SUNDAY, OCTOBER: WEEK 4

THE MANDATE OF GODLY CIVIC DUTY

Scripture: Ephesians 4:12-14 | Hymn: (BH 353) Give of Your Best to the Master

Teaching Method: Lecture

Primary Learning Outcome: Learners will understand the biblical precedent for active, selfless patriotism, indicating this knowledge by identifying specific attributes of godly civic service and committing to emulate these practices in their own nation.

Facilitator’s Opening Remark: Patriotism is Not New

The concept of patriotism—that deep, selfless love and defense of one’s nation—is not a new, secular concept; it is a profound act of biblical obedience. Right from the earliest narratives of the Old Testament, there have been men and women who displayed an unalloyed commitment to the well-being and destiny of their nation, Israel, or even the adopted nations where they resided. They risked their comfort, influence, and even their lives for the good of their country and, eventually, their sacrifices led to the deliverance, peace, and good of their people.

At its core, Christian patriotism is simply the second great commandment—loving your neighbor as yourself—applied to the national sphere. It is the understanding that God has placed you strategically in the country of your birth or residence, not merely to extract a living, but to be a solution, a light, and a salt to preserve and improve the whole body politic.

God is actively looking for people who will offer selfless services to Him and the nation for the benefit of all citizens. This is why the focus of this week shall be about some biblical characters who knew the value of patriotism and practiced it to the letter, setting a divine precedent for our actions today.

I. DEBORAH: THE PATRIOTISM OF ACTIVE, RISK-TAKING LEADERSHIP

Deborah is one of the most powerful and compelling figures in the Old Testament, displaying an unalloyed commitment and courage in defense of her nation, Israel. Her patriotism was defined by her refusal to lead from a place of comfort; she instead chose active involvement in the risk.

The Context of Corruption and Crisis

The Bible tells us that Deborah was a prophetess and the wife of Lappidoth (Judges 4:4). Importantly, she simultaneously held the highest judicial office: She judged Israel at that time. She held court under the palm tree, a place of access, at a time when Israel had done great evil in the sight of God after the death of Ehud. Because of Israel’s sin, the Lord had sold them into the hands of Jabin, a powerful Canaanite king, whose military commander, Sisera, oppressed the Israelites mercilessly for twenty years.

The nation was paralyzed by fear and national disgrace. The leaders were failing, and the men of the army lacked the will to fight.

Patriotic Attribute 1: Refusal to Command from Comfort

When Israel cried to Deborah, she did not simply pray for them or issue a prophetic decree from the safety of her “office” under the palm tree. She acted decisively. She sent for Barak and relayed God’s battle plan, assuring him of victory over Sisera.

However, Barak, displaying the widespread cowardice of the time, declined and refused the assignment except with the help of Deborah: “If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.” (Judges 4:8).

This presented Deborah with a choice: Maintain her spiritual status and safety, or risk her life for the nation.

Her decision was the essence of patriotism: She took the lead to fight against Sisera. She physically entered the battle with Barak and, as a result, Jabin, the Canaanite king, was completely destroyed, and the land had peace for forty years (Judges 5:31b).

The Lesson: Deborah’s patriotism teaches us that selfless service requires sacrificial involvement. As a prophetess and judge, she did not just sit in her office and command her subordinates; she rose up to the challenge and was personally involved in the battle. True patriotism is not found in comfortable criticism but in costly participation.

II. NEHEMIAH: THE PATRIOTISM OF SACRIFICIAL RESTORATION

Nehemiah is arguably the gold standard for Christian civic engagement. His patriotism was displayed through grief, prayer, political risk, and practical, organizational leadership. He was focused entirely on restoring the dignity of his nation’s capital.

The Context of Shame and Distance

Nehemiah was a Jewish exile, but he occupied a high office: cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Susa. This was a position of great power, trust, and comfort. He had wealth, security, and proximity to the most powerful man in the region. He was far removed from the rubble of Jerusalem.

Yet, when he heard about the fallen wall of Jerusalem and its burnt gates, his heart broke. He was concerned about the welfare of the Jewish remnants that had survived the exiles.

Patriotic Attribute 2: Compassion that Leads to Action

Nehemiah’s response was not casual: He sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven (Nehemiah 1:4).

This grief was the genesis of his patriotism. His love for his country, Judah, translated into an immediate, physical, and spiritual reaction. He did not simply offer a passive sigh; he offered a prayer of confession and supplication to God for favor from King Artaxerxes.

He then took a massive risk, approaching the King to ask for leave, protection, and resources. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he didn’t just give orders; he personally inspected the extent of the damaged walls by night. He encouraged the dispirited people and spoke the famous rallying cry: “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” (Nehemiah 2:17b).

The Lesson: Nehemiah’s patriotism teaches us that concern must lead to commitment. Even though he was physically far away, he was concerned about Jerusalem’s safety and welfare. He did not relent in his effort, facing constant opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah, until the work was completed in a miraculous 52 days. He was motivated by the fact that Jerusalem should not remain in perpetual shame. True service requires leaving your place of comfort, leveraging your influence, and enduring opposition with resolute prayer and focus.

III. ESTHER: THE PATRIOTISM OF INTERCESSION AND PERSONAL SACRIFICE

Esther’s story is a powerful example of patriotism manifesting not through military strength or organizational genius, but through strategic influence and personal sacrifice in the seat of power.

The Context of Hidden Identity and Imminent Destruction

Esther was a young Jewish heroine, an orphan who grew up with her uncle Mordecai. Through divine arrangement, she became the wife of King Xerxes. Her Jewish identity, which she had been compelled to hide, became the very issue of national survival when the evil court official Haman plotted to have all Jews throughout the empire exterminated.

Mordecai challenged her with the famous question, “And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Patriotic Attribute 3: Risking Life to Deliver Others

Esther knew the law: Approaching the king uninvited meant certain death. It was a clear line between personal survival and national deliverance.

Having been persuaded by Mordecai and the gravity of the situation, she spoke words that resonate through history as the ultimate expression of patriotic devotion: “…I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16b).

This was not a rash decision; it was thoughtful in execution. She called for a three-day fast—a spiritual preparation for a political showdown. She put her life on the line and demonstrated a high level of patriotism, even when her action was against the established law of the Medes and Persians.

The Lesson: Esther’s patriotism teaches us that influence is a stewardship to be deployed for the vulnerable. She used her God-given position to defend her people from complete destruction. For us, this means using our own platform—whether in government, corporate life, academia, or ministry—to speak up for justice, protect the weak, and ensure that our nation’s laws protect its citizens, even at personal risk.

IV. DAVID: THE PATRIOTISM OF DEFIANCE AND NATIONAL DIGNITY

David, even before he became king, was a shining example of patriotic defiance. His action against Goliath was driven by a powerful concern for his nation’s honor and the reputation of their God.

The Context of Shame and Terror

David was merely a shepherd boy, yet he was anointed as the future king of Israel. When he came to the battlefield, Israel was paralyzed. The Philistine giant, Goliath, often stepped forward and taunted, challenged, and defied the armies of the living God. Unfortunately, the threat of Goliath caused King Saul and all the people of Israel to be terrified and completely immobilized.

David was not comfortable that the Philistine’s giant continued to torment his people, Israelites, and defied their armies.

Patriotic Attribute 4: Courage in Defense of the Nation’s Identity

When David saw the situation, he was outraged, not by the size of Goliath, but by the blasphemy against God and the shame cast upon Israel. He engaged in the fight not for glory or riches, but to remove the national disgrace.

Despite his elder brother’s efforts to dissuade him and King Saul’s dismissiveness, David resolved to fight, declaring: “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32).

David fought the battle of national identity, asking, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). His fight was not personal; it was for the corporate reputation of God’s covenant people. Consequently, David triumphed over the Philistine, killing him and restoring courage and momentum to the entire Israelite army.

The Lesson: David’s patriotism teaches us the value of moral courage in the public square. We are called to defy the “Goliaths” of our time—corruption, injustice, moral decay, and political intimidation—not with human strength, but with the conviction that we represent the living God. He displayed patriotism at the expense of his own life, thus displaying a great act of selfless defense.

V. THE ROADMAP FOR DISCIPLES: THE NIGERIAN MANDATE

The lives of Deborah, Nehemiah, Esther, and David were all driven by a singular secret: They viewed their personal talent, position, and safety as tools for the good of their nation, not for personal gain.

The genesis of patriotism for the Christian usually begins with one’s love for his or her neighbors. This implies that if we love our neighbors (our fellow citizens), then we must love our country (Nigeria), which provides the platform for those neighbors to exist and thrive.

Believers have been enjoined to first of all love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and secondly, to love their neighbors as themselves. These neighbors are first and foremost our fellow citizens, regardless of their tribe, religion, sex, or financial status.

Loving Nigeria requires active, visible, and moral patriotism in our daily lives.

Practical Actions for Godly Patriotism in Nigeria

The call to be patriotic is for all—whether you are a politician, business man or woman, student, pastor, farmer, or civil servant. Our national service is not limited to politics; it is woven into the fabric of our everyday choices.

Offer Selfless Service and Dedication:

- Emulate Deborah: Stop operating from the comfort zone of critique. Whatever your job—whether teaching in a public school or cleaning a street—do it with excellence as if Christ were your direct employer. Be actively involved in solutions, not just problems.

Shun Corrupt Practices (Integrity):

- Emulate Nehemiah: Nehemiah used his political office to serve, not to steal. He refused to exploit the poor for his own gain (Nehemiah 5:14-15). The true patriotic Christian must stand as a lighthouse against the tide of corruption, refusing to give or take a bribe.
Practice Fair Play, Equity, and Justice:
- Emulate Esther: Use whatever influence you have—on social media, in your local community, or in your office—to ensure fairness and equity for all tribes and religions. Your Christianity demands that you be an advocate for the marginalize and the oppressed.
Uphold National Dignity (Defense):
- Emulate David: Refuse to tolerate the Goliaths of cynicism and defeatist talk. Instead of tearing the nation down, speak words of hope, possibility, and prophetic change. Defend the national honor and the image of the Church by demonstrating impeccable conduct.
Be Loyal and Dedicated to the Course of the Nation:
- Look Beyond the Leaders: Loyalty is not to the individuals currently in power, but to the nation’s destiny and its people. This loyalty compels us to be responsible citizens: paying taxes honestly, respecting public property, and demanding good governance through informed and active participation.

Loving Nigerians can only be possible when we love Nigeria, our country, where we reside and make a living. The way to do this is to be determined to offer selfless services wherever we find ourselves.

PRAYER AND POST-ACTIVITY

POST-GROUP ACTIVITY:

The common thread in the lives of these biblical patriots is clear. They all exhibited:

Sacrificial Courage: They put personal safety and comfort second (Deborah entering the war; Esther risking death; David facing Goliath; Nehemiah leaving the palace).
Moral Outrage/Compassion: They were moved by the shame and suffering of their people (Nehemiah weeping over the wall; David enraged by the defiance of God’s army).
Active Engagement: They did not just pray; they physically acted, planned, or confronted the enemy (Nehemiah leading the rebuilding; Deborah going to the battle line).

PRAYER:

Father, help me to overcome my selfishness and fear. Stir in my heart the sacrificial love that drove Deborah, Nehemiah, Esther, and David. Help me and my fellow citizens to be patriotic, loyal, and dedicated to the course of our nation, shunning all corrupt practices, for the glory of Your Name and the good of our country, in Jesus’ name. Amen.