Download Introductory Pages for Old Testament Books UNIT FORMAT Each

Introductory Pages for Old Testament Books
UNIT FORMAT
Each unit contains 15 to 25 copy masters for use with the students. These student copy
masters may be reproduced. The teacher’s guide contains copy master text, answers,
and other instructions. Each student should have a three-ring binder to store and
organize all the copy master sheets.
Overview
This page contains the information the teacher needs to understand the unit.
• Unit title
• Bible references
• Unit theme
• Spiritual goals: We pray that the Holy Spirit would help the students learn these
spiritual truths and adopt these spiritual attitudes and habits.
• Suggested memory treasures: Assign these as you see fit. Be sure to discuss their
relationship to the truths in the unit. The students will have learned almost all the
suggested memory treasures in their Christ-Light lessons at Lutheran elementary
school or Sunday school. One asterisk designates those memory treasures that are
part of the Sunday school core. Two asterisks designate what is additional core for
Lutheran elementary schools.
• Suggested commentary readings: Read these to review Scripture or add depth to
your instruction.
• Introduction ideas: Use these to interest the students and to help them see their
need for what they will learn in the unit.
Copy Masters
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• The Background page helps the students review some of the basic facts of the Bible
character or the Bible era about to be studied. Most, but not all, units have a
background page. This copy master should always be used.
• The Bible lessons guide the students in their study of specific portions of the Bible.
They begin with an Aim question and end with a Truth(s) that answers that question.
Key Points are emphasized along the way. You may hand these out and have the
students fill them in as you teach the lesson, or you may have the students work in
small groups to complete a portion of them before you discuss them. Please note that
the student pages will lose their effectiveness if assigned as homework before class.
The first Bible lesson is the primary one in the unit. It should always be used. Using the
remaining two or three is strongly suggested.
• Each Discuss This page contains questions related to the Bible lesson directly
preceding it. Each option is designated to the specific Key Point to which it is most
closely connected. The discussion options require a variety of learning skills, such as
analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application. At least some of these questions
should always be used, because they help the students apply the lesson to their lives.
Plan in advance which questions you will use and where the questions fit best. Then
vary your use of these questions:
~ Discuss some questions as a class.
~ Have students write answers first before discussing the questions as a
class.
~ Have students discuss the questions in pairs or small groups before
discussing them as a class.
~ Assign some questions as homework.
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• The remaining sheets contain activities to help the students learn the Bible lessons
and apply them. The sheets include additional Bible studies of many kinds, real-life
situations, skits and roleplays, simple doctrinal studies, hymn and memory treasure
studies, illustrations, writing activities, simple art activities, and so on. They may be
done in class or outside of class, independently or in small groups. Select those
activities best suited to your class, and limit the number of activities to fit the time
allotted. Plan in advance at what point in the lesson you can most appropriately and
effectively use the selected activities.
• Spiritual journal topics: The last copy master in each unit contains a variety of
questions for student reflection and writing. You may assign one or more of the
suggested topics or one of your own choosing. The students may put all their spiritual
journal pages in one section of their three-ring binders. Generally, journal writings are
intended to be kept private. You may ask the students occasionally to hand in one of
their own choosing, or you may tell them ahead of time that you will be collecting one.
Because the writing of spiritual journals encourages personal reflection on spiritual
truths as they relate to daily living, use of these journal topics is strongly suggested.
Sample Lesson Plan
The following sample lesson plan is for Lesson 1 of Unit 20: Joshua: Overcoming
Obstacles.
1. Use Copy Master 1 (Joshua: Man of God, Leader of the People), the Background
page, to provide the necessary background for the Bible lessons in this unit.
2. Introduce the first lesson with the first Introduction option (Discuss what it means . .
.).
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3. Hand out Copy Master 2 (Overcoming Obstacles). Read and discuss the first
section, concluding with Key Point 1.
4. To apply Key Point 1, hand out Copy Master 3 (Overcoming Obstacles), the
Discuss This page, and discuss applications 1, 4, and 5.
5. Return to the lesson on Copy Master 2. Read and discuss the second section,
concluding with Key Point 2.
6. To apply Key Point 2, use Copy Master 5 (Promises Kept).
7. Return to the lesson on Copy Master 2. Have the students work in pairs to read
and complete the third section, concluding with Key Point 3.
8. To apply Key Point 3, use applications 7 and 8 on Copy Master 3.
9. Return to the lesson on Copy Master 2, and answer the Aim question with the
Truth of the lesson.
10. To further apply the lesson, use Copy Master 4 (Obstacles to Our Faith). Have the
students work in small groups to name as many obstacles as they can.
11. Assign Copy Master 6 (Bible Study Practice) as homework.
Characteristics of Ninth-Grade Students
Spiritual Development
• They think more deeply about spiritual truths they have already learned.
• They can understand the interrelatedness of Bible events.
• They want to know how to apply spiritual truths to their lives.
• They may need additional guidance if they do not come from homes that model
Christian living.
Emotional and Volitional Development
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• They do not consider themselves children, and they are independent in their attitudes
and habits.
• They are greatly influenced by the actions and opinions of their peers.
• They are often governed by role models they have consciously or unconsciously
chosen to follow.
• They are greatly influenced by television, movies, music, and magazines.
Sexual Development
• Their sexuality is becoming an important aspect of their lives.
Relationships with Parents
• They are in the process of leaving their parents in order to develop independent lives.
• They share less of their experiences with their parents.
• They are still influenced by their parents, especially if their parents respect their
growing independence.
Learning Style
• They can study one topic in depth over a number of class periods.
• They still enjoy a variety of learning experiences:
~ working independently and in peer groups
~ learning by listening and by doing
~ learning by reading and by writing
~ learning by answering questions and by asking questions
~ analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and creating
• They question things they have previously accepted without question.
Some Teaching Strategies
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• Meet the students where they are and then stretch them: Recognize that your
students have different levels of Bible knowledge and spiritual development, even when
they might have received similar spiritual training in elementary school. Do not make
assumptions about their previous learning. Start with the simple. Review the basics.
Then move on to more complex concepts, deeper understandings, and applications of
Bible truths relevant to their teenage years.
• Create an open, responsive environment: Recognize that as your students develop
independent thinking skills, they may question things they previously accepted without
question. Maintain a classroom in which it’s good to ask questions, even spiritual
questions. You are a spiritual leader. If they have questions, you want to give them
truthful and appropriate answers. Encourage them to search the Scriptures not look to
worldly “experts” for answers.
• Allow them to work together on some exercises: Occasional cooperative-learning
activities yield many positive results. Your students may enjoy their work more when
they do it with their peers. They may become accustomed to discussing spiritual issues
with their peersa skill we hope they take with them outside the classroom. And when
they have already tried out their ideas on a small group of their peers, they may feel
more confident discussing an issue in front of the whole class. To keep “chatty”
students focused on the task at hand, give the students definite and fairly short time
limits.
Old Testament • Introduction
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Joshua: Overcoming Obstacles
Joshua 1–24
Unit Theme
Be strong and courageous; meditate on God’s Word day and night.
Goals
We pray that the student
knows these spiritual truths:
•
Many obstacles threaten the Christian’s faith.
•
The Holy Spirit strengthens the Christian’s faith through the Word.
•
God never fails to keep his promises.
develops these spiritual attitudes and habits:
•
I meditate on the Word.
•
I study the Word with others.
•
I treasure the Word as a source of strength and wisdom.
•
I trust the Holy Spirit to keep me strong in the faith.
•
I don’t allow sin to take over my life in this evil world.
To Memorize
Psalm 119:161b
*
Romans 10:17
**
2 Timothy 3:15
2 Timothy 4:18a
**
1 Peter 5:8
7
**
The Second Petition of the Lord’s Prayer
**
The Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Hymn 199:1
Suggested Commentary Readings
•
Pages 300,302-307,309-311,314-316 in Franzmann, Bible History
Commentary, Old Testament
•
Pages 21-24,51-61,85-92,152-157,226-229,238-242 in Harstad, Joshua, The
People’s Bible series
•
Pages 98-101 in Brug, Psalms, Volume 1, The People’s Bible series
•
Pages 234,235 in Ehlke, Proverbs, The People’s Bible series
•
Pages 199-202,214-219 in Panning, Galatians, Ephesians, The People’s Bible
series
Introduction Ideas
•
Discuss what it means to be a “chicken.” What does it mean to be a spiritual
chicken? Giving in to pressures to sin, denying our Lord, not trusting God to take care
of us, and so on. Are we ever spiritual chickens? Elicit some specific examples of being
spiritual chickens. This unit tells us how we can become stronger and more courageous
so that we are not spiritual chickens but spiritual lions—strong in the faith.
•
Who are some heroes of faith we read about in the Bible? Abraham, who
rescued Lot; Joseph, who resisted temptation and forgave his brothers; Samson, who
killed many Philistines; Gideon, who defeated the Midianites; David, who killed a giant
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with a slingshot; and so on. This unit explains how we can become strong in the faith
like them.
•
Discuss David and Goliath. What gave David courage to fight Goliath? His trust
in God’s help. What are some “Goliaths” in our lives? Enemies, obstacles to our faith,
specific temptations, certain people, and so on. This unit tells us how we can become
strong enough to fight against our Goliaths.
•
Discuss headlines from the news: wars and skirmishes, murders and robberies,
layoffs and economic downturns, how Christians are accused of intolerance because of
their stands on abortion and homosexuality, etc. We may occasionally get frustrated or
depressed when we consider the evil times in which we live. This unit tells us how we
can be strong, courageous, and wise in this evil world.
Old Testament • Unit 20
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Copy Master 1
Background
Joshua: Man of God, Leader of the People
Joshua 1–24
The students do not have to read the book of Joshua to answer these questions.
Joshua led Israel into the promised land of Canaan and served as general of the
Israelites’ army in battle after battle. He was appointed by God and was uniquely
qualified for this leadership position (Numbers 27:15-18).
Years ago Joshua had shown his faith in God as one of the 12 spies sent to inspect
Canaan and its inhabitants secretly. Only he and Caleb had encouraged the Israelites
to go into Canaan, trusting the Lord to give them the victory. As the book of Joshua
opens, Caleb and Joshua are the only two adults still alive who personally experienced
the horrors of slavery in Egypt, the ten plagues, the exodus, and the miraculous
crossing at the Red Sea. Everyone else of their generation had died during the 40-year
wandering in the desert. During those same 40 years, Joshua received leadership
training as the personal aide of Moses. He had even accompanied Moses part of the
way up Mount Sinai to receive the law. Now that Moses has died and the Israelites are
at the brink of the Jordan River, it’s time for Joshua to take the full authority God has
given him to lead the people.
Old Testament • Unit 20 • Copy Master 1
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Copy Master 2
Overcoming Obstacles
Joshua 1:6-9; 3:9-17; 5:13–6:5; 10:11-14; 23:6-8; 24:14,15
AIM
How can we overcome the enormous daily obstacles to our faith?
Joshua was God’s choice as Moses’ successor. He faced a tremendous challenge. The
Israelites were at the edge of the Promised Land, and God had instructed Joshua to
lead them into battle against the Canaanites. The Canaanites were warlike people living
in walled cities. The Israelites were nomadic herders with little apparent military skill.
And from past experience Joshua knew that whenever the going got rough, the people
did not trust the Lord to help them. Moses himself had said about them: “I cannot carry
all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you [God] are
going to treat me, put me to death right now” (Numbers 11:14,15). How would Joshua
ever be strong enough to lead the people?
Jos 1:6-9
a. Why should Joshua feel strong and courageous? The Lord promised that Joshua
would lead the people into the Promised Land. He also promised to be with Joshua
wherever he went.
b. What would be the key to Joshua’s prosperity and success? God told Joshua to
meditate on the Word day and night and to do everything written in it. Through Joshua’s
study of the Word, the Spirit would strengthen him and make him “prosperous and
successful” (verse 8). His success was based on God’s promise.
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c.
Discuss the word “meditate” (verse 8) in context of the great task lying before
Joshua.
The word “meditate” implies deep thought engaging both the head and the heart of the
believer. Joshua was not to approach the Word with a superficial “might as well give it a
try” attitude, but he was to study the Word and keep it in his heart so that the Spirit
would strengthen him to walk in complete obedience to God’s laws and with complete
reliance on God’s promises. The Hebrew word translated as “meditate” means “to
murmur or mutter to oneself in a low voice.” It refers to the custom of muttering to
oneself while studying or reflecting. When people are muttering God’s Word to
themselves, they are constantly thinking about it, studying it, or reflecting upon it.
KEY POINT 1
How does the Spirit strengthen us to face life’s difficult challenges? As we daily
read, study, and meditate on the Word, the Spirit strengthens us for life’s difficult
challenges.
Jos 3:9-17
a. Here God confirms Joshua’s trust in him. What visible symbol of the Lord’s
presence and his promises did the Israelites have as they crossed the Jordan? They
carried the ark of the covenant, which held the stone tablets of the law, God’s own
words to his people.
b. How did God miraculously take them across the Jordan? When the priests carrying
the ark entered the Jordan, the waters stopped flowing and piled up in a heap so that
the whole nation could cross over safely.
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c.
What ancient promise did God fulfill in this way? The nation then entered the land
of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Jos 5:13–6:5
d. How did God again encourage Joshua? The presence of “the commander of the
LORD’s army” showed Joshua that the Lord was the real leader of the conquest and
would be fighting with him in the coming battle. The heavenly armies ensured victory to
Israel. In fact, God’s promise was as good as done: “I have delivered Jericho into your
hands,” he said (6:2). (Early Jewish interpreters thought this messenger was the
archangel Michael. The early church father Origen [ca. A.D.185–254] said this was the
Son of God himself.)
e. Explain how the six days of marching around the city served to build trust for the
Israelites. The conquest of a walled city was a major challenge—one the Israelites had
not faced before. It required faith that God would keep his promise and give the city into
their hands. These instructions showed them that God would win the victory, not them.
As they reflected and meditated on God’s promise during those six days, their faith in
that promise grew. And, of course, God did make the walls fall down, as he had
promised.
Jos 10:11-14
f.
Later, when the Israelites fought the Amorites, how did God in another miraculous
way keep his promise to help his people? He sent hailstones that killed more Amorites
than the Israelites themselves killed. He made the sun stand still for a full day, a miracle
never performed before or since!
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KEY POINT 2
What leads us to trust God to help us face challenges to our faith? God’s
fulfillment of all promises leads us to trust him.
After many years of warfare, the Lord gave Israel temporary rest from its enemies.
Joshua, knowing his death was near, summoned the people for final words of
encouragement and challenge. Big obstacles remained for the Israelites: they had to
drive out the remaining Canaanites and withstand the enticements of the false religions
and worldly ways of the people surrounding them. In the following verses, Joshua tells
them what to let go of and what to hold on to.
Jos 23:6-8
a. Consider the situation of the Israelites. Why would Joshua so clearly emphasize the
absolute importance of carefully obeying the law, without turning aside to the right or to
the left? The Israelites would be inundated with temptations to forsake the Lord and
chase after heathen gods, the worship of which included sinful festivals and temple
prostitutes. The Israelites would have to stick to the straight and narrow path laid out for
them in the Word of God—or risk losing their faith!
Jos 24:14,15
b. What challenge did Joshua lay before the people? Joshua challenged them to
throw away the false gods their forefathers had worshiped and to serve the Lord
only—to let go of sin and hold on to the Lord.
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c.
How did Joshua set an example for the Israelites? Joshua told them that he and his
household would serve the Lord—the God who had graciously encouraged and
strengthened him, kept all his promises, and led the way to victory over many
Canaanite cities.
KEY POINT 3
As the Spirit strengthens our faith, what do we let go of and what do we hold on
to? As the Spirit strengthens our faith, we let go of the sinful world and hold on to the
Lord.
TRUTH
How can we overcome the enormous daily obstacles to our faith? We can
overcome the obstacles that threaten our faith only with the help of the Holy Spirit, who
strengthens our trust in God through the Word.
Old Testament • Unit 20 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 2
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Copy Master 3
Discuss This
Overcoming Obstacles
1. KEY POINT 1: “I get all the spiritual ammunition I need to fight against Satan by
attending church once a week, especially if I really concentrate during the service.”
Respond.
This fallacy unfortunately seems to have built a nest in the minds of many young
people. We want to debunk the notion that “once a week” somehow completes a
spiritual obligation and adequately prepares us for spiritual battles during the week. As
the Lord said to Joshua, our battles require daily, careful, personal meditation on the
Word and a heartfelt trust in God’s promises—in addition to regular church attendance.
2. KEY POINT 1: Evaluate:
•
A person could read the entire Bible twice a year and still not be a Christian.
Certainly. Unbelievers too can read Scripture—and many do. Satan himself is well
versed in Scripture, as he displayed when he tempted Christ. A mechanical, rote
reading of Scripture does little or no spiritual good. In our lesson the Lord stressed
careful study of the Word and meditation on it. We are assisted and enabled, of course,
by the Holy Spirit.
•
Reading the Word is not the same as meditating on the Word.
True. Believers do not read the Word as a collection of interesting adventure stories
and inspiring poetry, but as the Word of the almighty God. Through that Word he
sanctifies us and helps us overcome the challenges of daily life on earth. Meditating on
the Word, therefore, is a reverential, head-and-heart approach toward reading
Scripture.
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3. KEY POINT 1: (Illustration) If you were seriously ill and a doctor prescribed a bottle
of medicine that would make you well, how much of that medicine would you take?
You would take it all because you would want to live.
What is our spiritual medicine?
God’s Word is our spiritual medicine. As 2 Timothy 3:15 tells us, “From infancy you
have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus.”
How much of it do we want to take?
We want to read it all, because it will “cure” us. The Scriptures are God’s prescription to
make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus and also to use for correcting
and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:15,16).
4. KEY POINT 1: (Illustration) Imagine stepping into a boxing ring to box the
heavyweight champion of the world. What are your chances of winning?
Nil.
What spiritual boxing ring do we enter every day?
Every day we step into the ring against Satan, the world, and our sinful flesh. We fight
small and large battles countless times during the day.
How do we prepare for the fight?
We read, study, and meditate on God’s strengthening and encouraging Word. Through
the Word the Spirit trains and strengthens chumps to be spiritual champs!
5. KEY POINT 1: What environment is most conducive to meditating on the Word so
that we can hold fast to the Lord?
This is a practical question of how and when to study the Word. Lead the students to
see the importance of these factors:
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•
Mental alertness: We cannot meditate on the Word if we are exhausted. Before
bed is usually not the best time to study the Word.
•
Solitude: Few people can meditate on the Word when they are surrounded by
others who distract them. The cafeteria at lunchtime is not a good place. A quiet study
hall may be very good.
•
Silence: We may have difficulty meditating on the Word while a radio or
television set is on.
Encourage them to develop a routine, including a specific time and place, for daily
meditation on the Word. This time then becomes something to look forward to, a rest
from the obstacles they face each day.
6. KEY POINT 2: (Illustration) Your mom promised to come to all your basketball
games, and she hasn’t missed one yet. What can you conclude about her promise?
You can conclude that she will keep her promise and continue to be at every game.
Similarly, how do we know that God will keep his promises to us?
He has kept every promise to us so far. And he’s even more trustworthy than an earthly
mother, who could forget or get sick or be stopped in some other way from keeping her
promise.
7. KEY POINT 3: Name some things and people you will hold on to and some you
need to let go of to keep your faith strong.
You may have the students work in pairs. Possible answers: Hold on to daily Bible
study, regular worship and partaking of the Sacrament, Christian friends, good
relationships with pastors and teachers, a Christian congregation, etc. Let go of any
and all obstacles to your faith. (The students may not wish to share what their personal
obstacles are.) When we do these things, God’s kingdom truly comes, for “by his grace
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we believe his holy Word and lead a godly life now on earth and forever in heaven”
(Second Petition of the Lord’s Prayer).
8. KEY POINT 3: Do we hold fast to the Lord, or does the Lord hold fast to us?
Both are true. We hold fast to the Lord by continuing to read his Word and to pray, as
he commands and invites us to do. But praise God that he promises to hold fast to us,
his dear children: “No one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). “The Lord will
rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom” (2
Timothy 4:18). Only by God’s mercy and grace can we ever hope to stay firm in the
faith until he takes us to heaven.
9. KEY POINT 3: What do athletes give up when they are in training so they are
successful?
Athletes give up tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, unhealthy foods, sedentary habits,
and so on.
What do Christians give up so they can deal with the challenges and frustrations of
daily life?
Christians give up sinful pleasures, the desire to gratify only themselves, the temptation
to water down or adapt the clear teachings of law and gospel to fit their circumstances,
and so on. We cannot resist temptation on our own, but we ask the Spirit to help us
forsake and resist sin, which eats away at our faith.
Old Testament • Unit 20 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 3
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Copy Master 4
Many obstacles threaten the Christian’s faith.
Obstacles to Our Faith
On the obstacle course below, write any obstacles or challenges to your faith that you
face.
The first three obstacles are the unholy trinity of the devil, the world, and our sinful
flesh. Other possible obstacles stemming from these three: underage drinking, using
tobacco, taking illegal drugs, shoplifting, sinning sexually, behaving cliquishly,
gossiping, having pride/conceit/cockiness, lacking love for others, disrespecting
authorities, doubting forgiveness or salvation, feeling spiritual apathy, being
materialistic, following the ways of humanism/pessimism/cynicism, remaining in any
nagging sin or sinful attitude.
Old Testament • Unit 20 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 4
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Copy Master 5
God never fails to keep his promises.
Promises Kept
Has God ever failed to keep a promise? Test him and see. Read each reference below,
and fill in the table as shown in number 1. Add your own promise in number 10.
Use as a transparency or a worksheet. If you wish to save time, you may assign one
reference to each student or to a group of students. Or you may tell the students who
received each promise (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, etc.) and have them tell you the
promise without looking up the reference at all.
REFERENCE
WHO RECEIVED
WHAT WAS THE
DID GOD KEEP
THE PROMISE?
PROMISE?
THE
PROMISE?
1. Genesis 3:15
Adam and Eve
to send Savior
yes
2. Genesis 9:11
Noah
never to send another
yes
worldwide flood
3. Genesis
Abraham
to make him into a great
yes
nation, to send the Savior
12:2,3; 15:18
from his family, to give his
family the land of Canaan
4. Genesis 26:2-4
Isaac
the same promises as to
yes
Abraham
5. Genesis
Jacob
the same promises as to
yes
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Abraham plus the promise
28:13-15
to be with him always
6. Exodus 3:7-10
Moses
to bring the people out of
yes
Egypt and into Canaan
7. 2 Samuel
David
7:12,13
to establish his throne
yes, through
forever
Solomon, but
foremost
through Christ
8. Jeremiah
people of Judah
yes
Babylonian exile
30:10
9. John 14:3
to bring them out of the
disciples and us
to come back and take us
soon!
to heaven
10. Answers will vary
Old Testament • Unit 20 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 5
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Copy Master 6
I meditate on the Word.
Bible Study Practice
We know that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard
through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Sometimes we want to study our Bibles,
but we aren’t sure how to do it. Try this method: Read one chapter of any book of the
Bible. A good one to try is 1 John 3. Choose two verses or parts of verses that you
would like to remember. Write out those verses below. Then answer two questions
about them: What do these verses mean? What do these verses mean to me?
Compare the students’ verses and commentaries. Answers will vary.
Chosen Verse
What does it mean?
What does it mean to
me?
A. 1 John 3: ___
B. 1 John 3: ___
Recommended Reading: The booklet Come, Take a Seat by John A. Braun is a good
introduction to personal Bible study. It is available from Northwestern Publishing House.
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Old Testament • Unit 20 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 6
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Copy Master 7
Strong in the Spirit
Ephesians 5:15-20; 6:10-18
AIM
How does the Spirit help us live wisely in an evil world?
Joshua and the Israelites defeated and expelled most of the Canaanites, but some
remained. For generations the Israelites struggled against the temptation to partake of
the Canaanite religion, with its sinful festivals and temple prostitutes. Would the
Israelites live as God wanted in that evil world? How about us? We are surrounded by a
culture loaded with sinful practices, all of which serve as constant temptations to us. In
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he encourages believers to live wisely in an evil world.
Paul knew what he was talking about. Though he wrote this letter while under house
arrest in Rome, he had spent three years in Ephesus and knew what wicked influences
the believers there faced. Let’s see whom Paul says we struggle against and how we
can become stronger for the fight.
Eph 6:10-12
a. What does Paul mean when he says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood”?
Although we have flesh-and-blood enemies who present danger to us and to our faith,
we have a more significant struggle against more powerful enemies.
b. Who are these enemies? They are “the powers of this dark world” and “the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly realms”—in other words, the devil and his evil angels.
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c.
When the Israelites struggled against the temptations of the Canaanite religion,
against whom were they really struggling? They were struggling against Satan, who is
the god of every false religion.
d. When unbelievers oppose our faith and try to make us sin, whose agents are they?
They are the devil’s agents, whether they know it or not, trying to destroy our faith.
KEY POINT 1
Against whom do we struggle in this evil world? In this world we struggle against
the devil, his angels, and unbelievers, who are his agents.
Eph 6:13-18
a. What does Paul mean by “the day of evil” in verse 13? Paul wants us to stand firm
whenever the devil confronts us with temptation. This day of evil could be any and
every day.
b. List the five defensive pieces of God’s “armor.” Belt of truth, breastplate of
righteousness, shoes or boots of readiness from the gospel of peace, shield of faith,
helmet of salvation.
c.
Roman soldiers would sometimes soak their leather-covered shields with water so
that they would extinguish flame-tipped arrows. What “flaming arrows” does our shield
of faith extinguish? Our shield of faith extinguishes the temptations sent our way by the
devil, his angels, and his unbelievers on earth.
d. The single offensive piece of God’s armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the
Word of God. How do we wield this sword? We meditate on, that is, read, hear, study,
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memorize, think about, pray about, sing praises about, the Word of God, so that it
becomes our strength to fight against the powers of evil.
e. What other offensive weapon does Paul give us in verse 18? Prayer. A Christian
warrior wants to “keep in touch” with his commander in chief.
KEY POINT 2
How does the Holy Spirit strengthen us for the fight? The Holy Spirit strengthens us
for the fight as we meditate on the Word.
Eph 5:15-20
a. Paul tells the Ephesians not to be under the influence of wine, but under the
influence of what? He tells the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit, under the influence
and control of God and his will.
b. Being filled with the Spirit means to be spiritually strong. When we are spiritually
strong, how do we live wisely? We live wisely by making the most of every
opportunity—by living for God and obeying him instead of succumbing to temptation.
c.
When we are spiritually strong, what do we do for others? We speak to one another
with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. In other words, we encourage friends,
relatives, and others with the Word when they are worried, depressed, sick,
hospitalized, etc.
d. When we are spiritually strong, what do we do in our hearts? We praise God,
always giving thanks to him for everything, in the name of the Savior who died for us.
KEY POINT 3
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What results from being strong in the Spirit? When we are strong in the Spirit, we
live wisely, praising and obeying God and encouraging each other.
TRUTH
How does the Spirit help us live wisely in an evil world? In this world we struggle
against the devil, his angels, and unbelievers, who are his agents. The Holy Spirit
strengthens us for the fight as we meditate on the Word.
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Copy Master 8
Discuss This
Strong in the Spirit
1.
KEY POINT 1: Satan has convinced many people that he doesn’t exist. Why is
this one of his best tricks?
Those who believe he doesn’t exist won’t be on their guard against him and won’t
recognize temptation for what it really is. Essentially, when they deny Satan’s existence,
he’s got them—at least for now, if not for eternity. (A related trick Satan pulls is to
convince people he’s a cute, harmless thing with a red suit, horns, and a tail—more
joke than threat. Remember Luther’s words: “On earth is not his equal” [CW 200:1].)
We must be “self-controlled and alert” because our “enemy the devil prowls around like
a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
2. KEY POINT 1: Every age has its own evil. Israel was surrounded by Baal worship,
with all its sinful practices. Paul lived in Rome, where the caesars and nobility also
indulged in scandalous practices. What are some evils of our day?
Possible answers: materialism, humanism (“man is the measure”), selfishness (“Look
out for number one!” “If it feels good, do it!”), gang warfare, ethnic cleansing,
pornography, cult and occult activities, and so on.
What is the common denominator of all these evils?
The common denominator is sin and Satan. As the prince of this world, Satan is the
author of all the world’s evil. The battle against evil is both a worldly and an otherworldly
battle, a battle against forces that are unseen but very real.
3. KEY POINT 1: A friend says: “This group of friends keeps making me sin. What
should I do?” Respond.
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You could say:
•
It’s good that you recognize they’re making you sin. Maybe they’re not the best
friends to have.
•
Pray. Ask the Spirit to make you stronger through the Word!
•
Put on the full armor of God by getting into the Word. Go to church with your
family, read the Bible every day on your own, and really think about what God is
saying to you.
•
My friends would be happy to include you.
4. KEY POINT 3: Paul tells us always to give thanks for everything. Your younger
sister says: “How can I always give thanks for everything? I’d spend all day saying
thank you!” Respond.
In one sense, she’s right. It’s impossible to verbally say, “Thank you, God, for trees, for
snow, for my boots, for my brother, for my school . . .” One could go on forever! But
when we are filled with the Spirit, we always have joy and gratitude in our hearts. We
know that everything we have is from him and that he blesses us every day beyond
measure. Verbal thank-yous still sound in our hearts, but even when they don’t, we
have an overall attitude of gratitude for everything.
5. KEY POINT 3: Paul tells us to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs. What opportunities do we have to do that?
Church, chapel, family devotions, time spent with family and friends.
Why are those opportunities important?
Praising God with other Christians not only glorifies God; it builds us up in the faith, and
it encourages our fellow Christians to grow in faith.
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6. KEY POINT 3: Paul contrasts being drunk on alcohol with being filled by the Spirit.
Let’s consider his metaphor:
Alcohol can give a temporary high. The Spirit gives . . .
. . . lasting joy based on the knowledge of forgiveness and eternal salvation—a genuine
high!
Alcohol can lead people to debauchery (sins). The Spirit leads people to . . .
. . . do good works, such as those we read about: making the most of every opportunity,
praising and obeying God, and encouraging our friends in the faith.
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Copy Master 9
I don’t allow sin to take over my life in this evil world.
Make the Most of It
Paul tells us to make “the most of every opportunity” and to “understand what the Lord’s
will is” (Ephesians 5:16,17). How would you make the most of the following
opportunities?
1. Study hall Use the time wisely by studying.
2. A boring class Listen and learn, even though you think it’s boring.
3. A quiet moment before bed Pray.
4. Someone you don’t like asking you out Say no kindly. And then don’t joke about
it with your friends.
5. Someone crying in the bathroom Find out what’s wrong. Comfort the person, or
find a good friend of the person to do so.
6. An unbelieving neighbor talking about his problems Listen well. Then tell him
about the solution to his most serious problems: Jesus Christ.
7. Sunday morning Worship with your family.
Who only can help us make the most of these opportunities? Only the Spirit can
help us make the most of these opportunities. As he makes us stronger and stronger
through the Word, we will understand—and obey—God’s will more and more.
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Copy Master 10
I don’t allow sin to take over my life in this evil world.
Help a Struggling Friend
A friend feels all alone in a fight against temptation and says: “I can’t fight this battle any
longer. The sin keeps pulling me in.” Respond using the following passages.
If you want to save time, you may assign each passage to a group of students. Have
the groups write their answers. Then listen to all the responses and discuss them.
1. Isaiah 41:10
Passage: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Possible response: God is with you. He’ll strengthen and help you.
2. 1 Peter 5:10
Passage: The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you
have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and
steadfast.
Possible response: God will make you strong!
3. Ephesians 3:16
Passage: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power
through his Spirit in your inner being.
Possible response: Pray that God strengthens you through his Spirit in your inner
being.
4. Romans 10:17
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Passage: Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through
the word of Christ.
Possible response: Get into the Word! Then your faith will be strengthened.
In a sense, Romans 10:17 sums up all the passages because it explains the means
through which the Spirit strengthens us to fight against temptation: the Word. Finally,
one could also remind the friend that it is God’s will to keep us firm in the faith: “God’s
will is done when he strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and in the faith as long
as we live (Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer).
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Copy Master 11
The Holy Spirit strengthens the Christian’s faith through the Word.
God Is My . . .
The Word tells us that God is our helper, the one we can trust to help us overcome the
obstacles to our faith. Read each passage, and write what metaphor the Bible uses to
describe God—proving that he is trustworthy. Then explain in your own words what
each metaphor means.
Artistic students might attempt a drawing or poster of one of these metaphors.
1. Proverbs 18:10
God is my tower.
This means I can run to him and his Word and be safe from Satan and temptation.
2. Genesis 15:1
God is my shield.
This means God will guard me from the weapons Satan hurls at me. (A shield also
represents a king. God is our King, who has pledged to protect us, his subjects.)
3. Isaiah 26:4
God is my rock.
This means I can stand firm on God’s promises in his Word. (A rock might also be an
offensive weapon: God crushes the enemy’s power as a rock crushes a flower.)
4. Psalm 59:17
God is my fortress.
This means God is a fort, a safe place, a building where Satan cannot reach me.
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Copy Master 12
I trust the Holy Spirit to keep me strong in the faith.
Spirit—Results
When the Spirit lives in us, he produces faith and the fruits of faith, Christian character.
Read Galatians 5:22,23. Write six different fruits of the Spirit below, put each one into
your own words, and give an example of how to show each one in real life. One is done
for you.
Possible answers for all nine fruits of the Spirit are listed here. The students need only
six:
1. Fruit: Love
In your own words: Making others’ needs more important than my own
An example: Helping Dad paint the garage instead of going to a movie with Kira
2. Fruit: Joy
In your own words: Having a deep happiness in my heart because I’m going to heaven
An example: Having a good attitude about Dad losing his job; God will make it work out
all right
3. Fruit: Peace
In your own words: Having an at-ease, comfortable feeling because I’m okay with God
An example: Not feeling guilty about that one sin anymore because Jesus has forgiven
me!
4. Fruit: Patience
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In your own words: Understanding other people’s weaknesses
An example: Not yelling at my brother when he’s making me late for school
5. Fruit: Kindness
In your own words: Being considerate and polite
An example: Talking respectfully to my teachers
6. Fruit: Goodness
In your own words: Not hurting others but trying to do the right thing
An example: Being nice to that person everybody makes fun of
7. Fruit: Faithfulness
In your own words: Being true to the Word and to my responsibilities
An example: Getting my newspapers delivered on time every day
8. Fruit: Gentleness
In your own words: Being nice, not nasty, rude, or pushy
An example: Walking away from an argument with my ex-best friend
9. Fruit: Self-control
In your own words: Being disciplined
An example: Practicing piano even when I don’t want to
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Copy Master 13
I study the Word with others.
Search-and-Find Bible Study
We know that the Spirit keeps us strong in the faith through the gospel. A Bible study
method you might use occasionally is the following concordance study. Choose an
important Bible word, such as faith, prayer, strength, grace, or temptation. Look the
word up in your concordance, and jot down some references where the word occurs.
Then read those passages and summarize them.
You might divide the students into groups, choose a leader for each group, and assign
a word to each group.
Your word: ___________________________
Some references that contain that word:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Read the passages aloud, and write key thoughts here:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Write a paragraph summarizing what the passages teach you.
__________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
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Copy Master 14
Meditating on the Word
Psalm 19:7-14; Proverbs 24:5
AIM
What does the Spirit do for us as we meditate on the Word?
God told Joshua to be strong and courageous, to hold fast to his promises, and to
meditate on his Word day and night. One of the great meditators was David. David
certainly knew the value of God’s Word—Nathan had used both law and gospel to
show David his sin with Bathsheba and to assure him of God’s forgiveness. In verses 7
to 9 of Psalm 19, David describes God’s Word and what it does for those who meditate
on it.
Ps 19:7-9
a. What words stand for God’s Word? “Law,” “statutes,” “precepts,” “commands,”
“ordinances.” (“The fear of the LORD” summarizes what the Word produces in us.)
Although these words make us think of the law, in the Psalms they can mean the whole
Word of God.
b. What words describe God’s Word—and God himself? “Perfect” (holy), “trustworthy”
(faithful), “right” (true), “radiant” (light giving), “pure” (holy), “sure” (certainly true), and
“righteous” (holy).
c.
List and explain the four things God’s Word does for those who meditate on it. (1) It
revives the soul: the gospel makes dead sinners alive again. (2) It makes the simple
wise: the gospel makes us wise for salvation, and the law shows us how to live wisely
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in gratitude for that salvation. (3) It gives joy to the heart: the gospel gives us the joy of
forgiveness and salvation. The law too brings believers joy because it shows them how
to serve God with their lives. (4) It gives light to the eyes: the gospel gives light to
sin-darkened souls, and the law “is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm
119:105).
Pr 24:5
d. When the Spirit makes us wise through the Word, what else does he make us? A
wise and knowledgeable person also has power and strength. As the Spirit makes us
spiritually wise, he also makes us spiritually powerful and strong.
Ps 19:10
e. Because the Word makes us both wise and powerful, the psalmist compares it to
gold and honey. Why is the Word like them? Gold is one of the most precious metals
on earth. The Word is more precious than gold because gold is earthly and the Word is
spiritual, gold is temporary and the Word is eternal, and earthly wealth is nothing and
heavenly riches are everything.
Honey is one of the sweetest substances on earth. The Word is sweeter than honey
because the Word offers the sweetness of peace, forgiveness, and eternal bliss in
heaven.
KEY POINT 1
How do we benefit from meditating on the Word? The Spirit gives us wisdom and
strength as we meditate on the Word.
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Ps 19:11
a. In what way does the Word warn us? The law warns us that we are sinning and
that we deserve hell because of our sins. In what way does the Word give us a great
reward? We cannot keep the law, but the gospel tells us about Jesus Christ, who kept
the law perfectly for us and died to pay for our sins. His sinless life and innocent death
earned forgiveness, life, and salvation for us.
b. In what way is a Christian who never got past fifth grade wiser than a Nobel Prize
winner who is an atheist? The Christian, though not intelligent or wise by the world’s
standards, has the more valuable wisdom of the Word and is truly wiser than an
unbelieving Nobel Prize winner, who has much worldly wisdom but has rejected the
gospel as foolishness.
c.
Do we learn this spiritual wisdom once and for all, or do we grow in it over time?
Both. The Spirit taught us that we are sinners and that Jesus is our Savior at our
conversions. Now that the Spirit has made us Christians, he helps us grow in this
wisdom. As we meditate on the Word, he works daily sorrow over our sins and leads us
to depend more and more on our Savior. He also helps us live wiser, more obedient
lives, lives that show our love and gratitude to our Savior.
KEY POINT 2
What does spiritual wisdom lead us to do? Spiritual wisdom leads us to recognize
our sins and to trust our Savior.
Ps 19:12-14
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a. When the Spirit makes us spiritually strong through the Word, what does not rule
over us? Willful sins do not rule over us.
b. Why are willful sins so dangerous? All sins are dangerous, but willful sins
committed over and over destroy our faith and rob us of our forgiveness.
c.
If sins do not rule us, does that mean we do not sin? No. We still sin. In fact, we
have “hidden faults,” sins we commit unknowingly. But God can make us spiritually
strong; he can prevent sin from ruling over us.
d. How is praying verse 14 a sign of spiritual strength and wisdom? In these words we
acknowledge we are sinful and need the forgiveness of our Rock and our Redeemer.
We need him to clothe us with Jesus’ robe of righteousness and to give us clean hearts
so that our words and our thoughts (“the meditation of my heart”) are pleasing in his
sight. Then the knowledge of his forgiveness motivates us to try to live more and more
obediently—a sure sign of spiritual strength!
KEY POINT 3
What does spiritual strength do for us? Spiritual strength helps prevent sin from
taking over in our lives.
TRUTH
What does the Spirit do for us as we meditate on the Word? As we meditate on the
Word, the Spirit makes us spiritually wise and strong.
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Copy Master 15
Discuss This
Meditating on the Word
1. KEY POINT 1: How do these verses revive your soul and make you wise?
•
Matthew 6:25-34
•
Matthew 7:7-11
•
Luke 2:1-14
•
John 10:11-18
•
Revelation 21:1-4
Answers will vary. Lead the students from general answers, such as “These verses
contain the gospel,” to personal answers, such as “I’ve been worried about a lot of
things lately. These verses reminded me that God will take care of me.”
2. KEY POINT 1: How would you meditate on some verses of Scripture by yourself?
You might
•
read them silently or aloud
•
think about each verse
•
ask: What does this mean? What does this mean to me?
•
write about them in a notebook
•
pray about them
•
memorize one or more of the verses
3. KEY POINT 1: Read Psalm 91:9-16, and write two verses or phrases that
especially strike you. Why did you choose those verses?
Lead the students to explain what their chosen phrases mean to them personally. The
diversity of answers will show the class the different thoughts and ideas that studying
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even a small portion of the Word brings. This kind of deep pondering on the Word is a
step in the direction of meditating on the Word day and night.
4. KEY POINT 1: Do spiritual wisdom and strength translate into earthly power and
success?
Consider these people:
•
Solomon
Solomon’s wisdom did lead to fame and power. Israel was a world power under his rule.
Even the queen of Sheba came to visit him and praised God because of his wisdom.
•
Paul
Paul was well respected by Christians and non-Christians alike. However, we couldn’t
really call him successful; he was persecuted and imprisoned, and he finally met a
martyr’s death.
•
a high school student who refuses to go to parties where illegal substances will
be served
This student might not be considered a social success. On the other hand, the student
might be well respected for being strong enough to stand up for the faith.
•
a businessperson who refuses to use unethical tactics to further the company
This businessperson might lose money by refusing to compromise Christian principles.
On the other hand, the person might win more business because people see that he is
trustworthy.
Spiritual wisdom and strength do not necessarily translate into earthly power and
success. But Christians are grateful for the “success” the Savior won on Calvary, and
they want to live obedient lives in gratitude for that heavenly success.
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5. KEY POINT 2: A girl goes to public high school after attending Lutheran elementary
school. She says: “I don’t feel very ‘wise’ here. These people think the Bible is stupid
and unsophisticated.” Respond.
You might have the students read 1 Corinthians 1:18,19: “The message of the cross is
foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of
God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the
intelligent I will frustrate.’” To unbelievers the gospel is foolish. But we know that what
the world calls foolishness is actually wisdom. Unbelievers find their “truth” in their own
imaginations or in the words of other fallible human beings. Our truth—the only
Truth—comes from the eternal Word of God. We are the wise ones by the power of the
Spirit, and on the Last Day, God will destroy the worldly wise.
6. KEY POINT 2: (Illustration) Who is the wiser business manager, one who thinks he
knows everything and tries to do everything himself or one who recognizes his
shortcomings and depends on others to help him?
Of course, the wiser business manager knows his shortcomings and depends on others
to help him.
When we are spiritually wise, what shortcomings do we recognize?
When we are spiritually wise, we recognize our sins—and they are much more
dangerous than personal shortcomings; they can destroy our faith, and they make us
worthy of eternal death.
Whom do we trust for help?
When we are spiritually wise, we realize we cannot help ourselves one bit. We depend
completely on the sinless Son of God, who lived a perfect life and died a sinless death
to pay for our sins.
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7. KEY POINT 3: Finish this sentence as a spiritually weak believer might: “I don’t
want to sin because . . .
•
. . . I don’t want to go to hell.” This shows an obedience stemming from fear and
a weak understanding of the gospel.
•
. . . it always gets me into trouble.” This shows a disregard for both law and
gospel. Any unbeliever might say this.
Then finish it as a spiritually strong believer might.
•
. . . I don’t want to displease my Father, who sent his Son to die for me.”
•
. . . I want to thank and serve my Redeemer, who died for me.”
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Copy Master 16
I treasure the Word as a source of strength and wisdom.
Wise or Otherwise?
The Holy Spirit makes us spiritually wise through the Word. Read the following. How
wise is each speaker? Explain your answers.
•
A Bible scholar says: “I know the Bible backward and forward. I don’t
even bother to study it anymore.”
The Bible scholar seems to be wise: studying the Bible is his job, and he knows a lot
about it. But the fact that he doesn’t want to study it shows that his wisdom may be
nothing more than shallow knowledge. He hasn’t taken the Word’s message to heart,
and he doesn’t value its power in his life.
•
A high school student says: “I was confirmed. I know enough.”
None of us can ever learn enough. We can always learn more about the Word, and we
always need the wisdom and strength the Spirit gives us through the Word.
•
A regular churchgoer says, “I don’t want to hear about my sins.”
The regular churchgoer is rejecting the wisdom of the law. He cannot confess his sins if
he does not admit them, and he cannot admit them until the law or someone using the
law shows them to him. More important, he can neither appreciate what the Savior has
done for him nor recognize his need for a Savior in the first place.
•
A cognitively disabled person says, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the
Bible tells me so.”
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This person, though expressing the gospel in the simplest terms, is perhaps the wisest
of all. If she understands that Jesus’ love led him to die on the cross for her sins, she is
saved. This simple message is the wisdom of the gospel.
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Copy Master 17
I meditate on the Word.
Methods for Meditating on the Word
Each box below contains a method for studying a portion of Scripture. Choose three
portions of Scripture from those listed, put one in each box, and then do what the boxes
ask you to do. Ideally, you should spend at least five or ten minutes meditating on
(thinking about) each of the three portions of Scripture.
Emphasize that the goal of this exercise isn’t just to get done; meditating on the Word
demands time and concentration. Discuss the answers of willing students.
Matthew 6:25-34
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Matthew 7:7-11
Ephesians 6:10-18
Luke 2:1-14
John 10:11-18
Revelation 21:1-4
Reference: _______________________
Key Verse: _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What do these verses mean? _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What do these verses mean to me? ____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Reference: _______________________
Key Verse: ________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear God, these verses make me think of ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Reference: _______________________
Key Verse: ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
How I would teach these verses to a kindergartner: _______________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Copy Master 18
I treasure the Word as a source of strength and wisdom.
In Trembling Hands
Hymn 199, “In Trembling Hands, Lord God, We Hold,” written by WELS pastor Werner
Franzmann, reminds us of Psalm 119:161: “My heart trembles at your word.” Answer
each question below about holding the treasure of the gospel in our trembling hands.
The students will need their hymnals for this exercies.
1. Stanza 1 Why do we tremble as we hold the gift of the gospel?
The gospel is very valuable! It brings us “wealth untold: All blessings here, in heav’n a
place.”
2. Stanza 2 What can we not do by our own power?
We cannot hold the gift of the gospel. Only the Spirit can help us cling to our Savior.
3. Stanza 3 What two things does the Word tell us Christ did for us?
He kept the law for us and won salvation for us by dying on the cross (active and
passive obedience).
4. Stanza 4 Although our hands tremble at the valuable treasure of the Word, what
kind of grip do we have?
We have a “grip of steel.” We never want to let go of the treasure of the gospel, which
gives us peace on earth and eternal joy in heaven.
5. Stanza 5 What do we ask God to keep us?
We ask God to keep us “As people trembling at your Word,” people who hold on to the
Word, study it, meditate on it, and let it dwell in us richly.
6. Stanza 6 When we treasure the Word, what stirs our hearts?
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Our hearts are stirred by the millions who are spiritually poor, who do not know the
eternal wealth of Christ in the gospel.
7. Stanza 7 Because we tremble at the Word, what do we do?
We share the treasure of salvation with all who need it.
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Copy Master 19
I meditate on the Word.
Can You Handle the Quiet?
Meditating on the Word may require some basic environmental conditions, such as
silence and solitude. Can you handle being alone? Can you handle absolute quiet for
any length of time? Answer the following questions to see.
Discuss the students’ answers. Some people always seem to need background noise;
they do not enjoy being alone with their own thoughts. Lead them to see how important
silence and solitude are for both praying and meditating on the Word.
1. How many minutes or hours of silence and solitude do you experience in a normal
day? This means time with no music, TV, computer, phone, or other people and does
not include sleeping time.
2. How many minutes or hours without even a book or magazine do you experience in
a normal day? Again, do not include sleeping time.
3. How does it feel to be alone with just your thoughts? Choose one:
GREAT
GOOD
OKAY
NOT TOO GOOD
TERRIBLE
4. Why do you enjoy or not enjoy silence?
5. Why do you enjoy or not enjoy solitude?
6. How can you add some silence and solitude to your daily schedule?
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Copy Master 20
Spiritual Journal
Reflections
•
Evaluate your personal Bible study record. How regularly do you read the Bible
on your own? When are the best times for you to read it? What are some of your
excuses for not reading the Bible—too busy, too tired, too confused by it, too lost to
start, too uncertain about how to make reading it meaningful, and so on? Write a prayer
asking God to help you.
•
Write about an obstacle to your faith or a weakness in your current spiritual life.
How do you fight it now? What can you do to fight it more effectively? For what can you
pray? Which adults or peers can you ask for help?
•
What evils in this world cause you to struggle? Write a prayer asking God to
help you be strong and live wisely amid those evils.
•
What sins trouble you? Confess them on paper, and write a prayer asking God
to forgive you and asking the Spirit to make you stronger so that sins do not rule your
life.
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The Time of the Judges: An Unfaithful Generation
Judges 2–17
Unit Theme
Follow the example of faithful parents, and do not neglect the Lord as the Israelites did.
Goals
We pray that the student
knows these spiritual truths:
•
God is faithful even when his children are not.
•
God blesses those who obey him.
•
The Holy Spirit helps us grow in faith and Christian living.
develops these spiritual attitudes and habits:
•
I do my own thing in conformity to God’s will.
•
I do not take my faith for granted.
•
I value and follow the godly advice of my parents.
•
I do not give in to those who try to lead me astray.
•
I worship with other Christians.
•
I continue to study the Word, worship, and pray.
To Memorize
Psalm 122:1
Proverbs 22:6
*
Luke 11:28
Romans 8:7
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*
The Third Commandment
*
The Fourth Commandment
**
Hymn 596:1
Suggested Commentary Readings
•
Pages 318-324,326-331,414-417 in Franzmann, Bible History Commentary,
Old Testament
•
Pages 37-42,44-46,177-181 in Lawrenz, Judges, Ruth, The People’s Bible
series
•
Pages 66-68,78-85 in Wolfgramm, Kings, The People’s Bible series
•
Pages 17-20,43,44,47-49,60-63 in Ehlke, Proverbs, The People’s Bible series
Introduction Ideas
•
Discuss: Is it sinful to do your own thing? Have the students give examples of
when doing your own thing is God-pleasing, such as standing up for your faith when
others aren’t. When does doing your own thing become sinful? It is obviously sinful
when it is contrary to God’s will and commandments. This unit focuses on how God’s
people rejected the faith and practice of their parents and did their own sinful thing
instead.
•
Name some pastors and teachers who have had good influences on you. God
gives his church leaders to help nurture our faith and to lead us in worship. But what
happens when the leaders go astray? Solomon went astray in the later years of his rule.
He did not stay faithful, as his father David had, and the result was disaster for his
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house and for all Israel. This unit explores what happens when you go your own way
instead of following the example of faithful parents.
•
When you have to make a big decision, whose advice do you seek? Why?
Many of the proverbs written and compiled by Solomon point us in the right direction.
Old Testament • Unit 21
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Copy Master 1
Background
Judges: God’s Champions
Judges 1–21
The students do not have to read the entire book of Judges to fill out this sheet.
The last chapter of Joshua tells us that the Israelites promised three times, “We will
serve the LORD.” Then it continues, “Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of
Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the
LORD had done for Israel” (Joshua 24:31). The second chapter of Judges adds a “but”
to this fact: “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another
generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then
the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the
LORD, the God of their fathers” (verses 10-12).
And so began the period of the judges: a period of sin, repentance, and grace. During
these three hundred–plus years, a cycle developed:
•
The Israelites forsake the Lord and serve Baal and other false gods.
•
God punishes the Israelites by allowing an enemy to oppress them.
•
The Israelites turn to God for help.
•
The Lord delivers the Israelites from their enemies by raising up judges.
•
The judges rule for a time, and the Israelites have peace.
•
The Israelites begin to fall back into their sinful ways and serve Baal, and the
cycle continues.
The judges might be called heroes, champions, or saviors, but they were not perfect
people. They were sinners whom God used to help his people.
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The judges were also types of the great deliverer and champion who rescued all people
from the enemy Satan. This man was a perfect Savior and King, the very Son of God,
Jesus Christ.
The book of Judges reminds us once again of the stubborn sinfulness of all people, but
more important, it reminds us of the unfailing grace of God. “If we are faithless, he will
remain faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more”
(Romans 5:20).
Old Testament • Unit 21 • Copy Master 1
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Copy Master 2
The Time of the Judges: Everyone Did His Own Thing
Judges 2:6-19; 3:5,6; 17:1-13
AIM
What happened to the Israelites after Joshua’s faithful generation died?
God gave the Israelites the land flowing with milk and honey, as he had promised.
Under Joshua’s able leadership, the Israelites had defeated the Canaanites and divided
the land among the 12 tribes. God then told the individual tribes to drive the remaining
Canaanite people out of their territories and to destroy any remaining heathen altars.
The Israelites began to do this, but they lost heart. Joshua and the other faithful elders
had died, and the people were tired from years of fighting. It seemed simpler to let the
remaining Canaanites stay. So Israel did not complete the task. The result: A second
generation of Israelites grew to adulthood in the Promised Land, living with unbelievers
and without strong spiritual leadership. The book of Judges tells us what happened to
the Israelites in these dangerous circumstances.
Jdg 2:6-10
a. What characterized the Israelites at the time of Joshua? They served the Lord.
b. What happened to the Israelites after Joshua died? The next generation did not
know the Lord.
c.
How could this have happened? One of two things happened. Either parents and
grandparents did not tell their children all that the Lord had done for them (the
Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, the providing of water and manna, the
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miraculous fall of Jericho, the day the sun stood still over Gibeon, and so on), or
children did not listen as their parents and grandparents taught them.
KEY POINT 1
What happened to the children of those who reached the Promised Land? The
second generation did not know or serve the Lord as its parents had.
Jdg 2:11-13; 3:5,6
a. What was the deadly result of living side by side with the pagan Canaanites? The
Israelites intermarried with the pagans and served their gods.
Jdg 17:1-13
b. This section tells about a specific example of an Israelite family committing idolatry.
Micah did not serve the Baals, but he made up his own false religion. Explain. Micah’s
mother had an image and an idol made, although God had forbidden all images and
idols. Micah made an ephod (a priestly garment), installed one of his own sons as a
priest, and hired a wandering Levite to be another priest, although God had not
authorized this ephod or these priests. And Micah did all this to “buy” God’s blessings
and favor (“Now I know that the LORD will be good to me” [verse 13]), although God
most certainly cannot be bought.
c.
Verse 6 comments on the behavior of Micah and the other fallen Israelites and
gives us a general picture of the sad religious conditions of the time. How did these
Israelites behave? “Everyone did as he saw fit.” (These words are repeated as the final
verse of the whole book of Judges, 21:25.)
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KEY POINT 2
How did the pagan culture around the Israelites affect them? The Israelites
intermarried with unbelievers and adopted their religions.
Jdg 2:14-19
a. This section describes the sad cycle that took place time and time again in the
period of the judges. What did God do because his people rejected him and worshiped
false gods? God allowed their enemies to conquer them. As he had formerly fought for
his people in battle, now he fought against them.
b. When the Israelites were at their lowest, how did God rescue them? God raised up
judges (deliverers, saviors) who defeated the Israelites’ enemies.
c.
What was true for the Israelites while each judge lived? Having repented, the
Israelites had rest. God delivered them from their enemies.
d. What happened when the judge died? The Israelites went back to “their evil
practices and stubborn ways.” Their repentance was only temporary. Each generation
had to learn the lesson of faith and obedience all over again.
KEY POINT 3
When God allowed the Israelites to be oppressed and then sent judges to deliver
them, how did the Israelites respond? The Israelites turned back to the Lord, but
only temporarily.
TRUTH
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What happened to the Israelites after Joshua’s faithful generation died? The
second generation did not know or serve the Lord like its parents. The people
intermarried with unbelievers and adopted their religions. They temporarily repented of
their sins but then turned away again.
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 2
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Copy Master 3
Discuss This
The Time of the Judges: An Unfaithful Generation
1. KEY POINT 1: Why may some believers forget about God when things are going
well?
They may begin to think that their own efforts are making life smooth. They may need
some trouble as a wake-up call.
2. KEY POINT 1: (Illustration) How is the USA like the Promised Land?
Like Canaan, the United States is a land flowing with milk and honey—rich and
prosperous. Although many of the country’s founders were believers, subsequent
generations have rejected the God of their parents. Similarly, the generations that came
after the generation who arrived in Canaan rejected the God of their parents.
3. KEY POINT 1: Faithful parents do not want their children to be like the generation
of Israelites who turned away from God. What do they do to help their children stay
faithful?
The Holy Spirit keeps us in the true faith, and God tells parents to “train a child in the
way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Knowing
this, parents train their children by taking them to church; leading home devotions;
praying together at home; and enrolling their children in Christian schools, Sunday
schools, and Bible classes. Ideally, as their children grow older, the parents do not have
to force them to do these things. The children want to continue in them on their own,
and they in turn pass on the “baton of faith” to their children as well.
4. KEY POINT 2: Name the “Baals” of our culture.
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Encourage the students to be specific. While the following examples may not be sinful
in themselves, they can become Baals if people put them first in their lives, pursue them
relentlessly, honor them above God, or fill their time and thoughts with them. Possible
answers: cars, houses, boats, money, sex, a sports team, movies, music, alcohol,
drugs, and so on.
Which is the most likely to lead young people away from God?
Answers will vary. Have the students explain their answers.
5. KEY POINT 2: When the Israelites married unbelievers, they turned away from
God. Discuss whether this is true among believers today.
It can be. An unbelieving spouse cannot encourage a believing spouse in faith and life.
In fact, an unbelieving spouse often discourages a believing spouse by not worshiping,
not having the same beliefs about how to live, and not raising children to love God
above all things. These obstacles make it hard for the believing spouse to stand firm in
the faith. On the other hand, it is possible that a believer’s example can lead an
unbelieving spouse to give the gospel a hearing.
6. KEY POINT 3: Agree/disagree: Bad things are good for people.
Disagree: Obviously, cutting your finger and being diagnosed with cancer are not good
things. Agree: God promises to make all things work for good to his children. Suffering
often leads Christians deeper into the Word, through which the Spirit strengthens their
faith and their reliance on God. As for unbelievers, problems often humble them and
show them that they are not in control. They may then be led to know who is in control,
confess their sins, and by the power of the gospel, trust God to forgive them for Jesus’
sake.
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7. KEY POINT 3: The story of God’s people during the time of the judges is a story of
temporary repentance. When God punished the Israelites by letting their enemies
oppress them, they would repent. But later they would fall back into their old sinful
ways, and the cycle would repeat itself. How does this cycle apply to our lives?
Although we sometimes can’t understand how stubbornly the Israelites acted, we often
act the same way. We sin, and God allows us to pay the consequences of our sin. (We
cheat, and we get caught and punished, for example.) God uses means—his Word—to
lead us to repentance. Unfortunately, because we are weak, the cycle often repeats
itself. We want to remember God’s words to Joshua as the antidote to this horrid cycle:
“Meditate on it [the Word] day and night” (Joshua 1:8). Through that Word the Holy
Spirit strengthens us and brings us out of these cycles. We rejoice that in heaven we
will be completely free of them!
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 3
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Copy Master 4
I worship with other Christians.
The Next Generation
Judges 2:10 tells us that after Joshua’s faithful generation had died, the next generation
did not serve the Lord. We see a picture of that cycle in our congregations. Faithful
parents, teachers, and pastors train children, but many children do not continue to
serve the Lord. Every spring hundreds of eighth graders promise to serve God their
whole lives. By Memorial Day fewer than two-thirds of them attend church regularly. By
the following September, less than a third attend church. Why is this so? Read the
following excuses below. Which have you heard people say? How would you respond
to them? Can you think of another excuse people use?
•
I’m confirmed. That means I know all I need to know to get to heaven. Why
should I go to church anymore? Yes, you know that Jesus is your Savior, but the only
way to keep that faith strong is to continue studying the Bible and attending church with
your fellow believers. The writer to the Hebrews tells us, “Let us not give up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all
the more as you see the [Last] Day approaching” (10:25).
•
Church does nothing for me. It just isn’t relevant to my life. God’s Word is
timeless, and fellowship with other believers is very important for Christians, especially
young Christians facing many different temptations. As you listen to the readings, the
sermon, and the hymns, try to think about how they relate to your life today. And
remember that nothing is more importantmore relevantthan the fact that through his
Son, God has forgiven your sins and saved you from an eternity in hell!
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•
I’m tired of the same old service and the same old songs. If we did something
new once, maybe I’d go. There’s some value in the “same old.” Christians have been
singing some of these songs for almost two thousand years, and some liturgical songs
have their roots in the Jewish synagogue services and are even older. When we sing
such songs, we can find comfort in the fact that we are part of a large body of believers
who are still singing them with us in heaven. On the other hand, God did say, “Sing to
the LORD a new song” (Psalm 96:1), and there’s also value in using new tunes and texts
to praise God. Finally, the songs we sing are not the main focus of our worship services
and certainly not a reason to stay away from church.
•
I have a job now, and I work on Sundays. My parents say I have to start saving
money for college. Many churches have services at times other than on Sundays.
Hopefully, you can find at least one service a week that fits into your schedule. Also,
many employers allow their employees to adjust their schedules so they can go to
church.
•
My parents sent me to confirmation class just so I could get a little religion to
fall back on when times get tough. As a family, we don’t really bother with church. Then
maybe you need to take the lead in your family. Make going to church a regular habit,
and invite other family members to come along.
•
Another excuse:
Think about some of your classmates who are not attending church or Bible
class anymore. What can you do to encourage them to get back into God’s Word
and back in touch with the family of believers? Discuss how the students can
encourage each other. Encouragement may mean more when it comes from peers
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rather than adults. The goal is that all believers, young and old, “do not despise
preaching and his Word” (Third Commandment), but say with the psalmist, “I rejoiced
with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the L ORD’” (Psalm 122:1).
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 4
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Copy Master 5
I do my own thing in conformity to God’s will.
Doing Your Own Thing
At the time of the judges, the people of Israel did as they saw fit—they intermarried with
unbelievers and worshiped idols, for example—regardless of what God said. Doing your
own thing is wrong when it goes against God’s will. Sometimes, however, doing your
own thing means doing what is right. For each category below, give an example of how
doing your own thing could be wrong—or right!
Possible answers are given. Use this exercise as an opportunity to encourage students
to resist pressure from peers to sin. Encourage them instead to do their own thing in
conformity with God’s will.
What I wear
Doing my own thing is
Doing my own thing is
wrong if
right if
I dress immodestly to
I refuse to conform to
rebel or to get attention.
fashions that give a poor
witness of my faith.
What I say
I purposely use vulgar
I avoid trendy words and
words to shock people.
sayings that are
inconsistent with my
Christianity.
What I do during my
I indulge in sinful
I don’t go along with the
leisure time
activities.
group to vandalize, drink
alcohol, or look for
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trouble.
What kind of music I
I listen to music that is
I refuse to listen to music
listen to
obscene.
that may hurt my faith
even if others like it.
What friends I choose
I choose unbelievers as
I refuse to hang out with
friends just to shock my
those whose “fun” is
parents.
sinful.
Complete these statements:
It’s okay for me to do my own thing as long as it’s in keeping with God’s will.
When doing my own thing causes me to sin, I repent of my sin, trusting my Savior
for forgiveness.
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 5
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Copy Master 6
God is faithful even when his children are not.
Yours Forever
The second generation of Israelites in the Promised Land forsook the Lord, who had
given them the land itself. Maybe it isn’t too hard to imagine that people who have
received many blessings from God still forsake him. The following two hymn stanzas
and the questions that follow will help you explore this ungrateful response to God’s
blessing and goodness.
Possible answers are given.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me oft as I left thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me. (Hymn 588:4)
1. Give two examples of how God smiled on you in your early years. God gave me
loving Christian parents, who taught me about my Savior. God gave me Christian
teachers at Sunday school.
2. Give one example of how you have been rebellious and perverse—stubbornly
disobedient. I’ve complained about cleaning my room and then not done it.
3. Compare your loyalty to God with God’s loyalty to you. There is no comparison.
God is always loyal, even though I wander from him. (“Thou hast not left me oft as I left
thee.”) God’s loyalty extended even to the sacrifice of his own Son for me and for all
people—who were disloyal to him.
4. Write the meaning of the last line as a prayer. Stay with me and keep me faithful to
you until the day I die.
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Let me be yours forever, My faithful God and Lord;
Let me forsake you never Nor wander from your Word.
Lord, do not let me waver But give me steadfastness,
And for such grace and favor Your holy name I’ll bless. (Hymn 596:1)
1. What do you ask God as you say or sing this stanza? That God would keep me
faithful to him.
2. Why do you think this hymn is placed in the confirmation section of the hymnal?
Confirmands promise to stay loyal to God for the rest of their lives. The time after
confirmation seems to be an especially dangerous time. Many young believers wander
from God’s Word and waver in their faith.
3. How do you stay God’s child forever? The Holy Spirit keeps me in the true faith
through the means of grace, the gospel in Word and sacrament. Therefore, I continue
worshiping regularly with fellow Christians, I partake of the Sacrament whenever
possible, and I study the Word on my own and with others in Bible classes.
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 6
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Copy Master 7
I continue to study the Word, worship, and pray.
Your Average Lutheran?
Meet Sam. He’s your average Lutheran—or at least he thinks so. Read what he has to
say, and answer the questions.
Possible answers follow.
Sam: “Your average Lutheran—that’s me. My parents went to church most Sundays,
and I went with them. I did the Sunday school thing. Went to confirmation class.
Memorized my passages and commandments. Put on the white gown and was
confirmed. Big party. A few bucks from Grandma. You know.
“Well, that all seems like a million years ago. I’m in high school now. People are
different here. No one recites Bible passages in the hallway or anything. My mom will
tell you that I’ve gotten in with the wrong crowd. But I’m not sure there’s a right crowd
here. I’ve been doing some stuff I never would have done in grade school. My pastor
and my Sunday school teacher—they’d die if they saw me now. But that’s just what
high school is like.
“No, I don’t read my Bible. Actually, I never did much. I just figured I got enough of that
in confirmation class. And I don’t go to church anymore. Seems like kid stuff. Those
people all dressed up—they don’t know what’s going on in my life. And I’m not sure
they care.
“But I’m doing all right. Your average Lutheran—that’s me.”
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1. What has happened to Sam since confirmation? He’s stopped going to church.
It sounds as if he’s getting into some troublesome sins, although he doesn’t mention
what they are.
2. Why did he change? He’s not reading the Word, which is his source of strength.
He’s not going to church, where he can partake of the Sacrament, hear the Word, and
be encouraged by other Christians. He’s not hanging around with other Christians at
school. (Like the Israelites in Canaan, he’s following the example of the unbelievers
around him.) Maybe his foundation wasn’t all that great either. It sounds as if he went to
church and Sunday school because he had to. He didn’t get into the habit of Bible study
in grade school. His understanding of his confirmation seems shallow (white gown, big
party, a few bucks).
3. How bad is his situation right now? Is he in serious spiritual trouble or not?
He’s definitely on the wrong path, but the situation isn’t hopeless. God’s Word is
powerful, and we would pray that he still has the seed of faith in his heart.
4. Is this person really your average Lutheran? Do you know a lot of people like
him? Your students’ answer to this question can give you a good picture of their
generation, or at least their perception of it.
5. What can you say to people like him? We want our students to feel a
responsibility for their fellow Christians, especially those who are weaker. Some
suggestions: befriend him and try to open up opportunities to talk about his spiritual life,
continue to be a good example of a Christian young person, invite him to teen Bible
class and outings with fellow Christians who can encourage him in the faith, offer to
pick him up for church. All these suggestions are avenues for again offering to him the
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powerful Word of God. The law will show him his sin and his need for a Savior. The
gospel will reassure him of forgiveness and motivate him to live for his Savior.
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 7
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Copy Master 8
God is faithful even when his children are not.
Gideon and Samson: Two Judges Raised Up to Rescue
God raised up many judges in the period after the Israelites’ arrival in the Promised
Land and before the first king, Saul. During this period, the Israelites turned away from
God, and God allowed their enemies to oppress them. But when the Israelites
repented, God sent judges, or deliverers, to rescue them from their enemies. The 5th
and 12th judges were Gideon and Samson. Read about these men in Judges 6 to 8
and 14 to 16, and then fill in the blanks below.
When the Israelites worshiped other gods, the Lord allowed the Midianites to invade
the land. But God heard the Israelites’ cries and called Gideon to strike down the
Midianites. Gideon was hesitant because he wasn’t “hero material”—he was a weak
person from a weak clan—but God assured him that he would be with him and gave
him miraculous signs using a wool fleece. At God’s command, Gideon reduced his
army to three hundred men. With only trumpets and torches as weapons, Gideon’s
men defeated the 135,000 men of Midian’s army. During Gideon’s time Israel enjoyed
40 years of peace.
Many years and many judges later, God allowed the Philistines to rule over Israel.
Then God raised up the judge Samson, whose special gift from the Lord was strength.
Once Samson killed 30 Philistines to get their clothes in order to pay off a bet. After
Samson’s wife was given to another man, Samson tied three hundred foxes tail to tail
in pairs, attached torches to their tails, and set them loose to burn down the Philistines’
crops. When Samson’s fellow Israelites tied him up and handed him over to the
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Philistines, Samson broke the ropes and then killed a thousand Philistines with a
donkey’s jawbone.
Later, Samson fell in love with a Philistine named Delilah. The Philistine rulers bribed
her to find out the secret of Samson’s strength. Finally, Samson told Delilah that his
long hair was the secret. When Samson betrayed his calling in this way, the Lord left
him. Then the Philistines cut his hair while he was sleeping, blinded him, and put him
to work in a prison. There Samson’s hair grew. Later, the Philistines brought Samson to
their temple to thank their god, Dagon, for Samson’s capture and to ridicule him. God
gave Samson back his strength, and Samson pulled down the central pillars of the
temple, killing thousands of Philistines and himself. Samson led Israel for 20 years.
God used even Samson’s sinful acts to accomplish his purposes.
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 1 • Copy Master 8
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Copy Master 9
Going Your Own Way
1 Kings 9:1-9; 11:1-14,23,26-40
AIM
What does God do when we go our own sinful way?
The period of the judges lasted approximately three hundred years before Israel’s
government became a monarchy. Samuel was the last judge, and he anointed the first
two kings, Saul and David. David’s son Solomon was the third king. God blessed
Solomon abundantly, giving him wisdom, wealth, and fame. Even the heathen queen of
Sheba traveled a long distance to meet him and was so impressed that she
acknowledged the true God. In 1 Kings 9 we read about the Lord appearing to Solomon
after he had built the temple and reminding Solomon that he must walk with God to
receive his continued blessing. Then in chapter 11 we learn what happened when
Solomon went his own way in spite of this warning.
1 Ki 9:1-9
a. What did the Lord tell Solomon regarding the temple he had built? He said he
would dwell there forever.
b. What conditional promise did God make to Solomon? He said if Solomon would
obey him, he would establish Solomon’s throne forever.
c.
What example did God give Solomon to follow? God cited the example of
Solomon’s father, David, who had walked before him in uprightness.
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d. What warning did God give Solomon? He said if Solomon turned away from him
and worshiped other gods, he would destroy the temple and cut off Israel from the land
he had given.
e. How would other nations regard Israel if Israel turned away from God? They would
ridicule Israel for forsaking the God who had brought it out of Egypt.
KEY POINT 1
What warning did God give Solomon? God warned Solomon not to turn away from
him.
1 Ki 11:1-8
a. Solomon had written, “The fear of the L ORD is the beginning of wisdom,” yet he
disobeyed the Lord. Against which command of God did Solomon rebel? The command
not to intermarry with unbelievers.
b. What did Solomon’s heathen wives lead him to do? His wives led him to follow
other gods.
c.
What kind of obedience does God require according to verse 6? God requires
complete obedience.
KEY POINT 2
How did Solomon respond to God’s warning? Solomon ignored God’s warning and
worshiped other gods.
1 Ki 11:9-13
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a. What was God’s judgment on Solomon’s sin? God became angry and said he
would tear the kingdom away from Solomon’s son. God had promised Solomon, “I will
establish your royal throne over Israel forever,” but Solomon turned away from God and
rejected this blessing.
1 Ki 11:14,23,26-40
b. How did God show his displeasure to Solomon immediately? God raised up
enemies to disrupt Solomon’s reign.
c.
Solomon’s son Rehoboam was next in line to be king. Who would receive the
majority of the kingdom instead of him? Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials.
KEY POINT 3
How did God respond to Solomon’s sin? God became angry with Solomon and
began to withdraw his blessings from Solomon.
TRUTH
What does God do when we go our own sinful way? God withdraws his blessings
from us when we go our own sinful way.
Old Testament • Unit 21 Lesson 2 • Copy Master 9
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Copy Master 10
Discuss This
Going Your Own Way
1. KEY POINT 1: God urged Solomon to be faithful to him as Solomon’s father, David,
was. How can we benefit by thinking about those people in our families who preceded
us in their walk of faith?
The lives of faith that our parents and grandparents lead can be very encouraging to us.
As we observe their walks of faith, we can see how God has blessed them. We also
see how they handle temptations and challenges to their faith, and we can learn from
them. Most important, we are thankful for their having strengthened our faith through
their sharing of the Word of God with us.
2. KEY POINT 1: Evaluate: You might as well not waste your breath warning
someone about the sin they’ve fallen into because they’ll just get defensive and end up
being angry at you.
While it is true that your warning may result in the consequences listed above, you
never know to what extent your words will be taken to heart. The sinner may think
about what you’ve said and repent. Because God’s Word is powerful and accomplishes
its purpose, we use it to help others at every opportunity.
3. KEY POINT 2: When we profess our faith but then live as though we don’t belong
to God completely—for example, go to church but make a habit of cheating—how does
that affect those who do not believe in the true God?
Certainly our witness becomes less effective when we don’t follow God completely.
Others will be less likely to want to learn about our faith if they see only a hypocritical
Christian—one who does not practice what he or she preaches.
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4. KEY POINT 2: Give evidence that our culture either ignores or despises the
sanctity of marriage.
Living together often replaces marriage, marriages often end up in divorce, and many
people are not faithful to their marriage vows. Even the word adultery is old-fashioned
in some people’s minds. Because these antimarriage attitudes are so popular, some
Christians may have difficulty standing firm in their biblical beliefs about marriage.
5. KEY POINT 2: On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is it to marry a fellow Christian?
Answers will vary. Marrying an unbeliever can have serious repercussions—such as the
Christian spouse turning away from the Lord and the children not receiving instruction in
the Christian faith. Occasionally, such intermarriage brings another person to faith, but
this is best accomplished before the wedding takes place.
6. KEY POINT 2: Benjamin Franklin once said, “It is easier to rid yourself of the first
desire than to satisfy all that follow it.” Apply this saying to Solomon.
Because Solomon could not rid himself of his desire for heathen wives, he could not
keep himself from satisfying his interest and curiosity in the gods of his heathen wives.
One sin leads to another.
Give an example of how one sin has lead to another in your life.
One example would be when you lie to cover up another sin.
7. KEY POINT 2: (Illustration) Have you ever noticed how short lived a good many
“stars” are? Many celebrities—in music, athletics, movies, or politics—reach a zenith of
popularity and then slowly fade out of sight and mind, often due to their own sins of
arrogance, laziness, and gluttony. Explain how Christians can develop a kind of spiritual
arrogance and laziness that endangers their faith.
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Christians may think that because they go to church and lead an outwardly exemplary
life, they won’t be vulnerable to temptation. They become proud, they do not “watch and
pray” (Matthew 26:41), and they give in to their worldly appetites. We do well to heed
Paul’s warning, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1
Corinthians 10:12).
8. KEY POINT 3: Does God withdraw blessings from his children to punish them or to
help them?
Both. God does punish sin, but his intent in the believer’s life is always to lead that
believer to repentance. That’s why the psalmist said, “Blessed is the man you discipline,
O LORD” (Psalm 94:12). Note, however, that we cannot turn this logic upside down: If
someone is suffering hardship, that does not necessarily mean that God is punishing or
disciplining him or her. (Think of the blind man in John 9. Jesus said, “Neither this man
nor his parents sinned, . . . but this happened so that the work of God might be
displayed in his life” [verse 3].) And when a venture is successful, that does not
necessarily mean that God has given his approval to it. (Psalm 73:12: “This is what the
wicked are like—always carefree, they increase in wealth.”)
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The Holy Spirit helps us grow in faith and Christian living.
After You’ve Built the Temple: Guarding Your Faith
After Solomon acquired great wisdom as a result of God’s blessing and built the temple,
he appears to have grown careless or even religiously “smug.” He began to do his own
thing instead of paying attention to God’s way—bringing disastrous consequences on
his people. There are times in our lives when we may begin to take our faith for
granted—perhaps after we’ve reached a religious milestone like confirmation or
graduation. Erroneously, we may feel at that point that we have it made—that our faith
is secure. List five ways you can guard your faith instead of taking it for granted.
Answers might include: worshiping in church on Sunday; having a daily, private
devotion; going to a Bible class; surrounding self with Christian friends; praying
constantly for God’s help in remaining true to him.
I can guard my faith by . . .
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Read Ephesians 3:16. While you take the steps you’ve listed above to guard your
faith, who really keeps you in the one true faith? “I pray that out of his glorious
riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” The
Holy Spirit strengthens us and keeps us in the true faith.
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I do not give in to those who try to lead me astray.
A Dangerous Compromise
Solomon got into trouble because he compromised with evil. First, he got far too close
to heathen women. He tolerated their false worship. Then he participated in it himself,
and, finally, he even built altars to false gods, encouraging all Israel to worship them.
We compromise with evil whenever we first tolerate and then adopt the sinful customs
of those around us. Are you compromising with evil? Answer the following questions as
honestly as you can.
•
Solomon hung out with heathen women. Are you hanging out with
heathens?
While the students may hesitate to label their friends as heathens, remind them that
Romans 8:7 says: “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law,
nor can it do so.”
•
Solomon tolerated his wives’ sins. Are you tolerating some of your
friends’ sins?
The students may think especially of stealing, lying, abusing alcohol and drugs,
committing sexual sins, using vulgar language, and so on.
•
Solomon began participating in his wives’ sins. Have you begun
participating in your friends’ sins?
Answers will vary.
•
Solomon led all Israel to worship false gods. Is your sin leading others to
sin?
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Answers will vary.
•
Is it possible to stay spiritually strong while hanging out with
unbelievers?
It’s difficult to stay strong if you hang out with unbelievers. Believers naturally want to
live lives of faith and talk about their faith with other believers. It is possible, however, to
have a good influence on unbelievers. The trick is to know when you stop being a good
influence and start being influenced by the unbelievers.
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God blesses those who obey him.
The Obedience—Blessing Connection
Find out what the connection is between our obedience and God’s blessing by restating
in your own words the Bible passages listed below.
Exodus 19:5
If you obey me, you will be my treasured possession.
1 Kings 3:14
If you obey me, I will give you a long life.
Luke 11:28
Those who hear and obey the Word of God are blessed.
John 14:23
If we obey God, he will live in us.
John 15:14
If we do what Jesus commands, he is our friend.
1 John 3:22
God gives us what we ask when we obey his commandments.
Blessings certainly follow obedience. But . . .
Do all obedient believers reap earthly blessings? Explain. No. Some suffer difficult
hardships, sometimes because of their obedience.
Do all disobedient people suffer in this life? Explain. No. Sometimes the wicked prosper
on this earth.
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Do we obey God in order to get his blessings? Explain. No. We obey God to thank him
for the blessings he’s already given us.
Are earthly blessings our reward for obeying God? Explain. No. All blessings are
undeserved gifts from God. We earn and deserve nothing but punishment and hell for
our sins.
For what blessings are we most grateful? We’re most grateful for spiritual
blessings—forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. And these blessings, like all God’s
blessings, come to us completely by his grace, not because we have earned or
deserved them.
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Who Do You Listen To?
Proverbs 1:8-15; 4:1-4,20-27; 6:20-24
AIM
As we strive to remain faithful to the Lord, who do we listen to?
After Joshua died, the next generation of Israelites did not serve the Lord. They did not
listen to the Word of God their parents and grandparents taught them, and they fell
from the faith. Hundreds of years later, King Solomon, near the end of his rule, also fell
from the true faith—the faith his father, David, had taught him. But in the beginning of
his rule, Solomon was a faithful believer and was “wiser than any other man” (1 Kings
4:31). God inspired him to write and compile many wise sayings to help believers of all
time. We can read these in the book of Proverbs. The following verses are especially
suitable for young people who are receiving many different messages about how to live.
Pr 1:8-15
a. When Solomon says, “Listen, my son,” to whom is he speaking? To his readers and
students, especially young people.
b. What kind of enticement, or temptation, does Solomon explain in this section? The
enticement to kill someone and steal their money and goods.
c.
What does Solomon say to do if sinners entice, or tempt, you? Do not give in to
them; do not go along with them; do not set foot on their paths.
KEY POINT 1
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As we strive to remain faithful, whose advice do we not follow? We don’t listen to
those who tempt us to sin.
Pr 4:1-4
a. Where did Solomon get his godly wisdom? His father, David, instructed him in
godly wisdom. Note that the word for teaching in verse 2 is Torah, implying that the
teaching David gave Solomon was the Word of God.
b. What is true wisdom? See 2 Timothy 3:15. True wisdom is knowing the Scriptures,
which give us the wisdom of salvation in Christ.
Pr 4:20-27
c.
This section is structured around the parts of the human body. Solomon urges us to
guard our bodies to keep them from evil. Which part of the body in particular does
Solomon especially encourage us to guard? The heart. In Bible times the heart was
considered the source of emotions, thought, and will. To guard the heart is to guard
your inner being. Everything comes out of your heart, as Jesus said, “The good man
brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil
things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his
mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
d. What kind of perversity might verse 24 be speaking of? Any perverse, or sinful, talk:
vulgar language, dirty jokes, gossip, lies, slander, and so on.
Pr 6:20-24
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e. Against what kinds of sin does Solomon urge vigilance in this section? He urges us
to guard against sexual immorality.
f.
Whose commands will “guide you” and “speak to you”? While our first inclination is
to say God’s commands, Solomon is telling us to obey our fathers’ commands and our
mothers’ teachings. He is assuming, of course, that our fathers and mothers are
passing on the Word of God, not the pseudowisdom of the world.
g. Solomon talks much about the love of money and sexual sins. What does that tell
you about the relevance or timeliness of God’s Word? God’s Word is always relevant,
always timely, because people’s sinful nature does not change.
KEY POINT 2
As we strive to remain faithful, whose advice do we follow? We listen to the advice
of faithful Christian parents.
TRUTH
As we strive to remain faithful to the Lord, who do we listen to? We don’t listen to
those who tempt us to sin, but we listen to faithful parents.
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Discuss This
Who Do You Listen To?
1. KEY POINT 1: Name five temptations that a freshman in high school faces in an
average week.
You may have the students work in small groups for this question. Answers will vary.
Read Proverbs 1:10. What does God urge you to do when you are enticed, or tempted?
“Do not give in to them.”
2. KEY POINT 1: What kinds of temptations are teenagers subject to when they put
too high a value on material things?
They are tempted to get things by cheating or stealing; they are tempted to work too
many hours to the neglect of more important things—their families, friendships, church
attendance, or homework; they are tempted to make things their gods.
3. KEY POINT 2: Agree/disagree: Most parents can’t give good advice to their
teenaged children because they can’t remember what it’s like to be a teenager.
Agree: Some parents forget that teenagers have different types of pressures than they
do and perhaps dismiss their children’s concerns as being unimportant. Disagree: Many
parents remember vividly their own sins and the consequences they paid for them.
Most parents realize that every age has its own temptations and give their teenagers
godly advice based on the wisdom they have gained through applying God’s Word to
their own experiences.
4. KEY POINT 2: What is the connection between obedience to your parents and
obedience to God?
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When you obey your parents, you are obeying the God who commanded you to obey
your parents. And when you disobey parents, you are disobeying God.
How can your disobedience lead to other sins or problems?
Your disobedience may lead to lying to avoid punishment, a lack of trust between you
and your parents, your own harm resulting from ignoring your parents’ advice, and a
heart hardened towards God. Finally, obedience to parents flows out of love—love for
parents but, even more so, love for the God of your salvation.
5. KEY POINT 2: (Illustration) Surveys indicate that many patients blame doctors
when they don’t get well, even though these patients cheat on their diets, don’t use up
their prescriptions, and don’t return for follow-up appointments. Compare these facts to
children who don’t obey their parents and then blame their parents when life doesn’t go
well.
Children who don’t obey their parents often find themselves punished or their activities
restricted in some way. Then when they are unhappy or unfulfilled, they become bitter
toward their parents, even though their own disobedience is the cause of their
problems.
6. KEY POINT 2: Agree/disagree: Most teenagers really want their parents to guide
them and give them advice.
Agree: When teenagers find themselves in a serious situation, they often want their
parents’ guidance because they recognize their parents’ wisdom and experience.
Disagree: Many teenagers don’t want their parents’ advice, particularly in such personal
areas as how they dress, who they go out with, and how they spend their time.
7. KEY POINT 2: Name three parents, grandparents, or other adults who have given
you godly advice.
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Other significant adults, such as pastors, teachers, relatives, neighbors, and friends,
can give good advice, as can Christian peers.
What did they tell you? Do you agree with their advice?
Advice will vary.
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I do not give in to those who try to lead me astray.
Don’t Give In!
What do you say when sinners entice you? Almost all of us have experienced those
awkward situations when we realize that we’re being led down the wrong road. With a
partner, roleplay the following situations to discover a good way to handle those
temptations before they lead to sin. One person will present an enticement, while the
other responds in a God-pleasing way. Trade off so each person plays both the tempter
and the responder.
•
At your job
Enticement:
Response:
•
In the classroom
Enticement:
Response:
•
At home
Enticement:
Response:
•
On the athletic field
Enticement:
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Response:
•
In chapel
Enticement:
Response:
•
On a date
Enticement:
Response:
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I value and follow the godly advice of my parents.
Proverbial Parents
Every language has its own proverbs—wise sayings that instruct. For example, we
might tell someone that a stitch in time saves nine, instead of simply saying he or she
should take preventative measures. The proverbs in the Bible are unique because they
are part of God’s inspired Word, and Solomon, the author, directs many of them to
young people. Using the proverb below as a model, write three proverbs based on the
biblical advice your parents have given you in the past. Write on three separate topics.
Post the student efforts on the bulletin board.
Proverbs 10:8—The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to
ruin.
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I value and follow the godly advice of my parents.
You Make the Rules
Solomon encourages young people to follow the godly teachings of their parents. This
includes obeying their rules. Imagine that you are the parent of a high school freshman.
What rules would you make in each of the following categories? After writing your rules,
also explain why you would want those rules in place. This exercise may help students
see the reasoning behind their own parents’ rules—to protect them and help them gain
independence gradually. Remind them of the Fourth Commandment, which tells them
to honor and obey their parents.
Friends
Making and spending money
Curfew
Dating
Clothing
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Church/Bible class attendance
Miscellaneous
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Spiritual Journal
Reflections
•
What aspect of the unbelieving culture surrounding you is most apt to lead you
astray? Write a prayer asking God to keep you faithful.
•
In what areas of your life are you doing things as you see fit instead of following
God’s will? Write a prayer confessing your sin, expressing your trust in Jesus’
forgiveness, and asking for God’s help to put his will before your own.
•
Which of your acquaintances has tried to lead you astray? What have they
tempted you to do? What do you wish you had said to them?
•
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Which would you
rather have? How can you go about getting it?
•
Write a letter to your parents thanking them for their advice and guidance.
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Jephthah the Judge: Overcoming Bitterness
Judges 11
Unit Theme
Don’t let the circumstances of your life embitter you.
Goals
We pray that the student
knows these spiritual truths:
•
God watches over us, gives us all we need, and makes all things work for our
good.
•
God’s Word comforts and consoles us when we suffer hardship.
•
God changes bitterness to blessing as he changes our hearts.
develops these spiritual attitudes and habits:
•
I don’t complain or become bitter when I suffer hardship or injustice.
•
I rely on God’s promises rather than give in to bitterness.
•
I ask God to help me forgive others and not be resentful toward them.
•
I follow God’s guidelines to be a loving friend.
To Memorize
*
Psalm 37:5
*
Psalm 50:15
Acts 14:22b
*
Romans 8:28
*
1 Peter 5:7
*
The Fifth Commandment
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**
The Seventh Petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Hymn 429:1-3
Suggested Commentary Readings
•
Pages 165-167,170,371-375 in Franzmann, Bible History Commentary, Old
Testament
•
Pages 228-232,265-268,272-276,294-296 in Jeske, Genesis, The People’s
Bible series
•
Pages 126-130,134-138 in Lawrenz, Judges, Ruth, The People’s Bible series
•
Pages 101-103,107,108,111-118,130,131 in Mittelstaedt, Samuel, The
People’s Bible series
Introduction Ideas
•
Bring some unsweetened chocolate to class. Have some students taste it.
When made without sugar, chocolate is more bitter than sweet. It needs a sweetener.
Some circumstances in life may make even Christians bitter. Discuss what it means to
be bitter. To be angry, negative, or depressed because you haven’t been treated fairly;
to have a chip on your shoulder; to be mad at the world; to constantly say, “This isn’t
fair” or “This just stinks.” In this unit we will see how God sweetens his people’s lives to
help them overcome bitterness.
•
A song from the 1960s rang out, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” Another song
seemed to reply, “You can’t always get what you want.” Both of these point to a reason
people become bitter. They aren’t satisfied. They don’t get what they want. In this unit
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we will see that though some people did not get what they wanted, God helped them
accept their circumstances without becoming bitter.
•
How many of you have ever been dumped on by your best friend? The Bible
gives us examples of true friends. Jesus is our best friend, and he never disappoints us.
Another example of a true friend is Jonathan, the crown prince and best friend of David.
This unit tells us how Jonathan did not give in to bitterness but remained a true friend to
David through thick and thin.
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Jephthah: Breaking through Bitterness
Judges 11:1-11,29-40
AIM
How do we react when life doesn’t seem fair?
As God had chosen Gideon and Samson, he also chose Jephthah to be a judge, or
deliverer, of the Israelites. These judges delivered the Israelites from their
enemies—enemies God had allowed to oppress them because of their idolatry.
Jephthah, the eighth judge, who ruled after Gideon and before Samson, did not have
an easy life. He was rejected by his family and townspeople. Yet he lived up to his
name, the “breaker through.” With God’s help he broke through the enemy lines to
secure victory for Israel. And trusting in the Lord, he broke through the temptation to
become bitter about his life.
Jdg 11:1-11
a. Why did Jephthah’s brothers reject him and finally even drive him away?
Jephthah’s family and town rejected him because he was an illegitimate son, the son of
a prostitute.
b. When the elders of Gilead, who had run Jephthah out of town, asked him to come
back and fight the Ammonites for them, what might Jephthah have said to them?
Jephthah might have told them to forget it. They had rejected him—why should he
come now to save them?
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c.
Jephthah might have been bitter about their treatment of him, but he wasn’t. What
did he agree to do? He agreed to be their commander to fight the Ammonites.
d. When people are bitter about life, they may also be bitter toward God. How do you
know that Jephthah was not bitter toward the Lord? See verse 9. Jephthah’s words
show his trust in the Lord for success against the Ammonites. Even though things had
not always gone his way, he had not rejected his Lord.
e. What assurance did the elders of Gilead give Jephthah about his place among
them once the Ammonites were defeated? They swore that they would let him be their
head. They would not run him out of town again.
KEY POINT 1
How did Jephthah react to the mistreatment of his family and town? Jephthah did
not become bitter but continued to trust and serve God.
Jephthah was a mighty warrior, but he was not always a wise man. In this section we
will see how he made a foolish vow and how his daughter suffered for it. Would she
become bitter?
Jdg 11:29-40
a. What vow did Jephthah make? Jephthah vowed that if the Lord would give him the
victory, he would sacrifice whatever came out of his door first when he returned home in
triumph. Note that many Israelite homes had rooms for choice animals that were used
for burnt sacrifices. Jephthah assumed one of his animals would come out the door as
he returned home. However, he foolishly failed to clarify his vow by saying, “whatever
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animal comes out of the door.” He “left the door wide open” for a human being to be
sacrificed!
b. Why was Jephthah devastated when he returned home from the battle? His only
child—a daughter—came out of his house first to meet him, and Jephthah remembered
his vow to the Lord.
c.
What might have been the reaction of Jephthah’s daughter? She could have been
angry and bitter. How unfair that she should suffer because her father made a foolish
vow!
d. Jephthah’s daughter did not, however, become bitter. What was of primary
importance to her? For her, the most important thing was for Jephthah to keep his vow
to the Lord, even though it meant that she herself would be sacrificed. Note that verse
39 seems to say that she was sacrificed as a burnt offering. But we cannot be certain.
Perhaps God accepted an animal in her stead, as God accepted a ram in place of Isaac
when he saw that Abraham was willing to give up his son. It’s also possible that she
was allowed to live in service to God but had to remain a virgin—also a reason to weep.
KEY POINT 2
How did Jephthah’s daughter react to her suffering? Jephthah’s daughter did not
become bitter but submitted to her father’s vow to the Lord.
TRUTH
How do we react when life doesn’t seem fair? Rather than becoming bitter, we
obediently serve the Lord when life doesn’t seem fair.
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Discuss This
Jephthah: Breaking through Bitterness
1. KEY POINT 1: Read Exodus 15:22-25. When the Israelites finally found water after
three days, it was bitter. What caused it to become sweet?
Moses threw in a piece of wood according to the Lord’s direction, and God made the
water sweet.
God sweetens the bitter circumstances in our lives with his promises. What are some of
them?
Possible answers: God promises to deliver us when we are in trouble (Psalm 50:15), to
make all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28), to take our worries on
himself (1 Peter 5:7), to be with us always (Matthew 28:20), to enable us to do all things
through him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).
2. KEY POINT 1: Evaluate: It is impossible for people not to become bitter when
faced with all the sin and injustice in the world.
All people, even Christians, may become frustrated and discouraged when they see sin
and injustice. Rather than allowing an attitude of bitterness to become our mind-set, we
focus on the bitter suffering our Savior endured to save us from the suffering in hell that
we deserve.
3. KEY POINT 1: (Illustration) Most people can tell the difference between the artificial
sweetener saccharine and the real thing, sugar. Sometimes people use “artificial
sweeteners” to deal with bitter circumstances in their lives instead of going to the Lord,
who can truly sweeten their lives with his presence and promises. What artificial
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sweeteners—man-made, short-term solutions—do people sometimes use to deal with
their problems?
Some people try to sweeten their lives by blaming others instead of taking personal
responsibility for problems and by trying to escape their problems—using drugs and
alcohol, becoming workaholics, or seeking to be constantly entertained.
4. KEY POINT 2: If Jephthah’s daughter were alive today, what would be the reaction
of most people in our society to her remarkable submission and obedience to her
father’s vow?
No doubt, they would insist on Jephthah’s daughter’s rights. They might say that her
father did not have the right to “use” her to fulfill his vow. They would shift the focus
from her godliness to her father’s foolishness. Our society tends to ridicule people who
live their beliefs regardless of the personal cost.
5. KEY POINT 2: Think of a time when one of your parents asked you to do
something you thought was ridiculous. How did you react?
Many students may say that they let their parents know how they felt.
How do you want to react as a redeemed child of God?
Whether our parents’ request seems foolish or not is irrelevant. In love and thanks to
God, we want to obey our parents according to his command.
6. KEY POINT 2: (Illustration) During World War II, a certain arrogant captain issued
orders to his company to attack an enemy position that headquarters had deemed
impenetrable. When the attack failed miserably at great loss of life, a furious
commanding officer ordered the captain to eat one copy of his foolish order for each
man who had been killed or wounded in battle. Like Jephthah, sometimes we say
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foolish things and have to “eat our words.” What did James say in James 1:19 that
could help keep us from speaking foolishly?
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
7. KEY POINT 2: Why is the Seventh Petition of the Lord’s Prayer a most appropriate
prayer when we are suffering at the hands of others? In that petition we pray that God
would deliver us from evil—”every evil that threatens body and soul, property and
reputation.”
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I rely on God’s promises rather than give in to bitterness.
My “Marahs”
Perhaps none of us has ever had the experience of going three days without water and
then finding water only to discover that it was bitter. But we do have or will have things
happen to us that could cause us to become bitter. Let’s see how God intervenes for
us, as he did for the Israelites. Read Exodus 15:22-27, and answer the following
questions:
1. Why was this watering hole called Marah? Marah means “bitter,” and the place was
so named because the water there was bitter.
2. What “watering holes”—situations in your life—are bitter for you? Students will
respond by listing circumstances in their lives that have caused them
bitterness—parents’ divorce, their own failures in various areas, lack of popularity, and
so on.
3. How did the Israelites respond when faced with bitter waters? They grumbled
against Moses—and ultimately against God.
4. How do you respond when faced with “bitter waters”? If they’re honest, many
students will admit to grumbling against God and others as well.
5. The Israelites desperately wanted water, but when they found it, the water wasn’t fit
to drink. What similar experience have you had? Sometimes we want something
desperately, and then when we finally get it, we find out that it isn’t the “sweet water” we
expected but “bitter water.”
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6. How did Moses solve the problem for the Israelites? Moses went to the Lord with
the problem, and the Lord supplied the solution—he told Moses to throw a particular
piece of wood into the water and then made the water sweet.
7. What is the solution to the problem of bitterness in our lives? We go to the Lord in
prayer and to his Word for comfort. Just as God sweetened the waters of Marah for the
Israelites, so he sweetens our lives with his presence and his promises. Clinging to him,
we find the sweetness of God’s grace.
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I don’t complain or become bitter when I suffer hardship or injustice.
Whiner or Winner?
Life isn’t fair. Often, the circumstances of our lives tempt us to say this. Each situation
below is an example of a hardship or injustice. You could respond to each in two
different ways—as a whiner who pouts and says, “Life isn’t fair!” or as a winner through
Christ who doesn’t make a big deal out of it but does the right thing in love. Write two
possible responses for each.
1. You’re not invited to a certain girl’s party. The next day she asks you to help her
with her algebra assignment.
The whiner says: You don’t want me at your party, but I sure come in handy when you
need help in algebra! Forget it. Do your math yourself.
The winner says: Sure, I’ll help you.
2. Your coach cuts you from the soccer team. The next day he asks you to be the
manager for the team.
The whiner says: I’m not good enough to make the team, but I’m good enough to carry
balls and hand out water bottles. No way. Get some other moron to be your manager.
The winner says: I’d like to be the manager. That way I’m still a part of the team.
3. Your history teacher gives a pop quiz, and you flunk. On the way out of the
classroom that day, your friend asks, “How did you do on that quiz?”
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The whiner says: That stupid teacher! How does she expect us to know everything
without studying? Pop quizzes are unfair.
The winner says: I should have been prepared for it. I’m going to have to work hard to
make up for that grade.
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God’s Word comforts and consoles us when we suffer hardship.
The Sweet Promises of God
We serve God and others well when we put away our bitterness. God helps us do that
through his sweet promises, which we read in his Word and experience in our lives.
Several problems that could lead us to become bitter are listed below. Look up the
suggested Bible passages, and write in your own words God’s solutions to the
problems.
Problem: Low self-esteem
Solution: Genesis 1:27 I am made in the image of God.
Problem: Guilt
Solution: 1 John 1:9 When I confess my sins, God faithfully forgives me and purifies
me.
Problem: Fear
Solution: Isaiah 41:10 I do not have to fear because God is always with me,
strengthening and helping me.
Problem: Loneliness
Solution: Matthew 28:20 God is with me always, even until the end of the world.
Problem: Troubles
Solution: Psalm 34:19 The Lord will deliver me from all my troubles.
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Problem: Anxiety
Solution: Philippians 4:6,7 I take my cares to God in prayer, and he will give me his
peace.
Problem: Weariness
Solution: Matthew 11:28 When I come to God with my weariness, he will give me rest.
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I rely on God’s promises rather than give in to bitterness.
Bumper Stickers Say It All
Four bumper sticker slogans are written below. If taken literally, each one shows an
attitude of bitterness. In fact, Jephthah could have said any one of them to the men of
Gilead who mistreated him and then asked him to help them. Evaluate each of the
slogans, and then rewrite them using a Christian viewpoint.
Such cynical attitudes are popular. In fact, many people think that positive, optimistic
attitudes are naive. Help the students see that love and forgiveness, not pessimism and
cynicism, are the mark of mature Christian faith. The rewrites may vary widely. You may
have your students choose one rewritten slogan and make it into a bumper sticker. Post
them on a bulletin board or in the hallway for other students to see.
Don’t get angry—get even.
Evaluate: This is a poor attitude, because it fosters bitterness, anger, and hate instead
of love and forgiveness.
Rewrite: Don’t get angry—forgive.
Life stinks and then you die.
Evaluate: This shows a negative, bitter attitude. It denies God’s many blessings in life.
Rewrite: Life is God’s gift—make the most of it.
I get no respect.
Evaluate: This shows someone who is focused on himself, full of self-pity and pride.
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Rewrite: God sacrificed his Son to make me his own.
Ask me if I care.
Evaluate: This is cynical and angry. The person doesn’t care about anything or anyone
else other than herself.
Rewrite: God loves you—and so do I.
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A Change of Heart
Genesis 27:34,37-41; 32:3-7; 33:1-4,9,12; 36:6-8
AIM
What can God change our bitterness into?
Jephthah and his daughter had not become bitter, even though they both suffered
difficulties in life. Now we’ll study an incident that happened hundreds of years earlier,
when the Israelite nation consisted of just two people—Isaac and his son Jacob, later
named Israel. Isaac has just given the blessing to Jacob instead of Esau, his firstborn.
Will Esau become bitter?
Ge 27:34,37-41
a. How did Esau react when he found out that Jacob stole his blessing? “He burst out
with a loud and bitter cry.”
b. Why would Esau be bitter? He was the firstborn, and he expected to receive the
blessing. Now his brother Jacob had stolen it (although God did want Jacob to have it),
and all Isaac could offer Esau was a prediction of the future—a prediction that didn’t
sound too great!
c.
Esau’s bitterness gave birth to another sin. What was it? Esau’s bitterness gave
birth to hate and a plan for murder.
KEY POINT 1
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What grew in Esau’s heart when he lost the blessing? When Esau lost the blessing,
bitterness, hate, and a desire for murder grew in his heart.
Ge 32:3-7
a. Jacob fled from Esau and his family and didn’t return until 20 years later. The twin
brothers were now in their 90s. Judging from his preparations, how did Jacob expect
Esau to react to his return? Jacob expected that Esau would still be angry and bitter
toward him.
b. What news from the messengers seemed to say that Jacob was right? Esau sent
no message, but he was coming with four hundred men!
Ge 33:1-4,8,9,12
c.
How did Esau react when he saw Jacob after 20 years? Esau embraced his
brother. His bitterness had disappeared!
d. How does verse 9 illustrate that Esau no longer wanted what his brother had? Esau
graciously declined Jacob’s presents.
e. How does verse 12 show that Esau had a true change of heart? Not only did Esau
say that he was reconciled with his brother, but he showed it by offering to accompany
Jacob’s caravan as a protector.
f.
How can we explain Esau’s change of heart? We can only explain Esau’s change
of heart by the working of the Holy Spirit in his heart. God answered Jacob’s prayer.
God alone can truly change bitterness to forgiveness.
KEY POINT 2
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How did God change Esau’s heart? God replaced the bitterness of Esau’s heart with
love and forgiveness.
Ge 36:6-8
a. Why did Esau move away from his brother, Jacob? Esau had acquired a great deal
of wealth, and the land could not support the livestock of both Jacob and Esau.
b. Why did Esau settle in the hill country of Seir, south of Canaan, instead of in
Canaan itself? Esau knew that Jacob’s descendants were to inherit the promised land
of Canaan. It was part of the blessing, and Esau let Jacob have it without opposition or
bitterness.
KEY POINT 3
How did Esau show his change of heart? Esau moved away and let Jacob have
Canaan.
TRUTH
What can God change our bitterness into? God can change our bitterness into love
and forgiveness.
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Discuss This
A Change of Heart
1. KEY POINT 1: What kinds of attitudes and actions does a bitter heart lead to?
A bitter heart desires revenge and may, like Esau, plan evil against others. Also, a bitter
heart feels so sorry for itself that it loses its focus on God and its many blessings and
fails to serve God by helping others.
2. KEY POINT 1: What words would you use to describe someone who is the
opposite of a bitter person?
A person who is the opposite of bitter would be loving, forgiving, thankful, and content
with the blessings God has given him or her.
3. KEY POINT 1: In his bitter hatred, what commandment did Esau break?
He broke the Fifth Commandment, because he hated his brother so much that he
wanted to kill him.
4. KEY POINT 1: (Illustration) Professional wrestlers often participate in special
events called grudge matches. These matches give the appearance of two bitter
adversaries having it out once and for all. Unfortunately, many of us also have ongoing
grudge matches. We sit and stew about injustices and insults both real and imagined.
How can holding a grudge against someone escalate into a full-fledged war?
When one person holds a grudge against another, the other person often becomes
angry and also holds a grudge. The anger and bitterness feed off each other and
escalate into bitter words and actions.
5. KEY POINT 2: When bitterness is gone from our hearts, we not only forgive others,
we also . . .
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Possible answer: forget the wrongs they’ve done to us and treat them kindly.
6. KEY POINT 2: If we are bitter and negative about life and other people, how can
we change these bad attitudes?
God can change our negative attitudes into positive ones through the power of his
Word. Knowing this, we focus on the truths and promises he gives us in his Word: to
make all things work together for our good, to never leave or forsake us, to bless us as
we keep his commandments, and especially to forgive our sins. Jesus’ forgiveness of all
our wrongs impels us to forgive others.
7. KEY POINT 3: Agree/disagree: It may be better to avoid people than to have
resentful and bitter feelings toward them every time you see them.
Agree: Sometimes we may need some time and perspective to help us get over being
wronged. Surely God will work change in our hearts as we turn to him in prayer,
meditate on his Word, and trust him to help us be content. Disagree: Avoiding someone
who has wronged us may show that we have not forgiven him or her and could even be
a way to get back at him or her.
8. KEY POINT 3: When someone hurts us, the last thing we want to do is make
ourselves vulnerable to more hurt. Yet, God tells us to turn the other cheek. Why?
Perhaps by turning the other cheek, we can stop the cycle of retribution and hate and
instead be Christlike to our neighbor. If Jesus hadn’t turned the other cheek, we’d be on
our way to hell. Also, God may use our actions to help bring the other person to
repentance and a change of heart through his Word.
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God changes bitterness to blessing as he changes our hearts.
I. M. Bitter: Cause and Cure
Read the following monologue from I. M. Bitter, a high school freshman who’s got a
bitter heart, as Esau did when Jacob first stole the blessing from him. Then answer the
questions at the bottom of the page.
Have a good reader read this monologue aloud for the class. Then allow the students to
work in small groups to answer the questions at the bottom. Ask them if they recognize
themselves in any of I. M. Bitter’s words.
I. M. Bitter:
I wouldn’t say I’m bitter. It’s just that my life stinks.
It’s mostly my parents’ fault. They love my older sister more than me. Really, they do.
She’s the brain of the family, you know. Good grades. Good-looking too. And lots of
friends. I’m just not that smart. And good-looking? No way! I’ve got a few friends, but
they’re never there when I need them. So I don’t really bother with them.
I do have a lot of enemies, but that’s because people don’t respect me. They don’t treat
me like I deserve. And I’m not one to just sit back and take it. If you cross me, I’m going
to get you back. That’s just the way I am.
My pastor says that God loves me, but it’s hard for me to believe that. How can he love
me and let all this junk happen to me? I don’t pray much. It doesn’t work anyway. And
all those kids who go to church—they’re just too happy, you know? It’s got to be fake.
I’m not bitter. It’s just that my life isn’t all that great. I never really expected it to be.
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1. Who does I. M. Bitter blame for his “stinking” life? He blames everyone but
himself—his parents who supposedly don’t love him, his friends who let him down, his
enemies who don’t respect him, and God who lets this “junk” happen to him.
2. Who’s to blame if I. M. Bitter’s life isn’t all that great? Why do you say so? He’s to
blame. He has a bad attitude—a chip on his shoulder, as they say. He sees only the
bad in life. He expects bad things to happen, and so they do.
3. What kind of problem does I. M. Bitter have—a social problem, a family problem, or
a spiritual problem? We could make a case for all three, but the spiritual problem is the
primary one. His lack of faith and love for God leads him to be unloving, bitter, angry,
and resentful toward everyone else in his life.
4. Imagine that you’re I. M. Bitter’s counselor. What course of action would you
prescribe? Getting into the Word is the most important. He will probably do best if he’s
studying it with someone else—a strong Christian friend, teacher, pastor, or other adult.
When he realizes that God loves him and forgives his sins, he will become more loving
and forgiving toward others, and other things in his life will slowly fall into place.
5. When I. M. Bitter is no longer bitter, what will he be like? Think in terms of his
family, friends, enemies, and God.
Family: He’ll recognize his parents’ love for him and not be jealous of his sister
anymore. If his parents really do show more love toward his sister, he’ll forgive them for
showing favoritism.
Friends: He’ll concentrate on how he can be a friend instead of on how his friends are
treating him. When he’s a better friend, others will be better friends to him also.
Enemies: He’ll forgive his enemies. Though some may continue to do harm to him, he
won’t hold a grudge against them.
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God: His study of God’s Word will strengthen his faith in the God who made him, loves
him as he is, died to save him, and wants him to live in heaven eternally. God’s love for
him and God’s promises to him will remove the bitterness from his heart and fill him with
love and forgiveness.
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God changes our bitterness to blessing as he changes our hearts.
The Content of Our Characters
When God changed Esau’s heart, he removed the bitterness, anger, and hate and
replaced them with love and forgiveness. When God changes our hearts, our
characters are also transformed—the “contents” change. In the Discontent box below,
write four situations about which you could be discontent. Then, in the Content box,
write down why you can be content about the situation. An example is given for you.
The students may or may not want to share what they’ve written in the boxes.
Discontent
Content
Esau’s example: Jacob stole my
God wanted Jacob to have the
blessing. Now my future looks dim.
blessing. God has made me a wealthy
man. I’m content with what I have.
I’ve got my dad’s nose—and it’s a
God gave me this nose. My character
honker.
matters much more than my nose to
God, to my friends, and to everybody
else who matters.
My parents are getting a divorce. Now
God will make good come from this
I’ll hardly ever see my dad.
somehow.
In grade school I was the best baseball
I’ve found that working on the
player on the team. This year I didn’t
newspaper is a really great activity. I
even make the team.
never would have tried it if I had made
the baseball team.
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My best friend stole my boyfriend.
At least I’ve still got a best friend—and
my real best friend, Jesus.
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I ask God to help me forgive others and not be resentful toward them.
Burning with Bitterness
Write about something you are or have been bitter about—a wrong you can’t seem to
forgive, an injustice that frustrates and angers you, or anything that really “burns” you
because it just doesn’t seem fair.
Now write a prayer asking God to rid your heart of this bitterness and fill it with love and
forgiveness instead. Recall in your prayer how Jesus forgave the many wrongs you
have committed—and continue to commit—against him.
Finally, wait to do as your teacher tells you. At this point, take the students, their sheets,
and a trash can outside. Have them silently read their sheets, crumple them, and throw
them into the trash can. When all the students have thrown their sheets away, dispose
of the sheets, either by putting them into a dumpster or by burning them. You may pray
a prayer for the whole group at this point, asking God to remove the bitterness from
their hearts and to help them forgive those who have wronged them.
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A True Friend
1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1,2; 20:4,30-34,42; 23:16,17
AIM
How are we, like Jonathan, true friends no matter what happens?
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:24, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Jonathan was such a friend to David. These two men built their friendship on their
mutual faith in God, and it was this faith that enabled Jonathan to remain a true friend
through thick and thin. As Saul’s son, Jonathan knew he was next in line to be king. But
he also knew that God wanted David to be king. Jonathan’s actions under these difficult
circumstances show us how to be true friends.
1 Sa 18:1-4
a. What kind of covenant did Jonathan make with David? This covenant between two
Christians—“one in spirit”—was an agreement to be true friends for their entire lives.
b. How did Jonathan give tangible evidence of his pledge and loyalty to David?
Jonathan’s gifts of his princely robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt showed his love and
loyalty to David.
1 Sa 23:16,17
c.
Although Jonathan was next in line to be king, what was he ready to do? Jonathan
was ready to let David have the throne, because he knew—as did his father—that it
was God’s will that David be king.
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KEY POINT 1
When Jonathan had to give up his throne to David, what did he do? Jonathan was
not bitter or jealous of David, but he willingly yielded his throne because he knew it was
God’s will.
1 Sa 20:30-34
a. Why was Saul angry with Jonathan? Saul thought it was shameful for Jonathan to
be a friend of the enemy David, and he couldn’t understand why Jonathan could so
easily give up his claim to the throne. Because Saul had alienated himself from God, he
couldn’t understand that, for Jonathan, God’s will and his loyalty to his friend were more
important than the throne.
b. In his great anger at Jonathan, what did Saul do? Saul tried to kill Jonathan, his
own son, when Jonathan dared to question his father’s command that David must die.
c.
Why would it have been more natural for Jonathan to side with his father than with
his friend David? Saul only wanted Jonathan to have the throne, and it would seem
natural for Jonathan to want it too. Instead, he sides against his own father and for his
so-called enemy, David—because he knew that God wanted David to be king!
KEY POINT 2
When Saul spoke against David, what did Jonathan do? Jonathan defended David
when Saul spoke against him.
1 Sa 19:1,2
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a. When Saul ordered Jonathan and others to kill David, what did Jonathan do? He
warned David to go into hiding.
b. What motivated Jonathan to help his friend in this way? He loved God and knew
God was with David, not Saul. He knew it was God’s will for David to become king.
Jonathan also loved David and had pledged himself as his true friend.
1 Sa 20:4,42
c.
What is ironic about Jonathan’s statement to David that he would do anything David
asked? The irony lies in the fact that Jonathan was heir to the throne and David was an
outlaw. Yet Jonathan pledged to do anything to help David, because he knew that
David was God’s anointed king.
d. How could Jonathan say, “Go in peace,” when David was the object of a manhunt?
Jonathan knew it was God’s will that David would be king. Consequently, Jonathan had
total confidence that God would watch over and protect David.
e. Which words show Jonathan’s loyalty to David and his faith in God? Jonathan
repeated the fact that he and David had sworn friendship to each other—and even
between their descendants forever! And in faith he claimed the Lord as his witness of
this fact.
KEY POINT 3
When Saul tried to kill David, what did Jonathan do? Jonathan did all he could to
protect his friend David.
TRUTH
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How are we, like Jonathan, true friends no matter what happens? We put away all
bitterness and love and defend and protect our friends.
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Discuss This
A True Friend
1. KEY POINT 1: Jonathan yielded to God’s will that David, not he, would be king. We
may wonder how God wants us to yield to his will. E. C. Baird once wrote, “Well, here’s
the answer true; ‘The nearest thing, that should be done, That he can do—through
you!’” Explain this quote.
We don’t need to think of dramatic ways or romantic locations in which to do God’s will.
We can look to the nearest thing—right where we are in whatever circumstances we
find ourselves—and do what is right.
2. KEY POINT 1: Often the world teaches us that giving up our wants and desires to
accommodate someone else is a sign of weakness. How is it actually a sign of spiritual
strength?
Our natural, sinful impulse is to serve ourselves rather than others; therefore, it takes a
great deal of strength—God’s strength—to give up what we want in order to help
another.
3. KEY POINT 2: Paul tells us to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15) in
the same way that Jonathan rejoiced with David, even though it meant that he would
not be king. What kind of heart is able to rejoice with those who rejoice?
A heart that truly loves others, without envy or jealousy, is able to be happy for them in
their good fortune. This kind of heart is made and strengthened only by the Holy Spirit,
as he works through the good news of Jesus’ love for us.
4. KEY POINT 2: As we strive to love others as Jonathan loved David, how is Jesus’
love both our motivation and our example?
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Motivation: Jesus’ love for us, shown most strongly when he died on the cross for our
sins, motivates us to thank him by loving others. Example: Jesus’ love also shows us
how to love others. Jesus is kind and compassionate. He helps people, filling all their
needs—most important, their need for forgiveness, which he gave them by giving up his
own life.
5. KEY POINT 3: (Illustration) The North American Indians had no written alphabet
prior to the arrival of the Europeans. Nevertheless, their languages were rich with
descriptive and colorful vocabulary. Compare the word friend to the Algonquin
equivalent one-who-carries-my-burdens-on-his-back. Give two examples of how Jesus
is such a friend to you.
Jesus carried my burden of sin on his back and died so I would not have to carry that
burden. Also, he carries my burdens when I bring them to him in prayer.
6. KEY POINT 3: Agree/disagree: A true friend accepts me for who I am and looks the
other way when I do something bad.
Agree: A true friend accepts me—loves me unconditionally—in spite of my sinfulness.
Disagree: A true friend does not look the other way but confronts me with my sin in
order to bring me to repentance and a restored relationship with my heavenly Father.
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I follow God’s guidelines to be a loving friend.
Proverbial Friendship
Jonathan was a true friend to David—always seeking to be loyal and loving, never
resentful or jealous. Look up the following verses from Proverbs. What do they say
about being a true friend? Write each passage in your own words.
Proverbs 11:13
A good friend . . . keeps a secret.
Proverbs 17:9
A good friend . . . keeps someone else’s
wrongdoing to himself or herself instead of spreading it to others.
Proverbs 17:17
A good friend . . . loves always.
Proverbs 18:24
A good friend . . . is loyal.
Proverbs 27:6
A good friend . . . lovingly rebukes.
Proverbs 27:9
A good friend . . . gives good advice.
Proverbs 27:10
A good friend . . . does not forsake his or her
friend.
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God’s Word comforts and consoles us when we suffer hardship.
Are You Comfort-Able?
It’s no surprise that we have problems in life. God inspired Paul and Barnabas to say,
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). But
knowing that doesn’t make the hardships any easier to bear. The truths and promises in
God’s Word, however, do comfort us! Read each passage below, and then finish the
sentences in your own words to show God’s comfort.
You may encourage the students to write one or more of these on self-stick notes and
then post them in places where they may serve as good reminders: in their lockers, on
their bedroom mirrors, inside their wallets.
Romans 8:28 When life doesn’t seem fair, . . . I submit my life to God, trusting that he
will do only what is for my good.
1 Peter 5:7 Instead of worrying, . . . I put all my worries on Jesus, knowing that he loves
and cares for me.
Ephesians 4:31,32 Instead of being angry, . . . I’ll get rid of my anger and bitterness
and strive to forgive others, as Jesus forgave me.
Romans 12:19-21 Instead of wanting to get back at people, . . . I’ll be extra nice to
them, overcoming their evil with good.
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Psalm 37:5 Instead of complaining, . . . I dedicate my life to the Lord, trusting in him to
fulfill his will for me.
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I don’t complain or become bitter when I suffer hardship or injustice.
Your Best Friend Did What?
Imagine growing up as the prince, assuming you would be the next king and then
finding out that your best friend would have the job instead of you. That’s exactly what
happened to Jonathan, the son of Saul. But Jonathan wasn’t bitter. He accepted God’s
will and remained loyal to his best friend, David. Are you such a loyal friend? Do you
trust God so much that you submit to his will, even when it seems “unfair”? Read each
of the following situations, and tell what you would do. Be honest!
You might divide the class into three groups to discuss each one of these and then to
present it to the class. Try to help the students differentiate between a bitter response
and a loyal, loving response. Use Jonathan as your example. The three examples
discuss practical applications. The spiritual principles behind them are discussed at the
bottom of the page.
1. You tell your best friend that you’re pretty sure you’re going to get a job at the
fast-food joint. He decides to go interview there too, in case there’s another job open.
There turns out to be only one job—and he gets it. What do you do?
Your first impulse might be to get angry. Clear thinking will show that it’s not your
friend’s fault that he got the job, just as it wasn’t David’s fault that God chose him as
king. In love and loyalty, you will congratulate your friend and go interview somewhere
else—or wait for another opening at that restaurant.
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2. You talked your best friend into trying out for basketball. She’s never played before,
but you hope that she’ll make it so you can play together. She does make it—and you
don’t. What do you do?
Your first impulse might be one of jealousy and bitterness. After all, she wasn’t going to
try out until you convinced her! But it soon becomes obvious that she has more gifts for
the game than you do. Perhaps God wants you to find a different activity to develop the
gifts he’s given you. As a loyal friend, you congratulate her and lend your support.
3. You’ve been telling your best friend about this new guy you’re going out with.
Finally, you have a chance to introduce them to each other. The next day he dumps
you—and asks her out. What do you do?
Your first impulse is to get angry. But then you realize that if he asked her out after just
meeting her, you and he must not have had anything too special. As a loyal friend, you
stick by your best friend—and she may need you when he dumps her for the next pretty
face. (The students may note that the best friend might have said no to the guy out of
loyalty to her friend.)
These examples are all practical applications, but in all three cases, there are
some spiritual principles to follow. When you are wronged or things haven’t
turned out the way you planned, you can . . .
1. pray to . . . God, honestly expressing your thoughts and feelings and asking him to
strengthen you.
2. forgive . . . anyone who’s sinned against you, remembering God’s forgiveness for
you.
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3. yield to . . . God’s will, knowing that he will do whatever is best for you.
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God watches over us, gives us all we need, and makes all things work for our good.
What God Ordains
Jephthah, Esau, and Jonathan all suffered difficulties in life. They could have become
bitter, but instead they forgave those who had wronged them and submitted to God’s
will. They knew that what God ordains—plans, or wills—is always good. Read the three
stanzas below from hymn 429, “What God Ordains Is Always Good,” and answer the
questions.
1. What God ordains is always good; His will is just and holy.
As he directs my life for me, I follow meek and lowly.
My God indeed In ev’ry need Knows well how he will shield me;
To him, then, I will yield me.
a. How did Jephthah the judge yield to God’s will? Jephthah left town when he was
driven out, and then he willingly came back when he was summoned to lead the
Gileadites in battle against the Ammonites. Instead of becoming bitter, Jephthah
followed “meek and lowly.”
b. When you suffer hardship, instead of becoming bitter, how can the first line of this
hymn comfort you? What God ordains—plans—for me is always what is best for me,
even if I don’t understand it at the time.
2. What God ordains is always good; He never will deceive me.
He leads me in his righteous way And never will he leave me.
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I take content What he has sent; His hand that sends me sadness
Will turn my tears to gladness.
c.
How did Esau eventually “take content What [God] has sent”? Although Esau was
bitter at first, he later forgave Jacob, accepted the fact that Jacob would receive the
blessing, and was content with the wealth that God sent him.
d. Name something that you have been discontented with up to this point. Answers
will vary. How can you become content? By the power of the Holy Spirit, you can
accept with gratitude the blessings God has given you and not covet anything else.
3. What God ordains is always good; He is my friend and Father.
He will not let me suffer harm Though many storms may gather.
Now I may know Both joy and woe; Some day I shall see clearly
That he has loved me dearly.
e. How did Jonathan “know Both joy and woe”? Jonathan lost the throne and saw his
father try again and again to hurt David, but Jonathan also enjoyed the undying
friendship of David and was happy to see him get the throne.
f.
When will you see perfectly clearly that God has loved you dearly, no matter what
earthly hardships he allowed you to endure? In heaven we will see and understand
God’s love for us.
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Spiritual Journal
Reflections
•
What circumstances in your life are you bitter about? Write a prayer to God in
which you confess your sin of bitterness and ask God to help you focus with
thanksgiving on your blessings.
•
Think about a sin you have committed that may have made someone else
bitter. Write a prayer confessing your sin and asking God to forgive you.
•
Think of a recent situation in which someone sinned against you and you
reacted with resentment. Write a prayer asking God to forgive you for your bitterness
and to help you forgive that person.
•
Martin Luther said, “As for myself, I judge the loss of all one’s possessions
easier to bear than the loss of a faithful friend.” Write a letter to a faithful Christian
friend, telling your friend how much he or she means to you. Include why it is important
to you that you share faith in Jesus, the best friend of all.
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Ruth: God Watches Over the Lowly
Ruth 1–4
Unit Theme
God watches over the lowly and the oppressed and blesses their faithfulness.
Goals
We pray that the student
knows these spiritual truths:
•
Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer.
•
God watches over the lowly and oppressed.
•
God blesses the faithful.
develops these spiritual attitudes and habits:
•
I trust God to watch over me in every circumstance.
•
I help the lowly and oppressed.
•
I am faithful to God in every hardship, even death.
•
I honor those in authority over me.
•
I forgive as God has forgiven me.
•
I am content in all circumstances.
•
I support those who work for the church.
To Memorize
Deuteronomy 33:27a
Psalm 56:11
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*
Matthew 7:7
*
Matthew 28:20b
Ephesians 3:20a
2 Timothy 4:18a
*
The Fourth Commandment
*
The Tenth Commandment
*
Hymn 411: 1,2
Suggested Commentary Readings
•
Pages 332-338 in Franzmann, Bible History Commentary, Old Testament
•
Pages 225-229,234-236,245-248,256-259 in Lawrenz, Judges, Ruth, The
People’s Bible series
•
Pages 210-214 in Panning, Galatians, Ephesians, The People’s Bible series
•
Pages 220-226 in Kuschel, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, The People’s
Bible series
Introduction Ideas
•
Who do you think are the lowly and troubled in our society? The students may
mention the homeless, the sick, shut-ins, poverty-stricken people, and so on. Who do
you think are the lowly and troubled in your church, school, or neighborhood? You may
ask the students not to mention names but to speak in general terms: the person who
others ridicule, the person who tries out for every team but never makes it, the person
whose parents are too poor to buy him or her nice clothes, the person who’s too short
or too tall or too homely or too different in some way to be accepted by the mainstream.
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At times you yourself may be counted among the lowly or the troubled or the outcast.
Our unit discusses how God pays attention to these people when the rest of the world
seems to ignore them.
•
Discuss how it feels to be watched by someone. When is it creepy? When is it
comforting? Although being watched can be either good or bad, being watched over is
wonderful. This unit discusses how God watches over the lowly and the oppressed.
•
Have you done anything nice for your pastor lately? Do pastors need
encouragement and help? Would anyone condemn you for helping your pastor? This
unit discusses how one man continued to support a church worker, even though others
condemned him for doing it.
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Ruth: God Watches Over the Lowly
Ruth 1:15-22; 2:8-16; 3:7-13; 4:13-22
AIM
What does God do for his lowly and troubled children?
During the time of the judges, the Israelites turned away from God time and time again.
Yet there were Israelites living at this time who continued to trust in the one true God.
Naomi’s family was among those faithful people. Sometime near the end of the period
of the judges, Naomi, her husband, and her two sons left their home in Judah and went
to live in Moab during a time of famine. In the course of ten years, Naomi’s husband
and sons died, leaving Naomi and her two Moabite daughters-in-law. When Naomi
decided to go back to Judah, she urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and to
find new husbands. Orpah did, but Ruth chose to remain with Naomi and to have the
Lord as her God. She was an Israelite at heart, because the Holy Spirit had given her
faith in Naomi’s God, the God of Israel. Yet her life in Israel would not be easy.
Ru 1:15-22
a. The chances were slim that anyone in Israel would marry a Moabitess. Ruth would
probably remain a poor widow her whole life. Why was she still determined to stay with
Naomi? Ruth wanted to stay with Naomi so she could worship the true God and live
with other believers.
b. How did Ruth show that she would not be talked out of going with Naomi? Ruth
made a vow, saying, “May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but
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death separates you and me.” (Notice that she used the name Lord, which means the
faithful Savior-God, who keeps his covenant promises.)
KEY POINT 1
How did Ruth show her faithfulness? Ruth chose to be faithful to the true God, even
though she knew her life would be hard.
Ruth was now a stranger and a widow, poor and hungry in a new land. To help support
Naomi and herself, Ruth gleaned barley (picking up the leftovers after harvest) in a field
belonging to Boaz, a relative, or kinsman, of Naomi. A casual observer might consider
this a coincidence, but believers know that with God, there is no coincidence, only
providence—God’s guiding hand bringing about his own gracious plans.
Ru 2:8-16
a. How did God work through Boaz to help Ruth? Boaz let Ruth glean in his fields for
the whole harvest. He treated her kindly, let her take as much grain as she wanted, let
her eat lunch with him, and asked God’s blessing on her and her work (“May you be
richly rewarded by the LORD”).
b. Why did Boaz treat Ruth so kindly? He said he had heard about her loyalty and
faithfulness to Naomi and to the true God, “under whose wings [she had] come to take
refuge.”
According to God’s law, a kinsman-redeemer would take care of a widow by buying
back her property if she had to sell it or by marrying her himself. God wanted the land to
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remain in the family. This was one of the provisions he made for that to happen.
Knowing this law, Naomi suggested a plan she hoped would lead to a marriage
between Boaz and Ruth. She urged Ruth to make herself attractive and to go lie at
Boaz’ feet—in essence, asking him to marry her.
Ru 3:7-13
c.
What did Ruth do? Ruth went to Boaz as he slept out in the open and placed
herself at his feet. When he awoke in the middle of the night, she asked him to cover
her with a part of his garment, claiming her legal right to marriage because Boaz was
her kinsman-redeemer. Her conduct may seem rather strange to us, but it was in
accordance with Jewish law and custom.
d. How did Boaz respond? He accepted her proposal and was even flattered by it. He
said that if the closer kinsman-redeemer didn’t want to redeem—that is, buy Naomi’s
land and marry her daughter-in-law Ruth—he would redeem. He commented on Ruth’s
noble character and the fact that she did not chase after younger men.
KEY POINT 2
How did God bless Ruth’s faithfulness? God provided sustenance and a husband
for Ruth through her kinsman-redeemer Boaz.
Ru 4:13-22
a. How did God bless Ruth even further? The Lord enabled Ruth to conceive.
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b. According to Naomi’s friends in Bethlehem, how had God watched over her as
well? The women pointed out that now she had a daughter-in-law who loved her and a
kinsman-redeemer, her grandson Obed, to take care of her.
c.
Why is the genealogy at the end of the book of Ruth one of the most important
parts of the book? God shows us through this genealogy that Ruth was in the family
line of King David and, therefore, also of the coming Messiah. God blessed Ruth’s
faithfulness with this singular honor.
KEY POINT 3
What most important blessing did God give his lowly daughter Ruth? God blessed
her by sending her a son who would be an ancestor of the Savior.
TRUTH
What does God do for his lowly and troubled children? God watches over his lowly
and troubled children and blesses their faithfulness.
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Discuss This
Ruth: God Watches Over the Lowly
1. KEY POINT 1: Which commandments did Ruth obey when she moved with Naomi
to Israel?
The First Commandment, which tells us to have no other gods, and the Fourth
Commandment, which tells us to honor our parents.
Would she have been sinning if she had stayed in Moab?
Not necessarily. Her mother-in-law urged her to stay, and perhaps Ruth could have
been a witness for the true God in that land of idolatry.
2. KEY POINT 2: A folksy little proverb says that every cloud has a silver lining. Relate
that to God’s grace as we see it in Ruth’s story.
God sometimes allows bad things to happen to his children and indeed does make all
things work for their good, bringing blessing from suffering. Hymn 420, stanza 4 adds to
this thought, “You fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds you so much dread Are
big with mercy and will break In blessing on your head.”
3. KEY POINT 2: If you are dealing with suffering and hardship right now, how can
you show your faithfulness to God?
We show faithfulness to God during bad times by being patient, believing that God will
enable us to get through the bad times with his help. We can also seize the
opportunities God gives us. And we refrain from complaining and blaming God or others
for our troubles.
4. KEY POINT 2: God blesses faithfulness, but faithfulness does not earn God’s
blessing. Explain.
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God blesses the faithfulness of his children with many blessings, but these blessings
are still given by grace, which means undeserved love. We do not earn God’s blessings
by being faithful, neither are we faithful to “drag” some blessings out of God.
5. KEY POINT 2: Agree/disagree: Ruth was a good role model for women of the past,
but not for women of today.
Ruth is a good role model for all Christians of all time. Her loyalty and devotion to her
mother-in-law, her lowly work to save herself and Naomi from starvation, her lack of
complaint in the face of hardship (at least, Scripture tells of no complaints), and most of
all her faith in the one true God are qualities that Christians want to emulate.
6. KEY POINT 2: Boaz was Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer. How is Jesus our
Kinsman-Redeemer?
Jesus is our kinsman, our brother whose Father is our Father. Jesus is also our
Redeemer from sin, death, and the devil. He bought us back from Satan with his own
life. And we, the church, are his bride for now and all eternity.
7. KEY POINT 3: (Illustration) It’s interesting to note that the bittersweet plant, which
grows in many parts of the United States, has a bitter, astringent taste and once was
used medicinally to cure “sour stomach.” Apply this illustration to Naomi’s life and your
life.
Although Naomi suffered bitter hardships, God brought sweetness to her in the faithful
companionship of her daughter-in-law Ruth and her grandson Obed. God permits us to
suffer in this life too, but he can and does heal us and bring blessings from our
hardships.
8. KEY POINT 3: The greatest blessing God sent Ruth was the Savior, who would be
a descendant of her son. What is the greatest blessing God has sent you?
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The same! Our greatest blessing is the Savior, Jesus Christ, who died to win
forgiveness and eternal salvation for Ruth, for us, and for all people of every
generation.
9. KEY POINT 3: (Illustration) Give an example of what it means to keep an eye on
something.
To keep an eye on something is to watch and guard it. A mother keeps an eye on her
children, a businessperson keeps an eye on the bottom line, and a friend might keep an
eye on your stuff while you leave the area for a time.
Similarly, how does God keep an eye on you?
God keeps an eye on us by watching over us to protect us from harm, by guarding our
lives and possessions, by making all things work out for our good, and by taking us to
heaven. We can be confident that God is always holding us in his “everlasting arms”
(Deuteronomy 33:27).
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Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer.
Kinsman-Friend-Redeemer
The kinsman-redeemer of the Old Testament came to the aid and protection of his
close relatives—as Boaz did for Naomi and Ruth. The New Testament speaks of Jesus
as our kinsman, our friend, and our Redeemer. Answer the following questions about
these roles of Jesus.
You may encourage the students to use their concordances for questions 2, 5, and 8.
1. How does God bless us by giving us kinsmen (relatives)?
Our relatives provide a safe haven for us in the storms of life. They protect and support
us.
2. Write a passage that speaks of Jesus as our brother.
Possible answer: Hebrews 2:11b “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.”
3. Why do we feel comforted to know that Jesus is our brother?
We are in the same family. We have the same Father. Even more so than a loving big
brother on earth, Jesus helps and protects us and will never turn us away.
4. How does God bless us through our friends?
Our friends listen to us, comfort us, love us, and understand us.
5. Write a passage that speaks of Jesus as our friend.
John 15:15b “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I
have made know to you.”
6. Why do we feel comforted to know that Jesus is our friend?
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We know that Jesus will always listen to us, comfort us, love us, and understand
us—even when our earthly friends don’t or can’t.
7. Why is Jesus’ role as our Redeemer the most important?
Without a Redeemer—Savior from sin—we would be eternally damned.
8. Write a passage that speaks of Jesus as our Redeemer.
Galatians 3:13a “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for
us.”
9. Why do we feel comforted to know that Jesus is our Redeemer?
We belong to him, not to Satan or to this sinful world. Heaven is ours!
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God watches over the lowly and oppressed.
Comfort for Ruth—Comfort for You
We can imagine how Ruth felt her first few days in Israel. She was a stranger, a widow,
and a gleaner, which was really a kind of beggar. Her future looked bleak. She probably
wouldn’t marry, and Naomi might have to sell her land and home. Imagine that you, a
fellow believer, have a chance to speak to Ruth and comfort her. Read each of the
following passages, and address a comforting thought to Ruth in your own words.
For variety, you might put these references into a hat and select a student to choose
one, read the passage, and put it into his or her own words. Emphasize that these
passages comfort us when we are suffering also.
Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms. God is holding you in his arms. (Technically, a believer living at Ruth’s
time would know only of this passage. The others had not been written yet.)
Psalm 56:11 In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? God is
stronger than anyone who might hurt you.
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door
will be opened to you. Ask God to bless you. He has promised to answer your prayers.
Matthew 28:20b Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Even though
you may feel alone here in Israel, God is with you.
Ephesians 3:20a [God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
You may not think that you’ll ever get married or find happiness again, but God can do
more than you think!
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2 Timothy 4:18a The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely
to his heavenly kingdom. God will rescue you from evil here on earth, and then he’ll
take you to heaven. Don’t be afraid!
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I trust God to watch over me in every circumstance.
Is God Talking to Me?
Maybe you sometimes feel like Ruth—lowly or troubled or a bit of an outcast. Does God
care about you? Yes! Just as God watched over Ruth and blessed her with food, a
husband, a home, and a child, so God also watches over you. The passages below
prove it! Write each passage, inserting your name in different places in the passage to
show that God is speaking to you.
Using the students’ own names will help bring home the fact that God truly cares for
each of them as an individual, no matter how “lowly” each is. The students may put their
names in various places in the passages. Commas have also been added to the
passages below to ease reading.
Psalm 50:15 God says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble, Adam; I will deliver you,
and you will honor me.”
Isaiah 41:10 God says, “Do not fear, John, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
John, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, John; I will uphold you with
my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 43:1b God says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, Beckie; I have summoned
you by name, Beckie; Beckie, you are mine.”
Jeremiah 1:5a God says, “Before I formed you in the womb, Laura, I knew you, before
you were born I set you apart.”
Matthew 6:8 Jesus says, “Your Father knows what you need, Scott, before you ask
him.”
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Matthew 10:30 Jesus says, “Even the very hairs of your head, Brittany, are all
numbered.”
John 14:14 Jesus says, “You may ask me for anything in my name, Aaron, and I will
do it.”
John 16:27 Jesus says, “The Father himself loves you, Dave, because you have loved
me and have believed that I came from God.”
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I am faithful to God in every hardship, even death.
A Vow Is a Vow Is a Vow
Ruth ends her confession of faith and her declaration of loyalty to Naomi with an oath,
“May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you
and me.” We see the same format used by others in the Old Testament. Look up the
following references, and write down the oath itself and who said it.
1 Samuel 14:44
Saul said . . . “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you do not die,
Jonathan.”
1 Samuel 20:13
Jonathan said . . . “May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I do not
let you know and send you away safely.”
2 Samuel 3:9
Abner said . . . “May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for
David what the LORD promised him on oath.”
1 Kings 2:23
Solomon said . . . “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if Adonijah
does not pay with his life for this request!”
2 Kings 6:31
Joram said . . . “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of
Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!”
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When did you take a vow before the Lord?
At confirmation.
What did you vow to do?
Most confirmands vowed to “continue steadfast in this teaching (the Apostles’ Creed,
the Bible, and the Small Catechism) and to endure all things, even death, rather than
fall away from it.”
Will the Lord deal with you severely if you do not keep your vow? How?
Yes, if I reject the faith and die in unbelief, I will go to hell.
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God Watches Over a Slave
Ephesians 6:5-9; Philemon 8–21
AIM
How did God care for a lowly slave?
One of the issues the apostle Paul addresses in his letter to the Ephesians and to
Philemon is the relationship between slaves and masters. Although slavery itself is not
an issue for us, much of what Paul says applies to our relationships with those in
authority over us—teachers, employers, and government officials, for example.
Eph 6:5-9
a. With what attitude should slaves obey their earthly masters? They should obey
them with respect, fear, and sincerity of heart.
b. What motivates Christian slaves to serve their masters wholeheartedly? Christian
slaves serve their masters as if they were serving the Lord.
c.
What can lowly and oppressed slaves look forward to? Lowly and oppressed slaves
can look forward to the Lord’s blessing—reward—when they serve their masters
faithfully.
d. Why should masters treat their slaves in a kindly way? Masters know that in God’s
eyes, they and their slaves are equal. God shows no favoritism.
KEY POINT 1
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How does God want slaves to work? God wants slaves to work wholeheartedly for
their masters, as if they were working for God himself.
Paul’s epistle to Philemon deals with the subject of slavery. Paul was most likely in his
mid-60s when he wrote the appeal to Philemon. Paul had experienced many hardships
and, in fact, wrote the epistle while under house arrest. Despite his own difficulties, Paul
chose to help and defend a runaway slave. And God used Paul’s courage and love to
bless this lowly slave.
Phm 8–11
a. Paul doesn’t tell us how Onesimus came to Rome or how Paul met him, but we do
know that they forged a strong relationship. What does Paul’s use of the word son in
verse 10 tell us about that relationship? Son is an affectionate term. Onesimus became
like a son to Paul. This also shows us that Onesimus became Paul’s son in the faith
after Paul instructed him in the gospel.
b. According to verses 11 and 13, what had Onesimus been doing for Paul?
Onesimus, which means “profitable” or “useful,” had been very useful to Paul in Rome,
while Paul was under house arrest.
c.
Onesimus had been a slave, among the lowest rank in Roman culture, and also a
thief (verse 18) and an unbeliever. Yet God watched over him and had plans for him.
What had God done for him? God led him to Paul, brought him to faith, and gave him
useful work to do. Under God’s power, Onesimus was a changed man.
KEY POINT 2
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How did God watch over and bless the runaway slave Onesimus? God brought
Onesimus to Paul, where he was converted through the gospel and became useful to
Paul.
Phm 12–21
a. What request did Paul make of Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus?
Paul asked Philemon to take Onesimus back, although Onesimus had wronged him.
b. Why did Onesimus agree to go back as a slave to his rightful owner? Both Paul and
Onesimus, as servants of Christ, wanted to do what was right and proper—return
Onesimus to the one who owned him, even though he had become a big help to Paul.
c.
According to Roman law, Philemon could execute Onesimus for running away. Paul
acted as an intercessor for Onesimus—a go-between for Onesimus and Philemon,
even offering to pay for Onesimus’ debt if he had stolen anything. Compare what Paul
did for Onesimus to what Jesus does for us. Jesus acts as our intercessor. He made
peace between us and God by dying on the cross, thereby paying the debt we owed
because of our sins and making us holy and acceptable in God’s eyes. And he
continues to be our advocate—not to the Father but to Satan, who would accuse us of
our sins.
d. What did Paul offer as a possible reason that Philemon and Onesimus had been
separated? Perhaps the reason Philemon lost Onesimus for a while was so that he
might return in a better capacity—not just as a working slave but as a fellow believer
and a brother in Christ.
KEY POINT 3
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How did God use Paul as an intercessor to further bless Onesimus? Paul urged
Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him as a brother.
TRUTH
How did God care for a lowly slave? God brought the slave Onesimus to Paul, where
he was converted through the gospel and became useful to Paul. God then used Paul
as an intercessor to urge Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him as a brother.
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Discuss This
God Watches Over a Slave
1. KEY POINT 1: Evaluate: If Christians under authority—students, employees,
children—were to do everything wholeheartedly that was asked of them, their
relationships with those above them would be wonderful.
By working wholeheartedly, Christians would please and delight their superiors. Those
in authority, in turn, would more likely be motivated to treat those under them with love
and kindness. Mutual respect could flourish—a win-win situation, indeed. Christians
also realize, of course, that the primary motivation for wholehearted service to those in
authority is love and thanks to a gracious God, even when those in authority may
continue to treat them unlovingly and harshly.
2. KEY POINT 1: First Peter 2:13 says that we should submit ourselves for the Lord’s
sake to every authority instituted among men. What do we do if that authority is
mean-spirited and unfair to us? Do we still have to do what is asked of us?
We are to submit and do our duty even in tough situations, unless we are being asked
to act contrary to God’s Word. “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to
me?” (Psalm 56:11)
3. KEY POINT 1: You have a friend who hates his job because it’s boring and his
boss gives him unpleasant cleanup work. He has decided to do just enough to get by
while waiting for quitting time. Using Ephesians 6:5-9, how would you respond?
You could tell him that his work and all that he does is an opportunity to serve the Lord.
As he works wholeheartedly as to the Lord, his labor will become less boring and more
fulfilling to him—and a blessing for him and his employer.
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4. KEY POINT 2: When we say that God watches over the lowly and oppressed, does
this mean that God is not as concerned about those who have an easier time here on
earth?
No. God loves all people, watches over all, and sent Jesus for all the world.
In what ways can people, although materially rich, be lowly and oppressed?
People can be lowly and oppressed because of their social standing, the prejudice of
others, their religious beliefs, and so on.
5. KEY POINT 2: A friend says, “God doesn’t care about me. He’s got billions of
people all over the world to watch over, most of them more important than me.”
Respond.
In his omniscience and omnipotence, God watches over all people, from the most
important to the least. As he blessed Onesimus, a runaway slave, he’ll certainly bless
you.
6. KEY POINT 3: Luther once said that we are Christ’s Onesimi. Explain.
We are guilty of sin, as Onesimus was, and Jesus is our intercessor. Just as the
apostle Paul interceded for the slave and begged the master to accept Onesimus as a
brother, Jesus intercedes with the heavenly Father on our behalf, asking him to accept
us back as part of his family because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
7. KEY POINT 3: Evaluate: Every time people wrong us we have a responsibility to
confront them so they become aware of their sin and repent.
Paul obviously talked with Onesimus about his sin. God wants us to confront sin for the
purpose of leading the sinner to repentance. Many times, however, it is wise and loving
to overlook an insult, especially if it isn’t purposeful. We seek God’s wisdom to
determine the right course of action when someone sins against us.
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8. KEY POINT 3: Paul expressed his interest in keeping Onesimus, but he urged
Onesimus to return and do his duty to his master, Philemon. What commandment was
Paul keeping?
Paul was keeping the Tenth Commandment, which urges us not to covet our neighbor’s
workers.
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I help the lowly and oppressed.
Reaching Out
Luke said that Paul “welcomed all who came to him” while he was under house arrest in
his rented house in Rome (Acts 28:30). Not only did Paul welcome Onesimus, a
runaway slave, he also instructed him in the gospel, came to love him, and then
interceded for him when he went back to his master. How can we be like Paul, reaching
out to the lowly and troubled? Answer the following questions:
Who are the lowly and troubled people that you know? Think of those who live on the
“outer edges” in your neighborhood, church, or school. Think of the poor, the hungry,
the sick, the people who work hard for little return, or the people others make fun of
because they’re different. The students may work in pairs. Encourage them to be very
specific without being malicious. Possible answers: shut-ins, the poorer population of
your town, the people in school who don’t fit in.
How can you be more welcoming and helpful to those people, as Paul was to
Onesimus? Possible responses: simply smiling at someone, inviting someone new into
your group of friends, taking cards or gifts to a shut-in, adopting a shut-in as a
“grandparent,” volunteering time in a food pantry or homeless shelter. Donating coats or
toys to organizations is also a good way to help the lowly, but it is also a very easy way
because the students do not have to actually interact with someone else. Encourage
them to do something specific for someone specific—and then to make that hospitable,
welcoming attitude their way of life.
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I honor those in authority over me.
An Honorable Charge
As children, students, employees, and citizens, we are in a lower position than our
parents, teachers, bosses, and governing authorities. God urges us to honor and obey
all people in authority over us, as Onesimus finally showed honor to his master,
Philemon, by returning to him. Luther’s explanation to the Fourth Commandment tells
us how to treat those people in authority. Write the commandment below, and then
complete the sentences to show specific ways to keep that commandment. The first
one is done for you.
Answers will vary.
The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and mother, that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long
life on the earth.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not dishonor or anger our parents and others
in authority, but honor, serve, and obey them, and give them love and respect.
1. do not dishonor—your teacher
I could stop talking every time he turns around to write on the board.
2. do not anger—your boss
I could
3. honor—your father
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I could
4. serve—your pastor
I could
5. obey—your law enforcement officer
I could
6. love—your mother
I could
7. respect—your coach
I could
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God watches over the lowly and oppressed.
The Magnificat: God Lifts Up the Lowly
Read Luke 1:46-55. Make a list of actions God has done for his people that match the
actions mentioned in Mary’s words. Use complete sentences. The first one is done for
you.
1. God has “been mindful of the humble state of his servant.”
2. God “has done great things for me.”
3. “His mercy extends to those who fear him.”
4. “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm.”
5. “He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”
6. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones.”
7. He “has lifted up the humble.”
8. “He has filled the hungry with good things.”
9. He “has sent the rich away empty.”
10. “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful.”
Use one of the sentences you wrote above as the first sentence of a paragraph. In
the paragraph tell about a time in your life when God did something for you, your
family, or your friends.
You may want the students to share their experiences by reading their paragraphs
aloud in class.
Example: God “has filled the hungry with good things.” When my dad lost his job last
year, I thought we really would be going hungry! We had to budget our money, and we
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were just about to sell our house and move in with Grandma and Grandpa. But then
God led Dad to another job—a better job, in fact—and filled all of us with good things!
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I forgive as God has forgiven me.
Forgiveness Brings Freedom
Paul urged Philemon to welcome and forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave. While it’s
also possible that Philemon freed Onesimus and accepted him as a brother of equal
standing, the act of forgiveness would bring a special kind of freedom to both the slave
and master even if he didn’t. Explore that in your own life by following the directions
below.
FORGIVENESS
Write about a time someone
Write about a time you forgave
forgave you.
someone else.
Incidents will vary.
Incidents will vary.
How did that person’s forgiveness
How did forgiving that person
bring you freedom?
bring you freedom?
Her forgiveness took away your
Forgiving him removed your
guilt and shame.
anger and bitterness.
FREEDOM
Finally, make a bold statement about how God’s love for you has set you free.
Possible answers: God’s love has set me free. I forgive because God first forgave me.
Forgiveness means freedom.
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I am content in all circumstances.
Contentment—There’s Just No Comparison!
Sometimes we look at others, at their seemingly happy and carefree lives, and become
discontented with our circumstances in life. We feel as if we’re somehow lower on the
status scale than some other people. How would God have us deal with that feeling of
discontent?
I sometimes feel lowlier than others because . . .
I don’t get good grades, I’m ugly, I’m not popular, I don’t have cool clothes, etc.
Instead of comparing myself and what I have to others, I could . . .
be grateful to God for all he has given me and all he does for me.
My status in the world is really based on . . .
who I am in Christ—a child of a King, God himself.
Write Philippians 4:11 in your own words.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever
the circumstances.” No matter what happens to me, no matter what I have or don’t
have, I’ll be content—happy, satisfied, comfortable—because I know that God is
watching out for me.
Write 1 Timothy 6:6 in your own words.
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“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Having faith in God and then being content
with whatever he sends you is awesome.
I will no longer focus on myself and my status, on what I have or don’t have.
Instead, with God’s help, I will strive to . . .
be content and live a grateful and godly life.
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An Oppressed Christian Stays Faithful
3 John
AIM
How did John encourage his oppressed friend Gaius?
The third epistle of John written around A.D. 90, is a personal letter from the apostle
John to Gaius. John had sent missionaries to Gaius’ city and congregation, located
somewhere in Asia Minor. Gaius knew that the right thing to do would be to welcome
these missionaries. However, one of his church leaders opposed the missionaries. John
encourages his friend to continue to do the right thing.
3 Jn 1–4
a. What did John mean when he told Gaius that he loved him “in the truth”? The truth
is God’s truth, which is found in his Word and which centers on his Son, Jesus. John
loves Gaius in Christ—as a Christian brother.
b. What gave John great joy? John said that nothing gave him more joy than knowing
that Gaius was walking in the truth.
c.
What does it mean to walk in the truth? To walk in the truth means to believe the
truth of the gospel and to follow Jesus—to obey God’s commands.
KEY POINT 1
For what did John praise Gaius? John praised Gaius for walking in the truth.
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3 Jn 5–8
a. In what way was Gaius faithful to the brothers, that is, the missionaries? Gaius was
showing hospitality to and helping the brothers even though they were strangers to him.
b. Why were the brothers going out to the world? As missionaries, they went out “for
the sake of the Name”—the name of Jesus.
c.
What does John encourage all of us to do? He encourages us to show hospitality to
church workers, who proclaim the truth of God to the world.
KEY POINT 2
For what specific action did John praise Gaius? John praised Gaius for faithfully
welcoming the missionaries who came to his town.
3 Jn 9–14
a. What was Diotrephes doing to the missionaries? He was gossiping maliciously
about them and refusing to welcome them.
b. What was Diotrephes doing to people who did welcome the missionaries? He was
stopping them and even excommunicating them.
c.
Under the circumstances, what challenge did Gaius face? Gaius faced the
challenge of remaining faithful in the face of opposition by Diotrephes. If he welcomed
the missionaries, he could be excommunicated.
d. What encouragement did John offer Gaius? John encouraged Gaius to imitate what
is good because “anyone who does what is good is from God.”
KEY POINT 3
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What did John encourage Gaius to do? John encouraged Gaius to remain faithful,
even though Diotrephes opposed him.
TRUTH
How did John encourage his oppressed friend Gaius? John praised Gaius for
walking in the truth and for welcoming the missionaries, and he encouraged him to
continue to do so in spite of opposition.
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Discuss This
An Oppressed Christian Stays Faithful
1. KEY POINT 1: If someone you respect were to give you praise, what would you like
to be praised for?
Answers will vary.
Which of the qualities you listed above matter to God?
Answers will vary.
Which one quality would put you in the good company of Gaius?
Walking in the truth.
2. KEY POINT 1: What guidelines has God given us for walking in the truth?
God has given us the Ten Commandments as our guide for walking in the truth. God
has also given us his Word in Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, as our
model and motivation for walking in the truth.
3. KEY POINT 2: What does it mean to be hospitable?
A person who is hospitable is friendly, kind, and thoughtful toward guests.
Gaius showed hospitality to missionaries who visited his congregation in Asia Minor and
thereby played a part in spreading the gospel to the world. What are some ways you
can be hospitable to church workers?
When given the opportunity, we can care for church workers in our homes by inviting
them to spend the evening and/or have meals with us. In a much broader sense, we
can help and support them with prayers, letters, gifts of material goods, money, and our
time. We can “help and befriend him in every bodily need.”
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4. KEY POINT 2: Gaius had assisted both brothers and strangers. Supporting the
needs of strangers is an especially praiseworthy deed in the eyes of God. Who might
the strangers that Christians help and support actually be? (See Genesis 18.)
Angels doing the work of the Lord.
Write Hebrews 13:1,2.
“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so
doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
5. KEY POINT 3: (Illustration) You sit down at a table in the cafeteria and find that two
of your friends are gossiping and making fun of other students. You say, “Knock it off,
you guys.” Then they start making fun of you for being a Goody Two-shoes. In this
situation how can you remain faithful in spite of opposition?
You can stand up for what is right by not participating in their gossip, by defending and
speaking well of the people they are slandering, or by leaving their table.
6. KEY POINT 3: What might be the underlying reason why some people criticize
others for doing the right thing?
They may criticize others because they feel guilty or jealous that they are not strong
enough to do the right thing and because they want to make themselves look good.
7. KEY POINT 3: What advice would you give to those who want to be faithful to
God’s commands, but who face much opposition?
We would want to encourage them by praising them for walking in the truth. In addition,
we would encourage them to rely on God for strength and also to seek support from
like-minded Christians. Finally, we would encourage them with the words of 2 Timothy
4:18: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his
heavenly kingdom.”
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I help the lowly and oppressed.
Welcome!
The poem by Emma Lazarus on the Statue of Liberty says, “Give me your tired, your
poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Now that’s a welcome! Consider
the welcome—the kindness and hospitality—shown in the three lessons of this unit:
•
Boaz welcomed Ruth into his fields.
•
Paul welcomed Onesimus into his house and encouraged Philemon to
welcome Onesimus back.
•
Gaius welcomed missionaries into his home.
In the space below, design a plaque that could be hung outside your house or
even your bedroom, welcoming people.
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I support those who work for the church.
Just Do It!
Choose a missionary whom you as a class can help support and encourage. You or
your teacher may want to contact the Board for World Missions for names and
information about our missionary representatives. After you receive the pertinent
information, brainstorm with a partner the many ways in which your class could support
and encourage him and his family. Share your ideas with the class, put them on the
board, and decide which ideas you would like to implement. Then, with your teacher’s
help, do it!
You may want to consider the following questions:
How can we, as a class, show hospitality to this family?
What kinds of gifts can we share with this family?
How can we support this family in other ways?
After your class has decided which activities to implement, make a schedule of when
and how you will follow through. Make sure to include everyone in the class in this
project.
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I support those who work for the church.
A Letter of Encouragement
Most of us know a church worker who could use some encouragement from a brother
or sister in Christ. Perhaps you have a teacher who is overworked or struggling with a
problem student. Maybe your pastor has some difficult days ahead because his large
congregation is too much for one shepherd to handle, or maybe his wife is dealing with
health problems. Pray for that teacher or pastor, and write him or her a letter of
encouragement and support.
Ask to read the letters, if the students are willing. Encourage those who have written
truly encouraging letters to send them to their pastor or teacher, perhaps copying them
onto notepaper or a note card first.
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God watches over the lowly and oppressed.
What? We Have a Friend in Jesus?
No matter what opposition or trials we face in life, we know that Jesus has not only
faced them first for us, but he will also help us get through them. Construct a question
for each of the following answers based on hymn 411.
The students’ questions will vary widely.
Q: What do we many times fail to do with the guilt over our sins?
A: “Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
Q: When your friends reject you, what will Jesus do?
A: “In his arms he’ll take and shield you.”
Q: Why is Jesus the friend with whom to share our sorrows?
A: “Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness.”
Q: Where do we go when we have too much to handle?
A: “Precious Savior, still our refuge.”
Q: What do we do in the face of every trial and temptation?
A: “Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
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Spiritual Journal
Reflections
•
Tell about someone who is lowly and oppressed. How has God blessed that
person? How might God bless him or her through you? Write a prayer, asking God to
help you help that person.
•
Write a paragraph explaining who you are in Christ, though you may be lowly
and troubled according to earthly standards.
•
John commended Gaius for walking in the truth. Think of someone you know
who walks in the truth—a person who walks in the truth of God’s Word and who is
truthful, sincere, and full of integrity. Write a prayer of thanks to God for putting this
person in your life, and ask God to help you also to walk in the truth.
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