Key Thought: From the beginning the Bible points to the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross in order to redeem us from sin’s penalty of eternal destruction.

[Teaching Plan for “God as Redeemer” January 18, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read Romans 1:16-18.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. If God’s righteousness is revealed by faith, why do so many hold onto unrighteousness and lies?
C. Personal Application: Have you ever been ashamed or afraid to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to others? Share. Are you still reluctant to share your faith?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Does God really have wrath against those who are deceiving and being deceived by falsehood in unrighteousness? How is God’s wrath revealed?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 53:2-6.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why does the Scripture say Jesus has no comeliness or beauty that we should desire Him? Wasn’t He an attractive man, or is this referring to His image of a bloody pulp on the cross?
C. Personal Application: Do you think Jesus ever had moments of human feelings of sorrow and grief? Does that help you when you experience such feelings yourself? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”I thought sorrow, sadness, and grief were signs of an unbalanced mind and actually sinful. Aren’t Christians supposed to be happy, joyful, and at peace? An unhappy, sad, or grumpy person is not much of an example of Christianity.” Do you tend to agree or disagree with your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Mark 10:42-45.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How should a church leader serve the congregation to best minister to them? What are the significant roles of a local elder, deacon, deaconess, or pastor?
C. Personal Application: How does your church fill the leadership positions of the church through the nominating committee? Is it a challenge or compromise to be able to fill the positions properly? Do you always only put qualified persons in those positions?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I think there are a lot of James, Johns, and Janes in the world to day. People want to be elders, pastors, and conference leaders; not to serve, but to have recognition, status, and control. The church is full of self-willed, strong-minded persons wanting to be on top, including not a few women.” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 27:46.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why did Jesus cry out about being forsaken? Was this an illustrative point to the lostness of humanity, or did Jesus actually feel that He had been abandoned by God? Share your thoughts.
C. Personal Application: Have you ever felt so low and sinful and hopeless that you felt God had abandoned you and turned away from you? Share. What changed your mind?
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