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A Call for Unity
In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:
The serious student of Scripture will often find himself confronted with the need for balance in applying the Bible to life situations. The opening line of our printed text today is a case in point. Without doubt Scripture demands that the sincere disciple of Christ take a firm stand for what is right (Jude 1:3). But in our lesson today the companion truth is emphasized, which is the requirement of unity in the Body of Christ. The text reads, “Be ye all of one mind,” or literally, “of one mind, united.” The exact form Peter used appears only here in Scripture. In Greek it is a compound word: the first word meaning “together,” and the second word meaning “mind or understanding.” In classical Greek it literally meant “to be of one mind, to have the same thoughts.” It was used of the unity of conspirators. It was also the word used to indicate that an issue was decided by “common consent.” Both thoughts and feelings were included in its meaning. The Church fathers used this word often. To them it meant “unity of mind, agreement, and concord.”
Source: Building Christian Relationships: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 64.
A Focus on What We Have In Common
In "God's Word for Today" Gordon Snider writes:
Peter began by addressing the Christian's attitude toward fellow Christians. He was addressing believers who were living under persecution and the stress that creates in relationships. It is easy to be critical and defensive when you are constantly under attack. Peter urged his readers to resist that temptation. The focus should be on what Christians have in common, and not on their differences (“be . . . of one mind”). Attitudes of sympathy, compassion, and consideration were to be prominent. And if they are, Peter reasoned, it will affect the use of your tongue. Words of blessing will be more common than words of criticism. Your words will bring peace instead of division; healing rather than hurt. Your speech will be marked by transparency rather than deception. Verse 12 suggests clearly that such a person is the one who finds favor in the eyes of God.
Source: Building Christian Relationships: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 65.
Considerate Living
Read Galatians 6:9-12
“Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (v. 9).
Leaving the cemetery where my parents are buried, I was awed and comforted when I noticed that one car on the six-lane highway had stopped. Within a few minutes, all of the cars coming in both directions had stopped, showing respect to the dead and recognizing the grief of a fellow human being. There was no funeral procession or policeman directing traffic. Just my car was exiting the cemetery. That act of kindness is one I will never forget!
Considerate living is a choice or habit we must nurture on a daily basis. If not, Benjamin Franklin’s famous saying, “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle,” might sadly apply to our lives. Considerate living is not a natural way of life, as our own problems seem to stare us down and grab our attention. Reaching out to others helps put personal issues in perspective, definitely acting as a boost to our spiritual morale. Considerate living causes us to stop and ponder how we might help others, ultimately pointing them to Christ and His love.
When we endeavor to lift others, we reap the reward of bolstering our own Christian stamina. If we ask God to lead us today to the one that needs His help and our Christian love the most, He will faithfully guide us. (BKT)
Lead me gently home, Father,
Lead me gently home,
When life’s toils are ended,
And parting days have come;
Sin no more shall tempt me,
Ne’er from Thee I’ll roam,
If Thou’lt only lead me, Father,
Lead me gently home.
— Will L. Thompson
<
p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">Considerate living is making daily choices to point others to Christ.
This devotional is the Monday, May 8, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Make a Movie
Today’s technology gives the ordinary person the ability to create things once relegated to professionals. For example, with free or low-cost apps and your smartphone’s camera, it is relatively easy to make a “movie”, even if the final project is rough and amateurish.
The possibilities of making a movie to teach the scriptural principle of your lesson is truly limited only to one’s imagination. However, lessons that deal with stories in scripture may be easiest to handle, such as Lesson 3 of this quarter. Ask class members to role play the different characters in the Parable of the Talents. Consider a contemporary setting (CEO and middle managers in a office, trading in the stock market, and hiding money in a safe). Consider shooting the footage and compiling this “movie” in the week leading up to class. At an appropriate moment in your lesson, show the video and then lead the class in relevant discussion and application.
Understanding Our Social Relationships
Lesson 11 - May 14, 2017
Focus Text: 1 Peter 3:8-12; Philippians 2:12-16
Central Truth: A careful Christian life provides a powerful testimony to the world.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify one command in this passage which they will work at fulfilling this month.
Lesson Outline:
- A Righteous Example to the World (1 Peter 3:8-12)
- A Ready Witness in Living (Philippians 2:12-16)
A Life Lived as a Thank You to God
In "Biblical Perspective" Larry Grile writes:
Israel's parents could tell their children that their life style was based squarely both on what God had done for them and on what God had spoken to them. Since God had redeemed them from Egyptian bondage, He had a right to expect from them an altered life style, a life style that both would glorify Him and would be for their own good. God's requirements are always for our good, so that He can be good to us in wonderful and innumerable ways. Parents could remind their children that the pious keeping of God's laws was the evidence and measure of genuine righteousness, and that through their righteousness God would be able to pour out on them His goodness and blessings. Parents needed to remind their children that they were just as obligated as their parents were to preserve the blessings of God by faithful and continued obedience in the years to come.
Source: Building Christian Relationships: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 61.