CAC Sunday School Manual For November 8, 2025: Lesson 42 : Title - BIBLE STUDY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

CAC Sunday School Manual For November 8, 2025: Lesson 42 : Title - BIBLE STUDY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON PREVIEW CLASS

THEME: PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE FOR LEADERSHIP 

JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2025

NOV. 09, 2025 

LESSON 42

Unit 6: Leadership Preparing Issues In The Contemporary World 

Topic: BIBLE STUDY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

 Memory Scripture

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10)

How much you study the Bible directly impacts how well you lead God's people.

BRIEF COMMENT

Ezra, the Priest, returned to Jerusalem to re-establish the Mosaic Law among the returnee Jews. A skilled scribe and expert in the Law of Moses, he was chosen by God in the exile to instruct the people in God's statutes and rules. His dedication to studying and obeying the Law set an example for others to follow. Through his personal study of God's Word, Ezra made a difference and influenced others to obey it. Encouraging personal Bible study among believers, nurtures growth and cultivates well-groomed leaders for God's Church.

Our DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS stated that:

1. The depth of your personal engagement with God's Word will reflect in your leadership performance.

2. Bible study is crucial for leadership preparation and development.

 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Joshua 1:8

COMMENT

 *Joshua 1:6-8* Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless n desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that to succeed Joshua must 

(1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, 

(2) obey God's law, and 

(3) constantly read and study the Book of Instruction-God's Word. To be successful, follow God's words to Joshua. 

You may not succeed by the world's standards, but you will be a success in God's eyes and his opinion is most important.

*AIM:* To emphasise the importance of studying God's Word in leadership preparation.

INTRODUCTION

 TEXTUAL SOURCE: Ezra 7:6,10; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Our focus this week is on "Bible Study and Leadership Development." A key aspect of effective leadership development is personal Bible study, which transforms lives and enables individuals to lead others effectively. May this lesson encourage both individuals and the Church to take personal Bible study seriously, recognising its importance in nurturing effective leaders.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. EZRA'S EXAMPLE

II. EMPOWERED BY THE WORD INTAKE

SHORT STORY OF EZRA

It is not personal achievement but personal commitment to live for God that is important. Achievements are simply examples of what God can do through someone's life. The most effective leaders spoken of in the Bible had little awareness of the impact their lives had on others. They were too busy obeying God to keep track of their successes. Ezra fits that description.

About 80 years after the rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel, Ezra returned to Judah with about 2,000 men and their families. He was given a letter from Artaxerxes instructing him to carry out a program of religious education. Along with the letter came significant power. But long before Ezra's mission began, God had shaped him in three important ways so that he would use the power well. First, as a scribe, Ezra dedicated himself to carefully study-ing God's Word. Second, he intended to apply and obey personally the commands he discovered in God's Word. Third, he was committed to teaching others God's Word and its application to life.

Knowing Ezra's priorities, it is not surprising to note his actions when he arrived in Jerusalem. The people had disobeyed God's command not to marry women of foreign nations. On a cold and rainy day, Ezra addressed the people and made it clear that they had sinned. Because of the sins of many, all were under God's condemnation. Confession, repentance, and action were needed. The people admitted their sin and devised a plan to deal with the problem.

This initial effort on Ezra's part set the stage for what Nehemiah would later accomplish. Ezra continued his ministry under Nehemiah, and the two were used by God to start a spiritual movement that swept the nation following the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Ezra achieved great things and made a significant impact because he had the right starting place for his actions and his life: God's Word. He studied it seriously and applied it faithfully. He taught others what he learned. He is, therefore, a great model for anyone who wants to live for God.

 *Strengths and accomplishments* 

* Committed to study, follow, and teach God's Word

* Led the second group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem

* May have written 1 and 2 Chronicles

* Concerned about keeping the details of God's commands

* Sent by King Artaxerxes to Jerusalem to evaluate the situation, set up a religious education system, and return with a firsthand report

* Worked alongside Nehemiah during the last spiritual awakening recorded in the Old Testament

 *Lessons from his life* 

* A person's willingness to know and practice God's Word will have a direct effect on how God uses his or her life

* The starting place for serving God is a personal commitment to serve him today, even before knowing what that service will be

 *Vital statistics* 

* Where: Babylon, Jerusalem

* Occupations: Scribe among the exiles in Babylon, king's envoy, teacher

* Relative: Father: Seraiah

* Contemporaries: Nehemiah, Artaxerxes

 *Key verse* 

"Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel" (Ezra 7:10).

Ezra's story is told in Ezra 7:1-10:16 and Nehemiah 8:1-12:36.

*LESSON EXPOSITION* 

I. EZRA'S EXAMPLE (Ezra 7:6,10)

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10).

a) v. 6: Ezra's growth stemmed from his love for God's Word, becoming a skilled scribe even in Babylon. He focused on the Law of Moses, not Babylonian writings. Unlike some believers today, studying God's Word wasn't burdensome for him.

b) He was raised by God to instruct His people in the Law as a skilled scribe. Are you ready and equipped for God's purpose?

 c) Ezra agreed that studying the Law reveals God's purpose and changes people's lives (cf. Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:10). By investing time in the Word, he listened to God and spoke as inspired by Him. All believers, including ministers, should follow Ezra's example.

 d) v. 6b: The king granted all of Ezra's requests because God favoured him for his dedication to His Word. This favour enabled him to gain the king's upport and fulfil his role as a leader and teacher of God's Law.

 e) v. 10:1 zra consistently sought and obeyed the Law of the LORD with a

prepared heart. His obedience wasn't occasional; he continually practised its teachings in his life. Simply reading, studying, or teaching the Bible without living by its principles leads to spiritual stagnation, evident in some Church leaders, today.

f) And to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. By immersing himself in God's Word, Ezra grew spiritually, guiding others to follow suit. He applied God's Word in his daily life, becoming highly proficient in teaching and action-an impactful leadership approach.

g) Spiritual growth occurs as we apply God's Word in our lives. Sadly, many Christians in leadership roles aren't growing spiritually and may even be declining.

*II. EMPOWERED BY THE WORD INTAKE (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)* 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

a) 2 Tim. 3:16a: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The Bible not only contains God's Word; it is God's inspired Word, His very utterance. This underscores its divine origin, making it entirely consistent, reliable and authoritative.

b) Acts 17:11a: The Bereans' testimony: ...they received the word with all readiness (eagerness RSV). To grow, one must be willing to listen and receive God's Word, reflecting a deep love for it, a trait worth emulating.

c) v. 11b: ...searched the Scriptures daily. The Bereans' dedication to searching the Scriptures is invaluable. Their daily commitment to God's Word sets a remarkable example worth following.

 d) ...to find out whether these things were so (true NIV); (truth NLT). God's Word empowers us to grasp the truth. It is essential to follow the Berean pattern of studying the Bible to avoid deception. It significantly aids in preparing leaders to understand and uphold God's Word truthfully.

 e) 2 Tim. 3:16: ...is profitable for doctrine... It empowers believers and leaders with sound principles, reflecting God's wisdom for living and teaching in every aspect of life.

f) for reproof, for correction. God's Word refutes and rebukes errorг, combats heresy, and helps resist temptation (Matt. 4:3-11). It convicts and indisputably shows the Truth, guiding towards righteousness (Eph. 4:28; 5:33; 1 Cor. 7:2; 2 Tim. 2:15).

 g) For instruction in righteousness... Godly living can be achieved through adhering to biblical teachings. It reveals details on how to live a godly life (Psa. 1:1-6; Matt. 5:2ff).

h) v. 17: God's Word empowers believers to mature and be fully equipped for every good work, including leadership, fulfilling the purpose of our salvation (Eph. 2:8-10).

i) The Bible guides us through life's challenges, teaching us how to behave, and offering comfort during tough times. Every leader needs these to be truly effective and successful.

LESSON DERIVED

1. To grow meaningfully, one must view reading and studying the Bible as more than just intellectual and spiritual exercises; it should be lived out daily.

2. Consistent growth in daily Bible study empowers believers for every good work, leadership inclusive.

*QUESTIONS* 

1. How does personal Bible study affect the growth of believers?

2. What is the importance of the Scripture to the believer?