Key Thought : In order to be a disciple, we must discipline ourselves. We can’t police each other intensively; we need to keep ourselves under Christ and His law.

[Lesson plan for The Cost of Discipleship March 24, 2014]

1. Have a volunteer read Luke 12:51-53.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What does it mean to put Christ before everyone, including family?
c. Personal Application: In what ways do others know that Christ is a reality in your life? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “I thought Christ was to bring peace to the believer. How can accepting and following Christ bring division in the family when it’s supposed to bring the family closer together?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 9:24-27.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. How are we to keep our bodies under subjection so that we won’t be castaways?
c. Personal Application: How are Adventists known in your community? Are they mostly admired or just tolerated? Why? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Jesus said His burden is light and easy, so why does Paul seem to say the Christian walk is one of tough self-discipline and training?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 12:1-4.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean that we haven’t yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin?
c. Personal Application: How hard is it to be patient in all situations? How do we handle impatience and rashness? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Have you ever suffered for your faith? What is the likelihood that you will suffer for your faith? What would be the most difficult thing to face?” How would you respond to your friend?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 18:8,9.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. This can’t be taken as a literal statement, so how are we to understand this passage?
c. Personal Application: Why is it so hard to let go of the bad habits and sins in our lives? Does it feel like plucking out an eye or cutting off a hand? 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.

Print/PDF/Email