Build community by serving together. The small group is a wonderful way for the church to invade a world of need and opportunity. Volunteering together will add vibrancy and excitement to your group, along with deepening your relationships. Within your group, you might collect supplies or money for a local food pantry. You might go down to the pantry and work together. If one of your group members has a service project at a workplace, go join in together.
Read Proverbs 4:1-6
“Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and she shall keep thee” (v. 6).
I enjoy how Solomon gives a persona to Wisdom, picturing her as a woman standing in the busy intersections of life, crying out her message in the marketplaces, pleading with all to seek her. The wise man urges us to clasp Wisdom to our hearts and to cling to her as to a treasure. If we do not forsake godly wisdom, it will preserve (keep, defend, protect) us; if we love wisdom, it will keep (guard) us. How many of us have yearned for this wisdom as we face decisions, disappointments, disasters, and death? And we have found that as we ask God for wisdom and humbly await His response to our request, He has ultimately provided the direction we need. We need wisdom in the home and with the family, in the schoolroom and the market, on the road and in solitude, in the choices large and small that we must make. And God is the giver of wisdom without reproaching us for the asking; He gives liberally when we ask Him. (Leonard L. Sankey)
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom, More of grace to know — Charles P. Jones
God is pleased when we turn to Him and ask for His wisdom and understanding.
Focus Text: Proverbs 3:1-18
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify several benefits of true wisdom.
Central Truth: The path of wisdom leads to satisfaction in life and purity in character.
I. The Value of Obedience (Prov. 3:1-4)
II. The Value of Trust (Prov. 3:5-12)
III. The Value of Wisdom (Prov. 3:13-18)
Newly formed groups or groups coming out of hibernation can be fairly dry ground when it comes to conversing and discussing the Scriptures. Silly games or trivial tidbits of information can serve to open up excellent group discussions. By priming the pump with some small question or short game, a teacher can kindle relationships, break down social barriers, and loosen tight lips so that when it comes time to study God’s Word, the group is open and ready to discuss. There are lots of resources online if you need ideas for icebreakers.
Read Job 28:20-22
“Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air” (v. 21).
My dictionary says that wisdom is “accumulated philosophical or scientific learning.” Much effort, time, and money are spent to gain such wisdom, yet it seems the use of it would determine if it really is what it is said to be! I think of “wisdom” as the practical use of knowledge and insight. That makes wisdom more elusive, for simply knowing a lot has not always resulted in good choices. An ongoing question, though often unvoiced, is “How does one gain wisdom?” Earlier in this chapter Job asked, “Where shall wisdom be found?” (v. 12). In the New Testament James identified two kinds of wisdom. He said that worldly wisdom, which does not include God, “is earthly, sensual, devilish” resulting in “every evil work” (3:15, 16). Then he said, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated.” In chapter 1 he said, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (v. 5). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10)! (Rodney B. Stearns)
Wisdom ascribe, and might, and praise, To God, who lengthens out our days; O may we all the time redeem, And henceforth live and die to him! — Charles Wesley
To leave God out leaves proclaimed wisdom in doubt.
Focus Text: Proverbs 2:1-15
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to define the biblical concept of wisdom.
Central Truth: God’s gift of true wisdom is greater than earthly wisdom and enables us to live successful Christian lives.
I. Seek Wisdom (Prov. 2:1-5)
II. Wisdom — God's Gift (Prov. 2:6-9)
III. Wisdom — Its Rewards (Prov. 2:10-15)
What do you do when someone is dominating the conversation and seems to have all the answers? Here are a couple of things to try. First, you can just randomly ask people for answers. It will increase engagement, because no one will be certain when they will be called on to answer. Another idea would be to go around the room in an order that you pre-determine. This will allow an opportunity for the person who likes to share to participate without taking up all the time.
Read Romans 16:25-27
“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began” (v. 25).
“I have a secret, but no one will know what it is until Christmas!” Perhaps you’ve been told that or told someone else. It creates a sense of anticipation, looking forward to the revelation of that secret! From the beginning of time, God promised His people a Savior. He didn’t tell them when they would receive this promise, but left them with the anticipation, even the longing, for this revelation. Down through the ages, the prophets spoke of it, dreamed and planned for it, but they passed before He came to earth. We have been privileged to have the Scriptures to verify that Jesus did, in fact, come to earth,and lived and died to purchase our eternal inheritance. We have the conditional promise of eternal life and a place in heaven. If we walk with Him and allow ourselves to become established in the gospel of Christ, we can enjoy that reward! Aren’t you thankful for that? (Sue Colburn)
After pain and anguish, after toil and care, We shall see the King some day; Through the endless ages joy and blessing share, We shall see the King some day. — Lewis Ellis Jones
Our Faith will have eternal rewards!
Focus Text: Jude 1:1-3, 17-25
Central Truth Every believer must have the confidence to believe that a Christian overcomes through God’s grace and power.
Objective By the end of this class my students should be able to identify several steps which will help them overcome in the Christian life.
I. Contend for the Faith (Jude 1:1-3)
II. Remember God's Word (Jude 1:17-19)
III. Keep in God's Love (Jude 1:20-25)
Read 2 Peter 3:13-15
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (v. 14).
Parenting teen-agers and now having teen grandsons there have been frequent conversations about living godly lives. In a world filled with impurity, immorality, indecency, violence, vulgar language, and selfishness, what does godly living look and sound like and when should it start? This world scoffs at purity in any form, yet God expects His people to make a determined effort to live blameless lives and to bring every area of our lives (including our recreation or entertainment) under His guidance in this matter of purity. Living a pure life is not just for teen-agers, or even just young men. It is an issue every believer faces daily. Purity of life starts in childhood with the way we dress our children and how we allow them to talk and play. It applies to even the silver-haired saint in the latter years of life. Are our attempts to live godly lives bringing honor to God? Are those efforts enabling us to reach out to others or building walls to keep us from reaching out to those around us who don’t know the Lord? (LeeAnn Davison)
Do no sinful action, Speak no angry word; We belong to Jesus, Children of the Lord. There’s a wicked spirit Watching ’round us still, And he tries to tempt us Into harm and ill. List not to the tempter, Tho’ ’tis hard for you To resist the evil, And the good to do. — C. F. Alexander
“There is no doctrine that holds a stronger incentive to purity of living, than does the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ” (Robert Neighbour).