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LESSON 3

THE WORLD IS ADVANCING

Devotional Reading: 2 Tim. 3:1-9
Topic For Adults: Maximize The Benefits
Topic For Youths: Connected World
Topic For Intermediates: Run From Its Danger
Lesson Scriptures: Gen. 4:20-22; 2 Chro. 2:14; 26:14-15; Ps. 124:1-6; Eccl. 7:29; Rom. 1:8; 2 Pet. 2:11-12

Memory Verse

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase ” (Daniel 12:4) NKJV.

BACKGROUND

In the beginning, God created everything in the universe. Then, He put everything He created under the leadership of humanity. The whole earth was supposed to become the temple of God, the place of His presence, displaying His majestic glory. It is humans’ explorative activities that make the world what it is today.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD - PS. 24: 1-6; ROM. 14:8.

The Almighty God is the one who founded the world in which human beings dwell. The world is not a product of blind chance and probability, God created it and put human beings in charge. Everything we see and experience in the world today was created by God and belongs to Him. Human beings are God’s stewards on carth. We are more important and more valuable than all animals and Other creatures. This fact alone gives more worth and dignity to all people. All resources in the sea, in the air, on land and everywhere on earth were put there for the benefit of humanity. Man in his intellect, wisdom, knowledge and creativity need to explore, invent, deploy and make use of everything created by God for his benefit. Every human created by God actually belongs to God but not every human being can gain access to His Holy Mountain or sanctuary. Only the people with clean hands (outward holiness), pure heart (inward purity), honesty, people who do not swear deceitfully or lift their soul to any idol but worship God sincerely are ordained to receive blessings from the Creator and Controller of the universe.

PART 2: MAN'S INVENTION PROMOTES ADVANCEMENT - GEN. 4:20-22; 2 CHRO. CHRO. 14-15; ECCL. 7:29.

Man’s ingenuity, creativity, inventiveness and ability to deal resourcefully with unusual problems dates back to Bible time and especially to the family of Lamech where the variety of talents and abilities God gave men were showcased. Jubal was the first man to construct tents and get involved with animal breeding / husbandry. His descendants also invented and played musical instruments like lyre and pipe, whereas, Tubal Cain and his descendants invented metal work dealing with bronze and iron. The development we see in the music industry, the invention and advancement in the construction and automobile industries today can be traced to the early time. The invention of military weapons by skillful men of Uzziah served as impetus to the modern-day military invention like missiles and chemical weapons. Even the beautiful design using gold, silver, brass, iron, stone, wood, with different colors are found in the Bible (2 Chro. 2:14). There are some intricate constructions, innovative technologies and inventions mentioned in the Bible showcasing ingenuity and craftsmanship. For example: Noah’s Ark (Gen. 6:14-22), The Ark of Covenant (Exo. 25:10-22), Solomon’s temple (1 Kgs. 6-7), Water management system (2 Chro 32:30), Metal working and metallurgy (Exo. 31: 1-11), Musical instruments (1 Sam. 16:15-18), Ancient writing system (2 Tim. 3:16), Agricultural advancements (Isa. 28: 24 -28), Ancient timekeeping (Matt. 20:1-16), Textile production (Exo. 28: 1-5) etc.

God is not against invention, scientific discoveries and technological development. He wants us to use them for His glory, for our good – benefits of mankind and not for the destruction of His creation or people. 

PART 3: OUR CONDUCT: WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL - 2 PET. 2: 11-12

Christians are the citizens of two kingdoms: the kingdom of earth here and now and the kingdom of heaven hereafter. Our true loyalty should be to our citizenship in heaven, not our citizenship on earth because one day, this earth will be destroyed. Our loyalty should be to God’s truth, His way of life and the Church, His dedicated people. Your character, action and conduct should be above reproach. Through the grace of God, we are accepted, admitted and anointed to render service to God in appreciation of His love, in obedience to His commandment and to the glory of His Holy name. Such service pleases God, is acceptable to Christ and edifies the body of Christ because it is rendered to Christ and is done in love and undivided loyalty. Therefore, we must walk worthy of the call and the gospel we believe and preach. Our walk, behavior, character, attitude and lifestyle must be saintly, matching the calling of God. It must agree with the gospel of Christ in humility, Christlike nature, meekness, long-suffering and forbearing one another in love without bitterness, wrath, anger and malice (Eph. 4:1-2).

CONCLUSION

It is obvious that technological advancement has not and cannot solve all the problems of the world. In fact, it has added other dimensions to the problem. Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, so, they know the solutions to these problems. They cannot stand aloof or sit idly while complaining about the state of things in the world because they have the solution in their hands. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the way out. It must be preached and practiced.

SENTENCE SERMON

Our conduct, character, and comportment should be in conformity with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

MORAL LESSON

FOR ADULTS: Modern age is blessed with amazing technological advancement in communication and information. Let us maximize its advantages.

FOR YOUTHS: ICT has made our world a global village where distance is no longer a barrier. Be connected to be relevant and effective.

FOR INTERMEDIATES: Modern day technological advancement has made everything easy. Let us maximize the benefits and run from its dangers. 

QUESTIONS

  1. Who owns the earth and everything in it?

  2. What are the roles of human beings on earth?

  3. How can human beings enjoy God’s blessings maximally?

  4. “Invention has been abinitio (from the beginning)”. Is that true?

  5. Mention some inventions that took place in the Bible time.

  6. How should a Christian behave in this technologically innovative world?