Also be sure you have a marker board or large sheets of paper and felt-tip
markers for the final segment
Prepare Your Heart (1 Peter 3:13-15a)
Distribute the “Are You Politically Correct?” worksheet and
ask learners to form groups of three or four. Ask them to complete the worksheet
in about five minutes. Ask groups to present their responses.
Ask: Did Jesus or the apostles worry about being politically
correct? Why? How?
Read or enlist a volunteer to read 1 Peter 3:13-15a.
Say: Sometimes our society becomes possessed by proper
political correctness—particularly in printed material. How did you rewrite the
items in the first part of the worksheet? Allow for responses.
Say: Political propriety doesn’t seem to be as much of a
concern after Jesus was resurrected. Peter clearly demonstrated political
boldness in his letters to the Asian churches. His political propriety is not
quite the same as what we observe today.
Consider this illustration.
Read:
Feelings Get Hurt Over Political Correctness
Brit Hume, writing for Fox News, recently offered some “fresh pickings
from the Political Grapevine” in an article on the Fox News Web site.
“There are just some things you can’t say in America these days,” said
Hume in addressing several recent news articles.
Congressman Tim Walberg, for example, was criticized following a radio
interview in which he repeated comments from soldiers returning to the U.S.
from Iraq. Walberg indicated that “80 to 85 percent . . . of [Iraq] is
reasonably under control, at least as well as Detroit or Chicago or other
big cities.” Walberg’s comments drew sharp criticism from Detroit Mayor
Kwane Kilpatrick, who strenuously objected to comparing Detriot to Iraq.
Garrison Keillor found himself being criticized for his political
incorrectness recently as well after a comment he made on his radio show,
“Prairie Home Companion,” during which he made a tongue-in-cheek comment
about gay men.
“The country,” he said, “has come to accept stereotypical gay men,
sardonic fellows with fussy hair who live in over decorated apartments with
a striped sofa and a small weird dog.” But he said they may have to rein in
their flamboyance and “not wear chartreuse pants and block polka dot
shirts.” Members of the gay community have expressed being offended by
Keillor's remarks.
Source: “Feelings Get Hurt Over Political Correctness,” Fox News.com, 22
March 2007, www.foxnews.com.
Say: Apparently someone is always listening for that silly
comment or off-the-cuff response for an opportunity to create controversy. The
Jewish religious leaders did the same with early followers of Christ. Peter’s
passionate proclamation of the gospel often brought attacks from the religious
leaders.
The attacks for early Christians were more than verbal responses to passing
comments. Peter’s point about suffering for the gospel related to physical,
economic, family, and religious persecution.
Continue with the following questions and material from your
leader guide.
Ask:
Can passionate faith harm Christians today? How? Why?
Is God being fair with us if we find ourselves suffering because
of righteousness?
Have you ever been truly persecuted for your faith? How?
If not, why not?
Prepare Your Witness (1 Peter 3:15b-16)
Read:
Local vets, pet stores stay busy
Local dog and cat owners have besieged pet stores and veterinary clinics
in many areas lately after the recall of pet foods originally said to
contain rat poison.
Scores of cats and dogs nationwide suffered kidney failure and it is
unclear how many that were poisoned have died after eating pet food
manufactured by Ontario-based Menu Foods.
Although original reports suggested the deaths were due to rat poison
contamination, more recent investigations by the federal Food and Drug
Administration have indicated that the illnesses and deaths might rather be
attributed to contamination from melamime, a chemical used in making
plastics.
The result is continued confusion and questions as to the actual source
of the cause for kidney failure in cats and dogs nationwide.
Source: “Local vets, pet stores stay busy,” Beaver County Times, 30
March 2007, www.timesonline.com
Ask:
How do most of us react when faced with more questions than answers?
Does this happen occasionally with Scripture? Why?
Read or enlist a volunteer to read 1 Peter 3:15b-16.
Then ask: Should Christians live radically different lives in order to
influence other people? Why?
Allow for answers. Then highlight content from the leader guide. Give special
attention to the cause we have for hope and what real hope means.
Prepare Your Attitude (1 Peter 3:17-22)
Read:
State police to conduct seatbelt enforcement patrol
Traffic accidents in which 18 people have been killed recently have
prompted a regional troop of the Louisiana State Police to crack down on
motorists who are “unrestrained,” or are failing to wear their seatbelts.
A recent article indicated the state police planned the crackdown on
unrestrained drivers in an effort to reduce the number of fatalities from
people who were not wearing seat restraints. Motorists found guilty of a
first-offense seatbelt violation will have the violation entered on their
driving record and must pay a $25 fine.
Source: “State police to conduct seatbelt enforcement patrol,” The
Advertiser, 30 March 2007, www.theadvertiser.com
Ask:
How do you think drivers will react to receiving a traffic citation for
failing to wear a seatbelt?
What happens when people who are unrestrained are involved in traffic
accidents?
Why can restraints be helpful in one situation and harmful in another?
Read or enlist a volunteer to read 1 Peter 3:17-22. Point
out that the disciples faced restraints to preaching the gospel to those who
needed to hear it. But unlike restraints that are intended to save life—such as
seatbelts in motor vehicles—restraints placed on sharing the gospel can cost
lives spiritually.
Point out how the unrestrained proclamation of the gospel
can eliminate many of the social ills mentioned in these passages.
Ask: How should Christians respond when we hear about
efforts even within the United States to restrain sharing the message of Jesus?
Prepare Your Resolve (1 Peter 4:1-6)
Read:
U.S. Supreme Court vacates widely criticized 9th Circuit decision
in Poway “T-shirt” case
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed in March to hear arguments in a case that
grew out of a high school student being disciplined for displaying his
convictions on a home-made T-shirt. The nation’s highest court ruled 8-1 in
favor of vacating a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th
Circuit against the student.
Chase Harper, a student at Poway High School in California, was
disciplined by school officials when he attempted to wear a T-shirt that
opposed the school’s stand on allowing students to speak out in favor of gay
rights. Harper felt compelled to take a Christian stand against homosexual
behavior, but school officials refused to allow him to enter the school.
A school official told Harper to “leave his faith in the car” when his
faith might offend others.
Source: Based on publications by the Alliance Defense Fund and the U.S.
Supreme Court, 5 March 2007, www.alliancedefensefund.org
Ask: How do you feel about this and similar actions to
silence people who feel the need to express their faith publicly?
Read or enlist a volunteer to read 1 Peter 4:1-6. Comment on
how Christ was persecuted physically, based on content from the lesson material.
Point out how teens and adults who make an effort to express their faith find
themselves fighting political views contrary to Scripture.
Lead learners to brainstorm things they see today that they
would describe as “unrestrained behavior.” List responses on the board or a
large sheet of paper. Beside this list add ways an unrestrained gospel can
reduce or eliminate the behaviors listed.
Ask:
What are we doing functionally that would assure that people guilty of
these kinds of behavior hear the gospel?
How can we assure that the gospel will not be restrained by those who
want to deny First-Amendment rights?
How can we help others adhere to legal guidelines concerning the
expression of faith and still make sure the gospel is not restricted?
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
April 15, 2007
Humble Service
Ashley Linne
Background Passage: John 13:1-17
Focal Verses: John 13:1,3-10a,12-17
Before the Session
Download the
Servant Heart handout and print off enough copies for all participants.
Consider gathering a few different service project ideas that you can present to
the group. At the end of the session, choose a project to do together as a group
on an upcoming weekend.
John 13:1,3-5
Read the following news excerpt:
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The three words – discipline, respect, confidence –
tattooed on Ryan Howard's right upper arm represent more than simple body
art. The reigning NL MVP practices each principle in his daily life on and
off the field.
Howard followed up winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2005 with perhaps
the best season ever by a sophomore player, swatting 58 homers with 149 RBIs
and a .313 average for the Phillies.
Success hasn't changed the soft-spoken big man. Howard still walks around
the clubhouse more humble than a rookie trying to earn a roster spot.
If you want ego, look elsewhere. The slugging first baseman is
down-to-earth, always accessible and quite modest.
While many star players shy away from autograph-seekers, Howard often is
seen signing balls and assorted items for youngsters. He's cordial with fans
and anyone he meets.
It's likely Howard will command a salary worth more than $100 million over
six or seven years. For now, he's probably baseball's best bargain.
Say: Today we are looking at humility and service.
Read John 13:1,3-5.
Say: Jesus’ service was based on His love for the disciples,
which spilled over from His love for the Father. Jesus was able to serve
selflessly because He was not insecure, needy, or worried about what others
would think of Him. It can be very easy to serve others in order to gratify our
own needs for recognition and self-esteem, but this is not to be our motivation.
Ask:
What are some things that should motivate us to serve others?
What are some ways to avoid serving with the expectation of receiving
something in return?
John 13:6-10a
Read the following news excerpt:
An extraordinary thing happened to me the other day. I came into the
office to check my mail, and as I was absent-mindedly opening one letter,
money fell out of the envelope—three bills, a hundred and two fifties.
This is what the neatly printed note inside said:
"Thank you for bringing the story of the homeless in the area to the
attention of the citizens of Ocean County [New Jersey]. To see people living
under such conditions in this land of plenty is beyond belief; what with
small and large restaurants and banquet houses discarding edible leftover
food into dumpsters, and thrift shops discarding clothing due to lack of
storage, no one should go without these necessities.
"All it takes is a phone call to arrange a pick-up time at closing as they
are all listed in the yellow pages. A little research and teamwork goes a
long way to alleviate the situation.
"The enclosed $200 in cash is to help supply the needs of the homeless for
showers, or heating, etc."
The note was signed "A Concerned Christian."
"P.S. Please forward to Rev. Steven Brigham."
So I'm standing there in the newsroom, note in one hand, $200 in the other,
and this strange feeling comes over me. I have been in the newspaper
business for more than 30 years, but have never felt quite so humbled.
Looking more closely at the letter, I began to wonder what kind of person
would have done such a thing. It was an older person, I was convinced,
possibly an older woman, probably someone who could ill-afford to part with
$200.
This was an act of pure generosity, I concluded. Generosity comes easy to
those who can afford to be generous. This was different, though. And how
often do any of us run across pure generosity in our lifetimes?
I called Steve Brigham, told him about all this, and arranged to meet him
the next day in Lakewood, at the church where he stays, sleeping on the
floor.
Brigham, or Minister Steve as he is known, has devoted his life to helping
the homeless and the working poor of Lakewood, Toms River and Brick. He used
to do this two days a week, often taking money out of his own pocket to help
those in need. A year ago, he decided to quit his job to pursue his mission
full-time.
"These are the stories the homeless need to hear to rekindle their faith in
their fellow man," Brigham said.
"This anonymous person has combined extraordinary faith with sincere love to
produce hope for our world.
"Jesus said 'Don't let your left hand know what your right hand doeth when
you are giving alms.' The Pharisees would sound the trumpet before they gave
alms so they would get the praise of men. Jesus said, 'Don't be like that,
do it in secret, so that your reward might be of your Heavenly Father' . . .
A lot of teachings go against human nature, because we seek prestige and
popularity (in this life). But in quietness, you believe that God sees what
you're doing.
"It takes faith to do something like this, true faith."
Say: The disciples didn’t understand why Jesus was doing what
He was doing. Foot washing was such a lowly responsibility and it puzzled them
to see Jesus serving in such a manner.
Ask: Has there been a time when you were surprised or humbled
by someone serving you?
John 13:12-17
Read the following news excerpt:
NEWPORT, Oregon - He conquered mountain bike trails and high school
wrestlers. He protected the Toledo Boomers' quarterback as an offensive
lineman and reveled in the mud of the Oregon outdoors. He was big and quiet
and strong.
It took a land mine to bring down 29-year-old Sgt. Nicholas Lightner, a U.S.
Army medic in Iraq. And, even as he lay on his deathbed at Walter Reed
Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Lightner worried more about the soldiers
he could have helped than his own impending fate.
"He said he was sad he was unable to save the lives of his fellow soldiers,"
Gov. Ted Kulongoski said at Lightner's service on Friday. The soldier died
March 21 of injuries he sustained in the March 15 blast.
Hundreds of mourners turned out for Lightner's funeral, spilling out into
the hallways of the small funeral chapel and lining the walls. Speakers
eulogized a kind young man who joined the Army out of a deep patriotism and
a desire to help others.
In a way, medics actually have more to worry about than the soldiers they
patch up, said Kulongoski, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
"There is no one in a unit more respected and honored than a combat medic,"
Kulongoski said. "In combat, when the chaos begins, everyone's looking for
someplace to duck and hide. But when the call comes out for a medic, there's
one person who cannot hide."
Say: Jesus’ desire is for us to live our lives following His
example of humility and service. He knows that it is the best, most abundant way
to live. When we are genuinely others-focused, we are less likely to be caught
captive in the misery of self-absorption.
Ask: Is serving others selflessly an act of worship to God?
Discuss.
Say: Our concern and action for others must be extremely
important to God; sacrificially caring for and serving others is a constant
theme throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Ask: What are some ways we, as disciples of Jesus and
disciple-makers, can encourage each other to live a service-oriented life?
Choose a service project your group can do together on an upcoming weekend and
consider committing to a certain project together as a group.
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.
