Lifeway SS Lessons

Life Focus Gods Camcorder Session 1
Link to Teaching Plan
Unit 1
Spiritual Life: Version 3.16

Unit Description:
This unit is based on (1) Pauls instruction to Timothy concerning the Scriptures and the good news of Christ proclaimed in them; (2) Pauls exhortations to the Corinthian Christians regarding their living as Gods holy dwelling place; (3) Johns emphasis in his Gospel and first letter concerning Gods love and believers love for others; (4) Pauls encouragement to the Ephesian believers regarding spiritual power that is available because of Jesus resurrection; and (5) Johns message from the risen Lord concerning spiritual apathy.
Why This Study:

Most students remember the terror and evil actions that occurred on September 11, 2001. They know also how fearful and uncertain the post-9/11 world is. Thats true no matter who they are or where they live. Students may go about the routines of their everyday lives; yet many do so with a gnawing sense of insecurity about the future, fed by virtually round-the-clock media messages and images of bad news. Some of these students are searching desperately for something or someone that offers hope instead of fear. God wants people to know the good news about the risen Lord Jesus and to live each day with confidence and hope that come by believing in Jesus.
Unit 1 Sessions:
Session 1: Gods Camcorder 2 Timothy 1:8-12; 3:144:5 Life Question: How can the Bible help me live confidently in todays fearful, uncertain world? Biblical Truth: The Bible reveals the truth about salvation and Gods instructions for right living. Session 2: Gods USB Connection 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 6:12-13,18-20 Life Question: How should I live now that Gods Spirit lives in me? Biblical Truth: Believers have the Holy Spirit living in them; thus they are to honor God in their actions. Session 3: JTunes John 3:16; 1 John 3:16-20; 4:15-19; 5:2-5 Life Question: How can God expect me to love all people? Biblical Truth: God loves every person because His nature is to love, and He expects all who know Him through faith in Jesus to show sacrificial love for others. Session 4: Gods Computer Ephesians 1:18-21; 2:4-10; 3:16-21 Life Question: What does Jesus resurrection mean to me? Biblical Truth: In raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated the awesome power for living He gives believers through His indwelling Spirit. Session 5: Spiritual Headphones Revelation 1:9-13,17-18; 3:14-22 Life Question: Why should I be passionate about knowing and following Jesus Christ? Biblical Truth: The risen Lord Jesus holds the keys to victorious living, so He sternly warns believers against growing self-sufficient and becoming spiritually lukewarm.
2007 LifeWay Press Permission is granted to the purchaser to make only the number of photocopies of this item licensed at purchase. All other rights reserved. Published in the USA.
Session 1
Life Question
How can the Bible help me live confidently in todays fearful, uncertain world?
Gods Camcorder
Interactive-based Plan
As a leader in a youth Sunday School class you study and prepare carefully each week. Your main task is not to communicate a mere technical understanding of the Bible, but to reflect a reverence and love for Gods Word that results in learners confidence and hope in the living God. How can you best accomplish this task? Pauls words to Timothy underscore the importance of Scripture in believers lives. Timothy was a respected young Christian when Paul first met him (Acts 16:1-5). They formed a missionary alliance that took them into much of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and even to Rome. Paul was a mentor to Timothy and often sent him to various churches with specific assignments, and finally to stay with the church in Ephesus and provide sound leadership for the believers (1 Tim. 1:3). Paul wrote both letters as Timothy served the church at Ephesus.
Biblical Truth
The Bible reveals the truth about salvation and Gods instructions for right living.
Motivation
Spiritual Life: Version 3.16 Quick Links
Session at a Glance Student Handout E-mail Option: Student Handout Teaching ToolAgree/ Disagree Sheets Teaching ToolSurvey Student Take Home Sheet E-mail Option: Student Take Home Sheet Going Deeper Leader Helps Teaching ToolPostcard Parent Newsletter Customizable Plan Purchase Leader Pack Purchase Student Books Purchase ec EXTRA! Student BSFL Podcast
As youth enter, direct them to a focal wall where you have placed Leader Pack Spiritual Life: Version 3.16 (item 1) and Leader Pack Session Titles (item 2) using todays session title only. If you do not have the pack, write the unit title and todays session title on the board. Point out that through the use of hi-tech gadgets, our world has become more fastpaced and sometimes more frustrating when the gadgets fail to produce the desired results.
SAY We will be discussing the analogy of hi-tech gadgets for living the 3:16 life in a 9/11 world. Gods Word is more than adequate to sustain you in the fast paced arena of our chaotic world. Also, you can determine how these gadgets can support your deeper study into Gods Word and how they can be used as a help rather than a distraction to the struggles you face.
Inform youth to be alert to obvious and not so obvious ways these gadgets can help in focusing on Gods Word. Tape the Agree/Disagree Sheets to two focal walls. Inform youth that you will be reading a statement and that they are to move to the sign that best supports what they believe.
SAY You will be given an opportunity to explain why you have moved to that area.
Read the following statements and allow youth time to move to the Agree/Disagree sheets. 1. The media always honors Gods Word. (Disagree) 2. Reading Gods Word can give me confidence in the truth of His Word. (AgreeAllow youth to clarify that reading can give confidence but living the Word can give total confidence.) 3. The 9/11 world we live in is fearful and uncertain. (Agree) 4. Gods Word can help me overcome fear and uncertainty. (Agree) 5. Many of my friends are searching desperately for someone who offers hope. (Agree) 6. I understand the difference between being self-confident and being confident in God. (Call on students to explain their answers.)
Option: Guess What?

Divide students into two teams. Show the multimedia video Leader Pack Guess What? (CD-ROM) and instruct teams to take turns naming the objects as soon as they appear. If you do not have the leader pack, direct six volunteers to come up one at a time and choose a strip of paper on which you have written the items listed below. Explain that they will have 30 seconds to draw the object while youth guess what the object is.
1. iPod/iTunes 2. Hand-held camcorder 3. USB plug in drive 4. Desktop computer with flatscreen monitor, CPU, mouse, and keyboard 5. Notebook computer 6. Headphones attached to cell phone (emphasis on headphones) After all have viewed or played the guessing game, explain that these hi-tech gadgets will be the items used as an analogy to study the importance of Gods Word.
SAY Studying Gods Word can give you confidence and hope in a post 9/11 world.
Suggest youth think of ways these items can be used to further the study and promote confidence in Gods Word.
Introduce the Study

Direct students attention once again to the to the unit poster. Explain that this unit will allow them to see how Gods Word is an inspired instruction Book, understand that each believer is Gods dwelling place, recognize the bold self-giving nature of Gods love, discover the purpose of Jesus resurrection, and identify self-sufficiency and apathy in their lives.
SAY Todays session addresses the confidence you can have in your life by accepting Gods Holy Word as the instruction Book for your life. By making a commitment to read and study the Bible, you will honor Gods will for your life.
THESE MOTIVATION ACTIVITIES CAN BE USED IN A DEPARTMENT TIME.
Examination
1. By Showing Me Gods Good News (2 Tim. 1:8-12)
Pauls counsel to Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel was not necessarily a welcome cure. The Greek term for gospel means good news and includes the good news of salvation, a holy calling, the abolition of death, and insight about life and immortality. That the gospel has saved us is the first part of Pauls emphasis to Timothy. The alternative is to spend an eternity separated from God. We must never underestimate the hope we gain by our salvation. While salvation is both present and future, the second part of Pauls emphasis, the holy calling, mostly focuses on the present. The gospel gives us a purpose for living. We are to emulate Gods life and complete His will. His will is done each day through us as we submit to Him and obey His commandments. Gods calling comes to us through grace, and that relieves us from the unbearable pressure of trying to earn Gods favor and failing. You begin each day with the eternally good news of being accepted by God Himself. Call on a preenlisted youth to read aloud 2 Timothy 1:8-12. Explain Pauls instructions to Timothy regarding the Scriptures. Direct youth to complete the activities in By Showing Me Gods Good News on the student handout. Allow youth to volunteer some of their answers. Discuss motives for studying Gods Word given from Pauls instruction. (For example: So you will not be ashamed, because God has brought light and life through His living Word, to find Gods will for your life, and so forth.)
ASK A. Which motives bring glory to God? B. What happens to church fellowship, youth fellowship, and so forth, when we fail to rely on or live out Gods Scriptures? C. What can you as an individual do to proclaim the truth that Jesus taught in this Scripture?
Write responses on the board as youth call them out. Identify ways students can proclaim Gods truth in their daily lives.
Option: Improvise
Privately instruct two teams to improvise and act out two scenarios, one that demonstrates true confidence in Gods Word and one that demonstrates merely an attention magnet without the substance of Gods truth. Invite the rest of the class to choose which illustrates service out of true confidence in the recorded Word of God and which illustrates attention seekers.
ASK A. Which one mimics the media? B. Which one mimics what God desires for your life?
2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17)

Paul urged Timothy to keep doing the things he had learned from the Scriptures. He had just written about difficult times that were ahead for Timothy (3:1). The good news about Christ does not promise a life free from difficulty. Faith in Christ does not protect us from all challenges. We should not expect a trouble-free life. Despite such difficult conditions, believers have a guidebook to equip them for livingGods inspired Word. People can learn in the Scriptures everything they need for understanding salvation in Christ and for living Gods way. No matter how ungodly or fearful conditions may become, believers are to hold firmly to the Bible as their moral and spiritual compass, learning and practicing its instructions for daily living. Call on a volunteer to read aloud 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Direct youth to call out Gods purpose for instructing Paul to write these words. Instruct youth to complete the matching activity under By Providing Instruction for Daily Living on the student handout. Write responses on the board.
SAY This is the first passage we will study with the 3:16 verse and it is the Key Verse for this session.
Distribute a Leader Pack Key Verse (item 3) to each youth. Divide youth into two teams to race to say the verse in a round (each one saying one word and the Scripture reference as one word until they can repeat it from memory). Commend all youth for memorizing the Scripture. Direct youth to pray sentence prayers thanking God for His recorded Word. Suggest they place the Key Verse on their locker, car dash, or closet door to help them remember the verse.
3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

Believers can help others avoid being misled into false teachings by persistently finding ways to declare Gods truth to them. Paul pointed out how Timothy was to do this. First, Timothy was to persist in the gospel ministry whether convenient or not. Christians are to stand ready to use every opportunity for service. Second, Paul challenged Timothy to rebuke anyone who had wandered away from a good conscience. Third, he was to correct theological error by reasoned argument. Fourth, Paul directed Timothy to give loving encouragement to believers who were facing discouraging opposition because of their Christian faith. Do not be surprised or frustrated when you encounter students who take a cafeteria approach to the Christian faith, accepting what is appealing, rejecting what is demanding and challenging. You must resist the temptation either to dilute or shape the message to suit students desires. You are called to be faithful and true, not to be admired and praised. Be persistent without worrying about being popular. Your commitment to the integrity of Gods Word will help you focus on God and will enable you to develop confidence and hope in Him, not in the sometimes fickle nature of those you lead.
Call on a student to read aloud 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Explain the pitfalls of false teaching and how to avoid getting trapped. Direct youth to answer the activity questions in the By Keeping Me Focused section of the student handout.
ASK Which question convicted you the most and why?
Allow for youth to share their responses.

SAY God is interested in every aspect of your life and throughout the Scriptures has given you specific guidelines and examples to keep you on His chosen path for your life. ASK A. What spam, pop-ups, and viruses keep distracting you from focusing on His Word? B. How can you break the cycle of distraction?
Allow youth a time of silent prayerful commitment to His Word. After three to four minutes of quiet time, thank youth for their commitment. Encourage them to put into practice today the commitment they have made to God. Explain to youth that they are going to use a low-tech method to discover confidence in Gods Word. Divide youth into three teams. Challenge each team to find at least three passages with the word confidence in their Bibles using the concordance.
Option: Message in Song

As youth are doing the student handout activity, play Take You at Your Word by Avalon from Avalon, In a Different Light (Sparrow Records, 1999). You may be able to purchase/download this song from your favorite music download site.
Application
Conclusion
SAY A camcorder focuses on the subject capturing all of the action, activity, plot, purpose, and so forth of the one making the video.
Explain that Gods Word captures all the examples to teach, instruct, plot our path, and determine the purpose of our lives.
SAY Not only did God give us His Word but He also gave us His only Son and The Holy Spirit to help us hold it all together in this fallen worldnot just to have life, but to have abundant life. ASK How can the Bible help you live confidently in todays fearful, uncertain world?
Enlist a couple of students to write the responses on the board as they are called out. Encourage youth to focus this day and this week on how much God has given to each of them.
ASK Isnt He worth your total, 100 percent, sold out obedience?
Call for a volunteer to lead in prayer that each will be committed to living a life worthy for Jesus.
Option: Survey
Hand out the Survey or ask students to take the survey that you have written on the board (see below). Do you read your Bible on a daily basis? If no, why not? Do you tell Jesus your needs, wants, dreams, and struggles?
Do you share what Jesus has done for you? Do you help others and minister to their needs without looking for something in return? Are you grateful and astonished each day for the grace of God? Are you a giver or a taker? Why? What does God wish for your life? Encourage your students to be confident in Gods Word.
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Unit 1 Spiritual Life: Version 3.16 Session 1
Session at a Glance
Gods Camcorder
Bible Passages: 2 Timothy 1:8-12; 3:144:5 Key Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 Biblical Setting
Paul challenged Timothy to be unashamed of the gospel, encouraging him to rely on Gods power to face any suffering that might come because of the gospel. He also urged Timothy to keep doing the things he had learned from the Scriptures and to keep declaring the message of Christ.
Life Question
Biblical Truth
The Bible reveals the truth about salvation and Gods instructions for right living.
Life Impact
This session is designed to help students live each day with God-given confidence and hope by agreeing the Bible is Gods inspired instruction book for their lives; and committing to engage in daily Bible reading and study.
Activities Motivation Department time

Spiritual Life: Version 3.16Agree/Disagree statements Option: CD Multimedia video Introduce the Study
Supplies & Preparation
CD-ROM sheets pack items 1 and 2
Examination Class time

1. By Showing Me Gods Good News (2 Tim. 1:8-12) Discuss motives for studying Gods Word Option: Teams improvise two scenarios 2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17) Discuss profile, matching activity 3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5) Discuss pitfalls and distractions, low-tech concordance search Option: Song pack item 3 Bible with concordance
Application Class time

ConclusionAnalogy of camcorder/recorded Word Option: Survey sheet printed from CD-ROM
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Session 1
Life Question
Gods Camcorder
Student Handout
Think about your favorite recorded DVD. Does it point others to Christ or give them hope?
Key Verse
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
What could you record on a DVD that would give someone hope? Write your response here.
Write in the space below the name of a person who has helped you to be confident in yourself and the person you now are.
How did he or she instill confidence?
How can you be assured through Gods Word that Gods good news will overcome whatever the world has in store for you? Write your answer here:
How has Gods Word comforted, protected, and calmed you?

Look at verse 16 and match the following words with their meaning: 1. Inspired by God 2. Teaching 3. Rebuking 4. Correcting 5. Training in righteousness a. equipping b. convicting c. directing d. discipleship e. infused with life
After completing the above, look at your answers and decide if God left out anything in the Scripture that would be helpful to you.
What stands in your way of becoming the person that God wants you to be? Write it here:
Pray that God will take down this barrier to the abundant life He has planned for you.
Look at the captions above the Bible below. Fill out both sides with items related to the caption. Holy Bible How reading Gods Word can help me How I can be hurt by never reading Gods Word
Photo: iStockphoto

Look at the photo below. List the elements in the photo that let you know this student is having a quiet time. List any other quiet time elements that are not reflected in the photo. Have you determined what it takes for you to have a quiet time? If not, determine now to set aside time each day when you can get alone with Jesus. Develop a plan of reading the whole Bible instead of the same passages over and over. In the space below, write your time and plan for a daily quiet time. Share your faith and share your life with Jesus. He knows all about you, but He wants to hear from you.
Photo: iStockphoto
To learn more about how you can be confident in Gods Word, take home and complete the student take home sheet. Use that page to continue this study and to help you prepare for next weeks session. Enjoy your time with God.
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AGREE
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DISAGREE
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Survey
Do you read your Bible on a daily basis? If no, why not?
Do you tell Jesus your needs, wants, dreams, and struggles? Why or why not?
Do you share what Jesus has done for you?
Do you help others and minister to their needs without looking for something in return? Explain your answer.
Are you grateful and astonished each day for the grace of God?
Are you a giver or a taker? Why?
What does God wish for your life?
Survey
Do you read your Bible on a daily basis? If no, why not?
Do you tell Jesus your needs, wants, dreams, and struggles? Why or why not?
Do you share what Jesus has done for you?
Do you help others and minister to their needs without looking for something in return? Explain your answer.
Are you grateful and astonished each day for the grace of God?
Are you a giver or a taker? Why?
What does God wish for your life?
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Session 1
Life Question
Gods Camcorder
Student Take Home Sheet
Watch a video that your family has recorded at a family event, such as a reunion, school event, church event, youth event, and so forth. Watch actions carefully and listen to all the recorded conversations. If the video caught people off-guard (unrehearsed), determine if their actions, speech, and attitudes reinforced Gods Word by the way they live their lives. Discuss in your family time the following: If your family had been recorded on video this week, what actions, attitudes, and lifestyles would have been viewed as pleasing to God and which ones would not? Does your family represent a spiritually confident family or do you represent a family shell-shocked by daily world events? If the latter is true, write in the spaces below how your family can change their attitudes and lifestyle to show confidence in the recorded Word of God. Write in the space below events that take you off the focus of Gods Word. Circle the leisure activities that you spent most of your time on this week: watching TV watching movies talking on a cell phone using a computer playing computer games listening to CDs or an MP3 player hanging out with friends other Look back at everything you circled. How could you use that event, or what could you replace it with, to keep you focused more on Gods Word? What effort are you making in order to focus more on the truth of Gods Word? Determine your plan of action to get into Gods Word. Write your plan on a separate sheet of paper. Try to follow the plan at least three days in a row to keep you on track with where God wants you to be. Be sure to listen to God, talk to Him, and read His Word daily. What opportunities have you had this week to serve Jesus? Did you put feet to your faith? Think carefully about each day and who you came into contact with on that day. Did you see each person as an opportunity to share your faith, or were you in a hurry and missed Gods blessing?
Key Verse
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
Memorize the Key Verse

Spend time with a friend memorizing the Key Verse. Discuss the meaning of the verse. Compare what you have written down and discovered in this Bible study with the devotional thoughts in ec for this week.
Preparation for the Next Session Gods USB Connection

Do you understand where Gods connection is in your life? If you are a Christian, then Gods connection is based in your body. It is the sanctuary for the Holy Spirit and how God can work in your life. Read 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 6:12-13,18-20 to determine how to acknowledge Gods purpose in your life and how you can commit to take actions to honor God.
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Session 1
Going Deeper
ISS BESSIE was well into her 90s when I met her during my first pastorate. She sat in the nursing homes wheelchair, an afghan laid over her legs, fine-lined hands folded delicately on her lap. Age had taken much of her health but not her dignity. She was very much a lady. I introduced myself, and we began to get better acquainted. At one point Miss Bessie told me she had been blind in one eye for several years, and the other eye was failing also. I just finished reading the Bible through for the last time. I dont think this one eye will hold up much longer. I asked her if she would like me to read for her. She agreed, selected a passage I can no longer recall, we prayed, and I left. I wondered how many times Miss Bessie had read the Bible through. Now in the late winter of her long life, one of her chief concerns was that she could no longer read the ancient but timeless wisdom of the sacred Scriptures that provided her direction, confidence, and hope for nearly a century. If you asked someone to read aloud a Bible verse that helps you face fearful, uncertain times, what verse would you select? Why?
Read Timothy, Pastor of the Church at Ephesus in the Spring 2008 Biblical Illustrator or on the Spring 2008 Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM). Timothys task was not easy. He encountered opposition that likely made him doubt both his ability and his calling. Paul, who wrote 2 Timothy from prison, sought to restore Timothys confidence in the face of his challenges. He feared that Timothy might be ashamed, a phrase in this context that means to prohibit an action from happening. In this case, Paul did not want young Timothy to lose faith in the gospel, the testimony about our Lord, and in Paul, a prisoner because of the gospel. The opposition to Timothy came from those who rejected the story of Jesus. These opponents were Greeks for whom the idea of resurrection was incredible, and Jews who maintained that Jesus had not risen from the dead and that His purported miracles were sinister deceptions (Matt. 12:24). Also Timothy was an ambassador, so to speak, for a man who was often in prison and consistently criticized even by people who claimed to share his faith. Paul was not universally popular and respected. Thus Timothys association with him was not always an advantage. Pauls counsel to Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel was not necessarily a welcome cure. The Greek term for gospel means good news and includes the good news of salvation, a holy calling, the abolition of death, and insight about life and immortality. But a call to suffer is not a great rallying cry! How could this solution really bolster young Timothys confidence and hope? The Christian faith is usually subtle in its power. Clever people and sophisticated arguments seem so strong in the face of the story of Jesus who lived 2000 years ago, was crucified, and is mocked and caricatured to this day. The power of the gospel, however, is both immediate and eternal. It provides comfort each day but it also produces a confidence that in the end God will vindicate its message. We should not be surprised when the gospel fails to evoke widespread acceptance. Opposition and rejection are unavoidable factors in the Christian life, and believers must remain focused on the content of the gospels message. That the gospel has saved us is the first part of Pauls emphasis to Timothy. The alternative is to spend an eternity separated
As a leader in a youth Sunday School class, you study and prepare carefully each week. Your main task is not to communicate a mere technical understanding of the Bible, but to reflect a reverence and love for Gods Word that results in learners confidence and hope in the living God. How can you best accomplish this task?

Pauls words to Timothy underscore the importance of Scripture in believers lives. Timothy was a respected young Christian when Paul first met him (Acts 16:1-5). They formed a missionary alliance that took them into much of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and even to Rome. Paul was a mentor to Timothy and often sent him to various churches with specific assignments, and finally to stay with the church in Ephesus and provide sound leadership for the believers (1 Tim. 1:3). Paul wrote both letters as Timothy served the church at Ephesus.
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from God. We must never underestimate the hope we gain by our salvation. While salvation is both present and future, the second part of Pauls emphasis, the holy calling, mostly focuses on the present. The gospel gives us a purpose for living. We are to emulate Gods life and complete His will. His will is done each day through us as we submit to Him and obey His commandments. Gods calling comes to us through grace, and that relieves us from the unbearable pressure of trying to earn Gods favor and failing. You begin each day with the eternally good news of being accepted by God Himself. The gospel delivers us from our most basic feardeath. By His appearing, and especially by His resurrection, Jesus abolished death. Of course, this doesnt mean we wont die, but it does mean the sting of death is removed (1 Cor. 15:55) and that we should no longer fear death (Heb. 2:14-15). With this confidence over our most feared enemy, we also gain knowledge about life (how to live here) and immortality (the certainty of eternal life). Our physical life and span of years is not the whole story of our lives. Every Christian is an immortal creature. Our lives are not defined by a long struggle that ends with a dying shudder. Viewed through the powerful lens of the gospel, life is a proving ground, a place where God transforms struggle into a means of building spiritual muscle that makes us more fit for eternity. Now precisely what temporary problem can take away your confidence in light of these truths? Paul knew God appointed him to represent and share this gospel. The offices of preacher (one who proclaims), apostle (one who is sent), and teacher (one who shares right doctrine) are not limited to Paul. Every Christian has opportunity and responsibility to proclaim the gospel. We are to understand and share the right doctrines. God sends each of us as His representatives just as He did Paul. Rather than be ashamed of some aspects of his Christian calling, Paul embraced a confidence based on knowing Jesus Christ personally. I have believed is the translation of a Greek perfect tense verb that underscores the permanence of Pauls conviction. The verb tense literally means in whom I have trusted and still do trust. Paul had moved beyond questions and doubts. He had made basic decisions and commitments he no longer revisited and revised. In the final analysis, the gospel is either true or false. Because it is true, that changes your perspective on life. Bad news is a part of every biography. It confronts you every day. But its power pales before the transforming truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bibles good news about Jesus is far better than todays worst news about terrorism, religious persecution, and so forth. Embracing the truth of the gospel builds confidence and hope. Believers can maintain their
confidence in the good news of Jesus Christ even when serving Christ brings suffering.

Paul urged Timothy to keep doing the things he had learned from the Scriptures. Paul began his exhortation with but as for you. He had just written about difficult times that were ahead for Timothy (3:1). The good news about Christ does not promise a life free from difficulty. Faith in Christ does not protect us from all challenges. Choose any biblical character about whom the Bible provides some detail and you will discover a life full of trouble. Jesus reminded His followers that they would have tribulation/suffering in this world (John 16:33). Paul was in prison when he penned this and several other letters. We should not expect a troublefree life. Despite such difficult conditions, believers have a guidebook to equip them for livingGods inspired Word. Of the most difficult times you have faced, what are two that were most significant for you? Paul counseled Timothy to remember what he had learned, not to forget it in time of crisis. He told Timothy to continue in what he had learned and firmly believed. The Greek word translated continue means to abide, hold on to, or remain. The same word appears in John 15 where Jesus encouraged believers to abide in Him. Trouble is no more a reason to let go of faith than floodwaters are a reason to let go of a lifeline. We should cling to that which promises help, not discard it. The source of Timothys learning was twofold: those from whom he learned and the sacred Scriptures. People who have taught us over the years can be a constant source of inspiration. Their faithful testimonies can sustain us when we falter. They are living illustrations of the gospels effectiveness and truth. Paul served in that capacity for Timothy as did Timothys mother and grandmother whom Paul approvingly cited in the first chapter (v. 5). These two Christian women had trained Timothy from childhood. Part of that training was to prepare him for times of struggle. Strong believers create a living legacy of faith that reassures us when we struggle or doubt. Their confidence and hope create these same qualities in us. Make a list this week of people who have taught and inspired you over the years. A phone call or letter may open the door not only for your gratitude but for them to reaffirm the truths they introduced to you. List people who have taught and inspired you. 1. 2. 3.
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Second Timothy 3:15-17 is one of the great passages in the Bible that highlights the nature and purpose of Scripture. Holy scriptures (literally sacred writings) and inspired by God are two descriptions of the nature of Scripture. (See Phrase Study.) Paul specifically had in mind here the Old Testament, but the phrase all scripture includes the New Testament. Both the Old and New Testaments have their origin in God. Paul wrote at a time when false teachings abounded. The heresies later would become written documents. True Scripture is from God, not from clever speculation. This distinction was important in the first century but particularly important in the second when many spurious writings appeared. The purpose of Scripture is multifaceted, and each word in this section highlights a different aspect. Instruction for righteousness is Scriptures main purpose. Doctrine refers to the Bible as a positive source of Christian teaching. Reproof may refer to both exposing the errors of false teachers (doctrinal) and also showing someone the error of his or her ways (personal). Either way, the Bible shows us our wrongs and leads us to forgiveness and peace. Correction suggests that Gods Word helps people restore their doctrine or practice to a right state they had forfeited. Instruction in righteousness means the Scriptures act as a disciplinarian that leads people to a holy lifestyle. If Timothy would nurture his life in the Scriptures, he would be complete and equipped for every good work. He would be both prepared and qualified for every task God assigned him. Match the following words from 3:16 with the most appropriate description: a. doctrine show error of ones way b. reproof replacing error with truth c. correction show us how to live d. instruction in righteousness present sound truth People can learn in the Scriptures everything they need for understanding salvation in Christ and for living Gods way. No matter how ungodly or fearful conditions may become, believers are to hold firmly to the Bible as their moral and spiritual compass, learning and practicing its instructions for daily living.

Paul challenged Timothy to persist in declaring the message of Christ even though some people would prefer to follow myths than to believe Gods truth. Paul based his challenge to Timothy on certain realities. Paul summoned Timothy before God and Jesus ChristGod who will judge all people. The quick or living refers to people who are alive
when Christ returns, and the dead refers to people Christ will resurrect to a personal meeting with Him. Both believers and unbelievers are among the quick and the dead. Christs judgment of unbelievers will determine their eternal destiny (Rev. 20:11-15) while His judgment of believers will be an evaluation of their service for Him (1 Cor. 3:1-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-10). Knowing they will give an account of their service to Christ, believers can be motivated to help those who are searching for answers, patiently encouraging and teaching them scriptural truths. We must never live an unguarded moment but live consistently with the knowledge that we are Gods servants and responsible to Him. I charge thee therefore before God (v. 1) sounds like a ritual formula designed to awaken the believer to his or her commitment. This charge applies to all of us. What is that charge? In verse 2 are five verbs that detail what Paul wanted Timothy to do. The first is Preach the word, which is the basis of the other four actions. Timothys central function as Christs minister was to proclaim the gospel. Believers can help others avoid being misled into false teachings by persistently finding ways to declare Gods truth to them. Paul next pointed out how Timothy was to do this. First, Timothy was to persist in the gospel ministry whether convenient or not. Christians are to stand ready to use every opportunity for service. Second, Paul challenged Timothy to rebuke anyone who had wandered away from a good conscience. Third, he was to correct theological error by reasoned argument. Fourth, Paul directed Timothy to give loving encouragement to believers who were facing discouraging opposition because of their Christian faith. The function of encouragement is particularly important. No one should stand alone. We all need a community in which to form our values and to have those values reinforced. The members of your class live in a world often hostile or coldly indifferent to their beliefs. Whether they realize it or not, they look to you each week to find reasons to keep on walking with God. Teaching can be a frustrating experience, and you may sometimes feel the temptation to scold or to lash out. But Paul wrote that teaching must be done with great patience. You will not frighten or bully people into the kingdom or move them further down the road to becoming Christlike. The word long-suffering emphasizes patience with people, and the quality applies to a person who is able to exact revenge but refuses to do so. Leading people in the study of Scripture requires patience and the resistance to measure progress with a snapshot appraisal. In the last two verses of this section we get a good look at the kinds of problems Timothy faced and the reasons he was discouraged. Sound doctrine often is demanding and is not suited to a culture of convenience and quick returns. For this reason some people will turn away from a class or a
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church. They are following not the teachings of Gods Word, but their own desires. Rate how you feel you demonstrate the following. Circle the number, with zero being lowest and 10 highest. Persistence 0 1 2 3
Previous Biblical Illustrator articles Paul, the Letter Writer (Summer 2006) and Principles of PreachingA Word Study (Summer 1997) relate to this session and can be found on the Spring 2008 Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM). Phrase Study In 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul pointed to the divine origin of Scripture. The phrase inspiration of God is actually a single Greek word that means God breathed and thus teaches that the Scripture originates from God. Believers can have confidence that the Bible is Gods guide for their beliefs and practices and should strive to obey Scripture in all its parts.
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Encouragement 0 1 2 3 4 Sound doctrine 0 1 2 3 4
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The itch to hear something new is not a modern phenomenon. People have always longed for something new and exciting. With the variety of options people have today, they can always find teachers to fit their moods. The Christian life, however, is not merely a series of exciting events, and we must resist the temptation to make it either entertaining or a constant mountaintop experience. A great deal of our faith is spent in the valleys, requiring the noble Christian quality of perseverance. Any experienced Christian will testify that only in those valleys do we really develop deep trust and faith. The constant search for something new leads some people to turn away from hearing the truth and to embrace myths. In the first century and the 21st century people have many religious options. Do not be surprised or frustrated when you encounter students who take a cafeteria approach to the Christian faith, accepting what is appealing, rejecting what is demanding and challenging. You must resist the temptation either to dilute or shape the message to suit students desires. You are called to be faithful and true, not to be admired and praised. Be persistent without worrying about being popular. Your commitment to the integrity of Gods Word will help you focus on God and will enable you to develop confidence and hope in Him, not in the sometimes fickle nature of some people you lead. Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16 and decide how it helps you live confidently in todays fearful, uncertain world. When I visited Miss Bessie in the nursing home, I was just out of seminary. But I retain to this day a lasting impression of her love for the Bible. Her love for it, not a technical knowledge of it, produced in her a fine and enduring character. Miss Bessie knew firsthand that the Bible is Gods Word. Her commitment to read it daily allowed His Word to shape her life. Your commitment to it will enable you to live each day with God-given confidence and hope.
Bible Passage Truths Believers can remain confident of the gospel even if they suffer for doing so. Believers should know and faithfully practice the Bibles instructions. The Bible directs all believers to declare faithfully the message of Christ.
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Session 1
Leader Helps
Church Relationships Focus on the Mission
Department Director: Determine if all teachers and workers have current unit leader packs and leader guides and each student has a learner guide and an ec devotional guide. Remove all outdated literature and pack items from each Bible study area.
Fellowship/Evangelism Focus on Relationships

Outreach-Evangelism Leader: Coordinate an outreach effort for your students to personally contact absentees. Distribute ec devotionals to hand out as they visit absentees and any new prospects in the community. Prior to the unit, use the Postcard to invite students to the hi-tech fellowship to meet with your youth. Teacher: Discuss activities that will motivate youth to live confidently in Jesus Christ.
Bible Study Focus on Bible Study

Department Director: Give an overview of the new unit. Challenge your leaders to be transformed through adequate Bible study to prepare them to teach out of the overflow of their study and life experience.
Hi-Tech Fellowship
To continue the challenge for youth to be confident in the recorded Word of God, use the Postcard to invite all students and new students to the area to a Hi-Tech Fellowship. Obtain parental authorization and make reservations on the church calendar to transport youth to a local store that has all the latest high-tech gadgets. Encourage all youth to be courteous in the store and be sensitive to workers who are helping other consumers. Encourage them to ask a representative or salesperson questions about the products. (If you have a large group, you may wish to obtain permission from the store and a time for a person to be available just to them for a designated one-hour period). Thank the representative after any presentation. Transport the youth back to church or a home for refreshments that you have recruited workers to prepare in advance. Thank all the workers and the youth for their participation. Explain that this trip was to get them to start thinking about the upcoming unit and how they can use high-tech gadgets they already have (or make comments about those they have just learned about) for Gods glory to get others involved in the study of Gods Word. Allow youth to share ideas they might already be using or to develop something that could be used with their department or class. Explain that by texting a Scripture passage to encourage another during a hard time is just a simple way to stay focused on the truth of Gods Word.
Discipleship Idea
Challenge youth to develop some ideas on ways to use their high-tech gadgets to enlist friends to come to Bible study. Encourage them to use the gadgets to gain more confidence in sharing Gods Word with others.
For Further Study

For the teachers/students, read: Share Jesus Without Fear: Students Reaching Students by William Fay and Linda Evans Shepherd (B & H Publishing, 2004) So Thats In the Bible (B & H Publishing Group, 2004)
Essential Connection
The devotionals in essential connection (ec) for February 29 to March 6, 2008 relate to the content of this session.
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You are invited to a hi-tech feLLowship at __________________ on ________time_____. Join us in the BibLe study, SpirituaL Life: Version 3.16. Come dressed in modest casuaL cLothes for a trip to hi-tech Land. You wiLL be Looking at how to use hi-tech gadgets to inspire commitment to Gods HoLy Word.
You are invited to a hi-tech feLLowship at __________________ on ________time_____. Join us in the BibLe study, SpirituaL Life: Version 3.16. Come dressed in modest casuaL cLothes for a trip to hi-tech Land. You wiLL be Looking at how to use hi-tech gadgets to inspire commitment to Gods HoLy Word.
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Life Focus Gods Camcorder Session 1

Link to Teaching Plan

Spiritual Life: Version 3.16

Why This Study:

Option: Guess What?

Introduce the Study

2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17)

3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

Allow for youth to share their responses.

Option: Message in Song

Unit 1 Spiritual Life: Version 3.16 Session 1

Activities Motivation Department time

Supplies & Preparation

CD-ROM sheets pack items 1 and 2

Examination Class time

Application Class time

How did he or she instill confidence?

How has Gods Word comforted, protected, and calmed you?

2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17)

3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

Do you share what Jesus has done for you?

Are you a giver or a taker? Why?

What does God wish for your life?

Do you share what Jesus has done for you?

Are you a giver or a taker? Why?

What does God wish for your life?

Memorize the Key Verse

Preparation for the Next Session Gods USB Connection

1. By Showing Me Gods Good News (2 Tim. 1:8-12)

2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17)

3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

Encouragement 0 1 2 3 4 Sound doctrine 0 1 2 3 4

Fellowship/Evangelism Focus on Relationships

Bible Study Focus on Bible Study

For Further Study

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