Growing in the Spirit and in Community
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Ephesians 4:1 - 5:2; 1Corinthians12:12-27; Acts 2:42
Optional: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:3; 1 Peter 2:11-12
Memory Verse: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. " Ephesians 4:32 (Pre-K to grade 3)
GOD'S CALL "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." ( Ephesians 4:1) Word received: Remember when you heard My call--some heard it clearly, some not distinctly. In each case I called you.
" with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love." (vs.2) Word received: The call cannot be answered in pride, it must be answered in humility. You cannot answer the call in your own strength, you can only answer it with the power of My Holy Spirit.
"endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (vs.3) Word received: In almost every case, the call will involve others in My Body. Seek the unity of My Body through the Holy Spirit.
"There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling." (vs.4) Word received: There are many denominations, but only one Body. There are many callings, but there is only one Spirit who calls. Live into the hope of your calling by praying for the restoration and unity of My Body. Prayer: Lord, help us live into your calling for us.
"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all. (vs.5-6) Word received: I want to lead you into a life lived in My Father. Just as I AM in the Father and He is in Me, I want you to be in Me and I in you--so that you will know (underline) My Father.
HOW TO LIVE IN THE BODY Jesus' new commandment to his disciples the night before he died was "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you." "By this shall all man know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another." (John 13:34-35) Jesus uses the word agape for love, the kind of love God has. Do outsiders see this in us, that they may be drawn to Jesus?
In his chapter of Ephesians, Paul picks up on this theme as he is telling them how to live the Christian life. "Be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us." To do this we have to "Put off your old (sinful) nature" (vs22) and "put on( clothe yourself) the new nature created after the likeness of Christ". (vs.24)
As Christians, we now belong to one Body, Christ's Body and so we are members one of another. For the sake of his Body, Christ gave gifts to each person. Paul lists some of the ongoing gifts of service/ministry Christ has placed in his Body. (see vs.11) The word translated "ministry" or "service" is the same word as the word for deacon (diakonia). In Acts 6 where the church chose "deacons" to serve table and care for widows, the same word is used to describe the diakonia/serving prayer and the diakonia/serving of the Word.
God's gifts are for the "works of service" and the building up of the Body of Christ (as well as service outside the Body). The finial purpose is that the Body/the Church reach/attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God. The further goal is that all members of Christ's Body reach spiritual maturity, grow up! to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (vs.13) This will draw people to Jesus. Then we will not be "tossed about" by every fad of teaching either in the church or the world.
God has arranged gifts and services in His Body the way HE wants them. We can help each other discover what God has prepared for us to do. Review the analogy of the human body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Word received: Do not ignore each other in My Body. Pay attention to each other. You each have a very important part to play in My Community. Only when you acknowledge each person and their gift and work together, can you function as a Christian community. Each part is important.
Look at the description of the infant church in Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Word received: Just as the first Christians devoted themselves to Me and to the Christian community, so I want you to do the same. This is a model to show you what to do to live in a Christian community. Look at what their priorities were as seen in their actions.
Now look at all the practical advice Paul gives. In verse 24, he tells them to watch how you talk. Say only what will help the hearer and suit the occasion. Cut out all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander and malice.(vs.31) Instead do what the Memory Verse says. Reread it aloud.
We, as Christians, are to stop every lie and speak the truth (in love) to our neighbor because we belong to each other. The person who was a thief is to work so he can give to others. Peter in his letter tells us we are to cut out "passions of the flesh" (sinful nature) that are the enemies of our souls. We are to watch our behavior in front of unbelievers (Gentiles) so they can see your good deeds and glorify God. How do you feel this applies to us, as individuals and as a Body?
[Of course, we are to minister outside the church and witness and serve Christ there but that is another lesson.]
Paul sums it up in 1 Corinthians10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Jesus' heart's desire is for us to love His Body, the Church. (What are some of the practical ways we can do this?)
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 29
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Jesus is calling you to follow him, to be a part of His Body (the Church).
2. Jesus wants His Father to become your Father too.
3. Jesus wants his followers (us) to live and work together in unity and love (love like his).
4. When we live together this way and share Jesus' love with others, then other people will want to know about Jesus too.
5. In the Body of Christ (the Church) each person has a special job that God has given each one the ability to do. Each job is equally important. Remember it is like your body--each part has a different job to do and all are needed for things to work properly.
6. When all of us live together this way, then we can all "grow up" to be more and more like Jesus.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 28 May 4, 2008
Dealing with Evil or How to resist Evil
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 5:8-11; James 4:7 (8)
Memory Verse: "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14(Pre-K to grade 3)
Evil is real. There are spiritual powers of evil in the world as well as the sinful things people do. There is a phrase that sums it up, "the world (apart from God), the flesh( sinful human nature) and the devil". C.S. Lewis says equal and opposite errors are to think Satan isn't real or to give him too much credit and attention. The "world" and "the flesh" account for a great deal of evil in the world. People have a choice about temptation but the more they give in the less their ability to resist till it comes to a place where only God can set them free. The spiritual powers of evil are created beings who rebelled against God (fallen angels, devil, evil spirits). (A possible hint about this is found in Isaiah 14:12-14.) They are NOT EQUAL to God (Dualism as in Zoroastrianism). Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11-12 to stand against the devil's schemes for our struggle is not against flesh and blood (people) , but against the rulers, against the authorities ... against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." At the final judgment God will put an end to them forever. Satan is already defeated by Jesus' cross and blood but the war isn't over yet so he is still active.
But God has made provision for us. In the prayer Jesus taught us, he tells us to pray daily "Deliver us from evil/the evil one" and "Do not bring us into hard testing/temptation" In Gethsemane he told his disciples "Pray that you do not enter into temptation." In addition to prayer there is the power of the Holy Spirit, God's armor and the Name of Jesus.
Jesus himself had to confront and battle with the devil's temptations. This testing/temptation was allowed by God to strengthen and prepare Jesus for what he would face in his ministry. Look at Matthew 4:1-11. (Testing and temptation are the same word in Greek.) Notice how Jesus dealt with temptations and hard testing. First he fasted and prayed. Then he answered each temptation with "the sword of the Spirit" -- which is the Word of God. He said, "It is written..." and quoted God's Word each time. The devil can quote scripture too, BUT he always puts a twist and spin on it. In quoting Ps.91 (9-12) he left out "If you make the Most High your dwelling" and "he will command his angels to guard you in ALL your ways." Jesus knows about resisting temptations and the devil by experience and he will help us if we ask. "Because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) (Satan is a liar and we need to know God's truth.)
Jesus knew God's Word. That's why we also need to know God's Word. Word received: Jesus ran to My WORD. Run to My WORD. (God's Word is both his inspired word in Scripture and Jesus THE WORD.) Word received: Hide My Word where you can get at it when you need it--in your mind and heart. Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you." That is why we urge children -- and adults to memorize Bible verses. Word received: I want My children to be firmly grounded in My Word so they can stand their ground against the evil one. Have you ever had a verse you learned years ago pop up when you needed it? Share.
In Ephesians, Paul talks about putting on the full armor of God. We need to put it on daily when we get up. Look at 6:10, "Be strong in the Lord, in the strength of HIS might." Word received: The only way you can be strong is in Me. When you cast your burdens and cares on Me, you are letting Me be your strength. The only way to win the battle is to rely completely on Me. Word received: Do you see the plan here? I tell you exactly what to do. Don't ignore it! Take it seriously. The whole world is in a struggle of spiritual battle. There isn't one gun that can help you. You need My Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Read My Word and do what it says.
In the armor God offers the "sword of the Spirit which is the word of God" as the only offensive weapon in the armor. "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews4:12) (In the book of Acts we see that the Name of Jesus has power to heal people and defeat the devil. See Acts 3:16, 9:34, 16:16-18)
Word received: The armor is there to protect you; the armor you are putting on is My character. Look at each piece of armor and see My character. Have the children identify stories from the Bible that illustrate My character in each piece: Truth, Righteousness, Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of Go. Think about the Memory Verse "Clothe yourself in Jesus Christ." Put on Jesus' character through the power of the Holy Spirit and "abide" in him, live in him and obey him and ask him to live in your heart. (John 15) Then don't make any allowances or room for sinful desires. The Holy Spirit helps us to know when we are confronting sin and evil. He will also show us how to deal with the temptations. One of his names is the Helper.
Now look at 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your enemy/adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith." Word received: Just as I have established boundaries for the sea, I have established boundaries for Satan. He cannot go beyond the boundary
of My Word. Verse 9 says, "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world." You are NOT ALONE. Everyone is tested. God is faithful and he will see us through!
Now compare James 4:7 and Romans 13:14. Look at the order in these verses, it is very important. Do what the order says and you will be protected. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) "Clothe yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Romans 13:14). Word received: The two go together: submitting to Me and resisting the devil.
At the end of the description of the full armor of God comes the strong appeal, "Having done all, stand." Paul repeats it three times. "That you may be able to withstand in the day of evil", "and having done all, stand", "stand therefore "(having put on God's armor). We are to stand, to hold the ground God has given us to hold. We are also to "Keep on praying", with all kinds of prayer. Look at how many "alls" there are; all occasions, all kinds of prayer, for all the saints (other Christians). That means we should be praying all the time--that is, having a running conversation with the Lord throughout the day.
Another warning the Scriptures give us is to never give the devil a foothold--don't take the bait. For example, Ephesians 4:26 says "when you are angry do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger." That is, don't go to bed angry, it gives the devil a foothold. Other footholds that can open you up to Satan are things that are part of his kingdom of evil, such as Fortune telling/divination (Deut.18:10), Spiritualism, Tarot cards, Ouija boards, consulting the dead, astrology, horoscopes, witchcraft and other occult things. If you or someone you know has gotten involved with these things, even if it was done innocently, the person needs to repent, ask forgiveness and renounce them in the Name of Jesus and ask for Jesus help and protection. Another tactic of the devil is to raise doubts as in "Did God really say…?" and then comes the temptation. The devil has done this since the Eve and to Jesus himself, "If you are the Son of God…"
Everyday sin needs to be brought to Jesus quickly, as soon as you realize what you have done, repent, and ask for and receive Jesus' forgiveness. (Keep short accounts with God.) Then ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to keep from falling into that sin again--however many times you need to.
We don't need to be afraid. God is stronger and He wins in the end. But we should not be careless about resisting temptation.
NOTE: How does all this relate to the Bible Fund? The Word of God is called the Sword of the Spirit. When you send a soldier into combat, don't give him a BB gun but the best weapon possible. One of the ways American Christians can help Christians in poor countries to be well equipped for battles against "the world, the flesh and the devil" is to send them Bibles to read. For $4 the Bible Society can send one Bible to someone in another country who can't afford one or even borrow one.
Right now in China, for the first time in many years Bibles are not illegal and are BEING PRINTED IN CHINA ITSELF. The Amity Press has printed over 50 million and has distributed 42 million of them since 1988 .(In the 1960's and 70's Bibles were banned, confiscated, burned and destroyed) We need to be steady in helping equip our fellow Christians for the spiritual battles they fight. The American Bible Society has a program of subsidizing Bibles with Amity so that they cost $1 each, the same as eggs! There are still one and a quarter billion Chinese who do not have a copy of the Bible.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 28
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class. Make sure they know what happened in the story or verses. Get them to tell you.
Special Bible story: David said to the Philistine, Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the Name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45) David did not use Saul's armor (vs.39) but chose the Name of God for his armor.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Evil is real but God is more powerful and has not left us alone or without weapons.
Satan must bow down before the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is no need to be afraid.
2. When Jesus himself was tested, he used the Word of God to attack and protect himself against Satan's lies. Knowing the scriptures is important so we can recall it in a time of trouble and stand on it.
3. Praying in the Name of Jesus is also successful in battling the devil and spiritual forces of evil. The Name of Jesus is the most powerful name there is.
4. Put on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18 each day to protect yourself from evil and in times of temptation.
5. The only way to be strong is in Jesus, to rely completely on him in the battles of life.
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 5:8-11; James 4:7 (8)
Memory Verse: "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14(Pre-K to grade 3)
Evil is real. There are spiritual powers of evil in the world as well as the sinful things people do. There is a phrase that sums it up, "the world (apart from God), the flesh( sinful human nature) and the devil". C.S. Lewis says equal and opposite errors are to think Satan isn't real or to give him too much credit and attention. The "world" and "the flesh" account for a great deal of evil in the world. People have a choice about temptation but the more they give in the less their ability to resist till it comes to a place where only God can set them free. The spiritual powers of evil are created beings who rebelled against God (fallen angels, devil, evil spirits). (A possible hint about this is found in Isaiah 14:12-14.) They are NOT EQUAL to God (Dualism as in Zoroastrianism). Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11-12 to stand against the devil's schemes for our struggle is not against flesh and blood (people) , but against the rulers, against the authorities ... against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." At the final judgment God will put an end to them forever. Satan is already defeated by Jesus' cross and blood but the war isn't over yet so he is still active.
But God has made provision for us. In the prayer Jesus taught us, he tells us to pray daily "Deliver us from evil/the evil one" and "Do not bring us into hard testing/temptation" In Gethsemane he told his disciples "Pray that you do not enter into temptation." In addition to prayer there is the power of the Holy Spirit, God's armor and the Name of Jesus.
Jesus himself had to confront and battle with the devil's temptations. This testing/temptation was allowed by God to strengthen and prepare Jesus for what he would face in his ministry. Look at Matthew 4:1-11. (Testing and temptation are the same word in Greek.) Notice how Jesus dealt with temptations and hard testing. First he fasted and prayed. Then he answered each temptation with "the sword of the Spirit" -- which is the Word of God. He said, "It is written..." and quoted God's Word each time. The devil can quote scripture too, BUT he always puts a twist and spin on it. In quoting Ps.91 (9-12) he left out "If you make the Most High your dwelling" and "he will command his angels to guard you in ALL your ways." Jesus knows about resisting temptations and the devil by experience and he will help us if we ask. "Because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) (Satan is a liar and we need to know God's truth.)
Jesus knew God's Word. That's why we also need to know God's Word. Word received: Jesus ran to My WORD. Run to My WORD. (God's Word is both his inspired word in Scripture and Jesus THE WORD.) Word received: Hide My Word where you can get at it when you need it--in your mind and heart. Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you." That is why we urge children -- and adults to memorize Bible verses. Word received: I want My children to be firmly grounded in My Word so they can stand their ground against the evil one. Have you ever had a verse you learned years ago pop up when you needed it? Share.
In Ephesians, Paul talks about putting on the full armor of God. We need to put it on daily when we get up. Look at 6:10, "Be strong in the Lord, in the strength of HIS might." Word received: The only way you can be strong is in Me. When you cast your burdens and cares on Me, you are letting Me be your strength. The only way to win the battle is to rely completely on Me. Word received: Do you see the plan here? I tell you exactly what to do. Don't ignore it! Take it seriously. The whole world is in a struggle of spiritual battle. There isn't one gun that can help you. You need My Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Read My Word and do what it says.
In the armor God offers the "sword of the Spirit which is the word of God" as the only offensive weapon in the armor. "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews4:12) (In the book of Acts we see that the Name of Jesus has power to heal people and defeat the devil. See Acts 3:16, 9:34, 16:16-18)
Word received: The armor is there to protect you; the armor you are putting on is My character. Look at each piece of armor and see My character. Have the children identify stories from the Bible that illustrate My character in each piece: Truth, Righteousness, Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of Go. Think about the Memory Verse "Clothe yourself in Jesus Christ." Put on Jesus' character through the power of the Holy Spirit and "abide" in him, live in him and obey him and ask him to live in your heart. (John 15) Then don't make any allowances or room for sinful desires. The Holy Spirit helps us to know when we are confronting sin and evil. He will also show us how to deal with the temptations. One of his names is the Helper.
Now look at 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your enemy/adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith." Word received: Just as I have established boundaries for the sea, I have established boundaries for Satan. He cannot go beyond the boundaryof My Word. Verse 9 says, "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world." You are NOT ALONE. Everyone is tested. God is faithful and he will see us through!
Now compare James 4:7 and Romans 13:14. Look at the order in these verses, it is very important. Do what the order says and you will be protected. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) "Clothe yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Romans 13:14). Word received: The two go together: submitting to Me and resisting the devil.
At the end of the description of the full armor of God comes the strong appeal, "Having done all, stand." Paul repeats it three times. "That you may be able to withstand in the day of evil", "and having done all, stand", "stand therefore "(having put on God's armor). We are to stand, to hold the ground God has given us to hold. We are also to "Keep on praying", with all kinds of prayer. Look at how many "alls" there are; all occasions, all kinds of prayer, for all the saints (other Christians). That means we should be praying all the time--that is, having a running conversation with the Lord throughout the day.
Another warning the Scriptures give us is to never give the devil a foothold--don't take the bait. For example, Ephesians 4:26 says "when you are angry do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger." That is, don't go to bed angry, it gives the devil a foothold. Other footholds that can open you up to Satan are things that are part of his kingdom of evil, such as Fortune telling/divination (Deut.18:10), Spiritualism, Tarot cards, Ouija boards, consulting the dead, astrology, horoscopes, witchcraft and other occult things. If you or someone you know has gotten involved with these things, even if it was done innocently, the person needs to repent, ask forgiveness and renounce them in the Name of Jesus and ask for Jesus help and protection. Another tactic of the devil is to raise doubts as in "Did God really say…?" and then comes the temptation. The devil has done this since the Eve and to Jesus himself, "If you are the Son of God…"
Everyday sin needs to be brought to Jesus quickly, as soon as you realize what you have done, repent, and ask for and receive Jesus' forgiveness. (Keep short accounts with God.) Then ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to keep from falling into that sin again--however many times you need to.
We don't need to be afraid. God is stronger and He wins in the end. But we should not be careless about resisting temptation.
NOTE: How does all this relate to the Bible Fund? The Word of God is called the Sword of the Spirit. When you send a soldier into combat, don't give him a BB gun but the best weapon possible. One of the ways American Christians can help Christians in poor countries to be well equipped for battles against "the world, the flesh and the devil" is to send them Bibles to read. For $4 the Bible Society can send one Bible to someone in another country who can't afford one or even borrow one.
Right now in China, for the first time in many years Bibles are not illegal and are BEING PRINTED IN CHINA ITSELF. The Amity Press has printed over 50 million and has distributed 42 million of them since 1988 .(In the 1960's and 70's Bibles were banned, confiscated, burned and destroyed) We need to be steady in helping equip our fellow Christians for the spiritual battles they fight. The American Bible Society has a program of subsidizing Bibles with Amity so that they cost $1 each, the same as eggs! There are still one and a quarter billion Chinese who do not have a copy of the Bible.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 28
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class. Make sure they know what happened in the story or verses. Get them to tell you.
Special Bible story: David said to the Philistine, Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the Name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45) David did not use Saul's armor (vs.39) but chose the Name of God for his armor.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Evil is real but God is more powerful and has not left us alone or without weapons.
Satan must bow down before the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is no need to be afraid.
2. When Jesus himself was tested, he used the Word of God to attack and protect himself against Satan's lies. Knowing the scriptures is important so we can recall it in a time of trouble and stand on it.
3. Praying in the Name of Jesus is also successful in battling the devil and spiritual forces of evil. The Name of Jesus is the most powerful name there is.
4. Put on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18 each day to protect yourself from evil and in times of temptation.
5. The only way to be strong is in Jesus, to rely completely on him in the battles of life.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 27 April 20, 2008
Growing in the Spirit and in Prayer
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Matthew 6:5-15; Ephesians 6:18
Memory Verse: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6(Pre-K to grade 3)
"Now it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, that one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples'" (Luke 11:1) Word received: That is a prayer I delight to answer: "Lord, teach me to pray." I want my people to come to me with that prayer. I will teach them.
Jesus had a good deal to teach about prayer but the most powerful part was his example. He would daily find time to be alone with his Father in Heaven and he only did what he saw his Father doing and "whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:50b) Growing in the Spirit means growing in our relationship to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), growing in obedience and in our likeness to his character.
In his teaching in Matthew 6, Jesus expects that his disciples will have regular times of private prayer. "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:6) Word received: Come to me, my people, come to me. I want you to come into my presence without distractions. Find a quiet place and a quiet time where you can be alone with me.
Jesus asks us--who are we doing our prayers for?--and our giving--and our good deeds? Are they done to be seen and praised by others? for our own satisfaction? or for God? Jesus' guideline is to do them privately--and our Father will see and reward us.
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." (Matthew 6:5) Word received: Remember the Pharisee who "prayed thus with himself" and the tax collector who "would not even look up to heaven." They were two men in the same place doing the same thing, but their prayers were utterly different. Both were praying about themselves, but the Pharisee prayed with pride and the tax collector with humility. I want you to pray with humility when you come into my presence.
Another guideline of Jesus was--no long prayers, no fancy phrases or vocabulary. Why? First, we are not to show off. This reminds me of the comment about a famous preacher, "It was the finest prayer ever offered to a Boston audience." Secondly, God already knows what we need--and even want--before we ask, but he wants us to ask!
"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words." (Matthew 6:7) Word received: Remember your cry to me as you awoke, "Dad, I really want to go," and how I answered that prayer by sending you and Jean and the other children to Brereton's wedding in Japan. It was few words, but they were words from your heart and I answered them.
"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:8) Word received: Come to me with your requests, I already know your needs; I already know your heart's desire. I AM a father who delights to have his children come to him.
Now look at the pattern of prayer Jesus taught us. The first three requests are about God's glory, but the first phrase calls God "Our Father"! One of the striking things Jesus did was to teach his disciples to call God their Father in heaven. This way of referring to God is unusual in the Old Testament. He is also our Father. We are part of a family of God and we pray for them also. [Calling God "Father" is considered blasphemous by Muslims as being too intimate with God.] But in Jesus, we too can have a family and personal relationship to God. There is almost an epidemic of fatherlessness in our society and discovering God as Father is a very healing thing.
Note: Consider reading the Lord's prayer from the "Good News Bible" at the end of the study guide so it will be a little less familiar and therefore fresher.) The phrase "on earth as it is in heaven" belongs to all three requests: "May your Name be held holy", "May your kingdom come" (the rule of God), "May your will be done".
The rest of the requests are about us.. "Give us today our needed bread". This goes with Jesus' teaching about not being anxious about future needs because God knows our needs and cares for us. He will provide what we need and we can trust him.
"Forgive us our debts/sins as we forgive other's debts/sins against us. Jesus continues with this idea in verses 14-15. God means what he says about the need to forgive. Unforgiveness will block God's forgiveness and will also block healing. Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone and Jesus' answer was "70 times 7" meaning no limit. We do not want limits on God's forgiveness of us! Remember what God told Samuel (1 Samuel 16:7) that people look on the outside but God knows the heart!
The next request is about being delivered from "evil" or "the evil one" and not leading us into hard testing. James 1:13 says God does not tempt anyone. However he does allow it--to strengthen us and purify us, just as Jesus was tempted/tested so that Jesus would be prepared for the temptations that would come during his ministry. ("Test" and "tempt" are the same word in the original.) Notice how Jesus handled his temptations by the Devil--with fasting and prayer and by using the Word of God, the "sword of the Spirit". (Matthew 4:1f) In Gethsemane, Jesus warned his disciples to pray that they would not enter into the temptation that was coming. But they went to sleep instead! (Matthew 26:41) "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation".
The doxology in verse 13 is not considered to be part of the original prayer but was added when the prayer was used in worship. It is modeled after King David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11. ["Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD and you are exalted as head over all."] A doxology is words of praise glorifying God. There are many in the Bible.
Another important teaching about prayer is how we react to those who mistreat us. Jesus says in Luke 6:22, "Pray for those who despitefully use you." so we are to pray for them as well as forgive them.
Paul also gives the new Christians guidance about prayer. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6) Word received: Lay aside your worries, cast your cares on me; that is the way to pray. Pray without fear, don't be afraid to tell me what is on your heart.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18) Word received: "in the Spirit" -- expect my Spirit to direct your prayers so that you can pray according to my mind. I want to direct your prayers -- listen to me as you talk with me. How do you feel when someone talks with you and does all the talking, never listening to you? Remember what Eli taught the boy Samuel, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." (Listening in this reference means to hear intelligently, with attention and obedience.) God wants to be invited into our situations and he has things he wants to tell us. Will we let him?
Another recurrent theme is to pray with thanksgiving. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Giving thanks "in all circumstances" not only is this God's will for us but we are acknowledging God's love and care for us and inviting Him into the situation because "God is enthroned(dwells) in the praises of Israel". In the New Testament Romans 8: 28 reminds us "For we know that God works in all things for good with those who love him"
Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. (Matthew 6:9b-13, Good News Translation)
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 27
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. God loves you very much. He wants to be our very best friend and a good Father to us. He wants us to ask him to live in our hearts and start talking with him right away.
Have you asked him in? He will NEVER leave you.
2 Talking with God is called praying. It is talking to Jesus and to our Father in Heaven. It doesn't need to be fancy or long for He already knows what you need and want.
3. When we talk to God, really talk to him, as a friend, not just rattling off a prayer you have learned. That's OK to use a prayer you've learned but really mean what you are saying! We can follow a prayer we learned in church or make up our own.
4. Jesus wants us to call God our Father who loves you more than anyone else and he can take care of you. When we're scared or need help or don't know what to do, just call out and ask for help. The shortest prayer some adults have is "Help!"
5. When we talk to God we need to thank him first for all he has given us and for who he is. We need to thank him even in bad times because he can bring good out of bad times.
6. The more we talk to God the better we will get to know him and be able to hear him. God wants us to listen as well as talk, like little Samuel did.
7. We can use the Lord's Prayer as a model. (Tell the kids what each sentence means and how to begin and end a prayer. Try to get the kids to make up a prayer for some different situations.)
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Matthew 6:5-15; Ephesians 6:18
Memory Verse: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6(Pre-K to grade 3)
"Now it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, that one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples'" (Luke 11:1) Word received: That is a prayer I delight to answer: "Lord, teach me to pray." I want my people to come to me with that prayer. I will teach them.
Jesus had a good deal to teach about prayer but the most powerful part was his example. He would daily find time to be alone with his Father in Heaven and he only did what he saw his Father doing and "whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:50b) Growing in the Spirit means growing in our relationship to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), growing in obedience and in our likeness to his character.
In his teaching in Matthew 6, Jesus expects that his disciples will have regular times of private prayer. "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:6) Word received: Come to me, my people, come to me. I want you to come into my presence without distractions. Find a quiet place and a quiet time where you can be alone with me.
Jesus asks us--who are we doing our prayers for?--and our giving--and our good deeds? Are they done to be seen and praised by others? for our own satisfaction? or for God? Jesus' guideline is to do them privately--and our Father will see and reward us.
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." (Matthew 6:5) Word received: Remember the Pharisee who "prayed thus with himself" and the tax collector who "would not even look up to heaven." They were two men in the same place doing the same thing, but their prayers were utterly different. Both were praying about themselves, but the Pharisee prayed with pride and the tax collector with humility. I want you to pray with humility when you come into my presence.
Another guideline of Jesus was--no long prayers, no fancy phrases or vocabulary. Why? First, we are not to show off. This reminds me of the comment about a famous preacher, "It was the finest prayer ever offered to a Boston audience." Secondly, God already knows what we need--and even want--before we ask, but he wants us to ask!
"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words." (Matthew 6:7) Word received: Remember your cry to me as you awoke, "Dad, I really want to go," and how I answered that prayer by sending you and Jean and the other children to Brereton's wedding in Japan. It was few words, but they were words from your heart and I answered them.
"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:8) Word received: Come to me with your requests, I already know your needs; I already know your heart's desire. I AM a father who delights to have his children come to him.
Now look at the pattern of prayer Jesus taught us. The first three requests are about God's glory, but the first phrase calls God "Our Father"! One of the striking things Jesus did was to teach his disciples to call God their Father in heaven. This way of referring to God is unusual in the Old Testament. He is also our Father. We are part of a family of God and we pray for them also. [Calling God "Father" is considered blasphemous by Muslims as being too intimate with God.] But in Jesus, we too can have a family and personal relationship to God. There is almost an epidemic of fatherlessness in our society and discovering God as Father is a very healing thing.
Note: Consider reading the Lord's prayer from the "Good News Bible" at the end of the study guide so it will be a little less familiar and therefore fresher.) The phrase "on earth as it is in heaven" belongs to all three requests: "May your Name be held holy", "May your kingdom come" (the rule of God), "May your will be done".
The rest of the requests are about us.. "Give us today our needed bread". This goes with Jesus' teaching about not being anxious about future needs because God knows our needs and cares for us. He will provide what we need and we can trust him.
"Forgive us our debts/sins as we forgive other's debts/sins against us. Jesus continues with this idea in verses 14-15. God means what he says about the need to forgive. Unforgiveness will block God's forgiveness and will also block healing. Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone and Jesus' answer was "70 times 7" meaning no limit. We do not want limits on God's forgiveness of us! Remember what God told Samuel (1 Samuel 16:7) that people look on the outside but God knows the heart!
The next request is about being delivered from "evil" or "the evil one" and not leading us into hard testing. James 1:13 says God does not tempt anyone. However he does allow it--to strengthen us and purify us, just as Jesus was tempted/tested so that Jesus would be prepared for the temptations that would come during his ministry. ("Test" and "tempt" are the same word in the original.) Notice how Jesus handled his temptations by the Devil--with fasting and prayer and by using the Word of God, the "sword of the Spirit". (Matthew 4:1f) In Gethsemane, Jesus warned his disciples to pray that they would not enter into the temptation that was coming. But they went to sleep instead! (Matthew 26:41) "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation".
The doxology in verse 13 is not considered to be part of the original prayer but was added when the prayer was used in worship. It is modeled after King David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11. ["Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD and you are exalted as head over all."] A doxology is words of praise glorifying God. There are many in the Bible.
Another important teaching about prayer is how we react to those who mistreat us. Jesus says in Luke 6:22, "Pray for those who despitefully use you." so we are to pray for them as well as forgive them.
Paul also gives the new Christians guidance about prayer. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6) Word received: Lay aside your worries, cast your cares on me; that is the way to pray. Pray without fear, don't be afraid to tell me what is on your heart.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18) Word received: "in the Spirit" -- expect my Spirit to direct your prayers so that you can pray according to my mind. I want to direct your prayers -- listen to me as you talk with me. How do you feel when someone talks with you and does all the talking, never listening to you? Remember what Eli taught the boy Samuel, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." (Listening in this reference means to hear intelligently, with attention and obedience.) God wants to be invited into our situations and he has things he wants to tell us. Will we let him?
Another recurrent theme is to pray with thanksgiving. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Giving thanks "in all circumstances" not only is this God's will for us but we are acknowledging God's love and care for us and inviting Him into the situation because "God is enthroned(dwells) in the praises of Israel". In the New Testament Romans 8: 28 reminds us "For we know that God works in all things for good with those who love him"
Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. (Matthew 6:9b-13, Good News Translation)
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 27
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. God loves you very much. He wants to be our very best friend and a good Father to us. He wants us to ask him to live in our hearts and start talking with him right away.
Have you asked him in? He will NEVER leave you.
2 Talking with God is called praying. It is talking to Jesus and to our Father in Heaven. It doesn't need to be fancy or long for He already knows what you need and want.
3. When we talk to God, really talk to him, as a friend, not just rattling off a prayer you have learned. That's OK to use a prayer you've learned but really mean what you are saying! We can follow a prayer we learned in church or make up our own.
4. Jesus wants us to call God our Father who loves you more than anyone else and he can take care of you. When we're scared or need help or don't know what to do, just call out and ask for help. The shortest prayer some adults have is "Help!"
5. When we talk to God we need to thank him first for all he has given us and for who he is. We need to thank him even in bad times because he can bring good out of bad times.
6. The more we talk to God the better we will get to know him and be able to hear him. God wants us to listen as well as talk, like little Samuel did.
7. We can use the Lord's Prayer as a model. (Tell the kids what each sentence means and how to begin and end a prayer. Try to get the kids to make up a prayer for some different situations.)
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 26 April 13, 2008
Growing in the Spirit
Learning to Listen and Discern God's Voice Part 2
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: 1 Kings 19:10-18; Philippians 1:9-11; Matthew 7:7-8
Optional: 1 Kings 18:45-19:9 (background)
Memory Verse: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 (Pre-K to grade 3)
BACKGROUND: Review briefly what Elijah was doing just before this journey and why he was running for his life. If possible start reading with 1 Kings 18:45 through 19:18. Elijah was a prophet of God in the Northern Kingdom where Ahab was King and Jezebel was Queen. She was a Baal worshiper. She had killed many of the prophets of God. Elijah appeared to King Ahab and told him to gather Israel and the 450 prophets of Baal on Mt Carmel. There was a contest between Elijah and these prophets to see whose God/god would send down fire from heaven to burn up their sacrifice. The prophets of Baal danced around their sacrifice for hours but nothing happened. Elijah poured water over his to show he had no tricks. The "I AM" sent fire down on Elijah's sacrifice, even licked up the water. All the Israelites shouted, "The LORD (I AM), he is God; the LORD, he is God.. Then Elijah executed the prophets of Baal, and then prayed for rain (after a long drought which God had sent) and it came in a downpour and Elijah outran Ahab's chariot all the way to Jezreel. Ahab told Jezebel what had happened. When she heard about Elijah's actions on Mt. Carmel she was determined to kill him by the next day and to scare him first.
Elijah fled for his life and went, with his servant as far as Beersheba and went on alone into the wilderness, sat down under a tree, asked to die and then went to sleep with exhaustion. Twice an angel woke him up and fed him. Then he got up and went on the strength of that food 40 day and 40 nights to Mt Sinai (also called Horeb), the Mountain of God, where God gave the Ten Commandments. There he stayed in a cave. See maps.
Elijah had heard and obeyed the LORD many times but now he was spiritually and physically exhausted after the struggle on Mt Carmel where God had given him supernatural strength. Now he was fearing for his life and feeling totally alone and vulnerable. (Have you ever felt like that?) So he runs away from his enemy and runs toward God at the Mountain of God. All this time God protected, fed and gave him rest and strength to go on. ( When we are exhausted and isolated, God wants us to run to HIM!
Then the word of God came to Elijah, "What are you doing here, Elijah? Word received: I want to hear all your troubles. I will listen, love you, support you and carry your troubles if you let Me. Come to Me. Look at what God promises. "Cast all your cares/anxieties on him, for He cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7) In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. See also Matthew 7:7. "Ask, and it will be given you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
Then Elijah poured out his troubles. "So he said, 'I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.' " (1Kings 19:10) A word received: So little has changed among my people: altars are defiled by sacrifice to other gods, the leaders and teachers of the people have forsaken me, and they persecute my saints. Yet, I still want Elijah and you to wait on me and listen for my voice before you act.
God's answer was to "Go out and stand on the Mountain before the LORD."
"And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1Kings 19:11-12) A word received: Wait for my voice, listen for me, wait for me to speak to you. Word received: I will always be there. I have a plan. I love you.
"So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'" (1Kings 19:13) A word received: Will you stand and wait for me as Elijah did?
Note that Elijah knew the voice of God as distinct from the powerful fireworks God provided in the wind, earthquake and fire but was not in them. God got his attention!! (When God whispers, are we paying attention?) Covering his face was an act of awe and reverence. We have seen Indian Christian women cover their faces with their saris after receiving Holy Communion for the same reason. Word received: Elijah was able to recognize My voice. Listen to Me. Talk with Me enough and you too will recognize My voice.
Then Elijah heard the same voice asking again, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" God is not offended by Elijah's answer as Elijah repeats his troubles. "And he said, 'I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life'" (1Kings 19:14) A word received: It is alright to speak to me as Elijah did when you are having a bad time. I know your needs -- all of them -- bring them to me. As Elijah did what God told him to do, then God revealed his plan.
Now God tells Elijah what he has for Elijah to do. First, he is to return another way, not where his fears were. Word received: When Elijah needed to hear My plan I told him. He trusted Me enough to wait for Me to share My plan at the right time. Do you trust Me?
Then Elijah did what the LORD directed but not before God reminded Elijah "I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (vs.18) Even though we don't know them, God has his faithful ones all around us. He reminds us too that he has other faithful ones when we get to feeling along and isolated.
Reread the Memory Verse, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." We all need to work at drawing near to God, running to him when things are rough. He promises to draw near to us. Hebrews 13:5 promises, "I will never leave you or forsake you."--but sometimes we leave God. God wants us to be "single-minded" (not double minded) about our relationship and our obedience to him. Jesus reminds us that "No one can serve two masters." (Matthew 6:24)
We need to pray Philippians 1:9-11 for ourselves, our children and each other. "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Notice the word "discern". Word received: To learn to discern My will, you must seek Me.
MAPS and distances: Mt Carmel to Beersheba is 165 miles as crow flies. Mt Carmel is a high ridge running South/Southeast from Haifa. Since Elijah could see the sea as he prayed on Mt Carmel it may have been 170 miles, (longer by roads). The distance from Beersheba to Mt. Sinai is 225miles as the crow flies. (maps and distances courtesy of Mark and Darlene)
Myra will hand out maps to teachers.
WORD for teachers: Elijah was a man of My choosing. Pray that I will raise up such among you--men and women who will call My people back to Me.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 26
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.When we are scared or have troubles, God wants us to run to Him.
2. When we are in trouble or scared, God promises to be there. We just need to cry out to Him.
3. When we cry out to God, He will always respond. We just need to listen.
4. God always has a plan to take care of us. Sometimes we need to wait, listen, and keep praying.
5. To know God's will we need to seek Him. Are we willing to trust Him enough to wait for His guidance.
6. God is faithful. He will always answer.
Learning to Listen and Discern God's Voice Part 2
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: 1 Kings 19:10-18; Philippians 1:9-11; Matthew 7:7-8
Optional: 1 Kings 18:45-19:9 (background)
Memory Verse: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 (Pre-K to grade 3)
BACKGROUND: Review briefly what Elijah was doing just before this journey and why he was running for his life. If possible start reading with 1 Kings 18:45 through 19:18. Elijah was a prophet of God in the Northern Kingdom where Ahab was King and Jezebel was Queen. She was a Baal worshiper. She had killed many of the prophets of God. Elijah appeared to King Ahab and told him to gather Israel and the 450 prophets of Baal on Mt Carmel. There was a contest between Elijah and these prophets to see whose God/god would send down fire from heaven to burn up their sacrifice. The prophets of Baal danced around their sacrifice for hours but nothing happened. Elijah poured water over his to show he had no tricks. The "I AM" sent fire down on Elijah's sacrifice, even licked up the water. All the Israelites shouted, "The LORD (I AM), he is God; the LORD, he is God.. Then Elijah executed the prophets of Baal, and then prayed for rain (after a long drought which God had sent) and it came in a downpour and Elijah outran Ahab's chariot all the way to Jezreel. Ahab told Jezebel what had happened. When she heard about Elijah's actions on Mt. Carmel she was determined to kill him by the next day and to scare him first.
Elijah fled for his life and went, with his servant as far as Beersheba and went on alone into the wilderness, sat down under a tree, asked to die and then went to sleep with exhaustion. Twice an angel woke him up and fed him. Then he got up and went on the strength of that food 40 day and 40 nights to Mt Sinai (also called Horeb), the Mountain of God, where God gave the Ten Commandments. There he stayed in a cave. See maps.
Elijah had heard and obeyed the LORD many times but now he was spiritually and physically exhausted after the struggle on Mt Carmel where God had given him supernatural strength. Now he was fearing for his life and feeling totally alone and vulnerable. (Have you ever felt like that?) So he runs away from his enemy and runs toward God at the Mountain of God. All this time God protected, fed and gave him rest and strength to go on. ( When we are exhausted and isolated, God wants us to run to HIM!
Then the word of God came to Elijah, "What are you doing here, Elijah? Word received: I want to hear all your troubles. I will listen, love you, support you and carry your troubles if you let Me. Come to Me. Look at what God promises. "Cast all your cares/anxieties on him, for He cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7) In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. See also Matthew 7:7. "Ask, and it will be given you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
Then Elijah poured out his troubles. "So he said, 'I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.' " (1Kings 19:10) A word received: So little has changed among my people: altars are defiled by sacrifice to other gods, the leaders and teachers of the people have forsaken me, and they persecute my saints. Yet, I still want Elijah and you to wait on me and listen for my voice before you act.
God's answer was to "Go out and stand on the Mountain before the LORD."
"And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1Kings 19:11-12) A word received: Wait for my voice, listen for me, wait for me to speak to you. Word received: I will always be there. I have a plan. I love you.
"So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'" (1Kings 19:13) A word received: Will you stand and wait for me as Elijah did?
Note that Elijah knew the voice of God as distinct from the powerful fireworks God provided in the wind, earthquake and fire but was not in them. God got his attention!! (When God whispers, are we paying attention?) Covering his face was an act of awe and reverence. We have seen Indian Christian women cover their faces with their saris after receiving Holy Communion for the same reason. Word received: Elijah was able to recognize My voice. Listen to Me. Talk with Me enough and you too will recognize My voice.
Then Elijah heard the same voice asking again, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" God is not offended by Elijah's answer as Elijah repeats his troubles. "And he said, 'I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life'" (1Kings 19:14) A word received: It is alright to speak to me as Elijah did when you are having a bad time. I know your needs -- all of them -- bring them to me. As Elijah did what God told him to do, then God revealed his plan.
Now God tells Elijah what he has for Elijah to do. First, he is to return another way, not where his fears were. Word received: When Elijah needed to hear My plan I told him. He trusted Me enough to wait for Me to share My plan at the right time. Do you trust Me?
Then Elijah did what the LORD directed but not before God reminded Elijah "I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (vs.18) Even though we don't know them, God has his faithful ones all around us. He reminds us too that he has other faithful ones when we get to feeling along and isolated.
Reread the Memory Verse, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." We all need to work at drawing near to God, running to him when things are rough. He promises to draw near to us. Hebrews 13:5 promises, "I will never leave you or forsake you."--but sometimes we leave God. God wants us to be "single-minded" (not double minded) about our relationship and our obedience to him. Jesus reminds us that "No one can serve two masters." (Matthew 6:24)
We need to pray Philippians 1:9-11 for ourselves, our children and each other. "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Notice the word "discern". Word received: To learn to discern My will, you must seek Me.
MAPS and distances: Mt Carmel to Beersheba is 165 miles as crow flies. Mt Carmel is a high ridge running South/Southeast from Haifa. Since Elijah could see the sea as he prayed on Mt Carmel it may have been 170 miles, (longer by roads). The distance from Beersheba to Mt. Sinai is 225miles as the crow flies. (maps and distances courtesy of Mark and Darlene)
Myra will hand out maps to teachers.
WORD for teachers: Elijah was a man of My choosing. Pray that I will raise up such among you--men and women who will call My people back to Me.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 26
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.When we are scared or have troubles, God wants us to run to Him.
2. When we are in trouble or scared, God promises to be there. We just need to cry out to Him.
3. When we cry out to God, He will always respond. We just need to listen.
4. God always has a plan to take care of us. Sometimes we need to wait, listen, and keep praying.
5. To know God's will we need to seek Him. Are we willing to trust Him enough to wait for His guidance.
6. God is faithful. He will always answer.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 25 April 6, 2008
Growing in the Spirit
Learning to Listen and Discern God's Voice Part 1
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; John 10: 1-18
Optional: 1 Samuel 3:19-21
Memory Verse: "Speak, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10
NOTES: In verse 1 "word" and "vision" both refer to a revelation/message from God.
"The lamp of God had not yet gone out." The lamp burned all night see
Exodus27:21 so the time was just before dawn.
According to Jewish tradition, Samuel was 12 years old at this time. That is the same age that Jesus stayed behind in the temple. (Luke 40:52)
"Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli." (1 Samuel 3:1a) A word received: I want the children to minister to me. Word received: Do you see that Samuel was just a boy when he was ministering before the LORD. I want to use all My people of all ages. Because Samuel was young his heart was very open to Me. I want to use the young ones among you.
"And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation." (1 Samuel 3:1b) A word received: I want to pour out my word and my Spirit on my people. Pray for hearts that are prepared for my gifts.
"And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see," (1 Samuel 3:2) A word received: Eli had two kinds of blindness; the worst was spiritual blindness.
"and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down," (1 Samuel 3:3) A word received: I long for my people to rest in my presence.
NOTE on the Ark of God at end,
Then the LORD called Samuel by name but he thought it was the old priest, Eli.
"So he ran to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' And he said, 'I did not call; lie down again.' And he went and lay down." (1 Samuel 3:5) A word received: You will not always know whether it is my voice or the voice of another. Go to someone with discernment if you are not sure.
"Then the LORD called yet again, 'Samuel!' So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' He answered, 'I did not call, my son; lie down again.'" (1 Samuel 3:6) A word received: I will keep calling you until you recognize my voice.
"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him." (1 Samuel 3:7) The child Samuel did not yet know the LORD (the I AM) personally even though he was serving in the Tabernacle(still a tent) of God. A word received: I want to reveal my word to you. I want you to know me. I want every child to know me. Word received: Even if I have not been revealed to someone yet, they can still hear Me when I call to them. So pray and cry out for those who have not yet responded to My calling. Pray that their hearts will be open and soft and that they will answer My call to them.
"And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am, for you did call me.' Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy." (1 Samuel 3:8) A word received: I want the adults to recognize when I am calling to the youth; I want them to discern this and encourage the youth to hear me as Eli did with Samuel. Eli finally got discernment the third time and gave clear instructions.
"Therefore Eli said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down; and it shall be, if he calls you, that you must say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.' So Samuel went and lay down in his place." (1 Samuel 3:9) A word received: Pray for adults who will mentor the youth as Eli did Samuel.
"Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'" (1 Samuel 3:10) A word received: Pray for listening hearts.
Look again at the Memory Verse. When we pray or read scripture, do we do all the talking or do we take time to be quiet? We have to work at listening. Each time Samuel had to get up and go check. We have to learn to listen. Moses, when he saw the burning bush that didn't burn up (Exodus 3) had to go over and investigate before God spoke to him.
Now look at verses 19-21. God was with Samuel in a special way as he grew up and the whole nation of Israel knew he had become a prophet of God and that he spoke messages from God. Word received: Samuel was faithful and obedient to Me. I want you to be faithful and obedient too.
"For the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
We, both children and adults, need to read the Bible regularly so we get familiar with the LORD's words and ask, as Samuel did, "Speak, for your servant is listening." An important way to begin is to pay attention to when a verse jumps out at you/catches your attention. Then we need to ask the LORD to show us what he is trying to tell us. We need to do this daily as we will become more sensitive to the Lord's voice.
* * * * * * * * *
Now look at John 10: 1-18. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the Gate. "The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…(vs.3) "He goes before them and the sheep follow him for they know his voice." (vs.4) If you have asked Jesus into your heart, you are one of his sheep/lambs and he calls you by name. Jesus knows your name and he calls you to follow him day by day! He wants us to talk to him and learn about him. Word received: The more you talk with Me the better you will recognize My voice.
We all need to get to know his voice. One of the important ways is to read his word in the Bible. The first test of whether or not a word or message (could be a picture or strong sense) is whether or not it agrees with scripture. Then we have to ask him to reveal to us whether or not it is his present message to us. Remember, even the devil can quote scripture. The more we talk with Jesus the easier it is to recognize his voice. But we always need to test it. There are 3 sources for something that appears to be a message: God, ourselves and the devil. Sometimes we need to go to another person who hears from the LORD and ask them to test it. When we pray we shouldn't do all the talking. Some people receive a deep peace when they hear and pray about it. You can ask Jesus to speak to you and help you recognize his voice. Jesus told his disciples "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." We also need to remember what Paul said, that our prophecy/hearing the Lord. is imperfect. It is never on the level of scripture.
But the first step is always to ask Jesus into your heart and give yourself into his keeping. Word received: I want My people to accept Me as their personal Savior. Then they will know My voice. (on a regular basis. God sometimes speaks a converting word like he did to Paul.)
When we are Jesus' sheep/lambs we have entered into God's sheepfold through Jesus. He is the Gate. There is no other way in. Only Jesus is "The Way, the Truth and the Life." Then we can come and go day by day and "find Pasture"(our daily needs). (vs.9) Word received: In Me you have true freedom. It's the kind of freedom that provides protection and space to grow. I love you. This is what I want for you. Stay in My pasture.
"I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (vs.11) Word received: I AM a willing shepherd and a willing sacrifice. I love you. Jesus is our shepherd. He knows his sheep/lambs and his sheep know him. He loves his sheep/lambs.
NOTE on Ark of God: The Ark was a portable wooden box representing the presence and power of God with his people. (Ex.25:22) After God spoke to Moses on Mt Sinai, he gave instructions for a portable tent of worship called a Tabernacle. The Ark was one of the most important things in it. God used it to guide the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 10:33), to lead in war (Numbers 10:35-36), and a place to hear from God. (1 Samuel 3) It was regarded as a throne, a "Mercy Seat", above which God was invisibly enthroned. It contained the stone tables with the Ten Commandments on them.
It was to be carried on 2 long poles by priests.
The wooden box was covered the gold and the Mercy Seat was pure gold. On each side of the seat were two cherubim, facing the seat, and overshadowing the Mercy Seat with their wing outstretched over the seat. (Exodus 37:1-9) Years later, King David moved it to Jerusalem.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 25
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.God wants each of you to know him personally and he wants you to learn to hear and recognize his voice, just like Samuel.
2. God wants to use us. It doesn't matter who you are, or how old you are.
3. When God calls or speaks to us, he wants us to respond and act. God wants a relationship with us.
4. If you think God has called you and you aren't sure, you can speak to someone in the Christian community who has wisdom and discernment.
5. God wants us to act on what he tells us.
6. The more you listen to the Bible being read (or read it) the more you will know what the Lord sounds like. When you pray you need to listen as well as talk. Samuel did.
Learning to Listen and Discern God's Voice Part 1
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; John 10: 1-18
Optional: 1 Samuel 3:19-21
Memory Verse: "Speak, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10
NOTES: In verse 1 "word" and "vision" both refer to a revelation/message from God.
"The lamp of God had not yet gone out." The lamp burned all night see
Exodus27:21 so the time was just before dawn.
According to Jewish tradition, Samuel was 12 years old at this time. That is the same age that Jesus stayed behind in the temple. (Luke 40:52)
"Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli." (1 Samuel 3:1a) A word received: I want the children to minister to me. Word received: Do you see that Samuel was just a boy when he was ministering before the LORD. I want to use all My people of all ages. Because Samuel was young his heart was very open to Me. I want to use the young ones among you.
"And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation." (1 Samuel 3:1b) A word received: I want to pour out my word and my Spirit on my people. Pray for hearts that are prepared for my gifts.
"And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see," (1 Samuel 3:2) A word received: Eli had two kinds of blindness; the worst was spiritual blindness.
"and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down," (1 Samuel 3:3) A word received: I long for my people to rest in my presence.
NOTE on the Ark of God at end,
Then the LORD called Samuel by name but he thought it was the old priest, Eli.
"So he ran to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' And he said, 'I did not call; lie down again.' And he went and lay down." (1 Samuel 3:5) A word received: You will not always know whether it is my voice or the voice of another. Go to someone with discernment if you are not sure.
"Then the LORD called yet again, 'Samuel!' So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' He answered, 'I did not call, my son; lie down again.'" (1 Samuel 3:6) A word received: I will keep calling you until you recognize my voice.
"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him." (1 Samuel 3:7) The child Samuel did not yet know the LORD (the I AM) personally even though he was serving in the Tabernacle(still a tent) of God. A word received: I want to reveal my word to you. I want you to know me. I want every child to know me. Word received: Even if I have not been revealed to someone yet, they can still hear Me when I call to them. So pray and cry out for those who have not yet responded to My calling. Pray that their hearts will be open and soft and that they will answer My call to them.
"And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am, for you did call me.' Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy." (1 Samuel 3:8) A word received: I want the adults to recognize when I am calling to the youth; I want them to discern this and encourage the youth to hear me as Eli did with Samuel. Eli finally got discernment the third time and gave clear instructions.
"Therefore Eli said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down; and it shall be, if he calls you, that you must say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.' So Samuel went and lay down in his place." (1 Samuel 3:9) A word received: Pray for adults who will mentor the youth as Eli did Samuel.
"Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'" (1 Samuel 3:10) A word received: Pray for listening hearts.
Look again at the Memory Verse. When we pray or read scripture, do we do all the talking or do we take time to be quiet? We have to work at listening. Each time Samuel had to get up and go check. We have to learn to listen. Moses, when he saw the burning bush that didn't burn up (Exodus 3) had to go over and investigate before God spoke to him.
Now look at verses 19-21. God was with Samuel in a special way as he grew up and the whole nation of Israel knew he had become a prophet of God and that he spoke messages from God. Word received: Samuel was faithful and obedient to Me. I want you to be faithful and obedient too.
"For the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
We, both children and adults, need to read the Bible regularly so we get familiar with the LORD's words and ask, as Samuel did, "Speak, for your servant is listening." An important way to begin is to pay attention to when a verse jumps out at you/catches your attention. Then we need to ask the LORD to show us what he is trying to tell us. We need to do this daily as we will become more sensitive to the Lord's voice.
* * * * * * * * *
Now look at John 10: 1-18. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the Gate. "The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…(vs.3) "He goes before them and the sheep follow him for they know his voice." (vs.4) If you have asked Jesus into your heart, you are one of his sheep/lambs and he calls you by name. Jesus knows your name and he calls you to follow him day by day! He wants us to talk to him and learn about him. Word received: The more you talk with Me the better you will recognize My voice.
We all need to get to know his voice. One of the important ways is to read his word in the Bible. The first test of whether or not a word or message (could be a picture or strong sense) is whether or not it agrees with scripture. Then we have to ask him to reveal to us whether or not it is his present message to us. Remember, even the devil can quote scripture. The more we talk with Jesus the easier it is to recognize his voice. But we always need to test it. There are 3 sources for something that appears to be a message: God, ourselves and the devil. Sometimes we need to go to another person who hears from the LORD and ask them to test it. When we pray we shouldn't do all the talking. Some people receive a deep peace when they hear and pray about it. You can ask Jesus to speak to you and help you recognize his voice. Jesus told his disciples "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." We also need to remember what Paul said, that our prophecy/hearing the Lord. is imperfect. It is never on the level of scripture.
But the first step is always to ask Jesus into your heart and give yourself into his keeping. Word received: I want My people to accept Me as their personal Savior. Then they will know My voice. (on a regular basis. God sometimes speaks a converting word like he did to Paul.)
When we are Jesus' sheep/lambs we have entered into God's sheepfold through Jesus. He is the Gate. There is no other way in. Only Jesus is "The Way, the Truth and the Life." Then we can come and go day by day and "find Pasture"(our daily needs). (vs.9) Word received: In Me you have true freedom. It's the kind of freedom that provides protection and space to grow. I love you. This is what I want for you. Stay in My pasture.
"I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (vs.11) Word received: I AM a willing shepherd and a willing sacrifice. I love you. Jesus is our shepherd. He knows his sheep/lambs and his sheep know him. He loves his sheep/lambs.
NOTE on Ark of God: The Ark was a portable wooden box representing the presence and power of God with his people. (Ex.25:22) After God spoke to Moses on Mt Sinai, he gave instructions for a portable tent of worship called a Tabernacle. The Ark was one of the most important things in it. God used it to guide the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 10:33), to lead in war (Numbers 10:35-36), and a place to hear from God. (1 Samuel 3) It was regarded as a throne, a "Mercy Seat", above which God was invisibly enthroned. It contained the stone tables with the Ten Commandments on them. It was to be carried on 2 long poles by priests.
The wooden box was covered the gold and the Mercy Seat was pure gold. On each side of the seat were two cherubim, facing the seat, and overshadowing the Mercy Seat with their wing outstretched over the seat. (Exodus 37:1-9) Years later, King David moved it to Jerusalem.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 25
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.God wants each of you to know him personally and he wants you to learn to hear and recognize his voice, just like Samuel.
2. God wants to use us. It doesn't matter who you are, or how old you are.
3. When God calls or speaks to us, he wants us to respond and act. God wants a relationship with us.
4. If you think God has called you and you aren't sure, you can speak to someone in the Christian community who has wisdom and discernment.
5. God wants us to act on what he tells us.
6. The more you listen to the Bible being read (or read it) the more you will know what the Lord sounds like. When you pray you need to listen as well as talk. Samuel did.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 24 March 30, 2008
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: 1 Corinthians12:1-14, 27-13:1; 1 Corinthians 13:8-9;
1 Corinthians 14:1
Optional: Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-7,11-16
Memory Verse: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7(Pre-K to grade 3)
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant." (12:1) Word received: There is great ignorance among My people about the gifts of My Spirit: some reject them, others regard them as irrelevant to the life of My church today. I want you to know about the gifts, desire them, receive them and use them to build up My Body. Word received: There are no secrets that I hold back from you. My way is to tell you the truth. I do not manipulate the relationship I have with My children. You can trust Me.
Paul is concerned to clarify the difference between the way the Holy Spirit works and the ways the evil spirits associated with pagan idols worked. Even today some in the church are saying that the Holy Spirit is doing something new and the Word of God in the Bible no longer reflects God's will, as in saying that homosexuality is part of God's created order and its practice good. In vs 3 Paul gives a test to discern whether something is from God's Holy Spirit or not. "No one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus be cursed!" Word received: I AM the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Satan does try to imitate God's gifts and draw people away from God.
In verses 4-6 Paul refers to three categories of manifestations of the Holy Spirit: varieties of "gifts", "service", and "working" that God gives to his church for the common good. [Note the reference to the Trinity in vs.4-6 Spirit, Lord, God.] There is only one God working in his people in all these ways. God's basic purpose is for the common good by having the Holy Spirit reveal himself and work in each person in a different way (vs.7) and in that way to build up the church. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:" (1 Corinthians 12:7) A word received: I want my people to be gifted -- not gifted in the worldly sense, but gifted by my Spirit. I want them to know the blessings I have for them. A word received: I want each of you to use the gifts I have given you for the building up of the body of my son Jesus.
The gifts are to be used for others, for the Body of Christ, the Church. Word received: I want to bring you all together. The gifts should point to Me and My love for all. The "gifts", "service", "working' are not "ours" to own. It is GOD'S power at work, not ours. They are for the building up of the Church, the Body of Christ. They all come from the one Spirit of God and HE decides who gets what. Paul used the imagery of the human body to explain how it works. Every part is needed.
Now look at 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6. "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." (12:4) A word received: All the gifts of the Spirit are from my Holy Spirit. "There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord." (12:5) A word received: Each of you is called into ministry. [The ministries may differ, but the call is the same. The call is from God to us.] "And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." (12:6) A word received: Diversity here does not mean diversity of sin and goodness. That is not my kind of diversity. I call my people to many forms of activity -- that is my kind of diversity.
"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many."(12:14) But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be." (12:18) Word received: I want each of you to do your part. When you do not, others in the Body feel it. Each gift is important, they are just different. Every one is needed! But Paul does urge them to desire the "higher gifts", especially prophecy. However, everyone is to show love (agape love) in using their gifts and ministries.
Gifts:(vs.8-10) Word (logos) of wisdom: words or ideas from God that gives wisdom beyond ordinary wisdom.
Word of knowledge: often experienced as God giving a person a piece of knowledge they do not know in order to accomplish God's purposes , as when praying for healing, when it reveals the root cause of a problem.
Faith: we are all to have faith in God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) But there are occasions when God gives unusual levels of faith to accomplish his purposes
Gifts of healing: all Christians can pray for healing but God works with unusual power in some. If it happens regularly it would be a ministry of healing.
Works of power: Moses parting the Red Sea; Moses striking the rock and water gushed out.
Prophecy: speaking God's message for the present situation. The form of the message could include words, a picture, strong sense. (It is NOT fortune telling which is NOT of God. Satan is a great imitator.) As Paul says, it is imperfect and should be tested by others who have the same gift. Discernment is necessary.)
Discernment of Spirits: a gift of ability to test whether something is from God's Spirit, from the person who speaks or even from the devil. It may be something true but still not God's present word. Of course the first test is whether it is in harmony with scripture.
Different kinds of tongues: Basically it is speaking in a language unknown to the speaker. When it is given in public it must be interpreted and then it is a form of prophecy. It is usually a private prayer language. It can also be in a language unknown to the speaker but known by someone listening. This has happened twice at Christ Church, involving Akemi.
Interpretation of tongues: The ability to interpret/translate a public message in tongues.
One Holy Spirit operates in all of these, dividing each as he wills.
Ministries
Ministries are on-going functions in the Church in the power of the Spirit. Lists are given in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 and Ephesians 4:11-16. It includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, helpers, administrators, healing, etc. whose ministries are to build up the church and prepare God's people for works of service and to help us all reach the goal of unity in the faith and maturity in likeness to Christ. They are to help us all to "grow up" in Christ and not be "tossed about" by every theological fad. Another ministry listed in Ephesians 4:16 refers to those whose ministry is like "supporting ligaments" that join together different parts and hold the Body together.
Another list is found in Romans 12: 3-8. There Paul talks about "each member" belonging to all the others, sharing each other's joys and pains. Paul urges the church in Rome to use the gifts and talks about how to use them as in "he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
In each of these lists of gift and ministries Paul concludes by talking about the importance of love, agape love- the kind of love God has, not a feeling, but a choice to act for the good of the other person. Paul ends chapter 12 with urging the church to desire God's gifts but most of all to desire the way of love (agape). All the gifts and ministries are for this life, but faith, hope and love are even greater and love always remains. In 14:1 Paul calls them-and us- "to make love your goal" "pursue love" because the gifts and ministries are useless unless they are expressed in love. Love is more powerful and important than any gift or ministry. Example: if people go away from the Neighborhood Meal and don't experience love, we have largely failed.
Ephesians 4:1-7 Word received: You can only live this life by living in Me and relying on My Spirit. You can only be humble and patiently letting Me live through you. YOU cannot do it. Lean into Me, ask Me, come to Me, live in Me.
Ephesians 4:11-16 Word received: I don't want you to be infants tossed about. I want you to grow up and be adults. You can only do that as you continue to live in Me and My presence. Do not be afraid to take on the responsibility that I give to you. You are able if I give you the job. Don't give up--rely on Me.
The manifestations of the Spirit of God are related to our RELATIONSHIP to the Giver: Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Look at what happened when some non-Christian exorcists tried to use Jesus' Name in a magical way. The evil spirits beat them up and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"
Word for teachers: Have the teachers share how they have seen the gifts of My Spirit used and how that has built up My Body.
(one example: Dave Dussault changed on Alpha Holy Spirit weekend.)
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 24
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.As we come to know Jesus, we find that there are gifts from the Holy Spirit that He wants each one of us to have.
2. These gifts are given for the common good of the Body of Christ, the Church, so there will be many kinds of gifts.
3. God wants us to ask for the gifts that He has for us. God uses children as well as adults.
4. God wants us to use the gifts He gives us. He wants the gifts to point to him, not us.
5. If God asks you to do something, He will give you what you need to do it.
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: 1 Corinthians12:1-14, 27-13:1; 1 Corinthians 13:8-9;
1 Corinthians 14:1
Optional: Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-7,11-16
Memory Verse: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7(Pre-K to grade 3)
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant." (12:1) Word received: There is great ignorance among My people about the gifts of My Spirit: some reject them, others regard them as irrelevant to the life of My church today. I want you to know about the gifts, desire them, receive them and use them to build up My Body. Word received: There are no secrets that I hold back from you. My way is to tell you the truth. I do not manipulate the relationship I have with My children. You can trust Me.
Paul is concerned to clarify the difference between the way the Holy Spirit works and the ways the evil spirits associated with pagan idols worked. Even today some in the church are saying that the Holy Spirit is doing something new and the Word of God in the Bible no longer reflects God's will, as in saying that homosexuality is part of God's created order and its practice good. In vs 3 Paul gives a test to discern whether something is from God's Holy Spirit or not. "No one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus be cursed!" Word received: I AM the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Satan does try to imitate God's gifts and draw people away from God.
In verses 4-6 Paul refers to three categories of manifestations of the Holy Spirit: varieties of "gifts", "service", and "working" that God gives to his church for the common good. [Note the reference to the Trinity in vs.4-6 Spirit, Lord, God.] There is only one God working in his people in all these ways. God's basic purpose is for the common good by having the Holy Spirit reveal himself and work in each person in a different way (vs.7) and in that way to build up the church. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:" (1 Corinthians 12:7) A word received: I want my people to be gifted -- not gifted in the worldly sense, but gifted by my Spirit. I want them to know the blessings I have for them. A word received: I want each of you to use the gifts I have given you for the building up of the body of my son Jesus.
The gifts are to be used for others, for the Body of Christ, the Church. Word received: I want to bring you all together. The gifts should point to Me and My love for all. The "gifts", "service", "working' are not "ours" to own. It is GOD'S power at work, not ours. They are for the building up of the Church, the Body of Christ. They all come from the one Spirit of God and HE decides who gets what. Paul used the imagery of the human body to explain how it works. Every part is needed.
Now look at 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6. "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." (12:4) A word received: All the gifts of the Spirit are from my Holy Spirit. "There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord." (12:5) A word received: Each of you is called into ministry. [The ministries may differ, but the call is the same. The call is from God to us.] "And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." (12:6) A word received: Diversity here does not mean diversity of sin and goodness. That is not my kind of diversity. I call my people to many forms of activity -- that is my kind of diversity.
"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many."(12:14) But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be." (12:18) Word received: I want each of you to do your part. When you do not, others in the Body feel it. Each gift is important, they are just different. Every one is needed! But Paul does urge them to desire the "higher gifts", especially prophecy. However, everyone is to show love (agape love) in using their gifts and ministries.
Gifts:(vs.8-10) Word (logos) of wisdom: words or ideas from God that gives wisdom beyond ordinary wisdom.
Word of knowledge: often experienced as God giving a person a piece of knowledge they do not know in order to accomplish God's purposes , as when praying for healing, when it reveals the root cause of a problem.
Faith: we are all to have faith in God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) But there are occasions when God gives unusual levels of faith to accomplish his purposes
Gifts of healing: all Christians can pray for healing but God works with unusual power in some. If it happens regularly it would be a ministry of healing.
Works of power: Moses parting the Red Sea; Moses striking the rock and water gushed out.
Prophecy: speaking God's message for the present situation. The form of the message could include words, a picture, strong sense. (It is NOT fortune telling which is NOT of God. Satan is a great imitator.) As Paul says, it is imperfect and should be tested by others who have the same gift. Discernment is necessary.)
Discernment of Spirits: a gift of ability to test whether something is from God's Spirit, from the person who speaks or even from the devil. It may be something true but still not God's present word. Of course the first test is whether it is in harmony with scripture.
Different kinds of tongues: Basically it is speaking in a language unknown to the speaker. When it is given in public it must be interpreted and then it is a form of prophecy. It is usually a private prayer language. It can also be in a language unknown to the speaker but known by someone listening. This has happened twice at Christ Church, involving Akemi.
Interpretation of tongues: The ability to interpret/translate a public message in tongues.
One Holy Spirit operates in all of these, dividing each as he wills.
Ministries
Ministries are on-going functions in the Church in the power of the Spirit. Lists are given in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 and Ephesians 4:11-16. It includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, helpers, administrators, healing, etc. whose ministries are to build up the church and prepare God's people for works of service and to help us all reach the goal of unity in the faith and maturity in likeness to Christ. They are to help us all to "grow up" in Christ and not be "tossed about" by every theological fad. Another ministry listed in Ephesians 4:16 refers to those whose ministry is like "supporting ligaments" that join together different parts and hold the Body together.
Another list is found in Romans 12: 3-8. There Paul talks about "each member" belonging to all the others, sharing each other's joys and pains. Paul urges the church in Rome to use the gifts and talks about how to use them as in "he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
In each of these lists of gift and ministries Paul concludes by talking about the importance of love, agape love- the kind of love God has, not a feeling, but a choice to act for the good of the other person. Paul ends chapter 12 with urging the church to desire God's gifts but most of all to desire the way of love (agape). All the gifts and ministries are for this life, but faith, hope and love are even greater and love always remains. In 14:1 Paul calls them-and us- "to make love your goal" "pursue love" because the gifts and ministries are useless unless they are expressed in love. Love is more powerful and important than any gift or ministry. Example: if people go away from the Neighborhood Meal and don't experience love, we have largely failed.
Ephesians 4:1-7 Word received: You can only live this life by living in Me and relying on My Spirit. You can only be humble and patiently letting Me live through you. YOU cannot do it. Lean into Me, ask Me, come to Me, live in Me.
Ephesians 4:11-16 Word received: I don't want you to be infants tossed about. I want you to grow up and be adults. You can only do that as you continue to live in Me and My presence. Do not be afraid to take on the responsibility that I give to you. You are able if I give you the job. Don't give up--rely on Me.
The manifestations of the Spirit of God are related to our RELATIONSHIP to the Giver: Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Look at what happened when some non-Christian exorcists tried to use Jesus' Name in a magical way. The evil spirits beat them up and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"
Word for teachers: Have the teachers share how they have seen the gifts of My Spirit used and how that has built up My Body.
(one example: Dave Dussault changed on Alpha Holy Spirit weekend.)
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 24
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.As we come to know Jesus, we find that there are gifts from the Holy Spirit that He wants each one of us to have.
2. These gifts are given for the common good of the Body of Christ, the Church, so there will be many kinds of gifts.
3. God wants us to ask for the gifts that He has for us. God uses children as well as adults.
4. God wants us to use the gifts He gives us. He wants the gifts to point to him, not us.
5. If God asks you to do something, He will give you what you need to do it.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 23 March 16, 2008
Jesus Models How to Respond to the Holy Spirit
Palm Sunday
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: John 13:1-17
Optional: Philippians 2:5-10
Memory Verse: Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15(Pre-K to grade 3)
This act of Jesus washing the disciple's feet is a perfect example of how awesome our God is! Just think of it. Our God who created everything and everybody, sends his only Son in human likeness, without sin, to die for our sins and the sins of the whole world! "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"When Jesus knew that his hour had come" (vs.1a) Word received: I had so little time left with My disciples. Look at what I taught them---I showed them My love by serving them. Word received: Do you see how My Son is following My plan? He knew what I was doing and followed Me 100%. I want you to follow Me 100%. "He loved them to the end/ he showed them the full extent of his love." (vs.1b) Word received: This is how much I love you. I AM willing to do the dirtiest and lowest of jobs. I AM willing to be the least to show you the most love. Are you willing to do that for each other? Here Jesus becomes a servant to those he loved deeply. He is modeling for us. He wants us to serve those we love but also to serve those who are unloved. He took the lowest place in society to show others what to do.
Reread verse 3 about what Jesus knew that enabled him to do what he did. Jesus knew the plan. He was a willing sacrifice, dying for the sins of the world. He gave his life. He knew what he was facing and yet he did it. That is true and amazing love. "Jesus… rose from supper and laid aside his outer garments and took a towel and girded himself." (vs.4) Word received: Sometimes the only way you can serve is by laying aside your dignity. Jesus was clear about who he was. He didn't need the outer forms of his position as Lord and teacher. "After that he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet." (vs.5) Word received: Will you let me serve you by caring for you as I did My disciples? Notice that Jesus washed Judas' feet! "Then he came to Simon Peter, and Peter said to him, "Lord, are you washing my feet?'" (vs.6) Word received: Peter had to learn what it meant to be a disciple of mine. A disciple of mine lets Me minister to him in love. Word received: There is a physical level and a spiritual level to the washing of feet. You must do the physical act of caring for one another to experience the spiritual level of love, forgiveness and sacrifice.
By what he did, Jesus models servant leadership and self giving love. But there is more here. Jesus says (vs.7) "afterwards you will understand." Peter must let Jesus wash him. The reason will become plain afterwards in the cross. Jesus' disciples (and all Christians) must be cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross as the Lamb of God. Outward washing alone does not cleanse spiritual things. Consider these two verses. Luke 11:39: "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and dish but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. Hebrews 10:22: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience. (Vs.19) "since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus."
Now look at the parallels with Paul's letter to the Philippians which quotes what many think was an early Christian hymn. Read Philippians 2:5-10 aloud. Now reread the memory verse. Word received: I want My people to seriously take to heart My call for them to see that I have set them an example they should follow. (Phil.2:5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Word received: I want you to have a new mind. I AM your teacher and your Lord. Look to Me for the example of how to live your life.
"Who being in the form of God/in very nature God, did not consider it robbery to be equal to God." (vs.6) Word received: I laid aside My garments and washed My disciples' feet knowing (underline knowing) that I came from God and was going to God. "but made himself of no reputation/emptied himself in taking the form of a bondservant in the likeness of men.(vs.7) Word received: I rose from supper and laid aside My garments, and took a towel and girded myself and washed My disciples' feet. I did this work of a servant or slave so that My disciples would find the freedom to love one another as men of God.
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross." Word received: I was obedient for I did only what I saw My Father doing. I humbled Myself so that you could know My Father's love for you. "Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name." (vs.9) See John 13:16-17. "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." Word received: I want you to enter My service by being servants and serving one another.
How easy it is to know the right thing to do and how much harder it is to actually do them. Jesus models actually doing it. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, to empower us to actually copy Jesus' example, to follow through and do it. We can ask, "What would Jesus do?" or "Where would Jesus be?" but God has provided a way to be clearer about it. As the Lord has said to us before, Word receivedPeter and John were where I wanted them to be. That is how they were able to minister to the crippled man. Seek Me about where you should go and what you should be doing. Then I can direct your path. Seek Me first, than I can use you. To be in the Lord's service is to follow his example and let Him direct our paths.
Jesus knew who he was and therefore was free to do even this lowly task. Sometimes our sense of identity is weak and we are afraid to do anything that might threaten it. If we belong to Jesus we are God's beloved children, and we are in the King's service (servant). That is an identity that is not changed by doing a lowly task because it is our Father's will. (Look at what Mother Theresa did.) Word received: There are blessings to be had when you follow Me and do as I do. Word received: As you do as I have done you will draw others to Me.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 23
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.Jesus is a model for us. He wants us to do what he did. (explain) Ask Jesus to guide you in what to do and where to be in each situation.
2. Jesus loved the disciples so much, that he was willing to become a servant to them. Jesus want us to be servants to each other to show love. Ask Jesus for the freedom to do that.
3. We are the Body of Christ. We need to serve and help each other and also show Jesus' love to those who are unloved.
4. There are many blessings to be received when serving each other and others will be drawn to Jesus when we do.
Palm Sunday
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: John 13:1-17
Optional: Philippians 2:5-10
Memory Verse: Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15(Pre-K to grade 3)
This act of Jesus washing the disciple's feet is a perfect example of how awesome our God is! Just think of it. Our God who created everything and everybody, sends his only Son in human likeness, without sin, to die for our sins and the sins of the whole world! "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"When Jesus knew that his hour had come" (vs.1a) Word received: I had so little time left with My disciples. Look at what I taught them---I showed them My love by serving them. Word received: Do you see how My Son is following My plan? He knew what I was doing and followed Me 100%. I want you to follow Me 100%. "He loved them to the end/ he showed them the full extent of his love." (vs.1b) Word received: This is how much I love you. I AM willing to do the dirtiest and lowest of jobs. I AM willing to be the least to show you the most love. Are you willing to do that for each other? Here Jesus becomes a servant to those he loved deeply. He is modeling for us. He wants us to serve those we love but also to serve those who are unloved. He took the lowest place in society to show others what to do.
Reread verse 3 about what Jesus knew that enabled him to do what he did. Jesus knew the plan. He was a willing sacrifice, dying for the sins of the world. He gave his life. He knew what he was facing and yet he did it. That is true and amazing love. "Jesus… rose from supper and laid aside his outer garments and took a towel and girded himself." (vs.4) Word received: Sometimes the only way you can serve is by laying aside your dignity. Jesus was clear about who he was. He didn't need the outer forms of his position as Lord and teacher. "After that he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet." (vs.5) Word received: Will you let me serve you by caring for you as I did My disciples? Notice that Jesus washed Judas' feet! "Then he came to Simon Peter, and Peter said to him, "Lord, are you washing my feet?'" (vs.6) Word received: Peter had to learn what it meant to be a disciple of mine. A disciple of mine lets Me minister to him in love. Word received: There is a physical level and a spiritual level to the washing of feet. You must do the physical act of caring for one another to experience the spiritual level of love, forgiveness and sacrifice.
By what he did, Jesus models servant leadership and self giving love. But there is more here. Jesus says (vs.7) "afterwards you will understand." Peter must let Jesus wash him. The reason will become plain afterwards in the cross. Jesus' disciples (and all Christians) must be cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross as the Lamb of God. Outward washing alone does not cleanse spiritual things. Consider these two verses. Luke 11:39: "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and dish but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. Hebrews 10:22: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience. (Vs.19) "since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus."
Now look at the parallels with Paul's letter to the Philippians which quotes what many think was an early Christian hymn. Read Philippians 2:5-10 aloud. Now reread the memory verse. Word received: I want My people to seriously take to heart My call for them to see that I have set them an example they should follow. (Phil.2:5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Word received: I want you to have a new mind. I AM your teacher and your Lord. Look to Me for the example of how to live your life.
"Who being in the form of God/in very nature God, did not consider it robbery to be equal to God." (vs.6) Word received: I laid aside My garments and washed My disciples' feet knowing (underline knowing) that I came from God and was going to God. "but made himself of no reputation/emptied himself in taking the form of a bondservant in the likeness of men.(vs.7) Word received: I rose from supper and laid aside My garments, and took a towel and girded myself and washed My disciples' feet. I did this work of a servant or slave so that My disciples would find the freedom to love one another as men of God.
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross." Word received: I was obedient for I did only what I saw My Father doing. I humbled Myself so that you could know My Father's love for you. "Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name." (vs.9) See John 13:16-17. "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." Word received: I want you to enter My service by being servants and serving one another.
How easy it is to know the right thing to do and how much harder it is to actually do them. Jesus models actually doing it. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, to empower us to actually copy Jesus' example, to follow through and do it. We can ask, "What would Jesus do?" or "Where would Jesus be?" but God has provided a way to be clearer about it. As the Lord has said to us before, Word receivedPeter and John were where I wanted them to be. That is how they were able to minister to the crippled man. Seek Me about where you should go and what you should be doing. Then I can direct your path. Seek Me first, than I can use you. To be in the Lord's service is to follow his example and let Him direct our paths.
Jesus knew who he was and therefore was free to do even this lowly task. Sometimes our sense of identity is weak and we are afraid to do anything that might threaten it. If we belong to Jesus we are God's beloved children, and we are in the King's service (servant). That is an identity that is not changed by doing a lowly task because it is our Father's will. (Look at what Mother Theresa did.) Word received: There are blessings to be had when you follow Me and do as I do. Word received: As you do as I have done you will draw others to Me.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 23
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures). Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.Jesus is a model for us. He wants us to do what he did. (explain) Ask Jesus to guide you in what to do and where to be in each situation.
2. Jesus loved the disciples so much, that he was willing to become a servant to them. Jesus want us to be servants to each other to show love. Ask Jesus for the freedom to do that.
3. We are the Body of Christ. We need to serve and help each other and also show Jesus' love to those who are unloved.
4. There are many blessings to be received when serving each other and others will be drawn to Jesus when we do.
Monday, March 3, 2008
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 22 March 9, 2008
The Holy Spirit in the Early Church
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Acts 3:1-16, Acts 4:5-13, 19-33
Memory Verse: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29-30
Read aloud the lessons in the class from the Bible first.
Notice what Peter and John are doing in Acts 3:1--going to the temple at the regular time of prayer. Word received: Do you see how Peter and John were devoting themselves to prayer? I want you to do the same. No doubt they had seen this man, lame from birth and begging, many times, but this was different. Word received: Peter and John were where I wanted them to be. That is how they were able to minister to the crippled man. Seek Me about where you should go and what you should be doing. Then I can direct your path. Seek Me first, then I can use you. An example of following the Holy Spirit's direction: Judy Koch's father was dying of cancer and they asked Hyland Bryant to talk to him about the Lord. The Lord told Hyland not to go and instead Hy told Judy the word he got was that Judy was to witness to him. Judy did and before her father died they were reading the Bible and praying together. Word received: I want all My people, regardless of their education or their personal status to listen to the Holy Spirit and obey Him. I will use all people to spread My word.
When the man asked for alms, as was his habit, Peter and John were surely asking the Lord what he wanted them to do, then Peter said: "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Many times all we have is Jesus and his Name---Yet it is everything! They were obedient and bold and look at what God did through them! Peter helped the man up and instantly his feet and ankles became strong! Have you ever seen God heal really quickly? Share.
The man celebrated and praised God with his whole being. "He went walking and leaping and praising God" through the temple. Everyone knew the lame man and were astonished. Peter saw a crowd gathering and began to talk to the crowds, giving praise to Jesus. God was glorifying Jesus in this and Peter made sure the crowds knew it. Word received: Peter did what I wanted him to do, witness to My power and love. I want you to take every available opportunity to witness to My power and love. Word received: Give Me the praise I deserve and others will be drawn to Me.
NOTE: In Acts 3:13, 4:27, 4:30 Peter refers to God glorifying his "servant" Jesus. The word translated servant also means "child" as in his holy child Jesus. Servant in this context would be a highly placed minister to a king.
Peter points to Jesus and tells it to them straight about their sin and their part in Jesus' death---and about God raising Jesus from the dead and that he and John were witnesses to that. Peter told them that it is through faith in the name of Jesus the lame man got the complete healing they were seeing. "And his name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16) A word received: I want you to have such faith in me. I want you to pray in the full power of my name. My name has the power to conquer the gates of hell. Use and rely on my power and the power of my name. Then Peter tells them they acted in ignorance and Jesus' death was a part of God's plan SO what they should do is "Repent, then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Vs.19 is the core of Peter's message.)
Many believed and the number of men converted grew to about 5,000.(4:1-3) (They counted crowds by the number of men and knew that most men would have their women and children with them so the actual number would be larger.)
Now look at Acts 4 again. At the same time the Sadducees and priests were very upset that Peter and John were teaching the people about Jesus and the resurrection of the dead so they arrested them and threw them in jail. (The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection of anyone.) "And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:5-7) A word received: They knew and understood what my people now do not: that my name, my very name, has power. Avail yourself of the power of my name.
Instead of being intimidated by the worldly power in front of him, Peter was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and said, "let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man stands here before you whole." (Acts 4:10) A word received: I want My church to proclaim My name and the faith in My name that Peter had. Apostolic faith is believing what the apostles believed and knew. They knew the power of My name and My resurrection -- I want you to know that too.
Peter boldly confronted them with their sin in crucifying and rejecting Jesus, gave God the glory for healing the crippled man and said, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) A word received: Pray for my church to proclaim this.
Now look at 4:13. "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus." Does it show that we have been with Jesus? (By unschooled they meant that they had not received specialized religious training.) Examples: Doug Koch shared that when his grandson, Alex was newborn and his fate was touch and go at the hospital, one night they were surprised to see Dave Dussault there. He told Judy he didn't know why he was there, but said the Lord kept telling him to go to Albany Med and lay hands on Alex for healing. We know the rest of the story! God uses ordinary men, like Dave who obeyed the Holy Spirit. Also look at the beginning of the Prayer Table on the street out front of the church started by Larry and Jerusha.
The religious authorities knew that everyone knew about this healing so they couldn't deny that it happened so they threatened Peter and John and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter's answer is bold and powerful. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20) A word received: I want you to face down "political correctness" with the same mind and attitude that Peter and John had. I want you to tell others what you have heard me say and see me do. Word received: In your actions and words you are choosing who to serve. I want you to choose Me as your Lord and God. I love you. Seek Me. Remember what Joshua told the Israelites, " Choose you this day whom you will serve, but for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
The authorities threatened Peter and John some more and let them go. Reread the response when they reported back to the church! (Acts 4: 24-31) Notice that they didn't ask for protection!--they asked for boldness and for God to act! Look at their prayer. First they acknowledge before God Who He Is, the Creator of heaven and earth and everything. Then they acknowledge the forces and threats against them including the actions against Jesus. They acknowledged that God had included that in his plans. Then they spoke to God about the threats against them and asked God to give them power to speak his word with boldness and to do more signs and wonders in Jesus' name! Then the Holy Spirit came on them all with such power that the place was shaken and they all were filled again with the Holy Spirit and spoke God's word with boldness.
"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30) A word received: This is a current word for today's beleaguered Christians. I want my people to look at the threats and then turn to me. I want them to ask for more than protection, I want them to pray for boldness and signs following. I want my people to come to the throne of grace and ask for me to do what only I can do.
How do we pray when things are rough? Not only were Peter and John bold but it was the response of the whole church--they sought the Lord and his Holy Spirit and received power and more boldness. Word received: Fear is NOT of Me--shrinking back is NOT of Me. Look to Me and gain courage and boldness. Step out and I will walk with you. I will give you the words to say. Lean on Me. Believe in Me. Trust Me.
Look at all the things the Holy Spirit is doing in this lesson.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 22
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
Song: "Peter and John went to pray" can act out the story too
1. Peter and John were praying and listening to the Holy Spirit so they were where God wanted them to be and did what God wanted them to do. Jesus wants us to listen and obey him too. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus. (Philippians 1:19)
2. There is power in the Name of Jesus (his power). Jesus' power healed the lame man.
3. When someone tries to get you to do something wrong (like they did to Peter and John) remember what Peter said, Is it right to listen to you more than to God? (The answer is No.)
4. Jesus can give us power to share about himself with boldness and without fear. He will show us how to share.
5. God has a plan of how to share his love and word with others. God want us to ask him what we are to do and say in each situation.
Peter and John went to pray,
They met a lame man on the way.
He asked for alms and held out his palm
And this is what Peter did say.
Silver and gold have I none,
But such as I have I give you.
In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
Rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God.
In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
Rise up and walk.
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Acts 3:1-16, Acts 4:5-13, 19-33
Memory Verse: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29-30
Read aloud the lessons in the class from the Bible first.
Notice what Peter and John are doing in Acts 3:1--going to the temple at the regular time of prayer. Word received: Do you see how Peter and John were devoting themselves to prayer? I want you to do the same. No doubt they had seen this man, lame from birth and begging, many times, but this was different. Word received: Peter and John were where I wanted them to be. That is how they were able to minister to the crippled man. Seek Me about where you should go and what you should be doing. Then I can direct your path. Seek Me first, then I can use you. An example of following the Holy Spirit's direction: Judy Koch's father was dying of cancer and they asked Hyland Bryant to talk to him about the Lord. The Lord told Hyland not to go and instead Hy told Judy the word he got was that Judy was to witness to him. Judy did and before her father died they were reading the Bible and praying together. Word received: I want all My people, regardless of their education or their personal status to listen to the Holy Spirit and obey Him. I will use all people to spread My word.
When the man asked for alms, as was his habit, Peter and John were surely asking the Lord what he wanted them to do, then Peter said: "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Many times all we have is Jesus and his Name---Yet it is everything! They were obedient and bold and look at what God did through them! Peter helped the man up and instantly his feet and ankles became strong! Have you ever seen God heal really quickly? Share.
The man celebrated and praised God with his whole being. "He went walking and leaping and praising God" through the temple. Everyone knew the lame man and were astonished. Peter saw a crowd gathering and began to talk to the crowds, giving praise to Jesus. God was glorifying Jesus in this and Peter made sure the crowds knew it. Word received: Peter did what I wanted him to do, witness to My power and love. I want you to take every available opportunity to witness to My power and love. Word received: Give Me the praise I deserve and others will be drawn to Me.
NOTE: In Acts 3:13, 4:27, 4:30 Peter refers to God glorifying his "servant" Jesus. The word translated servant also means "child" as in his holy child Jesus. Servant in this context would be a highly placed minister to a king.
Peter points to Jesus and tells it to them straight about their sin and their part in Jesus' death---and about God raising Jesus from the dead and that he and John were witnesses to that. Peter told them that it is through faith in the name of Jesus the lame man got the complete healing they were seeing. "And his name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16) A word received: I want you to have such faith in me. I want you to pray in the full power of my name. My name has the power to conquer the gates of hell. Use and rely on my power and the power of my name. Then Peter tells them they acted in ignorance and Jesus' death was a part of God's plan SO what they should do is "Repent, then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Vs.19 is the core of Peter's message.)
Many believed and the number of men converted grew to about 5,000.(4:1-3) (They counted crowds by the number of men and knew that most men would have their women and children with them so the actual number would be larger.)
Now look at Acts 4 again. At the same time the Sadducees and priests were very upset that Peter and John were teaching the people about Jesus and the resurrection of the dead so they arrested them and threw them in jail. (The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection of anyone.) "And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:5-7) A word received: They knew and understood what my people now do not: that my name, my very name, has power. Avail yourself of the power of my name.
Instead of being intimidated by the worldly power in front of him, Peter was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and said, "let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man stands here before you whole." (Acts 4:10) A word received: I want My church to proclaim My name and the faith in My name that Peter had. Apostolic faith is believing what the apostles believed and knew. They knew the power of My name and My resurrection -- I want you to know that too.
Peter boldly confronted them with their sin in crucifying and rejecting Jesus, gave God the glory for healing the crippled man and said, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) A word received: Pray for my church to proclaim this.
Now look at 4:13. "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus." Does it show that we have been with Jesus? (By unschooled they meant that they had not received specialized religious training.) Examples: Doug Koch shared that when his grandson, Alex was newborn and his fate was touch and go at the hospital, one night they were surprised to see Dave Dussault there. He told Judy he didn't know why he was there, but said the Lord kept telling him to go to Albany Med and lay hands on Alex for healing. We know the rest of the story! God uses ordinary men, like Dave who obeyed the Holy Spirit. Also look at the beginning of the Prayer Table on the street out front of the church started by Larry and Jerusha.
The religious authorities knew that everyone knew about this healing so they couldn't deny that it happened so they threatened Peter and John and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter's answer is bold and powerful. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20) A word received: I want you to face down "political correctness" with the same mind and attitude that Peter and John had. I want you to tell others what you have heard me say and see me do. Word received: In your actions and words you are choosing who to serve. I want you to choose Me as your Lord and God. I love you. Seek Me. Remember what Joshua told the Israelites, " Choose you this day whom you will serve, but for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
The authorities threatened Peter and John some more and let them go. Reread the response when they reported back to the church! (Acts 4: 24-31) Notice that they didn't ask for protection!--they asked for boldness and for God to act! Look at their prayer. First they acknowledge before God Who He Is, the Creator of heaven and earth and everything. Then they acknowledge the forces and threats against them including the actions against Jesus. They acknowledged that God had included that in his plans. Then they spoke to God about the threats against them and asked God to give them power to speak his word with boldness and to do more signs and wonders in Jesus' name! Then the Holy Spirit came on them all with such power that the place was shaken and they all were filled again with the Holy Spirit and spoke God's word with boldness.
"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30) A word received: This is a current word for today's beleaguered Christians. I want my people to look at the threats and then turn to me. I want them to ask for more than protection, I want them to pray for boldness and signs following. I want my people to come to the throne of grace and ask for me to do what only I can do.
How do we pray when things are rough? Not only were Peter and John bold but it was the response of the whole church--they sought the Lord and his Holy Spirit and received power and more boldness. Word received: Fear is NOT of Me--shrinking back is NOT of Me. Look to Me and gain courage and boldness. Step out and I will walk with you. I will give you the words to say. Lean on Me. Believe in Me. Trust Me.
Look at all the things the Holy Spirit is doing in this lesson.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 22
Please read the Study Guide first (after you have read the Scriptures. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year. Read the lesson aloud from the Bible in class.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
Song: "Peter and John went to pray" can act out the story too
1. Peter and John were praying and listening to the Holy Spirit so they were where God wanted them to be and did what God wanted them to do. Jesus wants us to listen and obey him too. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus. (Philippians 1:19)
2. There is power in the Name of Jesus (his power). Jesus' power healed the lame man.
3. When someone tries to get you to do something wrong (like they did to Peter and John) remember what Peter said, Is it right to listen to you more than to God? (The answer is No.)
4. Jesus can give us power to share about himself with boldness and without fear. He will show us how to share.
5. God has a plan of how to share his love and word with others. God want us to ask him what we are to do and say in each situation.
Peter and John went to pray,
They met a lame man on the way.
He asked for alms and held out his palm
And this is what Peter did say.
Silver and gold have I none,
But such as I have I give you.
In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
Rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God.
In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
Rise up and walk.
Monday, February 18, 2008
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 21 March 2, 2008
The Holy Spirit is Active in the Early Church
Part 1
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Acts 2:1-17, 22-24, 32-47
Optional: Acts 1:12-14
Memory Verse: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38 (Pre-K to grade 3)
BACKGROUND The Feast of Pentecost is the second major feast of the Jews. Remember when Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost? It came 50 days or 7 weeks after Passover. It is also called the Feast of Weeks. It was originally a harvest festival of the First Fruits and the wheat harvest. People offered freewill offerings as God had blessed them. See Deuteronomy 16:1-17, Leviticus23:15-21, Exodus 23:16. Later it also came to be associated with the day that the Law was given. Word received: I gave you the First Fruits when I gave you My Son and the Holy Spirit to start the church. Do we, adults and children, give the first fruits of our lives to the Lord? Do we put him first or give him the leftovers?
The other two great Feasts were Passover in the spring and in the fall, with the last harvest, the Feast of Ingathering or The Feast of Booths/Tabernacles. Then they gathered in their fruit, grapes and olives. The first two (Passover and Pentecost) are now also major Christian celebrations. We can look forward to the time when the third one (The Feast of Booths) will also have its Christian fulfillment.
Setting: This really happened . It is reliable history. Read Acts 1:12-14. After Jesus' ascension to the Father to sit at His right hand, many of Jesus' followers (120) returned to the upper room of the house where some of them were staying. Notice the emphasis on their unity as they obediently waited! They were "all together in one place" "in one accord" (vs.14)
Now look at 2:1. "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place". A word received: That is the work I want my Spirit to do in you: to be of one accord in me. Word received: I intended for each one of you to support one another and I still want that for you. Pray for each other, care for each other. You are much stronger in a community than by yourselves.
"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing, mighty wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting." (Acts 2:2) Word received: Listen for the wind of My Spirit. My Spirit is blowing through the church. Are you ready? Next "there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat on each of them." (2:3) Word received: The fire of My Spirit is for all---all whose hearts are ready. Pray for hearts made ready by My Word and Spirit. PRAYER: Lord, we pray for ourselves and the children. Set our hearts on fire for you by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Lord, baptize us again with your Holy Spirit and with fire! (Stop and pray. You have to ask.)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) Now look at James 3:6-8. "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." A word received: You can choose the fire of hell or the fire of my Spirit. You cannot on your own tame the tongue, but with the help and power of my Spirit your tongue can be brought under my control.
Pause and reflect on how much your tongue (your speech) is under the control of the Holy Spirit. Offer your words and thoughts to Jesus and ask him to bring your tongue under the control of his Holy Spirit. Many see the day of Pentecost as a reversal of the Tower of Babel.
Look at the map and see where all those Jews from many countries had come from--and not just around the Mediterranean Sea either. Reflect of God's timing when the maximum number of people could hear and respond to this event. Think about how widespread the Good News abut Jesus would be spread when they went home! "And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven." (Acts 2:5) A word received: You have men and women from many nations dwelling among you. Do you see them or are they invisible to you. Come to me; let me show you how to seek them out. I will guide you by my Spirit.
Drawn by the sound like a mighty wind, crowds gathered and were puzzled to hear these people from the upper room speaking in their own languages, telling them the "mighty works of God" Some said, What does this mean? Others said They're drunk! Since they were all Jews at this point, probably the might deeds of God would have been things they already knew about as works of God. How could all these ordinary Galileans speak in all those languages?
NOTE; There are two kinds of tongues in the New Testament. 1.) There are "tongues"/languages the speaker doesn't know that are recognized by others as a language they know, as in this example. At Christ Church, this has happened twice, both involving Akemi Hio and Japanese. Once in a prayer meeting she asked for prayer and Dn. Hy Bryant prayed for her in tongues and she told him it was Japanese. (He didn't know it.) The second time was in a Women's Aglow meeting where she was the speaker. During worship someone gave a message in "tongues" but no one interpreted it and we were all uneasy. When Akemi got up to speak she said it was like a Psalm in Court Japanese!
2.) The other kind is a Spirit-given prayer language that the speaker doesn't know. If someone else is given the interpretation, it is a form of prophecy. If no one knows, then it is for a person's private prayer to God and is spoken quietly or silently to God. Paul corrects the Corinthian church about their misuse of the latter kind.
Then Peter (vs.14) is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and boldness, the same Peter who had recently denied knowing Jesus when a maid asked him! The first thing Peter says is that they are not drunk. It's too early! (9 a.m.). He begins with the prophecy of Joel which they are seeing fulfilled. Word received: My word is available to you too, to live out. I want to work among you now as I prophesied through Joel. Trust Me, receive Me. Receive and act on what I have for you now.
Then Peter begins to tell them about Jesus, God's plan and their sin. Then he emphasizes Jesus' resurrection and King David's prophecy which is about Jesus and his resurrection. (vs.22). David is dead and buried (and so are the leaders and founders of all religions--except Jesus!) Word received: Speak My gospel in as many ways as you can. You can never say it too many times. Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. We have good new to share. Jesus has conquered sin and death and "death has been swallowed up in victory". "O death were is your sting? The sting of death is sin…but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
Peter's punch line is that Jesus has not only been raised from the dead but "we are witnesses" (vs.32). In 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 Paul tells about all who witnessed Jesus' resurrection appearances, "most of whom are still alive!" Then Peter says that Jesus in now seated on the throne in heaven at the right hand (best place) of God and has just poured out his Holy Spirit which you see and hear! (Verse 34 in another fulfilled prophecy by David.) Have you ever seen God at work?
In verses 33-40 Peter repeats and explains more of the Gospel. as Peter concludes with "God has made him both Lord and Christ (Messiah)-- whom you crucified, "the truth gets through to them and they are "cut to the heart" and cry out for help. Word received: Only when people are cut to the heart can I get in. It's a spiritual surgery and you must be willing to allow it to happen. This is serious work. Every child of mine is worth My Son's death. My Son's sacrifice can never be measured. It means that much to Me.
NOTE: on "cut to the heart". It is essentially the same as "circumcision of the heart" in Deuteronomy 30:6 and Romans 2:29.
Peter's answer to "what shall we do?" is in verse 38, our Memory Verse. It is both invitation and a challenge. Read it aloud together. About 3,000 responded! Word received: When you receive the Holy Spirit you will be filled with My light. It will cut you to the heart, but it will also fill you with joy and comfort and peace. It is only through the Holy Spirit that the words of the Bible come to life.
When we as individual Christians or the church don't talk about sin and the need for repentance, we are not being kind but closing off the path to life. In the Prayer Book, page 332, just before Communion, are several verses that comfort us from the "Comforter", the Holy Spirit. If we truly repent and turn to Jesus we will receive his forgiveness and his life. (Insert "comfortable words)
How did the church nurture these baby Christians and help them to grow? See verses 42-47. 1.) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship. (They hung out with them.) 2.) They shared in the "breaking of bread" (Eucharist) and in the prayers. 3.) They shared everything with each other and spent time together in each others homes and ate together. 4.) There were signs and wonders that God did through the apostles and were filled with praise to God. 5.) They also worshipped together in the temple. Word received: I want you to bring people in by witnessing to My love and then worshipping Me by giving glory to me.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 21
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. On the Day of Pentecost God fulfilled the promise and prophecy about the pouring out of his Holy Spirit on his people who turned back to him. God is faithful to his promises. We can trust him.
2. God want us to have a very close relationship with him, by knowing Jesus, his Son, and receiving his Holy Spirit.
3. God gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to the early church to guide them and help them witness to others about Jesus.
4. God wants to give us the same Holy Spirit today.
5. God wants us to ask for his Spirit, and be ready to receive what he has for us. Pray now and ask God to make you ready to receive the Holy Spirit. Then ask Jesus to baptize you with his Spirit. (if you already did this, ask for more.)
Part 1
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Theme Verse: "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the LORD of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Readings: Acts 2:1-17, 22-24, 32-47
Optional: Acts 1:12-14
Memory Verse: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38 (Pre-K to grade 3)
BACKGROUND The Feast of Pentecost is the second major feast of the Jews. Remember when Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost? It came 50 days or 7 weeks after Passover. It is also called the Feast of Weeks. It was originally a harvest festival of the First Fruits and the wheat harvest. People offered freewill offerings as God had blessed them. See Deuteronomy 16:1-17, Leviticus23:15-21, Exodus 23:16. Later it also came to be associated with the day that the Law was given. Word received: I gave you the First Fruits when I gave you My Son and the Holy Spirit to start the church. Do we, adults and children, give the first fruits of our lives to the Lord? Do we put him first or give him the leftovers? The other two great Feasts were Passover in the spring and in the fall, with the last harvest, the Feast of Ingathering or The Feast of Booths/Tabernacles. Then they gathered in their fruit, grapes and olives. The first two (Passover and Pentecost) are now also major Christian celebrations. We can look forward to the time when the third one (The Feast of Booths) will also have its Christian fulfillment.
Setting: This really happened . It is reliable history. Read Acts 1:12-14. After Jesus' ascension to the Father to sit at His right hand, many of Jesus' followers (120) returned to the upper room of the house where some of them were staying. Notice the emphasis on their unity as they obediently waited! They were "all together in one place" "in one accord" (vs.14)
Now look at 2:1. "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place". A word received: That is the work I want my Spirit to do in you: to be of one accord in me. Word received: I intended for each one of you to support one another and I still want that for you. Pray for each other, care for each other. You are much stronger in a community than by yourselves.
"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing, mighty wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting." (Acts 2:2) Word received: Listen for the wind of My Spirit. My Spirit is blowing through the church. Are you ready? Next "there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat on each of them." (2:3) Word received: The fire of My Spirit is for all---all whose hearts are ready. Pray for hearts made ready by My Word and Spirit. PRAYER: Lord, we pray for ourselves and the children. Set our hearts on fire for you by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Lord, baptize us again with your Holy Spirit and with fire! (Stop and pray. You have to ask.)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) Now look at James 3:6-8. "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." A word received: You can choose the fire of hell or the fire of my Spirit. You cannot on your own tame the tongue, but with the help and power of my Spirit your tongue can be brought under my control.
Pause and reflect on how much your tongue (your speech) is under the control of the Holy Spirit. Offer your words and thoughts to Jesus and ask him to bring your tongue under the control of his Holy Spirit. Many see the day of Pentecost as a reversal of the Tower of Babel. Look at the map and see where all those Jews from many countries had come from--and not just around the Mediterranean Sea either. Reflect of God's timing when the maximum number of people could hear and respond to this event. Think about how widespread the Good News abut Jesus would be spread when they went home! "And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven." (Acts 2:5) A word received: You have men and women from many nations dwelling among you. Do you see them or are they invisible to you. Come to me; let me show you how to seek them out. I will guide you by my Spirit.
Drawn by the sound like a mighty wind, crowds gathered and were puzzled to hear these people from the upper room speaking in their own languages, telling them the "mighty works of God" Some said, What does this mean? Others said They're drunk! Since they were all Jews at this point, probably the might deeds of God would have been things they already knew about as works of God. How could all these ordinary Galileans speak in all those languages?
NOTE; There are two kinds of tongues in the New Testament. 1.) There are "tongues"/languages the speaker doesn't know that are recognized by others as a language they know, as in this example. At Christ Church, this has happened twice, both involving Akemi Hio and Japanese. Once in a prayer meeting she asked for prayer and Dn. Hy Bryant prayed for her in tongues and she told him it was Japanese. (He didn't know it.) The second time was in a Women's Aglow meeting where she was the speaker. During worship someone gave a message in "tongues" but no one interpreted it and we were all uneasy. When Akemi got up to speak she said it was like a Psalm in Court Japanese!
2.) The other kind is a Spirit-given prayer language that the speaker doesn't know. If someone else is given the interpretation, it is a form of prophecy. If no one knows, then it is for a person's private prayer to God and is spoken quietly or silently to God. Paul corrects the Corinthian church about their misuse of the latter kind.
Then Peter (vs.14) is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and boldness, the same Peter who had recently denied knowing Jesus when a maid asked him! The first thing Peter says is that they are not drunk. It's too early! (9 a.m.). He begins with the prophecy of Joel which they are seeing fulfilled. Word received: My word is available to you too, to live out. I want to work among you now as I prophesied through Joel. Trust Me, receive Me. Receive and act on what I have for you now.
Then Peter begins to tell them about Jesus, God's plan and their sin. Then he emphasizes Jesus' resurrection and King David's prophecy which is about Jesus and his resurrection. (vs.22). David is dead and buried (and so are the leaders and founders of all religions--except Jesus!) Word received: Speak My gospel in as many ways as you can. You can never say it too many times. Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. We have good new to share. Jesus has conquered sin and death and "death has been swallowed up in victory". "O death were is your sting? The sting of death is sin…but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
Peter's punch line is that Jesus has not only been raised from the dead but "we are witnesses" (vs.32). In 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 Paul tells about all who witnessed Jesus' resurrection appearances, "most of whom are still alive!" Then Peter says that Jesus in now seated on the throne in heaven at the right hand (best place) of God and has just poured out his Holy Spirit which you see and hear! (Verse 34 in another fulfilled prophecy by David.) Have you ever seen God at work?
In verses 33-40 Peter repeats and explains more of the Gospel. as Peter concludes with "God has made him both Lord and Christ (Messiah)-- whom you crucified, "the truth gets through to them and they are "cut to the heart" and cry out for help. Word received: Only when people are cut to the heart can I get in. It's a spiritual surgery and you must be willing to allow it to happen. This is serious work. Every child of mine is worth My Son's death. My Son's sacrifice can never be measured. It means that much to Me.
NOTE: on "cut to the heart". It is essentially the same as "circumcision of the heart" in Deuteronomy 30:6 and Romans 2:29.
Peter's answer to "what shall we do?" is in verse 38, our Memory Verse. It is both invitation and a challenge. Read it aloud together. About 3,000 responded! Word received: When you receive the Holy Spirit you will be filled with My light. It will cut you to the heart, but it will also fill you with joy and comfort and peace. It is only through the Holy Spirit that the words of the Bible come to life.
When we as individual Christians or the church don't talk about sin and the need for repentance, we are not being kind but closing off the path to life. In the Prayer Book, page 332, just before Communion, are several verses that comfort us from the "Comforter", the Holy Spirit. If we truly repent and turn to Jesus we will receive his forgiveness and his life. (Insert "comfortable words)
How did the church nurture these baby Christians and help them to grow? See verses 42-47. 1.) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship. (They hung out with them.) 2.) They shared in the "breaking of bread" (Eucharist) and in the prayers. 3.) They shared everything with each other and spent time together in each others homes and ate together. 4.) There were signs and wonders that God did through the apostles and were filled with praise to God. 5.) They also worshipped together in the temple. Word received: I want you to bring people in by witnessing to My love and then worshipping Me by giving glory to me.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 21
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. On the Day of Pentecost God fulfilled the promise and prophecy about the pouring out of his Holy Spirit on his people who turned back to him. God is faithful to his promises. We can trust him.
2. God want us to have a very close relationship with him, by knowing Jesus, his Son, and receiving his Holy Spirit.
3. God gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to the early church to guide them and help them witness to others about Jesus.
4. God wants to give us the same Holy Spirit today.
5. God wants us to ask for his Spirit, and be ready to receive what he has for us. Pray now and ask God to make you ready to receive the Holy Spirit. Then ask Jesus to baptize you with his Spirit. (if you already did this, ask for more.)
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