Key Thought : God has a purpose and design that He continues to sustain and provide for.

[Teaching plan for Jesus, Provider and Sustainer February 18, 2013]

1. Have a volunteer read Philippians 4:19.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What is the difference between a want and a need? Why are there many Christians who are poor and persecuted? Does God mean what He says? Are there conditions?
C. Personal Application: How has God worked in your life to meet all your needs to His glory? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “God has never met all my or my family’s needs. We were evicted and didn’t have a place to live. We had to stay at my brother’s house until we could rent another place. God didn’t take care of us. He let us lose our place.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 1:3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What specific things does Jesus uphold by the working of His power? What does it mean that He is not only the giver of life, but also the sustainer of life?
C. Personal Application: How intimately involved in the workings of this world does this text indicate Jesus is? How intimate do you think He is with your comings and goings, risings and settings? How does that make you feel? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I think Thomas Jefferson had the right idea. God made everything and then let it run itself, like a machine. Eventually a rogue meteor will strike our planet again and that’ll be the end of it.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Job 38:22-33.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do these questions show the continued sustaining of God’s Creation by His hand and Word?
C. Personal Application: Have you ever experienced natural disaster or its aftermath? What were your thoughts? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why does God bring floods, tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters that destroy and ruin cities, towns, and people’s lives? If He does have control of nature, couldn’t He prevent these things from happening?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 6:31-34.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Is God really telling people not to be organized and prepared for the future? What is Jesus’ meaning and focus here?
C. Personal Application: What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Do we put His kingdom and righteousness above our own wants and needs? Share your thoughts.
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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