Adult Christian Life: April- June 2020

By R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

Adult Christian Life is a best-selling quarterly study guide that is specially written for practical adult life experiences. These lessons provide clear, biblical interpretations and stimulating discussions for everyday living.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation
• Release date: Mar 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781681676531

Book preview

Seeking God’s Guidance

Suggested Opening Exercises

1. Usual Signal for Beginning

2. Prayer (Closing with the Lord’s Prayer)

3. Singing (Song to Be Selected)

4. Scripture Reading:

Psalm 1 (KJV)

Director: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

School: But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Director: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

School: The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Director: Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

All: For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Recitation in Concert:

Isaiah 40:28–31 (KJV)

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

CLOSING WORK

1. Singing

2. Sentences:

Philippians 2:1–5 (KJV)

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

3. Dismissal with Prayer

SEEKING A CHAMPION OF JUSTICE

RESOURCES: The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition, Boyd’s Commentary for the Sunday School

KEY VERSE: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isaiah 42:1, KJV

Intro

The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah. The name Isaiah means salvation of the Lord. His name was indicative of Isaiah’s ministry—he revealed to the people that salvation is of the Lord. The book of Isaiah was written to all humankind, but specifically to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Time after time, Isaiah challenged the children of Judah to be faithful to the Lord by worshiping the true and living God and Him alone. As the author of this great book, Isaiah gave us a predictive view of Jesus Christ. In chapter 7 he spoke about Jesus’ virgin birth. He told us about His proclamation of the Good News in chapter 61 and predicted His sacrificial death in chapter 53.

In today’s lesson, Isaiah told about the call of God’s Servant, the Messiah. Jesus is the promised Messiah that Isaiah spoke about many years prior to His coming to earth. Isaiah maintained that Jesus was chosen by the Lord to become a champion of justice and to bring salvation to the world. According to Isaiah, through the ministry work of Jesus, one day God will bring justice to the nations. This Scripture demonstrates that God through Jesus had a plan for Gentiles prior to Jesus’ coming. God’s justice is such that though it might be delayed, it will come because God’s Word does not fail (40:8). We should trust that God’s justice will prevail through His Son.

Think About It

As God’s servant, what justice issue(s) do you see in the world around you that you believe God is calling you to champion?

1. Behold My Servant

(Isaiah 42:1–4)

Know It

Isaiah began chapter 42 by saying, Behold (KJV). The word behold means to take notice, sit up, and become a witness. God commanded the world to pay attention to what He said. God wanted the world to know the Messiah that He was sending to the world would not be an ordinary man, but His chosen one as well as His elect. When God chooses someone, He delights in him/her. Although chosen, the Messiah would take on the position of a servant. His mission would be only to do the will and desire of His Father. As a servant, the Messiah would do exactly what God commanded Him to do and say precisely what God would have Him say. God vowed He would uphold His Servant. God promised He alone would sustain, protect, and strengthen His Servant so He would be able to accomplish and complete each assignment. Regardless of the trials, temptations, or oppositions, God promised to be with His Servant. He affirmed His Servant would not do this in His own strength, but with the power of the Holy Spirit. This should be comforting for all Christians called by God. We do not have to complete God’s assignment in our own strength, because God’s divine power in the person of the Holy Spirit will help us accomplish any task. God’s Servant would possess God’s Spirit. The Spirit of God would adequately equip His Servant to do miracles. Jesus described himself as a servant in Matthew 20:26–28: It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many (NRSV).

The Messiah’s ministry would not be limited to Jews only, but to people of all nations, faiths, and beliefs. The purpose of the Messiah’s ministry would be to bring true justice and righteousness to both Jews and Gentiles. The word Gentile means someone who is not Jewish. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street (Isa. 42:2, NRSV). The Messiah would be a gentle spirit, quiet, compassionate, and full of love and mercy.

The Messiah would come as a man of peace to execute righteousness and justice. The Messiah is the only one who can bridge the gap between humans and God. Isaiah 42:3 (NRSV) says, A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. The nature of Jesus is peaceful and loving. A reed refers to His gentle nature. Because a reed is such a fragile plant, it will bruise easily if handled harshly. The Messiah and Servant of God will handle the reed so gently He will not break it. Jesus is full of compassion and has concern for all people. He gave His life to save the world from sin. Matthew 9:36 (NRSV) states, When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. As the Messiah, Jesus will be faithful to treat humankind justly. He will not extinguish the smoking flax, but instead He will blow on it and fan it into flame.

God guaranteed Jesus’s success and faithfulness. Isaiah 42:4 (NRSV) tells us, He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth. The Messiah will not give up. He will persevere regardless of the resistance. The Messiah will be able to endure hardship and adversity despite the opposition. As Christians, we must imitate Jesus and be careful never to allow anyone or anything to get in our way of serving the Lord.

2. Called in Righteousness

(Isaiah 42:5–9)