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.
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