeremiah 31:27:34

Background Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-10:39

Lesson Scripture: Nehemiah 10:28-39

GOLDEN TEXT

We will not neglect the house of our God. Nehemiah 10:39b

*Objectives:* By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

I. Discover and mention three things the people did to establish their commitment to their oath;

II. Explain the decision to renew their commitment to be faithful to God and to the house of God,

III. Express commitment to make their contribution to the ongoing projects of the church.

*INTRODUCTION*

A covenant is a mutual agreement or contract between persons with conditions and responsibilities expected of both parties spelt out. God has, at different times, made covenants with people in the Bible. He made use of different elements as the sign for His covenants. God is ever faithful to His covenant, always keeping its terms and conditions. Whenever there is a breach in the terms of the covenant, it is traceable to humans. Joshua led the people of Israel, after they had settled in the Promised Land to make a covenant with God to be faithful to Him

constantly and to serve Him. But not long after, they broke their covenant, and they suffered the consequences (Joshua 24). Thanks be to God, who always calls His children to order by renewing their covenant with Him whenever there is a breach in the agreement.

Today's lesson will explore how the covenant that had been broken for ages was renewed. The study will also reveal how those who are committed to follow God intimately would fulfil their obligations to Him.

*THE LESSON EXPLAINED*

*A. Renewed Commitment to Follow God's Law.Nehemiah 10:28-29*

The Jewish returnees renewed their commitment to separate themselves from the neighbouring peoples, who wanted the Jews to become a part of their social, religious, and business society. This was against the Law of God given to Moses. The priest and the scribe taught them the difference between the holy and the common and showed them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean (Ezekiel 44:23). They must separate themselves in total devotion to God, no matter the cost. Ezra, the scribe, and other Levites and priests played a significant role in this revival that resulted from an understanding of the Word of God.

From the returnees' experiences, we can perceive the significance of the Word of God, the roles of pastors and other leaders of God's people, and how genuine repentance should lead to a revival of commitment to do God's will. Whereas the Levites, priests and other religious leaders led in initiating revival, the people also had the responsibility to abandon sin and commit themselves to faithful service to God. Believers today need a revival, which is characterised by genuine repentance that leads to committed service to God and humanity.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. Describe those things that should characterise genuine revival. 

2. How do Christians show commitment to God?

*B. Renewed Commitment to Consecration and Responsibility. Nehemiah 10:30-36*

The people of Judah had learnt their lessons in a hard way. They knew that they had disappointed God in the areas of their responsibility to His course. As part of the agreement, which they signed with God, they made the following promises:

▪︎  That they would not give their daughters out in marriage to the people around them neither will they allow their sons to marry their daughters.

▪︎ Their neighbouring peoples would not influence them to go against God's instruction on Sabbath day or any holy day.

 ▪︎ They would neither buy from them nor sell to them on holy days, like Sabbath and other holy days.

▪︎  They would observe every seventh year for the land to rest. ▪︎ They would forgo working on the land and cancel all debts.

▪︎ They would give to the house of God as commanded.

▪︎ They would always be responsible for the provision of needed materials for the house of God. 

▪︎ They would give to God the firstfruits of their crops and other fruit trees. 

In addition, they made the promise that they would bring their firstborn sons, cattle, and herds to the priests for dedication in the temple. Their commitments were reflected in their decisions.

 ▪︎ They vowed to be responsible to God and spelt out the indices of this responsibility one after the other. Commitment to God always comes with practical responsibilities, and believers need to always examine themselves to see whether they are strengthening their commitment to God or reneging on it.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. Mention different ways people react to God's instructions today in the church and suggest the proper ways to respond to them. 

2. Suggest practical ways Christians can renew their commitment to God, both in the church and in the society.

*C. Renewed Commitment to God's House and Servants. Nehemiah 10:37-39*

As part of their covenant renewal exercise, the people pledged their faithfulness to the house of God and the care of His servants. They promised to bring to the storerooms of the house of God the required offerings and tithes of their crops so that there would be provision for the priests and the Levites. Provision for temple workers was taken care of in the Law through the offerings and tithes that the people brought. The Levites, too, were to offer tithes of the tithe (v. 38).

Genuine revival comes with the willingness to give up our substances for the furtherance of the work of God in the church and beyond. Adequate provision must be made for the care of those who minister in God's house, especially pastors and other full-time ministers (1 Corinthians 9:13).

We are stewards of God's wealth. We are not to hoard God's grace but to give in proportion to how God has prospered us (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). We must give our time, substances, and endowments - personality, influence, spiritual gifts, and talents to God. If people who were under the Old Testament law could bring tithes, much more is expected of us who live under the New Covenant of God's abundant grace?

Modern-day Christians need to renew their commitments to giving God the tithes of all He has given them, as well as regular offerings in proportion to how God blesses them.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. Identify two attitudes that the people resolved to change. 

2. Why do some believers find it difficult to give generously towards God's work?

*Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity*

Let class members write out some responsibilities they are willing to take up in the church because of today's lesson.

*Prayer*

▪︎ Father, forgive me my sins.

▪︎  Lord, I renew my commitment with You. Grant me the grace to always stand up for You.

*Take Home:* Write down three lessons you are taking home from today's lesson.

*Commitment:* Based on today's lesson, renew your commitment to your responsibilities to God and your church. Be available and support your church mission financially.

*REVIEW FOR THE MONTH*

Since the beginning of this month, we have been studying about unique offerings and the sanctuary.

 ▪︎ We believe that the lessons have given us insights into how we should handle our offerings, take good care of the house of God, and cultivate the right attitude of giving.

▪︎ What should be our attitude towards God's house?

▪︎ In giving to God, are we to give all or give our best?

▪︎ When we give our best to the work of God, what would be the outcome?