12/16/2007

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EXTRA!
Weekly Supplemental Teaching Plans

 

Adult

Explore the Bible
ETB Adult EXTRA

December 16, 2007

Aspire to Walk with God
Gregory T. Pouncey

Genesis 6:9-18,22
 

Before the Session

 

For teaching plans and full explanations of all the verses in today’s lessons, consult the Explore the Bible leader guide or commentary.

Make sure each learner has his or her own Explore the Bible learner guide.

 

 

Follow God's Leadership (Gen. 6:9-10)

 

Read the following article excerpt from Discipleship Journal:

Walking with God

Enoch walked with God (Gen. 5:21–24). This is without doubt the most basic and fundamental characteristic necessary to remain faithful through the years.

To walk with God means that we live consistently in the awareness of God's presence and that we fellowship with Him through His Word and through prayer. David is an example of someone who lived in a constant awareness of God's presence. He said to God, "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar" (Ps. 139:2). David was mindful that his every action—yes, even his every thought—was known by God.

But it's not enough just to be aware that we live in the presence of God. We must cultivate a consistent fellowship with Him through meditation on His word and through prayer. Psalm 1 speaks of two classes of people: those who are being drawn progressively into the web of sin, and those who are becoming more spiritually prosperous. The dividing line is our attitude toward the Word of God. Only those who delight in it and meditate on it cultivate their spiritual lives.

The foundation of fellowship with God is our daily quiet time. This is time set aside to commune with God apart from the distraction of our daily living and responsibilities. It is a time for prolonged reflection on some portion of God's Word (even fifteen or twenty minutes is "prolonged" compared to the brief snatches of time during the day). It is as well a time to pour out our hearts to Him, acknowledging our dependence upon Him, seeking His intervention in the lives of loved ones and friends and the extension of His Kingdom and His glory in this world.

Fellowship with God must not be limited, however, to the quiet time. To walk with God means fellowship with Him all day long. Again, the ingredients of this fellowship are prayer and meditation, or reflection, upon His Word. The statements from Ps. 1:2 and 1 Thess. 5:17 do not mean we should do nothing but think about the Bible and pray. Rather, they mean our lives should be permeated by reflection and prayer throughout the day.

When you let your thoughts wander, what do you think about? If you will cultivate the habit of thinking about God and His Word and prayerfully expressing your thoughts to Him, you will find that the most ordinary activities of your life are permeated by the presence of God. You will discover how His Word is relevant to your actions, your decisions, your problems.

If you're set on running with endurance, then focus on walking with God.

Source: Bridges, Jerry. Staying Faithful Through the Years. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://www.navpress.com.

Ask:

  • What spiritual disciplines did Bridges suggest would help us walk with God as Enoch did?
  • Why is the quiet time alone an inadequate concept of what it means to walk with God?

Emphasize Bridges’ definition of what it means to walk with God: To walk with God means that we live consistently in the awareness of God's presence and that we fellowship with Him through His Word and through prayer.

Ask learners to read Genesis 6:9-10 and discuss how Noah fulfilled this definition of walking with God.

 

 

Beware God's Judgment (Gen. 6:11-13)

 

After discussing Genesis 6:11-13, read and encourage learners to dialogue about the excerpt from the following article:

In Psalm 73, Asaph begins by declaring that God is good. Without that assumption, nothing more need be said. He goes on in verses 2-12 to lament the excess and success of the wicked. In verses six and seven he says, "Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits." (Psalm 73:6-7). From this point Asaph lets his feelings be known by crying out that this isn't fair when he says in verse 13, "Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence."

The wicked seem to snub their noses at God with no apparent judgment, while Asaph strives to follow the Lord to no benefit. We have all experienced this in one form or another. Some things in this world simply aren't fair. In the last ten verses of the psalm, Asaph recognizes that the wicked will indeed realize their punishment in the future. God's judgment will come. He also realizes that God is always with him and that is sufficient.

18th century philosopher David Hume stated the classical problem of evil by saying that if God were indeed all powerful He would do something about evil, and that if He were all-loving He would want to do something about evil. Since evil exists, God must either not be able or not want to do anything about it. This makes God either malevolent or impotent or both. But Hume chooses to leave out the option, as Asaph resolves, that God is patient. Hume, like many before him and after him, grows weary with a God who is patient towards evil.

We long for immediate justice. But before we pray too earnestly for immediate justice, we'd better reflect on what that would be like. What would instant justice look like? Immediate justice would have to be applied across the board. That means that every sin would be proportionately and immediately punished. We soon realize that immediate justice is fine if applied to everybody else. Dr. Pyne quotes D. A. Carson as saying, "The world would become a searing pain; the world would become hell. Do you really want nothing but totally effective, instantaneous justice? Then go to hell." I think we're all quite comfortable with a God that does not apply immediate justice.

Source: Bohlin, Ray (2002). Where Was God on Sept. 11? Retrieved December 3, 2007 from www.lifeway.com.

Ask:

  • Why do you think people refused to recognize God's authority in Noah's day?
  • Why do people continue to refuse to recognize God's authority?
  • In light of this article, why should we be thankful for God's patient justice?

 

 

Obey God's Instructions (Gen 6:14-18,22)

Retell the story of the Orlando Magic’s star player, Dwight Howard:

Dwight Howard was the first overall pick in the NBA draft in 2004. At 19-years-old, the graduate of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy was only the third prep player in history to be the top pick in the NBA Draft. He was also the winner of the 2004 Naismith Award, signifying the nation’s top high school player in 2004.

Despite all the pressure surrounding a teenage athlete turning pro right out of high school, Howard seems to be years ahead of the game in more ways than one.

In an era when professional athletes' names have shown up almost as frequently in police reports as in opponents' scouting reports, Howard sees himself being an impact player of a different breed. One who will change the face of the NBA with his Christian values along with his athletic prowess.

Dwight is bold about his relationship with Christ. "I think my character will stand out," says Howard, the 6-10 forward. "It's not just about basketball. It's about changing people's lives on the court and off the court."

The new "apostle" to the NBA became subject to a great deal of criticism after he said he dreamed the cross had been incorporated into the NBA logo.

New York Knicks guard Allan Houston is another NBA player with strong Christian values. He says it's refreshing to see someone as young as Howard take such a bold stance for God. "Whenever anybody stands up for what they believe is right and it goes against the grain, they are going to seem out of place," Houston says. "But anything he encounters will be extremely minor in comparison to the rewards he'll receive in terms of character and eternal life. He's very passionate about his vision and his purpose. His purpose is to show a Godly character. I think he'll be respected more than people expect."

Howard's teammates and coaches say that he has the talent, size, and skills to become one of the best basketball players in the game within three or four years.

Source: http://www.breakawaytv.com/athletes/dwighthoward.html.

Ask:

  • What factors would make it difficult for Dwight Howard to serve the Lord?
  • How does his obedience to the Lord witness to others around him?
  • Why is character such an important part of obedience?
  • How was Noah’s obedience to God crucial, even in the smallest of details?

Lead learners in identifying three actions they can take to walk in obedience to God this week. Pray for Sunday School members to remain faithful to the Lord.

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

December 16, 2007

Being Changed by the Savior
Dana Armstrong

Luke 1:26-31,34-35,38,46-50
 

Before the Session

 

For teaching plans and full explanations of all the verses in today’s lesson, consult any of the Bible Studies for Life leader guides or commentaries.

Make sure each learner has his or her own learner guide.

Visit http://www.nailscars.com/thanks-for-choosing-me/ to download the Thanks for Choosing Me PDF for use in the last step of the lesson.

 

 

Luke 1:26-31

 

Enlist a volunteer to read Luke 1:26-31.

Share the following story with your class:

Alabama WMU continues prayer effort with walk in New Orleans’ Zone 6

As groups of prayer walkers from Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) rounded the corner in New Orleans’ Zone 6, Jean thought they looked as if they could help her.

"Do you have any bus fare?” she asked.

One of the walkers handed her $2, and she headed for the bus — then she paused.

"Hey, are you church people?” she asked. “Would you pray for me? Satan’s got a hold of me and won’t let go. My name is Jean — like the jeans you’re wearing.”

But the prayer walkers didn’t really need help remembering her. Thirty- seven from Alabama WMU had gone to Zone 6 — the area adopted by Alabama Baptists as part of Operation New Orleans Area Homes (NOAH) Rebuild — to lift up Jean and the thousands just like her.

In fact, they had already been praying for her for weeks, though they didn’t know her name then.

The prayer walking, which took place Oct. 26–27 with about 40 women from Louisiana WMU, put feet to the Mission New Orleans effort Alabama WMU has had going on since Aug. 6. Women across the state have been receiving weekly e- mails detailing prayer requests from three sources in Zone 6:

  • Tulane University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries,
  • Gary Walker, Alabama Baptists’ project manager for the rebuilding work in Zone 6, and
  • Loving Four Baptist Tabernacle.     

“Since Alabama has adopted this zone, we wanted to be a part of that process,” said Candace McIntosh, Alabama WMU executive director. “We will be involved in other ways, too, but we will definitely be a part of the prayer ministry.”

The prayers of Alabama Baptists “soften the hearts so that God can work” in Zone 6, McIntosh said.

And the prayer walk helped lay the foundation for the work that will follow as state Baptist teams continue to go to New Orleans, said Pat Ingram, AlabamaWMU missions and ministry consultant. “Almost all of the people we encountered were very open to speaking with us and asked for specific prayer for their lives and families.”

The women were also able to give out tracts and copies of the Here’s Hope New Testament as they talked with people on the streets, Ingram said.

For more information about the Mission New Orleans prayer effort, call 1- 800-264-1225, Ext. 292. To receive the weekly prayer request list from Zone 6, e-mail Ingram at pingram@alsbom.org.

Source: Thornton, Grace (2007, November 8). Alabama WMU continues prayer effort with walk in New Orleans' Zone 6. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://thealabamabaptist.org.  

Say: You may be asking, "How does this story relate to the verses we just read?". But the point is that when God decides to work through people in particular and unusual situations to impact others in the world, we should rejoice that He has chosen to include us in His plan. 

Ask:

  • What fears could these women have had that could have prevented them from being obedient to God's calling for them to serve in this manner?
  • Is it necessary for us to have it all together spiritually for God to favor and use us? Explain your answer.
  • How can lives (both ours and others) be changed by our willingness to accept and obey God's instructions?

 

 

Luke 1:34-35,38

Read Luke 1:34-35, 38.

Ask:

  • How was Mary's question to the angel different from Zechariah's (Luke 1:18)?
  • How is Mary's response a model for all believers?
  • What does it mean to submit to God's purposes?
Read the following excert from a sermon titled The Awful Word: Submission based on 1 Peter 2:21-24:

Peter says that we are called to submission. In Matthew 8:18-22, a scribe and a disciple come to Jesus and desire to follow Him. Jesus does not say to them, “Come on along, the more the merrier. This is going to be so much fun!” To one He says, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” (8:20) When the other asks for permission to remain with his father until he dies, Jesus replies, “let the dead bury their own dead.” (8:22). Quite literally Jesus tells one of them to consider the cost and sacrifice that is required in following Him, and to the other He demands that He be first priority. The message of Jesus is that you must be submissive to me to follow me.

Deitrich Bonhoeffer, begins his book, “The Cost of Discipleship” with these words, “Cheap Grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly-grace.” (Collier Books, 1963, pg. 45). Bonhoeffer wrote those words in the 1930’s and they still ring true today. Peter says that if we call ourselves Christian, then we are called to submission. If we think that we can pledge our allegiance to Jesus, but not submit to His Lordship, then we cheapen the grace of God. When Bonoeffer says the enemy of the church is cheap grace, he is talking about the lack of submission.

I am often shocked to discover people who complain about how hard life is, and in the next breath say, “I just thought following Jesus would be easier than this.” What they mean is, “I thought I could live without submission. Peter says if you call yourself Christian, then you are called to submission. We do not have choice in it. It is our calling.

Source: Davis, Pastor J. D. (2004). The Awful Word: Submission (1 Peter 2:21-24). Full sermon available at www.lifeway.com.

Ask:

  • What is so difficult about submitting--relinquishing control of our lives?
  • What was Mary's response to God's purpose?
  • What must you do to humbly submit so you will be able to participate in God's purposes, even when you don't fully understand His plan?

Say: When we surrender ourselves to obey and serve the Lord, He transforms us and uses us in His saving work.

 

 

Luke 1:46-50

Enlist a volunteer to read Luke 1:46-50.

Say: In verses 38-46, Mary has experienced the shock of being used in such a mighty way by God and marveled that He has chosen her. Now she rejoices that God has chosen her!

Ask: Do you marvel at the fact that God has chosen you? Do you rejoice that you are His child and that He chooses to include you in His plan?

Read aloud the Thanks for Choosing Me Handout downloaded in the Before the Session step. Allow ample time for learners to create their psalms of thanks. Close 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.

 

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