NBC Sunday School Lesson For June 7, 2026:

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Preview for June 2026

Theme:

Faithful Witnesses Testify to God's Promises

Throughout this month, our lessons will focus on how God's faithfulness was demonstrated through the lives of various individuals recorded in the books of Samuel, Judges, and Amos.

The lessons will examine:

Deborah's impactful leadership in Israel.

Hannah's contribution to Israel through the birth and dedication of Samuel.

The remarkable friendship between Jonathan and David as a testimony of God's faithfulness.

The fulfillment of God's promises in the nation of Judah.

How God used Amos, an ordinary man outside the prophetic lineage, to restore a struggling nation.

These lessons remind us that whenever God makes a promise, He faithfully brings it to pass. As one of our hymns declares, "Standing on the Promises of God," believers must remain steadfast in faith, refusing to entertain doubt, fear, or despair. God is always faithful to His Word.

Suggested Teaching Methods

The following methods may be used during the opening or closing sessions of each lesson:

June 7 – Drama

Two class members should dramatize the conversation between Deborah and Barak.

June 14 – Panel Discussion

Assign discussion topics beforehand to selected participants to allow adequate preparation. Encourage contributions from the entire class.

June 21 – Recitation

Class members should repeatedly recite the Golden Text (1 Samuel 20:42) together until it is memorized.

June 28 – Soliloquy

A class member should walk before the class and repeatedly declare the words of Prophet Amos in Amos 7:15.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Topic:

A Leader in a National Emergency

Devotional Reading:

Matthew 20:20–28

Background Scripture:

Judges 4:1–24

Lesson Scripture:

Judges 4:4–10, 14, 21–22

Golden Text

"Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided." — Judges 4:4–5 (NIV)

Lesson Objectives

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

Explain how God granted Barak victory through Deborah's leadership.

Identify the instructions God gave to Barak and his army.

Highlight Deborah's leadership qualities and discuss how they can be applied in today's church.

Introduction

One of the greatest challenges facing many nations today is the need for effective and godly leadership. Societies flourish when leaders govern with wisdom, integrity, and the fear of God. Unfortunately, poor leadership often results in hardship, stagnation, and disappointment.

Israel experienced a similar situation during the period of the Judges. After the death of Ehud, the Israelites turned away from God and once again did evil in His sight. As a result, God allowed them to fall under the oppression of Jabin, king of Canaan, for twenty years (Judges 4:3). Life became difficult, and fear dominated the land.

When the people cried out to God for help, He raised Deborah as a leader and deliverer. Deborah was unique among Israel's judges. She was the only female judge and prophetess, serving as a leader, judge, and spiritual guide. Though she lived in a male-dominated society, God used her mightily to bring deliverance to His people.

Deborah's life demonstrates that true leadership is rooted in obedience to God, humility, wisdom, and courage. She sought God's glory rather than personal recognition and remains a model for leaders today.

Lesson Explained

A. Deborah Commissioned Barak

Judges 4:4–10

Deborah summoned Barak and reminded him of God's promise to deliver Israel from the oppression of Jabin through a military victory over Sisera.

God had already provided clear instructions regarding:

The number of soldiers to gather.

The tribes from which they should be selected.

The location of the battle.

The outcome of the conflict.

Despite receiving these assurances, Barak was hesitant and insisted that Deborah accompany him into battle. Deborah agreed but informed him that the honor of the victory would ultimately go to a woman.

Deborah's leadership teaches that God can use anyone He chooses, regardless of gender. Effective leadership requires:

Godly character

Courage

Wisdom

Commitment

Faithfulness

Another outstanding quality of Deborah was her willingness to give all glory to God. She understood that every success came from Him and never sought personal praise.

Discussion Questions

Why do you think Barak refused to go to battle unless Deborah accompanied him?

What practical steps can churches take to prevent discrimination against leaders based on gender, age, or social status?

B. The Assurance of Victory

Judges 4:14

Deborah continually encouraged Barak by assuring him that God had already gone ahead of Israel to secure victory.

Rather than depending on military strength, Barak was instructed to trust God's promise. As the battle unfolded, God threw Sisera's army into confusion, disabled their chariots, and scattered their forces.

The victory was swift and decisive. Israel's army suffered no recorded loss because God Himself fought on their behalf.

This lesson reminds believers that whenever God is involved in our battles, victory is assured. His promises never fail because He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19).

Discussion Questions

How can believers encourage one another when facing life's challenges?

How can church leaders promote teamwork, unity, and shared responsibility without prejudice or bias?

C. The Fulfillment of Deborah's Prophecy

Judges 4:21–22

After his army was defeated, Sisera fled on foot and sought refuge in the tent of Jael, believing he would be safe there because of existing peaceful relations between his allies and Jael's family.

Jael welcomed Sisera, offered him milk, and allowed him to rest. However, while he slept, she courageously drove a tent peg through his temple, bringing his life to an end.

This unexpected event fulfilled Deborah's earlier prophecy that the glory of victory would be given to a woman (Judges 4:9).

The story reminds us that God's plans will always be accomplished. He may choose unexpected people to fulfill His purposes, and when He does, we should rejoice rather than become jealous.

Like Barak and Deborah, believers should cooperate with God's plans and remain available for His service.

Discussion Questions

How did Jael's actions contribute to the fulfillment of Deborah's prophecy?

What signs indicate that God's promises are being fulfilled in our lives today?

Fellowship and Ministry Activities

Ask class members to identify Deborah's leadership qualities and discuss how they can be applied within the local church to promote growth and development.

Organize a special program that encourages women to become mentors and leaders after the example of Deborah.

Take Home Assignment

Write down three important lessons you learned from today's study.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will raise visionary and God-fearing leaders for our nation and churches.

Ask God to make you available and willing to be used for His purpose.

Commitment

I commit myself to serving God faithfully and responsibly in whatever role or position He entrusts to me, always seeking His glory above personal recognition.