Key Thought : A desire to please God and love others will truly be an effective witness for Christ.

[Teaching plan for “The Apostolic Example” July 30, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 2:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How can we be positive and persevere in presenting the gospel when things aren’t going so well for us or we have a ton of opposition? Share your thoughts.
C. Personal Application: What would you point to as evidence that God has changed your life? Is this evidence visible to others?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Should the gospel be presented in contention? What does Paul mean? Did he argue against his detractors, or did he have to deal with people who from outside tried to stop his ministry?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 2:4-6.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why isn’t flattery or watering down the truth an effective or successful way to witness? Share.?
C. Personal Application: What do you think pleases God in your life activities? What may not please God in your activities?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Most preachers are in the religion business to make money and earn an easy living. The more members they get, the more money is in the offering plate. So they learn to flatter and smooth talk the truth to make money.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 2:7,8.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What kind of role models do young people have in the world today? What are some of the problems with these role models?.
C. Personal Application: Think of someone who influenced you in a positive way spiritually. What was it that touched you?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I used to go to church, but there are too many hypocrites in the church. They claim to be Christian, but they use others to gain money, power, or social advantages.” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 2:9-12.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What are some of the dangers in becoming emotionally attached to people with whom you are sharing the gospel?
C. Personal Application: Is it important to become personally and emotionally involved with those we are trying to win to Christ? Share.
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)

Print/PDF/Email