Youth - Search - The - Scriptures - Volume 67 PDF

YOUTH Search The Scripture: Volume 67

CONTENTS
LESSON PAGE
OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
859 Hezekiah’s Righteous Reign … … … … … … … … … … … … 1–4
860 Abomination Of Manasseh … … …. … … ..… … … … … … … … 5–7
861 Reformation By King Josiah… … … … … … … … … … … … 8 – 10
862 Judah Goes into Captivity … … … …… … … … … … … … … … 11 – 13
863 The Ancestors of Israel … … … … … … … … ..… … … … … … … 14 – 16
NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
864 Eternal Redemption Through Christ’s Blood … …. …. …. …. … 17 – 18
865 Superiority of Christ’ Atonement … … … … … … … … … … .. 19 – 20
866 The Peril Of Backsliding … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .. 21 – 22
867 The Description and Demonstration of Faith … … … … … … 23 – 25
868 Looking Unto Jesus … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … 26 – 28
SPECIAL STUDIES
869 Restitution … … … … … …… … … … … …… … … … … … … 29 – 30
870 Unequal Yoke and Christian Business Ethics … … … … … … 31 – 32
871 Prayer and Fasting …… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 33 – 35

[Youth Search The Scriptures: Vol. 67_STUDY 859]
HEZEKIAH’S RIGHETEOUS REIGN
Memory Verse: “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the

LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us” (2
Chronicles 29:10)
TEXT: 2 Kings 18:1-37; 19:1-37; 20:1-21; 2 Chronicles 29:1-36; 30:1-27; 31:1-21; 32:1-33
Hezekiah was a good king who reigned after Ahaz his father. He lived a pure, prayerful life and had
trust in the almighty God. Also, he was a soldier (2 Kings 18:8), statesman (2 Chronicles 32:32,33),
saint (2 Kings (18:3-6), a poet (Proverbs 25:1), revivalist (2 Chronicles 31:1; 2 Kings 18:4), an
administrator (2 Chronicles 31:11-19), evangelist (2 Chronicles 30:1-12), a good communicator (2
Chronicles 30:22) and prayer combatant (2 Chronicles 20:1-5).
Immediately King Hezekiah ascended the throne, he reopened and repaired the house of the Lord,
and reorganised the priesthood and Levitical services. By his good example, he called on the citizens
to worship the true God. Through his prayer and trust in God, the Almighty did the incredible to the
enemies (Isaiah 37:36). The Scripture says this about him: “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so
that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him” (2 Kings
18:5). Due to this, there was progress, prosperity, protection, provisions and the presence of God in
the nation. These are the results obtained when a youth walks in the ways of the Lord.
Question 1: What factors enabled Hezekiah and the people of Judah to make great progress?
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). The
progress Hezekiah and his people enjoyed could not have materialised through politics, economics,
legislation and education alone. Our nation needs youths with the right relationship with God. We
learn the following principles from HEZEKIAH. In him, we see Holiness (2 Chronicles 29;2,5,15,16; 2
Kings 20:3), good Exemplary lifestyle (2 Kings 20:3), Zeal for God and His house (2 Chronicles 29:4,5),
Excitement for true worship of Jehovah (2 Chronicles 29:25,26), Knowledge of God’s laws (2
Chronicles 29:15), Intercession (2 Chronicles 30:18-20), Adherence to God’s pattern (2 Chronicles
29:25,27,30) and Humility (2 Chronicles 32:26). God wants us to come to Him today and receive grace
to lift our nation to progress and prosperity.
1. PROGRESS THROUGH RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD (2 Kings 18:1-7; 2 Chronicles 29:1-36;
30:1-27; 31:1-21)
The greatness of God can only be known when one decides to have a proper and right relationship
with Him. Many kings before him did evils in the sight of the Lord but he chose to be different. “And
he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did” (2
Kings 18:3).
Question 2: What did King Hezekiah do that makes him different?
“For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments,
which the LORD commanded Moses” (2 Kings 18:6). A careful study and meditation on the life of
King Hezekiah revealed great lessons for youths today. One, he removed evil from the high places
(2 Kings 18:4). Two, he trusted in the Lord God of Israel (2 Kings 18:5). Three, he clave to the Lord
and did not depart from following Him (2 Kings 18:6). Four, he was obedient to the commandments
Lesson 859; HEZEIAH’S RIGHTEOUS REIGN Page 1
of the Lord (2 Kings 18:6). Five, he repaired and had regard for the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles
29:30). Six, he made a covenant with God to turn away His wrath (2 Chronicles 29:10). Seven, he
encouraged the Levites to shun negligence in their service to God (2 Chronicles 29:11). Eight, he
urged the people to live a sanctified life (2 Chronicles 29:12-16). Nine, he reestablished the true
worship and kept Passover to the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:25-36; 30:1). Ten, he was involved in the
service and worship of God (2 Chronicles 29:36). The consequences of these were progress and
prosperity in the land. “And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth:
and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not” (2 Kings 18:7).
“And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that
they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of
Israel” (2 Chronicles 30:1). The ability and influence of King Hezekiah was great and wonderful. He
challenged all Israel and Judah to come to Jerusalem to keep the Passover. In his letter, he
ministered to them through the commandments of the Lord. From his message, one could easily
recognise him to be an evangelist in that: one, he called them to turn again to the Lord (2 Chronicles
30:6). Two, he warned them with practical examples against trespassing like their fathers who
turned away from the Lord (2 Chronicles 30:7). Three, he counselled them not to be stiff-necked but
to yield themselves to the Lord (2 Chronicles 30:8). Four, he called them to the worship and service
of the Lord (2 Chronicles 30:8). Five, he directed them to the gracious and merciful God who will
have compassion and pardon them (2 Chronicles 30:9). Christian youths should emulate him by
preaching to sinners around them with burden and passion to save their souls.
“For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the
charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the
LORD” (2 Chronicles 30:17). The Passover has been replaced by the Lord’s Supper which was
instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, during observance of the Lord’s Supper, many youths do
not partake. As in the days of Hezekiah, when the people were not qualified, he prayed for them
that God should pardon everyone who prepared his or her heart to seek the Lord (2 Chronicles
30:18,19). The Scripture says, “And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people” (2
Chronicles 30:20). Today, youths are required to examine themselves before partaking in the Lord’s
Super “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1
Corinthians 11:28).
“Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and
brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars
out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them
all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities” (2
Chronicles 31:1). The result of obeying the Lord to conduct the Passover was revival. The key to
scriptural revival is obedience and righteousness. He further set up the courses of the priests and
the Levites (2 Chronicles 31:2). He sacrificially appointed the king’s portion of his substance for the
burnt offering everyday (2 Chronicles 31:3). He commanded the people to provide for the welfare of
the priests and the Levites. “Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the
portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD” (2
Chronicles 31:4). This, the people willingly obeyed. “And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok
answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we
have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is
left is this great store” (2 Chronicles 31:10).
The summary of his service in the sanctuary and all associated arrangement shows he was faithful
and the Lord blessed his work. “And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which
was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service
of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his
heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:20,21). Be another Hezekiah in your generation!

2. THE PROPHECY AGAINST THE ENEMY OF GOD AND THEIR DEFEAT (2 Kings 18:8-37; 19:1-37; 2
Chronicles 32:1-23; Isaiah 36:1-22; 37:1-38)
During the reign of King Hezekiah, the king of Assyria carried away Israel to his nation. This was
“Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that
Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them” (2 Kings 18:12).
Disobedience to the word of God has great consequences.
Question 3: (a) What are the consequences of disobeying the word of God?
(b) What is the solution to disobedience?
“Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because
they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it” (Jeremiah 6:19). The
consequences of disobeying the word of God are both for now and the future. Disobedience brings
loss of relationship with God. If a person refuses to repent and dies in his sins, he will spend eternity
in hell. The only solution is to repent and be ready to obey the Lord always.
After Sennacherib the king of Assyria carried away Israel, he thought to win them for himself also.
He sent Rabshakeh to blaspheme the Lord whom Hezekiah trusted. However, Hezekiah
strengthened himself and built up all the walls that were broken. He also spoke comfortably to the
captains of war. “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor
for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of
flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested
themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2 Chronicles 32:7,8). Rabshakeh spoke and
cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ speech to the people of Jerusalem to frighten and trouble them.
But, King Hezekiah asked his people to ignore him. “But the people held their peace, and answered
him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not” (2 Kings 18:36). As if that
was not enough, the king of Assyria sent his servants to speak more against the Lord and His servant
(2 Chronicles 32:16). He also wrote letters to rail on the Lord and His servant. This was a great
warfare. Christian youths should know that there is still warfare today. However, this warfare is
spiritual. Satan may use human agents to perform his evil agenda, we must be ready and prepared
always. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” (2 Corinthians
10:3,4).
Question 4: How did Hezekiah conquer in this warfare?
“And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to
heaven” (2 Chronicles 32:20). Hezekiah used the weapon of prayer and faith to defeat Sennacherib
and his army. He also sent prayer request to Isaiah the prophet (2 Kings 19:1-4). Christian youths
should always send prayer requests to the church on any matter that they cannot handle. Also, we
should pray for our fellow believers in our private prayers. This will bring victory.
3. THE POWER OF PRAYER AND FAITH IN THE ETERNAL GOD (2 Kings 19:14-19; 20:1-21; 2 Chronicles
32:24-33; Isaiah 38:1-8; John 11:1-45)
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him,
and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live” (2
Kings 20:1). When King Hezekiah was sick and about to die, Prophet Isaiah told him to prepare for it.
However, Hezekiah, the captain of God’s people turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord.
Christian youths may sometimes be sick or faced with problem. At such times, they should pray and
believe God for healing or divine solution.
Question 5: According to 2 Kings 20:3, state factors that enable Christian youths to prevail in prayer.

“I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect
heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore” (2 Kings 20:3). To
prevail in prayer before the Lord, the following ingredients are necessary. One, we must walk before
the Lord in truth. Two, we must live a life of holiness daily. Three, we must do good in the sight of
God. While on his way, the Lord commanded Prophet Isaiah to turn back and declare healing and
health to King Hezekiah. “And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that
the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people,
Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears:
behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add
unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria;
and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake” (2 Kings 20:4-6).
After the healing of King Hezekiah, the king of Babylon sent him present. In his response, he
showed all the precious things in his house to the visitors from Babylon. “And Hezekiah hearkened
unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the
spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his
treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not” (2
Kings 20:13). Immediately, Isaiah the prophet challenged him for his foolish actions. He also
pronounced judgment on the nation. Remember, Hezekiah was a prayerful person. Instead of him
praying to reverse the negative prophecy, he said: “Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast
spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?” (2 Kings 20:19). Christian youths
should not follow this negligent example. Prayer changes things. There is no impossibility with God.
In conclusion, the life of Hezekiah has proven to us that trusting God has great benefits. Also, it
pays to live a righteous life through His grace, serving the Lord with all our hearts. “And Hezekiah
had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and
for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels; Storehouses
also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given
him substance very much” (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). Those who serve the Lord today will not regret it.
They will not be put to shame. At last, King Hezekiah slept peacefully. “And Hezekiah slept with his
fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and
the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead”
(2 Chronicles 32:33). May the Lord enable us with His grace and strength to serve Him faithfully to
the end.
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN Acts 15: 1 - 12 Genesis 1: 1 - 19
MON Acts 15: 13 – 29 Genesis 1: 20 – 31
TUE Acts 15: 30 – 41 Genesis 2: 1 – 25

WED Acts 16: 1- 10 Genesis 3: 1 – 24
THU Acts 16: 11 – 24 Genesis 4: 1 – 15
FRI Acts 16: 25 – 40 Genesis 4: 16 – 26
SAT Acts 17: 1 – 5 Genesis 5: 1 - 20

THE ABOMINATION OF MANASSEH
Memory Verse: “And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God,
and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him:
and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again
to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God”
(2 Chronicles 33:12,13).
TEXT: 2 Kings 21:1-26; 2 Chronicles 33:1-25

Manasseh was the son of Hezekiah and succeeded him on the throne (2 Kings 20:21). Hezekiah was a
good king who did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, he led Israel to a great revival of worship.
But it was unfortunate that his son who succeeded him did not walk in his ways. This is a lesson for all
youths to know that the gift of righteousness is not obtained as a family inheritance. Anyone who
desires to possess holiness must personally have a relationship with God. The position our parents hold
in the church does not confer righteousness on us neither does it immune us from ungodly living and all
its consequences. It is our personal responsibility to seek the Lord in repentance and faith in order to
secure His favour.
1. THE PROVOKING PRACTICES OF MANASSEH (2 Kings 21:1-9,16; 2 Chronicles 33:1-10; Exodus 20:1-
6,13; Leviticus 18:21; 2 Kings 16:3; Genesis 39:1-9; Daniel 3:28; 6:1-5)
“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in
Jerusalem…” (verse 1). Manasseh was a youth when he became a king. Unfortunately, he misused his
position by sinning against God. “And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the
abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel” (verse 2). As a
matter of fact, he did more evil than the heathen nations. “But they hearkened not: and Manasseh
seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of
Israel” (verse 9).
One, he built again the idolatrous altars, which his father had destroyed in Judah and in the house of
God (verses 3-5,7). By this, he dishonoured the house and the name of the Lord God of his father. Two,
he followed the sin of the house of Ahab by worship of Baal (verse 3). Three, he made his son to pass
through fire, a kind of dedication to the idol of the heathen (verse 6). Four, he went into astrology (not
astronomy) and horoscopy, a form of occultism. Five, he used magic, sorcery, witchcraft and
enchantment. Six, he seduced the nation to disobey the word of God. Seven, he also shed much
innocent blood.
God had given express commandments concerning these evils that Manasseh did. He had told the
children of Israel not to go into idolatry, practice magic or interact with those who have familiar spirits.
Manasseh only chose to disobey these commandments.
Question 1: What are the sins of youths today which are similar to those committed by Manasseh?
The sins of Manasseh are also repeated in the lives of many youths today. Some youths copy the evil
practices of the celebrities of the world such as their hair or dress styles, defiling language, occultism
and spiritism. Some have gone to the point of committing murder. There are youths who visit herbalist
or false prophets for fortune-telling. Some others discourage people from following and obeying God
as well as seduce them to drink alcohol, commit immorality and to disobey their parents.
Question 2: Mention youths in the Bible who had the privilege to hold public office and used it well.
Lesson 860; THE ABOMINATION OF MANNASSEH Page 5

There are many young people in the Bible who served God. They did well and were successful. We
should follow the example of such youths, which include the likes of David, Joseph, Josiah, Daniel and
the Hebrew youths. When we are given privilege in the school to be prefects, we should use the office
to influence others to serve God.
2. THE PUNISHMENT AND PARDON OF MANASSEH (2 Kings 21:10-15; 2 Chronicles 33:11-19;

Ecclesiastes 11:9; Proverbs 11:21; 16:5; Romans 6:23; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13)
The sin of Manasseh grieved and provoked God. “And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets,
saying, Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above
all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah,
that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle” (verses 10-12).
The Lord vowed to punish Manasseh and the people of Judah. The punishment was of varying
degrees. One, he would receive the kind of punishment that the house of Ahab received because he
copied his evil ways. Two, God would forsake His people. Three, He would deliver them into the hands
of their enemies and they would be a prey to them. The consequence was that their enemies would
oppress them.
Question 3: What are the consequences of sin?
The Lord actually brought His word to fulfilment. “Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the
captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with
fetters, and carried him to Babylon” (2 Chronicles 33:11). People who practice evil should note that God
will punish all the evils of men. The end of all sinners is eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
There is one interesting thing about Manasseh. He did not remain in his sin but “…when he was in
affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And
prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to
Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God” (2 Chronicles 33:12,13). God
is not willing that any should perish. When Manasseh realised his sins and repented, God forgave him
and showed him mercy. Afterwards, he began to develop the city and he pulled down the altars of idols.
“Now after this he built a wall without the city of David … And he took away the strange gods, and the
idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the
LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and
sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of
Israel” (2 Chronicles 33:14,16). The people also left idolatry and did sacrifices “…unto the LORD their God
only” (2 Chronicles 33:17).
Question 4: What should a sinner do to escape God’s judgment?

[
As Manasseh humbled himself and prayed, God expects all sinners to humble themselves and repent
of their sins. Manasseh had done “more evil” and “wickedly above all”, and had “shed innocent blood
very much”. Regardless of this height of sin, when he prayed for mercy in repentance, God forgave him.
No sin is too great for God to forgive. Sinning youths should realize their sins and turn away from them
after praying for mercy.
3. THE PERPETUAL EVIL INFLUENCE ON AMON (2 Kings 21:17-26; 2 Chronicles 33:20-25; Exodus 23:2;
1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:1,7,8)
“Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was

buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead”
(verse 17,18).
It is important to note that Manasseh had repented before he died. One could imagine that his son,
Amon, would have learnt from his repentance and renewal. Unfortunately, “…he did that which was
evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images
which Manasseh his father had made, and served them; And humbled not himself before the LORD, as
Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more” (2 Chronicles 33:22,23).
It was the evil his father earlier did that influenced him more. He later lost his life in a conspiracy from
his servants. Then Josiah his son was installed as the king in his place.
Sometimes, young people copy a person who is evil. They follow the way of that person who may
later repent and renounce the evil legacy people knew him for. Those who follow such evil legacy may
even do so till death but the founder has repented and gone to heaven.
The only model that will not mislead us is Jesus Christ. He is the only One we should look to. Because
evil easily influences people faster than good, we must be mindful of our conversation so that we are
good example of believers. “And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house” (2
Chronicles 33:24). The stories of those who influence others in their evil ways show it is not good to
follow bad examples. For example, an atheist who was the head of an English infidel club was admired
by the young people of his day who shared his philosophical idea. But, at his deathbed he said, “You
need not tell me there is no God for I know there is one, and that I am in His presence! You need not tell
me there is no hell. I feel myself already slipping. Wretches, cease your idle talk about there being hope
for me! I know I am lost forever! Oh, that fire! Oh, the insufferable pangs of hell! …Oh, that I could lie
for a thousand years upon the fire that is never quenched, to purchase the favour of God and be united
to Him again. But it is a fruitless wish. Millions and millions of years will bring me no nearer the end of
my torments than one poor hour. Oh, eternity, eternity forever and forever!, Oh, the insufferable pangs
of Hell!”
Furthermore, Voltaire: the most influential atheist of Europe in his day, cried out with his dying breath:
“I am abandoned by God and man; I shall go to hell! I will give you half of what I am worth, if you will
give me six months life.” Also, a former French cardinal and advisor to kings said: “O my poor soul! What
will become of thee? Wither wilt thou go?”.
Question 5: What is the consequence of living this world without repentance?
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN Acts 17: 16 – 34 Genesis 5: 21 – 32
MON Acts 18: 1- 17 Genesis 6: 1 – 22
TUE Acts 18; 18 – 28 Genesis 7: 1 – 24

WED Acts 19: 1 – 10 Genesis 8: 1 – 22
THU Acts 19: 11 – 22 Genesis 9: 1 – 17
FRI Acts 19: 23 – 41 Genesis 9: 18 – 29
SAT Acts 20: 1 – 12 Genesis 10: 1 - 20

[Youth Search The Scriptures: Vol. 67: STUDY 861]
REFORMATION BY KING JOSIAH

Memory Verse: “And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the
countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were
present in Israel to serve, even to serve the Lord their God. And all his days
they departed not from following the Lord, the God of their fathers” (2
Chronicles 34:33).
TEXT: 2 Kings 22:1-20; 23:1-37; 2 Chronicles 34:1-33; 35:1-27

Josiah became king of Judah at the age of eight, after the assassination of his father, King Amon.
He reigned for thirty-one years. The Bible describes him as a righteous king, who “walked in all the
way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2).
Josiah, though the son of a wicked king that did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the sins
of Jeroboam who made Israel to sin, chose to walk in the way of David, a man after God’s heart.
“For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek after the God of
David his father” (2 Chronicles 34:3). Josiah decided to seek after God while he was still young.
Question 1: What lesson can youths learn from Josiah’s decision to seek after God at his age?
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). It was a thing of joy
for the people of God to have a God-fearing king in Josiah after many evil kings had come and gone.
He lived a godly life from his childhood and had the most blameless record.
“...In the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the
Asherim, and the graven images, and the molten images” (2 Chronicles 34:3). He started the
reformation in Judah when he was twenty years of age and within six years, Josiah stamped out
idolatry completely out of the land. What his grandfather Manasseh and his father Amon could not
achieve in the thirty-five years of their reign, he accomplished in six years (2 Chronicles 34:8). What
a challenge to our generation!
1. JOSIAH: RIGHTEOUS BRANCH FROM WICKED ROOT (2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Chronicles 34:1-3; 2 Kings
21:19-22; John 6:37; Daniel 1:8; Matthew 6:33; 2 Timothy 3:15; 2:22)
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign… And he did that which was right in the sight
of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to
the left” (2 Chronicles 34:1,2). Amon, Josiah’s father, did evil in the sight of the Lord and gave himself
wholly to idolatry. “And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father Manasseh did.
he forsook the Lord God of his fathers and walked not in the way of the Lord” (2 Kings 21:20,22). Josiah,
who had such a father as Amon and grandfather as Manasseh, chose none of the lifestyles of his parents
but at his teenage age “… while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father...”
(2 Chronicles 34:3).
Josiah had an extraordinarily wicked father and grandfather; he was brought up in a corrupt court
and may not have had any good example to follow yet, he opted to seek after God. All the influences
which surrounded him seem to have been unfavourable to the growth of true religion and the fear of
God. But Josiah determined that, as for him, he would not bow down to idols but serve the Lord only.
God gave him strength to serve him and crowned his subsequent efforts with blessing and success.
Question 2: What lessons can youths learn from Josiah’s early devotion to God?
There are lessons to learn from Josiah’s early devotion to God. One, the life of Josiah shows that one
can fully surrender his life to God as a child. This should be a challenge to all the youths in the church
today that have refused to be born again because they think they are too young to be saved. Two, his
Lesson 861; REFORMATION BY KING JOSIAH Page 8
life also proved that every youth has the right to choose whom to follow: God or Satan; and should make
the right choice to serve the Lord. Three, Josiah had no good example to follow as a child at home but
he decided to serve God. This implies that Christian youths can live a righteous and incorruptible life
amidst bad and corrupt people.
Question 3: Mention some bible characters who were raised in a corrupt environment but chose to
live for God.
“And Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the King’s
meat...” (Daniel 1:8). The scripture is littered with bible characters like of Joseph, Samuel, David, Daniel,
the three Hebrew young men, Ruth, Esther, Mary, daughters of Philip the Evangelist, who were
exceptional in their generation. Christian youths today have no excuse to be corrupted by the evils in
the society.
2. JOSIAH: RENEWAL OF COVENANT WITH GOD (2 Kings 22:3-20; 23:1-23; 2 Chronicles 34:4-33;
Exodus 24:1-8; Genesis 17:7-11; Hebrews 10:16,17; 13:20)
“And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and
to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statues, with all his heart, and with all his
soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book. And he caused all that were
present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it…” (2 Chronicles 34:31,32).
Josiah’s life was a clear break from the past. For thirty-five years the land had been cut off from the
worship of the true God; but the arrival of Josiah brought back righteousness and true worship to the
land. Josiah convened the people together to renew the covenant made with them by God at Sinai
(Exodus 24:1-8). All classes were assembled, high and low, priests, prophets and people; and he led them
into renewed covenant relationship.
A covenant is an agreement between two people or parties on certain principles binding on both
parties. In this case, it is an agreement, a contract between God and his people, in which God makes
promises to his people and requires certain conduct from them.
Josiah did not only serve the Lord, he made all Judah and Jerusalem to enter into agreement to serve
the Lord and to stand to that agreement.
Question 4: Highlight the elements of the covenant Josiah made Israel to enter with God.
“And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and
to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statues, with all his heart, and with all his
soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:31).
Christian youths, like Josiah, are expected to influence other youths around them to serve the Lord.
They are to lead exemplary lives and be change agents in their schools, communities and anywhere they
find themselves. The result of the covenant was awesome as the bible recorded. “And Josiah took away
all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that
were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the Lord their God. And all his days they departed not
from following the Lord, the God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 34:33).
Christ is the mediator of a better covenant which every Christian youth at the point of salvation
enters, to serve Him to the end. “This is the covenant that I will make wit them after those days, saith
the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and
iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:16,17). Josiah served the Lord; he made Judah and
Jerusalem to stand to the covenant to serve the Lord and he stamped out idolatry and all abominations
out of Israel. What a reformation!
3. JOSIAH: REFORMER WITHOUT EQUAL (2 Kings 23:1-28; 2 Chronicles 34:8-33; 35:1-19; 1 Kings 13:2; 1
Samuel 17:19-50; 1 Kings 18:1-40; Matthew 28:18-20)
“And in the the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the
Asherim, and the graven images, and the molten images” (2 Chronicles 34:3). Josiah was twenty years
of age when the reforms mentioned began; and it extended on till the eighteenth year of his reign.

“Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent
Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and joah the son of Joahaz the
recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 34:8).
Question 5: What is reformation?

Reformation means making changes to something with the intention of setting it back on the right
course. Reformation of a society makes positive and lasting impact. The spiritual condition of Israel
before Josiah became the king was bad. (i) Their past evil kings forsook the Lord and did not walk in His
way (2 Kings 21:22). (ii) They made altars of Baalim for national worship (2 Chronicles 34:4). (iii) Many of
them had carved images they worshipped in their houses. (iv) They raised false prophets and priests
that led them into idol worship.
The reign of Josiah brought both spiritual transformation and revival in Israel. (a) He purged Israel of
all abominations and removed all calved images. (b) He broke down the altars of Baalim raised for
national worship. (c) He burnt the bones of the priests in fulfilment of the prophecy that came years
before he was born (1 Kings 13:2). (d) He repaired the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:8). (e) Israel,
under his leadership, read from the book of the Lord and enquired from God for the first time in thirty-
five years (2 Chronicles 34:21,26,27). (f) He made Israel to enter into covenant to serve God with all their
hearts (2 Chronicles 34:31,32). (g) He brought back the keeping of Passover unto the Lord in Jerusalem
(2 Chronicles 35:1-19).
Josiah got to the throne at the age of eight when he was still a child; he sought the Lord and began
the reformatory work at the age of twenty, he began to purge Jerusalem. At twenty-six, he had rid Israel
of all abominations and established the reign of righteousness. The rest of his years were spent to fulfil
prophecy and do the will of God.
All the years of Josiah on earth was just thirty-nine years and the conclusion of the Scripture about his
life is: “... he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his
father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left” (2 Chronicles 34:1).
From the life of Josiah, we learn is that he lived a consistent holy life and service to God. His life was
full of activities of reformation on daily basis. Christian youths should note it. You should be consistent
in your walk and service to God. Our lives should be characterized with preaching the gospel on daily
basis. Another thing to learn is that, though Josiah’s life was short on earth, his years were used
profitably to accomplish the will and demand of God. It means therefore that it is not how long we live
that matters, but how well we spend our days in the will and service of the Lord. Also, Christian youths
should know that they can be reformers in this present time when so many things and people distract
youths from walking with and serving the Lord.
What God did through Josiah, Christ can do much more through the Christian youth that wholly
dedicates his life to Him. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN Acts 20: 13 – 27 Genesis 10: 21 – 32
MON Acts 20: 28 – 38 Genesis 11: 1 – 9
TUE Acts 21: 1 – 16 Genesis 11: 10 – 32

WED Acts 21: 17 – 26 Genesis 12: 1 – 20
THU Acts 21: 27 – 40 Genesis 13; 1 – 18
FRI Acts 22: 1 – 10 Genesis 14: 1 – 24
SAT Acts 22: 11 – 23 Genesis 15: 1 - 27

JUDAH GOES INTO CAPTIVITY

Memory Verse: "And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew
them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. No Judah was carried away
out of their land" (2 Kings 25:21).
TEXT: 2 Kings 24:1-20; 25:1-30; 2 Chronicles 36:1-23

As we analyze the history of the kings of Judah from Rehoboam to Zedekiah, we observed
degradation in the characters of these kings; apart from a few of them who did right in the sight of
God. It was unfortunate that Manasseh could not uphold the righteous life of Hezekiah
his father. He became so bad to the extent that the good and righteous work of Josiah, his grandson,
could not change God's decision to wipe out Judah out of His sight.
"Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for
the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for
he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon" (2 Kings 24:3,4).
Jehoiakim the son of Josiah worsened everything through his evil lifestyle.
Before God brought judgment on them, He warned them through His prophets. They despised the
prophets and killed Zechariah in the court of the house of God (2 Chronicles 24:20,21). God, having
exhausted His patience, brought severe judgment on them.
Question 1: Why did God allow Judah to go into captivity at this time?
"But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until
the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy" (2 Chronicles 36:16). Since
God's Spirit cannot always strive with man, He gave them a just recompense for their sins.
1. THE DECLINE OF JUDAH: (2 Kings 24:1-9,17-20; 2 Kings 21:2,16; 2 Chronicles 36:1-5,9-17; Genesis
6:5; Ezekiel 9:9; Proverbs 29:1)
The leading chapter of our text started with the words "In his days". This implies the link it has with
the previous one. The phrase also bring the question to our hearts, whose days? It was the reign of
Eliakim, the son of Josiah who Pharaohnechoh made to reign instead of Jehoahaz. He changed
Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim. He was favoured by God to be the appointed king instead of Jehoahaz.
He misused this opportunity and could not continue with the revival Josiah wrought in Judah. He
became servant to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon because of sin. The only thing that would have
reverted impending judgment would have been repentance; but he continued in evil. He rebelled
against Nebuchadnezzar contrary to God's plan.
Question 2: What is the consequence of Jeholakim's act and what ran Christian youths learn from it?
"And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the
Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according
to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by his servants the prophets" (2 Kings 24:2). His rebellious
act brought on him severe punishment from God, who sent four other nations to oppress them.
This is a lesson to sinning and backsliding youths. The anger of the Lord is fierce against sin; and
continuity in it attracts greater judgment from God.
Judah degenerated in evil and their wicked acts were continually before God. Manasseh, amongst
other kings, committed the unpardonable sin. In the New Testament, Christ revealed that speaking
against the Holy Ghost is an unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:32). Christian youths should not be
Lesson 862; JUDAH GOES INTO CAPTIVITY Page 11

involved in jokes that speak against the Holy Ghost in an attempt to entertain people. Other kings
after Josiah did worse. Their case that of the early men in the Bible. "And GOD saw that the
wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). This led to the destruction of that generation; and the
Amorites that dwelt in the land were driven out of their inheritance because of their sin (Genesis
15:16). God also decided to send Judah into captivity. Manasseh practiced witchcraft, idolatry and
shed innocent blood. Also, "...all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much
after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had
hallowed in Jerusalem"(2 Chronicles 36:14).
God sent His messengers to them. "But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his
words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was
no remedy" (2 Chronicles 36:16). Youths must renounce witchcraft, cultism, murder and abortion.
They should repent of all manner of sins and accept the sacrifices of Christ for sin. "He, that being
often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy"
(Proverbs 29:1).
2. THE DEVASTATION OF JUDAH: (2 Kings 24:10-16; 25:126; 16; 2 Chronicles 36:6-8,18-20; Jeremiah
9:25,26; 52:3; Hosea 8:14; Joel 2:1-3; Jude 11-13)
God gave Judah enough space to repent. This is because He does not delight in their destruction.
God still does the same today towards sinners. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as
some men count Meekness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Having exhausted His longsuffering towards
them, He made Nebuchadnezzar to invade the land of Judah.
“At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the
city was besieged" (2 Kings 24:10). The heathen king decided to encamp round the land of Judah in
order to prevent them from going in and out of Judah. In this way, they would exhaust all their food
and necessary things they needed for a living. This also prevented other neighbours from coming
to them for business transactions (2 Kings 25:13). The effect of this Vas famine upon the land. Seeing
that the people of Judah are now weak and feeble due to hunger, his army broke the wall and killed
many people; pursued the king of Judah and captured him; slew his children before his eyes; put
off his eyes; bound him with fetters and carried him to Babylon. The house of the Lord was burnt
down; houses of great and rich men were destroyed. Treasures and precious things in the house of
God were carried away into Babylon. Goodly, mighty, skillful men and others were also carried
captives in Babylon for servitude.
Question 3: What can we leant from God's judgment on Judah?
All that happened to Judah was the fulfilment of prophecies (Judges 10:13; 2 Kings 22:17; 2
Chronicles 34:25; Deuteronomy 28:20). There are so many prophecies in the Bible that reveal God's
wrath and judgment on the unrepentant sinners and backsliders in the last days. Unfortunately,
many youths are living as if it will not come to pass. Maybe that was the thought of the people of
Judah to have resisted God's warning. Remember that the Scripture says, "Though hand join in
hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered" (Proverbs
11:21). In the concluding chapter of Christ's message to the seven churches in Asia, He revealed to
them of His imminent Second Coming and final judgment. "And he saith unto me, Seal not the
sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:
and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he
that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every
man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22: 10 – 12)
Question 4: When and how should sinning and backsliding youths repent today?
"For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will
hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the
wilderness" (Psalm 95:7,8). Sinning and backsliding youths should surrender their lives to Christ now
without delay. They should acknowledge their sinfulness; confess and forsake their sins; accept
Christ into their hearts as Saviour and Lord; keep away from sin, have faith in God; and fellowship
with the people of God
3. THE DECISION TO REBUILD GOD'S HOUSE AT JERUSALEM: (2 Kings 25:27-30; 2 Chronicles 36:21-
23; Isaiah 44:28; 45:1; Ezra 1:2,3; Daniel 6:26; Mark 16:15)
The punishment of Israel and Judah was prophesied by the servants of God. It was done to correct
them and make a comparison between the goodly and righteous reign of God over them when they
obeyed Him; and the cruel and wicked government of godless Nebuchadnezzar. It was meant to
lead them into repentance afterward. God also placed a set time to end their oppression. "For thus
saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my
good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place" (Jeremiah 29:10). After the fulfilment
of this prophecy, there was a change from the Babylonian kingdom to the kingdom of Persia. Cyrus
now the king, was stirred in his spirit by God to rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. Cyrus
obeyed God immediately. He put it into writing before he commenced the execution
Cyrus put everything God laid in his heart into writing so as not to forget it; and for record purpose.
He knew that he was flesh and blood and could die at anytime. His 'government could also be
changed by God. He knew rebuilding that house was a must, whether alive or not. This really helped
them later when Samballat opposed them in the course of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem
Question 5: What can Christian youths learn from how Cyrus put God's instruction in Writing?
The act of taking note is almost fading away among youths. Some youths no longer take notes
during church services. And there are some that do the same in their schools. Note taking is a way
of keeping record of things learnt today to be reviewed in the future. It enhances remembrance
and is a way to store knowledge. It also keeps our works for future generation. Just as Cyrus was
prompt in obeying God in rebuilding the house of God at Jerusalem, no should we be prompt in
obeying God in all things, especially in evangelism. It is the only way to build up God's kingdom and
the true temple of God. If you have not been seeking to save lost boys and girls, get started today.
Cyrus did not leave the building of the house of God at Jerusalem to himself alone. He sought for
the support of others. "...Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him,
and let him go up" (2 Chronicles 36:23). The church as well is not leaving the youths out of soul-
winning. If you bring the one next to you and I bring the one next to me; in no time at all, we will
win them all one by one.
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN Acts 22: 24 – 30 Genesis 16: 1 – 16
MON Acts 23: 1 – 11 Genesis 17: 1 – 27
TUE Acts 23: 12 – 22 Genesis 18; 1 – 15

WED Acts 23: 23 – 35 Genesis 18: 16 – 23
THU Acts 24; 1 – 16 Genesis 19: 1 – 11
FRI Acts 24: 17 – 27 Genesis 19: 12 – 20
SAT Acts 25: 1 – 11 Genesis 19: 21 - 29

THE ANCESTORS OF ISRAEL

Memory Verse: "But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their
ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the
heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 26:45
TEXT: 1 Chronicles 1:1-54; 2:1-55

The word 'chronicle' is defined as record of events or 1 history. In the Bible, the books of Chronicles are
largely a repetition of events recorded in the books of Samuel and Kings but from a different point of view.
The early parts (chapters 1-9) are devoted to genealogies. These genealogies were. preserved for the Jews
after their return from Babylon so as not to lose the distinctiveness of their tribes and families. This therefore
reveals the ancient landmarks of some of the tribes that were carried captive into Assyria. It is also significant
for illustration of the Scripture-story and especially for the clearing of the
NOTE
pedigrees1 of the Messiah, that our blessed Saviour was, according to the
1
prophecies, the son of David. When the building was reared, the scaffolds descendants
were removed. In this chapter, we have an abstract of all the genealogies
from the book of Genesis.
1. THE FALL OF MAN AND THE FATHER OF FAITH (1 Chronicles 1:1-27; Job 27:6; Hebrews 3:6; Revelation 2:25;
Genesis 5:1,24; 3:17; 5:24; 18:17-19; Romans 4:11,12)
The first man on earth to be created was Adam. His name was first on the list. "This is the book of the
generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him" (Genesis 5:1).
Adam had the privilege of being the crown image of God's creation. He was opportuned to have direct
fellowship with God at the cool of the day. This great privilege could not make him to guide the golden
opportunity carefully. He lost the true and close fellowship by yielding to contrary suggestion and
enticement. "And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten
of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in
sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life" (Genesis 3:17). This was the beginning of man's problem,
sorrow and pain. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". “Nevertheless death reigned
from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned alter the similitude of Adam's transgression, who
is the figure of him that was to come". "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive"
(Romans 3:23; 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Every youth must know that they must make the best use of every
opportunity and privilege given them to the glory of God and not self. Once an opportunity is lost it may be
difficult, if not impossible to regain. Whatever right, position or instruction given to you, make sure you guide
it jealously. “Behold, I come quickly, hold that fast which thou hest, that no man take thy crown" (Revelation
3:11).
Question 1: Mention people in the bible who did not keep to God’s instructions and the consequences of their
action.
Saul, the first king in Israel, acted contrary to God's command and paid dearly for it (1 Samuel 15:10-28). Ahab
the king of Israel was given instruction but neglected it and God sent His prophet to declare judgment on
him (1 Kings 20:39-43); Solomon refused to keep to the charge his father gave him. Therefore, the Lord raised
an adversary against him (1 Kings 11:1-14). These are lessons to Christian youths to hold fast to God's
instruction lest they slip from them. The Rechabites are good example to um no matter the status of the
tempter, we must refuse, reject and renounce sin (Jeremiah 35:1-19). Enoch had this testimony that he
"…walked with God: and he was not; for God took him". (Genesis 5:24). He was the first and that had the
record of uprightness and righteousness; hence God took him. How prepared are you for eternity? Can God
boast of your fife in this generation? (Genesis 18:17-19).
Lesson 863; THE ANCESTORS OF ISRAEL Page 14

Christian youths should strive to make God proud of them. Methuselah was born by Enoch; he only had the
testimony of longevity: yet no record of walking with God. "And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech
seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Methuselah were nine
hundred sixty and nine years: and he died" (Genesis 5:26,27). Abraham is known as the father of faith. All men
by nature are the seeds of Adam and by faith believers became the seeds of Abraham. “For as in Adam all
die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). If you have not given your life to Christ,
then you are “…aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise,
having no hope, and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Now is the acceptable time to accept Christ
as Lord and Saviour. There are many names mentioned on this list that became strangers to the
commonwealth of Israel. Do not let your case be like theirs.
2. ABRAHAM'S DESCENDANTS NOT CONNECTED TO THE PROMISE (1 Chronicles 1:28-54; Genesis 17:21; 21:12;
Galatians 4:22-31; Amos 9:8; Numbers 14:18)
"The sans of Abraham..." (verse 28).Those who have received Christ and keep His words, He knows by name;
but those who are strangers to Him, He beholds afar off. The seeds of Abraham find favour with God. The
Lord knows those that are His (2 Timothy 2:19). Israel was a chosen nation and no other nation was so
dignified and privileged like him. “But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto
thee at this set time in the next year" (Genesis 17:21). "And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in
thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken
unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (Genesis 21:12).
Question 2: Answer True or Pulse?
(a) Being born by Christian parents qualifies you for heaven.
(b) Bearing Christian names automatically makes you a child of God.
(c) Christian youths are free to live a loose life since their parents are praying for them.
The Ishmaelites were the sons of the bondwoman. They were to be cast out and not to be heirs with the
child of promise. Their case was to represent that of the unbelieving Jews who were rejected (Galatians 4:22-
31). Ishmael's twelve sons are named here (1 Chronicles 1:29-31), to show the performance of the promise
God made to Abraham in answer to his prayer for Ishmael, that, for Abraham's sake, he should become a
great nation and particularly that he should give birth to twelve princes (Genesis 17:20). These were torn in
the flesh to the children of promise.
The Midianites became descendant of Abraham through Keturah. They were children of the east and were
separated from Isaac, the heir of the promise (Genesis 25:6). Others are sons of Jokshan, the son of Keturah
and tire sons of Midian (1 Chronicles 1:32,33).
The Edomites had a deep-rooted enmity with Israel; because they descended from Esau, the son of Isaac.
The names of some of their famous men were listed (1 Chronicles 1:35). Youths should not capitalize on
having Christian parents to live a careless life. They must repent from their sins and live in total reliance on
and loyalty to God.
3. DIVINE FAVOUR ON JACOB AND HIS CHILDREN (1 Chronicles 2:1-55; Romans 9:11, Malachi 1:2, Romans
9:13; Exodus 31:1- 5, James 1:21-25)
'These are the sons of Israel..." (verse 1). The family of Jacob, otherwise known as Israel (Genesis 32:28), was
mentioned here. The personal characters of some of them were not of good testimony yet the covenant
was bestowed on their seeds. “For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that
the purpose stood according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth" (Romans 9:11).
This is the con5rmation of the Scripture that it was of grace, that it was said, Jacob have I loved (Malachi 1:2;
Romans 9:13). It is not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8,9). The family of Judah was most
praised, increased and dignified than any of the tribes: therefore their genealogy was prominent. Those that
were had in their lineage were; Er, Judah's eldest son who did evil in the sight of the Lord, was cut off in the
beginning of his days by divine judgment (verse 3). His brother, Onan, was not better. Next on the list was
Tamar, with whom Judah, her father-in-law, committed incest (verse 4) and Achan troubled Israel by taking

the accursed thing (verses 7). Christian youths must be watchful not to put their hands in sinful things, no
matter how enticing it may be.
Question 3: Are we created fora purpose in this life?
The family of Jesse was mentioned in this genealogy because of David who is linked to Christ. On the list, we
tied Besakel (verse 20), who was head-workman in building the tabernacle (Exodus 3E1-4 Christian youths
must identify what they were created for and live to fulfil it. Herron, who was the son of Pharez (verse 5),
his sons, Caleb and Jerahmeel, being very fruitful, and he himself likewise, even in his old age. This Hezron
was one of the seventy that went down with Jacob into Egypt (Genesis 46:8-12). lie died in Caleb-Ephratah
(that is, Bethlehem), in the land of Canaan (verse 24). The Caleb mentioned here is different from the
companion of Joshua that went to spy the land (Number 13:6). In conclusion, them genealogies shows the
records of both the wicked and the righteous. Those who were wicked received divine judgment while the
righteous received divine favour.
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN Acts 25: 12 – 22 Genesis 19: 30 – 38
MON Acts 25: 23 – 27 Genesis 20: 1 – 18
TUE Acts 26: 1 – 18 Genesis 21: 1 – 21

WED Acts 26: 19 – 32 Genesis 21: 22 – 34
THU Acts 27: 1 – 20 Genesis 22: 1 – 24
FRI Acts 27: 21 – 44 Genesis 23: 1 – 20
SAT Acts 28: 1 – 15 Genesis 24: 1 - 13

ETERNAL REDEMPTION THROUGH

CHRIST’S BLOOD
Memory Verse: "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood
he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us"
(Hebrews 9:12).
TEXT: Hebrews 9:1-28

In the preceding chapter, we saw the need for the new covenant. "in that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made
the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away" (Hebrews 8:13). The tabernacle,
materials of service and the high priest in the old covenant did not have eternal existence. The High Priest of the
new covenant is eternal and therefore, able to give eternal redemption. The former dispensation was mere
shadow, the latter is the real substance. The former was based on blood of bulls which does not have eternal life
but the latter is based on the blood of the Son of God who has eternal life, hence, He offers on eternal redemption
through His blood.
Question 1: How, can one have eternal redemption?
1. SERVICE IN THE OLD COVENANT (Hebrews 9:1-10, Exodus 25:1,2,8, 26:1,30,33-35)
“Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary" (verse 1). The old
covenant came with males governing worship and approach to God. Though it passed away with time, it
should be noted that it was ordained by God. Moses received the structural description and order of service
from God when he was on Mount Sinai.
Question 2; From Hebrews 9: 1 – 5, mention features of the sanctuary and their significance.
Order of service from our text shows God's requirements. Setting up of the temple indicates that there is a
temple where God dwells and it is holy. There was only one entrance to the temple indicating that there is only
one way to God. Presence of lamp stand is to give light to the people. In the presence of the 'Lord, there is fullness
of light to give direction. The partitioning of the temple shows that there is a wall of partition between sinners
and God. The most holy place shows that God is holy and to dwell with Him we must be holy. The presence of
manna and Aaron's rod is meant to remind them of God's miraculous provisions and wonders. The children of
Israel were meant also to remember that man does not live by bread alone but by the word of God which is able
to supply our needs. The rod was meant to remind them that leaders are chosen by God not by politicking. The
table of covenant was to remind them of the law of God.
Services in the old covenant were carried out by priests and the high priest but only the latter was allowed to
enter into the holy of holies. "But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood,
which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people" (verse 7). To atone for the sins of the people, the
high priest will first atone for his own sin, then that of others through the blood of animals and this can be done
only once in a year.
Question 3, What are the limitations of the old covenant?.
The sanctuary in the old covenant was earthly; enemies evaded and destroyed it. (2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles
36:15-211. The high priest was not perfect as well as the animal blood used for atonement. Hence, the people
were not made perfect (Leviticus 16:11-19; Hebrews 5:1-3). “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which
were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the
conscience" (verse 9). The old covenant is limited because: (i) There was no full access to God; only the High priest
could enter into the holy of holies. (ii) Cleansing was imperfect because it was all external. “Which stood only in
meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation"
(verse 10). (iii) Worship was limited; they had to go to Jerusalem three times a year to worship. (iv) The duration
of service was temporary and subject to the life span of the high priest to remove the limitations, the sacrifice
must be perfect and eternal; then there must be a new covenant. God had promised to remove the old covenant.
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the home of Israel, and wick the
house of Judah" (Jeremiah 31:31).
2. SACRIFICE FOR THE NEW COVENANT (Hebrews 9:11-14; John 1:29; Matthew 2526-23; Romans 10:9,10; 1
Peter 1:18,19)
"But Christ Ming come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made
with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and Delves, but by his mobbed he
entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (verses 11,12). The new covenant
Lesson 864; ETERNAL REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST’S BLOOD Page 17
is based on the sacrifice of Jesus, not on the blood of goats and cones. He is the Lomb of God that takes away
our sins. "The next day John south Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away
the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Question 4; What is the uniqueness of Christ’s Sacrifice?
Christ's sacrifice was unique in many ways: (1) He offered Himself (John 10:15). (2) His sacrifice was without
blemish (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18,19;1 John 3:5). (3) His sacrifice was not presented in the earthly tabernacle
but at eternal Tabernacle. (Hebrews 8:9). His all-sufficient &err if ice was once for all sacrifice- it fulfilled all the
demands and more of the old covenant priesthood. The moment Christ died on the cross, the curtain that divided
sinful man from the presence of the holy God was torn open and the sinner had access to God. Those who believe
in His sacrifice have the. sins drooled and their conscience purged. “How much more shall the Mood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to
serve the living God? (verse 14).
Christ has sacrificed Himself for our sins therefore sinning youths have no reason to remain in sin. Salvation is
free. It only requires a sinning youth to acknowledge his or her sinfulness, confess it, believe that Jesus died for
his or her sin and ask God for Forgiveness; then accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. “That if thou shalt confess
with thy month the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God bath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the month confession is made
unto salvation" (Romans 10:9,10).
3. SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST’S ATONING BLOOD (Hebrews 9:15-28; Romans 3:23; Ezekiel 10:4,20;
Hebrews 7:25-27)
Christ's death solved the problem of sin which the old covenant could not solve. Through His atoning blood, we
have remission of our sin and redemption of our souls "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament,
that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which
are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance" (verse 15). Because all have sinned and come short of
the glory of God and the soul that remains in shall die, Jesus died for our sins. He paid the price for our
redemption; He is our Mediator. God is God of order. It was necessary that Jesus fulfilled the requirement for
cleansing of the tabernacle and remission of sin of the people which can only be achieved through shedding of
blood, "And almost all things are by the law paged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission"
(verse 22). He shed His blood to fulfil the requirements. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which Is shed
for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28). Remission of sins and the provisions of the new covenant
are now OUTS through the blood of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. He had ratified the new covenant through
His own blood, just as the old covenant was ratified by Moses with the blood of animals.
Question 5: Why is our redemption eternal?
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into
heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (verse 24). Our redemption is eternal because
everything about our Redeemer is eternal. (1) He is an eternal High Priest. (2) His sacrifice is final (John 19:30).
(3) He offered the sacrifice in the eternal sanctuary where God dwells. (4) Through it, we have righteousness
(verse 26). AU born again youths that remain in the Lord have eternal redemption.
However, those who fail to repent should know that there is no repentance in the grave "And as it is appointed
unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (verse 27). In the old covenant, God did not command high
Priests to offer sacrifice for dead people; it was only for those who were alive.
Question 6: What must sinning youths do to be saved and to enjoy eternal redemption?
"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second
time without sin unto salvation" (verse 28). Sinning youths should repent of their sins, accept Christ's offer of
salvation. Those who are saved should walk and live in daily expectation of Christ's Second Coming.
DAILY BIBLE READING
MORNING EVENING
SUN Romans 28: 16 - 31 Genesis 24: 14 – 29
MON Romans 1: 1 – 17 Genesis 24: 30 – 49
TUE Romans 1: 18 – 32 Genesis 24: 50 – 67
WED Romans 2: 1 – 16 Genesis 25: 1 – 18
THU Romans 2: 17 – 27 Genesis 25: 19 – 34
FRI Romans 3: 1 – 20 Genesis 26: 1 – 17
SAT Romans 3: 21 – 31 Genesis 26; 18 - 35
Lesson 864; ETERNAL REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST’S BLOOD Page 18

SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST’S
ATONEMENT
Memory Verse: "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12)

From the previous chapter, the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews had been comparing the old covenant
given by God under Moses and the new covenant purchased with the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross
at Calvary. Having carefully examined the characteristics and sacrifices in the old covenant, he now
concludes in this chapter with the supremacy of Christ's atonement and sacrifice which paved way for the
new covenant.
Question 1: In your own word explain the term atonement
Atonement is the reconciliation of sinful boys and girls to Cod through the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Atonement is to make amends or restore damaged relationship. Sinning youths an estranged front God,
but Christ Came to reconcile mankind to God through His death. "And almost all things are by the law purged
with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). The once and for all sacrificial death
of Jesus Christ is higher, better, greater, more precious and superior compared to all the sacrifices offered in the
Old Testament.
Today's study focus on, firstly, the helplessness and emptiness of the earthly and animal sacrifices for atonement.
Secondly, the infinite power of the sacrificial death of Jesus which defeats the enemy, forgive sins and makes
believers perfect. Thirdly, the benefits we derive from the atonement of Jesus Christ.
1. THE INEFFECTIVENESS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT SACRIFICES FOR ATONEMENT (Hebrews 10:1-4; Isaiah
64:6; Colossians 2:17; Psalm 51:16; Isaiah 1:11-20)
"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those
sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect" (verse 1). The law here
means the entire Old Testament and its sacrifices. They were shadows to good things to come through Jesus
Christ. This implies that Jesus Christ was concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament.
The animal sacrifices Of the Old Testament "...can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year
continually make the comers thereunto perfect" (verse 1). In the Old Testament, there were many offerings. But
once every year, on the day of atonement, a special sin and burnt offering took place (Leviticus 16:1-34). The day
of atonement is considered to be the holiest of the year. During this yearly sacrifice, the sins and iniquity of the
people are forgiven by God. However, it was observed that animal sacrifices did not give the people continuous
daily victory over sin. Therefore, there was need for daily sacrifices. These animal sacrifices are ineffective and
could not take away sin. "For it is not possible that the blood of balls and of goats should take away sins" (verse
4).
Though we are not in the Old Testament, there are any young people today who still believe and engage in the
sacrificial practices of the Old Testament people; thus thinking they are right with God.
Question 2: Mention some practices of youths today that make them think they are in right relationship with God.
Some youths think they can obtain salvation by observing religious ceremonies and rites, being a member of the
choir, bearing Christian n regular church attendance, burning of candles and incense, putting on of religious
garments etc. All these cannot take away sin because they are like “filthy rags" before God. God does not delight
in their burnt offerings. He calls everyone, including youths, to repentance.
Question 3: How can sinners be made free from sin?
When David sinned, he declared: "for thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it thou delightest not in burnt
offering" (Psalm 51:16). To be made free from sin, you must receive forgiveness from God by appropriating the
work of Christ on the cross at Calvary. "Come now and let us reason together with the LORD: though your sin be
as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).
2. THE EFFICACY OF CHRIST'S SACRIFICE FOR ATONEMENT (Hebrews 10:5-13; John 1:29; Psalm 40:5,7; Mark
14:36; John 19:30)
The word "efficacy" means ability to produce the desired effect. The blood of Jesus is very powerful to take
away the sin of the whole world. "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering
thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me" (verse 5). Since animal sacrifices cannot take away
sin, God was displeased with it and sought for alternative. He was weary of the daily sacrifices and at a point
Lesson 865; SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST’S ATONEMENT Page 19

declared through Prophet Isaiah: "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord:
I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or
of Iambs, or of he goats" (Isaiah 1:11). Jesus has to come in a 'body' - the incarnate Son of God. His body was
offered (killed and sacrificed) for the sin of mankind. He came and voluntarily submitted Himself to the will
of God and to death that He might substitute Himself in place of the sinner. Man was destined for doom and
death after the Fall: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord" (Romans 6:23). Hence, Jesus took our place and died for our sins that we might be freed from the
consequences of sin. "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, 0
God". As Christ submitted to the will of God, so must all Christian youths submit themselves to do the will of
God in all areas of their lives. Though Jesus went through pain, agony,; shame and ridicule to do the will of
God for the benefits of mankind, yet He submitted. We must be ready to do anything legitimate for the
benefits of mankind. Believing youths must avoid excuses for not preaching and rescuing sinning youths
around them.
Question 4: What makes the atonement of Jesus more superior to the animal sacrifices?
Animal sacrifices were carried out on daily basis. "And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering
oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins" (verse 11). But Jesus died once for the sin of
the whole world (Hebrews 7:27). “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for over, sat down
on the right hand of God" (verse 12).
The seated position of Jesus as mentioned in verse 12 is important. It shows that His work is finished. He
does not need to stand to minister daily and offer regularly the same sacrifices as the priests under the Old
Testament. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for every down on the right hand of God"
(verse 11).
3. THE BENEFITS OF CHRIST'S ATONEMENT (Hebrews 10:14-18; 1 Peter 1:18,19; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 8:32)
There are many benefits of Christ's atonement for mankind. He died to make us perfect before God "For by
one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (verse 14). This perfection comes in two
ways: firstly, salvation from sin. When a sinner repents and asks for forgiveness, he or she receives pardon
and becomes redeemed. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver
and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of
Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18,19). Secondly, we obtain sanctification
through the death of Jesus Christ. "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own
blood, suffered without the gate" (Hebrews 13:12).
Question 5: Mention other benefits of Christ's atonement to Christian youths.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their
hearts, and in their minds will I write them" (verse 16). The atonement of Christ brings us into a new covenant
of peace with God. "—I will put my laws into theft hearts, and in their minds will I write them". The new
covenant has to do with inner transformation. God changes our heart and writes His law in us. "But he was
wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon
him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Christ's atonement brings healing and health. It also
provides protection (Proverbs 18:101, provision (Romans 8:321, success, promotion and finally eternal life
(John 3:15,16)
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN Romans 4: 1 – 12 Genesis 27: 1 – 17

WED Romans 5: 12 – 21 Genesis 28: 1- 22
SAT Romans 7: 1 – 6 Genesis 30: 1 - 21
Lesson 865; SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST’S ATONEMENT Page 20

THE [[PERIL’S OF BACKSLIDING
Memory Verse: "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12)

In our previous lesson, the ineffectiveness of the blood of animals to take away sins in the old covenant and
the power and ability in the blood of Jesus Christ to accomplish the impossible were examined. "For it is not
possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. By the will we are sanctified through the,
offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:4,10). Therefore, since Jesus Christ opened the
gate to the holiest by His blood, believers can now approach the throne of God with true heart and full
assurance of faith. However, it is not the starting of the Christian race that is most important but the
continuation and finishing it well. Therefore, the writer of this epistle warned believers of the possibility and
dangers of backsliding. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there
remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which
shall devour the adversaries" (Hebrews 10:26,27).
Question 1: What is backsliding?
"The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself
(Proverbs 14:14). Backsliding is losing biblical convictions, consecration and commitment to the Lord who
saved us from sin. It is going back to sin after knowing the Lord as our Saviour and Lord. The Scripture
describes backsliding in various ways. It is forsaking the Lord and His word (Jeremiah 2:19); rejecting to walk
in the right way that leads to heaven (Jeremiah 6:16,19); walking in the imagination and counsels of evil heart
(Jeremiah 7:24); forgetting the Lord and trusting in falsehood (Jeremiah 13:25); refusing to hear and obey
the word of God (Jeremiah 19:15; Proverbs 28:9); departing from the Lord and His service (Jeremiah 17:13);
turning back from the Lord (Zephaniah 1:6); etc. The only way to escape the peril or judgment of backsliding
is to repent and return to the Lord Jesus and rely on His strength and grace. "Go and proclaim these words
toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause mine anger to
fall upon you: for I am merciful, with the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever" (Jeremiah 32:12). This is the
reason our text calls for steadfastness to the end.
1. CONSECRATION OF CHRIST FOR CHRISTIAN HOLINESS (Hebrews 10:19-25; 9:8-15; Ephesians 2:13-18;
Galatians 1:3-5; Titus 2:14; Acts 2:41-47; 11:22-26)
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way,
which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" (verses 19,20). This epistle was
written to the brethren in the Lord. They were encouraged to enter boldly into the "holiest", the very
presence of God. This was a rear privilege made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ, who did this
because He is the High Priest over the house of God, the Father (verse 21).
Question 2: How should believers approach God in the new covenant?
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil
conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (verse 22). One, believers are to draw near with a true
heart in full assurance of faith. Two, they are to approach God with a cleansed conscience since they have
been washed with the blood of Christ. This gives assurance to believers to hold fast their faith because He
has promised to uphold them to the end. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for
he is faithful that promised)" (verse 23). "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good
works' (verse 24). The evidence of true conversion and holiness is to love one another and show forth good
works; and “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one
another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (verse 25).
Question 3: Answer True or False:
(i) Christian youths should stay away from YHSF or School Fellowship during examinations.
(ii) It is good to come together in fellowship to pray for our success during examinations.
(iii) As an evidence of holiness, I am expected to separate myself from other believers.
(iv) It is good to attend fellowship but late every meeting day.
(v) Since I am not an officer in the fellowship, it is not necessary for me to attend fellowship.
Lesson 866; THE PERIL’S OF BACKSLIDING Page 21
2. CONSEQUENCES OF TURNING BACK FROM THE LORD (Hebrews 10:26-31; Numbers 15:30,31; Jeremiah 5:6-
9; 8:5-13; 1 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 2:1-3)
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more
sacrifice for sins" (verse 26). Christian experiences are obtained by faith and grace through Jesus Christ
(Ephesians 1:3). Temptation is not a sin but yielding to it is evil and sinful. This automatically removes one's
name from the Book of life. The verse above says if we sin wilfully, knowingly or deliberately after receiving
salvation through Christ, there is no other sacrifice for such a person. Therefore, there are great
consequences of wilful sinning or backsliding.
Question 4: What are consequences or perils of backsliding?
“But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shell devour the adversaries"(verse
27). From the Scripture, there are great consequences of backsliding. One, a fearful judgment and fiery
indignation await backsliders (verse 27). Two, backsliders will face great punishment in hell (verse 29). The
Scripture says, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (verse 31). In simple term, such a
person will not get to heaven. Do you want to miss heaven? Then pray for grace not to go back from the
Lord as you watch and pray.
3. CALL TO STEADFASTNESS, PATIENCE AND FAITH TO THE END (Hebrews 10:32-39; James 5:7,8; 1 Peter 1:7-
9)
“But can to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a peat fight of
afflictions" (verse 32). The devil is not happy that Christian youths are saved and ready for heaven. He often
makes use of persecution as a tool to make them backslide. These can he in the form of afflictions,
reproaches, a gazingstock, etc. However, the Hebrew Christians endured their persecutions. Jesus said, "But
he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). "For ye had compassion of me
in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a
better and an enduring substance" (verse 34). Though the Hebrew Christians faced hard trials, they still cared
for fellow believers. Problems of life should not hinder believers from doing good to others. They will be
greatly rewarded in heaven.
Question 5: Mention three things believers should do daily to enable them to be steadfast to the end.
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward" (verse 35). Some
practical steps believers should take daily to keep them steadfast to the end are: (i) They should keep their
confidence in the Lord until the end. (ii) They should be patience for God's intervention while in trials (verse
36). (iii) They should live by faith (verse 38). (iv) They should be watchful, sober and prayerful (1 Peter 4:7-
9). (v) They should be ready for the coming of Christ (verse 37).
"But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul"
(verse 39). It is not the will of God for anyone to perish. Therefore, no believer should draw back to perdition.
"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall
we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:67,68). Take a solid decision and determination today not
to turn from the Lord. The grace of God is sufficient to carry you through to the end. "And he said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
DAILY BIBLE READING
MORNING EVENING
TUE Romans 8: 1 – 17 Genesis 31; 22 – 55

WED Romans 8: 18 – 27 Genesis 32; 1 – 15
Lesson 866; THE PERIL’S OF BACKSLIDING Page 22

DESCRIPTION AND
DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH
Memory Verse: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently nook him" (Hebrews 11:6).
TEXT: Hebrews 11: 1 – 40

Our lesson today deals with faith in God and His word. The essence of faith in the life of a believer cannot be
underestimated. We are saved by faith; continue walking with the Lord by faith and will enter heaven and live
with Him eternally through faith. "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no
pleasure In him" (Hebrews 10:38).
Question 1: In your own words, what is faith?
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is believing
the testimony of God. It is a firm persuasion of what we hope for, because the believer is assured that through
the power and faithfulness of God, he will possess it. Faith, trust or confidence in God can be used
interchangeably. The characters in Hebrews chapter eleven are commonly called "Heroes of Faith”. The central
characteristic of the people in the old covenant was their faith in God's unfailing word. From the first patriarch
to the last prophet, the essential thing that linked them to God was their faith.
1. DECLARATION OF FAITH (Hebrews 11:1-3,6,39; 6:18; Titus 1:2; Psalm 33:6-10)
"For by it the elders obtained a good report" (verse 2). Faith in God is great. It was by faith that people in the Old
Testament obtained good report and the results were evident in their lives. This was because they walked with
God, pleased Him and obeyed Him. We too can only be approved of God by our faith in Him. Whatever we do in
unbelief will not recommend us before God. Faith and acts of faith bring God's approval in our lives. The life of
faith, walk, obedience, Spirit, speech and the work of faith are the things that please Him (Galatians 2:20; 2
Corinthians 5:7; Romans 1:5; 2 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3). "Through faith we understand that the worlds
were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (verse
3). Faith is the means of spiritual perception in life. Through it we understand and know that the universe was
created by God, Maker of all things. He made the world by His word. "For he spoke, and it was done; he
commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9). Therefore, He who called the worlds into existence by the word of
His power, can command abundant supplies, success and resources to His children (Philippians 4:19).
Question 2: How can God's children live a life that pleases Him today?
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is
a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (verse 6). We cannot live a life that pleases the Lord without faith.
When we manifest faith God is pleased. Through faith, God approves and blesses those who put their trust in
Him. To please Him then, we must walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4); uprightly (Psalm 84:11); humbly (Micah
6:8); honestly (Romans 13:13); in the law of the Lord (Psalm 119:1); in truth (3 John 3); in the light (1 John 1:7); in
the Spirit (Galatians 5:16); and as Christ walked (1 John 2:6). This is the life that pleases God and we can only live
such a life by faith. All true believers who walk consistently with the Lord will be rewarded eventually.
2. DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH (Hebrews 11:4,5,7-22,32-38; John 1:29; Romans 3:24-26; Genesis 5:22-24; 6:9,12-
18,22; 12:1-4; Isaiah 51:2; Romans 4:19-21; Genesis 21:10-12; 22:1-4,9,10; 25:20,21,28; 48:5,13-21; 50:24,25; 39:1-12)
"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was
righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and -by it he being dead yet speaketh" (verse 4). In Abel, we. see the
beginning of the life of faith. For a sinner to stand before the Lord, he needs a covering " that God must provide.
The necessary covering could only be obtained by the death of an innocent substitute for the guilty sinner. This
was what Abel did, believing that God was merciful and would accept the substitute. The innocent Substitute
today is Christ, the Lamb of God who died for the sins of the whole world. "The next day John seeth Jesus coming
unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him:
for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God' (verse 5). In Enoch, we see an example of
walking with God. To walk with Him requires that one voluntarily surrenders his life to Him. From that point, He
controls the person's life every day.
Question 3: What are the benefits of walking with God?
Lesson 867; DESCRIPTION AND DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH Page 23

As Enoch was translated to heaven, those who walk with God will be raptured someday (1 Thessalonians. 4:16,17;
1 Corinthians 15:51,52). "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared
an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness
which is by faith" (verse 7). This was the courage of faith demonstrated by Noah. This is because there had never
been rain on the earth before. Yet, Noah obeyed God and prepared an ark. He escaped the judgment of God. It
is through faith a sinner can be saved from the impending judgment of God (Acts 16:31): "By faith Abraham,
when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went
out, not knowing whither he went" (verse 8). Abraham had obedience of faith. He was called by God at the age
of 75. He obeyed without delay. Faith and obedience can never be separated. In his obedience, he looked for a
city whose Builder and Maker is God. Faith lifts the heart above earthly things to desire spiritual and heavenly
things. "Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him,
and increased him" (Isaiah 51:2). "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive Seed, and was
delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised" (Hebrews 11:11).
Sarah's faith shows the power of a God-given faith in the face of discouraging circumstances. Through faith, she
received strength to give birth to Isaac. Christian youths should know that it is through faith we receive all
blessings from God.
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of
them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (verse 13). Some
Old Testament characters received great blessings from God through faith (Hebrews 11:11,17,35). However, these
heroes of faith hoped to see the fulfilment of the promised Messiah and died in that hope. Therefore, faith sees
the invisible clearly, brings strong persuasion in the heart and makes us to embrace God's promises. To die in
faith is to have an assurance and confidence in God until and at the point of death. Do you have such faith that
sees the promises afar off? This kind of faith made the patriarchs desire heaven most. They confessed that they
were strangers on the earth (verse 13). They sought and desired a better country (verses 14,16). "By faith
Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten
son" (verse 17). Here, God tested Abraham's faith. Abraham had faith in the wisdom, power and faithfulness of
God that He can raise his son. "Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence
also he received him in a figure" (verse 19). Great faith in a great God passes a great test and receives great
blessings.
From verses 20 to 22, we are given insight on the faith of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. The presence of God was real
with all of them. Hence, they had dominion through faith, the decree of faith and dynamic faith. Isaac blessed
Jamb by pronouncing the blessings of Abraham upon him though he wanted it on Esau. However, he allowed
God's will to have dominion over his natural desires and affection for Esau. As for Jacob, he had faith in God at
the beginning of his walk with Him, during his fruitful life and at the end of his life. "By faith Jacob, when he was
a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff (verse 21). In the case
of Joseph, he was sold to a heathen land at the age of seventeen. Yet, he was faithful to God, he resisted
temptations, he was patient under afflictions, he witnessed to others concerning the love and power of God
and overcame evil with good. He also looked forward to the time when God would visit His people and take
them to the Promised Land (Genesis 50:24).
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of
Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets" (verse 32). A summary of men and women are listed
here. These include Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel, etc. With true faith, they fought the Lord's
battles with courage and conviction and brought deliverance and revival to God's people. We too can overcome
through faith in God. The heroes of faith manifested great power of God in verses 33,34. In these two verses,
nine spectacular acts of faith were demonstrated. Through their faith, they subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge
of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight and turned to flight the armies of the
aliens. From verses 36 to 38, through faith, these heroes received blessings from God. The same faith enabled
them to endure great trials and persecutions. Today, faith helps Christian youths to face persecution and
continue steadfastly in the Lord.
3. DECISION OF FAITH (Hebrews 11:23-31,39,40; Exodus 1:16,22; 2:1-10; 12:1-7,13,21-28,27,28; 14:13-16,21-31; Joshua
6:3-5,12-16; 2:1,18-12)
“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child;
and they were not afraid of the king's commandment" (verse 23). Life is full of decisions which determine one's
destiny. Our decisions have far-reaching effects on us and others. The parents of Moses married at difficult times
in Egypt. They hid Moses for three months. When it became impossible to continue to hide him, they took
another decision of faith. Through their faith, Moses was preserved, the nation of Israel was delivered and the

world as a whole was blessed. The strong, spiritual and supernatural faith they had in God strengthened and
sustained them in crises. There will be no regret when we take all our decisions to God. Therefore, take no
decision without God.
Question 4: Describe the decisions of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather
to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach
of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward" (verses
24-26). Moses look a bold and courageous decision. 'Mere are some bold decisions that can only be taken in faith
by those who see the great spiritual height that God has called them to. To reject such privilege and prestige by
Moses, it demands real faith in God. Furthermore. the derision of Moses has both a negative and positive side.
First a "refusing"; and second, a "choosing", as seen in verses 24 and 25. This order is unchanging. It is our refusal
of the things of the world and our choice of the things of the Lord that identify us as trite children of God. This
can only be done by faith.
Question 5: What can your faith do?
"By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible'
(verse 27). Faith in God and Ilk word conquers. Your faith ran conquer sin, self and Satan. It also can conquer
death, unbelief, doubt, weakness, the world, fear, e.t.c. For Moses, he fixed his eyes on God. He looked
constantly at the invisible One and all visible things lost their terror.
"Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch
them" (verse 28). Through faith, Moses and the children of Israel kept the first Passover in Egypt. Through the
shedding of the blood, they were saved and delivered from God's judgment and destruction. Today, we find
pardon, purity and protection through the blood of the lamb. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning
blood, then you will enjoy the fulfilment of the promise: "When I see the Blood I will pass over you". "By faith they
passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned" (verse 29). After
the deliverance of Israel in Egypt, the next obstacle was crossing the Red Sea. This, they overcame by faith. By
faith, we can pass through anything that represents the Red Sea before us. Therefore, youths should not
manifest fear but go forward in obedience to God's command. He will never fail those who trust Him.
"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days" (verse 30). After crossing
the Red Sea, the next obstacle was the walls of Jericho. There was no equipment that can pull down the walls
except the power of faith in God. In our lives as Christian youths, none of Satan's strongholds can stand before
us when we trust in God and obey His word.
Question 6: State the characteristics of faith as stated in Hebrews 11:31.
Some of the characteristics of faith show that faith receives, reckons, risks and rests. It includes the obedience
of faith, discipline of faith, patience of faith, expectation of faith, basis of faith, confession of faith and the reward
of faith.
"And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some
better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect" (verses 39,40). The testimony of the
Scriptures reveals that the Old Testament believers received great blessings, miracles and mighty things from
God by faith, but the best was yet to come. They could not receive what was specially reserved for the Church
age. Now, in our time, the "better thing" is available and faith can receive "all things". Therefore, with the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ, "all things" are now reads/ for us to ask and receive by faith. "He that spared not his own
Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). Pray
in faith and all things will be yours
DAILY BIBLE READING
MORNING EVENING

LOOKING UNTO JESUS
Memory Verse: Memory Verse: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of
our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

A Christian has a race to run. He must therefore prepare to endure affliction and submit to the Lord's
chastisement. In running, Jesus should be his focus daily. Life experiences reveal that men, by nature, look
up to their superiors for assistance or guidance. As the writer of the book to the Hebrews gets to the close
of the epistle, he gave an admonition through the Spirit that heaven-bound Christian youths must look unto
Jesus.
Question 1: Why should youths look unto Jesus?
Christian youth should look unto Jesus because He is (1) our Life (2) our perfect Example (3) the Source of
our salvation (4) our Redeemer (5) our Protector (6) our Healer (7) our Creator (8) the Restorer of our lives
(9) our Helper (10) our banner. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the
same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). Jesus is the Light of the world
(John 8:12). the Saviour (Matthew 1:211, Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8) and "a surety of a better
testament" (Hebrews 7:22). God loves us (John 3:16) and Jesus Christ redeemed us by His sacrifice on the
cross where He declared "...It is finished..." (John 19:30). Thus, He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. To
receive salvation from sins, the sinners must look unto Him: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there
is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Also, believers
must not lose sight of Him so as not to slide back into darkness. "But we are not of them who draw back
unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:39). Whosoever is bitten by a
serpent of sickness, affliction and failure in life can look unto Jesus for divine solution (Numbers 21:9; John
3:13-15). Youths must not erroneously consider wrong solutions from men or Satan which could lead to pain
and regret in life. "For Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall
he appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Hebrews 9:28).
1. COMMAND TO RUN THE HEAVENLY RACE (Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:2; 1 John 2:6; Psalm 25:11; Joshua 1:6-
9; Proverbs 6:19; 3 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4; Romans 16:17; Deuteronomy 29:29)
The phrase "a cloud of witnesses" in the text does not can spectators, but those who bore testimony of
Christ by their lives (verse 1). In this contemporary time also, we have witnesses - those who know their God
and are standing for Him everywhere (2 Timothy 2:22). The plea from the Spirit is to lay aside every weight
of sin. A person who wants to run in an athletics competition would do well to put off any burden that would
hamper his speed. Nowadays, a lot of youths are running to heaven with unwanted loads of inordinate cares
of the present world which are dead weight upon the soul. These pull a soul down when it should ascend
upwards and draw it back when it should press forward. They make challenges harder and heavier than they
would be and have successfully injected compromise into the lives of some careless Christian youths.
Question 2: What are the dangers of besetting sin and how can one escape them?
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every
weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us"
(Hebrews 12:1). Besetting sin is the sin due to personal weakness. Someone can easily fall into it and it has
the greatest advantage against you. It comes with danger in this world and damnation in eternity. It is an
external or internal hindrance that should be destroyed else it destroys you. All tendencies pushing to
excesses, exaggerations or lies should be eliminated (Titus 1:12). The snare of some youths is anger with its
root in an unforgiving spirit. "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not..." (James 3:14).
Lot contended with his benefactor, Abraham. He chose his place of abode covetously and lost all at the end
(Genesis 13:10; 19:24; Zephaniah 2:9). The children of Israel committed sexual immorality with the daughters
of Moab and were punished (Numbers 25:1-12). Victory over besetting sin can be gained if you can sincerely
identify them. Fight the good fight of faith and cut them off (Matthew 5:30). Though, it is ever cunny, it will
always attempt to reopen the door (Genesis 4:7). Joseph escaped besetting sin. He ran away from Potiphar's
Lesson 868; LOOKING UNTO JESUS Page 26

wife. Job made a covenant with his eyes and Paul the apostle controlled his body to win at last (Genesis
39:12; Job 31:1; 1 Corinthians 9:27). "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things'
sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience" (Colossians 3:5,6).
Question 3: How can a Christian youth effectively deal with contradiction of sinners against himself?
"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in
your minds" (Hebrews 12:3). In order to overcome contradiction of sinners, always consider Jesus Christ who
came to save mankind, yet He was hated and crucified. One of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, sold Him for 30
shekels of silver yet He did not offend God or commit any sin (Hebrews 12:3). In the course of your spiritual
race, unbelievers may persecute, ridicule or harass you, leading to shame. Remember some others made
heaven by being tormented to death (Hebrews 11:4,36-40) but "ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving
against sin" (Hebrews 12:4). Have faith in God and meditate on His words to receive fresh supplies of
strength, comfort and courage; for He has assured His followers that if they suffer with Him, they shall also
reign with Him (2 Timothy 2.12). "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of
our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto
the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15,16).
2. CHALLENGES IN RUNNING THE HEAVENLY RACE (Hebrews 12:5-7; Job 5:17,18; Genesis 4:6-12; 1 Peter 2:19-
23)
Forgetfulness can lead to wrong choices anytime and anywhere. At the church, home or classroom, learn
how to keep the profitable lessons you have learnt to prevent failure in life "Therefore we ought to give the
more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).
Scourges are chastisement, reproof or corrections from the Lord to His children or loved ones. It could be a
smite in the heart (1 Samuel 24:5). It might be a discipline, rebuke or punishment so as to prune Christians
and bring out the best from them. God corrects His elect, whereas, wicked men persecute them because of
their convictions and devotions to God. Also, God chastises believers because they have not lived up to their
profession. "And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Matthew 11:6).
Question 4: Mention some reasons God chastises His children.
Without controversy, God corrects His children for many reasons. One, because He loves His children
(Revelation 3:14). Two, so that they will not be condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32). Three, so
that they will not be entangled with sin again (Job 34:31). Four, to strengthen His children (2 Corinthians 6:9)
and Five, He bless them (Psalm 94:12). "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
whom he receiveth" (Hebrews 12:6). Every child of God irrespective of age and spiritual attainment could be
chastened and reproved far good. "...To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the
provocation" (Hebrews 3:15).
Question 5: Mention two Bible characters each that:
(a) endured reproof from the Lord
(b) Mishanded reproof from the Lord.
Abraham was instructed by God to walk perfectly. He obeyed and became the father of multitude of nations
(Genesis 17:1-4). Cain on the other hand, was rebuked for his unappealing offering. He became angry and
killed his brother Abel. That misdeed brought an everlasting curse upon him (Genesis 4:6-13). Miriam
slandered Moses and was afflicted with leprosy. She was sent out of the camp for seven days before her
restoration (Numbers 12:1-15). Abimelech took Abraham's wife unaware; the Lord warned him and he
restored her. The prompt obedience made God to heal Abimelech and his household (Genesis 20:1-17). Eli
the priest had unruly children. God warned him to put his house in order but he did not. Therefore, God
punished him for his slackness and because he failed to cry for mercy. "...And he said, It is the LORD: let him
do what seemeth him good" (1 Samuel 3:13,14,18). Asa, king of Judah, started well but in a certain year of his
reign, he was reproved by a prophet for trusting an unbelieving king instead of God. He became angry and
was consequently afflicted with disease and died (2 Chronicles 16:10-13). Jonah, the evangelist, was sent to
Nineveh but went to Tarshish. During the voyage, he was thrown out at sea and a big fish swallowed him.
He later repented and God delivered him (Jonah 1:1-20).
Your earthly parents also have the duty to correct you. Samson was warned by his parents not to marry a
Philistine. He shunned their advice and died untimely (Judges 14:4; 16:1-31). As a young Christian, you will
sometimes be rebuked or corrected by your parents, teachers or leaders in the church; you should- take it in
good faith and make amends where necessary in order to receive the blessing of God.
3. CONSEQUENCES OF CHASTISEMENT IN RUNNING THE HEAVENLY RACE (Hebrews 12:8-13; Galatians 6:9;
Hebrews 10:36)
"...We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us... shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the
Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:8,9). Every judicious father corrects his children in some ways. The
pain of the scourges are for few days and not forever. This is to mould us to exhibit good behaviour and
become responsible children. They do so to make us the children they can be proud of in future. They also
correct us to make us independent and successful in life. Therefore, Christian youths should submit to their
earthly fathers' correction. Shall we not then submit cheerfully to the heavenly Father's correction? From
the Scriptures, he that hates or kicks against profitable corrections is a bastard, sinner and not a child of
God.
Question 6: How can a youth produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness?
The major reason God chastises or corrects His children is for them to yield the peaceable fruit of
righteousness or holiness. Holiness is the only key that can open the gate of heaven to any youth (Hebrews
12:14). The sure steps to live holily and produce the fruits of righteousness are: Acknowledge your sins (Luke
23:40-43); Be born again (John 3:3); Cleanse out your filthiness (2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:26); Die to self
(Galatians 2:20); Expect Jesus' return (John 14:1-4); Follow Him (1 John 2:6); Give Him your heart (Proverbs
23:26); Honour the Lord (John 5:23); Increase your faith (Luke 17:5; John 3:30); Join the cloud of witnesses
(Acts 1:8); Know Him more (Philippians 3:10); Learn of Jesus daily (Matthew 11:29); Manifest fruit of the Spirit
(James 3:18); say No to Satan (2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Ephesians 4:27); Obey Him (John 2:5); Prepare to meet
the Lord (Amos 4:12); Quit laziness (1 Corinthians 16:13); Restitute all (Acts 24:16); Serve the Lord (Romans
12:11); Take heed and refuse to backslide (Hebrews 3:12); Unite with other saints (John 17:21); Verify the truth
always (Acts 17:10,11); Walk in the light (John 8:12); X-ray your life sincerely (Lamentations 3:40; Psalm 64:6);
Yield fruits (Matthew 3:8; John 15:2) and have the Zeal to do good (Acts 10:38).
"...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. ... for when I am weak, then
am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9,10). All saved youths are commanded to "...lift up the hands which hang
down, and the feeble knees" (Hebrews 12:12). The hands that are down and feeble knees need the support
of the gospel message, encouragement, prayer and provisions. "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm
the feeble knees" (Isaiah 35:3). The objective of the study will be accomplished in your life and others' if you
take courage, with the assurance that you -will surely conquer as you persevere in Christ. "For which cause
we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day". "And let on
not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (2 Corinthians 4:16; Galatians 6:9).
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING


RESTITUTION
Memory Verse: "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience

void of offence toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16).
TEXT: Matthew 5:23,24; Acts 23:1-5

Restitution is one of the cardinal doctrines prescribed in the Scriptures for those who walk Or seek to walk with
God. When a youth comes to the Lord at salvation, he needs to make amends for the wrongs he had done to
other people when he was in sin. The act of correcting all wrong deeds is called restitution. Restitution helps the
world become a better place as it shows true contrition of heart and willing consecration to God.
Question 1: Why is the doctrine of restitution still important today?
The doctrine of restitution is important because it is God's command to believers. It also helps the world to be
devoid of suspicion and lack of trust in each other. Restitution shows true conviction and a commitment not to
repeat the acts which one is restituting. It also helps unbelievers see the transformation that has occurred in the
life of the youth. When a liar, who had never admitted his lies, conies openly and apologizes with true sorrow for
sin, the unbeliever to whom he restitutes may even get saved. Restitution also needs to be done continuously as
saved individuals tend to offend others. To be able to have a conscience void of offence towards God and men,
there is need to apologize with godly attitude whenever we have done wrong.
1. PRECEPT AND PURPOSE OF RESTITUTION (Exodus 22:1-7; Leviticus 6:1-7; Numbers 5:6-8; Matthew 5:23,24;
Proverbs 6:30,31; Ezekiel 33:14-16; James 4:17)
Restitution is the act of making amends for wrongs done against our fellows; restoring stolen or misappropriated
things, properties or persons to their rightful owners; paying back just debts, giving back where one has
defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to those slandered so as to have a conscience
void of offence toward God and men. This is done whether the person injured knew it or not, for God knows
(Hebrews 4:13).
Question 2: What are the reasons Christian youths should do restitution?
A youth is forgiven when he confesses and forsakes his sins. Then, he is cleansed by the blood of our Lord Jesus
(Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). When a man sins against God, other people suffer as a result of that sin. It is also true
that when a man sins against his neighbour, he sins against God in the same act because one of God's
commandments has been broken. God willingly forgives the sins committed against Him when there is
repentance and forsaking of sin. However, God requires that a man makes amends to any person he has injured
or wronged as a mark of true repentance. It is an act that signifies one has become a new creature (Luke 3:8-14;
Romans 8:1,2; Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Making restitutions ensures that we have right relationship with
others after we are reconciled with God. In schools, restitution plays a great part in making clearer the messages
that are preached. Teachers and fellow students will respect us when we restitute for the wrong things we have
done. There are times that other people are wrongly punished in our schools or homes as a result of some wrong
acts we had done. But when restitution is made, condemnation is removed. This gives the youth making the
restitution a conscience that is void of offence towards God and men. God instituted restitution so that morals
can be kept and to let people know that no matter how secretly an offence is corm-flitted, an open amend is
necessary. This would serve as a deterrent to committing such offences.
Another reason restitution is important is to ensure that prayers are answered. "Therefore if thou bring thy gift
to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gilt before the altar,
and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift" (Matthew 5:23,24). The Lord
does not want Christian youth to pray when they have unsettled disputes. God wants men to live at peace with
each other. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18).
2. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF RESTITUTION (Genesis 20:1-8,14-18; Exodus 21:18,19,22,26-36; 22:1-15; Leviticus
6: 2-5; Numbers 5:6-8; Luke 19:1-10; Acts 23:1-5)
The Bible doctrine on restitution spans virtually all the dispensations of God's dealings with men until the present
day. The revelation of God's will and word before the Mosaic laws demanded that people make restitution
(Genesis 20:1-8,14-20). Therefore, this teaching or doctrine which had been established many years before the
law cannot be abolished by the law. Restitution is part of the moral laws which man obeys as part of living a good
life. Most sins committed by men are against God as well as their neighbours. So, repentance toward God for the
Lesson 869; RESTITUTION Page 29

children of Israel included restoration to man of all properties gained by fraud, lying or pretense of whatever
kind. Question 3: Give examples of people in Bible times that practiced restitution.
Some rulers in Israel reflected and embraced this teaching on restitution. It is vital for leaders to reflect on this
commitment to God's moral requirement for all men (2 Samuel 16:5-8; 19:16-23; Proverbs 6:30,31; 1 Kings 20:34).
The prophets in Israel also preached, explained and emphasized the need to make restitution by every
backslidden Israelite who is returning to God (Nehemiah 5:6-13). The prophets proclaimed and prophesied much
of the coming of Christ and the atoning sacrifice. They were quick to recognize the need for the blood of the
lamb to cleanse sins. However, they did not lessen God's requirement and the necessity for restitution. The
ministry of preachers today is similar to that of the Old Testament prophets.
Restitution is a doctrine of Christ, confirming His word that till heaven and earth pass, one jot or title shall not
pass from the law until all be fulfilled. Every believer must earnestly and wholeheartedly contend for and practice
all that Christ taught (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3,4; 19:8-10). Zacchaeus' encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ is
an example to us. He wanted nothing to stand between him and his salvation - not even his wealth, especially
the ill-gotten part of it. Though the people murmured that Jesus had gone to be a sinner's guest, He pronounced
that salvation had come to his house. This was because he was ready to make right his life and return all
possessions that rightfully belong to others. The Apostles, in the early church, also practiced and taught
restitution (Matthew 28:19,20; Philemon 7-12). The rules on righteous living are higher under the dispensation of
grace than those in the Old Testament (Matthew 5:20). Restitution is as much a part of the gospel as repentance
or water baptism. It is not a self-righteous act to merit pardon. When a man is saved, he will not only make right
matters of money such as theft, dishonest gains and unpaid bills, he also confesses his lies, slanderous reports,
unjust criticisms, hatred and malice, through which one may have injured others in word or deed (1 Timothy 5:24).
3. PEOPLE AND PROCEDURE FOR RESTITUTION (Leviticus 6:1-7; 2 Samuel 12:1-6; 2 Corinthians 9:8; James 4:17;
Philippians 4:13)
Making restitution requires God's help and wisdom to undertake. Some restitutions are delicate. These are
restitutions that may implicate or bring injuries or harm to others. It also includes cases in which there is no clear
leading from God's word as to what steps to take. For delicate restitutions, their is need for fervent prayer,
wisdom and counselling from Spirit-filled preachers of God's word who believe and teach the whole counsel of
God (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6). The civil laws in a country may not always govern in matters of restitution. For
example, the law may provide a time limit for certain classes of debts and obligations after which they lapse. But
no debts are outlawed with God. Time cannot cancel moral obligations.
Question 4: Who are those expected to make restitution?
Restitution is usually considered by some people at the time of salvation. There would he need, however,
throughout life as a Christian to be ready to make restitutions where need be when others are offended, for
example, out of human error of judgment (Acts 23:1-5; Matthew 5:23,24).
A sinner who does restitution only satisfies moral obligations without eternal value and reward. One needs to
first be born again before his restitution will count. A for reaching benefit in God's plan as regards restitution is
that an undeniable testimony is directed to people who, otherwise, might never seriously hear the story of the
gospel. A religion that compels a man to pay his debts, restore the things he has stolen, and uncover his crimes,
demands commendation from men of the world. When restitutions are made and past wrongs are settled, the
peace of God floods the believer's heart. There is confidence Inwards God in prayer and the believer makes
progress in the Christian life as sense of guilt is removed (Romans 8:1,2). God empowers everyone who needs to
do restitution with sufficient grace and power to complete the restitutions.
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING

TUE 1 Corinthians 1: 1 – 19 Genesis 43: 1 - 20
WED 1 Corinthians 1; 20 - 31 Genesis 43: 21 - 34
THU 1 Corinthians 2: 1- 8 Genesis 44: 1 - 14
FRI 1 Corinthians 2: 9 - 16 Genesis 44: 15 - 34
SAT 1 Corinthians 3: 1 - 16 Genesis 45: 1 - 16
Lesson 869; RESTITUTION Page 30

UNQUAL YOKE AND CHRISTIAN

BUSINESS ETHICS
Memory Verse: ""Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath
light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)
TEXT: 2 Chronicles 25:1-10; Proverbs 1:10-19

As we gradually approach the close of the end-time, many believers are drawn away into unholy alliances
and friendships that make them lose their sound Christian beliefs and convictions. This is the plan of the
enemy to make many lose their love for God and commitment to the things of the Lord. Amaziah, the
youthful king of Judah, in our study today served Gad but not with a perfect heart and he went into unequal
yoke to be able to achieve victory in battles. The Lord clearly commands: “Be ye not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers". This command complements the wise words in Proverbs 1:10,15,16: "My son, if
sinners entice thee, consent thou not... My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from
their path... For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood". This lesson reviews expected Christian
stance against unequal yokes, the perils of being involved in unequal yoke and the discipline that is expected
of Christian youths. This is to enable young believers to maintain the right piety and commitment to God
while on earth. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled
again with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1).
1. DEFINITION AND PERIL OF UNEQUAL YOKES (2 Chronicles 25:1-10; Genesis 34:1,2,13,24-27; Proverbs 1:10-
19, 24-28; Isaiah 3:16-26; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 10:26-31; Revelation 21:8)
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord bath Christ with Bella?
or what part bath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement bath the temple of God with idols?
for ye are the temple of the living God; as God bath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).
Question 1: What is unequal yoke?
Unequal yoke can be described as the unholy intimate relationship that exists between the believer and the
unbeliever. Unequal yoke is generally seen in marriages, friendships, peer groups, etc. When a Christian
youth who professes to be journeying heavenward gets very close to a sinful youth for sinful pleasures, that
youth has gone into unequal yoke. Unequal yoke is an incompatible association between light and darkness,
and between right and wrong. It is faulty and should be discouraged because it brings condemnation and
destruction. It is unprofitable and should not be allowed. An unequal yoke makes a believer prone to sin, far
from God and unprepared for heaven.
Question 2: In what areas should a youth match against unequal yoke?
As believing youths, we need to do a real check of the people we call our closest friends. Who is your best
friend? Is he or she a sinner who always make you fall into temptations or sins? Is your friend someone who
takes joy in sinning or delights in joining evil or bad gangs, always excusing his actions? Then you are into an
unequal yoke. Are you always seen in the midst of people who make light of Scriptures and the doctrines
that you should uphold? Are you acquainted to friends who always find a reason to accuse you of being too
spiritually minded; who do not have heaven as a major focus; who delight in war, fighting and causing crises
around your school or environment; who secretly live a defiled life while outwardly they attend church
meetings? Are they friends that are in cults yet carry the Bible and get close to you; who love money and
would do anything to get it; friends who run away from Christian gatherings and would rather prefer other
activities than being in the presence of God; whose mode of dressing exalts self and the devil rather than
glorify God; whose purpose in life contradicts what you stand for? Then, you are into an unequal yoke.
Believing youths should avoid unequal yokes also in dressing, speech pattern, music and affiliation with sin-
promoting activities. "But as he which bath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15,16).
Question 3: What are the dangers of associating with the wrong people?
Lesson 870; UNEQUAL YOKE AND CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ETHICS Page 31

There is great danger in associating with people who are of different convictions and faith. The Bible warns,
"...if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it... It
is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Isaiah 1:20; Hebrews 1 0:3 1). There are many dangers
which will befall those who compromise or go into unholy alliances and refuse to return to the Lord. These
dangers include: (1) God's wrath and judgment, (2) regression in life and in career, (3) depression and
emotional trauma, (4) hardened conscience that worsens a sinner's state, (5) bodily hurt, diseases and
afflictions, (6) reproach and rejection by men, (7) failure in ministry, (8) adoption of evil vices with its devilish
hold, (9) waste of time, life and destiny, (10) premature death and eternal punishment in hell.
2. DISCIPLINE AND PURSUIT OF CHRISTIAN YOUTHS (Proverbs 1:14; Genesis 39:7-12; Daniel 1:8)
The life of every believer should be a disciplined life, which corresponds to God's commands of
righteousness and holiness. Discipline is required if a believing youth wants to desist from unequal yokes
with evil doers. There must be conscious willingness in the Christian youth to "Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14). Discipline comes by Deliberately running from evil attractions
Imbibing Christ-like attitude regardless of the circumstances; Searching the Scriptures to learn and
understand God's will, word and ways; Creating time to fellowship with believers of like-precious faith;
Informing others about Christ by preaching the gospel to them in obedience to God's word; Praying
diligently to avoid temptations and grow in grace; Living a life void of offence towards God and man;
Inspiring others to love God through our lives and actions; Nullifying and disengaging from every wrong
relationship and attachment to things that easily make one sin; Examining motives and actions daily, and
ensuring that they conform to God's standards.
Question 4: How should Christian youths handle their relationships with others?
As Christian youths, we need to follow certain basic ethics when relating with people. These are the
principles of integrity, honesty and fair play. All evil practices are to be rejected and fled from. These sinful
and worldly practices may appear gainful and promising at the beginning, but they lead to shame, sorrow,
disaster and death. "There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the and thereof are the ways of death"
(Proverbs 14:12). Christian youths should pursue after righteous living, consecration to God and service to
mankind, especially to the believers.
3. DEDICATION AND PROMISES FOR CHRISTIAN YOUTHS (Psalms 1:1-3; 57:7; 92:2; 112:7; Isaiah 1:16-19; John
14:1,2;15:7-10)
Dedication entails full separation from the world and its allurements; renewed zeal to God and willingness
to go the extra mile for the things of God; fervent love for God, His word and work; and unwillingness to
allow anything come in between you and God. Youths who are dedicated to the Lord and refuse to get
carried away with the lusts and passions around them have a lot of promises which they can hold on to.
These promises cover both earthly and heavenly rewards.
Question 5: What promises do youths who remain consecrated to God have?
These promises affect every aspect of the life of a Christian youth. They include promises on righteous living,
success in life and ministry, protection from evil, prosperity and plenty regardless of the poverty around,
better understanding of God and His word, freshness of the Spirit, victory over temptations and evils, the
Spirit's empowerment to do exploits, fruitfulness in ministry and life, and heaven at last when the journey
on earth is completed. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in
the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN 1 Corinthians 3: 1 – 23 Genesis 45: 17 – 28
MON 1 Corinthians 4; 1 – 21 Genesis 46: 1 – 26
TUE 1 Corinthians 5: 1 – 11 Genesis 46: 27 – 34
WED 1 Corinthians 6: 1 – 11 Genesis 47: 1 – 13
THU 1 Corinthians 6: 12 – 20 Genesis 47: 114 – 31`
FRI 1 Corinthians 7: 1 – 16 Genesis 48: 1 – 11
SAT 1 Corinthians 7: 17 – 24 Genesis 48: 12 - 22
Lesson 870; UNEQUAL YOKE AND CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ETHICS Page 32

PRAYER AND FASTING
Memory Verse: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting"
(Matthew 17:211)
TEXT: Luke 11:1-13; Esther 4:1-17; James 5:13-18

Prayer and fasting is a vital tool for successful .I. Christian living and service. Every Christian youth who wants
to remain relevant spiritually and do exploits in other areas of his life needs to make um of the benefits of
prayer and fasting. Fasting accomplishes a good number of things in the life of the believing youth. These
include chastening and humbling of the soul before God (Psalms 35:13; 69:10), crucifying the appetite to give
time to seek the Lord (2 Samuel 12:16-23), focusing one's attention on God (1 Corinthians 7:5), etc. Moreover,
it aids the believer's victory over temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), helps in exercising power over demons
(Matthew 17:14-21) and makes prayer powerful and effective.
1. PURPOSE AND PATTERN OF BIBLICAL PRAYER AND FASTING (Psalm 42:1,2; Exodus 22:23; Matthew
7:7-11; Psalm 27:8; Isaiah 55:6,7; Matthew 6:16; 17:2; 1 Timothy 2:8; Psalms 5:3; 88:1; Luke 6:12; Psalm
55:17; Daniel 6:10; Exodus 34:28; Luke 4:2; 2:36,37; Acts 13:2)
"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 0 God. My soul thirsteth for God,
for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalm 42:1.2).
Question 1: Why is it necessary to pray and how often should we pray?
From Bible references, prayer means communing with God. It is the soul's desire for God (Psalm 42:1,2), a
cry or supplication (Exodus 22:23), an appeal from a child to the Father (Matthew 6:6), an instinct that must
have utterance (Luke 18:7,13), beseeching (or calling on) the Lord (Exodus 32:11; Acts 7:59), lifting up (or
pouring out) the heart before God (Psalm 62:8) and seeking the face of the Lord (Psalm 27:8). Though prayer
should be the most natural thing for every youth, the flesh is often most unwilling to pray. Hence, God has
found it necessary to give instructions concerning praying in the Scripture. There are various commands to
pray in both the Old and New Testaments. All men are commanded to seek the Lord and the wicked is
enjoined to forsake his ways in prayer of repentance (Isaiah 55:6,7). As believers, we are admonished to ask,
seek and knock (1 Chronicles 16:11; Matthew 7:7-11). Also, we are commanded to pray without ceasing (1
Thessalonians 5:17). The Scripture makes it clear that we can pray everywhere and every time (1 Timothy
2:8). We have examples and pointers to the appropriateness of praying daily: morning (Psalm 5:3), night and
day (Psalm 88:1; Luke 6:12), thrice daily (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10) and without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
God expects every believer to be constant in prayer as this is the magnet that attracts His power upon our
lives when exercised in faith and righteousness. Prayer becomes more effective when combined with
fasting.
Question 2: Mention people who observed prayer and fasting In the Bible.
Various categories of people in the Old and New Testaments fasted. They include kings, prophets, saints,
sinners, men, women and children who got positive results through their fasting. Examples of people who
observed fasting in the Bible include: Moses (Exodus 34:28), Ahab (1 Kings 21:27), Ezra (Ezra 10:6), Daniel
(Daniel 10:3), Christ (Luke 4:2), Paul (Acts 9:9), the Antioch church leaders (Acts 13:2), Paul and Barnabas
(Acts 14:23). Those who observed it according to God's pattern had answers from God. Because they
observed prayer and fasting according to the divine pattern, the exercise strengthened their individual lives
and ministries, changed the course of events, brought God's mercy, granted them favour before God and
men. When we also observe it in line with God's command, we shall get result, even greater result.
Lesson 871; PRAYER AND FASTING Page 33

2. PATHWAY TO PREVAILING IN PRAYER AND FASTING (Jeremiah 29:11-14; 33:3; 2 Chronicles 7:14; John
14:13,14; Psalm 91:14,15)
Various promises in the Scriptures confirm that God answers prayer (Psalm 91:15; Luke 11:9; John 14:13,14).
But it is also clear that the only form of prayer that God answers must be offered to the Father (Matthew
6:6; John 16:23; Ephesians 3:14), through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:23,24; Matthew 18:20).
We are instructed to pray continually in faith (Mark 11:24), wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:13), with forgiving
spirit (Mark 11:25), with perseverance (Luke 18:1), in righteousness and obedience (1 Timothy 2:8; 1 John 3:22).
Examples of people who received answers to their prayers in the Bible include Moses (Exodus 15:24, 25),
Solomon (1 Kings 3:11-13), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18:31), Zacharias (Luke 1:13), the Early Church (Acts 4:31),
etc.
Question 3: Mention four possible postures for prayer.
There are no hard and fast rules as to the proper posture to assume before we can pray to our Father in
heaven. The Bible reveals various positions including bowing down, bowing the knees or the head (Psalm
95:6; Romans 14:11; Exodus 4:31), falling on one's face, kneeling (1 Kings 8:54), standing, sitting, lying, looking
up or lifting up or spreading out the hands (1 Timothy 2:8; Exodus 9:29). Other forms include weeping,
talking, agonizing and groaning. It is expected that one would close one's eyes while praying to avoid
distraction. Closing one's eyes in prayer enables the believer to get rid of all things that will prevent him from
concentrating fully on the Lord.
Question 4: Mention three conditions for and three hindrances to answered prayers.
For a youth to get the benefits of praying, he should pray with repentance and salvation from sin. Long
prayers backed by fasting without transformation of life and character, righteousness, holiness and purity is
a waste of time. Righteousness is very important in our lives. Whatever Christian activities tee are engaged
in, if our heart is not right with God, our prayers will not be answered. The religious sacrificial activities of
the sinful are abomination to the Lord. Righteousness is our power in prayer. Other causes of unanswered
prayers include: disobedience (Deuteronomy 1:43,45), secret sin (Psalm 66:18), neglect of mercy (Proverbs
21:13), stubbornness (Zechariah 7:13), blood guiltiness (Isaiah 1:15), doubt (James 1:6, 7) and self-indulgence
(James 4:3).
3. POWER AND PROFIT OF PURPOSEFUL PRAYER AND FASTING (Isaiah 58:3-14; Matthew 6:16-18; 17:19-21;
2 Chronicles 7:14)
Fasting is a scriptural, beneficial, spiritual exercise that can accomplish great things when used in
combination with prayer and faith. Basically, fasting means abstinence from food (solid or liquid). The Greek
word "Nestho" translated fast, means Ne (not to) and estho (to eat). Fasting is imperative (Matthew 6:16).
The Lord Jesus Christ taught the disciples that it is a necessary and rewarding exercise that He expected
them to be involved in (Matthew 9:15).
Question 5: Why is fasting imperative...for all believers?
Fasting is important to the believer as it helps to achieve a lot of spiritual, physical and material exploits. It
helps when one is worried (Daniel 6:18), under judgment (1 Kings 21:27), in need or in danger (Ezra 8;21;
Esther 4:16), in trouble (Acts 27:9,33) or when ministering (Acts 13:1-3). Fasting complements believers'
prayer as revealed in the case of a demon possessed man whom the disciples could not help (Matthew 17:19-
21). When they asked the Master (Christ) why they were unable to cast out the devil, He said, "this kind goeth
not out but by prayer and fasting." Esther was a woman who believed strongly in prayer and fasting. When
the life of the entire Jewish nation was in danger as a result of the evil which Haman had determined to carry
out, she and her people resorted to fasting and seeking the face of God. She said to Mordecai "Go, gather
together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days,
night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according
to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Through this singular act and total dependence on God,
Esther and all the Jews were saved from the plot of Haman. This is a lesson too loud for indolent' and

gluttonous' believers who cannot set aside a day to pray and fast to develop their spiritual muscle so as to
deliver the oppressed world. Some people have certain objections to fasting but the Scripture has an answer
for all such. Contrary to the objection of some Christians, fasting was not abolished with the law of Moses.
It neither makes one to be like a false prophet, a Pharisee nor an unbeliever. Jesus did not condemn the
hypocritical Pharisees for fasting but trusting in self-righteousness and despising others (Luke 18:9-14). It is
neither legalistic to fast regularly, nor is it wrong to join in corporate fasting.
However, we need not fast as a condition for any gift such as salvation, sanctification or Holy Ghost baptism.
The only condition is faith (Luke 11:13). Furthermore, extremely long fasting that can destroy our health and
usefulness should be avoided (1 Samuel 14:24-28). It is scriptural to fast for as long as our physical strength
can carry us. If believers and Christian workers will only practice the scriptural principles of fasting and
praying, we are sure to enjoy the fullness of heaven's blessings on a continual basis. Fasting and prayer are
invaluable means of grace, victory and inestimable spiritual blessings. "Elias was a man subject to like
passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space
of three years and six months" (James 5:17).
).
DAILY BIBLE READING

MORNING EVENING
SUN 1 Corinthians 7: 25 – 40 Genesis 49: 1 – 18
MON 1 Corinthians 8: 1 – 13 Genesis 49: 19 – 33
TUE 1 Corinthians 9: 1 – 14 Genesis 50: 1 – 14
WED 1 Corinthians 9: 15 – 27 Genesis 50: 15 – 26
THU 1 Corinthians 10: 1 – 13 Exodus 1: 1 - 22
FRI 1 Corinthians 10: 14 – 33 Exodus 2: 1 10
SAT 1 Corinthians 11: 1 – 16 Exodus 2: 11 - 25

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YOUTH Search The Scripture: Volume 67

YOUTH Search The Scripture: Volume 67

859 Hezekiah’s Righteous Reign … … … … … … … … … … … … 1–4

860 Abomination Of Manasseh … … …. … … ..… … … … … … … … 5–7

861 Reformation By King Josiah… … … … … … … … … … … … 8 – 10

862 Judah Goes into Captivity … … … …… … … … … … … … … … 11 – 13

863 The Ancestors of Israel … … … … … … … … ..… … … … … … … 14 – 16

NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES

864 Eternal Redemption Through Christ’s Blood … …. …. …. …. … 17 – 18

865 Superiority of Christ’ Atonement … … … … … … … … … … .. 19 – 20

866 The Peril Of Backsliding … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .. 21 – 22

867 The Description and Demonstration of Faith … … … … … … 23 – 25

868 Looking Unto Jesus … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … 26 – 28

870 Unequal Yoke and Christian Business Ethics … … … … … … 31 – 32

871 Prayer and Fasting …… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 33 – 35

YOUTH Search The Scripture: Volume 67

HEZEKIAH’S RIGHETEOUS REIGN

Memory Verse: “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the

Lesson 859; HEZEIAH’S RIGHTEOUS REIGN Page 2

Question 4: How did Hezekiah conquer in this warfare?

Lesson 859; HEZEIAH’S RIGHTEOUS REIGN Page 3

DAILY BIBLE READING

MON Acts 15: 13 – 29 Genesis 1: 20 – 31

TUE Acts 15: 30 – 41 Genesis 2: 1 – 25

Lesson 859; HEZEIAH’S RIGHTEOUS REIGN Page 4

THE ABOMINATION OF MANASSEH

TEXT: 2 Kings 21:1-26; 2 Chronicles 33:1-25

Lesson 860; THE ABOMINATION OF MANNASSEH Page 5

2. THE PUNISHMENT AND PARDON OF MANASSEH (2 Kings 21:10-15; 2 Chronicles 33:11-19;

Question 3: What are the consequences of sin?

Question 4: What should a sinner do to escape God’s judgment?

Lesson 860; THE ABOMINATION OF MANNASSEH Page 6

Question 5: What is the consequence of living this world without repentance?

DAILY BIBLE READING

MON Acts 18: 1- 17 Genesis 6: 1 – 22

TUE Acts 18; 18 – 28 Genesis 7: 1 – 24

Lesson 860; THE ABOMINATION OF MANNASSEH Page 7

REFORMATION BY KING JOSIAH

TEXT: 2 Kings 22:1-20; 23:1-37; 2 Chronicles 34:1-33; 35:1-27

Lesson 861; REFORMATION BY KING JOSIAH Page 9

Question 5: What is reformation?

DAILY BIBLE READING

MON Acts 20: 28 – 38 Genesis 11: 1 – 9

TUE Acts 21: 1 – 16 Genesis 11: 10 – 32

Lesson 861; REFORMATION BY KING JOSIAH Page 10

JUDAH GOES INTO CAPTIVITY

TEXT: 2 Kings 24:1-20; 25:1-30; 2 Chronicles 36:1-23

Lesson 862; JUDAH GOES INTO CAPTIVITY Page 11

DAILY BIBLE READING

MON Acts 23: 1 – 11 Genesis 17: 1 – 27

TUE Acts 23: 12 – 22 Genesis 18; 1 – 15

Lesson 862; JUDAH GOES INTO CAPTIVITY Page 13

THE ANCESTORS OF ISRAEL

TEXT: 1 Chronicles 1:1-54; 2:1-55

Lesson 863; THE ANCESTORS OF ISRAEL Page 14

Lesson 863; THE ANCESTORS OF ISRAEL Page 15

DAILY BIBLE READING

MON Acts 25: 23 – 27 Genesis 20: 1 – 18

TUE Acts 26: 1 – 18 Genesis 21: 1 – 21

Lesson 863; THE ANCESTORS OF ISRAEL Page 16

ETERNAL REDEMPTION THROUGH

TEXT: Hebrews 9:1-28

Lesson 864; ETERNAL REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST’S BLOOD Page 18