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Meditate on the Word
Carefully pray, plan, and prepare the class for the upcoming week’s focus on the meditation of God’s Word and biblical principles. Mention that each person should bring a journal or note-taking method the following class. Choose a portion of the Bible reading to use to practice meditating on a passage. Select several class members to read pre-determined sections from various writers on this subject to give the group guidance on how to pursue meditation on the Scripture. This is a discipline that is rarely mentioned in sermons but results in personal benefits to encourage closeness with God and spiritual growth. Issue a challenge, along with suggestions from readings, for the class to develop this discipline individually in the week to come. After practicing this exercise, ask for feedback from participants regarding areas where they were convicted, blessed, or uplifted.
Pride Brings Peril
Read 2 Chronicles 26:14-16
“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense” (v. 16)
Uzziah became king at the age of only sixteen and ruled for fifty-two years. He was a successful king, winning victories against Judah’s enemies and building a strong nation.
There is a sad irony in Uzziah’s story. The name Uzziah means “The Lord is my strength.” But when Uzziah “was strong,” pride filled his heart. He came to believe that he could manage on his own. One day, Uzziah entered the temple to perform duties that were reserved for the priests. Eighty priests went into the temple to argue with him, but Uzziah refused to listen. God judged him with leprosy.
Pride is a constant temptation in ministry. It is a sin that brings great peril to any church leader. When God blesses our ministry, Satan tempts us to pride and a belief that it is our talents and abilities that are bringing a response. If we are not careful to continue relying on God, our hearts will be lifted up in pride and we will try to do God’s work in our own strength. (Randall D. McElwain)
Cleanse me from every evil thought,
From all the filth of self and pride.
The hatred of the carnal mindOut of my flesh at once remove: Give me a tender heart, resigned,
And pure, and full of faith and love. — John Wesley
Pride will destroy our ministry. We must always remember that it is only God working through us that makes ministry effective. The
The Failure of Self-Will
Lesson 6 - October 8, 2017
Focus Text: Genesis 11:1-9
Central Truth: True success comes only when we live within God's will.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify reasons why they should yield to God’s will.
Lesson Outline:
- Powerful Resources (Genesis 11:1-2)
- Presumptuous Resolutions (Genesis 11:3-4)
- Providential Restraint (Genesis 11:5-9)
Promise of Victory
Read Revelation 21:1-7
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (v. 7).
Games are not really worth playing if one player claims the victory by breaking the rules. That is cheating! Cheating spoils the fun of the game.
Christians can claim victory in life, not because they are going to cheat, but because they are on a team with the one who has already achieved the victory. Jesus can offer to share His victory because He properly earned the victory by following God's rules — He died to satisfy justice.
Yesterday's reading reminded us that after salvation, we “were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Jesus promised His disciples that when their Teacher left, they would not be left alone. A “Comforter” would come to continue the work already started in them. God never leaves His children to face the enemy alone. The Holy Spirit comes along beside us to guide and teach and even comfort us through every struggle and battle. Victory has been assured for the Christian. We must be the ones to claim the promise. (Michelle Avery)
Claim the promised victory!
This devotional is the Sunday, August 27, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Stay on Target
One of the chief roles of a teacher during a time of discussion is not to assess who is right or wrong but to keep the discussion on target. Discussions can easily stray into talking about pet peeves if they are not guided correctly. Often guiding the discussion is done with questions that bring the speaker back to the discussion topic. You can say things like, “What you have said is good, but how does it help us to understand our topic?” If you summarize the contribution of each speaker to the topic, it may help later speakers to stay on the topic.
The Destiny of the Church
Lesson 13 - August 27, 2017
Focus Text: Ephesians 2:8-22
Central Truth: God is forming believers into a Church with a glorious destiny.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to explain how their church can be a victorious one.
Lesson Outline:
- Saved Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-10)
- Reconciled Through Christ (Ephesians 2:ll-l7)
- Foundation of Victory (Ephesians 2:18-22)