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.
Does God Command Us? (Gen. 22:1-2)
Read Genesis 22:1-2 and the explanation of these
verses given by Henry Blackaby:
Eternity would hold its breath! Time
would stand still! So much was resting on one man, whom God called “His
friend”! God had chosen this moment in the life of Abraham to give him one
final test: “After these things…God tested Abraham” (Gen. 22:1). God’s
refining process was about to be completed. God’s test was not so much to
prove Abraham, but to refine him. All impurities would be totally removed
and pure faith would remain. Nothing less than pure faith would be
sufficient; nothing less than the refining process would produce it; and
God’s refining process is thorough! What God would ask next would require a
response of pure faith—the kind God was looking for and had worked probably
forty years to bring about in Abraham.
This is God’s moment, and we need to go slowly,
deliberately, and carefully through it all. It must be run from God’s heart
and through God’s eyes. This moment will gather together forty years of the
shaping of Abraham, especially his faith, or heart toward God. This moment
will gather together all God had revealed of Himself and His ways. This
moment will reveal the true heart of Abraham in his relationship with God.
This moment will determine what God will now do through him and his
descendants to fulfill His promise of a blessing and a Savior through whom
the whole earth would be blessed! This is one of the most sacred moments in
all of recorded history!
Source: Blackaby, Henry (1999). Created to Be God's
Friend, pp. 155-156.
Ask:
Why must we
read these verses “from God’s heart and through God’s eyes”?
Has there ever
been a time in your life when God asked you to give something up but
then allowed you to keep it? Allow learners to share voluntarily.
What have
been the defining moments of your life? What did you learn in these
situations?
When and How Do We Respond? (Gen. 22:3-6)
Allow learners to read Genesis 22:3-6 and describe how Abraham responded
to God’s command.
Read the following article excerpt from Discipleship Journal
about costly obedience:
Trust God to Work
In a world where we are told to read the fine print and
know our maximum liability, the identity of the one who calls us has much to
do with whether we agree to follow.
Our very nature as man urges us to control our own
destinies, but our identity as Christians requires that we turn that
responsibility over to God.
Who has our best interests at heart? Who knows our
situations? Who has the knowledge, intelligence, and power to make
everything work out for our good? Who truly loves us? God does.
Had someone other than God told Abraham to sacrifice
Isaac, Abraham might have been tempted to sacrifice that person where he
stood. Had someone else told Simon Peter to go fishing again, impulsive
Peter could possibly have helped him off the wrong side of the boat.
Peter was tired, and he "knew" he was not going to catch
anything, but because he trusted Jesus he was able to say, "Because you say
so, I will let down the nets."
Abraham held Isaac more dear than all else on earth. But
because he trusted God, "Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled
his donkey . . ." (Gen. 22:3).
God is silent in the lives of too many Christians today
because of lack of trust. If we do not trust Him for what He might call us
to do, why should He entrust us with His calling? There are many Christians
to whom God will give no call because He knows they would not respond
anyway.
It would be funny if it were not so sad that we can trust
God for our eternal salvation, but we cannot trust Him with the individual
decisions of our lives.
Paul says it clearly, "So then, just as you received
Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him . . ." (Col. 2:6). We may call
Jesus "Lord," but if we do not trust Him and stand willing—that is, in
agreement—to do His bidding, then He is not, in fact, our Lord.
Why do we
sometimes feel that we have to read the “fine print” before we can
commit to something? Is that a bad thing to desire?
How can faith
coexist with careful planning? How did it coexist in this passage?
What causes the
“lack of trust” mentioned in the article above?
Do We Follow Through? (Gen. 22:9-10)
Read Genesis 22:9-10 and emphasize characteristics that Abraham had to
possess in order to follow through obediently.
Read the following article about the carving of Mount Rushmore:
Carved into the southeast face of a mountain in South
Dakota are the faces of four presidents, a memorial to American history. The
faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham
Lincoln look down from their stoney heights and remind everyone that even
the impossible is possible.
South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson conceived the
idea in 1923 to attract more people to the Black Hills of South Dakota with
colossal carvings of western heroes. Robinson gained support from major
players in South Dakota and Washington DC with the help of Senator Peter
Norbeck and Congressman William Williamson. Congress passed legislation
authorizing the mountain carving in Harney National Forest Preserve (now
Black Hills National Forest).
After trying to get another sculptor to do the work,
Robinson contacted Gutzon Borglum. Borglum, who agreed to come out to the
Black Hills in 1924 to look at the area and see if the carving was possible.
The plan was to carve the Needles area into tall granite figures. When
Borglum inspected the Needles, he found them to be too thin and weathered to
support sculpture on a grand scale. Borglum and the other carving supporters
needed to find a new place to carve or abandon the project. It was then they
were told about Mount Rushmore. When Borglum saw the mountain he pointed to
it and said, "America will march along that skyline." A place had been found
to do their carving. Borglum liked Mount Rushmore because it faced southeast
which meant it would receive good light throughout most of the day. It was
the highest peak in the immediate vicinity, and the granite was very
resistant, eroding one inch every 10,000 years. Borglum told Robinson they
needed subjects of a national focus. Robinson agreed and Borglum selected
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham
Lincoln.
Once they had a carving plan and a location was set, the
work could begin. Borglum created a plaster model from which measurements
were taken using the pointing system. On October 4, 1927 the first actual
work of carving began. Dynamite was used to remove rock from the mountain
until there was only a thin, three to six inch layer of granite left. This
final layer of granite was removed by a process called "honeycombing". Then
the surface was worked smooth with a bumper tool. This left the faces as
smooth as a sidewalk.
Work began on Mount Rushmore with George Washington. His
head was first carved in an egg shape, and his features added later. Thomas
Jefferson was started on Washington's right. After about two years of
working on Jefferson, the granite was found to be badly cracked and
Jefferson had to be blasted off the mountain. He was started again on the
left side of Washington.
In 1933, the Memorial came under the jurisdiction of the
National Park Service. Julian Spotts, a National Park Service Engineer, was
sent to the site to work with Borglum. Spotts made suggestions on some of
the technical aspects, and upgraded the tram to the top of Mount Rushmore so
workers could get up and down the mountain safely, conveniently and quickly.
Spotts made improvements to the efficiency of the air compressors as well.
Spotts' reports are on file at Mount Rushmore.
With fanfare Washington's face was dedicated on July 4,
1934. Borglum was a genius at creating interest and excitement in his
mountain carving. Local women from Rapid City made a 39 by 70 foot flag to
cover the face before it was revealed to the public. Thomas Jefferson was
dedicated in 1936 with President Franklin Roosevelt attending the
dedication. Franklin Roosevelt had no intention of speaking at the
dedication but was inspired by what he saw, and gave a brief speech.
"...I had seen the photographs, I had seen the
drawings, and I had talked with those who are responsible for this great
work, and yet I had no conception, until about ten minutes ago, not only
of its magnitude, but also its permanent beauty and importance. ...I
think that we can perhaps meditate on those Americans of 10,000 years
from now...meditate and wonder what our descendants - and I think they
will still be here - will think about us. Let us hope... that they will
believe we have honestly striven every day and generation to preserve a
decent land to live in and a decent form of government to operate
under."
Abraham Lincoln was dedicated on September 17, 1937, the
one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. In
1939, the same year modern plumbing and night lighting was installed at the
memorial, Theodore Roosevelt’s figure was dedicated. As the flag was removed
on July 2nd from Roosevelt's face the newly installed lights slowly
illuminated it followed by fireworks and rockets that lit up the sky.
For two more years the work continued on the mountain.
Details and finishing touches were made. In March of 1941 Borglum died
suddenly of an embolism. His son, Lincoln, took over the project for the
next seven months, until funding ran out. The carving of Mount Rushmore was
shut down and the presidential faces were complete as they stood.
Yet during these tumultuous years of the nation’s life
the imposing granite face of Mount Rushmore had been unimaginably
transformed into the likeness of four of our nation's greatest presidents.
What had seemed almost impossible had been made a reality.
What
characteristics did Borglum share with Abraham as he followed through
with his task?
What obstacles
did Borglum face throughout his task?
What kept him
going through the obstacles?
What kept
Abraham going through his obstacles?
Do We Experience God's Affirmation and Insights? (Gen.
22:11-18)
Read Genesis 22:11-18 and make two columns on the board: Affirmation
and Insight. Ask learners to review the verses just read and
list all the affirmations Abraham received in one column and the insights in the
other column.
Ask learners to examine their lives throughout the week to see if they are
obeying God promptly and thoroughly.
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
February 10, 2008
The Message
Dana Armstrong
Galatians 1:6-9,11-12; 3:1-9
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.
Galatians 1:6-9
Enlist a volunteer to read Galatians 1:6-9.
In these verses, Paul expressed his astonishment that the Galatians were turning
away from the grace of Christ to a "different gospel" (v. 6).
Ask:
How did Paul define the gospel in these verses?
How were others presenting another gospel?
In an article titled If Christ Has not Been Raised:
Reasoning Through the Resurrection, by Kenneth Richard Samples, the
following points are given to help Christians think through the most essential
information about the resurrection:
Ten Essential Points About the
Resurrection
The following 10 points convey essential theological
information about the resurrection of Christ and help one think through the
most important elements of the doctrine, especially its implications about
the deity of Christ.
The Resurrection confirms Jesus Christ’s identity as the divine
Messiah, Savior, and Lord (Rom. 1:3-4; 14:9). It proves Jesus to be who
He said He was. In His resurrection, Jesus Christ permanently identified
with humanity and became the God-man forever.
By the Resurrection, God the Father vindicates Jesus Christ’s
redemptive mission and message (Matt. 16:21; 28:6). Jesus’ resurrection
confirms His words as true.
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:24; 3:15) involved all
three members of the Trinity: Father (Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 6:14; Gal. 1:1;
Eph. 1:20), Son (John 10:17-18; 11:25), and Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:11).
The Resurrection designates Jesus Christ as the ever-living Head of
the Christian church (Eph. 1:19-22).
Christ’s resurrection power generates and ensures the believer’s
salvation (Rom. 4:25; 10:9-10; Eph. 2:5-6; Phil. 3:10).
Christ’s resurrection power enables all believers to live lives of
gratitude to God (Rom. 6:12-13).
Christ’s resurrection supplies the pledge and paradigm for the
future bodily resurrection of all believers (1 Cor. 6:14; 15:20, 2 Cor.
9:14; Col. 1;18; 1 Thess. 4:14).
Christ’s resurrection answers mankind’s greatest predicament, the
inevitability of death. The Resurrection provides hope, purpose,
meaning, and confidence in the presence of death (John 11:25-26; Rom.
14:7-8).
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the major theme of the apostles’
original preaching and teaching (Acts 1:22; 2:31; 4:2, 33; 17:18) and
the principle doctrinal tenet of the New Testament as a whole.
The truth or falsity of the Christian message rests squarely upon
the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:14-18).
Source: Samples, Kenneth Richard. If Christ Has not
Been Raised: Reasoning Through the Resurrection. Full article available
at www.lifeway.com.
Ask:
Why must Christians understand fully the message they
communicate to unbelievers?
Why must we be careful to communicate that salvation
only comes by grace through faith in Jesus, not by works?
Galatians 1:11-12
Read Galatians 1:11-12.
Ask:
Describe a time
you were criticized for sharing the gospel.
Why do
believers hesitate to share the good news?
How can you
share the gospel more effectively?
Say:
Believers can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with confidence and authority
that come from God.
Read and
discuss the following article:
How to
Talk about Jesus in a Secular World
Where do people get the image that Christians are
“other than normal”? We know that believers live by different standards than
unbelievers. But how can we go beyond our different goals and values to
speak about Jesus in a society absorbed with language and lifestyles that
are other than sacred?
Be Blameless
George Hunter, in "How to Reach Secular People,"
points out that much of what modern, secular adults know about Christianity
comes from negative impressions they have heard about TV evangelists.
Let us admit that a number of notable religious
figures of our day supply ammunition for the secular media with their
antics. Do not deny the errors and outright sins of famous, religious
persons in the news. Do not excuse them on the basis of their human tendency
to fail.
Point to those who are equally strong in their
religious profession and in their Christian walk. If examples of bad
behavior hinder belief, will models of right behavior not serve to stir
thoughts in the secular mind?
Be Current
Some Christians are repelled by the “amuse me, make me
laugh” mindset. When those Christians encounter this attitude in a neighbor
or workmate, they may find sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to be
especially difficult. They know church language of the past will not
communicate with technologically sophisticated people today. But the “amuse
me” mindset may only be asking someone to speak in a language the hearer
understands.
Think about the computer word "icon." Paul called
Jesus Christ the “icon” of God. He wrote, “Lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image [icon] of God, should shine unto them” (2
Cor. 4:4, KJV). The Greek word eikon is often translated “image” there, but
it is the word from which we take our computer word icon.
You can arrest the attention of your secular friends
if you will learn the language of their mindset. Tell them that Jesus is the
icon of God. When they select Jesus, they get the whole program of God. They
get all the helpful applications of the Christian life. Knowing their
language will help you reach them. Learn to communicate biblical truth in
modern forms. Be specific with those with no church or religious background.
Be Ready
Secular adults today accept by faith some of the most
absurd assumptions of modern society.3 How else would you explain the New
Age movement with its acceptance of the healing power of pyramids, the magic
power of crystals, and channeling of long dead spirits?
“Who says?” and “Why?” are two good questions to ask
secular adults. You may find that some who have not thought through some of
their opinions, so be prepared to include in your witness both God’s
presence today and the promise of eternal life with God. Point out how they
accept their own assumptions by faith, just as you accept the Lord by faith.
From there you can offer some insights into just how much the Lord means to
your life in your daily life.
Be
Patient
Modern secular
Americans may not make decisions with any kind of speed. Many marry later in
life because commitment does not come easily for them. Do not expect most
young, secular adults to make a major decision about life commitment in a
hurry.
More
Suggestions:
Use the high
expectations people have for Christians to your advantage. Ask them why they
hold Christians to a higher standard if they themselves do not believe the
Christian message.
Call attention to this additional inconsistency
of thought. They think Christians are outdated, if not worse; but they
hold you to a higher standard of conduct than the average person on the
street.
Get your own philosophy of life set in a
consistent manner. Learn to state your convictions precisely. God will
give you the words to say, but that does not mean you cannot think about
your own beliefs ahead of time! If you poorly represent the Lord, you
may make your Lord seem unworthy of notice.
Witness to the truth without compromise. Do not
try to make the message acceptable to your hearers by changing the
message.
Do not take Jesus down to the level of a regional
deity or a good friend to have in times of trouble. Jesus is the one and
only Son of God - the Savior of all who will make the conscious,
personal decision to put their trust in Him.
Worship, work, and witness. Let God do the work
only God can do.
Source:
Davis, Rick. How to Talk About Jesus in a Secular World. Retrieved
January 29, 2008 from www.lifeway.com.
Galatians 3:1-9
Read Galations 3:1-9.
Read the following excerpt from the sermon, Deserting Grace, by Steve
Andrews:
We like to sing about Amazing Grace that saves us, but we
once we’re saved we like to sing Follow The Rules and Act like Me. The
message of Galatians is difficult for many to accept because it cuts against
the grain of what most have embraced all their life without ever questioning
the validity of the rules for Christian behavior. The specific violation
described in Galatians is false teaching requiring Gentiles to observe
Jewish laws passed down from Moses about such things as circumcision, diet,
food sacrificed to idols, and observing Jewish holy days or festivals. We
must be careful not to dismiss this text as something that just applied to
the controversy between Judaizers and Gentile believers. The issue of
requiring any law as part of Christian faith, whether from the Old Testament
or from the 21st century is contrary to genuine Christian faith. Paul uses
incredibly strong language and states when you move away from grace, you
create a different gospel than what Jesus offers. Not only must we make the
application to include 21st century legalism, but we must recognize that the
issue threatening the church was not just salvation but Christian living. In
his book, Grace Awakening, Charles Swindoll states, “If I had to name the
greatest enemies of the Christianity, I would list legalism first.” (Grace
Awakening, p.77).
Say: People often seek a right relationship
with God through good works rather than the way of grace through faith. The
content of our preaching and witnessing to unbelievers must be Jesus and Him
crucified. Only people who respond to God through faith in Jesus will be
accepted into a right relationship with Him. That's what makes grace so amazing!
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.
