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.
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.
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:
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.
