… 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.
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.
“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?
… 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.
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.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:7
Paul, the Apostle, understood the importance of the message he was to
deliver: Jesus, God’s Son, lived a perfect life, died on the cross paying for
man’s sin, and rose again the third day. This was a message the world did not,
and could not understand. It is a mystery to them. “7. But we speak the
wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained
before the world unto our glory: 8. Which none of the princes of this world
knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of
glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7-8). If the people in Jesus’ time had understood
that Jesus had come to deliver them from sin, they never would have crucified
Him. Paul wanted Believers to understand that their job was simply to preach
this Gospel message, and God would reveal Himself to the
individual.
If God’s church would operate under this system, simply preaching and
teaching Jesus, see what is promised. “But as it is written, Eye hath not
seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things
which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). If
God’s people (Christians) would simply present the Gospel message, God would
reveal Himself; and Christians could never even imagine what He will do.
Remember when Peter first preached Jesus on the day of Pentecost – three
thousand were saved on that day (see Acts 2:41). In addition, just a few days later, he
preached again and five thousand were saved (see Acts 4:4). In every city Paul
entered, he preached Jesus, and many people believed.
Why did God want to reveal such mighty things
to us? “12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the
spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to
us of God. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with
spiritual. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of
God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). Remember that once a person is saved (becomes a
Christian) that they have a new nature (God’s Spirit). God gave His Spirit, “that
we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” God will then
teach each Christian exactly how to live a life pleasing to Him (as one reads
God’s Word, and listens to godly teaching). People, who do not know Jesus, do
not understand why Christians want to go to church, or revival, or even read
the Bible, as they learn how to live a Christian life – for “they are
foolishness unto him.” Non-Christians cannot understand these things “because
they are spiritually discerned.” Christians have a different nature.
Paul understood that the Believers in the
church at Corinth had not grown in
maturity in Christ as they should have, so he reprimanded them. “1. And I,
brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even
as unto babes in Christ. 2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for
hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3.
For ye are yet carnal…” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Because they had not yet
learned how to live a Christian life, they were still “carnal” (carnal means “weakness; frailty; of persons being worldly”).
Paul then explained to them the importance of
different teachers and workers. “5. Who then is Paul, and who is
Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7. So then
neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that
giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Some workers plant the seed (plant means “to be the first to preach the gospel in a place”), another may water (watered means “to water, irrigate; used metaphorically of instruction”), but only God gives the increase (gave the increase means “to grow, increase, or add something”).
Only God saves people.
“8. Now he that planteth and he that
watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his
own labour … 10. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a
wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.
But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11. For other foundation
can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians
3:8-11). Each Christian is supposed to plant and water – for we are all to tell
others about Jesus. We are to be a “wise masterbuilder” – just like Paul
was. Wise masterbuilder means “a skillful, expert workman or builder; an
architect.” But most importantly, the foundation must be Jesus (foundation means “the elementary doctrine and instruction; fundamental doctrine or
principle – which is Christ”). The Gospel message of Jesus must be taught
first in order for anyone to be saved.
Do you plant or water, sharing the Gospel message of Jesus to others?
Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
—Psalm 64:1
Key Verse Thought: Read
the Key Verse. Begin to understand the importance of prayer. We will learn in
this lesson of one who was fearful for her life and the lives of her people –
so they fasted, and God spared their lives. Although prayer is not mentioned in
the book of Esther, knowing that prayer and fasting go together at times in the
Bible, one may consider the idea that prayer was included with their time of
fasting.
Emphasis: Be
encouraged to recognize the power of prayer – and use that prayer to pray for the
eternal lives by salvation for our friends and family.
Lesson Summary: Remembering
that we are studying the Bible in as close to historical order as possible, we
will leave the book of Ezra for a week. The events that took place in the book
of Esther happened after the seventy-year captivity and after a remnant had
returned led by Zerubbabel. However, it also took place before Ezra led another
group back to Jerusalem, and before
Nehemiah returned to rebuild Jerusalem’s
walls. That places the timeframe for the events from the book of Esther in the
middle of the book of Ezra.
There are only two books in the Bible named after women: Ruth and Esther.
Esther is a most unusual book because God is never mentioned, and we see no
miraculous intervention by God recorded. Nevertheless, we can most definitely
recognize God working behind the scenes. Read a little insight we find in the
book of Isaiah. “And when ye spread forth your hands,
I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not
hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15).
King Ahasuerus was king of Persia
(remember they defeated the Babylonian kingdom). When he sought for a new
queen, Esther was chosen from all of the fair virgins of the land. Her cousin,
Mordecai, who had raised her after her parents’ death, told her to keep her
Jewish heritage a secret. When Esther became queen, Mordecai sat at the king’s
gate, where he made an enemy – Haman. Haman had been promoted above all of the
king’s princes, but Mordecai would not bow to him. Haman’s hatred turned from
just Mordecai to all of the Jews in the land. He asked the king to sign a
decree stating that all of the Jews in the land could be killed on a certain
date. The king agreed. Mordecai mourned.
Mordecai sent a message that Esther must go to the king to plead for the
Jews lives. After fasting and prayer by all, she went into the king’s presence,
fearful for her life. Anyone who entered the king’s presence without first
being called would be put to death – unless he held out the golden scepter. When
the king saw Esther, she found favor in his eyes, he held out the golden
scepter, and asked what she wanted – up to half of the kingdom. She asked the
king and Haman to dinner. After the second dinner, she asked the king for her
life and the lives of her people to be spared. When the king found out Haman’s
plot, Haman was hung. Mordecai was elevated to Haman’s position and another law
was written to circumvent the first law. God’s people were spared.
Once again, we read a book in the Old Testament with a very familiar event. In this lesson, we will actually read much of the scripture. If you happen to be in a group or class, read them aloud together, for the events could never be retold any better than it was recorded in God’s Word.
If you are teaching this lesson to children, here are a couple of craft ideas to go along with this lesson:
One time we made a coloring book by cutting out the different pictures of Esther’s life and glued them into a construction paper book we made. Another time we used stickers of Esther to make a scene.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
Paul had been called to be a light to the Gentile people, telling them of
the Gospel message of Jesus. He wanted all to understand each person is a
sinner (see Romans 3:23), and that
all would die an eternal death unless they trusted in Jesus (see Romans 6:23). Paul understood the importance of
teaching the truths of the Gospel message. “1. Therefore seeing we have this
ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2. But have renounced the
hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word
of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to
every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:1-2).
Dishonesty means “shameful actions; disgraceful conduct; hidden things of shame; clandestine conduct of which disciples of Christ should be ashamed.”
Craftiness means “shrewd; unscrupulous; the employment of any or all means necessary to apprehend an end.”
Handling the word of God deceitfully means “adulterating the word of the gospel (and its instructions of men in religion) with the notion of unjust lucre, gain or profit.”
Manifestation means “to make visible or observable.”
Paul was not dishonest, crafty, or deceitful
in the way he taught the Gospel or doctrines of Jesus. Instead, he made it not
only visible in his life but also observable in his lifestyle. That is to be
the conscience effort of each Christian – to tell others simply and honestly,
without any trickery, about Jesus. However, more than that, we are to “flesh”
it out – live it daily. So that all can see what God can, and will do, through
Christian’s lives. Remember Jesus’ final instructions before he ascended into
heaven: to be witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth (see Acts 1:8). Each
Christian is responsible to share the Gospel message of Jesus.
Paul continued. “3. But if our gospel be
hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath
blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2
Corinthians 4:3-4). Paul had not failed to tell others consistently about
Jesus, so if they did not receive or understand the Gospel message it was
because “the god of this world” (which is Satan) hid it from them. Remember how
many had rejected Jesus – who declared to all, that He is the
Light of the World. “19. And this is the
condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather
than light, because their deeds were evil. 20.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20). Most people find it easier to believe a lie
(remember Satan is the father of lies, see John 8:44),
instead of the truth.
Paul understood the heart of the message. “5.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your
servants for Jesus’ sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of
darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6).
Only God can convict the heart of sin. Only Jesus can save. “But we have
this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of
God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Earthen vessels means “the
human body as formed of clay and this feeble and frail.” Paul understood
that it was not in his frail, human, body that the ability to save was given,
but it is in the power of God alone. Yet God used Paul in his frailty
to accomplish God’s plan.
Is it difficult to allow God to use one to
accomplish His plan? Paul declared that with every part of his being, he lived
a life that revealed Jesus to any who saw him (see 2 Corinthians 4:8-11). But
with that came much persecution and troubles on every side. Nevertheless, Paul
understood the importance of putting his own flesh to death and living in the
Spirit. “So then death worketh in us, but life in you” (2 Corinthians 4:12). Because Paul followed God’s will, not
living for himself, others could see Jesus, which allowed them the opportunity to
choose life eternal.
Jesus is always the best example to follow. “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34). Meat means “denotes sustenance; nourishment.” Jesus understood that pleasing God, doing the work He has for one, is very important – even life sustaining. We are to follow Jesus’ example. Christians are not to do what we want, but what God wants us to do. Jesus completed everything God wanted Him to do (see John 19:30).
Have you allowed God to use you, in your frailty, to accomplish His plan for you as you share the Gospel message?
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
—Philippians
1:6
Key Verse Thought: Read
the Key Verse. Try to understand that God promised to help His people. When we
give our heart and life to Jesus, He will help us live faithfully for Him. Perform
means “to complete; to finish.” In this lesson, we will see the
Israelites finish rebuilding the Temple.
They had laid the foundation, but then the enemies stopped the work. Nevertheless,
God sent someone to encourage them to finish. God promised to help us complete
the work He has for our lives.
Emphasis: Christians
are to read the Bible, understanding that God will encourage us through His
Word. We are to remember that God sent Jesus, just as He promised, to take away
the sin of man.
Lesson Summary: As
we begin this lesson, we need to remember that the building of the Temple
had been stopped. Haggai encouraged them to begin again, but the enemy had
returned to stop the work. The governor of the land had sent a letter for the
king to search the records and find out if the people had permission to rebuild.
In the meantime, God sent another prophet to encourage His people.
Zechariah was a priest and prophet. He
prophesied at the same time as Haggai also encouraging God’s people. He wanted
to let them know that God was not finished with them yet – for God had many
mighty plans in store. Many of those plans were revealed in the visions that
God gave Zechariah. Among the most familiar: a man with a measuring line,
Joshua with the filthy garments, a golden candlestick, and the flying scroll.
For lack of time, we will not study them all, but we will look at Joshua with
the filthy garments.
Joshua was the high priest at this time, and
he was a representation between sinful man and God. We will learn that the
Angel of the Lord (remember we learned through previous lessons that this is
the pre-incarnate Christ) removed the filthy garments from Joshua. We will find
out the significance of that event today.
Zechariah understood that Jesus would come – just as God had promised. Just as Isaiah was the Major Prophet with the most prophesies about Christ, Zechariah was the Minor Prophet with the most prophesies about Christ.
Zechariah especially had words of encouragement for Zerubbabel. He especially reminded Zerubbabel that when God asks His people to do something, he gives them the strength to complete it. Zechariah had a message of encouragement to the people as well. With those words of encouragement, the Temple was completed.
If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:
We made frames with stickers and the verse Zechariah 9:9 to remember that Zechariah gave a great prophecy of Jesus that was fulfilled on what we now call Palm Sunday.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Paul heard of some troubles in the church at Corinth.
He then wrote a letter to the Corinthians (the book of 1 Corinthians in the New
Testament Bible). He addressed them as the fellow Christians, saved by grace,
which they were. He also wanted to remind them of something. “God is
faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ
our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). No matter what problems Christians may have,
God is faithful to those who are called by Him.
Paul had heard of the factions and discord
that was troubling the church at Corinth.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye
all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that
ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”
(1 Corinthians 1:10). It was not good to have factions or discord in the
church. These had caused contentions in the church. The first problem Paul
addressed concerned the Believers who had been saved under different leaders
ministries. They were making an issue out of something that should not have
been a cause for division. “12. Now this I say, that every one of you saith,
I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13. Is Christ
divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”
(1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Can you readily recognize the problem Paul pointed
out? The people were choosing to follow a man instead of God.
They were divided because some had been saved under the teaching of Paul, some
under the teaching of Apollos, and even some of them under the teaching of Peter
(Cephas). Only one group was correct – the group that declared, “and I of
Christ.” All, who are Believers, are saved by Jesus Christ. “10. Be it
known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead …12. Neither is there salvation in any
other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved” (Acts 4:10,
12).
The
Believers in Corinth had neglected
the foundational truth Paul (and even Apollos and Peter) had taught – “the
grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4). It
was not by the preacher or teacher that one was saved, it was by the Gospel
message of Jesus. The people had forgotten that salvation (deliverance from the
penalty of sin) was only through Jesus, and instead they were fighting amongst
themselves over their favorite teacher, emphasizing the one who had baptized
them. This caused divisions. There was to be unity. For when the people were
divided, they did not do what they were supposed to do. Because
they were so busy fighting, they were not growing in their Christian life. The
people were not reaching out, teaching people about Jesus. Not only that, but
they were to teach the new Believers how to live that new life in Christ. These
things were to be the primary functions of the church.
The people in the church at Corinth
had turned the focus from the Gospel message of Jesus to the baptism by one of
God’s servants. Paul dealt with this issue. “17. For Christ sent me not to
baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of
Christ should be made of none effect. 18. For the preaching of the cross is to
them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of
God” (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).
Paul wanted to remind the people of something
important: it was not the messenger who presented the Gospel
message that was to be remembered (“not with wisdom of words”), but it
was the message that was to be remembered. Paul taught Jesus in simple
language that anyone could understand. By the world’s standards (“to them
that perish”), this is foolish, for the better the orator, the more likely
people will be enticed to do as the speaker teaches. Nevertheless, Paul wanted
them to understand this is not the way to bring someone to Christ. For when
people are saved, it is not the great speaker, but “it is the power of God.”
Only God has the ability to save souls. “For after that in the wisdom of God
the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of
preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). God does not operate by the world’s wisdom. God
chose to use people to declare the Gospel message to other people, introducing
them to the only way to be saved. “Jesus
saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). The
Gospel message of Jesus is the only way in which one can be saved.
Have
you chosen to follow man instead of God?
Or
Are you growing in your Christian life and telling others about Jesus?
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
—Galatians 6:9
Key Verse Thought: Read
the Key Verse. Understand that sometimes we get tired of doing what God wants
us to do, but we are never to quit! God has promised to
honor our work – if we do not quit. In this lesson, we will see God’s people begin
the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Emphasis:
Christians should never become tired of doing what God has for us – even
when the adversaries try to stop us. We are to complete what God has for us to
do, knowing He will honor that work.
Lesson Summary: As
we begin this lesson, we remember that the people were carried captive in three
definite movements. We will discover that the people were returned back to
their homeland in three definite movements. We will learn of the first
movement, led by Zerubbabel, today.
Cyrus was now ruler in the land of captivity (remember the
Babylonians were defeated by the Medes and Persians). We will read that God
stirred Cyrus’ heart to send people home (to Jerusalem)
to rebuild the house of the Lord. Not only that, but he sent many treasures
back to Jerusalem with the people –
including the vessels that belonged in the house of the Lord. The first group
to return to Jerusalem was led by
Zerubbabel, a descendant of David.
Once they reached Jerusalem, Zerubbabel remained a leader. Jeshua (Joshua) was the high priest. These two men led the people first to rebuild the altar of the Lord. Then they laid the foundation of the Temple of the Lord. That was when the troubles began. Adversaries arose, and Zerubbabel understood they were not for God’s people, but against them. Zerubbabel would not allow them to help in the building of God’s house. These adversaries caused trouble for years, stopping the building of the Temple.
God then sent His prophet, Haggai, to encourage the people to build the house of the Lord. First, he scolded them for living in their nice houses while the Temple of the Lord was not completed. He reminded the people that God was to come first. “7. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. 8. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD” (Haggai 1:7-8). Haggai then encouraged the leaders to complete the Temple. Zerubbabel and Joshua stepped up and began work on the Temple again – and God kept the enemy from stopping them.
If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson to help them remember it:
We made scenes to remind us the importance of not quitting or be content, but to finish what God has us to do – much like Haggai encouraged them to finish the House of the Lord.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” Romans 1:16
Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. He wanted the
people to hear the Gospel message of Christ. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Paul wanted people to understand some important truths of the Gospel of Christ,
which is the only means of eternal salvation. Salvation means “deliverance
from sin and its spiritual consequences, and involving an attachment to the
body of Christ (the church), and eternal life in the kingdom of Christ.” Paul was not ashamed to tell
anyone what Jesus could do for them. Paul wanted people to understand the
ability to be delivered from sin. It was important they heard the truth. It is
then an individual must decide what to do with that truth (the Gospel message
that salvation is only through Jesus). It is a choice to believe it, or reject
it.
Paul explained to the people of sin, and then
proceeded to teach them why they needed “salvation” that comes only from
Jesus. “21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not
as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became
fools” (Romans 1:21-22). God had revealed Himself to mankind, but they
did not give Him the glory and honor He deserved. Many did not fully understand
the separation of sinful man from God. They did not believe what God had
revealed to them, instead, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became
fools.” The next verses (in Romans chapter one) tell how the people were
foolish by not recognizing God as the Creator, but instead change Him into a
corruptible image. They rejected God. Therefore, when man rejected God, “God
also gave them up to uncleanness” (see Romans 1:24) allowing mankind to be just what they are – sinful
creatures. Once this happens, mankind often chooses to live a depraved
lifestyle. Understand: God does not make anyone do anything, but
God wants all of mankind to choose to turn from sin and accept the
free gift of salvation that He offers.
Nevertheless, just because God does
not make mankind do anything (as in choosing to believe in God and
accept his gift of salvation), He does require man to be accountable
for his deeds. “6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7.
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and
immortality, eternal life: 8. But unto them that are contentious, and do not
obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath … 11. For there
is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:6-11). Therefore, we
understand that man without Jesus is exceedingly wicked. “For all have
sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Moreover, there is a penalty: God will “render
to every man according to his deeds.”
One must understand that without the Law found in the Old
Testament, man did not fully understand their lost condition or their need of
salvation. “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 3:20). See that the law revealed that man is
sinful. Then one can understand the importance of salvation that is only
available through the Saviour, Jesus. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,
that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). Once one recognizes that he or she is a sinful man
who stands before a Holy God, a choice must be made. To continue in that sin,
or ask God to take that sin away.
How did God plan for that sin to be taken away – enabling man
to stand justified before God? See the following verse: “Being justified
freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans
3:24). Justified means “the
justification bestowed by God upon men through Christ, through the
instrumentality of faith.” Because of what Jesus did upon the cross (took
the penalty of sin), see what Paul revealed. “Therefore we conclude that a
man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). The law only revealed sin; it could not
take away man’s sin. Faith, in what Jesus did to take away that
sin, is the only thing that justifies man before God. Only those who believe
God and his gift of salvation will gain eternal life. It is a choice. Continue
in sin, or believe Jesus will take that sin away.
Remember that when Jesus came, God made salvation available
to anyone. “For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life” John 3:16).
Whosoever believeth.
Is your foolish
heart darkened, professing yourself to be wise, becoming a fool?
Or
Have you believed, by faith, in what Jesus did upon the cross to take away your sin?
