Bring to class pictures from the newspaper of people in
distress.
Trust the Lord's Power (Obadiah 1-4)
Ask:
Do you know
anyone who lives as if God doesn’t exist?
What would be
your best guess as to the percentage of people in your workplace or
neighborhood who live as though God doesn’t exist?
What television
programs or movies reflect that view?
Say: Many people live self-centered lives and pay no attention
to God and His lordship over their lives.
Read:
Paris Hilton is an American celebrity, socialite, and
heiress to a share of the Hilton Hotel fortune. Hilton rose to fame when a
home-made sex video of her was leaked onto the Internet in late 2003. The
release of the tape attracted worldwide publicity and contributed to the
success of Hilton's Fox reality series The Simple Life. In 2006, she
released the self-titled album Paris which reached number six on the
Billboard 200.
In September 2006, she was arrested for driving under the
influence and subsequently sentenced to 36 months probation and had her
license suspended. In February 2007, she was stopped for driving at 70 mph
(in a 35mph zone) and charged with violating her probation. She also did not
have her headlights on, even though it was after dark. Prosecutors charged
that those actions, along with the failure to enroll in a court-ordered
alcohol education program constituted a violation of the terms of her
probation. On May 4, 2007 Hilton was sentenced by the judge to 45 days in
jail for violating her probation, and she is required to begin her jail term
June 5, 2007or risk a doubling of her sentence.
Initially, Hilton planned to appeal her sentence, and
supported an online petitionasking the governor for a pardon. This petition
has 29,000 signatures as of May 22, 2007. In response, various opponents
started a "Jail Paris Hilton" petition, which got over 83,000 signatures
(same date). Paris has dropped her plans to appeal. Due to various reasons,
it is anticipated Hilton will serve about 23 days of her sentence.
While Hilton has been quoted as saying that she is the
"iconic blonde of the decade"' and comparing herself to Princess Diana and
Marilyn Monroe, she will reportedly appear in the 2007 Guinness World
Records as the world's "Most Overrated Celebrity." In a poll conducted by
the Associated Press and AOL, Hilton was voted the second "Worst Celebrity
Role Model of 2006," behind Britney Spears. Critics have alleged that Hilton
epitomizes the title of famous for being famous; echoing that sentiment, the
Associated Pressconducted what they called an experiment in late February
2007, trying not to report on Hilton for a whole week.
Is Paris one of
a kind, or does she represent a growing number of presumptuous,
self-centered, prideful people?
Defend your
answer.
Say: In this very short book, the prophet Obadiah proclaims
God’s judgment against proud Edom. Look at the leader and learners guides for
more information about Edom. Point out the enmity between Edom and Israel was
long-standing, beginning with their ancestors Esau and Jacob. Continue to
explain that Edom had taken advantage of the Israelites after the fall of
Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 B.C. The Edomites looted the land and homes of the
survivors.
Read or enlist a volunteer to read Obadiah 1-4.
Ask:
How were the
Edomites deceived?
What gave Edom
the illusion of security?
How were they
still vulnerable?
Whom would God
use to bring them down?
Upon what hat
rock-like structure might you be basing your security? An insurance
policy? Your family? Your salary? Your bank account? Your winning
personality?
How has pride
deceived you or become a hindrance to submitting to God’s lordship?
Practice the Lord's Compassion (Obadiah 10-13)
Ask:
Have you ever
been a victim or perpetrator of violence? (Ask learners to answer
silently.)
Do you consider
road rage, destruction of a neighbor’s property, or domestic violence
violent acts?
What others
might you add to the list?
Explain that God expects all believers to treat others, no matter who they are,
with compassion. As God's children, we are to practice the compassion He
demonstrates to us daily.
Read the
following articles:
IFI Update: Senate Passes HB 1124 to Legalize
Gambling in Bars
On May 16, Senators in Springfield,
IL, voted 46 to 5 to pass HB 1124, which legalizes gambling in bars. While
this bill might be a concession to bar owners to implement the smoking ban,
it will expand gambling in all communities statewide.
Source: “IFI
Update: Senate Passes HB 1124 to Legalize Gambling in Bars,” May 17, 2007
from www.illinoisfamily.org
The Evils of Gambling
Gambling today in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar
industry! Gambling casinos, race tracks and lotteries are all designed to
make millions of dollars for the greedy owners. The gambling industry
generates more annual revenues than the Hollywood movie industry, music
industry and video game industry sales combined. Americans spend over $54
billion on gambling annually. By 2008, it is estimated that online gambling
industry will top over $18 billion in revenues! Other gambling stats: The
suicide rate among gamblers is 150% higher than average. More than 30% of
all high school students gamble periodically. A study found that 43% of
eighth-grade boys and 19% of eighth grade girls gamble. Herbert Jenkins,
former president of the International Association of Police Chiefs, said ...
"For every dollar received in gambling taxes, government spends ten-dollars
fighting problems directly related to legalized gambling--prostitution,
embezzlement, bad checks, police corruption, racketeers and mobsters sworn
to the gambling community and bring with them other businesses."
Would you say
that gambling is an industry that mistreats some so that others may gain an
advantage?Defend your answer.
How
are Christians not practicing compassion by allowing it to continue?
How does it
ignore God’s lordship?
Read or
enlist a volunteer to read Obadiah 10-13 after helping learners to
discover why shame and eventual destruction came to the Edomites.
Invite learners to think
about whether the results of this nationwide survey from the Barna Group,
reported February 5, 2007, apply to them:
Americans exhibit both traits--willingness to sacrifice
and impulses toward self-oriented behaviors. Millions of Americans engage in
routines that benefit themselves, often flouting moral boundaries to do so.
People think of themselves as engaged in assisting needy people, but the
vast majority of Americans merely dabble in helping others.
Source: “American Lifestyles Mix
Compassion and Self-Oriented Behavior,” May 22, 2007 from
www.barna.org
Point to the pictures of people needing compassion, which you obtained from the
newspaper.
Ask:
How can we show
these and all people compassion?
What people in
distress do you know personally, and how can you help and encourage
them?
How might we
begin to practice the Lord's compassion this week?
Rely on the Lord's Justice (Obadiah 15)
Ask:
Have you ever
been the victim of injustice? Allow learners to share their experiences.
Do you rely
more on God, the U.S. government, or yourself to set things right?
If you are
under God’s lordship, who is responsible for setting things right?
What evidence
in your life shows you have faith in God’s providential justice?
What does it
mean to submit to and rely on the Lord?
Have you ever
considered yielding your rights to God? How would this change your
thinking?
Read or enlist a volunteer to read Obadiah 15. If you discussed
the Day of the Lord last week, call on someone to review the explanation and
significance.
Ask:
What do the wicked deserve according to this verse?
What do God’s people deserve?
Remind learners that we deserve death because of sin; but
when we received Jesus Christ as Savior, we exchanged death for eternal life
with God. We will be rewarded for our obedience to God.
Say: The world tells us what we deserve to have what we want,
when we want it. However, ifwe are to accept
God’s lordship in our lives, we need to focus more on what we can give rather
than what we can get. President Bush said in a recent commencement address at
St. Vincent College:
And that's why it's vital for our
country that our young people step forward -- and serve a cause larger than
yourselves. When you serve your fellow citizens, you find benefits you'll
never imagine. You discover that a caring person is sometimes all it takes
for someone to turn their lives around. You see for yourself that kindness
and respect make an enormous difference in a person's life. You learn to
take the initiative, instead of waiting for a government to step in. You
become more aware of others, a better man or woman to your friends and
families, a better citizen of your country. You start to put your own
difficulties in perspective. And soon you learn a great truth: that you
always get more out of service than you give.
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
June 10, 2007
Practice Obedience Diligently
Ashley Linne
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9,15-20,39-40
Before the Session
Download the Diligent
Obedience handout and make enough copies for group members to have their
own.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2
Read Deuteronomy 4:1-2.
Say: Some of us don’t really like being told what to do, and
some of us question leaders' authority, motives, or knowledge. When it comes to
God's instructions, we can always rest assured that He will never ask us to do
something that is not good for us. God asks us to follow His instructions so
that we may experience the blessings that result from obedience. God is not in
the business of using His power to enslave people. In fact, quite the opposite
is true! God asks us to follow His commands so that we can truly be free to
enjoy our relationship with Him and fully benefit from all that He has for us.
Ask:
What were some
rules you grew up with that were difficult for you to follow?
What rules are
hard to follow currently?
Why can it be
easy to resist authority?
Describe a time
when you obediently followed God's instructions. What were the results?
Deuteronomy 4:6-9
Read Deuteronomy 4:6-9.
Say: Obedience to God is not only crucial for our spiritual
lives, but it is also a primary way that God reveals Himself to those who do not
yet know Him. As we obey and follow God, He will become more and more visible in
us. His love will overflow from us, and people will be drawn to His Spirit in
us. When we have an authentic, intimate relationship with our God who loves to
be near to us, the passion that flows is contagious. However, we must remember
that obedience is a personal choice. We can choose to obey or rebel against
God's instructions.
Ask:
Who has influenced your life spiritually?
How has the obedience of others encouraged you to
grow in your relationship with the Lord?
How might your life be impacting the spiritual growth
of people who may be watching you?
Read the
following article excerpt:
Few resources are available to help Christian parents
handle the delicate dilemma of their children choosing cohabitation instead
of, or prior to, marriage. Within the church, parents who readily discussed
their struggles with toddler tantrums, mischievous children, or even
rebellious teens find it more difficult to open up about adult children who
make poor choices and stray from God’s plan. The topic brings pain,
disappointment, guilt, and embarrassment. By the time children have reached
adulthood, we expect them to embrace the values we’ve tried to convey. When
their choices contradict the morals we’ve taught, we question our parenting.
Not wanting others to think badly of our children, or of us, we resort to
silence—and carry the burden of regret and feelings of failure alone.
Statistics indicate cohabitation in America has grown
from a rare phenomenon to a normal occurrence. And church-going, Christian
families are not immune. Consider the following statistics from the National
Marriage Project:
In America in 2004, more than 5 million unmarried
couples reported living together.
From 1960 to 2004, the number of unmarried
couples living together rose by more than 1200 percent.
The cohabitation rate for nonreligious Americans
is 44.8 percent; for Protestants, it’s 20 to 24 percent.
Megan, who moved across the country to work on her
master’s degree, has been living with her boyfriend for two years. Her
parents, Tom and Christine, admit that determining how to handle the
situation hasn’t been easy.
Their solution has been to keep the lines of
communication open—talking two or three times a week on the phone with
Megan—while firmly maintaining their standards of right and wrong. Still,
the clash in values has taken a toll on their family. Megan has chosen not
to come home for the last two years because she and her boyfriend would have
to sleep in separate bedrooms. “There was a lot of tension between us for a
while,” Christine recalls. “Time has helped, but I still miss the closeness
we shared prior to this.”
The pain can be compounded by concerns over what other
Christians may think. Christine admits, “Megan was always our ‘good child’
who never gave us any problems growing up. So when our Christian friends
found out, it was embarrassing.” Christine and Tony dealt with the
awkwardness by simply letting their friends know how they felt about their
daughter’s decision, then allowing the subject to drop.
For these parents, the most important thing is loving
their daughter “no matter what.” In fact, that’s advice Christine would
share with other parents facing a similar situation. “Love your children
unconditionally, and let them know your views and opinions,” she says.
“Ultimately, it’s between them and God.” And, by all means, pray. “Keep
praying,” Christine urges, “because God has a plan for all of us.”
Source: “When Wedding Bells Don’t
Ring,” by Jennifer Denning. Full article available in the June 2007 issue of
HomeLife magazine.
Deuteronomy 4:15-20
Read Deuteronomy 4:15-20.
Say: We must remember who we are and whose we are. For our own
good, we are instructed to flee from idolatry. An idol is anything that consumes
our thoughts, motives, emotions, resources, and actions—anything that becomes
the driving force in our lives. It can be easy to think of an idol as simply
bowing down to a golden calf, but think about it. How many Americans are
consumed by making money, achieving fame, having sex, being busy, or feeling
important? We must be on guard at all times against anything or anyone other
than God that might have power over our lives. We must be ever mindful that we
are “a people for His inheritance” (v. 20, HCSB), a people who have been set
free and who belong to God. We continually must be displaying characteristics of
God in our thoughts, actions, and decisions, and this is impossible if we are
controlled by an idol because we will take on the characteristics of that which
we worship.
Ask:
What had become
Megan's idol in the article just read?
What are
popular idols people put before God in today's society?
How do we turn
away from idols in order to return to God?
Deuteronomy 4:39-40
Read Deuteronomy 4:39-40.
Distribute the Diligent
Obedience handout and allow time for the participants to complete it.
Say: As we discussed earlier, our
relationship with God doesn’t stop with us. Even if we don’t have children, our
faith will leave a legacy to those coming after us. Our obedience to God can
leave a wonderful spiritual heritage, and so can our disobedience if we return
to God and allow Him to redeem it. God can use anything and anyone for His
glory, for He “will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant" (v. 31)
He has made with our forefathers or with us because He is a compassionate God.
He graciously allows us to suffer the ill effects of disobedience so that we
will return to Him earnestly, realize His sovereignty, and understand the
blessings that come from obedience. It’s never too late to begin obeying God.
Read the following article excerpt:
If you looked closely at Helen, you could tell that
she had once been quite attractive. The toll she had paid for the life she
had lived was severe. Yet as terrible as the years seemed to have been to
her, they could not erase the suggestion of what had once been great beauty.
In her gnarled hands was the suggestion of delicate grace.
Her hair, now yellowed with age, must have once been
quite golden as it caught the rays of the sun. Her voice cracked as she
spoke. The words came with great difficulty. “I would like to pray,” Helen
said, “but I wonder now if God will hear me. When I was young and
attractive, I turned my back on God. Now that I’m getting old, have lost my
health through an incurable illness, and have nothing left of life’s
pleasures, I find myself turning to God. There is nothing else. But why
would he want me under these circumstances?
“When I had to sacrifice my pleasures to be one of
God’s children I chose not to. Now that I have nothing to sacrifice, I am
ready for God. I am bringing him nothing but my need. It is a poor bargain
for him. Will he want me now?”
We always assume the prodigal son was a young man when
he returned to his father’s house. The Bible does not give his age, either
at the time of his departure or his return. We do know that he was the
younger of two sons and he was tired of waiting.
Hostile and rebellious, he wanted instant
independence. When he, like Helen, decided to stop denying himself life’s
pleasures, he went whole-hog. In fact, he ended up feeding hogs, competing
with them for their slop during a time of famine.
We usually think of him as still possessing his youth,
although humbled by his circumstances. Perhaps he was now quite advanced in
years, stooped by his poverty. When he thought of returning home to his
father’s house, the words may not have been articulated with the clarity of
a young man. They may have been the mumblings of a man worn out by years and
by hardship.
“I will go home to Father,” he thought, “but I have
nothing to offer him. The years of riotous living have wasted anything I
could contribute, but I will go home regardless. Maybe my Father will take
me on in the position of his lowest servant. At least I would have enough to
eat.”
When David looked back over the mess he had made of
his life – a life that included adultery, murder, and the violation of God –
he made this very powerful observation: “The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Do you have anything to offer to God? Is a broken
heart, a broken spirit, all you have left? Then offer it. You may be young,
thinking there are years ahead, but from God’s point of view, you are
looking at nothing but anguish and despair. God will say with even greater
anguish, “You had the need. I would gladly have accepted your broken heart,
but you would not offer it.”
What Helen was asking, what the prodigal son was
asking, is, “Is it too late?” There is an immeasurable distance between late
and too late. Whatever you have, offer it now. God will not despise it. He
will not reject you.
Source: "The Distance Between Late
and Too Late" by David Sisler. Full article available at
www.lifeway.com
If your group is comfortable, divide the group into smaller
groups of 2 or 3 to discuss their answers to the Diligent
Obedience handout. Take time to pray with any of the group members who might
be struggling with obeying God in a particular area.
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.
