LEADER 12 GOD Abba PATIENCE I Want Patience NOW! SERVANT EVANGELISM If Necessary, Use Words
Unit 1 Abba Session 1: Creator God...5 Session 2: One God...9 Session 3: Sovereign God... 13 Session 4: Restoring God...17 Unit 2 I Want Patience NOW! Session 1: Waiting for You...23 Session 2: Waiting on God... 27 Session 3: Waiting a While... 31 Session 4: Waiting for Others...35 Unit 3 If Necessary, Use Words Session 2: Ready to Serve...45 Session 1: May I Help You?...41 Session 3: What Can I Do?...49 Session 4: Make a Difference...53
CONTRIBUTORS How much do you KNOW about God? Are you comfortable stating that you OWN your faith and that it shows in the way you live your life? Are you making your faith KNOWN through your actions and attitudes? How would the students you teach respond to those questions? That is the strategy, in a nutshell, behind this Bible study curriculum tool that you hold in your hand. We want students to know God, own their faith, and make their faith known. Contributors for this issue of KNOWN: Ashley Pearson Decatur, Georgia Kris Roberson Lake Mary, Florida Gerald Young Terry, Mississippi Katie Richards Franklin, Tennessee Craig Wells La Vergne, Tennessee Amy Keys Spring Hill, Tennessee Deanna Harrison Tyler, Texas Liz Miller Loxley, Alabama Don t forget to supplement your study with our free Insights and Options available at www.lifeway.com/known. Download free leader podcasts to help you prepare to teach each week as well as materials to share with the parents of your students. Join us on Facebook too (search for KNOWN student Bible study curriculum). Cathy Curtis Starkville, Mississippi Ricky Hall Westville, Florida Amy Sims Covington, Georgia Leah Smith Louisville, Kentucky Nic Allen Spring Hill, Tennesse Randy Fields Grass Valley, California Cynthia Hopkins Midlothian, Texas KNOWN VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4 PRODUCTION AND MINISTRY TEAM editorial PROJECT leader: Mike Go Cards Wakefield CONTENT EDITOR: Rick M&Ms Prall PRODUCTION EDITOR: Karen Big Blue Fan Daniel GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Charles Long SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST: Edward Crawford NATIONAL STUDENT MINISTRY LEADER: Paul Turner Send questions/comments to: Content Editor, KNOWN One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0174 Or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL SENIOR DIRECTOR, STUDENT MINISTRY PUBLISHING: Jimmy Hester Managing director, student ministry publishing: Dawn Cornelius DIRECTOR, SUNDAY SCHOOL: David Francis DIRECTOR, STUDENT MINISTRY: Scott Stevens DIRECTOR, PUBLISHING, LIFEWAY CHURCH RESOURCES: Gary H. Hauk Printed in the United States of America. KNOWN (ISSN 1939-0734; UPC 634337114958) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, e-mail subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, e-mail orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. ISTOCKPHOTO For more information and resources, visit www.lifeway.com/known
TheGuide The Approach The main and the can be used independently of each other, but they are designed to give a holistic approach to a student s spiritual development. The material, the material students read during their time alone with God during the week, and the Midweek Event all complement one another. The materials are purposefully designed to be easy to use. The materials are designed to follow the but can be used prior to if desired. Leader Guide Student Book Online Resources Each session features an easy-to-use two-page teaching outline designed to drive home one point. The strategy for student development that shapes this resource is on the inside-front cover. When the teaching plan references the Student Book material, those activities are clearly identified. The teaching plan identifies discussion questions with bold, black arrows. Each session has two pages of graphic information that can be used during the group study or for individual use at home. Each session includes three pages of material for students to use during their personal time alone with God. Additional creative teaching ideas to gear the study for a specific group: guys, girls, older youth, younger youth, and discipleship. Insights to help the leader understand the Scripture in light of the session s focus. Online resources are available at www.lifeway.com/known Visit the KNOWN Web site at www.lifeway.com/known. In addition to the free resources listed below, you will find articles, how-to videos, training presentations, and a leader podcast designed to help you prepare to teach. There is a monthly parent meeting plan and podcasts for students and parents too. But wait, there s more a listing of video and song ideas to add to your experience with KNOWN each week. A basic one-page outline with main points and discussion questions is included. This midweek talksheet builds on and complements what was studied earlier in the week. An expanded plan for a midweek event that includes an opening activity, worship song suggestions, illustrations, and a PowerPoint presentation to support the discussion. resources are available at www.lifeway.com/known 003
Unit 1 Abba KNOW Lordship TheOverview Surveys indicate that about 78% of Americans believe in God. Believing in God is different from understanding what God is really like. Knowing God begins with a relationship with Him. This is a four-session KNOW study under the Lordship category. This unit of study will help students understand who God is His nature and character in order to deepen their relationship with Him. Having a deeper understanding of the God in whom we believe makes a huge impact in owning and living out our faith. Creator God Week 1 Worship the One who started it all. Who is God? God is Creator and Lord of all. Why does God get to be God? He is God and there is no other. One God Week 2 Three in one equals one God. What is the Trinity? God is one God in three persons. What s so special about God? God is all. Week 3 Sovereign God God is God and He is in control. Period. What does it mean for God to be sovereign? God is in charge. What is God like? God is a great and wondrous God. Week 4 Restoring God God restores relationships. What does God do for me? God will restore your relationship with Him. How can I know God? Follow Christ and spend time with Him. 004 KNOWN LEADER 12
The Question Who is God? The Point God is Creator and Lord of all. SESSION 1 Creator god From Molecules to Mountains He Made It All 40% (www.gallup.com) We see evidence of God s creative wonder all around us. But how many of us, let alone students, actually stop and recognize it? This session will stress that God is Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all. Students will be encouraged to recognize and praise God for His creative wonder clearly seen all around them. The midweek event wrestles with the question of why does God get to be God? of Americans (in general) believe God created humans in their present form; 60% of weekly church attenders believe God did that.
Abba Session 1 Who is God? God is Creator and Lord of all. Creator God Isaiah 45:18; Acts 17:24-28; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 GET STARTEd 1Who is God? What a great question for our world today. We probably should start with a more fundamental question: Do you believe God exists? Discuss the Gallup survey statistics on page 8 in the KNOWN student book. See Activity A. If you were to take a poll at your school, do you think the results would be similar? Why or why not? Why do you think some people struggle to believe in God? Have you ever struggled with it? Explain. When people say they believe in God, what do you think their view of God is? There is a wide variance in our world when it comes to trying to define God. IntrodUCE the QUESTION 2Distribute index cards and direct students to record answers to this question: Who is God? Briefly discuss their responses. Discuss reactions to the Angelina Jolie quote on page 8 in the KNOWN student book. See Activity B. Do you think Angelina is confused about who or what God is? Why are many people confused about who God is? Discuss how each of these images might depict ways people view God: easy button, ATM machine, fire extinguisher, jail cell, and lightning bolt. How do each of these images fail to truly represent God? How would you explain God to a friend? Direct students to do so with a partner. What was easy about your explanation? What was hard? tip: Be sure to preview all four sessions in this unit before teaching the first one. This will help keep you focused on the specific question and point for each lesson. Creative teaching options, podcasts, and suggested videos to complement this study are available at www.lifeway.com/known. Apply Life PRINCIPLES 3Use the following Scriptures and bulleted teaching ideas/statements to communicate each of these life principles related to the question for this session. AGod is Creator of all. Provide modeling clay, aluminum foil, or some other moldable items. Instruct students to create something, then display it. Discuss: Did you create it? Really? Read Isaiah 45:18. God is the Creator of all things. See the online Insights.* In this passage, who proclaimed God as Creator? Why is that important? What does it mean that God established the earth? Discuss the statistics related to belief in God on page 9 in the KNOWN student book. See Activity C. Why do so many people believe in evolution? Can you believe in evolution and be a Christian? Why or why not? Discuss how the Creation Stories from other cultures on pages 8-9 in the KNOWN student book differ from the biblical account of creation. See Activity D. How would you share the biblical story of creation with someone who had never heard it? Why is it important to understand and acknowledge God as Creator? BGod is Sustainer of all. How does a pet get food, water, and shelter? Who is the sustainer of life for a pet? Why? Discuss the definition of sustain on page 8 in the KNOWN student book. See Activity E. Read Acts 17:24-28. God gives you life, breath, and all things. See the online Insights.* What does it mean that God is Sustainer? What key words or phrases in this passage emphasize God as Sustainer? 006 KNOWN LEADER 12
How does God sustain your life? Discuss answers to the list of questions on page 9 in the KNOWN student book. See Activity F. Why does God sustain our lives? (See verse 27.) Why is it important that we understand and acknowledge God as Sustainer? CGod is Lord of all. Discuss the Lord & Vassal information on page 9 in the KNOWN student book. See Activity G. How would you describe the lord in the feudal system? How does this compare to your understanding of God as Lord? Read 1 Chronicles 29:10-13. David proclaimed God to be Lord of all things. See the online Insights.* How did David proclaim God s lordship in this passage? How else did David describe God in these verses? How have you seen the greatness of God in your life? Why is it important that we understand and acknowledge God as Lord of all? WRAP it Up 4Use these ideas to drive home the point for this session. Challenge students to act on the truth of this study during the coming week. Review the three Life Principles from this session. Do you now have a better understanding of who God is than when we began this session? Why or why not? What questions remain? On a large sheet of paper, record comments or questions that came up as a result of this session. Post the paper on a wall and leave it up for the entire unit of study. Add other questions throughout the unit. Pray, thanking God for being Creator and Lord. Activity A Activity B Activity C Activity F Who is God? 2 There doesn t need to be a God for me. There s something in people that s spiritual, that s godlike. I don t feel like doing things just because people say things, but I also don t really know if it s better to just not believe in anything, either. Angelina Jolie superstock and among those who attend religious services rarely or not at all. 1 God is of all. For this is what the Lord says God is the Creator of the heavens. He formed the earth and made it. He established it. Isaiah 45:18 008 Survey says A 2010 poll by Gallup showed that Americans do not believe that humans evolved, and the vast majority say that even if they evolved, God guided the process. Just 16 percent say that God was not involved...support for evolution is more heavily concentrated among those with more education 40% Creationist View God created humans in their present form. KNOWN 12 38% Theistic Evolution Humans evolved, but God guided the process. Creator sustain 1 to support, hold, or bear up; 2 to bear a burden; 3 to undergo, experience, or suffer without giving way or yielding; 4 to keep from giving way; 5 to keep up or keep going; 6 to supply with food, drink, and other necessities of life God is Sustainer of all. The God who made the world and everything in it He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. Acts 17:24-28 16% Naturalistic Evolution Humans evolved but God did not guide the process. Creation Stories China In the beginning only dark chaos prevailed. This darkness took the form of an egg, and in this egg Pangu, the first living being, was born. When he awoke after many years, Pangu had grown into a giant. He stretched himself, breaking the egg. The lighter, purer parts of the egg rose and formed the heaven; the heavier and impurer parts fell and formed the earth. This was the origin of the forces called yin and yang. EGYPT From Nun, the primeval ocean, Amen rises in splendor. He takes the name Re, thus merging two rival deities. He produces a divine son and daughter. These two dieties breed a race of gods, while the tears of Amen-Re become mankind appropriately enough, for man s behavior soon persuades the creator to withdraw from earthly affairs. He retires to the heavens, where he reigns as the sun. America, do you believe in God? 71% Absolutely certain 17% Fairly certain 4% Not too certain/not at all certain/ unsure how certain 5% Do not believe in God 3% Don t know/ refused/other 3 God is Lord of all. JAPAN Before the heavens and the earth came into existence, all was a chaos, without definite shape or form. Something light and transparent rose up and formed the heaven. This was the Plain of High Heaven, in which materialized Ame-no-Minaka-Nushi-no-Mikoto (the Deity-ofthe-August-Center-of-Heaven). Next, the heavens gave birth to Takami-Musubi-no-Mikoto (the High- August-Producing-Wondrous-Deity), followed by a third called Kammi-Musubi-no-Mikoto (the Divine-Producing-Wondrous-Deity). These three divine beings are called the Three Creating Deities. Norse In the beginning there was nothingness. This space filled with water, which froze and then melted. From the drops of melting water a giant in human form, Ymir, emerged. From his armpit a man and a woman appeared giants like himself, but capable of producing others by more conventional means. A cow licked the melting ice and revealed another giant, from whom the god Odin (or Wotan) descended. Odin and his brothers killed the Ymir. Of his flesh they made the earth, of his skull the heavens, of his blood the sea, of his bones the mountains, and of his hair the trees. superstock Lord & Vassal Feudalism was a political and military system that developed and was in place in medieval Europe between the ninth India Purusha is a primal man sacrificed by the gods as the act of creation. The sky comes from his head, the earth from his feet, the sun from his eyes, and the moon from his mind. The four castes of Hindu society also derive from his body. The birds and animals come from the fat which drips from him during the sacrifice. Where does it come from? The food you eat The air you breathe The car you ride in The books you read Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 and 15th centuries. It centered around three terms: lord, vassal, and fief. In this system, the lord was a noble who had acquired land. The vassal was a man who was granted possession of a section of the land by the lord. These sections of land were called fiefs. In exchange for the land, the vassal pledged his military assistance to the lord. At times, the vassal also provided the lord counsel in times of a major decision. In some cases, the vassal had to also give the lord some of the output from the land. : God is Creator and Lord of all. 009 Activity E Activity D Activity D Activity G *Insights are available for free at www.lifeway.com/known. You can order the KNOWN student book at www.lifeway.com/known. 007
Midweek Abba Session 1 Why does God get to be God? He is God and there is no other. MIDWEEK TALKSHEET Who Made Him Boss? Revelation 22:13; Exodus 15:11; 1 Timothy 6:15-16 THE BIBLE STUdy The first session Bible study helps students understand who God is Creator, Sustainer, and Lord. This midweek study explains why there is no other God. DISCUSS THESE POINTS Use the following main points, Scriptures, teaching/discussion ideas, and questions to drive home the question and the point for this session. AGod is eternal. Read Revelation 22:13. In this verse, Jesus says that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. When you read this verse, what does it mean to you? Think about it. There has never been a time when God did not exist. God is outside of time and sequence. He has always been here and He always will be here. Why does God s eternal nature make Him worth trusting? Why is this a reason for Him to be God? How can you offer worship to God for being eternal? BGod is holy. How is the word holy used? What kinds of things are referred to as holy? What does the word holy mean when talking about God? What does holy mean when talking about us? Read Exodus 15:11. This song to God from the Israelites was sung immediately after walking through the parted waters of the Red Sea. The song proclaims the holiness of God s character and the mightiness of His works. Why did the people respond to God this way? How should we respond to the holiness of God? What does that response look like for you in your everyday normal life? CGod is unique. What is one thing that makes you different from most of the people you know? Read 1 Timothy 6:15-16. What qualities and characteristics of God did Paul identify that make Him unique? During the time of Paul s writing to Timothy, worshipping the Roman emperor as divine was common. How would Paul s words in these verses combat emperor worship in the early church? Who are some people or things we worship today? How can you worship God for being the only God in the following environments: home; church; school; sports; job; relationships? wrap it up Why is it important for us to recognize God as eternal, holy, and unique? How might we express that belief in worship and service? Work in groups to compose songs of praise similar to what the Israelites did in Exodus 15. Identify specific things God has done in your church or youth group for which He deserves praise. Of what attributes of God are you in the most awe? Why? What testimonies can you give of His awesome works in your life? Provide index cards or bookmarks with this statement: God is God and there is no other. Challenge students to put the card or bookmark somewhere they will see it each day this week. A complete with opening ideas, worship suggestions, illustrations, and a PowerPoint presentation can be purchased at www.lifeway.com/known. 008 KNOWN LEADER 12