Key Thought : Creation reveals that God made humankind to nurture and care for this world, not exploit and pillage it.

[Teaching plan for Stewardship and the Environment March 4, 2013]

1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 1:28.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. God told mankind to multiply and fill the earth. Does He expect mankind to exercise any kind of population control?
C. Personal Application: Do you think it is a sin to have more children than you can take care of financially, physically, or emotionally? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Having dominion over the living creatures just means we control them. We’re not responsible for them, God is. He can’t hold us responsible for environmental problems that nature causes.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Psalms 50:10.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why should we be concerned with the mistreatment and abuse of animals and wildlife?
C. Personal Application: What are some steps that have been taken or should be taken to preserve environmental stability in your area? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I don’t think we should treat animals any differently than humans. To hunt or fish is just a form of murder and humans should be punished. People shouldn’t wear fur coats or leather of any kind.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 6:19,20.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do we glorify God in our bodies and spirits?
C. Personal Application: How are you a steward of your own body? How good a job have you been doing? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “The Lord is coming soon to destroy those who would destroy the earth; so it really doesn’t make much difference what we do or don’t do in regards to the environment. God has all things in control.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 25:28-30.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why do people feel like if they haven’t got a lot of talent, that it is not important whether they use it or not?
C. Personal Application: What talents has God given you and how can you use those talents in better service for the Lord? Share your thoughts.
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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