CENTRAL THOUGHT
A believer should not partake in corrupt practices whenever and wherever they manifest.
HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
TEXT: Deut. 16:19-20, Acts 24:24-27
INTRODUCTION
Corruption is a subject of common discussion among people irrespective of race, tribe, sex or religion. The irony that is corruption is never justified by anyone; even those who indulge in corrupt practices condemn it openly. Nevertheless, it remains a canker worm that has eaten into the fabrics of society. It is seen in all aspects of our society-religious, secular, political etc.
What should be the Christian’s attitude towards this “pandemic”? The Lord will help us in this lesson to address this matter from the biblical point of view.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.) Understand what corruption means.
2.) Identify some forms of corruption noted in the Scriptures.
3.) Examine, discuss and note the effects of some forms of corruption in our society.
4.) Appreciate what the Christian’s attitude should be towards corruption.
5.) Know how to practically tackle corruption.
BIBLE TRUTH Q1 WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY CORRUPTION? Corruption has assumed a huge dimension that it becomes difficult to define especially in a society like ours. However, corruption may simply be defined as willingness to act dishonestly most times in return for money or some other “benefit”. In some cases, dishonest acts are also perpetuated without any promised return of gain or benefit. Nepotism/favoritism, tribalism, “godfatherism” may be the driving force behind corruption implies a tendency by an individual to be evil or immoral in his/her dealings with people.
Q2. IDENTIFY SOME FORMS OF CORRUPTION NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES IN THE BIBLE. a.) Deut. 16:19-20, 1 Sam. 8:1-3, Acts 24:24-27
The forms of corruption mentioned in these passages include perversion/misinterpretation/misapplication of judgement; partiality, taking of bribe, expectation of bribe etc. The believer is warned against these practices and he/she is encouraged to “follow what is
altogether just (uncompromisingly righteous), that you may live and inherit the land which your God gives you” (Deut. 16:20).
b.) The forms of corruption mentioned here include greed/covetousness, false accusation, deceitfulness/cunningness, plot to kill or assassinate, and using one’s office to perpetuate evil etc. As wealthy as Ahab was, he coveted Naboth’s piece of land and when Naboth refused to give it to him, Ahab’s wife (Jezebel) hatched a plot that led to the elimination of Naboth. There are such parallels in our society today.
c.) Eccl. 3:16-17
This passage talks about wickedness and iniquity being forms of corruption. Wickedness is found in the place of judgement and iniquity in the place of righteousness. The implication is that those charged with the responsibility of dispensing justice have become wicked (Condemning the guiltless and setting the guilty free) while those who are supposed to teach people the way of The (righteousness) have embraced iniquity. There are also parallels of those in our society.
Q3. DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING FORMS OF CORRUPTION IN OUR SOCIETY AND THEIR EFFECTS?
a.) Bribery , Exo. 23:8, 1 Sam 8:1-3
A bribe is something offered in an attempt to obtain a favor or pervert the course of judgement. It may be money, land, car, house or sex (where ladies offer themselves, to men to gain favor). Etc. Bribery is the act of dishonestly paying someone to act in one’s favor.
Bribery as a form of corruption is a problem in our society. It manifests in small and big ways. Sometimes people pay money to have their “files” moved from one table to the other in offices; some pay money to secure transfers to more “lucrative” ministries/parastatal and even in churches bribes may offered to secure transfers to towns/cities where ministerial work is perceived to be “lucrative”. Also, in awarding government contracts, money may exchange hands. In schools/universities, people pay money to obtain high marks/good grades. The effect of bribery is obvious. People who will do things efficiently and effectively may not have the opportunity to do so because they may have been schemed out through bribery. Mediocrity is thus entrenched.
It is important to restate the fact that the law of the land warns against giving and receiving of bribe. Above all, God in the scriptures warns us against bribe and its resultant effects. Prov. 15:27, Ecc. 7:7.
b.) Nepotism/Favoritism, Acts 6:1
The dictionary defines nepotism as favoritism shown to relatives or friends especially by giving them jobs. This is common in our society- in government establishment, in private sector and sad to say even in churches/denominations. Most times this is done to the detriment of qualified persons who should have perhaps performed better in the jobs. The net effect is poor productivity/output in various facets of the society.
c.) Tribalism
Tribalism describes situations where decisions are based solely on tribal/ethnic considerations. Some persons have been denied employment because they are not from the same tribe with those charged with the responsibility of employing people. Some persons too have been denied marriages because one party is from a different tribe. Some homes have been ruined because of interferences based on the fact that a son or daughter married from another tribe. Tribalism breeds hatred, suspicion, unhappiness etc. Apart from its dangerous effects in the public and private sector, it is sad to observe that tribalism has crept into the churches/denominations.
d.) Examination malpractice
This occurs in various ways and include cheating in exams, impersonation copying from notes/books, paying “co-operation” fees etc. The issue may also be expanded to include forged result and forged certificates. This has become common in our society. In many places there are people with good grades whose performance on their jobs is very poor. No matter the temptation, a believer should abstain from these.
e.) Electoral malpractice
This manifests in fake declarations of results, snatching of ballot boxes, bribing of electoral offices etc. The effect of electoral malpractice is that the society suffers for it. When incompetent people are “rigged” into positions, the net effect is poor system productivity. In such cases, good governance eludes the people and becomes a mirage.
f.) Fraud (Advance fee fraud).
This is what is popularly referred to as “419” in our nation. It occurs in various “shapes and sizes”. It may come as promised lucrative contracts/jobs; promised oversea trips; “admission racketeering”, land speculation/sales; “money doubling” etc. Advance fee fraud or 419 has had its toll on the society. Peoples businesses have been ruined, finances have dwindled, and relationships destroyed.
g.) The class should discuss other forms of corruption prevalent in the society.
Q4. WHAT SHOULD BE THE CHRISTIAN’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS THESE FORMS OF CORRUPTION? Rom. 12:1-2, 2 Cor. 6:17-18, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 1 Tim. 5:22, 1 John 2:15-17
The Christian (believer) is called to a life of separation from the world and to live in holiness unto the LORD. A believer’s desire in life is to please GOD and live for HIM. Therefore, he should not partake in, support or encourage corrupt practices in the society. The believer is actually encouraged in scripture expose such practices. Eph. 5:11 says “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them”.
Q5. HOW CAN WE PRACTICALLY TACKLE CORRUPTION?
a.) Among church people.
The church is described as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Church leaders should teach members the way of God i.e. the way of holiness, righteousness, sanctification, contentment etc. The message of salvation/conversion must be preached.
People who deliberately live in falsehood and evil should not be allowed to hide under the canopy of the church to perpetuate their evil practices. No matter the perceived contribution or benefits from such individual, their evil deeds must be spoken against and exposed.
Also, biblical principle for dealing with erring members of a congregation should be adhered to (see 1 Cor. 5:1-7). Until such an individual shows proof/repentance from his/her evil ways.
b.) In the society
Our society is full of people with religious titles. Such persons are found in our offices, ministries, parastatals, tertiary institutions, private sector and yet corruption thrives in every facet of our society
The interesting thing is that there is so much legislation against corruption in our society. These legislations should be enforced. The various agencies charged with fighting corruption should be empowered and supported fully to do so. Security agencies should also be given further training and empowered to deal with and fight corruption.
The Government should be sincere enough to expose and deal with those found to be corrupt no matter how highly placed such persons may be in society.
It will be profitable to the society if everyone stay away from greed/avarice/covetousness and embrace contentment. The scripture says “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with man sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
The real cure to corruption in our society is for everyone to embrace the message of the gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ. When people genuinely repent of their sins with a promise to turn away from them and invite The Lord Jesus into their hearts/lives (accept Him as their Lord and personal Savior), and they will be empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit in them to live in line with God’s will and purpose for humanity. They will be free from corruption and the inclination towards it.
MEMORY VERSE
2 Cor. 6:17-18
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Forms of corruption
Deut. 16:19-20, 1 Sam. 8:1-3, Acts 24:24-27
Tuesday: Forms of corruption
1 Kings 21:1-14
Wednesday: Forms of Corruption
Eccl. 3:16-17
Thursday: God warns against Bribery
Prov. 15:27, Eccl. 7:7
Friday: Christian’s attitude towards corruption
2 Corin. 6:17, 18, 1 Peter 2:11-12
Saturday: Christian’s attitude towards corruption
1 Thess. 5:22, 1 John 2:15-17