Nigerian Baptist Convention For October 12, 2025 : Title - JEREMIAH CALLS THE PEOPLE TO OBEDIENCE

Nigerian Baptist Convention For October 12, 2025 : Title - JEREMIAH CALLS THE PEOPLE TO OBEDIENCE

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION

NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE

Theme for the Month:

"JEREMIAH AND THE PROMISE OF RENEWAL"

DATE: SUNDAY, 12TH OCTOBER, 2025

TOPIC:  JEREMIAH CALLS THE PEOPLE TO OBEDIENCE

Devotional Reading:

Luke 6:40-46.

Background Scripture:

Jeremiah 7:1-26.

Lesson Scripture:

Jeremiah 7:1-11, 21-23.

GOLDEN TEXT:

"But I gave them this command: obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you." *Jeremiah 7:23.

Objectives:

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

● Explain the significance of the Temple of the Lord and the kind of lifestyle God expects from them; 

● Resolve to obey God's commands and be consistent in their words and deeds; 

● Mention different forms of injustice and detestable things people do in the church today.

INTRODUCTION

Cherish was a young lady who grew up in a Christian home. Her parents were not wealthy, but they could afford to send her to a prestigious university in Nigeria. They encouraged her to focus on her studies on campus, to join a Christian fellowship, and serve God. She was a hardworking and very decent young lady when she entered the tertiary institution. After some weeks at the university, she ignored her parents' instructions and started to keep bad company. She became a hot girl on campus and went after 'Rich men.' She went from one party to another when she was supposed to be studying or taking classes. She became wayward even in her appearance. However, whenever she is at home, she pretended to be pious and modest in dressing.

She also appeared diligent in doing chores and in her academics. Her fake lifestyles continued for two sessions until her academic performance dropped drastically and she was at the verge of losing her studentship. The lifestyle she once considered lofty and fun led her to regret and despair, but God's intervention brought her back to her senses and stabilised her academics. Such fake, hypocritical, and dubious lives are evident among some Christians in their workplace or business today. This situation is similar to what God called Jeremiah to address in the land of Judah. Today's lesson focuses on Jeremiah's message of the call for obedience to the religious people of Judah.  

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A.JEREMIAH ASKED THE PEOPLE TO REFORM THEIR WAYS 

[Jeremiah 7:1-11]

Jeremiah's lifestyle reflects obedience and sacrifice. He listened to the voice of God (being rightly positioned for God's work), went to the correct location, the eastern gate that God asked him to stand (at the gate of the Lord's house) and proclaimed the message as received. The temple is considered the most sacred and treasured place for the Israelites. Seven gates lead to the temple court: three on the north, three on the south, and one on the east. The eastern gate, also known as the Gate of Mercy, provided the most direct access to the temple for the people of Judah during the three great festivals. This strategic gate was where God instructed Jeremiah to stand to address the religious but hypocritical people of Judah. The message of obedience consisted of the need for reformation (vv.2-3), conditions that would position them to be pardoned - (vv.4-8), and rhetorical questions, which were meant to spur them to think - 'Will you steal, commit adultery, burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not, then, say we are safe to all these detestable things? Has this house, which is called by my name become a den of robbers to you? (vv.9-11).

Jeremiah announced the certainty of God's judgment for those who trust in the 'lying word' saying, 'The temple of the Lord' over and over; (v. 4) as if worship attendance at the three great festivals was all God required. Judah's religiosity was baseless and lacked genuine commitment. Their religious sacrifices were meaningless and worthless since it was not true and acceptable religion, according to James 1:26-27.

Like the case of the people of Judah, some forms of oppression, injustice and detestable acts are still found in the church today. Vulnerable people like the fatherless, foreigners, widows, jobless, and the sick are sometimes exploited in the name of religion or service unto the Lord. The meagre of the poor is stolen through different 'transactional' offerings. Some church leaders engage in character assassination in their pursuit of positions or relevance at local churches, associations, conferences or denominational levels. It is much more worrisome when such people feel safe, smart, nonchalant, and unremorseful in doing all of these abominations.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. What are some deceptions, detestable things and injustices going on in the church today? How can we overcome them?

2. What kind of lifestyle or religion does God expect in the temple (church) where His name dwells? 

B. THE IMPERATIVE OF OBEDIENCE ABOVE SACRIFICE*

[Jeremiah 7:21-23] 

Jeremiah further established the importance of obedience to the people as directed by God. He says, 'Obey me... Walk in obedience to all I command you.' (v.23). God entered into a covenant to bless His people if they obey Him. 'I will be your God, and you will be my people' (v.23b)The people of Judah placed so much emphasis on religious sacrifices that they lost the true value of obedience. God desires a personal relationship, communion and intimacy with His worshippers. Moreover, it is through obedience that they would prosper. Prosperity also comes as a result of obedience-'Keep this Book of Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.' (Joshua 1:8). 

Obedience to God is non-negotiable. Obedience comes before sacrifice. God puts priority on obedience far above the things we do for Him. Each Christian must wake up to this reality. The church has, over the years, focused on elevating the message of the gospel of salvation with emphasis on inner piety as opposed to the qualitative gospel of the kingdom with an expanded scope of societal transformations. Mere traditions and rituals of going to church, attending conferences and the like without the real commitment to become salt and light of the world is unproductive in God's sightGod has no programme for partial obedience; total obedience to God is what is required and it indisputable. Jesus is either Lord of all or not Lord at all in any human life.

DISCUSSION TIME:

1. Mention some religious activities (or mind-sets) that Christians adhere to at the expense of fully obeying God's Word today. How can you correct this wrong mindset? 

2. Share practical examples or steps that can help Christians become honest in their words and deeds, thereby walking in complete obedience. 

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:

● Lead class members to brainstorm on the different forms of oppression, exploitation and injustice you have noticed in your local church and denomination.

Prayer:

● Pray that the Lord will give you an understanding and obedient heart. 

● Pray that the leadership of our churches will lead members to walk in obedience to God.

Take Home:

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

● ____________________________ 

● ____________________________ 

● ____________________________ 

Commitment:

● Based on today's lesson, resolve to be honest in your words and deeds this week and desist from any form of deceptive and oppressive lifestyle under the guise of religion or fake spirituality.

Happy Sunday in Advance.

Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!