Boasting in the Cross- Teaching Plan
Key Thought: True religion is based on the condition of the heart. When it is surrendered to God, a person will more and more reflect the character of Christ as they grow in faith.
1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:12,13.
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a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. How do people tarnish their witness by focusing on themselves and what they do for God when they share their testimonies? Who is the focus when you share your testimony?
c. Personal Application : Have you ever done the wrong thing for the right reasons? Did this cause any inner conflict? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “Even the church is politically motivated. Some pastors and leaders do things just to get attention to themselves and status in the church and community. They are motivated to be in the conference work and have a good reputation.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:14.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What does Paul mean when he says he is crucified unto the world and the world unto him?
c. Personal Application : How has your conversion affected your relationship with the world? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “How should we relate to issues dealing with the environment, racism, abortion, gay rights, etc. if we are supposed to have died to the world?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:15.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean to be a new creation?
c. Personal Application: What is the main reason that Christians should study the Word and pray if there is no merits or rewards involved? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I don’t understand this idea that all things become new. When you’re baptized you still have the same job, live in the same house, have the same income, and face the same problems. So how is everything become new?.” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:16-18.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What marks do you think Paul was writing about him bearing in his body?
c. Personal Application :Has your faith cost you anything? What marks do you have because of your faith? 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.
(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.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
