Key Thought: To replace greed (or wanting more than what God gives us) with contentment, we must make choices to allow God full control over our lives.

January 13, 2018

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 13:3-7.

Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What are the three steps that lead to having a covetous mind?
3. Personal Application: How can we distinguish between needs from wants, and necessities from preferences? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “There are a lot of preachers, some on TV, that preach the prosperity gospel and how God wants to bless you with riches and things. Isn’t it true that God wants us to prosper?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Genesis 3:1-6.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What did Satan do to lure Eve into sin? Is he using the same principles to deceive us as well?
3. Personal Application: Is it important for us to recognize in ourselves any and all tendencies toward covetousness? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Nobody is satisfied with what they have or who they are. Everyone wants something more, something better. There is discontent everywhere. How can we control our wants and desires in this society?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 26:14-16.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What do we know about Judas’ main focus in becoming a disciple of Jesus?
3. Personal Application: In what ways can greed be obvious in a Christian’s life? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I think the church leaders are more prone to treat the wealthier members of the church more kindly and hang out with them more than the poorer members.” Do you tend to agree or disagree with your neighbor? How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 56:10,11.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. Why is the Scripture so negative toward the pastors and priests of the church?
3. Personal Application: What are some practical ways to serve others this new year? Visit the missing members and infirm? Have a fun-filled outing for the young people? Serve food or help out at Dorcas or homeless shelter? Do prison ministry? Send cards and letters of encouragement? Share your thoughts.
4. 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.

(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.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Print/PDF/Email