KNOW GOD`S WORD - American Baptist Association

Transcription

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God wer
and Po
Primary
Teacher
Summer Quarter, 2015
Quarterly Objective: The learner will participate in learning
experiences that help him understand the greatness of God’s
love and power. He will respond with love and appreciation by
choosing to live God’s way.
June 7 The Shepherd............................................ 6
Unit 1
What Is Love
Like?
June 14 Job’s Patience and Love....................... 12
June 21 The Two Sisters........................................ 18
June 28 Rahab’s Courage..................................... 23
July 5 Attitudes of a Christian.......................... 31
July 12 The Light of the World .......................... 37
Unit 2
Jesus’ Church
Learns About
Love
July 19 Treasurers, Pleasures
and Servants...................................... 43
July 26 Birds and Flowers.................................... 49
August 2 Floods and Winds.................................... 54
Unit 3
God’s Power
To Deliver His
People
August 9 The Ten Lepers......................................... 62
August 16 The Stoning of Stephen......................... 67
August 23 Ahab and Jezebel.................................... 72
August 30 The Fig Tree............................................... 78
Primary Teacher produced by
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Copyright © 2015
Volume 37, No. 4
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THE
Heart
of the
Teacher
The children you teach today will soon be teenagers.
Then, quicker than we like to think, they become young
adults and the leaders of the Lord’s churches. But, they may
not.
We have no guarantee against drop-outs along the way. As a teacher, you are an important factor in building a solid,
spiritual base in the lives of boys and girls. Interesting and challenging lessons result in successful lives as boys and
girls apply what they experience and learn. We do not have much time left in which to work.
The coming of the Lord back to earth is close. Surely it must happen soon, and boys and girls must prepare for
eternity now. If Jesus came today, how many of the learners in your class would go with Him?
Nothing—absolutely nothing—will benefit their lives more than discovering an abundant life in Jesus Christ
during the formative years of their lives. God has honored you with the privilege of introducing children to the joy of
belonging to God, being a part of one of His churches and serving Him in joy.
Do you want to do it? Are you in the position of teacher because you feel that is what God wants you to do? To
be successful, the motivation must come from an inner desire to serve the Lord, not just because someone else asked
you. Without the conviction that God wants to use you to change lives for Him, your service will lack motivation and
class times will be empty of life-changing experiences.
Leading a group of active children to discover God’s principles takes a sacrifice that most people are not willing to
make. Integrity and work ethic are as beneficial in the Lord’s work as in business. Sacrificing anything—time, money,
effort—to reach the goal of making Bible lessons a vital part of children’s lives is investing treasures in Heaven. These
are treasures that you can be sure God will repay with overflowing blessings and rewards.
If God has placed a burden on your heart, then He has confidence that you can do it—with His help. He never asks
His children to do something without also giving them the ability to accomplish it. He wants you to have confidence
in His power working in you to help reach this generation of third- and fourth-graders with His truths.
Absorbing life principles taught in this quarter’s lessons should also enrich your life as you apply them personally.
God deserves your best effort, and the children need to see in you a living example of the Bible truths you encourage
them to accept.
Our attitudes shape the outcome of whatever we try. If we practice positive feelings and thoughts about an
assignment, God can work through us to accomplish the goal. If we let negative thinking control our minds, God’s
power gets suppressed. Children pick up on our attitudes even when we try to disguise them. Genuine joy is
effervescent. It affects everyone around, so does love. “As in the Master’s Spirit you take into your arms the little ones,
his own everlasting arms will encircle them and you” (James Hamilton). First Corinthians 13 is especially pertinent
for teachers. Without sincere love your efforts will be nothing.
2
Using This Curriculum
The theme, “God’s Love and Power,” gives third- and fourth-graders an ideal “hero” to emulate. Designers of
children’s toys and games recognize the desire of young children to see and experience power. Many of the toys today
have adverse effects because they give a false sense of power and authority. The lessons this quarter show people who
had God’s power—real power—in their lives as well as some examples of real-life failures.
The goal for this study is that learners participate in learning experiences to help them understand the greatness of
God’s love and power. Leading them to live God’s way out of love and appreciation is your task as a teacher.
The exciting process of helping children develop a relationship with Jesus Christ is a continual one. Seeing them
receive Jesus as Savior is the beginning point, with baptism soon following. Then teaching them to apply Bible truths
is the crux of your work.
Children will not complain about boring classes with the active participation in these lessons. Each lesson has ideas
to involve them in discovering Bible truths and making personal applications of them.
The first page of each lesson gives an overview of the lesson material.
Know God’s Word is teacher preparation background material. After reading the Scriptures for the Bible story,
read this section to get a better grasp of the meaning.
Early Time Activities are theme related ideas for involving learners in meaningful work from the moment they
arrive. It is a terrible waste of time to let children wander around talking with each other about the supernatural power
of the latest cartoon characters. They could be learning about the almighty power of God during that time.
Some lessons have more than one suggestion for Early Time. Choose what works best for you and get learners
involved in it after a cheerful greeting. Early Time ends a minute or two before time for the worship assembly. Train
the learners to help pick up and put away materials used during this activity.
The Worship Time Devotional material is for worship assembly. If you go directly to class, use the material after
the Bible Story time as a life application emphasis.
The Lesson Set is an introduction to the Bible story. The learners participate to some extent and the activity
prepares them for the Bible story study.
Bible Story time shares with learners details of incidents recorded in the Bible for their spiritual understanding.
With the help of a variety of interesting visuals, the children comprehend story details and Bible truths.
This is not a time when you put a funnel into their brains and pour in information. Instead, you share the basics
and steer them through experiences that help them discover God’s truths. Spoon-feeding days are over for third- and
fourth-graders. They are ready to do some strenuous mental exercises themselves. Let them.
Responding to God’s Word is an application time. Learning goes beyond knowing Bible trivia to understanding
how to use and apply the truths in daily life. “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.”
Bible Insight is a selected Scripture that relates to the Bible principle and life application. Each lesson gives an idea
for helping learners memorize the words.
The Learner’s Manual has perforated pages for taking activities home each week. Each lesson’s first page focuses
on the Bible story, followed on the second page with related involvement assignments. The Bible Insight on the third
page of each lesson has material for learners to use. More life application activities are on the last page.
Make and Take projects provide meaningful ready to use material to further emphasize the Bible story or life
application. They are excellent supplemental learning tools. Because children learn by doing, the make and take
activity should be a part of each session.
3
Unit 1
Lessons 1–4
What Is Love Like?
Love is the caring and sharing which
God’s family members have for each
other. Love is being more concerned
about the well-being of others than about
oneself. Love motivates one to give.
Overview of Bible Lessons
Bible lessons that illustrate love give learners insight into the meaning of
God’s love and how to respond to it.
The Shepherd—Jesus cares for His people as a shepherd cares for
Unit Objective Biblical examples that show us how to love.
Learning how to show love to God in
appreciation for His love and care.
Boys and girls will know that faithfulness in
loving God is a personal choice.
Learners will feel gratitude for God’s love.
Everyone may choose attitudes and actions
that prove love for God.
This Unit and Your Learners The love of God is an endless study, but for
four weeks you will guide children in exploring
aspects of His love and ways of returning love
to Him. Learners will participate in activities to
help them understand more about what God’s
love means for them. Realizing who we are in
Christ gives confidence for the tough times in
life.
Loving Jesus and others is the way to
happiness in life even though there may be
hardships along the way. God does not insulate
Christians against adversity, and children
experience their share of problems. These
lessons guide their focus toward the goal rather
than the distractions along the way.
Boys and girls need more than head
knowledge of Bible stories. The life application
is given to direct the learner in applying the
Bible principle.
Love for God must be evident in one’s life.
To say we love God and refuse to obey His
commands is contradictory. Young Christians
need to realize the privilege it is to make Jesus
Lord in their lives. Standing for what is right
even if they have to stand alone proves their
love for the sovereign, living God.
his sheep. He provides needs, protects from danger and leads His dear
children along paths of blessings if they will follow.
Job’s Patience and Love—An avalanche of adversity hit Job, but he
remained faithful to God through it all. His strong love for and faith in
God never faltered during severe suffering.
The Two Sisters—Mary and Martha showed love for Jesus in different
ways—fellowship and service.
Rahab’s Courage—Rahab risked personal danger to help Israelite
spies because she knew their God was the true God, and she loved Him.
BULLETIN BOARD
Cover a large piece of corrugated cardboard with red background paper or
fabric. Add a white border. Lay it flat to arrange the design. Cut a large heart
from pink paper. Make bright pink letters for Love Alive. Glue to the heart.
Cut many medium, small and tiny hearts to arrange around the large heart
like an explosion of love. Cut bright pink narrow strips for rays. Add bright
pink small hearts around the letters on the large heart. Shift and rearrange the
design until it looks right. Glue all the pieces to the background.
Love that is alive produces positive actions toward God and others. Ask
learners to think of ways to show love and letter them on the medium hearts.
You could also use one word answers for “What Is Love Like?” Have each
child autograph one of the hearts to show he wants love to be alive in his life.
Make the “doing of loving deeds” a project for this unit.
q Materials Needed: corrugated cardboard, red paper or fabric, white
border, pink paper, bright pink paper, glue pens, pencils or markers
4
Unit 1 Pattern Page
Lesson 4
Bible Insight
Mobile Pattern
5
1 Corinthians 13:13
Lesson
June 7, 2015
The Shepherd
Psalm 23; John 10:1-15
Jesus cares for His people as a shepherd
cares for his sheep.
Lesson Objective
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Learners will compare attributes
of Jesus’ love for His people to
those of a shepherd’s love for his
sheep.
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LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle
Jesus provides needs, protects
from danger and leads His dear
children along paths of blessings
if they will follow.
Bible Insight
“For I am persuaded, that
neither death, nor life, . . . nor
things present, nor things to
come, . . . shall be able to
separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38, 39
Jesus loves me and He is strong enough to
provide for all my needs. I will trust His love to
be with me always.
6
Lesson 1 The Shepherd
KNOW GOD’S WORD David, the author of the poem that has meant so much to
people around the world, was a shepherd, the son of a shepherd
and later became the “Shepherd King” of Israel. As the young
est boy in the family, he cared for the sheep while the older
brothers helped with plowing, sowing and harvesting the crops
and other harder tasks.
Shepherds in Eastern countries made their living caring
for flocks of dependent sheep. The hired shepherd worked for
wages; but the shepherd owner had the welfare of the sheep at
heart. Jesus mentioned this contrast in His parable of the Good
Shepherd (John 10:12).
The shepherd’s character determined the quality of care
the sheep enjoyed. Men who were gentle, kind, intelligent,
brave and selfless in their devotion to the flock had sheep that
would flourish and thrive contentedly under their care. If the
shepherd was uncaring, the sheep would struggle, starve and
suffer endless hardships.
Sheep do not “just take care of themselves” as other animals
might. They require more attention and care than any other
class of livestock. One of the principle duties at all seasons
of the year is for the shepherd to plan food for his flock.
Scriptures often refer to shepherds looking to find pasture for
their flocks. The loving shepherd searches for good pasture
free from poisonous weeds that might harm the sheep.
In selecting pastureland for the flock, the shepherd must
also locate water with easy access. Because sheep dislike
drinking from fast moving water, the shepherd looks for pools
of water, or provides some quiet place where they may quench
their thirst.
When free of hunger, of fear, of friction among the flock, of
flies or of parasites, the sheep will lie down to rest. The picture
in this psalm is God’s people resting in quiet contentment, free
from anxiety and tension.
The presence of the shepherd provided security for the
flock. The shepherd generally carried a dual-piped flute of
reed. The minor strains of music that came from this flute
stirred the heart of the shepherd and refreshed the sheep. More
7
than likely David used such an instrument when he was with
his flock, as shepherd boys had done for centuries around
Bethlehem.
The expressive metaphors throughout the Bible are full of
meaning for God’s people. Isaiah states, “All we like sheep
have gone astray,” but Jesus came to earth to find and redeem
the lost. Through Him, we may “dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.”
Sometimes several flocks of sheep mingled together at a
well during watering time. When it came time to separate the
flocks, one shepherd after another stood and called, “Tahhoo!
Tahhoo!” or his choice of a similar call. The sheep were so
familiar with their own shepherd’s voice that they would only
follow him. Strangers may have used the same call, but their
efforts to get the sheep to follow always failed (John 10:4, 5).
The descriptive relationship Jesus explained in the parable
of John 10 illustrates the work of the Good Shepherd in
spiritual relationships. The loyalty of sheep to their shepherd’s
voice is cause for reflecting on our faithfulness to follow Jesus.
Have we become deaf to the true Shepherd’s voice so that we
go after strangers who care not for the welfare of the sheep?
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am
known of mine. . . . I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Jesus wants what is best for His people. He came to provide
a wonderful, abundant life for all those who will accept Him as
Shepherd and follow as His sheep. With Him in control every
need is met fully.
EARLY TIME ACTIVITIES
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 1, scissors,
crayons, colored pencils or water based markers,
paper, glue, pen or marker
The Shepherd Diorama—Have project 1 removed from
make and take books. Provide items for coloring the diorama
background and figures. Make a diorama ahead of time to
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: Lesson 12 Shepherd Photo (fall quarter 2014). Item 1, Attendance Chart, Heart Smiles MicroMini stickers (7-07529-43128-4), Item 2, Love Poster
The theme of love introduced last quarter will carry right into this unit for extended learning about a valuable character trait.
The greatest need in our world continues to be the urgency for people to love God most of all and to love one another without
reservations. The earlier we can motivate children to accept and share God’s love, the more effective their lives will be in Christ’s
service.
Reuse the shepherd photo used for Lesson 12 visual aid in fall quarter, 2014, to illustrate the shepherd and sheep relationship
for this lesson.
Place the attendance chart, Item 1 of visual aids, on the outside of the door of your room as a decoration for the summer quarter.
Have Heart Smiles Micro-Mini stickers to record attendance in the spaces on the chart.
Display Item 2, Love Poster, at eye-level of learners to use as a learning tool for this unit.
8
The Shepherd
Vocabulary Words
love—God’s compassionate concern
for mankind; man’s reverent
devotion to God and the caring
feeling of people toward one
another
shepherd—a person who herds and
takes care of sheep; a religious
leader such as a pastor
Lesson 1
Lesson Set
For just a minute have learners follow the actions of another. Have the
children form a single line behind you. Each person must do the same action as
the person in front of him after that person stops moving. Do actions such as
move outstretched arms in circles, run in place, shake your head, kneel, hop,
bend over and walk or turn around. Start the next movement before everyone
finishes the last one.
Stop after one minute. Say: Sheep have the habit of following the leader.
One old ewe is usually the leader of the sheep. The others just tag along behind
one another without thinking of where it will take them. What one does, the
others imitate. Do you know people like that? The Bible story tells how a good
shepherd leads his sheep and they follow him. Jesus cares for His people as a
shepherd cares for his sheep.
be familiar with the procedure and as an
attractive visual to illustrate the story theme
of the lesson.
Encourage learning as the children work to
make their diorama. Ask: What do you see in the diorama that
a good shepherd provides for his sheep? (Still water and green
pasture; safe place to rest.) Why do you think Jesus called
Himself the Good Shepherd? (Because He cares for our needs
completely; He protects us like a shepherd protects his flock.)
The Bible lesson today will help us understand that idea better.
Place the fold at the top. Write “Psalm 23” on the top layer
and each verse reference on the other tabs as shown in the
sketch. Skip the second half of the sheet that has edges even
(verse 3 sheet). Learners will draw a picture there to illustrate
the psalm during class. On each page above the verse number,
copy the words of the corresponding verse using a Bible for
reference. Lift up the verse 3 page. Let the learners draw an
illustration of a shepherd caring for sheep.
WORSHIP TIME DEVOTIONAL
Magnetic Pull, John 12:32
q Materials Needed: magnet, metal objects, Bible
Psalm 23 Layered Look Book—Stack four sheets of paper (8
½" x 11"), and stagger them so the ends are one inch lower than
the sheet before it.
Bring the top sheet of the stack
upward and align the edges of the top
sheet evenly. With the tabs an equal
distance apart (when folded up the
edges of the remaining sheets should be
one inch apart), crease the fold line of
all sheets. Now staple or glue along the
center fold to make a layered look book.
Edges
even
for
middle
page
Bring a magnet and a few metal objects such as paper clips
to class to show how the magnet attracts metal. Talk briefly
about the magnet and what it does in drawing metal objects to
it.
Read John 12:32 from the Bible.
We can illustrate this verse with Magnetic Pull activity. You
will act like magnets. When I call out an instruction, everyone
who fits that description will bunch tightly together to act like
magnets. The rest of us who do not fit that description will
wait for the next magnetic group. When I call out a different
instruction, the group will disband for a new magnetic force to
come together.
Call out descriptions that involve all the children at times
and just part of them at other times. Ideas:
everyone who brought a Bible to Sunday School
everyone who plans to attend VBS
everyone wearing a dress
everyone with blue eyes
everyone who loves Jesus
everyone who likes hamburgers
everyone who knows what a shepherd does
everyone staying for worship assembly today
Lesson 1 The Shepherd
Then ask: How does love act like a magnet in our church?
(Draws us together in love.) How do we act like a magnet for
the Lord? (We live so others are drawn to Him.)
God’s love draws people to Him for salvation. He wants
everyone to have His gift of eternal life. It is the Holy Spirit
who draws a person to make that decision. During the lessons
in this unit, we will learn what love is like.
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Item 2, Love Poster, Pop-up
Book, visual aids instruction sheet
Gather everyone around the Love Poster, Item 2 in visual
aids, for a choral reading. Explain that love is the theme of the
lessons in this unit. The verses on the poster tell something
about love. Ask them to listen to hear about the love the Bible
verses share.
All: Read the verse from the center heart with the picture of
Jesus and children.
Girls: Read 1 John 4:7, 8, 10, 11 from the top left heart.
Solo 1: John 3:16 in the middle left heart.
Solo 2: Romans 5:8 from bottom left heart.
Duet: 1 John 3:18 at the upper right heart.
All: John 15:12 in the right center heart.
Guys: Read the section from 1 Corinthians 13, lower right
heart.
Ask: What is something we know about love from reading
these verses? (God’s love caused Him to send His Son to
earth to die in our place; God wants us to love one another
in actions, not just talk about it; 1 Corinthians 13 has a lot of
characteristics of love.)
One day Jesus told a parable—a short story with a spiritual
meaning. I want us to discover together the truths Jesus shared.
You will need to work with a partner. This is a good way
to learn as long as you stay focused on the Scripture. If you
distract your partner by talking about things other than our
Bible lesson, we will have to stop the interactive learning. I
know you will probably cooperate and stay on target with me,
but I just wanted to warn you about that rule.
Now, get with a partner to read Jesus’ parable in John 10:15. You will read alternate verses aloud to each other. Then I
want you to discuss what you think Jesus meant by telling this
story. You have one minute to read the verses and decide on
the meaning. When you hear me say Ba-a-a, you will focus
attention here again.
(If you have an uneven number of learners, be a partner
with someone. Allow one minute for this interactive learning
activity. If you are free, move around the room to listen to the
different partners sharing ideas about the story. Get attention
by saying, “Ba-a-a,” and immediately call names of a pair for
a report. Some may say the words Jesus spoke. Others may
know the meaning behind the story.)
Jesus explained His story when the people did not understand
what it meant. John 10:7-10 clarifies it for us. Take turns
reading those verses with your partner. Talk about them. When
9
you are sure your partner knows the meaning of the parable
Jesus told, you may stand up.
(This encourages children to learn from one another.
Learners become teachers as they help each other understand
the message. After the children are all standing, invite
volunteers to share what they believe Jesus meant.)
Trusting in Jesus is the only way to become God’s child.
After we trust Him as Savior, He cares for us as a good
shepherd cares for his sheep.
Ask everyone to read John 10:11 and 14 in unison. Many
years earlier, David wrote a beautiful poem about the Good
Shepherd. Maybe you know it by memory. We have a pop-up
book to illustrate David’s poem.
(Have the visual for Lesson 1 prepared according to
directions on the instruction sheet in the visual aids packet.
Hold the book on your lap. Raise each page to introduce the
verse the picture illustrates. Hold the first page open. Learners
may want to say the words of the verse with you as you
introduce each page of the visual. Great!)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” After you
accept Jesus into your heart as Savior, you are one of His
sheep. He helps you to grow spiritually. He is always with you
everywhere. Jesus’ sheep who follow Him never go hungry or
want for any other needs. He provides so generously that we
never lack things we really need.
(Turn the visual to show pop-up page 2.)
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth
me beside the still waters.” Because David was a shepherd, he
knew what a shepherd must do to provide for his sheep. Some
pastures had poisonous weeds that would hurt the sheep. The
good shepherd would make sure the pasture had lush, green
healthy grass for his flock. Shepherds who did not care for their
flocks would let the sheep overgraze the fields and the grass
was so short it would not grow.
Sheep are quite sensitive about resting. If they are hungry,
bothered by flies or parasites or feel unsafe, they will not lie
down to sleep. The good shepherd makes sure the sheep feel
safe and are free from bothersome pests.
Did you know sheep do not like to drink water from a
running stream? They will drink from a dirty puddle of water
but feel insecure drinking from swiftly flowing water. Dirty
puddles have bacteria in them. The good shepherd finds still
pools of clean, fresh water or puts rocks in a stream to form a
dam to make a still pool from which the sheep drink their fill.
Jesus, our Shepherd, also leads us in a kind and gentle way
away from harm and danger. Because we can depend on Him
to care for us, we can feel calm and restful. There is no need to
worry and fret when we have Jesus caring for us.
(Change visual to show page 3.)
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake.” Sheep have funny habits.
They follow without considering where the leader is going.
They just tag along with one another even if the way is wrong.
The shepherd had to guide his sheep and keep them from harm.
Our Good Shepherd leads us in the way that is right. When
we follow the leadership of our friends and go the wrong way,
Jesus gently and lovingly brings us back again to the right way.
(Turn to scene 4 of visual book.)
10
The Shepherd
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.” As the sheep went through dark
valleys that might frighten them, the shepherd was there to
comfort them. A shepherd would calmly talk to his sheep while
going through such places to let them hear his voice and feel
reassured that he was there to protect them.
No matter what problems we might have, our Good
Shepherd is close by to protect and help us. When we are sick
in bed, we need not feel afraid, for the Lord is right there with
us. He keeps us from harm and danger, and He comforts us
with His loving arms of love.
(Open page 5 of the visual.)
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth
over.” What are enemies of sheep? (Bears, lions, cougars and
other predators.) At times the shepherd had to stop for the
sheep to eat grass in places where enemies could be hiding—
behind rocks or bushes. The shepherd always watched care
fully and would protect his sheep from the enemies. Remember
how David told King Saul one time that he had killed a bear
and a lion who attacked his sheep?
When we feel there is danger anywhere around us, we
know our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, is with us to protect
us from harm. His loving care surrounds us and goes with us
because we are His sheep by accepting Him as Savior. His
blessings overflow in our lives.
(Turn to the last scene in the visual book, page 6.)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
David certainly had confidence in God. We can have that same
faith today by receiving Jesus as Savior and believing what His
Word teaches. You are young now, but He will guide you all
the days of your life if you will choose to follow Him and stay
near to Him.
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
A flock of sheep might have one or more sheep that would
insist on leaving the shepherd’s guidance. What do you think
might happen if a sheep left the flock? (It might get lost, fall
into a gully and not get out or get stuck in some rocks.)
How does that compare with people who refuse to follow
the Good Shepherd? (People who do not obey Jesus’ commands
cannot feel sure of being in God’s protective care because they
have chosen to find their own way.)
Jesus loves His people and cares for them as a good
shepherd loves and cares for his sheep. Jesus is strong enough
to provide for our safety and everything we need. His love is
always with us as His children.
Do you have that confidence in your life? Do you know for
sure that you belong to Jesus Christ? Have you trusted Him for
forgiveness of sin and received God’s gift of eternal life?
If you do not have Jesus as your Shepherd, please accept Him
today. It is dangerous to go another minute without salvation.
Lesson 1
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: chalkboard, marker board or
newsprint, paper, pencils, Bible
After receiving Jesus as Savior, nothing can separate one
from God’s love. It is a forever relationship when God makes
a repentant sinner His child. The Bible Insight verses are
confident assurance of continuing love and care.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, . . . nor
things present, nor things to come, . . . shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”
(Rom. 8:38, 39).
Visualization will help learners remember the words more
easily. Letter the words on the board or large piece of
newsprint paper. Illustrate the words as shown or leave blanks
on the chart for learners to draw illustrations for the key words.
Give each child a blank sheet of paper to copy the words and
make individual illustrations. After they finish, ask them to close
their eyes, think of the words and say them aloud to one another.
Form two teams of learners. One person can be a team.
Point to team one to say the words down to the first comma.
Point to team two to say the next section of the verse to
the second comma. Continue back and forth with learners
alternately saying the words.
Repeat the same pattern to make it go smoother. Then
switch for team two to start the recitation. The illustrations will
help them remember the words and their order. How many can
say the Bible Insight words alone?
Learner’s Manual
q Materials Needed: pencils, crayons, learners’ manuals
Use your best reading techniques to read aloud the Bible
story. Children sometimes like to sit and listen to stories read
aloud. Read slow enough to pronounce clearly each word so
everyone understands what you read.
Lesson 1
The Shepherd
Allow learners to work in pairs to match the comparisons
of Shepherd Care. Comprehension is the goal, and two
learners discussing the possible matches together will learn
more than if individuals try to be the first one finished
working alone. Answers are 1-D, 2-F, 3-B, 4-C, 5-A, 6-E.
The Bible Insight activity helps learners make a personal
application of the assurance of God’s love. Help them think
of things that trouble children who do not have the Good
Shepherd’s love in their lives. (Bullies at school, tests, sickness,
poverty, wars, crime, earthquakes, storms, accidents.)
God’s love does not insulate His people from adversity. He
is there for us and gives a quiet calmness when troubles come.
We know Jesus is with us wherever we go and whatever
happens.
Ideas for ways that Jesus cares for His people are as
follows: provides needs of clothes, food and a place to live;
gives people to love and care for us, gives the Bible, prayer
and a church to provide spiritual needs; He gives a beautiful
world to enjoy, friends, freedom in our country and the
privilege of serving Him.
The last page is a reading-comprehension exercise. After
learners read the passage from John, ask:
What did Jesus mean about being the Door of the sheep?
(There is only one way to enter Heaven—through Jesus.)
What is the difference between life and abundant life? (Life
is just an existence on earth; abundant life is a joy-filled life in Jesus,
having peace with God and the peace of God in our lives.)
11
How did the Good Shepherd lay down His life for the
sheep? (Jesus gave Himself on the cross to die in our place.)
Read Psalm 23 on the last page of the learner’s manual
lesson as a responsive reading. A leader reads the first and all
odd numbered verses; the rest respond by reading the even
numbered verses.
Ask: Why do you think pastors often use this Scripture
at a memorial service for someone who has died? (It gives
comfort to those who are sad about losing a loved one. It makes
them realize that the Lord is with them through their sorrow. It has
comforting words.)
Make and Take
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 1, crayons,
colored pencils, water based markers, scissors, paper,
colored paper, glue
Follow instructions in Early Time Activities section to make
a diorama of make and take project 1. After learning the easy
process of folding and cutting a square to make the diorama,
learners can make more to correlate with this one. Set four
of them side by side to make a four-section diorama. Glue the
touching sides together so they stay in place.
Learners may use scraps of colored paper to make standup figures, or draw on the backgrounds. Suggest that they
illustrate other aspects of shepherd life mentioned in Psalm 23.
Saying Good-bye
q Materials Needed: stapler, take-home papers, children’s stuff
“Love is not love until you give it away.”
Why is that quote true? We prove our love by what we do. God proved His love
by sending His only Son to be our Savior. We can prove our love by giving love to
others for Him. This week, look for opportunities every day to do “random acts of
love and kindness.” Do things to show what love is like.
Lesson
June 14, 2015
Job’s Patience
and Love
Job 1:1-4, 13-22; 2:1-10; 42:11-17
Job remained faithful to God
in spite of adversity.
ressure
Faith Under P
Lesson Objective:
:11-17
-22; 2:1-10; 42
Job 1:1-4, 13
Learners will list hardships Job
endured even though his love for
God and faith in Him never faltered.
we
the first person
Job is usually
tions
n someone men
think about whe
en
things do happ
suffering. Bad
and probably no
to good people
the
s experienced
other human ha
godly,
felt. He was a
adversity Job
literally
family man who
rich, influential
His
ble in one day.
saw his life tum
d and
d health crashe
an
ily
m
fa
h,
lt
wea
nds
t of his wife, frie
ec
sp
re
e
th
it
with
ed, but
ob felt depress
and servants. J
remained
tire ordeal, he
through the en
st of
e passed the te
H
.
d
o
G
to
ue
tr
him
e Lord blessed
th
d
an
,
ve
lo
ul
faithf
ildren
ches and ten ch
with twice the ri
trial ended.
again when the
LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
Godly love will enable one to
endure many hardships just as
Jesus suffered for those He loves.
Bible Insight:
“And we know that all things
work together for good to them
that love God.”
Romans 8:28
I will depend on God when trouble comes and
try to understand God’s purpose for allowing
adversity. I will be faithful in loving God and
trusting Him in whatever life brings.
12
Lesson 2 Job’s Patience and Love
KNOW GOD’S WORD 13
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Feeling God’s presence and trusting His heart during the
dark experiences of life may not be easy, but it is the only way
to maintain a calm serenity through it all. When stresses are
greater than our strengths, it is then that the Lord says, “Be
still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Job came to know the Lord in a deeper dimension through
his personal affliction. His suffering went beyond financial
loses when messenger after messenger delivered reports of
disasters with his livestock. He felt devastated by the deaths of
all his children.
Along with the physical and emotional pain was the loss of
respect among relatives, friends and servants. Job even lost the
support of his wife who advised him to give up after his skin
became crusty and hard from the oozing boils that covered his
body.
Job based his integrity on a God who is greater than any
trouble (Job 1:20-22). He became despondent (Job 3:1-3;
10:18, 19), could not understand God’s response (9:16-18, 23)
but deep in Job’s heart he trusted God’s wisdom (19:25-27).
Satan tried, but he could not afflict Job enough to cause
the man to give up his love for God and faith that God was in
control. God replaced his wealth with twice as much livestock
as in the beginning of the test. His friends and acquaintances
renewed their relationships by bringing gifts that replenished
his financial standing, and God blessed with ten more children.
Job also lived many years afterward and saw his great-greatgrandchildren.
We do not have the answer for why bad things happen to
good people. We do have assurance that God only wants what
is best for us. He sometimes allows adversity to help mold us
into the image of His Son. Through the school of suffering we
learn how to help others to endure hardships. God comforts us
to make us comforters, not to make us comfortable.
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be
able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort
wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Cor. 1:4).
When you have been crushed by sorrow, you can feel for
another’s despair. You better understand how to minister
to others in similar situations when you have been there
yourself. Even in suffering, God sustains us with a supernatural
sense of His peace. Then others will see our faith and find
encouragement to fight their battles.
q Materials Needed: Item 1, stickers, chalkboard, marker
board or newsprint, masking tape, blindfold, empty
plastic bottles, boxes, wastebasket
After learners each add a sticker to the attendance chart, invite
them to look at the pictures you have displayed. What kinds of
personal tragedy do they reflect for the people involved? How
can fellow-believers, especially the church family, reach suffering
people to help them in the Lord’s name?
If you do not have pictures like these in your resources,
write words on the board or a sheet of newsprint to represent
adversities. (Tornado, cancer, death, broken home, lost job,
flood, fire, friends move away or some other disappointment or
tragedy.) Engage arrivals in conversation about the disasters.
Have they known anyone who lost their house in a fire? How
did the church family help? Have you had something bad
happen that really caused pain? God helps us through other
people. Whom did He use to help you through your time of
trouble?
After most of the learners have come, stick a long piece of
masking tape to the floor in a clear area.
Getting Back on Our Feet Game—Say: People who have
a lot of adversity or trouble have to get back on their feet
after it is over. It takes a lot of patience and endurance to try
again when you have a major problem in life. Perseverance
means “keeping on, trying again, not giving up.” Test your
perseverance in this game. Come to this line and place your
toes on the tape.
Have learners all gather at the line.
Say: With your arms folded, kneel and get back up without
moving your feet or using your hands.
Allow a minute for everyone to try it. Then say: Some
things are difficult. Life gets tough and hard to handle alone.
God helps His children through the rough times by giving
someone to help each of us or by giving extra strength and
peace. Try the action again with a partner. You help your
partner kneel and get up and your partner helps you kneel and
get up. Does that make it easier?
God
is your
refuge.
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: pictures of suffering, invite person with testimonial
Make a wall display of newspaper or magazine pictures showing results of natural disasters, the ravages of war, sickness or
other illustrations of suffering. If you have someone in your church or community who has experienced a lot of adversity with
faithfulness, invite the person to share a brief testimony with your learners. Ask him to tell how God gave peace and strength
to endure the trouble.
14
Job’s Patience and Love
Vocabulary Words
adversity—tragedy, affliction, disaster
suffering—having pain, distress or
agony
faithful—firm in one’s faith, remaining
loyal to the belief in God even
during adversity and suffering
Lesson 2
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: guest speaker, tapestry or embroidered picture
If you have a guest speaker who will tell about trusting God in adversity,
let him share at this time. (See Prepare Your Room section for the idea to invite
someone.) If you do not have a guest, use the following material to focus attention
of learners to God’s faithfulness.
Get the children near in a circle. Show them the underside of a piece of
tapestry or an embroidered picture that used several colors. Talk about how
tangled and unattractive the threads look.
Say: During difficult times, situations and adversities in our lives do not make
Pause for learners to accomplish the feat sense. But as this unattractive jumble of threads in the cloth has a purpose, God
with help.
has a purpose for the hard times in our lives.
Say: God helps us make it through tough Turn the piece over to see the beautiful design on the front. All the problems
situations. He helps us get back on our feet. in life will help accomplish God’s purpose for our lives. God has a design for each
life. We may not understand it, but we can trust the designer.
Blindfold Obstacle Course—Ask a pair
of volunteers to leave the room and put a
The Weaver
blindfold over the eyes of one of them. The
My life is but a weaving
child without a blindfold will be eyes to
Between my Lord and me;
guide the person with the blindfold.
I cannot choose the colors
Have the rest of the group arrange an
He worketh steadily.
obstacle course on the floor with objects you
Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow
provide. Use empty plastic bottles, boxes, a
And I in foolish pride,
wastebasket and whatever you have in the
Forget that He seeth the upper
room that would be suitable on the floor.
And I the underside.
Bring the blindfolded person and guide
Not till the loom is silent
him back into the room. Tell the blindfolded
And the shuttles cease to fly,
person about the things on the floor.
Shall God unroll the canvas
Say: Since you cannot see the way, you
And explain the reason why.
will depend on your guide to get you through
The dark threads are as needful
the course without stepping on anything. God
In the Weaver’s skillful hand,
calls us to see each other through the hard
As the threads of gold and silver
times in life. Trust your partner and follow
In the pattern He has planned.
the directions he gives. Your partner will
—Author unknown
guide you by giving oral instructions only.
Ask: How is life like the tapestry? Of what do the dark threads of the tapestry
Listen and obey.
The guide will tell the non-seeing person remind us? (The dark times in life.) Job, the main character in the Bible story, had
which direction to step to get through the a lot of sad things happen in his life. One disaster after another happened all in
obstacles without leading him by the hand. one day.
Set the tapestry aside and ask learners to have a seat.
Cheer for the pair when the blindfolded child
reaches the end. Remove the blindfold.
Say: Do we always know how to handle
problem situations in life? How does God
guide us during adversity or trouble that comes our way? (Wait
at least fifteen seconds before saying anything so learners can
God Comforts, Psalm 45:1-3, 7, 8, 10
think about the question and possible answers.)
q Materials Needed: Bible
God places loving people in our lives to guide us through
the rough times. Can you name someone who helped you
(Encourage learners to share in this discussion so you can
during a difficult time? (Parents, friend, pastor.)
help them realize that, when they are sad and discouraged,
Is life ever like walking blindfolded through an obstacle
God can comfort them. Their participation will help them
course? How?
understand ways in which He will comfort them.)
God wants us to care about the needs of others. “Bear ye one
When is a time that you felt sad? (Let children share
another’s burdens” the Bible teaches. When someone you know
is hurting, give a care. Pray for the person and help if you can.
experiences.)
Lesson 2 Job’s Patience and Love
Discouragement is one of the strongest weapons in the
devil’s tool box. What is discouragement like? What makes
you discouraged. (Allow time for input.)
The living and loving God who created our universe knows
when we feel sad or discouraged. He is our Heavenly Father
who cares when we hurt.
God helps us as we pray. When we talk to God and tell Him
what is wrong and ask His help, we feel better inside. We know
that God will work all things together for our good.
Another way God comforts us is through the Bible. Listen
while I read some words that make us know that God will help
and comfort us.
Read Psalm 46:1-3, 7, 8, 10.
Do those words make you feel confident that we worship a
God strong enough to handle any problem? And He is loving
enough to be there always for us.
Pray and thank God for His comfort.
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Flannelgraph Figures 2-1—2-7,
flannelboard, Tri-fold Visual 2-A, 2-B, 2-C, visual
aids instruction sheet, paper, pencils, Bible
Job was a great man of wealth and influence in the Eastern
world. (Put figure 2-1 on the board.) He loved God. He wanted
to live a life that made God happy. The Bible says Job was
perfect and upright and shunned evil. So here was an ideal
man.
(Add figure 2-2 beside figure 2-1.)
Job had seven sons and three daughters who were close to
one another. They often gathered with each other and went to
someone’s house for a feast.
Job was the richest man in the country. (Place figures 2-3,
2-4, 2-5 and 2-6 on the board as you mention the animals
pictured in them.)
How much was Job’s net worth? (Provide pieces of
notepaper and pencils for this math problem.) Add it up: seven
thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of
oxen equaling one thousand head and five hundred donkeys.
How much livestock did Job have? (11,500 animals)
Can you imagine what it would be like to be that rich? Job
had many workers to take care of the farm work and animals.
He was the wealthiest man in his country. But the greatest
thing about Job was his love for God.
One day—and it literally all happened in one day—Job lost
everything to terrible disasters. (Set tri-fold visual on the table
with scene 2-A facing learners.) A servant ran to Job.
“Rustlers attacked and killed the workers and took all the
oxen and donkeys,” he reported. (Remove figures 2-5 and 2-6.)
Before he finished, another worker ran up to report that
a fire had fallen from the sky and consumed the sheep and
workers. (Remove figure 2-3.)
A third servant came to tell Job that robbers killed the camel
keepers and took the camels for themselves. (Remove figure
2-4.)
15
While he was still speaking, another servant reported the
worst disaster of all. A great storm had struck the house where
Job’s children were having a feast, and they all died. (Remove
figure 2-2.)
(Point to figure 2-1.) Job lost everything, but Job’s faith
in God did not change. He knew that God gave him all those
material possessions and the sons and daughters. Now they
were gone, but Job still had God. He worshiped the Lord
instead of blaming Him.
He said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Satan was the cause of all the calamities that happened to
Job. God had blessed Job, and Satan argued that, if God took
away all the blessings, Job would turn against God. Job proved
Satan wrong by remaining true to God.
Satan argued, “Yes, but if you make him really suffer, He
will curse you to your face.”
Get ready, Job! There are more tests coming. (Replace
figure 2-1 with figure 2-7.)
Satan caused awful sores to break out on Job’s skin. From
the bottom of his feet to the top of his head were oozing boils
that became crusty and itched terribly. Job took a piece of
broken pottery to scrape them.
Job’s wife suggested he give up. “Do you still retain your
integrity?” she asked. “Just curse God and die.”
“You speak like a foolish woman,” Job told her. “Shall
we receive blessings from God and refuse trouble?” Job did
not know why he had so many problems, but he never turned
against God.
(Turn the tri-fold visual to scene 2-B.)
The book of Job tells about his experiences as friends came
to sympathize with him and offer comfort. But instead, they
accused Job of some great sin of which he must be guilty to
deserve all the suffering he endured. They only made Job feel
worse.
During the entire ordeal, Job kept saying, “No, this is not
because of my sin. I have done nothing against my God.” He
kept on believing and trusting in the Lord through it all.
Job proved faithful to God through all the adversity Satan
caused. He loved God and continued to trust Him for the
outcome. He knew that even if death should take him, he
would see God.
The Lord blessed Job’s faithfulness in hardships. God ended
the test and gave Job good health again. (Replace figure 2-7
with figure 2-1.)
Relatives and friends gathered for a celebration. They
extended their sympathy over the tragedies and each one gave
him a piece of money and some gold jewelry. The Lord blessed
Job with more than he had in the beginning. He gave Job twice
as much livestock as he had before.
14,000 sheep (Add figure 2-3.)
6,000 camels (figure 2-4)
2,000 oxen (figure 2-5)
1,000 donkeys (figure 2-6)
(Turn tri-fold visual to show scene 2-C.)
16
God gave Job a new family, too. He had seven sons and
three daughters again. The daughters were especially beautiful.
Job lived to see his great-great-grandchildren. He had passed
the test.
Who is someone else in the Bible who suffered very
much even though He was innocent of anything deserving
punishment? (Wait for students to think and name those they
believe qualify. Discuss their suggestions.)
Jesus endured death to pay for sins He did not commit. He
suffered for those He loves so that we do not have to hurt in
eternity. We can trust someone who loves us as much as Jesus
loves. His wisdom, goodness and mercy are greater than any
adversity we will have in a lifetime. We can trust in Him for
strength to endure trials without despair.
God does not promise security from life’s storms but
security in life’s storms. “Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: . . . be thou faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10).
When is a time that you depended on God during a time of
trouble? (Let learners share problems they have experienced.)
What are some reasons why God allows adversity in your
life? (To teach us to trust Him when people disappoint us, to
help us know that things do not last, to help us grow in faith by
trusting God’s purpose in allowing adversity.)
Our part is to be faithful in loving God and trusting Him in
whatever life brings. His part is to work all things—the good
and the bad—together for the good of those who love Him.
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: Tri-fold Visual 2-C, Bible
Read the Bible Insight verse from section 2-C of the tri-fold
visual. “And we know that all things work together for good to
them that love God” (Rom. 8:28).
Read the verse again with enthusiastic expression in your
voice and emphasis on know, all, together, good and love God.
Ask the children to read the words with you showing joy about
the promise. Ask: How many things? Learners answer loudly,
“All things.”
Ask everyone who has ever had a problem to say the Bible
Insight verse.
Ask again: How many things? They respond, “All things.”
Have everyone whom God helped during a time of trouble
to say the Bible Insight verse.
Repeat the question: How many things? (All things.)
Call on everyone who has a birthday this year to say the
words. Then let those who will keep on having faith in God when
adversity comes say the words together. Have those who will
Lesson 2
trust His wisdom in allowing bad things to happen, then all who
believe what the Bible Insight verse says to repeat the words.
Learner’s Manual
q Materials Needed: learners’ manuals, pencils, Bibles
Invite learners to read aloud alternate paragraphs of
the Bible story. Use the activity on the back of the Bible
story page to review the hardships Job experienced. What
happened to the oxen and donkeys? How did the sheep die?
How did Job lose his camels? What bad thing happened to his
children? How did Satan attack Job’s body? What was Job’s
reaction to all this? How does the story end?
The Bible Insight illustration of a puzzle will help learners
see how separate events in life fit together to make the whole
picture. Learners may choose to list things like punishment
for disobedience, bad grades, friends who disappoint them,
parents who argue, death of a loved one, fears and similar
problem areas of life.
Ask learners to think of how the adversities they listed
help conform the individual to reach the goal of becoming like
Jesus. Invite the children to share in an orderly way. (When
someone talks, I listen. When I talk, others listen.) This shows
respect for one another and makes a good classroom rule.
For example: Bad grades may be a problem for someone.
The grades can help the child become more diligent in study,
make better use of time, pray more and learn better study
habits.
In the Storms of Life section on the last page is personal
growth guidance. Read aloud the paragraphs at the top. Ask
each learner to think of something in his personal life that causes
concern or keeps his attention focused on the problem—worry.
Invite him to write about the troubling situation he faces. This
may be a very private matter which children may not want to
share aloud. After a minute, ask everyone to read the printed
life application aloud together. Then let each write his thoughts
for how he will respond to the problem he wrote about.
Lead in a brief prayer to ask God to bless the children in
their dealing with problems they face.
Make and Take
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 2, pencils,
scissors, year, glue
The bookmark project for Lesson 2 in the
make and take book will remind children to trust
God’s wisdom when things happen they do not
understand. Complete a bookmark to show as
a sample before the learners begin making their
own. Provide six-inch lengths of yarn for making
tassels.
Ask learners to use the bookmark in
schoolbooks. It will be a witness to others who
may read the Bible verse.
Lesson 2
17
Saying Good-bye
q Materials Needed: Bible, take-home papers, stapler, children’s things
Say: You and God together can handle anything that happens this week. You need to
keep a good relationship with God so you feel good about calling on Him for help. How do
we have that? (We can read the Bible and pray every day to know God’s will. We prove our
love for God by keeping His commands. Disobedience will bring His correction.)
“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
Lesson
June 21, 2015
The Two Sisters
Luke 10:38-42
Mary and Martha show their
love for Jesus.
Show
a
h
t
r
a
M
d
n
a
y
Mar
Their Love
Lesson Objective:
Learners will explain two ways of
showing love for Jesus and others.
Luke 10:38-42
e of
ayed in the hom
Jesus often st
a and
s, Mary, Marth
His close friend
hany
the area of Bet
in
n
he
w
us
ar
Laz
lder
. Martha, the o
em
al
us
er
J
ar
ne
ld,
of the househo
sister in charge
ality
ibility of hospit
had the respons
duty
portant social
for guests, an im
about
Martha hurried
in Bible days.
make
od meal and to
go
a
e
ar
p
re
p
to
r her
was just right fo
sure everything
ality
enerous hospit
special guest. G
show
was her way to
g
in
th
no
ed
ck
that la
ferent
Mary had a dif
love for Jesus.
and
he chose to sit
S
t.
en
am
er
p
m
te
ed her
talk. She show
listen to Jesus
wship.
otion and fello
love through dev
LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
One shows love through fellowship or service, but complaining
does not show love.
Bible Insight:
“By this shall all men know that
ye are my disciples, if ye have love
one to another.”
John 13:35
I will serve God through service to others,
but I will also take time to simply worship and
adore Him also. I know that Jesus loves me
and all others alike. I will not compare myself to
others in getting recognition for service.
18
Lesson 3 The Two Sisters
KNOW GOD’S WORD God gives some people the motivational gift of serving.
Doing for others comes natural for them, and they are happy
to give of themselves to make others comfortable. Martha
undoubtedly had such a temperament.
She began fixing a company meal for the honored guest
whom she welcomed to her home. She felt pressure with
much to do in a little time and felt irritated that Mary just sat
at Jesus’ feet listening. Martha felt her sister should share the
responsibility of extra work involved for their guest.
She may have tried to catch her sister’s eye to signal for her
to help. But Mary was so intently listening to Jesus talk that she
became totally absorbed in His words. She was oblivious to the
tasks which pressed so clearly on Martha.
The longer Martha worked, the more frustrated she became.
“Why did Jesus not tell Mary to help her?” she must have
wondered. Finally she came to Jesus and bluntly asked, “Lord,
do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell
her to help me.”
Jesus taught a lesson about priorities in His answer.
“Martha, Martha,” He said, “You are anxious and disturbed
about doing things, but just one thing is needed. Mary has
chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.”
The demands of the urgent—things that must be done
today—often rob us of time for the important. Saying no to the
good so we can say yes to the best is a dilemma every busy
person faces. Fixing priorities according to God’s directive
will take prayerful consideration and meditation on His words.
Bustling and busy, Martha was giving devoted love to Jesus
as surely as Mary. She was eager to serve and showed selfdenial as she gave up the privilege of resting to accomplish
what she felt needed doing. But she busied herself with
temporal matters, things that do not last. Health, home
comforts, worldly position, reading pleasures, art and music
are all human benefits, but they are only temporary. They do
not satisfy and will not last.
The one thing that is needed in every life is the desire to
know divine truth from Him who is “the way, the truth and
the life.” Why do we spend so much energy and eagerness on
the unneedful that we have only odd times and fragments of
thought for that which is essential?
19
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet. We must also make that
deliberate choice to say yes to fellowship time with Jesus if we
are to enjoy the abundant life He died to provide. Both Martha
and Mary had their advantages and their risks. There are times
when it is right to neglect all other things and devote our whole
attention to the one thing needful.
q Materials Needed: stickers, Bible, marker, 3'' x 5'' cards
Servant Graffiti Poster—What does it mean to be a servant?
Jesus, in Matthew 20:20-28, explained that the way to
greatness is by becoming a servant. He came as a servant. He
wants us to understand that serving others is God’s way. We
show love for Jesus by serving one another.
Serving because of love for God goes beyond being a
waiter or waitress at a local hamburger place. The Bible
says, (point to Scripture motto on the wall; see Prepare Your
Room), “By love serve one another.”
Ask: How can you prove you love Jesus and others by
serving or doing something for people? (Allow learners to talk
about ideas they might do as a servant.) Use a marker to draw
your ideas on this graffiti wall poster. We want to fill it with
pictures of ways to be servants—how to serve others in love.
You may write small words beside your drawing if you think
it needs an explanation.
SERVE
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: newsprint or butcher paper, neon colors of paper or poster board, Bible
Put up a length of newsprint or butcher paper for a servant graffiti poster of pictures drawn by
learners. On neon colors of paper or poster board, make mini posters of Bible verses about serving
and love. Display them around Item 2, Love Poster.
Galatians 5:13—By love serve one another.
Psalm 100:2—Serve the Lord with gladness.
John 12:26—If any man serve me, let him follow me.
20
Lesson 3
The Two Sisters
Vocabulary Words
cumbered—overloaded, burdened
servant—a person who serves others
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: chalkboard or marker board, chalk or markers
Use a Bible word version of Hangman with the words, “Serve in Love.” Place
eleven blanks on the chalkboard or marker board, one for each letter with
spaces between words.
Allow each child to draw at least one Tell the learners the words are from the Bible lesson and are a way to show
picture. If you have a small class, encourage love for Jesus. They will raise their hands when they want to guess a letter to
the children to draw more than one picture to write in the blanks. If they guess correctly, they will write the letter on one of
fill the poster.
the lines. If a letter appears more than once such as e, someone must guess it
After filling the space with pictures, again to fill another blank and again to fill the third blank. If a guess is a letter not
discuss the ideas pictured. Let each child in the words, draw part of a person on the board, adding to it after each wrong
share how he can serve others. Ask each guess.
learner to choose one idea to carry out this
week. Give each a 3'' x 5'' card to write a First mistake—Draw a head.
serving way they will try at home, church, Second mistake—Draw a right eye.
in their neighborhood or even a world need Third mistake —Draw a left eye.
such as raising money for a missionary in a Fourth mistake—Draw a nose.
foreign country.
Fifth mistake—Draw a mouth.
Sixth mistake—Draw a neck and a body.
Guess the Servant Activity—When several Seventh mistake—Draw a right leg.
children have arrived, play servant charades. Eighth mistake—Draw a left leg.
Have them each take a turn pantomiming Ninth mistake—Draw a right arm.
servants from Bible stories. The group tries Tenth mistake—Draw a left arm.
to guess the servant’s name and briefly dis
Eleventh mistake—Draw a thought bubble.
cusses how the person served others. Have
Twelfth mistake—Draw a light bulb.
names written on slips of paper for students
to choose one at random as the character he
If learners have not guessed the message by the time you finish the chalk
will imitate. Ideas to get you started:
person, tell them the words.
Jesus—knelt to wash disciples’ feet.
Serve in love is God’s way for His children. We may claim to love God, but
Moses—led children of Israel, gave God’s
our actions prove how much we care. Fellowship and service are two ways of
rules to them.
showing love for Jesus and others. The Bible story tells about two sisters who
David—played harp music for King Saul.
showed love in those different ways.
Joseph—managed grain storage for a
great famine, sold food to his brothers who
had treated him badly. music. We think about God and how wonderful and great He
Samuel—helped Eli in the tabernacle.
is. Jesus said we should worship in spirit. Our adoration for
Rahab—hid spies from Israel.
God must come from the most loving part of our being. We
Paul—shared the gospel with people around the world.
can worship as we sing, as we pray, give an offering, listen to
Daniel—served under several rulers while a captive.
Scripture reading and hear a sermon from the pastor.
Worship is a time for being close to God, the Heavenly
Father. Will you bow your head in reverence for the living God
as we worship Him now in prayer?
Worship the Lord, Psalm 95:6
Pray just to praise and exalt the Lord God.
We call these few minutes before class time a worship time.
What is worship? (Wait for children to answer. They often
do a better job of explaining it than adults because of their
simplicity and sincerity.)
Worship is praising God, showing love to Him. David, the
man who wrote Psalm 23, wrote many worship psalms. One of
them says, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel
before the Lord our maker” (Psalm 95:6).
We worship in different ways. Kneeling before the Lord
shows reverence to Him. We can worship as we listen to quiet
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Storyboard Figures 3-1—3-5,
visual aids instruction sheet
Mary and Martha were sisters of Lazarus. Jesus often visited
these dear friends in Martha’s house in Bethany. (Show the
storyboard with figure 3-1 in place at back. Put figures 3-2 and
3-3 in the next two slits in front of the house background.)
Lesson 3 The Two Sisters
Jesus came to visit again, and Martha welcomed Him to
come in. Mary was glad to see Him, too.
Then Martha began doing things that having company
involves. The Bible does not tell us specific things Martha did.
Think about your own family. Does everyone do a little extra
when you have company? We like the house to look its best
and want to have good food ready.
How do you help prepare for guests at your house? (Let
each learner share a way he helps get ready for company.)
Did you know you are being a servant in doing that? A servant
is someone who serves others. You do things for guests, or
maybe you do things for your mother or dad. You show your
love by serving.
I am sure that Martha loved Jesus. She wanted to serve the
best meal she could put together. (Remove figures 3-2 and 3-3.
Place figure 3-4 in the doorway of figure 3-1.) She probably
made fresh bread to bake in the oven. Maybe she made a fruit
dish with grapes and figs.
Martha was a hard worker with the gift of serving. She felt
a sense of satisfaction in doing for others. But she noticed that
Mary, her younger sister, did nothing to help her. (Add figure
3-5 in a slit near the front of the storyboard. Perhaps they sat
outside in a courtyard.) While Martha tried to get a good meal
prepared, Mary sat right down at Jesus’ feet and listened to
every word He said.
(Show frustration in your facial expression and voice.)
Martha might have frowned as she realized Mary was not
helping. The Bible says Martha was cumbered about much
serving. That means she was overworked and burdened by
everything that needed doing. She went to Jesus. (Move figure
3-4 near Jesus in figure 3-5.)
“Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve
alone? Ask her to come help me.”
Martha may have thought it rude of Mary not to help serve
the Lord. Serving Him was a way that Martha showed her love
for Him.
Jesus surprised Martha with His answer.
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about the
many things you do. One thing is needful. Mary has chosen
that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Jesus appreciated Martha’s efforts, but Mary chose to hear His
words that would have eternal benefits. The fellowship we have
with Jesus is of lasting value. The big meal Martha wanted to
serve Jesus had only temporary value. Mary chose to give her love
to Jesus by listening and learning from Him.
Housework and chores they could do after Jesus left. But
they could not listen to Jesus talk and share His love after He
left.
The Bible does not tell us what Martha did then. What
would you have done had you been in her place?
Did Martha’s complaining show love? No.
Sometimes we need to stop everything and just sit quietly to
worship and adore the Lord. Do you take time each day to talk
to Jesus?
Do you listen for His Spirit within you as you read His
Word?
21
Do you choose the good part like Mary, or is your life so
busy doing things that you neglect having fellowship with
Jesus?
What would your life be like if Jesus came to your house?
What if He just stopped by unexpectedly and knocked on your
door? Would you need to dress decently before you meet Him?
What about the kinds of toys you play with? Do they honor
the Lord or do they relate to the world of evil with magical or
supernatural powers?
You are mature enough to be responsible for your choices
each day. How will you prove your love for Jesus through
“sitting at His feet”? How will you prove your love for Jesus
through serving others?
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: Bible, chalkboard or marker board,
chalk or marker
Say: Jesus gave a secret way for people to tell that they are
His disciples. Of course, it really is not a secret. Find and read
it in John 13:35. After they have time to read the verse silently,
invite learners to read it aloud in unison.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye
have love one to another” (John 13:35).
Ask: How will people know we are disciples of Jesus? (If
we love one another.)
What are practical ways you can serve one another in love?
(Help with chores or homework, share treats to eat, stand by
each other in times of trouble, encourage making good choices,
plan spiritual growth projects to do together.)
We show love for Jesus by loving one another when we feel
like it. True or false? Why? (Our feelings should not determine
whether we obey God’s command.)
Write the first letter of each word in the Bible Insight verse
on the board: B T S A M K T Y A M D, I Y H L O T A. Use
the letters as prompts for the words of the verse as you say it
aloud. Repeat it together. Then let individuals say the verse.
Ask a volunteer to turn to a neighbor and say the words without
looking at the board for help. Repeat for other learners.
Name a way that you will show love for someone outside
your family members.
Learner’s Manual
22
The Two Sisters
While learners look at the Bible story picture on the first page
of Lesson 3, read the story aloud to them. Ask: How do you think Mary felt when Martha asked Jesus to
make her help with the work? Turn to second page of the lesson
for learners to write answers to the five questions in this activity.
Allow two or three minutes for the children on this activity. Let
volunteers read answers aloud.
Ask: Which sister showed love for Jesus with serving? Which
sister showed love through fellowship with Him? Why is it
important to take time for both fellowship and service?
The Bible Insight verse is meaningful only if we listen to what
Jesus said in it. He urgently wants us to prove our love for Him by
loving one another. The three situations described give learners an
opportunity to make life application of Bible verses.
Have learners count off 1-2-3, 1-2-3 until everyone has a
number. Ask everyone with the same number to get together to
decide how to answer one of the letters. Assign Playful Pete to
team 1; Hurting Hal to team 2; and Jealous Jan to team 3.
Each team will look up the Bible verses for answers to the
problems. Allow two or three minutes to find and read verses, and
write a response to their assigned letter. Call groups together
and share responses.
Read the instructions for Fellowship and Service on the last page of
the learner’s manual for Lesson 3. Have students identify how each
picture shows love for God. Let volunteers take turns sharing whether
the different pictures show love through fellowship or serving.
Lesson 3
Make and Take
Bibles
The shutter-fold book reveals the Bible story picture and a
life application of it. Cut out the project on the solid lines on
the front. Fold forward on the broken lines and crease sharply.
The edges of the shutters should meet in the middle over the
picture.
Have learners write the names of the women who lived in
the house where Jesus visited on the front of the shutters. Let
a volunteer point out Martha and tell something about her. Let
another volunteer point out Mary and share her part in the
story. Invite a third volunteer to tell what Jesus told Martha
about listening and serving.
On the inside of the left shutter, ask each learner to
write two ways he will listen and learn about God like Mary.
Then list two ways he will show love by serving someone.
Make sure each child understands that serving means helping
someone else in some way.
Saying Good-bye
q Materials Needed: take-home papers, stapler, children’s things
The Bible gives many examples of godly people who served others. King David
served the country of Israel as their military leader and gave a lot of financial help
to build the Temple for them to worship God. David knew the greater importance
of spiritual oneness—fellowship—with the Lord. David described his great desire in
Psalm 27:4. Who can find it first?
Let someone read the words aloud. “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that
will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to
behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”
Learning more about the Lord’s will and way is essential if we are to know God.
What are two ways of showing love for Jesus and others? (Fellowship and service.)
What is fellowship? (Someone once said, “Fellowship is two fellas in the same
ship.”) Fellowship is being on the same side of an issue, being of the same mind,
working toward the same goal, being together to enjoy the presence of the other.
What is service? Doing things for others without thinking of how they will pay you
back is serving with love.
We serve God through service to others, but we must take time to simply worship
and adore Him also. Jesus loves all of us alike. Should we compare our service to
others in getting recognition for what we do? (No. We should serve without concern
for who gets the credit for it.)
Lesson
June 28, 2015
Rahab’s Courage
Joshua 2:1-24
Rahab protects the spies of Israel.
Lesson Objective:
Rahab and the
d
Scarlet Threa
Learners will tell how people
who love God may risk personal
sacrifice rather than deny God.
Joshua 2:1-24
ter
ua’s first encoun
sh
o
J
as
w
ho
ic
Jer
and
the Promised L
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ts
en
d
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re
h
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el. He
adership of Isra
le
an
eg
b
he
as
River
ss the Jordan
sent spies acro
ng all
nd before movi
to survey the la
ahab’s
new territory. R
the people into
te of
the entrance ga
house was near
there.
the spies went
d
an
l,
al
w
ty
ci
the
king who
ed them to the
rt
o
p
re
s
rd
ua
G
ahab
arrest them. R
to
s
er
ic
ff
o
nt
se
er
d the spies und
courageously hi
the
e roof and sent
drying flax on th
de the
tile search outsi
officers on a fu
od
her belief in G
ed
rm
fi
af
ab
ah
city. R
give
that He would
with assurance
try.
ry over her coun
Israel the victo
LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
There are times when a Christian
may place his life in danger because
of his faith in and love for God and
godly principles.
Bible Insight:
“And now abideth faith, hope,
charity, these three; but the
greatest of these is charity.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
FAITH
HOPE
CHARITY
Rahab received God’s blessings because she
proved her love and faith by hiding the spies. I
know that following God’s plan for my life may
include hardship at times, but it is the way to
happiness.
23
24 Rahab’s Courage
KNOW GOD’S WORD The Israelites’ long journey from Egyptian bondage to
the new land God had promised His people was about over.
Joshua, the leader after Moses’ death, received his commission
from the Lord to take the people across the Jordan River to
claim the land God had for them.
Jericho was the first city across the river. The people who
lived there greatly feared the attack they knew Israel would
bring. Word of how the Lord God worked on Israel’s behalf as
they traveled from Egypt preceded their arrival. The citizens
were in awe of this great nation coming to conquer and claim
their land.
Joshua sent two men as secret agents to see what Jericho
was like. They went to Rahab’s house and found a kindhearted
woman who hid them and their purpose from the king’s
officers. She expressed faith in God and risked personal danger
by hiding the spies on the roof of her house when officials
came looking for the men to arrest them.
As soon as the officers left, Rahab hurried to the rooftop. “I
know the Lord has given you the land,” she told the spies. “All
our people are afraid because of you. We have heard all that
God has done for you.” She named specific incidents of God’s
deliverance.
“The Lord your God is God in Heaven above and in earth
beneath,” she concluded.
She took her stand on the Lord’s side because she knew it
was the right way and the safe way. She helped the men escape
through a rear window of her house which was on the town
wall. They used a scarlet cord or rope to descend the wall and
elude the soldiers searching for them. They promised safety to
Rahab and her family members whom she would bring into
her house when Israel came to destroy Jericho if they could
see hanging from her window the scarlet rope on which they
escaped.
Rahab’s courage in placing her own life in danger to protect
God’s people showed love for the true God. Love is the greatest
characteristic of a child of God today. First Corinthians 13, the
love chapter of the Bible, emphasizes the necessity of love
permeating everything we do. Our greatest achievements are
nothing without the motivating factor of love.
Lesson 4
Many of America’s children commit hate crimes daily. We
need to lead learners in Sunday School to adopt the principle of
love as a guiding factor in their choices. Love for God is shown
in our actions of love for others. The children will benefit from
focusing on God’s principle of love as the reason for treating
others with respect.
q Materials Needed: paper lunch sack, red string, make
and take instructions, back cover of the make and take
or construction paper, scissors, glue, recording device
or notepads and pens, written question, chalkboard
or marker board or paper, objects or pictures (see
suggestions), stickers
Children learn more through experiences than from sitting
passively while someone else talks. Involve them in learning
scriptural truths from the minute the first child arrives.
Let each child make the Bible Insight Mobile during the few
minutes before class begins. (See Bible Insight section of this
lesson for directions.)
Learners will also enjoy making a Bible-time house from
a paper lunch sack. It will make a good visual to help them
understand details of the spies escape from Jericho. The
instructions for it are on the back of the Make and Take project
for Lesson 4.
Use one of the following active learning ideas before
Sunday School time.
Interviews—This activity encourages interaction between
generations. Invite a team of two or three learners to go to
an equal number of adults before Sunday School begins to
interview them. Provide recording device for learners to use if
you can or supply notepads and pens.
This activity is for those who arrive early. Decide on a
cutoff time for learners to leave the area and do not send
anyone out after five minutes before time for assembly.
If you have only one or two learners, let them experience
the interaction also by going to one person for the activity.
God can
use YOU!
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: red rope or cord, Item 2
Have a red rope or heavy cord to hang on a wall to create interest in the lesson. When learners ask about it, say only that it
is a key factor in the Bible story. Some sharp learners may remember the story and share it with those who are unfamiliar with
it.
Move Item 2, Love Poster, to a different but still prominent place for extra emphasis in this lesson. Have on hand things needed
for learners to use in Early Time Activities.
Lesson 4
Vocabulary Words
spies—men sent to get details
secretly about the affairs of an
enemy
flax—a plant providing fibers for
weaving into linen cloth
love—God’s compassionate concern
for mankind; people’s reverent
devotion to God; the feeling of
respect and fellowship that people
should have for each other
Rahab’s Courage
25
Lesson Set
Suppose we needed to hide a missionary or Christian worker from enemies
who wanted to kill him, what could we do? Where would you hide him?
Allow a few seconds for learners to think of a good hiding place in the church
building. Let them share what they would do. If you have a large class, limit
responses to two or three.
You thought of some good places to hide. We hope that in our country there
will never be a need for someone to hide from God’s enemies. The men in our
Bible story needed to hide from the king’s soldiers who came looking for them.
Listen for what a woman did to help them because she loved God and knew He
would give victory to Israel.
The team members will take turns asking someone, “What
is the greatest need in our world?” Write the question for
learners to take along to use for reference. Remind them to be
polite as they approach people. They will show they are serious
about getting input by refraining from giggling and silliness.
Ask team members to stay together and return to the class area
promptly after the last interview.
If you cannot use recorders, instruct learners to ask people
to write their answers on paper. When teams return, have them
read the responses aloud. Chart the responses on the board or a
piece of paper by writing the ideas given as the greatest need.
If more than one person felt the same need, make a mark by it
for each time named.
Ask: What do most people feel is the greatest need today?
What do you think is the greatest need? Why? (Allow for
honest expressions of felt needs.)
First Corinthians 13 in the Bible says love is the greatest
need. Our purpose for learning God’s Word is to apply His
principles to our daily life.
The main character in our Bible story showed her love for
God by the way she treated God’s people. We prove our love
today by our actions toward others.
Instruments of Love—In this activity, learners will discover
how everyday objects can become instruments of love when
we use them for the Lord. They will associate the objects with
ways to show love.
Collect a wide variety of objects. (Use pictures of items
too large to bring.) Set the assortment of things before the
children. Call on each child to choose one item and think of
how to prove love by using it. After everyone has an item,
let each of them discuss ideas for using the object with one
another. After a minute, ask each one to share with the whole
group how he might use the selected object to show love or
how it reminds him of love.
Here are some ideas:
Can opener—share food with the needy.
Soap—keep a clean life for God to use.
Musical instrument or microphone—sing/play music to
honor the Lord.
Pencil—write words of encouragement to someone. Envelope and stamp—send a letter to someone telling them
about God’s love.
Include unusual items and let learners enjoy using their
imaginations to think of good ways to identify love with them.
Say: Think about the overall picture of all these objects.
What is a truth that we can remember? (We should use what
we have to prove our love for God and to benefit others.)
Rahab in the Bible story for this lesson used flax and a red
rope to help spies from Israel.
The World’s Greatest Need, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 13
The theme of Unit 1 Bible lessons has been learning what
love is like. The Bible describes for us in 1 Corinthians 13 what
love is. Because God is love, He wants us to have His love
motivating our actions toward others.
Turn to 1 Corinthians 13 to discover with me some
characteristics of love. (Wait for everyone to find the chapter.
Invite a volunteer to read the verse you call for. Comment
after each verse or better yet encourage the learner to explain
the meaning. You can then give a summary before calling on
someone else to read the next verse.)
Verse 1—If one fluently speaks many different languages
but does not love people, the words are meaningless.
Verse 2—Even if I understand all Scriptures and can teach
it to others and have a faith so great I can do great works for
the Lord, if I do not have love, I am a nobody.
Verse 3—Even though I give away everything I own to help
poor people and even if I give myself to a cause and get put in
jail or killed as a result, if I do not have love all my good works
are of no benefit.
(These first three verses show the necessity of having love
as the motive for our actions. The next four verses show
characteristics of love. What is love like?)
26 Rahab’s Courage
Verse 4—Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous of
others; love does not show off or brag; love has no inflated
egotism.
Verse 5—Love uses good manners and is courteous; love
is not self-centered; love is not quick to get upset and does not
plan to get revenge.
Verse 6—Love receives no pleasure or happiness in wrong
doing or sin; love enjoys the way of truth and doing right.
Verse 7—Love puts up with wrongs without seeking to pay
back with wrong. Love writes offenses of others in water and
does not remember them as the water becomes smooth again.
Love believes the good of others and circumstances as long as
it is possible to do so. Love keeps on hoping when others have
a pessimistic view of life and people. Love endures self-denial,
suffering and accepts persecution with forgiveness.
Verse 13—There are three Christian gifts which are
permanent: faith, hope and love. The most important of these
three gifts is love.
God is good to give us this explanation of love in His Word.
What a difference it would make in our world if everyone
practiced love.
Conclude with prayer to ask God to help each of you love
like He loves.
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Stand-up Figures 4-1A—4-5, visual
aids instruction sheet, Bible
It was Joshua’s first big assignment after becoming Israel’s
leader. God told him to take more than six million people of
Israel across the Jordan River into the land God prepared for
their inheritance. People already lived in the land, but God told
Joshua to conquer the ungodly people and take the land. God
promised victory.
Joshua chose two men and sent them to find out what the
land and people were like.
“Go look at the land, particularly Jericho,” Joshua told
them.
When the men approached Jericho, the first city inside the
Promised Land, they saw massive walls surrounding it. As
they walked around the city, the men found an open gate and
slipped through it. They must have tried to remain unnoticed
as they walked inside enemy territory.
Some of the houses in Jericho were built right on the city
wall. (Set figure 4-1 with side A showing house on a flat
surface. Stand the two spies, figures 4-2 and 4-3 in front of
the house and put figure 4-4 near the door.)
The spies came to the place where Rahab lived. She took
them in even though she recognized them as being Jewish
people. (Remove figures 4-2–4-4 from sight.)
Someone recognized the men going into Rahab’s house as
Israelite spies. They quickly went to the king to report them.
Well, Rahab took the men to the roof of her house where
she had lots of flax stalks drying. Flax was a strong grass-like
Lesson 4
plant that provided fibers for making linen fabric. The men
lay down on the roof and Rahab covered them with flax.
The king’s guards might have run up to the king and said,
“Rahab has men from Israel in her house. They have come to
spy on us!”
The king of Jericho along with everyone else was afraid
of Israel’s invasion. He sent word for Rahab to immediately
surrender the men who had come into her house.
(Set figure 4-5 in front of the house. Rap on the classroom
door with your closed hand. Set Rahab, figure 4-4, in front of
the house door again.)
“Bring out the Israelite men who came to your house,” the
officers demanded. “They are here to search out our country.
They are spies.”
Rahab told the king’s officers to go look for the men
outside the city. “Follow them quickly and you shall surely
overtake them,” she said.
The officials hurried away to search for the spies in the
area around Jericho. Other guards closed the city gates to
protect the city from invasion by Israel.
(Remove figures 4-4 and 4-5.)
Rahab slipped back up to the rooftop to talk with the spies.
“I know the Lord has given you the land,” she told the
spies. “Fear of you has gripped our hearts. Everyone is afraid
of the nation of Israel. We heard how the Lord dried up the
water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt.
We heard the news of your total conquest of the two kings of
the Amorites,” Rahab added.
“As soon as we heard the news about how you defeated
them, we lost courage. The Lord your God is God in Heaven
above and in earth beneath.”
Rahab believed God would give Israel victory in her land.
She risked her own safety by hiding the spies from the king’s
men. She had faith that God would deliver her land to His
people. She chose to be on God’s side.
She helped the men escape the locked city by letting them
down outside the wall with a red rope. They climbed out the
window of her house and used the rope to get to the ground.
(Turn figure 4-1 to where side B is showing.)
Before they left, the men promised Rahab protection when
Israel came to destroy Jericho. The red cord or rope hanging
in the window would let them know where she was.
“If you keep our secret and do not betray us, we will
protect you and your family whom you bring into this house.”
Rahab agreed. The men escaped back to Joshua without
being caught by the king’s searchers.
“Without doubt the Lord has given into our hands all
the land,” they reported. “All the citizens of the country are
afraid because of us.”
Joshua must have praised God for His love and power.
Rahab risked personal danger to protect God’s people.
There are times when one who loves God may place his life
Lesson 4
Rahab’s Courage
27
in danger because of his faith in and love for God and godly
principles. People who love God are willing to risk personal
sacrifice rather than deny Him.
Following God’s way in your life may cause hardships, but
it is the way to happiness. God blesses those who love Him
enough to stand for Him no matter what it might involve. Love
motivates us to do the right thing.
The shapes of the mobile pieces are reminders:
A circle, a symbol of eternity, for “And now abideth”
The shield of faith in the Christian armor—“faith” An open Bible—“hope” A heart for “charity,” which means love
A number 3 for “these three”
And a big heart declares “but the greatest of these is charity”
(1 Corinthians 13:13).
BIBLE INSIGHT
After assembling the mobile, ask individuals to say the
words of the Bible Insight verse. They can think of the shapes
and associate them with the words each represents.
q Materials Needed: Bible, dowel rods, wire coat hanger,
mobile patterns (Unit 1 Pattern Page), colored
cardstock, paper, scissors, thread, yarn or ribbon, wire
hangers or cardboard tubes
Young children can memorize easier at their age than at
any other time in life. Strengthen this trait with emphasis on
the Bible Insight verse. A memory mobile for each learner to
take home to hang in his room will be a reminder of the Bible
verse. Make one to display in the classroom with a dowel rod
and heavy wire from coat hangers shaped in an arc for the
framework as shown in the first sketch.
For personal mobiles copy the mobile designs to colored
cardstock paper, one for each child. Provide scissors to cut
them out, thread, yarn or ribbon for hanging the pieces and a
clothes hanger or cardboard tube for each mobile.
dowel rod
clothes
hanger
wire
cardboard
tube
yarn
Learner’s Manual
Let volunteer readers take turns reading paragraphs of
the Bible story on the first page of the lesson. Reading aloud
lets learners experience the Bible story through seeing and
hearing the words. It only takes a few minutes and helps set
the details of the story more firmly in the children’s memory.
Then ask: How did Rahab prove her love for God? (By hiding
the men of Israel. If the guards had found the spies hidden by her,
she would probably have been killed.)
The second page of Lesson 4 is a Bible search activity.
Everyone needs a Bible to look up the references printed. If
time allows, let each learner look up each reference. To save
time assign the references to different children or pairs. They
look up the reference and share with others the name of one
who was willing to suffer because of love for God. Other
learners write names beside the references from hearing the
report.
The answer key is
Daniel 1:8—Daniel
Daniel 3:14-18—Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego 1 Samuel 17:32, 45, 48—David facing Goliath
Acts 4:13, 18-20—Peter and John
Acts 5:40-42—Apostles
Acts 7:59, 60—Stephen
Acts 16:23-25—Paul and Silas
These Bible heroes of love and faith stand tall in their
examples of faithfulness to the Lord.
The third page has the Bible Insight verse that climaxes this
unit of What Is Love Like? The mobile suggested earlier in this
lesson will help in memorizing the words of the verse. Make
sure each learner understands meanings of the words by doing
the activity.
faith—unquestioning belief and complete trust in God
hope—a desire for and confidence in future good with the
expectation of receiving it
28
Rahab’s Courage
charity (love)—God’s compassionate concern for mankind;
one’s reverent devotion to God; the feeling of respect and
fellowship that people should have for each other
Explain that these are spiritual gifts God gives to His
people. Faith, hope and love all come from God. Love is the
greatest of them.
Take a minute for learners to think of the possibilities for
good that love can make in church, communities, cities, states,
nations and the whole world. Have each write ideas on the
lines provided. Invite volunteers to read their compositions.
Briefly discuss the need for love in your own community and
challenge learners to share God’s love with neighbors and
others.
Tie the stories of the unit together with the review section
on the last page of this lesson in the learner’s manual, What
Is Love Like? Read a title and let learners quickly tell what the
story was about, then choose the Bible principle which applies.
Matches are 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C.
A review of Bible Insight verses for Unit 1 is at the bottom
of the page. Have an award for those who can say the verses
from memory.
Terrific Teacher’s Note: Do you have an absentee?
Remove from his book the pages for Lesson 4 by tearing
along the perforations. Mail them with a note or visit the child
and deliver the lesson pages personally before next Sunday.
Children love to get mail. The contact with missing members
makes them know you love them and want them in class.
Make and Take
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 4, large
grocery sacks, pencils, scissors, glue
The rebus story on the front of
the make and take project is a fun
way to reinforce the story again.
Read the story aloud with learners
following on their copies. Pause at
each picture for them to supply the
word for it.
Use the instructions on the back of the project to make a
model Bible-time house. Have a sample made from a paper
lunch sack. Learners can follow the step-by-step directions to
make their own at home, or you can make them while waiting
for everyone to arrive. Large grocery sacks make big houses.
Lesson 4
Form a city wall by setting them side by side. Tape a piece of
heavy red cord to a rear window of one to illustrate the Bible
story detail.
Saying Good-bye
q Materials Needed: take-home papers, stapler,
children’s things
God works through people as one of His
ways of helping those who love Him. God
uses people to accomplish His purposes in
each of our lives.
How did the spies from Israel show love
for God? (The spies had courage to go into
an unfamiliar situation in enemy territory
and trusted God whom they loved to care
for them.)
How did Rahab show her love for Israel’s
God? (She risked personal danger to protect
God’s people.)
You may feel scared to do what you
know is right, but you can know for sure
that God will be with you and provide help,
sometimes in unexpected ways.
Something Extra
Role-play the Bible story with these scenes:
* Joshua choosing the two spies to go to Jericho.
* The two spies quietly entering Jericho and going to
Rahab’s house.
* Rahab taking the spies to the rooftop to hide them under
flax stalks drying there.
* The king’s officers coming to arrest the two men; Rahab
sending the officers out of the city to find the spies.
* Rahab talking to the spies about the greatness of Israel’s
God.
* The spies leaving Jericho by climbing through the window
on the city wall. The spies assuring Rahab of safety by her
having the scarlet cord in her window to mark her house.
Unit 2
Lessons 5–9
Jesus’ Church Learns About Love
Unit Objective Experiencing the life principles Jesus taught.
Learning life principles that Jesus taught in
the Sermon on the Mount.
Boys and girls will know life principles that
Jesus gave are still meaningful today.
Everyone will feel peace and happiness
from living by these principles.
Learners may practice attitudes pleasing to
Jesus and build their lives on His principles.
Jesus taught many life principles as He preached one day. Matthew’s
record of His words are the background Scriptures for the five lessons of this
unit.
Attitudes of a Christian—The attitudes of the Beatitudes describe
characteristics Christians should develop.
The Light of the World—Members of the Lord’s churches are to be a
positive influence for good.
Treasurers, Pleasures and Servants—Only by focusing on
spiritual values can Christians enjoy true happiness.
This Unit and Your Learners Children learn what they live. The brief time
you have them in class can impact a child to
want to choose godly principles for his life. But
it is the example he sees in Christians on a daily
basis that produces a lasting effect. The lack of
a good example can detract from the child’s
spiritual development.
The excerpts from the Sermon on the
Mount used for these lessons lead children to
appreciate the values Jesus taught. Each person
is responsible for his own life choices. Boys
and girls in third- and fourth-grade need to face
the challenge of choosing for God. At times
they may have to stand alone rather than go
along with those who choose the low road in
life.
The church cannot ignore the social
conditions that exist in the world. There are
no pat answers for how to fix children broken
by violence, drugs or crimes of abuse against
them. Our goal is to help children learn that
Jesus offers an alternative to sin. His way is so
high, so genuine, that success and happiness
are sure.
Character development is too important to
leave to chance. Help young children grow in
Christ’s love by beginning with salvation and,
then, making the principles Jesus taught a lifestyle.
Birds and Flowers—God’s provisions for nature should reassure His
children to live worry-free.
Floods and Winds—Only a life built on the principles of Jesus can
withstand the storms of life.
BULLETIN BOARD
Emphasize the idea of walking the Christian walk with Jesus, not just
talking like a Christian. Cover the board with bright blue background paper.
Enlarge the pattern to the size needed for your board. (Copy it to an overhead
projector transparency and project on poster board.) Color the shoes red
with the strings and toe area white, the soles gray and socks white with purple
stripes. The eyelets for the strings are yellow. Cut letters from yellow paper
and attach them to the board as shown above.
q Materials Needed: bright blue paper, shoe pattern (Unit 2 Pattern
Page), transparency, crayons or markers, scissors, yellow paper, pins,
Plasti-Tak or tape
29
30
Unit 2 Pattern Page
Lesson 9
Lesson 5
Lessons 7 and 8
Lesson
July 5, 2015
Attitudes of a
Christian
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes describe the character
of a Christian.
aching
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Lesson Objective:
Learners will list and explain the
attitudes of the Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:1-12
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LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
The Beatitudes describe characteristics all Christians should
have.
Bible Insight:
“Put on the new man, which after
God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.”
Ephesians 4:24
Blessed are the poor
in spirit . . .
My happiness is important to God. I will
receive Jesus as Savior to have peace with
God. I will choose to walk with Him each day to
enjoy the peace of God.
31
32 Attitudes of a Christian
KNOW GOD’S WORD A quiet spirit receives the message God communicates
through His Word. Take time to read the sermon Jesus preached
to His newly formed church. Imagine yourself sitting on the
grassy mountain slopes listening as Jesus taught that day. He
spoke with such authority and power that people listened in
astonishment at His doctrine.
He began with what we call the Beatitudes—blessed
attitudes of Christ’s followers. Bible language scholars tell us
that happy expresses the meaning of the Greek word translated
blessed in the King James Version.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their’s is the kingdom of
heaven. It is not those living in poverty in material possessions
of life, but those who are humble in their attitudes about
themselves that enjoy true joy.
Self-sufficiency, pride, self-righteousness and arrogance are
repulsive to God. Humility is an opposite attitude. The poor in
spirit realize their nothingness without God. Total dependence
upon God places our entire being—mind, body and spirit—
into God’s care. The humble child of God realizes he is not
doing God a favor by serving Him. Instead, God honors each
person who chooses to allow God to use his life.
To become poor in spirit is emptying one’s spirit of all pride
and self-confidence and acknowledging God as the source of
all ability. Humility is essential for the person whom God uses.
Happiness is a by-product of humble service.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Offense to God should stimulate feelings of sorrow and
remorse in the heart of the offender. Sin causes mourning for
those sensitive to God’s Spirit. Conviction about disobedience
to God’s will brings sorrow and mourning to a broken heart.
God’s people have reason to mourn. Our daily sins of
omission and commission should cause grief in our spirits.
Yielding to temptations, lack of faith, the absence of spiritual
fruit bearing; these and other humbling experiences cause
sadness for the child of God. “Let my heart be broken by things
that break the heart of God.”
When we repent, confess our sins and ask God’s forgiveness,
we find comfort in the Father’s love. He forgives, cleanses and
forgets all sins confessed by those who mourn about grieving
His Spirit.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. The
meek are those who obey God and let Him have control.
Meekness is having a right attitude toward offenders. It
involves a broken will and a receptive heart that is gentle and
mild-tempered. It is willingness to suffer an injustice with the
belief that God will vindicate us. We do not have to get even
because it is Christ’s will, not ours that we desire.
The meek want God’s will above their own welfare. They
patiently endure afflictions which may even come from other
saints—Christians. It is thinking more highly of others than of
yourself. It is writing the offenses of others in water without
planning revenge.
Meek Christians enjoy earthly blessings in any proportion,
meager or abundant. Content with what God sends, they
practice rejoicing and gratefulness. Such an attitude results in
peace.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be filled. A strong desire for
personal righteousness before God, doing and being what is
right, results in a closer walk with the Lord. To have a right
standing with God, to long for His favor and to be like Him
are motives to follow God’s plan. He blesses those who truly
desire to be like Him with happiness and spiritual fullness in
walking closely with God.
The merciful: . . . shall obtain mercy. Being merciful is
showing kindness to anyone who is in trouble hoping to ease
the burdens of affliction. As we have compassion for others,
the Lord will have compassion for us.
Kindness is a trait of the Christ-life. We imitate God more
through showing mercy than in any other way. Complete
happiness is impossible without a compassion for others, and
our attitude toward those around us determines God’s mercy
toward us.
A merciful person empathizes with an injured spirit and
dislikes harshness, cruelty, oppressiveness or injury to another.
Personal well-being is secondary to the well-being of others
and the merciful find true joy in extending that mercy.
The pure in heart: . . . shall see God. Purity of heart does
not mean sinlessness. It reflects a consciousness of sin and a
burdened, contrite heart over dishonoring the Lord. These are
people who want their actions to be God-honoring and feel
intense concern that their hearts be holy. The pure in heart have
minds, motives and principles dedicated to bringing honor and
glory to God and His Son.
Prepare Your Room
Lesson 5
q Materials Needed: remove first unit’s decor, colored paper, markers for bulletin board
Remove Unit 1 decor and store for future use. To decorate your room for this unit, make a
cluster of happy faces drawn on circles or balloon shapes of paper. Invite each learner to write his
name on one of them.
Make the bulletin board display as a silent teacher to give its message week after week.
Instructions and an illustration for it are on the unit introduction page.
Lesson 5 Vocabulary Words
happiness—the enjoyment and
satisfaction of life; joy; gladness
Sermon on the Mount—the sermon
delivered by Jesus to His disciples
containing the essentials of Chris
tian belief
Beatitudes—the declarations of
conditions for happiness and
resulting blessings which Jesus
proclaimed in the Sermon on the
Mount
blessed—enjoying great happiness
Attitudes of a Christian
33
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: fireworks sparkler, match
The devil wants you to believe that his way brings the most happiness. Let me
tell you, his way always brings disappointment. It is like this sparkler.
(Hold up a fireworks sparkler and light it. Let it burn out as you continue to talk.)
See how it sparkles and burns? The sparkler is using fuel from within to burn
and produce a bit of light. See how quickly it burned out! We have only a burned,
blackened stick left.
That is like the pleasures Satan offers. The world cannot give peace. Some
people go here and there trying to find happiness. They try first one kind of
amusement and then another trying to find something that will give joy. When
it is over, they still have an emptiness inside them.
The pleasures the world has to offer you will only last a very short time.
God’s love in your life will make your life count for eternity and bring real
happiness and joy. Jesus gave us some guidelines for enjoying true happiness.
Peacemakers: . . . shall be called the
children of God. A peacemaker brings peace
in conflicts. One must have made peace with
God through salvation to have the peace of God to control
daily living. Only then can one help bring peace to those
without it.
It takes a lot of tact, wisdom, courage and love to bring
peace where there is a quarrel. Followers of the Prince of
Peace will love and work for peace. They will try to heal
broken relationships.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’
sake: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. Persecution
resulting from sin brings no blessings, but “for righteousness’
sake” is the key. If suffering comes because of devotion to
the Lord Jesus, a blessing of happiness will accompany the
afflictions. Injury may come in the form of ridicule, mockery,
untruths that harm one’s name, vandalism of property or actual
physical harm.
Perhaps the hardest persecution to endure is that of hurtful
remarks made by fellow-Christians. “Great is your reward in
heaven” for patiently enduring persecution rather than trying
for revenge against the offender. Slanderous words, cruel,
hurtful lies, taunts, verbal abuses or physical injury all hurt.
But when endured for Jesus’ sake, they become bearable. It is
an honor to suffer for the cause of Jesus Christ.
Happy and truly blessed is that person who can rest easy in
the face of persecution and trying circumstances because he
knows God is in control.
You sound so happy! I like your smiles, too. Jesus must
enjoy looking into our room this morning and seeing your
bright faces and sparkling eyes.
I think you must have left the Grumpies outside this
morning. And that makes me glad because the title of our
lesson is Attitudes of a Christian.
(Hold up frowning face.)
Do you ever feel like this? The Grumpies cause this big
frown. When the Grumpies get us, we do not like to help
others. We grumble and complain so much that no one enjoys
being around us. We do not feel good inside because we do
not think kind or good thoughts. Grumpies make us selfish and
think everyone has it in for us. What a terrible attitude we have
when the Grumpies fill our thoughts!
God knows we need help having a good attitude, so He
gave us some Bible verses to get rid of the Grumpies. Listen to
Philippians 4:6-8. (Read from the Bible.)
What will happen if we focus our thoughts on things that are
good and right? We will begin to praise the Lord. Do you know
what praising God does to the Grumpies? (Turn face to smiling
side.) They disappear into smiles and happiness!
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Get rid of the Grumpies and refuse to let them come home
again. Choose God’s way for happiness by trusting in the Lord
in every situation.
Sing, “I’m H-A-P-P-Y” to conclude the devotional time.
Get Rid of Grumpies, Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 4:6-8
q Materials Needed: paper, marker, Bible
q Materials Needed: magazine pictures, scissors, glue,
Draw an oval on a piece of paper. Draw
lines to make a smiling man. Turn it upside
down and add additional lines to make a
frowning man so it is reversible.
Sing “Happy All the Time” and “I Have the
Joy” to begin worship time.
The suggestions here are for learners who arrive early.
Involve them in doing lesson related activities right away to
direct their thinking toward the lesson theme. Choose one
of the ideas to use before assembly or class time. Early time
newsprint or poster board, colored paper, markers,
Plasti-Tak, stickers
34 Attitudes of a Christian
extends only until time for Sunday School to begin. For a child,
teaching should begin when he walks through the door.
Happiness Picture Collage—A collage is an assortment of
pictures arranged in an irregular pattern to cover a background
and to illustrate a central idea. Provide a collection of magazine
pictures to illustrate the theme of happiness. Have scissors,
glue and newsprint or poster board cut to desired size.
Invite the children to trim the pictures and glue them to the
background with slightly overlapping edges. Then talk about
them. How do they illustrate happiness? Is there a difference
in kinds of happiness? Some things are fun when we do them,
but the joy does not last long and we soon forget about that
happiness. The people in the pictures look happy, but can we
always tell by looking at people if they are happy? Happiness
causes one to enjoy life, and it usually shows on the face.
However, one can smile on the outside and feel quite sad
inside.
The Bible lesson today is about Jesus’ guidelines for true
happiness.
Happiness Is . . . Poster—Children may have shallow ideas
of what happiness is until you help them discover deeper
meaning. Have HAPPINESS IS . . . lettered on a piece of
poster board or colored paper. Cut yellow paper banners ahead
of time by cutting a rectangle shape the length needed. Cut a
triangle shape from each end to form the banner ends.
Let learners decide how to letter the banners, but talk about
what should go on them before beginning. Suggestions: being
saved, a loving family, having true friends, helping others,
serving God, healthy bodies, showing kindness, feeling safe.
Provide markers for lettering. Attach the lettered banners
to the background with Plasti-Tak. Let children who did not
letter a banner draw happy faces on the background among the
banners.
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: The Beatitudes Poster, visual aids
instruction sheet, Bible
All the lessons in this unit are from Jesus’ Sermon on the
Mount found in Matthew 5—7. Please turn to Matthew 5 for
Lesson 5
this lesson. This is a sermon Jesus shared with His disciples in
which He gave them the essentials of Christian belief. The first
few verses of His sermon are called the Beatitudes.
Beatitudes are Jesus’ declarations of conditions for happiness
and the resulting blessings. Jesus tells in them how people can
enjoy blessings or happiness. What is the first Beatitude? (Let
a volunteer read verse 3.)
The poor in spirit can be happy because someday they will
inherit Heaven as their home. The poor in spirit are those who
know they are not good in their natural state. They depend on
God to make them good. Being poor in spirit is knowing your
own abilities are because of God’s love for you and His grace
in you. The poor in spirit want Jesus to receive the honor and
glory for what they do.
What is the next Beatitude? (Have someone read verse 4.)
To mourn means “to be very sorry about something,” especially
sin in your life. Repenting of sin is to mourn because you
have broken God’s laws. After receiving God’s forgiveness
in salvation, you have a new spiritual nature that makes you
want to obey God’s Word and do His will. Then when you
do wrong, it makes you feel sad inside because you know you
have disappointed God. Those who mourn and repent of sin
will find comfort in God’s forgiving love.
What is another characteristic that Jesus said brings
happiness? (Let a learner read verse 5.) Meekness means you
do not get angry quickly. You have self-control over your
temper to keep from saying hurtful things to others. A meek
person accepts others without jealousy or resentment. He
puts his life in God’s hands and trusts Him to work all things
together for good.
What principle of happiness did Jesus give next? (Let
someone read verse 6.) When you are hungry and thirsty, what
meets that need? (Food and water.) To hunger and thirst after
righteousness is similar, except it is a spiritual hunger. You
want more than anything to know God’s will and do it. You
want to live according to God’s rules and obey His command
to do His will.
Another group of people assured of blessings is in verse
7. (Pause for a learner to read it.) A merciful person is kind
and considerate when others have a problem. He wants to help
when someone has a need. The kind, merciful person will have
the joy of receiving mercy from others in his own times of
need.
(Call on a child to read verse 8.) The pure in heart are those
who keep their minds and hearts clean. They do not think about
evil, dirty stories, jokes or bad words. The pure in heart keep
their lives focused on trying to be like Jesus. They quickly ask
God’s forgiveness for smudges of sin when they disobey Him.
Another characteristic we need to develop is in verse 9.
(Wait while someone reads it.) A peacemaker helps people
who have a quarrel to become friends again. You can be a
peacemaker. Be slow to take offense when someone does you
wrong. Encourage friends to forgive one another.
The next three verses in Jesus’ sermon go together. (Call on
three learners to read verses 10-12 in turn.) To persecute is to
bother or harass continually because of one’s religious faith or
convictions about right and wrong. Someone who makes fun
Lesson 5
of you for doing right is using a form of persecution. Jesus
said you will receive extra special rewards for being willing to
stand alone for godly principles. Just make sure you are doing
and saying things that please God and everything will turn out
good for you in the end. God’s kingdom is yours now and in
all your future of eternity.
Your happiness is very important to God. He wants you to
have peace and happiness inside. That is why He gave these
guidelines for living. Attitude is the key word. By practicing
the attitudes of the Beatitudes, we enjoy happiness no matter
what the circumstances of life may be.
What is the first step toward having God’s peace? (Being
saved.) Salvation is to receive Jesus as Savior. When you
become His child, He gives peace. You have the calm
assurance in your heart that you will go to Heaven because of
what Jesus did for you on the cross. Then you can enjoy the
blessings of happiness we have studied today. Jesus wants you
happy now.
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: highlighter pens, pocket chart, word
cards, marker, Bible
The Bible Insight verse tells you how to enjoy the blessings
of God described in the Beatitudes. Turn to Ephesians 4:24.
Read the verse in unison. Provide highlighter pens for learners
to highlight the words. “Put on the new man, which after God
is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph. 4:24).
Receiving Jesus as Savior gives you a new nature. After
salvation, you have the nature of God in your spirit. The Holy
Spirit comes to live within you when you become a child of
God. That new nature is one of righteousness, (right living),
and true holiness, (pure from the slightest stain of sin).
35
Letter the words to memorize at the top of individual cards
about 3'' wide. Scramble them in a pocket chart ahead of time.
Set the pocket chart before the learners and invite them to
arrange the words in correct order. Read the verse again when
they finish. Then remove the cards lettered with God, created,
righteousness and holiness. Read the verse with learners
supplying the missing words. Remove Put, new and true.
Repeat the entire verse in unison. Turn the pocket chart away
from the learners and say the verse together. Invite volunteers
to say the verse individually.
Learner’s Manual
Choral readings are fun. Assign the solo parts and have
everyone read the responses following them. If you have a
small group, let each child read more than one solo part.
You read one of them to add variety. Review meanings of the
Beatitudes, with the children telling you the meaning of the
different attitudes Jesus mentioned. Discuss life application of
each. How can the learner use the principles in his or her life?
Let volunteers read the paragraphs of the Bible story on
the second page of the lesson. Then ask learners to work
individually on the activity at the bottom of the page.
The third page has the Bible Insight verse to memorize.
The Wordless Book illustrates the meaning of the Bible
Insight verse. “Put on the new man” is not like putting on
new clothes. It is a spiritual experience. Emphasize the plan
of salvation through The Wordless Book colors and allow
time for copying the Bible verses. Provide extra Bibles in the
classroom for anyone who may not have one.
Leading children to receive Jesus as Savior is the first step
toward their happiness. Stress that trusting in Jesus is the only
way to have eternal life. If you have unsaved learners in class,
explain the plan of salvation as you go through the different
colors on the page.
God’s Word has answers for all of life’s problems. The
situations illustrated on the fourth page of the lesson will give
learners opportunities to think how the Bible can apply to
daily life. Let them share responses aloud after finishing the
work.
The children who attend Sunday School regularly will not
experience the problems of children growing up without
spiritual guidance. Crime among young people not having
parental training for right living is alarming. You have no doubt
heard some of the horrible news stories in which eight- and
nine-year-old boys and girls commit ugly crimes.
The children in your class need all the reinforcement you
can give them to know how to stand firm for godly principles.
What they do, when with a group of other children who want
36
to do wrong, tests their character. By choosing God’s way to
happiness, they will know true joy for their lives.
Make and Take
scissors, glue
Spread a little happiness. Doing random acts of kindness
makes one feel good inside. God uses people to do His work
on earth and wants each of us to be a part of it.
Lesson 5
Project 5 in the make and take book is a happiness card
children can give someone. Cut out the card. Fold in half.
Open the card and fold the pop-up to the inside along the
broken lines. The pop-up section will be a surprise when
someone opens the card. Add the sticker to the pop-up after
folding. Fold and crease along fold line.
Are there elderly members of your church family who
need the cheery greeting? If a learner wants to give the card
to a family member, suggest that he plan a way to surprise the
person with it. Set it on the kitchen counter for Mom, on the
bathroom counter where Dad shaves or on the pillow of a
brother or sister.
Saying Good-bye
q Materials Needed: dollar bill, take-home papers, stapler, children’s things
(Hold up a dollar bill.)
How much happiness will this buy? (Money cannot buy happiness.) Money is not a
guarantee of happiness. Money buys things we need such as food, clothing and shelter.
Some people have enough money to buy things they want and enjoy. Some people have
so much money they are miserable with worrying about how to keep it. If money is the only
basis for happiness, life is empty and without meaning. Many rich people agree that money
does not buy lasting happiness.
(Put the dollar away.)
This week will you try having the attitudes Jesus described as bringing happiness? I will
pray for you that you will know mountaintop living like Jesus wants you to enjoy.
Lesson
July 12, 2015
The Light of
the World
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus compares His church to
salt and light.
Lesson Objective:
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Learners will write what they can
do as Christians to help influence
others for God.
-16
Matthew 5:13
Bible Principle:
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LIFE
APPLICATION
As the salt of the earth and the
light of the world, the Lord’s church
must love the world enough to be a
positive influence for God.
Bible Insight:
“That ye may be blameless . . .
the sons of God, . . . in the midst
of a crooked and perverse nation,
among whom ye shine as lights in
the world.”
Philippians 2:15
Jesus expects His church to exert a positive
influence upon society. A light shines best when
clean, and salt must taste salty. I will remember
that my life must be clean and fresh to influence
the world for Jesus.
37
38 The Light of the World
KNOW GOD’S WORD Salvation is more than fire insurance to escape hell. We
receive eternal life, of course, and that is a great gift God gives
those who repent of sin to ask His forgiveness. Gratitude,
however, for what Jesus did in paying sins penalty makes a
Christian want to live to glorify Jesus Christ. God planned the
church through which Christians could serve Him and bring
honor to His Son.
Jesus called the disciples to form His church. In the Sermon
on the Mount, He gave practical guidance for Christian living
and serving through His church.
Without qualifications Jesus declared His people to be the
salt of the earth and the light of the world. In both roles they
have a mission to others. The church exists to take the gospel
to the world. The whole earth is the field of work where the
church is to labor to reach mankind.
Jesus does not desire the destruction of any, but implores
His churches to reach all people with the preservation of the
gospel. The world is in danger of sinking into wickedness.
Morals decline in a society focused on pleasures of the
moment. Immorality corrodes family life. Entertainment and
amusements—even many toys—have become tainted with
Satan’s New Age lies; therefore, they are unwholesome. The
world needs a preserving and purifying agent.
Salt has those qualities. Christians are the salt that keeps
society from rotting. That is not to say, “We are better than
others.” As bad as conditions are today, what would they be
like without the righteousness of saints and the prayers of
God’s people? As salt keeps that on which we sprinkle it from
ruin, the influence of Christians who stand for right keeps
society from total ruin.
The world is worth preserving. Otherwise God would not
have sent His Son to die for “whosoever.” Christ began His
church to be a purifying agent for civilization. He left the
church to be antiseptic to an ungodly world, not only to be
pure but to purify also. The mere presence of godly men and
Lesson 6
women in the world helps keep it from self-destruction. The
silent influence of example in lives of purity infuses health to
those touched by it.
We cannot measure the advantage to the whole world of
having in it the presence of pure-minded, earnest, unselfish,
good men and women with the power of God in their hearts
and minds. A few truly dedicated Christians who do not
compromise God’s principles, like a little salt, have an
immense influence in preserving much of society.
There is danger, however, in the churches losing their
effectiveness. When salt lost its qualities of purifying, preserving
and flavoring, people threw it into the street to discard it.
Farmers did not want the salt dumped on their fields, for it
would make the soil useless. They could not revert it back to its
original source, for it would contaminate good salt. Spoiled salt
was no good to anyone.
If Christians ignore the grace of God, the power of the Holy
Spirit and God’s presence in the church, the organization may
still exist but lose its purpose. For the sake of the world the
spiritual vitality of the churches must be healthy and salty. We
are salt, not sugar.
In addition to the moral value of preserving, purifying and
flavoring our culture as salt, the churches are to be light to
displace the darkness of evil. By practice and example God’s
people must influence the world to recognize the benefit of
choosing God’s way.
Only through Christ, the true “Light of the world,” can
Christians reflect His love to people lost in the darkness. The
churches should shine as effectively as cities built on hills.
Unless one chooses to ignore it, a city in such a prominent
location is highly visible. The churches enlighten the moral
night of the world.
The Christian’s light is most influential on a candlestick—
being a part of one of the Lord’s churches. A candle under a
bushel will soon go out because the oxygen burns quickly. In a
candle holder, however, it glows brightly. The world is looking
with a sharp eye to the works of Christians. Society cares little
for our words but feels the impact of dedicated Christians who
u
J es s
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: chalkboard, marker board or newsprint, white pillar candle, Bible, vase, flowers, red taper candle
The decor in your room lets your light shine to boys and girls who attend your class.
Your love for the Lord shows in the way you attend to teaching responsibilities. Posters
are an influence for good as learners read the messages on them from week to week.
The bulletin board for Unit 2 illustrated on the unit introductory page before Lesson
5 directly relates to this lesson. Walking with Jesus is necessary for one to be salt of
the earth and light to the world.
Letter the Bible verse, Matthew 5:16, on the board or a piece of newsprint paper
displayed on the wall.
Arrange a worship center with a white pillar candle, red taper candle, open Bible
and a vase of cut flowers or wildflowers. Making an arrangement like this enhances the
learning environment and makes everyone enjoy the room more.
Lesson 6 The Light of the World
Vocabulary Words
influence—the ability of people to
affect others causing change in
behavior
worldliness—the secular and temporal
pleasures that have opposite values
of spiritual and heavenly principles
live their beliefs daily. The gospel written in
the lives of Christians will show the world
the reality of what the churches preach.
The purpose for our being salt and light
is not to our own credit but to glorify God
in bearing fruit. When we live so that His
life shines out through our conduct, we lead
others to accept Jesus as Savior. They will
also love, serve and honor Him who came
to give them life. The evidence of a holy life
lived to honor God stands as a shining light to
a world looking for hope and meaning to life.
q Materials Needed: paper, markers,
poster board or tag board, stickers
39
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: paper, Bibles, candles
Have Bible references written on slips of paper for volunteers to choose one
to look up. They will use the paper for a marker and read the Bible verse when
you call for it.
Light the pillar candle.
This candle represents the source of light for
our lives. Not the sun, but a greater Light that
guides our spiritual walk.
Have someone read John 8:12.
Have you ever gone into a dark room and
could not find the light switch? (Dramatize trying
to find the light switch in a dark room.) Finally you hit
it and the room fills with light.
The world is dark with sin. Jesus came from Heaven to give light in the spiritual
darkness of people’s lives. Whom did God send to prepare the way for Jesus’
coming? (John the Baptist preached that Jesus would come.)
Ask a learner who looked it up to read John 1:6-9.
Jesus became human so we might have light to see the way to go in life.
Light the red candle from the white pillar candle.
This red candle represents anyone receiving Jesus’ blood as their own sin
payment. (Have a learner with the verse marked to read 1 John 1:7.) Jesus’ blood
applied to our hearts cleanses us from sin. Jesus lights the candle of our life so
we can shine in our sin-darkened world.
“The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord,” and the Lord will “light my
candle.” (From Proverbs 20:27 and Psalm 18:28.) Those who believe on Jesus
as Savior have the candles of their hearts lit by Jesus Himself. If you have never
invited Jesus to come into your life, to forgive your sins and to be your Savior,
the candle of your heart is still unlit.
(Point to the burning red candle.)
Isaiah 60:1 tells what we should do after receiving the light of Jesus. (Have the
learner holding that reference slip read the verse aloud.)
As we allow God’s light to shine through us, we influence others to accept
Jesus as Savior. That was why Jesus gave the challenge to His church to be salt
and light. We are God’s Salt and Light Company.
Be ready to greet each child by name as
he arrives. Receiving personal attention gives
anyone a good feeling, and children need to
know you love them. By planning lessonrelated activities for the few minutes before
class time, you will “redeem the time” for
God. Children left to themselves upon arrival
will not be ready for learning when the clock
says it is time. Interactive conversation has
merit, but a meaningful guided activity in an
informal learning atmosphere prepares their
minds for learning.
Invite early comers to make a miniposter, pennant or banner
to illustrate the Bible verse. They will look at the words on
the board and think of illustrations to go with the words.
The poster need not use all the words of the verse but should
convey the main thought.
The learners should use practice paper to sketch an initial
idea. Provide markers and other art materials for them to
make the final version on poster board or tagboard. Plan to
put their designs in the hall or on a bulletin board for others in
the church family to enjoy. Let the learners know others will
see their work. They can let their own light shine for Jesus by
encouraging others through their artwork.
No Light Without Power, John 1:5-7
q Materials Needed: flashlight, paper clips, rubber bands,
Let your light so shine
before men, that they
may see your good works,
and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.
toothpicks, small items, batteries, Bible
Have a flashlight filled with clutter such as paper clips,
rubber bands, toothpicks and other small items. Have two good
batteries out of sight to use when called for.
40 The Light of the World
Grandpa’s farm was a favorite place for Brian and Rachel
to visit each summer. They were glad to be there again. Late
one afternoon, the sky began getting cloudy. Grandpa said they
better do chores early because a storm was coming.
Brian and Rachel helped Grandpa feed the animals and
gather eggs from the henhouse. Just in time, they finished
chores and ran into the house. The sky was very dark and rain
fell in heavy sheets as the children settled themselves inside
for the evening. The wind blew hard. They heard noises that
sounded as if they came from the barn. Grandpa decided he
better go check on things.
He grabbed the flashlight (do so) as he hurried out the door.
He was already soaked before he realized the flashlight did not
work. He shook it, jiggled it and hit it a few times, but it never
came on. He stuck it into his pocket and stumbled on in the
dark. Soon he came back to the house. He could not see in the
dark after getting to the barn so he came back to work on the
flashlight.
He took the flashlight apart and stared into it. (Take the top
off the flashlight you brought and remove the clutter inside it.)
“No wonder this thing would not shine,” he said in
amazement. “Nothing but junk in it.”
Grandpa found two good batteries and put them into the
flashlight. (Put batteries into the flashlight and turn it on.) That
was much better. Grandpa could see where he was going now.
Our lives are like Grandpa’s in a way. Without the light of
Jesus to show us the way, we stumble, fall and fail. We have
the junk of sin in our hearts and lives.
The flashlight still did not give light after Grandpa dumped
the clutter out of it. We do not have light in our lives just by
giving up sin. We must accept Jesus as Savior and ask Him to
come into our hearts if we are to have that spiritual light from
God.
It is God’s spiritual light that gives us understanding of
God’s Word, the Bible. By reading His Word the spiritual light
inside us gets brighter and brighter. It gives light to our lives so
we do not stumble.
Read 1 John 1:5-7 from the Bible.
Do you have the power to shine as a light in the darkness of
sin? It comes from Jesus.
(Adapted from Grandpa’s Farm by Cathy Karr in Teachers’
Swap Shop.)
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Tabletop Figures 6-1—6-4, The
Beatitudes Poster, visual aids instruction sheet, KJV
Bibles
(Point to the picture of Jesus and the people listening in The
Beatitudes Poster from Lesson 5.)
Last week we began studying Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
He talked about attitudes that bring happiness and blessings. We
call those attitude teachings of Jesus the . . . what? (Beatitudes)
Jesus continued His sermon with other practical guidelines
for living. Find Matthew 5:13-16 in the Bible. (If learners have
Lesson 6
different versions of the Bible, provide classroom Bibles for
everyone to have a King James Version.)
A fun way to accomplish the Bible reading is for learners to
take turns reading words to the next punctuation mark. The first
child will read to the colon, another to the comma and the next
to the question mark. Continue the pattern through all the verses
with each one keeping up to read his section smoothly after the
previous reader. If you have fewer than fifteen readers, start
around again. If a child prefers not to read aloud, ask him to be
a checker to make sure others read the right words.
(Set the box of salt, figure 6-1, on the table.)
What makes salt a good comparison to a Christian? What
good is salt? (Allow learners a few seconds, fifteen or so, to
think about what salt does. Write their responses on the board
or newsprint paper. Include the following ideas.)
Salt preserves food to keep it from spoiling. People in Bible
times salted fish to cure the meat. In the early days of America,
families salted meat to preserve it. Can you think of how that
relates to the church in the world?
(Set figure 6-2 beside figure 6-1.)
Christians keep society more decent by standing for right and
against wrong. If it were not for the influence of godly people
in our community, what might it be like? Christians who take
a stand will not allow corruption to take over and influence the
government. Our country has sadly become weaker and society
more rotten because the church is not as salty as it should be in
preserving itself from Satan’s attacks.
Christians must try to live by biblical principles, keep
on guard against the influence of the ungodly and regularly
worship the Lord in a local church.
Salt adds seasoning or flavor to foods. Without salt,
vegetables and other foods have a different taste. How do
Christians add flavor or benefits to our world? The Beatitudes
Jesus taught make a difference when His people choose them as
a way of life.
(Show the visual poster from Lesson 5, The Beatitudes.)
The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who
hunger and thirst after righteousness, the merciful, the pure in
heart, peacemakers, the persecuted for doing right—all these
add a pleasant taste to society. God’s people are the salt of the
earth.
Salt purifies and heals also. Has your mother or dad taught
you how to gargle with salt water when you have a sore throat?
The salt kills bacteria that make you sick.
Christians need to have that kind of effect in our world.
The churches need to stand united against forces of evil
like abortion, wrong music, bad movies, stores that sell bad
magazines or books and some of the bad teachings that come
from public schools. If we sit still and do nothing, Satan will
continue to cause the destruction of moral values in America.
A person sitting still is like salt that has lost its saltiness or
flavor. It is not good for anything. As church members we
must make sure we have a positive influence for good in our
society. _________ (Your town) should be better off because
___________ (your local church name) has members who are
like salt in the world.
To what else did Jesus compare His church? (Set the red
candle from the worship center beside the salt box.) Receiving
Lesson 6
The Light of the World
Jesus as Savior gives you a light that shines from your life. You
cannot light it yourself; you can only let shine what Jesus gives
you spiritually. Your light must come from Him, the Light of
the world.
(Set figure 6-3 beside other visual figures.)
Jesus means for His churches to be like shining lights,
making the world bright and hopeful. He added that it would
be foolish to cover our lights so they do not shine. The right
place for a candle is in a candle holder called a candlestick so
it gives light to everyone by shining brightly and steadily.
The place for you after salvation is in the Lord’s church.
(Put figure 6-4 on the table.) Baptism lets your light shine by
identifying you as a follower of Jesus. Putting your light on
the candlestick of the church lets you shine more brightly for
Jesus.
(Have several small candles scattered about the room.
Carry the pillar candle around to light them now.)
These candles represent boys and girls in our city (or
community) who are saved. Someone has told them about
Jesus’ love. But after they accepted Jesus as Savior, they never
became part of the church through baptism. They did not attend
Sunday School or other Bible classes to learn how to live for
Jesus. (Set the pillar candle back on the worship center table.)
This person’s light for Jesus is not strong by itself. (Take the
candles to the front and place them around the pillar candle.)
What a difference it makes when we put all the candles together
around the big candle. The light shines much brighter.
The same is true about God’s people today. He wants us to
work together to shine for Him to bring honor and glory to our
Heavenly Father. Your good works mean more when you do
them as part of the church.
41
the Lord’s church, shine for Jesus in your home. Then you can
be a light in your neighborhood so people can see Jesus’ love
coming from things you do and what you say.
Let your light shine so you influence others to praise God.
BIBLE INSIGHT
Form three groups. One person can be a group or you can be
a group if needed. Assign the three sections of the Bible Insight
verse to different groups.
“That ye may be blameless . . . the sons of
God, . . . in the midst of a crooked and perverse
nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the
world.” Philippians 2:15
Explain the meaning of crooked and perverse. (Evil, wicked,
corrupt, immoral, mean, opposite of good.)
God wants Christians’ lives to be different—blameless.
Only when we are different from the world can we shine as
lights for Him.
Ask each group to say its section in turn so the entire verse
flows smoothly from group to group. Have everyone say
the Bible reference. Repeat the procedure two times. Then
ask individuals to say the words by remembering what each
group said. If learners need more help, reassign the sections to
different groups and repeat two or three times. Reassign a third
time for each group to have each section of the verse.
What happens to one’s light when sinful things come into
his life? The light does not shine as brightly. (Place a clear
water glass over a short candle. Watch the candle light grow
dimmer and finally go out.)
Sin blocks your influence. You will not lose eternal life
because nothing can separate you from God’s love as His child.
However, your effectiveness as a light for Jesus can get ruined
when you choose to do things that shut out God. The glass shut
out oxygen that a candle must have to shine. Sin closes out God
so people do not shine for Him.
What are things that might keep you from shining for Jesus
Christ? (Lies, gossip, selfishness, bad words, stealing, anger
or worldliness.) If we pull away from sin before it puts out
our light of influence, then we can shine clearly again to point
others to Jesus.
Worldliness does not direct a lost person to accept Jesus
as Savior. Worldliness is the secular activities and temporal
pleasures that have opposite values of God’s spiritual desires
for His children.
Jesus expects His churches to have positive influence for
good in our world. Begin with your home. If you are part of
Learner’s Manual
q Materials Needed: learners’ manuals, bold colored
markers, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, oil pastel art
crayons, poster board, Bibles
Let different volunteers read the paragraphs of the Bible
story section to emphasize the focus of the lesson. This
reading is not to take the place of your presenting the Bible
story, but as the learners hear themselves read the story, it
reinforces learning.
The World Is Your Stage activity challenges learners to
realize that others look to them as a witness of God’s love. It
is not an option for Christians. God’s commands clearly call
for us to live so others will want the joy and peace that we
have.
Allow time for learners to look up and copy Ephesians 2:10.
Then after quiet thinking time, ask learners to brainstorm ways
to let their light of good works shine in the situations listed.
Have them write the ideas they want to use on the lines
provided.
42
The Light of the World
The Bible Insight verse activity helps learners understand
and memorize the words. Ask: How can your life reflect a
strong and bright light for Jesus? (Let a learner read aloud the
paragraph following Think Tank definitions section.)
Ask: Do you have inner strength enough to do what you
know is right when others are making bad choices? In and of
yourself, you do not, but God’s Spirit in you gives what it takes
to resist Satan’s temptations.
Show learners how to use the first letter of the words
to say the Bible verse if they do not know it from memory
already. Allow time for everyone to write the words of the
verse. Then, without any prompts while looking at you, have
them say the verse. Use a stamp or give a sticker to commend
those who can say the Bible Insight verse.
The miniposter on the last page of the lesson illustrates
lighting the world. The sun represents Jesus, the source Light
of the world. The lighthouse beacon symbolizes the strong
light which Christians can send to people who need guidance.
Encourage learners to share ideas for the message to write on
the poster.
Provide items for making an outstanding poster which
learners can use to decorate their rooms.
Lesson 6
must be a positive influence for good to make an impact on
the world that is “crooked and perverse.”
The suggestions of practical ways to be salt and light can
help children be effective in drawing others to Jesus Christ.
The spaces have no dates, so the project fits anytime the
learner chooses. He can use the ideas in different situations
or settings like those listed on the second page of Lesson 6 in
the learner’s manual.
Share a page of miniature stickers with each child. They are
inexpensive teaching aids at Christian book stores and help
the children enjoy an assignment a lot more. Staple them to
the bottom of the project page. When the learner does one
of the suggestions for letting his light shine, he takes a sticker
and puts it on that space. He can add extra stickers to ideas
which he repeats to make them become habits.
Make and Take
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 6, miniature
stickers, pencils, scissors, glue
Project 6 in the make and take book helps learners make a
life application of the Bible principle in this lesson. Christians
Saying Good-bye
Expect to see young Christians in your class growing up spiritually as you guide them in
thinking skills during Sunday School. Commend those whom you see making good choices
resulting in being a positive example. Encourage them to go with the power of God’s Spirit
within them to send shining lights into the world.
Remind them that a life filled with worldliness and sin directs a lost person away from
redemption in Christ Jesus. Challenge each to be a light for Jesus this week.
Lesson
July 19, 2015
Treasurers,
Pleasures and
Servants
Matthew 6:19-24
One’s attitude about riches, pleasures
and dedicated service should have
a spiritual base.
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Lesson Objective:
Learners will compare the
temporary values of earthly riches
and pleasures with eternal benefits of
spiritual choices.
-2
Matthew 6:19
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LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
Sin hinders a true evaluation of
actions and beliefs.
Bible Insight:
“Love not the world, neither the
things that are in the world.”
1 John 2:15
Everything in the world is temporary. I will
focus my thoughts and desires on spiritual
values because only God’s way has lasting joy
and satisfaction.
43
44 Treasurers, Pleasures and Servants
KNOW GOD’S WORD Jesus did not forbid the rightful accumulation of financial
securities, for wealth in itself is no sin. When a person’s
priority is the making of more money for the gathering of
more material things, he has lost sight of God’s purpose for
his life. Concern about getting and holding more earthly
possessions creates the attitudes of coveting, selfishness
and self-sufficiency.
Our hearts, our thoughts, our desires, our feelings, our very
selves, focus on that which we prize most highly. Material
possessions can never bring peace, a home in Heaven, answers
to prayers or any other benefit that lasts for eternity, but
investment in heavenly treasures can! Jesus taught that the
heart of the believer should center on the lasting qualities of
His kingdom work.
Treasures on earth are tangible objects of attention and love.
Jesus gave a realistic view of the insecurity of trusting in wealth.
The destructive work of moths or other insects can destroy
valuable clothes, foods and even landscaping. Tarnish and
rust can damage precious metals to make them almost useless.
Theft of jewelry, furniture and accessories is devastating
criminal activity that is becoming more common. Fire, flood
or storm damage can destroy houses and possessions. Stocks
and savings accounts may lose value with fluctuating markets,
or dishonest personnel can steal the profits.
The United States is in an “economic earthquake.” It is
urgent that God’s people become more resourceful instead of
depending on material possessions. It is even more essential
that we focus on treasures that are permanent with eternal
returns.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Jesus emphatically declares that you cannot serve the
two masters of God and money. The consuming focus of
collecting valuables, investing for greater returns to amass
a financial empire or taking a job that involves disloyalty to
God reflects a self-serving life. They interfere with the more
valuable goal of being loyal to God and godly principles. They
reflect a covetous heart ever wanting more things rather than a
contented spirit resting in God’s provisions.
Lesson 7
A form of idolatry begins when getting worldly riches takes
priority over serving the Lord. One day we will all stand in
judgment before the living God to account for the investment
of our time and resources which God provides. Jesus does not
forbid thinking and providing for future needs, but the primary
focus of His children should be on things that will matter in
eternity.
What are investments in heavenly treasures? Where do
we go to make deposits? How one spends time and money
indicates the focus of the heart. What one enjoys most reveals
the character of the inner man. Jesus says have a single-minded
focus on the attractiveness of the heavenly treasures.
Seeing the needs of others and trying to meet their needs
in the name of the Lord is an eternal investment. Sending
extra money to mission work is a literal deposit into heavenly
treasures that will return bigger dividends than putting the
same amount into a CD or money market account. You cannot
give God more than He gives back. Generously providing
specific needs within the church family or for the Christian
education program will bring eternal blessings. Laying up
treasures in Heaven is to use all our resources—house, land,
cars, food, clothes, money—for the glory of God through His
church.
When we have as our primary goal that of accomplishing
God’s work on earth, He blesses with the material possessions
needed. Those who have more have greater responsibility for
using it right, but those with only the bare necessities must
invest in heavenly treasures also. Time and help—even a cup
of cold water—when given in the name of the Lord will go into
God’s record.
q Materials Needed: newsprint, large tagboard or poster
board, glue, markers, scissors, pictures, objects (money,
toys, cars, clothes, jewelry and luxury items), colored
paper, Plasti-Tak, stickers
Welcoming children with genuine enthusiasm makes them
feel loved and appreciated. You are investing in heavenly
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: cardboard tube, cardstock paper, thread or yarn, bird pattern (Unit 2 Pattern Page) flower pattern
Jesus taught a little further along in the Sermon on the Mount, Lesson 8, that God cares for the birds
by providing their food. He clothes lilies of the field in beautiful colors without their toiling and spinning.
Illustrate this truth with a hanging mobile of birds and flowers. If you saved the one made for the spring
quarter, use it again.
A cardboard tube from kitchen wrap products makes a good form for suspending mobile pieces. Make
paper bird and flower shapes and tie them to the mobile with thread or yarn. Hang a verse card with
“Seek first the kingdom of God” lettered on it.
temporary—lasting for a time only
eternal—lasting forever
world—that which pertains to the
earth or to the pres
ent state of
existence only; concerns of this
life rather than those of the life to
come
Treasurers, Pleasures and Servants
45
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: bubble solution or dishwashing detergent, drinking
straws, stapler, medium size rock
This learning experience helps learners grasp the
difference between temporary and permanent as they
compare bubbles to a rock. Use a bubble solution or
dishwashing detergent, drinking straws, stapler and a
medium size rock.
Flatten a straw at one end and make a loop around a finger about one-inch in
diameter. Staple the end in place to make a bubble wand. Make one for each learner.
Invite the children to dip the wands into the bubble solution and blow
bubbles. Ask them to catch some of the bubbles with the wand to see how long
they can save them. They last only an instant. After a minute or so, collect the
wands and store them and the bubble solution in a sack or box out of sight.
How long does a bubble last? (Only a second or two.)
Bubbles are a temporary pleasure that we enjoy. It is fun to blow them and
watch as they float through the air, but they are so fragile they soon burst.
The Bible tells us about things that last forever. God is eternal. (Set a rock
before the learners.) “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that
is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2).
How long do rocks last? (Thousands of years.) Jesus is the Rock who provides
our needs and is always with us.
Earthly pleasures and temporal things of the world are like bubbles that
quickly disappear.
God and His way of life last forever like a rock. Heavenly treasures are
permanent. They will endure in eternity after the earth dissolves in the end of
time. The Bible story is about those treasures.
treasures when you give your best in God’s
service by leading children in discovering
truths from His Word.
Let the first comers help you get materials
ready for making a collage and poster. Set
out newsprint, large tagboard or poster board,
glue, markers, scissors, pictures and objects.
Bring play objects or pictures of temporal
things such as money, toys, cars, clothes,
jewelry and luxury items. Provide reminders
of heavenly treasures such as pictures of
mission work, helping needy people, church
building, Bibles, money, food and clothes.
Things in and of themselves may not be
wrong, but, when they take first place in time
and attention, taking our heart away from
wanting God’s will, they become a liability.
Introduce the project by reading Matthew
6:19-21. Ask: What are treasures on earth
that some people value highly? (Wait for
learners to think about it and respond.) What I would like you
to do is make two displays. One will be “Earthly Treasures.”
The other, “Heavenly Treasures.”
Have the words written on the board for learners to copy the
titles on two different backgrounds. They may not look as neat,
but it will mean more in learning results than if you wrote the
titles on them ahead of time.
Invite the boys and girls to choose a picture or object from
your collection and decide whether it is an earthly or heavenly
treasure. After sorting and gluing all the items, briefly discuss
them and the reasons for placing them in the group chosen.
Ask: Why might money, food and clothes be on either of
the displays?
The church must have money to do God’s work, but the
love of money causes people to focus their attention on getting
more material possessions instead of doing God’s work.
Food is essential for good health; the wrong kinds of food or
eating too much can damage health. Some people spend lots of
money on exotic foods and waste much of it by throwing away
leftovers rather than being resourceful with them.
We need clothes to protect the body and to dress modestly
as we do God’s work, but buying clothes that are extremely
expensive or that dishonor the temple of the Holy Spirit, our
body, becomes an earthly treasure that detracts from godly
values.
Cars are not wrong in themselves, but they are a temporary
possession which we can use to invest in eternal treasures.
God gives us all things to enjoy. It is how we use them, our
motives and our attitudes in owning them that may cause a
problem. God wants us to be good stewards of what He allows
us to have. Everything we have should honor the Lord or we
should not have it. Period!
Alternate Activity—Treasure Hunt
Beforehand, write words on pieces of colored paper that are
eternal or lasting treasures. (Use things such as the fruit of the
Spirit traits, Bible, salvation, church, mission work, family,
witnessing, friends.) On a few pieces of paper write temporal
or earthly treasures such as money, candy, toys, clothes and
jewelry. Hide the papers around the room.
Allow four minutes for children to search for the hidden
treasures. When the time is up, have everyone bring the
treasures to you. Let each child read the treasures he found and
tell whether it is true or fake treasures. Trash the temporary
treasures papers and place the lasting treasure notes on the wall
with Plasti-Tak.
46 Treasurers, Pleasures and Servants
First Things First, Matthew 6:33
q Materials Needed: toy tractor-trailer rig or tractor and
cart, Bible
Have a toy tractor-trailer rig or tractor and cart that are
detachable. Borrow one from a learner if necessary. Take the
pieces apart and put the cart in front of the tractor or the trailer
in front of the big truck. Keep them out of sight until time to
use.
You girls and guys are growing up in a topsy-turvy world.
Well, not that the trees are upside down, but morally things
are wacky. People think there is nothing wrong with doing
whatever they want to do, grabbing more possessions than
they need and talking anyway they please. When they come to
the end of their lives, they will find they have been living life
upside down. Someone has even written a song about that.
Grandpa used to say, “Don’t get the cart before the horse.”
(Set the tractor/cart or tractor/trailer before the learners in
reversed order.) What is wrong here? (Wait for someone to
tell you.) Yes, we have the wrong thing in front. This is like
Grandpa’s “cart before the horse.” It will never work as it was
meant to if we leave it like this. (Fix the arrangement.)
Now the tractor can pull properly. This illustrates the
principle Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33 where Jesus tells us
how to keep our heads on straight. (Read it from the Bible.)
Putting God and His will for us first is the right order for our
lives. Then other things follow along in the right perspective.
When we get the cart before the horse, we put doing for
ourselves before doing what God wants us to do.
The world may be topsy-turvy around you, but you can keep
your life on track by choosing first things first as God intended
you to do.
BIBLE STORY
The Beatitudes Poster, visual aids instruction sheet,
Bible, flannelboard
(Point to the picture of Jesus and people listening in The
Beatitudes Poster introduced in Lesson 5.)
Jesus taught about many things in His Sermon on the
Mount. He taught important life principles that still apply
today. The part about treasures helps us have the right attitude
about money and things.
What do you think of when you hear the word treasures?
(Wait for children to share their thoughts. Then put figure 7-1
on the board.) Some people think expensive jewelry such as
Lesson 7
large diamonds and other precious stones are the greatest
treasures.
Some adults invest in antique furniture and feel they have a
fine treasure. Some people think recreation vehicles, boats and
motors or other things for personal enjoyment are treasures.
Children may treasure a new bike, camera, brand-name
clothes and shoes, or personal savings in a piggy bank as their
treasures. Very rich people pay lots of money for expensive
cars, houses, clothes, big boats and other luxury items.
What can happen to earthly investments like these?
(Encourage learners to think about losses that occur: fire,
theft, floods, storms, misplacement, tarnish.)
Find Matthew 6:19. (Let someone read the verse aloud. Ask
learners to keep Bibles open to the passage for reference. Add
figure 7-2 beside figure 7-1.)
Jewish people in Jesus’ day had treasures of beautiful
clothing. Moths like clothes. They eat the fibers in some
clothes leaving holes that make the garments useless.
A common way of storing treasures of money in Bible
times was to dig a hole in the ground in which to hide it. What
happens to buried metal? (It begins to rust, tarnish and may
become worthless.)
Jesus taught that it is not wise to spend your life storing
up treasures on earth. Death comes to the richest and none of
the material possessions we may have goes with us. Only the
investments we send to Heaven while we live are going to
count for eternity.
Let a volunteer read Matthew 6:20.
Valuables in Heaven are eternally secure. How can we send
treasures to Heaven? (Wait for learners to think of ideas. Put
figure 7-3 on the board.)
Giving money to missionaries for their work of telling
others about Jesus is sending treasures to Heaven. Helping a
needy family by giving them food and clothing is a way of
depositing heavenly treasures. God never forgets a single good
deed done in His name. He will reward any gift given in a spirit
of love.
Eric’s experience illustrates how one family made an
investment in heavenly treasures.
“Mom, I need new pants,” he said one day coming to the
kitchen where she worked. “These are past my ankles!”
“Well, not quite!” Mother said, laughing at Eric’s
exaggeration. She tugged on the bottom to pull them down a
bit, then checked the hem. “I can let the hem out enough to help
a little,” she added.
“Can I get some new ones for camp next week,” he begged.
“Oh, Eric, we barely have enough money for food right
now. You do need some bigger clothes, but we just cannot
afford them.” She paused. “We can ask God to supply that
need for us.”
They did that very thing. Eric and his mother knelt by the
kitchen chairs and asked God to send Eric’s needed clothes.
On Wednesday night after church they found a grocery sack
full of clothes in their car. Eric could hardly wait to get home
Lesson 7
to see what they were. They found three pairs of jeans, a pair of
green dress pants, and some shirts. They were just Eric’s size.
“Mom! God answered our prayer!” Eric said with a touch of
awe in his voice. “These look almost new.”
Mother was wiping tears.
“Oh, yes, Eric, He did! God is so good to us.”
She and Eric knelt again to thank God for the clothes He
sent. They thanked Him for the people at church who laid
up treasures in Heaven by passing along outgrown clothes
to someone who needed them. (The family who donated the
clothes to Eric stored up treasures in Heaven.)
47
of existence only; concerns of this life rather than those of the
life to come.
In the Bible Insight verse, world means “concerns relating
to the earth or to the present state of existence only.” Loving
the world means having interest and concern about things of
this life rather than those of the life to come.
A fun way to have everyone repeat the verse is to form a
circle for “Hot Potato.” Use a foam ball or small beanbag to
toss back and forth. When a learner receives the “potato,” he
recites the Bible Insight verse within fifteen seconds and tosses
the “potato” to another child. The second child repeats the
verse quickly but distinctly and tosses the “potato” to someone
else. Keep time and allow each learner a chance to say the
words from memory.
q Materials Needed: Flannelgraph Figure 7-4, Bible,
flannelboard
(Use flannelgraph figure 7-4.)
Have volunteers read Matthew 6:21, 24.
Jesus knew if we constantly think of getting more money,
buying more things and protecting valuables that we would
neglect the important work He wants us to do. (Put figure 7-4
on the board.) What matters most is what you do today that has
a touch of eternity about it.
The Lord wants us to be busy with doing His work rather
than worrying about how we can get more temporary things
that last for a short time only. An advertisement claims,
“Diamonds are forever.” People who have had diamonds
stolen or lost know you cannot keep them forever.
Only what has eternal value will last forever. When you
do something good for others because you love the Lord, you
invest in eternal treasures. Others may not notice what you
do, but you can be sure God sees. His rewards are better than
anything you can find on earth. Do right things and be kind in
all you do for Jesus’ sake.
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: dictionary, highlighter, foam ball or
small beanbag, Bible
Ask learners to find the Bible Insight verse in the Bible.
Read it aloud. “Love not the world, neither the things that are
in the world” (1 John 2:15).
Provide a good dictionary in which you have highlighted
or underlined the definition of world as it applies to the Bible
Insight verse. Invite a learner to look up and read the definition
of world: that which pertains to the earth or to the present state
Learner’s Manual
q Materials Needed: Bible, learners’ manuals, pencils
In a society oriented to planning for future financial security,
children need to know there is something better than earthly
fortunes. Encourage each learner to read aloud a section of
the Bible story on the first page. If you have a small class, let
volunteers take turns reading more than one paragraph.
You are a leader to guide learners in thinking through Bible
truths and applying them to life. The writing assignment with
the picture on the second page of the lesson in the learner’s
manual has story-starter questions printed. Encourage the
children to think of names for the main characters and write
a story about them to answer the questions printed.
Writing about the situation pictured may help someone
think of ways to help people in need. We serve God through
serving others.
The Bible Insight verse activity helps children sort through
the black and white boundaries of right and wrong. Sin causes
one to lose the ability to evaluate things of the world. We
must teach the absolutes of God’s principles about sin in
the world. Putting anyone or anything before God in one’s
affections and thoughts displaces the sovereign God who
deserves priority.
When pleasures become more important than worshiping
God on His day, they are wrong. The upheaval of moral values
in our world leaves children who are outside the Christian
influences of home and church with nothing to guide their daily
choices. Strengthen the character qualities of the children in your
class by reinforcing God’s absolutes in the Bible.
The list of things some people love instead of spiritual
values may include a variety of things of the world. Boats,
48
recreation, baseball or other sports, money or other riches,
bicycle, books, food, house, landscaping—such as mowing the
lawn on Sunday instead of going to church and other things
learners may write.
Allow about thirty seconds for learners to make a list of
as many ideas as they can think of. Then ask each learner to
share one thing from his list. Things we should love include
God, others, God’s Word, the Lord’s church, family, the poor
and needy, orphans and widows.
The last page of the lesson has practical ways learners may
choose to lay up treasures in Heaven. Read the introductory
instructions and make sure everyone understands what to
do. After learners work individually to mark the situations, go
through the ideas one at a time. Help the children understand
why the activities suggested would earn spiritual treasures or
why they are not good to do.
Mark through sentence numbers 3 and 5. Draw a star
beside all others.
Lesson 7
Make and Take
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 7, crayons,
yarn, masking tape, pencils, scissors, glue
Encourage learners to continue using the project from
Lesson 6. The things listed in the spaces of the calendar are
ways to lay up treasures in Heaven.
Lesson 7 make and take project is a stand-up sewing card.
Color the picture and frame designs. Use a sharpened pencil
to make holes at the solid dots in the frame. Provide 24''
lengths of yarn with a stiff point on one end made by wrapping
masking tape around the yarn. The tape forms a “needle” to
thread the yarn up-and-down through the holes in the design
of the frame.
Fold the project along the broken line in the middle. Open
the edges slightly and stand the project on a table or other flat
surface as a reminder to send treasures to Heaven.
Saying Good-bye
q Materials Needed: copy of “This World Is Not My Home,” Take-home papers, stapler, children’s things
If you can find a copy of the old song, “This World Is Not My Home,” ask a learner to read
the first stanza aloud.
Challenge learners to live each day so their treasures in Heaven grow.
Lesson
July 26, 2015
Birds and Flowers
Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus provides for the birds and flowers;
He will provide for us.
Lesson Objective:
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What To We
Learners will relate the way God
provides for birds and flowers with
His care for people.
-34
Matthew 6:25
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LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
God wants us to trust Him for
every need without undue worry
and anxiety.
Bible Insight:
“Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
God provides for birds and flowers and all
nature. I know He will care for my needs completely;
therefore, I will not worry and fret about what
will happen tomorrow. I will do my best in doing
today’s work and trust God for my needs.
49
50 Birds and Flowers
KNOW GOD’S WORD The Sermon on the Mount has many practical life applications
for Christians. After Jesus talked about laying up treasures in
Heaven rather than on earth, He continued by counseling His
hearers to trust God for every need.
“Give no anxious thought to what you will eat, drink or
wear,” Jesus taught. “You have life and that is so much more
important than food and clothes.” The One who created the
intricate workings of the human body and gave it the breath of
life will assuredly take care of the preservation of that life.
There were probably birds visible to the audience as Jesus
spoke. He called attention to them by saying, “Look at the birds.
They do not plant crops and harvest food. Yet, your Heavenly
Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?”
Jesus does not forbid work and wise preparation for the
future, but worry is what He wants to eliminate from our lives.
He wants total dedication in doing His will as specified in His
Word. Things of the world are temporary and perishable. When
we become so concerned about earthly things that we become
distracted from heavenly things, we get a distorted vision.
Worry is a sin that robs Christians of peace and joy, and it
never accomplishes anything of value. Jesus knew the human
tendencies to feel insecure; thus, He emphasized the need to
trust God’s care.
Examine the flowers. They grow and bloom without toiling
and spinning; yet, not even Solomon in all his royal robes was
as glorious as the flower blossoms. God gives much greater care
for those who are God’s children. Through Jesus we can call
God our Heavenly Father.
So do not worry, child of the King! Rise above the pattern of
anxious concern shown by those who have no Heavenly Father
caring for them and supplying their needs.
“Take no thought” does not mean we show indifference to
future needs. The Bible teaches vigilance and foresight. He
Lesson 8
gives seasons of the year for planting in spring, growing in
summer, reaping in autumn and storing the produce for use in
winter months. The principle Jesus taught is to have no anxiety
or worry about future needs.
Faith is the opposite of anxiety. In prayer we give our cares
and needs to God and leave the results to Him. He takes it from
there for those who trust Him in faith.
We can trust Jesus’ definite promise. “Seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.” Our focus is on giving God first
place in life and living according to His will. Then He gives the
things we need, abundantly sufficient for each life. Put Christ
on the throne, and the Father will add the things you need.
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6, 7 about God’s peace we can
have by trusting Him in prayer. Do not waste time and energy
worrying and feeling anxious about tomorrow. Anticipating
future problems only adds to today’s cares and that is needless.
Worry is a sin because it reflects unbelief in God’s goodness
and care. Worry demonstrates lack of faith in His wise and
gracious providence.
The Lord forbids worrying because it shows too much
concern for earthly things that money can buy and too little
confidence in God’s providential care. Christians who trust
Him for every need will never go lacking. God will provide.
q Materials Needed: markers and crayons, stickers
Flower Arrangement—Place cut flowers and the container
before the children. Invite learners to take turns adding a flower
to the container until the arrangement is complete.
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: birds and flowers mobile, 1 cup flour, ¼ cup salt, 2 tablespoons of cream of tarter, Kool-Aid
powder, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 cup water, flowers, container, water
The birds and flowers mobile from last week’s lesson will be more meaningful with this lesson
because it focuses on that part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Make and hang it for this lesson if
you did not use it last week.
To make Kool-Aid clay, mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and Kool-Aid powder (to color it) in a
saucepan. Add vegetable oil and water. Stir over medium heat until mixture clings together. Remove
to a floured surface and knead for one minute. Double the recipe if you have a very large class.
Gather cut flowers and provide a container for learners to arrange a bouquet. Bring water to add
to the container if it is not available in the church building.
One resourceful leader gathered a bunch of wild black-eyed Susan flowers, stuck them in a clean
metal food can and the children in her group felt special to have a live bouquet in their room. If
someone in your church grows lilies, ask for a stem for a visual, or ask a florist for a single blossom, explaining the purpose.
consider—to observe carefully, to
study and meditate on
worry—a troubled state of mind,
anxiety, uneasiness, distress
anxiety—concern about some future
or uncertain event that disturbs
the mind, apprehensive
trust—confidence, resting the mind
on the ability, integrity and care of
another
peace—a calm, quiet, undisturbed
state of mind, serenity and
tranquility
Birds and Flowers
51
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: Kool-Aid clay
Give each child a lump of Kool-Aid clay. (See recipe in Prepare Your Room
section.) Have him shape a flower and a bird. For an easy way to shape a flower,
pinch off part of the clay and roll it into a ball. Put it on the table and flatten
slightly. Divide the remainder into five balls. Shape petals and arrange around the
center.
Make a bird shape with an elongated oval body
pinched to a point at one end for the beak. Flatten the
other end to form tail feathers. Make rounded triangle
shapes for the wings and attach to either side.
Ask: What is your favorite bird? What flower do
you think is prettiest? Some people have a beautiful
talent to make realistic looking birds and flowers. How
do they compare with living birds and flowers God
made? The Bible story tells how God cares for them
If you cannot get flowers, provide markers and how much more He cares for us.
or crayons and paper for each child to draw Say: Today, we have a lesson Jesus taught about flowers and birds. The way
his or her favorite flower. Display their work God cares for things in nature gives us confidence in His care for us.
Place the clay flowers and birds aside to dry. Let the children take them home
on the wall.
Say: You did a beautiful job of arranging as story reminders.
the flowers. Now we have a nice bouquet for
our room. (Set it in the worship center.)
(Show the happy expression.)
God is good to give us so many wonderful things to enjoy.
Now here is a happy person. Why do you think he is happy?
One day Jesus used flowers as an object lesson to teach about
What makes you happy? (Allow two or three volunteers to
God’s care. The Bible story tells about it.
share things that bring happiness.) This person is happy
because he knows Jesus as Savior and trusts Him to provide
daily needs. Read it for yourself in Proverbs 16:20. (Let the
first one to find the reference in the Bible read it aloud.)
Trust takes away fear and worry. (Show the worried
Every Need Supplied, Philippians 4:19
expression.) Do you ever feel worried about something? Worry
q Materials Needed: paper, paper plates, Bible
is a troubled state of mind. You feel anxious and uneasy inside.
What are things you worry about? (Someone in my family
Lead the learners in singing “God Is So Good.” Then have
dying, my parents getting divorced, tests in school.)
Popcorn Testimonies with learners quickly popping up to tell
No matter what it is that bothers you, God wants you to trust
how God has been good to them during the past week—just a
Him for help. Philippians 4:19 is a promise that God will keep.
sentence to tell something special they appreciate. (God kept us
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches
safe; He made Grandma well; He helped me find my dog; God
in glory by Christ Jesus.”
gave me a new friend in my neighborhood, and so forth)
How much of your need will God supply? (All your need.)
Have prayer with each one praying his gratitude to God. He
He will give whatever you need to meet every crisis in life.
should thank God for one thing God provided for his enjoyment
Nothing is a surprise to God. He never worries, and He wants
this week. You or another worker may begin the prayer to set
the pace for a very brief expression of some specific blessing.
you to have His peace, too.
Ahead of time prepare paper plates with expressive faces on
(Cover the worried expression with the happy expression.)
them as shown in the illustration.
Trusting in the Lord changes worry to peacefulness.
Imagine a stormy lake with waves whitecapping because of
strong winds. That is what worry is like in your emotions.
Now think of the same lake so calm and still that it mirrors the
trees around it. That is what trusting God can do for your inner
turmoil. He is big enough to handle every crisis in life. He will
supply whatever need His child may have. God loves you. He
cares for your needs.
Sing “Jesus Loves Even Me” to conclude.
52 Birds and Flowers
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Lesson 8 Photo Poster,
Flannelgraph Figure 8-1, The Beatitudes Poster,
visual aids instruction sheet, Bible, flannelboard
(To illustrate the Bible truths, display Photo Poster for Lesson
8 on a cardboard easel and use flannelgraph figure 8-1.)
(Point out Jesus and the people on The Beatitudes Poster.)
What do we call the sermon Jesus preached? (The Sermon
on the Mount.) Jesus taught a lot of practical Christian living
principles in His sermon. He taught us about laying up
treasures in Heaven by serving Him on earth.
Jesus knew if we were always thinking of getting bigger
bank accounts or buying more things, then we would not care
about things that really mattered—doing God’s commands.
If we use money for the glory of God because we love Jesus,
our hearts will overflow with love for Him. We will feel
compassion for others and want to help them.
This lesson goes further in Jesus’ sermon. He taught that
people should not worry about what to eat or wear. Find
Matthew 6:25-34 in the Bible. I would like us to read these
verses aloud to find what Jesus taught. Listen for what He said
about birds and flowers.
(Let volunteers take turns reading the verses.)
Jesus told His hearers to watch the birds. (Set the Photo
Poster for Lesson 8 on a tabletop cardboard easel.) What is
the lesson Jesus wants us to learn from seeing how He cares for
birds? (Allow time for learners to think about the object lesson
Jesus taught and what it means.)
Maybe there were birds flying around as Jesus taught.
“Look at the birds,” Jesus said. “They do not plant seeds to
harvest and collect in barns for eating later. Yet, God takes care
of them. He feeds them and provides every need.”
Which is of greater value—birds or people? Without
question, humans whom God made in His own image have far
greater worth than birds who have no eternal soul. You can trust
the God who made you to give you food, clothes and shelter.
What else did Jesus want His disciples to consider? (Lilies
of the field. Put figure 8-1 on the flannelboard.) No doubt, there
were field flowers blooming in the area where Jesus taught.
“Observe them carefully. Study them. Meditate on God’s care
of the flowers,” Jesus told them.
Do flowers worry about how they will make the next bloom?
Do they feel anxiety or concern about whether or not they will
have water, sunshine and nutrients to grow and blossom? No,
they just grow and give the beautiful blossoms and smell good.
Jesus said they do not work to make their clothes, but even rich
King Solomon in His beautiful royal robes did not have the
beauty of flowers.
If God takes such good care of plants which are so
temporary, will He not provide for your clothes and food?
Jesus does not want us to have anxious thoughts about how
He will provide. “Your Heavenly Father knows that you need
all these things,” Jesus said. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you” (Matt. 6:33).
Lesson 8
Trusting God to care for you gives peace in your mind
and spirit. It frees you to focus on the more important things
like . . . (Leave the sentence unfinished.) Ask: What is more
important than the material things of food and clothes? Serving
God in big and little ways is God’s plan for each of His
children. When we put doing right and being good above all
else because we love Jesus, God will meet every need.
God is so great, so powerful, that He can do all things.
He loves you and wants to give what you need. You can be
sure that when you trust Jesus to care for you, He will never
disappoint you.
Why do you think Jesus said not to worry? (He wanted us
to trust His Father to provide and care for us.)
What is a worried person like? (Afraid, scared, nervous,
uneasy, unhappy.)
Are you happy when you worry? Why or why not?
What causes worry? (Not trusting God with concerns; to
continue thinking about problems instead of praying about
them and asking God to take care of them.)
What can you do when tempted to worry? (Remember that
God cares for all nature, and people are much more important
than the things of nature; begin praising God for His care;
think about other things.)
Jesus told us not to worry because God will give us what we
need. You can depend on that promise all of your lifetime.
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: papers, pens, Bible, highlighter pen
Form groups of three. Give each group a sheet of paper
and pen. Instruct learners to share ideas and write on the paper
things that worry them. One person in each group may be the
recorder to write what the others suggest. Children feel more
free to share in a small group than in a large group. By limiting
the time, you help them stay on target with the subject.
Children often feel troubled and anxious about things in
their world. The cares they write may seem insignificant, but, if
they cause concern in the life of God’s little children, He wants
to help them. If a group feels so carefree they have no concerns
to write, ask them to think of boys and girls who may not have
a loving family and church friends. What kinds of things bother
children their age?
Allow thirty seconds for making the list. Then ask someone
other than the recorder in each group to share one thing from
the list they made. Go around again with learners naming
different things this time. Continue until all the concerns have
been named.
Say: Today’s Bible Insight verse tells us what to do with
things that bother us. “Casting all your care upon him; for he
careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Say the words with me. (Repeat
the verse.)
Lesson 8
Birds and Flowers
53
What we want to do is give God these concerns you have
listed. God is so great that nothing is too hard for Him. Find
the verse in your Bible so you can personalize it.
Share a highlighter pen with each group to accent the verse.
Ask: What do you think this verse in God’s Word means?
(Allow a few seconds of quiet thinking time.) In your group of
three, talk about the meaning for your lives today. When you
are sure everyone in your group understands the meaning, you
may raise your hands. I will not call on you until I see three
hands up in your group.
After fifteen or thirty seconds, repeat the verse and ask the
question again. Call on each group to share.
Say: Right now, we can give your concerns to our loving
God who cares for you. Take the hand of the other team
members in your group. Bow your head and close your eyes.
Quietly pray for each other and the concerns you shared in your
group. Give them to God.
Allow about thirty seconds of silent prayer time before
leading a brief prayer. “Dear Father, We just bring all these
concerns to You and ask You to handle them for us. We are not
big enough nor strong enough to deal with them alone. Because
You love us, we give them to You and thank You for how You
will take care of each situation for everyone. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.”
Have everyone say from memory the Bible Insight verse.
Have learners read aloud together Philippians 4:6 at the
bottom of the page. The verse gives a good solution for what
to do when worry begins.
Use the Bible Insight verse to teach the power of prayer.
God is powerful and strong enough to handle every care we
bring to Him. Encourage learners to share prayer requests to
list on the lines inside the praying hands shape. Have needs of
church members to share with them. Have specific missionaries
to add to the prayer list. Encourage learners to use the page as
a reminder when they pray every day this week. God promises
answers when His children unite in their requests to Him.
The poem on the last page of the lesson makes a valid point
that illustrates what Jesus taught. Why do we toil and spin
when we should depend on the Heavenly Father for what we
need? Choosing to trust God for needs takes faith, but we will
never be disappointed when we count on Him.
Provide colored pencils for learners to use on the
sculptured-look letters, GOD PROVIDES MY NEEDS. As they
work, guide conversation to have them share how God has
provided needs for them. Recognizing that God gives us all
things to enjoy helps develop gratitude to Him.
Learner’s Manual
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 8, scissors,
q Materials Needed: learners’ manuals, pencils, colored
Stickers
illustrating
God’s
provisions of needs complete the
make and take project for Lesson 8.
Provide scissors for learners to trim
around the border on all sides. Cut
on the solid line to make two sets of
pages. Stack the pages (name page on
top), fold and staple on the broken
line. Add the stickers to each page
as called for. Place the stickers over their descriptions and let
volunteers read the Scripture verses printed for each sticker.
Give pens to letter names on the front page.
pencils, Bibles
Have each of the learners write about his favorite bird and
why he likes it. Then read aloud the paragraphs of the Bible
story down to the blanks about flowers. Pause for learners
to write responses there. Then continue with the other two
paragraphs of the story.
Ask: How many of our needs will God supply? (All our
needs.) We need not worry about anything, but depend on
God for everything.
The second page of Lesson 8 activities involves learners
in thinking about what Jesus said. Reading the Bible story
aloud prepares learners for the responses. Let them look at
Matthew 6:25-34 if they need help with comparing God’s care
for birds and flowers with the way He provides for people.
(He gives birds food without their concern and work to get it. He
provides food for His people by giving responsible adults jobs to
earn money for food and makes it grow in gardens or crops. He
clothes flowers with beautiful blossoms. He will give clothing for us
because He loves us.)
Christians can live free of worry or anxiety by asking God
for “daily bread.” That includes personal physical needs each
day. After asking God for needs, we can depend on Him to
give what is best. We need not worry and feel anxious about
them.
When we feel uneasy about a situation, practice praise.
Thank God for His power to handle our needs for us. Choose
to trust instead of worry. Have faith.
Make and Take
stapler, pens
Saying Good-bye
children’s things
Gather everyone in a circle to thank God
for His care. Commit concerns to Him and
praise Him for the privilege of releasing
worry and anxiety about matters beyond
our control.
Say the Bible Insight verse in unison
once more before leaving.
Lesson
August 2, 2015
Floods and Winds
Matthew 7:24-29
Those who hear and do as Jesus said
are like the man who built his
house on a solid rock.
The Wise and
Foolish Man
Lesson Objective:
Learners will identify weak and
solid life foundations.
-29
Matthew 7:24
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LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
One who builds his life on
principles Jesus taught will have a
stable, useful life of service.
Bible Insight:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
What Jesus taught is true and will direct me
to a happy life. I will learn His life principles and
use them in my life.
54
Lesson 9
Floods and Winds
KNOW GOD’S WORD Jesus concluded His great Sermon on the Mount by
comparing His listeners to housebuilders. He taught many
truths to guide people in daily life choices. Now He says the
hearers must use His words. The Lord warned His followers
that to have heard His words is useless unless they put them
into practice.
Everyone builds a lifehouse in which to live. Jesus said
anyone who hears His words and obeys them by applying
them in life is wise. He compared wise hearers to wise builders
who seek the solid foundation of rock on which to build a
house. A wise housebuilder uses the solid foundation of rock
for his structure. When storm winds come and floodwaters
rise, the building remains safe. The solidity of the foundation
determines the security of a building.
A house built on the sand looks as strong as one on a rock
foundation. It may even look better from outward appearances.
But calm weather does not last always. Torrential rains
wreck houses quickly. Resulting floods eat away at insecure
foundations and houses collapse in ruin.
Adversities test the foundation of a professed Christian
life. Our reaction to trouble indicates the depth of our spiritual
foundation. Character gets tested by the ordinary emergencies
in life. A person with the deep anchor of living faith in Jesus
Christ will survive life’s tragedies.
A superficial profession of allegiance to the Lord, however,
is useless without obedience. James 2:17 says faith without
works is dead. Vital faith in Christ Jesus is that which proves
its existence by bringing forth fruit in active service.
It is not enough to hear His words only; they must be obeyed.
Doing “these sayings of mine” is the criteria for being a wise
life builder. As James says in James 1:22, “Be ye doers of the
word, and not hearers only.”
Only those who are on the Rock do what Christ teaches.
It is foolish to build one’s life on philosophies of the world
rather than the teachings of God’s Word. The tests of time and
adversity reveal the shallow depth of such life foundations. All
hopes founded on human merit shall fail. Even depending on
the mercy of God without faith in Christ brings ruin.
True discipleship with genuine subjection to Christ is
building upon the Rock. We may talk of plans, hopes and
55
efforts, experience struggles and have strong convictions
of what is right. But, if we base our doing on personal
achievement and ability, it will not stand the tests of life. What
a disaster to have built throughout life only to find we did not
build life on the Rock with faith in Jesus Christ to give eternal
security and make life worthwhile.
Some third- and fourth-grade learners recognize their
spiritual need for salvation. This lesson gives an excellent
opportunity to present Christ as the foundation for life. Boys
and girls begin to understand their personal responsibility
in building a life at different ages, and their choice of a
foundation is a personal decision.
Some learners have not experienced conviction of sin. They
feel no personal concern about making a choice to receive
Jesus as Savior. They love God, want to learn the Bible and
know Jesus died for sin, but, until conviction comes, they are
safe in God’s care. Repentance is essential in salvation.
Present the plan of salvation simply and clearly. Then trust
the Holy Spirit to bring learners the awareness of personal
spiritual need.
q Materials Needed: index paper or tagboard, glue, hot
glue gun, glue sticks, flat rock, baking pan, soil, sand,
stickers
Readiness to welcome children as they arrive and to direct
them to meaningful experiences gives a head start for learning
the Bible principle in the lesson.
House Models—Provide index paper or tagboard for learners
to cut, fold and glue model houses to use for the object lesson.
Encourage them to experiment to make a square box house
with windows and doors drawn on the sides. They may use a
separate piece for the roof.
Use a hot glue gun to attach one house to a flat rock large
enough to be a foundation. Set the house with the solid
foundation in a baking pan with soil pressed around it.
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: chalkboard, marker board or newsprint
God’s house is a special place for learning the principles Jesus taught for living a stable, useful life of service. The environment
of your Sunday School classroom either enhances or detracts from the goal of active learning. Make an attractive setting to
welcome learners. Clean and orderly arrangement of materials stored in the room teaches children to appreciate an organized
look. A pile of clutter also speaks with negative reflections.
On the chalkboard, marker board or piece of newsprint let the learners write principles Jesus taught.
Prepare materials for early arrivals to use in guided learning activities until time for assembly or class to begin.
56 Floods and Winds
Vocabulary Words
principles—basic truths and doctrines
upon which others build
foundation—the fundamental or
essential principles for building
beliefs
Put the other house in another baking pan
with about 1'' of sand in it. Set it on top of the
sand without securing it in any way.
Discussion: The Bible story tells about lives
built on sand or the sturdy foundation of a
rock. We will find what Jesus meant in a few
minutes.
Lesson 9
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: paper houses, container of water
Place on the table the paper houses made in presession time. (See Early Time
Activities section.)
Ask: Which of these houses has the best foundation? Which do you think
could stand the test of wind and rain? (Wait for learners to share ideas about them.)
Shall we try them? (Show a container of water.) Floodwater tests the foundation
of a house, so we can pretend this is a flood. (Pour water around the house glued to
the rock.) Nothing happened there, did it? That house has a solid rock foundation.
Look what happens to the house on sand. (Pour water around the bottom of the
house. Watch the sand shift. Add more water until the house becomes unstable.)
If this were a real house, it would have crashed by now. Sand is a poor
foundation for building a safe house.
Jesus used sand and rock to teach the need for having a solid foundation for
one’s life. The Bible lesson tells how to build a life on the Lord.
Set the object lesson materials out of sight.
Building Blocks of Life, 1 Corinthians 3:9-15
q Materials Needed: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man”
song, Franny’s Nest, a Flash Card Type Illustrated Gospel
Story (Living Stories, Inc.), Bible
Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” to introduce the
lesson theme.
If you have a copy of Franny’s Nest, A Flash Card Type
Illustrated Gospel Story, it illustrates the Bible principle with
a story of two robins who built their nests two different ways.
One used modern building materials such as facial tissues;
the other built her nest the old-fashioned way with sturdy
twigs intertwined. A rainstorm destroyed the nest without a
good foundation, but the sturdy nest was safe through it. The
application emphasizes building one’s life on Jesus, the solid
Rock.
The following devotional material also may be used if you
prefer.
Building Blocks of Life—Each of us builds a part of his life
house every day. First Corinthians 3:9-15 tells the materials
we may use for building. Please turn there so we can read the
verses in the Bible together.
(Encourage each learner to read one of the verses aloud
taking his turn with other learners. For a large class, have
more than one child read in unison. For a very small class,
read more than one verse each.)
Christians in the church work with God to do His purposes
on earth. We build on the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the
foundation for all service to Him. We need to be careful how
we live so the work we do will last and be worthwhile.
How long does wood, hay and stubble last in a fire? What
kind of works do these materials represent? (Things done in
our own efforts without God’s power. False doctrines and
professing faith in God without accepting Jesus as Savior will
not stand the test of Judgment Day. People may do works that
look good but have no eternal value.)
Can gold, silver and precious stones withstand fire? What
works do these building materials represent? (God’s work done
God’s way in God’s power of the Holy Spirit.)
We are fellow laborers with God, our Master. He calls each
of us and sends us into His harvest to work for Him. He honors
us by allowing us to do His work on earth. We work not only
for Him but with Him. Every child of God will someday face
in judgment the things he does today, tomorrow and each day
of life. The choices you make are wood, hay and stubble or
they are things that count for eternity, gold, silver and precious
stones.
What matters most is what you do today that has a touch of
eternity about it.
What kind of building blocks will you use today? Like the
treasures in Heaven we talked about, what you do for Jesus
according to His Word will make a difference.
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: The Beatitudes Poster,
Storyboard Figures 9-1—9-3, storyboard, visual aids
Find Matthew 7:24-29 in the Bible. (Invite four volunteers
or groups to read the verses aloud, or take turns reading them
if you have a very small class.)
(Point out the Sermon on the Mount scene in The Beatitudes
Poster. Use storyboard figure 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3 to visualize the
lesson.)
“These sayings of mine” that Jesus referred to are the things
He taught in the Sermon on the Mount we have studied in this
unit. Do you remember the attitudes of a Christian that Jesus
Lesson 9 Floods and Winds
said were blessed? What do we call that part of Jesus’ sermon?
(The Beatitudes.) They describe Christian character traits we
need to develop in our lives.
We talked one Sunday of Jesus’ comparing His church to
salt and light. Who remembers what Jesus said? (“Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 5:16.
Learners may remember something else Jesus said.)
Jesus talked about many things in His Sermon on the
Mount. One of the things we learned was what Jesus said
about having treasures. Who can review that story for us?
(Treasures on earth do not last; treasures in Heaven will be
there in eternity. Things we do to serve Jesus on earth invest in
heavenly treasures.)
Last week we discussed Jesus’ message concerning birds
and flowers. What did Jesus teach by comparing God’s care
for birds and flowers with His providing for us? (We should not
worry about daily needs but trust God for everything.)
These are only a part of the sayings of Jesus to which He
referred in this closing part of this sermon. He also taught
about prayer, about giving, about not judging others and about
the strait gate and the wide gate.
(Draw a simple sketch on the board or piece of newsprint
paper as you talk.)
A newborn baby comes into the world with a human nature
to sin. As babies, God’s love keeps us safe as we grow and
develop. Then we come to the crossroad of life. We realize
that we are responsible for our choices to sin. We know for
sure that, if we die right now we would not go to Heaven. We
understand that Jesus died in our place to pay for sin’s penalty.
He hung on the cross to suffer intense pain for our sins. He did
nothing to deserve death, but He took on Himself our guilt of
sin and willingly gave His life in our place.
When we come to that crossroad—the time when we know
we are sinners who have no good merits and do not deserve
Heaven—we make a choice. We may choose to go on the way
we are without accepting what Jesus did as Savior. (Point to the
broad way.) Many people are on this road that leads to eternal
57
torment in a place of punishment called hell. Jesus called this
the broad way that leads to destruction. The one who chooses to
stay on this road should know it leads to an eternity separated
from God.
To get off this road to destruction, we must choose to
receive Jesus Christ as Savior and trust what He did on the
cross to pay for our sins. (Point to the cross.) This is the strait
gate and narrow way that Jesus talked about in the Sermon on
the Mount. Compared to the millions of people in the world,
there are few who enter this road.
The blood of Jesus’ death marks your account for sin’s
penalty “paid in full” when you accept Him as Savior.
Some of you may be at this crossroad where you know you
need God’s forgiveness for your sin. You can repent and trust
Jesus to receive eternal life and God’s new nature. His Spirit
comes to live in your spirit. Just tell God that you know you
are a sinner who needs His forgiveness. He knows when you
are sorry for your sins. Ask Him to forgive you for Jesus’ sake
because you trust Him as Savior. Believe in your heart and
receive God’s gift of salvation.
Jesus used the comparison of building on solid rock and
sand. “Whoever hears these words I have spoken and obeys
them, I will compare to a wise man who built his house upon a
rock.”
(Place figure 9-1 in storyboard.)
When heavy rains, flooding and strong winds came, the
house stood firmly through it all. The solid foundation kept the
house secure through the storms.
Jesus is the secure foundation for building a life. He is the
solid rock who will keep us in whatever adversity we face. We
learned about Job and all the bad things that happened in his
life earlier this quarter. Job had faith in God as the foundation
for his life. He could keep believing because he knew God
would never fail him. When you put your faith in the Lord, you
have a life foundation that will always be secure.
(Place figure 9-2 in the storyboard.)
Those who do not obey Jesus’ principles are like a foolish
man who built a new house on nothing but sand for the
foundation. When big rains caused flooding around the house,
the sand washed away. (Substitute figure 9-3 for figure 9-2.)
The strong winds blew and the house collapsed into complete
destruction because the foundation was gone.
This is like a person who refuses God’s gift of eternal life.
He builds his life around family, school, doing kind deeds
for people, being a good person and sharing what he has
with the needy. He does not have a solid foundation because
circumstances in life change so quickly. When adversity
comes, he feels stress and pressure because he does not have
the inner strength and power of the Holy Spirit in his life.
q Materials Needed: “Into My Heart” song, Bible
We need to hear God’s message to us and do what He
commands. The one who will choose to enter the narrow way
58
Floods and Winds
of life by accepting Jesus as Savior is wise. He can then build
his life on the Lord.
Choosing God’s way may not always be easy, but Jesus is
ready to help His own over all the tough spots in life. Salvation
is the foundation for your spiritual life. Then you build on that
foundation by choosing God’s way to live each day. Reading
the Bible to discover God’s way, to find Jesus’ sayings, is
a spiritual growth choice. Obeying Jesus’ commands and
following His principles will give a beautiful life of service.
If you need further help to understand how to receive Jesus
as your life foundation, please let me help you. It is not difficult
nor complicated. It is very simple to tell Jesus that you know
you are a sinner, ask Him to be your Savior and trust Him to
forgive you and make you God’s child. Your life after that
should show gratitude for what Jesus did for you. Then let the
winds and the floods of trouble come, but you are safe in Jesus.
Sing “Into My Heart” to conclude the Bible lesson.
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: two red sheets of construction paper,
scissors, glue, marker, various bright color papers,
worm pattern (Unit 2 Pattern Page), flannelgraph paper
scraps, flannelboard, Bible
Make a visual for the Bible Insight verse with two red sheets
of construction paper cut into heart shapes. Letter Heartworms
on the front of the top heart. Write the Bible Insight verse
under the title: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it
are the issues of life.” Add Proverbs 4:23. Glue the two hearts
together around the edges only, leaving an opening at the
bottom side. This makes a visual pocket of the two hearts.
ms
or
w
t
r
a
e
H
“Keep thy heart with all
diligence; for out of it
are the issues of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
Cut eight worms from various bright colors of paper using
the pattern on Unit 2 Pattern Page. Label individual worms
with one of these sins of the heart: pride, anger, selfishness,
laziness, lies, envy, rebellion and troublemaking. Glue a
flannelgraph paper scrap to the back of each worm to use them
as a display while presenting the visual.
Lesson 9
Put the worms inside the heart pocket. Show the heart to
the learners. Say: Heartworms are a parasite that lives in the
blood stream and hearts of dogs and some other animals.
They are deadly if not treated with medication. People do not
have that kind of heartworm, but I want to show you some
awful worms that do affect boys and girls, men and women.
The Bible Insight verse states, “Keep thy heart with all
diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” It is in your
hearts that Satan plants temptations, and we must resist his
ideas to keep our hearts pure for God. Here are some of the
“heartworms” Satan tries to use to destroy our relationships
with God.
Pull out the worms one at a time and discuss the sin each
names. Add to the ideas here if time allows. Place the worms
on the flannelboard as you name them.
Pride—The Bible says pride is a destructive attitude that
brings us to humiliation if we hang on to it. What is pride?
(Exaggerated self-esteem or an overly high opinion of
oneself, conceit.)
Anger—We all know that anger is a strong emotion that
often gets out of hand quickly. Satan sends this worm to our
hearts to try to get us to get back at someone who offends us.
God wants us to let Him take revenge for us.
Selfishness—Do you ever get “I Trouble” and think only
of yourself? Satan has spread a doctrine in our world to
encourage people to care more about themselves than any
other person. The heartworm of selfishness causes us to
care only for self, to love self and put self-interest above all
others.
Laziness—This big heartworm causes people to be slothful,
not diligent in doing the work assigned to them. Satan plants
the idea that we need to rest, that it is more fun to lie around
instead of working hard to accomplish what the Lord wants
us to do. People who suffer from the heartworm of laziness
need to repent and get busy serving God while they have
time.
Lies—Whom do we imitate when we tell a lie? The Bible
states Satan is the father of lies. Deceit is a sin. When you
claim something is true that is actually false, you deceive,
lie and mislead others. The Bible teaches us to be truthful
and honest.
Envy—Jealousy and wanting what another has causes bad
feelings in our hearts. Doing our best to accomplish all
we can and being content with what we have will kill this
terrible heartworm.
Lesson 9
Floods and Winds
Rebellion—This heartworm affects more and more children
in our society. Resisting authority with a defiant attitude is
opposite of what God wants us to do.
Troublemaking—Have you known anyone with the habit of
making trouble? They act happy to cause problems or annoy
someone. This sin comes from a heart infected by Satan’s
influence.
(After putting the last heartworm on the board, invite
learners to read the names aloud with you.)
How terrible it is to have heartworms infecting your
spiritual life! What can you do about them? (After learners
share ideas, say the Bible Insight verse or read it from the front
of the visual pocket.)
Assign the first part of the verse to one team of learners and
the second part to the rest. (A team can be one person, so even
if you have just one learner, you can do this activity.) Have
everyone say the reference. Ask the teams to say the verse until
it flows smoothly. Then switch assignments and have them
repeat it again until it proceeds without hesitation.
Learner’s Manual
Use the Bible story as a read-aloud activity with volunteers
reading the different paragraphs.
Learners who think about the questions on the second
page of the lesson will discover the meaning in Jesus’ teaching
about the two foundations. Have them work in pairs to think
of ideas to write in response to the questions. After everyone
finishes, invite volunteer partners to share what they wrote.
One person will read a question with the other reading the
words they chose for an answer.
Sandy foundations for children may include parents or
grandparents. Having a godly heritage is great, but choosing
Jesus as Savior is an individual decision. Just because your
parents are wonderful Christians does not mean you will
automatically go to Heaven. Other weak foundations might be
possessions, doing good, friends, achievements or abilities.
Actions that reveal a sandy foundation would include the
“heartworms” given in the Bible Insight section. Refer to the
list there for suggestions.
The solid foundation for building a life is trusting Jesus as
Savior and living by His principles found in the Bible.
Actions that reveal the security of a life built on Jesus
Christ are peace, honesty, kindness, helpfulness, happiness,
gentleness, faith, humility, self-control, patience, love and
goodness.
Ask everyone to say the Bible Insight verse from memory.
Then let three learners read the definitions of heart, diligence
and issues of life. Discuss the quotation, “Whatever enters
the eyes and ears affects the heart.” Things we see and what
we hear influence how we think and act because our brain
records all those impressions—good or bad. The heart takes
the input received and prompts the will and emotions to react
59
to it. Music, games, friends, entertainment and leisure time
activities affect the person we become.
The first two choices in the last activity on the page are
good. Ask learners to explain why the other two choices are
not good ones.
The Worship Time Devotional described how we should
influence others to build on the Rock of Jesus Christ. Boys
and girls building a life on the solid foundation can share with
friends what Jesus did. They may use the phone to invite
someone to attend Bible classes at church or have a friend
over for the night on Saturday to bring him to Sunday School.
Sharing a tract, writing a note and living so others can see
God’s love are ways to influence them.
The personal essay about how the church helps build lives
on the solid foundation will be individual responses. They
may write about different children’s programs which help
them learn the Bible, or mention the closeness of the church
family which motivates them to live for God, the pastor who
preaches God’s Word, teachers who exhort them to follow
God’s will and similar ideas.
Make and Take
crayons, glue
A story line project shows the sequence of action Jesus
described. The strip may be accordion folded after gluing ends
together. Learners who like to draw may illustrate scenes
showing building a life on Jesus to make a present-day story
line on the back.
Saying Good-bye
children’s things
Encourage and commend learners who
you can tell are building a life on the solid
foundation of Jesus. Let them know you
appreciate their choices to follow God’s
way. Assure them of your prayers. Children
whose parents have them in Sunday School
regularly are fortunate. Those parents are
helping their children build a stable and
useful life of service for the Lord.
Ask each child to share an idea for
doing what Jesus says this week. Specific
suggestions may develop into plans; definite
plans may become actions.
Unit 3
Lessons 10–13
God’s Power To Deliver His People
The unlimited power of God is available
to God’s children who trust Him in love.
Unit Objective Biblical examples that give us insights into
blessings and suffering.
Stories about how God helped people who
suffered.
Boys and girls will know that God’s people
may suffer, but He is with them through
adversities.
Learners will be confident of God’s blessings
for those who suffer.
Everyone may encourage those experiencing
trouble.
This Unit and Your Learners Children need to know early in life that
God’s special plan for their lives is one for their
good. It is one which will honor the Lord. He
does not promise a life free of problems, but He
gives strength for every trial in such a way that
we know His blessings are touching us.
By training third- and fourth-graders to
accept God’s plan wholeheartedly without
reservations, you guide them toward the
greatest happiness. Share with them true stories
of people who experience difficulties with a
firm faith that God has a purpose in allowing
circumstances that seem less than ideal.
Learners whom you guide may have tough
questions to ask about suffering. They also
may share helpful insights from their own
experiences. Appreciate a child’s ability to
think and relate circumstances beyond their
control to the powerful, sovereign God who
knows what each life needs to conform to the
image of His Son.
We are all in process. As long as we live in
an imperfect world, we will endure suffering.
God never turns His back on one of His
children, and His blessings will sustain us
through the most intense fire or flood.
Stories about blessings through suffering give learners insights about
God’s power and love.
The Ten Lepers—The story about the ten lepers receiving healing
and only one leper being thankful teaches learners about expressing
appreciation for God’s blessings.
The Stoning of Stephen—This faithful man suffered death for
preaching Jesus and had a personal welcome into Heaven.
Ahab and Jezebel—The wickedness of this king and queen led to their
deaths.
The Fig Tree—The story of the barren fig tree helps learners understand
the purpose of God’s corrective discipline for His people.
BULLETIN BOARD
On a sky blue background pin an explosion design. Make it by cutting red
paper the size of the board. Then lightly sketch sharp points on all sides. Use
a ruler to make the final lines with a black marker. Cut on the outside of the
points so the lines make a border for the explosion points. Copy the design
shown to an overhead projector transparency and project it to the size needed
if you feel you cannot draw the design freehanded. Cut yellow letters for the
message and attach in the center of the board.
q Materials Needed: sky blue paper, red paper, black marker, trans
parency, overhead projector, yellow letters
60
Unit 3 Pattern Page
Lesson 12
61
Lesson
August 9, 2015
The Ten Lepers
Luke 17:11-19
Of ten lepers healed, only one returned
to express appreciation.
e Nine?
Where Are th
Lesson Objective:
Learners will express appreciation
for God’s blessings and practice
gratitude to others.
Luke 17:11-19
ned
in this story, ban
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e other nine?”
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LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
Those benefiting from God’s love
should show gratitude by the way
they live.
Bible Insight:
“Enter into his gates with thanks
giving, and into his courts with
praise: be thankful unto him, and
bless his name.”
Psalm 100:4
Be thankful for all that
God has given you.
God does many things for me and gives
parents to care for me. I will practice showing
appreciation for the kindness of others.
62
Lesson 10
The Ten Lepers
KNOW GOD’S WORD Bible-time leprosy began as a white spot on the skin and
developed into raw flesh. Two rather lengthy chapters in
Leviticus describe the signs and treatment of leprosy and the
Law of cleansing lepers.
Added to the dismay about the disease was the even greater
ordeal of complete isolation. A leper could not live among
family and friends but had to go away. Living as outcasts,
lepers often stayed together for the benefit of all. Such was the
case of the ten lepers in this story.
The Law required lepers to keep a safe distance away from
contact with people. These men saw Jesus coming. Together
they cried out for mercy from far away. Jesus’ compassion met
their intense need.
“Go show yourselves unto the priests,” Jesus called back.
They started at once, and, as they hurried along, they realized
the leprosy was gone. Their excitement and eagerness to
receive approval and return to their families and community
motivated them to go as quickly as possible, no doubt.
There was one exception in the ten men. A Samaritan
man turned back when he received cleansing. He praised
God loudly and fell at Jesus’ feet to thank Him. His being a
Samaritan is significant because of racial animosity between
them and the Jews. He was a “stranger”; yet, he was the only
grateful leper among the group.
“Were there not ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where are the
nine?” Then He said to the Samaritan man, “Get up and go on
your way. Your faith has made you well.”
The other men who neglected taking time to express gratitude
are typical of the ingratitude of people in general. God gives
so many temporal blessings and through His providence heals
diseases and sickness. How few remember to praise and thank
God for His compassion and power to help. Nothing binds
one more closely to Jesus than sincere gratitude for blessings
received from Him.
q Materials Needed: poster board, butcher paper or
newsprint, large pictures of blessings, glue, markers,
stickers
63
Fold a piece of poster board in half to make the cover of
a big book. Cut butcher paper or newsprint pages slightly
smaller than the full size poster board.
Give each learner a sheet of paper (makes four pages) to
illustrate something for which he feels grateful to God. Bring
large pictures of things such as food, clothing, church, family,
prayer, Bible, Jesus’ death and resurrection, friends, toys,
vacation fun, nature scenes and other blessings we enjoy. The
child will choose pictures, glue them to the pages and write a
poem or brief prayer on the pages to thank God.
Have learners draw pictures on the pages if you cannot get
printed pictures. After illustrating the pages, help learners glue
them in the fold of the poster board covers. A thin line of glue
for each sheet of paper will hold it in place.
Provide precut letters for the title and allow someone to
arrange and glue them in place. Children enjoy looking at their
work, so keep the book available in your room for a few weeks.
Then store it to use again for Thanksgiving.
Scripture Search—Write the following references on separate
slips of paper: Psalm 50:14; Psalm 69:30; Psalm 92:1; Psalm 147:7;
Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:15; Colossians 4:2; 1 Chronicles
Thank You, God
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: nature scenes on calendar pictures, poster board
Replace the bulletin board display used for Unit 2 with the suggested idea on Unit 3 introduction page. Keeping an attractive
room helps learners get the most benefit from the Sunday School time. Refresh displays to show God’s power in everyday
matters we take for granted.
Calendar pictures of awesome nature scenes add beauty and a silent message as learners examine them.
Letter the Bible Insight verse on a poster to display in your learning area. See illustration under Bible Insight.
64 The Ten Lepers
Vocabulary Words
leper—one who has leprosy
leprosy—an infectious disease that
attacks the skin, tissues and nerves;
characterized by lumps, sores,
white scaly scabs, deformities and
deterioration of body parts
appreciation—grateful recognition of
benefits received
Lesson 10
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: construction paper squares, recording device or
piano
Thankful Seats Activity—Guide “thankful seats activity” for children to
share something they are thankful for. Tape a square of construction paper
under the seat of every second or third chair with enough chairs for everyone
arranged in a circle.
Play a song and have the children walk around inside the circle of chairs.
Instruct them to sit in a chair when the music stops. Pause the music at random
and let everyone get seated. Have each child look for a construction paper
square under the seat of his chair. Those sitting in chairs with construction paper
squares share something they are thankful for.
16:8, 34; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Revelation
Discussion: We need to live each day with gratitude for what Jesus does for us.
11:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:2.
The
Bible story tells about ten men whom Jesus healed. Only one thanked Him.
Ask each learner to take one or more of
the references to find in the Bible and mark
with the paper. Take turns reading the verses.
After reading a verse, the reader names a
Attitude is most important in developing a grateful spirit.
blessing for which he is thankful. Then let the next child read
If you have a tendency to complain when things do not go as
a verse and name a blessing.
you would like them to, ask God to forgive you and practice
God reminds us many times throughout the Bible to be
thankfulness.
thankful. Right now it would be good to have sentence prayers
to thank God for the specific blessings you named.
BIBLE STORY
Thanksgiving Every Day, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
People think of Thanksgiving as being the fourth Thursday
in November. I am glad our country has a special day chosen
to express gratitude for God’s blessings on our nation. For
God’s family, however, giving thanks should be a regular part
of every day.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Have you ever given a gift to someone who grabbed it
without saying “thank you” for it? How did you feel? Do you
think God must feel that way when we accept His gifts to us
without remembering to express appreciation for them?
People who love the Lord should give thanks for everything
every day. That is God’s will for us.
Even bad things? Yes, even troubles that do not seem
good in themselves. We can find something to be thankful for
although the events do not make us happy.
We are not glad to get sick, but we can thank God for
someone to care for us to help us feel better, for medicine to
make us well and for God’s constant care.
Practice with me. Someone name a difficulty you or
someone you know experienced recently. (Wait for a learner
to share an adversity that happened.) Now think of something
we can thank God for in that situation. (Let learners do the
sharing as much as possible. You may need to suggest an idea
or two to get them started thinking in the right direction.)
q Materials Needed: Stick Figures 10-1—10-5, visual
aids instruction sheet, Bible
The incident happened one day as Jesus walked with His
disciples on His way to Jerusalem. (With your other hand
pick up figure 10-2 and hold it a good distance away from
figure 10-1.) Ten men living outside a town saw Jesus coming.
Because they were lepers, they had to stay away from close
contact with other people. The Law required them to live
outside the city. These men formed a colony for mutual aid.
When they saw Jesus, their hopes rose. (Move figure 10-1
slightly closer to figure 10-2.) He could heal them if He would.
Look in Luke 17:13 to see what they did. (Wait for learners to
find the reference and read the verse silently.) Pretend you are
the lepers. What did you call out together?
“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”
They were still far away, but Jesus saw them. How did He
respond to their request? (Verse 14.)
“Go show yourselves unto the priests,” Jesus called back.
One of the laws about lepers was that the priests must declare
afflicted victims clear of the disease for them to rejoin society.
The lepers began walking to obey Jesus. (Move figure 10-2
away.) As they went, their leprosy cleared. How do you think
they reacted when they realized that every man of them was
free of leprosy? (Change figure 10-2 to figure 10-3. Speak with
excitement in your voice.) They could now rejoin family and
friends. They probably hurried faster to get to the religious
leader who could pronounce them free to return to society.
One of the lepers stopped and turned back. “Praise God!”
he might have shouted. The Bible states he glorified God with
Lesson 10 The Ten Lepers
a loud voice. When he got to Jesus, he fell right down on the
ground at Jesus’ feet. (Lay figures 10-3 and 10-1 aside and
hold figure 10-4 close to figure 10-5.)
“Thank You, Jesus! Thank You for having compassion and
making me well.” Whatever the man said he was giving Jesus
thanks for healing.
Jesus noticed the other nine who benefited from His love did
not show any appreciation.
“Were there not ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where are the
nine?”
None of them but the Samaritan man took time to return to
Jesus with thanks. They chose not to give glory to God.
Jesus said to the grateful man before Him, “Get up and go
your way. Your faith has made you whole.” (Pause a second
or two, then lay the stick figures aside.)
65
You have already named things for which you feel thankful,
but are there still other things you can name? Think about it.
God very generously gives us all things to enjoy. It is only
right that we give Him thanks for everything, and I do mean
everything.
The Bible Insight verse to memorize is one about giving
thanks. (Read in unison the words of Psalm 100:4 from the
poster made earlier in the section Prepare Your Room.)
“Enter into his gates with
thanksgiving, and into his
courts with praise: be
thankful unto him, and
bless his name.”
Psalm 100:4
q Materials Needed: chalkboard or marker board, chalk
or marker, clock or watch with second hand, Bible
All of us receive many blessings from God that we take
for granted. In one minute name as many blessings as you
can. Think of things we have not heard already during other
learning activities. Ready? Go!
Write fast to list on the board ideas learners name as they
brainstorm. Keep time and stop after sixty seconds.
We know for sure that God wants to hear our praise and
appreciation for all He does every day. What He desires more
is to see us live in gratitude for what Jesus did on the cross for
us.
He took the guilt of our sin and paid the price for our
redemption which was death of the innocent Redeemer.
God offers anyone who will receive it the gift of eternal life.
By accepting His forgiveness through Jesus the Savior, we
become His children with a home in Heaven for our future.
After you receive Jesus’ death as payment for your sin
penalty, your life needs to show your gratitude for what He did.
Since the day He saved you, have you shown your appreciation
by living for Him each day? Do you express gratitude to God
verbally in prayer?
We should choose to do things that will honor the Lord.
We want to do all we can for Him every day that we live. God
needs young people like you who will stand for Him and do
what is right when everyone else may choose to do wrong.
The very best way to express appreciation for what God
does is by living your thanks, doing His will.
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts
with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm
100:4).
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: Bible Insight Verse Poster, Bible
Enter His gates with thanksgiving as we make a circle.
Come into his courts with praise and think about blessings
not already named in one of the other learning activities this
morning. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name as we
name blessings we appreciate. Here is what we will do.
The first person will say, “We praise You, God for . . .” and
name a blessing. The second person will repeat what the first
person said, then add something he is thankful for. The third
person repeats the first two and adds another. Keep it going
around the circle until everyone has a chance to praise God.
Ready? Go!
In a large class, children may have trouble remembering
things named. Give clues when needed by saying the first
syllable of the word. For a small group, go around the circle
two or three times.
Have the girls stand up and say the first part of the verse.
Then ask the boys to stand up and say the last part of the verse.
Reverse the assignment for boys to say the first part and the
girls say the last. Invite individuals to say the verse alone.
Learner’s Manual
q Materials Needed: learners’ manuals, Bible-time
costumes (towels, safety pins and fabric or cord),
pencils, Bibles
Reading it aloud helps learners remember a Bible story
longer than if they hear it only. Respect the preference of
children who may not want to read aloud, but most third- and
fourth-graders enjoy the activity.
Provide Bible-time costumes for role-playing the story
after completing the reading in the learner’s manual. Make
66
The Ten Lepers
them quickly and easily from two large bath towels per person.
Stitch or pin shoulder seams with an opening large enough for the
head. The side seams may remain open. Tie a strip of fabric or
large cord around the waist for a belt and you have a costume.
Add a drape to the costume for Jesus to make it special.
Lesson 10
Talking about living thankfully and daily practicing a grateful
attitude is far different. The questionnaire on the last page of
the learner’s manual for this lesson is a check-up. Encourage
learners to be very honest in rating themselves. They may
find weak areas where they lack a strong expression of
appreciation. Suggest that they work on that particular area
to strengthen it.
After learners work individually to complete the self-check,
let them take turns reading sentences and discussing the value
of saying “thank you” in each situation.
Make and Take
scissors, glue
If you have a small class, pretend for some of the characters.
Play acting the story fixes the story details more firmly in the
learners’ memory. Enter into the drama with the children.
The second page of Lesson 10 material is a Bible search
activity. Prepare your own copy ahead of time to use for an
answer guide.
Two reasons for giving thanks to God named in Psalm
136:1-3 are (1) He is good; (2) His mercy endureth forever.
That means God will always be patient, loving and kind. We
should thank Him for that.
Seven attributes of God listed in Revelation 7:12 are these:
blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might.
Ask: Does this verse tell us that God is a weak or strong
God? God is all power. He is in control of everything. We can
thank Him for His power.
Ephesians 5:20 states to give thanks always for all things in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible Insight verse will be familiar to learners after your
working on it earlier. Ask them to cover the printed verse at the
top of the third page of the lesson and write the missing words
in the puzzle pieces. Commend those who can do so.
Allow individual time for completing the sentence at the
bottom of the page. Then let everyone share what they wrote.
We do kind deeds for people because it is right. Does it
make you feel better if someone whom you help remembers
to thank you? We should do random acts of kindness, not to
get noticed or to receive applause for doing good but because
we want to imitate Jesus.
Jesus taught the value of having a thankful attitude in His
question about the nine lepers who did not return. What
did He ask? (“Were there not ten cleansed? but where are
the nine?”) He wants us to show kindness by expressing
appreciation for God’s care through others.
The make and take project is a thank you note to give
someone who has done something for you.
Distribute the pages and give out scissors for cutting out
the card. Have learners add the sticker to the center of the
card and write a personal message in the area around it.
Turn the card to write around the corners. It will be fun for
the recipient to follow the message around and around the
square.
Show learners how to complete the card with these steps.
Fold each corner forward to make a big triangle. Fold back
the smaller triangle at the top of each big triangle. Crease fold
lines sharply so they lie flat.
Children will experience true joy as they show gratitude to
others.
Saying Good-bye
God is the source of all blessings we enjoy. He uses people on earth to extend those
good things to us. Challenge learners to find ways to show appreciation for each act of
kindness done for them. A cheerful smile with a sincere thanks makes a giver feel good.
Explain that giving thanks to God can be a spontaneous reaction throughout the day as
we recognize direct blessings from Him. We need not stop doing our work to say thank you.
Certainly we need the quiet time with the Lord when we thank Him for specific blessings.
But as you go about the events of the day, develop a spirit of gratefulness by sending a
quick “thank You” to God for blessings He sends.
Lesson
August 16, 2015
The Stoning of
Stephen
Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-60
Enemies of the church stoned Stephen
for preaching Jesus.
s Jesus
Stephen See1-60
Lesson Objective:
Learners will tell why people
stoned Stephen and explain how
God blessed him.
Acts 6:8-15; 7:
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“L
Bible Principle:
God gives what is best for all
of us to fulfill His plan. He opened
Heaven to welcome Stephen who
was faithful unto death.
Bible Insight:
“Blessed are ye, when men shall
revile you, and persecute you, and
shall say all manner of evil against
you falsely, for my sake.”
Matthew 5:11
Sta
nd
is r for w
igh hat
t.
Stephen spoke the truth about Jesus. The men who
LIFE
APPLICATION
stoned him did not understand his message. They stoned
him ignorantly. God deals with people’s ignorance, but
expects me to act within His wisdom. I will stand for
what is right and let God handle those who wrong me.
67
68
The Stoning of Stephen
KNOW GOD’S WORD Distraught Jewish religious leaders intensified persecution
of believers when the message of the new church influenced
many to follow the Christian way. With determined effort they
set out to stop further spreading of the gospel proclaimed by
followers of Jesus’ teachings.
False witnesses played a primary role in convictions of
leaders in the church. Stephen, ordained as one of the first
seven deacons in the church, had a strong faith. The Holy Spirit
empowered him to do miracles among the people.
He willingly debated those who disputed his message and
would not compromise the truth to satisfy his opponents. They
caught Stephen and brought him before the Jewish council
accusing him of speaking blasphemy. As his enemies named
the charges against him, Stephen’s face looked like that of an
angel.
The high priest asked Stephen for his defense. Stephen
started at the beginning of Jewish history and gave a detailed
account of how God established and dealt with the nation of
Israel. Stephen concluded with a stinging rebuke and charge
against the Jewish leaders for the murder of Christ.
“You resist the Holy Spirit like your fathers did,” Stephen
told them.
Mob violence erupted. They gritted their teeth in contempt
and rushed at Stephen with murderous intent. Calmly, because
of the control of the Holy Spirit who filled him, Stephen looked
toward Heaven. God gave him a glimpse into what was going
on there. He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the
right hand of God.
Stephen’s announcement of heavenly insight triggered more
animosity. The mob yelled and flew into a rage. They grabbed
Stephen and threw him outside the city. They took off their
outer garments and piled them in a heap for their witness, a
young man named Saul, to watch. Then began the stoning,
Jewish capital punishment for blasphemy.
Stephen confidently faced the persecution because he knew
his destiny. “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” he prayed. In a
beautiful display of love, Stephen cried out, “Lord, lay not this
sin to their charge.” Then he died.
Stephen was the first martyr for the Christian faith. Church
history gives explicit accounts of many others since his time
who died for the cause of Christ. It is said that over fifty
million martyrs have died for the sake of Jesus Christ. Some
Christians died when enemies burned them at the stake. Others’
Lesson 11
mutilated bodies testified of their steadfast faith in Christ until
death. Christians suffered extremely cruel deaths but remained
faithful to the end.
They left a tremendous heritage of faith. What testimony
will future generations see from present-day Christians if time
continues?
q Materials Needed: learning projects, sponge paint, red
markers, white construction paper, heart shape sponge,
shallow containers, container of water, pan, water,
soap, towel or wipes, stickers
Use the time before Sunday School formally begins for
brief learning projects. Have materials ready to involve
learners right away as they arrive.
Smile with your eyes as well as with your mouth when a
learner comes through the door. Genuine appreciation for their
attendance encourages faithfulness.
Sponge Paint—Primary learners need the emphasis on love in
this project. Complete a sample ahead of time for them to see
before beginning to work on their poster.
Provide red markers for lettering the Bible words from
Matthew 5:44 in the center of a piece of white construction
paper. Cut a heart shape from sponge or use a craft sponge
already cut in a heart shape. Bring shallow containers of
thinned red children’s paint. Show how to dip the sponge
lightly in the paint and then place it on the paper. Press only
enough to leave an imprint of the heart shape. Lift straight up
and replace it in another spot around the Bible words. Make a
border around the words.
Discussion: Who is an enemy? (A person who hates another
and tries to hurt him.) Why does Jesus command us to love
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: rocks, sponge ball
Make your classroom ready to welcome the children and invite them to have an enjoyable time of learning. The time you
invest to arrange learning areas will result in greater interest among the children.
Make a display of several rocks if they are available where you live. Such an object lesson will have a meaningful impact on
your learners.
Have supplies ready to use for each part of your lesson plan. Bring a small sponge ball for the Bible Insight learning activity.
Lesson 11
Vocabulary Words
stoned—to throw stones at, to kill
with stones
ignorantly—in a manner without
knowledge or information
69
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: rocks
Show learners your display of rocks and invite them to pick the rocks up to
check their weight. After sitting passively for the devotional time, learners need
the active involvement time of hands-on learning.
Ask: What happens when you throw rocks? Someone gets hurt or the rocks
may damage something. The people in the Bible story used rocks in a vicious,
fatal way. Replace the rocks in the pile, and we will discover what happened that
day.
our enemies and forgive those who do us
wrong? (That is God’s plan for happiness
on earth.)
We were enemies of God when He loved us enough to give
His only begotten Son to die in our place. Jesus loved His
enemies who put Him on the cross. He prayed, “Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
The Bible story gives the example of another man who
forgave his enemies. At home, put your poster where you will
see it often.
Put the sponge in a container of water to clean later. Provide
a pan of water, soap and towel or wipes for clean-up if learners
got paint smears on their hands. Set the paint containers out of
the way.
Do Good, Matthew 5:44
q Materials Needed: poster board, paper clips, Plasti-Tak,
Bible
Make a gate chart of the four principles Jesus taught about
dealing with enemies. Letter the title at the top of a piece of
poster board. Divide the remaining section into four evenly
spaced strips. Letter the four commands of Jesus on them,
one per strip. Cut halfway across the poster board to make the
gates. Fold the left side of each strip over the right side and
hold it in place with a paper clip. Put the chart on the wall
securely.
before going on. Open a gate on the chart as they mention the
different things. Use Plasti-Tak behind the left side of the strip
to hold it open.)
Love your enemies.
Bless them that curse you.
Do good to them that hate you.
Pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.
This is absolutely the best way to find happiness and peace.
The freedom of forgiving those who do us wrong is far better
than the bondage of carrying a grudge in our heart.
Jesus came to earth to show us God’s way to happiness.
Instead of hating people who do us wrong, Jesus said we
should love them. We do not love their sins, but we must love
their souls and want to see them come to the Lord.
Instead of repaying them with bad things as they did, He
said we should do good things. That will show them the love
of God. He wants us to pray for those who treat us badly. Ask
God to show them His way to live.
If we want God to forgive us, then we must forgive others.
When we obey Jesus’ commands, we can expect Him to bless
us with God’s best. It is human to love our friends; it is godly
to love our enemies.
We can trust God to do what is best for us individually.
He cares about you personally. When you leave the details of
getting even with Him, you can be sure He will handle matters
wisely.
BIBLE STORY
flannelboard, visual aids instruction sheet, Bible
In a low but firm voice, read Matthew 5:44.
What four commands did Jesus give about our attitude
toward enemies? (Wait for learners to turn to the Scripture
and read it silently if needed. Give time for them to respond
Stephen, a deacon in the first church at Jerusalem, loved
the Lord more than anything. (Place figure 11-1 on the
flannelboard.) The Bible says Stephen was a man full of
faith and the Holy Spirit. His faith in God gave him power to
witness for the Lord in a mighty way. He wanted everyone to
know about Jesus, God’s Son.
Many people believed on Jesus because of Stephen’s
preaching. There were others, though, (add figure 11-2) who
argued with Stephen. They did not believe Jesus was the
Messiah and wanted to stop Stephen’s witness.
God gave Stephen the ability to speak forcefully. Those
who wanted to debate him were not able to stand against the
wisdom and the spirit by which Stephen spoke the truth.
70
So they stirred up the people against him. They convinced
many Jewish religious leaders that Stephen should stop
preaching and teaching about Jesus. (Add figure 11-3.) They
hired men to be false witnesses and brought Stephen before the
council, like a hearing in court today.
Stephen knew he had done no wrong. He had only preached
about Jesus. He was not afraid. His face reflected the peace
and love of God in his heart. To those who looked at him he
seemed to have the face of an angel.
“Are these things so?” the high priest asked Stephen of the
accusations against him.
That was just the opportunity Stephen wanted. He started
sharing the history of the Hebrew nation, Israel, beginning with
the call of Abraham. He reminded the Jewish leaders of the
times God worked for His people right up to the time of Jesus.
Then Stephen accused them of rejecting God’s Holy Spirit as
their fathers did.
“Your ancestors persecuted God’s prophets, and now you
have betrayed and murdered the Messiah.”
Stephen’s words stirred his accusers to intense feelings of
conviction that turned to anger. They gritted their teeth and
lunged at Stephen.
Stephen stood calmly looking toward Heaven. The
description of what he saw is beautiful. Look in Acts 7:55,
56. (Let two volunteers read the verses aloud.) God blessed
Stephen with a look into Heaven. What did Stephen see? (The
glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.)
When Stephen told them what he saw, the men grew angrier.
(Replace figures with figure 11-4.) They yelled and covered their
ears to keep from hearing his words. They grabbed Stephen and
dragged him outside the city wall.
They began pelting him with rocks. (Replace figure 11-4
with figure 11-5.)
A young man named Saul witnessed the stoning and kept
the outer cloaks of the men who stoned Stephen. Stephen did
not try to run away. The rocks hurt badly. They cut and bruised
his body.
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” he prayed. He still had
God’s peace in his heart. He knew the Lord was with him. The
Holy Spirit within gave him God’s peace. Because he loved
Jesus so much, he was willing to endure the pain from the
flying stones hitting their mark.
After falling to his knees, the brave deacon cried with a loud
voice, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”
He did not want God to blame the people for stoning him.
They did not have Jesus’ love in their hearts. Stephen did.
He could forgive them because of God’s great love. (Remove
figure 11-5; add figure 11-6.)
Then he fell asleep. His spirit went to be with Jesus whom
he had seen ready to welcome him to Heaven with God.
Stephen was the first Christian to die for the cause of Christ.
People who die for a cause they believe in are called martyrs.
Many other Christians since then have been willing to die
rather than give up their faith in God.
Lesson 11
God gives grace to face every hardship. He is with us to
strengthen and give peace when adversity comes. We may
never have to die for the cause of Jesus Christ, but do we have
what it takes to live for Him?
The people who stoned Stephen were ignorant of the truth.
They did not believe the truth about Jesus, so they stoned
Stephen ignorantly, without knowledge and understanding of
the true way.
We have people today who are ignorant of the way of truth.
They ridicule Bible believers who teach that moral purity is the
way to happiness, that abusing drugs is sin because it harms the
body and that Jesus is coming back to earth soon.
Persecution today will not include stoning as Stephen
suffered. Not in our country. What are some ways Satan uses
to hurt God’s people today? (Peer pressure, public ridicule
by media reporters, serious illness, jail sentences, financial
pressures, discouragement.)
Whatever the devil uses to hurt God’s work in our lives,
God will handle it for us if we will commit to Him. God has
designed a special plan for each of His children. Yielding to
Him in love gives us peace and assurance that He will work all
things together for our good.
If we will stand for what is right, even if it means standing
alone when everyone else chooses the wrong way, God will
take care of those who ignorantly persecute us.
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: index cards or construction paper,
Bible
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake” (Matt. 5:11).
Can we depend on God to keep His promises? Absolutely.
Every time? Exactly.
When Jesus promised blessings (happiness) for those who
endure persecution, He knew what the future would hold.
When people say bad things about us because we love God and
live for Him, God takes our side.
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom.
12:19).
Ahead of time, letter phrases and the reference of the Bible
Insight verse on flash cards. Divide the verse so each learner
can have a card.
Give the cards to learners in random order. Allow thirty
seconds for them to arrange themselves in the right order for the
words on the cards to read correctly. For a small class, lay the
flash cards in a scrambled order for learners to arrange correctly.
Have learners say the words on the cards they hold in order.
Repeat them. Take one or two of the cards and place them face
down. Repeat the verse again. Take more cards and say the
words together. Remove all cards and say the Bible Insight
verse without help. Let individuals say the verse.
Lesson 11
Learner’s Manual
q Materials Needed: learners’ manuals, pencils, markers,
colored pencils or oil pastel crayons, Bibles
Assign the four sections of the Bible story to readers. Ask
listeners not reading to answer questions after hearing each
section. They will fill in details of the Bible story you shared.
After hearing section one, ask: Of what did Stephen’s face
remind the men in the council hearing? (They saw his face as
that of an angel.)
Following section two reading, ask: What reaction did
council men show when they heard Stephen tell about seeing
into Heaven? (They yelled at him, stopped their ears, and rushed
at Stephen in a frenzy.)
After a reader completes section three, ask: Why did they
think Stephen blasphemed? What is blasphemy? (Irreverence
or sacrilege. They believed Stephen was being disrespectful or
irreverent in saying that he saw into Heaven.)
How did Stephen show that he trusted Jesus? (He bravely
faced stoning.)
At the end of section four, ask: How was Stephen a martyr?
(He chose to die rather than give up his faith and beliefs in God’s
way.)
Much of the material on the second page of the learner’s
manual for Lesson 11 calls for individual answers. Complete
Jeremiah 29:11 with thoughts, peace, evil in the blanks. Have
learners write their own ideas on the lines under God’s love
for me is (wonderful, awesome, great, comforting, super, thrilling,
unlimited).
On the cross, have learners write how God proved His
love for me. (By sending Jesus to die in my place.) Accept what
the learners write unless it is wrong doctrinally. Use tact when
correcting a child’s misunderstanding.
God sometimes uses trouble to humble us. When we
humble ourselves before God, we realize we are nothing
without Him and that He makes us capable of whatever we
can do. By humbly depending on God, He helps us in times of
trouble. Have learners write what they will do when troubles
come. (Pray, ask God for help, snuggle into His arms of love and
let Him care for me.)
Read John 15:5 and 7 together to help learners understand
what “abiding in Christ” means. By staying in position of a vital
unity with Him, we can feel assured of answers to prayers.
Have learners write a short list of prayer requests—people
or situations that need God’s attention.
In the heart shape have learners write a list of people who
love them. Their names are reminders of God’s love. He loves
us through people.
Provide markers, colored pencils or oil pastel crayons
for completing the God Loves Me! poster. Designs with
lettering inside will be pretty with color just on the printed
lines. With oil pastel crayons, outline the design and lay the
crayon aside. Use pointer finger to rub the color inward all
around the design. The color will blend beautifully and make a
lovely poster. Use markers lightly so the color does not bleed
through to the other side of the page.
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Repeat together the Bible Insight verse at top of the
third page. The drawings illustrate the meaning of it. Invite
learners to form trios to read the speaking balloons in the
four situations. One will be the Christian character while the
other two are the antagonists who revile, persecute and say all
manner of evil against him. If you have a small class, improvise
for ways to read the drawings aloud.
Make and Take
scissors
The learning activity on the make and take project for
Lesson 11 shows Before and After scenes about Stephen’s
death. Cut away the border around the pictures. Fold back
on the broken line in the middle to make two-sided stand-up
display. Add the figure of Stephen from the sticker page to the
Before section.
Ask: Why were the men stoning Stephen? (They ignorantly
believed he was teaching wrong and thought he blasphemed to
claim to see Jesus in Heaven.)
Turn the display and add the figure of Jesus from the
sticker page to the After section.
Ask: This scene is after what? (After Stephen died.) His
body lay lifeless outside the city wall of Jerusalem, but Stephen
went to Heaven where Jesus welcomed him.
What do you think Jesus might have said to Stephen when
His faithful servant went to Heaven? Write it in the speaking
balloon for Jesus.
God’s blessings are always greater than our sacrifices.
Stephen received a great reward for his willingness to die
rather than stop telling the truth about Jesus. Will you stand
for your faith even if it means persecution? Do you now?
Be bold and be strong so others know you love Jesus.
Saying Good-bye
children’s things
“The Lord bless you and keep you” is a
scriptural blessing for parting friends. God’s
power is so great you can trust Him in
every situation. Stay in the center of God’s
will and depend on His protection.
Challenge learners to witness for the Lord
this week as He provides opportunities for
them to say something about His love.
Boys and girls need to hear that God loves
them. Children are effective witnesses to
other children.
Lesson
August 23, 2015
Ahab and Jezebel
2 Kings 9 and 10
God will justly punish those
who mistreat His people.
at Fall
Jezebel’s Gre10
Lesson Objective:
2 Kings 9 and
Learners will tell why God allowed
Ahab and Jezebel to be killed.
orst kind
ebel were the w
Ahab and Jez
in Israel.
es as monarchs
of evil influenc
d their
lijah denounce
The prophet E
eople to
ading God’s p
wickedness in le
God’s
d he warned of
idol worship, an
and
el hated Elijah
judgment. Jezeb
th in a
. Ahab met dea
tried to kill him
ziah, his
e death of Aha
battle. After th
Joram
’s second son,
first son, Ahab
g his
ame king. Durin
(Jehoram), bec
ted the
het Elisha direc
reign, the prop
er,
army command
an
u,
eh
J
f
o
anointing
ned
king. Jehu liste
as Israel’s next
uted
unsel. He exec
to Elisha’s co
He
r descendants.
he
f
o
l
al
d
an
Jezebel
od from
rael back to G
tried to bring Is
Baal worship.
Bible Principle:
God avenges wrongs done to
His people by their enemies.
Bible Insight:
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the
hands of the living God.”
Hebrews 10:31
God will
take
care of
me.
God cares when someone mistreats His people whom
LIFE
APPLICATION
He loves. I will let God handle those who mistreat me
because I am a Christian. I know He will avenge me of
those who offend me.
72
Lesson 12
Ahab and Jezebel
KNOW GOD’S WORD The judgment of a holy and just God against sin is never an
enjoyable experience. As unpleasant as it may be to witness
the deserved punishment, we know that left unchecked sin
would quickly dominate society worldwide. God brings just
punishment to curb the spread of sin’s influence.
Israel’s history is replete with examples of God’s judgment
against sin contrasted with blessings for repentance.
Ahab was an evil king who married Jezebel, a woman
more wicked than he. “There was none like unto Ahab, which
did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord,
whom Jezebel his wife stirred up” (1 Kings 21:25).
Their influence caused Israel to adopt Baal worship in direct
disobedience to God’s Law. The prophet Elijah, as spokesman
for God, condemned their actions and was often in conflict
with the king and queen. God sent Elijah to Ahab with the
prophecy of judgment and coming death for the king and
queen when they killed Naboth for possession of his vineyard.
Read it in 1 Kings 21:19, 23. Because Ahab humbled himself
(verse 27), the Lord delayed the judgment of death for all his
household until during Ahab’s son’s reign.
Ahab met death in a battle at Ramoth-gilead even though he
disguised himself for protection. Read about the incident in
1 Kings 22. God’s judgment had begun.
Ahab’s son, Ahaziah, became king and ruled Israel for two
years before falling from a second-story window and receiving
fatal injuries. Then another son, Joram (Jehoram), began
ruling.
During his reign, the prophet Elisha arranged for a private
ceremony anointing Jehu, an army commander, as Israel’s next
king. This was in compliance with God’s instructions to Elijah
in 1 Kings 19:16. Jehu’s first responsibility was to execute
God’s judgment against wickedness and to “avenge the blood
of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants
73
of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel” (2 Kings 9:7). It was clearly
a command rather than a prophecy.
Jehu began at once to carry out the commission to destroy
all of Ahab’s descendants. He instructed fellow army officers
to secure the city so no one would take news of his anointing to
Jezreel and the present King Joram who was there recuperating
from battle wounds. Surprise is a most useful military tactic,
and Jehu wanted nothing to interfere with his plan.
As he neared Jezreel, driving furiously, a city watchman
spotted the approaching travelers and sent word to the king.
Suspecting nothing dangerous, the king dispatched a single
messenger on horseback to meet the group and find out their
mission. Jehu absorbed the messenger into his followers and
rode on without honoring the king’s inquiry with a reply. A
second horseman was sent with the same results.
Jehu had a reputation for driving fast, and the watchman
decided it must be Jehu coming. The king chose to go himself
to find out what the problem was which his captain of the
host was bringing. His nephew, Ahaziah, king of Judah and
grandson of Jezebel, was visiting Joram and went with him to
meet Jehu.
When they met, the king asked if it was a peaceful mission.
Jehu came right to the point by saying there could be no peace
as long as the influences of Jezebel continued. Joram suddenly
recognized danger and retreated.
Jehu shot an arrow with such accuracy that Joram died
instantly. Jehu instructed a captain who accompanied him to
throw Joram’s body onto the field of Naboth. He recalled how
they had heard the prophecy of the Lord about this when riding
with King Ahab years earlier. It came to pass as the Lord had
said.
Ahaziah tried to escape, but, as a member of Jezebel’s
family, Jehu killed him also.
Jezebel heard about Jehu’s arrival and went into action
herself. She painted her face and fixed her hair in a special
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: poster boards, gold paint, glue gun, glue sticks, jewels, question mark (Unit 3 Pattern Page),
corrugated cardboard, box, pen or scissors, paper, 3'' x 5'' card
Place a crown in a prominent place in your room to teach that men and women in high
government positions are responsible to God for their actions. Make a crown from poster board
spray painted with gold paint. Use hot glue to attach jewels from the craft department of discount
stores.
Cut a question mark from a corrugated cardboard box using the pattern on Unit 3 Pattern
Page. With a pen or sharp-pointed scissors, randomly punch twelve holes in
it. Write on small slips of paper the references for vengeance and judgment
found in Early Time Activities section. Roll each into a cylinder and insert into
one of the holes of the question mark board.
Letter the Bible Insight verse to memorize on a Bible-shaped poster board. “It is a fearful thing to fall into
the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). Set it on a cardboard tabletop easel.
Write the word Sin on a 3'' x 5'' card. Fold it several times to make a tiny square of it. Use it for Lesson
Set activity.
74 Ahab and Jezebel
Vocabulary Words
judgment—to bring about justice and
right, a punishment from God
revenge—to inflict damage, injury or
punishment in return
vengeance—the avenging of an
offense or injury in punishment or
retaliation
Lesson 12
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: 3'' x 5'' card, crown
Write the word Sin on a 3" x 5" card. Fold it several times to make a tiny
square of it. Have children stand in a circle facing in. Have them practice passing
behind their backs the folded card. Ask one person to be It and stand in the
middle of the circle, eyes closed.
Start the card around the circle. Have everyone pretend to pass the card if
they do not have it. Say, “Be sure your sin will find you out” as a signal for It to
open eyes and try to guess who has the “Sin” card. It tags the person he thinks
has the “Sin” card.
Say: Is it easy or hard to hide sin in our lives? God’s Word warns, “Be sure
your sin will find you out.” Nothing escapes God’s notice. Rather than hiding sin,
we need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness.
Those who mistreat His people will receive a just punishment in judgment for
the wrongs done. The Bible story tells about God’s vengeance against a wicked
king and queen.
(Hold the crown.)
The Bible teaches that godly rulers of countries and nations will bring God’s
blessings to the people. Kings who choose evil instead of God’s way will receive
God’s judgment. Wearing the crown makes no one immune to punishment.
(Replace the crown.)
arrangement. Then she waited at the upstairs
window for Jehu to arrive.
“Had Zimri peace who slew his master?”
she asked when Jehu stopped his chariot.
(Zimri had come to the throne through
bloodshed and treachery. Within seven days
he burned the palace while inside it. See 1
Kings 16:11-20.) She was trying to intimidate
Jehu for killing Joram.
Jehu, not easily intimidated, called for
help and two or three men threw her out the
window. Jezebel met a horrible death because of her equally
horrible deeds during her lifetime. Jehu’s horses trampled her
body. A pack of wild dogs devoured her body, a fulfillment of
prophecy concerning this wicked woman.
God is long-suffering and merciful. He gives ample
opportunity for repentance. His vengeance may not come at
once, but unforgiven sins bring punishment, either on earth or
in the day of judgment.
q Materials Needed: dictionary, chalkboard or marker
board, chalk or markers, Strong’s or Young’s Bible
concordance, question mark board, Bible-shaped
poster, stickers
Children like a teacher to know they are around. Always
greet them by name with a genuine smile. Someone may
wonder what the crown is for. Say: The king and queen in
the Bible story did not care what God wanted. Their terribly
wicked ways brought the judgment of death.
Allow learners to move about during this informal learning
time.
Provide a dictionary for looking up the vocabulary words. You
could tell them the meanings, but they might forget quickly. If the
learners look up and write the meanings, they will remember
longer.
Letter judgment, revenge and vengeance on the board.
Ask the first child who comes to look up one of the words.
After finding the dictionary entry for the word chosen, help
him decide which meaning best fits the lesson about God’s
punishment of those who mistreat His people. Let him write
the meaning on the board.
Ask another child to use the dictionary for another word
from the list. Repeat the procedure used for the first learner.
Let a third child look up the last vocabulary word and continue
the method used for the first two words.
Say: We know that God’s judgment comes for those who
keep on doing wrong against God’s people. He takes revenge
for us because His holiness demands vengeance against sin.
During this time, you may find a Scripture verse about
God’s vengeance and judgment. Do you have a concordance
reference in the back of your Bible? Can you find these words
there? Not all the Scriptures about judgment will help us
understand this particular lesson. Can you choose one that
applies to the Bible principle that God will avenge wrongs
done to His people by His enemies?
Provide a Bible concordance for those who have no
reference section in their Bible. Let someone count all the
references for judgment. God must have wanted us to know
about judgment.
Show the question mark board with references tucked into
the holes.
Say: Because we do not have time to look up all the verses
listed, here are selected references that will help us understand
God’s judgment for wrong doers. Take one of the paper rolls,
find the Bible verse written there and mark the place with your
paper.
Use these references or others you may choose. If you
choose other verses, be sure to read them ahead of time to see
that they correlate with the Bible Principle for this lesson.
Nahum 1:2, 3 2 Corinthians 5:10
Deuteronomy 32:35 Proverbs 19:29
Lesson 12
Ahab and Jezebel
Deuteronomy 32:41Revelation 16:7
Deuteronomy 32:431 Peter 1:17
Numbers 32:23Matthew 12:36
Psalm 19:9Romans 12:19
Hebrews 10:31Romans 14:10
For a small class, let each learner look up more than one
verse.
When most of the children find and mark their references,
let them take turns reading the verses aloud. Ask everyone to
listen for the words judgment, vengeance or revenge in each of
the verses. Invite a volunteer to chart the results on the board.
For each verse that mentions judgment, put a mark beside that
word on the board. When a verse has the word vengeance in it,
place a mark beside it and the same for revenge.
Hebrews 10:31 contains none of the words, but refers to
God’s judgment of sin. Wait to mention that until one of the
learners notices it. Then discuss it with them. It is the Bible
Insight verse to memorize for this lesson. Point it out on the
Bible-shaped poster with the words lettered on it.
The verses you found give us a good basis for learning
about God’s judgment against Ahab and Jezebel. We will hear
about them in the Bible story time.
The Judgment Seat, 2 Corinthians 5:10
q Materials Needed: Bible, choir or graduation robe, gavel
or mallet, table and chair, legal pad, Bible Insight Poster,
Bible
Put on a choir or graduation robe and bring a gavel or
mallet. Set up a table and chair to serve as a judge’s bench.
Write 2 Corinthians 5:10 on a legal pad in bold letters.
Stand behind the table and strike the table with the gavel or
mallet. Speak in a forceful, official manner, using a monotone.
Say: This court will now come to order. Everyone please
rise for a reading from 2 Corinthians.
Display the verse written on the legal pad and have learners
read it with you.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
that every one may receive the things done in his body,
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
Say: (still in raised monotone) Hear ye, Hear ye! In this
court the judge is Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God. A
perfect record of your service for the Lord is on file with
this court. The judge will examine your record carefully and
accurately. There are no mistakes at the Judgment Seat of
Christ. You may be seated.
(Assume your normal manner and remove the robe.)
The Judgment Seat of Christ will examine the service of
every child of God. This judgment is for believers when our
works done on earth will determine reward or loss of reward.
75
Faithfulness to obey God’s Word and do His will results in
heavenly treasures or rewards.
Touch the Bible Insight poster and say the words on it.
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Story Block Visual, visual aids
(A story block visual with four scenes visualizes story
details.)
King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were evil and vicious in
dealing with people. They were the worst of the bad. They
were responsible in leading God’s people into Baal worship.
When Jezebel ordered Naboth stoned so Ahab could have his
vineyard, God sent the prophet Elijah with judgment. They
thought they got by with stealing Naboth’s vineyard, but their
sins caught up with them.
Ahab died in a battle one day. His son, Ahaziah, became
king. Later he died from injuries in a fall. Another son, Joram
(Jehoram), became king. He was wounded in battle and went
to Jezreel to recover.
(Show side 12-1 of the story block visual.)
Meantime, God’s prophet Elisha sent a young man who was
also a prophet on a secret mission.
“Take this oil and go to Ramoth-gilead. Find Jehu and have
him go with you into a private room. Pour the oil on his head.
Tell him, ‘Thus saith the Lord, I have anointed thee king over
Israel.’ Then leave immediately.”
The young man did as Elisha instructed him to do. He found
Jehu in a meeting with other army officers. (Turn story block to
show side 12-2.)
“I have a message for you, Oh Captain,” the young man
said.
“For which one of us?” Jehu asked.
“For you, Oh Captain.”
Jehu got up and went with the man into a private room. The
prophet poured the anointing oil over Jehu’s head. (Pretend to
do so.)
“Thus saith the Lord God of Israel,” the prophet repeated,
“I have anointed thee king over the people of the Lord, even
over Israel.”
He told Jehu his first commission was to destroy all of
Ahab’s descendants because Ahab and Jezebel had killed the
servants of the Lord.
“And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and
there shall be none to bury her.”
The young man opened the door and ran out as Elisha had
told him to do.
When Jehu returned to his staff meeting, one of the other
officers asked, “Is everything all right? Why did this mad
fellow come to see you?”
Jehu told them what had happened in the other room. They
cheered and had a little ceremony. They blew trumpets and
said, “Jehu is king!”
Then Jehu began obeying God’s commission for him as
the new king. He must destroy Ahab’s family members. (Turn
76
Ahab and Jezebel
visual to scene 12-3.) He took Bidkar, a fellow army captain,
and quickly drove his chariot to Jezreel where King Joram,
Ahab’s son, was recovering from battle injuries.
A watchman saw the fast chariot coming. He told King
Joram about it. After two messengers on horseback never
returned, Joram himself went to find out the situation. He
and Ahaziah, king of Judah and grandson of Jezebel who was
visiting Joram that day, got into their chariots to go meet Jehu,
Joram’s army captain.
“Is it peace?” Joram called to Jehu when they met.
Jehu called back, “What peace, so long as the idolatry of
your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?”
Whoa!
“Treason!” he called to warn King Ahaziah in the chariot
behind him. He wheeled his chariot around and raced away.
Jehu drew his bow full strength and shot Joram. The arrow
struck Joram’s heart. He fell dead in the chariot.
Jehu told Bidkar, the army captain who came with him,
“Throw his body in Naboth’s field. Remember how that, when
you and I rode together after Ahab his father, the Lord gave
this judgment against him?”
Because Ahab killed Naboth to take his vineyard, God’s
justice took revenge on Ahab’s descendants.
King Ahaziah realized the danger and tried to escape by
taking a back road. Jehu followed his chariot.
“Strike him also in the chariot,” he called to his associates.
Another of Ahab’s family received God’s revenge.
Jehu rode into Jezreel to a hostile welcome from the queen
mother. (Change visual to show scene 12-4.) Queen Jezebel
had heard about Jehu’s mission and sat by an upstairs window
waiting for him. She had painted her face with lots of makeup
on her eyes and put her hair up in a fancy style. She called out
a taunting remark when Jehu came by. He stopped his chariot
and looked up at her.
“Who is on my side? Who?” he called out. Two or three
men looked out.
“Throw her down,” Jehu instructed. They did just that.
(Show the picture on the first page of the learner’s manual
for Lesson 12.) Jezebel died. Jehu’s horses trampled her body.
God’s judgment had come at last to that wicked woman who
killed so many of God’s prophets. Later, when some men went
to bury her body, all they found was the skull, the feet and the
palms of her hands. Dogs had eaten the rest.
The prophecy of the prophet Elijah came true as he had said.
There was no burial for her. God so completely destroyed her
that people would not honor her memory by going to a grave
and saying, “This is Jezebel.”
Jehu completed the commission given him. Find 2 Kings
10:10, 11. (Have two learners read the verses aloud.) Then
Jehu sent word throughout Israel calling all Baal worshipers to
come for a special meeting. He made sure only those guilty of
idolatry were in the house, then he had all of them slain with
swords. They brought the idol images out of the house of Baal
and burned them. They destroyed the big image of Baal and
tore down the house.
Have someone read 2 Kings 10:28. God’s judgment was
complete against the wicked Ahab and Jezebel.
Lesson 12
God will always avenge wrongs done to His people by
His enemies. God’s justice called for the death of Ahab and
Jezebel. They killed God’s prophets and caused Israel to sin
without repentance or remorse for their actions.
You can be sure God will deal with those who mistreat you
because you are a Christian. Remember the Bible Insight verse
last week. (Invite learners to say it with you.)
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake” (Matt. 5:11).
(Refer to the Worship Time Devotional for Lesson 11 also.)
Letting God take vengeance for us is the surest way to
victory. “God loves you too much to do you wrong; He is too
wise to make a mistake.”
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: Bible Insight Poster, Bible
What word would you use to describe God? (Allow everyone
to share an idea.) The Bible tells us about our wonderful,
loving God. We know God is love. People want to focus on
His love without realizing God is just. God is holy and must
punish sin, but He is just to give judgment in the right way. He
will not wink at sin or ignore it.
Read the Bible Insight poster described under Prepare Your
Room. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
God” (Heb. 10:31).
Unforgiven sin brings judgment from the living God who
sees and knows every thought and intent of the heart. I am
afraid to ignore God’s Word. I fear God’s judgment for those
who mistreat God’s people. I want to be right where He wants
me to be, doing what He wants me to do. How about you? How
does this verse make you feel? (Repeat the Bible Insight verse.
Listen with your heart as learners share.)
Invite learners to sing the words to an impromptu tune.
Have each sing softly to himself to find notes that fit and the
repetition needed to make a little chorus of the Bible Insight
verse. Then ask them to share the musical version of the Bible
Insight verse. The process of singing the words helps fix them
in the memory more clearly. Conclude with each child saying
the words individually.
Learner’s Manual
Lesson 12
Ahab and Jezebel
Have learners study the picture on the first page of Lesson
12 in the learner’s manual. Who is falling from the secondstory window of the palace? Why did Jezebel die this way?
(God’s judgment. Someone may say it was because they pushed
her, but relate that to God’s judgment against her wicked life.)
Invite volunteers to read the story summary aloud.
Someone may want to share details omitted here because of
the story’s length.
Allow learners to work individually on the activity of the
second page to help them think how the story applies to their
lives. God will justly punish and avenge wrongs done by those
who mistreat His people.
The Scripture references are some of those suggested
for Early Time Activities. If the children still have the Bible
references, have them read the verses aloud again. Everyone
listens to choose two of them as references for the message
to the church.
Some learners may write only a sentence or two, while
others fill the page. Accept each at his level of achievement.
Commend with enthusiasm each essay as they read their
message aloud.
The children learned to say the words of the Bible Insight
verse from memory. Now, on the third page of the learner’s
manual, they will learn meaning and application for the words.
Why is it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
God? Because His judgments are just rewards for deeds done.
He never forgets and will punish unforgiven sins.
For whom is it a fearful thing? (Those who by their actions are
enemies of God.)
You or another adult read Here’s the Scoop! section. Use
voice inflection to emphasize the truths and use pauses for
emphasis. Read deliberately, not especially slow, but not too
fast either.
The missing words of Hebrews 3:12 are these: an evil heart
of unbelief. Have learners look up the verse in the Bible to find
the words and copy them. Unbelief is a great sin. It takes us
away from the living God. Unbelief is the opposite of faith.
Read the paragraph following Hebrews 3:12.
The next question/activity prompts thinking. Let learners
work with a partner to decide why God allowed Ahab and
77
Jezebel to be killed. (Ahab and Jezebel did not fear God.) There
was no reverence for Him in their evil hearts. God was
patient, but judgment came when they refused to change.
Christians need not cringe with timidity and fear. Proverbs
28:1 states “the righteous are bold as a lion.” Satan cannot
defeat us for “greater is he that is in you, than he that is
in the world” (1 John 4:4). The main idea in the other two
references, Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 34:4, is “fear not.” Have
volunteers read the three verses aloud.
Psalm 27:1 teaches living without fear because the Lord is
my light and my salvation, the strength of my life.
Read the section about Psalm 23 and the last paragraph to
the children in reassuring tones.
Make and Take
q Materials Needed: Make and Take Project 12, pencils
Do learners know the Bible verses that introduce the make
and take project for Lesson 12? Children usually show a great
deal of interest in discussions about end-time events. They
need to know the distinction between the two judgments.
Direct learners to go through the maze step-by-step
together as you discuss the different points.
1. Going to the cross is essential in being on the right path
through life. Go there and wait until everyone has marked the
path to it.
2. Baptism is the first step of obedience to Christ after
salvation so go there next. Wait for others.
3. Salvation gives us a new nature, but we still have our old
nature, too. We do not want to sin, but, when we do, we can
receive forgiveness by confessing sin.
4. Judgment is unavoidable. What are the two judgments
we named? (The Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White
Throne Judgment.) Which is for the saved? Which is only for
those rejecting Jesus as Savior? At which will you be?
Saying Good-bye
What will you do when someone mistreats you because you are a Christian? (Be patient,
let God take care of getting revenge.)
Why did God allow Ahab and Jezebel to be killed? (Ahab and Jezebel did not fear God.
There was no reverence for Him in their evil hearts. God was patient, but judgment came
when they refused to change.)
Lesson
August 30, 2015
The Fig Tree
Isaiah 5:1-7; Luke 13:6-9
God will judge His people who rebel
against Him as He did with the
vineyard and the barren fig tree.
Lesson Objective:
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Learners will tell why God compared
His people to the wild grape vineyard
and will relate it to the story of the fig
tree which would not bear fruit.
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LIFE
APPLICATION
Bible Principle:
God expects His children to be
faithful and loyal to Him in everything.
When He punishes them, it is to bring
them back to do His will.
Bible Insight:
“My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, . . . for whom
the Lord loveth he chasteneth.”
Hebrews 12:5, 6
Do Right
God punishes His children who rebel against
Him to help them do right. Because He expects
Christians to bear fruit, I will yield to the Holy
Spirit to bear fruit through me.
78
Lesson 13
The Fig Tree
KNOW GOD’S WORD The familiar scenes of nature show the relationship between
God and His people. The picture of a vineyard was especially
interesting to Isaiah’s audience, because Canaan was a land of
vines, which grew freely along the terraced hillsides.
God planted Israel in the fruitful land of Palestine. He
fenced His vineyard morally with laws and ordinances. He
cleared out the stones that marred its soil, the wicked nations
that once dwelt among His people. He planted it with choice
vinestocks, the children of “faithful Abraham.” He built
a tower, Jerusalem, in the midst of it, and made therein a
winepress, the Temple, where He would have the gifts and
offerings of the people, their good works laid up in store.
He looked at His vineyard expecting to see grapes—
order, morality, good government, loyalty to God in Heaven.
Instead it brought forth wild grapes—oppression, idolatry,
evil, robbery, murder and impurity. These were what His eyes
beheld when He looked on His chosen people.
God appealed to memory and to conscience. What more
could He have done? The fullness of divine provision for the
Jewish nation lacked nothing. Like one who plants and tends
a vineyard, He, too, expected the riches and joy of the harvest.
God planted those Jews in fertile Canaan, expecting from them
the fruit of a clear witness for Him to all the nations around, a
“holy people, zealous of good works.”
The sovereign ruler of Israel had a right to expect rich fruit
in his well-cultivated vineyard. He rebuked His people. He
would remove the protective hedge from around the vineyard;
gardeners would stop their labor. The untended vineyard would
become a miserable sight of desolation. The clouds would
suspend their gift of rain, and gracious spiritual influences
would cease. Every protection and every blessing withdrawn
would leave the thankless nation to earn its appropriate wages.
Having deserted God, God would now desert it.
In a parable about a barren fig tree, Jesus called attention to
the necessity of true repentance for those who bear no fruit in
His kingdom. He said a fig tree planted in a vineyard bore no
fruit after three years. Because it took up room and exhausted
the soil in which it grew, the owner wanted it cut down. The
79
man who cared for the vineyard, however, asked him to spare
the tree for another year. If after specific care it still did not
bear any fruit, it would then be cut down.
The fig tree in the parable clearly referred to Israel, to
whom God gave full opportunity to bear fruit of repentance.
Their rejection of the promised Messiah was evidence of their
fruitless condition. Perhaps the three years referred to the time
of the ministries of John and Jesus directed to the Jews. God is
the owner of the vineyard which represents the world. Because
it was not bearing the fruits of repentance, God determined to
remove the unfruitful Jewish nation.
Jesus, the vinedresser, intercedes for Israel and gets a
merciful reprieve. But He recognized that persistent barrenness
must meet its fate—banishment from the kingdom of God.
Jesus taught that God is patient. He waits for people to
repent. However, God’s long-suffering does come to an end in
the judgment that falls upon those who fail to repent in the time
given them.
The fig tree not only bore no fruit, but it also stood in the
way of something else that would bear fruit. God knew there
were people in the world who would receive His Son as their
Savior. Why let Israel’s snobbery stand in the way of the
Gentiles who would bear the fruit of repentance?
Eight- and nine-year-old learners may not grasp the full
meaning of the stories by Isaiah and Jesus. They may not
understand about Israel’s rejecting Jesus. They can, however,
know that God asks for fruits of righteousness of all His
creatures made in His image. He wants us to be like Him. “Be
ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). “Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48).
The righteousness that He asks from us He has shown us in
the person and the life of his dear Son. We imitate Christ by
bringing forth fruits of goodness like His. God wants loyalty
to His revealed truth, obedience to His declared will and proof
in everyday living of the spirit of heavenly, divine love.
(Background information came from The Complete Biblical
Library—Luke, The Biblical Illustrator—Isaiah I and Luke
II, The Pulpit Commentary, volumes 10 and 16, The New
International Commentary on the New Testament—Luke, and
Laymen’s Handy Commentary of the Bible—Luke.)
Prepare Your Room
q Materials Needed: pictures of fruit trees, fruit basket, grapes and figs or kiwi, chalkboard, marker board or news
print, chalk or markers
Does your resource file have pictures of fruit trees with fruit on them? If so, display them for this lesson. Make an arrangement
of fruits in a basket for the object lesson during Early Time Activities and to set in the worship center afterwards. Include washed
white grapes and figs for learners to taste during the Lesson Set activity.
Letter the Bible Insight verse on the board or piece of newsprint paper to put on the wall.
80 The Fig Tree
Vocabulary Words
chastening—to correct by
punishment to make better,
discipline
vineyard—land devoted to cultivating
grapevines
barren—not producing fruit
fruit—the effect, result or consequence produced in one’s life
Lesson 13
Lesson Set
q Materials Needed: a plate, toothpicks, fruit basket
Say: I brought a treat for you this morning.
Show the fruit basket with white grapes and figs. Invite learners to have six
or eight grapes to eat. Cut the figs and arrange on a plate with toothpicks for
tasting. Because they are not a common fruit, children may hesitate to try them.
Substitute peeled, round slices of kiwi fruit if figs are not available.
Discussion: Fruit growers expect to harvest fruit from the trees they care for
so carefully. Isaiah and Jesus both told short stories about fruit bearing or the
lack of it. We will learn a personal application from their stories to help us bear
fruit for Jesus.
Set the fruit basket back in the worship center.
q Materials Needed: stickers, butcher
paper or colored paper, construction
paper, chalkboard, marker board or newsprint, chalk
or markers, index cards, Plasti-Tak
This activity introduces children to the Bible truth of
spiritual fruit bearing. Each child of God is like a fruit tree. The
Spirit of God guides the growth and development of each life.
Christians who allow the Holy Spirit to produce spiritual
fruit in their lives enjoy an abundant life. Fruit bearing is
natural for healthy fruit trees, and Christians with a good
relationship with the Father will produce His fruit. Paul named
spiritual fruit in Galatians 5:22, 23. These definitions will help
students understand the qualities:
Love—a feeling of caring for and liking others
Joy—a very glad, happy feeling
Peace—calm; not worried or upset
Long-suffering—patient; waiting without complaining
Gentleness—kind and polite
Goodness—being good and doing right
Faith—complete trust; confidence in God
Meekness—mild tempered; not angry or resentful
Temperance—self-control; taking charge of yourself
When Christians fail to produce spiritual fruit, God judges
their lives. The lesson theme applies to all God’s children. He
will judge His people who rebel against Him as He did in the
vineyard story (Isaiah 5:1-7) and the parable of the barren fig
tree (Luke 13:6-9).
Materials: Five-foot length of butcher paper, nine pieces of
construction paper, markers, Galatians 5:22, 23 lettered on a
chalkboard, marker board or piece of newsprint, fruit of Spirit
names and definitions on index cards from the list above.
The Activity: Attach the butcher paper to the wall securely
with Plasti-Tak with the bottom edge at the floor. Draw a tree
shape on it. Substitute a brown or gray paper tree trunk and a
green tree top if you prefer.
Say: We know a tree by the fruit it produces. People know the kind
of person you are by what your life shows. This tree represents a
life. Print your name on the trunk
of the tree. (Join the children by
signing your name also.)
As God’s children, we can
depend on the Holy Spirit who lives
in our hearts to produce fruit in our
lives. (Show and read aloud together
the words of Galatians 5:22, 23 from
the wall.) This is the fruit God wants
to produce in His children.
Take a piece of construction
paper and tear it into the shape of a piece of fruit. Write on
the shape a fruit of the Spirit quality I will assign you. (If you
have more than nine children in class, group them to form nine
teams; for fewer, assign more than one fruit quality as needed.
Give an index card with a fruit of the Spirit quality and its
definition lettered on it to each team.)
Think about the fruit of the Spirit quality and what it means.
Add your lettered fruit shape to our tree and tell the rest of us
about it.
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Meekness
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Temperance
When God Spanks Us, Hebrews 12:5-11
q Materials Needed: Bible, paper
Set a chair to one side facing away from the others with a
sign on the back that reads, “Cool Down and Think on It.”
Does anyone here enjoy punishment? We like to get a pat on
the back and hear people say, “You did a good job,” instead of
getting a spanking, or having to “go sit in the cool down chair
until you are ready to obey.”
(Touch the chair.) The cool down chair is a good idea when
we get out of control. Sitting alone and thinking about our
actions helps us understand what we did wrong. During cool
down time, we can get our emotions under control, pray and
get forgiveness.
Lesson 13
The Fig Tree
People use different forms of punishment for different
violations of the rules. What are other forms of discipline you
experience? (Getting grounded, working to pay back a loss,
isolation like time out in room alone, a talking to.)
God gives authority figures (mom, dad, teacher, leader and
so forth) to guide us in developing good character. Parents are
the primary character builders. They have the responsibility
of training you to become a responsible young man or young
lady.
God often disciplines His children through those in authority
over them. Because He loves us, God punishes sin in our lives.
When God spanks us, we can be sure that it is for our good.
Hebrews 12:5-11 tells us about the chastening or discipline
of the Lord. Chastening means “to correct by punishment to
make better.” (Teacher may relate an incident of chastening in
his or her life.)
When God sees His children doing something wrong, He
gives them the opportunity to repent and ask forgiveness. If
we keep on doing wrong without acknowledging our sin and
turning from it, God sends correction in some way. God wants
to see our lives be fruitful for Him.
The fruit of the Spirit is what God looks for. Name the nine
Christian graces with me: love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. God
loves to see boys, girls, men and women who love Him
enough to let His Spirit work in their lives to produce these
characteristics.
BIBLE STORY
q Materials Needed: Visual 13-1, visual aids instruction
sheet, Bible
(Set visual 13-1 before the learners.)
Isaiah’s story is about a whole vineyard that failed. A
vineyard is land devoted to cultivating grapevines. Isaiah said
the owner chose a very good piece of land for the vineyard. He
put a fence around it to keep out animals or people who might
damage the crop. He picked up rocks out of the vineyard before
planting the best vines available.
In Bible times, people built a tower (point to it) in the
middle of the vineyard for a watchman to see all around. He
would keep guard against animals that might come to spoil the
vines or people who might steal or destroy the fruit. This man
built his tower to protect the fruit he was sure would be on
those special grapevines he planted.
He even built a winepress (point to it) ahead of time so
it would be ready to press the juice from the grapes during
harvest. The owner did everything he could to make the
vineyard a success.
At time for harvesting, the owner went to look for grapes.
To his great disappointment the whole vineyard produced only
wild grapes. What could he have done more to his vineyard?
With great disappointment he decided to take away the
vineyard. He would take away the fence protecting the
vineyard, have the workers stop cultivating the plants and
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withhold the moisture from watering them. The vineyard
would become wasteland.
God is the vineyard owner Isaiah talked about. He planted
Israel in the fruitful land of Canaan and gave the Jewish nation
every advantage to become a great people. When He looked for
the spiritual fruit of obedience, right living and loyalty to God,
He saw oppression and crying instead of rejoicing.
Israel was God’s chosen people. He wanted Israel to be an
example to all other nations to show them how God blessed a
people who served Him with complete allegiance. The people
of Israel did not do that. God punished them; He chastened
them to bring them back to Him and the way of truth.
God is so patient when we do not bear fruit for Him. He
gives us many opportunities to repent and begin again. If we
rebel and refuse to serve Him, He may take away the protection
around us and let the wild things take over.
We need to bear fruit of the Spirit rather than sour, wild
grapes of the flesh.
The Jews as a nation rejected Jesus as their Messiah, and
Jesus told a parable about their not bearing spiritual fruit.
Find Jesus’ parable in Luke 13:6-9. (Let volunteers read the
verses aloud. Turn visual to show 13-2.)
The fig tree in this story represents Israel. God planted His
people, Israel, in the vineyard of the world but found no fruit
in their lives. When He wanted to cut the people of Israel off
from being His special people, the vinedresser, Jesus, pleaded
for them.
“Let it stay this year, and I will make a special effort to get
it to produce. If it bears fruit, great; if not, then it will be cut
down.”
Because the people of Israel did not receive the Messiah
whom God sent, they could not bear the spiritual fruit God
wanted. So Jesus sent His church to preach the gospel to
whoever would receive it.
God expects His children to be faithful and loyal to Him in
everything. He judges our lives to determine our fruitfulness.
Those who rebel against Him and will not serve Him can
expect His chastening or punishment to make them want to do
right. Anytime God punishes His children, it is to bring them
back to His will.
All Christians are God’s fruit bearers to produce good
works as a result of God’s power in our lives. Some Christians
are barren, not producing fruit. They suppress God’s power by
choosing to go their own way rather than submitting to God’s
will.
It is not through our own efforts that we can produce the
fruit of the Spirit. It is through being attached to the Vine, Jesus
Christ, that we bear fruit. The branches of a vine receive all that
is needed to produce fruit from the main vine. We must abide
in the Vine for Him to give what we need for being fruitful.
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The Fig Tree
BIBLE INSIGHT
q Materials Needed: Bible, poster board or newsprint,
markers
Use the Worship Time Devotional material to illustrate the
Bible Insight words to memorize. Have the verse lettered on a
poster board or piece of newsprint displayed on the wall. Talk
about it.
“My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, . . . for
whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Heb. 12:5, 6).
To whom was the writer addressing his instructions? (My
son.) Was it his biological son or his spiritual son in the faith?
(Spiritual son.) Then in a general way, does this verse apply to
anyone today? If so, to whom? (Yes, to Christians, members of
God’s family.)
We talked earlier about chastening. Who remembers what
chastening means? (Correction, discipline or punishment to
make one better.) Whom does the Lord chasten or correct with
discipline? (Those whom He loves, His children.)
Great. I think you understand the Bible Insight verse very
well. Now we will say it from memory. Take a last look before
I take down our poster. (Read the words together once more
before removing and laying the poster facedown.)
Neighbor Tag—Have learners stand in a line. Take turns
having each learner recite the verse to the person on his left.
After the first child finishes saying the words, he tags his
neighbor and says, “Your turn!” The second child turns to
the third learner and recites the words, repeating the action.
Continue around the entire group. The last person will recite
the verse to the first person. Include yourself in the activity so
the children know you are learning the verse along with them.
If someone misses words or says the wrong reference, he
goes to the end of the line to try again after others try.
Lesson 13
paragraphs of the story on the first page of Lesson 13 in the
learner’s manual. After completing it, ask a volunteer to share
the meaning of Isaiah’s prophecy—the vineyard and wild grapes.
Ask another child to relate it to the fig tree that did not bear
fruit.
To sum it up: God will judge His people who rebel against
Him. We cannot sin and get by.
The next activity, Fruitful Christians, is a sharing time. Read
the Scripture verse aloud together, then assign each note on
the bulletin board to a different learner. Ask him to look up
the Bible reference to share with everyone when you call for it.
Wait until everyone has found the assignment before calling on
individuals.
To make it fun, call the name printed in the book. “Brian”
will read his note from the learner’s manual and then read
Philippians 2:5 from the Bible. Then call for “Tiffany” to read
hers and so on.
Then pause for learners to write their own note about how
to bear fruit. Remind them that it was lack of bearing fruit that
caused God to send punishment to Israel. All God’s children
need to be fruit bearers.
Ask learners to cover the Bible Insight verse to say the
words in unison from memory. Then let volunteers read the
different paragraphs on the page. Pause after each paragraph
to invite learners to ask questions they may have. The message
in the speaking balloon at the bottom is one all of us need. By
daily repenting of sin committed that day, we can go to sleep
knowing our fellowship with God is not broken by sin.
The fruit of the Spirit is a natural growth in fruitful lives
of God’s children. Some may know them without looking up
the reference, but love, joy and peace is as far as most can go
without help. They benefit much more by doing a Bible search
for the answers than if you tell them what to write. Resist
the impulse to take a short-cut. Insist on their finding it for
themselves. Becoming familiar with the Bible is part of bearing
fruit as a Christian.
If we could catch a glimpse of the punishment unsaved
friends will have to endure in eternity, we would see the
urgency of sharing Jesus. Page 55 of the learner’s manual focuses
on that need. By thinking through what to say, a child will be
prepared to share Jesus when opportunities happen.
Let a volunteer read the message on the spring, page 56.
To protect the material on the back of it, page 55, copy the
spring to paper or card stock before learners cut on the lines.
Make and Take
scissors, paper fasteners
Learner’s Manual
The meaning and application of the parables in this lesson
have a valuable truth to teach. Let learners read aloud the
Discuss the situations pictured on the make and take
project for Lesson 13. Add stickers over the broken circle
showing people who helped.
Provide paper fasteners to make the Bible Insight review on
the last page of the make and take book. Have a contest to
see how many verses learners can remember from just the
references.
Lesson 13
The Fig Tree
83
Saying Good-bye
q Materials Needed: apple or banana, paper plate or platter, Bible, take-home papers, stapler, children’s things
Slice an apple or peel and divide a banana. Place it on a paper plate or platter.
What tree grew this fruit? (Apple, banana.)
That is right! How did you know? (You can tell a tree by its fruit.)
Did you know Jesus said that? “The tree is known by his fruit” (Matt. 12:33).
If you want good fruit, you must have a good tree. If the tree is not good, then you will get bad
fruit.
How does that apply to life, yours and mine? (Wait for kids to think it over and respond with their
ideas.)
Read Matthew 12:35 from the Bible.
What kinds of words come from a person with a good heart? (Kind, clean, good words.)
What kinds of words come from a person with an evil heart? (Unkind, dirty, bad words.)
Have a piece of fruit to eat and remember to bear good fruit for Him in what you do as well as what
you say.
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Notes
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Notes
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KNOW GOD`S WORD - American Baptist Association

Transcription

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