SQLite format 3@ 7% MwtableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE Topics (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT) 01-Lesson 1 *September 25-October 1{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fch }3Y00.2-Shadow Figures{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\redMcI00.1-ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\b\f0\fs23 ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE\par TEACHER EDITION \par \i\fs32 Background Characters in the Old Testament\i0\fs23\par by: Gerald and Chantal Klingbeil\par October, November, December \par 2010\par \fs28 Contents\par \fs23 1 Story and History\b0 -\i September 25-October 1\par \b\i0 2 Caleb: Living With the Wait\b0 -\i October 2-8\par \b\i0 3 Hannah: Learning to Be Someone\b0 -October 9\i -\i0 15\par \b 4 Jonathan: Born for GreatnesLM ? @  K&rough lust.\rquote \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:4\cf0\ulnone . \par \ldblquote Bid the tempted one look not to circumstances,to the weakness of self, or to the power of temptation, but to the power of God\rquote s word. All its strength is ours. \lquote Thy word,\rquote says the psalmist, \lquote have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.\rquote \lquote By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.\rquote \cf1\ul Psa_119:11\cf5\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_17:4\cf0\ulnone .\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Ministry of Healing\i0 , p. 181.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs23\par \f4 n \b\f0 Truth is progressive. As we better understand God\rquote s truth we may have to make changes in our lives, beliefs, organization, outreach, etcetera. Keeping the status quo is not an option. Discuss in your class how we can know whether our proposed actions arise from God\rquote s leading or society\rquote s influence?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Discuss Jesus\rquote model of socializing with4\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Alternate option: \b0 Ask members to share and meditate on passages from Scripture that reflect the four areas of emphases above. How do these passages help us to understand obedience and trust? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 3\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs23\ldblquote The Saviour overcame to show man how he may overcome. All the temptations of Satan, Christ met with the word of God. By trusting in God\rquote s promises, He received power to obey God\rquote s commandments, and the tempter could gain no advantage. To every temptation His answer was, \lquote It is written.\rquote So God has given us His word wherewith to resist evil. Exceeding great and precious promises are ours, that by these we \lquote might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world thing another person eat; nor can spirituality be maintained by observing another person\rquote s experience. The unnamed prophet had many admirable qualities, but his undoing came when he relied on the purported spiritual experience of another instead of obeying a clear and certain \ldblquote Thus saith the Lord.\rdblquote \f1\par \b\f2 Activity: \b0 Christ is our example. With the Christmas season upon us, there is even more reason to focus on Him. If the Christmas tree is a custom in your country, bring a small one to your classroom and decorate it with small ornaments to which scriptural passages will be attached. Passages should reflect the following emphases: (1) passages related to Jesus\rquote obedience, (2) passages regarding His unwillingness to compromise, (3) passages in which Jesus quotes or alludes to Scripture, and (4) passages that highlight Jesus\rquote trust in His Father.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6800\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\b\f0\fs28 Shadow Figures\fs23\par \b0 History, secular or sacred, is not told in terms of statistics, programmatic statements, tables, or figures. It often is told through stories. Jesus Himself was a storyteller, and He told them with great power, too \i (\cf1\ul Mat_7:28\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_13:3\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par This quarter\rquote s lessons are all about stories but not always the common and well-known ones with the \ldblquote stars,\rdblquote such as Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah, Daniel in the lions\rquote den, or David and Goliath. We will look, instead, at characters who did not make the headlines but who existed in the background, the ones easily overlooked and forgotten.\par Our focus this quarter will be on background characters in the Old Testament. Some are the good guys of the story, some not so good. Though not much is written about them, enough is written that the careful reader can learn from these characters-which include women, power brokers, servants, and royalty. \par In their stories, the challenges that confront these characters are not very different, in principle, from the challenges that we face today. However different their culture and background from ours, they, too, felt the pain of living in a sin-stained world, a world struggling amid the great controversy between good and evil. What makes this battle even more difficult is that it\rquote s not always easy to discern just what is the good and what is the evil, for sometimes the line between them can appear blurry. \par Often, in the context of the big picture, the lives of these background characters might not seem so important. This is a feeling that many of us can identify with. How easy to think:\i After all, in the scheme of things, what do any of us, as individuals, matter?\i0 In the end, however, these \ldblquote minor\rdblquote characters made it into God\rquote s master story, and from their stories we can learn things that can help us write a diff erent and better story for ourselves. \par Of course, it is not always easy to pay attention to the supporting cast. Instinctively, when we read or listen to a story, we tend to follow the main storyline and focus on the main characters. That\rquote s common and understandable, which is why this quarter we are going to look at the so- called \ldblquote little people\rdblquote and thus get a fuller understanding of the biblical text.\par Unfortunately, in our contemporary world, we are beginning to lose our capacity to listen carefully: too much action on the screen, too many quick cuts in the video clip, too much noise from the radio. We miss so much. Through focusing on the shadow characters of the Old Testament, we will read Scripture afresh, looking beyond the obvious to discover the joy of learning new truths from God\rquote s Word. \par Finally, as we look over the shoulders of the biblical authors and at the supporting cast, it is good to remember the power of our own lives and examples. More than anything else, people in the twenty-first century want to see something work before they consider all the intricate ins and outs of a particular cause. Our neighbors, our friends, and our family first want to see our personal story before they are ready to listen to our testimony and to biblical doctrines and beliefs. \tab\tab\tab\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 In this sense, our stories can become powerful tools in our witness to others about what God has done for us. As with these background figures, we can become part of the great story of salvation, even if we might not be the main characters in the grander scheme of the cosmic drama that unfolds around us.\par \i\tab Gerald and Chantal Klingbeil, together with their three daughters, Hannah, Sarah, and Jemima, have lived in Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia. Currently, Gerald Klingbeil is an associate editor of the \i0 Adventist Review\i . \par } a100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Look at this verse: \ldblquote It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the Lord\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_13:26\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . \b What ironic but important message can we take from this for ourselves?\b0\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Obedience to God\rquote s call defines the depth of our trust in Him. That obedience cannot be based on another person\rquote s trust in God or understanding of truth. We are held individually accountable; for our decisions cannot rely on another person\rquote s faith. We cannot sustain life by merely watch s over, \i he \i0 is the one delivering the \ldblquote Thus saith the Lord\rdblquote \i (vs. 21) \i0 to him. Although much is hard to understand, one thing in this story shouldn\rquote t be: the man of God should not have so directly and blatantly disregarded the clear command of the Lord. \par The death of the man of God is not without effect. Unlike the king, who witnessed a miracle and continued in his sin\i (see \cf1\ul 1Ki_13:33-34\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , the old prophet believes that God\rquote s Word will be fulfilled. He tells his sons that when he dies they are to lay his bones beside the bones of the man of God. The prophecy made by the man of God from Judah is literally fulfilled by Josiah three centuries later\i (\cf1\ul 2Ki_23:15-16\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . As prophesied, Josiah burns bones on the altar; however, he spares the bones of the man of God and also, consequentially, the bones of the old prophet who was buried with him \i (\cf1\ul 2Ki_23:17-18\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\s \tab\tab\i0\par The greatest threat to our faith is not persecution from the outside by political powers but rather false prophets and teachers who come from within us or who claim to speak in God\rquote s name.\par It is important to have a clear word from the Lord. In other words, we need to study God\rquote s Word, the Bible, for ourselves. A true prophet or teacher will not contradict other inspired revelation. Because God never contradicts Himself, any new prophecy or teaching from God will add to established truth and not subtract from it. It also will encourage obedience and never disobedience. Finally, we can judge prophets and teachers by the results of their teaching for their audience and in their own lives.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_13:20-34\cf0\ulnone . What happens next, and what lessons are there for us?\b0\par What is hard to understand in all this is why the old prophet lies to the man of God to begin with. He starts out in the role of Satan, the deceiver, and then, before the chapter i should join her at these meetings. How should Myra handle the situation?\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf2\f3 n \cf3\f2 How should we approach claims of new revelations from God? By which standard are these to be evaluated? How can we be obedient to God\rquote s truth and still maintain relationships with those who are not?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 2\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Twin Temptations\b0\fs23\par \b The man of God faced two temptations. The first\b0 , \b which he powerfully resisted, came from the king; the second, which he succumbed to, came from the old prophet. What important lesson can we take from this for ourselves? \b0\i See \cf1\ul 2Ti_4:3\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jud_1:4-16\cf0\ulnone . 00\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\b\f2\fs22 Application Questions:\b0\fs23 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\cf2\f3 n \cf3\f2 How do I maintain the integrity of my conscience regarding my understanding of Scripture and still live in active community with others who disagree with me? Must I compromise? How can those who disagree still bond spiritually?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\f3 n \cf3\f2 Sarah and Myra room together at a prestigious Seventh-day Adventist university. Recently Sarah has lost interest in her studies but finds ways to spend every spare moment with a mysterious group that claims to have discovered \ldblquote new light.\rdblquote She has become critical of the church, especially certain doctrines that she characterizes as \ldblquote antiques.\rdblquote Sarah is becoming more insistent that Myrax720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Standing before God\rquote s judgment seat, every individual will answer for choices and decisions made on earth. Excuses will not avail then. Blaming popular opinion, others\rquote interpretations, unsatisfactory ministerial examples or anything else-all these fall short of exonerating human failure. Since sin invaded planet Earth, human beings have attempted to escape culpability and reassign blame. God\rquote s standard, however, remains the same: trust and obedience. The clearest evidence of trust in parents is obedience. Spiritually speaking, the surest evidence of trusting God is willing compliance with the divine will. \f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx54f in a lie when the lie is directly opposed to a clear command that He has given. \par Temptation revolves around the choice to disobey God\rquote s revealed will. Temptations don\rquote t change as much as the \i forms \i0 of the temptations do. \cf1\ul Heb_4:15\cf0\ulnone tells us that Jesus was tempted as we are. The same basic temptations we face (albeit in modern disguise) were faced and conquered by Jesus. Jesus promises us insight and a \ldblquote way of escape\rdblquote so that we would not be taken in by Satan\rquote s lies \i (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:13\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b How easily do you allow temptations to lead you into direct conflict with God\rquote s revealed will? What can you do, what choices can you make, to protect yourself from the temptations that so easily trap you? \b0\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\ts, sitting under a tree in Israel, taking it easy. He could have walked the 2 kilometers (1.4 miles) and \i then \i0 could have sat under a tree in Judah. By losing his sense of urgency, the man of God was opening himself to temptation. \par The old prophet deceives the man of God. We do not know what motivates the old prophet to deceive him. Whatever his motivation, the Bible tells us that \ldblquote he lied\rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_13:18\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 In this moment the old prophet becomes an agent of Satan, the father of lies \i (\cf1\ul Joh_8:44\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Perhaps an even more disturbing part of the story is that the man of God seems so easily taken in. After so obviously being led of God, after so obviously doing the Lord\rquote s will, he just falls for the trick and goes directly against what God has told him to do. \tab\par It\rquote s really hard to understand, isn\rquote t it? We would like to excuse him for disobeying God, since he was led astray. But God never excuses belietx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 1\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Tempting Lies\b0\fs23\par God\rquote s dramatic intervention at the inauguration ceremony gives the ordinary people plenty to talk about. Some young men go home and tell their father all about the man of God. The father\rquote s name is not given, but we learn that he is old and that he is actually a prophet himself. This old prophet decides to go after the man of God and finds him sitting under a tree\i .\i0 \par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_13:11-19\cf0\ulnone . Compare this passage with the first temptation and lie in \cf1\ul Gen_3:1-5\cf0\ulnone . What similarities are there, and what can we learn from these episodes?\b0\par The man of God must have understood something of the urgency of his mission. He was told to give his message to the king and then not to take any time for eating or drinking but to return straight back. However, here he i100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 The Bereans, of New Testament fame, refused simply to take Paul at his word, choosing rather to search the Scriptures for themselves in order to verify what Paul proclaimed (\cf4\ul Act_17:11\cf3\ulnone ). If only the unnamed prophet would have been so careful, how differently this story might have ended! Searching the Scriptures for ourselves, never surrendering our individual judgment to another on the basis of academic status or popular opinion-these are two safeguards against the perilous mistake in judgment that caused the death of one who once stood fearlessly for God. \f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 What habits must I adopt so that I am not tempted to surrender a correct understanding of the Scriptures to the judgment of others?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\iver, and after repulsing efforts to detain him based on the explicit directives of that message, the unnamed prophet yields his judgment based on \ldblquote progressive revelations\rdblquote supposedly given to another prophet with whom he is unacquainted. \f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 How do you grade the unnamed prophet now, and why? Will \ldblquote progressive revelations\rdblquote ever contradict earlier divine revelation? What perils await those who surrender their judgment to others in the interpretation of the divine revelation within Scripture? What is the standard by which all supposed new revelations must be judged?\par \b IV. Twin Temptations\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 (Review \cf4\ul 1Ki_13:20-33\cf3\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\saph! Triumph! Initially the unnamed prophet secures our admiration, facing down as he does the idolatrous king, who was surrounded by his adoring followers. The prophet sacrifices personal security for the uncertainties of faithful witness, eschewing personal financial aggrandizement in favor of unqualified, uncompromised commitment to God. Quite possibly he merits mention with Elijah and Samuel! \par However, the narrative travels down new pathways from this point forward. Accosted by an elderly prophet, whose motives remain unexplained, the unnamed prophet retreats from his return journey for no apparent reason. Only two kilometers from Judah\rquote s border and the safety of a completed mission (fifteen to twenty minutes of leisurely walking), he stops. The elderly prophet deceitfully claims he\rquote s received divine messages that directly contradict those received by the unnamed prophet. Shockingly, after risking life itself based on the trustworthiness of the divine message and the divine Message gng he could not otherwise attain. Balaam, generations before, had succumbed to the allure of financial enticements. Might this prophet likewise be seduced by avarice? The prophet, however, rebuffs Jeroboam\rquote s attempts to compromise his integrity. This faithful messenger\rquote s conscience cannot be auctioned off. \f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 Should the story have ended here, what grade might you have assigned the prophet, and why? Which characteristics, thus far revealed, should be emulated by believers in every generation?\par \b III. Tempting Lies\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf4\ul 1Ki_13:10-19\cf3\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Triumph! Triumousness is vindicated. Centuries later Judah\rquote s final good king, Josiah, fulfilled the prophecy delivered by this unknown man of God, destroying Jeroboam\rquote s abomination (\cf4\ul 2Ki_23:15-16\cf3\ulnone ).\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 Should the story have ended here, what grade might you have assigned the prophet, and why? Which noble characteristics might we discern about him?\par \b II. The Giver of Gifts\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf4\ul 1Ki_13:7-10\cf3\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Apparently overwhelmed by the divine display of judgment, Jeroboam retrenches. Rather than repenting, the renegade king attempts to achieve by guile somethiting voices that claim divine authority? \f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx361\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\b\f2 I. God\rquote Move\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\b0 (Review \cf4\ul 1Ki_13:1-6\cf3\ulnone with the class.)\par Responding to the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam, God dispatches to the scene an unnamed prophet with messages of rebuke and correction. Risking his life, the prophet, known only as the man of God, faithfully delivers God\rquote s message. Dedicated boldness obviously characterizes this unsung spokesperson. When Jeroboam aggressively threatens this messenger, his hand mysteriously shrivels, the altar cracks, signifying divine judgment, and God\rquote s righte\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b How is the giving of gifts or favors viewed in your culture? Are you indebted to anyone by gifts that you receive? Pray for God\rquote s wisdom in helping you disentangle yourself from any compromising situations that you might find yourself in because of gifts given you. \par \cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 From a general discussion of the significance of obedience and trust, we now intensify our focus on the importance of individual conscience. How does a person know what to obey? How is God\rquote s will discerned when there are conflicf1\ul 2Ki_5:14-16\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul Dan_5:13-17\cf0\ulnone . How did the prophets respond to the offers of gifts? \par \b0 Giving a gift places the giver in a position of power and the receiver \ldblquote owes\rdblquote the giver. The man of God refuses the king\rquote s gift and goes on to state that he will not eat or drink in the territory of Israel. By not accepting Jeroboam\rquote s hospitality, the man of God says \ldblquote No\rdblquote to mixing true worship with idolatry. God\rquote s people should not be for sale. They should walk a different route. The man of God did not have too far to walk, because the inauguration of the shrine at Bethel took place about 2 kilometers (1.4 miles) from the border with Judah. The next town in Judah\rquote s territory was Mizpah, a 10 kilometers (7 miles) walk from Bethel. The man of God was to show how revolting the idolatrous system was to God through a dramatic object lesson of not eating and drinking and even by taking a different route home. \par asy to find a \ldblquote natural\rdblquote explanation or just simply to go back to our old habits.\par \b What did Jesus say about the connection between miracles and belief? \cf1\ul\b0\i Luk_16:31\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_10:25-28\cf5\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:24\cf0\ulnone .\i0 \b Why do you think this is so true of us?\b0\par Instead of abandoning his worship activities and wholeheartedly beginning a reformation, Jeroboam simply changes tactics \i (see \cf1\ul 1Ki_13:7-10\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . He invites the man of God home with him and offers him a reward. This was a political move aimed at neutralizing the effect of the message on the people who witnessed the miracle. King Jeroboam is offering to take the man of God into his employ. Only the one who is in charge or who is soliciting a service is in a position to offer a reward, but God\rquote s man is never to be on sale. He owes his allegiance to God and cannot let his messages from God be modified by whoever might be sponsoring him. \par \b Read \c2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 Considering the systems under discussion, how would life improve were these prohibitions and advisories removed? Alternately, how would things deteriorate, even self-destruct, in their absence? When guidelines are followed (obedience)? How does that exhibit trust? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 30\b\i0 \tab\fs23\par \fs28 The Giver of Gifts\b0\fs23\par It is a spectacular miracle. Jeroboam\rquote s hand, which had \ldblquote dried up, so that he could not pull it in again\rdblquote (\cf1\ul 1Ki_13:4\cf0\ulnone ), is immediately restored. After such convincing evidence, we would expect at least a public confession from Jeroboam, the king. But miracles cannot change our will. Even after a dramatic intervention by God, it is surprisingly eor divorce. Spiritually speaking, disrespect and distrust, leading to disobedience, form long before the dissolution of saving relationships. Those who diligently pursue intimacy with God understand obedience, not as shackles and fetters but as the liberating natural outgrowth of loving a Father we can trust.\f1\par \b\f2 Opening Activity: \b0 Governmental guidelines, regulations, advisories, and natural law form boundaries that enable us to live productively. Without these fences protecting our daily lives, chaos would engulf our existence. Discuss the following systems, analyzing how obedience enhances rather than restricts life: (1) traffic safety regulations (speed limits, traffic lights, lane designations, et cetera); (2) administration of prescription medications; (3) environmental protection (hazardous waste disposal, et cetera); (4) criminal law (injunctions against murder, robbery, character defamation, computer fraud, et cetera).\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\txone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf3\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 We must follow our conscience rather than depending on someone else to interpret God\rquote s Word for us.\f1\par \f2 In popular parlance, obedience and conscientiousness are frequently confused with legalism. Those who desire intimate fellowship with God, expressing their devotion through heartfelt obedience, are sometimes parodied as rigid, legalistic, somber souls, unacquainted with laughter and delight. Satan surely rejoices when such distortions prevail. True obedience is, in fact, the simplest expression of trust, which forms the foundation of every relationship. Failure in obedience, therefore, equals failure to believe (trust). Within marital relationships, respect and trust deteriorate long before courthouse papers are filed fonlookers of the tablets of the Ten Commandments that Moses broke at the worship of the first golden calf. \par It seems as if Jeroboam has learned nothing from history. He has two golden calves instead of one. And now instead of being repentant, Jeroboam points at the man of God. Pointing the hand, stick, or scepter has always been a sign of judgment in biblical times. Jeroboam wants to have him arrested. So much for surrendering to the will of God.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b How, in this story, do we see the mercy of God presented, even to someone as stubborn as Jeroboam? How often do you find yourself expressing a similar attitude toward the clear leading of God? What have been the personal consequences of that attitude? \b0\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ulnainst Jeroboam\rquote s altar and gives a prophecy. In the prophecy, a specific name, Josiah, is mentioned \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_13:2\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 This is amazing, because Josiah is born almost three centuries afterward. It reminds us of Cyrus, the Persian, whose name is mentioned by the prophet Isaiah about two hundred years before his birth \i (see \cf1\ul Isa_44:28\cf5\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_45:1\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par What are the main points of the message the man of God brings? First, the altar is illegal, and the man of God predicts that a descendent of David named Josiah will defile it. This is exactly what Jeroboam most fears. He is establishing these worship centers especially to avoid losing his kingdom to someone who sits on David\rquote s throne. \par The second part of the message provides an immediate demonstration of God\rquote s power, thus guaranteeing the prophecy\rquote s future fulfillment. Before the eyes of everyone, the altar splits apart. Perhaps this is meant to remind the fs23\par \b\fs28 God\rquote s Move\fs23\par \b0 In the middle of Jeroboam\rquote s political moves, God steps in and makes Himself heard. He speaks through a prophet from Judah. This unnamed prophet makes his appearance just as Jeroboam is standing before his altar at the dedication ceremony for the shrine. Anyone who was anybody in the kingdom of Israel would have been there. God selected the most opportune moment to act. The result is dramatic.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_13:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What happens here? What immediate lessons come to mind from this narrative?\b0\par The prophet, though not named, is referred to as the \i man of God\i0 . This was a common title used for a person recognized as a messenger of God. It was used for Moses \i (\cf1\ul Deu_33:1\cf0\ulnone )\i0 and Elijah \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:18\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 This title connects our nameless prophet with some of the great prophets of the Old Testament; thus, the reader\rquote s expectations for him are high. The man of God cries out ag!dience to the Word of God slip?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Shield of Faith\par \b0 A. Because it is so easy to fall into temptation to disobey God, what is our only hope?\par B. How can we find protection from deception and the strength to meet Satan\rquote s wiles?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 C. An older prophet gave the man of God instructions that conflicted with God\rquote s original message. What can we learn from this situation about yielding our conscience to another\rquote s when it goes against clear instruction from God?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 The man of God from Judah prophesied faithfully and turned toward home, only to fall into the temptation to doubt God\rquote s Word. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 29\i0\"isobedience.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Resolve to daily seek God\rquote s face and His protection from temptation.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 So Strong Yet So Weak\par \b0 A. How could the man of God from Judah have acted so courageously and faithfully before the king and a large crowd yet slip into temptation so quickly afterward?\par B. What were the immediate consequences for the man of God\rquote s disobedience? \par C. Why did God punish him so decisively and quickly?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Darts of Temptation\par \b0 A. What kinds of inducements to temptation did the man of God face in the guise of conflicting instructions from another man of God in Israel?\par B. What temptations beset us to let our obe#ch facing? How susceptible are you to cultural pressures around you? How willingly do you compromise on \ldblquote little\rdblquote things? \par \cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf4\ul 1Ki_13:26\cf3\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Compare and contrast actions of a man of God who prophesied so dramatically and resisted a corrupt king\rquote s inducements but yet fell into deception so easily on the way home.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Sense how easy it is to slip from focused faith to lax d$gers and were not prepared to contradict God\rquote s commands; thus, Jeroboam was compelled to make priests of common people \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:31-32\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 which in turn degraded the sacred office.\par The story of Jeroboam\rquote s religious-political changes should have served as a warning to the early Christian church; however, the same thing happened. Divine commandments were changed due to political or social influences. Sunday instead of Sabbath was now the new \ldblquote holy\rdblquote day, in order to distinguish the church from the Jews. The veneration of saints was introduced in order to make the worship of God more visual for heathen believers. The pressures that led to these changes are by no means limited to the time of Jeroboam or early Christianity. Today, as a church, we face many similar challenges. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What kinds of cultural pressure is your own chur $$IcA00.1-ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\b\f0\fs23 ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE\par TEACHER EDITION \par \i\fs32 Background Characters in the Old Testament\i0\fs23\par by: Gerald and Chantal Klingbeil\par October, November, December 2010\par \fs28 Contents\par \fs23 1 Story and History\b0 -\i September 25-October 1\par \b\i0 2 Caleb: Living With the Wait\b0 -\i October 2-8\par \b\i0 3 Hannah: Learning to Be Someone\b0 -October 9\i -\i0 15\par \b 4 Jonathan: Born for Greatness\b0 -\i October 16-22\par \b\i0 5 Abigail: No Victim of Circumstances\b0 -\i October 23-29\par \b\i0 6 Uriah: Faith of a Foreigner\b0 -\i October 30-November 5\par \b\i0 7 Abiathar: The Priest\b0 -\i November 6-12\par \b\i0 8 Joab: David\rquote s Weak Stron)by the Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission.\par \b NET.\b0 New English Translation. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible \'ae copyright \'a9 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L. L. C., \cf1\ul <{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.bible.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf1 www.bible.org}}}\f0\fs23 >.\cf0\ulnone All rights reserved. \par \b NIV.\b0 Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright \'a9 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.\par \b NJB.\b0 New Jerusalem Bible. Edited by Henry Wansbrough. Copyright \'a9 1985, by Darton, Longman & Todd Limited, and Doubleday. Published by arrangement with Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\b NKJV.\b0 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright \'a9 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\par } 'cific Press\'ae Coordinator:\par \b0 Paul A. Hey\b\par Art and Design:\par \b0 Lars Justinen\par \b Concept Design:\b0\par Dever Designs\par The\i Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide\i0 is prepared by the Office of the Adult Bible Study Guide of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the guides is under the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Manuscript Evaluation Committee, whose members serve as consulting editors. The published guide reflects the input of the committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the author(s).\par \b Bible Versions Table\b0\par Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this Bible Study Guide, for Standard Edition Fourth Quarter 2010, are as follows:\par \b ESV.\b0 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright \'a9 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.\par \b NASB.\b0 From the New American Standard Bible, copyright \'a9 (g-man\b0 -\i November 13-19 \par \b\i0 9 Rizpah: The Influence of Faithfulness\b0 -\i November 20-26\par \b\i0 10 The Man of God: Obedience Is Not Optional\b0 -\i November 27-December 3\par \b\i0 11 The Widow of Zarephath\b0 : \b The Leap of Faith\b0 -\i December 4-10\par \b\i0 12 Gehazi: Missing the Mark\b0 -\i December 11-17\par \b\i0 13 Baruch: Building a Legacy in a Crumbling World\b0 -\i December 18-24\b\i0\par Editorial Office:\par \b0 12501 Old Columbia Pike \par Silver Spring, MD 20904\par \b Come visit us at our Web site:\par \cf1\ul\b0 <{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.absg.adventist.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf1 http://www.absg.adventist.org}}}\f0\fs23 >\cf0\ulnone \par \b Principal Contributors:\b0\par by Gerald A. Klingbeil\b \b0 and Chantal J. Klingbeil\b\par Editor:\par \b0 Clifford R. Goldstein\b\par Associate Editor:\par \b0 Soraya Homayouni\b\par Publication Manager:\par \b0 Lea Alexander Greve\par \b Editorial Assistant:\par \b0 Sharon Thomas-Crews\b\par Pa%rusalem in order to worship. The golden calves were simply to be a visual reminder of God (not a representation) and were to make worship more credible for the common Israelite. What started as a political move, however, led to the breaking of the Ten Commandments \i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:4-5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \b What similarities can be noted between the golden calf episode in \cf1\ul Exo_32:1-35\cf0\ulnone and Jeroboam\rquote s golden calves? \b0\i See \cf1\ul 1Ki_12:25-33\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par It is necessary to be innovative in worship and adapt worship to our specific cultural contexts, but we must be so careful. Even a small deviation from a clear command of God has far-reaching effects. In the case of Israel, the golden calves led the nation on a path toward blatant sin. But things did not stop there. Jeroboam was obliged to make other changes, as well. He wanted to persuade some of the Levites, living within his borders, to serve as priests at his newly established shrines. However, they saw the danN600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Submission to others, even when appropriate, is not usually easy, for it requires a sense of humility and dependency. How well do you fare in that area? How can you learn to submit when necessary? How can we learn from Christ\rquote s incredible examples of submission? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\f2\fs23 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Suggest the following ideas to help your students put the class discussion into practice during the following weeks or months.\par \cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 Examine the media, books, magazines, and other means by which we transmit cultural expectations to both boys and girls in regard to proper relationships between men and women. How can we militate against the unhealthy effe+the biblical narrative. We would all expect to see this wise and beautiful woman at King David\rquote s side, playing an important role as David\rquote s story develops further, and there\rquote s only silence instead. All we know about her further is that she had a son called Daniel \i (\cf1\ul 1Ch_3:1\cf0\ulnone )\i0 or Chileab \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_3:3\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 who was second in line to the throne by birth order. However, both Abigail and her son disappear from the picture. Some scholars believe that both she and her son died violently. Given the later rapes, murders, revolts, and rebellions that David\rquote s oldest sons were involved in, an early death was perhaps not the worst that could happen. \par As followers of Jesus, our lives are not necessarily fairytales, either. God knows the end from the beginning, and so all the turns of our lives do not need to make sense to us. We need, instead, to trust in the goodness of God.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3,d has not forgotten Abigail and sends men to make a marriage proposal for him. \par \b Consider Abigail\rquote s last recorded words in the context of this week\rquote s study (\cf1\ul 1Sa_25:41\cf0\ulnone ). What do they tell us about Abigail? What other biblical examples can you find of the same principle in action?\b0\par Abigail was a woman of influence. She had five maids; and yet, she was willing to serve. Much later Jesus would say, \ldblquote \lquote the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mat_20:28\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 \par Abigail\rquote s life was no fairytale, even after her marriage to David. As was the custom in those days, David had many wives, and family life was far from God\rquote s ideal. Abigail was David\rquote s second wife and had to be constantly on the run from King Saul. At Ziklag she, along with the other men\rquote s families, was captured by the Amalekites and later rescued. It is here where Abigail finally disappears from -en, cultural traditions may dictate many of the injustices we have grown accustomed to seeing. How can we bring the sanctifying lens of Christ\rquote s example to bear on our own assumptions of proper relationships between men and women?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 28\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 In and Out\b0\fs23\par Unlike many of us, David could take constructive criticism, and he observes in Abigail\rquote s words the workings of God. In a moment he sees the consequences of his proposed actions in perspective, and he is thankful that God has intervened to prevent a bloodbath. Abigail arrives home to discover that her husband is once again in no condition to listen, and so she wisely waits until the next morning to inform him of what has happened. \par Nabal is terror-stricken. He most likely suffers a stroke and dies ten days later. Davi.0\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Help the class to look at their own cultural assumptions as they contemplate scriptural models for relationships.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b\f2\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 What examples have you encountered wherein women have faced unfair circumstances in the workplace, in domestic abuse, or when applying for justice or protection? There are still many opportunities to help women improve their status in every country of the world. What can be done in your own home and community? \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 Oft/. From an earthly point of view, she would \ldblquote belong\rdblquote to her husband until the day of her death. However, Abigail does not see her life as useless or as a permanent prison. She believes that God will deal with her husband in His own good time.\par Abigail\rquote s speech shows that wisdom can be found in any life situation where we surrender ourselves to God. Wisdom is not a theory but a practical way of living and reacting to the people around us.\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What does it mean to surrender ourselves completely to God? How does one do it? If someone were to say to you, \ldblquote I want to give myself completely to the Lord, but I don\rquote t know how,\rdblquote how would you respond? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440nse of self-worth. This sense of worth is grounded in her sense of mission. She does not give herself credit for intercepting David and bringing the gift but sees herself simply as God\rquote s instrument in changing David\rquote s mind. Because Abigail knows who she is, she is able to encourage David to be all he can be. She reminds him that he is to fight the Lord\rquote s battles and not waste his time and energy in seeking revenge for personal insults. Abigail\rquote s observation that \ldblquote evil [has] not been found\rdblquote in David \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_25:28\cf0\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 is both a statement and a warning that David has not (yet) disqualified himself from the great office that he has been anointed for-to be king.\par Abigail also reminds David that with his life firmly bound up in God, he has no need to \ldblquote save face\rdblquote or defend his honor. God would do it for him. \par Remember, too, that in Abigail\rquote s world divorce and even separation were not options for a woman1tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 27\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 What Abigail Won\rquote t Do\b0\fs23\par People often are afraid of an abusive person. They are ready to cover for the abuser and will lie and pretend in order to appease the abuser.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_25:25-26\cf0\ulnone . What does it say about Abigail that she was so open about her husband\rquote s faults? How does this make her intercession in his behalf that much more remarkable? If someone were interceding for you right now (which there is), what might be said about you?\b0\par Although Abigail is ready to risk her life to save her household, she also has personal integrity. She does not lie for Nabal. She knows that he is the one with the problem, and she is not afraid to say so even in public. \par Someone in an abusive relationship often begins to feel responsible for the abuser\rquote s actions and feels guilty. Abigail does not do this. She has a strong se2t on Sarah\rquote s relationship to Abraham, in \cf5\ul 1Pe_3:1-7\cf4\ulnone .\par Sarah respected Abraham, calling him \ldblquote lord.\rdblquote However, Abraham also respected Sarah\rquote s rights as his wife and partner in the household, even to the point of turning out Hagar and his son because of the division they were causing in the home, though this cost him much personal pain.\par \b Consider This:\b0 How does this balance of power illustrate Paul\rquote s admonition to \ldblquote submit to one another\rdblquote in \cf5\ul Eph_5:21-22\cf4\ulnone , NIV? Who is the ultimate model for such humility and thoughtful care, and how did He model submission?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 How may God use the inward beauty of a sanctified heart to win others to Himself, including our spouses?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\3widctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1080\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\f3\u9632?\f2 David could have continued to hold a grudge. Instead, he allowed God to teach him a lesson through a woman\rquote s gentle courtesy. How did this teachable spirit enable David to respond to other lessons he needed to learn throughout his career as leader? \par \b III. Unequal Marriages\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul Gen_16:1-15\cf4\ulnone , \cf5\ul 1Pe_3:1-7\cf4\ulnone , and \cf5\ul Eph_5:21-28\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par Though women often have had second-class status in many societies, the Scriptures have lessons regarding marriage relationships for both men and women. Compare the story of Sarah, Hagar, and Abraham in \cf5\ul Gen_16:1-15\cf4\ulnone and Peter\rquote s description of how women may respond to their unbelieving spouses, ending with a commen4. Rather than being impatient and holding a grudge, he allowed Abigail\rquote s calm, respectful words to work on his heart.\par Pleasant words, words offered with restraint at the right time, are \ldblquote sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Pro_16:24\cf4\ulnone , NIV). They are reliable and bring instruction. They are like a fountain, bubbling with fresh water (\cf5\ul Pro_18:4\cf4\ulnone , NIV), \ldblquote like apples of gold in settings of silver,\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Pro_25:11\cf4\ulnone ). And wise words can turn away anger, quenching the wildfires of wrath that wicked words have started. How important it is to allow God\rquote s Spirit to mediate our speech, giving us courage to respond to evil and imbuing our words with His gracious wisdom, fresh beauty, and sweet healing.\par \b Consider This:\b0 While Abigal did not excuse her husband\rquote s foolishness, how did she take responsibility for the situation? How did her tact allow David to save face?\f1\par \pard\no5but full of the wisdom and love of God, Abigail revealed the strength of her devotion to her household; and she made it plain to David that the unkind course of her husband was in no wise premeditated against him as a personal affront, but was simply the outburst of an unhappy and selfish nature.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 666.\par Abigail\rquote s humility is evident in a number of ways. As the wife of a wealthy man, she could have let the gift of food speak for itself or sent a message to David by one of her servants, as David had done to Nabal. Instead, she herself accompanied the gift. Abigal didn\rquote t take credit for any of her wise counsel but acknowledged that it was God who kept David from avenging himself. She graciously accepted the blame for David\rquote s resentment and tactfully implied that David should be fighting God\rquote s battles instead of seeking revenge for himself. \par David accepted the reproof with praise to God for Abigail\rquote s wise counsel6rld up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.\rdblquote Unless we are deeply conscious of how our words may affect those listening to us and carefully guard our speech, our words may set off wildfires far beyond our control. Just look at the one Nabal\rquote s words ignited.\par \b Consider This:\b0 Do you know anyone who is so insolent and disagreeable that no one can talk to him or her? How do we respond to persons who are often unreasonable and bad-tempered? \par \b II. Abigail and David\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_25:16-31\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par Abigail immediately packed a feast for David and his men and went to meet what she must have known would be an angry, vengeful warrior and his band. \par When she met David, she bowed before him and addressed him as if he were already king. \ldblquote With nothing of ostentation or pride, 7d.\par David\rquote s son, Solomon, wrote a good deal about the effects of wicked words. He noted in \cf5\ul Ecc_10:12-13\cf4\ulnone that a fool\rquote s words may at first just be nonsense, but they end up as \ldblquote wicked madness\rdblquote (vs. 13, NIV). \cf5\ul Pro_12:18\cf4\ulnone declares, \ldblquote Reckless words pierce like a sword\rdblquote (NIV). We may excuse our careless words as \ldblquote just talk,\rdblquote but thoughtless speech quickly can spiral into rude, insulting, and abusive language. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx990\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 The New Testament is just as strong as the Old in condemning reckless speech. Some of the most harrowing language in the Bible on the damage that words can do is found in the book of James. The Message paraphrases \cf5\ul Jam_3:6\cf4\ulnone this way: \ldblquote By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole wo8on when sheep were sheared. Nabal\rquote s 3,000 sheep would have produced a wealth of fleeces, most likely the largest source of his income. Such a time of financial success brought on festivities, and Nabal should have been in a good mood. However, in response to David\rquote s courteous message of congratulations and request for a gift of food in recognition of his part in protecting Nabal\rquote s flock over the winter, Nabal insolently suggested that David was just a ne\rquote er-do-well who didn\rquote t deserve kindness, much less a reward.\par A servant, reporting to Abigail on her husband\rquote s message to David, ended with the prediction that David would be furious, the camp would be in immediate danger, and that Nabal was \ldblquote such a wicked man that no one can talk to him\rdblquote (\cf5\ul 1Sa_25:17\cf4\ulnone , NIV). \par Good speech, it would seem, begins with being a good listener. And it is clear in Nabal\rquote s case that he is doing all the talking, and that none of it is goo9to understand better what it means that we have Jesus interceding in our behalf?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Help your students compare and contrast the effects of foolish and wise words on the ones to whom they are spoken.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \b\f2 I. Nabal\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_25:1-15\cf4\ulnone .)\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\f2 In Bible times, spring was usually the seas:st for someone else. Abigail could have seen this threat on Nabal\rquote s life as a way of getting rid of her husband and regaining her freedom; instead, she chooses to identify herself with him and pleads for his undeserving life. \par Perhaps the very best form of intercession is intercessory prayer. We pray for people who are unable or unwilling to pray for themselves. We have to put our own wants, needs, and wishes aside and talk to God for these people. Our prayers give God the excuse to move deep into Satan\rquote s territory. It is in praying for others that we realize the immense compassion that God has for us. We can learn how to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us \i (\cf1\ul Luk_6:28\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Have you ever had someone ever intercede for you in a situation where you couldn\rquote t take care of yourself? How did that situation help you ;b0 Abigail addresses David as \ldblquote my lord.\rdblquote Perhaps this in itself serves as a reminder to David that he should behave as would befit God\rquote s anointed king and not as the leader of a marauding band. Abigail is able to promote nobleness in David, because she has not lost her own sense of self-worth. This enables her to see the best in David and encourage godly behavior in him.\par \b What is the first thing Abigail says to David? What do her words remind you of? What is she attempting to do? \cf1\ul\b0\i Exo_32:32\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Est_7:2-4\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_53:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Dan_9:15-19\cf0\ulnone ,\i0 \cf1\ul\i Rom_8:34\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par Intercession is marked by one common denominator: the person interceding must closely identify with the person he or she is interceding for, whether or not the interceding person stands to gain anything from the transaction. The person must be willing to put aside his or her own selfish interests and ask for what would be be< romantic love and marriage illustrate the relationship between Nabal and Abigail? \f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 What godly principles promote happy marriages? What can marriage partners who are unequally yoked together do to improve their marriage? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 26\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 A Time to Talk\b0\fs23\par In a mountain valley or ravine, Abigail meets up with David\rquote s forces. She bows before David and treats him as though he were already king.\par \b Read carefully Abigail\rquote s speech in \cf1\ul 1Sa_25:23-31\cf0\ulnone . Contrast that to Nabal\rquote s reply (\cf1\ul 1Sa_25:10-11\cf0\ulnone ). What does this tell us about the difference between the two of them?\tab\par \=ficult men illustrates how the inward beauty of a nature, imbued with the grace and atmosphere of heaven, can mediate in difficult circumstances and influence others for good.\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Use this opening discussion and activity to help your students examine the dynamics of unequal marriages and how Spirit-led spouses can relate to their mates.\f1\par \f2 Abigail\rquote s marriage to Nabal probably was arranged, as some marriages still are today in many parts of the world. Though some arranged marriages do well, others simply are vehicles for socially sanctioned abuse. But even marriages that we choose for ourselves can sour miserably, and two people who are very different can find themselves yoked together.\par \b Activity: \b0 Illustrate popular notions of romance with examples of cards, boxes of candy, and flowers. Or alternately, ask class members to discuss such notions as they exist in their culture.\f1\par \b\f2 Discuss:\b0 To what extent do popular notions of>\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_25:31-46\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jam_2:14-17\cf0\ulnone .\i0\tab\par Talk may be cheap, but our actions confirm or contradict our speech. The actions of Abigail, David, and Nabal speak volumes about what they thought, who was important to them, and which spirit motivated their actions.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b If someone were to draw conclusions about you and the kind of person you are solely by your actions, what conclusions would they draw, and why? What does your answer tell you about yourself? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 Abigail\rquote s example of handling two dif? David takes with him reflects just how angry he is. David is pulling out two-thirds of his fighting force. \par When we react in anger, it is very difficult to make an appropriate response; we normally overreact. Abigail does not just send the gifts off and then wait to see what happens. She saddles up and rides to meet David. Despite the fact that she has been married to an overbearing and rash man, she has not allowed him to crush her spirit. She has not let herself be victimized. She still holds to her sense of self-worth and is ready to risk her life in order to protect her household. The odds are something like the young David facing Goliath: a woman with donkey-loads of food and a few servants, going to face 400 armed and angry men.\par Meanwhile Nabal, the \i fool\i0 , is also busy. While his brave wife is going out to face an angry army, he is at home having a dinner party and getting drunk. \par \b What do the following verses teach about the significance of our actions? \cf1\ul\b0\i Mat_7:21@ps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 25\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Actions Speak Louder Than Words\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_25:1-44\cf0\ulnone . What is the essence of the story? What lessons immediately can be drawn from it? What questions remain?\b0\par After having heard the report of the servant, Abigail immediately begins preparations. Abigail does more than listen; she acts. The narrator in \cf1\ul 1Sa_25:18-19\cf0\ulnone details the list of supplies she readies: raisins, figs, sheep ready to be cooked, roasted grain, bread, and wine. These supplies were luxurious and probably more than David\rquote s ten men had expected.\par The next part of the story is full of movement and action. The writer of the passage moves between different scenes, building the tension. We wait and hold our breath for the moment of contact. In the heat of the moment, without pausing to listen to God or reason, David and his men march out to take revenge because of an insult. The number of men thatA0\sa100\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. The ability to counsel wisely and tactfully is a tool God can use to bless others. What do we need to do in order to be able to be used of God as Abigail was?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 B. What areas of our lives need to be faced with courage and responsibility?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 C. How might God use us to intervene in the lives of others?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 Abigail, though the wife of a wicked man, was full of God\rquote s Spirit. She wisely and humbly intervened with tactful counsel and prevented bloodshed when David was set on revenge.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaB040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0\f2 A. How does what we say and how we act reveal the Spirit at work in our hearts?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tqr\tx8280 B. How was Abigail not only thoughtful and courteous but brave and responsible in her responses to Nabal and David? \par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Track of Light\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. What was the source of Abigail\rquote s wisdom? \par B. How did she bring calm and sanity back to the situation between David and Nabal? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 C. How did David respond to Abigail\rquote s counsel that showed he had a teachable spirit and was responsive to God\rquote s leading?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Intercession\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb10C The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Contrast Abigail\rquote s courteous tact with Nabal\rquote s foolish insults and David\rquote s angry impulses.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Allow the Holy Spirit\rquote s presence to nurture a sense of peace, comfort, and light in our hearts that can spill out in blessings to others.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Wisely and compassionately intercede in the lives of others as God provides the opportunity and direction.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Sweetness and Light\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5D but Nabal is so self-centered and conceited that he is unable or unwilling to listen to his servants. Nabal\rquote s servants have lived near David\rquote s men and know that they are a fighting force to be reckoned with. The servants recognize that their master \ldblquote \lquote is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him\rquote \rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_25:17\cf0\ulnone , NIV). \i0 And so they turn to someone who will listen-Abigail. \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 When was the last time your lack of attentive listening caused you or others trouble? How can you learn from your mistakes?\b0\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 1Sa_25:41\cf4\ulnone\par \b\fs22Eair. This was the time for saying thank you and giving gifts. Knowing this, David sent ten of his men to ask for provisions.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_25:1-11\cf0\ulnone . Why is David so insulted by Nabal\rquote s reply? What does David hear?\par \b0 Nabal is truly making good on his name. He sneeringly calls David\rquote s men runaway slaves and sends them packing empty-handed. Nabal makes it very clear that he thinks David is a nobody. In his mind, David is so insignificant that knowing where he comes from or what he is doing is not really worth the asking. Though David has demonstrated amazing self-restraint with murderous King Saul, he, like us, feels deeply wounded when told that he is a nobody and amounts to nothing. This is compounded by the fact that he had shown kindness and was being rewarded with insults and humiliation.\par Nabal is totally unaware of who he is dealing with. He does seem to know some of the facts. He knows who David\rquote s father was and that David is on the run from Saul,Fk\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 30.\b\i0\scaps \par \fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 24\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Someone Who Will Listen\fs23\par \b0 Most folk have no problem talking. If the truth be known, most of us talk too much. How much better would it be if we learned to be good listeners. There are seminars given on how to be better listeners. After all, a lot is going on around us. How important, then, for us to listen.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Isa_28:23\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_15:10\cf0\ulnone , and \cf1\ul Jam_1:19\cf0\ulnone .\b0 \b What are they telling us to do, and why?\b0 \par David and his men were on the run from Saul. While living in the wilderness of Paran, they met up with the herdsmen and animals of the wealthy landowner Nabal. Instead of helping themselves to the animals, David and his men protected the herdsmen and animals. At last, the sheep- shearing time arrived, and a festive spirit was in the G you \i were \i0 someone else? Consider, then, the character for this week: Abigail. \par She was an intelligent and beautiful woman but, unfortunately, married a selfish, short-sighted, and mean man, Nabal-a descendant of Caleb, but nothing like his esteemed forefather\i .\i0 Nabal may have been wealthy, but his name or nickname, which means \ldblquote fool\rdblquote or \ldblquote foolish,\rdblquote accurately reflected his character.\par In the time of Abigail and Nabal, marriages were prearranged, and so Abigail probably had no choice in the matter. Circumstances seemed to speak against her in such a marriage as this. Conditions were not favorable, but in the glimpse that we are given into the life of Abigail, we are encouraged not to become victims of circumstances.\par Abigail did not try to escape reality. She was realistic about her situation \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_25:25\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 but she did not let circumstances ruin her. She decided to grow where she was planted. \par \i *Study this weeH128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 5\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i *October 23-29\i0\tab\fs23\tab\par \b\fs40 Abigail: No Victim \i of\i0 Circumstances\b0\fs23\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\par \scaps0\fs23 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i 1Sa_25:1-44\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_28:23\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_53:12\cf0\ulnone ,\i0 \cf1\ul\i Dan_9:15-19\cf0\ulnone ,\i0 \cf1\ul\i Mat_15:10\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:34\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Pro_14:33\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0\par Have you ever felt a victim of circumstances? Have you ever wished you could be somewhere else? Or thatdom. \par \ldblquote A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace. It is characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It is controlled by that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is full of Christ, and leaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go. Abigail was a wise reprover and counselor. David\rquote s passion died away under the power of her influence and reasoning. He was convinced that he had taken an unwise course and had lost control of his own spirit.\par \ldblquote With a humble heart he received the rebuke, in harmony with his own words, \lquote Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.\rquote \cf1\ul Psa_141:5\cf0\ulnone . He gave thanks and blessings because she advised him righteously. There are many who, when they are reproved, think it praiseworthy if they receive the rebuke without becoming impatient; but how few take reproof with gratitude of heart and bless DDte Teach us, how shall we order the child, and what shal}3Y00.2-Shadow Figures{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\redCOq01-Sep 25-Oct 1-Story and History{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\dUOk01-Sep 25-Oct 1-Story and History{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf1\b\f0\fs29 Lesson 1 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i *September 25-October 1\cf0\fs23\par \cf1\b\i0\fs41 Story \i and\i0 History\cf0\fs2 cyO301-Sep 25-Oct 1-StoryOq01-Sep 25-Oct 1-Story and History{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf1\b\f0\fs29 Lesson 1 \b0\i *September 25-October 1\cf0\fs23\par \cf1\b\i0\fs41 Story \i and\i0 History\cf0\fs23\par \cf1\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\cf0\scaps0\par \fs23 Read for This Week\rquotYY02-Oct 2-8-Caleb: Living With the WaiVYc02-Oct 2-8-Caleb: Living With the Wait{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\ a703-Oct 9-15-Hannafa[]aI03-Oct 9-15-Hannah:1a03-Oct 9-15-Hannah: Learning to Be Someone{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 3 \tab\tab\tab \b0\i *October 9-15\b\i0\fs23\par \fs40 Hannah: Learning \i to\i0 Be Someone\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul 1Sa_1:1-28\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_2:1-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_2:21\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_2:12-1qocts of these messages in our homes, schools, and workplaces?\f1\par \cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 How can you model a balance of submission, leadership, and tender care in your marriage?\par \cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 Outline the principles of mediation illustrated by Abigail\rquote s intercession with David. How can these principles help you respond to a difficult situation that is challenging your life?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf3\f4 n\cf4\f2 The description of Abigal\rquote s influence in Patriarchs and Prophets, compares her piety to \ldblquote the fragrance of a flower, breathed out all unconsciously in face and word and action\rdblquote (p. 667). How might you surround yourself and others with the uplifting inspiration that comes from flowers? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b at the brink of annihilation, she nevertheless acted nobly, instead of sitting in a corner and lamenting her bad fortune. Her presence in two crucial moments of David\rquote s history makes her a king-maker and a nation-builder. We can all learn something incredibly important from Rizpah: faithfulness is not conditioned by circumstances or good (or bad) fortunes. Faithfulness is an unconditional commitment to do what\rquote s right regardless of the cost.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 27.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 21\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 The King\rquote s Concubine\b0\fs23\par \b There are many references to concubines in the Old Testament \b0\i (\cf1\ul Gen_25:5-6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jdg_8:30-31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_5:13-16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ki_11:2-3\cf0\ulnone )\b\i0 . What can we learn about them from these and other references?\par \b0 Concubines were often taken from the ranks of female slaves or maiite helped us understand this important topic?\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 What biblical characters had their personal ambitions thwarted because they remained faithful to the Lord? \par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 In class, talk about what things people have had to give up in order to stand for the Lord. What can you learn from one another\rquote s stories? Ask whether anyone thought what it cost to serve the Lord wasn\rquote t worth what the person has received in return.\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 How do you respond when reproved for wrong actions? Are you more likely to repent on your knees or, figuratively speaking, cast the reproof in a fire and seek to imprison the messenger? What does your answer tell you about yourself and what you need to change?\par \pard\b0\f3 n \b\f0 How can we better understand that just because we are suffering (even as a direct result of our sins), this doesn\rquote t mean that the Lord has forsaken us? How can we learn to hold onto our faith while going through tremendous pain? \cf2\b0\f4\par } O Mar_13:13\cf0\ulnone . \b\i0 \b0\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Psa_91:4\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\par The story of Rizpah is the story of an outsider playing an insider\rquote s role. Only two biblical passages mention her explicitly, and both are connected to the early time of David\rquote s reign, probably before the affair with Bathsheba \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:1-27\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Most Bible commentators agree that 2 Samuel 21-24 do not unfold sequentially after 2 Samuel 20 but rather they provide further information that does not fit into the general storyline of David\rquote s life. \par Rizpah exists on the edge of King David\rquote s story. As a woman and a concubine of an earlier king, she had few options. As a matter of fact, her prospects looked bleak and dreary. Her two sons dead, the larger family of her deceased \ldblquote husband\rdblquote uations when we are ordered to do things that we know are wrong? More important, how can we develop the kind of faith we need to stand firm, even when it means defying orders, when it could be very costly to ourselves and to our loved ones? \par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Is it practical or even possible to forgive and forget when we have been hurt? What principles can we learn from this week\rquote s study about forgiveness, lack of forgiveness, and the consequences of not forgiving?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller used unscrupulous business practices in order to buy out competitors. He would justify his actions by telling competitors that they needed to sell their companies to him and let him take on the risks of the oil business for them. \ldblquote Get into the ark,\rdblquote he would tell them, making it sound like he was doing something charitable for them when, in fact, he was swallowing them up. What lessons can we learn from this about how easy it is to justify immoral deeds?\b0\par } R, elevates and sanctifies a man; it makes courteous, kind, affectionate, and pure; it takes away his hard heart, his selfishness and love of the world, and it purifies him from pride and ungodly ambition.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Signs of the Times,\i0 vol. 1, p. 66.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs23\par \f4 n \b\f0 How far should we go in our expression of loyalty to our families, employers, and country? What are the limits to these important relationships?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Reread the Ellen White quote in Friday\rquote s lesson study. What evidence can you see in your own life that the truth has taken hold of you? While it\rquote s important to focus on Christ and not on ourselves, we also need to be honest with ourselves about where we stand in regard to the faith \b0\i (\cf1\ul 2Co_13:5\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Many evil acts have been done throughout history by those who said, \ldblquote I was only following orders.\rdblquote How are we as Christians to deal with sitSert security, offer to pay for the medicine, or let the theft go unreported-and why? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 19\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\fs23 \b0\ldblquote We should not only take hold of the truth, but let it take hold of us; and thus have the truth in us and we in the truth. And if this is the case, our lives and characters will reveal the fact that the truth is accomplishing something for us; that it is sanctifying us, and is giving us a moral fitness for the society of heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory. The truth we hold is from heaven; and when that religion finds a lodgement in the heart, it commences its work of refining and purifying; for the religion of Jesus Christ never makes a man rough or rude; it never makes him careless, or hard-hearted; but the truth of heavenly origin, that which comes from GodTrces, each day presents us with ethical dilemmas nonetheless. Ask the students to apply what they\rquote ve learned this week to help solve the following dilemmas. Or think of others.\par \b Activity:\b0\f1\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Your manager is very difficult to deal with. Her language often is abusive, and she sometimes attaches her name to your hard work and claims it as hers. While reading through a document that she has prepared for the boss, you notice a glaring error that would cause her major embarrassment or worse. What should you do, and why?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 You are shopping in the grocery store when you notice a young woman carrying a two-year-old child who appears to be quite sickly. The woman looks around furtively, but doesn\rquote t notice you. She then proceeds to stuff two bottles of baby medicine into the inner pocket of her coat. What would you do-alU\ulnone ).\i0 Joab\rquote s unconfessed past has finally caught up with him. The man who lived by the sword now dies by the sword \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_2:28-35\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b However scheming, ambitious, and deceitful Joab was, everything he did could have been forgiven by the Lord had Joab come to God in faith, humility, and repentance. What about you and your defects? Forgiveness is there, if you are willing to claim it for yourself.\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Share the following activity with your students. While most of us never will be in a position to make the decisions that Joab did while military commander of King David\rquote s foV God doesn\rquote t seem to have relevance in his life. Joab thinks that he always can live as he pleases and escape the consequences. He forgets that God is not David. God cannot be fooled; even though retribution may not come immediately, it will one day come, if not in this life then in the final judgment. However, often at the end of the day in this life, even a very long day, \ldblquote a man reaps what he sows\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Gal_6:7\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\par Before final judgment, there always is mercy. Joab gets a last chance, in that Solomon does not punish him for his scheming with Adonijah and allows him to retain his position. However, Joab shows no remorse and makes no apology, and he is involved in a second coup attempt. When this does not work, Joab finally realizes the gravity of his situation. He flees to the sanctuary and takes hold of the horns of the altar. Joab forgets, however, that the altar provides asylum only for those who have killed unwittingly \i (\cf1\ul Exo_21:14\cf0Wt David has no sexual relations with her \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_1:1-4\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 which further underlines the feeble state of the king. David does not \ldblquote know\rdblquote -not only young Abischag but also what\rquote s happening in his kingdom. Adonijah, as the oldest remaining son, now decides that it is time to arrange his coronation.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_1:1-53\cf0\ulnone . What is Joab up to now? What more does this tell us about him?\b0\par \cf1\ul 1Ki_1:7\cf0\ulnone makes it clear that Joab is one of the key players in this coup attempt. Joab, as he has done several times before, simply goes ahead and acts, thinking that old King David will be powerless to do anything about it. However, this time David, with the help of Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan, does act. He foils Joab\rquote s and Adonijah\rquote s plans by publicly declaring Solomon as his co-regent.\tab\tab\par Joab seems to take God completely out of the equation. While he may have all of the theological knowledge about God,X2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Jesus\rquote commitment to living a life of honesty and integrity often put Him at odds with the society in which He lived. How did God use the inevitable tension that resulted between Jesus and society to further the spread of the gospel? Why should we, as followers of Christ, not expect to be treated any differently by society than Jesus? If we do not live committed to God, how will those around us come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 18\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Joab\rquote s Last Stand\b0\fs23\par The timing seems to be perfect. David is a very old man now, who cannot keep warm at night. A beautiful young woman is found who becomes King David\rquote s personal attendant. The biblical author specifically emphasizes the fact thaYon, and ascension help us live lives of fealty to the Truth? What impact does Jesus have on the day-to-day decisions we make in life?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b\f2\fs22 Application Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Have you ever manipulated a situation to benefit yourself at the expense of others? How did the situation turn out?\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 How does your day-to-day decision-making affect your character? Can you be ethical in certain areas of life and unethical in others? Why, or why not? What are the dangers of a compartmentalized life?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b\f2 Witnessing:\b0 \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\txZplicity takes on the life of one whose heart is not surrendered to God. This practice section seeks to examine the role that truth plays in saving us from the inevitable destruction that comes from a life that lacks integrity.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\fs23 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 What role does truth play in helping us to live a life of integrity? How can we know what truth is and apply it to each dilemma we face in life?\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Jesus declared: \ldblquote \lquote I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me\rquote \rdblquote (\cf5\ul Joh_14:6\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). In this scripture Jesus makes clear that truth is a Person. He is the Truth. How does Jesus\rquote sinless life, death, resurrecti[ing Joab to King David. The people are being led to believe that loyalty to David means loyalty to Joab (even though the king has explicitly distanced himself from Joab), and being loyal to Joab means that Joab\rquote s right to be judge, jury, and executioner in the case of Amasa cannot be questioned. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Look at Joab\rquote s duplicity in how he betrayed Amasa. How careful we need to be that we don\rquote t betray someone who trusts us, using that trust to do them dirty. How easily \cf1\ul Mat_7:12\cf0\ulnone should apply here. \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 One of the central points made in this week\rquote s lesson is the toll that du\ly by anger toward Joab (who had consciously disobeyed the king\rquote s order and killed his son). Amasa\rquote s appointment was also a political move that would signal reconciliation to the rest of the pro-Absalom forces. \par \b What does \cf1\ul 2Sa_20:1-2\cf0\ulnone tell us about the political situation in Israel? \b0\par David ignores Joab, for he has promised the command to Amasa, and now he sends Amasa to round up the troops in order to deal with new revolt. Amasa is not able to do this in time. David then sends for Abishai, the brother of Joab, and turns to him rather than to Joab in this time of crisis. Joab and Amasa finally meet and, borrowing a leaf from Abner\rquote s assassination, Joab murders Amasa. The biblical writer emphasizes the total unexpectedness of the attack \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_20:8-10\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Joab cooly murders his cousin, simply because he has been passed over and is no longer number one.\par One of Joab\rquote s men tries to legitimize Joab\rquote s actions by link]actions are pure? What principles of \ldblquote heart maintenance\rdblquote might we find in Psalm 51, for instance?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 17\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Living by the Sword\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_20:1-26\cf0\ulnone . What role do we find Joab in again? How was Joab\rquote s treachery justified?\b0\par Amasa and Joab were cousins \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_17:25\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Amasa was commander of Absalom\rquote s forces. After Joab disobeys David\rquote s orders in the case of Absalom \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_18:5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_18:14\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , David wishes to rid himself of Joab and promises Amasa the high command of his army \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_19:13\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 After all, it was Joab\rquote s scheming and planning that set the stage for the rebellion. Obviously, David\rquote s design is not motivated on^ of humanity\rquote s core. God is stating here that the human heart is given to cheating and deceiving. It is deliberately misleading and deceptive. Furthermore, God makes clear that we cannot even \ldblquote know\rdblquote it. Such a statement flies in the face of our self-help culture with its belief that we can indeed know ourselves and modify our behavior. We may make valiant attempts and even experience positive changes in our lives, but lasting change comes only from a transformed heart that abides in Christ (\cf5\ul Joh_15:1-5\cf4\ulnone ). The carnal mind cannot submit to the law of God (\cf5\ul Rom_8:7\cf4\ulnone ).\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 King Solomon urges: \ldblquote Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Pro_4:23\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). How do we \ldblquote keep\rdblquote the heart so that our motives and _ and \cf5\ul Pro_4:23\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par From the murder of Abner to Joab\rquote s flight to the sanctuary in search of security from Solomon\rquote s death decree, the picture painted of Joab\rquote s interior life is a dark one. There are no bright hues of personal devotion to God. There are no serene tones of personal reflection. To be sure, there are moments that Joab seems to express a deep understanding of God\rquote s dictates, such as when he sends a woman to King David to plead for the forgiveness and return of Absalom \par (2 Samuel 14). But even this noble deed is undertaken in a duplicitous manner, since Joab interjects himself in the matter to position himself for future power after David is off the scene. Every action he undertakes is calculated for his own benefit. There appears to be no consideration of God\rquote s will.\par God, through Jeremiah, tells us that the human heart is deceitful above all things (\cf5\ul Jer_17:9\cf4\ulnone )-not exactly a ringing endorsement`imed that he was protecting David from Abner\rquote s duplicity (\cf5\ul 2Sa_3:30\cf4\ulnone ). He put Uriah and several other brave soldiers on the front lines of the battle to die, and felt justified in his actions because the king ordered him to do it. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\tqr\tx8730\b Consider This:\b0 How do we assess the actions and behaviors that seem right in our own eyes? If God is the One who evaluates our hearts and the actions that flow from them, how can we acquaint ourselves with His standard for holy conduct and behavior? The lesson notes that even after repentance there is a price to be paid for sin. How does God express His mercy in cushioning the blows that are the natural result of our sins?\par \b II. The Darkness Within\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 (Read \cf5\ul Jer_17:9\cf4\ulnonearquote s height and noble bearing suggested that he was king in waiting (\cf5\ul 1Sa_16:6\cf4\ulnone ), but God thought otherwise. He said to Samuel: \ldblquote \lquote Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart\rquote \rdblquote (vs. 7, NIV).\par As dastardly deeds go, David\rquote s failures were not better than those of Joab, but there was one characteristic that separated the two. When shown his sin, David always was willing to repent and do the will of God. He had the human weaknesses that we all suffer with, but God said of Him: \ldblquote \lquote \ldblquote I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will\rdblquote \rquote \rdblquote (\cf5\ul Act_13:22\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). \par When confronted with his crimes, Joab schemed his way to a false solution. He killed Abner in a fit of cold-blooded revenge but clabt. Knowing this, how ought we to keep our hearts, so that they remain yielded to God?\par \b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \b\f2 I. Matters of the Heart\par \b0 (Read \cf5\ul Pro_21:2\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\f1\par \f2 The truth expressed in \cf5\ul Pro_21:2\cf4\ulnone was shared by someone who had experienced Joab\rquote s duplicity from close range. We don\rquote t know whether Joab\rquote s treachery inspired this particular musing from the Bible\rquote s great sage, but the truth of this verse applies to all humanity. No matter how much we delude ourselves in the belief that our actions are right, the ultimate judge of whether they are or not is God.\par Furthermore, God\rquote s chief concern is not our actions, our appearance, or any other surface consideration. He is most concerned about the condition of our hearts, the soil from which our actions grow. This is the message that God sharply communicated to Samuel as he looked upon Eliab, David\rquote s eldest brother. Eliab\cHe did this by burning Joab\rquote s fields in order to force him to arrange a meeting with David \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_14:28-33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The point is that thanks to Joab\rquote s interference, the stage was now being set for an awful rebellion that would lead to civil war. \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 How easy is it to let personal ambition, pride, and desire for self-supremacy motivate your actions? How can you learn to recognize these things in yourself? How can you through God\rquote s grace defeat them before they lead to your ruin?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 The goal of this Explore section is to examine the human heart and the actions that result from idd \cf1\ul 2Sa_14:1-33\cf0\ulnone\b0 . \b What does the woman of Tekoah\rquote s story communicate about God\rquote s love and forgiveness? At the same time, what does this passage also tell us about Joab?\b0\par The story that Joab put into the mouth of the woman suggests that Joab knew about God\rquote s great love toward the sinner. His theology was correct. Unfortunately, for Joab this remained head knowledge only. His own life continued to be characterized by revenge and a lack of forgiveness. Joab had become immune to God\rquote s love in his own life. For him, everything, even religion, had a political end and could be used for self-promotion. Joab recognized Absalom\rquote s potential and wanted to begin to ingratiate himself with the future king. It seems, however, that Joab met his match in Absalom. Joab receives no thank-you notes for his initiative in bringing Absalom home. Absalom simply wants to use him and quickly shows Joab that he can be every bit as cunning and dangerous as Joab can be. ee s premeditated murder of his half-brother Amnon. Absalom flees the country and bides his time. David is once again in a difficult situation. Amnon was guilty of the rape of his half-sister Tamar, Absalom\rquote s sister. It seems that David-paralyzed by the memory of his own sin-is unable to administer justice. By taking things into his own hands, Absalom avenges the rape of his sister and restores the family honor. (Honor and shame were two very important elements of the value system during the time of David.) Second, and as a nice benefit, once Amnon, David\rquote s oldest son, is dead, Absalom is now in line to inherit the throne. David\rquote s heart is torn between his grief for his dead son, his love for Absalom, and the keen knowledge that all of this mess is somehow rooted in his own sin. \par Amid all this, Joab decides to become involved. However, since he does not see a direct way to put this item on the agenda of King David, he resorts to cunning and uses a wise woman of Tekoah.\par \b Reafor monetary gain had outstripped all ethical and rational considerations. They created risky financial instruments that made them wealthy at the expense of their corporations, shareholders, and everyone else.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Ask your students to share how their lives were impacted by the financial crisis. Then, together with the class, create a short list of unethical and/or dishonest practices that led to the crisis. Discuss with your class whether these practices were the result of lapses in judgment or the outgrowth of a deeper unspiritual condition. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 16\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Joab the Politician\fs23\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\par \cf1\ul 2Sa_13:23-30\cf0\ulnone tells the story of Absalom\rquotgomotion. Joab\rquote s thirst for power and prestige is not unlike that of the Wall Street wizards whose greed nearly destroyed the world\rquote s financial system, plunging it into a global recession in 2008. Your goal in Step 1 is to get the students thinking about what motivates human action.\par \b Opening Activity: \b0 Share and discuss the following familiar story with your class. Late in 2008 and onward, economies around the world seemed destined for financial ruin. Currencies were devalued, towering financial institutions such as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers disintegrated, countless people lost their jobs and retirement savings, and governments appropriated trillions in taxpayer funds to help shore up a broken financial system.\par What caused such a worldwide catastrophe in the financial markets? The culprits were many, but it is generally accepted now that the lion\rquote s share of responsibility rests with a relatively small group of elite financial wunderkinds in New York whose desire fhtx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 How easy to fall into the same trap, isn\rquote t it?\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 Unless we surrender our hearts to the truth as it is in Jesus, we will fall prey to the sinful machinations of the human heart. \par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 This week\rquote s lesson study peers into the life of Joab, King David\rquote s enforcer, and shows us a man driven by unholy ambition and self-prit Uriah is not the only victim. Joab sends some other men along on this foolhardy expedition in order to make the whole thing look more authentic. Although we know from the life of David that God is merciful and forgives us when we repent, the consequence of a ruined credibility and a lack of integrity is still something that we will have to carry with us.\par \b In the previous example, Joab obeyed David\rquote s orders. Now read \cf1\ul 2Sa_18:5-15\cf0\ulnone . What does his action here tell us about him? How might he have rationalized this deed, as well?\b0\par It is interesting to note that Joab follows David\rquote s orders even when they violate God\rquote s commands, but he has no trouble disobeying the king\rquote s express orders when he stands to gain personally. After all, had Absalom succeeded in his revolt, Joab probably would have been killed himself \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_19:5-6\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . Joab seems to be looking out for no one but himself. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\jin and again, the voice of our conscience becomes duller and duller, until we are unable to stand up when it really counts.\par Sin also breaks credibility. We see this principle repeated several times in the life of David. Because of his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah, David, even though he has been forgiven, is unable to discipline his sons. When his oldest son rapes his half-sister \i (\cf1\ul\i0 2Sa_13:1-22\cf0\ulnone\i ),\i0 and his second son becomes a murderer \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_13:23-39\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 David stands helplessly by, knowing that he is guilty of similar sins. \par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:15-25\cf0\ulnone . What does this passage tell us about Joab? \b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Joab has the same problem. Having the blood of Abner on his hands makes him unable to react appropriately and help save a good man\rquote s life. And so Joab adds to his list of crimes by becoming, in effect, Uriah\rquote s assassin. Notice in \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:17\cf0\ulnone thakavid as general for many years, and, at times, gave him good counsel. However, by taking revenge into his own hands and acting in jealousy to the point of murder, Joab eventually brought the sword on himself.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 15\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 The Cost of Sin\fs23\par \b0 It seems that David is not in a position to do anything about the murder of Abner at the time, even though he publicly mourns for Abner and rebukes Joab\rquote s actions \i (see \cf1\ul 2Sa_3:28-35\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 To avoid future reprisals, Joab tries to ingratiate himself as closely as possible with David. He sets about to make himself indispensable. He is ready to do the dirty work for David. But striving to make oneself indispensable rather than focusing on doing the right thing often involves violating one\rquote s conscience. If that happens agalsb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. While family loyalty can be very important, how did Joab\rquote s family loyalties override principles of honor and justice? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 B. What crime did he commit in order to gain revenge for the loss of a brother?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Only God\rquote s Way\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. How are we tempted to follow our own ideas of making things happen the way we think they should instead of waiting for God to act on our behalf? \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 B. What areas of our lives do we need to commit to God for justice?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 Joab served King Dm0\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Rely completely on God\rquote s ways and means to accomplish God\rquote s purposes, even when events seem unfair.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Power for Good and Evil\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. As general, Joab held an important place in David\rquote s support group. What good things did Joab do for David throughout David\rquote s life?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 B. How did Joab\rquote s jealousy and underhanded methods undermine and eventually destroy his usefulness to David?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Family and Clan Loyalties\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\J0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i October 29\fs23\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\i0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs23 \ldblquote [Abigail\rquote s] words could have come only from the lips of one who had partaken of the wisdom from above. The piety of Abigail, like the fragrance of a flower, breathed out all unconsciously in face and word and action. The Spirit of the Son of God was abiding in her soul. Her speech, seasoned with grace, and full of kindness and peace, shed a heavenly influence. Better impulses came to David, and he trembled as he thought what might have been the consequences of his rash purpose. \lquote Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.\rquote \cf1\ul Mat_5:9\cf0\ulnone . Would that there were many more like this woman of Israel, who would soothe the irritated feelings, prevent rash impulses, and quell great evils by words of calm and well-directed wisrof course, teaches that we do, that we are beings created in the image of God. We\rquote re important because we are important to God. Who cares what others think of you, if the God who holds the whole world in His hands loves you? His love, above all, is what counts.\par This week, by looking at the life of Hannah, a woman without any claim to political or religious greatness, we will catch a glimpse of a God who loves us intimately and personally and of a God who tells us that we are somebody, even though it\rquote s easy to get the message from the world that we are nobody. \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 16.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab \b0\i October 10\i0 \b\fs23\par \fs28 What Am I Worth?\fs23\par Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_1:1-16\cf0\ulnone . Why was Hannah so distraught over not having children, even though she knew that her husband loved her?\b0\i\par \i0 Hannah\rquote s feelings shouldn\rquote t be that hard to understand, especip3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_6:19-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_12:16-21\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote Then Hannah prayed and said: \lquote My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God\rquote\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_2:1-2\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\par One of the great struggles that many people face is the sense of their own self-worth. What are we worth in this world? What can one life mean amid teeming billions? We read about wars in which millions have perished, often without a trace. Every day thousands are born and thousands die. We sense massive forces over which we have no control, which can run over us and our dreams as quickly as a truck does a bug on the road. How, amid such a powerful and overwhelming flurry, can we get a sense of our own meaning and purpose? Do we even have any?\par The Bible, sally in her culture, where to have no male child meant to have no security in one\rquote s old age. Having no child at all was understood as a divine curse. Both in the public and in the family sphere, a woman without a child had to live with a stigma of supposedly being cursed by God. Obviously, this affected her value in the eyes of society, her own self-esteem, and her relationship with God. Hannah must have wondered often what she had done to deserve this. Why was this happening to her?\par \b To understand the depth of despair that barrenness brought to women in the world of the Old Testament, look at the actions and statements of Sarah \b0\i (\cf1\ul Gen_16:1-2\cf0\ulnone )\b\i0 and Rachel \b0\i (\cf1\ul Gen_30:1\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 How do they help us understand how strong that sentiment was back then?\par \b0 Sarah\rquote s action is reasonable in the context of the social and cultural customs of her time. However, it also provides us with a glimpse of the despair she must have felt and the burtden she must have carried. What woman would encourage her husband to have relations with another woman in order to have children? Meanwhile, Rachel\rquote s heartfelt cry to Jacob echoes a bit of Hannah\rquote s emotion and the turmoil of her feelings. \par For Hannah, jealousy and the sense of \ldblquote being nobody\rdblquote created an explosive mix of emotions that finally blew up when she poured out her heart before the Lord. What made matters worse was that Hannah was not getting younger. Time was against her, and, apparently, so was God.\par Remember, also, that in Hannah\rquote s time, a woman\rquote s role in society was primarily associated with child bearing and rearing. There were no other career possibilities. A woman could not just change careers and find fulfillment in another occupation. We have examples of woman judges and female prophetic leadership in the Old Testament, but these are indeed limited and depended on God\rquote s direct call. It was only through children that Hannah couuld count the worth of her life and leave a legacy. To her, without children her life had no real meaning. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b A man had lost his child to leukemia. He told the pastor that he believed his son died because the man hadn\rquote t kept the commandments faithfully, especially the Sabbath, and so God punished him. What\rquote s wrong with that kind of thinking? How can we protect ourselves from getting caught up in that same kind of rationale? \b0\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 1Sa_2:1\cf4\ulnone\par \b\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\txv7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Examine the aspects of Hannah\rquote s life that illustrate God\rquote s idea of what makes our lives significant.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Sense that even the simplest duties have infinite worth in God\rquote s sight.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Trust God with every detail of our circumstances through prayer and praise and faithfully discharge the responsibilities He has entrusted to us.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Significance in Simplicity\par \b0 A. For some time, Hannah was denied motherhood. How did God turn her life around? How did she respond to God\rquote s answer to her prayer?\par B. What evidence do we have that Hannah was faithful in parenting the son God gave her?\wpar \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Faithful Parenting\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0\f2 A. Even though Hannah had her son with her only a short time, it is evident that she raised him to honor and serve God. How did Hannah\rquote s faithfulness in parenting make a mark on the history of Israel?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Prayer and Praise \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tqr\tx9000\b0 A. What challenges do we face that we need to entrust to God?\par B. What lessons regarding Hannah\rquote s approach to God in prayer, as well as her approach to praise, can we apply to our own relationship with God?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100 C. What duties has God entrusted to us that require faithful and prayerful attentioxn?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 In response to prayer, God made the life of a miserable woman rich with blessings. In turn, she responded with praise and, in faith, dedicated her son back to God.\tab\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab \i October 11\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 With Friends Like These. . .\b0\i\fs23\par \b\i0 Living under the supposed curse of God and feeling that her life had no real value must have been hard enough for Hannah. What added problem did she have? \cf1\ul\b0\i 1Sa_1:6-7\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par Those who are closest to us often know how to hurt us most. With Peninnah\rquote s constant provocations, it is not surprising that Hannah\rquote s life became bitter. The biblical text emphasizes the repeated nature of the provocations. Year in and year out, the same old story. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word for the action of Hannah\rquote s rival (\ldblquote provoked\rdblquote \i [NKJV],\i0 \ldblquote taunt\rdblquote \i [NJB])\i0y often is used in the Old Testament to describe grave sins that provoke a direct divine reaction \i (see \cf1\ul Deu_9:18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_31:29\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 This was not just a quick, sly remark. This seemed to have been a premeditated and conscious strategy by Peninnah to provoke Hannah into doing something stupid. After all, Hannah was her only rival for Elkanah\rquote s affections \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_1:5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par Though Peninnah\rquote s taunts were meant to hurt, perhaps the worst hurts come from those who don\rquote t intend harm. Who, in the midst of terrible pain, hasn\rquote t been made to feel worse by well-meaning people who just happened to say or do the wrong thing?\par \b Skim through the first five or six chapters of the book of Job. Job\rquote s friends were truly sorrowful for what he experienced \b0\i (see \cf1\ul Job_2:12-13\cf0\ulnone )\b\i0 . Yet, how did they make the problem worse for him? Why was this exactly how someone shouldn\rquote t react to another\rquzote s grief? \b0\par Loss of material possessions or of people close to us causes deep hurt. Illness or the circumstances of our lives may seem daunting and cause us to despair. Sometimes it is living with unfulfilled deep longings that drains our lives of any sense of hope. Things go from bad to worse when we have to face not only deep hurt or bad circumstances but also people who seem to specialize in making our life unbearable. This combination of unfulfilled dreams and constant tensions and provocation triggered Hannah\rquote s cry before the Lord. Sometimes we need to shout out our hurt and frustrations before God. When we hit rock bottom, we need to search for answers outside of ourselves.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What are ways that we can encourage and uplift those who are going through trial and calamity right now? What would you like people to do for you if you were going through something terr{ible? Whatever that would be, why not do it for someone else?\b0\i\par \cf3\ul\i0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 Regardless of how society or other people view us, each of us has unique value to God.\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that God never gives up on us, and He will bless us as long as we make Him first.\f1\par \f2 In 2009, the world was abuzz about a woman named Susan Boyle. Boyle, a rather plain, middle-aged woman from a village in Scotland, somehow beat daunting odds to stand before a jury of celebrities on the British reality show Britain\rquote s Got Talent. Her ambition? To become a professional singer. An audible snicker arose from the audience. The judges smirked. Boyle gave a flaw|less rendition of \ldblquote I Dreamed a Dream,\rdblquote from the musical, Les Miserables, sending the smirks and snickers back into the seemingly distant past. The world was astounded to discover, after a steady diet of airbrushed, seemingly genetically engineered pop idols, \ldblquote the [as satirist Andy Borowitz put it in rather snarky terms] surprising presence of talent in an ugly person.\rdblquote But it was no surprise to people who knew her and grew up with her.\par God knows you, and He\rquote s not smirking. He knows you\rquote re capable of great things, however unpromising you may look to others or to yourself. Trust Him. Give Him everything you have, and He will give you abilities beyond anything you-or anyone else-ever expected. \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\b\fs22 Discuss With the Class:\b0\fs23 How does the biblical story of Hannah provide hope to those of us who may feel like \ldblquote nobodies\rdblquote ? What are the parallels of feeling like a nobody to the story and lineage of} Jesus Christ Himself?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab \i October 12\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Pouring Your Heart Out\b0\fs23\par Human nature can take only so much. Eventually action must be taken. For some, this action can be irrational and even dangerous.\par \b How did Hannah handle her pain? Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_1:9-16\cf0\ulnone and describe the steps that Hannah took to deal with her pain.\b0\par This prayer was no formal petition or general \ldblquote please help me\rdblquote kind of prayer. The biblical author describes Hannah\rquote s prayer as \ldblquote pouring out [her] soul to the Lord\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_1:15\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0 The term \i pouring out\i0 normally is associated with the pouring of liquids, particularly blood and water in connection with sacrifices \i (cf. \cf1\ul Lev_4:7\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lev_4:12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lev_4:18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lev_4:25\cf0\ulnone , etc.).\i0 It is often used to refer to God\rquote ~s actions. God can pour out judgment or blessings \i (\cf1\ul Psa_69:24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_79:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_42:25\cf0\ulnone ; etc.).\i0 It has connotations of abundance and fullness. In some Old Testament passages, the term is used in connection with prayer \i (\cf1\ul Psa_42:4-5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_62:8-9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lam_2:19\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 This pouring-out prayer is perhaps the most intimate kind of prayer. It involves being absolutely honest with God, expressing our deepest pain and fears. Hannah was so absorbed in her prayer that she became oblivious to those around her and to what they might think of her. She was, in fact, clinging to God like Jacob clung to his nocturnal assailant \i (\cf1\ul Gen_32:26-27\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \b Describe the immediate results of Hannah\rquote s prayer.\b0 \cf1\ul\i 1Sa_1:17-18\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \b0 While God does not always answer our prayers immediately, when we pour out our hearts before Him we can be assured that He hears and will answer us \i (\cf1\ul Psa_37:4\cf0\ulnone )\i0 in His own time and way. This can give us hope and confidence as we wait to see God\rquote s leading in our future.\par In \cf1\ul 1Sa_1:11\cf0\ulnone , Hannah makes a big promise. Should God hear and answer her prayer and give her a son, she would give him back to God. In the Old Testament we find many people making vows to the Lord. As a matter of fact, vows are often seen in the context of worship and seem to belong to the same category as prayer and adoration. \par Hannah\rquote s vow is huge. The hoped-for son was to be given up. What would happen to her position as the wife of Elkanah? What would be her standing in the larger context of the family? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b How often do you pour out yourself to God in prayer? Why is that so important for your spiritual walk? What keeps you from doing this as often as you need? Why not do it now? Surely you have painful and pressing needs. Who doesn\rquote t? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\tqr\tx9270\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2 I. \ldblquote The Bows of the Mighty . . .\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1620\tx2340\tx3060\tx3780\tx4500\tx5220\tx5940\tx6660\tx7380\tx8100\tx8820\tqr\tx9540\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_1:12-18\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\f2 Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have observed that in war, \ldblquote God fights on the side with the best artillery.\rdblquote A look at the world around us often seems to confirm this cynical wisdom. The rich get richer. The \ldblquote beautiful people\rdblquote can afford to keep their beauty well into old age with the help of expensive plastic surgeons. How easy to believe that the rich are happier than the rest of us.\par How then can we say, as Hannah does, that the Lord \ldblquote raises the poor from the dust\rdblquote (\cf5\ul 1Sa_2:8\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). We must change our perspective. We must place ourselves on God\rquote s side (He already is on ours). If we are on God\rquote s side, we are standing with the One who (figuratively speaking) set the earth on its foundations (vs. 8).\par For us to position ourselves on the Lord\rquote s side, it is necessary to recognize that our own resources are not enough. Hannah realized that it was not in her power to will herself to have a child. When she went to the sanctuary, she literally had run out of options. The thought of not getting what she wanted was intolerable. But when she walked out of the sanctuary, she was at peace. Nothing in her circumstances had changed. Eli, the priest, had blessed her, and that was no doubt significant. But even he could do no more than wish her well. We don\rquote t know if she was sure that God would grant her wish in the way she wanted it. But we\rquote re told that \ldblquote her face was no longer sad\rdblquote (\cf5\ul 1Sa_1:18\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). What had changed was that she had aligned herself with God.\par Hannah did get what she wanted. It would have been easy enough for her to believe that it was because of her own merit or because she prayed especially eloquent and powerful prayers. In both the secular and religious worlds, there are many people who secretly (or not-so-secretly) come to believe that they deserve what they have. Yet, Hannah\rquote s response was to worship God, acknowledging that \ldblquote \lquote there is no one holy like the Lord\rquote \rdblquote (\cf5\ul 1Sa_2:2\cf4\ulnone , NIV) or, as it would be stated later, \ldblquote There is no one holy good . . .but God\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Mat_19:17\cf4\ulnone ). Everything that had come to her was the result of God\rquote s mighty acts, which were not subject to chance or the mathematics of power relationships or wealth or personal charm and worthiness. It was all, instead, God\rquote s grace.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx990\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b Consider This:\b0 Most of us have wishes or desires that for whatever reason have failed to come to fruition. What prevents us from turning them over to God and claiming His peace? What pleasant surprises does Hannah\rquote s story help us believe that He has in store for us when we do?\par \b II. Hannah\rquote s Prayer\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_2:1-10\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par In the story of Hannah, we see three parts to prayer. As we have noted in the previous section, the most basic aspect of prayer is giving our concerns and desires to God, as Hannah did in the sanctuary. Ideally, this should be more than just asking for what we want or even what we think we need. We are also throwing off the burden of our concerns and desires. We are expressing confidence that God is equal to them.\par The other parts of prayer are praise to, and adoration of, God and thanksgiving for what He has done for us. We find these elements in Hannah\rquote s prayer, recorded in \cf5\ul 1Sa_2:1-10\cf4\ulnone . \par Why does God need to be praised and adored? Is it because He will work on our behalf only if we\rquote ve massaged His giant, celestial ego? Is God insecure? Certainly the gods of pagan peoples had all these weaknesses, and mythology recounts many instances in which \ldblquote gods\rdblquote did many things for the sake of ego, lust, revenge, and similar things. But that is not the God we worship.\par Our God does not have a fragile ego. He doesn\rquote t need us to praise Him; we need to praise Him. The ego problem is ours. That issue is magnified by our short memory. Even the most intense and striking experiences of God\rquote s power tend to slip from our memory as life goes on. So, we need to praise God to remind ourselves who God is, and how dependent on Him we are for everything, including our very existence.\par Closely related is the prayer of thanksgiving. Here, we are acknowledging not only who He is but what He has done specifically for us as a result of who He is. Everyone has at least some smaller general reasons to be thankful to God. And if we think about it, most of us can find one or two huge, personal, specific reasons. But again, we forget unless we make a sustained effort to remember. If we all made that effort to remember what God has done for us, few would doubt God or His intentions for us.\par To praise and thank God is also to reject the idea of a universe based on blind chance or inexorable natural law (i.e., God is on the side of those with the best artillery). We are acknowledging God as the Master of natural law, with the authority to bend or break it when it serves His will, like the \ldblquote bows of the mighty\rdblquote (\cf5\ul 1Sa_2:4\cf4\ulnone ).\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\b Consider This:\b0 What are some of the attributes for which Hannah praises God in this prayer? How does God work in the world? \cf0\b\f0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\scaps\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab \b0\i October 13\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Singing His Praises\b0\fs23\par Are you someone who sings when you are happy? The Bible often records people bursting into song at key moments in their lives. Miriam and the women of Israel sing at the shores of the Red Sea after having witnessed God\rquote s mighty salvation \i (\cf1\ul Exo_15:20-21\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 In wonderful poetic language Deborah and Barak extol God\rquote s power over human kings and armies \i (\cf1\ul Jdg_5:1-31\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 When Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, she breaks out into a song of praise about God and His incredible plan of salvation \i (\cf1\ul Luk_1:46-55\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 All of these songs share one common denominator, even though they appear in different historical contexts and under distinct circumstances: they all describe what happens when God intervenes in human history and responds to the pleas of His children.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_2:1-11\cf0\ulnone . What is the main theme of Hannah\rquote s song?\b0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Hannah now knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is fully able to control the circumstances of history, as well as her own personal experience. She sees her life from a totally new perspective. Things that others strive for and take as an absolute are in reality very flimsy and could be gone tomorrow. In her song, Hannah makes surprising contrasts to underline the fact that life\rquote s circumstances are not always as they appear. The arrow of the mighty warrior breaks, while the feeble are \ldblquote girded with strength\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_2:4\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Things we give value to are often not as permanent as they appear.\par Hannah has found that true security does not depend on circumstances but on knowing our God, who does not change. He is the One who tells us that we each are special. He is the One who gives us value.\par Some struggle with \cf1\ul 1Sa_2:6\cf0\ulnone in Hannah\rquote s song. How do we understand that? Is God arbitrary in His goodness or His judgments? In order to understand these verses, we need to remember the basic Old Testament premise about life. This is so different from the modern worldview: God is the Creator of life, and as Creator He has the right to do whatever He wants with His creation. In other words, nothing on this planet is beyond His control. This means that in the biblical worldview, even negative things are subject to God\rquote s control. Often the biblical authors describe this perspective in a way that could suggest God\rquote s active involvement in the design of bad things happening to humanity. In other words, what God allows, God \ldblquote does.\rdblquote\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 What can you sing about? Write a list of things that you would like to praise God for. The more you praise God, the more thankful you will become for what He has done for you. That\rquote s why praise is so important. \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that God wants to give each of us what we want and need, according to His will, and that prayer is our way of communicating these things to God. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\tqr\tx9270\b\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 In the time in which Hannah lived, childbearing was pretty much the only path to what society regarded as \ldblquote real\rdblquote or \ldblquote successful\rdblquote womanhood, just as being able to father a son to whom one could pass on property and perhaps a trade was a measure of successful manhood. What are some of the comparable measures of success in today\rquote s society? \par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Although God does want good things to happen to and for His people, sometimes they fail to happen; or, on the contrary, sometimes very negative things do happen. How can God turn negative occurrences or circumstances into positive ones?\par \b\fs22 Application Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 In the Old Testament, we are shown many examples of people who have had prayers answered by God in just the ways they wanted, Hannah being a prime example. Of course, in many cases these instances of fulfillment have been preceded by years of waiting and even suffering. Most of us have examples of things we prayed for that just didn\rquote t happen or that did not turn out to be what they had seemed at first. How can we avoid disappointment and bitterness?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 How can actively praising God in our daily lives improve both our attitudes and our circumstances? What are some ways we actively can cultivate an attitude of praise?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \b0\i October 14\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 God\rquote s Investment Plan\b0\fs23\par Even though Hannah leaves the tabernacle singing, she also leaves behind little Samuel. She no longer has the stigma of barrenness, but she still goes home to an empty house. With her son dedicated to God and working for Him, who will look after her in her old age? She has, in simple faith and trust, given her most precious possession to God. In this sense, Hannah reminds us of Abraham, another hero who was prepared to offer his son to God. As we already noted, the fulfillment of God\rquote s promise to Abraham and Sarah also involved a long period of barrenness. However, God \ldblquote tests\rdblquote Abraham\rquote s faith when the boy is already older, while Hannah has decided herself to give her son, should she have one, to God\rquote s service, even before the child is born. After the boy is weaned, he is brought to Shiloh. Can you imagine the feelings that his mother must have felt when she waved him good-bye, especially considering the fact that things were not going that well in the household of Eli, who would now function as the mentor and guide of young Samuel?\par \b How does God honor Hannah\rquote s expression of faith and love? \cf1\ul\b0\i 1Sa_2:21\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par Hannah could have refused to give her boy to the Lord and selfishly clung to him as her only security. However, by giving him to God, she not only received five more children, but her giving Samuel to the Lord also had a profound influence on Samuel himself. In time, he became God\rquote s special mouthpiece and one of the greatest educators and leaders of Israel. \par \b What dangers do we face when we hoard?\b0\i \cf1\ul Mat_6:19-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_12:16-21\cf0\ulnone\i0 . \par God is in the business of taking whatever we give to Him, multiplying it, and giving it completely new dimensions that we never would have dreamed of. Hannah learned that the greatest treasures are only really secure when given to God. That which we hoard for ourselves here can, in an instant, be gone. \par Hannah knew who she was in God\rquote s eyes. This sense of her own worth gave her the freedom to give.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b We must remember that everything we have, all that we are, and all that we own, is only because of God\rquote s grace and goodness to us. How should that thought help us be more willing to give back to the Lord rather than hoard for ourselves? What does hoarding tell us about ourselves, our character, and our lack of trust in God? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 The following activity is meant to emphasize the role of praise of God in the Christian life.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Emphasize that all of us have things to praise God for and that praise has less to do with circumstances than it does with intentional cultivation of an attitude. Ask the class about things they may do in their lives to generate this attitude of praise. Or you might pose the question more hypothetically, asking what can one do to cultivate such an attitude. You might focus on one particular area, such as music, challenging class members to think of new and innovative ways in which music can be used in worship and shared with others as praise to God.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \i October 15\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs23 \ldblquote Parents, give your children to the Lord, and ever keep before their minds that they belong to Him, that they are the lambs of Christ\rquote s flock, watched over by the True Shepherd. Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord; and it is said of him, \lquote Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words [the Lord\rquote s words through Samuel] fall to the ground.\rquote \cf1\ul 1Sa_3:19\cf0\ulnone . In the case of this prophet and judge in Israel are presented the possibilities that are placed before the child whose parents co-operate with God, doing their appointed work.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,\i0 p. 143.\par \ldblquote What a reward was Hannah\rquote s! and what an encouragement to faithfulness is her example! There are opportunities of inestimable worth, interests infinitely precious, committed to every mother. The humble round of duties which women have come to regard as a wearisome task should be looked upon as a grand and noble work. It is the mother\rquote s privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in doing this she will bring joy to her own heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children, through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. But it is only when she seeks, in her own life, to follow the teachings of Christ that the mother can hope to form the character of her children after the divine pattern. The world teems with corrupting influences. Fashion and custom exert a strong power over the young. If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, guide, and restrain, her children will naturally accept the evil, and turn from the good. Let every mother go often to her Saviour with the prayer, \l uuu_04-Oct 16-22-Jonathan: Born for Greatness{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 _g04-Oct 16-22-Jonathan: {_'04-Oct 16-22-Jonathan: Born for Greatness{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 4 \tab\tab\tab\tab\ s answer shows that he was not a nominal believer but had completely identified himself with the God of Israel and his comrades. Uriah believed that it was wrong to use his situation for personal comfort or advantage. The same David who once showed complete loyalty to King Saul (even though Saul was persecuting him) now cannot understand the loyalty and faithfulness of Uriah.\par David resorts to a disgusting scheme. He deliberately gets Uriah drunk in an attempt to break down his principles. It is interesting to note that the same scheme was used by the two daughters of Lot, and it led to the origin of the Ammonites \i (\cf1\ul Gen_19:30-38\cf0\ulnone )\i0 -the very people that the Israelite army is fighting. Despite his impaired reasoning, Uriah refuses to compromise his values and again spends the night among the king\rquote s servants.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 Read \cf1\ul Psa_51:1-19\cf0\ulnone i*ever the unanswered questions, this story shows that any expression of the gospel without resulting obedience is, of necessity, a false gospel.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 4.\b\i0\par \scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 28\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 The Politics of Religion\fs23\par \b0 After the death of Solomon, the poor judgment of Rehoboam, his son, led to the division of the nation, with King Jeroboam ruling in Israel, the northern kingdom, and Rehoboam in Judah, the southern kingdom \i (see\i0 \cf1\ul\i 1Ki_12:1-33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par Not long after the break, Jeroboam set the northern kingdom on a very dangerous path. He did not deliberately set out to lead Israel from a worship of God to idolatry; instead, he was acting from political expediency. He created two centers of worship, one at Bethel and one at Dan. He claimed to be trying to make things easier for the Israelites, so that they would not have to travel all the way to Je\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\scaps\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 5\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study: \b0\fs23\ldblquote The Bible has little to say in praise of men. Little space is given to recounting the virtues of even the best men who have ever lived. This silence is not without purpose; it is not without a lesson. All the good qualities that men possess are the gift of God; their good deeds are performed by the grace of God through Christ. Since they owe all to God the glory of whatever they are or do belongs to Him alone; they are but instruments in His hands. More than this-as all the lessons of Bible history teach-it is a perilous thing to praise or exalt men; for if one comes to lose sight of his entire dependence on God, and to trust to his own strength, he is sure to fall. . . . \par \ldblquote It is impossible for us in our own strength to maintain the conflict; and whatever diverts the mind from God, whatever leads to s4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 6\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i *October 30-November 5\i0\fs23\par \b\fs40 Uriah: Faith \i of a\i0 Foreigner\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs23\par \b Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul 1Sa_26:5-11\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i 2Sa_11:1-27\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Est_8:17\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i Psa_51:1-19\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i Isa_56:3-7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Eph_2:19\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par \b Memory Text:\b0 \b\ldblquote Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength\rdblquote\b0\i (\cf1\ul Deu_6:5\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\par Imagine that you are buying a train ticket. You stand in line for a long time and worry about missing your train. Finally you pay, receive your ticket, and run to the train. On the way you count your change and discover that you have been given far too much. What do you do? Stand in line again to return the money and perhaps miss your train or simply consider this your lucky day and move on? \par What you do in this situation will depend on your understanding of right and wrong. Ethics is the way that we apply this understanding in our everyday life. Nowadays, the most popular type of ethics is situation ethics, which suggests that there are no moral absolutes. It often means doing whatever is most beneficial for oneself in a particular situation. \par This week we\rquote ll see a powerful contrast of ethics, between those of King David and of the soldier Uriah. However horrible David\rquote s actions are, they appear even worse contrasted with those of Uriah. Though we aren\rquote t told much about Uriah, what we discover of him and his unfortunate fate can teach us what it means to live out one\rquote s faith as opposed to just talking about it.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 6.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i October 31\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 The Slippery Slope\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:1-27\ulnone \cf0 and ask yourself, How could someone so honored of God stoop so deep into sin? What warning should this present to all of us?\b0\tab\par We cannot study the story of Uriah without looking at David. In David\rquote s association with Uriah, we can see David at his worst. The author of Samuel does not sing the hero\rquote s praises while ignoring his sins. The story of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah marks a turning point in the life and reign of David. Up to this point, David is portrayed as someone going from strength to strength. Second Samuel 11 depicts the beginning of David\rquote s downfall.\par Some may want to see in David\rquote s sin an excuse for their own. However, the narrator emphasizes that sin has consequences and shows how many lives one particular sin affected. The first to suffer as a result of David\rquote s sin is Uriah, followed by the child born to David and Bathsheba. David loses credibility in his family, and the repercussions spread from a family problem to a problem of national proportions. The chain reaction that David\rquote s sin has set in motion widens to include rape \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_13:14\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 murder \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_13:28-29\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 and many lives lost in a rebellion \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_15:1-37\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Even if repentance gains God\rquote s mercy, the author of the book of Samuel clearly points out to us that sin has grave consequences \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_12:13-14\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\par The story of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah is told in a carefully structured way. The biblical author uses action words (often involving the verb \i to send\i0 ) in order to contrast Uriah and David\rquote s behavior. Let\rquote s have a look at the structure of the story, based on the main action.\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\fi-360\li1080\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 David sends Joab to fight the Ammonites \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:1\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par {\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}David inquires about and sends for Bathsheba \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:3-4\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par {\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}David commits adultery with Bathsheba \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:4\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par {\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}Bathsheba sends a message about her pregnancy \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:5\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par {\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}David sends for Uriah \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:6\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par {\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}Uriah refuses to sleep with Bathsheba \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:13\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par {\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}David sends the death warrant with Uriah \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:14-15\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 As can be easily seen, \ldblquote sending\rdblquote is a very important activity in 2 Samuel 11. When we send someone around, we normally have power over that person. Looked at from this angle, David is truly the most powerful character in our story. He does most of the sending. He controls the members of the cast. He shapes and destroys their lives. He looks like a typical ancient Near Eastern absolute monarch of his time. However, there is one thing that David does not control: sin. Although he seems to control the outward action, sin controls his choices and motivations.\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf4\ul 2Sa_11:11\cf3\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Compare and contrast Uriah the Hittite\rquote s fidelity to God and to his country with King David\rquote s collapse of morality.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Sense our vulnerability to fall into temptation without the constant presence of God\rquote s grace.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Throw ourselves daily on God\rquote s mercy and saving power.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Faith and Faithlessness\par \b0 A. In the face of Uriah\rquote s integrity, David fell deeper and deeper into sin as he tried to cover his wrongdoing with Bathsheba. What evidence of Uriah\rquote s faithfulness to God do we have?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 B. How did David come to such a state of unprincipled action?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 C. What were the end results of Uriah\rquote s faithfulness? What were the long-term results of David\rquote s sin?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 But for the Grace of God\par \b0 A. If David, a man after God\rquote s own heart, could fall into such sin, how vulnerable are we to temptation?\par B. What was David\rquote s response when God confronted him with his sin? What is our only hope? \par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Daily Surrender\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0 A. Though David sinned, he recognized God\rquote s power to forgive and cleanse, and he threw himself entirely on God\rquote s mercy. How can we make David\rquote s prayer our own?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 Uriah\rquote s whole focus was his duty to God. All the persuasive power of a mighty king couldn\rquote t move him to violate his conscience, and because of it, David had him killed. David had lost his integrity and committed great sins. Yet, in humility and repentance, he sought God\rquote s forgiveness, and God saved him.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 1\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 No One Is an Island\b0\fs23\par The entire story of David and Uriah is set against the backdrop of a war with the Ammonites. Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:1\cf0\ulnone carefully. What subtle criticism of David does the author include?\par David decides to stay home and sends out his army under Joab. This was, of course, David\rquote s first mistake. He had somehow begun to believe that he really was more special than his men and was, therefore, not to put himself in danger. David had not yet learned that the greatest dangers are almost always from within, not from without. The great problem with power or authority is the way it easily leads us to distort our own self-perception. We think that we are somehow better than others and above the laws or rules that hold for others.\par \b Compare the forms of leadership that David exercises in the story of \cf1\ul 1Sa_26:5-11\cf0\ulnone and in \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:1-27\cf0\ulnone . What difference do you see?\par \b0 In the stories describing how David spared Saul\rquote s life, David leads by example and asks for volunteers. But now, in the time of 2 Samuel 11, instead of being out with his troops and leading them, and depending on God for guidance and personal safety, David finds himself on a hot, humid evening up on the flat roof of his palace (in order, perhaps, to catch the evening breeze). The palace, probably built on the highest section of the fortress city, has a commanding view of most of Jerusalem. David scans the rooftops and sees a woman bathing. Then he sends someone to find out the identity of the woman. He sends for the woman, knowing full well that she is the wife of Uriah, the Hittite. The Hebrew verb that is used to indicate David\rquote s command to Bathsheba is very strong. In other contexts it is used to indicate that something is taken by force \i (\cf1\ul Gen_14:11\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 David follows his desires and, while the hormones are pumping, he completely brackets out what he knows about right and wrong. Little does David imagine, in that moment, the far-reaching effects that will follow from this personal decision he makes. By deliberately flaunting his power, he will directly affect the lives of Bathsheba, Uriah, an unborn child, and the course of Israel\rquote s history.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Think about the decisions you make. Are they based mostly on reason, rational thinking, and logic, or are they based on emotion and passion? Which way of thinking seems to dominate you? Is there a right balance between these motives, and, if not, how can you find it?\b0\tab\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf3\b0\i0\fs23\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx721\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 Like Uriah, we should march toward obtaining a holy character to match the holy cause we are fighting for.\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Without becoming a \ldblquote David story,\rdblquote a telescoping study of Uriah offers a rich abundance of material. Allow Uriah \ldblquote moment\rdblquote by spotlighting his rock solid, upward components of character that may shine light toward an understanding of our own.\par \b Introduction: \b0 Of the Hittite tribe, Uriah was a native of Canaan, which had been invaded by Israel, and yet he ended up fighting side by side with the Jewish infantry in the Israeli-Ammonite war.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100 Of the Oneida tribe, Chapman Schanandoah was a native of America, which had been invaded by Europeans Upon allegiance to the American government, he fought side by side with the United States Navy seamen in the Spanish-American War. See \cf5\ul <\cf0\ulnone{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.oneidaindiannation.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 www.oneidaindiannation.com}}}\cf5\ul\f2\fs23 >\cf3\ulnone . \par Of Jacob\rquote s 12 tribes-either naturally or symbolically-we are natives of the fallen world, invaded by hope. Upon adoption (\cf4\ul Rom_8:14-15\cf3\ulnone ) we fight side-by-side with God\rquote s army in the great controversy.\par Clearly Uriah\rquote s story of changed allegiance and subsequent enlistment in the army of the opposition is not unique. Given the similarities in the narratives of the warriors listed, why is Uriah\rquote s story of allegiance to a \ldblquote turn-it-upside-down\rdblquote invading government so intriguing? What can we spiritually learn from Uriah?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 Ponder the \ldblquote foreignness\rdblquote of Uriah. Geographically, he was a native of Canaan and a resident of Israel. Spiritually, he was already adopted by God (vss. 15, 16) before his change in citizenship. Was Uriah, then, a foreigner in either sense of the word? Why, accordingly, do we continue to categorize him as an outsider?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 2\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 A Foreigner in Israel\b0\fs23\par Throughout this chapter, Uriah is referred to as Uriah the Hittite. So, who were the Hittites? The Hittites of Palestine were an ethnic group with an uncertain relationship to Neo-Hittite states to the north. In the Old Testament world-culture, nationality, race, and religion were very much interconnected. For this reason, the Old Testament strongly criticizes and prohibits intermarriage between Israel and the surrounding nations. The prohibition given in \cf1\ul Deu_7:3\cf0\ulnone is repeated at each major revival in Israel. A key to understanding the prohibitions against intermarriage is religion. The Old Testament is full of examples of foreigners who accept the God of Israel, and the Bible regards their assimilation to Israel positively. In the case of Uriah, the assimilation is in the form of marriage as well as religion. \par \b What are some examples of foreigners who were assimilated into Israel?\b0 \cf1\ul\i Jos_6:25\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i Rth_1:1-16\cf0\ulnone ,\i0 \cf1\ul\i Est_8:17\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_56:3-7\cf0\ulnone .\i0\tab\par Ruth, the Moabitess, left her land, people, and religion and went with her mother-in-law back to Israel. Her famous words underline the important concept of adopting not only another people but also another God: \ldblquote \lquote Don\rquote t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rth_1:16\cf0\ulnone , NIV). \i0 The assimilation includes not only exemplary daughters-in-law but also lying prostitutes. Remember Rahab, the prostitute who rescued the two spies? Here was someone who responded very positively to the little light she had and chose to believe that the God of Israel was powerful and faithful. Sometime after the fall of Jericho, Rahab marries Salmon and, together with Ruth, is included in the genealogy of Christ \i (\cf1\ul Jos_6:25\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_1:5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par Uriah was not the only Hittite to have served David. \cf1\ul 1Sa_26:6\cf0\ulnone mentions Ahimelech the Hittite. However, Uriah became one of David\rquote s elite warriors \i (\cf1\ul 1Ch_11:41\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Interestingly, if Eliam the father of Bathsheba \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:3\cf0\ulnone )\i0 was the same Eliam, who was the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_23:34\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 then Uriah had indeed married into a very influential family. His father-in-law also would have been an elite warrior and son of David\rquote s esteemed counselor. This could explain the proximity of Uriah\rquote s house to the palace, and it may provide a reason for Ahithophel\rquote s later defection to Absalom\rquote s conspiracy. It may well be that he held a grudge against David for the treatment of his granddaughter Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Read \cf1\ul Eph_2:19\cf0\ulnone . How can Ruth\rquote s, Rahab\rquote s, and Uriah\rquote s assimilation into Israel help us to establish our personal spiritual pedigree? How does this passage help us understand that no matter our background, through Christ we can be accepted into \ldblquote the household of God\rdblquote ?\b0\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Using Samuel\rquote s account, guide the class into sketching a character profile of Uriah, particularly the exemplary components that we want to assimilate into our own characters.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx721\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \b\f2 I. \ldblquote I Will Not Do This Thing.\rdblquote\par \b0 (Read \cf4\ul 2Sa_11:11\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Sa_1:26\cf3\ulnone , and Kings 2:2.)\par The ultimate revelation of Uriah\rquote s sterling character is his declaration (\cf4\ul 2Sa_11:11\cf3\ulnone , NKJV): \ldblquote As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.\rdblquote Whose conviction does Uriah seem to echo? (See \cf4\ul Gen_39:9\cf3\ulnone ).\par Uriah is referring to spending the night with his wife, which-obviously-no commandment forbids. Is loyal compassion for his comrades all that\rquote s going on? Or in addition to the problem of the ark being housed in a tent, is there an even deeper matter here?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100 Yes! Jewish tradition has it that, as a measure to conserve strength, Israelite soldiers took an oath not to have sexual relations the evening before, or during, battle or while their unit fought. Thus in the words of Angus MacGregor, Uriah \ldblquote honors his oath of no sex while his unit is in battle\rdblquote (\cf5\ul <\cf0\ulnone{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.hidenwood.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 www.hidenwood.com}}}\cf5\ul\f2\fs23 >\cf3\ulnone ).\par That Uriah was honoring an oath is evident by his phrase \ldblquote as you live, and as your soul lives.\rdblquote It was customary in Israel to swear oaths by the life of the person addressed (see The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary [1960], p. 780). We see the same words used by two other Bible characters, Hannah and Elisha, in making their oaths. (See \cf4\ul 1Sa_1:28\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul 2Ki_2:2\cf3\ulnone , respectively.)\par The permanence of keeping a vow was not to be trifled with (\cf4\ul Num_30:2\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul Deu_23:23\cf3\ulnone ), even if keeping it meant a person suffered loss in order to keep the vow (\cf4\ul Psa_15:4\cf3\ulnone ). So deeply was Uriah\rquote s oath ingrained in honor to the Lord and his own that, even in spite of David\rquote s making Uriah drunk (\cf4\ul 2Sa_11:13\cf3\ulnone ), Uriah was not swayed to break it! (Note: Some sources inter that Uriah was declaring an oath, not repeating a former one. Whether the oath was invoked on the spot or not, Uriah\rquote s strong conviction was that the oath was necessary and not to be revoked.)\par Verse 11 mentions another detail that reveals Captain Uriah\rquote s passionate commitment to get back to his men and end the war. He wanted the ark back into a proper dwelling.\par Uriah indeed believed that he was fighting for a holy cause. A strong hint that Uriah\rquote s holy character dame before the holy cause-rather than the cause serving as a wake-up call to character-is uncovered in the meaning of Uriah\rquote s name chosen by his parents: \ldblquote my light is the Lord.\rdblquote What does that imply about the childhood home he grew up in that could account for his sterling character?\par \b Consider This:\b0 Consider the following responses to the question, What temptations might have been going through Uriah\rquote s mind during his dinner with the king?\par \cf2\f3 n\cf3\f2 \ldblquote I am married.\rdblquote\par \cf2\f3 n\cf3\f2 \ldblquote The king himself told me to go to her.\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tx19440\cf2\f3 n\cf3\f2 \ldblquote Sure, I feel bad for the guys on the battlefield, but their situation tonight won\rquote t improve a whit by what I do or don\rquote t do here in Jerusalem tonight.\rdblquote\par \cf2\f3 n\cf3\f2 \ldblquote How would my fellow soldiers ever find out?\rdblquote\par \cf2\f3 n\cf3\f2 \ldblquote And after all, the soldiers don\rquote t really understand the pressures on a captain-how badly we need some creature comforts.\rdblquote\par Nevertheless, Uriah\rquote s bottom line was, \ldblquote But this is not upright. I would know. The Lord would know.\rdblquote What would be our response?\par \b II. Uriah Was Brave\par \b0 (Read \cf4\ul 2Sa_23:39\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100 Uriah was one of King David\rquote s 37 most valiant, honored, military men, one of the king\rquote s own elite bodyguard. To what military force might the 37 be compared?\par When Joab put Uriah\rquote s unit right up to the gate of the enemy\rquote s wall, Uriah had to know that in so hopeless a situation death was imminent if he did not flee. Uriah fought to the finish.\par \b Consider This:\b0 For what or whom are we willing to fight to the finish, and why?\par \b III. Uriah Could Be Trusted\par \b0 (Read \cf4\ul 2Sa_11:7\cf6\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_11:14\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\par David entrusted Uriah to courier for him a confidential battle report-even though it was only a ruse to bring Uriah home. Then he ordered him to take back unopened classified orders to the battlefield-his own death decree.\par \b Consider This:\b0 Could it be that, after knowing David\rquote s refusal to slay King Saul, Uriah trusted King David as much in return? Are we more often than not worthy of, or double-crossers of, the trust others place in us, and why? What is the only cure for our treachery?\par \b IV. Uriah Was Humble\b0\par (Read \cf4\ul 2Sa_11:9\cf6\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_11:13\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\par Any or the king\rquote s servants at the door would have complied with an order from Captain Uriah to make him a reservation at the Jerusalem Inn. But instead of pulling rank on the palace janitors, dishwashers, trash haulers, chandelier shiners, he simply, unpretentiously, parked himself among them to sleep.\par Besides military rank, what other reason could Uriah have had, were he unconverted, that could have \ldblquote gone to his head\rdblquote ?\par He\rquote s married into a royal family:\par \cf2\f3 n \cf3\f2 Bathsheba\rquote s grandfather, Ahithophel, was a counselor to the king (\cf4\ul 1Ch_27:33\cf3\ulnone ).\par \cf2\f3 n \cf3\f2 His father-in-law\rquote s name is in the same list of elite warriors as his own (\cf4\ul 2Sa_23:34\cf3\ulnone ).\tab\par \cf2\f3 n \cf3\f2 He could have been vain about his beautiful wife-Bathsheba.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 Contrast David\rquote s actions with Uriah\rquote s. How does Uriah\rquote s strength and commitment also suggest his humility?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 3\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 What\rquote s in a Name?\b0\fs23\par Names were very important in the biblical world. A name told of the person\rquote s cultural heritage and beliefs, or pointed to the wishes of the parents for the child. Often a change in life circumstances or beliefs was indicated by a change of name. \par \b Note the following biblical characters\rquote new names and mark the reason given for the name change\b0 :\par \b Abram\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Gen_17:5\cf0\ulnone )\i0 \par \b Jacob\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Gen_32:27-28\cf0\ulnone )\i0\par \b Daniel\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Dan_1:7\cf0\ulnone )\i0\par After Jacob\rquote s night of wrestling with the celestial visitor, he experienced perhaps one of the most far-reaching name changes in all sacred history. Out of a \ldblquote deceiver\rdblquote (Jacob) became a \ldblquote may-God-strive-for\rdblquote (Israel), and all of his descendants became known as \ldblquote Israelites,\rdblquote or the children of Israel. \par In the case of Daniel, the name change has a different purpose. King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to make sure that the young exiles knew who was in control. He also wanted to brainwash them somehow. Daniel\rquote s name was changed from \ldblquote God is my judge\rdblquote to \ldblquote protect the life of the prince\rdblquote (Belteshazzar) in an attempt by the heathen king to undermine Daniel\rquote s allegiance to his God. \par The name of Bathsheba\rquote s husband is not unique in biblical history. During the time of King Hezekiah, a prophet by the name of Uriah communicated God\rquote s judgment against Jerusalem \i (\cf1\ul Jer_26:20-23\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Interestingly, Uriah\rquote s name is Hebrew and could be translated as \ldblquote my light is the Lord\rdblquote or \ldblquote flame of the Lord.\rdblquote While he may have been a Hittite by birth, by choice he belonged to the God of Israel. Uriah\rquote s ethnic background underlines the fact that God does not look at the outside but knows the heart. Having family members in prominent church positions or great godly ancestors does not give us a better standing before God. Neither does our family history or even our past personal history affect our acceptance with God. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 By dying for all humanity, Christ tore down \i all\i0 barriers between \i all\i0 people\i (\cf1\ul Gal_3:28\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The Cross proves us all equal before God; Christ\rquote s death was for every human being, for every human being is of infinite value in His eyes. Sure, God has at times given different groups special tasks and callings, but that\rquote s not the same as saying some people are of more value to God than others. The Cross proves that point wrong.\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 This activity applies the rungs of the Christian growth ladder in \cf4\ul 2Pe_1:5-7\cf3\ulnone to this lesson\rquote s Key Concept.\par If we are to fight individually for a holy character as did Uriah, why is it not only enlightening, but also crucial, to evaluate occasionally where we perceive ourselves on the climb?\par Can we do this if we are not even familiar with the order of the rungs?\par With this thought in mind, prepare a double-sized handout, if supplies are available, with the rungs in random order on side one, perhaps alphabetically, and, on the reverse side, the correct sequence, beginning with faith, at the bottom.\par \b Activity: \b0 Ask the class to rearrange the random list in the order that they, in human insight, would suppose is the ascending order. Alternately, make a list of the rungs and scramble the order. Read them to the class, asking them to prioritize the rungs in the order they think the rungs must come on the ladder of Christian growth.\par Then ask, Does the ascending order of the \ldblquote real\rdblquote list come as a surprise? Read \cf4\ul Isa_55:9\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul 1Sa_16:7\cf3\ulnone\f1 .\par \f2 The exercise invokes intriguing questions: Is brotherly kindness and love even more difficult than godliness? Why does knowledge come after faith? (Clue: What is the difference between who we know and what we know, and why does the distinction matter?) At which level comes baptism?\par For deeper understanding of how the order given reflects \ldblquote divine\rdblquote sense, invite the class to read My Life Today, pp. 95-98, if available, noting the \ldblquote not become overwhelmed\rdblquote phrase.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Class members also may like to suggest, or write beside each character component, the name of a biblical \ldblquote poster child\rdblquote who comes to mind.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\f0\fs32 T\scaps hursday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 4\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 A Man of Principle\b0\fs23\par In the biblical narrative, Bathsheba appears as a passive character, and the biblical author refrains from making any comments about her accountability or involvement. However, even though she appears to be passive in the entire account, she, too, will pay a high price. Her baby son will die. The only time that Bathsheba speaks is when she sends a message to David to tell him that she is pregnant \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 David figures that if he can get Uriah home for even one evening, then it would appear that the baby was Uriah\rquote s, and David\rquote s sin would go undetected. And so David sends for Uriah, who has to make a tiring 40 mile (approximately 65 km) trip to Jerusalem. After making some small talk, David sends Uriah home with a veiled command that he go and sleep with his wife \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_11:8\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 In an effort to appear generous, he even sends a gift to Uriah\rquote s home, thinking that the situation is all taken care of. However, Uriah, being a man of principle, cannot be manipulated. The next morning David hears that Uriah spent the night in the gate with the servants of the king. The situation is quickly slipping out of David\rquote s control. David sends for Uriah. He is becoming frustrated. Uriah is showing him up badly. David, who was once a man of integrity, now cannot seem to understand Uriah\rquote s integrity. \par \b What does \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:10-13\cf0\ulnone tell us about Uriah\rquote s motives?\b0 \b What other examples can we find in the Bible of those who acted with the same kind of integrity?\b0 \par Uriah\rquote To)05-Oct 23-29-Abigail: No Victim of Circumstances {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiso!05-Oct 23-29-Abigail: No Victim of CircumstLo905-Oct 23-29-Abigail: No Victim of Circumstances {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\greenIulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer 45:1-5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_6:25-34\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par Memory Text: \ldblquote To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Isa_8:20\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . \par The world, as Baruch knew it, was drawing to a close. Jerusalem and Judah were in their final moments. Assyria, which had dominated the ancient Near East for well over two hundred years, was internally divided, engaged in civil war, and losing its grip on its vassal states. Meanwhile, a new superpower was on the horizon: Babylon. For a little time, Judah had some respite and, under good king Josiah (640-609 \scaps B.C.\scaps0 ), the nation managed to expand its territory and renew its commitment to the worship of the true God. However, with rapid changes occurring at the end of the seventh century \scaps B.C.\scaps0 , time was running out for Jerusalem. King Josiah died in battle against the Egyptians \i (\cf1\ul 2Ki_23:29\cf0\uon their behalf? Similarly, is prayer enough for the single parent struggling to make ends meet, or are we also called to reach out and help provide for him or her? In light of these rhetorical questions, discuss why there\rquote s much more to intercession than prayer, as Jesus showed us.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 12\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs23 \ldblquote God has chosen you for a great and solemn work. He has been seeking to discipline, to test, to prove you, to refine and ennoble you, that this sacred work may be done with a single eye to His glory which belongs wholly to God. What a thought that God chooses a man and brings him into close connection with Himself, and gives him a mission to undertake, a work to do, for Him. A weak man is made strong, a timid man is made brave, the irresolute becomes a man of firm 0 \i (\cf1\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\tab\tab\par Priests played a very important role in the life and history of Israel. And not just in Israel, but in the surrounding nations, as well. In Mesopotamian culture, the king was considered a priest; thus, he combined both politic506-Oct 30-Nov 5-Uriah: Faith of a Foreigner{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\Wc#06-Oct +c06-Oct 30-Nov 5-Uriah: Faith of a Foreigner{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\txveral local newspapers to get a sense of the issues challenging the community that surrounds your church. Then make a list of specific ways in which your class might help the community meet these challenges. Choose one idea from the list and implement it during the coming month. Set aside a short period of time for reports on how the project is progressing. \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 \cf5\ul Heb_7:25\cf4\ulnone states: \ldblquote Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them\rdblquote (NKJV). Jesus intercedes for us, but do we intercede for others? Sure, we pray for people, but is this all there is to intercession? To intercede is to plead or make a request on behalf of another. Do children caught in the juvenile justice system need our prayers alone, or do they also need our advocacy par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Free choice is one of the most sacred gifts God has given us. It came with a great cost, too: the death of Jesus on the Cross. (Had we not been given free choice, we could not have chosen to sin, and Jesus would not have died for us.) How carefully do you think through and pray through the decisions you make? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\f2 If we ever are perplexed about how to fulfill God\rquote s holy calling for us, we need look no further than the life of Jesus. Jesus lived a life of daily devotion to the will and dictates of His Father. He exemplified the life of service and sacrifice with which members of the ancient priesthood were familiar.\par As a class, peruse sear \b Read \cf1\ul Mat_26:14-16\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_26:20-25\cf0\ulnone . Explain this prediction in the light of Abiathar\rquote s demotion from the priesthood. What similar principle is operating in both cases?\b0\par The fact that Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray him did not cause Jesus to push Judas away. Judas was included in the inner circle of the Twelve. He experienced the power of God firsthand. But Judas, like Abiathar, was not prepared to accept God\rquote s will. It seems that he also shared with Abiathar some ideas about kingship and how issues of power and control should be handled. Judas wanted to see Jesus crowned king of an earthly kingdom. Frustrated, he turned to the traditional leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, and betrayed his true King. \par Divine foreknowledge does not automatically translate into divine predestination. People have choices, as did Judas and Abiathar. God\rquote s foreknowledge of these choices doesn\rquote t limit our freedom in making them. \ved. After Adonijah was put to death \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_2:13-25\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , there was still the issue of Abiathar the priest, who had so faithfully served Solomon\rquote s father. What was to be done with him for his part in the insurrection against Solomon?\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_2:26-27\cf0\ulnone . How does Solomon deal with Abiathar, and what reasons does he give? \b0\tab\par A superficial reading of the verse may give the impression that Abiathar is dismissed because of a prophecy made to Eli over a hundred years before \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_2:30-36\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 But really what we have here is a demonstration of the way God knows our future free choices. God knows what free choices we and our descendants will make, and so He is able to prophesy the future. God knew that just as Eli\rquote s sons disqualified themselves from the priestly office by their behavior, their descendant, Abiathar, also would disqualify himself from the priestly office by being unwilling to accept God\rquote s choices.\p402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0 Think of three people who don\rquote t seem to be in a saving relationship with Jesus, yet whom you would love to see in heaven. Write their names in a place where you can be reminded of them each day. During the next week, ask God to show you one thing that you can do for each of these people that would help lead them to Christ. If the opportunity arises, share the testimony of the difference that God has made in your life. Don\rquote t worry about being rejected as you share. Instead, tell God that you want to fulfill your role as His special emissary to these special people.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 11\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Abiathar\rquote s Fate \b0\fs23\par After the death of David and the ascension of Solomon to the throne, certain issues needed to be resol does Christ play in our ability to live a holy life? What role does the Holy Spirit play in making us holy?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx720\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b\f2\fs22 Application Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 Wednesday\rquote s study makes the point that Abiathar\rquote s decision to support Adonijah may have been the result of following what he believed to be the succession tradition in ancient Israel. From your perspective, what are some of the traditions in the church that may be hindering our understanding of God\rquote s will?\par \cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 As one of God\rquote s priests or priestesses, what can you do to remain faithful to God until the end of your life, or until He comes?\f1\par \b\f2 Witnessing: \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3rete ways to apply the answers to life. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\fs23 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 Israel\rquote s high priest wore the sacred ephod with a breastplate, holding 12 precious stones, each representing one of Israel\rquote s 12 tribes. The tribes were to be always near the priest\rquote s heart. Of course, we lack the visual aid of the ephod and breastplate to remind us of the close tie to exist between priest and people today. So, then, how do we, ourselves \ldblquote priests,\rdblquote carry God\rquote s people-all people-near our hearts?\par \cf3\f4 n \cf4\f2 Followers of Christ are chosen and royal, but they also are called to be holy (\cf5\ul Mat_5:48\cf4\ulnone , \cf5\ul 1Pe_1:16\cf4\ulnone ). What does it mean to be holy? What roleblquote We\rquote ve always done it like this.\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b How often do we let tradition get in the way of God\rquote s leading? At the same time, why must we be careful not to judge things automatically as mere \ldblquote tradition\rdblquote and then brush them off? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 As you discuss the thought and application questions below with your class, focus on developing practical answers to the questions. For instance, part of the answer to the first thought question should include hands-on things members can do, as God\rquote s ambassadors on earth, to cultivate a culture of care for all people. Focus on finding concs rightfully his. Adonijah conferred with Joab and Abiathar, and they gave him their support \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_1:7\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par Solomon was younger than Adonijah and had a shameful family background. His mother was none other than Bathsheba, the former wife of Uriah the Hittite, who was murdered in order to cover David\rquote s affair with Bathsheba. But in spite of his shameful background, Solomon was loved by God \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_12:24\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 and it was clear that God had chosen him to be David\rquote s successor \i (\cf1\ul 1Ch_22:9-10\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 In the face of this uncomfortable choice, it may be that Abiathar could not reconcile himself with the public scandal that the choice would cause, and so he falls back on tradition as opposed to God\rquote s revealed will. \par Tradition can be very comfortable, as it saves us from taking responsibility to think things through in the light of God\rquote s revealed will. It is much easier and \ldblquote safer\rdblquote just to say, \ldd, the firstborn son was traditionally considered his father\rquote s main heir. For a king, that would mean that the firstborn son would inherit the throne. God is, however, never bound by tradition. As a matter of fact, during the history of Israel He often overlooked firstborns to call others, sometimes by divine decrees and sometimes by the circumstances and choices of the firstborn themselves \i (See \cf1\ul Gen_4:1-5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_21:8-12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_25:21-34\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_48:8-19\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Sa_16:6-12\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_1:1-8\cf0\ulnone . What could have caused Abiathar, who had been so loyal to David, to do what he did here?\b0\par Solomon was not the oldest son and so by custom would not normally have succeeded his father as king. The oldest son, Amnon, had been killed by his brother Absalom. Absalom, in turn, had been killed during his unsuccessful coup attempt. And now the fourth oldest son, Adonijah, felt that the throne wa\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 Abiathar used the imprimatur or distinction of his high-priestly office to sanction a sinful act-the rebellion of Adonijah. In a real sense, he used the spiritual authority given him by God to cause others to go against God\rquote s will. What warning did Jesus give the disciples concerning last-day religious teachers and purveyors? See \cf5\ul Mat_7:15-23\cf4\ulnone . \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 10\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Abiathar\rquote s Choice\b0\fs23\par We have no record of Abiathar\rquote s personal opinions, politics, or religious views. Everything that he says is recorded as God\rquote s Word to David. But his actions speak louder than words. Even though he is not recorded as saying anything, just being there makes a powerful statement.\par In the time of Davi\rquote s royal priesthood?\par \b III. Decisions, Decisions\par \b0 (Read \cf5\ul 1Ki_1:5-7\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par Abiathar\rquote s betrayal of David and defection to Adonijah seems out of character. He faithfully had performed his priestly duties from the time he fled from Saul to the time of Adonijah\rquote s rebellion. However, the act of treason he committed suggests that he had stopped seeking God for guidance or had come to his own conclusion about who should be king. Abiathar\rquote s act of treason was deserving of death, but since he was a priest who, in the past had served and suffered with David, his sentence was commuted.\par One of the chief responsibilities of the priest was to intercede with God on behalf of the people. Jesus exemplifies this ethic (\cf5\ul Rom_8:34\cf4\ulnone ). How would Abiathar be able to fulfill this awesome responsibility if he used his office to divide the nation?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536red of ancient Israel.\par \ldblquote According to the divine plan and purpose the Israelites were to be both a royal and a priestly race. In an evil world they were to be kings, moral and spiritual, in that they were to prevail over the realm of sin (\cf5\ul Rev_20:6\cf4\ulnone ). As priests, they were to draw near to the Lord in prayer, in praise, and in sacrifice. As intermediaries between God and the heathen, they were to serve as instructors, preachers, and prophets, and were to be examples of holy living-Heaven\rquote s exponents of true religion.\rdblquote -The SDA \f3\fs22 Bible Commentary\fs23 , \f2 vol. 1, p. 595.\par \b Consider This:\b0 Many Christians today want what they perceive to be the accolades and blessings that come from being God\rquote s royal representatives on earth. In many Christian quarters, there is a distinct emphasis on material blessings as evidence of one\rquote s connection with the divine. How are we to counteract this false idea of what it means to be a member of Godves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Eph_2:8-9\cf4\ulnone NKJV). We are the products of God\rquote s amazing grace, and as such we owe God an affirmative answer to His call to service. \f1\par \b\f2 Consider This:\b0 What does it mean to be called out? What special characteristics bind the called-out ones to Jesus Christ and to one another? (\cf5\ul Gal_3:26-28\cf4\ulnone )?\par \b II. A Royal Priesthood\par \b0 (Read \cf5\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par The idea that God is willing to share royalty with those who are His subjects should fill us with wonder. Incidentally, royalty is one of the unique gifts Christians share with their God. While the gods of other faiths reserve royalty for themselves, God offered it to ancient Israel and likewise now to all, Jew and Gentile, who believe in Jesus (1 Peter 2). This gift comes, however, with several high expectations. Perhaps we can understand what God expects from us by seeing what He requis priests and their families at the command of Saul is a powerful testament to the unspiritual depths to which he had sunk. Miraculously, providentially, Abiathar escaped the slaughter and made his way to David\rquote s side. It is a truth that all who have been saved from certain peril owe something to the one who saved them. For every Christian certain peril has a name-Satan. The Bible makes clear in \par \cf5\ul 1Pe_5:8\cf4\ulnone that our \ldblquote adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour\rdblquote (NKJV). \par When God saves us, He literally takes us from the jaws of a powerful adversary bent on our destruction. This was the case with Abiathar. Like Abiathar, Israel had been saved from Egyptian bondage and captivity through the miraculous intervention of God (Exodus 7-14). The apostle Paul honed in on this penchant of God\rquote s for rescuing fallen humanity, when he wrote: \ldblquote For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yoursel4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 As you examine the priestly calling that rests upon followers of Jesus Christ, make the point that the called owe God much in return for saving them and giving them a privileged work. Therefore, we must participate with God in the work of reaching lost men and women. It is the least that we can do to show our gratitude to God for His grace.\par \b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tqr\tx7920\b\f2 I. Chosen Above All Others\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 (Read \cf5\ul 1Sa_22:20-23\cf4\ulnone and \cf5\ul Zec_3:2\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\f1\par \f2 The murder of the Lord\rquote proves bright enough to figure out what is going on and tells Absalom. The priests\rquote sons are chased by Absalom\rquote s men and find a sympathizer and climb into a well. A woman makes things appear what they are not by throwing a cloth over the well and sprinkling grain over the top, reminiscent of Rahab\rquote s method of hiding the two spies under flax stalks \i (\cf1\ul Jos_2:6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 In our own context, things are often not what they seem, either. Many an aching heart is hidden by a smile. As Christ\rquote s followers, we are called to be His representatives. We become God\rquote s hands to reach out to those around us. We must be open and sensitive in order to look beyond appearances and see people and situations for what they really are, and we must be willing to sacrifice of ourselves to help.\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cfring a cross, displaying a religious slogan, or keeping a set of rules does not guarantee God\rquote s presence or compliance. God cannot be manipulated. The ark was to stay where it belonged. Leaving the ark there was also an act of faith on David\rquote s part. He trusted that God would save him and bring him back to Jerusalem once again.\par The ark of God is set down, and Abiathar offers sacrifices \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_15:24\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 until all the people have finished leaving the city. In this particular moment, the priests, Abiathar and Zadok, become intercessors for David and his people.\par The story of David\rquote s intelligence network makes for exciting reading \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_17:15-29\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Abiathar and Zadok become David\rquote s eyes and ears in the city. Abiathar\rquote s and Zadok\rquote s sons wait for word outside Jerusalem. People are not what they seem to be. An unsuspicious female servant brings the message out to the young men. A young lad innocently standing around \b0\i November 9\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Absalom\rquote s Revolt\b0\fs23\par Second Samuel 15-18 tells the sad story of Absalom, David\rquote s son who revolted against his father\rquote s rule. At one point, Absalom\rquote s army is on its way to Jerusalem. This must have been a nightmare for Abiathar. David has decided to flee rather than turn Jerusalem into a battlefield and cause a bloodbath. All of David\rquote s faithful followers prepare to flee with him. Abiathar must have remembered his flight after the massacre of his family and village under King Saul. He gets ready to leave with David. \b\par Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_15:13-29\cf0\ulnone . What does this passage teach us about the character of David, even at this time of peril? What role does Abiathar play in this episode?\b0\par Taking the ark of God, Abiathar and priests prepare to leave the city, but David orders that the ark stay. David has learned that carrying the symbol of God\rquote s presence does not necessarily mean that God is with you. Wea Jesus as Savior in succeeding centuries, harkens back to \cf5\ul Exo_19:6\cf4\ulnone , when God gave Moses the following message to give to the Israelites: \ldblquote \lquote \ldblquote And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.\rdblquote \rquote These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Exo_19:6\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). It was always God\rquote s vision that a special, called-out group of human beings would participate with Him in the task of spreading the gospel to the world. \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 Why did God choose to use fallen human beings to help Him reach other fallen human beings? What does this tell us about God? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tabnt priests or New Testament apostles but challenges us to intercede for our families, communities, and all those around us. How can you better serve in the role of \ldblquote priest\rdblquote ?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 Christians are called to be a nation of priests and priestesses, distinguished by their sacred calling, royal lineage, and holy conduct.\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Using \cf5\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf4\ulnone , lead your class in a discussion of the following question: Who is part of the chosen generation, royal priesthood, and holy nation, referred to by Peter?\par Peter\rquote s special designation for members of the then fledgling Christian church, and those who would accepte frustrations, fears, and betrayals that David and his men must have often felt in the face of continued persecution. \par This motif of personal identification with a person or a group of people is important in the New Testament\rquote s concept of priesthood. The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus can be our High Priest because He fully can empathize with us \i (\cf1\ul Heb_2:17\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Read \cf1\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf0\ulnone . The New Testament clearly teaches that all of us have the responsibilities of priests in our communities. Ours is no self-calling. Jesus said: \ldblquote \lquote You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name\rquote \rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Joh_15:16\cf0\ulnone , NIV)\b . \i0 God\rquote s calling to us does not make us into Old Testamehad little access to God\rquote s Written Word. There were only a few handwritten copies of the book of the law (the Pentateuch), so most people had little opportunity to study the Word of God for themselves. Most of us are privileged to have access to the Bible for ourselves. God has promised to give us the Holy Spirit to explain the Word to us, personally and collectively \i (\cf1\ul Joh_14:26\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 God also uses people to give us godly advice\i (\cf1\ul Pro_20:18\cf0\ulnone )\i0 and works through circumstances, too \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:28\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \b What were some of the functions of Abiathar when he was priest? \cf1\ul\b0\i 1Sa_23:9-13\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Sa_15:24\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_17:15-22\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0 \b0\par Besides functioning in these roles, Abiathar had experienced personal trauma and, like David, he was a homeless refugee-which somehow prepared him even better to serve the future king of Israel, who was also constantly on the run. He could understand th king and supporting a usurper to the throne. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 8\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Abiathar, the Priest\fs23\par \b0 We\rquote re not told how Abiathar escaped the slaughter of his family. We\rquote re told only that he escaped and made his way to David. However, before fleeing, Abiathar managed to save the ephod\i (see \cf1\ul 1Sa_23:6\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , one of the most important objects of priesthood (a sacred vestment worn by the priests; \i see \cf1\ul Exo_28:6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_39:2-7\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 which was used to seek God\rquote s will when making decisions. On at least two occasions, the biblical author reports that David called for Abiathar and the ephod \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_23:9-12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_30:7-8\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par In contrast to many of us today, the people in Abiathar\rquote s days 0\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Friend and Betrayer\par \b0 A. Abiathar was loyal to David during both Saul\rquote s persecution and Absalom\rquote s rebellion. Near the end of David\rquote s life, however, Abiathar abandoned David for another royal son who wanted David\rquote s throne. What might have caused this betrayal? How can one act undo a life of service?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Royal Priests\par \b0 A. We, too, are chosen as priests, to serve God in prayer, praise, and intermediation in good times and bad. How may we disqualify ourselves as Abiathar did?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 B. Is there something we must do to qualify ourselves for service in God\rquote s royal priesthood? Why, or why not?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 After a long life of service as a priest, Abiathar disqualified himself for ministry by betraying hisfor service in God\rquote s work.\par \b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Stand on God\rquote s side as members of a people chosen to serve as a royal priesthood, praising God and serving in the priestly role of intermediation.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 On the Run\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0\f2 A. Abiathar (the sole survivor of Saul\rquote s massacre of the priesthood) and David found common cause in escaping Saul\rquote s tyranny. Abiathar served David many years, but what act of disloyalty to God\rquote s anointed eventually disqualified Abiathar as a priest.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx28800\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 Look at the contrast in this story between honor and dishonor, faithfulness and faithlessness. Look at the havoc wreaked from dishonesty and sin. What kind of moral questions are you facing right now; what kind of moral choices must you make? Think through the consequences of your actions before you take them. \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf4\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Identify how the choices of Abiathar the priest affected his qualifications for priesthood in what he did both for, and against, David.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Value the importance of loyalty to God\rquote s purposes as a critical qualification aps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 7\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Lies and Tragedy\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_21:1-9\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul 1Sa_22:6-23\cf0\ulnone and answer the following questions: \par What lie did David tell to Ahimelech about why he was there?\par What happened to Ahimelech as a result of his trust in David? \par How did Saul seek to turn his own men against David? What kind of argument did he use?\par How does Ahimelech respond to Saul regarding the character and faithfulness of David? \par What does this story tell us about just how fallen and degenerate and vengeful King Saul has become?\par Why do you think Doeg, a foreigner, would do what the servants of Saul refused to do?\par How does David respond to the news of the massacre? In what ways was his response correct?\par What promise does David make to the one son of Ahimelech who managed to escape the slaughter?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx72 Old Testament especially, the role of the priesthood was central to the life of faith of Israel. Sacred history shows the influential roles of the priests in New Testament times, as well.\par The priesthood of all believers \i (\cf1\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 an idea that came to prominence in the Protestant Reformation, is not entirely a New Testament concept \i (see \cf1\ul Exo_19:6\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . It seems always to have been God\rquote s ideal that believers would be holy and serve others by interceding for them and by communicating the plan of salvation. \par This week we\rquote ll look at Abiathar\rquote s story, which gives us some important glimpses into the Old Testament priesthood and tells us that priesthood is not based just on pedigree or education but on personal commitment to the Lord. As in the case of Abiathar, wrong choices can disqualify a member of the priesthood. \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 13\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scLesson 7\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i *November 6-12\fs23\par \b\i0\fs40 Abiathar: The Priest\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul Exo_28:6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_39:2-7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Sa_21:1-9\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_22:6-23\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Sa_15:13-29\cf0\ulnone\b\i0 .\par Memory Text: \ldblquote But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\tab\tab\par Priests played a very important role in the life and history of Israel. And not just in Israel, but in the surrounding nations, as well. In Mesopotamian culture, the king was considered a priest; thus, he combined both political and religious power. Priestly guilds represented powerful interests at the court, and there are many instances where priests were king-makers. In the$a`par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs23\par \b Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul 1Sa_26:5-11\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i 2Sa_11:1-27\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Est_8:17\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i Psa_51:1-19\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i Isa_56:3-7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Eph_2:19\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par \b Memory Text:\b0 \b\ldblquote Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength\rdblquote\b0\i (\cf1\ul Deu_6:5\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\par Imagine that you are buying a train ticket. You stand in line for a long time and worry about missing your train. Finally you pay, receive your ticket, and run to the train. On the way you count your change and discover that you have been given far too much. What do you do? Stand in line again to return the money and perhaps miss your train or simply consider this your {{isguided loyalties, jealousy, and stubbornness; Joab\rquote s time is a time where survival is not guaranteed by a strong central administration and a co[Ma07-Nov 6-12-Abiathar: The Priest{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New RomaM07-Nov 6-12-Abiathar: The Priest{\rtf1\ansiy M507-Nov 6-12-Abiathar: The Priest{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 lnone ). \i0 His sons, reigning after him, did not have the same status as their father, and they rebelled repeatedly against Babylon, a fatal mistake. Finally, in 586 \scaps B.C.\scaps0 , Jerusalem was taken, the temple destroyed, and many Judeans taken captive. \par Baruch lived in this time of dramatic change and loss. However, though his world was crumbling, he left a legacy that no king or war could destroy. \tab\par What can we learn from Baruch, our final background character in the Bible? \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 25.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 19\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Baruch\rquote s World\fs23\par \b0 Baruch\rquote s world was constructed around certain political, economic, and religious realities that dominated his nation at that time. Politically speaking, the country of Judah was chafing under the yoke of Babylonian domination. Strong nationalistic undercurrents affected all areas of society. People "Dc506-Oct 30-Nov 5-Uriah: Faith of a F_-08-Nov 13-19-Joab: David's Weak StrongmN _M08-Nov 13-19-Joab: David's Weak Strongman{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 8\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i *November 13-19\fs23\par \b\i0\fs40 Joab: David\rquote s Weak Strongman\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i 2Sa_2:17-23\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_3:23-27\cf2\ulnwanted to be free of Babylon. Economically, things were going quite well, at least for a sector of the population growing wealthier by exploiting the poor. And, of course, there was the religious system of ancient Judah, which was to form the foundation for all the society.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Jer_7:1-11\cf0\ulnone . What are some of the crucial moral and spiritual problems the people were being warned about? What parallels might we be able to draw to our own time today? Give special attention to \cf1\ul Jer_7:4\cf0\ulnone . What were the people being told there, and what lesson can we take from that for ourselves?\par \b0 Baruch\rquote s name means \ldblquote one who is blessed,\rdblquote and Baruch does seem blessed. He was a scribe, which meant that he was a highly educated man. He seems to have come from a family of scribes, and he had the correct family connections.\par Exactly how Baruch is drawn into the service of the priest and prophet Jeremiah we are not told. Perhaps it is the solidness of Jeremiah\rquote s connection to God that draws Baruch to him. Indeed, the social, political, and economic ideal that Jeremiah preaches is firmly rooted in God\rquote s revelation. Jeremiah is not afraid of standing up for the Word of God, even when it is deemed politically incorrect to do so. Through his visions, Jeremiah has unique insights into the fallibility of the structures that his society trusted in, and he was called upon by the Lord to warn the people about what their actions would lead to if they didn\rquote t change their ways. Perhaps it was his desire to be a part of this that led Baruch into his special role. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Read again \cf1\ul Jer_7:1-11\cf0\ulnone . How might these words apply to you, in your own walk with the Lord? What things in your life need amending? What \ldblquote lying words\rdblquote might you also be trusting in? What other \ldblquote gods\rdblquote might you be walking with? How open and honest with yourself are you willing to be in confronting these questions? \tab\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul Jer_5:4-5\cf4\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Examine the challenges and persecution that Jeremiah and Baruch faced in delivering the Word of God to Israel\rquote s leaders.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Identify with the expectations and disappointments that Baruch faced in his supporting role to Jeremiah\rquote s ministry.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Determine to seek God\rquote s glory in everything, rather than seeking great things for ourselves.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\f2 I. \b\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 \b Trouble on the Right Side\f1\par \b0\f2 A. Jeremiah\rquote s whole life was one of great hardship; he was even kidnapped and carried off to Egypt, the very place he warned Israel\rquote s leaders not to go\lang4105\f1 -\lang1033\f2 and apparently he died there. How did Baruch share in Jeremiah\rquote s persecution?\par II. \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 \b No Great Things\par \b0 A. How did Baruch feel about all the trouble he faced? God promised to save his life, but why did He ask Baruch not to seek great things for himself?\par B. Jeremiah never got kudos for speaking God\rquote s words to His people; yet, he faithfully gave God\rquote s messages. What was the danger of twisting the words of God to the people in order to make popular statements, as Hananiah did? \par III. \b\fs22 Do:\fs23 God\rquote s Perspective\b0\f1\par \f2 A. As we work for God, what perspective do we need to keep in mind about our own personal outcomes?\par B. Why should we refrain from seeking great things for ourselves?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 As Jeremiah\rquote s scribe, Baruch wrote and publicly read many of Jeremiah\rquote s messages. He also shared in the suffering of God\rquote s servant, as we all are called to do. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 20\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Jeremiah\rquote s Scribe\b0\fs23\par The book of Jeremiah provides us with some unique glimpses into the writing process of the Bible. Baruch, Jeremiah\rquote s scribe, is actually participating in the transmission and preservation of God\rquote s Word. In \cf1\ul Jer_36:4\cf0\ulnone , Jeremiah calls Baruch and-as he dictates a message to the people-Baruch copies it all down on a parchment scroll. This is an excellent illustration of how inspiration works. First, God does not physically take control of the prophet Jeremiah and move his hand as he writes. Rather, God gives Jeremiah visions and messages. Normally the prophet then formulates the message and writes it down. In this particular case, Jeremiah himself did not do the writing but dictated to Baruch, who then wrote it down. Baruch also communicates the message in public. Because Jeremiah is out of favor in the court and has been denied access to the temple, Baruch reads the prophetic message in the temple on a holy day. Baruch never claims to be speaking for himself or even for Jeremiah; the message comes from God.\par \b Read the story of Hananiah in \cf1\ul Jer_28:1-17\cf0\ulnone . In what ways does this narrative reveal the principle revealed in \cf1\ul Isa_8:20\cf0\ulnone ?\tab\par \b0 God\rquote s message does not flatter or bend to public opinion. It is not always, or even very often, \ldblquote politically correct.\rdblquote Nor does God\rquote s message contradict itself; human interpretations of the message might be contradictory, but never the message itself.\par In \cf1\ul Jer_28:7-9\cf0\ulnone , the prophet refers to the unity of Scripture built on the firm foundation of fulfilled prophecy. The false prophet\rquote s untimely death in this chapter vividly reinforces this important principle. \par The point is that God has given us not only His Word but also very good reasons for trusting in that Word, even when we come to parts that we don\rquote t understand or sections that offend our sensibilities. The Bible doesn\rquote t save us, Jesus does; but He has revealed Himself to us more fully in the Scriptures than He has anywhere else. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b There are many forces at work to weaken our trust in the Word of God. Identify some of those forces and ask yourself how you can protect yourself from them. After all, if we stop trusting in the messages of the Bible, what is left to trust in? \b0\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 God is trustworthy, especially during periods of upheaval and difficult circumstances.\f1\par \f2 Global newscasts daily remind viewers that the earth remains chaotic, unpredictable, and dangerous. Military invasions, collapsing financial institutions, widespread famine, nuclear proliferation, and other \ldblquote headline grabbers\rdblquote threaten life itself, leaving little room for complacency. Moral disintegration engulfs modern society while financial icebergs instill fear among international leaders. Was Jeremiah\rquote s message, viewed through his associate\rquote s eyes, ever more appropriate or timely? \par Baruch served as Jeremiah\rquote s scribe during the most chaotic period of Israel\rquote s history. Everything was collapsing around them. Babylon crushed opposing nations like a steamroller crushes crackers. Judah likewise succumbed to Babylon\rquote s military prowess. Apparently Judah\rquote s leaders were \ldblquote doubting Thomases,\rdblquote failing to believe that Jehovah was indeed trustworthy. Instead they invested their faith in political alliances with other nations, whose ability to defeat Babylon was roughly equal to the capability of ants to lift skyscrapers! During times of upheaval and difficult circumstances, personal or global, who receives our trust? Placing trust in ourselves, our interviewing skills, our political connections, our financial reserves probably demonstrates less intelligence than did Judah\rquote s placement of trust in Egypt. However, beyond the troubled horizon, Jehovah remains secure, immovable, trustworthy, and intimately concerned about human trials and earthly conditions. Trusting Him is humanity\rquote s most important decision today.\f1\par \b\f2 Opening Activity: \b0 Utilizing current newspapers, periodicals, and/or the Internet (supplemented by human memory), create a list of international troubles. Categories may include monetary, societal, ecological, familial, moral, et cetera. Which deeper spiritual problems underlie these more visible surface problems? \f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 When physicians diagnose diseases, why is it more effective for them to treat the underlying causes for the symptoms rather than simply the symptoms? By the same token, why should government leaders, who focus on fixing problems, spend more time understanding the spiritual maladies that undergird our collapsing societies? Personally speaking, when facing unemployment, divorce or separation, disease, loneliness, depression, and other life challenges, why should we be more attentive than we usually are to the spiritual foundations underlying those problems?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 21\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Thwarted Ambitions\b0 \i\fs23 (\cf1\ul Jer_36:1-32\cf0\ulnone )\i0\par The seriousness of the situation finally seemed to be dawning on the people of Judah. In \cf1\ul Jer_36:9\cf0\ulnone , the people gathered in the temple for a day of fasting before the Lord. Through his professional connections with other scribes, Baruch manages to secure a good public place, in the window of Gemariah at the entrance to the temple. Here Baruch proceeds to read the scroll that he has written at Jeremiah\rquote s dictation. After Baruch\rquote s reading of the message, court officials ask him to give them a private reading. After inquiries as to where the message comes from, the officials decide to bring it to the king\rquote s attention. For a brief moment it looks as if there might be change in Judah. For Baruch this is a moment of hope. Should things turn around, then his support for Jeremiah will pay off. In the possible reformation he will be a man of importance, maybe elevated to a high position in the government.\par \b What did the king\rquote s response mean to the future hopes of Baruch, at least on a professional level? \b0\i See \cf1\ul Jer_36:1-32\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \b0 Scrolls were made of papyrus and were expensive. They had to be copied by hand. This made each scroll a scarce and precious resource. This particular scroll was God\rquote s message to King Jehoiakim. The king and his servants showed a deliberate insult to God by systematically cutting and burning the scroll. The burning of the scroll meant the loss of many hours of hard work by Baruch. \par Baruch, who may have hoped for an honored position in court, now realizes that he has backed the \ldblquote wrong\rdblquote player and effectively sabotaged his future as a scribe at the royal court of Jerusalem. He also has angered the most powerful man in the kingdom. Here\rquote s a clear case where someone\rquote s stand for the Lord has cost him something. \par Together with Jeremiah, Baruch is now a marked man. Royal agents comb the city, seeking to get hold of these defeatists. Following God is no path for cowards or people who want to use God in order to make a nice career for themselves. Being God\rquote s messenger does not represent a life driven by personal ambition but rather involves letting God\rquote s will unfold in our lives, whatever the cost. At times, that cost can be very great.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What has following the Lord cost you? When was the last time you had to lose or sacrifice something important to you because you stood for a biblical principle or for a commandment from God? Think through the implications of your answer, whatever it is. \b0\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Adrift in national confusion, Baruch and his contemporaries faced the rapid disintegration of Judah\rquote s societal underpinnings. Jerusalem\rquote s fortifications had proved helpless against the Babylonian onslaught. Temple worship, Israel\rquote s spiritual barometer, had plummeted into paganism. Ironically, this plummet was only years removed from Josiah\rquote s sweeping reforms. Those reforms had reestablished the purity of administering the Levitical instructions to levels unseen for generations. Removed from Jehovah\rquote s protection, the land was ravaged with famine and other natural disasters. Rather than heeding Jeremiah\rquote s calls for repentance, Judah\rquote s leadership became even more defiant, defending trespasses, persecuting-even murdering-prophetic messengers, and plunging ever deeper into idolatrous worship. Comparing our contemporary problems with Judah\rquote s situation should inspire us with hope. God established His promises with Judah then; we should believe that He will do so today, as well with all who are willing to accept them.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \b\f2 I. Baruch\rquote s World\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul Jer_7:1-11\cf4\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Remembering how God has led in history is critically important. However, trusting in symbols embedded in that history-without a corresponding contemporary and dynamic relationship with God-is foolishness. Judah made this mistake. Their attitude was \ldblquote Consider this beautiful temple. Such grandeur clearly demonstrates divine favor toward us, Jehovah\rquote s chosen nation. As long as we cling to this symbol, nothing threatens our security. Despite our wickedness, our depraved indifference to divine directives, our arrogant treatment of fellow Israelites, our self-centered pursuit of godless pleasure, God will protect and preserve our culture and national identity.\rdblquote Jeremiah was commissioned to rebuke such complacency, and Baruch was designated as Jeremiah\rquote s spokesperson. Caught in the political crossfire, Baruch faced an ominous decision between faithfulness to God and compromise for political expediency. Sound familiar?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 Before judging Israel for blasphemous arrogance, we should examine ourselves. What symbols of God\rquote s past leading might we depend on instead of a living relationship with God? How have such catchphrases as \ldblquote remnant church,\rdblquote \ldblquote three angels\rquote messages,\rdblquote and \ldblquote Spirit of Prophecy\rdblquote become mere jargon, providing false security to a wayward generation? In what ways has the church become an institution defined by past experiences and symbols rather than by a living connection with the Eternal Father?\par \b II. Thwarted Ambitions\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul Jer_36:1-32\cf4\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ldblquote In the OT the scribe first appears as a muster officer (\cf5\ul Jdg_5:14\cf4\ulnone ). In the monarchical period (eleventh to tenth centuries B.C.), the scribe was a high cabinet officer concerned with finance, policy, and administration (\cf5\ul 2Ki_22:1-20\cf4\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Jer_36:10\cf4\ulnone ). Jeremiah\rquote s associate, Baruch, who recorded his words, was also a scribe (\cf5\ul Jer_36:32\cf4\ulnone ).\rdblquote -Paul J. Achtemeier, ed., The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1996), p. 980. In ancient civilizations, when literacy was limited, scribes formed a significant and highly respected professional class. Their educational status and expertise in matters of economics, jurisprudence, government, and religion offered them a privileged place in society. Baruch\rquote s prospects were thus much higher than what average Jewish citizens might expect. His brother, Seraiah, was a staff officer in King Zedekiah\rquote s court (\cf5\ul Jer_51:59\cf4\ulnone ). This status suggests that Baruch\rquote s association with the political renegade Jeremiah indicates a personal spiritual decision. Apparently he, like Moses many generations before, refused the natural advantages of royal court appointment, choosing instead \ldblquote to share the oppression of God\rquote s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Heb_11:25\cf4\ulnone , NLT). Such sacrifice is admirable anywhere but seems doubly virtuous during the disastrous final years of Judah\rquote s existence when security was scarce. His perceived betrayal of Judah in favor of Babylon served only to endanger his life.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx990\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190\tx8910\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 What level of spiritual resolve is necessary to swim upstream against popular opinion? How can Christians today prepare themselves for persecution and ridicule? How willing are we to sacrifice our earthly ambitions in favor of spiritual principles\par \b II. Woe Is Me!\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul Jer_45:1-5\ulnone \cf4 with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Despite his spiritual fortitude and gallantry, even Baruch experienced despairing moments. Feeling overwhelmed, without adequate rest, and discouraged regarding his personal aspirations, Baruch received a special message from God promising personal protection and his enemies\rquote demise.\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 What can we learn from God\rquote s personal care for Baruch? What has God promised us in Scripture?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 22\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Woe Is Me!\b0\fs23\par The Lord has a special message just for Baruch \i (\cf1\ul Jer_45:1-5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 And no wonder, considering the circumstances. \par First, the historical reference to the fourth year of Jehoiakim in \cf1\ul Jer_45:1\cf0\ulnone puts chapter 45 after chapter 36. Jeremiah is most probably in prison, and the prospect of a revival among the leaders of Judah no longer seems probable. Second, Baruch\rquote s future, at least from an earthly perspective, seems bleak at best. Thus, as \cf1\ul Jer_45:3\cf0\ulnone states, Baruch is having what might be called \ldblquote a bad day.\rdblquote \tab\par Of course, feeling dejected, sad, or depressed is a natural part of our human existence on our fallen earth. There are many reasons for feeling this way, and one should never think that it\rquote s wrong or sinful to have these feelings. Depending upon the circumstances, it almost would seem inhuman not to have them. Certainly plenty of biblical characters had their moments of despair \i (see\b \cf1\ul\b0 1Ki_19:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_6:2-3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_55:4\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 We fool ourselves if we think that, somehow, we are going to escape them ourselves. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Isa_53:1-5\cf0\ulnone . What kind of mood and feelings are depicted here, and who is one who is suffering these feelings? What should that tell us? \b0\tab\tab\par What\rquote s most important for us to remember during times of emotional distress and sadness is that this doesn\rquote t mean God has forsaken us. It means only that, as with all fallen humanity, we will suffer in this life. Whether the suffering is our own fault or not doesn\rquote t, in one sense, matter. What matters is that we, amid our suffering, do not let the evil one use our grief to turn us away from the Lord or make us bitter and resentful against Him. What matters is that we claim God\rquote s promises of forgiveness, of healing, of a better future and a new life in a new heaven and a new earth. \par We all long for things to go well; we all long for a better existence, here and now. But often, given the nature of our world, that doesn\rquote t happen or at least it doesn\rquote t happen as we imagine we would like it to. Hence, how important that, amid whatever we are going through, we don\rquote t forget the great hope that awaits us once the horrible experience of sin, suffering, and death is forever over.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What are some of your favorite Bible promises about the new heaven and new earth? Read through them, pray over them, and ask the Lord for the faith to hang on until the time when you, yourself, will be living in them. \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Turmoil is woven throughout modern society. Without divine guidance, human wisdom has proved incapable of resolving national conflicts, personal loneliness, and a multitude of other contemporary dilemmas. Modern governments, however, seem determined to trust international associations, military strength, and psychological knowledge to provide solutions. Like King Asa, who trusted his foot disease to the physicians (and not to the Lord), humankind would rather self-medicate than acknowledge the futility of living without a Savior.\par \b Activity: \b0 Think about the following situation: \par How much have you thought about the outrageousness of what we have to believe? Our whole faith hinges on something so anti-rational, so anti-scientific, and so anti-empirical that we have to leap across the accumulated knowledge of millennia in order to believe it. \par We\rquote re talking about the resurrection of the world\rquote s dead. Billions and billions of people, many whose bodies have long been eaten and digested again and again by generations of worms, bugs, beasts, and bacteria, will live again? Folks whose every molecule has been recycled, reprocessed, and revamped into a thousand different incantations-these people will be put back together into a living and conscious whole? Against all reason, against all experience, against all that we have ever seen or felt or could imagine, we have to believe this. \par Why? Because without it our faith, our religion, everything we believe in and hope for, is, as Paul said, mataios, \ldblquote useless\rdblquote or \ldblquote vain\rdblquote (\cf5\ul 1Co_15:17\cf4\ulnone ). \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Thought Question:\b0 \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Whatever struggles you have, what are they in contrast to the resurrection of all the world\rquote s dead? If your faith can reach far enough to believe that (and again, you have to believe that, or else you have nothing), then why can\rquote t you trust God with your present trials? Whatever you\rquote re facing, no matter how apparently insurmountable, what are they compared to the reconstruction to life (and for many to immortality) of dead billions? If you trust that God can do the latter, then why not trust Him with whatever\rquote s raging in your life now?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 23\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 What Is in It for Me?\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul Jer_45:1-5\cf0\ulnone . What does this passage tell us about God? What does it tell us about Baruch?\b0\par Baruch is sad, in pain, restless, and worn out. Baruch sees all of his life work being uprooted, all of his dreams vanishing like a mist. \par God\rquote s heart is pained, too. He has tenderly planted and watched over Israel. Like a parent agonizing over a stubborn, rebellious child-the Lord has warned and pleaded with His people for over a thousand years. Baruch\rquote s pain and sadness are but a faint reflection of God\rquote s. Perhaps this is why God\rquote s heart always is touched by our sorrows. We never weep alone. The God who knows the \ldblquote number of hairs\rdblquote on our heads takes the time to address a despondent scribe and gives him hope and encouragement. In the judgment that was soon to fall on Israel, Baruch would be saved. God would preserve his life. The expression found in \cf1\ul Jer_45:5\cf0\ulnone (\ldblquote thy life will I give thee for a prey\rdblquote ) also can be found reflected in other parts of the book of Jeremiah \i (\cf1\ul Jer_21:9\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer_38:2\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer_39:18\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 It evokes the figure of a soldier escaping with his life after a defeat in battle. \par Paradoxically, salvation comes only through \ldblquote defeat.\rdblquote It was in the humiliation and apparent defeat at the cross that Jesus won the victory. It is only as we are willing to stop fighting and surrender our lives, plans, and future to God that we can find security. It\rquote s when we are willing to totally surrender all that we become secure in the Lord.\par \b What similarity can you note between \cf1\ul Jer_45:1-5\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul Mat_6:25-34\cf0\ulnone ?\b0\par In Jeremiah 45, God reminds Baruch of what really is important. In Matthew 6, Jesus reminds us that our lives are more important than our earthly possessions. For all his dreams of greatness, in the hour of disaster all that really mattered was Baruch\rquote s life. Ironically, even though Baruch missed out on a great future in the Jerusalem political scene because of his loyalty to Jeremiah, this connection really saved his life and gave him a far bigger legacy than anything he could ever have dreamed of.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 It is this legacy that we have searched for in the shadow figures of the Old Testament that we have studied over the past 13 weeks. Most of the people we have gotten to know a little better were not the major power brokers of their particular time, but their names or titles have been recorded in Scripture so that we can learn from them, from both their successes and their failures. \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Tomorrow the world celebrates the Messiah\rquote s birth. Many will, ironically, observe it for the wrong reasons. Those who truly celebrate God\rquote s unique entrance into earth are those who understand that Jesus is still the answer for today\rquote s world. As the gospel chorus reminds us: \ldblquote If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need Him now.\rdblquote Baruch surely understood this need; otherwise, he never would have sacrificed his position, embraced the lamenting prophet Jeremiah, and chosen righteous suffering above comfortable compliance.\par In celebrating the Messiah\rquote s matchless gift of life, may we exhibit trust without reservation, for the only gift that Jesus desires is the heart fully committed to Him.\f1\par \b\f2 Activity: \b0 Prepare small scrolls, wrapped in holiday ribbon or wrapping paper, with Bible promises written inside. Distribute them to class members and read them aloud. Invite members to share how particular promises have benefited their spiritual journey. The testimonies may reflect a personal fulfillment or a fulfillment for a friend or associate who in turn strengthened them. Close by singing \ldblquote Jesus Is the Answer\rdblquote (Andra\'e9 Crouch, composer) or a Christmas carol that focuses on the themes of surrendered lives and God\rquote s providence.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx283A4\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Alternate option: \b0 This activity can be done without the visual aid of the scrolls. Simply invite members to share how particular promises have benefited their spiritual journey. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i December 24\fs23\par \b\i0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs23 \ldblquote Taking another roll, Jeremiah gave it to Baruch, \lquote who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.\rquote \cf1\ul Jer_36:28\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer_36:32\cf0\ulnone . The wrath of man had sought to prevent the labors of the prophet of God; but the very means by which Jehoiakim had endeavored to limit the influence of the servant of Jehovah, gave further opp roman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 CalibriiiQ09-Nov 20-26-Rizpah: Influence of Faithfulna ii09-Nov 20-26-Rizpah: Influence of Faithfulness{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 9\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i *November 20-26\fs23\par \b\i0\fs40 Rizpah: The Influence \i of\i0 Faithfulness\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Deu_30:19\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Sa_3:6-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:1-9\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ulQds of a family. Their express purpose was to produce heirs, and once they had produced male offspring, their status and social standing were similar to those of regular wives. A man was regarded as his concubine\rquote s husband\i (\cf1\ul Jdg_20:4\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , and their children appeared in genealogies\i (\cf1\ul Gen_22:24\cf0\ulnone )\i0 and would receive a part of the inheritance \i (\cf1\ul Gen_25:5-6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 It is interesting to note that concubines appear mostly in the patriarchal period; during the early monarchy, concubines were connected to royal households.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_3:6-11\cf0\ulnone . What can we learn about Rizpah and about her circumstances in that particular time?\b0\par Rizpah, whose name means \ldblquote live coal\rdblquote \i (see \cf1\ul Isa_6:6\cf0\ulnone , which uses the same word)\i0 , is part of the royal household of Ishbosheth (\ldblquote man of shame\rdblquote ), the only remaining son of Saul, who, through the help of Abner, has been made king over Israel and has moved across the Jordan to Mahanaim \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_2:8-10\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The mere fact that the biblical author included information about Rizpah\rquote s father (\ldblquote daughter of Aiah\rdblquote ) suggests that her family must have been important and that she was not a slave. Ironically, the name of the son of Saul appears in another form in the genealogy of Saul, as Eshbaal, \ldblquote the man of Baal\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Ch_8:33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The form used in \cf1\ul 2Sa_2:8-10\cf0\ulnone seems to be a subtle insult by the biblical author: the man of Baal is an embarrassment to the house of Saul and thus a \ldblquote man of shame.\rdblquote\par Rizpah\rquote s personal circumstances are far from ideal. She belongs to the household of Saul, and even though the able general Abner is propping up Ishbosheth, the weak descendent of Saul, as Saul\rquote s concubine, Rizpah has no security. Her fate seems totally out of her hands, controlled by forces and circumstances way beyond her authority or control. \i\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\i0 Jesus tells us that if a man lusts after a woman, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Mat_5:28\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \b However, many men of God had concubines in the Old Testament.\b0 \b How do we reconcile this fact with what Jesus said?\b0\i \b\i0 (As you think of an answer, remember that just because something is mentioned in the Bible as being practiced doesn\rquote t mean God approves of it or that it is the best way to live.)\b0\i\par \cf3\ul\i0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 2Sa_21:10\cf4\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Recognize how the faithfulness of Rizpah, a relatively insignificant concubine of a failed king, influenced significant events in the nation of Israel.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Perceive how determined Rizpah was to do what little she could for her family, despite her great losses and powerlessness.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Commit our energies to being faithful in whatever role God places us.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Bereaved Mother\par \b0 A. Rizpah was the mother of two of Saul\rquote s sons who were hurled to their deaths as part of the just dealings God required of David and Israel. How did Rizpah respond to this sentence?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360 B. What action did her faithfulness awaken in David, and what was the end result for Israel?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Brave Defender\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0\f2 A. Alone with her dead on a mountainside, this mother bravely fended off bird and beast day and night for many weeks. What must she have been feeling? What are we tempted to feel and do under such hopeless circumstances? \par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Bleak Duty\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0 A. We may feel powerless and insignificant, but we still may choose to respond faithfully, whatever our circumstances. What challenges are facing us today in which we need to do our duty, though the outlook seems bleak?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 Though Rizpah suffered terrible loss, she courageously defended the bodies of her sons from marauding animals until King David responded by burying the bones of Saul and his sons, bringing both justice and peace to Israel. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 22\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 The Mention of Her Name\fs23\par \b0 Things are not going well for Ishbosheth in the war between the house of Saul and the house of David \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_3:1\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 In contrast to the deteriorating situation at Ishbosheth\rquote s court, the biblical text inserts at this point in the story a list of the sons of David that are born during this time in Hebron \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_3:2-5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The list reflects David\rquote s increasing strength, since sons mean a future and security.\par As we have seen \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_3:7-10\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 Ishbosheth, the \ldblquote man of shame,\rdblquote accuses his general, Abner, of having slept with the concubine of his father, Saul. Judging from Abner\rquote s strong reaction, this was a very serious offense.\par \b Read the following verses and explain what sleeping with a wife or concubine of a powerful man meant in the time of the Old Testament. \cf1\ul\b0\i 2Sa_16:21-22\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_20:3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ki_2:21-22\cf0\ulnone\b .\b0\i0\par Rizpah is not very active in the story, which focuses on Abner and Ishbosheth. After all, she is just the concubine. She seems to be another pawn in the power play between two men. The biblical text is not clear about whether Abner really slept with Rizpah in order to try to usurp the throne. The fact that he so quickly changes sides suggests that it was just a bad rumor that had made the rounds at the improvised royal court in Mahanaim. If he really wanted to be king of Israel, would he have been so ready to join forces with David, the \ldblquote anointed of the Lord\rdblquote ?\par Abner makes good on his threat of defecting to David \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_3:9-10\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_3:12\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Ishbosheth\rquote s accusation moves the major power-broker of the house of Saul to swear loyalty to the house of David, which all but ensures the demise of the house of Saul. This in fact came shortly after \i (see \cf1\ul\i0 2Sa_4:1-12\cf0\ulnone\i )\i0 . It is really the mention of Rizpah\rquote s name that has effected this change. Although Rizpah is not active in the narrative, she is highly significant. \par Without Abner\rquote s reaction to Ishbosheth\rquote s accusation, the war between the two parties most likely would have lasted much longer. We don\rquote t know what happened to Rizpah next. She reappears only in David\rquote s memoirs in \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:1-14\cf0\ulnone , where she plays a subtle but incredibly important role in the bringing together of tribes and factions.\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b So often we find ourselves caught up in circumstances that we cannot control. What, though, can we always control, and why, in the end, is that the most important thing? \b0\i See \cf1\ul Deu_30:19\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mar_13:13\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \cf3\ul\i0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tqc\tx4680\tqc\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\lang4105\b0\i0\fs23\par \lang1033\b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 Faithfulness is the true measure of a person\rquote s spiritual commitment.\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Help class members learn that faithfulness to God, even in things we deem \ldblquote small,\rdblquote is more important than human applause, earthly recognition, or personal accomplishments.\par It has been said that God calls us to faithfulness, not to success. William Carey, sometimes referred to as the \ldblquote Father of Modern Missions,\rdblquote worked for seven years before winning his first convert in India. Robert Morrison, in China, and Adoniram Judson, in Burma, also waited more than five years to welcome their first converts. Similar stories can be told about work elsewhere. Had these missionaries been more concerned with signs of outward success than they were with faithfulness, they might easily have given up their calling in discouragement. Discouraging and frustrating as it must have been, they chose to be faithful to their calling and work. Their success was the eventual outcome of their faithfulness; we might even say that their faithfulness, not their converts, was the true measure of success. Had they not been faithful in very trying and challenging circumstances, they never would have experienced the joy of seeing the kingdom advance through their effort.\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Opening Activity: \b0 Using a flipchart, markerboard, etc., ask the class to make a list of things in nature that are very dependable. Examples might include such things as, \ldblquote the sun \lquote comes up\rquote every day,\rdblquote \ldblquote gravity pulls things down to earth,\rdblquote \ldblquote trees bring forth new leaves in spring,\rdblquote etc. Discuss the biological and ecological consequences if nature failed to be dependable in these areas. While dependability is a measure of our trustworthiness with others, faithfulness expresses our desire to be trustworthy. Discuss the importance of becoming persons on whom God can depend, comparing our dependability with the examples from nature.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 23\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 An Eye for an Eye or a Convenient Solution?\b0\fs23\par There is a bad famine in Israel. The Hebrew text emphasizes the long period without any rain (\ldblquote for three years, year after year.\rdblquote ) This was not normal. People considered God directly responsible for giving rain and withholding rain. David sought \ldblquote the face of the Lord.\rdblquote We are not told by what means he receives God\rquote s answer, but its content is very clear: \ldblquote There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_21:1\cf0\ulnone , ESV).\i0 \par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:1-6\cf0\ulnone . Why should Saul\rquote s descendants suffer for their forefather\rquote s guilt? Does this not contradict \cf1\ul Deu_24:16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer_31:29-30\cf0\ulnone ; and \cf1\ul Eze_18:1-4\cf0\ulnone ?\tab\tab\tab\b0\par This is a hot issue and causes debates among scholars. Where is God\rquote s justice here? Is justice something collective or something individual? Some commentators suggest that David used the famine as a convenient excuse to get rid of possible rivals for the throne and that the \ldblquote [speaking] of the Lord\rdblquote in\i \cf1\ul\i0 2Sa_21:1\cf0\ulnone was a clever manipulation of divine messages for David\rquote s own purpose; yet, there is no indication in the biblical text that this was David\rquote s motivation. What the text clearly states is that Saul sought to annihilate the Gibeonites, who are connected with the \ldblquote Amorites,\rdblquote the original inhabitants of Canaan before Israel took control of Palestine. \par The text highlights a very important principle of Scripture: although salvation may depend on our decisions, our actions and choices affect those around us and never take place in isolation. When faithful kings reigned in Jerusalem, Judah followed God\rquote s law and sought to live accordingly; on the oth er hand, unfaithful kings brought down many in Israel. \par In the historical texts of the Old Testament, there are no references to Saul\rquote s attempt to destroy the Gibeonites. However, the example of Saul\rquote s revenge on the priestly town of Nob \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_21:1-15\cf0\ulnone )\i0 suggests that Saul was capable of this. Saul\rquote s zeal looks good from the outside (after all, the Gibeonites were foreigners), but the divine evaluation of this act underlines God\rquote s high regard for faithfulness \i (\cf1\ul Jos_9:15-21\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 God expects us to honor our promises. As we will see, Rizpah gives us (and King David!) an object lesson in faithfulness.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 Though we don\rquote t fully understand why there should be a famine because of Saul\rquote s sins, we must always remember that our actions come with consequences-always. Yet, as Christians, shouldn\rquote  t we avoid doing wrong, not because of the potential consequences of the act but because of the wrongness of the act itself? What keeps you in line more: fear of the consequences of your wrong actions, or your desire not to do wrong, period?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 In one of the parables in Matthew 25 three servants are entrusted with varying degrees of responsibility. One receives five units, another two, and still another, one. Regardless of the amount, each one was expected to be faithful. The first two were faithful and were acknowledged by the landowner when he returned from his journey. The last was not. Humanly speaking, we may be tempted to excuse the last servant, thinking that he received comparatively small responsibilities. Should it matter that much, since there were fewer opportunities for him? God, however, does not operate that way. Faithfulness is not merely expected but required from everyone sharing in the divine distribution. Rizpah, a barely noticed character inside Scripture\rquote s pages, offers our current narcissistic generation a solid example of faithfulness, even though being largely unnoticed. Like the temple widow who faithfully deposited her pittance into the temple treasury, Rizpah inspires future generations through her dependability regarding the mundane and nonglamorous.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \b\f2 I. The King\rquote s Concubine\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \ cf5\ul 2Sa_3:6-11\cf4\ulnone with the class.)\f1\par \f2 Perhaps it is true that the most difficult instrument to play is \ldblquote second fiddle.\rdblquote Such was the predicament of concubines in ancient civilizations. Never fully accepted as wives, valued primarily for their capacity to produce offspring, these women existed as chattel with few opportunities and negligible rights. Often doormats for male-dominated cultures, they could expect that their children would be overlooked for the offspring of full wives, that full marital relationship would be perpetually denied them, and that the \ldblquote abundant life\rdblquote was reserved for someone else. \par Generally speaking, this was Rizpah\rquote s lot in life. Complicating her situation, her husband was killed in disgrace, she was implicated in an illicit relationship with the ranking general, plus her sons-the primary means of support for a husband-less were executed at David\rquote s command. Seldom have prescriptions for despondency and even suicide been more potent! Despite these foreboding circumstances, however, Rizpah is remembered for faithfulness in the teeth of despair!\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 How does my faithfulness rank when I am passed over for church leadership positions even though my qualifications clearly exceed those of people chosen ahead of me? Or although my importance ranking within society is minimal, how can I exhibit faithfulness? Or how did an \ldblquote unimportant\rdblquote slave girl influence history by faithfully sharing her faith with the slave master Naaman? Or how was a civilization preserved through the faithfulness of a slave named Joseph?\par \b II. Faithfulness Is a Way of Life\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 2Sa_21:1-9\cf4\ulnone with the class.)\f1\par \f2\ldblquote In the ancient Near East it is common for the king to be understood as the embodiment of the state and representative of the people. During the reign of the Hittite king Mursilis, a twenty year plague was determined to have been the result of offenses committed by his predecessor, and attempts were made to appease and make restitution.\rdblquote -John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas, The IVP Bible Background Commentary (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2000), p. 350. While David\rquote s attempt to rectify Saul\rquote s misconduct against the Gibeonites may scandalize the modern mind as barbaric, it must be recognized that he was trying, within his contemporary cultural milieu, to repair a breach of faithfulness occasioned by Saul. However we may disdain David\rquote s means and question his motives, this passage suggests that Christians should consider their obligations to be faithful to what they have promised to do as individuals. \par Additionally, the narrative of \cf5\ul 2Sa_21:1-9\cf4\ulnone prompts a sobering question that Christians also must ask themselves. To what extent do promises made by their government, culture, and ancestry obligate them to faithfulness?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 What responsibility might we have for being faithful to the promises of bygone generations? Why should we exercise care about obligating future generations by promises we make?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 24\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Faithfulness Is a Way of Life\b0\fs23\par David consents to the request of the Gibeonites, and seven descendants of Saul are found. It is here that we meet Rizpah again. Her two sons by King Saul are among the ones selected to be executed so that \ldblquote atonement\rdblquote can be achieved. \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:3\cf0\ulnone uses the Hebrew word \i atonement, \i0 which functions as a technical term to mark atonement and also appears in contexts such as the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:1-9\cf0\ulnone . How are we to understand this passage? Or \i can \i0 we understand it? In what ways is this an example of something in Scripture that we can\rquote t fully explain but that we simply need to trust the Lord on? What other examples like this (of things that we don\rquote t fully understand) can you find in the Bible instances in which, despite our lack of understanding, we need to trust in God\rquote s goodness and mercy anyway? \b0\par David remembers his promise to his friend Jonathan \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_20:12-17\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_20:42\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 and, consequently, he does not surrender Jonathan\rquote s son Mephibosheth to the Gibeonites. This emphasizes an important point in the biblical text: even though Saul broke Israel\rquote s vow to the Gibeonites\i , \i0 David honors his vow to Jonathan, even after his death.\tab\par \b What does Rizpah do when her sons are killed?\b0\i \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:9-10\cf0\ulnone\b\i0 . What does this tell us about her?\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 The author emphasizes his high regard for Rizpah\rquote s actions by again mentioning her father\rquote s name \i (cf. \cf1\ul 2Sa_3:7\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , in contrast to David, who is not referred to as king or by his lineage. We only can imagine Rizpah\rquote s pain and grief as she watches over the seven bodies of the executed. She builds a makeshift hut from sackcloth, and there, under the open sky, she camps close to the decomposing bodies and protects them from desecration by birds and animals. Rizpah does not do this for one day or seven days, but it appears that she watches over the bodies for many weeks, until the autumn rains begin. Not only is Rizpah a devoted mother, but she stands out as an example of faithfulness in the midst of a story dominated by men who are not always faithful.\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 When Rizpah protected the corpses of the executed, it was brought to David\rquote s attention. Apparently he was impressed by her noble actions. While not enjoying status, celebrity, or notoriety, we may be placed by the Lord in positions in which we may influence government officials and leaders of society. God\rquote s people may be unaware that they are being observed by society\rquote s elite; their faithfulness, however, has changed the course of history more than once.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2 Activity: \b0 One unassuming person who profoundly influenced his nation was Desmond Doss, the World War II hero who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Credited with saving hundreds of lives during multiple engagements in the Pacific Theater, he nearly lost his own in the Battle of Okinawa. Although ridiculed and harassed for being faithful to his convictions regarding noncombatancy and Sabbath observance, he nevertheless earned respect from his commanders and fellow soldiers. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\fs22 Application Questions:\b0\fs23 \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 The same attitude that caused Doss to refuse to fire a weapon was the same one that caused him to act so bravely in the face of danger. What attitude was that, and why is it so important? In what ways are we called to do something similar, regardless of how different the immediate circumstances? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 25\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Building a Nation\b0\fs23\par Rizpah\rquote s example of faithfulness comes to David\rquote s attention. The biblical author again includes the complete pedigree of Rizpah when David is told about her action. She is not just any mother, she is the daughter of Aiah and the concubine of Saul. Her being on the mountain \ldblquote before the Lord,\rdblquote close to the seven bodies, seems to motivate David to consider a very important act: he orders the proper reburial of Saul, Jonathan, and the descendants of Saul.\b\par Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:11-14\cf0\ulnone . How was David affected by Rizpah\rquote s actions?\b0\par Many of Israel\rquote s neighbors considered a proper burial to be essential to the deceased\rquote s ability to reach a place where the gods would mete out judgment. The pyramids in Egypt were huge tombs, testifying to the importance of burial in Egyptian culture. In contrast, Israel\rquote s burial practices were not elaborate, because the biblical authors considered death to be a state of no consciousness \i (\cf1\ul Ecc_9:5-6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 This funeral, however, is very significant, as it marks the end of intertribal fighting and lays the foundation for a united Israel.\par \b Read again \cf1\ul 2Sa_21:1-14\cf0\ulnone . What caused the end of the famine? \par \b0 The famine does not end after the seven descendants of Saul are executed. God responds to the plea for the land only \i after\i0 David has provided a respectable resting place for the remains of Saul and his descendants. In other words, although justice and righteousness are important elements of our interaction with one another, reconciliation is required, as well. Rizpah\rquote s example of faithfulness, even under hopeless and desperate conditions, appears to have brought about faithfulness and reconciliation on a much larger scale, resulting in an Israel that can begin to heal the wounds of intertribal warfare. Rizpah\rquote s role in this crucial part of David\rquote s reign teaches an important lesson that echoes through the centuries: circumstances alone do not make or break a child of God; rather, we determine by our choices, for good or bad, whether we will be pawns or whether our quiet faithfulness powerfully will influence the lives around us. By living faithfully, Rizpah subtly influenced the outcome of a nation.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 Look at the power of example: through Rizpah\rquote s actions, the concubine of David\rquote s enemy greatly influences David. What should this tell us, regardless of who we are, about the power of our influence? Think about those whom you are influencing. How might you be a better influence than you are right now? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Faithfulness in things considered small often forms the basis for faithfulness in the bigger decisions of life. Faithfulness in the simple matter of choosing an appropriate diet prepared Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for the history-changing showdown regarding worship on the plain of Dura. It also prepared Daniel to stand firm regarding worship, knowing that his decision would lead him to the lions\rquote den. Rizpah\rquote s example is not headline material but represents the hundreds of daily decisions we all make that corporately frame our character.\f1\par \b\f2 Activity: \b0 As a class, create a photo montage of simple acts of faithfulness that are repeated every day. This can be done utilizing stock photos that appear in newspapers and news magazines or by taking your own pictures as a group activity.\par What do each of these ideas collectively illustrate to us about being faithful? What does faithfulness in the small things teach us about faithfulness in the big? Why is it difficult-or even impossible-to have one without the other?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Alternate Option:\b0 To do this activity without photos, ask class members to picture in their minds the simple acts of faithfulness that they are thankful for every day. Ask for a few class members to share, or describe, their picture of faithfulness. Then ask the questions provided above. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i November 26\i0\fs23\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs23\ldblquote The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a system which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus to reconcile men to God, and thus to one another.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy\i0 , p. 47.\par \ldblquote It is one thing to read and teach the Bible, and another thing to have, by practise, its life-giving, sanctifying principles engrafted on the soul. God is in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. If those who claim to be his followers draw apart, showing no affectionate or compassionate interest in one another, they are not sanctified to God. They have not his love in their hearts.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The\i0 \i Review and Herald\i0 , March 17, 1910.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 In your Sabbath School class, think of ways to demonstrate God\rquote s faithfulness to the people of your community who do not know God personally.\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 What is faithfulness? Have different class members define faithfulness, using biblical characters as examples of faithfulness.\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 Many times we seem to be helpless and without any choices in our circumstances. What can we learn from a woman like Rizpah, who, despite her circumstances, acted so faithfully before the Lord?\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 Men of God with concubines? Descendants suffering for the sins of their fathers? This story leaves the modern reader with a lot of unanswered questions. Of course, as with everything in life, there are always unanswered questions. Part of what it means to live by faith is to live with unanswered questions (After all, if all things were answered, where would the need for faith come in?). How have you learned to live with the unanswered questions in your own existence? What have you learned from not having answers that could help someone else who struggles with questions that beg for answers that, for now, aren\rquote t coming?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0\f3 n \b\f0 Dwell more on the power of example. Who are the powerful examples in your culture and society? Are they good or bad examples? What about your own example? What kind of influence do you think you have on those who watch your behavior? How different is your example at home from your example in public or in church? Would those who might admire your example in public be shocked if they saw your example at home? \b0\par } ill look at one of the strangest stories in the Old Testament. On first glance we discover a renegade king, a prophet who makes specific food prohibitions, an altar that splits open like a cracked egg, and then, more disturbing, a lying old prophet and a selectively dangerous lion. \par The story takes place in the first years of the divided monarchy, a time of political and religious tension. Under the leadership of Jeroboam (and with the express blessing of the Lord, \cf1\ul 1Ki_11:29-39\cf0\ulnone ), the ten tribes of Israel have separated themselves from Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and heir to the Davidic kingdom. War hangs in the air, and it is during this time of instability and change that God sends his prophet with a specific message to King Jeroboam about the idolatrous worship in the Northern kingdom, which would prove ultimately to be its ruin. \par Below the surface of this story about a nameless prophet lies the important issue of obedience and how seriously God takes our obedience. Whatred49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx566\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 10\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\i *November 27-December 3\i0\fs23\par \b\fs40 The Man \i of\i0 God: Obedience Is Not Optional\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Exo_32:1-35\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Ki_13:1-34\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Dan_5:13-17\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Luk_16:31\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_15:24\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Ti_4:3\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par Memory Text: \ldblquote Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet\rquote s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:20-21\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\par This week we ware some of your favorite storytellers, and why do you like them?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 The Ancient Israelites had been called to be witnesses to the whole world of the true God and of His message regarding salvation by grace for everyone. Yet, look at how internal fighting so weakened ancient Israel. What lessons might we be able to draw from that sad historical truth for ourselves today?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0\f4 n \b\f0 Background is so important for understanding any situation. Yet, in most cases there\rquote s so much background information that we just don\rquote t know about. Because so much is hidden from us, why is it so important that we not judge others? How often have you hastily judged someone before knowing important facts about the person and his or her circumstances? How often have you been judged by those who didn\rquote t know all the pertinent facts about you? \cf1\b0\f5\par } 3\par \cf1\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\cf0\scaps0\par \fs23 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf2\ul Gen_39:6-12\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Jos_3:9-17\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Sa_24:1-6\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Ki_12:1-16\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Job_1:1-12\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote Every Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work\rdblquote\b0\i (\cf2\ul 2Ti_3:16-17\cf0\ulnone , NET).\i0\par Though most folk harbor no great love for the study of history itself, most people do love a good story. Every civilization has a rich repertoire of stories that explain (or claim to explain) the origins, values, relationships, and structures of its culture. These stories, told over generations, are often teaching tools.\par In the modern age, storytelling was downplayed: people looked for facts and scientific answers to explain life. However, facts alone could not answer life\rquote s most important questions. Today, a new generation, often dubbed \ldblquote postmodern,\rdblquote has rediscovered the power of stories.\par In that sense, the Bible is so contemporary because it is full of stories. Not legends, not \ldblquote cleverly devised myths\rdblquote \i (\cf2\ul 2Pe_1:16\cf0\ulnone , ESV), \i0 but historical and personal stories that reveal truth about God and His interaction with fallen humanity. These stories describe real people, battling with real-life problems and interacting with the living God, who offers answers to these problems. \par Every story needs a setting. This week we will explore different settings and their historical contexts in order to understand better the characters we\rquote ll be studying all quarter.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 2.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i September 26\i0\par \b\fs28 People and Plots\b0\fs23\par \i Plot\i0 i!s defined as the succession of events that lead to a conclusion. Everyone is born, lives, and one day will die. These are the broad parameters of the \i plot\i0 of life. In between, life consists of many smaller plots that are often motivated by conflict or tension. Looking for a plot means trying to connect all the relevant parts of the story in order to see the big picture. In the book of Job, for example, there are two plots. \par \b Identify the two plots in the story of Job.\b0\i See \cf2\ul Job_1:1-12\cf0\ulnone\b\i0 .\b0\par If we want to understand the story of Job, we need to understand its two-dimensional plot. As a matter of fact, the Bible has no one-dimensional plots, because God is always active in history and human lives, even if working behind the scenes. In the first two chapters of Job, we can imagine changing channels, as on a TV set, as we jump between the earthly and the heavenly plots.\par Stories, however, are more than plots. People make stories.\par \b Describe in as much d"etail as you can the prophet Huldah as described in \cf2\ul 2Ki_22:14\cf0\ulnone .\b0\par \i Characters\i0 are closely connected to the plot of the story. How we understand the character(s) depends to a large degree on the information given by the narrator, who may even be one of the characters. Let\rquote s take Huldah as an example: Is she one of the main characters in the story? No. This story is actually about the discovery of the book of the Law during the reign of King Josiah. Though Huldah may not be a main character, every character in a story is vital to the development of the story. Does Huldah have children? How old is she? We don\rquote t know the answers to these questions. Biblical narrative tends to be very concise and often abbreviated. This means that we need to pay close attention to every piece of information we are given. Huldah was regarded as a reliable prophetess of the Lord. The biblical author gives us information about her husband\rquote s family, because women during Old Testa#ment times were identified with their husband\rquote s families. Her address is also given. As in modern times, official documents always require a name and an address to prove that a person is who he or she claims to be.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b What is your \i plot\i0 ? What kind of \i character\i0 are you? If your story was written as a Bible narrative, how might it read in contrast to how it \i ought\i0 to read? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\f2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 2Ti_3:16-17\cf4\ulnone\par \b\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Recognize how$ characters, plots, settings, points of view, and historical backgrounds create memorable stories in the Bible.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Treasure the opportunity to become acquainted with Bible characters and learn from their life lessons.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Take to heart the life lessons recounted in Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to use them to transform their lives.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b I. \fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 \b Stories Critical for Today\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tqr\tx7560 A. Like other stories, Bible stories contain characters that act and react within circumstances and settings. How are Bible stories unique? Why are these storie%s, set in times and places so different from ours today, so important?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 \b Treasure Trove\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. The authority of Scripture as God\rquote s Word gives Bible stories an edge that most other stories don\rquote t have. What points of view make them invaluable?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1080\tx1440\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tqr\tx7560 B. How do the stories of Bible characters speak to us about our own lives?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 \b Buried Treasure\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1080\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tqr\tx7920\b0 A. Buried treasure does no one any good. How do we unlock the valuable lessons in Scripture stories and bring them to life in our own circumstances?\par B. Why is it critical to have the Holy Spirit interpret &these stories? \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 C. What quandaries in life do we face that need to be informed through the life lessons of Bible characters?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 We can benefit from an examination of Bible characters and how they faced the challenges in their lives, considering how they applied-or didn\rquote t apply-godly principles in their life choices. Their stories can teach us to rely on God\rquote s way to meet the challenges we face daily. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i September 27\i0\par \b\fs28 Where and How?\b0\fs23\par \i Setting\i0 conveys reality to the story and gives it atmosphere and mood. For example, why, in \cf2\ul Rth_4:1-2\cf0\ulnone , does Boaz locate his legal case in the gate and not in his 'home or in the house of the mayor of the city of Bethlehem? Obviously, the gate-being the most public place in ancient times-adds an important legal element to the story. Setting also can give us a clue about the time period in which the narrative unfolds. If we hear a story that is located inside a car or in an airport terminal, we know without much reflection that the story does not come from the time of David or Martin Luther.\par \b Compare the settings of the following two stories: \cf2\ul 1Sa_24:1-6\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Gen_39:6-12\cf0\ulnone . How do the settings contribute to the plots of the stories?\par \b0 Settings help us to better understand the action of the story. David and his men are alone with Saul, who is unprotected and extremely vulnerable. The setting highlights the stellar character of David. He does not take advantage of this ideal opportunity to rid himself of Saul before Saul seeks to rid himself of David, a fact that reveals David\rquote s respect for God\rquote s anointed (leader. \par The setting in the story of Joseph also paints an opportunity. Joseph is handsome and in a position of power. His master\rquote s wife is infatuated with him, and they are alone in the house. Joseph, like David, shows his sterling character in resisting this opportunity. \par But setting is not the only important element of a story. We need to look at the \i point of view\i0 of the narrator, as well. We see the story unfold through the narrator\rquote s eyes, which usually provide us with important information but may sometimes withhold information from us. This is particularly true in secular stories. Though we do have points of view in biblical accounts, we must read them on the assumption that they are inspired by the Holy Spirit and that the truth revealed is God\rquote s truth. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Think of David and Joseph in those particular settings. How easily they could ha)ve rationalized doing something other than what they did. The fact that they didn\rquote t tells us so much about their character. How often do you rationalize your wrong actions? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\f2\fs23\tab\par \b\i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\f2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 God is active not only in the broad sweep of history but also in the lives of individuals.\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that while God is concerned with the fate of nations and peoples and planets, He also is capable of attending to the details of our lives if we submit ourselves to Him.\par \ldblquote Finding patterns where none exist.\rdblquote A search of this phrase on Google yields numerous hits. If you investigate the results, you will find, naturally, a *plethora of advertisements from people who want to sell you things you don\rquote t need, from refrigerators to angora rabbits. But if you move past the tables and wares of the cyber merchants, you will find examples of the many ways human beings attempt to discover pattern and meaning in the universe and in their own lives. The thirst for meaning and pattern incarnates itself in endless forms, from the superstitious to the downright strange: astrology birth charts, bizarre speculations about the ancestry of the British royal family, quizzes and tests that will presumably tell us why we are the way we are. In other words, we tell ourselves stories that explain things.\par The good news is that God never gives us the desire for something that doesn\rquote t exist. Meaning and pattern are out there, but deriving them from anything less than a divinely inspired narrative is a way to, usually, get the story wrong. We are part of God\rquote s story, and God wants to be in our story. Here\rquote s a better phr+ase: \ldblquote God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.\rdblquote\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\fs22 Discuss With the Class:\b0\fs23 In what ways do you see God\rquote s story in your story? How does your life reflect God\rquote s plan? How does it fit in with the larger story of salvation? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i September 28\i0\par \b\fs28 From Victory to the \ldblquote Dark Ages\rdblquote\b0\fs32\par \fs23 For the rest of this week we will take a closer look at a few crucial periods of Israel\rquote s history that will function as the backdrop for all the individuals we will be studying. We begin with Israel\rquote s entry into the Promised Land.\par After God\rquote s mighty acts during the Exodus and the wilder,ness journey, the people of Israel have for a second time reached the border of the Promised Land. Under their new leader, Joshua, they are about to cross over the Jordan on dry land \i (\cf2\ul Jos_3:16-17\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 a miracle that echoes the crossing of the Red Sea during the time of the Exodus \i (\cf2\ul\i0 Exo_14:1-31\cf0\ulnone\i ).\i0\par \b Read \cf2\ul Jos_3:9-17\cf0\ulnone . What is the purpose of this miracle?\b0\par Canaan was not taken by Israel because of Joshua\rquote s military genius or Israel\rquote s valiant efforts. Victory over the inhabitants of the Canaanite city-states was achieved only by God\rquote s powerful intervention. When Israel was obedient, God gave victory\i ; \i0 however, when the Israelites relied on their own strength, they failed hopelessly.\par After the death of Joshua and the elders, some sections of the Promised Land were still dominated by the Canaanites \i (\cf2\ul Jdg_1:27-28\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 It seems that the Israelites\rquote faith grew smaller a-s their vision shrunk. Instead of seeing the \i whole\i0 Promised Land in their possession, they became preoccupied with their own livelihoods and lost the larger vision and ideal that God had for Israel as a people. Many scholars call the following centuries the \ldblquote dark ages\rdblquote of Israel.\par \b Read \cf2\ul Jdg_17:6\cf0\ulnone . What kind of moral climate does it reveal? \b0\par When we lose the big picture of what God has in mind for us, minors become majors. Israel lost its perspective as a nation; tribalism took over. Throughout the book of Judges, the various tribes and clans were ready and willing to fight one another. Religious practices were fused according to personal convenience, and compromise with the surrounding cultures was widespread. According to the author of the book of Judges, this was caused by intermarriage with the Canaanites who were still living in the land \i (\cf2\ul Jdg_3:3-7\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 As a result of this spiritual decline, Israel slipped into a cycle. of domination by foreign powers, liberation, idolatry, and, again, domination.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What\rquote s so dangerous about compromise is that it comes quietly, slowly, and almost imperceptibly. How differently do you live now than a few years ago? Might some of these changes be a result of compromise? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\f2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\f2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx990\tx1080\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b I. The Plot: \ldblquote Have you Considered My /Servant Job?\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul Job_1:1-12\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par The book of Job concerns a region and a historical period that is peripheral to much of the Old Testament. For example, the exact location of Uz is disputed. Job is one of the few protagonists in the Old Testament who was neither an Israelite nor ancestral to the Israelites. Yet, nowhere else is the juxtaposition between the activity in human and divine realms so clear.\par Job is described as a man who \ldblquote feared God and shunned evil\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Job_1:1\cf4\ulnone , NIV). In our world as it is, these characteristics aren\rquote t always rewarded or esteemed. \ldblquote Nice guys finish last,\rdblquote we are told. People lose their careers for telling the truth or for following their conscience rather than the crowd. \par This was not the case with Job. Job was \ldblq0uote the greatest man among all the people of the East\rdblquote (vs. 3, NIV). In a world in which riches and power are often mistaken for wisdom, intelligence, and virtue, Job was rich, powerful, wise, intelligent, and virtuous. And he knew where it came from, even if he could not have known about the spiritual war that was raging around him as casus belli.\par Job, while he feared God and consulted Him even on the \ldblquote minor\rdblquote things in his life, probably never imagined himself as the topic of dinner conversation in heavenly realms. However, at the moment recounted in \cf5\ul Job_1:6-12\cf4\ulnone , the great controversy was suddenly specific. And it was specifically focused on him. Job\rquote s reaction to evil was to shun it, to have nothing to do with it. This reaction was the right attitude; but it didn\rquote t guarantee that the feelings were mutual. If God is active in our lives, Satan will try to be also. Any of us, like Job, can become disputed territory in the struggle between1 good and evil that we call the great controversy. This is the plot pervading even the most seemingly mundane stories found in the Bible. \par \b Consider This:\b0 How literally should we take the idea of spiritual forces working behind the scenes as portrayed in \cf5\ul Job_1:1-12\cf4\ulnone ? Why does it matter?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1080\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b II. Character: What-and What Not-to Do and Be \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\tqr\tx9720\b0 (Review with the class \cf5\ul Gen_39:6-12\cf4\ulnone .)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360 As stated before, the stories in the Bible are not merely stories. All Bible stories are about constructing a life that finds its center in the presence of God while living in a wo2rld that does not. Sometimes the protagonists recognize this imperative; other times they fail to. Either attitude-as well as the courses of action dictated by them-has consequences that can be seen clearly in the development of the characters.\par In the portion of Joseph\rquote s story found in \cf5\ul Gen_39:6-12\cf4\ulnone , we have a typical account of a young man succeeding against the odds, a \ldblquote fish out of water\rdblquote in \ldblquote a world he never made.\rdblquote But Joseph\rquote s success was not merely because he was brave, intelligent, and resourceful, although success predicated on these qualities would be believable by the world\rquote s standards. The Bible counters this thinking of what constitutes success by revealing to us the key to Joseph\rquote s. God \ldblquote blessed the Egyptian\rquote s house for Joseph\rquote s sake\rdblquote (\cf5\ul Gen_39:5\cf4\ulnone , NKJV).\par As in the book of Job, the presence of goodness and God\rquote s blessing attracted their oppos3ite, in the form of Potiphar\rquote s wife and her special plans for Joseph. To a certain type of person, this might have appeared to be just another bit of luck. But faced with this dilemma, Joseph looked at the situation first from God\rquote s point of view and from what he stood to lose eternally should he succumb to seduction.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 God is always a character in the stories of the Old Testament, even if He appears not to be acting directly. His point of view always is represented. Is God\rquote s point of view always represented in your life?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i September 29\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Of Kings and Princes\b0\fs23\par Though given so much by God, and promised so much more wer4e they to obey, the Israelites were influenced negatively by the surrounding culture. For instance, they saw in the surrounding kingdoms a very different political structure. All of these nations had a king. Combined with the fact that Samuel\rquote s sons did not emulate their father\rquote s behavior and leadership but \ldblquote took bribes, and perverted justice\rdblquote \i (\cf2\ul 1Sa_8:3\cf0\ulnone , NKJV),\i0 the tribal leadership of Israel felt that it was time to appoint a king over Israel \i (\cf2\ul 1Sa_8:4-5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Samuel is not at all happy with this decision but is told by the Lord to comply \i (\cf2\ul 1Sa_8:7\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par The Benjamite Saul is anointed as king by Samuel \i (\cf2\ul 1Sa_10:1\cf0\ulnone )\i0 and begins his reign in Gibea. However, as already foreseen by God, things are not easy for the new king. Tribal tensions continue. Israel\rquote s very existence is in jeopardy due to pressure from the powers surrounding her. The new king is not committed to fol5lowing God\rquote s requirements \i (\cf2\ul 1Sa_15:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Sa_15:8-9\cf0\ulnone )\i0 and, as a result, God finally rejects Saul. \par Afterward, David is anointed as the future king of Israel\i .\i0 As expected, Saul does not want simply to hand over the power to the new military champion, David, and the next decade is marked by internal strife, with David always being on the run.\par The next major turn in Israel\rquote s history comes when Saul and his sons are killed in battle against the Philistines \i (\cf2\ul 1Sa_31:1-6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 David is first made king over Judah and then, seven years later, over all of Israel\i .\i0 David establishes Jerusalem as the new capital of the united monarchy\i .\i0 His military exploits are successful; he extends the borders of the kingdom. After a forty-year reign, David dies in Jerusalem \i (\cf2\ul 2Sa_5:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ki_2:10-11\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Similar to our own lives, David\rquote s reign is marked by great victories, some6 bad choices, and a lot of God\rquote s grace. He is succeeded by his son Solomon, who also reigns for forty years \i (\cf2\ul 1Ki_11:42\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par Solomon is not a warrior or conqueror. Instead, he seeks and receives divine wisdom \i (\cf2\ul 1Ki_3:3-13\cf0\ulnone )\i0 ; he constructs the Lord\rquote s temple in Jerusalem; he designs efficient administrative structures that control and organize Israel; but, toward the end of his life, he turns away from the Lord, following the religious practices of his many wives \i (\cf2\ul 1Ki_11:1-8\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Read \cf2\ul 1Sa_8:7-20\cf0\ulnone . How does this passage show that God\rquote s ways are better than man\rquote s? How often do we find ourselves doing the same thing, wanting to do things our own way instead of God\rquote s? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa7100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\f2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that love is crucial to life itself, and in God\rquote s love we see love in its perfect form. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\tqr\tx9270\b\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Why are the truths that God wants us to know often best communicated through narrative or story? This method of delivery is true in the New Testament, as well as the old, as the basis of the Christian message is the four Gospels, all told as stories, and containing st8ories within stories, i.e., parables.\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Identify the larger narrative underlying all the narratives of the Bible. The names change. So do the characters, but the great controversy theme threads through the fabric of each story. What is the benefit in telling the same narrative in different forms?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\tqr\tx9270\b\fs22 Application Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Many people today regard the stories of the Bible as taking place \ldblquote long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away,\rdblquote to borrow a popular phrase. Indeed, the events that the Bible records took place in a world quite different from our own, especially if we live in the secular West, where both religion and tradition generally have a weaker hold. How can9 we get past the initial resistance many people have to taking Scripture seriously in order to introduce them to its full, life-transforming power?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 As Christians, we all have our own stories about how God has worked in our lives. What is the power of telling them, both for others and ourselves? Why do we ourselves sometimes need reminding of our own stories?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i September 30\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Rehoboam\rquote s Folly\b0\fs23\par Solomon\rquote s death marks another important turning point in Israel\rquote s history. The strong-handed administrative approach, the labor-conscription laws, and the experiments in religious pluralism all led to great tension at the beginn:ing of the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon.\par \b Read \cf2\ul 1Ki_12:1-16\cf0\ulnone and try to capture the drama of the situation. Looking at Rehoboam\rquote s leadership, what can we learn from this story about our own attitudes toward whatever power we possess in various life situations? What can we learn from his mistake?\par \b0 After the division of Judah and Israel, God\rquote s once-united people begin to go different ways. Seeing that the center of worship, sacrifice, and adoration was located in Judah, King Jeroboam I of Israel had two golden calves made\i (\cf2\ul 1Ki_12:26-29\cf0\ulnone )\i0 and set up two places of worship with altars-one in Bethel and the other in Dan. Things did not look good for Israel, and over the next two hundred years the Israelites had a roller-coaster experience. Some kings followed (at least half-heartedly) God\rquote s call to repentance; others stubbornly refused to listen to the prophets. Dynasties changed, and political assassination abounded. Twent;y kings reigned from Jeroboam I to the last king of Israel in Samaria, Hoshea, signaling the unstable condition of the kingdom. Finally, in 722 \scaps B.C\scaps0 ., Samaria was captured by the Assyrians and Israel was taken into captivity.\par On the other side of the border, things did not look much better. The Davidic dynasty was maintained, but not all the descendants of David could emulate the faith of their forefather. Some kings, such as Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah, tried to return to the Lord and in the process also bring Judah as a whole to repentance. Their efforts were aided by scores of prophets who spoke to particular situations and specific spiritual and social needs in Judah.\par In 586 \scaps B.C.\scaps0 Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. The leadership and much of the city\rquote s population are taken to Babylon. The temple is destroyed. The royal \ldblquote experiment\rdblquote has come to an end. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx432<0\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b One would think that, with the disaster of the Babylonian destruction and captivity, that was the end of the Jewish people. What does their restoration after this calamity tell us about God\rquote s patience and grace? In what ways have you seen that same patience and grace in your own life? What should your reaction to this grace be?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 The following activity is meant to emphasize the centrality of the master narrative of the great controversy to all the other stories and narratives of the Bible.\par Review the essentials of the great-controversy theme. Em=phasize that it is a conflict between the agenda represented by Satan-for example, selfishness, the willingness to advance oneself without regard to God or others, the belief that the ends justify the means, etc.- and that represented by God, especially self-sacrifice, patience, peace, and humility.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Ask the class for examples of Bible stories and ask them to summarize them as best they can. Ask them who or what in the story represented the satanic view of life and who or what represented God\rquote s view. How did the events of the story mirror the great controversy? How did they fit into the larger narrative?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i October 1\i0 \fs23\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx1700\tx22>68\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs23\ldblquote The Lord calls upon all to study the divine philosophy of sacred history, written by Moses under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The first family placed upon the earth is a sample of all families which will exist till the close of time. There is much to study in this history in order that we may understand the divine plan for the human race. This plan is plainly defined, and the prayerful, consecrated soul will become a learner of the thought and purpose of God from the beginning till the close of this earth's history. He will realize that Jesus Christ, one with the Father, was the great mover in all progress, the One who is the source of all the purification and elevation of the human race.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Manuscript Releases,\i0 vol. 3, p. 184.\par \ldblquote In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment and with confidence in Christ as Leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history. We are now a strong people, if we will put our trust in the Lord; for we are handling the mighty truths of the word of God. We have everything to be thankful for.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages,\i0 vol. 3, p. 162.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 God\rquote s active involvement in history is a very important concept in Scripture. Read \cf2\ul Dan_2:21\cf0\ulnone . What does this passage say about the interaction between God and human history? Why is this reality so important for us to keep in mind today, for us who are living near the true \ldblquote end of history\rdblquote ?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Why do we like stories so much? What makes a good story? How can stories be very effective tools in teaching truth? Who Kz i09-Nov 20-26-Rizpah: Influence of Faithfulness{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}C11-Lesson 11 *December 4-10{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{Wi09-Nov 20-26-Rizpah: Influence of Faithfulness{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}q{10-Nov 27-Dec 3-Man of God: Obedience Not Optional{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fchaqY10-Nov 27-Dec 3-Man of God: Obedience Not Optioe qi10-Nov 27-Dec 3-Man of God: Obedience Not Optional{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\ ;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fpre 11-Dec 4-10-Widow of Zarepath: Leap of Faith{\rx e11-Dec 4-10-Widow of Zarepath: Leap of Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 11\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\i *December 4-10\i0\fs23\par \b\fs40 The Widow \i of\i0 Zarephath: The Leap \i of\i0 Faith\b0\fs23\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i 1Ki_17:1-24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_38:1-41\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_42:5-6\cf0\ulnone\i0 ; \cf1\Portunity for making plain the divine requirements. \par \ldblquote The spirit of opposition to reproof, that led to the persecution and imprisonment of Jeremiah, exists today. Many refuse to heed repeated warnings, preferring rather to listen to false teachers who flatter their vanity and overlook their evil-doing. In the day of trouble such will have no sure refuge, no help from heaven. God\rquote s chosen servants should meet with courage and patience the trials and sufferings that befall them through reproach, neglect, and misrepresentation. They should continue to discharge faithfully the work God has given them to do, ever remembering that the prophets of old and the Saviour of mankind and His apostles also endured abuse and persecution for the Word\rquote s sake.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 p. 437.\par \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 What is our understanding of how inspiration works? How has the life and ministry of Ellen G. Whew Testament, the disciples thought that being blind was the result of the individual\rquote s or his parents\rquote sins \b0\i (\cf1\ul Joh_9:2-3\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 Should we relate differently to people who are suffering as the result of their own sins as opposed to those who seem to be suffering through no cause of their own? Or should we not even make that judgment call? Defend your answer.\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 A child is born with a rare genetic disorder, and the mother feels that God is punishing her for her rebellious youth. What advice and comfort can you as a class offer her? \par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 Ask if anyone in class ever witnessed a miracle, something that could have come only from God. What was the person\rquote s reaction? How has the impact of the miracle in the person\rquote s life changed over time? Did he or she ever struggle with doubt again, despite having witnessed something so amazing? What lessons can we learn from these experiences about what it means to live by faith?\b0\par } Becial work were not allowed to labor for a hardhearted and unbelieving people. But those who had hearts to feel and faith to believe were especially favored with evidences of His power through the prophets. In the days of Elijah, Israel had departed from God. They clung to their sins, and rejected the warnings of the Spirit through the Lord\rquote s messengers. Thus they cut themselves off from the channel by which God's blessing could come to them. The Lord passed by the homes of Israel, and found a refuge for His servant in a heathen land, with a woman who did not belong to the chosen people. But this woman was favored because she had followed the light she had received, and her heart was open to the greater light that God sent her through His prophet.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White\i , The Desire of Ages\i0 , p. 238.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs23\par \f3 n \b\f0 What is the connection between sin and suffering? The widow of Zarephath thought that her sin caused her son\rquote s death. In the NCnow. Selah.\rdblquote\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 10\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study\b0 :\fs23 \ldblquote \lquote And He said, verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country. But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; and unto none of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman, the Syrian.\rquote \cf1\ul Luk_4:23-27\cf0\ulnone , R. V. \par \ldblquote By this relation of events in the lives of the prophets, Jesus met the questionings of His hearers. The servants whom God had chosen for a spD\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\f2 My first awareness that \ldblquote Jesus loves me\rdblquote : ___________\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\f2 The day of my baptism: ____________\f1\par \f2 Most memorable \ldblquote forgiveness\rdblquote experience: ______________\f1\par \f2 Teacher\rquote s concluding prayer: \ldblquote Jesus, thank You for our memory text in Sabbath\rquote s lesson. We know, absolutely, that You didn\rquote t bring us this far to let us go now!\rdblquote\f1\par \f2 Last, invite class to repeat aloud the prayer together, each inserting their own name: \f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\f2\ldblquote Jesus, I know, absolutely, that You didn\rquote t bring [_____________] this far to let [______________] go Elquote is not just an abstract, \ldblquote out-there-somewhere\rdblquote word. The faith visibly rewarded, proven, in this report from Phoenicia can happen in (name of home city), as well. \par \b Example:\b0 Moments before the opening night of an evangelistic series, the electricity was cut, leaving the church in total darkness. The head deacon watched a tiny residue of fuel oil in the nearly empty, hastily-borrowed generator to keep the lights, laptop, and projector going. He was praying harder than ever when the meeting ran a half hour over. At the last amen, the lights went out. \f1\par \f2 The oil (food or fuel) still flows! Without the widow\rquote s story, why might we tend to view such reports as mere hype?\par \b Activity: \b0 Reread the memory text. In response to the following prompters, invite members to share voluntarily a one-word emotional descriptor (spanning from spiritual birth until present time) of how they felt/feel their Christian experience has begun:\f1\par \pard\nowidctlparF \ldblquote Look, your son is alive!\rdblquote he probably shouted to the widow. No doubt, whatever this incident did for the faith of the woman, it surely helped Elijah, as well.\par The widow\rquote s response ends in a faith statement. She now knows that the God of Israel is able to sustain life and also give life. \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 Read \cf1\ul Luk_4:24-26\cf0\ulnone , where this widow is mentioned again. How do Christ\rquote s words here help us better understand this story as a whole? What lessons might we draw from it for ourselves, we who are part of a privileged group? \b0\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Impress upon members that \ldblquote faith\rdbG How often, too, we might have had some incredible experience with God, something that really touched us in a powerful way, only to question Him later when events unfold that we don\rquote t like. That\rquote s why, though miracles can have a role in the building of faith, they shouldn\rquote t be the center of it.\par \b How does Elijah refer to the Lord? What does that tell us about his relationship with God?\b0\par Elijah has a very intimate relationship with God; he calls God \ldblquote my God.\rdblquote Having a close relationship with God does not mean that one has all the answers. Elijah cannot understand why God has permitted the child to die. But it is when we have an intimate relationship with God that we can best experience the power of God in our lives. The miracle does not occur by a special magic formula or even the attempt of the prophet to keep the boy warm. The writer of the account makes it clear that it is God who resurrects the boy. \par Elijah himself is thrilled at the results.H100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 9\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Testing Faith\b0\fs23\par \b How was the faith of both the widow and Elijah tested here?\b0 \cf1\ul\i 1Ki_17:17-24\cf0\ulnone . \i0\par Notice the struggle that Elijah himself had with the death of the boy. It doesn\rquote t seem as if he knows for sure that the Lord will raise him. His prayer seems to reflect some of the attitude of the woman herself, blaming God for the death. What this shows is that even prophets can struggle with understanding things that happen\i (\cf1\ul Mat_11:1-3\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par No question, for quite a while both the widow and Elijah were living in the presence of a miracle-the continual supply of flour and oil-which should have been more than enough to keep their faith strong. And yet, even with something as dramatic as that, their faith was put to the test. \parI0\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Evaluating our faith is introspective. Am I recognizing life experiences (heart wrenching tests, comforting assurances, answers to prayer) as steps of spiritual growth?\f1\par \b\f2 Thought Questions: \b0\f1\par \f2 We often face two kinds of \ldblquote tests\rdblquote regarding faith. The first kind is the kind in which we really have no choice. Perhaps you go to the doctor and are given bad news. This isn\rquote t a challenge you have chosen. It was thrust upon you. \par In contrast, perhaps you are offered the dream job, the job you always wanted. Everything is all set until you hear the words, \ldblquote You will have to work on some Saturdays.\rdblquote \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 What are the differences in these scenarios, and what role does faith play in them both? \par \pard\sb100\saJd suffering result directly from the sinful choices we make, it\rquote s also true that tragedies come for which we see no apparent reason and certainly through no fault of our own. \par Remember the story of Job. Even God admitted he was a righteous man, and look what happened to him. We need to be very careful in how we seek to explain the cause of tragedy in our lives. What\rquote s more important is how we respond to those tragedies, and fixating on the supposed cause most likely won\rquote t help.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 We all face unexpected and inexplicable tragedy, don\rquote t we? It\rquote s part of what it means to be fallen beings in a fallen world. How can you learn to trust and love God, even amid painful times? \b0\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\f2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx288Kt. And then, when something terrible happens, we may feel that the Lord is punishing us. In \cf1\ul 1Ki_17:18\cf0\ulnone , the widow blames God\rquote s prophet for being there and consequently bringing her to God\rquote s notice. \par \b Look at her reasoning\b0\i (\cf1\ul\i0 1Ki_17:18\cf0\ulnone\i )\b\i0 . Why might she have thought the way she did?\b0\par Perhaps she saw the kind of faithful and holy life that Elijah lived, and she felt convicted in his presence when she contrasted herself to him. Or, living day by day with such a miracle, perhaps she felt the presence of God and His holiness as never before and thus felt her sinfulness more than ever before. Thus, in that context, she saw her sins as the cause of this tragedy. \par In many ways, this is such a common reaction. We often blame ourselves and our sins for the tragedies that hurt us or our loved ones. What did I do that caused my child to get sick? What sin has caused this calamity in my life? Though it is true that many times pain anLPsalm 51?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 8\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Remembering My Sins\fs23 \b0\i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:17-18\cf0\ulnone )\i0\par The widow gave her last loaf of bread, and God performed a miracle. She and her son miraculously escaped starvation and had a constant source of food. It\rquote s hard to imagine the astonishment she must have felt to see this incredible miracle happen, not just once but day by day. \par \b What is the natural human response to contact with God?\par \b0\i See \cf1\ul Job_42:5-6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_6:5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Dan_10:8\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_5:8\cf0\ulnone ;\i0 \cf1\ul\i Rev_1:17\cf0\ulnone . \b\i0 Why do you think that reaction is so common?\b0\par Through the prophet Elijah, the widow came into contact with God. As we come into contact with a holy God, our sins become more apparenM recorded sermon illustration! (What other widow-often called the greatest fund-raiser throughout the ages that the church has ever had-went unnamed? Read \cf4\ul Mar_12:42-44\cf3\ulnone .)\par Second, the widow blamed herself for her son\rquote s death. Blame is an easy and dangerous trap to fall into. Though we all are guilty in one way or another, we always must remember that Jesus bore our guilt at the cross. \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 \ldblquote The nearer we come to Jesus, the more clearly we behold the purity and greatness of His character, the less we shall feel like exalting self. The contrast between our characters and His will lead to humiliation of soul and deep heart searching.\rdblquote - Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 46. Can even forgiven sins be later realized in a clearer light? Was this David\rquote s \ldblquote post-forgiven\rdblquote experience in N20\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Compare \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:12\cf5\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:24\cf3\ulnone .)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 What happened, in just 12 verses, that the widow now has to conclude all over again, \ldblquote Now I know who you are\rdblquote ? Because we know the narrative from beginning to end, it is easy for us to ask, After the miracle of the ever-flowing oil, how could any doubt possibly have set in?\par Possibly she\rquote d begun taking the nonstop oil for granted and required something to jolt her faith again. Or perhaps discouragement had set in from lack of self-worth. If this was the case, two possible reasons for that lack could be her social position or guilt and self-recrimination.\par First, widows had next-to-zero status in society. Samuel did not even name her in Scripture. Yet, she appears in \cf4\ul Luk_4:26\cf3\ulnone as Jesus\rquote firstOce, recognized the widow, she recognized Elijah in her greeting: \ldblquote As the Lord thy God liveth.\rdblquote\par \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:14\cf5\ulnone \cf3 : Before handing over her last morsel of food, she received Elijah\rquote s promise from God that if she complied, the supplies would not fail.\par It was enough. After she had received a command from God Himself, followed by divine insight to recognize her guest, the way was paved for her not to reject, without at least testing, the third step-the promise.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx990\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tqr\tx8190\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 \ldblquote God will never remove every occasion for doubt. He gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 432. Discuss whether the widow acted on presumption or budding faith.\par \b II.\tab Keeping Faith Warm\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx43Pyour class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 True, the widow lived at ground zero of Baal worship (Phoenicia). But even before the arrival of Elijah, \ldblquote she was a believer in the true God and had walked in all the light that was shining on her pathway.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 129. To paraphrase, the widow was in heathenism, but not of heathenism (see Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 195). \par Guide your class in a discussion of how God gently, step by step, built up the widow\rquote s faith to prepare her for Elijah\rquote s arrival and request. Evident talking points:\par \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:9\cf5\ulnone \cf3 : God, as well as Elijah later on, gave the widow a command. For her to get a directive straight from Israel\rquote s God likely would have told her that God was real and was working in her life.\par \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:12\cf5\ulnone \cf3 : Just as Elijah, by divine guidanQ us, as fallen beings, to live by faith? \scaps\par \cf2\ul\b0\scaps0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\f2\fs23 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 How do we know that the widow\rquote s response to the promise was budding faith and not presumption?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tqr\tx8550\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tqr\tx8010\f2 I. God Leads His Children Into Faith\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tqr\tx9000 (Read \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:9\cf5\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:12\cf5\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:14\cf3\ulnone with R only one meal. In giving that meal to the prophet first, this pagan woman reached out in raw faith, trusting in what she could not see or understand. In a sense, isn\rquote t that what faith is all about \i (see \cf1\ul Heb_11:1\cf0\ulnone )\i0 -trusting in a God we can\rquote t see and in promises we don\rquote t fully understand? What\rquote s amazing, too, is that this isn\rquote t even an Israelite woman but a woman from a pagan land who practiced a degrading form of worship. And yet God somehow communicated with her \i (see \cf1\ul 1Ki_17:9\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , and she responded in faith, doing what she had been commanded to, despite how foolish, from a worldly perspective, her actions might have seemed. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b When was the last time you had to reach out in raw, naked faith, trusting in what you could not see or did not understand? What lessons did you learn about what it means forSy. Only a handful of flour and a little oil stands between this poor woman and starvation.\par \b Whom does he tell her to feed first? What kind of thoughts must have gone through her mind when she heard that? What kind of faith was required on her part?\b0\par In many of our cultures, it is more appropriate to offer to others before taking for ourselves. However, to add insult to injury, the prophet not only wants to take from a person who cannot afford to give, but he wants to be served first. \par Remember that, throughout this story, the prophet is really standing in as a representative of God before this woman. By asking her for her last bread, the prophet is inviting the woman to take a leap of faith, to surrender all that she has to him.\par \b What other examples can you find in the Bible when the Lord asks for complete surrender? \b0\i See, for instance, \cf1\ul Gen_22:1-24\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par When we give God everything we have, we always gain in the end. The woman originally had enough forTbetween presumption and what is truly God\rquote s leading? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 7\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Total Surrender\fs23 \b0\i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:13-16\cf0\ulnone )\i0\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_17:13-16\cf0\ulnone . What\rquote s the first thing Elijah says to the widow, and why? What great leap of faith is Elijah taking in asking her to do this? \par \b0 Widows were marginal characters in the biblical world at the best of times. Especially if they had no grown children to take care of them, they were easily victimized and had limited legal recourse. A widow in the time of a great drought was even worse off. Each family was fighting for survival, and there would be no handouts to poor widows. This woman is now asked to feed the prophet. She is really the most unlikely candidate, when we consider her social and economic realitU travel, I need you to take me around to camp meeting speaking appointments and book signings this summer,\rdblquote she concluded. \par The author, however, resisted this fortune-cookie approach to seeking guidance from the Bible. Such an approach might have caught the author off guard had she not been able, biblically, to detect presumption in the request.\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0\f1 \f2 Let us consider for a moment that the widow of Zarephath may have been caught off guard by the seemingly audacious request for food in a time of famine. Elijah\rquote s request was likewise presented as coming \ldblquote from above,\rdblquote as was the request made to the author. What was the key difference between the two requests? How was the widow able to differentiate a request made in faith from one made in presumption? What guidance does this story offer us in discerning V Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 God today is as intent to design for us a leap in faith in our journey heavenward as He was for the widow of Zarephath.\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Use the story below to remind class members that while God designs for us to take a leap in faith in our heavenward journey, we must be careful not to mistake faith for presumption.\f1\par \b\f2 Introduction: \b0 An author wrote a biography. The subject of the biography planned a book tour in order to promote the book\rquote s release. However, she lacked the necessary means of travel to take her from place to place. \par The woman gave her dilemma some thought and finally settled on a unique approach for seeking divine guidance in the matter. After obtaining what she believed was an answer, she approached the author and revealed her method for arriving at a solution. \ldblquote When I closed my eyes and opened my Bible, my finger landed on the phrase \lquote go down to Egypt.\rquote So, since the message indicatesWdetrimental to our lives will be thrown at us, God\rquote s purposes for us always are good \i (\cf1\ul Jer_29:11\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 although we may not see this immediately. We need to learn to trust Him in all situations, both the good and the bad, for we will inevitably find ourselves at some point in both.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b How has the Lord been able to use you despite your weaknesses? How much more could you do were you, through His power, able to overcome those weaknesses?\b0\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf3\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\f2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Key Concept forXne ) \i0 to feed him. \par She seems an unusual instrument for God. She is a non-Israelite. She is a widow with no social standing and no influence or power. She herself is on the brink of starvation. \par What an incredible lesson can be learned from observing this divine strategy. More often than not God chooses us-not for a particular strength that we may have-but rather in spite of our weaknesses \i (\cf1\ul 2Co_12:9\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\tab\par Yesterday we saw that God is not limited geographically. Today we see that God is not limited by human limitations. God is the one who orders in this story. Throughout this narrative it is clear that God is in control, a point that is also very important in the larger context of Elijah\rquote s ministry in the great battle between the Lord and Baal. Nothing and no one can stand in the way of God\rquote s ultimate will. Later in the story, we will see that even death cannot interfere with God\rquote s purposes. Even though things and events that are hurtful or Yb\tab\b0\i December 6\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 An Unusual Instrument\fs23 \b0\i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:7-12\cf0\ulnone )\b\i0\par \b0 The widow, out gathering firewood to make a last meal for herself an her son, recognizes Elijah as a believer in God right away. The text doesn\rquote t say what it was, but something let her know that Elijah was a worshiper of the Lord.\b\par Read carefully \cf1\ul 1Ki_17:12\cf0\ulnone . The woman acknowledges that God exists, but what does that, at this point, mean to her? Dwell on her phrase, \ldblquote that we may eat it, and die.\rdblquote What does it imply?\b0\par \b What similarities can you detect between \cf1\ul 1Ki_17:3-4\cf5\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ki_17:8-9\cf0\ulnone ?\b0\par God directs and guides His prophet Elijah in order to save his life. First He tells him to hide by the brook Cherith. Ravens are commanded to feed him. Following this, God commands again and sends Elijah to Zarephath, where he has \ldblquote commanded a widow\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:9\cf0\ulnoZ widow still was generous enough to share with a stranger what she believed was the last meal she was able to provide for her son and herself. What assurance did Elijah give along with his request for her food?\par B. How does God assure us when He asks us to act on His requests?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Acting in Faith\par \b0 A. What has God asked you to do that requires stepping into unknown and potentially life-threatening territory?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 B. What assurances of God\rquote s care do you rest on?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 The widow of Zarephath cared for Elijah\rquote s needs, through faith, even though she was at the end of her resources; and God richly blessed her, her son, and Elijah.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\ta[ribe the circumstances that brought Elijah to ask for help from a pagan, widowed mother in a foreign land.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Empathize with the conflicting feelings that a starving mother must have had when a stranger from another religion asked for her last bit of food.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Step out in faith when God calls you to act, even though you may not know all the details.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 At the Bottom \f1\par \b0\f2 A. The widow was at the end of her resources and so was Elijah when God brought them together. How did they serve each other, and how did this affect the growth of their faith?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Enough Faith to Be Generous\par \b0 A. Though faced with death, the\ in fact, might not be of our faith or of any faith at all.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What\rquote s wrong with the attitude which says that we show a lack of faith when we seek help from others? What are ways that we might, through our needs, reveal to others the goodness and character of God?\tab\par \cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf4\ul 1Ki_17:13-14\cf3\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Desc]mportant Phoenician national deities is Baal, and Jezebel, as King Ahab\rquote s queen, actively imported Baal worship to Israel from Phoenicia. In the ancient world, gods were normally thought of as belonging to a specific city or region. Zarephath, situated outside of Israel in a foreign country, is supposedly far removed from the Lord\rquote s area of influence. The people of this heathen nation should also be far out of God\rquote s reach. But no one is ever out of His reach. Right in the very center of Baal worship, God is going to make His presence and power known.\par It\rquote s important to note that God uses the prophet\rquote s need to reach out to a woman in far-off Zarephath. As believers in Jesus, we do not have to project a perfect front to all those around us. We do not have to cover up our problems or pretend that we have no needs, because, as we all know, that\rquote s just not true. As Christians, we still suffer, we still hurt, we still need at times the solace and help of others who,^ god by declaring through his prophet Elijah that there would be no more dew or rain \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:1\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\par \b What irony is found in the idea that God tells a kingdom that was worshiping the storm god that there would be no rain? What does this tell us about God\rquote s power in our world in contrast to every other power? \b0\i See also \cf1\ul Psa_86:8\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jer_10:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Heb_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone , and \cf1\ul Job_38:1-41\cf0\ulnone .\i0 \par Elijah had been hiding at the brook Cherith \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:3\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 while the country of Israel withered under a devastating drought. The brook finally ran dry, and God commanded the prophet to leave and go to Zarephath \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_17:1-9\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par God commands Elijah to leave Israel and go to a foreign land. Zarephath is located on the Mediterranean coast between Tyre and Sidon. It is within the territory of Phoenicia, which is where the terrible queen Jezebel comes from. One of the i. Then ask them the questions listed above.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i October 22\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs23\ldblquote On the record of those who through self-abnegation have entered into the fellowship of Christ\rquote s sufferings, stand-one in the Old Testament and one in the New-the names of Jonathan and of John the Baptist.\par \ldblquote Jonathan, by birth heir to the throne, yet knowing himself set aside by the divine decree; to his rival the most tender and faithful of friends, shielding David\rquote s life at the peril of his own; steadfast at his father\rquote s side through the dark days of his declining power, and at his side falling at the last-the name of Jonathan is treasured in heaven, and it stands on earth a witness to the existence and the power of unselfish love. \par \ldblquote John the Baptist, at h`owing activity is meant to emphasize the qualities of true greatness-greatness as God measures it-rather than the qualities that make a person \ldblquote celebrated\rdblquote in the human scale of values.\par Bring posters or photos of well-known personalities from the news, entertainment, or sports. Put them on the walls before class members begin to walk in. \par If possible, avoid commenting on the pictures. Go through the initial part of your class as usual. \par When time comes to get into the activity, point to one of the photos/posters and ask why that given individual is so well known. Next, why might people admire him or her? Finally, what is genuinely good about these qualities, and what is not? How would these qualities be manifested in a godly context? \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Alternately, to do this exercise without pictures, ask class members to name famous persons they admirean friend the benefits of being a Christian, if he or she sees that you, too, get sick, lose your job, or suffer the loss of loved ones?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Discuss the life of Jonathan in the light of \cf1\ul Heb_11:32-40\cf0\ulnone . What can you take away from those texts that perhaps could help you in situations that, at least from your perspective now, have dismal outcomes?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\b0\f4 n \b\f0 How does, for instance, a woman who had been sexually molested by her father show honor to him? What about physically abusive parents? How are we to respond to the command to honor them? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0\f4 n \b\f0 What are things that the world deems \ldblquote great\rdblquote that God doesn\rquote t? What are things that God deems great that the world doesn\rquote t? How can we know the difference between these two ideas of \ldblquote greatness\rdblquote ?\cf2\b0\f5\par } bis appearance as the Messiah\rquote s herald, stirred the nation. From place to place his steps were followed by vast throngs of people of every rank and station. But when the One came to whom he had borne witness, all was changed. The crowds followed Jesus, and John\rquote s work seemed fast closing. Yet there was no wavering of his faith. \lquote He must increase,\rquote he said, \lquote but I must decrease.\rquote \cf1\ul Joh_3:30\cf0\ulnone .\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Education,\i0 pp. 156, 157.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 How do we differentiate between faith and presumption? When and how do we go about asking for signs in order to know God\rquote s will for us?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Some cultures promote passiveness as a virtue, while others see it as something negative. Jonathan was willing to take second place. Is this the same as being passive? Should a Christian be passive? If so, when; if not, why not?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 How can you explain to a non-Christic. Then ask them the questions listed above.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i October 22\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs23\ldblquote On the record of those who through self-abnegation have entered into the fellowship of Christ\rquote s sufferings, stand-one in the Old Testament and one in the New-the names of Jonathan and of John the Baptist.\par \ldblquote Jonathan, by birth heir to the throne, yet knowing himself set aside by the divine decree; to his rival the most tender and faithful of friends, shielding David\rquote s life at the peril of his own; steadfast at his father\rquote s side through the dark days of his declining power, and at his side falling at the last-the name of Jonathan is treasured in heaven, and it stands on earth a witness to the existence and the power of unselfish love. \par \ldblquote John the Baptist, at hdowing activity is meant to emphasize the qualities of true greatness-greatness as God measures it-rather than the qualities that make a person \ldblquote celebrated\rdblquote in the human scale of values.\par Bring posters or photos of well-known personalities from the news, entertainment, or sports. Put them on the walls before class members begin to walk in. \par If possible, avoid commenting on the pictures. Go through the initial part of your class as usual. \par When time comes to get into the activity, point to one of the photos/posters and ask why that given individual is so well known. Next, why might people admire him or her? Finally, what is genuinely good about these qualities, and what is not? How would these qualities be manifested in a godly context? \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Alternately, to do this exercise without pictures, ask class members to name famous persons they admireeise, however, is that one day all things will be made right, and we will have answers to what now seems so unfathomable.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Read\b0 \cf1\ul\b 1Co_4:5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_13:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:28\cf0\ulnone , and \cf1\ul Rev_21:4\cf0\ulnone . What hope can you draw from these passages as we face difficult questions, not just for Bible characters but perhaps for ourselves, in the struggles, and trials that, at least for now, do not always have happy endings?\b0\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 The follf. He was also a good son. God had used Jonathan before to put a whole army on the run, and now the Israelite army once again faced the Philistines. Perhaps Jonathan wondered if God would once again perform a miracle to save Israel. Jonathan would fall that day on the battlefield \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_31:2\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par Like John the Baptist, Jonathan is an example of those who do not get what they seem to deserve now. They often suffer, lose positions of honor for the sake of Christ, and sometimes even fall at their post of duty. However insignificant or even useless their lives and sacrifices may appear, they are nonetheless key players in God\rquote s plans. They are motivated and sustained by Jesus\rquote love and presence. They are born for greatness-not necessarily the kind of greatness that the world understands or portrays but a greatness that goes way beyond our human concepts and expectations. \par So much happens that doesn\rquote t, from our perspective, make sense or seem fair. The promg and that we reap what we sow. We often take this further and believe that a good person should have a good, long life, and that a bad person can expect a troubled, short life. And while we know that good will win over evil in the end, when Jesus comes again, the reality of the matter is that good people do not always get good in this life and that bad people do not always get bad. Sometimes we even are punished for doing the right thing. God does often step in and miraculously save and protect His children, but this is not always the case.\par \b Who are some Bible characters who, though faithful, did not get what they deserved?\b0 \cf1\ul\i Gen_39:10-20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Job_1:1-22\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_2:1-13\cf2\ulnone .\ul\i0\par \cf0\ulnone Jonathan had been a true and faithful friend to David. He was a negotiator and tried his best to bring peace between David and Saul. Jonathan was not proud and was willing to give up his right to the throne. He was just as willing to accept David as kingh humility, even though he had every reason to be conceited. Early on, he attributed his military successes to God, not his own prowess, although certainly his prowess had something to do with it. He did what he could to help David survive, even though he knew that David\rquote s survival meant he could never become king. And he ultimately put his loyalty to his profoundly undeserving father above life itself. How does this humility exemplify the ideal attitude we should have toward Christ, who is infinitely more deserving than either David or Saul?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 21\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 When Life Isn\rquote t Fair\fs23\par Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_31:1-7\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul 2Sa_1:5-12\cf0\ulnone . What kind of end did Jonathan have? How do we understand this?\b0\par Most of us have been taught that good always wins in the endirust him and follow him. But not everyone with these qualities lives up to his or her potential in God\rquote s eyes. What do you think distinguished Jonathan in God\rquote s point of view?\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Jonathan was one of the relatively few Old Testament figures who lived exemplary lives and yet met the most ignominious ends. Why would this happen? How did his choices impact his future? Discuss the reasons for your answer. How do you think he would have been viewed if he had taken another course of action that might have led to a different result? Keep in mind that this would have most likely meant abandoning Saul to his fate.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\tqr\tx9270\b Application Question:\b0\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\f2 One of the most distinctive characteristics of Jonathan was hisj a servant leader prepared to take second or even third place.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Using Jonathan as an example, what can you do when you don\rquote t get the job, position, or respect you feel that you are entitled to? How can you control feelings of rejection, envy, and hate?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Jonathan definitely satisfied worldly criteria for greatness. He was born to royalty, he had charisma and leadership ability, and he had the personal character and integrity that made others want to tkIsa_14:13-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ki_1:5\cf0\ulnone ; and \cf1\ul Mar_10:35-37\cf0\ulnone . What is the difference?\b0\par When we have our identity secure in God, we are able to face rejection or criticism without being devastated or losing our sense of self-worth. A big part of having our own identity secure in God involves our experience and relationship with Him. Jonathan had already had a dramatic personal experience with God in his victory over the Philistines in \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:1-23\cf0\ulnone . \par The later story of David\rquote s family is marked by rebellions and internal strife. Absalom and Adonijah both seek to usurp the throne from their father, David. They are unwilling to allow God to choose the new king. Jonathan\rquote s attitude stands in total contrast to this \ldblquote I\rdblquote spirit. He is willing to take second place. He tries to inspire harmony and reconciliation between his father and his friend David \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_19:4\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 He truly stands as an example oflder to avoid taking responsibility for our own circumstances. \par Though we all are subjected to, and even victims of, circumstances beyond our control-Jonathan\rquote s life shows us that we can work through them, at least to some degree. Jonathan would have had a right to blame his father for most of his troubles. If Saul had been faithful, then Jonathan would have had the throne. Jonathan chooses not to play the blame game, though. Jonathan has a good sense of self-worth. Instead of letting himself become bitter and resentful, he trusts that God knows best, and so Jonathan chooses to do what he can with what he has. It probably was not easy for Jonathan to maintain this faith and trust in God when he realized that God had chosen David, rather than himself, to become the next king. \par \b Describe Jonathan\rquote s reaction to the fact that David will be king in his stead. What does this tell us about Jonathan? \cf1\ul 1Sa_23:17\cf0\ulnone . Contrast his attitude to those displayed in\b0 \cf1\ul\b mall to human weaknesses. But God\rquote s friendship never leaves us.\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 How has God built the need for friendship and companionship into the human condition?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 20\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Taking Second Place\b0\fs23\par One of the main trends in current society is to blame one\rquote s parents for most (if not all) problems in life. To be sure, some folk do carry a lot of heavy emotional baggage from their parents. We can\rquote t deny that fact.\par However, it seems that the past decades have seen an incredible increase in this unfortunate tendency. We blame not only our parents but sometimes siblings, teachers, circumstances-anything or anyone else in orne niceness,\rdblquote are we terrified that other people might dislike us for living our Christianity?\par \b III. \ldblquote As His Own Soul . . .\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_18:1\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par God\rquote s love for us and vice versa is a form of friendship. First, it is voluntary. There is no reason that God is required to love us. As a bilateral relationship, it requires nurturing and communication, at least on our part. Our friendship with God-at least in its ideal state-presupposes a commonality of interests and goals. We ask and seek for His will to be done, as seen in the Lord\rquote s Prayer. Conversely, God tries to fulfill our sanctified goals and desires. We speak of Christ being in us-or of ourselves as being in Christ, just as David and Jonathan are described as being of one soul. The difference is that human friendship always can fo\ul 1Sa_14:9-10\cf4\ulnone ) if it was clear that the Lord was not with him. When it became clear that the Lord was with him, he and his armor bearer proved able to do what an entire army was afraid even to talk about.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 The story told in 1 Samuel 13 and 14 suggests that Saul and the other Israelites were ambivalent about challenging the status quo. They were afraid of being a \ldblquote stench\rdblquote to the Philistines.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1170\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360 How often are we satisfied with the status quo in our spiritual lives? Is our Christianity the kind that doesn\rquote t challenge or make other people uncomfortable? Does it ever motivate us to confront our own fears or preferences? In a culture in which Christianity often is synonymous with \ldblquotp else in his camp (vss. 1, 3). \par Why? Perhaps Saul and the other Israelites weren\rquote t really ready to commit themselves to the \ldblquote national liberation struggle.\rdblquote We can see a hint of that point of view in \cf5\ul 1Sa_13:4\cf4\ulnone , in which it is said that the attack on the garrison made Israel an abomination-literally, \ldblquote a stench\rdblquote -to the Philistines, whereas before they had been a harmless object of Philistine aggression. At first, Israel\rquote s reaction to the attack was adulation. It quickly became naked fear when it became clear there were plenty of Philistines left.\par Also, Jonathan\rquote s mission could have seemed legitimately foolhardy. Jonathan was not only a member of the royal family; he was possibly the most able general in the Israelite army.\par So, how do we know that Jonathan was not merely impulsive and reckless? First, Jonathan placed his confidence in God, not his military skills. In fact, he was ready to give up and walk away (\cf5qf and to rely on God to make up for the shortcomings we may have inherited from a fallen nature or from flawed nurture.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tqr\tx7920\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 Given that Saul was not really competent to be king, why do you think God would not have chosen to pass the kingship on to Jonathan, who clearly was competent and displayed the qualities necessary for kingship?\par \b II. Attack on Gibeah\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_14:1-14\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx810\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\f2 In this chapter, we once again see Jonathan taking the initiative. The author obviously wants us to know that this took place without Saul\rquote s knowledge or that of anyoner\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\f2 Today we hear a lot about genetics and environment as they shape and influence human behavior. Nature or nurture? By either measure, Jonathan was doomed. Saul was indecisive-except when he made the wrong decision, as in \cf5\ul 1Sa_13:8-12\cf4\ulnone . He took credit for others\rquote accomplishments, as when he \ldblquote allowed\rdblquote people to think that the attack on the garrison at Gibeah was his (\cf5\ul 1Sa_13:4\cf4\ulnone ). He blamed others for his failures with a facility not seen since the early chapters of Genesis (\cf5\ul 1Sa_13:11\cf4\ulnone ). And he later showed himself to have what would today be recognized as a mental illness caused by severe biochemical imbalances.\par Jonathan easily could have followed his father\rquote s example. What choice did he have, after all? The same choice we all have. The choice to rely on God rather than himsels0\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Following the example of Jonathan, what practical things can you do to improve your relationship with your parents, siblings, or other family members, especially if they are not believers?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx990\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2 I. \ldblquote Nothing Can Prevent the Lord From Delivering . . .\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_13:1-13\cf4\ulnone with your class.)teir own parents for less? What does this tell us about the kind of person Jonathan was?\b0\par Honoring our parents means a lot more than an occasional card or gift. Jonathan stands by his father in his time of crisis; he stands by him, too, despite what his father wanted to do to him.\par We, too, honor our parents when we stand by them in times of crisis, such as illness or the loss of a job. We have a biblical obligation to support our parents emotionally and also materially \i (see \cf1\ul 1Ti_5:8\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Honoring our parents is not a subjective, passive activity. Jonathan demonstrates that this often involves giving respectful yet sound advice. Honoring our parents does not mean suspending our own judgment or defending our parents\rquote errors, nor blindly following or condoning evil. It does mean, though, that we have special obligations to them, regardless of the kind of people they might be. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx576ux2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i\scaps0 October 19\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Parent-Child Relationship\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_19:1-7\cf0\ulnone . How would you describe the relationship between Jonathan and Saul? What kind of conflict does Jonathan face between loyalty to his own father and loyalty to a friend? \b0\par Exactly what type of father Saul was when Jonathan was a child we do not know, but we do know that in later life Saul was not someone to look up to. Saul was very selfish, moody, jealous, irrational, and at times neurotic. Jonathan, however, gives evidence in his life and relationship to his father of a practical application of the command given in \cf1\ul Exo_20:12\cf0\ulnone , which tells us to honor our parents.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:24-46\cf0\ulnone . How could Jonathan, had he wanted, used this incident as an excuse to stop honoring his father? Have not people turned on thvte \par But wait! What do you call that person if he or she is so honest and pure that he or she angers his or her ruthless, slightly unstable father and has to hide in the woods with a shepherd? And what if this person acknowledges, too, that this shepherd is really the one with the right to the throne? \par Sounds like the plot twists in a pulp-fiction adventure novel? No. It\rquote s the story of King Saul\rquote s son, Jonathan, and his best friend, David-the future king, and the one through whom the Messianic line was founded.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\fs22 Discuss With the Class:\b0\fs23 Most of the time we would agree that one has a right to achieve as much as he or she can in the world. But as Christians, we implicitly recognize that this isn\rquote t the highest value. How can we recognize when God is calling us to something else?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\twblquote \ldblquote Greed is good.\rdblquote These are just two of the maxims that have seemed to guide our thinking as society has grown \ldblquote less Christian\rdblquote and more Darwinian. The worst thing you can call someone is a \ldblquote loser.\rdblquote Yes, we penalize cheating. Or more precisely, we penalize getting caught cheating. Sometimes we vilify winners who are too odd and unpleasant. But we really hate and punish \ldblquote failure,\rdblquote which can be defined as \ldblquote failure to grab all you can.\rdblquote\par So in the light of this, what do we call someone who is born into royalty, has intelligence, good looks, talent, charisma, leadership qualities, military genius, and an indisputable title to the throne (if that person should choose to claim it)? Clearly one of life\rquote s winners, someone you would want to know. Maybe some of it might just rub off on you, or perhaps you could at least get some valuable \ldblquote access\rdblquote or \ldblquote face time.\rdblquoxsituations? How can you learn to trust God even when things don\rquote t work out as you had hoped or prayed? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1441\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 In the Christian life, faithfulness trumps \ldblquote finishing first.\rdblquote\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that we are called to seek a standard of greatness that may not match the world\rquote s expectations; one that may not seem like greatness at all by worldly standards. We even may have to reject those standards explicitly, facing persecution and ridicule.\f1\par \f2\ldblquote Nice guys finish last.\rdyby any means He chooses, and so Jonathan makes himself available to God. God chooses to use Jonathan and his armor bearer; an incredible victory follows. \par \b What are the steps that Jonathan undertakes before climbing up to the enemy outpost? \cf1\ul\b0\i 1Sa_14:6-13\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\tab\tab\b0\tab\par Sometimes the line between faith and presumption can seem very fine. Jonathan does not depend on his own impressions exclusively. He consults with another God-fearing person and shares with him his plans and ideas. Jonathan understands that God is not limited, and so he does not try to manipulate Him. Jonathan is willing to stay or go as God will reveal through the sign that he proposes. Finally, when Jonathan gets the go-ahead, he does not hesitate but immediately engages himself in the challenge. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What are your own personal battles? How can you learn to trust God in these zd Jonathan are said to have had iron swords or spears, for the Philistines tightly controlled the blacksmith industry. Indeed, all Israelites had to have their tools fixed or sharpened by Philistine blacksmiths \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_13:19-22\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Can you imagine the motley Israelite militia, equipped with sticks, axes, and slings, facing a vast Philistine army with state-of-the-art weaponry? No wonder that Saul\rquote s army had a record desertion rate.\par \b Think about the true balance of power in our battles if we are surrendered to the Lord. See \cf1\ul 2Ki_6:8-17\cf0\ulnone . What hope can we take from that account for ourselves?\par \b0 Jonathan is not intimidated by what others think. He does not lament the lack of faith and trust in Israel. Instead, he determines to do something about it. Jonathan is not out to save the day, but rather, he knows that God is so much bigger than the problem Israel faces. Jonathan does not see himself as a type of savior or hero. He knows that God can save {e on God\rquote s alter?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 B. How do we respond in both attitude and deed to the position of service God has called us to? \par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 By taking a supporting role with both his father and best friend, even to the point of suffering his father\rquote s fate in battle, Jonathan demonstrated the unselfish, loving devotion of a servant leader.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 18\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 A Great Victory\b0\i\fs23\par \i0 Israel lives in a moment of extreme crisis. The Philistines have assembled to fight Israel with chariots and soldiers that seem to be as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore. The Israelite army is numerically inferior and very poorly equipped. Only Saul an|brave, capable and God-fearing leader, yet God chose a supporting role for him. How did Jonathan respond to God\rquote s assignment? What about Jonathan\rquote s response is great in God\rquote s eyes?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Loyal Son and Friend\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\b0\f2 A. Jonathan supported both a failing father and a friend who was destined to rise to a greatness that Jonathan could not share. How would we feel under these circumstances? Despite these challenges, how did Jonathan demonstrate his unselfish love to God, father, and friend?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Suffering Servant\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 A. Christ is the greatest example of Suffering Servant. What circumstances might we face where we are called to suffer as Jonathan and Christ suffered, giving our lives as a sacrific}Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 1Sa_1:6\cf4\ulnone\par \b\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Recognize what God honors as great in Jonathan\rquote s style of servant leadership.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Cherish those attitudes of fidelity and friendship that Jonathan showed both his untrustworthy father Saul, and the young man David, who was anointed to take his throne.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Practice servant leadership, whatever humiliation and challenges we may be called to suffer in the process.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Servant Leadership \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 A. Jonathan was a ~d is ready to give practical help, even at great personal risk. Jonathan often interceded for David with his father, King Saul \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_19:4\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Jonathan took the time and the trouble to find David when he was a fugitive and to encourage him in the Lord \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_23:16\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Have you ever betrayed a friend? Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? What lessons have you learned? What character traits do you need to change in you in order to be a better friend? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Key 0 \cf1\ul\b Exo_33:11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_16:20-21\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Pro_17:17\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Pro_27:9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Ecc_4:10\cf0\ulnone ; and \cf1\ul Joh_15:13-15\cf0\ulnone ?\b0\par Most of us would expect a mother to be prepared to die in order to save her child\rquote s life or a man to protect his family at whatever cost to himself. These strong relationships are admirable, normal, and a reflection of God\rquote s love for us. But this is an instinct that we share with many animal species. \par Friendship is much more than instinct. True friendship must be nurtured by communication. Friends are there to help in all the challenges of life, not just to share the \ldblquote fun\rdblquote times. We can shape our friends\rquote present and future through wise counsel, encouragement, and through prayer for them. Jonathan shows these characteristics in his friendship with David. In \cf1\ul 1Sa_20:1-42\cf0\ulnone , Jonathan shows that friendship involves more than just talk; a frien zze in their final moments. AsY;13-Dec 18-24-Baruch: Building a Legacy{\rtf1\anYK13-DeY/13-DenY13-Dec 18-24-Baruch: Building a Legacy{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 13\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\i *December 18-24\fs23\par \b\i0\fs40 Baruch: Building \i a\i0 Legacy \i in a \i0 Crumbling World\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\par \scaps0\fs23 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Isa_53:1-5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer_7:1-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer 28:1-17\cf2\_one final meal. Holding her son\rquote s hand, the widow leaves the dusty town of Zarephath to scrounge for firewood in order to cook their final meal. And here the unnamed woman steps into the biblical narrative and into sacred history, where her story teaches us lessons that we can, thousands of years later, apply to ourselves. This week we see the great controversy between God and Satan played out in miniature in the life of an unnamed widow who chooses God and is led step by step into a journey of faith.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 11.\b\i0\par \scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 5\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 To Zarephath \fs23\par \b0 Although our story begins with God\rquote s command to the great prophet Elijah to go to Zarephath, we must remember what led to this command. The kingdom of Israel had fallen into idolatry. Baal worship had become the official state religion. God had dramatically \ldblquote challenged\rdblquote the storme s question. What are the things that really matter in life, and why is it so easy to lose track of what really matters?\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 What reasons might have led Gehazi to think that he could get away with his deception? He knew God existed; he had seen miracles take place, some quite incredible, in fact. Yet, despite all this, he tried to deceive his master. Perhaps he had done similar things before and gotten away with it. Perhaps in his own mind he truly rationalized his actions. We don\rquote t know. What we do know, however, is that it\rquote s not that hard to deceive ourselves. What are ways we can learn to protect ourselves from falling into the same self-deception?\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 Go back to \cf1\ul 2Ki_5:17-19\cf0\ulnone . What lessons should or should we not draw from Naaman\rquote s request to Elisha about bowing down in the house of Rimmon? \par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 What are some practical ways you can serve others? \cf2\b0\f4\par } llow men. \par \ldblquote \lquote A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.\rquote \cf1\ul Pro_19:5\cf0\ulnone . Men may think to hide their evil deeds from human eyes, but they cannot deceive God. \lquote All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.\rquote \cf1\ul Heb_4:13\cf0\ulnone . Gehazi thought to deceive Elisha, but God revealed to His prophet the words that Gehazi had spoken to Naaman, and every detail of the scene between the two men.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings\i0 , p. 252.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 What are some of the warning signs that money or the pursuit of it is taking the place of God in our lives? How can we learn to use money and not let it use us? What role do tithing and giving offerings play in connection with the whole question of the influence and power of money over our lives?\par \b0\f3 n \b\f0 As a class, go over your response to Thursday\rquotf manna as another talking point, connect God\rquote s daily watchcare for Israel with the object lessons from nature, suggested by the class. Considering these things together, ask the class how we can learn to trust in God to provide for us, no matter how difficult our circumstances might be.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs28 Friday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 17\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs23 \ldblquote Solemn are the lessons taught by this experience of one to whom had been given high and holy privileges. The course of Gehazi was such as to place a stumbling block in the pathway of Naaman, upon whose mind had broken a wonderful light, and who was favorably disposed toward the service of the living God. For the deception practiced by Gehazi there could be pleaded no excuse. To the day of his death he remained a leper, cursed of God and shunned by his feealth and clothes the fields! Why concern ourselves with such trivialities when we might fellowship with the Eternal Provider? Clothing and silver offered Gehazi nothing that fellowship with God would not provide! Millions today, however, repeat Gehazi\rquote s trespass, exchanging a dynamic relationship with God and commitment to service for the self-centered pursuit of financial security. Dependable security, however, cannot be found in financial institutions and investments. God alone provides secure harbor for souls tossed about the oceans of life. \f1\par \b\f2 Activity 1\b0 : Read \cf5\ul Mat_6:24-34\cf4\ulnone together. Invite class members to provide illustrations from nature that reinforce the concept of a loving Eternal Provider. Discuss how fellowship with God resolves human worries regarding daily necessities. \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Activity 2:\b0 Using the divine provision o0\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Whether or not Gehazi would have been called into prophetic office is subject to speculation. Nevertheless there was clearly a call to servanthood. This calling itself, apart from the specific prophetic calling, offered multiple opportunities for intimacy with God. Those opportunities remain open for Christians today who, likewise, have been called into spiritual service. Perhaps we have not witnessed bodily resurrections or experienced miracles that match Elisha\rquote s; nevertheless, there exists abundant evidence for divine power in the daily sunrise, children\rquote s laughter, the expansive universe, discoveries through microscope and telescope. Gehazi witnessed firsthand miraculous wonders, including a bodily resurrection, but exchanged intimate fellowship with God for silver and clothing. How ridiculous these enticements appear when we remember that God Himself creates wve learned from Elisha. He could have been the next major prophet or perhaps a leader and teacher in the schools of the prophets. Now all he can do is speak about the good old days when he worked with the prophet. Gehazi could have been making history; now all he can do is live in the past.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b We need to recount and remember God\rquote s dealing with us in the past. But at the same time, we need to be careful about dwelling on what happened in the past, at the expense of living correctly in the present. How do we strike a right balance here? How can dwelling too much on the past negatively influence our walk with the Lord today?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb10e biblical author tells us that at the precise time that Gehazi was telling about the miracle of the Shunammite\rquote s son being brought back to life, the Shunammite appears before the king. God in His providence uses Gehazi\rquote s bragging to help the woman of Shunem. The woman of Shunem is by now most probably a widow, as no mention is made of her husband, and it is unusual that a woman would appear before the king on such business instead of her husband. She is most likely in charge of her family until her son becomes of age. She has been out of the country for seven years during a severe drought. Having the right relationships and knowing the right people may be important and seen as advantageous from a human point of view, but God views things differently.\par \b What relationship really counts, and why? \b0\i See \cf1\ul Jer_9:23-24\cf0\ulnone .\b \b0\i0\par And so Gehazi fades from history. The sad part of the story is the fact that Gehazi could have been doing God\rquote s work. He could ha-46\cf4\ulnone say to those who desire the intimate fellowship with God illustrated in the parable of the rabbi? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 16\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Living on Leftovers\b0\fs23\par \b We last hear of Gehazi in \cf1\ul 2Ki_8:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What do we find the ex-servant of Elisha doing?\b0\par Many years have passed since the great miracle of the raising of the Shunammite\rquote s son. Gehazi\rquote s skin disease must not be too disfiguring, for we now find him in the royal court. Gehazi, Elisha\rquote s \ldblquote ex-servant,\rdblquote is talking about what has been. He is bragging about Elisha and his miracles, and in doing so he is most likely reflecting on his own importance by his connection to Elisha. \par We never may have heard of this storytelling session had it not been for the timing of this event. The. And whenever he hears one of the villagers say, \lquote On Friday morning our rabbi ascends all the way to heaven,\rquote the newcomer quietly adds, \lquote If not higher.\rquote\rdblquote -\i Perfect Illustrations for Every Topic and Occasion\i0 (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2002), p. 249.\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Questions:\b0 Why does the newcomer not expose the fallacy of the \ldblquote heavenly journey\rdblquote ? What attracted him to discipleship? What can we learn from the secrecy of the rabbi\rquote s service? What were the rabbi\rquote s followers trying to communicate through the boast that their rabbi spoke directly with God? How does serving others place us in intimate fellowship with our Redeemer? How does the figure of peasant\rquote s clothing illustrate the servanthood of Christ? (Hint: Compare \cf5\ul Php_2:1-8\cf4\ulnone .) What does \cf5\ul Mat_25:31ety nor charismatic fervor makes an adequate substitute for Christian servanthood. \par \b Activity: \b0 Read the following Jewish tale and discuss the connection between spirituality and service.\f1\par \f2\ldblquote In a small Jewish town in Russia, there is a rabbi who disappears each Friday morning for several hours. His devoted disciples boast that during those hours their rabbi goes up to heaven and talks to God.\par \ldblquote A stranger moves into town, and he\rquote s skeptical about all this, so he decides to check things out. He hides and watches. The rabbi gets up in the morning, says his prayers, and then dresses in peasant clothes. He grabs an axe, goes off into the woods, and cuts some firewood, which he then hauls to a shack on the outskirts of the village. There an old woman and her sick son live. He leaves them the wood, enough for a week, and then sneaks back home.\par \ldblquote Having observed the rabbi\rquote s actions, the newcomer stays on in the village and becomes his discipl\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b It\rquote s very easy to underestimate the incredible hold that the love of money\b0 \i (\cf1\ul 1Ti_6:10\cf0\ulnone )\i0 \b can have on us. What examples, from either biblical\b0 \b or nonbiblical history, can you think of where money led to someone\rquote s ruin? How can we learn to protect ourselves from what can be a very dangerous temptation?\b0\tab \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Within every heart battles are waged between self-centeredness and spiritual commitment. Whenever commitment vanquishes that selfishness, the natural result is selfless service. Neither religious pisurrender them to God. We can keep our perspective by consistently giving not only material possessions but also time. The love of material things blinds us to our true mission and purpose in life and in the end can cause our eternal ruin, if we are not careful. \par It is strange that Gehazi swears to himself by the living God and then goes off to deceive. Does he think that the living God does not see him? What a powerful testimony to the power of our own corrupt hearts to deceive us! \par Naaman, meanwhile, is very generous about giving Gehazi the gifts, but he probably goes away with some questions, especially when his two servants return and report Gehazi\rquote s strange behavior. Gehazi has let his greed interfere with the witness that Elisha wants to give to this new convert.\par Of course, in the end, the same God who performed miracles revealed the truth to Elisha about what Gehazi did, and, just like that, his ministry and life were ruined.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440and why characters in the Bible did what they did at times, especially in the face of so many miraculous events. The incredible healing of Naaman happened right before Gehazi. He saw not only the power of God but the actions of his master, who refused to take any money from the captain. One would think that would have been more than enough to humble him before God and man, but apparently it didn\rquote t. \par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Ki_5:20-27\cf0\ulnone . How did Gehazi, at least at first, rationalize his actions? What little bit of nationalism, or ethnic prejudice, is hinted at in Gehazi\rquote s thoughts?\b0\par The Bible is full of warnings against the love of money and the dangers of earthly possessions. These warnings are directed not only toward the wealthy. It is not the amount of material possessions that we have that is the problem but rather our attitude toward what we have. The battle against greed requires constant attention. We continually have to adjust our thoughts toward our possessions and pily, he remembers those life-transforming experiences that shaped the religious foundation of Israel. Sadly, he must also have remembered the grand opportunity he forfeited, all for the dubious increase of earthly riches.\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 How valuable will earthly wealth seem during our \ldblquote twilight years\rdblquote if opportunities for faithful service have slipped through our fingers? What should we do daily to fortify ourselves against the temptation to exchange eternal principles for temporal advantages, or birthrights for porridge? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 15\b\i0\fs23\par \fs28 Gehazi\rquote s Fall\b0\fs23\par It\rquote s hard, at least from our perspective today, to understblessings and powers can be purchased with money? (Note also the story of Simon in \cf5\ul Act_8:12-24\cf4\ulnone .) How may trusting our financial investments dilute our need to trust God? Why do some Christians today believe that they can keep their actions hidden from God?\par \b III. Living on Leftovers\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 2Ki_8:1-6\cf4\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Years have passed since Gehazi served the prophet Elisha. Remarkably, we find him conversing with the king. Apparently Gehazi was not badly disfigured, or this audience with the royal court likely would not have occurred. His storytelling reaches back to the resurrection narrative involving the Shunammite woman\rquote s deceased son. This final encounter with Gehazi leaves a bittersweet taste. Hapfoolishly refused payment. A bright fellow like me shouldn\rquote t allow golden opportunities to escape. There\rquote s still time to catch Naaman, concoct a story that explains \lquote Elisha\rquote s change of heart,\rquote and cash in.\rdblquote Following his wicked instincts, Gehazi pursues Naaman\rquote s party. Naaman\rquote s heart still overflows with gratitude, and his generosity doubles Gehazi\rquote s greedy request! The gift is large enough to require two servants to transport it. Fearing discovery, Gehazi immediately hides his ill-gotten gain. Hiding from the Lord proves futile. Elisha exposes the fraud, and Gehazi\rquote s punishment is immediate. Oh, to have sins white as snow rather than skin white as snow!\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b Consider This:\b0 How does greed and financial gain influence the church and its membership today? What dangers are inherent in the belief that divine ve about the woman\rquote s needs, and Elisha treats him as a trusted consultant. \par However, later in the narrative, his attitude undergoes a subtle shift. His insensitivity toward the same woman, now distressed by her child\rquote s death, is perhaps the initial sign of Gehazi\rquote s self-centered nature. \f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 Which admirable qualities does Gehazi exhibit? How does self-centeredness usher in insensitivity? \par \b II. Gehazi\rquote s Fall\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 2Ki_5:20-27\cf4\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Gehazi\rquote s thoughts may be paraphrased, \ldblquote This wealthy heathen felt obligated, and Elisha 710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190\tx8910\b\f2 I. Learning Firsthand\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 2Ki_4:8-31\cf4\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Gehazi was uniquely privileged as Elisha\rquote s prophetic associate. Very few individuals, according to the scriptural record, experienced resurrections firsthand. Gehazi, as Elisha\rquote s trusted assistant, was one who personally witnessed divine resurrection power. Strange that he could experience divine authority in such close proximity but later commit the crimes he did. Common sense should have told Gehazi that the all-powerful God who conquered the grave was likewise all-knowing regarding his deceitfulness. Nevertheless, we must recognize Gehazi\rquote s admirable qualities. He seems sensitis22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Empires crumble over time, not instantaneously. Character likewise erodes incrementally. Our current study traces the spiritual demise of Gehazi, Elisha\rquote s prophetic associate. Avoid demonizing Gehazi. Attacking his character imperfections, apart from appreciating his virtuous characteristics, leaves the impression that modern Christians are not vulnerable to similar temptations. Recognize that Gehazi possessed many admirable qualities, as do Christians today. Those qualities, however, were overtaken and destroyed by festering sins that were allowed to develop unchecked. Lessons from Gehazi\rquote s example should prepare us to address effectively our own imperfections and evil tendencies that might otherwise destroy our spiritual effectiveness.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx990\tx1quote s toward the letter? \par 3) Read \cf1\ul 2Ki_5:12\cf0\ulnone . What kind of logic is the captain using there? What mistake is he making?\par 4) How does Naaman refer to himself before Elisha after the miracle happened? What does that say about him? \par 5) Why do you think Elisha refused to take any money from the captain? Why would it be important that he not take any?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 6) Read carefully \cf1\ul 2Ki_5:17-19\cf0\ulnone . What is going on here? How do we understand Naamam\rquote s request and Elisha\rquote s response to it?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fr discussion. Analyze aspects of contemporary culture. Which ones interfere with our spiritual vision? Which serve as distractions to our divine assignments? Which distort our spiritual focus on service? How can Christians keep earthly enticements from sidetracking their spiritual development and servant focus? What consequences result from failing to serve?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 14\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 A Question of Faith\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Ki_5:1-19\cf0\ulnone and answer the following questions:\b0\par \b 1) Why did the king of Israel react as he did? Was his reaction reasonable or unreasonable? What did he really fear was going on?\b0\par \b 2) Why did Naaman react as he did to Elisha\rquote s command to him? What good reasons did he have for his reaction? In what ways did his reaction reflect the king of Israel\rhave become Elisha\rquote s successor? Might the prophetic mantle have fallen on his shoulders? History records not mere speculations but what actually happened. Instead, Gehazi is remembered only for deceit, moneygrubbing, and receiving the curse of Naaman\rquote s leprosy. Opportunities for Christian servanthood are still being compromised today. If anything, materialism has strengthened, not weakened. What opportunities might we forfeit for the attraction of earthly enticements? Which embellishments are we embracing while sacrificing spiritual values? \f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Opening Activity: \b0 Many states have banned the use of cellular phones by motorists while driving because of safety considerations. What philosophy undergirds these restrictions? Discuss how driving distractions compromise safety, endangering pedestrians and other motorists. Make a spiritual application of you for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 God calls us to be servants guided not by earthly enticements but by spiritual commitment to God and others.\f1\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \f2 Rabbinic tradition suggests that the lepers at the gate of Samaria who discovered the mysterious rout of Ben-hadad (see \cf5\ul 2Ki_7:3-8\cf4\ulnone ) were Gehazi and his sons. Even if inaccurate, the tradition illustrates the spiritual descent of Gehazi. Leprosy was understood as judgment from God, spiritual/physical punishment for moral failure. While Gehazi\rquote s story begins favorably, with his being portrayed as Elisha\rquote s faithful associate and somewhat overzealous protector (\cf5\ul 2Ki_4:27\cf4\ulnone ), avarice overtakes him, rendering him a symbol of greed for succeeding generations. One simple character flaw destroyed what appeared to be unlimited future promise. What might have been? Elisha faithfully served Elijah, eventually succeeding him with decades of his own prophetic ministry. Might Gehazi, if faithful, n in her action \i (\cf1\ul 2Ki_4:25-27\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . He does not seem to be able to see her deep distress as does Elisha.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b It sometimes is easy to be so self-centered and self-absorbed that we become insensitive to the feelings and needs of others. Who hasn\rquote t been on both ends of that equation? How can you learn to be more sensitive to the feelings and needs of others? Also, how can you learn to bear gracefully the insensitivity of others toward you? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept he still seems to be fit enough to supervise the harvesting of his fields. In the first part of the story Elisha actively involves Gehazi. He sends him to call the woman and includes Gehazi in his expression of thanks. He asks Gehazi\rquote s opinion and acts on Gehazi\rquote s suggestion. Gehazi rises to the occasion by being observant and showing sensitivity to the woman\rquote s real needs. Elisha gives Gehazi the opportunity to initiate a miracle. Within a year, the miracle-child is born.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Ki_4:18-31\cf0\ulnone . What change in attitude do we see here in Gehazi as compared to what we saw in the previous story?\b0\par The miracle-child is now a young boy. Gehazi is still Elisha\rquote s servant, but something of the sensitivity he once had seems to be gone. When the woman arrives and brushes past him to grab hold of the feet of Elisha, Gehazi tries to push her away. He sees only the \ldblquote rudeness\rdblquote of the Shunammite woman, who oversteps any type of social conventio34\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i December 13\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Learning Firsthand\fs23\par \b0 A good teacher teaches by example and gives plenty of opportunities for the student to apply what he or she is learning. Elisha was this type of teacher.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Ki_4:8-17\cf0\ulnone . What is Gehazi\rquote s role in the narration? What opportunities is Elisha giving Gehazi?\b0\par The story of the woman of Shunem follows another miracle involving a woman. In \cf1\ul 2Ki_4:1-7\cf0\ulnone , Elisha helps a widow clear her debts and keep her two sons from being sold into slavery. And now Elisha is on his way to Shunem. Given the general status of women in biblical times, it is strange that the narrator gives a married woman such status. Her husband\rquote s name is not given. All we know is that he is consulted about the building of the guest room and that he is old, even thoughttempting to impress on Naaman?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Resolution to Serve\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. We have more opportunities and models to learn servant leadership now than at any other time in earth\rquote s history. How can we improve upon the opportunities we\rquote ve been given, especially considering our apprenticeship to Christ Himself, the greatest of teachers and role models?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 B. How can faith help us meet the temptation to be self-serving?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 Gehazi had many opportunities to witness selfless service and learn to minister; yet he chose to serve his own interests.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx11every opportunity to learn ministry and serve God\rquote s people.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Chance of Many Lifetimes \par \b0 A. Imagine the opportunity to serve as an apprentice to the prophet Elisha. What extraordinary experiences and lessons of faith did Gehazi have in his service to Elisha? How did he fail to benefit from these opportunities?\par B. What was the price Gehazi paid for his selfishness? Why was this sentence fair?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Lost Opportunities\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0\f2 A. Despite Elisha\rquote s examples of selfless service, Gehazi never learned to give up his own interests in order to serve God\rquote s purposes. How did Gehazi\rquote s greed detract from the lessons about God that Elisha was a E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx4784\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 2Ki_5:26-27\cf4\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Identify Gehazi\rquote s great opportunities to learn ministry and his failures to do so.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx90\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Sense the disappointment and loss to the cause of God when a potential leader, such as Gehazi, turns to self-seeking.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Resolve to accept and improve upon t idea is by no means restricted to Old Testament times. Jesus said that the willingness to be a servant was a prerequisite for any leadership position in the church \i (\cf1\ul Mar_9:35\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \b Read \cf1\ul Joh_13:1-17\cf0\ulnone . How does this passage show the link between leadership and servanthood? \par \b0 The disciples have been with Jesus for three years. They have learned from His teachings, they have even shared in His healing ministry, and yet they are not ready to go out as God\rquote s ambassadors. They were ready to learn in theory and enjoyed the association with Jesus, but they still were not prepared to put themselves aside and humbly serve one another.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 How do we get the humility and the death-to-self needed in order to serve others? How do we learn to serve others with an attitude of seeking nothing back for ourselves?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 Tometimes being a servant involves carrying messages, accompanying someone, acting for the person, and doing menial jobs that needed to be done. At other times it involves managing finances and households, but always the servant acts not to further his own ends but to further his master\rquote s. \par Gehazi was the servant of prophet Elisha. Being a servant to a prophet was a unique privilege. It involved more than menial labor. It was a type of apprenticeship. Elisha himself had served as Elijah\rquote s servant \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_19:19-21\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Although the job of prophet depended on a divine call, it would seem that this special time of serving together helped the would-be prophet develop his faith and trust in God. By serving his master Elijah, Elisha would be learning to put himself aside and serve others. This would prove to be the best qualification for any future ministry. We have no record of Gehazi\rquote s calling, but we will see the opportunities that he was given. \par This servanul\i Luk_4:24-28\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_11:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_1:17\cf0\ulnone\i0 .\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Php_1:6\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0\par She was no stranger to death. She had seen her husband die. And now she watched, helplessly, as everything around her died. The grass dried up, the trees dropped their leaves, the cows were gaunt skeletons, and the goats bleated pitifully. Every day she scanned the cloudless sky, hoping against hope for a cloud and rain. She had been rationing the flour and the oil in an attempt to make it stretch until the end of the drought. The little round, flat daily loaf was unevenly divided. Her son needed all the nourishment she could give him. It pained her to see the lad so thin and without energy. But her sacrifice seemed pointless, for she feared that both would soon starve to death. There was enough for er 17\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 The High Office of Friendship\fs23\par \b0 Friendship is unlike most other relationships, which often are legally regulated and controlled. In many cultures, parents choose marriage partners for their children. Of course, none of us gets to choose our parents, siblings, and wider family relations. \par However, we can choose our friends. Friendship crosses all frontiers. Friendship can influence other relationships, as well. \cf1\ul Son_5:16\cf0\ulnone shows us the role of friendship in a marriage relationship. True friendship is a completely voluntary relationship, which perhaps is why it is so binding. It does not involve meeting the letter of the law but focuses, rather, on giving ourselves. \par \cf1\ul\b 1Sa_18:1\cf0\ulnone describes the friendship between Jonathan and David. It says that \ldblquote the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself\rdblquote \b0\i (NASB).\b\i0 What characteristics of friendship are highlighted in\b QuW 12-Dec 11-17-Gehazi: Missing the Mark{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 12\b0 \i *December 11-17\fs23\par \b\i0\fs40 Gehazi: Missing \i the\i0 Mark\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study: WvW.W12-Dec 11-17-Gehazi: Missing the Mark{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\f and a top soldier and military leader. By the world\rquote s standards, he had it all. He was born for \ldblquote greatness.\rdblquote\par Heaven, though, uses a different measure for what\rquote s great-and Jonathan, interestingly enough, was one of the few who was willing to turn his back on what the world sees as great and, instead, seek a different kind of \ldblquote greatness\rdblquote -God\rquote s kind. \par In the life of Jonathan, we learn to evaluate our lives through heaven\rquote s eyes. What makes a life great? What makes it worthwhile? What are the important things in this world, and what aren\rquote t? \par Jonathan\rquote s story helps answer these questions for us. It also tells us that, if we choose, we, too, can be great in the eyes of God-regardless of where we were born, who our parents are, and how much wealth and talent we have.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 23.\tab\tab\par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i Octobtab\b0 *O\i ctober 16-22\par \b\i0\fs40 Jonathan: Born \i for\i0 Greatness\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:6-13\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:24-46\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:18-19\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_31:1-7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_1:5-12\cf0\ulnone\i0 ; \cf1\ul\i 2Ki_6:8-17\cf0\ulnone . \i0\tab\tab\tab\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote Jonathan said to his armor bearer, \lquote Come on, let\rquote s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by many or by a few\rquote \rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_14:6\cf0\ulnone , NET).\i0\par By all accounts, Jonathan should have been a spoiled, greedy, and selfish young man who believed that, as the child of privilege, everything was owed him. And why not? He was the oldest son of the first king of Israel. He was popular and well-loved by his people. He was an excellent public speakerer 17\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 The High Office of Friendship\fs23\par \b0 Friendship is unlike most other relationships, which often are legally regulated and controlled. In many cultures, parents choose marriage partners for their children. Of course, none of us gets to choose our parents, siblings, and wider family relations. \par However, we can choose our friends. Friendship crosses all frontiers. Friendship can influence other relationships, as well. \cf1\ul Son_5:16\cf0\ulnone shows us the role of friendship in a marriage relationship. True friendship is a completely voluntary relationship, which perhaps is why it is so binding. It does not involve meeting the letter of the law but focuses, rather, on giving ourselves. \par \cf1\ul\b 1Sa_18:1\cf0\ulnone describes the friendship between Jonathan and David. It says that \ldblquote the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself\rdblquote \b0\i (NASB).\b\i0 What characteristics of friendship are highlighted in\b0 \cf1\ul\b Exo_33:11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_16:20-21\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Pro_17:17\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Pro_27:9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Ecc_4:10\cf0\ulnone ; and \cf1\ul Joh_15:13-15\cf0\ulnone ?\b0\par Most of us would expect a mother to be prepared to die in order to save her child\rquote s life or a man to protect his family at whatever cost to himself. These strong relationships are admirable, normal, and a reflection of God\rquote s love for us. But this is an instinct that we share with many animal species. \par Friendship is much more than instinct. True friendship must be nurtured by communication. Friends are there to help in all the challenges of life, not just to share the \ldblquote fun\rdblquote times. We can shape our friends\rquote present and future through wise counsel, encouragement, and through prayer for them. Jonathan shows these characteristics in his friendship with David. In \cf1\ul 1Sa_20:1-42\cf0\ulnone , Jonathan shows that friendship involves more than just talk; a friend is ready to give practical help, even at great personal risk. Jonathan often interceded for David with his father, King Saul \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_19:4\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Jonathan took the time and the trouble to find David when he was a fugitive and to encourage him in the Lord \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_23:16\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Have you ever betrayed a friend? Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? What lessons have you learned? What character traits do you need to change in you in order to be a better friend? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul 1Sa_1:6\cf4\ulnone\par \b\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Recognize what God honors as great in Jonathan\rquote s style of servant leadership.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Cherish those attitudes of fidelity and friendship that Jonathan showed both his untrustworthy father Saul, and the young man David, who was anointed to take his throne.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Practice servant leadership, whatever humiliation and challenges we may be called to suffer in the process.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Servant Leadership \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 A. Jonathan was a brave, capable and God-fearing leader, yet God chose a supporting role for him. How did Jonathan respond to God\rquote s assignment? What about Jonathan\rquote s response is great in God\rquote s eyes?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 Loyal Son and Friend\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\b0\f2 A. Jonathan supported both a failing father and a friend who was destined to rise to a greatness that Jonathan could not share. How would we feel under these circumstances? Despite these challenges, how did Jonathan demonstrate his unselfish love to God, father, and friend?\par \b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Suffering Servant\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 A. Christ is the greatest example of Suffering Servant. What circumstances might we face where we are called to suffer as Jonathan and Christ suffered, giving our lives as a sacrifice on God\rquote s alter?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 B. How do we respond in both attitude and deed to the position of service God has called us to? \par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 By taking a supporting role with both his father and best friend, even to the point of suffering his father\rquote s fate in battle, Jonathan demonstrated the unselfish, loving devotion of a servant leader.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 18\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 A Great Victory\b0\i\fs23\par \i0 Israel lives in a moment of extreme crisis. The Philistines have assembled to fight Israel with chariots and soldiers that seem to be as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore. The Israelite army is numerically inferior and very poorly equipped. Only Saul and Jonathan are said to have had iron swords or spears, for the Philistines tightly controlled the blacksmith industry. Indeed, all Israelites had to have their tools fixed or sharpened by Philistine blacksmiths \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_13:19-22\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Can you imagine the motley Israelite militia, equipped with sticks, axes, and slings, facing a vast Philistine army with state-of-the-art weaponry? No wonder that Saul\rquote s army had a record desertion rate.\par \b Think about the true balance of power in our battles if we are surrendered to the Lord. See \cf1\ul 2Ki_6:8-17\cf0\ulnone . What hope can we take from that account for ourselves?\par \b0 Jonathan is not intimidated by what others think. He does not lament the lack of faith and trust in Israel. Instead, he determines to do something about it. Jonathan is not out to save the day, but rather, he knows that God is so much bigger than the problem Israel faces. Jonathan does not see himself as a type of savior or hero. He knows that God can save by any means He chooses, and so Jonathan makes himself available to God. God chooses to use Jonathan and his armor bearer; an incredible victory follows. \par \b What are the steps that Jonathan undertakes before climbing up to the enemy outpost? \cf1\ul\b0\i 1Sa_14:6-13\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\tab\tab\b0\tab\par Sometimes the line between faith and presumption can seem very fine. Jonathan does not depend on his own impressions exclusively. He consults with another God-fearing person and shares with him his plans and ideas. Jonathan understands that God is not limited, and so he does not try to manipulate Him. Jonathan is willing to stay or go as God will reveal through the sign that he proposes. Finally, when Jonathan gets the go-ahead, he does not hesitate but immediately engages himself in the challenge. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b What are your own personal battles? How can you learn to trust God in these situations? How can you learn to trust God even when things don\rquote t work out as you had hoped or prayed? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1441\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 In the Christian life, faithfulness trumps \ldblquote finishing first.\rdblquote\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that we are called to seek a standard of greatness that may not match the world\rquote s expectations; one that may not seem like greatness at all by worldly standards. We even may have to reject those standards explicitly, facing persecution and ridicule.\f1\par \f2\ldblquote Nice guys finish last.\rdblquote \ldblquote Greed is good.\rdblquote These are just two of the maxims that have seemed to guide our thinking as society has grown \ldblquote less Christian\rdblquote and more Darwinian. The worst thing you can call someone is a \ldblquote loser.\rdblquote Yes, we penalize cheating. Or more precisely, we penalize getting caught cheating. Sometimes we vilify winners who are too odd and unpleasant. But we really hate and punish \ldblquote failure,\rdblquote which can be defined as \ldblquote failure to grab all you can.\rdblquote\par So in the light of this, what do we call someone who is born into royalty, has intelligence, good looks, talent, charisma, leadership qualities, military genius, and an indisputable title to the throne (if that person should choose to claim it)? Clearly one of life\rquote s winners, someone you would want to know. Maybe some of it might just rub off on you, or perhaps you could at least get some valuable \ldblquote access\rdblquote or \ldblquote face time.\rdblquote \par But wait! What do you call that person if he or she is so honest and pure that he or she angers his or her ruthless, slightly unstable father and has to hide in the woods with a shepherd? And what if this person acknowledges, too, that this shepherd is really the one with the right to the throne? \par Sounds like the plot twists in a pulp-fiction adventure novel? No. It\rquote s the story of King Saul\rquote s son, Jonathan, and his best friend, David-the future king, and the one through whom the Messianic line was founded.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\fs22 Discuss With the Class:\b0\fs23 Most of the time we would agree that one has a right to achieve as much as he or she can in the world. But as Christians, we implicitly recognize that this isn\rquote t the highest value. How can we recognize when God is calling us to something else?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i\scaps0 October 19\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Parent-Child Relationship\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_19:1-7\cf0\ulnone . How would you describe the relationship between Jonathan and Saul? What kind of conflict does Jonathan face between loyalty to his own father and loyalty to a friend? \b0\par Exactly what type of father Saul was when Jonathan was a child we do not know, but we do know that in later life Saul was not someone to look up to. Saul was very selfish, moody, jealous, irrational, and at times neurotic. Jonathan, however, gives evidence in his life and relationship to his father of a practical application of the command given in \cf1\ul Exo_20:12\cf0\ulnone , which tells us to honor our parents.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:24-46\cf0\ulnone . How could Jonathan, had he wanted, used this incident as an excuse to stop honoring his father? Have not people turned on their own parents for less? What does this tell us about the kind of person Jonathan was?\b0\par Honoring our parents means a lot more than an occasional card or gift. Jonathan stands by his father in his time of crisis; he stands by him, too, despite what his father wanted to do to him.\par We, too, honor our parents when we stand by them in times of crisis, such as illness or the loss of a job. We have a biblical obligation to support our parents emotionally and also materially \i (see \cf1\ul 1Ti_5:8\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Honoring our parents is not a subjective, passive activity. Jonathan demonstrates that this often involves giving respectful yet sound advice. Honoring our parents does not mean suspending our own judgment or defending our parents\rquote errors, nor blindly following or condoning evil. It does mean, though, that we have special obligations to them, regardless of the kind of people they might be. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Following the example of Jonathan, what practical things can you do to improve your relationship with your parents, siblings, or other family members, especially if they are not believers?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\i\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx990\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2 I. \ldblquote Nothing Can Prevent the Lord From Delivering . . .\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_13:1-13\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\f2 Today we hear a lot about genetics and environment as they shape and influence human behavior. Nature or nurture? By either measure, Jonathan was doomed. Saul was indecisive-except when he made the wrong decision, as in \cf5\ul 1Sa_13:8-12\cf4\ulnone . He took credit for others\rquote accomplishments, as when he \ldblquote allowed\rdblquote people to think that the attack on the garrison at Gibeah was his (\cf5\ul 1Sa_13:4\cf4\ulnone ). He blamed others for his failures with a facility not seen since the early chapters of Genesis (\cf5\ul Gen_13:11\cf4\ulnone ). And he later showed himself to have what would today be recognized as a mental illness caused by severe biochemical imbalances.\par Jonathan easily could have followed his father\rquote s example. What choice did he have, after all? The same choice we all have. The choice to rely on God rather than himself and to rely on God to make up for the shortcomings we may have inherited from a fallen nature or from flawed nurture.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tqr\tx7920\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 Given that Saul was not really competent to be king, why do you think God would not have chosen to pass the kingship on to Jonathan, who clearly was competent and displayed the qualities necessary for kingship?\par \b II. Attack on Gibeah\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_14:1-14\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx810\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\f2 In this chapter, we once again see Jonathan taking the initiative. The author obviously wants us to know that this took place without Saul\rquote s knowledge or that of anyone else in his camp (vss. 1, 3). \par Why? Perhaps Saul and the other Israelites weren\rquote t really ready to commit themselves to the \ldblquote national liberation struggle.\rdblquote We can see a hint of that point of view in \cf5\ul 1Sa_13:4\cf4\ulnone , in which it is said that the attack on the garrison made Israel an abomination-literally, \ldblquote a stench\rdblquote -to the Philistines, whereas before they had been a harmless object of Philistine aggression. At first, Israel\rquote s reaction to the attack was adulation. It quickly became naked fear when it became clear there were plenty of Philistines left.\par Also, Jonathan\rquote s mission could have seemed legitimately foolhardy. Jonathan was not only a member of the royal family; he was possibly the most able general in the Israelite army.\par So, how do we know that Jonathan was not merely impulsive and reckless? First, Jonathan placed his confidence in God, not his military skills. In fact, he was ready to give up and walk away (\cf5\ul 1Sa_14:9-10\cf4\ulnone ) if it was clear that the Lord was not with him. When it became clear that the Lord was with him, he and his armor bearer proved able to do what an entire army was afraid even to talk about.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 The story told in 1 Samuel 13 and 14 suggests that Saul and the other Israelites were ambivalent about challenging the status quo. They were afraid of being a \ldblquote stench\rdblquote to the Philistines.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1170\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360 How often are we satisfied with the status quo in our spiritual lives? Is our Christianity the kind that doesn\rquote t challenge or make other people uncomfortable? Does it ever motivate us to confront our own fears or preferences? In a culture in which Christianity often is synonymous with \ldblquote niceness,\rdblquote are we terrified that other people might dislike us for living our Christianity?\par \b III. \ldblquote As His Own Soul . . .\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b0 (Review \cf5\ul 1Sa_18:1\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par God\rquote s love for us and vice versa is a form of friendship. First, it is voluntary. There is no reason that God is required to love us. As a bilateral relationship, it requires nurturing and communication, at least on our part. Our friendship with God-at least in its ideal state-presupposes a commonality of interests and goals. We ask and seek for His will to be done, as seen in the Lord\rquote s Prayer. Conversely, God tries to fulfill our sanctified goals and desires. We speak of Christ being in us-or of ourselves as being in Christ, just as David and Jonathan are described as being of one soul. The difference is that human friendship always can fall to human weaknesses. But God\rquote s friendship never leaves us.\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2 Consider This:\b0 How has God built the need for friendship and companionship into the human condition?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 20\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Taking Second Place\b0\fs23\par One of the main trends in current society is to blame one\rquote s parents for most (if not all) problems in life. To be sure, some folk do carry a lot of heavy emotional baggage from their parents. We can\rquote t deny that fact.\par However, it seems that the past decades have seen an incredible increase in this unfortunate tendency. We blame not only our parents but sometimes siblings, teachers, circumstances-anything or anyone else in order to avoid taking responsibility for our own circumstances. \par Though we all are subjected to, and even victims of, circumstances beyond our control-Jonathan\rquote s life shows us that we can work through them, at least to some degree. Jonathan would have had a right to blame his father for most of his troubles. If Saul had been faithful, then Jonathan would have had the throne. Jonathan chooses not to play the blame game, though. Jonathan has a good sense of self-worth. Instead of letting himself become bitter and resentful, he trusts that God knows best, and so Jonathan chooses to do what he can with what he has. It probably was not easy for Jonathan to maintain this faith and trust in God when he realized that God had chosen David, rather than himself, to become the next king. \par \b Describe Jonathan\rquote s reaction to the fact that David will be king in his stead. What does this tell us about Jonathan? \cf1\ul 1Sa_23:17\cf0\ulnone . Contrast his attitude to those displayed in\b0 \cf1\ul\b Isa_14:13-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ki_1:5\cf0\ulnone ; and \cf1\ul Mar_10:35-37\cf0\ulnone . What is the difference?\b0\par When we have our identity secure in God, we are able to face rejection or criticism without being devastated or losing our sense of self-worth. A big part of having our own identity secure in God involves our experience and relationship with Him. Jonathan had already had a dramatic personal experience with God in his victory over the Philistines in \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:1-23\cf0\ulnone . \par The later story of David\rquote s family is marked by rebellions and internal strife. Absalom and Adonijah both seek to usurp the throne from their father, David. They are unwilling to allow God to choose the new king. Jonathan\rquote s attitude stands in total contrast to this \ldblquote I\rdblquote spirit. He is willing to take second place. He tries to inspire harmony and reconciliation between his father and his friend David \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_19:4\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 He truly stands as an example of a servant leader prepared to take second or even third place.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Using Jonathan as an example, what can you do when you don\rquote t get the job, position, or respect you feel that you are entitled to? How can you control feelings of rejection, envy, and hate?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Jonathan definitely satisfied worldly criteria for greatness. He was born to royalty, he had charisma and leadership ability, and he had the personal character and integrity that made others want to trust him and follow him. But not everyone with these qualities lives up to his or her potential in God\rquote s eyes. What do you think distinguished Jonathan in God\rquote s point of view?\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Jonathan was one of the relatively few Old Testament figures who lived exemplary lives and yet met the most ignominious ends. Why would this happen? How did his choices impact his future? Discuss the reasons for your answer. How do you think he would have been viewed if he had taken another course of action that might have led to a different result? Keep in mind that this would have most likely meant abandoning Saul to his fate.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\tqr\tx9270\b Application Question:\b0\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\f2 One of the most distinctive characteristics of Jonathan was his humility, even though he had every reason to be conceited. Early on, he attributed his military successes to God, not his own prowess, although certainly his prowess had something to do with it. He did what he could to help David survive, even though he knew that David\rquote s survival meant he could never become king. And he ultimately put his loyalty to his profoundly undeserving father above life itself. How does this humility exemplify the ideal attitude we should have toward Christ, who is infinitely more deserving than either David or Saul?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 21\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 When Life Isn\rquote t Fair\fs23\par Read \cf1\ul 1Sa_31:1-7\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul 2Sa_1:5-12\cf0\ulnone . What kind of end did Jonathan have? How do we understand this?\b0\par Most of us have been taught that good always wins in the end and that we reap what we sow. We often take this further and believe that a good person should have a good, long life, and that a bad person can expect a troubled, short life. And while we know that good will win over evil in the end, when Jesus comes again, the reality of the matter is that good people do not always get good in this life and that bad people do not always get bad. Sometimes we even are punished for doing the right thing. God does often step in and miraculously save and protect His children, but this is not always the case.\par \b Who are some Bible characters who, though faithful, did not get what they deserved?\b0 \cf1\ul\i Gen_39:10-20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Job_1:1-22\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Job_2:1-13\cf2\ulnone .\ul\i0\par \cf0\ulnone Jonathan had been a true and faithful friend to David. He was a negotiator and tried his best to bring peace between David and Saul. Jonathan was not proud and was willing to give up his right to the throne. He was just as willing to accept David as king. He was also a good son. God had used Jonathan before to put a whole army on the run, and now the Israelite army once again faced the Philistines. Perhaps Jonathan wondered if God would once again perform a miracle to save Israel. Jonathan would fall that day on the battlefield \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_31:2\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par Like John the Baptist, Jonathan is an example of those who do not get what they seem to deserve now. They often suffer, lose positions of honor for the sake of Christ, and sometimes even fall at their post of duty. However insignificant or even useless their lives and sacrifices may appear, they are nonetheless key players in God\rquote s plans. They are motivated and sustained by Jesus\rquote love and presence. They are born for greatness-not necessarily the kind of greatness that the world understands or portrays but a greatness that goes way beyond our human concepts and expectations. \par So much happens that doesn\rquote t, from our perspective, make sense or seem fair. The promise, however, is that one day all things will be made right, and we will have answers to what now seems so unfathomable.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Read\b0 \cf1\ul\b 1Co_4:5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_13:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:28\cf0\ulnone , and \cf1\ul Rev_21:4\cf0\ulnone . What hope can you draw from these passages as we face difficult questions, not just for Bible characters but perhaps for ourselves, in the struggles, and trials that, at least for now, do not always have happy endings?\b0\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 The following activity is meant to emphasize the qualities of true greatness-greatness as God measures it-rather than the qualities that make a person \ldblquote celebrated\rdblquote in the human scale of values.\par Bring posters or photos of well-known personalities from the news, entertainment, or sports. Put them on the walls before class members begin to walk in. \par If possible, avoid commenting on the pictures. Go through the initial part of your class as usual. \par When time comes to get into the activity, point to one of the photos/posters and ask why that given individual is so well known. Next, why might people admire him or her? Finally, what is genuinely good about these qualities, and what is not? How would these qualities be manifested in a godly context? \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Alternately, to do this exercise without pictures, ask class members to name famous persons they admire. Then ask them the questions listed above.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i October 22\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs23\ldblquote On the record of those who through self-abnegation have entered into the fellowship of Christ\rquote s sufferings, stand-one in the Old Testament and one in the New-the names of Jonathan and of John the Baptist.\par \ldblquote Jonathan, by birth heir to the throne, yet knowing himself set aside by the divine decree; to his rival the most tender and faithful of friends, shielding David\rquote s life at the peril of his own; steadfast at his father\rquote s side through the dark days of his declining power, and at his side falling at the last-the name of Jonathan is treasured in heaven, and it stands on earth a witness to the existence and the power of unselfish love. \par \ldblquote John the Baptist, at his appearance as the Messiah\rquote s herald, stirred the nation. From place to place his steps were followed by vast throngs of people of every rank and station. But when the One came to whom he had borne witness, all was changed. The crowds followed Jesus, and John\rquote s work seemed fast closing. Yet there was no wavering of his faith. \lquote He must increase,\rquote he said, \lquote but I must decrease.\rquote \cf1\ul Joh_3:30\cf0\ulnone .\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Education,\i0 pp. 156, 157.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 How do we differentiate between faith and presumption? When and how do we go about asking for signs in order to know God\rquote s will for us?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Some cultures promote passiveness as a virtue, while others see it as something negative. Jonathan was willing to take second place. Is this the same as being passive? Should a Christian be passive? If so, when; if not, why not?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 How can you explain to a non-Christian friend the benefits of being a Christian, if he or she sees that you, too, get sick, lose your job, or suffer the loss of loved ones?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Discuss the life of Jonathan in the light of \cf1\ul Heb_11:32-40\cf0\ulnone . What can you take away from those texts that perhaps could help you in situations that, at least from your perspective now, have dismal outcomes?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\b0\f4 n \b\f0 How does, for instance, a woman who had been sexually molested by her father show honor to him? What about physically abusive parents? How are we to respond to the command to honor them? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0\f4 n \b\f0 What are things that the world deems \ldblquote great\rdblquote that God doesn\rquote t? What are things that God deems great that the world doesn\rquote t? How can we know the difference between these two ideas of \ldblquote greatness\rdblquote ?\cf2\b0\f5\par }  and a top soldier and military leader. By the world\rquote s standards, he had it all. He was born for \ldblquote greatness.\rdblquote\par Heaven, though, uses a different measure for what\rquote s great-and Jonathan, interestingly enough, was one of the few who was willing to turn his back on what the world sees as great and, instead, seek a different kind of \ldblquote greatness\rdblquote -God\rquote s kind. \par In the life of Jonathan, we learn to evaluate our lives through heaven\rquote s eyes. What makes a life great? What makes it worthwhile? What are the important things in this world, and what aren\rquote t? \par Jonathan\rquote s story helps answer these questions for us. It also tells us that, if we choose, we, too, can be great in the eyes of God-regardless of where we were born, who our parents are, and how much wealth and talent we have.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 23.\tab\tab\par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i Octobtab\b0 *O\i ctober 16-22\par \b\i0\fs40 Jonathan: Born \i for\i0 Greatness\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:6-13\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:24-46\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_14:18-19\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_31:1-7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_1:5-12\cf0\ulnone\i0 ; \cf1\ul\i 2Ki_6:8-17\cf0\ulnone . \i0\tab\tab\tab\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote Jonathan said to his armor bearer, \lquote Come on, let\rquote s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by many or by a few\rquote \rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_14:6\cf0\ulnone , NET).\i0\par By all accounts, Jonathan should have been a spoiled, greedy, and selfish young man who believed that, as the child of privilege, everything was owed him. And why not? He was the oldest son of the first king of Israel. He was popular and well-loved by his people. He was an excellent public speakerme time maintain our integrity? \par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Dwell more on the idea that how we interpret \ldblquote facts\rdblquote isn\rquote t always correct. For instance, we look at matter and see it as solid; yet, in reality, matter is almost all empty space. We look at the ground and judge it to be unmoving, even though it is moving very quickly through space. We can be in a closed, empty room and hear nothing, even though the air in the room is filled with radio waves carrying all sorts of sounds that we, left to ourselves, can\rquote t hear. What lessons can we draw from this about what it means to live by faith and not by sight?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Drawing on the life of Caleb, how can we nurture new believers, young people, and children to fill positions of leadership and responsibility in our church?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\b0\f4 n \b\f0 Caleb stuck with his people, even amid their gross sins and mistakes. What lessons does this have for us, today, as Seventh-day Adventists?\b0\par } quote Teach us, how shall we order the child, and what shall we do unto him?\rquote Let her heed the instruction which God has given in His word, and wisdom will be given her as she shall have need.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Conflict and Courage\i0 , p. 138.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Who in your church is experiencing difficult circumstances at home or in their personal life? How can you as a group and individually help to support these people? How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice in order to help?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 What are some cultural stigmas that abound in your society; that is, what are things that are deemed terrible by your culture? Ask yourself, Are these things that God Himself also sees as bad? Are we, as a people, in danger of stigmatizing, because of culture, things that God doesn\rquote t? What are some examples where we might have done that? How can we know the difference between what is cultural and what is biblical? \cf2\b0\f5\par } fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 2 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i *October 2-8\fs22\par \b\i0\fs40 Caleb: Living With \i the\i0 Wait\ul\b0\fs22\par \ulnone\b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\par \fs23 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0 Num_13:1-33\cf0\ulnone\i ; \cf1\ul Num_14:1-45\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jos_14:1-15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jdg_1:12-15\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Psa_130:6-7\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par He saw the best of times and the worst of times. Caleb knew what slavery was like. He had been there when the Lord had led his people out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He had seen the sea open before Israel and swallow the Egyptian chariots and army. He had been with Israel at Mount Sinai and had seen Moses descend from the mountain with God\rquote s law. He was one of the first to see the land of Canaan. And through no fault of his own, he had to spend his best years wandering in the desert with the Israelites. He watched all of his generation die there too. At last, as an old man, he is able to enter into the land of Canaan. Even then he shows courage and faith in God. \par Caleb is a leader who seems to work more behind the scenes than in front of the audience. This week we will learn from his gentle leadership style. We will get to know a great leader willing to take risks and to lead by example; someone who is generous and encourages leadership in younger people. But beyond the many positive character traits of Caleb, we will study a story relevant to us, who live at the end of earth\rquote s history as we wait to cross over into the heavenly Canaan.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 9.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 3\i0\par \b\fs28\ldblquote The Facts\rdblquote\b0\par \fs23 About fifteen months earlier, Israel had left Egypt. Tents dot the desert of Paran, close to the border of Canaan. Everyone is excited to know about the land that is soon to be their home. At God\rquote s direction, 12 explorers are chosen. Caleb is to represent Judah as one of the 12 who will conduct a fact-finding mission to Canaan. The spies spend forty days exploring the land, and finally they return and prepare to give their report.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Num_13:26-33\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Num_14:1-2\cf0\ulnone . What lesson can we learn about living by faith and not by sight from this account? \b0\par The spies bring along something that they can see, smell, and taste. Although the twelve spies were all exposed to the same facts, they come to very different conclusions. \par Ten of them interpret the fertile land and great cities to mean that they are doomed, that there is no way these wandering ex-slaves can take the land. Conveniently, they seem to forget that they would not be standing on the border of the Promised Land if it were not for the miracles of the plagues in Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the water from a rock, and the daily manna that they received for more than a year. God did all these things for them, and now, for some reason, they fail to trust Him and His promises, going by what they see instead of what God has promised. How easy for all of us to do the same thing!\par What we see, and how we interpret what we see, can have very direct personal consequences. Our interpretations of \ldblquote facts\rdblquote form the building blocks of our daily decisions, and these \ldblquote facts\rdblquote so often interact with our emotions. The idea that we can believe whatever we like without those beliefs affecting who we are and what we do is a myth. \par Facing the \ldblquote facts\rdblquote \i without\i0 God\rquote s Word will lead to interpretations that point away from God and toward faithlessness. Facing the facts \i with\i0 God will lead to evidence that will help us to trust God and strengthen our faith in Him.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Why is it so easy to live by sight and not by faith? When was the last time you faced something similar to what we have read today? How did you respond, and what did you learn from your response and all that followed afterward about trusting in God and in His promises, despite the \ldblquote facts\rdblquote ?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul Psa_90:12-17\cf4\ulnone\par \b\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Identify the patterns of Caleb\rquote s behavior in which he is described as serving God \ldblquote wholeheartedly.\rdblquote \par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Long to live just such a life of faithfulness as Caleb did, in the midst of family and friends, who might choose to live differently from you.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\fs22 Do:\b0\fs23 Model single-mindedness toward God\rquote s purposes in servant leadership, regardless of the consequences.\par \b\fs22 Learning Outline:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2 I. \fs22 Know:\fs23 Warrior Leadership\par \b0 A. Where others saw impossibilities, Caleb saw opportunity. What evidence of faith did Caleb reveal in his words and actions?\par B. How did Caleb\rquote s faith affect his leadership when he was in the desert, as well as when he was claiming the territory that God had given him in the Promised Land?\par \b II. \fs22 Feel:\fs23 A Lonely Road\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. It can be a thankless and isolated journey when we follow God\rquote s way while almost everyone else feels no compunction to travel the way with us. How did Caleb respond when he was faced with a complaining and rebellious mob? \par B. How did Caleb relate to the punishment that Israel deserved but that he didn\rquote t? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b III. \fs22 Do:\fs23 Single-minded, Servant Leadership\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx1890\tx1980\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b0 A. Caleb chose to take some of the most difficult and challenging property as his share of the Promised Land, though he was much older than most of Israel. What aspects of our lives could use a good dose of Caleb\rquote s courage and determination to follow where God leads? \par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 B. How can we model faithfulness to those who follow us?\par \b\fs22 Summary:\b0\fs23 Caleb never swerved from honoring God\rquote s purposes and modeling faith and obedience, though he was in the minority of those faithful to God.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 4\i0\par \b\fs28 Standing Tall When It Counts\b0\i\par \i0\fs23 It is not always easy to stand out and stand tall. Group pressure is a tremendous force. The sheer power of thousands of people cheering in a stadium for the home team carries an energy that is very intimidating to opponents. Not many of us would be foolish enough to shout for the opposing team or wave the other team\rquote s colors in the middle of the opposition. This is the reason why supporters of opposing teams, such as in soccer, often are kept apart during games. When they do meet, reason steps aside and violence often results. \par For the Israelites, though, this was no game. Their future and their survival seemed to be threatened, and they all wept. To witness thousands of people weeping together must have been very moving. And here Caleb, who normally seems to be in the background, steps forward.\par \b Focus on \cf1\ul Num_13:30\cf0\ulnone . What can we learn about Caleb and about trusting in God\rquote s promises from what he said? \b0\par The same information can be conveyed in many ways. \i How\i0 we say something is as important as \i what\i0 we say. Caleb shows a lot of character by not arguing with or insulting the faithless ten spies in public and not remonstrating with the people for their lack of faith. Instead, Caleb talks courageously and calls for trust and action. However, the people do not want to hear this. They have made up their minds and try to stone Moses, Joshua, and Caleb.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Num_14:1-10\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Num_14:20-24\cf0\ulnone . What do we see here as an end result of rejecting God\rquote s Word and thus coming to a faulty interpretation of the \ldblquote facts\rdblquote ?\b0\par Caleb must have been bitterly disappointed. He had seen the good land. He was faithful and ready to enter. But now he must wander in the desert for 40 years because of everyone else\rquote s fault. Caleb, however, has a strong sense of community and realizes what it means to be part of a whole. He leads by example and encourages. Caleb does not break away and start a new movement. The spirit of simply leaving when there is trouble or lack of faith may be a current phenomenon, but it is not biblical. In Caleb we see a man who stays on, even during the punishment years, without a spirit of \ldblquote I told you so.\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b In what ways have you suffered from other people\rquote s bad choices? How have you handled yourself in these situations? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\cf4\b0\i0\fs23\tab\tab\par \b\i\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0\fs23 We must learn to view our world through the eyes of faith, in good times and bad.\par \b\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that faith helps us to perceive and act upon our circumstances correctly.\f1\par \f2 We all know how hard it is to keep the faith when times are hard and when God seems far away. In such circumstances, faith conflicts with logic. We have to maintain our belief in God and in His promises even when no reason for hope or faith is apparent. \par The time in which Caleb lived was the opposite. God had just brought the Israelites through the desert with many and daily examples of miracles and supernatural manifestations, capped off with a reprise of the parting of the Red Sea. Few of us have ever experienced such clear evidence of God\rquote s care and guidance. So, it seems quite inconceivable that the Israelites would assess the situation, determine that it was hopeless, and huddle in the proverbial fetal position. Yet, they did! Caleb was one of the few who took God at His word.\par The other Israelites probably viewed themselves not as pessimists but as \ldblquote realists.\rdblquote But in the light of their recent experience, it was Caleb who was the realist. May God help us to be realistic enough to believe in His miracles!\f1\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f2\fs22 Discuss With the Class:\b0\fs23 Most of us believe that God can help us with the struggles in our lives, whether physical, spiritual, financial, etc. Indeed, most of us can-if we think about it-point to many times in which God has helped us in these areas. Why then do we, as did the Israelites of Caleb\rquote s time, have such difficulty believing that God will help us in the future?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 5\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Claiming God\rquote s Promises\b0\fs23\par Forty years have passed. The Israelites have crossed over the Jordan into the Promised Land. Like hungry people eyeing a table loaded with good food, they gaze toward the Promised Land. Campfire discussions center on what the best sections of land are and who is going to get them. Long before entering the Promised Land, Moses already had recognized the potential for in-fighting and left directions for the division of the land. The division of the land is touched on in Joshua 14.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Jos_14:1-15\cf0\ulnone . What request does Caleb make, and why do you think he made it? What does this tell us about him and his faith? \b0\par Amid the dividing of the land, Caleb steps forward and, surprisingly, asks for land. This is not to be land for his tribe but rather for him personally. At first glance, this meeting between Joshua and Caleb, the two oldest men in Israel, seems a little out of character. Even though Caleb insists that he is strong and ready for battle, first and foremost he wants to claim a promise given to him by God. \par Caleb obviously is unafraid to claim God\rquote s promises. Caleb\rquote s request is not motivated by selfish ambition. The principle of \ldblquote getting to give\rdblquote is deeply entrenched in the old man. Caleb does not make claim to the nicest, most lush areas; rather, he chooses the area inhabited by the sons of Anak-giants. That is, the land he is asking for isn\rquote t yet conquered. These very giants had made the Israelites so afraid forty years earlier \i (\cf1\ul Num_13:33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par Caleb, perhaps, is eager to see that the current generation does not make the mistakes of their forefathers. Now Caleb demonstrates his faith in God by choosing the most challenging, instead of the easiest, territory. \par Once again, Caleb is leading by example. In the process, he is living an object lesson. He is in effect saying: \ldblquote If God can use one of the oldest men to drive out the giants, then the rest of you need not fear. God can and will give the victory.\rdblquote \cf1\ul Jos_15:13-14\cf0\ulnone records Caleb\rquote s victory over Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak. What had terrified a whole nation was conquered by one old man who trusted in God\rquote s power. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b Read \cf1\ul Jos_14:14\cf0\ulnone . What does it mean to serve the Lord \ldblquote wholeheartedly\rdblquote ? What kind of things in our lives, if not constantly put down, will make this difficult for us to do?\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Note that God has plans, and we have a place in those plans. We are, in some sense, both the object of the plans and the means by which they are accomplished. Sometimes we are the means by which they are impeded or delayed. Of course, we all can see when others are impeding or delaying them. Caleb\rquote s anger toward, and resentment of, his fellow Israelites would have been exceptionally well founded. Yet, he didn\rquote t give in to it. We have no evidence it even existed. What does this say to us?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx630\tx1350\tx2070\tx2790\tx3510\tx4230\tx4950\tx5670\tx6390\tx7110\tx7830\tx8550\tqr\tx9270\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1080\tx1350\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2 I. Lost in Place\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\tqr\tx9720\b0 (Review \cf5\ul Num_13:30\cf2\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Num_14:20-24\cf4\ulnone with your class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360 One thing almost everyone knows about the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt is that the Israelites wandered for forty years. What is not generally known is that this was not necessary. The Sinai desert-assuming traditions about the setting are correct-did not take forty years to cross. The Israelites were not so directionally challenged as to get lost in a tiny strip of desert and take forty years to get their bearings. It was not dictated by the Bible\rquote s preoccupation with the number forty; if it were, forty days, weeks, or months would have been sufficient.\par No, God was quite ready to give them the land of Canaan right away. But the Israelites didn\rquote t believe it was possible. Only Caleb responded with confidence, saying, \ldblquote \lquote Let us go up at once and possess it\rquote \rdblquote (\cf5\ul Num_13:30\cf4\ulnone ). The others looked at the challenges and magnified them. The faithless, pessimistic \ldblquote realists\rdblquote were the ones seeing mythical beings from bad science fiction, all to avoid the obvious conclusion that God could do what He said He would do. \par And this after God had demonstrated His power in dramatic, supernatural ways ten times (\cf5\ul Num_14:22\cf4\ulnone ). God, who had every right to test them, allowed them to test Him ten times, humbling one of the greatest empires in the ancient world in the process. And still they didn\rquote t believe in His ability to give them the land that had been promised to them since the time of Abraham. Given a choice between trusting God and circling around the same conglomeration of sand and rock formations for decades, they chose the latter.\par Knowing, as we do, how the story ends, it\rquote s easy to deride the children of Israel. But what about us? How many times have we, in the full knowledge that God wanted something new, different, and better for us, gone back to the things that were \ldblquote safe,\rdblquote the things that we knew? Addictions that we wanted taken away, but not quite yet? Refusing to grow spiritually, because we didn\rquote t want the responsibility that came with it? Avoiding real intimacy with God because we weren\rquote t sure what He would ask from us or how other people would react? Aren\rquote t those same rock formations losing their appeal the five hundredth time around?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b Consider This:\b0 God gives us a chance to go somewhere new and be something new, just as He did the Israelites. What is standing in the way of our claiming the promises He has made to us? How can we set them aside and attain the better things He has for us?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 6\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Passing on the Legacy\b0\fs23\par In some cultures, old age is highly respected, and older people are well integrated into society and looked to for advice and wisdom. In other cultures, senior citizens are seen as being no longer productive and are ignored and marginalized. The latter view seems to be growing worldwide. Caleb gives a wonderful example of the positive use of one\rquote s old age. \par Caleb avoids the extremes normally associated with the senior years. He does not allow himself to be intimidated by others because of his years. He does not simply give up on life and withdraw. He does not use his age as an excuse for not being involved in his community. Neither does he hang on to his position and see all attempts of younger people to lead as personal threats.\par \b What does \cf1\ul Psa_92:12-15\cf0\ulnone say about old age?\b0\par It has been said that God has no grandchildren. As long as God remains the God of my fathers, He has nothing to do with me, personally. Caleb knows that every generation must have its own experience with God. The Israelites, collectively and individually, could not live off the miracles of Egypt, or even the wilderness experience of their parents. Caleb sees it as his duty to create an environment for the younger generation to take their first steps of faith.\par \b What sort of experience is Caleb facilitating in \cf1\ul Jdg_1:12-13\cf0\ulnone ? How does he do this?\b0\par The people of Judah are taking possession of their land. The tribes of Judah and Simeon cooperate and work together in faith in order to make good on God\rquote s promises. But on coming up against the fortified city of Kirjathsepher\i (\cf1\ul Jdg_1:12\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , they face a tremendous challenge. We know from archaeology about the often elaborate design of Late Bronze Age fortification systems in Palestine. However, instead of focusing on the walls, Caleb sees this challenge as an opportunity for growth. Here someone can claim God\rquote s promises and have the victory. Although it may sound strange to us, Caleb offers a wonderful incentive. Whoever conquers the city would become his son-in-law. Othniel, Caleb\rquote s nephew \i (\cf1\ul Jdg_1:13\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 takes up the challenge, and God gives him victory. Through Caleb\rquote s nurturing, a new hero is born. Caleb\rquote s investment would pay rich dividends in later years. God would use this young man as Israel\rquote s first judge and deliverer \i (\cf1\ul Jdg_3:7-11\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 As you have matured, how have your attitudes changed? What have you learned simply by having more years of experience? How can you avoid letting the years simply entrench you even more deeply in wrong habits and attitudes? \b0 \b\par  \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Emphasize that although life is a struggle and that there are people who don\rquote t wish the best for us and that there are circumstances that can wear us down, God is equal to all of them. \par \b\fs22 Thought Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \f2 Strictly defined, a miracle is a perceptible contravention of the laws of nature, such as might occur through direct divine intervention or through the medium of a holy person or \ldblquote miracle worker.\rdblquote Have you personally experienced miracles or divine intervention? How did they affect your conduct of life from that point?\par \b\fs22 Application Questions:\b0\f1\fs23\par \cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 Life is full of dangers and potential negative outcomes. As such, it is only natural that we take such possibilities into account and plan for worst-case scenarios. On the other hand, the Bible implicitly and explicitly cautions us against worry (\cf5\ul Psa_37:1\cf2\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Psa_37:5\cf4\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Psa_91:1-2\cf4\ulnone ). What is the difference between worry and prudence? Given that worry is both an emotion and a habit, how can we control a tendency to worry? What is lost when we give in to it? What is at the heart of worry? How do we uproot our unbelief?\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf3\f3 n \cf4\f2 An extreme tendency to worry, and to fully expect the worst-to the extent that we leave God out of the equation-is something we see very clearly in the behavior of the other spies in the story of Caleb. But is it possible to err in the direction of a denial of existing reality and presumption in the face of future challenges? How can we distinguish this presumption from faith, especially when others may try to \ldblquote guilt-trip\rdblquote us into doing things or going along with courses of action we may feel to be unwise?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i October 7\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Giving Freely\b0\fs23\par \b Read \cf1\ul Jdg_1:14-15\cf0\ulnone . What more does this tell us about the character of Caleb? \b0\par Inheritance was very important to the Israelites. Owning land to pass on to your heirs was seen as a way of ensuring that your legacy would not die out. As a matter of fact, this was so important that detailed laws were given to provide for an heir if a man died childless, so that someone would take the deceased\rquote s name and continue his legacy\i (see the Levirate laws in \cf1\ul Deu_25:5-10\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . \par At Caleb\rquote s age, he would have been thinking seriously about his own inheritance. The later genealogical records show that Caleb had sons. He would have been eager to leave them as much as possible. Although Acsah was his daughter, any land that was given to her would effectively leave Caleb\rquote s immediate family and become part of her husband\rquote s property. We do not know exactly what prompted the Acsah\rquote s request for land, but we do know that refusing her request would have been acceptable and in line with the social norms of protecting one\rquote s own inheritance. \par The surprising thing is that Caleb not only gives her the field but then also gives the springs of water, too. And not just one spring of water but both the upper and lower springs. \par Generosity works both ways. \cf1\ul Pro_11:25\cf0\ulnone states that \ldblquote a generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed\rdblquote \i (NIV).\i0 When we are not ready to give freely, it is perhaps a sign that we have not yet received.\par \b What implications does this story have for our spiritual life in, for example, the area of forgiveness? Read \cf1\ul Mat_6:15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_18:21-35\cf0\ulnone .\b0\par We can give only what we have. If we are unable to forgive, then it is a sure sign that we have not claimed God\rquote s forgiveness for ourselves. Caleb had received blessings from God and was happy to share them. He showed a generosity way beyond the social norms of his time.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b How generous are you with what you have? Do you find that the more you have, the more willing you are to share with others, or do you tend to hoard? How can you learn to be more willing to give of yourself for the good of others? \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 The following activity is meant to emphasize the fact that God is equal to any of the troubles or fears that we face now or in the future.\par Cut up scrap paper into roughly equal-sized bits, at least enough for the maximum number of people who might appear at your class. Bring a medium-sized box or other container.\par Mention that we all have fears and worries about things that might happen or that might not happen or that might not turn out as we hope or expect. Pass around the slips of paper and ask each member to write down anonymously something he or she fears or worries about. Pass around the container and have each class member put the slip of paper into the container. When it comes back to you, lead the class in a free-form prayer over the contents of the container, asking God to resolve these issues. You can pray the prayer yourself, or you can solicit input from class members. Follow this with disposal of the slips of paper in whatever manner you choose.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330 Alternately, you may perform the same exercise without supplies. Invite class members to construct the worry box in their minds. Next ask them to imagine writing their worry on a slip of paper, folding it up, and putting it in the box. Now ask them to imagine nailing the box shut and then burning the box until there is nothing left. Tell them that this is what God wants to do with our worry. Invite them to construct the worry box in their minds anytime they find themselves worrying, and to pray that God will give them the strength to put their worries inside it and nail shut the lid. Remind them to pray to our God, who is a \ldblquote consuming fire,\rdblquote that He will burn the box and its contents to ashes.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i October 8\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs23 \ldblquote Caleb\rquote s faith now was just what it was when his testimony had contradicted the evil report of the spies. He had believed God\rquote s promise that He would put His people in possession of Canaan, and in this he had followed the Lord fully. He had endured with his people the long wandering in the wilderness, thus sharing the disappointments and burdens of the guilty; yet he made no complaint of this, but exalted the mercy of God that had preserved him in the wilderness when his brethren were cut off. Amid all the hardships, perils, and plagues of the desert wanderings, and during the years of warfare since entering Canaan, the Lord had preserved him; and now at upwards of fourscore his vigor was unabated. He did not ask for himself a land already conquered, but the place which above all others the spies had thought it impossible to subdue. By the help of God he would wrest his stronghold from the very giants whose power had staggered the faith of Israel. It was no desire for honor or aggrandizement that prompted Caleb\rquote s request. The brave old warrior was desirous of giving to the people an example that would honor God, and encourage the tribes fully to subdue the land which their fathers had deemed unconquerable.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 pp. 512, 513.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs23\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 As Christians we are constantly bombarded with \ldblquote facts\rdblquote that are interpreted in ways that contradict our faith. Notice, the key word is \ldblquote interpreted.\rdblquote What are ways that we can confront these challenges without making fools of ourselves and yet at the san the context of \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:1-27\cf0\ulnone . What can we learn from it about the nature of sin, of repentance, and of God\rquote s grace?\b0 \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\cf3\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\b\f2\fs22 Just for Teachers:\b0\fs23 Prepare the following double-sided handout to distribute, with the heading, \ldblquote My Spiritual Ladder for November 1-5, 2010.\rdblquote In the column to the left, list te eight ladder rungs, followed by a blank line for notes. Side two comprises the examples below to which they may wish to refer. Alternately, to do this exercise without the handout, read out loud to your class the ladder rungs, also known as the godly graces, encouraging members to think of ways to climb each rung.\par \b Activity: \b0 Invite the class to do the following: for each character component, you might wish to fill out a \ldblquote goal\rdblquote for this week that you hope to accomplish:\par \tab Faith-I will memorize a stellar \ldblquote faith Bible verse.\par \tab Virtue-I will make right this wrong: _______________________.\par \tab Knowledge-I will cover my Bible study guide lesson thoroughly.\par \tab Temperance-I will limit my food intake to nourishment.\par \tab Patience-I will finally make that difficult phone call.\par \tab Godliness-I will study a chapter of Jesus\rquote s life/example.\par \tab Brotherly kindness-I will send and encouraging e-mail.\par \pard\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\tab Charity-I will draw close to ___________________ , who\rquote s hungry for friendship.\par \b Later introspection: \b0 What recognizable \ldblquote division\rdblquote of steps is there below and above your spiritual climb? In what ways is that potential division recognizable to others?\tab\cf0\f0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834l see this week, despite so much potential and many great opportunities, Gehazi became a miserable failure. His story serves as an example of someone who gets sidetracked and becomes unable to distinguish the important from the peripheral. How crucial it is for us to learn from his mistakes! \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 18.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i December 12\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 Servanthood\fs23\par Write a brief job description of a servant based on the following verses: \cf1\ul\b0\i Gen_24:2-4\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_39:4-6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_14:17\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_17:7-8\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_2:18\cf0\ulnone .\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i0\par Being a servant means primarily that one puts aside one\rquote s own wants, wishes, and comfort and involves oneself totally in someone else\rquote s life. A servant is there to assist the master in carrying out the master\rquote s plans, wishes, and activities. Sommands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Deu_13:4\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\b\i0\par \b0 Gehazi was a servant. Not just any servant, but the servant of one of the greatest prophets in Israel\rquote s history: Elisha. Elisha had been called by the Lord to minister to the prophet Elijah, in preparation for Elisha\rquote s own prophetic ministry \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_19:16\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 For many years Elisha served Elijah and listened, observed, and thus understood what it meant to be a prophet. When Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind of fire \i (\cf1\ul 2Ki_2:11\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 Elisha\rquote s time had come. His ministry was not as fiery and glamorous as Elijah\rquote s, but he exerted a far-reaching influence.\tab\tab\tab\par Thus, Gehazi had a wonderful opportunity to be closely associated with someone as blessed of God as Elisha. It\rquote s hard to imagine all that he could have learned and seen in the years that he worked with the prophet. \par Yet, as we wilcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red49\green132\blue155;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 12\b0 \tab\tab\tab\tab\i *December 11-17\fs23\par \b\i0\fs40 Gehazi: Missing \i the\i0 Mark\fs23\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\fs23\par Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Gen_39:4-6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Ki_4:1-44\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Ki_5:1-27\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Ki_8:1-6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jer_9:23-24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_13:1-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_6:10\cf0\ulnone . \tab\tab\tab\i0\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his c and quick decision. What! is it possible that man is of so much consequence as to receive a commission from the King of kings! Shall worldly ambition allure from the sacred trust, the holy commission?\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 2, p. 167.\par \b\fs32 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs23\par \f5 n \b\f0 Drawing from other parts of the Bible, dwell on the life of Saul, and the question of how someone who had been given so much could have squandered it all. What lessons can we take from his story for ourselves? What mistakes did he make that started him down a path that led him to the kind of actions we saw this week?\par \b0\f5 n \b\f0 Dwell more on the idea of how Jesus in His humanity is able to sympathize with us in our struggles. Why is the humanity of Christ so important to us?\par \b0\f5 n \b\f0 Drawing on the experience of someone in your class who has faced bereavement, what are ways that you as a class can help? That is, what can you do beyond just speaking consoling words? Are there cases where nothing else can be done other than \ldblquote just\rdblquote speaking consoling words? \b0\par \f5 n \b\f0 One of the great questions that has challenged Christian thinkers over the centuries is the idea of God\rquote s foreknowledge and our free will. If God knows our choices beforehand, are we really free in making them? If not, then where is personal freedom, and if we don\rquote t have freedom, how can we justly be judged or punished for our actions? Some, to get around this conundrum, argue that certain of our actions have to be unknown to God, or else those actions couldn\rquote t be free. Others see no problem: God\rquote s knowing what a person will do doesn\rquote t in any way affect that person\rquote s freedom to make the choices. In class discuss these questions, realizing that you might not readily solve the issues. What\rquote s important to know is that we are free beings, and yet, even while respecting our free choices, God is in control. \cf2\b0\f6\par }  counterpart in King Saul\rquote s army was Abner, who somehow survived the battle in which Saul and his sons had fallen. \par Abner and David had a history. It was Abner who had led Saul\rquote s troops on numerous manhunts for David. Abner was not about to accept as king the man he had been hunting. Accordingly, Abner puts Ishbosheth \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_2:8-9\cf0\ulnone )\i0 , the fourth son of Saul, who was not in the battle, on the throne of Israel and starts a war against Judah and David. Although Israel was numerically stronger, David\rquote s kingdom went on from strength to strength. \par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Sa_2:17-23\cf0\ulnone and summarize what takes place.\b0\par During the skirmish, Joab\rquote s younger brother unwisely chases Abner. Abner warns him off repeatedly, but the rash young man won\rquote t hear of it, and Abner kills him in self- defense. Joab never forgets this event. \par After a while, Abner realizes that things are going nowhere under Ishbosheth, who is a very weak king. And sotter of thirty or forty years. Joab\rquote s life, as depicted in the Bible, is marred by wars, feuds, and even genocide. \par Though we might not be involved in the kind of things that Joab was, we may come to face some uglier sides of our own character when we look at his story. It is here that, through the negative example of Joab-the weak strongman of David-we may be able to identify some of our own character faults and seek the only answer to them: Jesus.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 20.\i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i November 14\i0\fs23\par \b\fs28 A Family Affair\b0\fs23\par Even though Joab, linked to David\rquote s family \i (see \cf1\ul 1Ch_2:13-17\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 had the responsibility of being in charge of David\rquote s troops, we get a glimpse of his true character for the first time in \cf1\ul 2Sa_2:1-32\cf0\ulnone . Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. Judah readily appointed David as king. Joab\rquote sone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:15-25\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_20:7-11\cf2\ulnone ;\cf0 \cf1\ul 1Ki_1:1-53\cf0\ulnone .\i0\par \b Memory Text: \ldblquote All a man\rquote s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Pro_21:2\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0\par Joab\rquote s story is a story of power politics, intrigue, misguided loyalties, jealousy, and stubbornness; Joab\rquote s time is a time where survival is not guaranteed by a strong central administration and a comprehensive retirement plan. Strong people survive; weak people quickly seem to fade away. It is during Joab\rquote s tenure as David\rquote s strongman and caretaker that Israel truly becomes a nation. After the clan feuds and tribal rivalry that characterized the period of the judges, it is the figure of the king (beginning with Saul and later on, to a much stronger degree, with David and Solomon) that unites Israel, even though the Bible makes it clear that centuries of clan thinking will not be done away with in a ma he defects to David and offers to bring over the other tribes \i (\cf1\ul 2Sa_3:1-22\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Meanwhile, Joab has been away. On returning home he learns of these new developments, which greatly unsettle him. \par \b How does Joab cope with this change that he did not initiate? \cf1\ul\b0\i 2Sa_3:23-27\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0 Contrast what Joab says to David and the reason why Joab ultimately kills Abner. \b0\i See also \cf1\ul 2Sa_3:30\cf0\ulnone\b\i0 . How does Joab attempt to portray Abner\rquote s motives? What does this reveal about him? \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640 Perhaps Joab truly believed he was acting in David\rquote s best interest when he killed Abner. This brings out an important point: think about your actions. What are the real reasons for some of the things you do, as opposed to reasons you use to justify them in your own mind? How can you learn to know the difference between the two nwhen they are, indeed, different? \b\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\cf4\ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\b0\i0\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Key Text:\b0\fs23 \cf5\ul Pro_21:2\cf4\ulnone\f1\par \b\f2\fs22 The Student Will:\b0\f1\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tqr\tx8640\b\f2\fs22 Know:\b0\fs23 Identify the strengths that made Joab valuable as the general of David\rquote s army and the grave weaknesses that undermined his leadership.\par \b\fs22 Feel:\b0\fs23 Sense the futility of worldly scheming, deceit, jealousy, and intrigue in achieving \ldblquote justice\rdblquote even for a worthy cause.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx216 sinners as opposed to the duty of the man of God not to socialize and thus condone sin. How do we meet people where they are? Give practical examples in your Sabbath School class to show how you have come close to people and shown acceptance without encouraging sinful practices. \par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 In many societies, the paying of bribes or giving of special gifts is part and parcel of almost all business, legal, and political deals. How can we, as Seventh-day Adventists, individually and as a church, survive in such societies? Based on this week\rquote s lesson, as a class write some guidelines for dealing with this problem.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0\f4 n \b\f0 Imagine that someone in your church stands up and claims to have a message from the Lord or that your head elder claims to have new biblical light on last-day events. What would you do? How would you evaluate the claims?\cf5\b0\f5\par } those who seek to save them from pursuing an evil course.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 667.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs23\par \f5 n \b\f0 Spouse abuse is a big problem. As a church we have a responsibility to help. That\rquote s why every year, on the Seventh-day Adventist calendar, the fourth Sabbath of August is \ldblquote Abuse Prevention Day,\rdblquote which gives us a special opportunity to educate fellow members and create awareness about this problem. What can we do to help those who are suffering from this terrible scourge?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1134\tx1700\tx2268\tx2834\tx3402\tx3968\tx4536\tx5102\tx5670\tx6236\tx6804\tx7370\tx7938\tx8330\b0\f5 n \b\f0\ldblquote Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Mat_5:9\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 Drawing on this week\rquote s lesson, what are the characteristics of peacemakers? How can we make peace without compromising our principles?\par } elf-exaltation or to self-dependence, is surely preparing the way for our overthrow. The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate distrust of human power and to encourage trust in divine power. \par \ldblquote It was the spirit of self-confidence and self-exaltation that prepared the way for David's fall. Flattery and the subtle allurements of power and luxury were not without effect upon him. Intercourse with surrounding nations also exerted an influence for evil. According to the customs prevailing among Eastern rulers, crimes not to be tolerated in subjects were uncondemned in the king; the monarch was not under obligation to exercise the same self-restraint as the subject. All this tended to lessen David's sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. And instead of relying in humility upon the power of Jehovah, he began to trust to his own wisdom and might.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Conflict and Courage, \i0 p. 177.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs23\par \f4 n \b\f0 In your class, have individual members identify roles or positions in which they have or have had power or influence. Discuss what can be done to safeguard against a misuse of power in these positions. How can we help someone who we see is in danger of misusing authority or influence?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Look at the ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic makeup of your Sabbath School class. How welcome would people from other groups or nonchurched people feel in your class? What could you do as a Sabbath School class to reach out to \ldblquote foreigners\rdblquote ?\par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 Uriah-honest, loyal, principled-gets murdered by his own king, whom he faithfully served. David-dishonest, treacherous, deceitful-gets the beautiful woman as a wife and lives for many more years. Discuss. \par \b0\f4 n \b\f0 As a class, go over \cf1\ul Psa_51:1-19\cf0\ulnone and discuss what it teaches about forgiveness. How can we learn to accept forgiveness for ourselves when we might be guilty of sins as bad as David\rquote s here?\b0\tab\tab\par }