Write the parable concepts listed in the second section of today's lesson on
the marker board. Cover the columns until the appropriate time in the lesson.
Patience Is Essential (Matt. 13:24-30)
Enlist a volunteer to read Matthew 13:24-30. Write the words
kingdom of heaven on the board. Ask learners what they think Jesus
meant by this phrase. Define kingdom of heaven as God’s reign or
sovereignty.
Emphasize the following points about the parable:
In the early
stages, tares (v. 25, KJV) were a type of weed that could not be easily
distinguished from young wheat until both had matured fully and were
ready to be harvested.
A field owner’s
enemies could plant weeds with the owner’s wheat in an attempt to
destroy the harvest.
The field owner
would need patience in order to wait for the harvest so the wheat could
be separated from the tares.
Ask:
Why is patience
essential in a world filled with many evildoers?
How will the
final harvest reveal people’s true identity?
Read the following testimony:
I Wish I'd Waited
Now I understand why God wanted me to save myself
for my wedding night.
I couldn't look
her in the eye. "Yes, of course his mom will be there," I said
sarcastically. My mom questioned me like this all the time, and I deserved
it. But I couldn't let her know that. I was going to my boyfriend Kevin's
for dinner and a movie.
My Kevin. He played guitar in a band, he wrote poetry and he was
incredibly sweet. He said he loved me, so I said I loved him too.
Mom drove me over to Kevin's, just to make sure his mom
was there. She was. But that didn't really matter. I could make my own
decisions. And I did …
what if?
Kevin drove me home that night. After he kissed me goodbye, I stepped inside
and went upstairs. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I didn't like to
look into my own eyes. I went into my room, trying not to look at my
bookshelf where the words "Teen Study Bible" glared back at me accusingly. I
lay in bed for hours, and I couldn't sleep.
All I could think was, What if? What if I get
pregnant?
I cried as I wrote in my journal, mapping out a plan in
case I did get pregnant. Who would I tell first? Would I try to have an
abortion? Would I stay in school? How would I ever be able to face Dad (I
remember we sang "Standing on the Promises" in front of the church a long
time ago and I wore a blue dress) … or Mama (we baked chocolate chip cookies
almost every week that one summer) … or my brother (I helped him build model
rockets when we were little)?
"Oh please, God," I prayed, "just let me not be pregnant.
I'll stop doing this."
I didn't get pregnant. But I didn't stop, either.
feeling betrayed
Time passed, and little by little I became aggravated with Kevin. His
friends kidded me about the physical side of our relationship; so much for
his promised discretion.
He didn't show at a dance recital that meant a lot to me.
I started feeling betrayed. I'd shared my body with him, my soul, and he
didn't really care. It hurt a lot. I broke up with him after a six-month
relationship.
A wall had been built, though, and it remained—between me
and my parents, and, most importantly, between me and God. I went into
another relationship, and again I went too far physically. I was addicted.
It seemed like I was in an endless cycle, even after I broke up with my
second boyfriend. Change seemed impossible.
A year later, I sat in church one Sunday, listening to
something about a parable of wheat and tares (Matthew
13:24-30). Tares are weeds that grow in fields. Tares look like
wheat, but are not. That hit me. Even though I'd been in church my whole
life and came from a Christian family, I realized I had no true faith.
And faith was what it was all about. Faith that Christ
had died on the cross so I could be with him—so my sins, all of them, could
be washed away. Faith was the answer.
So I prayed. I told God I knew I was a sinner, that the
things I'd done were wrong. I asked him to forgive me and be the Lord of my
life. At 17 years old, I got saved.
As I began studying the Bible, I found more and more
instances where God's rules, and my parents' rules, weren't just stupid
things that made no sense. They made perfect sense; they were there for a
reason, to guide me on how to really be happy.
Source:Gotuva, Valerie
(2003, September/October). I Wish I’d Waited. Retrieved October 2, 2007 from
www.christianitytoday.com.
Ask:
Why was it easy for Valerie to hide the fact she did not really know the
Lord?
What evidences in her life proved to her that she was a tare rather than
wheat?
What effect did hearing the Word have upon her perception of herself?
Trust Is Necessary (Matt. 13:36-39)
Ask a volunteer to read the explanation of the parable in Matthew
13:36-39. Uncover the columns written on the board and allow time for
learners to work in pairs to match the important concepts in the parable. Each
answer in column B may be used only once.
Column A
_____ 1. The sower of good seeds
_____ 2. The good seeds
_____ 3. The field
_____ 4. The weeds
_____ 5. The enemy (sower of bad seeds)
_____ 6. The harvest
_____ 7. The harvesters
Column B
A. The devil
B. The sons of the devil
C. The Son of Man (Jesus)
D. The end of the age
E. The sons of the kingdom
F. The angels
G. The world
Answers: C, E, G,
B, A, D, F.
Ask:
Even though it seems evil and immorality are rampant
in the world today, how does this parable inspire trust in God and His
plan for the world?
How does this passage explain that the world is
heading toward God’s plan rather than just spiraling out of control?
Say: Jesus' interpretation proved God alone
is in charge of judgment; only He can and will carry it out.
Read the following Good Question column answered by Richard B. Hays in
Christianity Today:
Good Question: Operation Evil Power
If Christ has truly defeated the powers of
Satan on the cross (Col. 2:15), why do the powers of evil effectively
operate in this world?
Answered by Richard B. Hays
February 1, 2004
Christian theology takes seriously the reality of
evil. How can we do otherwise, when the newspaper every day tells of war,
poverty, sexual abuse, and other signs that evil is afoot in our world? Some
groups (e.g., Christian Scientists) have claimed that evil is not real.
Others (e.g., ancient Gnostics) have claimed that those who truly know
Christ have already been transported out of the material world of suffering
and evil. Historically the church has judged such teachings to be heretical.
Paul writes eloquently of "the sufferings
of this present time" (Rom. 8:18): "We know that the whole creation has been
groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we
ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we
wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies" (Rom. 8:22-23). As Jesus
wept at the tomb of Lazarus, lamenting death's power over one he
loved, so also Christians continue to groan under the power of evil, in
solidarity with a fallen creation.
The question refers to the defeat of Satan (who, by
the way, is not actually mentioned in Col. 2:15) on the Cross. Yet several
New Testament texts speak of the Devil actively prowling about looking for
someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8) and call Christians to participate in the
ongoing struggle against "the cosmic powers of this present darkness" (Eph.
6:12).
In light of all this, the real problem is how we are
to understand Colossians 2:15, which seems to contradict so much of the New
Testament witness, not to mention our own experience of evil in the world. A
few sentences in Colossians seem to express a realized eschatology—that is,
a belief that Christ's triumph over evil is already complete and that the
coming kingdom of God is already fully present. (In addition to 2:15, see
especially 1:13, 2:10-12, and 3:1-3.)
A good reading of Colossians 2:15 must take into account
the message of the letter as a whole. In brief, some in the church at
Colossae had been led astray into superstitious reverence for cosmic powers
apart from Christ. The reverence for these angelic powers was accompanied by
strict demands for ascetic, self-denying practices (2:16-23).
Paul reacts to this disturbing situation by declaring the
primacy of Christ over all creation (1:15-20). The death
and resurrection of Jesus, now seated at the right hand of God (3:1),
establishes his authority over everything, including the archai kai exousiai
("rulers and authorities") acclaimed by the false teachers at Colossae.
Because Jesus is Lord, Paul argues, Christians are free to disregard the
self-abasing "regulations" associated with these lesser angelic figures.
Therefore, Colossians 2:15 must be read as a visionary statement that
sees God's final redemptive purpose as though it were already
complete, since the final outcome is guaranteed by the Cross and
Resurrection.
Many features of the letter show that Paul does not actually
think the triumph over evil is complete. Paul himself continues to suffer as
an apostle (1:24), and he prays that his readers will be
able "to endure everything with patience" (1:11). While it may be true that
our lives are "hidden with Christ in God," we still must wait for him
finally to be revealed in glory (3:3-4).
In the meantime, the letter is full of urgent moral
exhortations, urging believers to "put to death" the remaining sinful
practices that characterized their former lives. This kind of instruction
makes sense only for a community still engaged in the struggle against evil.
Why do the powers of wickedness continue to operate
effectively in this world? Because the story is not over. The climactic
victory has been won on the Cross, but there is still much residual
resistance. So we live in a tension-filled interval where skirmishes are
still under way. One of Paul's fullest teachings on this point is found in 1
Corinthians 15:20-28: The resurrection has come through Jesus; nonetheless,
there are still many enemies to be subdued under Christ's feet.
Source:Hays,
Richard B. (2004, February 1). Good Question: Operation Evil Power.
Retrieved October 2, 2007 from www.christianitytoday.com.
Ask:
How did the article explain the presence of evil in the world?
How does Hays’ explanation of the presence of evil parallel Jesus’
parable of the wheat and the tares?
Why should we trust God’s sovereignty to carry out judgment?
Rewards Will Come (Matt. 13:40-43)
Enlist a volunteer to read Matthew 13:40-43. Ask learners to
identify the warning and the promise found in these verses. Ask them to explain
each in their own words.
Ask:
Why should we
refuse to take up the judge’s gavel and make judgments about other
people?
What are some
specific ways that we can respond with patience and compassion toward
those who are unbelievers?
How does the
view of the harvest in this parable help us to respond in this way?
What rewards
await the righteous?
Encourage learners to list rewards believers will receive. Remind them that
because God will carry out judgment, we can devote ourselves to living for Him,
relating to others with patience and compassion, and awaiting the rewards He
will give us. Allow time for learners think of people in their circles of
influence who may not know the Lord.
Ask:
How does this
lesson encourage us to be patient and compassionate toward unbelievers?
Why should this
lesson compel us to share the gospel with them?
What will you
do in response to today’s lesson?
Challenge learners to remember this parable, act on how they have been
challenged to respond, and take courage in the fact that God will make all
things right in the end. Close the session with prayer.
EXTRA! is a supplement designed
to enhance and expand the effectiveness of printed curriculum provided by
LifeWay Church Resources.
EXTRA! is produced by Publishing
Services and Multimedia, LifeWay Church Resources, Copyright 2007, LifeWay
Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
SPECIAL NOTE: Some Internet
addresses given in EXTRA! are outside the LifeWay Internet domain. Because of
the changing nature of the Web, EXTRA! editors cannot be held responsible for
content on pages outside their control. At the time of this posting, the
specific pages mentioned have been viewed and approved by the EXTRA! editorial
staff. However, at the time of your viewing, the information on these pages may
have changed. Links from the specific page addresses referenced in this material
possibly could link to inappropriate material.
EXTRA! Weekly Supplemental Teaching Plans
Adult
Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life EXTRA
October 14, 2007
High-Impact Believers
Dana Armstrong
Matthew 5:13-20
Life Answers Leader Guide corrected Oct. 14 lesson
PDF
Bring to class a
votive candle, matches, and a clear glass.
Matthew 5:13
Enlist a volunteer to read Matthew 5:13. Explain that in
ancient times, salt was a precious commodity as it could be used for a variety
of purposes. Because there was no refrigeration, meat was salted to preserve it
and to delay the decaying process. Salt was the best method available for
preventing bacteria from poisoning and rotting food. Salt also was used for
religious sacrifices, to add flavor, and to pay Roman soldiers. In fact, wars
were fought over salt because it was indispensable for survival, especially when
fresh food was unavailable.
Say: Jesus primarily emphasized two of these uses for salt in
Matthew 5:13:
Salt as a
preservative
Salt as a
seasoning/flavoring agent
Ask:
How does food
without salt taste? Is there a difference when salt has been added?
Explain your answer.
Imagine this
world free of all “salty” influences. What would today’s society look
like without Christians permeating the culture?
Why have many
Christians chosen to blend in with rather than stand out in society?
How does
blending affect a Christian’s saltiness or impact in the world?
Say: Jesus wants us to join the mission He gave nearly 2,000 years ago.
To influence sinful people and this society, believers must have contact with
them just as salt has to be worked into meat in order to preserve it. However,
in order to be a godly influence instead of part of the corruption, believers
must live by and promote righteous standards. Jesus’ analogy emphasized the need
for Christians to be in the world, but not of the world. As salt in this world,
high-impact Christians bring truth that can preserve society from the sinfulness
that abounds.
Explain that
Christians who fail to use their influence in society become as worthless to
God's work as first-century salt that lost its taste was to the poeple of
that day.
Divide
learners into groups to read and discuss the following article excerpt about
the 2007 Super Bowl:
Super Bowl Coaches Advertise Faith Ahead of
Big Game
This year's Super Bowl head coaches will appear in a
newspaper ad not for their making it to the marquee game, but for their
faith in Jesus Christ.
Indianapolis Colts' coach Tony Dungy, who has long
articulated his faith, and Chicago Bears' Lovie Smith say that while they
may attain the height of their profession with a Super Bowl victory, their
faith in Jesus Christ is still more important.
Although Dungy and Smith have made headlines as the
first black coaches to reach the NFL championship game, the two coaches have
a close friendship that the Miami Herald reported "stems from ... their
convictions" as devout Christians. And both, the Herald noted, do not drink
or curse, even when at the sidelines of a big game.
"I'm so happy that Lovie got [to the Super Bowl]
because he does things the right way," said Dungy, according to the Miami
Herald. "He's going to get there with a lot of class, no profanity, no
intimidation, but just helping his guys play the best that they can.
"That's the way
I try to do it, and I think it's great that we're able to show the world not
only that African-American coaches can do it, but Christian coaches can do
it in a way that, you know, we can still win.''
The Sunday
before leaving for Miami, Dungy spent the day at his home church, Northside
New Era Baptist Church, prepping for the big game.
"We could not
let this get by without your Christian family saying, 'God bless you. We're
proud of you,'" said the Rev. Clarence C. Moore, according to NBC5, a
Chicago news channel.
"I believe he
preached the greatest sermon without saying a word by walking in and giving
God time before the biggest game of his," added Moore. "That's who he is and
he expects that of the people around him."
Source: Black, Nathan (2007, February
2). Super Bowl Coaches Advertise Faith Ahead of Big Game. Retrieved October
2, 2007 from www.christianpost.com.
Ask:
What was
different about Dungy and Smith that caused the world to take
notice?
How can
Christians do a better job of influencing society just as salt
influences food?
Matthew 5:14-16
Enlist a volunteer to read Matthew 5:14-16.
Say: In a world powered by electricity, it is difficult for us
to understand the concept of complete darkness. When the sun set in Jesus’ day,
it was pitch black. Although the moon would provide a small amount of light,
those who went outside needed torches or lamps. In Jesus’ day, the method of
light was called a lamp, which consisted of a bowl filled with oil and wicks
that could be lit.
Ask:
Why do we need light?
Why does the world need the light of Christ to shine
through believers?
Light the votive candle and place the glass over it completely. Watch
with the class as the flame disappears. When the flame goes out, reread verse
15.
Ask:
Why would it be
a waste of time to light a lamp and then put a basket over it?
What kinds of
situations cause people to hide their lamps under a basket?
How can
Christians allow their lights to illuminate the darkness in our sinful
society?
Say: As Christians, we must never forget
that we are not the light; we only reflect the light of Jesus to a lost and
dying world. Believers who hide their lights are just as ineffective as
flavorless salt. While we cannot lose our salvation, we can lose our ability to
impact the world as Christ intended when we refuse to be all He has called us to
be.
Explain that the good works produced by letting His light
shine through us are not for our benefit or for us to receive praise. Jesus
makes it clear that the intended result of good works is to glorify God. We
should always be giving God the credit so those around us see a glimpse of the
One who can change them forever.
Read or paraphrase the following article excerpt:
Christian, Don't Be 'afraid' to Share Christ
at Halloween
It's October 31, and porch lights on virtually every other house on your
street are shining. Nearby trees are decorated with strings of lighted
jack-o-lanterns and ghosts made of old sheets swaying in the breeze. Many of
those other houses' doors are decorated with either a green-faced witch
bearing a snaggle tooth grin or a hissing black cat with its back arched and
muscles tensed in a pouncing posture.
As a Christian, however, you don't have your porch light on. Even the
lights inside your home are dimmed in hopes that the kids in the
neighborhood won't realize you're home. "No trick-or-treating here," you
mutter as you peer out through the shuttered windows.
The scenario above may be an exaggeration, but every year, Christians do
face the dilemma of how to deal with the onslaught of images produced in
conjunction with the public's fascination with Halloween. What seems like
harmless fun to many people – especially the children who don often-ghoulish
costumes and walk their neighborhood to collect as much candy as possible –
actually is an opportunity for many to release their "dark side." Popular
entertainment, such as television programs "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" and
"Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," make occult themes and witchcraft seem fun and
acceptable. As a result, Halloween has become strongly associated with the
occult and a preoccupation with the dead, two influences that Scripture and
the church have always warned against.
The Bible instructs believers to be in the world, but not of the world.
Halloween provides a perfect chance for them to do just that – not just to
hide behind a shuttered window in their darkened home, waiting for the
"evil" to pass.
Jimmy Kinnaird, head of the Baptist General Convention of
Oklahoma's church outreach team, said Halloween is a prime opportunity for
Christians to do some personal evangelistic outreach. "Most churches have a
carnival or fall festival that kids can wear costumes to, and they usually
let the kids dress up as Bible characters or something not evil or wicked,"
he said.
But individual Christians can take an active role at home on Halloween,
tapping in to the flow of children who knock on their door – perhaps only
this one time during the year.
Kinnaird said alternatives to just handing out candy to trick-or-treaters
include gospel tracts. In fact, his three children are looking forward this
year to sharing the gospel with the families in their neighborhood – at the
same time they are filling their own sacks with goodies. "The idea of giving
out tracts at Halloween isn't a new one, and this is something that
individual families can do from their own homes," Kinnaird said. "Halloween
is October 31, so the goal is to give out 31 tracts to 31 kids on October
31. When a kid comes to your door and rings the doorbell, you give them a
piece of candy and a tract when you answer.
"The tract says it all. You don't have to say anything, because they're
not going to look at anything you give them while they're getting it anyway.
First of all, it's dark, and second, they're ready to move on to the next
house and continue to fill their sack up."
Letting the kids come to you works well, but Kinnaird's 13-year-old
daughter, Jenna, put her own twist on the idea last year.
"She said, 'Will you let me go trick or treating if I give out a tract at
each house I go to?' Well, I had to say yes," Kinnaird said.
It worked so well for Jenna that her 11 year-old brother, Daniel, and 5
year-old sister, Rachel, are joining in on the fun this year.
"All three of them are going to do it this year," Kinnaird said, but
either my wife, Karen, or I will accompany them on their rounds. Meanwhile,
the other of us will pass out tracts at home as we greet trick-or-treaters
at our door."
The Kinnairds use a specially designed package of 31 colorful Halloween
tracts designed by the American Tract Society. ATS has been producing
evangelistic resources for 177 years, introducing its "31 Halloween Pack"
last year.
"The kids will look at the tract when they get home and dump the contents
of their sack on the table or floor to check out what they got," Kinnaird
said. "The tracts are very colorful and attractive, and they have a great
message and lead in to the gospel and message of Christ."
The ATS package includes three different designs, one featuring "Masks!"
– a common element of the Halloween observance – and the other two, "Bag of
Jokes" and "Here's A Treat," which contain several "corny" jokes.
The 31st tract in the ATS package is an informational piece, giving the
history of Halloween, pointing out that evil is real and that Satan has a
certain amount of power, yet also revealing that God loves mankind so much
that he sent his only Son to die for their sins.
The ATS tract packs generally are available at local Christian
bookstores, including LifeWay Christian Stores. Those retail outlets also
have various other things that are good to hand out to trick-or-treaters,
including non-edible items such as pencils, erasers, stickers, bookmarks,
pocket cards, and note pads, each carrying a Christian message. Sweets are
included, too, such as Scripture candy in six fruit flavors, bubble gum,
"Testamints," Scripture pops, Bible Quiz pops, and Faith pops.
Another treat, EvangeCandy, tells the complete gospel story through a
series of colored stripes, much in the same way the popular bracelets with
yellow, black, red, white, and green beads do.
Kinnaird encouraged Christians to take an active part in Halloween to
help offset its evil influence. "Halloween is not a time for Christians to
hide behind a closed door," he said. "And it's fine to give your kids tracts
and other gospel-sharing items to hand out, but never let them go out on
their own. Go with them, and make them stick to their own neighborhood, an
area they are familiar with."
Source: Nigh, Bob. Christian, Don’t Be ‘afraid’ to Share Christ at
Halloween. Full article available at
www.lifeway.com.
Ask:
What are some opportunities we miss on a daily basis to shine our lights
for Christ?
What are some practical ways we can be in the world, but not of the
world, so that we may impact the darkness around us as this article
challenges us to do?
Read the following biographical sketch of Hugh
Latimer (1485-1555):
Born in Leicestershire and educated at Cambridge, Latimer
was at first antagonistic to the Reformation in England. He was converted in
his thinking under the influence of Thomas Bilney, one of the leaders of a
group of reformed theologians who met for discussion at the well-known White
Horse Tavern. Latimer quickly became one of the leading spokesmen for the
Reformation. Latimer was chaplain to King Henry VIII and, in 1535, was made
Bishop of Worcester. However, his reformed views led to charges of heresy,
and he endured two brief imprisonments during times when Henry reacted
against reform.
Latimer is best known as a powerful preacher, and he was
a favorite preacher in the royal court under Edward VI. He placed great
emphasis on the reading of Scripture and is thought to be the author of the
homily "A Fruitful Exhortation to the Reading of Holy Scripture," in the
First Book of Homilies.
Arrested during the persecution of Reformers under Queen
Mary, Latimer, along with Nicholas Ridley, was burned at the stake, in
Oxford, on October 16, 1555. As the fires were lit, Latimer cried out to his
companion, "Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall
this day light such a candle by God's grace in England as I trust shall
never be put out!"
Say:
Bishop Latimer was a light in a dark world because he was determined to bring
truth to lost people. He believed ALL people had the right to read the
Scriptures for themselves. His bright light cost him his life, but his final
words make it clear that he believed the cost was worth the difference it would
make.
Ask:
Are you willing to let the light of Jesus shine truth in this dark and
sinful world at any cost?
Matthew 5:17-20
Enlist a volunteer to
read Matthew 5:17-20.
Ask:
What did Jesus mean by “the Law or the
Prophets” (v. 17)?
Why would the people think Jesus had
come to destroy the Law?
In what ways did Jesus fulfill the Old
Testament?
Explain that jot stood for the smallest Hebrew letter, and
tittle stood for the least stroke of a pen. “Verses 17-18 show Jesus’
relationship to the law. Verses 19-20 focus on followers of Jesus. Verse 19
contains a warning and a challenge. Jesus warned against breaking God’s
commandments or leading someone else to do so" (The Herschel Hobbs Commentary,
p. 77).
Say: Jesus emphasized His followers are
to live by the Scriptures and that we are to teach others to do the same. For
those who surrounded Jesus, listening to His every word, His next statement in
verse 20 was shocking. The scribes and Pharisees were considered by themselves
and others to be the strongest religious leaders and the most righteous of all.
But Jesus did not want people to measure their righteousness by the
righteousness of these leaders. He wanted them to strive to follow His righteous
ways, not legalism or their own self-righteousness, realizing their
righteousness was because of Christ, not because of anything they had done.
Jesus expects us to live
by the Word and impact society. We should measure our lives against Christ’s and
by what He taught us through His Word. We should not measure ourselves against
others. We should be sharing our story of redemption with anyone and everyone
who will listen and teaching those around us to live by the Scriptures.
Ask:
In what ways are you impacting society
for Christ? Be specific as you list them.
Do you consider yourself salt in this
world, or are you a salt substitute? Explain your answer.
What must you do so you will be salty
salt and so your light will shine brighter for Christ this week?
EXTRA! is a supplement designed
to enhance and expand the effectiveness of printed curriculum provided by
LifeWay Church Resources.
EXTRA! is produced by Publishing
Services and Multimedia, LifeWay Church Resources, Copyright 2007, LifeWay
Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
SPECIAL NOTE: Some Internet
addresses given in EXTRA! are outside the LifeWay Internet domain. Because of
the changing nature of the Web, EXTRA! editors cannot be held responsible for
content on pages outside their control. At the time of this posting, the
specific pages mentioned have been viewed and approved by the EXTRA! editorial
staff. However, at the time of your viewing, the information on these pages may
have changed. Links from the specific page addresses referenced in this material
possibly could link to inappropriate material.
