On Sunday, November 20th, our small group lesson was King David. Here is the lesson highlights below. We ask you to take a look at the scriptures, read the material and comment below on what it means to you. Thanks.
King David
Bible Text:
1 Samuel 16–17; 18:10–16; 2 Samuel 2:1–7; 5:1–10; 7:1–17; Isaiah 9:6–7
Lesson Focus:
God uses imperfect people to do amazing things.
Big Question:
Do we have to have David-like courage and trust to be useful to God?
Key Words:
CHOSEN, HUMBLE, TRUST
Definition of Key Words
CHOSEN: a person or group of people selected for a special purpose. David was chosen by God to be a leader and to be the ancestor of Jesus.
HUMBLE: not arrogant, haughty, or overly assertive. A low, unpretentious ranking. David was a humble shepherd when God called him to do great things.
TRUST: to rely on someone or something; to place confidence and dependence in someone. Because David trusted in God's word, guidance, and strength, he was blessed with the ability to lead the nation of Israel.
Quick Bullet Highlights
The Bible has two versions of King David's life, one in 1 Samuel 16–31; 2 Samuel; and 1 Kings 1–2; and one in 1 Chronicles.
Even after being chosen by God to be king, David had to overcome several obstacles before being recognized as king of Israel.
A brilliant strategist and mediator, King David united the nation, centralized power, and established a national capital at Jerusalem.
In David and his descendants we see that God chooses and uses whom God will—raising up a lowly shepherd to be king and using a deeply flawed human being for God's purposes.
David reigned as king approximately from 1000 to 961 B.C.
Jesus is descended from David.
Our leaders are flawed human beings just like us. It's important not to idealize leaders. It's also important to consider what attributes are truly important in leaders.
Going Deep
The Bible portrays David as a brilliant strategist and mediator. We have two versions of King David's life. One (1 Chronicles), likely composed in the fifth century B.C., celebrates David's leadership in uniting north and south, establishing the national capital and spiritual center at Jerusalem, centralizing power, and focusing the people on praising God. An earlier version (1 Samuel 16–31; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings 1–2), likely composed during the exile in the sixth century B.C., is a more complex story of personal and political intrigue. David's association with many of the psalms reflects his concern for worship of Yahweh (2 Samuel 23:1).
The New Testament attests that Jesus is descended from David. Almost invariably those who cry to Jesus for mercy do so calling him "Son of David" (see Matthew 9:27; 15:22; 17:15; 20:30–21; Mark 10:47–48; Luke 17:13; 18:38–39). Old Testament prophecies reiterate the promise of Christ coming from the family of David (Isaiah 9:6–7).
Like many important biblical figures, David was of humble origins, the youngest son of "a Bethlehem farmer" (1 Samuel 16). With God's help and David's trust in God, David became Israel's most powerful king and accomplished great things while yet a human being who made some terrible mistakes. David, through sin, crime, and repentance, still trusted and believed in God, and God repeatedly forgave him and remained with him.
In David and his descendants we see that God chooses and uses whom God will. David, like other important biblical figures, such as Mary and Joseph, was a lowly person raised up by God to become a person of great importance. God made a shepherd the patriarch of a dynasty.
David was the preeminent king among all ancient Israel's kings and was chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:1–13), but he was nonetheless a deeply flawed human being. Having won King Saul's affection, David subsequently became Saul's rival, married Saul's daughter, and established a separate power base from which David rose to become king following Saul's death. David was a brilliant and trusted leader, for example, gathering to himself "everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented" and becoming "captain over them" (1 Samuel 22:2). But David was also abusive (2 Samuel 11–12), and his legacy of abuse was the terrible inheritance of his children (2 Samuel 13).
David's reign is estimated to have been approximately from 1000 to 961 B.C. David's kingship contrasts with that of Saul, who was the first king of ancient Israel, beginning a generation earlier. David's reign transformed the feuding tribal confederacy under Saul into a more coherent—though not completely united—nation. Elapsed time and the change in political environment, notably the Philistine threat, helped make possible David's consolidation and centralization of power (2 Samuel 21:15–22; 23:8–39). David was anointed twice, first as king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4) in the south and then as king of Israel (2 Samuel 5:3) in the north. As a sign to unite the nation, David brought the Ark of the Covenant to the newly established capital of Jerusalem, located between north and south. David used the Ark—a sign of God's sole sovereignty—to consolidate his own power as king over the nation.
What do we expect of our leaders? We fall into a trap when we think our leaders are not flawed human beings just like ourselves. Setting leaders on a pedestal can dangerously lead to unquestioning loyalty. At the same time, a leader must be a model to others. What is reasonable to expect of leaders? They must possess attributes that enable them to lead effectively. They must have the ability to listen, a character and personality that can hold people's trust and respect, vision, the ability to see the big picture, organizational skills, and integrity. Is it important that a leader have a sense of humor about herself or himself? Is compassion important? Is physical health important? Or the ability to say no? What is the relationship between a leader's public life and personal life? In what ways is a person's personal life relevant or irrelevant to the person's capacity to lead in society or in the church?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Make Up: November 13th, 2011
We want to encourage you to read through the format that Carrie's class followed. When you are done, please take a moment and comment in the comment box. Please remember to sign your name or initials; so you can get credit.
Small Group: Prophets of Judah 11/13/11 Week 9
Our Lesson
Bible Text:
Isaiah 5:1-7; 9:2-7; 10:1-2; 1:16-20; Jeremiah 31: 31-34; 7:1-15, 23-26
Lesson Focus:
Though the people were not always faithful to God, God was always faithful to them.
Big Question:
Who will I always be able to count on?
Key Words:
JUSTICE, HOPE, CONFESSION
High Level View of Judah and the books of Isaiah & Jeremiah
Assyria was asserting itself against Judah & Israel. We learned last week that Israel fell to Assyria and Judah narrowly avoided being similarly swallowed up. Judah, the Southern Kingdom, led also with kings, mostly who failed to be faithful to Yahweh. Its primary prophets during this period were Isaiah & Micah, however Jeremiah’s prophecy was the most extensive.
Two kings represent the ends of the spectrum. At one extreme, Manasseh was regarded as the most brutal & faithless king Judah had ever known. At the other extreme, Josiah was regarded as the best king next to King David. Josiah instituted religious reforms but was not adept in international relations.
So why was Judah so sinful? (Bad King = Bad People)
King Manasseh’s reign began when he was 12 yrs old and lasted several decades from 687 to 642 B.C.E He spat on covenants, built altars and a temple to other gods and was murderous, even sacrificing his son to an Assyrian deity. He was unjust and had faithless leadership, causing Judah’s sinfulness, destruction and subsequent exile.
Opening Prayer
LEADER: Lord, we have failed to worship you and recognize the grace that you have freely given to us. Help us look to you for guidance, love and acceptance. Help us see your grace and mercy in all that we do and say. Lead us out of temptation and into your loving arms.
ALL: Amen
Prophet-Isaiah
In a vision, Isaiah saw God enthroned in the temple and surrounded by angels. God was seeking a rep, but Isaiah was acutely aware of his sinfulness & the sinfulness of his people. An angel took a live coal from an altar & touched it to Isaiah’s lips explaining that “your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for”.
Isaiah is a good model for how to remain part of the community of faith while at the same time acknowledging and dealing with its faults.
He used the image of the people as God’s vineyard to call the nation to repentance. He also articulated a vision of a king (Josiah) who would be faithful and compassionate and would lead the people in their understanding of the sole sovereignty of Yahweh.
And saving the best for last…he predicted the Messiah’s coming! He saw a vision of the Messiah’s (Jesus) virgin birth, his character and his crucifixion.
Read- Bible Text: Isaiah 9:2-7
In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light that would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.
Prophet- Jeremiah
He had both a deep understanding of human sin and a deep trust in God’s constancy and determination to do whatever was needed to renew and sustain relationship with the people.
God’s message through Jeremiah was that his once-devoted people were no longer faithful. Like Isaiah, Jeremiah proclaimed the promise of a new king who would be righteous and compassionate, a leader who would fulfill God’s purpose. (Jeremiah 23: 1-8)
Definitions of Key Words
JUSTICE: the principal of right action and fairness as related to treating people fairly and honestly.
HOPE: trust in or reliance on someone or something.
CONFESSION: the act of admitting your wrongdoing or sins.
The Big Question:
Who will I always be able to count on?
The people of Judah were not faithful to God, yet God remained faithful to them. God could have abandoned the people, let them suffer the result of their sin, yet God did not do that. God is the model of faithfulness for us.
Baptismal Connection
Today’s lesson focuses on the clause “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth”. Working for justice and peace is central to the call to follow God. Prophets like Isaiah & Jeremiah made it clear that what God wants from His people is for them to work in this world on behalf of those who are in need. Working for peace & justice is one of the most important ways we can share God’s love with the world.
Best/Worst (hi’s / low’s) from your week?
Closing Prayer
LEADER: Lord, even though your people turned their back on you,
GROUP: You were faithful.
LEADER: Even though we were in sin,
GROUP: You sent your Son to die for us.
LEADER: Even though we don’t deserve it,
GROUP: You give us your grace.
LEADER: Be with us as we tell others of what you have done in our lives.
GROUP: Thank you, Lord
ALL: Amen.
Small Group: Prophets of Judah 11/13/11 Week 9
Our Lesson
Bible Text:
Isaiah 5:1-7; 9:2-7; 10:1-2; 1:16-20; Jeremiah 31: 31-34; 7:1-15, 23-26
Lesson Focus:
Though the people were not always faithful to God, God was always faithful to them.
Big Question:
Who will I always be able to count on?
Key Words:
JUSTICE, HOPE, CONFESSION
High Level View of Judah and the books of Isaiah & Jeremiah
Assyria was asserting itself against Judah & Israel. We learned last week that Israel fell to Assyria and Judah narrowly avoided being similarly swallowed up. Judah, the Southern Kingdom, led also with kings, mostly who failed to be faithful to Yahweh. Its primary prophets during this period were Isaiah & Micah, however Jeremiah’s prophecy was the most extensive.
Two kings represent the ends of the spectrum. At one extreme, Manasseh was regarded as the most brutal & faithless king Judah had ever known. At the other extreme, Josiah was regarded as the best king next to King David. Josiah instituted religious reforms but was not adept in international relations.
So why was Judah so sinful? (Bad King = Bad People)
King Manasseh’s reign began when he was 12 yrs old and lasted several decades from 687 to 642 B.C.E He spat on covenants, built altars and a temple to other gods and was murderous, even sacrificing his son to an Assyrian deity. He was unjust and had faithless leadership, causing Judah’s sinfulness, destruction and subsequent exile.
Opening Prayer
LEADER: Lord, we have failed to worship you and recognize the grace that you have freely given to us. Help us look to you for guidance, love and acceptance. Help us see your grace and mercy in all that we do and say. Lead us out of temptation and into your loving arms.
ALL: Amen
Prophet-Isaiah
In a vision, Isaiah saw God enthroned in the temple and surrounded by angels. God was seeking a rep, but Isaiah was acutely aware of his sinfulness & the sinfulness of his people. An angel took a live coal from an altar & touched it to Isaiah’s lips explaining that “your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for”.
Isaiah is a good model for how to remain part of the community of faith while at the same time acknowledging and dealing with its faults.
He used the image of the people as God’s vineyard to call the nation to repentance. He also articulated a vision of a king (Josiah) who would be faithful and compassionate and would lead the people in their understanding of the sole sovereignty of Yahweh.
And saving the best for last…he predicted the Messiah’s coming! He saw a vision of the Messiah’s (Jesus) virgin birth, his character and his crucifixion.
Read- Bible Text: Isaiah 9:2-7
In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light that would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.
Prophet- Jeremiah
He had both a deep understanding of human sin and a deep trust in God’s constancy and determination to do whatever was needed to renew and sustain relationship with the people.
God’s message through Jeremiah was that his once-devoted people were no longer faithful. Like Isaiah, Jeremiah proclaimed the promise of a new king who would be righteous and compassionate, a leader who would fulfill God’s purpose. (Jeremiah 23: 1-8)
Definitions of Key Words
JUSTICE: the principal of right action and fairness as related to treating people fairly and honestly.
HOPE: trust in or reliance on someone or something.
CONFESSION: the act of admitting your wrongdoing or sins.
The Big Question:
Who will I always be able to count on?
The people of Judah were not faithful to God, yet God remained faithful to them. God could have abandoned the people, let them suffer the result of their sin, yet God did not do that. God is the model of faithfulness for us.
Baptismal Connection
Today’s lesson focuses on the clause “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth”. Working for justice and peace is central to the call to follow God. Prophets like Isaiah & Jeremiah made it clear that what God wants from His people is for them to work in this world on behalf of those who are in need. Working for peace & justice is one of the most important ways we can share God’s love with the world.
Best/Worst (hi’s / low’s) from your week?
Closing Prayer
LEADER: Lord, even though your people turned their back on you,
GROUP: You were faithful.
LEADER: Even though we were in sin,
GROUP: You sent your Son to die for us.
LEADER: Even though we don’t deserve it,
GROUP: You give us your grace.
LEADER: Be with us as we tell others of what you have done in our lives.
GROUP: Thank you, Lord
ALL: Amen.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Make Up: November 6th, 2011
Carrie Lucas created a student sheet for her class. We wanted to share it with you for the class make up time. We ask you to read the material and then comment in the section below so we can know that you did the make-up. Thanks.
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Our Lesson
Bible Text:
1 Kings 11:1-13, Amos 1:1; 5:21-24; 8:1-18; Hosea 1:1-9; 4:1-3; Jeremiah 11:18-23; 15:15-21
Lesson Focus:
When the rulers of Israel ignored God’s prophets, Israel was lost.
Big Question:
What would a prophet say to us today?
Key Words:
PROPHET, JUDGEMENT, JUSTICE
High Level View of the Book of 1 KINGS, AMOS, HOSEA, & JEREMIAH:
The once great nation of Israel turned into a land divided, not only physically, but spiritually. God had warned Israel that kings would cause more problems than they solve. Evil kings led the nation deeper into idolatry and destruction.
During this period, there were 2 kingdoms. Israel was the Northern Kingdom & Judah was the Southern Kingdom. We’ll be focusing on the Northern Kingdom. Throughout history, the people of Israel had disobeyed God. They rejected the prophets and didn’t take care of those who were poor and powerless. They were mistreating the poor and worshipping other gods, such as money and power, instead of God. They enjoyed luxury while the poor suffered. Because they rejected God and the prophets and didn’t take care of those who were poor, Israel was abandoned by God and became exiled. During the exile, the Israelites wondered why, since they were God’s chosen people, they felt so abandoned. Remembering the words of God’s prophets, like Amos & Hosea, helped.
The prophets whose voices carry throughout these stories in the bible are the real meat & potatoes of the story, not the kings, for it’s the prophets who call the people of the Northern Kingdom back to faithfulness to the God who still loves them.
Read- Bible Text: 1 Kings 11:1-13
After David died, Solomon (the wisest king in the history of Israel), became King. Solomon was wealthy and wise, but disobeyed God in a number of ways. The kings and leaders of God’s people were to help the people stay faithful to God. Under the influence of his many wives, Solomon began to worship other gods, thereby, leading the people to do the same thing.
Important to note: Solomon was led to idolatry.
We, as Christians, may have strong faith, but we also have areas of weakness. Those areas are usually where temptation strikes. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link—so strengthen & protect yourselves where you are weak.
Opening Prayer LEADER: Lord, you spoke through your prophets of old.
GROUP: Now you speak through us.
LEADER: You call for peace where there is war.
GROUP: Make us instruments of your peace.
LEADER: You call for justice where there is despair.
GROUP: Make us instruments of your justice.
ALL: Amen
Definitions of Key Words
PROPHET: a messenger for God who speaks out about acts of injustice.
JUDGMENT: an accusation about a person’s actions. The prophets pronounced judgment on the king and people because of their poor actions.
JUSTICE: living in relationships of love and caring & upholding the powerless, goes beyond obeying the law.
Prophets
Amos – He was a man of God and spoke with brutal frankness in denouncing sin. He was just a humble Shepard, who God gave a vision of the future to. The vision was that Israel would be conquered by Assyria and the rich would become slaves, themselves. Amos pronounced God’s judgment upon Israel, the northern kingdom, for its complacency, idolatry, and oppression to the poor. He collided with the false religious leaders of his day and was not intimidated by a priest or a king. He continued to speak his message boldly.
Hosea (means “salvation”)- The book of Hosea is a love story – real, tragic and true. God told Hosea to wind a wife (Gomer) and revealed to him ahead of time that she would be unfaithful to him. This book tells of God’s love for his people and the response of His “bride”. A covenant had been made, and God had been faithful. But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, turning to false gods. Hosea warned that unless they repented of their sin and turned back to God, they were headed for destruction.
Jeremiah – The basic theme was “repent and turn to God”. Jeremiah was God’s spokesman, but nobody listened. He was rejected by his neighbors, his family, false priests, friends…everyone. He often felt he stood alone as he predicted the destruction of Jerusalem. He predicted that after the destruction of the nation, God would send a new Shepard, the Messiah (JESUS). Jesus would lead them into a new future, a new covenant, and a new day of hope…and he would accomplish this by changing their sinful hearts into hearts of love for God.
Prophets of Today
God sent prophets to warn the people of Israel. The teachings of these prophets in the biblical tradition help us to understand & listen to the voices of present-day prophets. Prophets today provide us with guiding lights. People like Martin Luther King Jr., John Paul II, and others are recent prophets who have spread God’s message of peace, love, and justice.
Baptismal Connection
Today’s lesson focuses on the clause “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth”. Working for justice and peace is central to the call to follow God. Prophets like Amos made it clear that what God wants from His people is for them to work in this world on behalf of those who are in need. Working for peace & justice is one of the most important ways we can share God’s love with the world.
Best/Worst (hi’s / low’s) from your week?
Closing Prayer
LEADER: Lord, you sent your prophets to speak up for the poor.
GROUP: Help us to speak up for the poor.
LEADER: You sent your prophets to speak to government leaders.
GROUP: Help us to guide all world leaders to do what is right.
LEADER: You sent your prophets to remind your people to put you first in their lives.
GROUP: Help us to put you first in our lives.
LEADER: For all you do for us, we thank you.
GROUP: Thank you, Lord
ALL: Amen.
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Our Lesson
Bible Text:
1 Kings 11:1-13, Amos 1:1; 5:21-24; 8:1-18; Hosea 1:1-9; 4:1-3; Jeremiah 11:18-23; 15:15-21
Lesson Focus:
When the rulers of Israel ignored God’s prophets, Israel was lost.
Big Question:
What would a prophet say to us today?
Key Words:
PROPHET, JUDGEMENT, JUSTICE
High Level View of the Book of 1 KINGS, AMOS, HOSEA, & JEREMIAH:
The once great nation of Israel turned into a land divided, not only physically, but spiritually. God had warned Israel that kings would cause more problems than they solve. Evil kings led the nation deeper into idolatry and destruction.
During this period, there were 2 kingdoms. Israel was the Northern Kingdom & Judah was the Southern Kingdom. We’ll be focusing on the Northern Kingdom. Throughout history, the people of Israel had disobeyed God. They rejected the prophets and didn’t take care of those who were poor and powerless. They were mistreating the poor and worshipping other gods, such as money and power, instead of God. They enjoyed luxury while the poor suffered. Because they rejected God and the prophets and didn’t take care of those who were poor, Israel was abandoned by God and became exiled. During the exile, the Israelites wondered why, since they were God’s chosen people, they felt so abandoned. Remembering the words of God’s prophets, like Amos & Hosea, helped.
The prophets whose voices carry throughout these stories in the bible are the real meat & potatoes of the story, not the kings, for it’s the prophets who call the people of the Northern Kingdom back to faithfulness to the God who still loves them.
Read- Bible Text: 1 Kings 11:1-13
After David died, Solomon (the wisest king in the history of Israel), became King. Solomon was wealthy and wise, but disobeyed God in a number of ways. The kings and leaders of God’s people were to help the people stay faithful to God. Under the influence of his many wives, Solomon began to worship other gods, thereby, leading the people to do the same thing.
Important to note: Solomon was led to idolatry.
We, as Christians, may have strong faith, but we also have areas of weakness. Those areas are usually where temptation strikes. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link—so strengthen & protect yourselves where you are weak.
Opening Prayer LEADER: Lord, you spoke through your prophets of old.
GROUP: Now you speak through us.
LEADER: You call for peace where there is war.
GROUP: Make us instruments of your peace.
LEADER: You call for justice where there is despair.
GROUP: Make us instruments of your justice.
ALL: Amen
Definitions of Key Words
PROPHET: a messenger for God who speaks out about acts of injustice.
JUDGMENT: an accusation about a person’s actions. The prophets pronounced judgment on the king and people because of their poor actions.
JUSTICE: living in relationships of love and caring & upholding the powerless, goes beyond obeying the law.
Prophets
Amos – He was a man of God and spoke with brutal frankness in denouncing sin. He was just a humble Shepard, who God gave a vision of the future to. The vision was that Israel would be conquered by Assyria and the rich would become slaves, themselves. Amos pronounced God’s judgment upon Israel, the northern kingdom, for its complacency, idolatry, and oppression to the poor. He collided with the false religious leaders of his day and was not intimidated by a priest or a king. He continued to speak his message boldly.
Hosea (means “salvation”)- The book of Hosea is a love story – real, tragic and true. God told Hosea to wind a wife (Gomer) and revealed to him ahead of time that she would be unfaithful to him. This book tells of God’s love for his people and the response of His “bride”. A covenant had been made, and God had been faithful. But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, turning to false gods. Hosea warned that unless they repented of their sin and turned back to God, they were headed for destruction.
Jeremiah – The basic theme was “repent and turn to God”. Jeremiah was God’s spokesman, but nobody listened. He was rejected by his neighbors, his family, false priests, friends…everyone. He often felt he stood alone as he predicted the destruction of Jerusalem. He predicted that after the destruction of the nation, God would send a new Shepard, the Messiah (JESUS). Jesus would lead them into a new future, a new covenant, and a new day of hope…and he would accomplish this by changing their sinful hearts into hearts of love for God.
Prophets of Today
God sent prophets to warn the people of Israel. The teachings of these prophets in the biblical tradition help us to understand & listen to the voices of present-day prophets. Prophets today provide us with guiding lights. People like Martin Luther King Jr., John Paul II, and others are recent prophets who have spread God’s message of peace, love, and justice.
Baptismal Connection
Today’s lesson focuses on the clause “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth”. Working for justice and peace is central to the call to follow God. Prophets like Amos made it clear that what God wants from His people is for them to work in this world on behalf of those who are in need. Working for peace & justice is one of the most important ways we can share God’s love with the world.
Best/Worst (hi’s / low’s) from your week?
Closing Prayer
LEADER: Lord, you sent your prophets to speak up for the poor.
GROUP: Help us to speak up for the poor.
LEADER: You sent your prophets to speak to government leaders.
GROUP: Help us to guide all world leaders to do what is right.
LEADER: You sent your prophets to remind your people to put you first in their lives.
GROUP: Help us to put you first in our lives.
LEADER: For all you do for us, we thank you.
GROUP: Thank you, Lord
ALL: Amen.
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