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The True Dignity of Man
Lesson 1 - March 5, 2017
Focus Text: Genesis 1:26, 27; Psalm 8:1-9
Central Truth: Man is the central figure of God's creation.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify several reasons why God considers each person important.
Lesson Outline:
- The Creation of Man (Genesis 1:26, 27)
- The Great God Takes Notice (Psalm 8:1-4)
- The Dominion of Man (Psalm 8:5-9)
Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?
In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:
“The kind of stumbling block or hindrance which Paul had in mind is the setting of an example which might lead another into sin. A Christian ‘stumbles' if, following the example of a more emancipated Christian, he does something of which his own conscience does not really approve. In consequence his spiritual life will suffer grave injury” (Bruce, Romans). Thus, the stronger Christian should resolve to live out his Christian experience so it would not be an occasion of leading his weaker brother to sin, whether by example or by a severe and harsh judgment which would provoke him to anger, or create jealousies, envyings, or suspicions. There is no allowance for indifference, for the influence which the believer's conduct may have on another believer should be exercised in consideration which is due to them. The searchlight of divine love should be turned upon our own hearts in order to determine whether we are stepping stones or stumbling blocks.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 76.
Christian Consideration
Read Romans 14:7-15
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (v. 10).
“We won't see John Wesley in heaven, will we?” — When asked this question by one of his followers, George Whitefield humbly replied, “Yes, you're right, we won't see him in heaven. He will be so close to the throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won't be able to see him!” Even though John Wesley and George Whitefield had serious disagreements about Christian doctrine and practice they still greatly respected each other and refused to call the other person's salvation into question even when the opportunity presented itself. This is a wonderful example for us to follow when we might be tempted to pass judgement on someone else because we do not agree with them on a certain point! The apostle Paul reminds us in this passage that all men must stand before God and give an account of their own actions (including anger and division!). Therefore he exhorts Christians in verse 13 “that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way,” and in verse 19 to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Jesus conveys His heart on this when He says in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He defined “friends” in the parable of the Good Samaritan and demonstrated “greater love” when He died for His enemies on the hill of Calvary. (Kevin Askew)
Let's make sure the hill we choose to die on is not our own soap box!
This devotional is the Tuesday, February 21, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Prayer Conclusion
As we conclude this quarter of emphasizing the Sunday school teacher in prayer, consider how you will continue to make prayer an integral part of your ministry. What emphasis in prayer for the next Sunday school quarter is the Holy Spirit impressing upon you?
Heavenly Father, we pray for each teacher who has been reading these prayers this quarter and praying them throughout the week. Father, create in these dear people and our churches a renewed passion for prayer. Don’t allow this emphasis on prayer to fizzle out at the end of this quarter of lessons. Instead, may we continue to be a people committed to intercessory prayer.
Help us, Lord, to truly learn to pray for the needs of others, and not just our own needs and wants. May we love others, first, through prayer. Give us a vision that sees more than our personal needs. Instead, help us to demonstrate a real concern for others in prayer.
Thank You again for Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray all this, Amen.
The Christians' Responsibility to God's Family
Lesson 13 - February 26, 2013
Focus Text: Romans 14:1-18
Central Truth: We are responsible to promote Christlike living in God's family.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify three things they will do to help a spiritually weak Christian.
Lesson Outline:
- Accepting a Weak Brother - Responsibility (Romans 14:1-9)
- Accusing a Weak Brother - Danger (Romans 14:10-13)
- Accommodating a Weak Brother - Necessity (Romans 14:14-23)