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Demonstrating Fairness
Lesson 11 - November 15, 2015
Focus Text: Leviticus 19:9-15; Exodus 23:1-9
Central Truth: The Christian family treats everyone fairly in light of God’s justice.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list several principles that should guide their interactions with others.
Lesson Outline:
- Fairness with the Poor (Leviticus 19:9-10)
- Fairness with Neighbors (Leviticus 19:11-14)
- Fairness in Judgment (Leviticus 19:15)
- Fairness in Community (Exodus 23:1-9)
Lesson Highlight: "generosity"
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:4)
In "God's Word for Today", David Woods writes:
The focus of too many families today seems to be all about simply being a worldly success. Whether it may be the parents’ obsession with their careers, a daughter’s desperation to dress according to every fad, a son’s insistence to have the latest computing device, etc., so many, even Christians, have come to define their lives by stuff they accumulate or positions they hold. Often accompanying this drive for success is a disregard for those in need.
Discussion: Is the point of this verse that we should have no self-interest? What does it mean to be people marked by generosity?
Source: Biblical Family Values, Adult Teacher's Insights, page 58.
Winter 2017-2018 Sunday School Curriculum
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Lesson Highlight: "Priorities"
In "Doctrinal Discussion", Dr Gayle Woods writes:
The purpose of priorities is to help us set things straight in our thinking. The most important item on a list of priorities is number one. Items of lesser importance come later in the list. In making our list of priorities, we have to make choices. Some of these choices determine our direction and destiny. Some may not be conscious choices, but are made instinctively based on our personal worldview.
Discussion: If you were to compile a list of priorities for your life, what would it look like?
Source: Biblical Family Values, Adult Teacher's Insights, page 62.
Christ's Example
“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (v. 7).
There is an account told about the Civil War general, George B. McClellan. He fancied himself to be a great military leader and enjoyed hearing the people call him “a young Napoleon.” However, his performance was less than sensational. President Lincoln commissioned him General-in-Chief, hoping this would get some action, but still he procrastinated. One evening, Lincoln and two of his staff members went to visit McClellan, only to learn that he was at a wedding. The three men sat down to wait, and an hour later the general arrived home. Without paying attention to the President, McClellan went upstairs and did not return. Half an hour later, Lincoln sent the servant to tell McClellan that the men were waiting. The servant came back to report McClellan had gone to bed!
His associates angry, Lincoln merely got up and led the way home. “This is no time to be making points of etiquette and personal dignity,” the President explained. “I would hold McClellan’s horse if he will only bring us success.” This attitude of humility and willing service helped to make Lincoln a great man and a great President. It is that same attitude which made Christ our perfect example. (Marshall Mosley)
Would you rather have a great reputation or a great reward in heaven?
This devotional is the Sunday, November 8, 2015 entry of Opening the Word.
Living Selflessly
Lesson 10 - November 8, 2015
Focus Text: Esther 4:7-17
Lesson Outline:
- The Death Threat to the Jews (Esther 4:7-9)
- The Danger of Intervention (Esther 4:10-11)
- The Duty to Serve (Esther 4:12-14)