The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Righteousness and Salvation

    “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
    Ephesians 6:10

    In this world, one only needs to look around to see just how prevalent sin has become. This sin is what separates man from the perfect and righteous God. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). However, instead of man wanting to reestablish the broken relationship, that separation from God, man’s tendency is to continue in that sin. “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.” (Isaiah 59:7).

    Paul understood this, for he was one who recognized he was a sinner separated from God (“… that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” 1 Timothy 1:15b). In that recognition that he was a sinner, he wanted all people to understand they were in the same condition in which he found himself. “10. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. …18. There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:10-18). But more than that, he wanted all to recognize that God knew, and He had made a provision to restore that broken relationship.

    Man needed an intercessor (a mediator between a sinful man and a Holy God). In order to be worthy, the intercessor had to be perfect, sinless, enabling Him to redeem man from the condemnation of sin – death. God sent His only Son into the world to pay the penalty for man’s sin. In the book of Isaiah, God told the people what He would do. “16. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. 17. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke … 19. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. 20. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 59:16-20). Jesus, the Redeemer, came. He became the intercessor, bringing salvation by His righteousness. With that, when the enemy comes, there is a standard that is lifted up against him. It is Jesus, the Redeemer. He came – just as God declared He would. “4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) … 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9).

    However, sin reigns in this world. Paul wrote important words to the churches in Ephesus. “10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:10-12). Paul warned that Christians are in a battle – but it is not “against flesh and blood.” Paul told specifically who and what the battle would be fought against: the devil and his demons who rule in this world.

    How can Christian’s possibly stand against the “wiles of the devil” (wiles means “to work by method; connected with evil doing; to deceive, beguile”). Because of the previous picture that we read of the righteousness and salvation that Jesus took upon Himself (see Isaiah 59:16-17), we can understand even better what Paul taught. He gave us this same reference (of armament) to understand what is available to Christians as we learn to stand becoming zealous against sin in our day. We are in a battle, and we must be prepared to withstand. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). The Christian’s armor:“14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).The final action Paul taught Christians should take as we stand against the “wiles of the devil” is Prayer. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). These are necessary to withstand in these wicked days.

    Have you trusted in Jesus’ righteousness, having His salvation?

    Have you taken up the Christian’s Armor, enabling you to withstand in this evil day?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 12: Jesus in the Old Testament: The Promised One and His Messenger

    Key Verse

    John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

    —John 1:15

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Understand that “John” in this verse, is John the Baptist (whom we will learn about in this lesson). His job was to tell the people that God sent Jesus – the Promised One that the people had been told God would send. Jesus, who came after John (for John prepared the way for Him), really was before John (remember – Jesus is God who has always been here. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This may be difficult to comprehend. Recognize that Jesus is the Word).

    Emphasis: We are to recognize that Jesus is the One promised from the beginning, and to remember that Jesus came to turn our hearts to God. We are faithfully to go to church, for that is where we learn more about Jesus and how to obey His commands.

    Lesson Summary: In our next lesson as we end our study of the Old Testament, we will recognize that God’s people seemed unable consistently to live according to God’s Word. God had to keep sending men to remind them. With that understanding, we find that the Old Testament closed with a curse. Nevertheless, the promise of One to set man free from that curse was found throughout the Old Testament. In this lesson, we will remember, again, that God always keeps His promises.

    In Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, we read of a promise God made to His people to send a messenger who would prepare the way for Jesus (see Malachi 3:1-3). In this lesson, we will learn that messenger was John the Baptist (see Matthew 11:14: “And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come”). He did the job God sent Him to do:  he prepared the way for Jesus.

    When Jesus came, He came to the Temple – just as God had promised. We will see that Jesus’ parents took Him to the Temple first, but as he grew, Jesus spent much time in the Temple and even the synagogues (where the worship and instruction of God took place). When He went, some people believed, but some did not. Nevertheless, Jesus never stopped going to the synagogues or the Temple. We will learn, by Jesus’ example, the importance for us to go to church today: for that is where the worship and instruction of God continues to take place.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea for this lesson to help them remember.

    As we remembered Jesus was the Promised One from the beginning, we made a nativity craft to help us remember.

  • A Heart Lifted up to Destruction

    “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
    1 Corinthians 10:12

    King Uzziah was a great and mighty king in Judah. He fortified the city of Jerusalem and became famous throughout the land. See how he is described in Second Chronicles. “4. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did. 5. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:4-5). Notice the important part of this verse – as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

    Nevertheless, we see a great tragedy in his life. We can understand that King Uzziah forgot to seek the Lord, pleasing himself instead of God. As we continue, remember, “God made him to prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:5b). “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense” (2 Chronicles 26:16). We read that when King Uzziah was strong, his heart was lifted up. Notice it also tells us in the same verse (2 Chronicles 26:16), that was what led to his destruction. When his heart was lifted up, it caused him to “transgress against the LORD his God.”

    Toward the beginning of King Uzziah’s life, he did something good in his life, the principle of which we can read in the following verse. “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). Nevertheless, we also see how he failed. He transgressed. When he was confronted with his sin, King Uzziah refused to repent and return to God. Read what he should have done in the following verses. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Instead of forsaking the wrong he was about to do, he did what he wanted – and God struck him with leprosy until his death. 

    Even today, we are warned not to think of ourselves better than we ought. “For I say … to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think …” (Romans 12:3). Remember, once King Uzziah’s heart was strong and lifted up, he thought more of himself than he should have – trying to do the job that was only for the priest. It was then that God struck him with leprosy. Uzziah could not have fallen any further than to lose his position as king, separated from all of his people, while he was still alive. He had to spend the rest of his life, estranged as a leper, with his son judging God’s people because Uzziah could no longer function as the reigning king.

    What does the Bible say about pride? Does God like man to become proud? “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off” (Psalm 138:6). See also: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). 

    If one does become proud, what usually happens? See what Jesus said in Matthew 23:12: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” How about the following verse? “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). More often than not, the proud person will fall flat on their face.

    As long as King Uzziah sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. The same is true for Christians today. Instead of having to rely upon men like Zechariah (the prophet), we have the Word of God recorded by men of God through the centuries – the Bible. We have it readily available – if we will only seek God and His Word. See the following words of encouragement for any who are not sure what God wants for His people. “11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD …” (Jeremiah 29:11-14a). While King Uzziah sought God, God blessed. When he forgot God, God dealt with him.

    Do you seek after God, understanding God will deal with you if your pride causes you to walk contrary to Him?

  • Lesson 11: Malachi: The Last Warning

    Key Verse

    For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

    —Psalm 5:4

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. We are to remember that God does not like sin, and sin cannot stand in God’s presence. For that reason, God continually sent prophets to warn His people when they disobeyed God’s commands. In this lesson, will learn about the last prophet God sent to His people in the Old Testament – the final warning before a four hundred year silence of no new word from God to His people.  

    Emphasis: Christians are not to practice a religion as the priests in Malachi’s day were doing, but to live obeying God’s Word. Although going to church is very important (as we have learned), it is most important to live according to God’s Word. We should also have Christian friends to encourage us, and we should encourage them

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned the condition of God’s people when Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem. God’s people, including the priests, had fallen deeply into sin. Nehemiah once again corrected the sin and prayed. 

    God sent Malachi with a message for His people, beginning with the priests who were just practicing a religion and not serving God according to His Word. The priests, and then the people, had fallen into sin once again. As we will learn, Malachi dealt with many of the same sins that Nehemiah dealt with in the lives of God’s people. Malachi was the last voice to God’s people before about four hundred years of silence. 

    God had Malachi remind the Jews of the great love God had for His people. The memory of Jacob and Esau was recalled – the love of Jacob and the hatred for Esau. Jacob loved and sought after the things of God, and Esau hated and despised the people and things of God. Yet, God’s people were not living as His people – for they sinned and did not even recognize how great their sin had become. God had a poignant question for them. “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? …” (Malachi 1:6). The people needed Malachi to show them how far from God they had fallen. Nevertheless, a few people still feared God. God saw that they encouraged each other often. God knew them and wrote them in a special book of remembrance. Remember, God knows the heart. 

    We will not only learn of the condition of God’s people and the words of correction, but the promises of which God reminded His people – especially the promise of the Promised One, Jesus.  

    Malachi was not only the last prophet call to God’s people before the four hundred years of silence, but also that call ended with a promise of a curse.

    We will learn a few details of the four hundred years of silence that came after Malachi, discovering some of the changes that took place among God’s people.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to reinforce this lesson.

    We made a “Book of Remembrance” to help us understand the importance of fearing the Lord and thinking upon Him.

  • The True Gospel Message

    “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
    Galatians 1:8

    Apostle Paul, the great missionary had not given his life to please men (see Galatians 1:10-12). He was not teaching a “feel good” doctrine, or a comfortable non-confrontational Gospel. Paul had given his life to be the “servant of Christ.” In that, he could only faithfully teach the truth of the Gospel message that salvation is only by faith in Jesus. He then presented his case (see Galatians 1:10-24).

    Paul understood the Law of Moses for he had been trained in that Law; taught to obey that Law. Because of Paul’s belief in that Old Testament Law, when he heard of the growing church of God, he persecuted it – believing it to be wrong. He even excelled in his position within that religious system. But then Jesus called upon Paul’s heart, and by His grace, Paul was saved. Although Paul knew and understood the Old Testament, when Jesus called upon his heart, he recognized that there was more for him to learn – something he had missed. He had not recognized that the Law and all of the Old Testament pointed to Jesus. He understood something very important. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). He understood that obeying the Law could not save him. Only faith in Jesus could save him. He believed in Jesus and became a new person.

    Paul defended that life-changing Gospel to the Churches at Galatia (which he had planted as a missionary). Paul wrote to them when he heard that they had forgotten that salvation is by faith. Instead, the people had become legalistic – placing themselves back into obedience of the Old Testament Law. Paul was shocked. “6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-8). Paul revealed that some teachers, those who had come in and taught them, had perverted the Gospel of Christ. Pervert means “in a bad sense, to turn into something else; to change for the worse.” It was not another gospel; it was completely false – for they had changed the Gospel message. The Gospel message can be presented in different ways, but the basis can never be changed, or altered. Paul warned that if anyone preached something other than Jesus saves by grace, they were to “let him be accursed.” Accursed means “given up to the curse and destruction; not punishment intended as discipline, but given over to divine condemnation (declared guilty and doomed to punishment).”  

    Paul continued, in his frustration, over their quick reception of wrong teaching from a false teacher. Read what had happened. “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage” (Galatians 2:4). False brethren means “those who had outwardly become members of the church, sharing in fellowship, but inwardly they were not Christians, having no right to be counted as brothers – for they were missing the kinship of spiritual life.” These “false brethren” had come into the church. They had brought in doctrines that were intended to destroy the Gospel message along with those who preached the Gospel truth. Those false teachers entered into the church spreading legalism (obeying the Law), opposing the freedom from the confines of the Law that Jesus brought.

    But does that mean the Law is unnecessary? Remember the purpose of the Law: “19. … all the world may become guilty before God. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:19b-20). The Law came to reveal sin, not to save man from sin. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16). Man can only be saved by faith in Jesus who fulfilled the Law, purchasing man’s freedom from the confines of the law. Paul reminded them of this freedom. Remember what Paul wrote in Romans about Jesus delivering Christians from the Law. “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:6). Christians are to live a new life in newness of spirit – not the confines of the Law. Paul emphasized that because we have God’s Spirit, we are to live our lives unto God.

    Have you believed the true Gospel message of Jesus through faith, and that it is not of works?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 10: Nehemiah 7-13 Instructions for the People

    Key Verse

    But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

    —1 Corinthians 15:10

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. The first half of the verse is helping us understand that only one who has asked Jesus into their heart and life can live a life pleasing to God, and that is only because of grace. Grace means“the favor and good will of God undeservedly given to people; the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation to a holy God.” Moreover, because it is an undeserved forgiveness of sin, Christians are to work harder than anyone else to please God, obeying His commands. We must remember that we cannot do it by ourselves. We can only do it with the help of God.

    Emphasis: We are to be strong as Nehemiah. He not only lived a life pleasing to God, but he led others to do the same. Christians are to recognize that we have God’s Spirit to help us and we are to be faithful to remove sin when we see it in our lives.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned how Nehemiah helped rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem, reinforcing the city. Not only that, but we learned of the many times the enemy’s plans were thwarted, and God’s people were able to complete the walls in fifty-two days.  

    Now that the city was reinforced and protected, it was time to organize the people. Nehemiah appointed jobs to people and selected men to be rulers in the city. The people gathered together and asked Ezra to read the book of the Law to them. After hearing God’s Words, the people began to live according to God’s Word. They celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. This was followed with a time of prayer. After acknowledging their sin, they made a covenant with God to obey His commands.

    The people drew lots to find out who would live inside of the city of Jerusalem, and who would live in the cities around. Then there was a dedication of the completed walls.

    Nehemiah returned to Shushan to serve the king again – just as he had promised. After a time, he returned to Jerusalem. When he arrived, he saw much sin – beginning in the house of the Lord. Eliashib, the priest, was friends with Tobiah (their adversary) and had allowed him to move into the Temple. The Levites were working outside of the city instead of taking care of the house of the Lord. The people were working, buying, and selling on the Sabbath – breaking God’s commands. They had intermarried with the nations around, again; for the high priest’s own grandson had married the daughter of Sanballat, the enemy of God’s people. Nehemiah removed and corrected the sins of the people. He prayed for God’s people.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We cut out a copy of the Ten Commandments and made a book of the Law to help us remember the importance of knowing God’s Word and living according to what the Bible teaches.

  • No Common Ground

    “17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
    2 Corinthians 6:17-18

    Paul loved the church at Corinth and poured his heart and life into them as he taught them how to live faithfully, pleasing Christ. We found that Paul taught each Christian to be an ambassador for Christ, representing Him to the world (see 2 Corinthians 5:20-21). Paul continued teaching the Corinthians by reminding them that it is an individual choice as to how to live. He challenged the Corinthian Christians by bringing further instruction on how to live a Christ-like life. 

    Christians must separate from things contrary to God. “14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).  

    • Righteousness means “the state commanded by God and standing the test of His judgment; God’s uprightness or standard to which man is expected to conform.” 
    • Unrighteousness means “lawlessness; the violation of God’s divinely instituted Law; sin; iniquity; although there may not be a specific law against depraved or lustful desires, they are still sin.”
    • Communion means “fellowship with; participation.”

    Paul began by encouraging each Believer to understand that they were to not fellowship with, or even participate with, those who live contrary to God’s Word (this includes friendships with, business partnerships with, or even marriage to, unsaved people). Christians must recognize that there is no common ground between them and the lost. Instead, see what Paul wrote they were to do. “17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Come out means “to depart from someone’s presence, the intimacy.” Touch not the unclean thing means “to have no dealings with the heathens (non-believers).” The message had not changed – for just as in the Old Testament God called for His people to separate from the nations around, God calls for Christians to separate from the lost world around. Did you notice the promises God gave?  “… and I will receive you, 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters…” (2 Corinthians 6:17b-18). Father means “God as the creator, preserver, governor of all men and things, watching over them with paternal love and care.” Understand that Christians are the children of God. He is able to be a loving Father to us when we live right, but He must be a disciplining Father when we choose to live contrary to His Word (see Hebrews 12:5-8).  

    What is a Christian who lives here in this world to do? Cleanse and eliminate. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). First, understand the promise God gave: He will be a Father, the one who protects and watches over Believers with love and care. That should give any Christian the courage to choose to do what is right: “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” Cleanse means “to purify from the pollution and guilt of sin – in a spiritual sense.” Christians are to remember that once Jesus has entered into the heart, “filthiness of the flesh and spirit” must be eliminated. Filthiness means “anything that defiles (to make unclean or impure).” Any sin is unacceptable.       

    Christians must correct their lives. Paul understood this would be difficult (see 2 Corinthians 7:4).

    Is correction necessary? 

    Does correction often go unheeded? 

    Does anyone really like to be told they are doing something wrong?

    Paul had a difficult decision – allow sin to continue, or confront the problem and encourage the people to eliminate the sin that separates from a right Christian life. Paul had great confidence that the church at Corinth would receive this instruction, living a better life before God – as ambassadors representing Christ. He also understood their initial reaction would probably be anger, but once they understood and repented, they would be better Christians. “For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2 Corinthians 7:11). Use the following definitions to help you understand this verse: 

    • Carefulness means “earnest effort; diligence.” 
    • Clearing of yourselves means “to give an answer or speech in defense of oneself.” 
    • Indignation means “to be under a great burden which results in indignation (holy displeasure in oneself for sin).”  
    • Fear means “reverence; respect; honor.” 
    • Vehement desire means “strong affection; to desire earnestly.”
    • Zeal means “used in a good sense means to be hot or fervent.” 
    • Revenge means “penal retribution or vengeance to the evildoer.” 
    • Approved means “to make known; declare; to show.” 
    • Clear means “innocent; blameless; pure.”
    • Matter means “the thing being done or to be done; matter; business.”  

    These things are what the Corinthian Christians achieved because they received and obeyed Paul’s instruction of how to live a Christ-like life. 

    Are you willing to obey God’s Word, putting away sin and the unclean thing, choosing instead to become Christ’s Ambassador?

  • Lesson 9: Nehemiah 1-6 Rebuilding the Walls

    Key Verse

    … and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

    —1 Peter 3:15b

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse and understand that the way to have a ready answer comes by much prayer. In this lesson, we will learn of a mighty man of prayer named Nehemiah. When the people in Jerusalem did not know what to do, Nehemiah was always ready with a word of hope and encouragement for God’s people

    Emphasis: Today, we will learn that prayer is not only important for our own personal life to know what God wants us to do, but to also be an encouragement to others with a word of hope. 

    Lesson Summary: Zerubbabel led the first of the people back into the land of Israel. We then learned that Ezra led a second group from the land of Babylon into Israel. The Temple of the Lord had been rebuilt, but we will learn today that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned. No one had begun to reinforce the city of Jerusalem.

    A message of the condition of Jerusalem was delivered to a man named Nehemiah. He was the cupbearer in King Artaxerxes court. (Remember that King Artaxerxes allowed Ezra to lead a group into Israel.) When Nehemiah received the message, he immediately prayed. When the king recognized he was troubled and asked what it was, Nehemiah told the king his heart’s desire – to return to the city of Jerusalem and rebuild the walls and gates. Not only did the king send him, but gave him many supplies.

    When Nehemiah returned, he surveyed the damage. He reported to the people what needed to be done. The people agreed that the walls and gates needed to be rebuilt. So, they began. 

    And the enemies made themselves known. Today we will learn of the many troubles the enemies caused God’s people as they rebuilt the city walls and gates – and the many times the enemies plans were thwarted because of the prayers of Nehemiah and God’s people. 

    Even with the threats from the enemies to come in and kill God’s people, they remained to the task of building – many with sword or spear in hand. Nevertheless, God was with them, the gates were built, and then the walls were finished in fifty-two days.

    Y2Q4 Lesson 9 Questions

    Y2Q4 Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following are a couple of ideas for a craft to help them remember Nehemiah:

    To help us remember that Nehemiah helped rebuild the walls in gates around Jerusalem, we built a “wall with gates” out of construction paper. We then added the verses Nehemiah 6:15-16 at the top.

  • Sanctified to a Christ-like Life

    “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
    1 Corinthians 6:11

    Many Christians today have not put forth much effort to grow in their Christian lives. They have remained immature, never taking the time to read or study God’s Word. When a Christian does not know what the Bible teaches, they cannot grow in their Christian walk with Christ.

    Paul understood the Christians at Corinth had not grown in Christ (they were still immature, not having learned how to live as a Christian); Paul dealt with their godless lifestyles. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Apparently, these Believers did not even understand that God’s Spirit lived within them. God would discipline any who did not take care of (i.e. live a life pleasing to God) their new life in Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:17). The Believers (Christians) were to understand that they could no longer live according to the world’s ways. They were to live according to God’s ways. We can find these “ways” recorded in the Bible. Remember what we are to understand: “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (see 1 Corinthians 3:17-18). 

    Each person is accountable for his or her own life and the way he or she lives according to God’s Word. “1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Believers (stewards) were above all, to be found faithful as “stewards of the mysteries of God.”  Steward means “one who manages a house and is accountable to the owner.” Faithful means “servants or ministers who are faithful in the performance of duty.” Paul not only taught them, but he was an example to them.

    After addressing a particular problem that had remained in the church at Corinth, Paul listed more things they were not to allow. “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Paul is teaching them things that would help them in their Christian walk. Use the following definitions to understand these verses: 

    • Keep company means “to mix together; to mingle together; to have fellowship or keep company with.”
    • Brother means “members of the same Christian community.”
    • Covetous means “one who wants more; a person covetous of something that others have; a defrauder for gain.”
    • Idolater means “a servant or worshiper of idols.”
    • Railer means “railing (clamoring with insulting language; uttering reproachful words); or reviling (treating with language of contempt).”
    • Drunkard means “drunken; drunkard (an excessive use of strong liquor; a person who habitually or frequently is drunk).”
    • Extortioner means “rapacious (given to plunder; disposed or accustomed to seize by violence or force); an extortioner (wresting anything from a person by force, authority, or by any undue exercise of power; illegal exaction).” 

    God will deal with the lost world who commits theses acts. “But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Corinthians 5:13). Put away means “to remove; to expel; to excommunicate.” Christians are not to keep company with people who behave in any of these manners – especially if they claim to be a Christian. See that it even included that we are “with such an one no not to eat.” Eating with someone is an intimate form of fellowship. (Remember the progression of sin in Psalm 1:1-6.)

    Why can we not hang around people like this? Paul explained to them why they could not. “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Once one becomes a Christian, it is important to understand they are different. Sanctified means “to withdraw from fellowship with the world by first gaining fellowship with God.” Spending time with people living contrary to God’s Word will do harm to God’s church, instead of good, and especially in the lives of each Christian. We are to understand that because of Jesus, we are sanctified. Therefore, we must follow God’s Word, which is full of basic Christian principles of how to live a life pleasing to God. 

    Read what Paul reminded them of again. “19. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). If each Christian would just remember that they were bought with a price, and they are no longer their own, it would be much easier to live a life pleasing to God.

    Do you remember that you are sanctified, bought with a price, and you are no longer your own?

  • Lesson 8: Ezra 7-10 Ezra Restores the Relationship

    Key Verse

    … behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

    —Numbers 23:23

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson. Have you ever sinned? Did you get in trouble? Do you think you have ever gotten away with something? It is important to understand that though one may not have gotten in trouble at that time, keep in mind that God sees and knows all. Be careful when you sin against God – for your sin will find you out!

    Emphasis: Christians are to prepare our hearts to serve God – no matter what task God may have for us to do. Remember: when the people of Israel sinned against God, their sin was made known. It was difficult to make it right.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned about Esther and the salvation of the Jews from certain death. If you think about it, without godly people like Daniel, Mordecai, and Esther about whom we have learned, the recognition of God by the people, and especially the kings, may not have been. Even in our more recent history, there are people who have made sure that future generations know of God and learn to trust in Him.  

    This week we will learn of Ezra. He led the second remnant back to Jerusalem from the land of Babylon. Before he left, he prepared his heart. He determined to go back to Israel to make sure God’s people not only had the written Word of God (for he was a scribe), but he wanted to be sure the people knew the Word of the Lord and lived it. He had no idea the challenge that lay ahead of him!

    King Artaxerxes (King Ahasuerus’ son, and possibly Esther’s son as well), issued a decree that any and all who wanted to return to Israel could go. Not only that, but he sent much silver, gold, and vessels for the house of the Lord. Ezra recognized the hand of God and the blessing of the king.

    Ezra made sure they had priests and Levites to return with them. Many of these he placed in charge of the great riches they were carrying into Jerusalem. 

    As soon as they arrived in Jerusalem, they found out that many of the men had married wives of the heathen nations around. Some even had children by them. Ezra was astonished and devastated at the condition of the people. He rent his garment and prayed. Ezra was ashamed of the great sin in which the people were living. As the people gathered, they acknowledged their great sin and were willing to do something about it. Ezra challenged the people to correct their ways. 

    The men who had married foreign women had to send them away – and the children born by them.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following are a couple of ideas for a craft to reinforce this lesson.

    One time we sewed a heart together with the top open, put stickers on the outside, and hid verses inside of it. Another time we made a heart frame with stickers and put the verse Ezra 7:10 in the center to help us remember how important Ezra understood that God’s Word is.