Here's one I came across, thought others might enjoy this sappy pun:
Lost on a rainy night, a nun stumbles across a monastery and requests shelter there. Fortunately, she's just in time for dinner and was treated to the best fish and chips she's ever had.
After dinner, she goes into the kitchen to thank the chefs. She is met by two brothers, "Hello, I'm Brother Michael, and this is Brother Charles."
"I'm very pleased to meet you. I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful dinner. The fish and chips were the best I've ever tasted. Out of curiosity, who cooked what?"
Brother Charles replied, "Well, I'm the fish friar."
She turns the other brother and says, "Then you must be...?"
"Yes, I'm the chip monk."
Go ahead and groan, but you know you wanna laugh!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Extraordinary Wisdom for Everday Living - June 1, 2008
Hello my dear readers - the next five posts are from a Bible study series I wrote for The Baptist Standard onine edition for the month of June. Use them if you can!
STUDY THEME OUTLINE
The five Sundays of June, 2008 bring a great opportunity for your learners to grow in wisdom and strategy for living the Christian life well. By looking at five major portions of Proverbs, we will find Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living. Here is how the lessons will break down for June:
Study Theme Structure:
Week of Lesson Title and Focal Passage
June 1 Your Ticket to Real Success
Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:4-8; 3:5-6,11-12
June 8 Three Rules for Working Smart
Proverbs 6:1-15
June 15 How to Storm-Proof Your Home
Proverbs 23:22–24:4
Revised 2/28/2007 June 22 Word Power Made Wise
Proverbs 17:27-28; 18:20-21; 25:11-12; 26:20-22,28
June 29 If Your Money Could Talk
Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-26; 13:11; 15:16-17; 16:11; 23:4-5
Study Theme Description:
Many people spend years getting an education and then learning a trade or becoming an expert in a particular field. Yet too often all those years of study do not prepare people for life itself. They know how to do things and solve problems, but they don’t know how to live wisely. In the Scriptures, the Lord has provided extraordinary wisdom so that people might know how to live successfully. These lessons are based on passages in the Book of Proverbs, a biblical book specifically written to teach wisdom, form character, and encourage an obedient relationship with the Lord.
The study theme focuses on selected biblical proverbs about characteristics of truly successful living, guidelines for conducting one’s work life, help for strengthening family life, benefits of using speech wisely, and principles for earning and using money well.
LESSON for JUNE 1, 2008
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 1, 2008
Title: Your Ticket to Real Success
Adult Life Context:
Adults want to succeed in their lives. Just watch most of TV’s infomercials. They’re geared to show adults how they can succeed with little effort—in making a fortune in real estate, in getting physically fit, or in finding a perfect new love relationship. Many adults bounce from program to program and shell out bucket-loads of money in an attempt to discover their ticket to success. But are any of these programs about real success in life? As important as making money, pursuing good health, and finding romance may be to adults, the Scriptures point to something greater as the ticket to real success. They point out that God wants people to succeed in life by trusting in Him and living according to His ways.
Life Question:
How can I have real success in life?
Bible Passage(s):
Background Passage(s): Proverbs 1:1–3:35
Focal Passage(s): Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:4-8; 3:5-6,11-12
Sidebar: Word study on “Wisdom” (1:2,7; 2:6)
Biblical Truth:
The Lord wants people to succeed in living right, and He instructs those who know and trust Him in how they can do so.
Life Impact and Learning Goals:
This lesson is designed to help you exhibit godly wisdom in your everyday life by . . .
• agreeing that God wants you to succeed in living right; and
• adopting the Scriptures’ wise guidance for successful living.
General Instructions:
1. Assume Solomon’s authorship of the Focal Passages in this lesson.
2. A possible teaching-learning procedure for some adult life stage groups is to construct a personal vision statement for living successfully based on the principles they encounter in this lesson.
3.
Revised 2/28/2007The word success is mentioned specifically in Proverbs 2:7 (KJV, “sound wisdom”). Throughout the lesson, contrast the biblical view of success as right living to the worldly idea of success as mere self-fulfillment. Explain that “real success” in biblical terms involves fulfilling the purposes God has for His children.
Focal Passage Outline:
1. Learn from Scripture (Prov. 1:1-6)
Most of us get it backwards when it comes to the definition for success. For many success is about self-fulfillment, but real success in Biblical terms involves fulfilling the purposes that God has for us. That kind of success is more difficult to achieve, but it is possible! Success of the real kind can be found and experienced by applying principles of wisdom learned from scripture.
For this study we will focus on the wisdom literature attributed to Solomon, but likely gathered from many sources. This literature, called Proverbs makes up a body of ideas about how to live life as it was understood by the Hebrews. This collection of sayings and sage advice is God’s path to knowledge, wisdom, healthy relationships, and to a more satisfying life.
To get the most out this book, we need to explore it diligently. God’s wisdom in these holy verses is plain, straightforward, and understandable. But to make it work, you have to study it. Therefore, the first step to wisdom is to become willing to learn from the Scriptures and understand the Bible as authoritative and guiding in our lives.
Application Idea:
• By continuing to explore and apply diligently God’s wisdom in the Holy Scriptures, believers can increase in living rightly—and thus in living successfully. Share a plan for daily Bible reading with your learners. Some websites will email a daily Bible reading straight to your in-box. If your church provides daily devotional material, bring samples.
2. Revere the Lord (Prov. 1:7; 2:4-8)
Real success – in the Biblical sense – is based in living out God’s plan for our lives. Discovering and understanding that plan begins with reverence. Solomon taught that the way to wisdom began with this. The Psalms are full of supporting evidence with the view that the Lord is God and we are not. Thus, it is a matter of position, and more precisely, it is a matter of recognizing our position as subject of the heavenly King.
Proverbs 2 teaches that wisdom begins when a person acknowledges reverence for God. Once this proper positioning takes place then – and only then – can true wisdom to live successfully come into play. Various sports offer illustrations of this. A baseball batter cannot hit a pitched baseball until assuming the proper batting stance. A baseball fielder must in “baseball ready” position before the baseball is ever pitched if they hope to make a great catch. A tennis player cannot make an “ace” serve until the mechanics of the serve and timing are perfected. Both of these are based on the posture of the player, and this is especially so when it comes to receiving wisdom from God.
Application:
• We show that we treasure wisdom by diligently seeking to understand God and to follow God’s ways. But how does this look practically speaking? In other words, how can a Christian be “baseball ready” when it comes to living the faith? It begins with a position of humility that allows us to look in the mirror and say, “God is in charge here.” It continues with an attitude of dependence that says, “If I am to please God with my life today, I must choose to trust God for decisions and actions.” Ask your participants to assess their readiness for gaining wisdom. Ask them to assess their reverence for God.
3. Live by Faith (Prov. 3:5-6)
Living by faith is indeed a challenge. Solomon understood this when he suggested that we trust in God and relied on God’s guidance for insight and guidance. Living by faith means trusting God to take us beyond the limits of our own understanding into where God would have us go.
The challenge for us is trusting that God knows the ways to real success far better than we do ourselves. The great temptation is to think that we can figure it out on our own, or work hard enough. The reality is that we need a guide and that God can be that guide – if we will trust God and live by faith.
Living by faith necessarily includes lots of time spent learning God’s ways. Praying, studying Scripture, and fellowshipping with other believers is a great way to do this. Living by faith is difficult if not pursued with some discipline, as well as some sacrifice of “self” along the way. The good news is that the Lord wants to guide us in all our decisions – great or small – and help us to find the right pathway.
Application Idea:
• Recognizing the limitations of our understanding, we can succeed in living right by trusting in the Lord completely and following His guidance in all we do. A good illustration of this principle is that of a guide for hiking or fishing. When we trust someone experienced and follow them, we can be rewarded with incredible vistas and views we’d never find on our own. Or, in the case of a fishing guide, we’re able to catch fish better than if we tried based on our limited experiences. You might introduce this section of material by telling about a time you followed someone else’s experience or wisdom and reaped a benefit.
4. Appreciate God’s Correction (Prov. 3:11-12)
Solomon advised that the Lord’s instruction and loving correction are to be desired, not despised. But who among us has received discipline or correction and enjoyed it? It is difficult to hear things about our flaws that need improvement. It is embarrassing and sometimes damaging to adult egos to be reminded that we are not without a source of authority and correction – God the Father.
Mark Twain is often credited for this saying:
When I was 19 years old my father was the dumbest man on the earth. It’s amazing how much he learned by the time I turned 25.
We always appreciate the wisdom of God’s correcting love long after the affect is first felt. When a loving parent takes the time to discipline and confront a wayward child, in the long run that child knows that he or she is loved. When an unloving or lazy parent takes no time and fails to engage the child with corrective action, the child ultimately comes to understand that as a less loving parent. So it is with God!
Application Ideas:
• We can be sure when God corrects us through His Word or by some other means that His correction is proof He loves us and desires our success in life. Provide your participants with a personal story of a time when a parent corrected you and, although it was painful, you grew from the experience. Parents who are raising difficult children will be encouraged to be reminded that correction and guidance are good for the child, even though the child doesn’t like such treatment. You may want to give parents of young children a chance to discuss this together – understanding their children’s need for correction can help them understand their own need for correction from God.
STUDY THEME OUTLINE
The five Sundays of June, 2008 bring a great opportunity for your learners to grow in wisdom and strategy for living the Christian life well. By looking at five major portions of Proverbs, we will find Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living. Here is how the lessons will break down for June:
Study Theme Structure:
Week of Lesson Title and Focal Passage
June 1 Your Ticket to Real Success
Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:4-8; 3:5-6,11-12
June 8 Three Rules for Working Smart
Proverbs 6:1-15
June 15 How to Storm-Proof Your Home
Proverbs 23:22–24:4
Revised 2/28/2007 June 22 Word Power Made Wise
Proverbs 17:27-28; 18:20-21; 25:11-12; 26:20-22,28
June 29 If Your Money Could Talk
Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-26; 13:11; 15:16-17; 16:11; 23:4-5
Study Theme Description:
Many people spend years getting an education and then learning a trade or becoming an expert in a particular field. Yet too often all those years of study do not prepare people for life itself. They know how to do things and solve problems, but they don’t know how to live wisely. In the Scriptures, the Lord has provided extraordinary wisdom so that people might know how to live successfully. These lessons are based on passages in the Book of Proverbs, a biblical book specifically written to teach wisdom, form character, and encourage an obedient relationship with the Lord.
The study theme focuses on selected biblical proverbs about characteristics of truly successful living, guidelines for conducting one’s work life, help for strengthening family life, benefits of using speech wisely, and principles for earning and using money well.
LESSON for JUNE 1, 2008
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 1, 2008
Title: Your Ticket to Real Success
Adult Life Context:
Adults want to succeed in their lives. Just watch most of TV’s infomercials. They’re geared to show adults how they can succeed with little effort—in making a fortune in real estate, in getting physically fit, or in finding a perfect new love relationship. Many adults bounce from program to program and shell out bucket-loads of money in an attempt to discover their ticket to success. But are any of these programs about real success in life? As important as making money, pursuing good health, and finding romance may be to adults, the Scriptures point to something greater as the ticket to real success. They point out that God wants people to succeed in life by trusting in Him and living according to His ways.
Life Question:
How can I have real success in life?
Bible Passage(s):
Background Passage(s): Proverbs 1:1–3:35
Focal Passage(s): Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:4-8; 3:5-6,11-12
Sidebar: Word study on “Wisdom” (1:2,7; 2:6)
Biblical Truth:
The Lord wants people to succeed in living right, and He instructs those who know and trust Him in how they can do so.
Life Impact and Learning Goals:
This lesson is designed to help you exhibit godly wisdom in your everyday life by . . .
• agreeing that God wants you to succeed in living right; and
• adopting the Scriptures’ wise guidance for successful living.
General Instructions:
1. Assume Solomon’s authorship of the Focal Passages in this lesson.
2. A possible teaching-learning procedure for some adult life stage groups is to construct a personal vision statement for living successfully based on the principles they encounter in this lesson.
3.
Revised 2/28/2007The word success is mentioned specifically in Proverbs 2:7 (KJV, “sound wisdom”). Throughout the lesson, contrast the biblical view of success as right living to the worldly idea of success as mere self-fulfillment. Explain that “real success” in biblical terms involves fulfilling the purposes God has for His children.
Focal Passage Outline:
1. Learn from Scripture (Prov. 1:1-6)
Most of us get it backwards when it comes to the definition for success. For many success is about self-fulfillment, but real success in Biblical terms involves fulfilling the purposes that God has for us. That kind of success is more difficult to achieve, but it is possible! Success of the real kind can be found and experienced by applying principles of wisdom learned from scripture.
For this study we will focus on the wisdom literature attributed to Solomon, but likely gathered from many sources. This literature, called Proverbs makes up a body of ideas about how to live life as it was understood by the Hebrews. This collection of sayings and sage advice is God’s path to knowledge, wisdom, healthy relationships, and to a more satisfying life.
To get the most out this book, we need to explore it diligently. God’s wisdom in these holy verses is plain, straightforward, and understandable. But to make it work, you have to study it. Therefore, the first step to wisdom is to become willing to learn from the Scriptures and understand the Bible as authoritative and guiding in our lives.
Application Idea:
• By continuing to explore and apply diligently God’s wisdom in the Holy Scriptures, believers can increase in living rightly—and thus in living successfully. Share a plan for daily Bible reading with your learners. Some websites will email a daily Bible reading straight to your in-box. If your church provides daily devotional material, bring samples.
2. Revere the Lord (Prov. 1:7; 2:4-8)
Real success – in the Biblical sense – is based in living out God’s plan for our lives. Discovering and understanding that plan begins with reverence. Solomon taught that the way to wisdom began with this. The Psalms are full of supporting evidence with the view that the Lord is God and we are not. Thus, it is a matter of position, and more precisely, it is a matter of recognizing our position as subject of the heavenly King.
Proverbs 2 teaches that wisdom begins when a person acknowledges reverence for God. Once this proper positioning takes place then – and only then – can true wisdom to live successfully come into play. Various sports offer illustrations of this. A baseball batter cannot hit a pitched baseball until assuming the proper batting stance. A baseball fielder must in “baseball ready” position before the baseball is ever pitched if they hope to make a great catch. A tennis player cannot make an “ace” serve until the mechanics of the serve and timing are perfected. Both of these are based on the posture of the player, and this is especially so when it comes to receiving wisdom from God.
Application:
• We show that we treasure wisdom by diligently seeking to understand God and to follow God’s ways. But how does this look practically speaking? In other words, how can a Christian be “baseball ready” when it comes to living the faith? It begins with a position of humility that allows us to look in the mirror and say, “God is in charge here.” It continues with an attitude of dependence that says, “If I am to please God with my life today, I must choose to trust God for decisions and actions.” Ask your participants to assess their readiness for gaining wisdom. Ask them to assess their reverence for God.
3. Live by Faith (Prov. 3:5-6)
Living by faith is indeed a challenge. Solomon understood this when he suggested that we trust in God and relied on God’s guidance for insight and guidance. Living by faith means trusting God to take us beyond the limits of our own understanding into where God would have us go.
The challenge for us is trusting that God knows the ways to real success far better than we do ourselves. The great temptation is to think that we can figure it out on our own, or work hard enough. The reality is that we need a guide and that God can be that guide – if we will trust God and live by faith.
Living by faith necessarily includes lots of time spent learning God’s ways. Praying, studying Scripture, and fellowshipping with other believers is a great way to do this. Living by faith is difficult if not pursued with some discipline, as well as some sacrifice of “self” along the way. The good news is that the Lord wants to guide us in all our decisions – great or small – and help us to find the right pathway.
Application Idea:
• Recognizing the limitations of our understanding, we can succeed in living right by trusting in the Lord completely and following His guidance in all we do. A good illustration of this principle is that of a guide for hiking or fishing. When we trust someone experienced and follow them, we can be rewarded with incredible vistas and views we’d never find on our own. Or, in the case of a fishing guide, we’re able to catch fish better than if we tried based on our limited experiences. You might introduce this section of material by telling about a time you followed someone else’s experience or wisdom and reaped a benefit.
4. Appreciate God’s Correction (Prov. 3:11-12)
Solomon advised that the Lord’s instruction and loving correction are to be desired, not despised. But who among us has received discipline or correction and enjoyed it? It is difficult to hear things about our flaws that need improvement. It is embarrassing and sometimes damaging to adult egos to be reminded that we are not without a source of authority and correction – God the Father.
Mark Twain is often credited for this saying:
When I was 19 years old my father was the dumbest man on the earth. It’s amazing how much he learned by the time I turned 25.
We always appreciate the wisdom of God’s correcting love long after the affect is first felt. When a loving parent takes the time to discipline and confront a wayward child, in the long run that child knows that he or she is loved. When an unloving or lazy parent takes no time and fails to engage the child with corrective action, the child ultimately comes to understand that as a less loving parent. So it is with God!
Application Ideas:
• We can be sure when God corrects us through His Word or by some other means that His correction is proof He loves us and desires our success in life. Provide your participants with a personal story of a time when a parent corrected you and, although it was painful, you grew from the experience. Parents who are raising difficult children will be encouraged to be reminded that correction and guidance are good for the child, even though the child doesn’t like such treatment. You may want to give parents of young children a chance to discuss this together – understanding their children’s need for correction can help them understand their own need for correction from God.
Extraordinary Wisdom for Everday Living - June 8, 2008
LESSON OUTLINE
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 8, 2008
Title: Three Rules for Working Smart – Proverbs 6.1-15
Our identity is defined by a wide range of sources, but most commonly by our vocation. What we “do” for a living is perhaps the greatest sources of self-esteem, feelings of accomplishment, and dignity. Work also provides purpose and meaning to life, helping people to sense their usefulness in life – and for the greater good of humankind. But work can also be a source of stress:
· As young people, we worry about what we’re going to do with our lives in the future.
· As middle-agers, we wonder “what am I going to do when I grow up?” and consider unrealized goals and dreams.
· Senior adults ponder retirement and what our purpose will be after our career.
Wherever your learners may be on the spectrum of their career/vocation, they will have some touch points in today’s lesson. Today’s passage from Proverbs will encourage your learners that God wants them to have a fulfilling work life and will provide them with a model to faithfully pursue pleasing God through their work. Use today’s study time to explore some of these principles given to help your learners have a better work life.
Today’s passage teaches general life principles rather than specific commands about work and work relationships. The ideas in today’s passage do apply to the question “Ho can I have a better work life?” Biblical wisdom teaches God’s people to be wary of foolish entanglements, to work diligently, and to avoid dealing wickedly with others.
Passage Outline:
1. Be Wary of Foolish Entanglements (Prov. 6:1-5)
While this passage does not provide exemption from making commitments to help the poor or support the church, this passage does caution against getting involved in shady business deals or foolish financial entanglements. The wise father is urging his son to free himself quickly and honestly through humility from agreements that put the son’s assets at risk.
This passage also speaks to the foolish entanglements that come from bad vocational decisions. Encourage your learners to consider this passage before accepting an offer from a potential employer. Challenge your learners to consider the ethical implications of their employment.
If your learners are already in an employment or business ownership position that compromises their values and beliefs as a Christian, offer prayer and counsel about how they might discern God’s leadership in making professional changes. These verses warn against putting business or financial well-being at risk to people or circumstances beyond your control.
Application Idea
This is a good passage to explore how bad/unwise debt such as credit cards can be a bad financial decision that gives away control of your learner’s finances. It is likely that 50% or more of your learners will have burdensome credit card debt, so this passage should be an encouragement to discharge that debt as quickly and honestly as possible. Offer a few resources that can offer positive support to new Christians who are dealing with this very real burden. Good Cents group study, Financial Peace University, and other such programs offer Christian concepts of money management that will help families struggling with debt.
2. Be Wise in Your Work Ethic (Prov. 6:6-11)
This passage warns slackers to adopt the ant’s diligent work habits lest they fall into poverty as a result of laziness. Not all who are unemployed are lazy. And not all who work hard are paid fairly. But diligence – or a lack thereof – is tied to poverty and want in many situations. The ant saves food in preparation for the coming winter, and by example teaches us that diligence in work now prepares for hard seasons of life to come.
Scripture also teaches the wisdom and command of God to rest from work regularly for renewal – physical, spiritual, and emotional – by way of Sabbath keeping. But rest is to be a part of the rhythm of life that includes regular work. Work – tending creation – was given to humans before the fall of Adam and Eve, and it is a part of the created order of God. God’s people are to take seriously their work responsibilities, laboring diligently to provide life’s necessities and pleasures.
Work is also God’s way of blessing the future. Like the ant which saves food for winter, we are called to apply a diligent work ethic to save up for seasons of scarcity. We are wise to lay in store for future needs even as we provide for present needs. Work provides meaning and purpose in human existence.
Application Idea
Talk with your students about the difference between meaningful work versus “working to get a paycheck” or working simply for the acquisition of things. You may find a helpful alternative teaching tool in the contemporary song Ants Go Marching by Dave Matthews Band. It offers a negative example of people who spend life working without meaning, simply going through motions out of routine, rather than working with purpose for God. It is a “G-rated” song with a poetic structure that is Dylan-esque, so if you choose to play this song for your learners, be sure to provide printed lyrics.
3. Be Warned About Wicked Dealings (Prov. 6:12-15)
Of the behaviors most frequently condemned by Israel’s prophets, evil dealings – especially at cost to the poor – are considered among the sins most despised. And in the last third of today’s passage, the troublemakers are warned they eventually bring calamity on themselves as a result of their wickedness, dishonesty, and evil plots.
The Bible teaches that dealing wickedly and dishonestly with others invites judgment and disaster on the one who does such things. This passage may have been present in Paul’s mind when he penned Galatians 6.7-8:
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Whether in business dealings or at home, Christian people are called to act honestly and avoid plots that aim at stealing or taking advantage of others. In addition, God’s people are to avoid things that stir up trouble. In a precautious mode, believers should also be alert to the possibility that some business people or coworkers may not be honest.
Application Idea:
Point to some contemporary businesses that have behave illegally or unethically for financial gain. Enron and Martha Stewart are a few of the most recent and public examples. You might also share a personal story of how wicked dealings affected you negatively in the work place. Ask your learners to city examples of their own.
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 8, 2008
Title: Three Rules for Working Smart – Proverbs 6.1-15
Our identity is defined by a wide range of sources, but most commonly by our vocation. What we “do” for a living is perhaps the greatest sources of self-esteem, feelings of accomplishment, and dignity. Work also provides purpose and meaning to life, helping people to sense their usefulness in life – and for the greater good of humankind. But work can also be a source of stress:
· As young people, we worry about what we’re going to do with our lives in the future.
· As middle-agers, we wonder “what am I going to do when I grow up?” and consider unrealized goals and dreams.
· Senior adults ponder retirement and what our purpose will be after our career.
Wherever your learners may be on the spectrum of their career/vocation, they will have some touch points in today’s lesson. Today’s passage from Proverbs will encourage your learners that God wants them to have a fulfilling work life and will provide them with a model to faithfully pursue pleasing God through their work. Use today’s study time to explore some of these principles given to help your learners have a better work life.
Today’s passage teaches general life principles rather than specific commands about work and work relationships. The ideas in today’s passage do apply to the question “Ho can I have a better work life?” Biblical wisdom teaches God’s people to be wary of foolish entanglements, to work diligently, and to avoid dealing wickedly with others.
Passage Outline:
1. Be Wary of Foolish Entanglements (Prov. 6:1-5)
While this passage does not provide exemption from making commitments to help the poor or support the church, this passage does caution against getting involved in shady business deals or foolish financial entanglements. The wise father is urging his son to free himself quickly and honestly through humility from agreements that put the son’s assets at risk.
This passage also speaks to the foolish entanglements that come from bad vocational decisions. Encourage your learners to consider this passage before accepting an offer from a potential employer. Challenge your learners to consider the ethical implications of their employment.
If your learners are already in an employment or business ownership position that compromises their values and beliefs as a Christian, offer prayer and counsel about how they might discern God’s leadership in making professional changes. These verses warn against putting business or financial well-being at risk to people or circumstances beyond your control.
Application Idea
This is a good passage to explore how bad/unwise debt such as credit cards can be a bad financial decision that gives away control of your learner’s finances. It is likely that 50% or more of your learners will have burdensome credit card debt, so this passage should be an encouragement to discharge that debt as quickly and honestly as possible. Offer a few resources that can offer positive support to new Christians who are dealing with this very real burden. Good Cents group study, Financial Peace University, and other such programs offer Christian concepts of money management that will help families struggling with debt.
2. Be Wise in Your Work Ethic (Prov. 6:6-11)
This passage warns slackers to adopt the ant’s diligent work habits lest they fall into poverty as a result of laziness. Not all who are unemployed are lazy. And not all who work hard are paid fairly. But diligence – or a lack thereof – is tied to poverty and want in many situations. The ant saves food in preparation for the coming winter, and by example teaches us that diligence in work now prepares for hard seasons of life to come.
Scripture also teaches the wisdom and command of God to rest from work regularly for renewal – physical, spiritual, and emotional – by way of Sabbath keeping. But rest is to be a part of the rhythm of life that includes regular work. Work – tending creation – was given to humans before the fall of Adam and Eve, and it is a part of the created order of God. God’s people are to take seriously their work responsibilities, laboring diligently to provide life’s necessities and pleasures.
Work is also God’s way of blessing the future. Like the ant which saves food for winter, we are called to apply a diligent work ethic to save up for seasons of scarcity. We are wise to lay in store for future needs even as we provide for present needs. Work provides meaning and purpose in human existence.
Application Idea
Talk with your students about the difference between meaningful work versus “working to get a paycheck” or working simply for the acquisition of things. You may find a helpful alternative teaching tool in the contemporary song Ants Go Marching by Dave Matthews Band. It offers a negative example of people who spend life working without meaning, simply going through motions out of routine, rather than working with purpose for God. It is a “G-rated” song with a poetic structure that is Dylan-esque, so if you choose to play this song for your learners, be sure to provide printed lyrics.
3. Be Warned About Wicked Dealings (Prov. 6:12-15)
Of the behaviors most frequently condemned by Israel’s prophets, evil dealings – especially at cost to the poor – are considered among the sins most despised. And in the last third of today’s passage, the troublemakers are warned they eventually bring calamity on themselves as a result of their wickedness, dishonesty, and evil plots.
The Bible teaches that dealing wickedly and dishonestly with others invites judgment and disaster on the one who does such things. This passage may have been present in Paul’s mind when he penned Galatians 6.7-8:
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Whether in business dealings or at home, Christian people are called to act honestly and avoid plots that aim at stealing or taking advantage of others. In addition, God’s people are to avoid things that stir up trouble. In a precautious mode, believers should also be alert to the possibility that some business people or coworkers may not be honest.
Application Idea:
Point to some contemporary businesses that have behave illegally or unethically for financial gain. Enron and Martha Stewart are a few of the most recent and public examples. You might also share a personal story of how wicked dealings affected you negatively in the work place. Ask your learners to city examples of their own.
Extraordinary Wisdom for Everday Living - June 15, 2008
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 15, 2008
Title: How to Storm-Proof Your Home
Bible Passage(s):
Background Passage(s): Proverbs 22:17–24:22
Focal Passage(s): Proverbs 23:22–24:4
Today’s lesson is indeed fitting for Father’s Day weekend, as your learners will most likely be thinking about family life. While no home or family is invulnerable to the storms of life, the principles from today’s lessons will help fathers, mothers, and children in the home to build a home that is more resistant to life’s storms. Some of those storms are external to the home and some are internal, but both kinds can disrupt and destroy a family’s stability. Today’s look at Proverbs 23.22-22.4 will provide strength for shelter from the storms.
1. Stay True (Prov. 23:22-25)
In this opening passage the son is being advised to listen to and treasure the upbringing his parents provided him. Parents always rejoice when their children turn out well in life, and parents all do the best they can to raise children well. The greatest credit a child can pay to his or her parents is to hold onto the truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding passed on to them, and to build on those great gifts.
This passage is part of a collection of thirty sayings known as “Words of the Wise.” These are practical pieces of advice that would have been part of a Jewish child’s instruction. This is the wisdom of a father to his son.
Ask your learners to consider the advantages of life they experience because of such gifts from their parents. Certain values that are acquired in childhood make all the difference in later life. A strong work ethic, a love for education and knowledge, an appreciation of the fine arts are all examples of values that we receive as children. Much of secular society endorses the transmission of these values, but the Christian home that passes along godly wisdom and faith add more. This home provides a spiritual worldview that pursues justice, lives faithfully, and also in the long run a happier, more peaceful life.
Christians, then, are called to be true to the godly teachings of their childhood, to honor their parents with right-living, as well as with deeds of respect and kindness. You may also want to acknowledge that not everyone has experienced a Christian upbringing. This is something to be lamented, but also provides a framework for contrast of adult living to the childhood ways that should be left behind.
Application Ideas:
• We show wisdom and demonstrate that we are committed to live right when we respect our parents throughout their lives and stay true to a godly heritage they passed on to us. Ask your learners to identify values they gained from their home life as a child. Ask them to consider what values they have passed on to their children/grandchildren, and how they can continue to pass along these values.
• We not only please God but also delight our Christian parents when they see us living in accordance with God’s wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Ask your learners to consider what values they learned but have lost or failed to live out. A good cultural reference is the country song Where’d You Learn to Talk Like That? by Rodney Atkins. Consider this: Obtain a recording of this song and play it for your learners as they gather.
Here are the lyrics:
Drivin’ through town just my boy and meWith a Happy Meal in his booster seatKnowin’ that he couldn’t have the toy ‘til his nuggets were gone.A green traffic light turned straight to redI hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath.His fries went a flyin’, and his orange drink covered his lapWell, then my four year old said a four letter wordIt started with “S” and I was concernedSo I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to talk like that?”Chorus:He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.We got cowboy boots and camo pantsYeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?I want to do everything you do.So I’ve been watching you."We got back home and I went to the barnI bowed my head and I prayed real hardSaid, “Lord, please help me help my stupid self.”Just this side of bedtime later that nightTurnin’ on my son’s Scooby-Doo nightlight.He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees.He closed his little eyes, folded his little handsSpoke to God like he was talkin’ to a friend.And I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to pray like that?”Chorus:He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?I’m your buckaroo; I want to be like you.And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.We like fixin’ things and holding moma’s handYeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?I want to do everything you do; so I’ve been watching you"With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug.Said, “My little man is growin’ up.”And he said, “But when I’m big I’ll still know what to do.”"‘Cause I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?I’m your buckaroo; I want to be like you.And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.By then I’ll be strong as supermanWe’ll be just alike, hey, won’t we dadWhen I can do everything you do.‘cause I’ve been watchin’ you."hey yeahuh huh
2. Stay Pure (Prov. 23:26-28)
In this section of scripture the son is urged to follow his father’s example and to avoid being lured into sexual impurity. There is hardly a more culturally relevant passage of scripture for today than this one. We know that sexual temptation is available virtually everywhere we turn, and the proliferation of pornography via the internet has pushed things to an extreme level. The internet is not the only vehicle, however. Just a few weeks ago I had to explain the purpose of Viagra to my 10 year old son after he’d been watching television at seven in the evening.
The effects of media on human sexuality can be corrosive and ultimately damaging. Media supplants the home and church in providing good sexual shaping of young people, and pathetic is the church or home that doesn’t address these matters openly and from a Biblically based perspective. The adulterous woman of this passage of scripture provides a lure and a trap for the abuse of the God-given gift of sexuality. Unless men and women are equipped by the teachings of Scripture on how to properly celebrate their sexuality, sexual impurity in an form will diminish lives and steal something precious from family relationships.
So then, storm proofing your home with Godly wisdom will include many things. Here are a few practical ideas to offer your learners.
Application Ideas:
• We can better resist sexual temptation in today’s immoral climate by discovering and emulating role models of sexual purity and marital faithfulness. Ask your learners to make a commitment to model sexual purity and marital faithfulness in their own lives.
• Christian parents should never underestimate the influence they have on their children’s futures by being role models of sexual purity and marital faithfulness. Ask your learners to think about how their home and church life can be more open to discuss human sexuality in meaningful ways that will provide young adults, teens, and children with answer to their natural questions, as well as the consequences of wrong sexual activity.
• Both men and women can be lured into sexual temptation – note to your learners that the old-school notions about a woman’s disinterest in sex are false ones. Discussion about sexually temptation cannot be simply limited to a “boys will be boys” framework.
3. Stay Clear (Prov. 23:29-35)
Scripture warns of the seductive yet devastating effects of beverage alcohol—effects that include a variety of sorrows and troubles as well as one’s loss of control resulting from drunkenness and the potential of one’s becoming tragically addicted. Seemingly everyone has been touched by the troubles of alcoholism or drug addiction. We can avoid many personal troubles and damage to our family by simply refusing to drink alcohol. This is not a condemnation of all drinking, but it is a good way to avoid problems of addiction in your family.
While one may argue the Bible’s view on the use of alcohol, the dangers of its abuse are clear – addiction of all types can be damaging to families.
Application Ideas:
Ask your learners to discuss their experiences with alcoholism or drug addiction. Ask whether they say positive or negative outcomes.
4. Stay Wise (Prov. 24:1-4)
This passage scripture takes turn to talk now about envy. This passage teaches God’s people never to envy those who do evil; instead God’s people are to build their homes with godly wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. This is a difficult challenge when we see families that seem more prosperous or have more “toys” and possessions. By outward standards, homes that gain material goods but live lives of evil may seem to be happy. But the writer of Proverbs reminds that the opposite is actually true. What they do is wrong and hurtful to others and to God.
Application Ideas:
• We are wise to build our lives and homes not on things acquired by evil means but on enduring qualities we gain from knowing and understanding God’s ways. Ask your learners to consider the parable of the houses built on shifting sand versus the stone. A good song to go with this point is Gordon Lightfoot’s The House You Live In (sung recently by Kate Campbell, well worth a listen). Here are the lyrics:
• Go first in the world, go forth with your fearsRemember a price must be paidBe always too soon, be never too fastAt the time when all bets must be laidBeware of the darkness, be kind to your childrenRemember the woman who waitsAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your gate
• When you're caught by the gale and you're full under sailBeware of the dangers belowAnd the song that you sing should not be too sadAnd be sure not to sing it too slowBe calm in the face of all common disgracesAnd know what they're doin' it forAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your door
• When you're out on the road and feelin' quite lostConsider the burden of fameAnd he who is wise will not criticizeWhen other men fail at the gameBeware of strange faces and dark dingy placesBe careful while bending the lawAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your door
• When you're down in the dumps and not ready to dealDecide what it is that you needIs it money or love, is it learnin' to liveOr is it the mouth you must feedBe known as a man who will always be candidOn questions that do not relateAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your gateAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your gate
Date: Week of June 15, 2008
Title: How to Storm-Proof Your Home
Bible Passage(s):
Background Passage(s): Proverbs 22:17–24:22
Focal Passage(s): Proverbs 23:22–24:4
Today’s lesson is indeed fitting for Father’s Day weekend, as your learners will most likely be thinking about family life. While no home or family is invulnerable to the storms of life, the principles from today’s lessons will help fathers, mothers, and children in the home to build a home that is more resistant to life’s storms. Some of those storms are external to the home and some are internal, but both kinds can disrupt and destroy a family’s stability. Today’s look at Proverbs 23.22-22.4 will provide strength for shelter from the storms.
1. Stay True (Prov. 23:22-25)
In this opening passage the son is being advised to listen to and treasure the upbringing his parents provided him. Parents always rejoice when their children turn out well in life, and parents all do the best they can to raise children well. The greatest credit a child can pay to his or her parents is to hold onto the truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding passed on to them, and to build on those great gifts.
This passage is part of a collection of thirty sayings known as “Words of the Wise.” These are practical pieces of advice that would have been part of a Jewish child’s instruction. This is the wisdom of a father to his son.
Ask your learners to consider the advantages of life they experience because of such gifts from their parents. Certain values that are acquired in childhood make all the difference in later life. A strong work ethic, a love for education and knowledge, an appreciation of the fine arts are all examples of values that we receive as children. Much of secular society endorses the transmission of these values, but the Christian home that passes along godly wisdom and faith add more. This home provides a spiritual worldview that pursues justice, lives faithfully, and also in the long run a happier, more peaceful life.
Christians, then, are called to be true to the godly teachings of their childhood, to honor their parents with right-living, as well as with deeds of respect and kindness. You may also want to acknowledge that not everyone has experienced a Christian upbringing. This is something to be lamented, but also provides a framework for contrast of adult living to the childhood ways that should be left behind.
Application Ideas:
• We show wisdom and demonstrate that we are committed to live right when we respect our parents throughout their lives and stay true to a godly heritage they passed on to us. Ask your learners to identify values they gained from their home life as a child. Ask them to consider what values they have passed on to their children/grandchildren, and how they can continue to pass along these values.
• We not only please God but also delight our Christian parents when they see us living in accordance with God’s wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Ask your learners to consider what values they learned but have lost or failed to live out. A good cultural reference is the country song Where’d You Learn to Talk Like That? by Rodney Atkins. Consider this: Obtain a recording of this song and play it for your learners as they gather.
Here are the lyrics:
Drivin’ through town just my boy and meWith a Happy Meal in his booster seatKnowin’ that he couldn’t have the toy ‘til his nuggets were gone.A green traffic light turned straight to redI hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath.His fries went a flyin’, and his orange drink covered his lapWell, then my four year old said a four letter wordIt started with “S” and I was concernedSo I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to talk like that?”Chorus:He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.We got cowboy boots and camo pantsYeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?I want to do everything you do.So I’ve been watching you."We got back home and I went to the barnI bowed my head and I prayed real hardSaid, “Lord, please help me help my stupid self.”Just this side of bedtime later that nightTurnin’ on my son’s Scooby-Doo nightlight.He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees.He closed his little eyes, folded his little handsSpoke to God like he was talkin’ to a friend.And I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to pray like that?”Chorus:He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?I’m your buckaroo; I want to be like you.And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.We like fixin’ things and holding moma’s handYeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?I want to do everything you do; so I’ve been watching you"With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug.Said, “My little man is growin’ up.”And he said, “But when I’m big I’ll still know what to do.”"‘Cause I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?I’m your buckaroo; I want to be like you.And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.By then I’ll be strong as supermanWe’ll be just alike, hey, won’t we dadWhen I can do everything you do.‘cause I’ve been watchin’ you."hey yeahuh huh
2. Stay Pure (Prov. 23:26-28)
In this section of scripture the son is urged to follow his father’s example and to avoid being lured into sexual impurity. There is hardly a more culturally relevant passage of scripture for today than this one. We know that sexual temptation is available virtually everywhere we turn, and the proliferation of pornography via the internet has pushed things to an extreme level. The internet is not the only vehicle, however. Just a few weeks ago I had to explain the purpose of Viagra to my 10 year old son after he’d been watching television at seven in the evening.
The effects of media on human sexuality can be corrosive and ultimately damaging. Media supplants the home and church in providing good sexual shaping of young people, and pathetic is the church or home that doesn’t address these matters openly and from a Biblically based perspective. The adulterous woman of this passage of scripture provides a lure and a trap for the abuse of the God-given gift of sexuality. Unless men and women are equipped by the teachings of Scripture on how to properly celebrate their sexuality, sexual impurity in an form will diminish lives and steal something precious from family relationships.
So then, storm proofing your home with Godly wisdom will include many things. Here are a few practical ideas to offer your learners.
Application Ideas:
• We can better resist sexual temptation in today’s immoral climate by discovering and emulating role models of sexual purity and marital faithfulness. Ask your learners to make a commitment to model sexual purity and marital faithfulness in their own lives.
• Christian parents should never underestimate the influence they have on their children’s futures by being role models of sexual purity and marital faithfulness. Ask your learners to think about how their home and church life can be more open to discuss human sexuality in meaningful ways that will provide young adults, teens, and children with answer to their natural questions, as well as the consequences of wrong sexual activity.
• Both men and women can be lured into sexual temptation – note to your learners that the old-school notions about a woman’s disinterest in sex are false ones. Discussion about sexually temptation cannot be simply limited to a “boys will be boys” framework.
3. Stay Clear (Prov. 23:29-35)
Scripture warns of the seductive yet devastating effects of beverage alcohol—effects that include a variety of sorrows and troubles as well as one’s loss of control resulting from drunkenness and the potential of one’s becoming tragically addicted. Seemingly everyone has been touched by the troubles of alcoholism or drug addiction. We can avoid many personal troubles and damage to our family by simply refusing to drink alcohol. This is not a condemnation of all drinking, but it is a good way to avoid problems of addiction in your family.
While one may argue the Bible’s view on the use of alcohol, the dangers of its abuse are clear – addiction of all types can be damaging to families.
Application Ideas:
Ask your learners to discuss their experiences with alcoholism or drug addiction. Ask whether they say positive or negative outcomes.
4. Stay Wise (Prov. 24:1-4)
This passage scripture takes turn to talk now about envy. This passage teaches God’s people never to envy those who do evil; instead God’s people are to build their homes with godly wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. This is a difficult challenge when we see families that seem more prosperous or have more “toys” and possessions. By outward standards, homes that gain material goods but live lives of evil may seem to be happy. But the writer of Proverbs reminds that the opposite is actually true. What they do is wrong and hurtful to others and to God.
Application Ideas:
• We are wise to build our lives and homes not on things acquired by evil means but on enduring qualities we gain from knowing and understanding God’s ways. Ask your learners to consider the parable of the houses built on shifting sand versus the stone. A good song to go with this point is Gordon Lightfoot’s The House You Live In (sung recently by Kate Campbell, well worth a listen). Here are the lyrics:
• Go first in the world, go forth with your fearsRemember a price must be paidBe always too soon, be never too fastAt the time when all bets must be laidBeware of the darkness, be kind to your childrenRemember the woman who waitsAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your gate
• When you're caught by the gale and you're full under sailBeware of the dangers belowAnd the song that you sing should not be too sadAnd be sure not to sing it too slowBe calm in the face of all common disgracesAnd know what they're doin' it forAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your door
• When you're out on the road and feelin' quite lostConsider the burden of fameAnd he who is wise will not criticizeWhen other men fail at the gameBeware of strange faces and dark dingy placesBe careful while bending the lawAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your door
• When you're down in the dumps and not ready to dealDecide what it is that you needIs it money or love, is it learnin' to liveOr is it the mouth you must feedBe known as a man who will always be candidOn questions that do not relateAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your gateAnd the house you live in will never fall downIf you pity the stranger who stands at your gate
Extraordinary Wisdom for Everday Living - June 22, 2008
LESSON OUTLINE
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 22, 2008
Title: Word Power Made Wise
Bible Passages: Proverbs 17:27-28; 18:20-21; 25:11-12; 26:20-22,28
What bothers me so badly about a loud mouth in a restaurant or theatre having a cell phone conversation? Is it that it’s just loud? Or am I bothered by the fact that I’m hearing way more personal information than I need or want to know? At the core of this social faux pas is the truth that some folk have no boundaries – words to them are cheap and flow effortlessly and thoughtlessly.
Your learners will connect easily to this lesson because each of us has experienced the misuse of words. Words can distance people from one another. Words can offend. Words can hurt. Words can lie. Words can damage.
But words can also do good. Words can bring people closer. Words can solidify people around ideas. Words can bring healing. Words can convey deep truth. Words can carry love, understanding, and encouragement. This is the reason why Christians must carefully choose words, and sometimes censor our words rather that blurting out whatever comes to mind. Today’s Bible reading teaches us that we are accountable for our words and that God wants us always to use our words for good. Words have real power and we should use them with wisdom.
1. Choose Your Words Carefully (Prov. 17:27-28)
Ask your learners if they’ve ever said something the regretted? By nature, humans make that mistake. Sometimes we say things in anger that hurt others, and later we must apologize. Sometimes we say things hurriedly, and our impatience betrays us to less mature ways.
Ask your learners if they’ve ever fallen into the trap of “angry email.” That’s a situation where many people have found themselves. For example, they receive an email from another party that is offensive and they yield to the temptation to use words inappropriately. The reason this is persistent problem in our culture of computers is that we are more likely to “blast” someone via email than in person. And, like the toothpaste out of the tube, once that email is out there, it can’ be retrieved.
This passage teaches that keeping silent is better than commenting on situations that we don’t fully understand. It also teaches us that saying things that are reactionary, rather than well thought out can lead to difficulty in relationships. It’s best, then, to keep silent until we have chosen our words carefully. By thinking before they speak and being careful about what they say, God’s people avoid getting into trouble because of their words. Moreover, we can avoid embarrassment and trouble by carefully guarding our speech.
2. Respect the Power of Words (Prov. 18:20-21)
We show wisdom when we understand how our words can bear fruit in others lives. The power of words if real, and can be used for good effect. Proverbs 15.4 is an additional text you will want to highlight for your learners, as it points to the power of a good word, comparing it to a tree of life.
Undoubtedly, we have been hurt by the words of others, and have caused hurt in the lives of others with words. This is something we must continually examine in our spiritual lives. But we have a responsibility that goes beyond “do no harm” and extends into “do good with our words.” Christians can be live-affirming and life-giving in every social circle and have a responsibility and privilege to counter negativity, false-hood, and slander with words that communicate God’s light. It is a very real and practical way in which we can be a blessing to others around us.
Perhaps the greatest use of time at this point in the lesson would be to allow for some silence and prayer asking God to reveal better ways to use their words. Consider these statements as a guided prayer for your group:
· God, reveal to me times when I have caused hurt with my words.
· God, give me insight into how I can speak words of encouragement to someone specific in my life.
· God, forgive me for using words negatively, and forgive me for times when I have failed to use words for good.
· God, give me sensitivity to know when to speak and when to remain silent.
3. Use Good Words (Prov. 25:11-12)
Now that you have spent some time with your learners thinking about good and bad uses of words, it will be helpful to look at specific traits of good words. This proverb teaches that an aptly spoken word is like apple of gold set in silver – precious and desirable. But what makes for an “aptly spoken word?” There are many elements, but to be sure the definitions include truthfulness, gentleness, and pleasantness.
We’ve been taught from a young age to always speak the truth. Proverbs 14.25 reminds us that a truthful word has the ability even to save lives, and that a mistruth can bear false witness – and even lead to death. As your learners concentrate on using good words, truthfulness will be the primary characteristic you want to reinforce. The reality is that while we all know this teaching is the ideal, many times we fail to achieve the standard. Use of good words does not leave room for outright lies, nor lies of omission.
Speaking the truth is hard, and even more difficult is the challenge to speak truth gently. A gentle tongue can indeed turn away wrath, but can also promote the ability to be truly heard by the other. Ask your learners to remember a time when someone told them something they didn’t want to hear. Ask them to consider whether they heard that “truth” better or worse because of the tone of voice, the eye contact, or the body language of the other. Ask them to consider ways that speaking truth gently can happen. Is it all in the words you say? Or is it how the words are delivered?
4. Avoid Trash Talk (Prov. 26:20-22,28)
Scripture pinpoints gossiping, constant quarreling, and flattering someone insincerely as examples of especially hurtful, destructive speech. This passage points to the troubles of such speech, and also to the consequences of such speech. The bottom line? The truth comes out eventually.
By refusing to gossip or listen to gossip we can help cool down conflict rather than heat it up. This is one of the most prevalent problems in established churches. There is a lack of focus on doing justice and mercy when gossip is the main food of the fellowship, and even listening to such talk is destructive to the church.
You can call your learners to self-examination and confession about this topic. Ask your students how they perceive the gossip/trash talking affects your congregation.
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 22, 2008
Title: Word Power Made Wise
Bible Passages: Proverbs 17:27-28; 18:20-21; 25:11-12; 26:20-22,28
What bothers me so badly about a loud mouth in a restaurant or theatre having a cell phone conversation? Is it that it’s just loud? Or am I bothered by the fact that I’m hearing way more personal information than I need or want to know? At the core of this social faux pas is the truth that some folk have no boundaries – words to them are cheap and flow effortlessly and thoughtlessly.
Your learners will connect easily to this lesson because each of us has experienced the misuse of words. Words can distance people from one another. Words can offend. Words can hurt. Words can lie. Words can damage.
But words can also do good. Words can bring people closer. Words can solidify people around ideas. Words can bring healing. Words can convey deep truth. Words can carry love, understanding, and encouragement. This is the reason why Christians must carefully choose words, and sometimes censor our words rather that blurting out whatever comes to mind. Today’s Bible reading teaches us that we are accountable for our words and that God wants us always to use our words for good. Words have real power and we should use them with wisdom.
1. Choose Your Words Carefully (Prov. 17:27-28)
Ask your learners if they’ve ever said something the regretted? By nature, humans make that mistake. Sometimes we say things in anger that hurt others, and later we must apologize. Sometimes we say things hurriedly, and our impatience betrays us to less mature ways.
Ask your learners if they’ve ever fallen into the trap of “angry email.” That’s a situation where many people have found themselves. For example, they receive an email from another party that is offensive and they yield to the temptation to use words inappropriately. The reason this is persistent problem in our culture of computers is that we are more likely to “blast” someone via email than in person. And, like the toothpaste out of the tube, once that email is out there, it can’ be retrieved.
This passage teaches that keeping silent is better than commenting on situations that we don’t fully understand. It also teaches us that saying things that are reactionary, rather than well thought out can lead to difficulty in relationships. It’s best, then, to keep silent until we have chosen our words carefully. By thinking before they speak and being careful about what they say, God’s people avoid getting into trouble because of their words. Moreover, we can avoid embarrassment and trouble by carefully guarding our speech.
2. Respect the Power of Words (Prov. 18:20-21)
We show wisdom when we understand how our words can bear fruit in others lives. The power of words if real, and can be used for good effect. Proverbs 15.4 is an additional text you will want to highlight for your learners, as it points to the power of a good word, comparing it to a tree of life.
Undoubtedly, we have been hurt by the words of others, and have caused hurt in the lives of others with words. This is something we must continually examine in our spiritual lives. But we have a responsibility that goes beyond “do no harm” and extends into “do good with our words.” Christians can be live-affirming and life-giving in every social circle and have a responsibility and privilege to counter negativity, false-hood, and slander with words that communicate God’s light. It is a very real and practical way in which we can be a blessing to others around us.
Perhaps the greatest use of time at this point in the lesson would be to allow for some silence and prayer asking God to reveal better ways to use their words. Consider these statements as a guided prayer for your group:
· God, reveal to me times when I have caused hurt with my words.
· God, give me insight into how I can speak words of encouragement to someone specific in my life.
· God, forgive me for using words negatively, and forgive me for times when I have failed to use words for good.
· God, give me sensitivity to know when to speak and when to remain silent.
3. Use Good Words (Prov. 25:11-12)
Now that you have spent some time with your learners thinking about good and bad uses of words, it will be helpful to look at specific traits of good words. This proverb teaches that an aptly spoken word is like apple of gold set in silver – precious and desirable. But what makes for an “aptly spoken word?” There are many elements, but to be sure the definitions include truthfulness, gentleness, and pleasantness.
We’ve been taught from a young age to always speak the truth. Proverbs 14.25 reminds us that a truthful word has the ability even to save lives, and that a mistruth can bear false witness – and even lead to death. As your learners concentrate on using good words, truthfulness will be the primary characteristic you want to reinforce. The reality is that while we all know this teaching is the ideal, many times we fail to achieve the standard. Use of good words does not leave room for outright lies, nor lies of omission.
Speaking the truth is hard, and even more difficult is the challenge to speak truth gently. A gentle tongue can indeed turn away wrath, but can also promote the ability to be truly heard by the other. Ask your learners to remember a time when someone told them something they didn’t want to hear. Ask them to consider whether they heard that “truth” better or worse because of the tone of voice, the eye contact, or the body language of the other. Ask them to consider ways that speaking truth gently can happen. Is it all in the words you say? Or is it how the words are delivered?
4. Avoid Trash Talk (Prov. 26:20-22,28)
Scripture pinpoints gossiping, constant quarreling, and flattering someone insincerely as examples of especially hurtful, destructive speech. This passage points to the troubles of such speech, and also to the consequences of such speech. The bottom line? The truth comes out eventually.
By refusing to gossip or listen to gossip we can help cool down conflict rather than heat it up. This is one of the most prevalent problems in established churches. There is a lack of focus on doing justice and mercy when gossip is the main food of the fellowship, and even listening to such talk is destructive to the church.
You can call your learners to self-examination and confession about this topic. Ask your students how they perceive the gossip/trash talking affects your congregation.
Extraordinary Wisdom for Everday Living - June 29, 2008
Here is week 5
LESSON OUTLINE
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 29, 2008
Title: If Your Money Could Talk
Bible Passages: Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-26; 13:11; 15:16-17; 16:11; 23:4-5
Managing money is one of the most difficult challenges of life, and how we manage money as a Christian says much about our faith. Christians are called to view the handling of money as an act of stewardship over something they do not own. Culture, however, suggests that “I earned it, so it’s mine to use however I choose.” This contrast defines the essential differences of how money is used.
The contrast also explains the difference between a Christian view of abundance and surplus that leads to satisfaction and contentedness versus the view of money as something after which one should clamor with every effort possible – and then hoard. It also frames the struggle of acquiring wealth by illegal or unethical means, and it frames the problems that many experience when their sole focus is the gain of wealth. The physical and spiritual implications are profound, as are the relationship problems that arise when greed takes over.
In short, today’s proverbs are really about developing a theology of stewardship in our lives, one which believes in the idea that God provides to the point of abundance – it is simply for us to choose the view of stewardship. The main question for your learner’s today is this: What do my attitudes about money reveal about my life and faith? The goal is to help them see that God’s people honor God in the ways they think about, earn, and spend their money.
Focal Passage Outline:
1. Check Your Spiritual Balance Regularly (Prov. 3:9-10; 15:16-17)
Proverbs 3.9 in the NIV says that we should honor God with our “wealth.” But this does not capture the full extent of the Hebrew idea. The text more fully means that we should honor God with our “being” – everything that we have. Not only is our money part of how we honor God, but so is our thinking, our actions, and our ways of using our money. When followers of God honor God in this way, the first of what we own/possess is due to God.
The concept of the first fruit offering is based here and is a part of ceremonial Hebrew law. The promise of scripture is that if we have this mindset, then we will also view our lives as full of abundance. Our barns will be full of food, our vats full of wine. Make sure to note the sidebar in the printed material about the “First Fruits” offering in your preparations.
Proverbs 15.16-17 further this view, with the idea that it is better to have few possessions and be at peace with God than to have many possessions and be at odds with God. This proverb shatters the notion that wealth will lead to happiness and that material goods will be a substitute for the life of peace. The priority of biblical wisdom teaches that the priority of God’s people is to honor God with all that we possess and with all that we are. This is how we trust that God’s provision is the very best asset in our financial portfolio.
At the end of the day, these two passages of scripture teach us that money cannot provide us the important things of life, such as love and right relations with God and neighbor.
2. Never Fall in Love with $$$ (Prov. 23:4-5)
This passage states clearly that the facets of wealth which enamor us will disappear quickly. Wealth can “sprout wings and fly off to the sky” quite easily. This is not to say that wealth evaporates, but it is to say that the things we believe wealth will provide us – like security, happiness, friendship, comfort, etc – will sprout wings and fly. That is because all notions of those ideals are shattered when we learn that money cannot secure them for us. Only living a godly life can help us discover true happiness, friendship, security, or comfort.
Wealth also appears to have sprouted wings and flown away when we observe how greed can destroy a person’s well-being. Only by keeping wealth in proper perspective and never focusing our lives solely on gaining or keeping wealth that we can find our lives invested in the things that matter most – in the things that endure.
You will find additional Biblical thinking on this concept at Proverbs 11:28; 28:22,25.
Application Idea – An extraordinary insight into how pursuit of money affects all socio-economic classes is found the song Sweetest Girl – (Dollar Bill) by Haitian born Wyclef Jean. Be warned that though the singers make a prophetic critique of greed and the societal impact of the quest for a dollar, references are made to strippers and prostitution. The song fully describes the depths to which people will go for financial security and will connect to folk who listen to pop radio.
3. Make Every Buck Honestly (Prov. 13:11; 16:11)
This first Proverb teaches that the dishonest gain of wealth will dwindle quickly. While the NIV translates it as “dishonest money,” the NRSF offers “wealth hastily gained” as a variant translation on the Hebrew word that means “from vanity.” So no matter what translation you may use for teaching, the idea that wealth should be gained by doing good honest work remains true. Biblical wisdom instructs people to make money honestly because, as Proverbs 16.11 will suggest, God blesses honest work and fair trade, and God condemns dishonest trade and quick, sloppy work.
Application Ideas –
Ask your learners to examine their own work ethics. Do they give their employers “all 8” during the work day? Do they cut corners on occasion or with regularity? If they are business owners, do they always make sure to treat their employees and customers to the highest standards?
Another idea – ask your learners who use computers for work to measure the amount of time they spend surfing the net while on company time? Is it ever ok to justify this behavior with the idea that “just a little is ok” or “all the other employees do it even more than I do?”
4. Grow in Generosity (Prov. 11:24-26)
This proverb demonstrates yet one more of the counter-intuitive principles of God’s way of living life. It says that the more generous we are, the more we are enriched, and, conversely, the more we hoard, the more we are cursed. It is antithetical to trusting in God’s provision when we hoard up for the future to the disadvantage of those around us.
You see this all the time at those “all you can eat” buffets. You go there for lunch knowing that dinner is already planned for, yet you eat the lunch buffet as if there were no guarantee of dinner! We behave the same way in our ethics, as if there is a limited amount of good “stuff” in life, so we hoard that good stuff with the intent of keeping others from drawing down on the “fund of goodness.” But reality is that God’s goodness and abundance are never depleted. Christians are most god-like when they trust this reality and give generously to others.
The bottom line is that generosity enriches the giver and forges and unselfish attitude. This is not a version of the “gospel of prosperity” but the reality is that the one who gives away will provide a blessing to the giver that may or may not be financial prosperity. However, one can be assured it will be a blessing of God’s abundance.
LESSON OUTLINE
Study Theme: Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living
Date: Week of June 29, 2008
Title: If Your Money Could Talk
Bible Passages: Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-26; 13:11; 15:16-17; 16:11; 23:4-5
Managing money is one of the most difficult challenges of life, and how we manage money as a Christian says much about our faith. Christians are called to view the handling of money as an act of stewardship over something they do not own. Culture, however, suggests that “I earned it, so it’s mine to use however I choose.” This contrast defines the essential differences of how money is used.
The contrast also explains the difference between a Christian view of abundance and surplus that leads to satisfaction and contentedness versus the view of money as something after which one should clamor with every effort possible – and then hoard. It also frames the struggle of acquiring wealth by illegal or unethical means, and it frames the problems that many experience when their sole focus is the gain of wealth. The physical and spiritual implications are profound, as are the relationship problems that arise when greed takes over.
In short, today’s proverbs are really about developing a theology of stewardship in our lives, one which believes in the idea that God provides to the point of abundance – it is simply for us to choose the view of stewardship. The main question for your learner’s today is this: What do my attitudes about money reveal about my life and faith? The goal is to help them see that God’s people honor God in the ways they think about, earn, and spend their money.
Focal Passage Outline:
1. Check Your Spiritual Balance Regularly (Prov. 3:9-10; 15:16-17)
Proverbs 3.9 in the NIV says that we should honor God with our “wealth.” But this does not capture the full extent of the Hebrew idea. The text more fully means that we should honor God with our “being” – everything that we have. Not only is our money part of how we honor God, but so is our thinking, our actions, and our ways of using our money. When followers of God honor God in this way, the first of what we own/possess is due to God.
The concept of the first fruit offering is based here and is a part of ceremonial Hebrew law. The promise of scripture is that if we have this mindset, then we will also view our lives as full of abundance. Our barns will be full of food, our vats full of wine. Make sure to note the sidebar in the printed material about the “First Fruits” offering in your preparations.
Proverbs 15.16-17 further this view, with the idea that it is better to have few possessions and be at peace with God than to have many possessions and be at odds with God. This proverb shatters the notion that wealth will lead to happiness and that material goods will be a substitute for the life of peace. The priority of biblical wisdom teaches that the priority of God’s people is to honor God with all that we possess and with all that we are. This is how we trust that God’s provision is the very best asset in our financial portfolio.
At the end of the day, these two passages of scripture teach us that money cannot provide us the important things of life, such as love and right relations with God and neighbor.
2. Never Fall in Love with $$$ (Prov. 23:4-5)
This passage states clearly that the facets of wealth which enamor us will disappear quickly. Wealth can “sprout wings and fly off to the sky” quite easily. This is not to say that wealth evaporates, but it is to say that the things we believe wealth will provide us – like security, happiness, friendship, comfort, etc – will sprout wings and fly. That is because all notions of those ideals are shattered when we learn that money cannot secure them for us. Only living a godly life can help us discover true happiness, friendship, security, or comfort.
Wealth also appears to have sprouted wings and flown away when we observe how greed can destroy a person’s well-being. Only by keeping wealth in proper perspective and never focusing our lives solely on gaining or keeping wealth that we can find our lives invested in the things that matter most – in the things that endure.
You will find additional Biblical thinking on this concept at Proverbs 11:28; 28:22,25.
Application Idea – An extraordinary insight into how pursuit of money affects all socio-economic classes is found the song Sweetest Girl – (Dollar Bill) by Haitian born Wyclef Jean. Be warned that though the singers make a prophetic critique of greed and the societal impact of the quest for a dollar, references are made to strippers and prostitution. The song fully describes the depths to which people will go for financial security and will connect to folk who listen to pop radio.
3. Make Every Buck Honestly (Prov. 13:11; 16:11)
This first Proverb teaches that the dishonest gain of wealth will dwindle quickly. While the NIV translates it as “dishonest money,” the NRSF offers “wealth hastily gained” as a variant translation on the Hebrew word that means “from vanity.” So no matter what translation you may use for teaching, the idea that wealth should be gained by doing good honest work remains true. Biblical wisdom instructs people to make money honestly because, as Proverbs 16.11 will suggest, God blesses honest work and fair trade, and God condemns dishonest trade and quick, sloppy work.
Application Ideas –
Ask your learners to examine their own work ethics. Do they give their employers “all 8” during the work day? Do they cut corners on occasion or with regularity? If they are business owners, do they always make sure to treat their employees and customers to the highest standards?
Another idea – ask your learners who use computers for work to measure the amount of time they spend surfing the net while on company time? Is it ever ok to justify this behavior with the idea that “just a little is ok” or “all the other employees do it even more than I do?”
4. Grow in Generosity (Prov. 11:24-26)
This proverb demonstrates yet one more of the counter-intuitive principles of God’s way of living life. It says that the more generous we are, the more we are enriched, and, conversely, the more we hoard, the more we are cursed. It is antithetical to trusting in God’s provision when we hoard up for the future to the disadvantage of those around us.
You see this all the time at those “all you can eat” buffets. You go there for lunch knowing that dinner is already planned for, yet you eat the lunch buffet as if there were no guarantee of dinner! We behave the same way in our ethics, as if there is a limited amount of good “stuff” in life, so we hoard that good stuff with the intent of keeping others from drawing down on the “fund of goodness.” But reality is that God’s goodness and abundance are never depleted. Christians are most god-like when they trust this reality and give generously to others.
The bottom line is that generosity enriches the giver and forges and unselfish attitude. This is not a version of the “gospel of prosperity” but the reality is that the one who gives away will provide a blessing to the giver that may or may not be financial prosperity. However, one can be assured it will be a blessing of God’s abundance.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bad News for Children
The Southern Baptists are at it again - their annual meeting is underway in Indianopolis today. I guess I should have expected this to have happened, but I'm still in shock the Executive Committee struck down the idea of a national registry of child sex-offenders among Baptist clergy.
This is an abomination and a moral failure far worse than any of the so-called "sinful" actions that the SBC is known to condemn. Their reasoning? It would be too hard to maintain the database and keep track of predators because of local church autonomy.
Hogwash. They seem to have no trouble tracking donors. They seem to be able to track their baptism numbers. They seem to be able to track conversions, church membership, and growth rates. I hear they even follow the trends in the denominational politics of the pastors. I guess the countless details of running a theocracy outweigh the safety of children and the will of the messengers who voted on this issue favorably at last year's meeting.
I'm not a Southern Baptist anymore - if you know me, you know I left that dysfunctional family a while back. So why would I even care what they do? I don't have a dog in the fight. Perhaps this true & personal story will help you understand:
It's about a friend I'll never forget whom I met in seminary. As a child of missionaries on the field, he was sexually abused by a Souther Baptist missionary that worked with his parents. He was able to name his abuser, but swears there are dozens of other children -all nationals on the mission field - who had no voice to cry out against their oppressor. His abuser was forced into early retirment and came back to the states with a promise never to work with children again.
But that promise was broken. My life intersected with both the abused and abuser a number of years ago, that's how I know the promise was broken. I still get a knot in my stomach with worry that one of those precious children in my charge was harmed.
I have three children of my own, and a church full of children I love and care for as their pastor. Any one of these children alone is worth the cost in time, money, and people resources to get this registery going. Sorry, SBC execs - you got this one wrong.
This is an abomination and a moral failure far worse than any of the so-called "sinful" actions that the SBC is known to condemn. Their reasoning? It would be too hard to maintain the database and keep track of predators because of local church autonomy.
Hogwash. They seem to have no trouble tracking donors. They seem to be able to track their baptism numbers. They seem to be able to track conversions, church membership, and growth rates. I hear they even follow the trends in the denominational politics of the pastors. I guess the countless details of running a theocracy outweigh the safety of children and the will of the messengers who voted on this issue favorably at last year's meeting.
I'm not a Southern Baptist anymore - if you know me, you know I left that dysfunctional family a while back. So why would I even care what they do? I don't have a dog in the fight. Perhaps this true & personal story will help you understand:
It's about a friend I'll never forget whom I met in seminary. As a child of missionaries on the field, he was sexually abused by a Souther Baptist missionary that worked with his parents. He was able to name his abuser, but swears there are dozens of other children -all nationals on the mission field - who had no voice to cry out against their oppressor. His abuser was forced into early retirment and came back to the states with a promise never to work with children again.
But that promise was broken. My life intersected with both the abused and abuser a number of years ago, that's how I know the promise was broken. I still get a knot in my stomach with worry that one of those precious children in my charge was harmed.
I have three children of my own, and a church full of children I love and care for as their pastor. Any one of these children alone is worth the cost in time, money, and people resources to get this registery going. Sorry, SBC execs - you got this one wrong.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Bamboo Palm
I found this palm in Key West and would love to have some in my yard. Anyone know if this is really called "Bamboo Palm" or where I can find some in Houston?
Loose Tooth Turns Loose
We've been watching the younger sister's bottom tooth for days. Tonight I was able to pull it with the old "dry washcloth" trick my dad used on my teeth three decades ago. Simple enough, you just grab the tooth with a dry wash cloth and pull. If it doesn't come easily, the tooth isn't ready.
This is the first tooth she's actually let me pull, usually she chickens out and waits until the tooth falls out of her head. So far that's been only while eating something you'd never think would make it fall out - like cake, or pudding, or rice.
For the high tech dental extraction I lifted her up on the counter in the kitchen, peered in, grabbed with the washcloth, and pulled. It came out easily and she bled some, so I gave her warm salt water to swish - just like when I was a kid. I did one of those flash backs and remembered the bathroom counter where my dad hoisted me. It was great to experience another "full circle" event in parenting.
Here's to loose teeth and becoming our parents as we become parents.
This is the first tooth she's actually let me pull, usually she chickens out and waits until the tooth falls out of her head. So far that's been only while eating something you'd never think would make it fall out - like cake, or pudding, or rice.
For the high tech dental extraction I lifted her up on the counter in the kitchen, peered in, grabbed with the washcloth, and pulled. It came out easily and she bled some, so I gave her warm salt water to swish - just like when I was a kid. I did one of those flash backs and remembered the bathroom counter where my dad hoisted me. It was great to experience another "full circle" event in parenting.
Here's to loose teeth and becoming our parents as we become parents.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Unlocking Your Best Relationships - Part 4 - Forgiveness
Study Theme: Unlocking Your Best Relationships
Date: Week of May 25, 2008
Title: Be Ready to Forgive
Bible Passages:
Background Passages: Ephesians 4:17-32; Philemon 1-18
Focal Passages: Ephesians 4:22-32; Philemon 8-10,15-18
Forgiveness is the hallmark of the Christian faith. It is modeled for us and we know instinctively that it is a key to unlocking our best relationships. Yet we struggle to forgive. Why?
In today’s lesson we’re going to examine how relating to others in Christ like ways – including seeking reconciliation with those we’ve wronged and being ready to forgive – builds the relationships that God intends us to have. Through today’s study we’ll work to evaluate the status of fractured relationships in your life and discern stepst to take at renewing and restoring that relationship.
1. Remember You’re a New Person (Eph. 4:22-24)
The first and best step we can take when we recognize a fractured relationship is to remember who we are. As the father of three I probably over-lecture on their identity as members of our family and what our values are. Thus, when they leave home for a date, a sleep over, or some social event I say to them “Remember who you are!” They are known by their last name, but they are also to be known by the values we share as a family.
Paul taught the Ephesians the same lesson – that through Christ’s redemption God created them into new people who are to live a totally new way of life. Their very identity was to be framed by the new person they’d become because of Christ’s work on the cross and in their lives.
Paul teaches in this section that Christianity demands a radical and total break from the past way of life and calls believes to a different direction. The reason for this should be obvious from our experiences in trying to forgive others. Simply put, it is not naturally in human nature to be forgiving. The new people that have come to be because of Christ are capable of living forgiveness because are both recipients of said forgiveness and have seen our hero – Jesus – model that for us.
Because we recognize that we must be forgiven repeatedly for our failings as humans, we can also see that others will need our forgiveness. At each step along life’s journey, believers experience renewal of their innermost core. Basic conversion to Christ must be followed by daily renewal of life and as this shapes our identity, only then can we begin to grow our capacity for forgiveness.
2. Relate to Others Unselfishly (Eph. 4:25-31)
Paul continues to exhort the Ephesian believers to be done with the old and adopt the new. In doing so gave commands relating to contrasts between the old life without Christ and the new life in Christ. This becomes the basis for relating to others in less and less selfish ways as we mature in our identity as Jesus follower. As this identity grows, our capacity for forgiveness grows in tandem with our declining selfishness.
Evidence of salvation in a believer’s life is not only a past experience of trusting Christ but a present life of reflecting Christ. This matters in how we handle our anger. Paul says rightly that anger that goes without being dealt with gives the Evil One a foothold in our lives. Not only do we act unkindly to others, we find that anger festers inside us and eats away at our souls, leaving a bitter shell of a person in untended long enough.
Paul continues his ethics exhortation for the believers in Ephesus. Stop unwholesome talk (a huge barrier to forgiveness!), put off falsehood, speak truthfully to your neighbor, work hard, and build each other up in community. Paul urges them to rid themselves of brawling (at church?!!?), slander, bitterness, rage, and malice.
But it is the final sentence that slams home today’s lesson – forgive each other, just as Christ forgave you. What does that look like practically? To forgive as God in Christ forgave believers is to forgive freely, wholeheartedly, eagerly, and spontaneously. The sins referred to in this passage breaks fellowship and destroys relationship. The Christ like act of forgiveness brings the destructive power of those sins to a grinding halt, even when it may not restore fully fellowship between disgruntled folk.
3. Resolve to Forgive (Eph. 4:32)
Paul reminded the Ephesians that because God in Christ reconciled them to Himself, they too should restore fractured relationships by forgiving others. Christ shines brightest in believers’ lives when they forgive, and the decision to forgive is simply that – it is a decision.
Too often Christians make forgiveness about penance. We say “I’ll forgive him when he makes the situation right.” But that’s not the model of forgiveness shown us in Christ. This passage is a good reminder that we must work at forgiving others.
This is a great time in the lesson to ask your students to silently reflect on their relationships, to consider the ones that are most fractured. What an opportunity this coming week holds for them to evaluate that relationship and make a move toward reconciliation and forgiveness.
Why not take a few minutes at this juncture to pray for your learners and offer a guided prayer that they can join in on to determine if giving our accepting forgiveness is needed in their fractured relationships.
4. Restoration or Revenge? A Case Study (Philem. 8-10,15-18)
Paul appealed to Philemon to accept and restore to his household Onesimus, Philemon’s runway slave whom Paul had met while in prison and had led to faith in Christ. Be careful to note that reconciling with others does not mean that we minimize what was done wrong, nor do we pretend to overlook it. Forgiveness does not mean an immediate return to “normal” or “just as it was before the sin.” Instead, what we need to consider is a process of restoration, depending on the severity of the fractured relationship.
The bottom line is that wrongdoers can have a change of heart but still need help finding a path to wholeness and reconciliation with others. It is only through God’s gracious dealings with us and with others that we can find the motivation to forgive and the power to continue sharing life together. The idea is not to “forgive and forget” as the old cliché goes, but to rather “forgive and learn to live with it.”
The bottom line is that holding grudges is inappropriate for God’s people. Paul’s desire for restoration between Philemon and Onesimus was so deep that he was willing to pay the debt Onesimus owed to Philemon in order that his act might reflect Christ’s greater work of reconciling sinners to God by his death on the cross (2 Cor 5.18-19, 21).
Bonus Teaching Aids
1. For a secular view of forgiveness take a look at the website for the “Campaign for Forgiveness Research” at http://www.forgiving.org/. They monitor the research behind the benefits of forgiving others, as well as the social good gained by forgiving others. Some heady stuff, but also a few interesting tidbits like why forgiving others is good for your own physical health.
2. A currently popular song that illustrates the inability to forgive and the pain that unforgiving attitudes bring is found in the Timbaland song Too Late to Apologize. You can hear the song for free at http://www.youtube.com/.
The lyrics are:
I'm holding on your ropeGot me ten feet off the groundAnd I'm hearing what you sayBut I just can't make a soundYou tell me that you need meThen you go and cut me downBut wait...You tell me that you're sorryDidn't think I'd turn around and say..That it's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologize, it's too lateI'd take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for youAnd I need you like a heart needs a beat(But that's nothing new)Yeah yeahI loved you with a fire red, now it's turning blueAnd you saySorry like an angel, heavens not the thing for you,But I'm afraidIt's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologizes, it's too lateWoahooo woah It's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologize, yeah yeahI said it's too late to apologize, a yeahI'm holding your ropeGot me ten feet off the ground...
3. An older song that will popular with your learners who like The Eagles is Don Henley’s The Heart of the Matter. It portrays the strong disappointment of a love gone bad, but that the “heart of the matter” for the singer is forgiveness, even if the other person doesn’t love him anymore. You can also find concert versions of this at http://www.youtube.com/. Here are the lyrics:
I got the call today, I didn’t wanna hear
But I knew that it would come
An old, true friend of ours was talkin’ on the phone
She said you’d found someone
And I thought of all the bad luck,
And the struggles we went through
And how I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside loves open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?
I’m learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I’m learning again
I’ve been tryin’ to get down
To the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore
These times are so uncertain
There’s a yearning undefined
And people filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age?
The trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They’re the very things - we kill I guess
Pride and competition
Cannot fill these empty arms
And the work I put between us
You know it doesn’t keep me warm
I’m learning to live without you now
But I miss you, baby
And the more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I’d figured out
I have to learn again
I’ve been trying to get down
To the heart of the matter
But everything changes
And my friends seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore
There are people in your life who’ve come and gone
They let you down you know they hurt your pride
You better put it all behind you baby; life goes on
You keep carryin’ that anger; it’ll eat you up inside, baby
I’ve been trying to get down
To the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
And my thought seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me
I’ve been tryin’ to get down
To the heart of the matter
Because the flesh will get weak
And the ashes will scatter
So I’m thinkin’ about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me
Forgiveness
Forgiveness – baby
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
ForgivenessEven if, you don’t love me anymore
Date: Week of May 25, 2008
Title: Be Ready to Forgive
Bible Passages:
Background Passages: Ephesians 4:17-32; Philemon 1-18
Focal Passages: Ephesians 4:22-32; Philemon 8-10,15-18
Forgiveness is the hallmark of the Christian faith. It is modeled for us and we know instinctively that it is a key to unlocking our best relationships. Yet we struggle to forgive. Why?
In today’s lesson we’re going to examine how relating to others in Christ like ways – including seeking reconciliation with those we’ve wronged and being ready to forgive – builds the relationships that God intends us to have. Through today’s study we’ll work to evaluate the status of fractured relationships in your life and discern stepst to take at renewing and restoring that relationship.
1. Remember You’re a New Person (Eph. 4:22-24)
The first and best step we can take when we recognize a fractured relationship is to remember who we are. As the father of three I probably over-lecture on their identity as members of our family and what our values are. Thus, when they leave home for a date, a sleep over, or some social event I say to them “Remember who you are!” They are known by their last name, but they are also to be known by the values we share as a family.
Paul taught the Ephesians the same lesson – that through Christ’s redemption God created them into new people who are to live a totally new way of life. Their very identity was to be framed by the new person they’d become because of Christ’s work on the cross and in their lives.
Paul teaches in this section that Christianity demands a radical and total break from the past way of life and calls believes to a different direction. The reason for this should be obvious from our experiences in trying to forgive others. Simply put, it is not naturally in human nature to be forgiving. The new people that have come to be because of Christ are capable of living forgiveness because are both recipients of said forgiveness and have seen our hero – Jesus – model that for us.
Because we recognize that we must be forgiven repeatedly for our failings as humans, we can also see that others will need our forgiveness. At each step along life’s journey, believers experience renewal of their innermost core. Basic conversion to Christ must be followed by daily renewal of life and as this shapes our identity, only then can we begin to grow our capacity for forgiveness.
2. Relate to Others Unselfishly (Eph. 4:25-31)
Paul continues to exhort the Ephesian believers to be done with the old and adopt the new. In doing so gave commands relating to contrasts between the old life without Christ and the new life in Christ. This becomes the basis for relating to others in less and less selfish ways as we mature in our identity as Jesus follower. As this identity grows, our capacity for forgiveness grows in tandem with our declining selfishness.
Evidence of salvation in a believer’s life is not only a past experience of trusting Christ but a present life of reflecting Christ. This matters in how we handle our anger. Paul says rightly that anger that goes without being dealt with gives the Evil One a foothold in our lives. Not only do we act unkindly to others, we find that anger festers inside us and eats away at our souls, leaving a bitter shell of a person in untended long enough.
Paul continues his ethics exhortation for the believers in Ephesus. Stop unwholesome talk (a huge barrier to forgiveness!), put off falsehood, speak truthfully to your neighbor, work hard, and build each other up in community. Paul urges them to rid themselves of brawling (at church?!!?), slander, bitterness, rage, and malice.
But it is the final sentence that slams home today’s lesson – forgive each other, just as Christ forgave you. What does that look like practically? To forgive as God in Christ forgave believers is to forgive freely, wholeheartedly, eagerly, and spontaneously. The sins referred to in this passage breaks fellowship and destroys relationship. The Christ like act of forgiveness brings the destructive power of those sins to a grinding halt, even when it may not restore fully fellowship between disgruntled folk.
3. Resolve to Forgive (Eph. 4:32)
Paul reminded the Ephesians that because God in Christ reconciled them to Himself, they too should restore fractured relationships by forgiving others. Christ shines brightest in believers’ lives when they forgive, and the decision to forgive is simply that – it is a decision.
Too often Christians make forgiveness about penance. We say “I’ll forgive him when he makes the situation right.” But that’s not the model of forgiveness shown us in Christ. This passage is a good reminder that we must work at forgiving others.
This is a great time in the lesson to ask your students to silently reflect on their relationships, to consider the ones that are most fractured. What an opportunity this coming week holds for them to evaluate that relationship and make a move toward reconciliation and forgiveness.
Why not take a few minutes at this juncture to pray for your learners and offer a guided prayer that they can join in on to determine if giving our accepting forgiveness is needed in their fractured relationships.
4. Restoration or Revenge? A Case Study (Philem. 8-10,15-18)
Paul appealed to Philemon to accept and restore to his household Onesimus, Philemon’s runway slave whom Paul had met while in prison and had led to faith in Christ. Be careful to note that reconciling with others does not mean that we minimize what was done wrong, nor do we pretend to overlook it. Forgiveness does not mean an immediate return to “normal” or “just as it was before the sin.” Instead, what we need to consider is a process of restoration, depending on the severity of the fractured relationship.
The bottom line is that wrongdoers can have a change of heart but still need help finding a path to wholeness and reconciliation with others. It is only through God’s gracious dealings with us and with others that we can find the motivation to forgive and the power to continue sharing life together. The idea is not to “forgive and forget” as the old cliché goes, but to rather “forgive and learn to live with it.”
The bottom line is that holding grudges is inappropriate for God’s people. Paul’s desire for restoration between Philemon and Onesimus was so deep that he was willing to pay the debt Onesimus owed to Philemon in order that his act might reflect Christ’s greater work of reconciling sinners to God by his death on the cross (2 Cor 5.18-19, 21).
Bonus Teaching Aids
1. For a secular view of forgiveness take a look at the website for the “Campaign for Forgiveness Research” at http://www.forgiving.org/. They monitor the research behind the benefits of forgiving others, as well as the social good gained by forgiving others. Some heady stuff, but also a few interesting tidbits like why forgiving others is good for your own physical health.
2. A currently popular song that illustrates the inability to forgive and the pain that unforgiving attitudes bring is found in the Timbaland song Too Late to Apologize. You can hear the song for free at http://www.youtube.com/.
The lyrics are:
I'm holding on your ropeGot me ten feet off the groundAnd I'm hearing what you sayBut I just can't make a soundYou tell me that you need meThen you go and cut me downBut wait...You tell me that you're sorryDidn't think I'd turn around and say..That it's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologize, it's too lateI'd take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for youAnd I need you like a heart needs a beat(But that's nothing new)Yeah yeahI loved you with a fire red, now it's turning blueAnd you saySorry like an angel, heavens not the thing for you,But I'm afraidIt's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologizes, it's too lateWoahooo woah It's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologize, it's too lateI said it's too late to apologize, yeah yeahI said it's too late to apologize, a yeahI'm holding your ropeGot me ten feet off the ground...
3. An older song that will popular with your learners who like The Eagles is Don Henley’s The Heart of the Matter. It portrays the strong disappointment of a love gone bad, but that the “heart of the matter” for the singer is forgiveness, even if the other person doesn’t love him anymore. You can also find concert versions of this at http://www.youtube.com/. Here are the lyrics:
I got the call today, I didn’t wanna hear
But I knew that it would come
An old, true friend of ours was talkin’ on the phone
She said you’d found someone
And I thought of all the bad luck,
And the struggles we went through
And how I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside loves open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?
I’m learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I’m learning again
I’ve been tryin’ to get down
To the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore
These times are so uncertain
There’s a yearning undefined
And people filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age?
The trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They’re the very things - we kill I guess
Pride and competition
Cannot fill these empty arms
And the work I put between us
You know it doesn’t keep me warm
I’m learning to live without you now
But I miss you, baby
And the more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I’d figured out
I have to learn again
I’ve been trying to get down
To the heart of the matter
But everything changes
And my friends seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore
There are people in your life who’ve come and gone
They let you down you know they hurt your pride
You better put it all behind you baby; life goes on
You keep carryin’ that anger; it’ll eat you up inside, baby
I’ve been trying to get down
To the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
And my thought seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me
I’ve been tryin’ to get down
To the heart of the matter
Because the flesh will get weak
And the ashes will scatter
So I’m thinkin’ about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me
Forgiveness
Forgiveness – baby
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
ForgivenessEven if, you don’t love me anymore
Bible Studies for Life - Unlocking Your Best Relationships - Part 3
Study Theme: Unlocking Your Best Relationships
Date: Week of May 18, 2008
Title: Be Trustworthy
Bible Passages:
Background Passage: 1 Samuel 17:1–20:42
Focal Passages: 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:4-7; 20:10-13,16-17
So far this month we’ve considered two keys to unlocking your best relationships: 1) Showing appreciation, and; 2) working at communication. Appreciation and communication are incredibly important aspects of any healthy relationship, but trust is the foundation. A relationship without trust is not a relationship at all. At the heart of every relationship is an abundance or a lack of trust that determines the quality and value of that relationship.
The goal of this lesson is to help your learners build strong relationship by placing an emphasis on trust in their relationships, and by committing to place trustworthiness in a significant relationship of their own. In this lesson we turn to the triangle of Saul, Jonathan, and David to identify what cornerstones we can lay in building a foundation of trust. Strong relationships are built on trust, and we prove to be trustworthy through commitment, loyalty, honesty, and consistency.
1. Commitment (1 Sam. 18:1-4)
In these four verses we see Jonathan and David growing deeper in their friendship. As a sign of his commitment to David, Jonathan gives David his robe, tunic, belt, sword, and bow. Be sure to note that these are no small gifts. They are symbolic gifts from a royal prince to a worthy subject, but they are also gifts of essential practicality. These are tools of a warrior, and Jonathan is showing his support for David in that role.
But there is more going on here. Jonathan is acting selflessly, and in the future this real and symbolic gesture of commitment will be relied upon by David. He will have to trust Jonathan with his life as an enraged Saul pursues him to take his life. David will have these tokens of Jonathan’s commitment to enable him to fully trust Jonathan.
2. Loyalty (1 Sam. 19:4-7)
Seeking to defuse a volatile situation between David and Saul, Jonathan speaks to his father, Saul, on David’s behalf. While sometimes it is unwise to step in between two people who are in a dispute, other times it is a sign of loyalty to a friend to aid in a desperate situation.
Jonathan is displaying loyalty to David, a true helping hand for a friend in need. He is willing to take a risk for a friend in opposition to his own father, and this is a true mark of loyalty that is funded by trust and inspires trust in others. We are inspired in our own lives to greater trust when others take a risk on our behalf. Ask your learners to remember someone who “stuck out their neck” for them to help them in some way. Ask them to consider how that risk on the part of another made them feel. Accepted? Valued? Trusted? In many life situations, trust takes a long time to build. But real risk is a mark of loyalty that has the direct and quick benefit of trustworthiness.
It is worthwhile to note that Jonathan’s willingness to mediate a dispute on behalf of his friend David foreshadows the greater work of mediator accomplished by Jesus Chris. Jesus stood between sinners and God with the goal of reconciliation by way of the cross.
3. Honesty (1 Sam. 20:10-13)
In 1 Samuel 19 we find the story of David’s desperate situation with Saul. Saul appears to be losing his mind, or at least driven by some jealous rage that we don’t fully understand. On one occasion Saul promises Jonathan he’ll not kill David (1 Sam 19.6). Then Saul is back and forth in his commitment to spare David’s life or kill him. In a fit of rage he hurls his spear at David while David is playing music for the king, and David naturally flees.
Jonathan meets secretly with David after the spear-throwing incident. Jonathan promises to honestly inform him of the king’s true attitude. David is honest in disclosing his fears to Jonathan, and it is a sign of the health of their friendship. The beauty of this relationship is that loyalty and trust existed between them already, so the honesty which David displays serves to build on their foundation of trust.
Jonathan’s move toward honesty in turn was to stay loyal – not turning his back on his friend. Jonathan could have taken the easy route of siding with his father in this dispute, but chose to remain loyal. This allowed their relationship to continue in covenant (1 Sam 20.12-15), even under the extreme strain and tension of Saul’s pursuit of David.
Ask your learners to recall a time when they relied on a trustworthy friend in a time of distress. Perhaps you could lead them to reflect on a time when they were trustworthy and loyal to a friend that was personally costly.
4. Consistency (1 Sam. 20:16-17)
Jonathan swore an oath, an oath based on his consistent and unselfish love for David. He sounded out Saul on his disposition toward David, and kept David’s location a secret. He followed through on his promise to send word about David’s safety, and David’s life was spared as a result.
In all of their friendship, Jonathan never wavered in his commitment to David. He truly displayed consistency. This type of consistency is the bond of a relationship for the present and the future.
God is trustworthy in similar fashion. God loves people consistently, and out of that love decided through Jesus to reconcile and redeem. John 13.1 says, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” We do well to celebrate God’s patterns of trustworthiness by striving for that trait in our relationships.
Bonus Teaching Helps
1. State of Love and Trust is a song by the band Pearl Jam. Use this with caution because the song illustrates negatively the impact of betrayed trust in a love affair. Pearl Jam is definitely not a church band, but referencing this song will help you connect the despair of a relationship where trust is breaking down with a generation of learners in their mid-30’s and younger. You can find the lyrics and other info about the band at http://www.pearljam.com/songs/song.php?song=StateOfLoveAndTrust
2. A more tame but dated song to illustrate the need for trust and honesty in relationships is Billy Joel’s Honesty, a video of which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmJ1miBzek
3. The website www.wingclips.com offers free video clips for sermons and teaching. A quick search of the word “trust” at their website brought up fifteen movie clips that you can download for use in your class to introduce the lesson or spur conversation.
Date: Week of May 18, 2008
Title: Be Trustworthy
Bible Passages:
Background Passage: 1 Samuel 17:1–20:42
Focal Passages: 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:4-7; 20:10-13,16-17
So far this month we’ve considered two keys to unlocking your best relationships: 1) Showing appreciation, and; 2) working at communication. Appreciation and communication are incredibly important aspects of any healthy relationship, but trust is the foundation. A relationship without trust is not a relationship at all. At the heart of every relationship is an abundance or a lack of trust that determines the quality and value of that relationship.
The goal of this lesson is to help your learners build strong relationship by placing an emphasis on trust in their relationships, and by committing to place trustworthiness in a significant relationship of their own. In this lesson we turn to the triangle of Saul, Jonathan, and David to identify what cornerstones we can lay in building a foundation of trust. Strong relationships are built on trust, and we prove to be trustworthy through commitment, loyalty, honesty, and consistency.
1. Commitment (1 Sam. 18:1-4)
In these four verses we see Jonathan and David growing deeper in their friendship. As a sign of his commitment to David, Jonathan gives David his robe, tunic, belt, sword, and bow. Be sure to note that these are no small gifts. They are symbolic gifts from a royal prince to a worthy subject, but they are also gifts of essential practicality. These are tools of a warrior, and Jonathan is showing his support for David in that role.
But there is more going on here. Jonathan is acting selflessly, and in the future this real and symbolic gesture of commitment will be relied upon by David. He will have to trust Jonathan with his life as an enraged Saul pursues him to take his life. David will have these tokens of Jonathan’s commitment to enable him to fully trust Jonathan.
2. Loyalty (1 Sam. 19:4-7)
Seeking to defuse a volatile situation between David and Saul, Jonathan speaks to his father, Saul, on David’s behalf. While sometimes it is unwise to step in between two people who are in a dispute, other times it is a sign of loyalty to a friend to aid in a desperate situation.
Jonathan is displaying loyalty to David, a true helping hand for a friend in need. He is willing to take a risk for a friend in opposition to his own father, and this is a true mark of loyalty that is funded by trust and inspires trust in others. We are inspired in our own lives to greater trust when others take a risk on our behalf. Ask your learners to remember someone who “stuck out their neck” for them to help them in some way. Ask them to consider how that risk on the part of another made them feel. Accepted? Valued? Trusted? In many life situations, trust takes a long time to build. But real risk is a mark of loyalty that has the direct and quick benefit of trustworthiness.
It is worthwhile to note that Jonathan’s willingness to mediate a dispute on behalf of his friend David foreshadows the greater work of mediator accomplished by Jesus Chris. Jesus stood between sinners and God with the goal of reconciliation by way of the cross.
3. Honesty (1 Sam. 20:10-13)
In 1 Samuel 19 we find the story of David’s desperate situation with Saul. Saul appears to be losing his mind, or at least driven by some jealous rage that we don’t fully understand. On one occasion Saul promises Jonathan he’ll not kill David (1 Sam 19.6). Then Saul is back and forth in his commitment to spare David’s life or kill him. In a fit of rage he hurls his spear at David while David is playing music for the king, and David naturally flees.
Jonathan meets secretly with David after the spear-throwing incident. Jonathan promises to honestly inform him of the king’s true attitude. David is honest in disclosing his fears to Jonathan, and it is a sign of the health of their friendship. The beauty of this relationship is that loyalty and trust existed between them already, so the honesty which David displays serves to build on their foundation of trust.
Jonathan’s move toward honesty in turn was to stay loyal – not turning his back on his friend. Jonathan could have taken the easy route of siding with his father in this dispute, but chose to remain loyal. This allowed their relationship to continue in covenant (1 Sam 20.12-15), even under the extreme strain and tension of Saul’s pursuit of David.
Ask your learners to recall a time when they relied on a trustworthy friend in a time of distress. Perhaps you could lead them to reflect on a time when they were trustworthy and loyal to a friend that was personally costly.
4. Consistency (1 Sam. 20:16-17)
Jonathan swore an oath, an oath based on his consistent and unselfish love for David. He sounded out Saul on his disposition toward David, and kept David’s location a secret. He followed through on his promise to send word about David’s safety, and David’s life was spared as a result.
In all of their friendship, Jonathan never wavered in his commitment to David. He truly displayed consistency. This type of consistency is the bond of a relationship for the present and the future.
God is trustworthy in similar fashion. God loves people consistently, and out of that love decided through Jesus to reconcile and redeem. John 13.1 says, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” We do well to celebrate God’s patterns of trustworthiness by striving for that trait in our relationships.
Bonus Teaching Helps
1. State of Love and Trust is a song by the band Pearl Jam. Use this with caution because the song illustrates negatively the impact of betrayed trust in a love affair. Pearl Jam is definitely not a church band, but referencing this song will help you connect the despair of a relationship where trust is breaking down with a generation of learners in their mid-30’s and younger. You can find the lyrics and other info about the band at http://www.pearljam.com/songs/song.php?song=StateOfLoveAndTrust
2. A more tame but dated song to illustrate the need for trust and honesty in relationships is Billy Joel’s Honesty, a video of which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmJ1miBzek
3. The website www.wingclips.com offers free video clips for sermons and teaching. A quick search of the word “trust” at their website brought up fifteen movie clips that you can download for use in your class to introduce the lesson or spur conversation.
Bible Studies for Life - Unlocking Your Best Relationships - Part 2
Bible Studies For Life – May 11, 2008
Study Theme: Unlocking Your Best Relationships
Title: Communicate
Bible Passages:
Background Passages: Deuteronomy 6:1-9; 2 Samuel 13:1–14:33; Proverbs 4:1-9
Focal Passages: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Samuel 14:23-24,28-33; Proverbs 4:3-6;
Communication is the most difficult part of any type of relationship. As soon as we think we understand the other person, we realize we don’t. We think we’ve been heard, only to have our loved one act as if we’d never dealt with the issue at all. Or, the last resort - known as the silent treatment – happens when we shut down and cut off all communications. But God has a different plan. Good communication is an important key to unlocking your best relationships.
Biblically speaking, intentional communication with another person about God and his ways builds a solid relationship and helps us avoid wrongdoing. Communication is critical for all healthy relationships, and God makes it possible for humans to interact in meaningful ways that increase communication and strengthen all relations.
This lesson is designed to help you build strong, godly relationships by identifying reasons people in relationships stifle or lack communication and by considering your own relationships that may need some attention and time.
1. Communicate—Divine Example and Exhortation (Deut. 6:4-9)
In this first selection, Moses is instructing the Israelites not only to love and obey God but also to teach regularly to their children God’s promises and provisions. These old words of our faith give us a target for effective communication with our family and in particular with our children, especially verse 7:
“Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
The key to communication is talking to one another about important things, especially faith. Whether we’re running around in the mini-van to soccer, dance, and piano, or taking a road trip for vacation, being “on the road” offers great chances for communication between family members.
A nightly ritual in our house is bed time prayers and blessings. I ask my children to reflect on what they did well that day, and on what they could have done better or differently. After a period of reflection we say prayers of thanks, forgiveness, and intercession. Moses says that talking about the precepts of God “when you lie down” is important, and it is a wonderful way to end a day with family. We are able to tell important things about our successes and failures and to build a relationship through sharing. Morning is another great time to accomplish this kind of communication in families.
2. Communicate—Life and Protection (Prov. 4:3-6)
This second passage is part of an appeal from the writer to a young person to pursue wisdom. In exhorting the listener, the writer hearkens back to words of his father’s wisdom spoken to him “when I was still tender.”
Pursue wisdom, his father told him. The writer is remembering words from his father at a very young age, and it illustrates to us that important communication takes place early on in life We hear this same man now telling his own children, indicating that communication between generations continues throughout life.
While reflecting on his own upbringing, this father is communicating to his children about life and the pursuit of wisdom. It is essential as you teach this lesson to remind your learners that instruction about God is essential in the lives of children, and continued conversation and reflection on God is essential between adults.
By keeping the traditions of the faith out in front of our families, we help create a space for holy conversations to happen, and in those holy conversations we grow closer to one another. Sharing the Spirit of God increases harmony in the home and makes communication come together. People who live in wisdom relate in harmony. Finally, it’s important to remember that what we communicate and that we communicate are equally essential to healthy relationships.
3. Communicate—A Case Study (2 Sam. 14:23-24,28-33)
Exiled five years from his father, David, Absalom sought to communicate face to face with him but this story doesn’t ultimately end well. Your learners may not be familiar with this portion of David’s family life, so it will be good to briefly summarize the struggles between Absalom and David found in 2 Samuel 13:1 to 14:22. In the end Absalom is killed at the hands of Joab, and the story of David and his son is a negative example of communication. In effect, it is a story of “too little, too late.”
This may be a painful topic for those who have adult children – for it will remind them that displaying affection for a moment cannot make up for years of neglecting communication. What’s more, the cutoff between David and Absalom fostered bitterness that lasted a lifetime.
Cutoff is a wrong way to handle relationship mishaps, but it’s certainly popular for folk who like to avoid hard conversations and conflict. Cutoff feels easy at first. It’s easier to just not talk or relate. But in the long run it is very difficult and costly because of lost time and lost love. The dismally gloomy truth is that we cannot make up for lost time in relationships, even if there is reconciliation at the end.
Study Theme: Unlocking Your Best Relationships
Title: Communicate
Bible Passages:
Background Passages: Deuteronomy 6:1-9; 2 Samuel 13:1–14:33; Proverbs 4:1-9
Focal Passages: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Samuel 14:23-24,28-33; Proverbs 4:3-6;
Communication is the most difficult part of any type of relationship. As soon as we think we understand the other person, we realize we don’t. We think we’ve been heard, only to have our loved one act as if we’d never dealt with the issue at all. Or, the last resort - known as the silent treatment – happens when we shut down and cut off all communications. But God has a different plan. Good communication is an important key to unlocking your best relationships.
Biblically speaking, intentional communication with another person about God and his ways builds a solid relationship and helps us avoid wrongdoing. Communication is critical for all healthy relationships, and God makes it possible for humans to interact in meaningful ways that increase communication and strengthen all relations.
This lesson is designed to help you build strong, godly relationships by identifying reasons people in relationships stifle or lack communication and by considering your own relationships that may need some attention and time.
1. Communicate—Divine Example and Exhortation (Deut. 6:4-9)
In this first selection, Moses is instructing the Israelites not only to love and obey God but also to teach regularly to their children God’s promises and provisions. These old words of our faith give us a target for effective communication with our family and in particular with our children, especially verse 7:
“Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
The key to communication is talking to one another about important things, especially faith. Whether we’re running around in the mini-van to soccer, dance, and piano, or taking a road trip for vacation, being “on the road” offers great chances for communication between family members.
A nightly ritual in our house is bed time prayers and blessings. I ask my children to reflect on what they did well that day, and on what they could have done better or differently. After a period of reflection we say prayers of thanks, forgiveness, and intercession. Moses says that talking about the precepts of God “when you lie down” is important, and it is a wonderful way to end a day with family. We are able to tell important things about our successes and failures and to build a relationship through sharing. Morning is another great time to accomplish this kind of communication in families.
2. Communicate—Life and Protection (Prov. 4:3-6)
This second passage is part of an appeal from the writer to a young person to pursue wisdom. In exhorting the listener, the writer hearkens back to words of his father’s wisdom spoken to him “when I was still tender.”
Pursue wisdom, his father told him. The writer is remembering words from his father at a very young age, and it illustrates to us that important communication takes place early on in life We hear this same man now telling his own children, indicating that communication between generations continues throughout life.
While reflecting on his own upbringing, this father is communicating to his children about life and the pursuit of wisdom. It is essential as you teach this lesson to remind your learners that instruction about God is essential in the lives of children, and continued conversation and reflection on God is essential between adults.
By keeping the traditions of the faith out in front of our families, we help create a space for holy conversations to happen, and in those holy conversations we grow closer to one another. Sharing the Spirit of God increases harmony in the home and makes communication come together. People who live in wisdom relate in harmony. Finally, it’s important to remember that what we communicate and that we communicate are equally essential to healthy relationships.
3. Communicate—A Case Study (2 Sam. 14:23-24,28-33)
Exiled five years from his father, David, Absalom sought to communicate face to face with him but this story doesn’t ultimately end well. Your learners may not be familiar with this portion of David’s family life, so it will be good to briefly summarize the struggles between Absalom and David found in 2 Samuel 13:1 to 14:22. In the end Absalom is killed at the hands of Joab, and the story of David and his son is a negative example of communication. In effect, it is a story of “too little, too late.”
This may be a painful topic for those who have adult children – for it will remind them that displaying affection for a moment cannot make up for years of neglecting communication. What’s more, the cutoff between David and Absalom fostered bitterness that lasted a lifetime.
Cutoff is a wrong way to handle relationship mishaps, but it’s certainly popular for folk who like to avoid hard conversations and conflict. Cutoff feels easy at first. It’s easier to just not talk or relate. But in the long run it is very difficult and costly because of lost time and lost love. The dismally gloomy truth is that we cannot make up for lost time in relationships, even if there is reconciliation at the end.
Bible Study for Life - Unlocking Your Best Relationships Part 1
This is the first installment of a four part series written for the Baptist Standard. Enjoy!
We begin a new thematic unit this week in the Bible Studies for Life series. Unlocking Your Best Relationships is a selection of scriptures to help learners discover biblical keys to great relationships of all types – spouses, parents-children, siblings, friends, church members, and so on. The four sessions will focus as follows:
Week of Lesson Title and Focal Passage
May 4 Appreciate
Philippians 2:19-22,25-30; 4:15-18
May 11 Communicate
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Samuel 14:23-24,28-33; Proverbs 4:3-6
May 18 Be Trustworthy
1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:4-7; 20:10-13,16-17
May 25 Be Ready to Forgive
Ephesians 4:22-32; Philemon 8-10,15-18
Let’s dive into the material for May 4, 2008.
Title: Appreciate - Strengthening Friendships in Christ)
Bible Passages:
Background Passages: Philippians 2:19-30; 4:15-20
Focal Passages: Philippians 2:19-22,25-30; 4:15-18
Biblical Truth:
By showing appreciation for others, we give evidence of building strong relationships with them.
Today’s scripture passages offer three practical ways you can build strong relationships by appreciating others.
1. Show Confidence in Another’s Character (Phil. 2:19-22)
Paul wanted to be with the Philippians, but he was writing this letter from prison and unable to go to be with them. So, he hoped to send Timothy to them, because he knew Timothy would be able to care for them and guide them. In other words, Paul had complete confidence in Timothy’s ability to shepherd the church in Philippi.
Timothy’s character was proven. Paul regarded him as a son because of his work in the gospel. So imagine how special and trusted Timothy must have felt when Paul showed this confidence in his character? Timothy had shows the highest devotion to Jesus by serving others unselfishly and Paul’s affection for Timothy was displayed by expressing this desire to send him in his own place to a congregation for which he cared very much.
Valuing Timothy as a servant to Jesus also served to strengthen the church. Paul edified Timothy in a way that empowered Timothy to greater capacity for leadership, and in effect Paul duplicated his efforts as a shepherd to the churches by releasing this young leader and blessing him.
Application Ideas:
· Ask your learners who in their lives need to know they are trusted? Who can your learners empower by expressing their confidence in them?
· How might your pastor or ministry staff be empowered by your expression of trust in their leadership? Ministers and church leaders usually hear a lot of negative, so how could your class creatively give a blessing to your church staff and volunteers?
2. Care About Another’s Well-Being (Phil. 2:25-30)
In this section Paul makes clear that he is sending Epaphroditus, who would actually serve in Paul’s place. The plan was that Paul would follow later. The beauty of relationship building that we can observe is that the church at Philippi was distressed that Epaphroditus had been critically ill. Paul was eager to send him so that the church could see that Epapharoditus was well and had seen God’s mercy in his own life.
It is possible that Paul was showing the congregation that their care, concern, and prayer served as a part of the healing which Epaphroditus experienced. No doubt this was mercy from God, as Paul makes clear. However, by illustration, we can learn that believes are to take steps to help and care for those who serve the Lord.
By caring about another’s well-being we affirm their importance to us, and in doing that we build stronger relationships. Churches are well-known for the “casserole brigade” that mobilizes when death or illness beset a family. But care happens in thousands of other ways, and none of them are “small” things – especially in the eyes of the recipient of that care.
Application Ideas:
• Discuss the “system” of care in your Bible study class. Does you group do a good job of caring for one another? How can you improve?
• Take a moment to write notes or cards to absent class members – during the lesson! This illustrates how important care of this kind is if you incorporate it into the lesson time.
3. Express Gratitude for Another’s Contribution (Phil. 4:15-18)
Paul commended the Philippian believers for their faithful support of him. They were the only church who, in the beginning of his work, showed him financial help. Gratitude is the fruit of a thankful heart, and not only that, expressing gratitude strengthens relationships.
Verses 15-18 are a continuation of the thank you note that Paul began in 4.10. He goes to great lengths here to discuss very openly his heartfelt thanks for their generosity. His words equate their support of his work with an offering to God (4.18), and although we can only imagine what that offering is, Paul is clearly thankful in the deepest way possible.
Expressing appreciation for others’ kind actions strengthens the bond of relationships. Imagine a husband who never thanks a wife for a meal, her work outside the home, for her affections, and for making herself beautiful for him. Or imagine a wife who never thanks a husband for care, his affections, for his work outside the home, and so forth. Clearly, that relationship is not going to deepen over time because the one fails to appreciate the other. Soon enough, one will stop doing the things that are “unappreciated” and the relationship will deteriorate.
Application Ideas:
· Ask your learners to name people for whom they are grateful and encourage them to express that thanks this coming week by way of a phone call, letter, or small gift or act of service.
· Consider using putting this quote on display during your group time: "In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), German Lutheran pastor, theologian andparticipant in the German resistance movement against Nazism
· If you’re dealing with married folk, let them know that saying “thank you” is also a romantic act.
· Learn to say thank you in 101 different languages by following this link: http://www.romancetracker.com/how-to-say-thank-you-in-101-different-languages/
We begin a new thematic unit this week in the Bible Studies for Life series. Unlocking Your Best Relationships is a selection of scriptures to help learners discover biblical keys to great relationships of all types – spouses, parents-children, siblings, friends, church members, and so on. The four sessions will focus as follows:
Week of Lesson Title and Focal Passage
May 4 Appreciate
Philippians 2:19-22,25-30; 4:15-18
May 11 Communicate
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Samuel 14:23-24,28-33; Proverbs 4:3-6
May 18 Be Trustworthy
1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:4-7; 20:10-13,16-17
May 25 Be Ready to Forgive
Ephesians 4:22-32; Philemon 8-10,15-18
Let’s dive into the material for May 4, 2008.
Title: Appreciate - Strengthening Friendships in Christ)
Bible Passages:
Background Passages: Philippians 2:19-30; 4:15-20
Focal Passages: Philippians 2:19-22,25-30; 4:15-18
Biblical Truth:
By showing appreciation for others, we give evidence of building strong relationships with them.
Today’s scripture passages offer three practical ways you can build strong relationships by appreciating others.
1. Show Confidence in Another’s Character (Phil. 2:19-22)
Paul wanted to be with the Philippians, but he was writing this letter from prison and unable to go to be with them. So, he hoped to send Timothy to them, because he knew Timothy would be able to care for them and guide them. In other words, Paul had complete confidence in Timothy’s ability to shepherd the church in Philippi.
Timothy’s character was proven. Paul regarded him as a son because of his work in the gospel. So imagine how special and trusted Timothy must have felt when Paul showed this confidence in his character? Timothy had shows the highest devotion to Jesus by serving others unselfishly and Paul’s affection for Timothy was displayed by expressing this desire to send him in his own place to a congregation for which he cared very much.
Valuing Timothy as a servant to Jesus also served to strengthen the church. Paul edified Timothy in a way that empowered Timothy to greater capacity for leadership, and in effect Paul duplicated his efforts as a shepherd to the churches by releasing this young leader and blessing him.
Application Ideas:
· Ask your learners who in their lives need to know they are trusted? Who can your learners empower by expressing their confidence in them?
· How might your pastor or ministry staff be empowered by your expression of trust in their leadership? Ministers and church leaders usually hear a lot of negative, so how could your class creatively give a blessing to your church staff and volunteers?
2. Care About Another’s Well-Being (Phil. 2:25-30)
In this section Paul makes clear that he is sending Epaphroditus, who would actually serve in Paul’s place. The plan was that Paul would follow later. The beauty of relationship building that we can observe is that the church at Philippi was distressed that Epaphroditus had been critically ill. Paul was eager to send him so that the church could see that Epapharoditus was well and had seen God’s mercy in his own life.
It is possible that Paul was showing the congregation that their care, concern, and prayer served as a part of the healing which Epaphroditus experienced. No doubt this was mercy from God, as Paul makes clear. However, by illustration, we can learn that believes are to take steps to help and care for those who serve the Lord.
By caring about another’s well-being we affirm their importance to us, and in doing that we build stronger relationships. Churches are well-known for the “casserole brigade” that mobilizes when death or illness beset a family. But care happens in thousands of other ways, and none of them are “small” things – especially in the eyes of the recipient of that care.
Application Ideas:
• Discuss the “system” of care in your Bible study class. Does you group do a good job of caring for one another? How can you improve?
• Take a moment to write notes or cards to absent class members – during the lesson! This illustrates how important care of this kind is if you incorporate it into the lesson time.
3. Express Gratitude for Another’s Contribution (Phil. 4:15-18)
Paul commended the Philippian believers for their faithful support of him. They were the only church who, in the beginning of his work, showed him financial help. Gratitude is the fruit of a thankful heart, and not only that, expressing gratitude strengthens relationships.
Verses 15-18 are a continuation of the thank you note that Paul began in 4.10. He goes to great lengths here to discuss very openly his heartfelt thanks for their generosity. His words equate their support of his work with an offering to God (4.18), and although we can only imagine what that offering is, Paul is clearly thankful in the deepest way possible.
Expressing appreciation for others’ kind actions strengthens the bond of relationships. Imagine a husband who never thanks a wife for a meal, her work outside the home, for her affections, and for making herself beautiful for him. Or imagine a wife who never thanks a husband for care, his affections, for his work outside the home, and so forth. Clearly, that relationship is not going to deepen over time because the one fails to appreciate the other. Soon enough, one will stop doing the things that are “unappreciated” and the relationship will deteriorate.
Application Ideas:
· Ask your learners to name people for whom they are grateful and encourage them to express that thanks this coming week by way of a phone call, letter, or small gift or act of service.
· Consider using putting this quote on display during your group time: "In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), German Lutheran pastor, theologian andparticipant in the German resistance movement against Nazism
· If you’re dealing with married folk, let them know that saying “thank you” is also a romantic act.
· Learn to say thank you in 101 different languages by following this link: http://www.romancetracker.com/how-to-say-thank-you-in-101-different-languages/
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
It's happened two weeks in a row.
Last Wednesday I was at Parker Elementary for the Youngest Sister's violin lesson. I go every Wednesday and it's a highlight of my day to study with her. We learn about pitch and rhythm and the technique implicit in the Suzuki songs she's learning.
The lesson went along fine. She played, I took notes, Mrs. Branch gave us a practice sheet with tips for the week. The Youngest Sister put her violin away and asked could she walk me to the end of the hallway. Nothing unusual, we've been doing this same routine for two years almost.
I gladly held out my hand to her and she offered up her tiny six year old hand - grubby with rosin, magic marker, and pizza sauce. She squeezed me and I squeezed right back and she looked up at me, eyes coy and full of laughter and love for her daddy. She smiled her contagious smile and it melted away the morning's stress of mean-spirited "church" people. Automatically the corners of my mouth turned up.
We walked to the end of the hall and she took a drink from the water fountain, kissed and hugged me bye, and stood there waiting until I walked out the door. I turned to look over my shoulder through the wire grid of the safety glass and I swear to you it was like I was in a Hitchcock movie - you know, one of those scenes where the camera lense pulls back and the camera tracks forward? Everything is all distorted, except in this case the zooming was across time.
Here's what I mean.
Her six year old frame morphed into this long-legged, chestnut haired adult beauty skipping down the hall. She moved like a little girl in her zig-zags, but she was tall and leggy and all womanly. I knew instinctively to burn the moment into my brain with this sharp sense that God was telling me to hold tight to this sight, like a snapshot or some other precious trinket that contains all the memory of a special event. From the "schoolhouse" clock hanging in the hallway, to the terrazzo flooring and concrete block walls, to the bounce of her confident curls on the white of her uniform, all this surrounded her and held still in time, yet she changed right before my eyes.
"Hold on to this," my soul screamed.
"Don't miss this," my heart pined.
Even though I was about to be late for the next thing, I stood there and watched her skipping into adulthood, feeling like I was watching a secret happen. It was as if I saw time the way God sees it - the God who knows knows nothing of my boundaries, those forces of finitude. In that hallway all time collapsed and converged and collided and I, a mere mortal, watched a girl become a woman in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
And then the moment was gone, she turned the knob and went back in her class without looking over her shoulder.
Three days later - on Saturday - I took a long look in the mirror. Even though my beard has been graying for a while, I saw the first tufts of silver in my temple. It was only on one side but it was big. I would've sworn it wasn't there last week.
As I looked in that mirror I remembered my long look down the hallway at the Youngest Sister. In another time-collapsing moment I saw what I'd guess my own father surely saw while he watched me play baseball, or play piano, or read. I saw a boy in a grown up, aging, wrinkling body.
As I saw, I knew.
These days of raising children are stressful, tiring, and sometimes frustrating. But they are also precious times of struggle that will forever bring me joy. The greatest sermon I ever preach will pale in comparison to the importance of the legacy I leave with my children. So I need to be wise and judicious in how I spend my time and invest in them. You and I know this already, we've seen enough movies and Hallmark cards to know this.
So this Wednesday I was back for the violin lesson, but I fidgeted the whole time. Would the woman-child want to hold my hand and walk me down the hall? I got my answer when she asked to walk me to the end of the hall again. We didn't hold hands this time, but when we got to the door where we'd have to part, she took her ritual drink of water, then gave me a big hug and a watery kiss.
I put on my shades and stepped into the glaring sun of the last day of April. I was scared to look over my shoulder for fear of what I'd see, but you know what I did. I pressed my face to the glass and cupped my hands to block the glare. I saw it happen again, the little girl grew up into a full grown woman as she bounded down the hall.
This sequence was slightly different, though. Just as that little hand turned the knob on the door to her class room, she looked back at me, and with her free hand she blew me a kiss.
Just like a six year old little girl should.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Hope – More than a Wishing Star
Hope. It’s a loaded word with lots of meaning. That’s because there are all kinds of hope. I can hope for success, happiness, and a good dinner. I can hope that the weather will be nice, that the Astros will win, that I’ve really won the Nigerian lottery just like my email tells me.
But there is a distinctive kind of hope that Christians possess, a hope that goes beyond the proper alignment of stars or the fleeting desires of the moment. A short letter in the Bible named First Peter talks about the hope that is based on who Jesus is, what his life meant, and how his death and resurrection make a difference in our lives. It is the hope that we humans can be all that God intended us to be. It is the hope that we can be restored and at peace with ourselves, our neighbor, and our God. It is a hope that there is more to life than meets the eye, and there will be more life yet to live when our bodies cease to work.
That is a hope that transcends all other kinds of hope, and that’s what we’ll be considering in a sermon this Sunday entitled eHow Hope. If you’re interested in doing a little advance thinking take a look at the website www.ehow.com and research “how to have hope.” We’ll compare that to what the Bible says in 1 Pete 3.13-22. I hope to see you Sunday. If you’re in Houston we’d love for you to join us for Bible study at 9:30 and worship at 10:45. Come as you are.
Hopefully,
Pastor Gary
Not a Sermon – Just a Thought is a weekly email from me, Gary Long. I’m the pastor of Willow Meadows Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. You can subscribe or unsubscribe by emailing me directly at glong@wmbc.org.
I Peter 3.13-22
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[a]; do not be frightened."[b] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom[c] also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[d] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
But there is a distinctive kind of hope that Christians possess, a hope that goes beyond the proper alignment of stars or the fleeting desires of the moment. A short letter in the Bible named First Peter talks about the hope that is based on who Jesus is, what his life meant, and how his death and resurrection make a difference in our lives. It is the hope that we humans can be all that God intended us to be. It is the hope that we can be restored and at peace with ourselves, our neighbor, and our God. It is a hope that there is more to life than meets the eye, and there will be more life yet to live when our bodies cease to work.
That is a hope that transcends all other kinds of hope, and that’s what we’ll be considering in a sermon this Sunday entitled eHow Hope. If you’re interested in doing a little advance thinking take a look at the website www.ehow.com and research “how to have hope.” We’ll compare that to what the Bible says in 1 Pete 3.13-22. I hope to see you Sunday. If you’re in Houston we’d love for you to join us for Bible study at 9:30 and worship at 10:45. Come as you are.
Hopefully,
Pastor Gary
Not a Sermon – Just a Thought is a weekly email from me, Gary Long. I’m the pastor of Willow Meadows Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. You can subscribe or unsubscribe by emailing me directly at glong@wmbc.org.
I Peter 3.13-22
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[a]; do not be frightened."[b] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom[c] also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[d] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Good Laugh
I don't normally post things that aren't my original material. However, my friend Shirley sent me these and I thought that some of you might enjoy.
These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word , taken down and now published by court reporters who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, 'Where am I, Cathy?'
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!__________________________________________________________.
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Are you #!*% me? Your Honour, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Now whose death do you suppose terminated it?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Guess.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people. Would you like to rephrase that?
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh....are you qualified to ask that question?
_________________________________________________________
And the best for last:
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.
These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word , taken down and now published by court reporters who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, 'Where am I, Cathy?'
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!__________________________________________________________.
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Are you #!*% me? Your Honour, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Now whose death do you suppose terminated it?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Guess.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people. Would you like to rephrase that?
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh....are you qualified to ask that question?
_________________________________________________________
And the best for last:
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.
Friday, April 18, 2008
My Time is In Your Hands
Not a Sermon - Just a Thought - April 18, 2008
I struggle to manage my time efficiently, and I’m not the best at waiting. In my perfect world the stoplights are all green in my direction, the restaurant has already cooked what I want so it’s ready as I arrive, and things are always, always under my control. But control of time or anything or anyone beyond our personal behavior is an illusion.
The only way I’ve found to deal with my time management problems is to lean into the words of the Psalmist who sang to God, “My life is in your hands” and “My times are in your hands” (Ps 31.5, 15). A man named Stephen made a similar appeal to God at the time of his death. While the religious zealots were stoning him for blasphemy (and making him the first martyr of the New Testament church) he cried out for Jesus to receive his spirit and fell on his knees asking God to forgive his murderers, even as they stoned him. His trust in God to manage his crisis turned out for good for the church.
You can read all about the incident that led up to his death in Acts 7, but grant me the liberty to say quickly that Stephen truly allowed his life to be placed in God’s hands. So when you’re next frustrated with how long the line is, or how unmanageable your day seems just stop. Take a moment to whisper thanks to God that you’re alive and well, or pick up your cell phone and call an old friend, or simply ask God to speak to you in your frustration and busy-ness. Putting your life and your time in God’s hands is liberating and empowering, and it builds a faith that is built on trust in God and a willingness to sacrifice.
This Sunday I’ll be preaching a sermon about how Stephen’s example can teach us to put our lives in God’s hands and live more fully and freely than ever before. We gather for Bible study at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and worship at 10:45 a.m. If you’re in Houston I hope you’ll join us!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Gary
Not a Sermon – Just a Thought is a weekly email from me, Gary Long. I’m the pastor of Willow Meadows Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. You can subscribe or unsubscribe by emailing me directly at glong@wmbc.org. You can also read some more of my writing at my blog, To the Lees.
Acts 7.51-60
51"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
The Stoning of Stephen
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
I struggle to manage my time efficiently, and I’m not the best at waiting. In my perfect world the stoplights are all green in my direction, the restaurant has already cooked what I want so it’s ready as I arrive, and things are always, always under my control. But control of time or anything or anyone beyond our personal behavior is an illusion.
The only way I’ve found to deal with my time management problems is to lean into the words of the Psalmist who sang to God, “My life is in your hands” and “My times are in your hands” (Ps 31.5, 15). A man named Stephen made a similar appeal to God at the time of his death. While the religious zealots were stoning him for blasphemy (and making him the first martyr of the New Testament church) he cried out for Jesus to receive his spirit and fell on his knees asking God to forgive his murderers, even as they stoned him. His trust in God to manage his crisis turned out for good for the church.
You can read all about the incident that led up to his death in Acts 7, but grant me the liberty to say quickly that Stephen truly allowed his life to be placed in God’s hands. So when you’re next frustrated with how long the line is, or how unmanageable your day seems just stop. Take a moment to whisper thanks to God that you’re alive and well, or pick up your cell phone and call an old friend, or simply ask God to speak to you in your frustration and busy-ness. Putting your life and your time in God’s hands is liberating and empowering, and it builds a faith that is built on trust in God and a willingness to sacrifice.
This Sunday I’ll be preaching a sermon about how Stephen’s example can teach us to put our lives in God’s hands and live more fully and freely than ever before. We gather for Bible study at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and worship at 10:45 a.m. If you’re in Houston I hope you’ll join us!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Gary
Not a Sermon – Just a Thought is a weekly email from me, Gary Long. I’m the pastor of Willow Meadows Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. You can subscribe or unsubscribe by emailing me directly at glong@wmbc.org. You can also read some more of my writing at my blog, To the Lees.
Acts 7.51-60
51"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
The Stoning of Stephen
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Yet Another Bible Study
Here is the latest Bible Study I've written for use at http://www.baptiststandard.com/.
Exploring Humility
Bible Studies for Life Series for April 27
• Genesis 32:3,6-12; 33:1-5,9-11
Humility is an ever elusive trait, mainly because as soon as you think you’ve acquired, you just lost it. Humility is that trait of being modest, and we use it to describe a person who does not think of himself as greater or better than another person. It is the trait most idealized in the person and character of Jesus, but it also is evidenced in other figures in the Bible. One such person is Jacob, the subject of this week’s study.
This is the familiar story of the encounter between Jacob and Esau, many years after Jacob stole the blessing of Abraham from Esau. From our perspective, it is possible to miss the tension in Jacob that created the atmosphere for humility to flourish. Let’s take a look at the four phases of this story and how Jacob’s humility shaped the outcome of a situationthat could have been a family feud.
Assess the situation
Jacob had to do a hard look inside when he got the news that Esau was coming toward him. He had every reason to believe Esau would be angry with him—the last word he had on Esau was from his mother Rachel, who said, “Your brother Esau is consoling himself with the thought of killing you. Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. Stay with him for a while until your brother's fury subsides” (Genesis 27:43-44).
Jacob also knew from the “scouting reports” that Esau’s men outnumbered him. Clearly, Esau would be the winner of a direct battle. The reality was Jacob was in trouble. He deserved it for tricking his brother, and he knew it. A position of submission and humility was the right posture for Jacob to assume.
When we look honestly at our own lives and recognize we are in dire straits, it is good for us to do what Jacob did—assess the situation, admit where we are wrong and humble ourselves before God.
Humble yourself before God
Jacob was a trickster, this much is true. He had stolen his brother’s blessing, as well as conning him out of his birthright. But Jacob recognized his position and rightly humbled himself before God. There is deep urgency to his prayers to God, and some translations stress this more than others. The point is, Jacob is pleading earnestly with God for deliverance from his brother’s hand.
In our lives it is necessary for us to humble ourselves before God by prayerfully confessing the distance between God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Consider asking your learners to remember a time when they prayed desperately God for deliverance. Identifying with that utter dependence upon God in our everyday lives—not just in times of distress—will help us to keep humble before God, and in turn lead to lives humble before humans as well.
Humble yourself before others
Jacob took a route of humility toward his brother, and it is evident in several areas. First, he sent gifts before him to Esau. He sent them as a sign of his willingness to make peace over the past, as well as an admission of his own wrong doing in their shared history. Those gifts sent to Esau were more than just gifts—they were tokens that expressed apology, remorse and a desire for restoration.
Jacob took a route of humility toward his brother in the language he uses. He refers to himself as “your servant” and he refers to Esau as “my lord.” He is making it clear that not only does he desire to make things right with his brother, but that he sees himself as the subject of his older brother.
This modest view of oneself is rather uncommon in modern American culture. Most of your learners will be more acquainted with tactics used socially to communicate “I am most important” or “I have power and influence.” Rather than bluffing his way through on an image of power—like so many Americans who spend frivolously to impress others—Jacob simply presented himself as who he was.
Acknowledge God’s role
As they made peace, Esau essentially compliments Jacob for all the wealth he has acquired. Jacob, however, deflects the comment and points to God as the source of his wealth and blessings. This kind of godly humility is an essential element in the spiritual growth of a maturing Christian.
To recognize the graciousness of God in our lives also is essential to a sense of self-worth. Jacob knew he was a trickster, but he also had a strong sense of God’s provision and strength as God blessed him. While he was humble, he also recognized God cared for him and provided great material blessing to him.
Similarly, Christians recognize we are sinful and broken, but we also rejoice in the fact this is not the end of the story. God cared for Jacob even though he was sinful, and God cares for us in the same way.
In recognizing our position as blessed people, it is even more vital we learn from Jacob the notion of sharing our blessing with others. Even though Esau essentially said, “You don’t have to give me these gifts,” Jacob wanted to give them out of a desire to share God’s blessing with Esau.
The bottom line in this lesson is to help your learners see pride easily overcomes humility and that only a daily walk with God—that is patterned after Jesus—can help us bridge the distance between reality and the goal of humility.
Bonus teaching idea
Try to find a painting, photo or portable sculpture that expresses an artist’s view of humility. A quick Google search of images of humility will give you many options to share. Print out a half dozen and ask your learners to choose one they think best depicts humility as they understand it. Do this before your lesson, and then ask them after the lesson if they’d make the same choice.
Exploring Humility
Bible Studies for Life Series for April 27
• Genesis 32:3,6-12; 33:1-5,9-11
Humility is an ever elusive trait, mainly because as soon as you think you’ve acquired, you just lost it. Humility is that trait of being modest, and we use it to describe a person who does not think of himself as greater or better than another person. It is the trait most idealized in the person and character of Jesus, but it also is evidenced in other figures in the Bible. One such person is Jacob, the subject of this week’s study.
This is the familiar story of the encounter between Jacob and Esau, many years after Jacob stole the blessing of Abraham from Esau. From our perspective, it is possible to miss the tension in Jacob that created the atmosphere for humility to flourish. Let’s take a look at the four phases of this story and how Jacob’s humility shaped the outcome of a situationthat could have been a family feud.
Assess the situation
Jacob had to do a hard look inside when he got the news that Esau was coming toward him. He had every reason to believe Esau would be angry with him—the last word he had on Esau was from his mother Rachel, who said, “Your brother Esau is consoling himself with the thought of killing you. Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. Stay with him for a while until your brother's fury subsides” (Genesis 27:43-44).
Jacob also knew from the “scouting reports” that Esau’s men outnumbered him. Clearly, Esau would be the winner of a direct battle. The reality was Jacob was in trouble. He deserved it for tricking his brother, and he knew it. A position of submission and humility was the right posture for Jacob to assume.
When we look honestly at our own lives and recognize we are in dire straits, it is good for us to do what Jacob did—assess the situation, admit where we are wrong and humble ourselves before God.
Humble yourself before God
Jacob was a trickster, this much is true. He had stolen his brother’s blessing, as well as conning him out of his birthright. But Jacob recognized his position and rightly humbled himself before God. There is deep urgency to his prayers to God, and some translations stress this more than others. The point is, Jacob is pleading earnestly with God for deliverance from his brother’s hand.
In our lives it is necessary for us to humble ourselves before God by prayerfully confessing the distance between God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Consider asking your learners to remember a time when they prayed desperately God for deliverance. Identifying with that utter dependence upon God in our everyday lives—not just in times of distress—will help us to keep humble before God, and in turn lead to lives humble before humans as well.
Humble yourself before others
Jacob took a route of humility toward his brother, and it is evident in several areas. First, he sent gifts before him to Esau. He sent them as a sign of his willingness to make peace over the past, as well as an admission of his own wrong doing in their shared history. Those gifts sent to Esau were more than just gifts—they were tokens that expressed apology, remorse and a desire for restoration.
Jacob took a route of humility toward his brother in the language he uses. He refers to himself as “your servant” and he refers to Esau as “my lord.” He is making it clear that not only does he desire to make things right with his brother, but that he sees himself as the subject of his older brother.
This modest view of oneself is rather uncommon in modern American culture. Most of your learners will be more acquainted with tactics used socially to communicate “I am most important” or “I have power and influence.” Rather than bluffing his way through on an image of power—like so many Americans who spend frivolously to impress others—Jacob simply presented himself as who he was.
Acknowledge God’s role
As they made peace, Esau essentially compliments Jacob for all the wealth he has acquired. Jacob, however, deflects the comment and points to God as the source of his wealth and blessings. This kind of godly humility is an essential element in the spiritual growth of a maturing Christian.
To recognize the graciousness of God in our lives also is essential to a sense of self-worth. Jacob knew he was a trickster, but he also had a strong sense of God’s provision and strength as God blessed him. While he was humble, he also recognized God cared for him and provided great material blessing to him.
Similarly, Christians recognize we are sinful and broken, but we also rejoice in the fact this is not the end of the story. God cared for Jacob even though he was sinful, and God cares for us in the same way.
In recognizing our position as blessed people, it is even more vital we learn from Jacob the notion of sharing our blessing with others. Even though Esau essentially said, “You don’t have to give me these gifts,” Jacob wanted to give them out of a desire to share God’s blessing with Esau.
The bottom line in this lesson is to help your learners see pride easily overcomes humility and that only a daily walk with God—that is patterned after Jesus—can help us bridge the distance between reality and the goal of humility.
Bonus teaching idea
Try to find a painting, photo or portable sculpture that expresses an artist’s view of humility. A quick Google search of images of humility will give you many options to share. Print out a half dozen and ask your learners to choose one they think best depicts humility as they understand it. Do this before your lesson, and then ask them after the lesson if they’d make the same choice.
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