Key Thought : Because God has created this world to be our home and given us dominion as His stewards, we have a responsibility to care for our environment.

[Teaching plan for “Creation Care” February 22, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 1:25-28.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does it mean to dress and keep the earth? Does that include weeding, pruning, planting, mowing, and gardening? Share your thoughts.
C. Personal Application: How well have we done in taking care of the earth and the creatures in it?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Does having dominion over the earth mean that we can do what we want with it? Does dominion mean having complete control?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 22:37-40.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does loving your neighbor as yourself have to do with taking care of the earth? Share.
C. Personal Application: In what ways do you take care of the earth that helps protect and make others safe?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”The Lord is coming soon to destroy the earth and create a new one. It’s already messed up. There’s not much of anything I can do anyway.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 3:10-14.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Does godliness include being a faithful steward of God’s property- yourself, the earth, your finances? Share.
C. Personal Application: In what specific ways can we better take care of our environment? Do some of these ways include simplifying our lifestyle?.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “God said He would come to destroy those who would destroy the earth. By being good stewards of God’s creation, are we hastening or delaying the Lord’s return?” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 27:20.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What part has greed and selfishness played in destroying the natural resources and ecological balance of the environment of this world?
C. Personal Application: In what ways has your selfishness helped to hurt
The environment? 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)

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