02: Preserving Relationships – Teaching Plan
Key Thought : Evangelism is not just a mere acceptance of Christian beliefs. The whole life – physical, mental, and emotional is involved in our Christian faith..
[Teaching plan for “Preserving Relationships” July 9, 2012]
1. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:5-9.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. In what ways as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, both positive and negative, do our lives affect the people we interact with from day to day? Share.
C. Personal Application: How do we deal with the baser sins of jealousy and envy in our own hearts toward others in any situation? Why do we get jealous so easily?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Do you really believe that Christian leaders will get “baser” individuals to accuse you and come after you to hurt or arrest you? These were Jews against Christians, not Christians against Christians. What makes you think that will happen?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:16-23.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How much superstition do you see in your town today? How can you counteract that influence? Is speaking out against it like Paul did a good idea?
C. Personal Application: Is it important for us to have at least some knowledge of the religious beliefs of those around us? Why or why not?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “If you speak out against Madonnas, Buddhas, and other religious idols, you are asking for big time trouble and persecution. It’s better to keep quiet and go about your business rather than stir up trouble. Do you tend to agree or disagree?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 1:26-31.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why did Paul say that not many wise, mighty, or noble were called? Is that still a true saying today?
C. Personal Application: How important is it for us to share our feelings and concerns with those to whom we minister? How can it be a heart message if we don’t put our heart into it?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “What do you think of the athletes who give God credit when they hit a homerun, score a touchdown, or make a basket? Are they giving Him glory? Does God really favor one team over another?” How do you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 3:2-10.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What comforted Paul most among his afflictions and distress? What was his priority? What does this tell us our priority should be?
C. Personal Application: How much time and effort do you spend in trying to strengthen and comfort others in their personal trials and difficulties? Why is it important to have others to help us in face of these trials and difficulties?
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)
