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Finding God’s Will
Lesson 12 - November 19, 2017
Focus Text: Genesis 24:10-20
Central Truth: Knowing God’s will gives confidence for all life’s choices.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list ways we can know God’s will.
Lesson Outline:
- Prospects for a Bride (Genesis 24:1-27)
- Proposal to the Bride (Genesis 24:28-49)
- Preparation of the Bride (Genesis 24:50-60)
- Presentation of the Bride (Genesis 24:61-67)
Inductive Bible Study
It is important to teach members to engage in inductive Bible study methods. Empower the students, and discover what captures the interest of each individual. Rather than using a lecture style, facilitate a group discussion. Sit around a table(s) in groups of ten or fewer to allow for adults to view one another as equals. Each person should re-read the Bible passage quietly for five to ten minutes, looking for the one main point and several key concepts. Later, compare the conclusions drawn by each reader. If there are glaring errors in interpretation that are offered up, step in to give an alternative explanation based on Scripture. After the passage is presented, ask probing, open-ended questions. If there is time remaining after this process has taken place, bring out Bible concordances and dictionaries for further study. Encourage attendees to follow this study method at home.
The Walk of Faith
Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-11
“For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (v. 11).
The inseparable law of the Christian life is — “No Cross, No Crown.” Today‘s Scripture highlights the paradoxes we can expect when we walk by faith. We are:
Sore pressed at every point, but not hemmed in;
At our wit’s end, but never our hope’s end;
Persecuted by men, but never abandoned by God;
Knocked down, but not knocked out.
This walk of faith, despite life’s adversities, makes us more than conquerors through Christ. We are strengthened with divine courage, knowing that if we share the life of Christ, we must also share His suffering.
The location chosen for the great Hoover Dam comprised a vast area of desert. In its construction, inevitably there were those who lost their lives. At the completion of the project, a tablet was placed in the wall of the dam which bore the names of the ninety-six workers who had perished, with this inscription below it: “These died that the desert might rejoice and blossom as a rose.“ Today, the reservoir created by the 726 feet tall structure supplies water to farms, businesses, and millions of people in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.
How could Paul go through what he did? He knew his afflictions were not in vain; they were to bring others to God. Walking by faith, whatever the risks or cost, enables us to do and endure all things for Christ’s sake. Trials do not disappear, but God gives overcoming grace.
“Faith makes things possible, not easy” (Unknown).
This devotional is the Wednesday, November 8, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
The Importance of Faith
Lesson 11 - November 12, 2017
Focus Text: Genesis 22:1-13
Central Truth: Our faith in God is demonstrated by our obedience to His will.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify why faith must result in action.
Lesson Outline:
- The Command Received (Genesis 22:1-2)
- The Command Respected (Genesis 22:3-10)
- The Command Rescinded (Genesis 22:11-19)
A Simple Life
Take some time to allow each class member to give examples of practicing simplicity in their lives. Some may focus on being good stewards of their money and developing frugal habits. Perhaps the topic of contentment will arise, or individuals might choose to convey ways in which they have kept their expenses down so that they would be more able to give to missions, charities, or the church. Facilitate a discussion that pertains to the lesson about the importance of uncluttering one's life. Begin with the significance of having a looser grip on physical items that accumulate over time. Allow the topic to lead into the need to unencumber our minds which allows God to reveal Himself through our prayer and devotions. Ask volunteers to share "God-encounters" that were possible when they were able to take a break from the chaos of life.
Abraham Entertains Angels
Read Genesis 18:1-8
“And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat” (v. 8).
As a child, I often heard the advice not to make mountains out of molehills. There is definitely a danger in making things bigger than they are. But there is also an opposite danger — failing to recognize the largeness of the moment. Failing to recognize that opportunity is knocking, and may not knock again.
The writer to the Hebrews seems to have had this event from the life of Abraham in mind when he wrote in 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Abraham seems to have recognized that his guests were not normal travelers, and this was no ordinary moment. He seized the moment.
Our God is gracious and forgiving. And that is great because we all fail to recognize special moments at times. So don’t despair if you can look back on times when you failed to rise to the occasion. But live ready for the moment! Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the people and events He is bringing into your life today! (Gordon Snider)
Are you ready for the opportunities God may bring your way today?
This devotional is the Monday, October 30, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.