Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Manual For September 21, 2025 : Topic - HILKIAH FOUND THE BOOK OF THE LAW.

Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Manual For September 21, 2025 : Topic - HILKIAH FOUND THE BOOK OF THE LAW. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION

Theme for the Month: "ISAIAH AND RENEWAL OF THE TEMPLE"

DATE: SUNDAY, 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2025

TOPIC: HILKIAH FOUND THE BOOK OF THE LAW.

Devotional Reading: Romans 7:7-12.

Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 33:1-33.

Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:15-22, 26-27.

GOLDEN TEXT:

"Hilkiah said to Shaphan, the secretary, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD. He gave it to Shaphan." *2 Chronicles 34:15.

Objectives:

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

● Explore the significance of Hilkiah's discovery of the book of the law; 

● Appreciate the role the Scripture plays in faithful living; 

 Mention what they would do if they found information that could help the church to grow.

INTRODUCTION

Hilkiah, the high priest, found the book of the law in the temple of the Lord. He told Shaphan, the secretary, and he gave it to him, who read it. Then Shaphan went to the king and reported to him: "Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple." Then Shaphan informed the king, that Hilkiah the priest, had given him a book and Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his robes. He gave orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan and Asaiah the king's attendant to go and inquire of the Lord for him, the people and for all Judah about what was written in this book that had been found. Great was the Lord's anger that burned against His people because their fathers had not obeyed the words of the book; they had not acted in accordance with all that was written there concerning them. 

Today's lesson opens our eyes to the way Hilkiah, the high priest, found the book of the law of God in the temple and the way he handled the matter that led to the repentance of the nation of Judah. We are to remember that we are the custodians of the truth we discover from God's Word.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. HILKIAH FOUND THE BOOK OF THE LAW 

[2 Chronicles 34:15-22]

The book of the law that Hilkiah found was lost due to neglect of true worship (2 Kings 22:8-13). The book was discovered during the temple's renovation, which brought reformation (v. 34:15). Hilkiah told Shaphan, the secretary, that he had found the book of the law. He gave it to Shaphan, and Shaphan showed it to the king; Shaphan must have worked in Hilkiah's directory. The king asked Hilkiah the high priest, to check the genuineness of the book. The king tore his robes - to dem tore his robes communicate remorse, humility and repentance - after hearing the Word of God. The vital information King Josiah received helped him to eliminate pagan religious institutions, destroyed sites of worship throughout Judah in order to centralise all worship at the temple in Jerusalem. He re-established God's covenant with the Jewish people. He removed all manner of Canaanite practices. Three major reforms were carried out under the reign of King Josiah: renewal of the covenant of Yahweh with the whole nation, the destruction of idolatrous sites of worship in two kingdoms (southern and northern kingdoms) and the restoration of the celebration of Passover (2 Chronicles 34:31; 3, 9, 12-13, 30).

The success King Josiah had would not have been possible if Hilkiah had kept the book of the law he found from the king. Spiritual leaders should not withdraw the truth of the gospel of Christ from all political office holders because of what they will gain from them. Expose them to know the truth by educating them and disciplining them. If they know the truth, they will follow it, and bring changes to the nation to make it a better place.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. How do you handle vital information that can bring reformation to your church or nation? Explain the best way out. 

2. Hilkiah paid attention to his surroundings and discovered the book. When did paying attention enlighten you about a particular situation, a relationship, an event, or the world?

B. A BROKEN HEART

[2 Chronicles 34:26-27]

Enlightenment came because of the truth revealed in the book of the law that was discovered. The King and his subjects showed remorse. God showed His mercy and kindness as a result of the steps taken by Josiah. He withheld His pronounced wrath that was supposed to come upon the land. The message of hope came because Josiah was responsive to God's Word; God heard and noticed his godly humility. God's Word says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6; 5:5, 6). Josiah responded with repentance and humility. He promised to follow God's command as written in the found book. Josiah led the people in renewing their commitment to follow the Lord. Hilkiah is an example of what every spiritual leader should be.

Lead others to know God through the truth you have discovered from reading God's Word. Do not hold back any word from it because you are afraid of opposition or the people in power in the society. Whereas you think they may leave the church, they may end up being broken in spirit, and their transformation may lead others to the truth. Remember that the hidden book of the law in the temple is similar to the Bible on the bookshelf that you are reading. Similarly, an unread Bible is the same as a lost one. A fresh discovery of God's Word can mend broken relationships with God and others.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. What steps can you take to renew your commitment to reading the Bible? 

2. What practical advice would you offer a new believer to draw them closer to God?

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:

Let members of the class discuss the way political officeholders are treated as 'gods' and how some spiritual leaders hide the truth that could save them. 

Prayer:

Pray that the Hilkiah (Denominational Heads) of these days will find the lost book, Shaphan (Pastors) will interpret rightly, and King Josiah (National president and their cabinets) will be broken and lead the people to stand for God.

Take Home:

Write down three lessons (3) you are taking home from today's lesson: 

Commitment:

● Based on today's lesson, make a personal commitment to search for the truth from the Bible that will draw people back to God

Happy Sunday in Advance.

 Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!