08/02/2026
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS|JANUARY-JUNE, 2026
UNIT 1: The Christian Family
LESSON 6: February 8, 2026.
TOPIC: A FAITHFUL FAMILY
Memory Verse: Joshua 24:15 - If it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (KJV)
Lesson Central Truth:
A faithful family pleases God.
INTRODUCING THE LESSON
Rechabite family serves as an inspiration for today's Christian family. There are truths that transcend time and culture. In a secular modern world that resists divine truth--as well as absolutes and conviction of many occasions--the Christian family must maintain a firm commitment to God's truth.
The Christian family adheres to God's instructions, and as a result, they truly know how to get the most out of life. This family adequately prepares for a life with God, understanding the allure of worldly temptations and rejecting them in favour of honouring God. The Christian family understands that pleasing God is what matters most.
The objectives of this lesson are to enable us to:
• Contrast through the use of Scripture the faithlessness of the Rechabite family and the unfaithfulness of Judah.
• Recognise and appreciate that godly families can remain strong in an ungodly environment.
• Remain faithful to God and become a positive influence in the community.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. FAITHFULNESS TESTED Jeremiah 35:1-9
A The Test Presented
B. The Test Resisted
2. FAITHFULNESS CONTRASTED - Jeremiah 35:10-15
A. Faithful Obedience
B. Stubborn Disobedience
3. FAITHFULNESS REWARDED - Jeremiah 35:16-19
A. Judgement Pronounced
B. Blessing Promised
LESSON NUGGETS
1. FAITHFULNESS TESTED Jeremiah 35:1-9
✅️ The Rechabites were a group of people who were descendants of Jehonadab, the son of Rechab. They were Kenites, a tribe that was related to the Israelites. Jehonadab had given his descendants strict rules to abstain from wine, building house, and farming. These rules were meant to keep them separate from the surrounding culture and to preserve their unique identity as a people who worshipped the God of Israel. In Jeremiah 35:1-5, the prophet Jeremiah was instructed by God to test the Rechabites' commitment to their father's rules. He invites them to come to the temple and offers them wine to drink. This is a direct test of their obedience to Jehonadab's command not to drink wine. These events occurred during the reign of Jehoiakim, a time of severe spiritual decline in Judah. Rechabites' test was presented to show the stubborn nation of Judah what it meant to be faithful to God.
✅️ In Jeremiah 35:6-9, we see Rechabites resisted the test by refusing to take the wine, citing their commitment to Jonadab's commands. This refusal demonstrates their faithfulness and loyalty to their family's traditions. The Rechabites' obedience was not limited to a specific context; it was a lifestyle choice that defined their relationship with God. The Rechabites' lifestyle was a stark contrast to the surrounding culture, emphasising the importance of standing firm in one's convictions. God used the Rechabites’ unwavering, multi-generational obedience to a human ancestor as a direct contrast to the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah toward Him. While the Rechabites kept their vow to their ancestor, Judah failed to listen to God’s commands delivered by prophets. For generations, the Rechabites refused to compromise. Christian families today can remain faithful to God, but it requires conscientious effort. Take time with family, guard against distractions, practice family devotions, reinforce family traditions, and keep all communication lines open. As believers, we are called to prioritise obedience to God's commands, even when it's challenging.
2. FAITHFULNESS CONTRASTED - Jeremiah 35:10-15
✅️ In Jeremiah 35:10-11, the Rechabites affirm their strict, multi-generational obedience to their ancestor Jonadab by living in tents, abstaining from wine, and avoiding agriculture. They explain their temporary presence in Jerusalem as a necessary, fearful refuge from the invading Babylonian army, not a violation of their nomadic vows. The Rechabites' decision to move to Jerusalem was not a desire to adopt the city lifestyle but rather a necessary measure for survival during the Babylonian invasion. Despite being in the city, they maintained their core convictions, including their abstinence from wine. The Rechabites' obedience to their father's commands was not situational but rather a deep-seated commitment that guided their actions in all circumstances. The Rechabites story encourages believers to remain faithful to God, regardless of the situation or circumstances. In the face of adversity, believers can stand firm in their convictions and trust in God's sovereignty.
✅️ In Jeremiah 35:12-15, we see a stark contrast between the Rechabites' obedience to their ancestor Jonadab and the Israelites' disobedience to God. Despite God's persistent warnings and pleas, the Israelites refused to listen, while the Rechabites faithfully followed their forefather's commands. The Rechabites' obedience to Jonadab's commands serves as a powerful example of faithfulness. In contrast, the Israelites had a history of stubborn disobedience to God's commands.
Just like the Rechabites, we are called to be faithful to God's commands. Our obedience is a testament to our love and commitment to Him. Israel's disobedience serves as a warning to us. When we refuse to listen to God's voice, we open ourselves up to the consequences of sin and disobedience. Even when we are disobedient, God's love for us remains unwavering. He continues to call us back to Himself, desiring our repentance and restoration.
3. FAITHFULNESS REWARDED - Jeremiah 35:16-19
✅️ Based on Jeremiah 35:16-17, the judgement pronounced by God against Judah and Jerusalem is a direct consequence of their persistent disobedience, which is severely contrasted with the unwavering obedience of the Rechabites. Rechabites obeyed their ancestor’s command not to drink wine for generations, whereas the people of Judah did not obey God, despite His repeated, early, and consistent warnings. Because of this, the Lord God Almighty announced that He would bring upon Judah and Jerusalem "every disaster" that He had previously pronounced against them. The judgment was specifically because God spoke, but they did not listen, and He called, but they did not answer. Believers can learn from Judah's mistakes and take heed of the consequences of disobedience.
✅️ Verses 18-19, God pronounced blessing upon Rechabites for their faithfulness to the commands of their forefathers Jonadab. Because they kept their commitments, God promised the Rechabites that their lineage would always serve Him, rewarding consistent, faithful obedience. God rewards the Rechabites because they were consistent in their commitment. Even though their vow was not a direct command from God, their commitment to faithful living was honoured. God is shown to be a rewarder of those who are faithful, promising to preserve the lineage of the obedient. God rewards obedience, even when it involves challenging, unpopular, or counter-cultural standards.
This challenges believers to examine areas of compromise in their own lives and to maintain a consistent, faithful witness to God’s Word in a faithless culture. We can trust in God's blessing and reward, knowing that He is faithful to those who obey Him.
🎤Lesson Action Word🎤
The Rechabites' story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness in our lives. Let's prioritize faithfulness to God's commands, teach our children God's ways, and trust in His promises. May we be faithful in our daily lives, obeying God's commands and prioritizing loyalty to His word.
🙏Lesson Prayer Point🙏
Father, strengthen, direct, and protect us to remain faithful to your commands in Jesus' Matchless Name. Amen!
Remain blessed as you join us in our Sunday school both online and at any Assemblies Of God Church close to you as we study together under the Feet of the Master.
Share your contribution and as well ask your question from the lesson.