Idols of the Soul
Key Thought: By knowing who Jesus is, we can become more like Him in our characters and lives.
Idols of the Soul – May 21 – 27, 2016
1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 18:21,22.
Image © Lars Justinen Goodsalt.com
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Why is it so important to dwell on the cross and the forgiveness given us when dealing with our thoughts and feelings for others in forgiving them?
c. Personal Application : Have you ever experienced the difficulty of forgiving someone? What made the difference in leading you to forgiveness? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “What if you can’t forgive someone for what they did? Some people have done such evil things, I don’t think I could ever forgive them.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 19:16-20.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. Why did the rich young ruler ask what great thing he could do to enter heaven?
c. Personal Application : If you were to ask Jesus what you were lacking, what might He say to you about your commandment keeping? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Shouldn’t we want to do good things and be recognized for it? Don’t we get rewards in heaven for our good works? Isn’t it better to try to do good than not to?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 20:11-16.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What rewards can the Christian expect to receive in serving Christ?
c. Personal Application: Have you ever wanted to be something or do something great? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “What does it mean that the last shall be first and the first last? Is this referring to our attitude and humility in serving Christ?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 20:23-27.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How can we keep from getting jealous or resentful of others, especially when they exhibit the wrong attitude or actions in leadership?
c. Personal Application : How can we develop confident attitudes about life without glorifying ourselves? 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.
(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).
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