Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For October 5, 2025 : Title - Let class members role play/Excerpt from a movie on the Call of Jeremiah

Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson For October 5, 2025 : Title - Let class members role play/Excerpt from a movie on the Call of Jeremiah

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

PREVIEW FOR OCTOBER

The theme for this month is 'Jeremiah and the Promise of Renewal'. Jeremiah is one of the major prophets through which God made His counsel known to the nation of Israel at a time when they were about to come under the Babylonian captivity. The meaning of Jeremiah is 'Yahweh exalts' or 'Yahweh has established,' These meanings were reflected in Jeremiah's calling and commission. Although he most likely came from the lineage of Abiatha, the priest that Solomon banished to Anathoth (1 Kings 2:26-27), he was exalted and greatly established by God to serve as His mouthpiece - a Prophet. Jeremiah started his ministry in the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign (Jeremiah 1:2) around 627 BCE. He continued during the reigns of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin and to the reign of Zedekiah, that is, from 597 to 586 BCE when Babylon eventually took over the land of Judah and Jerusalem. It is worthy of note that Jeremiah's first response to God's call and the beginning of his ministry was not smooth and easy.

• The early ministry of Jeremiah: God told Jeremiah that He had planned to use him as a prophet before he was born.

" Jeremiah calls the people to obedience: The lifestyle of Jeremiah was that of obedience to God and sacrifice, in like manner, He called the people to do same.

" The story of the Rechabites: God used Jeremiah to invite the Rechabites to the house of the Lord. God's law in the heart: God enters a new relationship based on forgiveness of sin with His people.

Below are the suggested teaching methods to prepare and teach the lesson. They can be used during the general opening or in the class.

October 5: Let class members role play/Excerpt from a movie on the Call of Jeremiah

October 12: Discussion: Let three class members discuss the subheading. There should be room for questions, suggestions, observation, and contributions.

October 19: Questions and Answers: Prepare three questions from the passage and involve class members in answering within allotted time.

October 26: Summarisation: Class members should read the Golden Text (Jeremiah 31:33b) from different versions of the Bible and summarise it in their own words.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Sunday, October 5, 2025

THE EARLY MINISTRY OF JEREMIAH

Devotional Reading: Jeremiah 1:11-19

Background Scriptures: Jeremiah 1:1-10; 6:10- 11;8:18;9:2; 26:1-24*

Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 1:6-10; 26:8-9, 12-15

GOLDEN TEXT

But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young." You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Jeremiah 1:7

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

I. State reasons people give for not wanting to obey God's call to service or go into ministry;

II. Commit to do God's will and fulfil the call of God despite people's threats and life's trials;

III. Mention what they should do in response to God's call.

INTRODUCTION

 already a committed Christian. He sought the face of God, and discovered what God had planned for him. He overcame the fear of becoming a pastor at a very young age. He overlooked the desire for higher education, and the aspiration to pursue a more lucrative endeavour. Victor found fulfilment in the assignment God had given him. Today's lesson focuses on the call of prophet Jeremiah and his ministry (Jeremiah 1:6-10; 26:8-9, 12-15).

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Jeremiah's Excuses to God's Call. Jeremiah 1:6-7

God is indeed a sovereign Lord. He told Jeremiah that He had planned to use him as a prophet before he was born. Jeremiah responded to the call with two excuses, firstly he complained about not knowing what to say, this concerns his lack of eloquence required for such a public ministry. His second excuse was lack of experience. He felt inadequate to be God's ambassador to the nations. God told him to stop focusing on those limitations and go to everyone He would send him to and say everything He would command. If Jeremiah could do these, God promised to be with him and rescue him from every danger. Jeremiah would not have to speak his own words but what God tells him to say because God determines the message and the audience. Therefore, he has no reason to be afraid. God touched Jeremiah's mouth for sanctification, ordination and commissioning. Without a divine touch, there would not be a divine transformation in the life of God's messenger, and his ministry would be futile. Jeremiah is not different from the other Old Testament prophets.

Ne shared common issues, such as the cry for deliverance, which preceded their call by God. They were called in such a way that their calls were not in doubt. Most of them gave excuses that reflected self-doubt, however, God still used them.

God is still calling people to serve Him as He called prophets and apostles of old. He calls people for extraordinary task when they least expect and they sometimes feel they cannot accomplish it. If you have been called to serve God and humanity at this time, you do not have to be eloquent or possess several degrees. Your age is inconsequential. Your availability and willingness to serve are the basic requirements. He has an audience for you and the message. Seek the counsel of godly people, and you will be guided on how and what to do.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Mention some reasons Christians give as an excuse for rejecting God's call to serve. How will you counsel or correct such persons? 

2. What lessons can we learn from the call of Jeremiah as a servant of God toward the renewal of the church or the nation?

B. Jeremiah's Experience in God's Call. Jeremiah 26:8-9, 12-15*

Jeremiah accepted God's call, and he demonstrated unusual boldness and authority as he proclaimed the message of Yahweh to the priests, the prophets and all the people of Israel (v.7). He was threatened with death because he prophesied in the Lord's name: '... this house will be like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted?' (vv.8-9). Jeremiah's authority is based on the assurance that God has sent him and commanded him to speak (vv.12-15). Jeremiah experienced God's help in the assignment even when he expressed concerns about how long it would take for God's promise to be fulfilled and vengeance to come to pass. Some priests and prophets were not favourably disposed to His pronouncement of judgement and exile declared by God through him. Nevertheless, he spoke courageously to the people: reform your ways and actions... for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing (vv.13, 15).

The call of God, which is a privilege to everyone who agrees to serve Him, may come with trials and threats as well as strength and power. The true prophets shall be vindicated in God's way in circumstances. Though God's promise may linger, wait for it; it will surely come to pass, and it will indeed be fulfilled as it happened in the time of Jeremiah. Every Christian is a minister. Preaching and living as a God's representative may put you at a crossroads with false prophets or persecutorsbut the truth must be preached without compromise. God will back up His Word and vindicate youHis grace and power will be sufficient for you.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. What should believers' attitude be when they are being threatened for doing what is right or speaking the truth? 

2. What qualities do Ministers/ Christians need to fulfil the call of God upon their lives? Share other lessons from Jeremiah's experience.

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:

Allow everyone to participate in a brainstorming session on excuses or complaints they give to express their feeling of inadequacy. Discuss practical ways of overcoming such imposter syndrome.

Prayer

▪︎ Lord, help me to be mindful of Your call upon my life.

▪︎ Lord, give me grace and courage to deliver Your Word anytime and anywhere without fear of opposition.

Take Home

Write down three lessons you have learnt today, recall the promises of God for your life and how the knowledge of your calling has given you hope and assurance.

Commitment: Based on today's lesson, make a personal commitment not to compromise the truth because of trial and threats against your faith.