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A Synopsis of the Spring Quarter (March-May) Sunday School Lessons for 2008.

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Spring Quarter

Who Will Be Faithful?

by Joe M. Sprinkle

God was faithful to His covenant people Israel during the monarchy, during the exile, and after the exile. David, Solomon, Josiah, Daniel and his friends, Haggai, Nehemiah, and Ezra each played a role in helping Israel be faithful to God’s covenant. They helped maintain symbols of God’s covenant relationship, they set faithful examples, and they exhorted others to obey God’s covenant. They were exemplary (despite stumbles by some) in living out God’s covenant relationship.

The new covenant has given the church a wonderful and special relationship with God through Jesus Christ. May the actions and words of these Old Testament characters in this quarter’s lessons continue to inspire God’s people to maintain, deepen, and restore their new-covenant relationships with their Lord.

Unit 1: March
Signs of God’s Covenant

These lessons focus on three kings (among many) during the time of the monarchy: David, Solomon, and Josiah.

Lesson 1: (March 2 The Ark Comes to Jerusalem 1 Chronicles 15:1–3, 14–16, 25–28). The ark of the covenant was a symbol of God’s presence among His people. David brought the ark to Jerusalem with great pomp, ceremony, and loud music to restore this symbol to its proper place of prominence in Israel’s worship. In our worship under the new covenant, the Lord’s Supper is the greatest symbol of God’s presence among His people.

Lesson 2: (March 9 God Makes a Covenant with David 1 Chronicles 17:1–4, 6–15). One of the most important covenants in the Bible is God’s covenant with David. In this covenant God promised to make David’s name great and to establish his throne forever. Despite the lack of faithfulness to God’s covenant on the part of David’s descendants, God kept His covenant promises by raising up Jesus Christ. Upon His death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus fulfilled the promise to David by assuming David’s throne.

Lesson 3: (March 16 God Calls Solomon to Build the Temple 1 Chronicles 28:5–10, 20, 21). Part of the Davidic covenant involved David’s son building God’s house (1 Chronicles 17:12). Solomon was called by God to fulfill this prediction. We too must seek to find the work to which God has gifted and called us to further His kingdom.

Lesson 4: (March 23 God Fulfills His Promises 2 Chronicles 6:12–17; Luke 24:44–49). Solomon went on to build and dedicate the temple. This is an example of how God keeps His covenant promises. In the New Testament Jesus identifies himself as the replacement for the earthly temple. God and the Lamb will be our temple in the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:22).

Lesson 5: (March 30 Josiah Renews the Covenant 2 Chronicles 34:15, 18, 19, 25–27, 29, 31–33). Sometimes covenants are broken and relationships need to be restored. This was the case with ancient Judah when God’s Word was ignored and forgotten. When the book of the law was rediscovered in the days of Josiah, that king repented and sought to have the Jewish people recommit themselves to learning God’s Word and following God’s covenant. Similarly, God’s Word can come to be neglected and forgotten today. With biblical illiteracy growing in the church, we too need to rededicate ourselves to mature Bible study.

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Unit 2. April
The Covenant in Exile

These lessons focus on heroes of faith during the Babylonian exile: Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Lesson 6: (April 6 Holding to Convictions Daniel 1:8–20). Daniel and his friends remained faithful to the covenant while in exile by maintaining a distinctive diet in conformity with their Jewish convictions. To maintain their identity as God’s people, they had to be visibly distinct from the Babylonians among whom they lived and by whom they were being educated. Today also Christians must maintain a visibly distinct way of life in order to be witnesses to the world.

Lesson 7: (April 13 Taking a Stand Daniel 3:10–13, 16–18, 21, 24–26). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were given a choice: violate Israel’s covenant with God by worshiping Nebuchadnezzar’s statue or be burned to death in a furnace. They said no to idolatry and were willing to die for their convictions, though God honored their faithfulness by saving them. Likewise we should take a stand and say no to things contrary to our Christian convictions even when it hurts—or kills.

Lesson 8: (April 20 Refusing to Compromise Daniel 6:4–7, 10, 16, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26). Conspirators tricked King Darius into passing a decree condemning to death anyone who prayed to a god or man except Darius for a period of 30 days. The idea was to entrap Daniel, whom they knew prayed to God daily.

Upon hearing this decree, Daniel refused to compromise. He was condemned to be eaten by lions as a result, though God saved him. Christians today may have to choose between their faith and their jobs, family, or social standing.

Lesson 9: (April 27 Praying for the 9:1–7, 17–19). Prayer is an essential element for remaining in a covenant relationship with God. Daniel’s prayer for his people is still a great example of how to pray.

Unit 3. May
Restoration and Covenant Renewal

The lessons for May focus on three key figures after the exile who inspired renewed obedience to God’s covenant: the prophet Haggai, the governor Nehemiah, and Ezra the priest.

Lesson 10: (May 4 Setting Priorities Haggai 1:1–10, 12–15). Haggai shamed his fellow Jews who had returned from Babylonian exile for making personal comfort and luxury their priority rather than rebuilding the temple. Just as the covenant had warned in Deuteronomy 28, disobedience meant forfeited blessings. But with the help of good leaders, God’s people can put aside selfishness. When we do, we make God’s priorities our priorities.

Lesson 11: (May 11 Following a Visionary Leader Nehemiah 2:1–8, 11, 17, 18). Nehemiah was a courageous and godly leader. Out of concern for God’s people and zeal for God’s covenant, Nehemiah took risks. He stepped out on faith in order to restore God’s work among his people. Who will be a Nehemiah for the year 2008?

Lesson 12: (May 18 Finishing the Task Nehemiah 4:1–3, 6–9, 13–15; 6:15). Nehemiah’s most visible act of restoring God’s work in Judah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, the city of God. But this work provoked the opposition of regional governors Sanballat and Tobiah. They threatened Nehemiah with an invasion if he continued building. Through prayer and steadfast resolve, Nehemiah overcame his opponents and completed the walls. The church is still able to overcome opposition and do great things for God.

Lesson 13: (May 25 Renewing the Covenant Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5, 6, 13, 14, 17, 18). Ezra the priest assisted Nehemiah the governor in furthering God’s work by reading and explaining God’s Word (the law) to the people. The people responded with worship and a renewed commitment to obey God’s covenant, as evidenced by their reinstitution of the Feast of Tabernacles. God’s Word is still essential for bringing about revival.

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