C.A.C Sunday School Lesson For March 22, 2026, Lesson 10: Title - Preserving God's Word

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Nigeria & Overseas

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Theme: The Bible: God’s Message to Man

January – December 2026

Unit II:

Preservation and Dissemination of God’s Word

Date: March 22, 2026

Lesson 10

Topic: Preserving God’s Word

Memory Verse

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” — Isaiah 40:8

God’s Word has been faithfully passed down through generations and continues to guide, instruct, and transform lives all over the world.

BRIEF COMMENT

The memory verse reminds us that everything in this world is temporary, but God’s Word remains permanent and unchanging. Just as grass dries up and flowers fade away, the things of this world may disappear, but the promises and truth of God endure forever.

This truth is closely connected to today’s lesson on Preserving God’s Word. Although God has made His Word eternal, believers have the responsibility to protect, teach, and faithfully pass it on to others. Through careful study, faithful teaching, and daily obedience, we ensure that the message of the Bible continues to guide and transform lives for generations to come.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Monday: The Purpose of the Scripture — 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Tuesday: Teaching God’s Word to Future Generations — Deuteronomy 6:6–9

Wednesday: The Eternal Nature of God’s Word — Psalm 119:89–91

Thursday: The Divine Origin of Scripture — 2 Peter 1:20–21

Friday: Warning Against Altering God’s Word — Revelation 22:18–19

Saturday: The Public Reading of God’s Word — Nehemiah 8:1–8

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

God’s Word is a priceless gift. We must live by it, teach it faithfully, and share it regularly so that it can transform lives across generations.

Preserving God’s Word is both a responsibility and a privilege. By guarding and spreading His truth, we keep His message of hope and salvation alive for the future.

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE

Psalm 119:89–112

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Aim

To help learners understand how God’s Word has been preserved throughout history and why it must continue to be protected and taught.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Explain how God’s Word has been transmitted and preserved through history.

Demonstrate greater commitment to teaching and safeguarding the Scriptures.

Emphasize the role of the Church in preserving the Bible without alteration.

INTRODUCTION

Textual Sources

Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 24:44; John 14:26;

1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:22; 2 Peter 3:15–16; Revelation 7:9.

In the previous lesson, “God’s Word in Creation and the Law,” we learned how God’s Word shaped the world and established His divine laws. The Scriptures reveal God’s power in creation, His moral standards, and His desire for humanity to live in obedience and fellowship with Him.

In today’s lesson, we will examine how God’s Word has been preserved throughout history. We will study how the Scriptures were carefully copied, how the books of the Bible were selected and recognized (canonization), and the role believers play in protecting and spreading the Word of God. This lesson highlights the remarkable journey of the Bible and reminds us that preserving God’s Word is a continuing responsibility for every believer.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. The Transmission and Canonisation of God’s Word

II. The Preservation of God’s Word by Believers

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. The Transmission and Canonisation of God’s Word

(Deut. 6:6–7; Luke 24:44; John 14:26; 2 Tim. 3:16; Rev. 7:9)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16

a. Before the Scriptures were written, God’s Word was transmitted orally. Patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob passed down God’s promises and teachings to their children.

b. Later, God instructed certain leaders to record His messages. For example, Moses wrote down God’s commands (Exodus 24:4), and Jeremiah recorded God’s words through a scribe (Jeremiah 36:4). This marked the beginning of the written preservation of Scripture.

c. Jewish scribes carefully copied the Scriptures to maintain accuracy. Scholars such as the Masoretes preserved the Hebrew text with great dedication and reverence.

d. God’s intention is for His Word to reach every nation. The Bible has therefore been translated into many languages. Early translations such as the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate helped spread the Scriptures widely.

e. The Old Testament was recognized and affirmed by Jewish leaders and by Jesus Himself (Luke 24:44). The New Testament books were accepted based on apostolic authorship, sound doctrine, and recognition by the early Church.

f. The Holy Spirit guided the process of canonization, ensuring that the Scriptures recognized as the Bible were truly inspired by God (John 14:26; 2 Tim. 3:16–17).

g. The Masoretes (6th–10th century AD) added vowel markings and notes to preserve the correct pronunciation and meaning of the Hebrew text, forming what is known today as the Masoretic Text.

h. Through oral tradition, written manuscripts, translations, and canonization, God has ensured that His Word remains accurate and accessible for every generation.

II. The Preservation of God’s Word by Believers

(Deut. 6:6–9; Matt. 5:18; 28:19–20; 1 Tim. 6:20; Jas. 1:22; 2 Pet. 3:15–16)

“O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust…” — 1 Timothy 6:20

a. Believers must study and practice God’s Word. Our lives should reflect the teachings of Scripture (James 1:22).

b. Parents, pastors, and teachers have the responsibility to teach God’s Word to younger generations (Deuteronomy 6:6–9).

c. Christians must guard the Scriptures against misinterpretation or distortion by carefully studying and defending the truth (2 Peter 3:15–16).

d. Supporting Bible translation and distribution is an important part of fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).

e. Believers must stand firmly on the authority of the Bible, even when cultural or societal pressures challenge its teachings (Matthew 5:18).

f. By living according to God’s Word, teaching it faithfully, defending its truth, and helping spread it worldwide, believers play an important role in preserving its message for future generations.

LESSONS DERIVED

God has faithfully preserved His Word throughout history, proving its reliability and eternal relevance.

Believers must actively teach, obey, and protect the Scriptures so that future generations can experience its transforming power.

QUESTIONS

How has God’s Word been preserved and transmitted throughout history?

What practical steps can you take to share and protect God’s Word in your community?

SUGGESTED ANSWERS

Answer to Question 1

Initially, God’s Word was passed down orally through storytelling and teaching.

Prophets and leaders later recorded God’s instructions on scrolls (Exodus 24:4; Jeremiah 36:4).

Jewish scribes carefully copied the Scriptures to maintain accuracy.

Early Church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized the inspired books of the Bible.

The Bible has been translated into many languages so that people worldwide can read it.

Through teaching, preaching, and faithful living, believers have preserved God’s Word across generations.

Answer to Question 2

Practice the teachings of the Bible in your daily life (James 1:22).

Teach God’s Word to children, family members, and friends (Deuteronomy 6:6–9).

Support Bible translation and distribution efforts (Matthew 28:19–20).

Correct misunderstandings and defend the truth of Scripture (2 Peter 3:16).

Participate in or organize Bible study groups in your community.

Support church evangelism and outreach programs.

LIFE APPLICATION

The lesson can be illustrated by imagining a family carefully preserving a valuable inheritance, such as a precious jewel or important document, and passing it from one generation to the next. Each family member protects it and ensures that it remains unchanged.

In the same way, God’s Word is a priceless spiritual inheritance given to believers. We must treasure it, live by it, and faithfully pass it on so that future generations can experience its guidance, comfort, and life-transforming power.

CONCLUSION

The preservation of God’s Word demonstrates God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Through careful transmission, canonization, and the dedication of believers, the Bible has remained accurate and powerful throughout history.

Let us commit ourselves to studying, teaching, and sharing God’s Word so that its truth continues to transform lives for generations to come.

May God’s name be glorified forever. Amen.