09: The Prophets and Worship – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: When we sense the presence of God, we will need soul cleansing. Then we are to live humbly with Him, serving all with justice and mercy.
1. Have a volunteer read Micah 6:6-8.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do we love mercy? Is it to forgive others, not hold grudges, help those in trouble? Or does it mean something else? Share.
C. Personal Application: How does one walk humbly with God? Do we have to walk around with our head down and subservient? What does humble mean?
D. Case Study : One of your relatives states, “I understand that we are to live a Christian life, but when we mess up, then we need the sacrifice of Christ to cover us. So our focus is not on our obedience, but on Jesus’ sacrifice.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 6:5-8.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why does Isaiah focus on his lips being unclean when coming in the presence of the Lord?
C. Personal Application: How thankful are you for what the Lord has done for you in cleansing and salvation? Have you shown it by being a vocal witness in seeking and saving the lost?
D. Case Study : One of your friends states, ”How can your church services be improved to make the congregation feel like they have been touched by a coal from the altar and inspired to enthusiastically reach out to others?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 58:5-10.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Are there some good reasons for fasting in today’s world? What is a good definition for a fast?
C. Personal Application: How often have you fasted in the last year? Is it something you should do more of?
1) What kind of fasting did Isaiah say was important to God?.
D. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “Are the poor and afflicted in this passage the literal poor that need financial help with food and shelter? Should we open our houses up to strangers who may be thieves or killers or addicted people that may bring misery into our lives? Or is this a speaking of the spiritually poor and afflicted that need the gospel?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 44:8-11.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What is the difference between making an idol and having a picture, painting, or other work of art for illustration in the church? Share your thoughts.
C. Personal Application : What idols do we make in our lives that occupy our time, energy, and money that end up being profitable for nothing?
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.
