DCLM Search The Scripture 31 July 2022 for Youth || Lesson 30

DCLM Search The Scripture 31 July 2022 for Youth || Lesson 30 || Judah’s Moral Slip

DCLM Search The Scripture 31 July 2022 for Youth

YOUTH STS LESSON 30 – Judah’s Moral Slip

MEMORY VERSE: “And Judah acknowledged them, and said, she hath been more righteous than I, because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more” (Genesis 38:26)

TEXT: Genesis 38:1-30

DCLM Search The Scripture 31 July 2022 for Youth

Our topic last week was on “The plot against Joseph, his inexperience in relating his dream to his brethren led to more envy and subsequent plot against him from his brothers. However instead of being killed, the Lord saved him and he was sold into slavery in Egypt.

Today’s text is a temporary break in the flow of the story of Joseph. It introduces us to another son of Jacob called Judah. He was the fourth son of Jacob born unto him by Leah. There are many lessons we are going to learn in this chapter.

1. JUDAH’S UNGODLY FRIENDSHIP AND FAMILY LIFE
(Genesis 38:1-11; James 4:4; 1Corinthians 15:33; 2Timothy 2:22; Proverbs 7:6-23)

Ungodly association is very dangerous to every Christian in all ages. Judah’s moral slip started with his friendship with unbelievers. “And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned into a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hiram” (Genesis 38:1). He left his brethren, the Jews family and made friend with a Canaanite. Beware of those that you are relating or moving with.

Question 1: What is the consequence of downward journey in a Christian life?

A Christian youth should not be friendship with an unconverted, wayward youth because “evil communication corrupt good manners” (1Corinthians 15:33). If you have sinners as your best friends, it is sure they will drag you into sin. Judah went into immoral relationship in his downward journey.

DCLM Search The Scripture 31 July 2022 for Youth || Lesson 30

Question 2: How can a youth overcome immoral practice today?

In order to overcome immoral relationship like any other sins (1) Be born again (John 3:3) (2) Abstain from all appearance of evil (1Thessalonians 5:22) (3) Flee youthful lusts (2Timothy 2:2) (4) Female youths should not allow themselves to be used by the devil as the instrument of lust (Don’t dress carelessly)

“And Judah’s first son was wicked in the sight of the Lord; and the LORD slew him” (Genesis 38:7). God hates wicked youths; he hates their ways, their thoughts, worship actions and evil deeds. God’s judgment is awaiting all the wicked who refuse to repent of their wickedness (Psalm 145:20). However, he loves them by sending Jesus Christ to die for their salvation (Hebrews 2:9) Question 3: Is there hope for wicked youths?
Yes, if they repent and give their lives to Jesus Christ

2. JUDAH’S FLESHLY LUST AND TAMAR’S DESPERATION
(Genesis 38:12-23; Acts 3:19; Isaiah 55:6, 7; John 1:8,9; Proverbs 28:13)

Unfaithfulness is not keeping to promises, obligations or allegiances. The sin of unfaithfulness towards God is a common practice among youths today. Are you a faithful or unfaithful Christian?

The death of Judah’s first two sons must have frightened him so much that he made no move to give his third son (Shelah) to his daughter-in-law, Tamar. Eventually, Shelah grew up but Judah neither fulfilled his promise to Tamar; nor gave her freedom to remarry. Here we see selfishness, insincerity and insensitivity to the needs of others.

When we make promises which we do not intend to keep; nor caring how it hurts others, we walk like deceitful and dishonest Judah. Christian youths should be careful of the promises and vows they make (Ecclesiastes 5:5). If you want other people to keep to their promise to you, you must keep to yours.

DCLM Search The Scripture 31 July 2022 for Youth || Lesson 30

Question 4: How can a Christian demonstrate faithfulness to God?

To be faithful to God, we must fear him and know He sees everything we do. Christian youths must not be so desperate in life to get things at the expense of losing their Christian experience and cordial relationship with God To trap Judah, Tamar played an harlot and Judah fell for the trap and laid shamefully with his daughter-in-law, though unknown to him (Genesis 32:12-14). Every Christian youth must flee from the sin of fornication.

3. JUDAH’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HIS SINFUL ACTS (Genesis 38: 24-
30; Proverbs 28:13; John 3:3, 7; Revelation 20:15)

After three months of Judah’s shameful act, he acknowledges it after clear evidence. Judah, like all unregenerated persons, was quick to condemn Tamar and requested she should be burnt for her harlotry. However, Judah was convicted of his sin when he realized that he was the man responsible for her immoral acts and the disgraceful pregnancy. He did not try to cover up his sin before the people (Psalms 32:5; 2Samuel 12;13).

Confession of sin done is not all that God requires. He demands that we repent and turn away from our sinful activities. “And he knew her again no more” (Genesis 38: 26b)

Question 5: How can a sinning youth receive the mercy of God today?

Genuine repentance always attracts God’s mercy, forgiveness and favour. The manifestations of God’s mercy and grace on Judah were manifold.

(1) He was forgiven and restored from shame to praise (Judah means praise)

(2) He became a leader of the kingly tribe in Israel through the line of Pharez, one of the twins born by Tamar (Genesis 49:10; Hebrews 7:14; Matthew 1:3).

As the Lord choose Judah, Tamar and Pharez, God will choose and accept all those who come to him by faith in Christ Jesus (Psalm 65:5; John 6:37) When it is time, and the youth comes to marriageable age, they are to pray and seek to know the will of God for them in marriage among children of God

DCLM Search The Scripture 31 July 2022 for Youth | Lesson 30