'---- ---~-- March 2, 2014 W. B. Tolar Good Work Scripture Passages: Genesis 1:28; 2:8-9, 15-17 Introduction: This is the first in a series of six lessons in a Unit called "Productive: Finding Joy in What We Do." The main idea in the lesson is that work is a gift from God and not a curse. According to the Bible, work is a good thing, it was God's plan for us as human beings and we are to approach any task with responsibility and joy. People who never learn to work miss out on one of God's intended purposes for humankind. 1.. Genesis 1:28 1. After God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them - - 1:28a. 2. Then He commanded them to be fruitful and to multiply and fill the earth - - 1:28b. 3. He then commanded them to subdue the earth and to rule over the fish and the birds and all the other creatures on the earth - - 1:28c. II. Genesis 2:8-9, 15 1. God planted a garden in Eden and placed His human creatures there - - 2:8. 2. Then God caused all types of trees and plants to grow and they were beautiful in appearance and good for food - - 2:9a. 3. There was also a Tree of Life in the middle of the garden and a Tree ofthe Knowledge of Good and Evil - - 2:9b. 4. Then God took His human creatures and put them in the garden to work the garden and to watch over it - - 2:15. III. Genesis 2" 16-17 1. The Lord commanded Adam to eat of any tree of the garden but not from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil - - 2: 16-17a. 2. The Lord warned Adam that if he ate from that tree he would surely die - - 2:17b. Applications: 1. God made humans in His own image and created them to rule over the earth in His behalf. 2. Therefore, we humans have a purpose in life and that purpose is a double-fold purpose to serve God and also to care for and work for God in ruling the entire umverse. 3. The Bible pictures God as a working God and if we are to be like Him, we are to be working people. 4. Lazy people disobey God and fail to find their own purpose for existence in God's umverse.
March 9, 2014 W. B. Tolar Who We Work For Scripture Passages: Ephesians 6:5-9 Introduction: The main point of this lesson is that we are to work for Christ. The lesson passage this Sunday give some principles we need to approach our work with the proper motivation and attitude. Prior to this passage Paul gave helpful information on family relationships. I. Ephesians 6:5 1. Paul told Christian slaves to obey their human masters and do it with awesome respect - - 6:5a. 2. Christian slaves were to do their work in sincerity from the heart and doing it as they did for Christ since they were Christians - - 6:5b. II. Ephesians 6:6-8 1. Paul told Christian slaves not to work only when being watched in order to please men - - 6:6a. 2. But as Christians they were to do God's will from their hearts - - 6:6b. 3. He urged them to serve them with a good attitude as if they were doing it to the Lord and not to other humans - - 6:7. 4. Paul urged these Christians who were slaves to do their work in a good spirit because it would be blessed by the Lord - - 6:8. III. Ephesians 6:9 1. Paul then gave a word of advice to men who owned slaves and that is that they were to treat slaves in a Christian way and not abuse them - - 6:9a. 2. Paul reminded these Christian slave owners that they had a master who was in heaven and they would answer to Him - - 6:9b. Applications: 1. Believers in Christ could find themselves in some very undesirable circumstances, such as being a slaves in the first century, but even Christian slaves could find strength for being Christlike in their condition. 2. This lesson reminds us that circumstances do not have to determine our attitudes - - we should do our work in the light of Christ's love for us. 3. People who work for others should do it in a right attitude since that is the Christian principle by which we all ought to live. 4. People who employ others ought to treat those employees in a way that would honor Christ.
March 16,2014 W. B. Tolar What We Work For Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 8: 1-9 Introduction: This lesson studies some of Paul's teachings on what we Christians ought to do with the income we gain by the work that we do. The Bible teaches that we ought to provide for ourselves and our families, but also we ought to earn money to help meet the needs of others who are less fortunate than we are. Although they were poor themselves, Christians in Macedonia gave money to help needy believers in Jerusalem. I. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 1. Paul wanted the Christians at Corinth to know about the churches of Macedonia - - 8:1. 2. The Christians of Macedonia were suffering themselves but out of a sense of Christian devotion, even though they were very poor, they gave to help the poor who lives elsewhere - - 8:2. II. 2 Corinthians 8:3-7 1. Paul testified that the Christians of Macedonia gave beyond their actual ability - - 8:3. 2. These Christians begged Paul to let them share in helping other needy Christians - - 8:4. 3. Paul said not just as he had hoped, but they gave themselves - - 8:5. 4. So Paul urged Titus to let the Christians participate in the offering - - 8:6. 5. Thus Paul challenged the Christians at Corinth to excel in giving since they already excelled in faith, speech, and knowledge - - 8:7. III. 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 1. Paul was not commanding the Corinthian Christians to participate in the offering, but simply sharing it with them to test the genuineness of their Christian love - - 8:8. 2. Paul reminded them of the grace of Christ and though He was rich, Christ became poor - - 8:9a. 3. It was thus by Christ's poverty that we became rich spiritually - - 8:9b. Applications: 1. We Christians today can learn much from the wonderful example of the Macedonian Christians. 2. Even though they were not rich, they gave out of even their own shortness of funds. to help others who were also in need. 3. It is helpful to know what others are doing so that we might be inspired by them and their examples. 4. The greatest example of all is that Jesus gave up His riches in heaven and came to earth to be poor that we might have eternal riches.
MARCH 23, 2014 W. B. Tolar Put Your Money to Work Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 8:10-15; 9:1-5 Introduction: The Bible teaches that when this life is over we will give an account to God for how we have lived our lives and how we have used our time and spent our money. We would do well to listen to Paul as he encouraged the Christians in the early churches to be mindful of the needs of fellow Christians and to share willingly with them. I. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 1. Paul wanted the Christians at Corinth to remember it had been a year since they started thinking about helping needy Christians in Jerusalem - - 8:10. 2. Now Paul wanted them to finish the task as they had earlier seemed eager to do - - 8:l1a. 3. Paul wanted them to complete what they had begun - - 8:11b. II. 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 1. Paul reminded them that they ought to give according to what they had and not according what they did not have - - 8:12. 2. Paul did not want their giving to be a hardship for them, but he wanted some equality between those who had much and those who had little or none - - 8:13. 3. Paul reminded the Christians at Corinth that they had a surplus and they could use that surplus to help the needs of others - - 8:14. 4. Paul quoted the Book of Exodus to remind them how God had provided manna in the wilderness so that they had enough but not too much - - 8:15. III. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 1. Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians that he knew of their eagerness, in fact, he had bragged about them - - 9: 1-2. 2. Paul sent some messengers to take their love offering and he wanted them to be prepared to give as they had been challenged - - 9:3. 3. He urged the Corinthians not to be unprepared when his messengers carne to take the love offering - - 9:4. 4. He wanted the Christians at Corinth to arrange in advance the generous gift which they had promised to help other needy Christians - - 9:5. Applications: 1. Every Christian should regard it a privilege to help other needy Christians and not see it as a burden. 2. Christ is our supreme example in the matter of giving - - since He gave His life for us. 3. One of the marks of historic Christianity is that Christians have been unselfish in giving of their money to help others in need. 4. We Christians should plan our budgets and churches should plan their budgets to include helping those less fortunate than we are.
March 30,2014 W.. B. Tolar Work Your Plan Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 Introduction: The curriculum writer suggests as one of the main "points" of this lesson is that we remember that generous giving should glorify God and reflect Christ's giving. According to the lesson writer, the average church attendee only gives about 3 percent to his or her church. I. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 1. Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians of the biblical principle that the person who sows sparingly will reap sparingly - - 9:6. 2. Each Christian should do what he or she has decided is best in his or her heart and not do it reluctantly, but do it cheerfully for that pleases God - - 9:7. II. 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 1. Paul assured the Christians that God is able to make every grace overflow to them and to meet their every need - - 9:8. 2. He quoted the Psalms when he reminded them that God had given to the poor and His righteousness endures forever - - 9:9. III. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 1. Paul reminded them that it was God who provides the seed for the sower and bread for food and that He would provide for them if they would honor Him - - 9: 1O. 2. Paul promised that they would be spiritually enriched in every way for their generosity - - 9:11. IV. 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 1. Paul reminded the Christians at Corinth that the ministry of giving not only meets the needs of saints but also overflow to thanksgiving to God - - 9: 12. 2. He predicted that the recipients of their generosity would glorify God for their obedience - - 9:13. Applications: 1. Biblical giving is based upon the realization that God has given us everything that we have and He intends for us to share our blessings with others in need. 2. The Bible teaches from Genesis to Revelation that God's people should be considerate and thoughtful and helpful to others in need.. 3. Giving to help others has been a characteristic of Christianity from the very beginning. 4. All giving of our money to the causes of God and Christ ought to be the light of God's supreme gift to us when He gave His son for our salvation.
April 6, 2014 Dr. Tim S. Smith "Give Work a Rest" Scripture Passage: Exodus 31:12-17 The Point: "Rest is a gift from God for His glory and your benefit." I. Introduction A.The Sabbath has two purposes, to rest and remember. B. Having a day with no work also demonstrates dependence of God to meet our needs. II. Exodus 31: 12-13 A. The traditional Jewish Sabbath is on Saturday. B. Observing a day of rest brings glory to God. C. Observing the "Sabbath" = STOP, PAUSE, REMEMBER. D. Weare to observe the Lord's Day. III. Exodus 31:14-15 A.The Sabbath is a day to remember what God has done. B. It is to be a Holy Day, which means it is to be different from all other days. C. A moment of silence at a large sporting event and then someone shows disrespect. D. We can find life in God only by coming to Him in His way. IV. Exodus 31: 16-17 A. Another purpose of keeping the Sabbath is the importance of the relationship wi God. B.What we do with the Sabbath is a symbol of our dedication. C. What we do on the "Sabbath" will be observed by our children and repeated. D. By observing a day of rest we also participate in the rest that refreshed God. V. Teaching Application A. Creating Interest Idea( s) 1. Ask everyone to share their favorite destination for vacation, day off or free day. 2. Ask the group to share what their idea of a perfect day off would be like. B. Important Points to Communicate from Scripture 1. What we do on the Sabbath is an indication of relationship with God. 2. God desires for us to stop, rest and remember what He has done for us. 3. Our actions on the day of rest will have an impact on others. C. Living the Lesson in Daily Life 1. To keep the Sabbath, what are some things a Christian could do? 2. Based on our list what will you do to make the Sabbath a day to remember what God has done and benefit you? 3. Support businesses that honor the Sabbath.
Hobby Lobby answers the question, "Why are you closed on Sundays?" on their website. We have chosen to close on the day most widely recognized as a day of rest, in order to allow our employees and customers more time for worship andfamily. This has not been an easy decision for Hobby Lobby because we realize that this decision may cost us financially. Yet we also realize that there are things more important than profits. This is a matter of principle for our company owner and officers. At Hobby Lobby, we value our customers and employees and are committed to: Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles. Offering our customers exceptional selection and value in the crafts and home decor market. Serving our employees and their families by establishing a work environment and company policies that build character, strengthen individuals and nurture families. Providing a return on the owner's investment, sharing the Lord's blessings with our employees, and investing in our community. We believe that it is by God's grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has endured. He has been faithful in the past, and we trust Him for our future. Hobby Lobby is THE place to shop with everyday Super Selections and Super Savings! Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8p. m. and all Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sunday.
---~ ----,,--,._---------- Scripture Passage: 2 Samuel 9:6-13 The Point: "You are never beyond hope." April 13, 2014 Dr. Tim S. Smith "Hope Needed" I. Introduction A. What did you want to be when you were growing up? It's never too late. B. David wanted to find a member of Saul's family. He found Mephibosheth. II. 2 Samuel 9:6-7 A. The reasons for Mephibosheth's hopelessness... 1. His father and grandfather had died in battle. 2. The future life as royalty and his rich heritage was gone. 3.He was crippled from an injury as a child. (2 Sam. 4:4) 4. The exile he experienced was self-imposed. III. 2 Samuel 9:8 A. Mephibosheth saw himself as worthless. B. He may have struggled with both shame and regret. C. He had no faith that the future would be better. IV. 2 Samuel 9:9-13 A.Ziba was instructed to transfer all of Saul's possessions to Mephibosheth. B.Mephibosheth was treated as a member of David's family. C. He was old enough at this time to have a young son. V. Teaching Application A. Creating Interest Idea( s) 1. Using newspapers, ask the group to discover the most hopeless stories from this week. 2. Prior to Sunday ask a member to share their story of hopelessness. B. Important Points to Communicate from Scripture 1. Our mind set of hopelessness could be the results of uncontrollable circumstances or choices; ours or others. 2. Our faith in Christ will propel us toward a better tomorrow. 3.When we experience God's provision of hope we should be content with our relationship with Him instead of focusing on temporal possessions. C. Living the Lesson in Daily Life I.Ask the group, "How are we like Mephibosheth, how should we be like David?" 2.Challenge the group by asking, "Who can you help that feels trapped by their situation, past or choices?"
David's grace to Mephibosheth is a wonderful picture of God's grace to us. We are Mephibosheth. We are hiding, poor, weak, lame, and fearful before our King comes to us. We are separated from our King because of our wicked ancestors. We are separated from our King because of our deliberate actions. We separated ourselves from the King because we didn't know him or His love for us. Our King sought us out before we sought Him. The King's kindness is extended to us for the sake of another. The King's kindness is based on covenant. We must receive the King's kindness in humility. The King returns to us what we lost in hiding from Him. The King returns to us more than what we lost in hiding from Him. We have the privilege of provision at the King's table. We are received as sons at the King's table, with access to the King and fellowship with Him. We receive servants from the King. The King's honor does not immediately take away all our weakness and lameness, but it gives us a favor and standing that overcomes its sting and changes the way we think about ourselves. David's grace to Mephibosheth is also a pattern for us in serving and ministering to others. We are David. We should seek out our enemies and seek to bless them. We should look for the poor, weak, lame, and hidden to bless them. We should bless others when they don't deserve it, and bless them more than they deserve. We should bless others for the sake of someone else. We must show the kindness of God to others.' idavid Guzik, Commentary on 2 Samuel 9, "David's Kindness to Mephibosheth",
April 20, 2014 Dr. Tim S. Smith "Easter: But Now... Victory" Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 The Point: "Because of Jesus' resurrection, nothing can defeat you-not even death." I. Introduction A. The resurrection of Jesus is the most important element of the Christian faith. B. Paul was addressing the false idea that there was no future bodily resurrection. C. Some in the church at Corinth held the view that they had already arrived at the ultimate point spiritually. II. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 A. The proof for Jesus' resurrection is found in scripture (v. 1-4) and through the accounts of the eye witnesses (v.5-11). 1. Paul summarizes the Gospel by stating "Christ died for our sins" (v.3). B. The resurrection of Jesus is central for all Christians (v.12-19). 1. Our joy is not found in things offered in this life (v.19). C. The use of the term "firstfruits" provides an indication that more is to come (v.20). D. Jesus was willing to die because... 1. we all are dead as a result of Adam's sin (v.21-22). 2. we are made alive only through His sacrifice (v.23). III. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 A.The future physical resurrection will result in the ultimate and eternal rule of God over all things. B. Because Christ was victorious over death, we too are victorious! C.The only real way to experience this victory is to surrender to His rule. IV. Teaching Application A. Creating Interest Idea( s) 1. Ask the group to share their experience at winning or losing. 2. Display objects that demonstrate what non-christians believe Easter is about and discuss the reality of Easter for each person. B. Important Points to Communicate from Scripture 1. Because of Jesus' resurrection we have been made alive even though we are sinners and we have victory even over death. 2.The reality of Jesus' resurrection should bring victory to our daily life. C. Living the Lesson in Daily Life 1. Accept the gift of life made available through Jesus' death and resurrection. 2. Tell someone this week what Easter really means to you.
April 27, 2014 Dr. Tim S. Smith "Hope Found" Scripture Passage: Matthew 8:1-13 The Point: "When we seek Christ, we find hope." 1. Introduction A.What is the most valuable thing you've ever lost and was it ever found? B. In order to find something it is important to calm down! II. Matthew 8: 1-4 A. Leprosy was not only a physically debilitating disease but also caused social isolation. B. Even in the crowd Jesus took time for the one that seemed less important. C. The crowd probably ran when the leper approached but Jesus had compassion and surprisingly touched him. III. Matthew 8:5-9 A. The story moves from the powerless to the powerful. B. The centurion may have attempted all other possible solutions. C. He was willing to risk; the possible rejection by Jesus, a potential revolt of the crowd and the chance he would lose his position. D. The man with an important position cared for another with less social standing. IV. Matthew 8:10-13 A. The hope offered by Jesus is received by the willing in faith without regard of merit or position. B. Most people hate hearing, "I told you so!" Gnashing of teeth = knowing right but refused and now it's too late. V. Teaching Application A. Creating Interest Idea( s) 1. Ask the group to help find your Bible. Ask them how they feel when they lose something that they can't touch, see or feel? 2. Ask the group, what is your process when you've lost something? B. Important Points to Communicate from Scripture 1. Jesus is willing to offer hope to everyone without regard to our past, present or future. 2.Surrendering to the hope offered by Jesus can be risky and requires faith on our part. 3. Receiving the hope offered through Jesus is a personal decision. C. Living the Lesson in Daily Life 1. Enlist a group member to share their story of hope found in Jesus.