The LifeWay Adult Leader Guide suggests opening this week’s lesson, “Be Responsible” (from Galatians 6:1-18) with a discussion of the issue of why many prisoners end up back in prison after being released. According to a Wikipedia article, it’s because they find it difficult to fit into a normal life.
The parallel, I think, are Christians who are released into the freedom of Christ by salvation, but find it too hard to live the Christian life. So they end up returning to a former way of life (i.e. a lifestyle of bondage to sin). This is a good opening. However, some people may not get the connection because they refuse to identify with prisoners.
The above approach represents one alternative--a beginning and a failure. Another alternative is to open the lesson with a beginning and followed by continuous improvement. For example, discussion of someone (or thing) that experiences a new birth (or new beginning), and from there continues to improve on to maturity (with needed improvements and maintenance along the way). A new golfer that continues to improve might be a good illustration.
Another example is a remodeled old home; that’s a new beginning. Over time it may need maintenance and makeovers (or improvements). Similarily, Christians need to improve over time, too. Hence, this Bible study lesson.
Another example is a new technology product, such as the new Apple iPhone 3GS. Its introduction is a new beginning, but Apple will have to continue updating it for it to remain competitive. The same is true for some Christians. To remain at the top of their game, they will need to improve based on what they learn in Bible study. hence, this lesson from Galatians.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Man vs Child
In the lesson, “Follow the Spirit,” Paul thought Christians should live under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit, even in life’s minutiae. Dr. Sam Tullock’s comments mention the connection between “what a person is” and “what a person does”. That might be a good statement to make and then get reaction from class members.
It appears to be the same idea Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 7:17-20, “by their fruit you will recognize them.” For example, a person filled with rage, is an enraged person. Hence, his behavior is directed by what he is. Being enraged influences what he does.
For a biblical illustration, Paul said in 1 Cor 13:11-12, “11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”
In other words, as a child is so a child does, and as a man is so a man does. For a little humor, here is a video on Man vs Kids (the kids win in the end).
It appears to be the same idea Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 7:17-20, “by their fruit you will recognize them.” For example, a person filled with rage, is an enraged person. Hence, his behavior is directed by what he is. Being enraged influences what he does.
For a biblical illustration, Paul said in 1 Cor 13:11-12, “11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”
In other words, as a child is so a child does, and as a man is so a man does. For a little humor, here is a video on Man vs Kids (the kids win in the end).
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
How well do you follow directions?
The LifeWay Adult Leader guide pictures the struggle between flesh and Spirit as a civil war. Paul pictured it as Battle of the Mind in Romans 12:2. We all have a worldview—mostly trained by popular media. Even though we are a new creation in Christ, we filter every input thru our worldview. However, our minds must be transformed to think from a Biblical perspective (like God thinks). As a man thinks, so he is. When we obey the Word, the Holy Spirit uses it to transform our thinking.
How do you plan to illustrate Step 2? I don’t see it as “walking behind the Spirit.” Rather, I see it as being alert and responsive to the Spirit's personal guidance in my life.
Going back to the analogy of a personal navigation system, do we listen to the Spirit, or ignore Him?
You may consider using a “test of people’s ability to follow directions” given on slide 10 of my PPT slides for the lesson, “Aspire to Walk With God,” taught in Dec, 2007.
How do you plan to illustrate Step 2? I don’t see it as “walking behind the Spirit.” Rather, I see it as being alert and responsive to the Spirit's personal guidance in my life.
Going back to the analogy of a personal navigation system, do we listen to the Spirit, or ignore Him?
You may consider using a “test of people’s ability to follow directions” given on slide 10 of my PPT slides for the lesson, “Aspire to Walk With God,” taught in Dec, 2007.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Follow The Spirit, Galatians 5:16-26
Eli Landrum, Jr. wrote the LifeWay Adult Leader Guide commentary for “Follow the Spirit”, this week’s lesson from Galatians 5:16-26. In his opening remarks, he indicates that Christians need guidance as we exercise our freedom in Christ. To illustrate a “guidance system” he mentions automobile navigation systems.
In particular, Landrum says he wants a navigation system better than the one featured in a commercial he saw. I think I found the commercial he referenced, but what Landrum doesn’t mention is a surprise—who’s behind the voice of the navigation system?
In particular, Landrum says he wants a navigation system better than the one featured in a commercial he saw. I think I found the commercial he referenced, but what Landrum doesn’t mention is a surprise—who’s behind the voice of the navigation system?
Saturday, June 27, 2009
PPT Slides for "Claim Your Freedom," Gal 5:1-15
A first on this blog is for me to post the PPT slides of one of my co-teachers (their usually not finalized in time). Randy Stewart allowed me to post his slides for Claim Your Freedom.
Randy and I both pray that these slides will help you.
Some of you readers out there are great teachers, and I would be all too happy to post a link to your slides if you send it to me before Sunday. ronnieward [AT SIGN] yahoo [DOT] com.
Randy and I both pray that these slides will help you.
Some of you readers out there are great teachers, and I would be all too happy to post a link to your slides if you send it to me before Sunday. ronnieward [AT SIGN] yahoo [DOT] com.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Circle drawers
You might be able to use children’s responses to the question: “What does freedom mean to you?” to introduce some levity into your lesson, “Claim Your Freedom”. You might simple ask your class the question, “What does “freedom in Christ” mean to you?” List a summary of their answers on a marker board as they call them out.
The commentary by Dr. Sam Tullock describes the Judiazers as what he calls “circle drawers”—Bible preachers or teachers who build their identity or following by claiming to be guardians of some great truth, or rediscovered truth (I have in mind the Emergent church movement). In what ways do today's followers of such “circle drawers” give up their true freedom in Christ?
The commentary by Dr. Sam Tullock describes the Judiazers as what he calls “circle drawers”—Bible preachers or teachers who build their identity or following by claiming to be guardians of some great truth, or rediscovered truth (I have in mind the Emergent church movement). In what ways do today's followers of such “circle drawers” give up their true freedom in Christ?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
First Baptist, Chester, IL is back!
FBC, Chester, IL posted their question based lesson plan for “Claim Your Freedom”, which I reproduced below since their link is not sticky.
Galatians 5:1-15
“Claim Your Freedom”
-Share your name with the class and give us your definition of freedom.
-If you break the law can you expect to loose your freedom? Can you be forgiven by God if you break the law? Is there any sin that you can commit that God will not forgive you for?
-How many translations of the Bible do we have in class today? Let’s read Galatians 5:1a from the different versions. What does this simple verse say to you in your own words?
-Have you ever been imprisoned by an unfulfilling job? How about a difficult relationship... a lengthy illness or a financial problem? How did you feel when you broke free from that situation? How is that freedom comparable to the freedom you receive in Christ?
-Have you ever intellectually accepted something as true but then acted as if you did not believe it? Does anyone want to elaborate?
-The Galatians listened and said they believed Paul when he taught them about “faith” alone but then they still tried to earn their salvation! Does that sound like anyone you know?
-Why do you think Paul told them to “STAND FIRM”? What is the yoke of slavery that he told them to avoid?
-Truth time! Have you ever allowed your faith to become burdensome, like a yoke? How were you able to have that burden lifted?
-If you could give some good advice to another believer about not becoming burdened and bogged down with legalism in their Christian life, what would you say?
-Do you know anyone who has fallen from grace? Can someone explain how a Christian can fall from grace?
-What does Paul tell us the person living by faith is eagerly awaiting?
-If a person wanted to be righteous or to be in a right relationship with God; can they do so by following a list of dos and don’ts?
-If you were placed in prison for several years and finally were released, would you choose just to stay there instead of enjoying your freedom? As a Christian freed by Jesus why do you sometimes place yourself back in chains?
-Does the promise of future righteousness offer you hope in your Christian faith?
-What two metaphors did Paul use as he wrote about Christian faith and legalism?
-Would you describe your Christian life as a sprint or a marathon? What would you like it to be?
-Is it possible to compromise the Christian truth? Can small compromises lead to bigger ones?
-Here is the million dollar question!!! Is Christian freedom a license to sin? What did Paul say in verses 13-15?
-Have you ever seen Christian freedom abused? How? What do you do to avoid such abuse in your own life?
-Do you know of any church that has ever fought among themselves? Why is possible that Christians can experience huge bitter disagreements with fellow believers? How much damage can such conflicts do to the kingdom of God?
-To sum up Paul this week, what is the essential ingredient to a saving relationship with God?
-Let’s pray, asking God to fill us with His spirit of love for one another, thanking Him for our freedom by His love for us.
Galatians 5:1-15
“Claim Your Freedom”
-Share your name with the class and give us your definition of freedom.
-If you break the law can you expect to loose your freedom? Can you be forgiven by God if you break the law? Is there any sin that you can commit that God will not forgive you for?
-How many translations of the Bible do we have in class today? Let’s read Galatians 5:1a from the different versions. What does this simple verse say to you in your own words?
-Have you ever been imprisoned by an unfulfilling job? How about a difficult relationship... a lengthy illness or a financial problem? How did you feel when you broke free from that situation? How is that freedom comparable to the freedom you receive in Christ?
-Have you ever intellectually accepted something as true but then acted as if you did not believe it? Does anyone want to elaborate?
-The Galatians listened and said they believed Paul when he taught them about “faith” alone but then they still tried to earn their salvation! Does that sound like anyone you know?
-Why do you think Paul told them to “STAND FIRM”? What is the yoke of slavery that he told them to avoid?
-Truth time! Have you ever allowed your faith to become burdensome, like a yoke? How were you able to have that burden lifted?
-If you could give some good advice to another believer about not becoming burdened and bogged down with legalism in their Christian life, what would you say?
-Do you know anyone who has fallen from grace? Can someone explain how a Christian can fall from grace?
-What does Paul tell us the person living by faith is eagerly awaiting?
-If a person wanted to be righteous or to be in a right relationship with God; can they do so by following a list of dos and don’ts?
-If you were placed in prison for several years and finally were released, would you choose just to stay there instead of enjoying your freedom? As a Christian freed by Jesus why do you sometimes place yourself back in chains?
-Does the promise of future righteousness offer you hope in your Christian faith?
-What two metaphors did Paul use as he wrote about Christian faith and legalism?
-Would you describe your Christian life as a sprint or a marathon? What would you like it to be?
-Is it possible to compromise the Christian truth? Can small compromises lead to bigger ones?
-Here is the million dollar question!!! Is Christian freedom a license to sin? What did Paul say in verses 13-15?
-Have you ever seen Christian freedom abused? How? What do you do to avoid such abuse in your own life?
-Do you know of any church that has ever fought among themselves? Why is possible that Christians can experience huge bitter disagreements with fellow believers? How much damage can such conflicts do to the kingdom of God?
-To sum up Paul this week, what is the essential ingredient to a saving relationship with God?
-Let’s pray, asking God to fill us with His spirit of love for one another, thanking Him for our freedom by His love for us.
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