Key Thought : God created man in His own image. While the fall marred His image in man, He has purposed to restore that image in His children.

[Teaching plan for “Man: God’s Handiwork” October 15, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read Romans 5:14-16.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What philosophies of human nature and purpose are associated with belief in evolution? How does this differ with belief in creation?
C. Personal Application: Regardless of your faults, weaknesses, and shortcomings, what does being made in the image of God tell you about your self-worth and self-esteem?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What does Paul mean when he says that death ruled even over them who had not sinned after the likeness of Adam’s transgression?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Mark 12:13-17.

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 made in God’s image? Do we need to reflect His image in order to fulfill His purpose for us?
C. Personal Application: How do we do what the government and society wants and still do what God wants? Are there times when they agree? Are there times when they are opposed? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I don’t think we ought to pay taxes or obey any of the unjust and unfair laws of any dictator or country who tries to control the people unfairly.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Colossians 3:5-10.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do we put on the new man? In what ways does the new man differ from the old one? What doesn’t change?
C. Personal Application: How do you deal with sickness, death, disease, and old age now that may be different than others or from before? Share..
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “God may have created man perfect in the beginning, but violence, suffering, and death have become part of the history and experience of mankind. Why has God allowed all of this to happen for so long?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:23,24.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do we deal with hereditary tendencies and temptations as a new creation in Christ?
C. Personal Application: What part do we play in our restoration to God’s image?
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)

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