FOCUS TEXT: Matthew 22:1-14
CENTRAL TRUTH: Only with the garment of Christ's righteousness, which is offered to all, may we take part in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson any person in my class who has not accepted Christ should feel His loving call.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. An Invitation Rejected (Matthew 22:1-7)
II. An Invitation Accepted (Matthew 22:8-10)
III. A Requirement Neglected (Matthew 22:11-14)
Read Luke 14:12 – 14.
"And thou shalt be blessed: for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just" (v. 14).
The first step in studying "The Parables of Jesus" is to define a parable. I understand a parable to be "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning" or significance. And Jesus was the Master in the use of parables to illustrate truth.
In our reading for today, there is a reference to "the resurrection of the just," sometimes called the first resurrection. One of the beautiful things about this first resurrection is that Jesus promises that the just will be repaid in eternity for the good things done on earth. In the exercise of Christian principles of living, we may do good things on earth that will never be repaid or known until eternity. But there God's children will be richly rewarded.
So set your affections on the rewards of eternity, and never let seeming ingratitude for your good works here rule your spirit. (Leonard Sankey)
Moses esteemed "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward" (Hebrews 11:26).
Don't let our culture's thirst for instant gratification destroy the Christian hope of the resurrection the Bible promises
FOCUS TEXT: Luke 16:19-31
CENTRAL TRUTH: We cannot avoid responsibility for our actions.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this class my pupils will understand that what they do in this life determines what will happen to them in the life to come.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. A Contrast in Life (Luke 16:19-21)
II. A Contrast in Death (Luke 16:22)
III. A Contrast in Eternity (Luke 16:23-31)
Read John 15:9-14.
"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love" (v. 9).
My father was a Christian example, quiet and humble. He served four years in the US Army during World War II, without the opportunity of returning home on leave, but never complained. In fact, he considered his military service an honor. He confidently labored as an automobile mechanic. He faithfully served and generously gave to his Church.
But the striking example of Christlikeness in his life was his love for my mother. He would have been in his late teens when they met. She had an infant son by a man who deserted her, but Father embraced that boy, adopted him, and married my mother.
Though they were often misunderstood and criticized, Dad never responded with anything but gracious love. Oh, he could be firm for sure, and when needed, he could let you know what he considered right. Through all of his life, his love for mother was evident. The last nine years of her life she was disabled because of a stroke, but father carefully and patiently cared for her needs. As Christ loved the Church, father loved his family. (Clair Sams)
O Love divine, what hast thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father's co-eternal Son
Bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th'immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Then let us sit beneath His cross,
And gladly catch the healing stream:
All things for Him account but loss,
And give up all our hearts to Him:
Of nothing think or speak beside,
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Charles Wesley
Love is the full expression of a heart whose character is pure.
PRINTED TEXT: Romans 14:4 19
CENTRAL TRUTH: In all our dealings with others we should consider their welfare and benefit.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson we should be able to identify some ways to show concern and consideration for those around us.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Christian Differences (Romans 14:1 6)
II. Christian Relationships (Romans 14:7 16)
III. Christian Action (Romans 14:17 23)
IV. Christ's Example (Romans 15:1 7)
Read Romans 12:1-5.
Working Together
"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office" (v. 4).
I'm all thumbs. This expression, often used in mild self-deprecation, illustrates humorously the lack of coordination we occasionally feel. Can you imagine if it were true? Take a moment to look at your hands. How well would they work if every digit were a thumb? Could you write smoothly or hold a spoon properly? Could you type an email or peel an orange well? If our hands were truly all thumbs, we'd be clumsy indeed.
Now, consider the church. How would the church work if we were all thumbs? If we were all greeters? Or ushers? Or musicians? Or teachers? Or preachers? Would the church function properly without the right people in the right roles? No, of course not. If we all were ushers, who would give? If we all taught, who'd listen? If we all played music, who would sing?
Together, we are the body of Christ: "Though many, [we] are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" (Romans 12:5). When we use the "gifts that differ according to the grace given to us" (Romans 12:6), we work together to form a body that functions as designed by God. (LAW)
We give thee but thine own,
Whate'er the gift may be;
All that we have is thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from thee.
--William How
Though different in form and function, we work together as one.
PRINTED TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12:12 27
CENTRAL TRUTH: God has a special place of ministry for every believer in the Church, the Body of Christ.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson we should be able to identify one spiritual gift which we possess.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Unified Ministry (1 Corinthians 12:1 11)
II. Unified Diversity (1 Corinthians 12:12 18)
III. Diversified Unity (1 Corinthians 12:19 31)
Read Matthew 23:1‑12.
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (v. 11).
According to C.S. Lewis, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it's thinking of yourself less." A pastoral couple we know was assigned to a generously respectful congregation. They had been reared in middle-class homes and were not comfortable with their new church's policy of seating them, front and center, at a "table of honor" at church gatherings. They avoided this practice by helping serve refreshments or "working the room" to meet and greet as many people as possible, especially visitors that were often present. Soon they noticed a new interest and sense of belonging among several in the congregation. The couple gratefully attributed this, in part, to their god-given preference for being among and alongside, not exalted above, the people.
One debate focuses on which comes first: honor or servanthood. Does one serve to become greatly esteemed, or does great character naturally focus on serving? Our verse seems to indicate that, in God's order of things, they "go hand in hand." Greatness of character flows outward in a rising tide of loving and beloved servant leadership. Natural greatness finds fulfillment in serving others, and those who gladly serve are a godly model to which others aspire. (Wayne Skeen)
"Humility is not a character trait to develop,
it's the natural by-product of being with Jesus."
- Louie Giglio
Prayer: Father, let me not desire to be thought of as great,
but rather give me longing to be of some good.
PRINTED TEXT: Romans 12:1 13; 1 Corinthians 3:9 15
CENTRAL TRUTH: The rewards for our Christian service will be based on its motivation as well as its quality and quantity.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson we should be able to name either a new avenue of service to God in which we will get involved or a ministry in which we are already involved to which we will give more time and energy.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Consecration for Service (Romans 12:1, 2)
II. Cooperation in Service (Romans 12:3 8)
III. Concepts of Service (Romans 12:9 13)
IV. Compensation for Service (1 Corinthians 3:9 15)
Biblical hope is an unshakable assurance that God works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purposes. It is the belief that there is a future with and in Jesus regardless of circumstances. Hope is faith in the future tense. That means that most of faith is hope. The Bible says, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). This suggests that hope is strengthened by the Word of God much like faith. Hope comes from reading the Word of God. Hope comes from digesting the great promises of God. Hope comes by developing a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our hope is a reflection of the trust we have in God and our confidence in His Word. The biblical definition of hope in noun form is “expectation,” and it indicates what is sure or certain. In verb form, it is “expect with confidence.” It is a confident expectation of what is certain.
Certain questions must then be asked: Can you explain what your hope is? Have you determined on what you base your hope? Do you clearly understand what your hope is so that if asked you could give a concise and reasonable answer?
Discussion: *What are three reasons upon which you base your hope in Christ and eternal life?
