3: The Birdcage – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: God leads us through the struggle of this fallen world. It can comfort us and give us strength and confidence in God. This is how we can grow and be transformed.
July 16, 2022
1. Have a volunteer read Exodus 17:1-7..
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
- What did God reveal about Himself at Marah and Rephidim?
- Personal Application: What question at Rephidim did Israel ask? Have you ever asked the same question? How did you feel and what lesson did you learn after it was answered? Share your thoughts..
- Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Are there any corporate temptations that we might have to guard against as a group? If so, why?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Luke 4:1-13..
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What lessons can we learn from this account about how to overcome temptation and not give in to sin?
- Personal Application: What temptations are you facing now? How can we apply Jesus’ example in our own lives to overcome? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your friends states, “How are we supposed to understand trials or temptations that seemingly have no value – like the sudden death of a loved one?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read I Peter 1:6-9.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
- What does Peter mean when he says that the people are exiles and scattered?
- Personal Application: Have you ever been brought to an unpleasant place? Why was it unpleasant? If you had to revisit these experiences today, would you view them differently? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Persecution of the early church helped establish Christianity as a major religion. There are pockets in the world where Christians are still persecuted, but for the most npart, Christians are in control and have no fear of being persecuted like in the past.” How would you respond to your relative?
4. Have a volunteer read Exodus 14:10,31..
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- Why did God bring Israel to a place that He knew they would be terrified?
- Personal Application: Why is trusting God so hard, even though we may know the wonderful promises He has for us? She a difficult situation you believe the Lord led you into to teach you? Share your thoughts.
- 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).
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