SUMMER 2014 SUMMER 2014 www.lifeway.com/you
YOU - CONNECT. GROW. SERVE. GO!
Leader Guide Included
GOD IS MY ROCK He alone is my rock and my salvation...Psalm 62:6
COMING NEXT QUARTER SIMPLY BLACK OR WHITE
Even when the issue of right and wrong is not clear, we can still make good choices.
SUMMER 2014
SALVATION: THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR THE BIG PROBLEM And it’s free...
AMAZING LOVE
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME
STANDING ON THE PROMISES
REJECT!
The basis for forgiveness is God’s love.
What is the cost of sacrifice?
God is true to His Word.
Whom will you follow?
STAYING FIT... SPIRITUALLY
We talk a lot about the importance of staying physically fit, but what about the health of your spirit? Connect, Grow, Serve, Go is a call to evaluate your present spiritual condition and discover ways to improve your spiritual health. Packed into each biblical concept—Connect, Grow, Serve, Go—is a simple way you can move forward, not remain stagnant. Best of all, these tools will stand the test of time—no “fad” diets here. They will help you become spiritually healthy, and stay that way.
WITH AN OPEN HEART MARK 12:29-31
Connect urges
you to worship, pray, fellowship, and relate to others in positive relationships at work, at home, and in other settings. Spiritual fitness results when you connect with God, with others, and with your church family.
IN BODY, MIND, & SPIRIT ROMANS 12:2
WITH WILLING HANDS 1 PETER 4:10-11
Grow refers to learning Serve describes the and understanding more about God and His expectations of His people, which comes through Bible study. You grow by applying that knowledge to your everyday living.
work you do inside your church. Your church is full of ministry and service opportunities. You serve by using your spiritual gifts, skills, and passions to glorify God. All of us must work together for the church to function as God intended.
WITH READY FEET MATTHEW 28:19-20
Go moves you outside
the church and into the community and the world. Evangelism and missions are ways to go into your community and the world in the name of Jesus Christ. It might be uncomfortable at first, but you will experience firsthand the difference Christ can make through you.
Connect, Grow, Serve, Go must impact YOU, the individual, before it can permeate your circle of friends, your Bible study group, and then the church as a whole. But balance is the key! We must be actively participating in all four areas if we want to be spiritually healthy. All Go and no Connect with God or other believers results in powerless activity and wears you out. A steady diet of Grow without the action of Serve or Go leads to unhealthy spiritual obesity and laziness. We need a balanced spiritual diet to remain fit and able to serve God in the ways He has gifted us. The YOU lessons will help you Connect , Grow , Serve , and Go issue. They will help you check and maintain your spiritual health.
. Look for these icons throughout this
Visit www.lifeway.com/adultstrategy for more about Connect, Grow, Serve, Go. Y OU 3
Summer 2014 VOLUME 6, NUMBER 4
CONTENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE 2 3 6 7
How to Become a Christian Staying Fit Spiritually A Word from the Editor Suggested Resources
8 105 111 176
Church Success Stories Scripture Memory Cards How to Use Leader Pages Glossary of Key Words
FEATURES
29
5 STRATEGIES FOR NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRY
57
CHICAGO CHURCH CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF RENEWED MISSIONS EMPHASIS
85 107
by Donna Savage
by Tobin Perry
178 M eet the Writers/Coming Next Quarter
UNIT 1 IT’S NOT ABOUT ME 11 The Ultimate Sacrifice Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6 Leader Pages (pp. 112–115)
17 I Surrender ... ALL?
Romans 6:12-14; 12:1-5; Philippians 4:8 Leader Pages (pp. 116–119)
31 Don’t Just Talk About It!
Philippians 2:1-5; 1 John 3:16-18 Leader Pages (pp. 126–129)
37
Give It Away Mark 5:21-24; 12:41-44; John 15:12-13 Leader Pages (pp. 130–133)
25 “It Doesn’t Take ALL That”
Matthew 19:16-17,20-22,27-29 Leader Pages (pp. 122–125)
UNIT 2 STANDING ON THE PROMISES 45 The Promise Keeper 59 What’s Taking So Long? 1 Kings 8:22-26 Leader Pages (pp. 134–137)
51 God’s Greatest Promise
Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; Galatians 4:4-7 Leader Pages (pp. 138–141)
2 Peter 3:3-4,8-10,13-14,17-18 Leader Pages (pp. 142–145)
65 Can’t Turn Around
Hebrews 11:8-11,13-16,39 Leader Pages (pp. 146–149)
RAISING WORLD CHANGERS by Jen Hatmaker
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THOSE WHO FEEL LEFT OUT by Michael Kelley
120
IMB WORKERS, SBC PRESIDENT SHARE NEED FOR BLACK MISSIONARIES
150
6 WAYS TO OVERCOME A CHURCH SUMMER SLUMP
164
WHO IS JESUS?
by Susan O’Hara
by Diana Davis
by Dr. Robert Stewart
UNIT 3 REJECT! 73 Rejected One
93 Rejected but Obedient
79 Rejected Too
99 Rejected but Encouraged
Isaiah 53:1-3; John 19:5-6,13-15 Leader Pages (pp. 152–155)
John 15:18-25 Leader Pages (pp. 156–159)
Matthew 5:10-12,43-45a: 6:14-15 Leader Pages (pp. 166–169)
2 Timothy 4:1,6-8,17-18 Leader Pages (pp. 170–174)
87 Rejected How?
Acts 5:40-42; 13:44-45; Hebrews 10:32-35 Leader Pages (pp. 160–163)
DAILY READINGS are included after each lesson.
Summer 2014 | Vol. 6 No. 4
ERIC GEIGER
Vice President, Church Resources
BEVERLY SONNIER Content Editor
FAITH WHATLEY Director, Adult Ministry
PHILIP NATION Director, Adult Ministry Publishing
Send questions/comments to: Editor, YOU One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Or make comments on the Web at: www.lifeway.com/ YOU or YOU@lifeway.com Printed in the United States of America
A WORD
FROM THE EDITOR... It’s hard to believe that as our team finalizes this summer issue, we are experiencing -3 degree temperatures in our part of the state. “Cold” is understated! As you begin studying these new lessons, many of you will have already embarked on vacations, mission trips, and enjoyed family reunions. Others will be anticipating doing likewise, while some will remain undecided on how you will spend this season of (anticipated) warm weather. As for me, I’ve chosen to do without some things, to sacrifice, in order to fulfill some promises made to others for this season; however, plans for a vacation are still on my radar! This issue features powerful units on sacrifice, God’s promises, and rejection. The lessons on sacrifice provide believers the opportunity to show the world that it’s “not about me.” It’s about sacrifice. Unit 2 lessons focus on God’s promises and challenge each of us to stand firmly on His promises, no matter how long it takes for God to fulfill them. The third and final unit on rejection is an opportunity for you to allow God to grow you in your understanding of who Jesus is, who you are, and the hope you have in living in this world. To God be the glory for what He has done, is doing, and is yet to do in the hearts, minds, and spirits of His people. Because of His love,
YOU (ISSN 1943-6230, Item 005030553) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources. For ordering or inquiries VISIT www.lifeway.com, or WRITE LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes E-MAIL subscribe@lifeway.com, FAX 615.251.5818, or WRITE to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, E-MAIL orderentry@lifeway.com, FAX 615.251.5933 or WRITE to the above address.
Beverly
We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible® Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. AMP—Scripture quotations taken from The Amplified® Bible, copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.lockman.org) CEV—Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. Message—The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. KJC—From the New King James Version. NIV—The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NLV— Scripture verses taken from The New Life Version Bible®. Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, by Christian Literature International, P. O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. TLB—Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible, copyright ©1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189 USA. All rights reserved. Suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are from That’s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names, by W. Murray Severance, copyright © 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. NOTE: Some Internet addresses given in this periodical are outside the LifeWay Internet domain. At the time of this posting, the specific pages mentioned were viewed and approved by LifeWay editorial staff. Because information on these pages may have changed by the time of your viewing, the LifeWay editorial staff cannot be held responsible for content on pages outside their control. Specific page addresses referenced in this periodical possibly may link to inappropriate material.
SUGGESTED DISCIPLE-MAKING RESOURCES Here’s a list of resources you can use to deepen your understanding of the units of study this quarter. These resources complement the lessons for this quarter and can be used for small group study, midweek study, or personal Bible study.
KNOWING GOD BY NAME: A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER (FOR UNIT 1) In Knowing God by Name: A Personal Encounter, author Mary Kassian focuses on 35 Hebrew names of God that describe His character, His relationships, and His purpose. As you learn the significance of each ancient word, you’ll be awestruck by the Lord’s magnificence. This seven-session study includes brief daily study with engaging learning activities. Saturated in Scripture and words from ancient hymns, Knowing God by Name is a rich, meaningful study for anyone desiring to know God better. The leader guide is included in the member book.
INTRANSIT: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR WAIT? (FOR UNIT 2) InTransit: What Do You Do with Your Wait? is designed to help adults understand that waiting without purpose leads to loneliness and doubt, but purposeful waiting brings a sense of fulfillment and an awareness of God’s timing and faithfulness. This six-session study will introduce you to three truths about waiting as it traces the lives of David, Jesus, and Joseph. The companion journal in the back of this book gives you the opportunity to process what God’s telling you along the way.
GROWING DISCIPLES SERIES: WITNESS TO THE WORLD (FOR UNIT 3) Growing Disciples Series: Witness to the World by Oscar Thompson and Carolyn Ritzmann helps you begin identifying the people in your circles of concern who need to know Jesus. As you pray, build healthy relationships, show God’s love by meeting needs, and introduce Jesus Christ, you will begin to experience the power, fruitfulness, and joy of being a witness for Christ. This study is great for small-group settings in homes, churches, or community centers. The leader guide is included in this six-session study.
Visit www.lifeway.com or call 1-800-458-2772 for more information or to purchase any of these products.
YOU 7
CHURCH SUCCESS STORIES Mount Tabor Baptist Church Richmond, Virginia
Adult Sunday School Class Mount Tabor Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia
Our class has been using the YOU curriculum since its inception in 2008. In that time we’ve found the Bible study to be uniquely personable, informative, and delightful. We enjoy the thought-provoking, challenging way the lessons address today’s issues and cause us to reflect on the way we live. We like how each unit is planned and the way the lessons flow. Each lesson studied has sparked unique spiritual connections with class members, leading to some very lively, real, in-depth discussion. Collectively, and individually, the book is truly, “YOU.” Reverend Larry D. Perkins, Instructor Dr. Herbert L. Ponder, D.Min. Pastor We’d love to hear how your church or small group navigated the challenges of switching to YOU, the blessings and benefits your church or small group experienced since switching to YOU, and why you would encourage other churches or small groups to give YOU a try. Please limit your response to 150 words or less. Feel free to provide a photo (jpeg) of a class or group using YOU. Send responses to: beverly.sonnier@lifeway.com. 8 YOU
Professed love, without demonstrated love, is meaningless love. Curtis Honts
YOU 9
UNIT 1, LESSON 1
Unit 1 It’s Not About Me
The leader pages for this lesson are found on pages 112–115.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Background Passages: Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6 Lesson Passages: Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6 The Question: Why did Jesus have to die? The Point: Jesus is the only solution to the sin problem.
LESSON PASSAGES
KEY WORDS
ROMANS 3:21-26 21 ✱ But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed—attested by a the Law and the Prophets 22 —that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to b all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by His grace through the ✱ redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as a c propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. 26 God presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus.
A Bible Study on Sacrifice Our society is becoming more self-centered. Parents are selecting uncommon names for their children to promote high self-esteem. The trend continues as children grow up. Social media and the Internet allow people to broadcast every detail of their lives. In a few minutes on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you can learn about others’ activities, work issues, eating habits, joys, and frustrations. The theme song? “It’s All About Me.” As believers, however, our theme song should be “It’s Not About Me.” In fact, that’s the title 10 YOU
of our new unit. For the next five weeks, we’ll focus on sacrifice, beginning and ending with Jesus’ ultimate example, with questions like: • Why did Jesus have to die? • What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? • What if it seems God is asking too much of me? • How do I sacrifice for others? • What sacrifice will cost me the most? As a believer, this is your opportunity to show the world that it’s not about you. It is about sacrifice!
1 TIMOTHY 2:5-6
or there is one God F and one d mediator between God and humanity, Christ e Jesus, Himself human, 6 who gave Himself—a ✱ ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. 5
a T he Law and the Prophets:
The Old Testament. The Law referred to the first five books of Moses and the Prophets to everything else.
b A ll who believe: Salvation is offered to everyone.
c P ropitiation: The removal of divine wrath; Jesus’ death is the means that turns God’s wrath from sinful humanity. See Diggin’ Deeper, page 13.
d M ediator: A go-between,
someone who brings together two parties that are separated.
e Jesus: Means “the Lord is salvation.”
For more information about key words (✱), visit the glossary on pages 176–177.
MEMORY VERSE 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human.
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The Ultimate Sacrifice
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Why did Jesus have to die?
As Paul had come to understand, the law never was meant to be a means of salvation. God gave His people the law to reveal the depths of their sinfulness and to point sinners to their desperate need of a Savior. Paul clearly states the reason we so desperately need a Savior in verse 23. (See Did You Know? on p. 14 to learn more about Paul and the Book of Romans.)
Diggin’ Deeper
Locate Romans 3:23 and fill in the blank: For ____ have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
UNIT 1 LESSON 1
If you’ve shopped for laundry detergent lately, you’ve found a dizzying array of products on store shelves. They come in a variety of forms—powder, liquid, pods … even sprays and sticks for special stain removal. Regardless of how many laundry products you try, though, you’ll find some stains just can’t be removed. Our sin is like that stain. People have tried all kinds of ways to remove it, but Jesus is the only solution to the sin problem. That’s why He gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Focal Passage Outline GOD IS RIGHTEOUS—WE ARE NOT (Rom. 3:21-23) JESUS IS THE REDEMPTION AND PROPITIATION (Rom. 3:24-26) JESUS IS THE ONLY MEDIATOR AND RANSOM (1 Tim. 2:5-6)
GOD IS RIGHTEOUS—WE ARE NOT ROMANS 3:21-23 Let’s begin today’s session with a quiz. Are you ready? Say “yes” or “no” to each of the following questions: Have you ever parked in your own driveway? Put water in your birdbath? Stored anything other than a car in your garage? If you answered yes to any of these, you have broken the law in at least one of the states in the United States. Before you feel too bad about yourself, remember you are not alone. No one can keep from doing wrong. We all are sinners. And as sinners, we always and continually fall short of God’s standard for us. Some people in New Testament churches still believed they had to keep the law to be in a right relationship with God. Notice Paul’s reference to a the Law and the Prophets in verse 21. (To learn more, download the Biblical Illustrator article “The Law and the Prophets.” Log on to www.lifeway.com/YOU. Click on the DOWNLOADABLES tab for additional study helps for Unit 1, Lesson 1.)
12 YOU
The word “all” applies to all people. Let’s look a bit closer at the rest of the verse. “Have sinned” speaks of past action. Yes, we have sinned in the past. But that’s not where it stops. The words “fall short” refer to what is happening right now and will occur in the future. Sin is an ongoing condition. No one is without sin; we all have sinned. Furthermore, as sinners we always and continually fall short of God’s standard for us. This passage contrasts our sinful condition with God’s holy perfection. We sometimes describe God as “righteous.” Humans are not naturally righteous. Righteousness is not native to humans but to God. In fact, human sin has catastrophic consequences. Our only hope is for God to mercifully offer us a way of salvation in Jesus Christ, His Son. God did just that, through His perfect Son Jesus Christ. Those who trust in Jesus find forgiveness and right standing (righteousness) with God. Does sin ever get you down? How can this passage help you claim God’s help to rise above it?
JESUS IS THE REDEMPTION AND PROPITIATION ROMANS 3:24-26 The next Scripture passage uses several “churchy” terms. You probably don’t use words like justification or c propitiation (see Key Words, p. 11) in your everyday conversations, right? These big words point to an enormous truth—God loved sinful humanity enough to sacrifice His only Son as a solution to our sin problem.
Propitiation The word propitiation is a big word for a big concept. It refers to the way God’s anger for sin is removed from sinful humanity. Old Testament law teaches that there can be no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood. People sacrificed animals to God to obtain forgiveness of sin. Paul pointed out that Jesus’ blood, through the sacrifice of His life, removed God’s wrath for our sin. All of us have sinned (Rom. 3:23), so we all need propitiation. We can be thankful to God for providing Jesus as our propitiation. Read these passages to learn more about propitiation: • Leviticus 17:11 • Hebrews 9:22 • Galatians 4:4-5
Let’s start with justification. Justification involves crediting of one person’s righteousness to another. Picture your “righteousness” as a bank account. Your righteousness account is empty—not because it is overdrawn but because you never made a deposit in it. YOU 13
The Ultimate Sacrifice
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Did you know? • Paul wrote the Book of Romans. It’s the longest of the 13 New Testament letters Paul wrote, as well as the most significant in the history of the church. • While the Book of Romans applies to all people, it was written to address the particular situation of a particular church. Paul’s main intention was to call the church to unity and promote harmony between Jewish and Gentile believers. • Paul stresses the equality between Jewish and Gentile believers. Jews and Gentiles alike are condemned as sinners (Rom. 2:9; 3:9,23) and are saved by grace through faith apart from the works of the law (Rom. 3:22,28-30).
Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6
You cannot make a deposit because you are not righteous. You have no way to get righteousness on your own. God, however, transferred Christ’s righteousness to your account. You no longer have a negative or zero balance! How does knowing about the balance in your righteousness account change your understanding of the sin problem?
Now let’s look at another word in this passage: c propitiation (see Key Words, p. 11). Propitiation is defined as “the removal of divine wrath.” Jesus’ death is the only way God’s anger can be turned from sinners. Propitiation is necessary for us to be in a right relationship with God. (See Diggin’ Deeper on p. 13 for more insight into propitiation.) We need to consider one final concept, or big word: expiation. This word means “the act of releasing from the curse of sin.” Christ’s death on the cross frees believers from sin’s brutal curse. Jesus willingly suffered the penalty for our sin. How has this passage helped you better understand why Jesus had to die for your sin?
JESUS IS THE ONLY MEDIATOR AND RANSOM 1 TIMOTHY 2:5-6 Pick up any local newspaper, and you’re bound to find “help wanted” advertisements. A variety of candidates likely will apply for each position, especially during hard times. Suppose you were to find this ad in a newspaper: “Help wanted to solve the sin problem. Must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, as in die for others’ sins. Will need to work around the universe and be on call 24–7. Only perfectly qualified candidates need apply.” How many people do you suppose would respond? Why would such a position be so difficult to fill?
e Jesus (see Key Words, p. 11) is the only one who can solve the sin problem. Paul’s letter to Timothy describes how Christ’s death on the cross met the righteous demands of God’s wrath against sin. 14 YOU
Paul declared, “There is one God.” The culture to which he was writing worshiped multiple gods for different purposes. As believers, we know the one and only true God. Paul also emphasized that only “one d mediator” (see Key Words, p. 11) exists between God and humanity. On the one side is Almighty God, in all His majestic holiness. On the other side is humanity, which has sinfully turned away from their Creator. The only successful go-between is Christ Jesus, Himself human. Jesus gave Himself as a ✱ ransom (see Key Words Glossary, pp. 176–177) for all. Jesus’ death was the price paid to free us from bondage to sin. The verb “gave” points to Jesus’ willingness to do so. The preposition rendered “for” means “on behalf of” and points to the fact that Jesus died for us. When was the last time someone did something really good for you? How does that compare to what Jesus did for all people?
God has done His part by sacrificing His only Son, Jesus Christ, for our sin. The decision to accept Him as our Lord and Savior rests with us.
Live It!
The word why is one of the most complex and painful words in the English language. Sometimes it is uttered as a heart-cry following a tragedy: “Why? Why did that have to happen?” During today’s study we have considered why Jesus had to die. His tragic death on the cross had a distinct purpose and was part of God’s plan. Look at sin around you with different eyes. Recognize that Jesus died to solve the problem. Personalize the problem in your life. With what sins are you struggling most? Claim Jesus’ power in your life, and praise God for giving His Son as the ultimate sacrifice.
SO WHAT? How does this apply to me? Sin is a problem. It is in the past, present, and future. Sin never stops. Even while you have been involved in this Bible study, sin has been running rampant around the world. It’s plain to see that a problem like sin is out of our hands. We are not equipped to solve the sin • How does this study encourage you to problem. But we know Someone who is—Jesus. connect with God and other believers and, as you do so, appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice • How can you use this study to help other people and solution to the sin problem? understand where they are in relationship to God and what Jesus has done for them?
• What parts of your sinful nature defeat you most? How can this study help you claim victory over those aspects of your life?
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1. FALLING SHORT Romans 3:23 Amusement parks and carnivals sometimes post a measuring stick with this sign near attractions: “You must be this tall to ride this ride.” If you stand nearby and watch, you’ll see a lot of disappointed faces. Children stand next to the measuring stick, reading and stretching, hoping to reach the mark. Some inevitably are turned away. Likewise, as sinners, we always and continuously fall short of God’s standard for us. God provides hope for us—stay tuned.
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing a way for us to overcome our “short,” sinful condition.
Romans 3:24-26
Background Passages: Romans 6:12-14; 12:1-5; Philippians 4:8-9 Lesson Passages: Romans 6:12-14; 12:1-5; Philippians 4:8 The Question: What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? The Point: Every aspect of life is to be offered to God.
Jesus, thank You for the ultimate gift of Your life for my sins. Help me to live worthy of Your sacrifice.
LESSON PASSAGE Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. 13 And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as a weapons for righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace.
4. PLEASING TO GOD
Romans 12:1
Romans 6:12-14
The term oxymoron refers to a combination of seemingly contradictory words. Consider these: fine mess, accurate estimate, living dead, and clogged drain. Sometimes you have to think about the phrase for a bit to see the contradiction. The original readers of Romans would have understood “living sacrifice” as a contradiction in terms. They came from a culture where animals were killed as sacrifices. So how can a human be a sacrifice and still be alive? We will consider that and more in the next study.
Recall the last time you observed a large group in a public place other than a religious setting. Perhaps it was a shopping mall, athletic event, school function, or concert. Close your eyes and picture the people. What were they wearing? What do you wish they had been wearing? You see a lot more than you want to see during the summer, right? Today’s culture is filled with examples of inappropriate presentation of the body (scanty clothing, etc.) In the next session we’ll discuss how God expects believers to do otherwise.
Almighty God, I open my heart and mind to learn more about being a living sacrifice for You.
Heavenly Father, help me understand that every aspect of my life, including my appearance, is a testimony of Your presence.
KEY WORDS
ROMANS 6:12-14
3. BEING A LIVING SACRIFICE
The leader pages for this lesson are found on pages 116–119.
I Surrender … ALL?
Have you ever received a free offer? Let’s face it, as good as it might have sounded, you probably were somewhat suspicious. After all, as the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” God, however, makes a free offer to all who believe in Christ Jesus—the gift of salvation. We can’t earn it, but it is free to us because Jesus paid the price by giving His life for our sins.
DAILY READINGS
16 YOU
UNIT 1, LESSON 2
2. GOD’S GIFT
12
ROMANS 12:1-5
a Weapons for righteousness:
A military figure of speech; our body parts serve as weapons—either in the service of unrighteousness or as weapons for righteousness.
b I: Paul—missionary, theolo-
gian, and early church writer of 13 epistles that make up almost one-fourth of the New Testament. He is the author or subject of nearly one-third of the New Testament.
Therefore, ✱ brothers, by the mercies of God, b I urge you to present your bodies as a c living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your ✱ spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.
For more information about key words (✱), visit the glossary on pages 176–177.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8
MEMORY VERSE
1
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is ✱ honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is ✱ lovely, whatever is commendable —if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise— d dwell on these things.
8
c L iving sacrifice: A believer
who offers himself or herself completely and daily to God during the course of life, as opposed to an animal that was killed as a sacrifice under Old Testament laws.
d D well on: To take into account, to consider something and allow it to shape one’s conduct.
Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrifical and fragrant offering to God.
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BEFORE YOU TEACH
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE (TEACHING PLAN)
FOR UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11–15)
STEP 1 START WITH “WHY?”
Before you engage learners in this new unit, prayerfully think about The Question. Why do you think Jesus had to die? Then ponder the title and The Point. How is Jesus the perfect sacrifice? What does His sacrifice mean to you? Be ready to share your insight with learners. When leaders share from their hearts, learners are more likely to take part in the discussion.
STEP 2 FOCUS ON SACRIFICE.
When you meet with leaders, discuss the word sacrifice. Locate a dictionary definition, and look up the word in a Bible dictionary. Invite leaders to share examples of sacrifices they have observed or experienced. Point out that earthly experience with sacrifice pales beside Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice. Use the information on the unit page (p. 10) to introduce the new unit on sacrifice.
FOR UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11–15)
INTRODUCTION Before class, write the following starter statement on the board: “The biggest problem in the world is _________.” Greet learners as they enter and invite them to consider responses to the statement. Begin the session by inviting volunteers to share responses to the statement. After comments, point out that life’s biggest problems result from sin. Direct attention to The Point on page 11: “Jesus is the only solution to the sin problem.” Use the information in the unit introduction on page 10 to introduce the new unit about sacrifice. Point out that this is a Connect unit. It will lead believers to worship, pray, fellowship, and relate to others in positive relationships at work, at home, and in other settings. Challenge learners to evaluate their “connections” as they study this lesson and others in the new unit.
STEP 3 USE DOWN-TO-EARTH DEFINITIONS.
This lesson involves many theological terms, such as sacrifice, righteousness, redemption, justification, and propitiation. Be ready to define these theological words without using theological words. Locate them in the lesson commentary (p. 115) and in a Bible dictionary or commentary. Define the theological terms in your own words, in words adult learners will readily grasp.
STEP 4 CONTACT PROSPECTS.
A new unit provides an excellent time to invite people to Bible study. Find out if any new prospects have visited worship lately or moved to your neighborhood. Remind learners to invite friends and neighbors to attend church with them. Be aware of opportunities to invite people you contact through work, civic, and school events to get in on the ground floor of the new study.
BACK
Welcome members and guests. Refer to the previous lesson entitled “The Plan Revisioned,” which focused on Jonah’s attitude. (See Unit 3, Lesson 4 from the Spring 2014 issue.) Say: The attitude with which we carry out God’s plan is as important as what we do. Everything comes down to doing the Lord’s will with the right attitude and spirit. Follow up on learners’ progress with the “Live It!” challenge. Invite several volunteers to share how the challenge affected their attitude as they served God.
YOU OBJECT LESSON MAZE
Locate a maze from the Internet, or draw one on a sheet of paper. Point out that mazes are challenging because they offer a variety of ways to reach a goal. The routes seem good for a while, but then a dead end suddenly appears. Compare reaching the goal in a maze to solving the problem of sin. Invite volunteers to name various ways to earn God’s favor. (Reponses could include volunteer work, church and Bible study attendance, and giving money to charitable causes.) Stress that no matter what we do, we will hit a dead end unless we recognize that Jesus is the only solution to the sin problem. Close by saying, The next time you see a maze, remember that Jesus provides the only way out for sinners. 112 YOU | LE A D E R PA G E S
DIG INTO THE TEXT GOD IS RIGHTEOUS—WE ARE NOT ROMANS 3:21-23 • Invite the class to respond silently to the quiz questions under the heading “God Is Righteous—We Are Not” (p. 12). Say: If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have broken the law in at least one of the states in the United States. Comment that we’re all sinners. Say: This lesson focuses on how God provides a solution to our sin problem through His Son Jesus Christ. • Allow time for learners to search news sites on their smart phones for examples of sins’ consequences.
Invite volunteers to share responses. Then introduce the study of Romans, which speaks clearly about sin and its consequences. Use Did You Know? (p. 14) to provide additional background. • Read Romans 3:21-23, emphasizing Paul’s reference to the Law and the Prophets in verse 21. Download the Biblical Illustrator article “The Law and the Prophets” for additional background. Log on to www. lifeway.com/YOU. Click on the DOWNLOADABLES tab for additional study helps for Unit 1, Lesson 1.
JESUS IS THE REDEMPTION AND PROPITIATION ROMANS 3:24-26 • Read Romans 3:24-26. Acknowledge that the passage contains several complex theological words (justified, redemption, propitiation, righteousness). Point out that these terms point to a basic concept— God loved sinful humanity enough to sacrifice His only Son as a solution to our sin problem. Help learners unpack the theological terms, one at a time. Start with justification. Explain that it is a term from
the courts. As sinners, we stand condemned in God’s court. Yet God freely declares “not guilty” anyone who places his faith in Christ. Jesus’ grace through His death on the cross justifies believers. • Direct attention to Diggin’ Deeper on page 13 to explain the concept of propitiation. Point out that propitiation covers sin and turns away God’s wrath. LEADER PAGES | YOU 113
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE (TEACHING PLAN)
LEADER COMMENTARY
FOR UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11–15)
JESUS IS THE REDEMPTION AND PROPITIATION (CONT.) • Refer to the last paragraph under the heading “Jesus Is the Redemption and Propitiation” on page 14 that
begins, “We need to consider one final concept” to distinguish between propitiation and expiation.
JESUS IS THE ONLY MEDIATOR AND RANSOM 1 TIMOTHY 2:5-6 • Direct attention to the first paragraph under the heading “Jesus Is the Only Mediator and Ransom” (p. 14) that begins with “Pick up any.” Invite learners to respond to the questions following the paragraph: How many people do you suppose would respond? Why would such a position be so difficult to fill? • State that Paul’s letter to Timothy describes how
Christ’s death on the cross met the righteous demands of God’s wrath against sin. Read 1 Timothy 2:5-6. Use the Key Words (p. 11) to explain mediator and ransom. • Ask: When was the last time someone did something really good for you? How does that compare to what Jesus did for all people?
SO WHAT? HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME? As much as we want to be problem solvers, we cannot solve the sin problem on our own—really! Jesus’ death is the only solution to the sin problem. This lesson helps us recognize Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. We can live with the awareness that He willingly suffered the penalty for sin.
• Why do people hesitate to accept Jesus as the solution to the sin problem? How can you use this study to help people understand where they are in relationship to God and what Jesus has done for them?
• How has this lesson helped you better understand why Jesus had to die?
• What parts of your sinful nature defeat you most? How can this study help you claim victory over those aspects of your life?
• How would you explain the necessity of Jesus’ death to an unbeliever?
CLOSE THE SESSION Write the words problem and solution on the board. Lead learners to recall the problem discussed during the session (sin) and the solution (Jesus). Read aloud Romans 3:23. Comment that Jesus provides a personal solution to the universal problem of sin. Lead learners to personalize the sin problem by considering sin in their own lives. Direct attention to the Live It! challenge on page 15. Encourage learners to complete the activity during the week. Close by playing or singing the hymn “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.”
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UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11–15)
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Lesson Passages: Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6 The Question: Why did Jesus have to die? The Point: Jesus is the only solution to the sin problem. This commentary is designed to help you think about the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” and to drive home this one truth: Jesus is the only solution to the sin problem. FOCUS ON THESE POINTS God Is Righteous—We Are Not (Rom. 3:21-23) The Jews had been convinced for centuries that their heritage stood them in good stead with God, and what their heritage did not cover, their works of righteousness would. Gentiles, on the other hand, had no specific knowledge of the true God. Therefore, both parties—Jews and Gentiles—would be coming to Paul’s words about God’s righteousness out of “theologically dysfunctional” backgrounds. The Jews would be shocked at the idea that they needed righteousness and that the Gentiles qualified to receive God’s grace on an equal footing with themselves. The Gentiles would be shocked to discover that the true God would offer anything free—that He would provide His own sacrifice and turn away His own wrath; and that once turned away, it would stay away. God gave His covenant people the law to reveal the depths of their sinfulness and to point sinners to their desperate need of a Savior (see Rom. 7:7; also Gal. 3:24). Paul stated in verse 22 what the Old Testament attests: God’s righteousness can be received only through faith in Jesus Christ. The verb rendered “have sinned” (v. 23) speaks of a past action. However, the term translated “fall short” is in the present tense and thus conveys an ongoing condition. Taken together, these two verbs describe our universal human condition apart from Christ. Jesus Is the Redemption and Propitiation (Rom. 3:24-26) All of us have sinned, and all sinners are in need of redemption. The term rendered “redemption” was used in the first-century world in reference to buying back prisoners of war or captured slaves by paying a
ransom. Paul also was harking back to Israel’s liberation from Egyptian bondage (see Deut. 7:8; Isa. 41:14). Our salvation came at a price, but God Himself would pay the price to redeem us from sin. Redemption happened at God’s initiative when Jesus was presented as a propitiation. In the ancient world the term rendered “propitiation” conveyed the idea of a worshiper placating an angry deity with a sacrifice. Paul used the term here with a much richer purpose. Jesus’ willing selfsacrifice did indeed meet the standards of God’s righteousness. However, God Himself, not the sinner, acted to provide the adequate and necessary Sacrifice for sin. In Christ, God provided the Sacrifice of propitiation to benefit those who could never meet the demands. Jesus Is the Only Mediator and Ransom (1 Tim. 2:5-6) The term Christ emphasizes Jesus’ role as the longpromised Messiah. The name Jesus means “the Lord is salvation.” The term human points to His connection with all humankind as the second Adam (see Rom. 5:12-21). Jesus gave Himself—a ransom for all. The all for whom Christ gave Himself is the same group as the “everyone” God wants to save. The noun rendered “ransom” occurs only here in the New Testament, although a related word is used in Mark 10:45. This was a well-known commercial term for the price paid to free a war captive or to liberate slaves from their owners. Jesus’ death was the price paid to free us from bondage to sin. The verb “gave” points to Jesus’ willingness to do so. The preposition rendered “for” means “on behalf of,” pointing to the substitutionary nature of His death. Jesus’ death stands as the most wonderful demonstration possible of God’s love in action to save sinners. Much of the Old Testament shows how God was preparing the way for the Savior. The New Testament shows that “when the time came to completion, God sent His Son” (Gal. 4:4). This good news continues to be proclaimed in our day, and God is showing Himself to be “the Savior of everyone, especially of those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:10).
Need more commentary/articles to increase your understanding? Visit www.LifeWay.com/YOU. LEADER PAGES | YOU 115