SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON, APRIL 15, 2018 TOPIC: ZEALOUS FOR GOD.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON, APRIL 15, 2018

Topic: Zealous for God.

Memory Verse: Romans 12:11. Be not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord (KJV).

LESSON TEXT: Numbers 25:1-13; Joshua 22:10-34; John 2:13-17; Romans 12:11, 

 Hebrews 3:12-15.

CENTRAL TRUTH: Zeal for God motivates Christians to effective service.

FOCUS: To study examples of being Zealous for God and serve Him with Zeal.

LESSON OUTLINE:

1  1.     Zealous for God’s Honour

A.    Sin and Judgment

B.     Phinehas’ Intervention

2  2.     Zealous for Faithfulness to God

A.    Priority of Faithfulness

B.     Beware of Unbelief

3  3.     Be Zealous for God

A.    Zeal for Godliness

B.     Maintain Your Zeal.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the Lesson, student will be better equipped to:

1  1.     Understand the Scriptural meaning of zeal.

2  2.     Describe why Phinehas was a good example of godly zeal and is worthy to be emulated.

3  3.     Respond to God with holy zeal and commitment.

                      INTRODUCING THE LESSON

QUESTION: How do you define the word zeal as it pertains to your Christian faith?

When Christians serve God with enthusiasm, they are sometimes described as being “on fire for the Lord”. This is one way of saying that they are zealous. In its formal definition, the word zeal simply refers to energy or enthusiasm dreacted at a cause or an objective. As such the word can apply well to a believer’s walk with God.

   At the same time, we must be careful not to equate zeal only with emotion. Zeal among God’s people is rooted in our deep desire to know God and walk with Him more closely. In this lesson on Phinehas, we will observe the immense motivating power of zeal.

1.     Zealous for God’s Honour

A.    Sin and Judgment – Numbers 25:1-5

    At issues in Numbers 25 was a rebellion in which the people became involved in the worship of the Canaanite god Baal. Such worship included acts of sexual immorality (Numbers 25:1-3). Note the reference to Shittim in verse 1. This region, on the east side of Jordan River, was the staging area for their entrance into the Promised Land.

   The instigator of this rebellion was Balaam, a false prophet and diviner who was renowned throughout the region for his abilities (see Numbers 22:1-6;31:16). Balaam was hired by Balak, king of Moab, who was terrified of Israel because of their great numbers and power. Balak wanted Balaam to put a curse on Israel.

   Balaam counseled Balak to have his people invite the Israelites to one of their idolatrous festivals (see Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2;14). As a result, the Moabites seduced some of the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality (see Numbers 25:1-3). This was among the first of Israel’s frequent detours into idol worship and horrible sins associated with it. Idolatry would plague the nation throughout its history and ultimately lead their exile.

   The Lord’s anger was aroused against Israel (verse 3). Idolatry was a serious offence against His holiness and had to be dealt with in a serious manner. The Lord instructed Moses to have the offenders executed (verses 4-5).

QUESTION: Why do you think the Punishment was so severe, and what does it tell us about the seriousness of sin?

    The sin of idolatry, with the gross immorality that accompanied it, threatened the foundation of Israel’s relationship with God. He judges anything that threatens a healthy and exclusive relationship with His people. This tragic scene is a stark reminder that God takes sin seriously, and we must respond appropriately by removing it from our lives.

B.     Phinehas’s Intervention -  Numbers 25:6-13

  There was no move vivid illustration of Israel’s spiritual downfall than that seen in Numbers 25:6-9. This scene depicts an Israelite man entering the camp with a Midianite woman, then proceeding to the Tent of Meeting-the place where one would go to meet God-where they engaged in sexually explicit Canaanite worship practices. Such arrogant and reprobate activity is quite shocking, providing some context for the reason behind the plague that had been decreed (see verse 9).

  At this point we are introduced to Phinehas, a priest who dealt with the sin in an expedient fashion. He recognized that spiritual rebellion was reason for the plague of judgment. Phinehas followed them into the tent and executed them with one trust of a javelin.

 QUESTION: Do you feel Phinehas’s actions were appropriate? Explain.

   The brutal action by Phinehas can be difficult to understand. However, we need to see them in context, recognizing the seriousness of the offence. Idolatry and its associated practices threatened Israel, the nation choosen by God to bring the light of His truth to the world. Idolatry and immorality could not be allowed in their midst-and certainly not at the very place where God was worshipped. The sinful acts were as affront to God and an insult to His name and character. To allow them to continue would have been akin to allowing Israel to behave as its idolatrous neighbours. Phinehas was defending the honour of God (verse 11). It is notable that God ended the plague at the moment Phinehas carried out his sentence (verse 8-9).

QUESTION: What does God say about the actions of Phinehas (verses 10-11)?

    First, Phinehas turned God’s anger away from the people. We also observe that the priest was zealous for God’s honour. His zeal, in fact, was mentioned twice in this passage (verse 11,13). It stood in stark contrast to the blatant sin that had filled the camp.

QUESTION: What does it mean to be Zealous for God?

  As noted earlier, zeal  refers to enthusiasm and conviction directed at a cause or an objective. If we apply that to God, we recognize that Phinehas had his values and priorities in the right place. He was passionate about God and willing to defend his convictions in accordance with God’s leading.

2.     Zealous for Faithfulness to God

A.    Priority of Faithfulness -  Joshua 22:10-34

  Phinehas re-emerges in Joshua 22, during a dispute after Israel after Isreal had crossed into the Promised Land. Note that two of the tribes, as well as part of a third, remained in the land east of Jordan (see verses 1-9). The dispute arose when these three tribes built a large altar (verses 10-11).

   The other tribes of Israel called for war against the tribes east of the Jordan (verse 12). The building of this altar was seen as an act of rebellion against God (verses 15-20). Note that sacrifices made on an altar were considered rebellion even if they were offered to the Lord (see Deuteronomy 12:13-14).

QUESTION: Why do you think it was sinful for the Israelites to offer sacrifices anywhere they pleased?

Teaching Tip: Emphasise that the Israelites faced the constant danger of mingling their religious practices with those of their pagan neighbours . To deviate from God’s instructions, while wrong in itself, could also lead them toward other compromises and accommodations. Discuss ways in which Christians risk mingling our worship with ungodly practices.

   Rather than go to war, the people entered into dialogue. This was in keeping with the principle of Scripture that they investigate carefully before taking action (see Deuteronomy 13:12-14). Phinehas spoke on behalf of the tribes Jordan River. The priest was direct and emphatic in declaring that they must not risk entering into the sins of the past, and thus bring God’s judgment upon all (Joshua 22:17-20).

QUESTION: What terms are used in Joshua 22:16-20 that show how serious this situation was?

  Note terms like trespass, rebel, and turn away. Phinehas perceived the potential seriousness of deviating from God’s prescribed methods of worship. He was indeed zealous for faithfulness to God.

QUESTION: How did the tribes east of the Jordan River respond to Phinehas?

   They agreed that any departure from God’s commands would indeed be rebellious and rejected the notion that they build the altar at the Tent of Meeting in Shiloh. This one was built as a witness, not as a place of sacrifice. It would serve as a testimony that these tribes were part of Israel even though they lived east of Jordan (verses 21-29).

  Phinehas was pleased with the explanation (verses 30-34). His thoughtful actions in serving as a mediator defused a volatile situation, and his example of righteousness to God that preserved Israel and can inspire us to follow his example.

B.     Beware of Unbelief. – Hebrews 3:12-15

    Hebrews 3:12-15 offers a sober warning as well as a precious reminder. Paul warned Christians of moving away from God by allowing sin and unbelief in their lives.

QUESTION: What are some warning signs of moving away from the Lord?

 The answer is found in the exhortation to avoid as “evil heart of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:12, KJV). This is warning against adopting ungodly values and practices, living as if one is not accountable to God. In many ways, this was the sin for which Phinehas enacted judgment. The slide into sin usually doesn’t begin with blatant idolatry, but with compromise. A sure way to know zeal is waning is when one’s convictions are no longer closely guarded (Hebrews 3:13-14).

   Paul identified the risk of such movement as becoming hard-hearted (verses 13-15). The more a person indulges sinful desires, the next time temptation presents itself. We must avoid at all costs the temptation to follow our sinful desires.

   The answer to this struggle with sin is found in perseverance, built up by the encouragement of fellow believers ( verses 13-14). Note that perseverance is a reflection of staying true to our convictions. Our desire to know the Lord better, to follow Him more closely, is a lifelong pursuit.

QUESTION: How will zeal for God help you persevere in the faith?

   Note that zeal is not simply synonymous with emotion. We will persevere when we stay true to our spiritual convictions even in the face of persecution, ridicule, or hardship. Zeal keeps us focused on God, and our hearts soft toward His values at work in our lives.

3.     Be Zealous for God

A.    Zeal for Godliness.  John 2:13-17

QUESTION: In John 2:13-17, what do you believe was the primary reason Jesus drove the people He did from the temple?

  The scene in this passage took  place in the outer court of the temple. There, travellers could buy animals for sacrifice and also and pay their temple dues. It was necessary for them to exchange their Roman coins because such coins were considered unholy. However, the chief priest had transformed this legitimate purpose into a scheme of making profits and exploiting worshippers. Such practices desecrated the temple, and dishornoured the God who inhabited it.

  With great authority and zeal, Jesus drove the money changers from the temple, exposing their ungodliness in the process. The chaotic scene promoted the disciples to recall Psalm 69:9.

QUESTION: What do you think is meant by the phrase “zeal of thine house” 9John 2:17; see Psalm 69:9), and do you think such zeal should apply to us today?

  The temple was the centre of worship for the Jew in the Old Testament. It was the place of God’s presence, where He met with His people. The truly righteous man would value the temple greatly. Today, we enjoy God’s presence within us ( 1 Corinthians 6:19). As such, we are wise to value righteousness and goodness in every aspect of life. It is fitting that we be zealous in keeping ourselves pure in honour to God.

B.     Maintain Your Zeal –Roman 12:11

QUESTION: How, or why, might a Christian become lacking in Zeal?

     New Christians are often quite zealous about serving the Lord. However, over time that zeal can wane. In order to understand how to prevent this, we must recall that zeal refers to a commitment to our convictions-requiring that we know what those conviction are, as well as anything that might lead us to compromise. In a world where opportunities for spiritual compromise abound, we must remain focused on our commitment to God, defending it against all opposition. In doing so, we follow the example of Phinehas in maintaining a sincere zeal for the Lord.

DISCIPLESHIP IN ACTION

We can liken zeal to a fire that burns within us. As such, we need to tend to that fire with care and diligence. A neglected fire soon burns out. May we learn from Henry Martyn, a missionary to India whose heart’s cry was ‘’Burn out for God”.

  Take a moment to examine your zeal for the Lord, noting that zeal includes commitment and faithful service as well as emotion. Take time this week to pray that God help you reorder your priorities as needed. Commit to emulating Phinehas in his zeal for the Lord.

MINISTRY IN ACTION

  Close the class session with a time of prayer and praise. Focus on giving thanks to God for His many blessings, and committing to renewed zeal in service to Him.