Milo plan

Milo Baptist Church in Ratliff, OK posted a lesson plan for “Always Trust Christ.” It has an outline like the LifeWay plan, but it takes a less expository approach.

I also copied the post since the link above is not persistent.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
9/23/2007

ALWAYS TRUST CHRIST Matt. 8:1-9:34
KEY VERSE: And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matt. 8:26
The story is told about a man named Jerry and that he had only asked for two things his whole life: health and protection for his family. "God has always been faithful."
Now, however, Jerry was waiting on a diagnosis that did not look good. His faith had been dependent on a condition that might not be sustained forever. People get sick. Family members have accidents.
This lesson is designed for people who are facing or will face challenging circumstances such as sickness, accident, or a spiritual crisis. It focuses on situations in which Jesus helped people through various crises.
This section of Matthew contains multiple stories of Jesus' power over various challenges in life. That Jesus surmounted them all invites us to trust Him in all circumstances.
After recording the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chronicled three miracles of healing that demonstrated slightly different aspects of Jesus' power. The cleansing of the leper demonstrated Jesus' power over one of the worst maladies of the day.
The healing of the centurion's servant showed Jesus did not need to be physically present to heal. At Capernaum, Jesus cast out demons, thus demonstrating His sovereign power over evil.
A scribe's claim he would follow Jesus wherever He went became the occasion to illustrate the true nature of discipleship. Jesus described conditions that were very difficult and not always subject to miraculous deliverance. True discipleship is defined by trust in Jesus, no matter what the circumstances may be.
The next two miracles, the stilling of the storm and the two men possessed by multiple demons, illustrate Jesus' power over nature itself and over the most extensive and entrenched evil.
Forgiveness of sin is God's work. Thus when Jesus demonstrated He had the ability to forgive the paralytic, in addition to having the ability to heal, He made a highly significant claim. This claim brought the charge of blasphemy against Him that would eventually lead to His crucifixion.
The call of Matthew the tax collector and the fellowship with tax collectors and sinners illustrates Jesus' openness to all people. He wants to help all kinds of people; therefore all kinds of people can come to Him.
The question of fasting illustrates the newness of Jesus' ministry and the joy associated with Him. The healing of the young girl, the woman with an issue of blood , and the blind men again demonstrate Jesus' compassion for people in difficult situations.
The final narrative in this section, that of driving out of the demon, was a further occasion for condemnation by the Pharisees. They accused Jesus of being in league with Satan and their opposition became more firm and deadly.

1. WHEN YOU ARE AILING (Matt. 8:1-3)
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Leprosy was a devastating illness. In the first century, many forms of skin lesions might have been considered leprosy. The descriptions are so broad that today we know some of the diseases may not have been what we call leprosy. That some people recovered indicates they were not suffering from actual leprosy, for short of a cure from God, no one recovered.
The man in this narrative had not recovered, leading us to assume he had the worst form of the disease. Caused by the tuberculosis bacteria, leprosy leads to a numbing of the extremities and gross, ulcerated deformations.
Fingers, toes, even an entire foot or hand might be lost to the progressive disease. Over a period of 10 years or more, victims of leprosy would die a piece at a time. Their physical suffering would have been extreme.
Worse was the social and religious impact of the disease. The significance of the distinction of clean and unclean is difficult for us to grasp today, but in that society it was of utmost importance. The Jewish people thought being unclean meant one was to be separated from God's people and would be rejected by God.
According to Levitical regulations, a leper had to announce his condition, by crying out "Unclean! Unclean!." A leper was forced to live outside the village, often in a leper colony. To touch a leper, or even be near one, rendered another person unclean. Next to a dead body, a leper was the most unclean object in that society. Indeed, the leper was considered a dead man.
When the leper came and begged Jesus to heal him, Jesus reached out and touched him, even though his skin was covered with the dread disease.
Sin is also an incurable disease-and we all have it Only Christ's healing touch can miraculously take away our sins and restore us to real living. But first, just like the leper, we must realize our inability to cure ourselves and ask for Christ’s saving help.
The law required a healed leper to be examined by the priest. Jesus wanted this man to give his story firsthand to the priest to prove that his leprosy was completely gone so he could be restored to his community.

11. WHEN YOU ARE IN DANGER (Matt. 8: 23-27)
23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And His disciples came to him, and awake him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

The Sea of Galilee is an unusual body of water. It is relatively small (13 miles long, 7 miles wide). But it is 150 feet deep, and the shoreline is 680 feet below sea level. Sudden storms can appear over the surrounding mountains with little warning, stirring the water into violent 20 foot waves, The disciples had not foolishly set out in a storm. They had been caught without warning, and their danger was great.
For the word storm, Matthew actually used the Greek word that also means "earthquake." This storm was violent and dangerous. The boat would have easily been lost in the troughs of seas, which might run as high as 20-30 feet.
In the middle of this chaos, Jesus was sleeping. Complete trust in God leads to calm certainty. The disciples looked at the waves and feared for their lives. Jesus looked to the Father and rested. Whose example are you more likely to follow?
Jesus demonstrated power over the destructive forces of nature, which were under the devil’s sway. Such a Person is worthy of worship. Even the winds obey him.
We often encounter storms in our life, when we feel God can't or won't work. When we truly understand who God is, however, we will realize that he controls both the storms of nature and the storm of the troubled heart. Jesus' power that calmed this storm can also help us deal with the problems we face. Jesus is willing to help if only we ask him. We should never discount his power even in terrible trials.

111. WHEN WE NEED FORGIVENESS (Matt. 9:1-8)
1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arise, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power to men.

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, which is about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean. Obviously no boat could have taken Him there.
Instead, this town was Capernaum, on the northwest shore of the sea. The Gospel of Mark clearly identifies this town as the location of this miracle. Capernaum was home to several disciples and apparently served as a home base of Jesus during His ministry around this sea.
After Jesus returned to Capernaum, a group of men brought a paralytic to Jesus for healing. Surprisingly, Jesus declared the man's sins forgiven. Apparently, Jesus had decided that such forgiveness was necessary before the paralytic could be healed. In response to the faith of those who brought this man, Jesus both forgave the man’s sins and healed him. The crowd was amazed at Jesus, with a combination of terror and awe, and they gave glory to God for what He had done.
This miracle caused people to give glory to God because He had delegated such authority to Jesus. His works of healing and forgiving were signs that God’s kingdom was dawning.
We can say that we love God or others, but if we are not taking practical steps to demonstrate that love, our words are empty and meaningless. How well do your actions back up what you say? Jesus action showed that his words were true, he had the power to forgive as well as to heal.
FORGIVENESS OF SIN (Matt 9:1)
Sin is a spiritual barrier between God and humanity preventing the relationship God desires with us. He is holy and cannot receive to Himself that which is unholy. His solution is to forgive sins through the sacrifice of His Son. In both Old and New Testaments one of the words for "forgiveness" literally means "the bearing away of sins." God, through Jesus' sacrifice, takes away our sins when we turn to Him in faith. Forgiveness of sin remains our foremost need, but it is often accepted and then forgotten-as we concern ourselves with other needs such as physical health and protection from danger. While these needs are legitimate, we must always be thankful for forgiveness and the fact that it enables our relationship to God.
SON OF MAN
Matthew uses this term to express the deity of Jesus, the unique Son of God. His references point to some aspect of Jesus' earthly ministry, such as His authority to forgive sins and to interpret the meaning of the Sabbath. Three categories of "Son of Man" sayings in the Gospels are generally recognized: (1) those that present Him in His earthly role, (2) those that highlight His suffering, and (3) those that point to His glory. The background for this title is likely Dan. 7:13-14.

LifeWay lesson plan for "Always Trust Christ"

If you haven’t noticed, this week I’m into reading various lesson plans posted on the web for Sunday’s lesson, “Always Trust Christ”.

I rarely see it happen, but occasionally I'll find the LifeWay plan for a lesson posted on the web. This week, Anderson Mill Baptist Church in Austin, TX posted the LifeWay lesson plan for “Always Trust Christ”. If you have the LifeWay curriculum, you probably don't need this. Otherwise, it may be helpful to you.

Another lesson plan

Another lesson plan for this week’s lesson, “Always Trust Christ”, based on Matthew 8:1-9:34 was posted by J. Meyer from Bayleaf Baptist Church. I copied it below since previous links to his posts have not been persistent in the past.

ALWAYS TRUST CHRIST Matthew 8:1-3, 23-27; 9:1-8
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Life Impact — To help adults trust Christ in all situations that we face.
Introduction:
➢ Pilots learn early to trust the artificial horizon on the instrument panel. Countless airplane accidents have taken many lives when pilots trusted “gut feelings” rather than the artificial horizon, a small instrument that indicates whether pilots are flying level. Flying under instrument flight rules in clouds or fault can give the pilot the erroneous feeling that the plane is leaning to one side.
➢ Trusting gauges rather than gut is much like trusting God rather than self. If we take our eyes off God, we can wind up in a disastrous situation.
➢ Giving control to Christ is no easy task, particularly for those who place their faith in him for the first time during adulthood.
Overview: In these two chapters we see Jesus demonstrate his authority. Matthew balances this major theme with the theme of compassion. The three miracles in chapter 8 show Jesus’ willingness to become unclean in order to make others clean. His works of healing and forgiveness were signs that God’s kingdom was dawning.
Verse-by-Verse Comments:
8:1
• This was the mountain Jesus climbed to teach the Sermon on the Mount, and these were the large crowds that followed him in 4:23-25 because of his teaching and healing ministry. Now they had all the more reason to follow him, because of the authority he demonstrated through his teaching in chapters 5-7. It was before such an audience that Jesus continued to reveal his authority.
8:2
• The mention of the word leprosy made the first-century reader gasp. Leprosy was the AIDS of the ancient world. Everyone was terrified of this disease. Anyone who came in contact with the leper was ritually unclean (Leviticus 13-14) and at risk of his or her life. Lepers were outcasts. They were to stay far away from healthy people and were obligated to warn anyone who might come near (Lev. 13: 45-46). This man’s willingness to approach Jesus and violate acceptable practice was an expression of his faith. His confident words — not necessarily confidence in Jesus’s willingness, but primarily in his ability — further emphasize the man’s faith. “Lord” was used as a title of respect, like “sir.” The leper was conveying respect to Jesus.
8:3
• Jesus’ willingness to touch the leper was an expression of his compassion. Matthew went to great lengths to emphasize Jesus’ action. Instead of recording “Jesus touched him,” Matthew used an expanded version: “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” Jesus’ touch was purposeful. He extended himself for the benefit of this man in need.
• When touching an unclean leper, Jesus would normally have become ceremonially defiled himself (Lev. 13-14). Of course, at Jesus’ touch nothing can be defiled. Jesus not only remained clean; he made the unclean clean. Touch in Jesus’ ministry is important throughout Matthew — especially in 8:15; 9:20, 25, 29. Of course, the man’s restoration was a testimony to the power and authority of Jesus the Messiah-King.
8:23-24
• Having filtered the curious and uncommitted from among his disciples by clarifying the price they would pay (8:19-22), Jesus and his disciples got into the boat he had ordered (8:22). Matthew highlighted the leadership of Jesus by his language: “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.” Those who followed them if you are willing to pay the price of 8:18-22.
• The Sea of Galilee was well-known for sudden, unpredictable, and violent storms. It is about 13 miles long from north to south, nearly 7 miles wide at its widest, from west to east. To travel from Capernaum (8:5) at the north end of the sea in the region of the Gadarenes (8:28) at the southeast end would have meant crossing the longest distance possible across the lake. Matthew pointed out that waves were sweeping over the boat. The natural reaction of anyone in this situation would be to bail out of the water, so the disciples must have been working feverishly.
• That Jesus managed to sleep at such a time attests to his humanity. He was exhausted from a long day of ministry. Even though the events of Matthew 8-9 are drawn out of chronological order into a thematic pattern, Matthew was showing that the Messiah was constantly ministering with compassion and authority and that he grew tired from his work.
8:25
• The disciples were probably angry that Jesus was not contributing to the bailing effort or exercising his power to help save their lives. To these men of little faith (8:26), Jesus was at least another pair of hands to help man the bailing buckets. The fact that they were so amazed and 8:27 suggests that their plea to save us in 8:25 meant they were looking for his participation and possibly his leadership in averting the crisis. But they apparently did not expect him to exercise such incredible supernatural power. It was one thing to heal leprosy, but quite another to control the fury of nature.
• Still the disciples had at least one necessary ingredient for true faith — an awareness of their helplessness. They despaired for their lives: “we are going to drown!” Their cry for Jesus’ help was more desperation than faith that he would actually stop the storm. Clearly, they did not yet have a full grasp of the nature of Messiah’s mission and his unfinished business.
8:26
• It was significant that Jesus rebuked the disciples before he rebuked the winds and the sea. If Jesus had any uncertainty about the outcome of the situation, he would have calmed the sea first, and then saved the lecture for afterward. By his conscious choice, he spoke while the boat was pitching wildly and the rain and wind were clashing violently, and the boat continued to sink. He knew that this was a teachable moment. We can imagine Jesus lingering in the midst of this violent scene, holding the disciples’ eyes for a moment to let his rebuke settle in, and then getting up from where he had been sleeping to calm the sea.
• Jesus’ rebuke of his disciples was justified because of the many miracles they had already witnessed that attested to his identity and power. But they were slow to catch onto the implications of what they had witnessed. Just as Jesus was surprised by the centurions faith (8:10), he was also disappointed at his own disciples’ lack of faith.
• Jesus literally called his disciples “Little-faith ones,” a single Greek adjective he used at times to rebuke his disciples (6:30; 14:31; 16:8; Luke 12:28). These “Little-faith ones,” like you and me, needed to be adding or supplying to their faith the kind of growth that ensured their greater reward (2 Pet. 1:5-9).
• Matthew did not record the actual words of Jesus used to rebuke the winds and the sea, but the words are not important. What is important is the identity and authority of Jesus over the natural world. Matthew chose wording that heightened his absolute authority over nature. Literally, “a great calm happened.” The word galene, “a calm, “is used only here and in the parallel Gospel passages of Mark 4:39 and Luke 8:24. Jesus proved himself to be the God of all nature, praised as sovereign over the mighty seas in Psalms 65:7; 89:9; 107:23-32.
8:27
• Three times in chapters 8-9, observers were amazed at Jesus’ miracles (8:27; 9:8, 33), and the same verb is used to Jesus’ response to the centurions faith (8:10). People in the first century had a much greater respect for the forces of nature than we do today (“even the winds and the sea” revealed the disciples’ awe for nature’s power). This respect for nature’s power is reflected by the numerous Old Testament passages that praise God for his control over them. To see the winds and the sea respond instantly to the word of Jesus was a major contribution to their developing understanding of him.
• “What kind of man is this?” The disciples were trying to pigeonhole Jesus. They were now being forced to add a new category to their mental list. Not only were the Pharisees impacted by Jesus’ actions, but Jesus’ disciples were also getting an education beyond what their tradition had offered them previously.
9:1
• Although this story includes a miracle, the central emphasis is on Jesus’s authority to forgive sin, not primarily on the physical healing of the paralytic. Jesus’ claim to have authority to forgive sins was validated by the healing of the paralytic, but also by the surrounding context of the series of miracles recorded in Matthew 8-9.
• Jesus and his disciples retraced the journey they had taken south across the Sea of Galilee (8:23-27). This same time they traveled from the southern tip to the northern tip, to Capernaum, which was now Jesus’ own town, his base of operations since 4:13. Note also that, in crossing the lake, Jesus was honoring the request of the Gentiles in 8:34.
9:2-3
• The men who brought the paralytic to Jesus were the companions of the paralytic. (Matthew chose not to record the extent to which their faith took them; that is, tearing through the roof of the house, as Mark 2:3-4 and Luke 5:18-19 did.) All three Gospel writers note that Jesus saw their faith — not just the faith of the paralytic but the faith of the man’s friends. This is significant today. We must realize that our faith or lack of faith has an impact upon the lives of others.
• Jesus’s words to the paralytic were probably even more surprising to the Jewish listeners and readers of the first century than they are to us today. We expect these words to have something to do with the man’s physical healing, but instead he started talking about the man’s spiritual healing. You might be surprised and puzzled, but the Jewish bystanders, especially the religious leaders (9:3), were shocked and offended. In claiming to do only God can do, Jesus was blaspheming, in their opinion. To blaspheme was to insults God’s name and honor by laying claim to an attribute or action that could be attributed to God alone.
• The most fundamental tenet of the Jewish faith is found in Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” The Lord is a jealous God, unwilling to “yield [his] glory to another” (Isaiah 48:11). The Jews would have been justified in their condemnation of Jesus, if not for the fact that he was indeed the Messiah-King. His miracles and authoritative teaching had already testified to this fact.
• Jesus’s compassion was evident in his encouraging words, “Take heart,” and in his reference to the man as son (literally, “child”). The man was probably feeling intimidated in the presence of the great teacher and feeling unworthy of the attention, due to the humiliation of his physical condition and the sin in his heart.
• Jesus did not say, “your sins will be forgiven” (future tense), which would amount only to exhortation of hope, looking ahead to God’s future forgiveness. Nor did he say, “your sins have been forgiven” (past tense), separating the forgiveness from this encounter. Jesus confidently used the present tense, “your sins are forgiven.” Jesus was boldly proclaiming his word as a means of forgiveness. This was an incredible claim to deity.
• The scribes’ thoughts about Jesus were “said to themselves,” that is, probably only silent thoughts in their own minds. This sets the stage for our appreciation of Jesus’s insight in 9:4. It also emphasizes the fact that sin is not only what comes out of us, but also what is within our minds and hearts. An attitude can be as much a sin as an action or word. Attitudes will inevitably come out as actions and words. This was already happening at least through the scribes’ nonverbal expression.
9:4
• We need not assume that Jesus literally read the minds of the scribes. He certainly had the capability to use supernatural mental powers when it was appropriate. At Jesus temporarily gave up the exercise of his divine omissions during his visit to earth (e.g., recalls his surprise at the centurions faith in 8:10). It is not necessary to be a mind reader to know a person’s thoughts under the right circumstances. When a pro-life advocate is in the presence of a pro-choice advocate, a staunch Democrat is a staunch Republican, both know much of what is on the other’s mind. Jesus, the God-man, was an astute student of humankind. He had at least as much insight into people as the wisest and most perceptive people do today. He knew his opponents would be thinking hostile thoughts while he claimed the authority to forgive sins.
• Jesus was justified in declaring the scribes’ thoughts evil. To conclude that Jesus was blaspheming ignored the significance of his authenticating miracles. They had hardened their hearts against God’s truth.
9:5
• Having confronted their obstinate disbelief, Jesus prepared them for proof that he had authority to forgive sins and to heal paralysis. Neither spiritual healing nor physical healing is “easier” than the other. But Physical healing is easier to authenticate and spiritual healing, because physical healing happens in the visible realm. Spiritual healing occurs in the invisible spirit realm. If Jesus could prove he had authority to heal physically, he could also prove that he had authority to heal spiritually — to forgive sins.
9:6-7
• Jesus put this reasoning into words: “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” He proceeded, with the authority of his word, to reveal a visible truth — that he was able to heal the man’s paralysis.
9:8
• The crowd’s reaction was awe and praise to God. There was no mistake that Jesus’ authority came from God. What they praise God for was that he had “given such authority to men.” The crowd apparently so Jesus is a God-ordained prophet, like Elijah or Elisha. They had not yet recognized Jesus’ deity. They had heard the human side of the “Son of Man,” but they had not recognized the divine implications from Daniel 7:13-14.
• God’s glory is the physical, a visible demonstration of his nature and character. To “praise” God is to make them visible to make them known to others. This was what the crowd was doing in their praise. They proclaimed what they had witnessed of God’s nature and character, that he might be made known more fully.
Additional Questions for Discussion:
Matthew 8:1-3 — When You Are Ailing
What did you do the last time you had a virus? How did you feel when the physician said you simply had to weather out the virus? Why does God seem to help sometimes and at other times appear to ignore us?
➢ God hears and answers every prayer, but we do not always understand want to accept the answer he gives.
➢ Jesus demonstrated that no person — absolutely no one — is beyond his love and concern, shown by his concern for the man with the serious skin disease.
How do you respond when you encounter someone with AIDS? How does AIDS compare with leprosy? How does Jesus establish a model for how we are to minister to others?
➢ Although large crowds follow Jesus down the hill after the Sermon on the Mount, the leper demonstrated more than curiosity. He violated religious and ethical standards to approach Jesus.
➢ Ministry should not depend on how others respond to social taboos or myths about diseases. Address the real issues of AIDS, including that you cannot get AIDS merely by touching a person infected with the disease.
➢ Our response to others should not depend on whether there are Christians, but on their needs.
Matthew 8:23-27 — When You Were in Danger
Invite the class members to describe times when they found themselves in dangerous situations. Ask them to brainstorm how to prepare for such dangers.
➢ Some activities can present dangers if we aren’t prepared. For example, snow skiing can be dangerous without the proper clothing, helmet, knowledge of boundaries, and hydration.
➢ Spiritual dangers can arise without proper safeguards as well. Notations have the greatest influence when spiritual defenses are low.
Why did the storm cause so much fear and men who had fished most of their lives? Wouldn’t they have faced storms before? Why was Jesus so calm?
➢ Remind the class of 2004 Indonesian tsunami and ask why the disaster wreaked such devastation and loss of life. Many people were caught without warning.
➢ Matthew used terminology that suggested the storm faced by the apostles was potentially devastating. Their boat could be swamped, and they feared they would die.
Why did the apostles fear the storm so much when Jesus was asleep? How did Jesus react to their fear? How did Jesus react to the storm? Why were the apostles so amazed by Jesus’ power over nature?
➢ “Little faith” emphasized that the disciples demonstrated in adequate faith.
➢ Although the powers of nature can be destructive, all things are still under God’s control.
➢ Jesus is still the anchor onto which we should tie our lives when we faced storms. We can be sure that we will not be abandoned by Christ as we weather our storms.
Matthew 9:1-8 —When You Need Forgiveness
What does “whatever it takes!” mean to you? Where do you draw the line? Are you willing to go beyond “acceptable” behavior to achieve your goal?
➢ Athletes say this is to suggest that they will give 110% to win. Yet some use this statement with wrong motives to suggest that if legal or appropriate means do not achieve their end, then they will do anything to achieve their goals.
➢ Large crowds followed Jesus. Getting a man on a pallet in front of Jesus seemed impossible.
➢ Call attention to the faith of the friends and the lame man. Note that our faith has an influence on others.
➢ Jesus recognized their faith and responded.
Have you ever done something that was right, but people criticized you for your actions? Why? What reactions did you receive?
➢ Encourage the class to share their reactions.
➢ Jesus showed that forgiveness of sins was more important than physical healing. In this he also made clear that he had the authority as the Messiah to forgive sin. ➢ Jesus also knew the hearts of those who charged that he was blaspheming. He knows our hearts as well and can determine whether our actions and influence are based on genuine faith.

Always Trust Christ, Matthew 8:1-9:34

Below is a lesson plan for this week’s lesson, “Always Trust Christ”, based on Matthew 8:1-9:34. See “Sunday School Questions” link from First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois. I copied it since the link does not appear to be persistent.

Always Trust Christ

Lesson Passage Matthew 8:1-9:34

1. Please state your name and will one or two of you share briefly the biggest challenge you have faced in your life.
2. Do you always trust Jesus Christ in all the situations you face? Why or why not?
3. In the background of our lesson, Jesus healed people. Does He heal people today? Do you know of anyone He has healed? How can this be explained?
4. Why is God always found in "the foxholes of life"? Why do we wait to seek God's help in difficult situations only after we have looked everywhere else?
5. In the first lesson passage, what disease did the man probably have? What potential risks were involved in Jesus' touching the man as He healed him?
6. How concerned would you be if the Pastor asked you to go with him and pray with a man who was dying from AIDS?
7. How much faith did the man possess as he approached Jesus? Think of someone you know or have known with a life-threatening illness, if physical healing doesn't or didn't happen, does that mean that the sick person's faith and trust was inadequate? Defend your answer.
8. What is it that gives you faith to trust Christ with physical problems and sufferings?
9. In some situations we must trust God to help us cope with our sufferings; how do you feel His presence during those times?
10. Here is the question of the day...is there a situation right now in your life that you know Jesus could help you with but you aren't sure He will? What is keeping you from trusting Him?
11. How many of us have seen a storm blow up quickly? How scared were the disciples in verses 23 to 27? To what cause did Jesus attribute their fear?
12. What is the most common response of believers in a time of danger? Why?
13. What storms of life frighten you the most?
14. Do you always trust Jesus to help you in situations that involve risk or danger? If not, why not? If so, how do you know you can trust Him completely?
15. Would someone like to briefly describe a time when you, like the disciples, were awestruck by Christ's awesome, divine power?
16. The account of the paralytic and his friends is also found in Mark and Luke. How do you think the paralyzed man felt about being carried around in his condition?
17.Which do you think was the greatest action of Jesus for the paralytic man: healing his legs or forgiving his sins?
18. Where do you see yourself in this story at the present time? What do you need the most
from Jesus? How difficult is it to trust that Jesus will take care of you?
19. Trusting Jesus opens the door to a daily trust relationship with Him. In what ways is your daily relationship with Jesus Christ sweet?
20. As we close in prayer, let's pray we will be alert for situations, problems, or fears that activate our need to trust Jesus.

PowerPoint "Strive for Godly Perfection", Matthew chapters 5-7

In an earlier post this week, I suggested playing a video of Nadia Comaneci (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5gR0g8lHIs). To play it offline from your PC, download it (and save it as a “.FLV” file) from Youtube using the website: http://www.kissyoutube.com/.

My PowerPoint slides for “Strive for Godly Perfection” are posted for you to use as you wish. Break a leg! By the way, since we have such a long background passage, you might want to insert a few more “transition” slides. For example, slides could be inserted to summarize 5:1-19, 27-37, and chapters 6 and 7. Have fun!

All week long

I started this week with a negative interaction with a bank service representative over a fee charged to my account. I felt taken advantage of, so it has not been easy to let go of the conversation. I keep asking myself what does God wants me to learn from Matthew 4:17-7:29 that applies to the phone call with the bank?


The conversation was very civil at a verbal level, but the attitudes underneath the words felt hostile.

Ask members to think about interactions they had with people this past week. Were there any negative encounters? How were these used to help members prepare to hear this lesson, “Strive for Godly Perfection”?


To give you a head’s up, I’m on track to post my slides this week, Lord willing.

Battle plan

Oswald Chambers has an interesting take on the Sermon on the Mount. “Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.” Its message is not “Do your duty”, but rather, “Do what is not your duty.” That’s “Striving for Godly Perfection” all right!

What’s your attitude about “going the second mile”? Do you anticipate a grace filled relationship, or harbor “I’ll show ‘em” thoughts? Jesus’ “battle plan” for his disciples was so total 180 that it is hard to fathom. Consider contrasting a modern battle plan for dealing with difficult people verses what Jesus wants His disciples to do.

Structured Programming

As explained by Mark Rathel, the Pharisees developed a set of rules and regulations, which were oral traditions, to prevent their breaking the Mosiac Law. The resulting righteousness was a “religious righteousness” achieved by keeping traditions. They misunderstood that “genuine righteousness” could only be obtained by the grace of God.

For the lesson, "Strive for Godly Perfection," I was thinking about illustrating this using some ideas from Computer Science. Since its inception, the task of developing useful, bug-free, computer software has been very difficult (like attaining rightness before God by human effort is impossible). For example, it’s estimated that Windows Vista operating system has nearly 50 million lines of code with a development team numbering over three thousand people. Yet on its release, the product was known to contain to a number of bugs, or operating anomalies. Developing bug-free software is a very illusive goal.

Computer Science has developed a number of techniques to improve the chances for a software project to produce bug-free code. For example, in the late 70’s a concept of “Structured Programming” (SP) was promoted as the “right way” to develop software. Associated with it, were a number of detailed recommendations, or programming guidelines for developers to follow (like the rules and regulations of the Pharisees). Whether or not a developer took these suggestions could be easily determined by reading his/her code (external behavior could be observed).

Experienced programmers did not always appreciate SP, but nevertheless, many adopted its “go to-less” programming style, which lead to some pretty code. They kept the rules and regulations as an external behavior, but their ability to produce perfect code remained unchanged.

Despite the invention of SP and many other software engineering techniques, developing perfect code is still only a dream (as the Vista example illustrates).

For people, however, genuine righteousness before God can be obtained by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who died as a sacrifice for sin.

Strive for Godly Perfection, Matthew 4:17-7:29

The LifeWay lesson material for Matthew is focused on basic questions concerning Christian behavior. Yesterday, I took an approach of asking members lot’s of questions, and in turn, encouraged them to ask questions. Our discussion was lively and informative. My worries about controlling the dialogue were unfounded. As usual, the Holy Spirit guided our speech to a positive result. Praise the Lord!

Also, this week’s lesson, “Strive for Godly Perfection,” from Matthew 4:17-7:29, answers basic questions about Christian behavior. Our highest goal is to maintain grace-filled relationships that invite people to Christ.

My first thought was to illustrate this lesson with a brief video of Nadia Comaneci scoring a perfect 10 in the 1976 Olympic games. Most of us can’t relate to the training regimen and disciple of such world-class athletes.

However, Jesus commanded believers to “Be perfect” (Matt 5:48). Like Nicodemus, I find myself asking, “How can this be?” (John 3:9). Let’s dig in and see what God’s Word teaches us!

P.S. If you can’t show a video of Nadia’s performance, then fall back to reading excerpts about it from a published article.

PowerPoint(PPT) for "God's Sinless Son" from Matthew

The notes on my PowerPoint slides for the lesson "God's Sinless Son" can be summarized as follows:

1. I want to encourage members to ask questions.
2. Public commitment is somewhat like that of a flying trapeze artist.
3. The "quick fix" mentality in our culture encourages us to "give in" when we tempted.
4. We want to be famous, but God wants us to know who we are in Christ.
5. "Showing out" (illustrated by a motorcycle jump) is contrary to who God has called us to be.

Don't just look thru the slides in "edit" mode, but "play" them to get a feel for how they will appear to members.

If you have any comments or questions on the slide contents, don't hesitate to let us hear your thoughts!

Proof texting

The Devil illustrates “proof texting” in Matthew 4:5-7, where he quoted a verse from Psalm 91 out of context to make a point which he believes, but is false. Jesus rightly quotes Deut 6:16. Take an opportunity to note that Jesus chose to highlight God’s greatness. Another example of proof texting is to justify binge drinking by quoting 1 Tim 5:23: “use a little wine because of your stomach”.

You might give a few other examples. However, it might create a very interesting discussion to ask class members to share a verse which they think is often quoted out of context. You'll discover what members already know about proof texting.

I’ll try to post my lesson slides by Saturday afternoon.

Quick fix

A “quick fix” mentality pervades our culture. In the wilderness, the Devil offered Jesus a “quick fix” solution for His legitimate need to eat (see Matt 4:1-4). “God’s Sinless Son” resisted the temptation to use His power selfishly and relied on God instead. What is our best solution to a legitimate, personal need? What does God’s Word say about our need?

The Christian’s life is a continuous test. God has revealed Himself and His will for believers in the Bible, which is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training (see 2 Tim 3:16).

Public commitment

Step 2 of the LifeWay material for our lesson “God’s Sinless Son” emphasizes that John’s baptism made public Jesus’ inner commitment to God (see Matt. 3:13-17). Jesus resisted temptation partly because He was committed to the Father and committed to live according to the Father’s will.

How important is making a commitment public to one’s subsequent follow thru? Consider sharing the experiment described in this article and point out who remained the most committed.

Urge members who have not been baptized to make a commitment to do so. Discuss Christian baptism as a symbol of one’s commitment to God.

Questions, questions, questions

This week’s lesson, “God’s Sinless Son,” is taken from Matthew 3:1-4:11. As I read the verses, I was reminded of some initial questions I had when I first read them years ago.

Why was Jesus baptized? Was Jesus really tempted? What was the relationship between Jesus and John? How was John’s baptism different from that of a Christian? Can I repent of the same sin more than once?

I think it’s important to re-ask even basic questions members may have about Jesus’ baptism and temptation, and especially those from one not well versed in Scripture. People appreciate honest answers to their questions. Growth happens as a result.

Travis Frampton’s commentary on the lesson outlines the predicament of the Jewish people at the time John came. He also offers good questions, too. Interestingly, the Israelites were oblivious to their sinful nature both prior to their exile and at the time of John’s coming. They were deceived.

Surely we are no less human today than they were then, so I wonder in what way are we deceived today? Questions, questions, questions….I suggest that you begin preparation this week by making a list of questions that you will use to start your lesson. Putting up such a list at the beginning is bound to create interest in what you have to say. Sonshine again offers a set of study questions for this lesson that may help you form your own list.

Ready, set, go!

Great lesson questions are posted each week on the Bible.org forum on the LifeWay Explore the Bible lessons.

An idea to show that Jesus is God’s Unique Son is to take ten (10) minutes and have class members identify as many claims as they can about Jesus made by Matthew. Divide them into groups and have them compete with each other to see who can identify the most. Have them write on a marker board or tear sheet of paper as they work. Remember, neatness counts! If you can’t read it then it doesn’t count! Ready set go…

1:1 Son of David, Son of Abraham
1:18 conceived by the Holy Spirit
2:2 called ‘king of the Jews’ by wise men
2:11 worshipped by wise men
2:13 miraculously protected
2:23 fulfilled what was said thru the prophets
3:17 identified as God’s Son from heaven…

frankincense and myrrh

How Stuff Works explains frankincense and myrrh as sap originating from particular trees. Mixing them with other elements such as spices, for example, makes incense. Do babies have a sense of smell? Jesus is the God-man, who can certainly smell. What is the aroma of our worship of Him?

Consider carrying a spray room freshener with an orange, or lavender scent to class. Before class, spray the freshener around the classroom, and see if members notice when they enter. Later, this will help them better understand your discussion of frankincense and myrrh and their meaning. Surely frankincense would be a familiar smell to Jesus having smelled its aroma since it was used in temple worship, and myrrh would remind Him of His coming sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Expected, but unexpected value

I had a meeting this week with an individual whom I did business with for years over the phone, but had never met. There were some expectations on my part before the meeting, but when he arrived for lunch we had a great time catching up and making plans. Unexpectedly, the value of the meeting was even better than I had hoped for. Likewise, the birth of Jesus was expected, but unexpected value resulted when He came.

Mark Rathel’s commentary on this week’s lesson, “God’s Unique Son” gives a clear picture of both Jesus as Messiah and as God’s Son, but he highlights ways in which Jesus was unique. What an unexpected value He is!!

God's Unique Son

Pastor Jim McCullen’s comments on this week’s lesson from Matthew 1:18-2:3,7-11, highlights the contrast in the real worship intentions of King Herod and the actual worship conducted by the wise kings who met “God’s Unique Son”. We should make those distinctions clear to members in our classes by asking, “What are our real intentions when we come to worship Jesus Christ?”

PowerPoint(PPT) for "Worship Appropriately" from Malachi

I posted the final version of my PPT slides for this week’s LifeWay lesson from Malachi. I undated the slide on New Testament Giving and tweaked the points on a number of other slides. I appreciate the study questions offered by Sonshine for “Worship Appropriately”.

Sorry to put you thru versioning of all the slides this week, but it is hard for me to get things right the very first time! Preparing this lesson has not been the most difficult part of preparation, but preparing the heart of the teacher was very difficult! May God also prepare the hearts of members this Sunday as we teach His Word.

PowerPoint(PPT) for "Worship Appropriately" from Malachi

Okay, I posted the second draft of my PPT slides for “Worship Appropriately” (copied over the previous draft). I added a few more slides and improved the comments on the “notes” portion of some slides.

I’m getting more comfortable with the section on tithing, although I still want to hone the presentation a bit more in that area. Stay tuned!

Please let me know if see something that would be an improvement to the slides!

PowerPoint(PPT) for "Worship Appropriately" from Malachi

I’ve posted a draft of my PPT slides for “Worship Appropriately,” based on Malachi 2:17-4:6. I’m unsettled on how much to discuss the tithing issue. Houston FBC’s David Self’s commentary takes a traditional view of tithing. Dr. Sam Tullock’s commentary on this lesson avoids the tithing issue altogether and only poses a question to stimulate discussion. Hmmm? I inserted a slide on New Testament giving, but it includes only summary points. See the notes sections of the slides for other references.

Well, if you can improve the slides, please post a note so the rest of us can take advantage of your insight. May God bless each of you as you are lead by His Spirit to teach this Sunday.

I’ll close with a quote from Proverbs that you may want to think about as you prepare. Proverbs 22:19 "So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you."

Tithing testimonies

About 30 years ago I remember being asked to give a “tithing testimony” in the local church we attended. It went something like this: “Members were encouraged to complete commitment cards as the offering plate was being passed one Sunday. I hurriedly converted from my monthly salary to the form’s requested "weekly amount".

"Driving home, my wife and I discussed the amount and we realized I had made a $400 error. I promised more than I could give! I quickly called my Sunday School teacher and asked for his advice. What should we do? Retrieve the pledge card and re-work it? Just pray about it? Or simply ignore it?

"It was a serious matter to us and so we began to pray. About a week later I received an unexpected consulting request that yielded an additional $4000 in income that year, which exactly covered the $400 short fall in our pledge.”

How long has it been since you heard a “tithing testimony” in church? I haven’t heard one in at least two decades. Is that just my experience? If not, why do you think such testimonies are no longer used?

I don’t agree with the comments on tithing in Billie Friel’s commentary on “Worship Appropriately.” Harry Leafe offers a better commentary on New Testament Giving.

Hmmm ... How to approach teaching Malachi 3?

Mark Rathel notes in his commentary on “Worship Appropriately,” that Malachi wrote to urge a discouraged, unrepentant and “unloving people” to rightly judge between good and evil, to give appropriately to the LORD, to encourage others by highlighting God’s nature (revealed in His names), and to have hope in the coming “Day of the Lord.”

From the same Scripture passage, Malachi 2:17-4:6, Kathryn Aragon takes a more interesting approach in her lesson commentary, “Worship Appropriately.” She connects people’s attitudes today to those of whom Malachi wrote. She notes our desire for immediate results, but our need to rely on God, who has a different plan. She mentions the necessity of patience on our part, and an action plan to focus on the Lord and His truth.

You can build your lesson around either of these commentaries, but I think taking Kathryn’s approach is potentially more interesting and relevant as long as you make the connections clear and keep it Bible based.

A blurb about Kathryn from the Texas Baptist Standard website:
Kathryn Aragon, writer of the Explore the Bible Series, is a freelance writer and creative consultant with 15 years of experience writing ministry-related articles and training materials. She is Creative Director in Duncanville’s First Baptist Church’s media ministry, as well as Banner Director of the banner ministry. Kathryn writes curriculum, press releases, magazine articles, and marketing materials. She also does graphic arts and web design for churches and small businesses.

Mark Rathel is an Associate Professor of Theology at Baptist College of Florida.

Worship Appropriately

Today, in a medical center, I watched as a nurse carefully prepared a patient for a surgical procedure. A number of key steps were taken in advance to insure that the procedure was successful, which it was. Essentially, questions about medical history, multiple diagnostic tests, a last minute ECG, and cleaning of the surgical site were all conducted to make sure the patient was completely ready for the surgery. All the preparation was appropriate.

As I watched, I thought about this week’s lesson topic, Worship Appropriately, based on Malachi 2:17-4:6. Just as the medical professionals worked to appropriately prepare the patient for surgery, Malachi described how Messiah would cleanse the Jewish people to worship the LORD with righteousness, which is entirely appropriate.

The Lord’s refinement was like cleansing lye, which was used in Old Testament purification rites. When I was a kid, my dad would clean the tarnish off coins using a paste he made from scratch. Unfortunately, I don’t know the recipe. Otherwise, turning a dirty penny into a shinny one might be a cool illustration of cleansing.

The Bible says "to share"

This picture of a man sharing his umbrella with his wife illustrates idea behind the custom referred to in Malachi 2:16. He is holding the umbrella and she is under his care.

Pray for all the teachers this week teaching “Live Honorably”. Because of the prevalence of divorce in our society, I think it will be a difficult lesson to teach.

Going back on your word

One way to “Live honorably” is not to break faith, or “go back on your word”, whether at work, or in a marriage relationship. Google that phrase and lots of examples pop up, such as the recent Survivor example where Dreamz Went Back on His Word to Yao-Man. In the show Finale, the player named Boo addressed the issue with Dreamz.

Illustrating breaking an agreement

As usual, SonShine developed study questions for this week’s Explore the Bible lesson, which comes from Malachi 2. To Live Honorably, we must be covenant keepers just as the Lord is a covenant keeper.

What is the impact of breaking, or “not keeping” our agreements (covenants)? You can site statistics on divorce rates, spousal abuse, or speak anecdotally about the impact on our Christian witness.

Another graphic way of illustrating how devastating breaking an agreement can be is to present a disaster such as the Frank Slide. People working in and around the Frank mountain operated with an understanding that it would keep its "agreement" to stand tall. When “that agreement” was broken, the mountain fell, and 70 people lost their lives. That’s the way it is when we break our agreements. The results are devastating.

Live Honorably, Malachi 2:1-16

Based on Malachi 2, LifeWay titled this week’s lesson “Live Honorably”. The Israelites were in covenant relationship with God. Christians are in a new covenant relationship established by Jesus Christ. The question is what old covenant teaching in Malachi 2 is relevant to new covenant Christians? Plenty.

I urge you to read the LifeWay Extra for this lesson written by Carole Waina. She has obviously put a lot of thought into teaching this lesson.

Love vs hate

I plan to carry two apples to class to illustrate God’s choice between Jacob and Esau. I will ask a member to chose an apple from the pair when covering Malachi 1:2-3. Most likely the person will chose an apple based on appearance, etc. (illustrating how we judge based on appearance). As humans, we tend to make the apple the issue.

God didn’t do that. He simply made a choice to accomplish with whom to accomplish His purpose. He favored Jacob and didn’t favor Esau. See the LifeWay Leader Guide discussion on p. 118 for a discussion of love vs. hate. As I understand it, the Hebrew does no refer to an absolute love for Jacob and an absolute hate of Esau. Instead, the Hebrew simply indicates a favoring one individual and not the other not based on God's purpose (not that one was better than the other in some way or another).

Love Wholeheartedly, Malachi 1:1-14, PowerPoint

I've posted the first draft of my PPT slides for the LifeWay lesson "Love Wholeheartedly", which is based on Malachi 1:1-14.

I'm considering whether or not we'll have class time to accomodate a slide on the names of God. If I make a substantive change like that, I'll post a new version and let you know.

Of course it goes almost without saying, but if you make any changes or additions to the slides, post a comment here so everyone else can benefit from your insight! Thanks!

New Covenant sacrifices

The lesson “Love Wholeheartedly” is wrapped up with Malachi 1:13-14. Jews sacrificed animals as sin offerings (also thank offerings), but in the hum drum of everyday duties, they lost their high view of the LORD. The priests grew weary of making sacrifices day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year. Their work became a burden, and they developed poor attitudes and adopted deceitful practices.

New Testament Christians no longer make sacrifices for sin since Christ paid that price once for all (every believer's past, present and future sins—see Hebrews 7:27). Scripture does teach, however, that Christians are to make sacrifices—see Romans 12:1, Philippians 4:18, Hebrews 13:15, Hebrews 13:16, and 1 Peter 2:5.

As you end preparation for your lesson, consider the idea of teaching the sacrifices that can be offered by Christians as worship to God, and then challenge members to pursue these wholeheartedly out of love.

P.S. For those of you interested, I'll try to post my slides tomorrow.

Weighty, or weightless?

Step 2 of the LifeWay Explore the Bible lesson this week focuses on Malachi 1:6-12. To “Love Wholeheartedly” (note: Kathryn Aragon’s mention of the “love bug”) we must honor the Lord.

Interestingly, the word honor as explained in the LifeWay Adult Commentary suggests a weightiness that God has to us as we live life. Just how weighty is God to you? Is He weightless in your life, or is He an eight hundred pound gorilla, so to speak, that commands your respect? Is He a person that you honor by the way you worship Him?

Note: We are not under the Mosaic covenant, or legal system like the people to whom Malachi wrote. Nevertheless, God is interested in us honoring Him in worship today. What N.T. verses would you site to make this point? What sacrifices does the Lord command of us? Can you site specific N.T. verses to support your answer? Were the priests, who are mentioned in Mal. 1:7-8, willfully wrong, negligent, or simply lackadaisical about God’s requirements on them and the people? In what ways are we inattentive about honoring God today?

Short memory

Malachi describes what matters most to God, but ancient Israel was self-centered (as are people today).

It seems that we humans, in spite of our intelligence, suffer from an easily caught disease of ingratitude. Regardless of how much God blesses, it seems that we shortly forget it, and turn to complaining and whining. With respect to the Lord, we quickly forget Him and adopt an attitude of "What have you done for me lately?" as can be illustrated here and by this article. How would illustrate the short memory we humans have?

The LifeWay lesson “Love Wholeheartedly” is based on Malachi, chapter 1. On my PowerPoint slides, I will highlight the “assertion”, the “question”, the “defense”, and the “proof” to help members understand how to read Malachi’s style of writing. The idea is pictured in the slide below.

Love Wholeheartedly, Malachi 1:1-14

This week begins a three-week study of Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets. The first lesson is “Love Wholeheartedly”, which teaches us what matters to God.

It matters to Him for us to know that He loves us, and it matters to God that we honor Him. The lesson is about what matters to the Lord. We want to make it about what matters to us.

This has me thinking about opening the lesson with an illustration of “It’s what matters!” as seen by people in the world today. For example, a cyclist in the Tour de France prologue suffered some setbacks, "But I've got the yellow jersey, it's what matters." This jersey signifies that he is the overall leader.

Have any of you heard of a game called “It’s What Matters!”? It might serve as an opening if I can figure out how the game works.

Joy, Zechariah 9-14

I doubt you will need much help this week as you prepare to teach the final lesson “Joy” from Zechariah based on verses 9:1-14:21. It encourages readers with the promise of Christ’s first and second coming, which is surely a source of great joy to believers—regardless of their current circumstances.

Zechariah tells us how God brings His plan to an end with the coming of Jesus Christ. I think the best way to teach this lesson is simply tell what Scripture teaches, just tell the story!

Integrity elsewhere

I’ll end making suggestions on teaching the Lifeway lesson, “Integrity” from Zechariah 7 by noting other Bible-based material for teaching integrity. You may want to first cover the verses in Zechariah and then go on to speak about integrity from a more comprehensive standpoint. God bless!

Dress code

Last evening my pastor, David Fleming, discussed from the pulpit his personal conviction about why he wears a coat and tie in church services. He wants his dress to reflect his high view of the Lord. In terms of this lesson on “Integrity,” we might say that his clothes are in synch with his heart, mind and actions.

In my class, some members wear ties while others don’t, so dress code could make for an interesting discussion on integrity of worship. For example, an individual could dress in a tuxedo but not worship God with integrity if his mind was on the other side of town contemplating a meeting after church.

I’m not aware of a Bible verse where the Lord gives instructions about wearing a suit and tie for worshipping Him, but it seems “just wrong” for a person to show up to a worship service wearing flip-flops and cutoffs.

I don’t know what your thinking about this is, but discussing a topic like Sunday dress code in your class may help crystallize the issue of worshipping with integrity in the minds of members. On the other hand, dress code may be a non-issue in your class.

That sounds wrong!

Step 3 of this week’s lesson, “Integrity” examines “how to express integrity?” The LifeWay material describes worshipping with integrity as worshipping God as He instructed.

I thought of illustrating this using a song that’s performed either according to the way it was written, or according to some new interpretation by a particular artist. The level of integrity expressed by the artist depends on how well the performance matches that which the author intended.

For example, we’ve all heard songs performed that don’t sound “right” (sometimes when a current artist performs a classic tune). We hear the rendition and say, “That’s just wrong!”

That’s how I imagine God reacts when we worship Him without integrity.

You can come up with your own song if you choose to use this illustration, but as an example, I offer a guy doing a horrible rendition of a John Lennon classic.

Integrity: Hype vs. Reality

We are studying a lesson titled “Integrity” based on Zechariah 7:1-14. However, integrity is an often-multifaceted word, see the Stanford Encyclopedia entry. How do you define it? In what sense do you think the LifeWay writers use it in the lesson preparation material?

I think they use it to mean, “act with moral purpose”, that is, integrity is concerned with how one lives. Carole Waina’s writing in the LifeWay Extra for this lesson implies that a person without integrity are not what they appear to be, and she uses mystery shoppers as an illustration of people who are not what they appear to be (not to imply that such people are without integrity).

For me, the idea behind the word integrity is that an outward claim does not match an internal reality. You can probably cite many examples of where a claim doesn’t match reality. One example I’ve mentioned before is that of “spot remover”. Typically, I buy it to get rid of a stain, and after trying it, the product fails to live up to the hype.

Integrity, Zechariah 7:1-14

Did yesterday’s lesson go well? Mine did. The class especially liked the “impact wrench” video. Also, the application material I added as an update to the PowerPoint slides was well received.

This week’s lesson “Integrity” focuses on Zechariah 7:1-14. I have not studied Zechariah much, but I’m enjoying studying its intricacies. For example, what do you think motivated the people to come down from Bethel in the first place (7:1-3)? Did they perceive a lack of internal “wholeness”? My guess is they recognized an inconsistency in their motives. Sure, they ask about continuing some fasts they had started during the exile, but God raised questions about their integrity thru Zechariah. Interesting, right?

The Lord knows our inner thoughts and attitudes. We might fool ourselves, but we can’t fool Him. Are you feeling “divided” as a person in some area? You may be experiencing an integrity issue.

I recommend studying Sonshine’s questions for this lesson. They are divided into daily nibbles that can be digested with a reasonably short commitment of time. Answering the questions will help pull you into comprehending the text.

Dependence PowerPoint slides: Zechariah 4-6

I’ve posted my “Dependence” PowerPoint slides based on Zechariah 4-6. I encourage you to “play” the slides thru once to get their effect since they look a bit cluttered while in “edit” mode. This should help you see the overall message more clearly.

I think this lesson as presented only touches on relevance. It borders on being a history lesson. As Bible teachers, we must endeavor to be relevant, not just interesting. I’m praying and asking God to show me what areas members need to depend on Holy Spirit. They could be (1) in a witnessing situation, (2) struggling with obedience to a moral command, (3) discouraged in a relationship, (4) defeated by an illness, (5) doubting God’s call to serve, etc. How would you add this discussion into the presentation?

Flying banner message

I'll make this post brief since I am working on my PowerPoint slides. The flying scroll Zechariah saw in Chapter 5 reminds me of a banner message pulled by an airplane. As Mark Rathel mentioned, God's word was not in "book" form back then, but it was available for everyone to read and know! Just as the large print of a flying banner can be seen by all, so the Bible is available today for anyone to read. What is it saying to you?

Unexpected result

For teaching the LifeWay lesson “Dependence”, I mentioned yesterday the idea of illustrating the power of the Holy Spirit using a pneumatic wrench (sometimes called an impact wrench). The unexpected result in this video will interject some humor in your lesson.

What endeavor have you tried lately without the Holy Spirit? For example, when we teach a class, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives as the Bible is studied. Clever PowerPoint slides, cute illustrations, or other methods won’t win the day, but the Holy Spirit never disappoints. Spend time praying now for the Holy Spirit to move members hearts and minds in unexpected ways as you teach this Sunday.

"pneuma powered"

“Dependence” on the Holy Spirit, the topic of this week’s LifeWay lesson from Zechariah 4, is often talked about, but in practical terms, how do we about doing that?

I’m sure you’ve seen an illustration of dependence, or trust, using a chair. Intellectually we believe a chair will support us, but we don’t demonstrate dependence until we sit down in it. We believe in the Holy Spirit, but we don’t demonstrate trust in the Spirit until we learn to rely on Him.

Zerubbabel was admonished by Zechariah to depend on the pneuma, or Holy Spirit to rebuild the temple. Instead of using a self-powered tool, such as a lug wrench, Mike Barres suggests we use a pneumatic tool to illustrate reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. Using such a pneumatic tool, even the slightest among us would be able to remove lug nuts from a wheel. As Christians, we should be "pneuma powered".

Dependence based on Zechariah 4

Howdy! Well, I made it back from last week’s trip to Alaska. That state is an awesome display of the beauty of God’s creation. Like a lampstand, it is a testimony to dark minds that refuse to see God.

I missed studying LifeWay’s first message from Zechariah, but I’m looking forward to this week’s lesson titled “Dependence” based on Zechariah 4. It spotlights our need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Some graphics of the visions of Zechariah may help you prepare slides.

Speaking of dependence, I have to say that without an Internet connection I’m an idiot! How much do you rely on it? Try going without for a week. The next time you have a need to know something, try finding an answer without using the Internet. You’ll quickly discover how dependent you are on tools like Google and Yahoo, for example.

How dependent are we on technology? We simply cannot live anywhere near our current standard without it. Similarly, we can ask about our reliance on the Holy Spirit to lead godly lives. How much of the God’s revelation would we know without the Holy Spirit? How much would we believe, or trust without His work in our lives? Would we make even the slightest commitment to Christ without the Holy Spirit?

Site traffic update

Today, I offer an update on site traffic to this blog. http://teachinglifewaylessons.blogspot.com/.

Looking at the chart created by Statcounter.com, there was a significant jump in all the statistics for the month of June. Wow! Thanks for spreading the word!

June was the first month ever for returning users to exceed 900, which was up by over 200 users. Visitors also increased to over 2100, which is the most we've ever had, too.

Thank you!

I appreciate each one of you,
Ronnie
P.S. I will not post all next week since I am traveling and will not have Internet access :-(

PPT lesson helps for Haggai

For the Haggai lesson on “Commitment”, I located a few PowerPoint slide decks that are biblically sound enough that I feel comfortable recommending them to you. If nothing else they offer some formatting and presentation ideas, but I think they all offer solid messages.

“Rebuilding the House” from Ron Jacobs offers a detailed background, setting up a lesson from Haggai with an application for individual believers to rebuild their lives with God.

“Stay The Course” from Dave Gschwend of Hillside Evangelical Free Church also offers a handout for members (since it is a sermon).

“Haggai (part 1)”, “Haggai (part 2)”, “Haggai (part 3)”, and “Haggai (part 4)”, from pastor Hugh Crowder of Lakeland Bible Church, offers an in-depth presentation on Haggai, which I recommend.

Getting starting is the hardest part

Step 3 of this week’s lesson “Commitment” is based on Haggai 1:12-15. The Lord motivated the leaders and the people and they began work on His house (the temple).

This video from a commercial (be warned it’s off color somewhat at the end) illustrates how we all need to be motivated. Ask members to recall a time they had to be motivated by someone in authority (a relative, a football coach, a teacher, a policeman, etc.).

Happy 4th!

Commitment -- Haggai

Studying the prophet Haggai this week, the LifeWay Explore the Bible lesson makes application of his words in a lesson entitled, “Commitment”. Haggai admonished the Jews to rebuild God’s temple, which they neglected for 16 years after Samarian opposition.

I was reminded immediately of Paul’s words in 1 Cor 3:16-17, 6:19 admonishing the Corinthian Christians that they are God’s temple, and the Holy Spirit dwells there. What is your priority to build the house of God? Have you neglected it?

For those of you who remember, LifeWay had another lesson titled “Commitment” on 10/13/02, based on John 6:1-71, with focal passages 6:41-47, 60-69, and key verses 6:67-68. I’ve posted my lesson outline , which has the illustrations I used in teaching that lesson on commitment.

BTW, the Andes Mints were a big hit in class last Sunday! I think people understood the importance of Humility as the key ingredient to life with Christ. I likened it to the mint oil used to flavor Andes Mints.

Promised benefits—PPT slides for Zephaniah

To end the lesson on “Humility”, make a promise flower out of construction paper and have members write God’s promised benefits from Zeph 3:9-20 on the pedals and attach them with pushpins to the flower (mounted on a cork board).

As promised, I’ve posted my PowerPoint slides that I plan to use Sunday. As always, any comments you have are welcomed!

See it coming

We are studying Zephaniah this week preparing to teach the lesson, “Humility” out of the LifeWay Explore the Bible series on the Minor Prophets. What circumstances prompted the prophet to write the book?

The NetBible dictionary commentary on Zephaniah fixes the date of its writing around 630-625BC, and during that time, it suggests that an advancing Scythian army threatened Judah. The resulting destruction was described as a judgment, or "day of the Lord".

To help members relate, you might consider sharing a modern day story, “Razing leaves workers saddened”, which describes the destruction of a once great company (that even encouraged its employees to attend church). A corporate takeover attack failed (like the Scythian attacks on Judah), but crippled the leadership of the company. The story mentions pride, greed, shame, poor leadership and the ultimate demise of the company. Workers could “see it coming.”

What is God showing you out of Zephaniah that you want to teach to your class?

Settle for the best chocolate

While preparing to teach this week’s lesson, “Humility”, I was reminded of the admonition: “don’t settle for less” when I read Zeph 1:12. The Judahites had settled into ruined state of pride, and basically settled for less. How are we doing the same today?

Recipes for flavoring chocolate call for use of oils rather than extracts since extracts contain water, which ruins the chocolate (it thickens and becomes hard). Illustrate this to your class by passing out creamy chocolate for members to taste versus pieces of hard, bitter chocolate. Which is best is obvious. Say, in a similar way, a wrong ingredient, like pride, can ruin one’s life. Why settle for less? Avoid pride.

Humility

The April 29 lesson from 1 Peter 5:1-14 was “Act with Humility”. This week we have a lesson entitled “Humility” based on Zephaniah, which described the sin of Judah, their need to repent, and the coming Day of the Lord.

Kathryn Aragon’s commentary helps us see Judah’s unfaithfulness and disobedience as a form of pride, which connects the lesson passage to the topic of humility. She goes on to remind us of “our great value in the eyes of God”, which reminded me of Zeph 3:17, or the fact that the LORD will rejoice over His people with singing. Wow! I can’t wait to hear that song!

Members may not be ready Sunday to hear another lesson where God announces judgment on Judah and its surrounding nations. We have our work cut out for us this week! What is it today that members “can’t wait to hear?” See if you can come up with a top 10 list of “can’t wait to hear list.” Here are some starter ideas:

10. Hear Paris Hilton’s thoughts on mandatory minimum sentences
9. The sound of John McEnroe's voice
8. E.F. Hutton’s advice on surviving as a corporation
7.
…
1. Zephaniah’s prophecy about the Day of the Lord (see chapters 1 thru 3).

Don't be discouraged

A lesson plan as a series of 20 questions for “Await God’s Timing” was posted by FBC in Chester, Il. It occurred to me that the mere existence of the book of Habakkuk is testimony that God does answer prayer. He is working His ways in His time. Like Habakkuk, we might be unable to see God working today, but reading God's answers in the book will increase your faith and knowledge about God. I hope the Lord has answered your prayers about your class this week, and that you are ready to teach a great lesson from Habakkuk!

PowerPoint presentation on Habakkuk

Paul Coulter offers a PowerPoint presentation on Habakkuk, which I think can be helpful in preparing this week’s lesson, “Await God’s Timing”. As Christians prepared to give a defense for our hope, we should be ready to give an answer to the question: “Why does God allow evil?” But Paul Coulter asks an interesting question, “Are we more caught up with blessings than with God?”

Petty Tyrants

While reading the LifeWay Adult Commentary on Habakkuk for the lesson, “Await God’s Timing”, I wondered if we are enabled to see God at work among the nations today just as Habakkuk was commanded so long ago (see verse 1:5)? Why would God issue such an imperative if we unable to discern His handy work?

The Holman Bible Dictionary has an article on Habakkuk that gives a good outline of the book (follow the link and see the bottom of the page). The article describes King Jehoiakim as a petty tyrant, which is an interesting perspective. Consider having a discussion of petty tyrants in your lesson. I'm sure members will relate, but the Holman article makes a more important link from Habakkuk to Paul to Martin Luther. God is amazing!

Await God’s Timing Habakkuk 1:1-3:19

Sunday's lesson went very well. As one anonymous commenter suggested, I didn’t make the leap to “fighting injustice”. Instead, I ask members to privately confess sin and seek forgiveness from the same LORD that we talked about in Nahum.

A 115 of you downloaded the PowerPoint slides for the lesson. That was 35% of the unique site visitors from Thursday thru Sunday. As a ministry, I think the slides might be useful to more teachers, but there is not a simple way to reach other teachers to let them know about the blog. If you are interested in helping me do that, please forward a link to your Education minister with a note asking him to forward it to his buddies at other churches. Thanks!

This week lesson “Await God’s Timing” is based on Habakkuk. It's a good one. You know the expression, “a watched pot never boils”. It was like that with Habakkuk, who observed the surrounding evil and wondered why God was slow to save. God’s revelation helped him, and it will help us learn to wait confidently on the Lord.

Carole Waina wrote the LifeWay Extra this week and to help members start thinking about time she offers an interesting introductory activity to have people mentally count and discuss the meaning of the clocks, watches, or other time pieces they have in their homes, as well as discuss key phrases like 24/7 and 356 days a year.

A different idea is to get members thinking about how impatient we can be. Have you ever gone to a movie and found yourself looking at your watch during the show? Have you ever changed lines hoping to find one offering faster service? What makes us impatient? You’ll find lots of suggestions on how to develop patience, but none are better than learning to trust an Almighty God.

Some last thoughts

In finalizing my PowerPoint slides, it occurred to me to be sure and have members locate verses in their Bibles as I teach. It's important to be able to find a passage in Scripture and practicing in class never hurts!

I know you all are pondering "What should we learn from Nahum?" Top of mind is "How does it apply to our lives today?" Join me in prayer that God will make His message from Nahum clear to us today.

Affirm God's Justice: Nahum PPT Slides

In working thru the lesson, I decided to take a more expository approach and cover chapter 2 as well. Phrases came to mind like "they got what they deserve" and "you can run but you can't hide" as I put together the first draft of my PowerPoint slides. Of course feel free to help me with any feedback you have regarding their content.

Significance of Nineveh's fall

We are studying Nahum in an Explore the Bible lesson entitled “Affirm God’s Justice”. As an analogy to how Judah rejoiced at the fall of Nineveh, the LifeWay Adult Commentary mentions how the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the East German government brought joy to all of Germany.

The Jews had a covenant relation with Yahweh, who had used the Assyrians to judge Israel, the northern kingdom, and campaign against Judah in 701 BC. Nahum prophesied that the LORD would zealously keep His covenant with Judah and judge the Assyrians—Nineveh fell in 612 BC (remind members of the vicious nature of the Assyrians by reading about their destruction of Judean city of Lachish).

Affirm God's Justice

Co-teacher Curt did a great job yesterday setting a context of the history of Edom and Judah before teaching Obadiah. So I’ve been doing some background reading today on Assyria to prepare for Sunday’s lesson: "Affirm God's Justice" based on Nahum 1:1-3:19, or specifically Nahum 1:1-3, 7-8; 3:1-7,19.

Mark Rathel’s commentary on the lesson is useful for background material if you don’t have access to the Biblical Illustrator articles: “The Historical Setting of Nahum”, and “God’s Jealousy”. Read the BI articles if you have them!

I admit that when I read Nahum’s book, it’s style left me wanting. However, now that I understand it is a book of poetry, I will approach the text differently.

To introduce the lesson, I was thinking of the phrase “got what was coming”. Hopefully I can find a useful news story, or video to use in opening the lesson.

Obadiah slides

PowerPoint slides presenting a study of Odadiah seems well done. Another seemingly well done PPT presentation on Obadiah is offered in PDF format. Did you know Obadiah is the littlest book in the Old Testament?

Drink every last drop

In Mark 10:38, Jesus asked the disciples “Can you drink the cup I drink?” His immediate destiny was death on a cross. He was asking the disciples if they could consume that same destiny, which they could not.

Relating this helps us know God better by giving us insight into how He thinks. To pick up on the idea of ‘drinking’, Obadiah 1:16 says that Edom drank in Jerusalem when they took part in Judah’s destruction—pillaging Judah, killing fugitives, handing over survivors, and boasting and rejoicing. They consumed (drank) Judah’s affliction with joy.

Now the word drink is used again in 1:16b to indicate the nations (they) that God uses to destroy Edom drink continually. In other words, these nations would destroy Edom (drink in the affliction of the Edomites) and continue (keep on drinking the Edomite destruction). Wow! Edom would be destroyed and then it would keep on being destroyed.

Verse 1:16c makes this even more clear by saying, “they (the Edomites) will drink and drink” of their affliction and become “as if they had never been.” The Edomites would consume their own destruction (drink) continuously to the point where it would be as if they had never existed. Only an incredibly powerful, and wonderful God could destroy evil so thoroughly.

To illustrate this, pour some drinking water in a small cup. Ask a class member to stand in front of the class and hand them the cup. Ask the person to drink it all, and hand the cup back to you.

When they hand back the cup, make the point about how God will thoroughly destroy evil. Ask the class if the cup is empty? Many will say yes because they just saw someone drink all of it. However, a few drops will remain in the cup. Hold it up and turn it upside down and let these drops fall. Explain that God caused the evil Edomites to drink every last drop of the destruction they afflicted on Judah.

Thorough

The Edomites didn’t “Accept God’s Leadership,” and verses 5-7 in Obadiah impressed me. God would be thorough in His judgment of Edom. While they could expect others (robbers, grape pickers, friends) not to be systematic, meticulous or comprehensive, they should expect God to be the opposite. He would completely and utterly judge their nation. No one would be exempt.

This teaches us how God thinks. He leaves no stone unturned. The Edomites would be completely pillaged and destroyed. For example, if cancer surgery is performed, we like to hear “we got it all”. We want to know that the cancer was completely and thoroughly excised. In the same way, the Judahites wanted to know that all of the “evil” Edom would be judged. God assured them that this would be the case. God is good.

You might search for a news story where “we got it all” is good news and use it to help members understand how Judah might have reacted to hearing Obadiah words in verses 5-7.

Accept God's Lordship

We are studying Obadiah this week. It is a prophecy against Edom (the descendants of Esau). They thought their homes were impregnable based on their high-cliff location, but the Lord makes clear they would be brought down. Their pride and arrogance would lead to their destruction. They failed to “Accept God’s Lordship.”

Once, I had an elderly man tell me that he thought he was bulletproof, meaning he was not going to die anytime soon. He said this because of his healthy lifestyle, regular physical exercise, and his current good health. Shortly after saying that he was diagnosed with colon cancer. God was merciful and he lived thru the surgery, but for sure, the experience altered his perspective.

A video of a soldier foolishly testing a bulletproof-vest ballistic plate looks like a hoax (or staged) to me. Nevertheless, it illustrates how arrogance can be deceiving. If it’s real, I can’t imagine a mindset that would allow someone to hold a target in the manner portrayed in the video. Maybe you can think of a movie scene where arrogance is demonstrated, but failure happens afterwards.