1. Fifteen Valuable Possessions of a Christian A Life Worth Living An Institution Worth Honoring

Transcription

1 1. Fifteen Valuable Possessions of a Christian A Life Worth Living An Institution Worth Honoring A Family Worth Respecting A Faith Worth Sharing A Church Worth Joining Liberty Worth Defending A Book Worth Reading A Character Worth Maintaining Commandments Worth Obeying A Message Worth Sending Promises Worth Believing A Relationship Worth Possessing Friendships Worth Appreciating A King Worth Serving A Future Worth Cherishing...63

2 Discovery Weekly Meeting Guide, Fall 2012 produced by Written by: Weeks DuBose EDITOR IN CHIEF: Larry E. Clements BUSINESS MANAGER: Wayne Sewell PRODUCTION EDITOR: Sally McInvale ADULT EDITOR: Jim Jones CHILDREN S EDITOR: Libby Gill ILLUSTRATOR: Connie Spears GRAPHIC ARTISTS: Shawn Blase, Jeff Allen, Greg Hilterbrand, Ashley Carozza, Blake Tilton LAYOUT DESIGNERS: Kyle Elkins, Cindy Butler Ashley Elkins CONTENT EDITORS: Terry McKellar, Carolyn Burks, Deby Turrentine, Joni Curtis PRINT PRODUCTION: Charles Easley Cover Design: Gregory Lee Hilterbrand Copyright 2012 Bogard Press 4605 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, TX

3 Weekly Meeting Guide Orientation/Lesson 1 FIFTEEN VALUABLE POSSESSIONS OF A CHRISTIAN Semester Objective This semester Discovery members will take an inventory of the valuable spiritual possessions available to all believers. Lesson Objective Discovery members will take an overview of the subjects for the semester. Bible Text 1 Peter 1:4, To an inheritance in corruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Evaluate As wealthy as he may be, Bill Gates of Microsoft fame is not the richest man in the world. His purported fifty-six billion dollars puts him in second place to Carlos Helu whose 2011 worth was listed as seventy-four billion dollars. Helu and Gates join 1,248 other billionaires worldwide whose combined wealth is over 4.5 trillion dollars. When people ask about another individual and say, What is he worth? they usually mean how much money does he have because obviously the world measures a person s worth in terms of his financial statement. It should not come as a surprise that God sees things differently. Jesus said, A man s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15). In this passage the phrase the things which he possesseth is a translation of one Greek word, huparchonta, which refers to tangible goods or the material things of value that a person accumulates. In today s language, Jesus said that the things of real value in life are not measured in dollars and cents. As wealthy as he was, Solomon was wise enough to observe There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing (Prov. 13:7). The economic situation of the world appears to exist in an atmosphere of uncertainty. The monetary wealth of even the great super powers of the world appears to be on shaky ground. In the days of Solomon and in spite of his enormous wealth he stated, Riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven (Prov. 23:5). Thankfully, the Christian s worth does not depend on his material possessions. After calling Abraham out of a pagan environment, God blessed him in many ways. Abraham became a wealthy, nomadic chieftain DIRECTOR S OUTLINE Most early Christians were not rich and famous. Today those who profess biblical beliefs are looked on by some as a less educated and perhaps, for the most part, a poorer class of people. The truth is, Christians actually possess great riches. However, these riches are not the kind offered by the world. Earthly riches are uncertain and fleeting, and Christians are not to trust in them. Believers are to put their trust in the living God, who giveth... richly all things (1 Tim. 6:17). Consider that the incalculable worth of a Christian includes a life worth living (Gal. 2:20), an institution worth honoring (Heb. 13:4), a faith worth sharing (Titus 2:1), a church worth joining (Eph. 3:21), a freedom worth defending (2 Cor. 3:17), a book worth reading (2 Tim. 3:16), a character worth maintaining 3

4 with a great number of servants, herds of animals and material possessions. Being a bedouin (a nomad), it was not in his culture to build cities. Yet, the Scripture reveals that his eyes were on a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). Like Abraham, Moses looked beyond the physical wealth and considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward (Heb. 11:26). The value and security of material wealth are questionable. Thankfully, a child of God s worth consists of things greater in value than silver or gold. This semester Discovery members will examine some of the things that constitute a Christian s worth. (Prov. 11:3), a message worth preaching (Rom. 1:16), promises worth treasuring (2 Peter 1:4), a relationship worth sustaining (Heb. 13:5), friendships worth appreciating (Prov. 27:17), a King worth serving (1 Tim. 6:15) and a future worth cherishing (Col. 1:5). Christians have a life worth living. For many, life does not always seem worthwhile and a kind of pessimism exists that can develop into depression. In Galatians 2:20, Paul wrote with optimism about living life on a higher level. He wrote, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Christians have an institution worth honoring. Hebrews 13:4 states, Marriage is honourable in all. Marriage is not of human origin. Rather, it is instituted by God Himself. In addition, marriage introduces Christians to a family worth respecting. This lesson examines the family and the role of family members in God s chain of authority (Col. 3:20). Christians have a faith, a system of doctrinal teachings, worth sharing. Jude admonished believers to contend for the faith (Jude 3). Christians also have a church worth joining (Eph. 3:21). A New Testament church is not to be a museum where the principles of faith are merely on display. A scriptural church is an institution in which a Christian is to be an active member serving God to the best of his ability. Christians have a liberty worth defending (2 Cor. 3:17). A Christian enjoys a spiritual liberty that relieves him from the ritualistic demands of the Law by his faith in Jesus Christ. This spiritual liberty is taught in a book worth reading the Bible (Psalm 119:105). A Christian has a character worth maintaining (Prov. 11:3), a Law worth obeying (Rom. 7:12) and a message worth sharing (Rom. 1:16). In addition to these, a Christian has promises worth treasuring (2 Peter 1:4), a relationship worth sustaining (Heb. 13:5), friendships worth appreciating (Prov. 27:17), a King worth serving (1 Tim. 6:15) and a future worth cherishing (Col. 1:5). These are a few of the things of value God has given to Christians, to list all of them would be impossible because God s mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:23). Get Ready... GETTING TO KNOW YOU Innovative and imaginative directors may be able to use this semester s games to illustrate the aim of the lessons; however, most of the games are for fun. Use them as snooze-busters to counteract boredom. The director has the option to use a game anywhere in the session he wishes. This first game of the semester may be used as a way for members to get better acquainted. Prepare a list of questions pertinent to all players. Three questions for each round are sufficient (See box for sample questions). Divide members into pairs. The director serves as the moderator. A member of each pair will leave the room. The partners who remain are asked how they think their partners will answer each question. Record each answer on paper. Call the members to return. Each one is asked the questions previously asked of his partner. Each time a player matches his Materials needed: A list of questions pertinent to all players (Four questions for each round) Pen or pencil and paper on which to write answers to prepared questions Sample questions: 1. If your partner were given $1,000 and had two hours to spend it, what would be one item he would buy? 2. Which would your partner choose if he were offered a piece of apple pie, a double dip of ice cream cone or an order of nachos. 3. When asked, which will your partner say he likes better, baseball or basketball? 4

5 partner s answer, the pair receives a point. The pair with the most points at the end of the game wins. If desired, more questions may be asked. Get Set... Have Discovery members divide into pairs. Give each pair an index card and a pencil or pen. Tell the members that in Ephesians 3:8 the apostle Paul wrote about the unsearchable riches of Christ. On their card each pair will list two things they would consider to be part of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Give members three to five minutes to complete this exercise depending on the time allotted to it. The director will take up the cards and choose several at random to read. There are several elements in a Discovery lesson. The director must consider which ones should be given the most time. The may be used by the director any time during the period at his discretion. Suggestion: Choose a time when the exercise can best strengthen the lesson. Materials Needed: Index cards Pens or pencils Go... Leaflet 1, Page 1. Members will read the article on page 1. The director will share with the members the fifteen lesson topics and the aim of each. Leaflet 1, Page 1. Ask: At this time in your lives, what do you consider most important to you? Read 1 Peter 1:4. Ask: Now that you have heard this passage, how do you think this relates to you personally? Call for volunteers to share their responses. Leaflet 1, Pages 2 and 3. Leaflet 1, Pages 2 and 3. The exercise RATE IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE asks members to rate on a scale of 1 to 10, ten items according to their importance to them and their futures. Ask for volunteers to share their responses. The exercise IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES calls for members to imagine they could have any three things they wanted. What would they be? Call on volunteers to give their answers and explain their reasons. In the exercise YOUR GREATEST HOPE, members will list three physical (material) things they possess that if they were to lose them would make them extremely anxious about the future. 5

6 Call for volunteers to share their answers. The answers will vary. Leaflet 1, Page 4. The director may present the at this point if he wishes. After collecting the cards from members, the director will randomly select several of the cards to read that represent the view point of Discovery members. Leaflet 1, Page 4. The Bible speaks not only of spiritual matters but also it mentions God s view about wealth and material possessions and what believers should think of them. The Bible teaches that God s children should not consider the possession of material things all that important because they have eternal possessions that are far more valuable. DEFINING TERMS: 1. James 2:5 An heir is a person who inherits the property of another Peter 1:4 An inheritance is property or things of value that pass to another at the owner s death. At the death of the wealthy landowner, his children became the owners of all that he had left them in his will. FIND THE PASSAGE Number 3 states that riches or money seems to take wings and fly away. This describes the financial state of most people today. Why? Perhaps it is because they adopt the attitude I want it all, and I want it right now. In the exercise DEFINING TERMS, members will read two passages of Scripture and answer the questions about each one. Call for half the members to answer question number 1 and the other half to answer question number 2. (See sidebar for suggested answers.) Ask volunteers to share their answers. The exercise FIND THE PASSAGE calls for members to place a check mark by the Scripture that best describes the finances of most people. (See sidebar for answer.) Ask volunteers to share their responses. The exercise AGREE OR DISAGREE asks members to tell whether they agree or disagree with five statements by placing an A for agree or a D for disagree in the blank. Call for volunteers to share their responses. Because the answer should reflect members own opinions, they will vary. Ask volunteers to explain the reason for their answers. CLOSING Discovery workers should be available during this time to help teens with their leaflets and answer any questions members might have. This can also be a time to enjoy fellowship and refreshments. Closing The aim of this first lesson is to take an overview of the subjects for the semester, to take an inventory of the valuable spiritual possessions available to all believers and to introduce Discovery members to the truth that children of God are truly rich in spiritual blessings. Close with prayer asking God s blessings on the subject matter of the lessons and for Him to help Discovery members appreciate what they have in Christ. 6

7 Weekly Meeting Guide Lesson 2 A Life Worth Living The Abundant Life Semester Objective This semester, Discovery members will take an inventory of the valuable spiritual possessions available to all believers. Lesson Objective Discovery members will discuss what it means for Christ to live in them. Bible Text Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Evaluate How unfortunate it is that for many, life is less than worthwhile. Sorrow, pain and disappointments seem to be a way of life. These disappointing experiences lead to a kind of cynicism that often develops into a depressed and pessimistic personality. Once a young man came to Jesus and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (Mark 10:17). The young man was, no doubt, well-to-do, yet, his question to Jesus indicates that his life was less than fulfilled and something was lacking in it (verse 21). There are many today who must admit that they, too, experience the same emptiness felt by this young ruler. Life as God Made It Perhaps the most amazing words to be found in the human language are those in Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. In a most dramatic way, the Bible states that creation came from God. Continuing in the book of Genesis one finds that God s creative activity is not limited to the mighty universe of galaxies and solar systems but includes His crowning act of creation human beings the only creatures God made in His likeness. After forming Adam from the elements of the earth, God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Gen. 2:7), and Adam received life from the Creator. Could the kind of life Adam received from God have been anything but worthwhile? Perhaps only those who refuse to believe in God s existence would have doubts, and they must answer for their own folly (Psalm 14:1). God intended DIRECTOR S OUTLINE How unfortunate it is that for sorrow, pain and dis appointments seem to be a way of life for many. While outwardly these individuals seem to live a fulfilled life, they may be like the young man to whom Jesus said, One thing thou lackest (Mark 10:21). Such a life can lead to cynicism that often develops into a depressed and pessimistic personality. In this lesson, teens will consider: I. Life as God Made It A. Genesis 1:1 contains perhaps the most amazing words found in the human language. They are a record of the acts of God the Creator. 7

8 that Adam and Eve and their progeny enjoy an amazing life that would last forever, and one that was truly worth living. Life as It Became As a result of sin, the first man and woman lost for all mankind the kind of life God intended for everyone to enjoy. Disobedience plunged the whole human race into sin, and the creatures became separated from their Creator. In Romans 5:19, Paul wrote, By one man s disobedience many were made sinners. The awful result is recorded in Romans 3:23. Yet, God did not abandon His creatures, and through Jesus Christ they are provided the opportunity to enjoy a new life and be redeemed from the terrible effects and consequences of sin. Life as It Can Become A believer s life is a totally different kind of life ( 2 Cor. 5:17). It is referred to as the abundant life. This is more than a catchy phrase; it is an actual experience. The abundant life is not merely a life that tries to imitate Christ. Following Christ s example is a good practice, but merely imitating Christ will only produce an imitation of Christ. An imitation is not the real thing. Jesus is not an imitation of God. Jesus is God. Therefore, one should not think of the Christian life as imitating the way Christ lived. The Christian life is Christ living His life in an individual. Paul put it this way, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Gal. 2:20). Paul wrote about being crucified with Christ. Paul accepted Christ s death on the cross as the sacrifice for his sins, and by faith he crucified or put to death his old sin nature. This act did not merely clean up Paul s old life, but it allowed him to trade his old life for a new one. Paul said it was the life of Christ in him. B. Creating a creature in His own likeness (Adam) was the crowning act of God s creation (Gen.2:7). C. It is difficult to imagine that the life Adam received was anything but worthwhile. II. Life as It Became A. The unthinkable happened Adam sinned, and, as a result, the whole human race was plunged into sin (Rom. 5:19). The result of Adam s disobedience is recorded in Romans 3:23. B. Human life became a sad condition, and mankind began to deal with pain, sorrow, death and ultimately eternal separation from God. III. Life as It Can Become A. God, through Jesus, will restore or redeem His fallen creatures and give them life that Jesus described as abundant. B. Paul referred to this new life in Galatians 2:20. The life a Christian possesses is the presence of Christ in him. It is a life worth living. This is a difficult concept to understand. That is why Paul calls it a mystery (Col. 1:27). While Jesus lived on earth and people saw Him, had personal contact with Him and heard Him speak, they were seeing God clothed in human flesh. When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus replied, He that hath seen me hath seen the Father (John 14:9). Jesus repeatedly taught His disciples that it was the Father living in Him who was responsible for the words He spoke and the works He did (John 14:10). Jesus told His disciples that He would live in those who believed in Him the same way the Father lived in Him (John 6:57). The child of God is blessed with a life whose value cannot be measured. It is accompanied by the promise of God s continued presence both now and for eternity. The Christian truly has a life worth living. Get Ready... BUILD A WORD The object of this game is to spell a word by finding ping-pong balls with letters on them and arranging them to form a word. Divide members into two equally numbered teams. Assign each team a balloon color. Beforehand, blow up an equal number of balloons for each team, the more you have the better the game. You will also need some ping-pong balls. With a felt-tipped pen, write letters that spell out two words on the ping-pong balls. Take the ping-pong balls and put them into some Materials needed: Balloons of two colors Enough ping pong balls to spell two words Felt-tipped pen of the balloons (one word for each team) as you blow up the balloons. Use a common long word like basketball or dinosaur. You may use the same word for both teams or different words. Put all of the balloons in the middle and mix them up. Line teams up an equal distance from the balloons. Once you say go, each team sends one player to the middle to retrieve one balloon and return. As the 8

9 team players continue to get balloons, they return to their side, pop them to find a ping-pong ball (or perhaps no ping-pong ball) until they spell out their word. The team that spells their word first is the winner. Get Set... Remind Discovery members that, if they are saved, Christ lives in them through the Holy Spirit. The Bible states that Jesus said He would never leave them. Emphasize the word never (Heb. 13:5). Give all members either an index card or a piece of paper and a pencil. Have them list one amazing benefit (besides knowing they are going to Heaven) that Christ living in them has brought them. Ask members also to list one thing that might make them uncomfortable about this new relationship. (See sidebar.) The director will collect the paper or cards from members and determine when to use the project. An observation: The promise of Christ living in a person and never forsaking every saved person is without a doubt a wonderful promise. However, there could be a time when one might consider there is a negative side to this. For example, when a saved person acts in a way unbecoming a Christian and tries to hide it from others. Jesus not only knows, but He is present to see and hear what all of His children do. Think of that. Materials needed: Index cards or piece of paper Pencils Leaflet 2, Page 1. Go... Leaflet 2, Page 1. Members will read the article on page 1. Ask: What unpleasant prospect about life did Jesus share with His followers in John 16:33? Ask for a volunteer to give the answer. ( In the world ye shall have tribulation. Tribulation means trouble or trials. ) What did Jesus promise in the last part of John 16:33 and in John 10:10 that offers encouragement for all believers? (He has overcome the world and He will give abundant life to the believer.) Call for a volunteer to give the answer. Ask someone to give their understanding of what it means for Christ to live in them. Read Galatians 2:20. How closely does that passage correspond to the answer that was given? Leaflet 2, Pages 2 and 3. The exercise TRUE OR FALSE asks members to identify four statements as true or false by drawing a face for true and a for false. Ask for volunteers to share their responses. (See sidebar for answers.) In the exercise YOUR OPINION, members will circle the response that best expresses their opinion and the statements. Leaflet, 2, Pages 2 and 3. TRUE OR FALSE

10 Call for volunteers to share their answers. The answers will vary. CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER 1. c 2. b c. b d. a Leaflet 2, Page 4. Answers to FIND THE SCRIPTURE 1. f, a new creature 2. e, a new life 3. c, a new experience 4. h, a new home A LIFE WORTH LIVING While members were asked not to mention it in the, the obvious blessing is the assurance of salvation. In addition, Christ s presence can bring peace, happiness, contentment, the ability to control anger, the desire to share the gospel and the ability to live for God. Keep in mind that many of these blessings are only realized if believers will allow Christ to produce them in their lives. CLOSING Discovery workers should be available during this time to help teens with their leaflets and answer any questions members might have. This can also be a time to enjoy fellowship and refreshments. In the exercise CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER, members are instructed to circle what they believe is the best response to each of four statements. (See sidebar for the answers.) Call for four volunteers and ask each to share a response to one of the statements. (Suggested answers are found in the sidebar). The can be used at this point. After collecting the papers or cards from the members, the director will select several to read (no names please). Consider to what extent Discovery members seem to be aware that Christ is aware of whether or not they are acting and speaking like children of God. By realizing this, will it make any difference in how they will live their lives in the future? Leaflet 2, Page 4. In the exercise IN YOUR OWN WORDS, members will read Romans 5:17 and write it in a way they would explain its meaning to their friends. Have several volunteers read their paraphrases. The exercise FIND THE SCRIPTURE calls for members to choose from a list of Scriptures, one that refers best to each of four statements that relate to their abundant life in Christ. Ask volunteers to share their answers (one volunteer for each question). (See sidebar for answers.) The exercise A LIFE WORTH LIVING asks members to name in addition to the one mentioned in the Learning Project, three things Christ has given them that makes their lives abundant. (See sidebar for suggestions.) Call for volunteers to share their thoughts. Closing Close the meeting by saying: If you read many of the posts on social network sites, you may get the impression that life is the pits for everyone. Denying that life does not have its ups and downs and that there will be disappoints here and there would be deceptive. However, God wants you to realize that He knows what is best for you. He can give you a life filled with confidence and can give you the assurance that because you are saved, you will have a home with Him in Heaven, no matter how difficult this life may get. Close with prayer. 10