Obadiah (youth lesson)

Introduction

The Fall of Pride: A Call to Humility and Hope

Bible Passage: Obadiah 1-21

Summary/ background info:

English Standard Version Introduction

Obadiah wrote this shortest book of the Old Testament probably soon after the armies of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem (586 B.C.). During this conquest, the people of Edom helped capture fleeing Israelites and turn them over to the Babylonians. They even took up residence in some Judean villages. This angered the Lord, for the Edomites, as descendants of Esau, were related to the Israelites (

Draw map and describe

Judah as Jacob (remember picture)

Esau as Edom. they use people and lineage to describe tribes as well as the names of the actual place

Joseph as Ephram and Manessah

describe the Babylonian empire and how they invaded in 586 BC

1. Peril of Pride Exposed

Obadiah 1:1-9

Ok so now here we are where a prophet of the Lord is sent named obadiah “servant of the Jehovah” and is going to bring judgment against the people of edom. so lets read verse one through nine.

What is being described in these first nine verses?

Pride-a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from ones own achievements

the pride of a nation and a people was so high

They believed that they were so high and mighty. they mocked others claiming they were high and mighty.

maybe draw another table? ask where do we see pride in our lives. what ways do we stay in pride?

look at the pride of our nation, is this wrong?

get to this point: God shows his faithfulness when he destroys those who are prideful. Pride has no place in the kingdom of God. we are not to glorify in our own strength but Gods alone. maybe read Ecclesiastes four 13

2. Presence in Pain Required

Obadiah 1:10-14

what stands out again?

Here, we see a failure of edom, what were the commands that God tells us not to do? Edom did these things to thier brothers.

what is the use of shame in our lives? is shame an effective tool against our sin or is there better ways?

For example, now we have the cross of Jesus that we do not need to feel ashamed as the cross is sufficient, but does shame still have a role to play?

how can we be there for those who are suffering?

Perhaps discuss the importance of being present with those who are suffering, as Edom failed to do for Israel. Use these verses to teach about the sin of indifference and participation in others’ suffering. Contrast this with Christ, who is the ultimate empathetic witness to humanity's pain and injustice, urging believers to follow His example of compassion and solidarity.

3. Promise of Justice Fulfilled

Obadiah 1:15-18

The day of the Lord again here

this time is different, what does he say about the day of the Lord?

verse 18, God raising up the other nations surrounding

They fell not long after by the babylonians

Maybe point out that the 'day of the Lord' signifies a time when God’s justice and restoration are realized. Encourage hope in God's just plans and challenge your audience to live with the anticipation of His deliverance. Highlight how Christ’s return will be the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise of justice, providing an eschatological dimension to living out faith today.

4. Promise of Restoration Secured

Obadiah 1:19-21

In the end, the Lord shall restore

This book ends on a good note, all things have a time in life.

major application: trust Gods timing

You could highlight the promise of restoration and new beginnings found in these verses, showing God's faithfulness to His people despite their suffering. Link this to the hope we have in Christ’s redemptive work, which assures us of God's sovereign plan even amidst adversity. This assurance should inspire confidence to engage with the world’s brokenness, trusting God’s ultimate victory.