Archive for July, 2012
Dorcas, the Mercy Worker: August 5, 2012
The text for this lesson is Acts 9:36–42
Key Point
- The Lord continued His acts of charity and power through Dorcas and Peter.
- Law: We are often so busy with our own agendas that we give little time or thought to the needs of others, even those in our own congregations. The entire Church suffers loss at the death of one of its own.
- Gospel: Our greatest needs of forgiveness, life, and salvation have been met by Jesus’ full devotion; therefore, we joyfully contribute our talents and energy to meet human needs. The household of faith is comforted by the sure hope of resurrection to a blessed reunion.
Discussion Points
- The entire church suffers loss at the death of one of its own. Why were the people of Joppa going to miss Dorcas especially?
- Why do you suppose Dorcas made garments and did good works for others?
- What does Jesus mean when He says, “as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me”?
- How did God work through the humans in the Bible story to continue His acts of charity and mercy?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan: July 29, 2012
The text for this lesson is Luke 10:25–37
Key Point
- Jesus calls us to show mercy to everyone in need because He Himself is the Good Samaritan to us.
- Law: We are in desperate need of forgiveness because we have often passed by on the other side when we have seen our neighbor in need. We are commanded to help and support our neighbor in every physical need.
- Gospel: We are forgiven because Jesus had mercy on us, paying for our sins with His life. We truly desire to love and serve our neighbor because Jesus first loved us.
Discussion Points
- Read Luke 10:30–37. So, who is our neighbor?
- The Samaritan had compassion and was willing to show love through his actions. He shared Jesus’ love with someone in need. Who is the Samaritan in our lives?
- How does Jesus reveal himself in the parable of the Good Samaritan as the true Good Samaritan?
- The Bible teaches us that we should be merciful because God is merciful to us. How is God merciful to us?
- How do we sin against the Fifth Commandment?
- Do you ever use religion, profession, or ethnic background when you choose which people to help in your life? Think of a time you could have helped someone, but didn’t. Think of what you failed to do. Who are some of the people you have opportunities to help? How are you able to help them?
- How did God, through His Son, show us how to love and serve our neighbor? What motivates us to “Go and do likewise”? See 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 and Galatians 2:20. How might neglect of our spiritual need hamper our ability to love God and our neighbor?
- How does God work through others to heal His people?
Joseph, the Father: July 22, 2012
The text for this lesson is Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23; Luke 11:11–12; Ephesians 6:1–4; 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12.
Key Point
- The heavenly Father used dutiful Joseph to deliver His Son from death at the hands of Herod to preserve Him for death in due time on the cross.
- Law: Raising a family demands sacrifices of money, time, and freedom—sacrifices many men make in word only. Being a father is often a thankless job that is not highly honored in today’s world.
- Gospel: Since the heavenly Father sacrificed His Son, we are able to make great personal sacrifices willingly, knowing we still have everything we truly need. God honors men highly by allowing them to raise His dear children in faith.
Discussion Points
- Why did Joseph take his family to Egypt?
- God sent angels in at least three dreams to enable Joseph to protect the child Jesus. God also warned the Wise Men in a dream in Matthew 2:12 to return to their homes by a different route to keep Herod from finding Jesus. Why was it important to protect the child Jesus from death at this time?
- How is God’s control evident in the events of this lesson?
- How did God, our heavenly Father, also provide for us when He provided Joseph ways to keep his family safe?
- Read Luke 11:11–13; Matthew 10:29–31; 2 Corinthians 6:18; and 1 John 3:1. Discuss how God as our heavenly Father loves us and provides for us by claiming us as His children.
- Naaman was healed with simple water, directed by God’s Word. What does this remind us of today? What do we receive through Baptism?
- Read Ephesians 2:1–5, 10. Describe the change that takes place in us through Baptism. What effect does that change have on us? Read also 1 Peter 2:9–12. What examples can you give of Christians demonstrating these effects in their lives?
- How did God work through the humans in this story to fulfill His plan of salvation for all people?
Joash Repairs the Temple: July 15, 2012
The text for this lesson is 2 Kings 12:1–16.
Key Point
- Because the temple was the place of God’s faithful dealings with His people, Joash, his workers, and their donors dealt faithfully in repairing it.
- Law: Too often we fail to bring God the first and best of our treasure—sometimes because we disagree with how it is being used.
- Gospel: God did not withhold His own Son, but freely gave Him up for us.
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Discussion Points
- Examine 2 Kings 11:17–12:16. How does Joash follow the lead of the priest Jehoiada in renewing the covenant between God and his people?
- Why was it important to Joash to have repairs made to the temple?
- What did Joash use to pay for the repair work?
- God blesses us with the opportunity to support the ministry of His Word by offering money to the Lord through the church. Sometimes, we do not give our offering very willingly, for different reasons. Sometimes, it’s a low priority for us. We might want to buy things for ourselves, or we might disagree with how the money is spent at church. What offering was given for us, freely and willingly?
- What is the best reason to give offerings to God?
- Read the Seventh Commandment and meaning. What are other ways we are guilty of breaking this Commandment, besides just taking something that does not belong to us?
- How did God work through the humans in the Bible story to deal faithfully with His people?
Naaman’s Servant Girl: July 8, 2012
The text for this lesson is 2 Kings 5:1–14.
Key Point
- Just as the Lord used an ordinary servant girl and ordinary water to heal Naaman, He cares for us through the ordinary people and ordinary means He chooses.
- Law: We too often want or even expect God to work in dramatic and exciting ways, such as pulsating worship, spectacular results to our witnessing, or giving us personal signs.
- Gospel: God gives forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation through ordinary water, through bread and wine, and through the voice of humble servants, all by the power of His simple Word.
Discussion Points
- Read 2 Kings 5:2–6. How does God use the injustice of the enslaving of the young Israelite girl to accomplish His divine purpose?
- Why do you suppose the king of Israel tore his clothes when the Syrian king’s letter asked him to cure Naaman of his leprosy?
- Why was Naaman angry when he received Elisha’s words?
- Read 2 Kings 5:15. What is the purpose of Elisha’s prescription for healing?
- Who helped Naaman realize that God was able to heal him through Elisha? How does God work through Christian neighbors to share His love?
- Naaman was healed with simple water, directed by God’s Word. What does this remind us of today? What do we receive through Baptism?
- Read Ephesians 2:1–5, 10. Describe the change that takes place in us through Baptism. What effect does that change have on us? Read also 1 Peter 2:9–12. What examples can you give of Christians demonstrating these effects in their lives?
- How does God demonstrate that His ways are beyond human thought and understanding?
- God works through simple means to heal Naaman. How does God continue to work through simple means today to provide healing and strength to sinners?
