Key Thought : We need to be grounded in the Bible and its truth, as the Word is ultimately important in our lives, mission, and witness.

[Teaching Plan for “The Gospel Comes to Thessalonica” July 2, 2012]

 1. Have a volunteer read Acts 16:18-30.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why did the Philippians react so negatively to the gospel?
C. Personal Application: What are the things of the world that can draw us away from the Lord if we are not careful.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “You think your church members are faithful? Have them falsely accused and put in prison or fined because they share their faith and see how quickly they stop preaching or teaching, if they are anyway. The world has a strong hold on many who want the world and its toys as well as salvation.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 2:13.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do we share with people without being “mindless” quoters of Scripture and yet not just reasoning without using Scripture? How do you bring out a balance?
C. Personal Application: How do you approach someone who doesn’t believe the Bible is true? What can you do to draw their interest in its accuracy and veracity?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “There are many people claiming to interpret and reason from the Scriptures that come up with different conclusions. How can I know that what you say is from God and not just another personal or corporate opinion?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:1-5.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why are worldly wisdom and personal opinions not a good way to reason with people in drawing them to Christ?
C. Personal Application: What kind of methods or common ground in reaching people today might work in drawing them to the authority of the Scriptures? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why don’t you go to the church in town and reason with them out of the Scriptures and try to bring them into your way of understanding the Bible?” How do you respond to your neighbor? Is this a good way? What are some of the negatives? The positives?

4. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. In what ways are Christians ridiculed and ostracized in society today? Share.
C. Personal Application: Why does the message of the Cross continue to be a stumbling block for many people today? Share.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

 (Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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